Library of Virginia and William & Mary Libraries announce Children’s Literary Award
The Library of Virginia, in partnership with William & Mary Libraries, is accepting nominations for a new award honoring excellence in the field of children’s literature with a focus on Virginia.
Virginia Repertory Theatre presents “Gospel Nativity” this weekend
Virginia Repertory Theatre will present “Gospel Nativity,” a special holiday show as a workshop at 7 p.m. Dec 16 and 17 in the Jessie Bogese Theatre at Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education, 4202 Hermitage Road.
Christmas at Creighton
Gifts that keep on giving
Holiday cheer is coming to the Creighton Court public housing community on Saturday, Dec. 16, during Christmas at Creighton.
VCU Health Sciences Library exhibits focus on HIV/AIDS
“Let communities lead” was the theme of World AIDS Day, which this year fell on Friday, Dec. 1. Although AIDS deaths and HIV infection rates do not often lead news reports in 2023, that does not mean that HIV/ AIDS does not continue to impact people’s lives and our health care systems.
VCU reflection room promotes student wellness
A new, multipurpose space on the second floor of Virginia Commonwealth University’s James Branch Cabell Library will provide students a quiet area for meditation, contemplation and prayer.
Home again: VMFA returns ancient works to their countries of origin
44 pieces are back in Italy, Egypt and Türkiye
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) announced Tuesday that it has deaccessioned and returned 44 works of ancient art following an investigation by the Antiquities Trafficking Unit of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security into the global trafficking of looted or stolen antiquities.
Longtime Henrico County educator Marilyn Hinson Royal dies
Marilyn (Elise) Hinson Royal, a trailblazing force at the intersection of teaching, learning, and leadership, died on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, leaving behind a legacy as vast as the universe she inspired her students to explore.
Richmond Symphony hopes to give and receive
The Richmond Symphony will accompany “The Nutcracker,” a holiday tradition for many, at the Carpenter Theater Dec. 8-24.
VSU Marching Band named top divisional band by ESPN
Virginia State University’s Trojan Explosion Marching Band has been named the top Division II HBCU band in the country in 2023, according to ESPN the university has announced.
Getting homes winter-ready
With El Niño returning for the first time in four years, Virginia could be in for a cold, snowy winter. Chill. Help is on the way.
Virginia War Memorial, Navy League commemorate Pearl Harbor
The Virginia War Memorial and the Navy League of the United States, Richmond Chapter, will co-host the 82nd Commonwealth’s Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony on Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be outdoors in the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory — 20th Century at 621 S. Belvidere St. The public is invited and should dress accordingly.
Bon Appetit!
VMHC exhibit to showcase American chef and TV personality Julia Child
As families prepare to gather around the table this week for Thanksgiving, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) is preparing a new exhibition that will explore the life and legacy of American chef and TV personality Julia Child.
VSU to host presidential debate
Virginia State University will be one of the three universities to host a presidential debate in 2024, the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates announced Monday.
Hanover County bans books in schools
“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Wicked” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” are among the 75 books Hanover County school administrators directed teachers and librarians to remove from their schools last Friday, according to various news reports.
Virginia Holocaust Museum presents ‘Memorial Without Witness’
“Memorial Without Witness,” an exhibit of eight floor-to-ceiling size photographs taken at the Auschwitz death camp by Dr. Charles W. Sydnor Jr., will be on display at the Virginia Holocaust Museum until Nov. 30.
Dennis T. Clark is new librarian of Virginia
Dennis T. Clark has been appointed to serve as the 10th librarian of Virginia.
Community Foundation announces local R.E.B. Foundation winners
Several Richmond area teachers have been recognized for their contributions to public education — and given the means and opportunity to take their work even further.
Dominion Energy offers energy saving tips and bill payment assistance options as winter approaches
The fall and winter months typically bring higher energy bills as customers use more electricity to heat their homes. Dominion Energy Virginia is reminding customers of energy-saving tips to help save money. The utility also offers bill payment assistance options for customers in need.
RPS announces open enrollment applications
Families can now apply for open enrollment schools, specialty schools and regional Governor’s Schools for the 2024-2025 Richmond school year at www.attendrvaschools.com. Applications for specialty and regional Governor’s Schools must be submitted by Friday, Dec. 1, at 4:30 p.m.
Free Thanksgiving meals and turkeys
Young Achievers and Making Men, along with the Beta Gamma Lambda Educational Foundation, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Beta Gamma Lambda Chapter, The Links, Commonwealth (VA) Chapter, will sponsor a Turkey Giveaway on Nov. 18 from 12 to 2 p.m., 1830 Creighton Road, 23223.
Richmond marathon street closings
Richmond residents and visitors are advised to be aware of street closings and no parking zones that will go into effect Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11, as part of the Richmond Marathon. Vehicles parked along the race course will be towed to ensure safety during the event.
Chesterfield to celebrate Veterans Day Nov. 11
Community is invited to 2 p.m. ceremony at fairgrounds
Chesterfield County and the Chesterfield County Historical Society of Virginia invite the public to attend this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Building at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds (10300 Courthouse Road).
Anniversary celebrations at Richmond Public Library
Richmond Public Library will celebrate memory, music and community in honor of the library’s 100th anniversary Saturday, Nov. 4.
Putting women on the map
National Center of Women’s Innovations selects Dr. Gladys B. West as inaugural honoree
Dr. Gladys B. West, the African-American mathematician whose mapping of the world enabled Global Positioning System (GPS), was chosen by the newly launched National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI) as its inaugural “Forgotten Women Innovator.”
Shaping RPS’ future
Richmond Public Schools students, families, staff and members of the community are invited to help shape the future of RPS, as the school system will begin hosting Dreams4RPS meetings, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 8, to receive public input on the strategic plan for the district.
VSU team takes off with NASA challenge
A team of students at Virginia State University has been invited for the first time to participate in the NASA Student Launch Challenge.
PROC Foundation hosts 27th Beautillion
The achievements of four beaux (young men) will be recognized during the Profes- sionals Reaching Out to the Community (PROC) Founda- tion’s 27th Beautillion on Nov. 11 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The Beautillion offers high school juniors and seniors educational, social and cultural experiences, along with the chance to earn a college schol- arship during the eight-month Beautillion program. The theme of this year’s Beautillion is “Creating the Nar- rative for a Better Tomorrow.” During the black-tie event, educational and book scholar- ships will be awarded. This year’s participants include: Matthew Lamar Edwards – A junior at Matoaca High School, he is the son of Mr. Marvin L. Edwards and Mrs. Letitia M. Edwards. His escort is J’adore Cadet. Bishop Ramon Foster – A
Chesterfield offering after-school snacks and supper
Chesterfield County Public Schools is offering free afternoon snacks and supper at more than 30 schools for students in after-school activities, according to a news release from its media services unit.
Local groups host ‘Trunk or Treat’ at VMHC
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and 24 other local organizations will present Halloween fun at the inaugural Trunk or Treat community event that will take place at the museum on Oct. 27.
Taxpayer rebates issued
Taxpayer rebate checks began rolling out this week, Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin announced Tuesday.
Remembering those who died while struggling with homelessness
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in partnership with Homeward and Commonwealth Catholic Charities, will host a second annual memorial service for people who passed away while struggling with homelessness. The service is at 4 p.m. on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1100 W. Grace St.
Finalists pitch podcasts during RESONATE festival
The Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University will present the second annual RESONATE Podcast Festival Nov. 3-4. This year, both established and aspiring pod- casters were once again invited to submit ideas that demonstrate sound-rich, creative nonfiction storytelling.
Chesterfield opens early voting sites
Chesterfield County opened five library satellite sites for in person, early voting on Oct. 23.
Henrico’s 1st phase of Ashland-to-Petersburg trail will be built in Lakeside
Henrico County is set to begin construction of its portion of the 43-mile Fall Line trail, following a ceremonial groundbreaking today in Lakeside for the trail’s 0.26-mile Park Street Phase.
Department of Defense awards $9M to create research institute at VCU
A new research institute is coming to Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Engineering through a $9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to create and improve technologies for security, health and various other benefits.
Thompson Hospitality to donate $1M to Virginia State University
Thompson Hospitality, the nation’s largest black-owned and privately held hospitality company, will donate $1 million to Virginia State University. The donation, made by Warren Thompson, is a tribute to his parents, Fred and Ruby Thompson. It marks the second $1 million contribution to VSU from the Thompson Family, following an initial pledge in 2011.
Armstrong Walker Football Classic Legacy exhibit opens at Richmond’s Black History Museum
The Armstrong Walker Football Classic Legacy Project has returned to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia with a new exhibit that will run until Nov. 22. During the exhibit visitors will view artifacts that help explore the history of the sports rivalry between Maggie L. Walker High School and Armstrong High School.
Amy Wratchford named interim managing director at Virginia Rep
Amy Wratchford has been appointed interim managing director at the Virginia Repertory Theatre, the company’s board of directors announced.
VMFA to feature work of award-winning photographer Dawoud Bey
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) will present the exhibition “Dawoud Bey: Elegy” from Nov. 18 to Feb. 25, 2024. Described as “a profound exploration of early experiences of African- Americans in the United States,” the groundbreaking survey marks
Fairfield meeting to feature local candidates, Thornton’s farewell message
Henrico County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Fairfield District Supervisor Frank J. Thornton will hold his final Fairfield Constituent Meeting on Monday, Oct. 16, to highlight local candidates in the Nov. 7 general election and to share a farewell message as he prepares to retire.
VCU class creates story maps of 2 historic Black cemeteries
Graduate students in a Virginia Commonwealth University class have created online story maps of two historic Black burial grounds, the Cemeteries of Barton Heights in Richmond and Woodland Cemetery in Henrico County.
Richmond Folk Festival returns with fun for everyone
The Richmond Folk Festival returns for its 19th year to downtown Richmond with six stages and over 30 performers from Friday, Oct. 13, to Sunday, Oct. 15.
Boston University names Melissa L. Gilliam 11th president
‘I lead by listening, collaborating and empowering’
Melissa L. Gilliam, the executive vice president and provost of The Ohio State University and a distinguished educator, scholar, research scientist, and physician, will be Boston University’s 11th president, the Boston trustees announced on Wednesday. She will assume the post July 1, 2024.
VCU announces guaranteed university admission program
Virginia Commonwealth University has announced a guaranteed university admission program for first-year freshman applicants who are among the top 10% of their high school graduat- ing class or have a high school GPA of 3.5 or above. This is the first university-wide program of its kind among Virginia’s R1 universities and is open to any qualifying student nationwide, according to a university news release.
2nd Street Festival returns to Jackson Ward
Marking its 35th year, the 2nd Street Festival returns Saturday and Sunday in historic Jackson Ward.
Garden Glow illuminates Maymont
The groves and lawn of Maymont Farm will be illuminated by art and good vibes Sunday, Oct. 8, as artist Alfonso Pérez Acosta will present a new community project as the opening preview of this year’s four-week Garden Glow event.
Virginia’s AI directive
A newly-issued state directive seeks to ensure the ethical, transparent use and oversight of artificial intelligence technologies in Virginia.
People’s Tribunal to address injustices experienced by the formerly incarcerated, family members of prisoners
Hundreds are expected to attend a daylong discussion Saturday on how Virginia treats the incarcerated and detained.
Richard Samuel “Major” Reynolds III, corporate leader, civil rights advocate and philanthropist, dies
Richard Samuel “Major” Reynolds III lived his life by an axiom of British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill, who said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Mr. Reynold died Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at age 89.
