Meet this week's guest editor, Lauren Oakey! Lauren is a local children’s book author who published her first book, Waiting for Adeline, in 2021with Brandylane Publishing in Richmond. She's a UVA graduate who has worked mostly in nonprofits as well as lived overseas in both Italy and Switzerland. She moved to Richmond in 2005, and believes that the James River, the growing restaurant scene, and the VMFA are some of her finest assets. Lauren spends time writing personal essays for her blog, running her three children around (we can relate!!), and practicing yoga and photography when she can. Her second book, Adeline by the Sea, is out now!
This week, we're lucky enough to have Lauren make her personal recommendations for upcoming events and other ways to support the community around us, and celebrate this place we love to call home.
Take it away, Lauren...
Richmond Symphony
with No BS Brass
The Richmond Symphony does a beautiful job of combining the pieces we know and love from Beethoven and Mozart to exposing us to new composers and their music. The conductor helps keep the programming current by collaborating with the Richmond Ballet or inviting soloists with jaw-dropping talent, and she is an absolute joy to watch. I love getting dressed up, going out to dinner near the Carpenter Theater, and then going to the symphony by myself or with my husband. For July 4th, they will do the “Red, White and Lights” event with NO BS! Brass and a laser light show finale.
Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of childhood abuse and neglect. Its five main programs work to support children through advocacy, awareness, treatment and strengthening families. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, when SCAN hosts both the Blue & White Ball and the Progressive Dinner to raise funds to maintain and grow their programs. I have loved volunteering for these events and sitting on the Board, and working with the dedicated staff.
I first met Johnzelle in 2021, when he helped a family member work through a long-standing mental health issue. As a therapist, he is kind, authentic and effective. But he also works over-time as a stay-at-home parent to his daughter, and hosting the podcast, “Perfectly Imperfect: a podcast that explores mental health, especially for people of color,” where he highlighted my first book, Waiting for Adeline. Finally, he writes consistently on his blog, sends a weekly newsletter, and is working on a memoir. You can find him at Panoramic Counseling online or for in-person therapy sessions.
Vitals: Contact Johnzelle / For guidance, direction, and mental health support.
About Lauren's newest book - Adeline by the Sea
Adeline by the Sea is a book about what it means to be brave. The narrator, Henry, (or “Bones”) spends the day with his family at the beach, visiting with Grandpa, watching the purple martins from the wrap-around porch, and playing in the ocean with his sisters. But Henry has a protective spirit, and he keeps a close eye on his younger sister, Adeline. So when Adeline decides she wants to jump into the North Carolina sound, Henry must learn the important difference between protecting someone, and loving them enough to let go.
Like her first book, Adeline by the Sea was inspired by Lauren’s experience with her own children. She believes that her books are appropriate for both children and adults, and they make wonderful gifts! It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.
