Bring faraway places + ideas into your galaxy.

VOL. 74 Let's get to it! Meet this week's guest editor: Jason Roop, the former editor in chief of Style Weekly. He's also the founder of the public relations and content marketing firm Springstory. We're honored to have Jason share his tips for exploring this place we call home. Take it away, Jason!   March will go out like a lamb this weekend, with temperatures heading back to the mid-70s and the promise of bright days ahead. Last week’s vernal equinox, with the arrival of spring, passed through the constellation Pisces. Years ago it came through Aries — in Greek mythology, a golden ram, for you VCU fans. Time, space and distance can intertwine in fascinating ways — elements of storytelling that stick in the mind and linger through generations. Some Richmond experiences bring faraway places and ideas into our own galaxy this weekend, traveling from there to here. The Women's Theatre Festival One story starts in Africa, with a 17-year-old named Chaku. She’s sold into slavery in the play “Message From a Slave,” written by Margarette Joyner, artistic director of the Heritage Ensemble Theatre Company. It’s “a moving tale of love and resilience that would deliver a powerful message at any time,” theater critic Julinda Lewis writes. “In My Chair” features Richmond performer Eva DeVirgilis sharing her own story in a one-woman show. Both plays are among those featured in The Women’s Theatre Festival, featuring four local theater companies and Richmond’s talented female artists. It kicked off Wednesday and runs through April 20. Photo by Destiny Martinez Photography.    Vitals: The Women's Theatre Festival March 27 - April 20 French Film Festival In 1993, Peter and Françoise Kirkpatrick started what has become an internationally renowned festival. Directors, cinematographers, actors and fans travel to Richmond each year along with a massive portfolio of work. You could feast on these films till you no longer need the subtitles. Pick a feature off the full schedule and go. Or try out the short film series, which runs Saturday and Sunday mornings at The Byrd Theatre. Stay to wander through a perhaps star-studded Carytown. If Can Can Brasserie is full, head across the street for other international flavors at Tulsi Indian Cuisine. Get started with an order of warm garlic naan, with its fresh cilantro, and rosemary & thyme kulcha.   Vitals: 27th French Film Festival Thursday, March 28 - Sunday, March 31 Choreographers  Showcase From San Diego to Charlotte, masters of motion bring their new choreography to Richmond for a unique showcase. Among the artists traveling to town is one who’s already here — Lauren Lambert, a senior at the University of Richmond, whose work recently was featured at the University Dancers’ spring concert, “In/Motion.” Check out three performances of eclectic dance works on Saturday and Sunday at The Grace Street Theater. Photo by Christopher Risch Photography.     Vitals: 17th Annual Mid-Atlantic Choreographers Showcase Saturday, March 30 - Sunday, March 31   Bonus Tip Sometimes you need to get on the road. For a day trip and the best gouda you’ll ever taste in your life, head to Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Crozet. I visited the other week, where Sister Claire told me about the milk that came from Mennonite diary farmers in the Shenandoah Valley, and the cheese that’s been made at the monastery since 1990. You can buy a 2-pound wheel (cash or check) and take it to the nearby Stinson Vineyards to enjoy with your wine tasting.  Do you have a Virginia road trip you’d like to recommend? Send it along to Jason and sign up for his free Springstory newsletter for communication tips, resources and advice on storytelling.   SUBMIT A ROAD TRIP

Meet our guest editor...

VOL. 73   /  REBELLE Without further ado, meet this week's guest editor: Shannon Siriano Greenwood. Our hunch is that you likely already know her! As the founder of the Rebelle brand, Shannon’s mission is to help women think differently about how they live, work, create, and connect. She operates the growing Rebelle Con conference series and was named a top 5 influential changemaker by Richmond Magazine. Take it away, Shannon!  Get Chill Let’s talk about Sunday nights! Did you know that 76 percent of Americans report they experience Sunday night anxiety? One possible remedy for this is Lucid Living, a boutique studio that serves as a haven for those looking to decompress from everyday stress. Located at 300 E. Grace Street, Lucid Living offers Intuitive Massage, Thai Bodywork, Reiki, Aromatouch, Sound Therapy, Yoni Steaming and group yoga classes. But most of all, founder Natasha Foreman (pictured) simply wants to help Richmonders find a realistic approach to a mindful lifestyle.    This Sunday, Lucid Living is hosting a CBD Yoga & Sound Concert workshop where they’ll use restorative yoga, healing sound, and CBD elixirs to promote deep relaxation. Participants will be given a CBD tincture, provided by Boketto Wellness, followed by a deeply relaxing Restorative Yoga class led by Anna Meshejian. Following yoga and sound meditation, custom CBD elixirs (think calming, evening time latte) will be served. Wear something cozy, switch off all devices, and find ease in the light of the full moon!    Vitals: lucidlivingrva.com Drink Up Urban Hang Suite is the most Boss coffee shop in Richmond. Owned by Kelli Lemon, the woman who made drinking coffee with strangers a thing, this shop feels like home as soon as you walk in the door. She even has Emily Herr murals featuring the most game-changing local women in business. This is my go-to meeting spot downtown!   Order the Boss Latte (turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and honey with almond milk) and watch a parade of influential Richmonders meet, greet, and create at every table.   Perk: Be one of the first 10 members of Here. to visit today through Sunday to receive a Boss Latte for free.   Vitals: facebook.com/urbanhangsuiteRVA Must Read When THE most inspirational mom in Richmond writes a book, you better believe I will be first in line to get my copy signed. Katherine Wintsch, founder and CEO of The Mom Complex, TEDx speaker, and all around incredible business leader, just published Slay Like A Mother. I’ve told every mother I know (and the men who love them) to pick up this new book and read it cover to cover! And make sure to come to Katherine's workshop on April 27 as part of the Rebelle Con weekend.    Perk: Use the "Share Now" link below to forward this issue of Here. to a friend and you’ll be entered to win two signed copies of Slay Like A Mother ... one for you and one for your friend!    Vitals: Slay Like A Mother available now Workshop on April 27   Made in RIC Check out these Old Fashioned glasses that are anything but old fashioned! Richmond Grid magazine and artist Emily Herr teamed up to create cocktail glasses that celebrate Emily's Girls! Girls! Girls! portrait series. Laser-etched by Richmond based Big Secret.  < SHOP NOW

Good things coming your way. 

VOL. 72  /  SLÁINTE This week, we've got nothing about green beer or magic leprechauns. At Here. we believe that the good luck coming your way depends on your willingness to act. We designed this newsletter to require participation. Less reading, more doing. Pick which unexpected St. Patrick's Day items appeal to you, then grab some friends and get out there! James River Film Festival The James River Film Festival, an annual event since 1994 designed for the cinematic soul, is upon us once again. Organized by James River Film Society, this year’s festival runs through March 18 and is dedicated to the art of film and film as art. Betzy Bromberg, who’s made experimental films since 1976 and is one of the most important voices in avant-garde cinema today, will serve as a distinguished guest this year. You can catch an exhibition of her early works (in 16mm) at VCU’s Grace Street Theater on Friday and her later works on Saturday at the Byrd Theatre. On Sunday there will be a St. Patrick’s Day edition of Strange Projections at Gallery5 with live mixing of Leprechaun (1993), on VHS starring Jennifer Aniston, and The Cranberries on CASSETTE! The plan is to fade the sounds of both in and out throughout the film! Not to mention, a Silent Music/Revival, Fraggle Rock with puppet creators, experimental double features, and more throughout the weekend.    Vitals: A plethora of cinematic adventures runs through March 18 at VMFA, The Byrd Theatre, The Circuit Arcade Bar, VCU's Grace Street Theater, and more!  26th Annual James River Film Festival   Historic Evergreen Cemetery Before your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, consider a giveback initiative in this place we love to call home. On Saturday, Enrichmond Foundation will meet at Historic Evergreen Cemetery for a volunteer cleanup day. Evergreen Cemetery is a historic African-American cemetery, created in 1891 and located in Richmond’s East End. It is the resting place for many of Richmond’s African-American leaders of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Maggie L. Walker, John Mitchell Jr., and Rev. J. Andrew Bowler. There are an estimated 10,000 plots in Evergreen, most of which have become overgrown after over 40 years of neglect. Join the crew by signing up at HandsOn Greater Richmond! Volunteer tasks include clearing overgrowth, trash pickup, and grave marker recording. Tools will be provided.      Vitals: Saturday, March 16, 23, and 30 9 a.m - 12 p.m. Historic Evergreen Cemetery Volunteer Days Laundry Love RVA Sure, you can hit up the traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebrations (Shamrock the Block, St. Paddy’s Day Street Festival at Sine, Traditional Irish Wake at O'Toole's, St. Paddy’s Day Parking Lot Party at District 5, and Gold Rush Opening Day at Kabana Rooftop). But while you're out and about looking for shenanigans, swing by the Richmond Coin Laundry (2501 N. 25th Street) and share a few quarters with Laundry Love RVA. This ongoing event is about doing community differently, being with neighbors, and sharing your spare change and time. Designed to help neighbors who could use an extra hand with their laundry expenses, Laundry Love requires no special skills or time commitment. Simply drop off change or detergent, pass out some change, dispense soap, help fold laundry, or just offer a listening ear. We guarantee it will be better than green beer. Vitals: The third Saturday of every month 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Laundry Love RVA Oh baby ... Your favorite Rep T-Shirt now comes in miniature! With all the baby showers and new little Richmonders popping up, the Rep Onesie is the perfect gift. Plus, it's just as soft and cozy as our t-shirt. SHOP NOW