vol. 114 / HopeHope. It’s the key to our ability to persevere, to push forward, and to rise.
VOL. 114 / HOPE
Hope. It's the key to our ability to persevere, to push forward, and to rise in the face of struggle. It's the key to our existence. Look around for glimpses of it. Here are a few examples happening right now as our neighbors create hope in this place we call home.
Artists for
Hope
In the midst of the current health emergency, Richmond artist Ed Trask is doing what he does best—using his brush to show his love for the community he has spent decades painting. Trask has gathered a list of all-star artists from the Richmond area to form "Artists For Hope" in an effort to auction pieces of art every Friday with 100% of proceeds supporting a variety of local causes. Hamilton Glass, Matt Lively, Steve Hedberg, Mickael Broth, and more are hosting auctions on their individual Instagram and Facebook pages with the highest bidder receiving an original creation each week that supports a good cause selected by the artist. Richmond Grid is partnering with Artists for Hope and is providing an ongoing list of participating artists, the cause they are supporting, and where to follow them to bid on their creations!
Here Weekly and Richmond Grid have joined forces with RVA based Naborforce to spread kindness to others through Kindnessgrams. The goal is to make it simple for anyone, anywhere to offer help to older, at-risk neighbors who are home alone as we practice social distancing. All you need to do is download a Kindnessgram from Naborforce, print it out, and place it at your neighbor's door with an offer to help. Common requests include an extra hand getting groceries or supplies, dropping off a puzzle, or even just talking on the phone so they don't feel alone during these uncertain times. "There are so many offers on social media and online of kind-hearted people offering help. But many seniors are not online—it’s those who are most isolated and need access to help," explains Paige Wilson, founder of Naborforce.
Richmond is known for many things. But, the thing that really sets us apart is our ability to roll up our selves, join forces, and create when we're forced with adversity. Home to some of the most talented and resilient makers around, Richmond's creative force has responded to the current health crisis by making personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. RVA Makers (pictured), VAunite, HandsOn Greater Richmond, and Community Foundation have come together to create a PPE Factory to provide masks, shields, and more for those on the front lines. This grassroots community response is actively gathering materials, making PPE, and distributing life saving supplies to those who need it most in our community. Other efforts by Richmonders working night and day to create PPE include Build RVA, Shockoe Atelier, and more.
vol. 113 / Connection 📬Here's to creating connection and kindness in this place we call home.
VOL. 113 / CONNECTION
Social distancingdoesn't mean limiting our connection to community. We're in this together. Be a helper. Be kind. Contribute to the common good. Let's find new and creative ways to form connections even while our current situation requires that we remain apart.
Virtual
House Show
Gather 'round and join the virtual house show every day with some of Richmond’s favorite local artists here to show us that you can’t cancel community. You can’t cancel connection. And you certainly can’t cancel the music that brings us closer to one another, despite physical distance. Hosted live on Facebook and Instagram, each musician picks a spot to play -- from their living room to their front porch to outside by a fire -- and a few of their favorite songs to share. Tune in, sing along, leave a positive comment, and show your support for local musicians with a virtual tip jar. Upcoming performances include Marcus Tenney of Butcher Brown, Kenneka Cook, Eddie Prendergast of the Mikrowaves, Paulo Franco, Høly River, Angelica Garcia, Regan Sprenkle, Richmond Symphony, and more!
A new community journaling experiment, a collaboration between the James River Park System and Richmond Grid, is ready for you to find in a hidden spot along the trail. Get outside, breath in some fresh air, and explore your park! If you can find it, look inside for the “Dear Richmond” journal to leave a note for your fellow neighbors, create a sketch, write a love letter to RVA, leave your hopes for a better future, write the words you need to hear…or simply leave your name. It’s for you to define. Some of the most recent entries in the journal read: "We all come back to the beauty of nature – it heals the soul," "Stay beautiful and wild. We who are in dark places need a place to run where the light still shines," and "Amongst all this chaos, this park system is my sanctuary."
"It sure is a weird time right now but we don’t want to let that hurt our favorite eating and drinking spots," explains Justin Bajan, co-founder of Familiar Creatures, a Richmond based ad agency that recently launched Keep Calm and Nom Nom. Justin and his team are encouraging Richmonders to visit this handy new site to buy gift cards from local RVA establishments for future use. "We created Keep Calm and Nom Nom so people can show their support. Buy a gift card today, and enjoy your meal later." Simply browse the hyperlinked logos on the site organized by neighborhood and give some love to your favorite local establishments.
Who: You and thousands of Richmonders
What: #ServingOurSeversRVA Virtual Happy Hour Fundraiser
When: Friday, March 20
Where: Literally anywhere with WiFi or cell phone service
Why: As the food industry has come to a halt, a massive group of people are left wondering how they’ll pay rent and car payments and put food on their own tables. Our servers need your support.
How: TEXT "DONATE" AND THE AMOUNT TO #804-518-8333 (ex: DONATE $5)
vol. 112 / Uncap🍾Eric Jackson, founder of Uncap Everything, shares his favorite ways to remove the limits and uncap everything in RVA.
VOL 112 / UNCAP
Let's all raise a glass to this week's guest editor, Eric Jackson, the owner and founder of Uncap Everything. He's here to encourage Richmonders to remove the limits and uncap everything in this place we call home. As many craft beer fans know, Uncap Everything is a Richmond-based craft beer and lifestyle brand dedicated to educating others on beer history and styles. Eric also doubles as a freelance beer writer and journalist that travels across the country reviewing various breweries and beers, curating beer festivals, and running Capsoul — a collective of individuals focused on energizing and assisting in diversifying taprooms. Eric also runs a craft beer magazine, The Capsoul Mag, and hosts a monthly craft beer podcast! Take it away, Eric...
If you’re looking for a great excuse to meander around to some of Richmond’s most cultured and creative restaurants, this is a great week to do it. It’s Richmond Black Restaurant Experience Week and I’m going to share some of my favorite spots that you won't want to miss.
Southern
Kitchen
Located in Historic Jackson Ward, on the corner of Leigh and 2nd Streets, Southern Kitchen boasts everything your southern grandmother would put together on a Sunday afternoon following church. I’m talking fried okra, shrimp & grits, po’ boys, and chicken & waffles. The list goes on and on, but what makes Southern Kitchen so unique is the attention to detail, service, and décor. When you think Southern Kitchen, think of it with elegance, subtlety, and hospitality.
If you didn’t know, craft beer is my jam, but I was hard pressed to find a black owned brewery in the city of Richmond. What I did find was Ms. Bee's Juice Bar, located in the heart of Brookland Park! Launched by Brandi Battle-Brown, Ms. Bee's Juice Bar offers cold press juices, smoothies, and more. Examples of fan favorites include the Brookland Park Energizer (beets, apple, swiss chard, ginger and lemon), the Gold Post Glow for rejuvenation (orange, carrot, apple, and ginger), and the Northside Trop for a mellow mood (mango, pineapple, hemp powder, and agave). I know, it’s not an alcoholic beverage, but with the use of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, this is a drink your body needs to get you through the week!
RVA Rap Elite is a monthly showcase of all things Hip Hop. From rap battles to beat battles to live performances to 30-minutes of non-stop bars, if you’re into Hip Hop culture, RVA Rap Elite should be a must-go! Supported and led by Richmond native, Radio B, RVA Rap Elite is a stage for the novice and veteran alike to hone their skills, flex their ingenuity, and test their strength. Taking place every month in The Darkroom, the upstairs suite at the Hofheimer Bldg, it’s the one event that should be on your monthly calendar.
Grid Supply Co., operated by Richmond Grid magazine and Here Weekly, has teamed up with Richmond based illustrator Clara Cline (also known as The Wild Wander) to offer a collection artwork celebrating the flora and fauna of some of our most beloved wilderness.
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