Meet this week's guest editor, Erica Shambley, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Engagement for Virginia State University College of Agriculture. With a Master of Arts in Media Management from Virginia State University, Erica's strategic leadership and strength in storytelling have made her an expert at connecting with and inspiring others. In addition to her role at VSU, Erica actively participates in community initiatives in Richmond and the Southern Region, and she's the CEO of a digital media start-up catering to the contemporary needs of women.
Erica, the floor is yours...
VSU Trojan Fall Farmers Market
As the fall season settles in, the VSU campus buzzes with anticipation for the Fall Fest Edition of the VSU Trojan Farmers Market on Thursday, October 19th from noon to 2:00 PM. Hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, visitors can explore a rich assortment of pumpkins, mums, sunflowers, and apple cider. But it's not just about the produce. This market offers a chance to connect directly with local farmers and dive into the heart of the community. Alongside the seasonal treats, anticipate giveaways and networking opportunities, a day at the market is a day well-spent. Join us and experience the essence of community well-being.
2nd Street Festival: Celebrating Jackson Ward's Vibrant Legacy
Get ready for the 2nd Street Festival in Downtown Richmond, a nod to community well-being and fall revelry. This free event, hosted by Venture Richmond unfolds in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, paying homage to an area once known as "the Harlem of the South." Year after year, thousands gather to reminisce about the era when 2nd Street shone as a beacon for Richmond's African-American community. Today, Jackson Ward remains a vibrant center of activity. Across two days, the festival boasts three stages of live music, a Kidz Zone, an array of food vendors, a bustling marketplace, Artists Row, and a captivating display by the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club. See you there!
Vitals:
2nd Street Festival/ Jackson Ward: 124 E. Broad Street / Saturday, October 7, 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM & Sunday, October 8, 1:00 - 6:00 PM
Football, Food, Fun: VSU's Homecoming 2023
Virginia State University's Homecoming 2023, dubbed "The 1882 Experience," kicks off on Saturday, October 7th and runs through October 14th. Join us for football, fellowship, and the warmth of being back on the Hill with the Trojan family! The VSU College of Agriculture invites alumni to a special Fish and Fry event on Friday, October 13th. While primarily a reunion for Trojans, the celebration is open to everyone in the community. Mark your calendars and get ready to tailgate and revel in the Trojan spirit!
Vitals:
VSU Homecoming / VSU Multipurpose Center Lawn: 20809 2nd Ave. Petersburg / Events: October 7 - 14
More about the VSU College of Agriculture...
At Virginia State University, something magical happens — greatness. And that greatness is growing in the College of Agriculture. Not just any growth, but the kind that nurtures both the land and its people. Here, tradition meets innovation. We're not just tending to crops; we're cultivating the future of agriculture — making it sustainable, integrated, and innovative for the world to benefit.
Our students? They don't just study; they experience. With tools in hand and dirt under their nails, they dive into hands-on learning and internships, preparing them to be the next leaders and problem-solvers of the industry.
But the growth doesn't stop at the fields. The College believes in nurturing families and communities throughout Virginia, too. Through programs focusing on holistic health, nutrition, and family dynamics, we ensure our communities flourish from the inside out.
This journey of growth at the VSU College of Agriculture is threefold — a blend of robust academics, pioneering Agricultural Research, and the enduring Cooperative Extension in partnership with Virginia Tech University. Here, we sow the seeds of progress and cultivate a brighter future.
Meet this week's guest editor, Taylor Gilbert! As the store manager at The DRIPBaR Richmond, Taylor's passion is helping people feel (and look) their best. Prior to DRIPBaR, she owned and managed a local multi-location salon as well as served as an operations director for a local MedSpa. Taylor has deep roots in the aesthetic and wellness industries and firmly believes that a good manager always maintains a willingness to continually learn from those they manage. Outside of the DRIPBaR and attending community events, you can find Taylor enjoying a diverse range of activities including running a mobile spray tan business, Afterglow Sunless, and brunching at her favorite spot in the Fan, Social 52!
Take it away, Taylor …
One Year of Wellness at The DRIPBaR Richmond
On Thursday, September 28th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, The DRIPBaR Richmond will host a One Year of Wellness Open House! The event is free and open to the public, so come out and celebrate with us! We are thrilled to mark our one year of wellness with the Richmond community. Join us at 6988 Forest Avenue for an evening filled with specials, giveaways, free consultations, and lite eats. Get ready to explore our offerings and learn how the DRIPBaR can support your wellness goals! Wellness professionals will be on site to answer any questions you have about our offerings. And, we will be giving away Wellness Passports so you can leave with knowledge and guidance about starting your own wellness journey. We can't wait to celebrate this milestone with you, so get ready to immerse yourself in all things DRIPBaR tonight. See you there!
On Friday, September 29th experience a flavorful adventure at six local restaurants where we'll savor their most popular bites from 2:00 - 4:30 PM! And of course, we can't miss a visit to one of my all-time favorites, Wood & Iron. If you're in the mood for a drink, worry not! You'll also get to sip on a refreshing beverage from one of the fantastic breweries or cideries we'll encounter along the way. Let's eat, drink, and make some delicious memories together.
Vitals:
Scott's Addition Food Tour / Scott's Addition Neighborhood (exact location TBA upon registration) / Friday, September 29th from 2:00 - 4:30 PM
Sip & Stretch Yoga at Ashton Creek Vineyard
Local Yoga Instructor Ann Marie Lewis hosts weekly yoga sessions in the gorgeous Ashton Creek Vineyard barn every Wednesday from noon to 1:00 PM! Drop by for an invigorating yoga session and stay for a glass of wine (or two) in the tasting room! Admission is $15 at the door, pay as you go.
The DRIPBaR Richmond is an IV Vitamin therapy lounge that is committed to being that helping hand to get you to your goals. IV Vitamin therapy can play an important role in a wellness journey because it is an effective way to get vitamins in at their highest absorption rate, completely bypassing your digestive system. It’s quick (about 30-50 minutes), it's relaxing and above all, it’s fueling your body at the cellular level.
We can also help you out on those mornings after a night of too much fun, too. We only staff experienced RN’s and mix each IV bag upon your arrival, in a sterile hood environment. We’re committed to your safety and comfort. Follow on Instagram @thedripbar.rva.
Meet this week's guest editor, Allyson Drake! Allyson founded Full Circle Grief Center in 2008 and she serves as the President and Executive Director of the organization. She has worked one-on-one with grieving children, adults, and families for 19 years, has facilitated numerous grief support groups, led organizational debriefings after a loss, and has developed curriculum for bereavement groups and remembrance programs. Her passion revolves around community bereavement education and she has presented on grief and loss at numerous professional conferences and educational trainings.
In addition to her B.A. from UVA, Master of Counselor Ed. degree from VCU, and post-graduate work in counseling psychology, bereavement, and traumatic grief, Allyson has a Certification in Thanatology, is a Compassionate Bereavement Care Certified Provider, and holds a license in School Counseling.
Outside of her impactful work at Full Circle Grief Center, Allyson loves reading, being outdoors, spending time with her two teenagers, listening to podcasts, cuddling with her chubby and lazy yellow lab, and watching UVA basketball and college football. Richmond's close proximity to the river, beach, mountains and historic sites creates an ideal atmosphere for her family.
Take it away, Allyson …
Miles in Memory
Full Circle’s "Miles in Memory" is a community event to honor and remember our loved ones. Join us on September 23rd virtually or in person at Full Circle Grief Center between 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (with a VIP yoga practice from 10 - 10:45 AM) for activities and refreshments.
"Your race, your way" means you can walk or run any distance or time-based goal that is meaningful to you, such as a birthday or an anniversary. Our goal is to raise $15,000, and you can help us reach it! All proceeds from Miles in Memory benefit Full Circle's comprehensive grief support programming.
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for all things fall…cooler weather, colorful leaves, bonfires, and Halloween. What says fall more than picking a pumpkin at Chesterfield Berry Farm? I have many memories of taking my kids to the Chesterfield Berry Farm to pick out our pumpkins each year and getting lost in the corn maze. The farm provides hours of family fun, including pumpkin picking, hayrides, the corn maze, and so much more.
Vitals:
Pumpkin Picking & Fall Fun / Chesterfield Berry Farm: 26002 Pear Orchard Road, Moseley, VA / Pumpkin Picking kicked off on September 16th
Wheel Throwing
I have been searching for a wheel throwing class for a while because it’s something I have always wanted to learn how to do. I certainly believe in the power of art and various forms of creative expression to help express feelings and provide quiet time for reflection or meditation. Recently, I have stumbled upon the 43rd Street Studio located in the Forest Hill neighborhood. They offer group classes and private classes on wheel throwing, creating with clay, altar creation, and working with ceramics. I am highly anticipating my upcoming class in this quaint little studio.
Vitals:
Wheel Throwing / 43rd Street Studios: 1410 W 43rd Street, Richmond / Classes offered from September 22nd through December 7th
More about Full Circle ...
Full Circle was started in September 2008 as a comprehensive grief resource center in the Richmond area to help meet the needs of grieving children (ages 3-18) and their families. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, professional grief support to children, adults, families, and communities. Our services focus on grief as a result of a death related loss or anticipatory loss. As a respected grief resource center, Full Circle offers grief support groups, individual grief counseling, remembrance programs, consultative services, and educational workshops.
Our grief support group topics include: Hands On Healing, Overdose Loss, Suicide Loss, Perinatal Loss, Pregnancy After Loss, Parenting After Loss, and monthly “Journeying Through Grief” for adults grieving any type of death. In addition, we offer Individual Counseling Services for children, adults, and families grieving the death of a loved one or anticipating the death of a loved one.
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