Ashley Hall, the Executive Director for Communities In Schools of Chesterfield, has a career deeply ingrained in nonprofit management. Her extensive expertise, honed through exposure in early education advocacy, youth development and financial stability, enriches her role. She has previously held leadership positions at Capital Region Collaborative and United Way organizations, developing strategies and managing community initiatives. Beyond her professional life, Ashley serves on numerous boards in Richmond and actively volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her love for travel takes her around the world, but she never gets tired of exploring her own city; the phrase "global mindset, local passion" reflects her approach. Guiding Communities In Schools of Chesterfield is her dream job, and she takes pride in their work, especially their upcoming 30th anniversary celebration. Ashley advocates for making the most of every weekend, and looks forward to sharing her favorite kid-friendly regional adventures!
Take it away, Ashley...
Catch a Flick at The Byrd Theatre
The Byrd Theatre is a true gem of Richmond. This Saturday, check out Monsters Inc - tickets are just 5 bucks and the popcorn is heavenly. While this is one of their sensory-friendly shows, other Saturday movies kick off with Bob Gulledge on the “Mighty Wurlitzer,” which is extra special. Post movie, you can pop into tons of family-friendly stores in Carytown, including my favorite bookshop,bbgb. Round your morning off with a snack at Sugar & Twine or lunch at a new favorite, Burtons Grill & Bar. They have a diverse kids’ menu, and the grown-up food and cocktails are delicious too!
Tucked back into Chester Village Green, the Perkinson Center is the region's first public performing and visual arts center to be built from the ground up in the last century. They have tons of great performances, art classes, and community events.
This Saturday is the gallery opening for Eugene Vango’s show “A Retrospective of the Last 25 Years.” His work is inspired by African culture, and is an easy (and beautiful) way to introduce your kids to the arts. Continue the conversation over a drink & snack at Three Leg Run, a locally-owned brewery/winery/meadery. They have a great selection, comfy chairs, and lots of board games.
On Tuesday, February 6th, join Paul Spicer and Erin Provencher at Common House in the Social Hall (4th Floor) for drinks and conversation after the work day. Grab a bite, a drink, and celebrate 200 volumes of Here.Weekly, Grid's online publication that has been a source of community-building and inspiration since 2017. The happy hour will feature former Guest Editors (a.k.a. local change-makers, friends, and partners of Grid), along with a powerful poetry reading from Richmond's Poet Laureate, Roscoe Burnems.
After weeks of frigid temperatures, this weekend looks perfect to get outside. And the timing is great because it’s the last weekend of half-priced admission at Lewis Ginter. You might not think about going to a botanical garden in January, but it’s the best time to see their 200+ orchids bloom and birdwatch. The newly-renovated children’s area is awesome (who knew a sandbox could entertain for so long?). Wrap up the day at a Northside fave, HobNob, and grab a seat on the patio if it’s warm enough.
Communities In Schools of Chesterfield, a nonprofit organization working directly in schools, ensures that every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to succeed. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. By helping our most vulnerable students stay in school, we are building stronger, healthier and more economically stable communities where every person is capable of reaching their greatest potential.
We are proud to implement our evidence-based model across 13 schools, serving 13,000 students and families - but we can’t stop there. As the number of students in Chesterfield living in poverty continues to grow, we are actively working to expand to meet the growing need. Learn how you can get involved here.
We’ve been doing this critical work for thirty years. To celebrate, we are throwing a big party! A Game Night Gala: Feel Like a Kid Again, an elevated version of game night, will be a dressy night of fun games, entertainment, delicious food & grown-up beverages, raffles, and surprises along the way. Join us to celebrate and learn more about how our students are learning, growing, and thriving with the support of Communities In Schools of Chesterfield. Tickets are available for purchase here- get yours today!
With the holidays behind us, we’re now smack dab in the middle of winter in the River City. Some of us are still in a cozy winter stupor while others are layering up and getting out there. There’s no right or wrong way to take in these chilly days and nights so we’ve rounded up a handful for recommendations from exploring and celebrating this place we love to call home – from meatless masterpieces to markets to musical offerings! See you out there ...
Winter Market at Hatch
+ Artisan Events
The Winter Market presented by Hatch + Artisan Events is here! The market celebrates local makers and their distinctive artworks, handcrafted jewelry, delicious treats, home decor pieces, and more. Shop local and support local artisans at this magical makers market!
Delve into the heart of Richmond's cultural scene with Classical Revolution RVA (CRRVA). This isn't just a concert, but a unique blend of classical and modern tunes that will resonate with your soul. Be swept away by the inventive scores of featured composers, Krystal Folkestad and Ned Haskins, whose creations are as mesmerizing as they are intellectually stimulating.
To close the evening, the Commonwealth Concert Opera will take center stage. This ensemble, dedicated to fostering vocal talent in Richmond and the wider Virginia, aims to astound the audience with varied and top-notch performances that rival the pros. Immerse yourself in an evening of extraordinary music and community spirit that you won't soon forget.
Richmond's annual Vegan Food Week, #V72x2 2024, is back with 144 hours of delectable vegan cuisine from January 23rd to January 28th. Delicious perks are in store for food explorers, including a complimentary sweet treat from local favorite, Ruby Scoops. Don't miss this chance to indulge in vegan gastronomy at its finest.
Vitals:
Vegan Food Week / Tuesday, January 23 - 28 / Various local restaurants, listed here
Join us at Content Camp.
This all-day marketing conference by Sweet Talk Strategy takes place at Common House on January 25th and is designed to map out your most successful year yet. Content Camp will begin with coffee, networking, headshots with Sound Snap Photography (headshots $75 / only 8 spots available), and tours of Common House. Sessions include "Strategies to Recession-Proof your Social Media" with Brandy Jones; "Mastering Your Marketing Calendar: A Workshop for Year-Long Success" with Megan Wilson; "Crafting a Winning Email Marketing Strategy" with Megan Wilson and Brandy Jones; "Creating Content On Your Phone: Hands-On Video + Photography Workshop" with Brandy Jones and Megan Wilson; Happy Hour Networking; and more.
Use code HERE for 15% off any workshop, half-day, or full-day pass.
Meet Emily Perry, this week's guest editor! Emily is a former high school educator who hails from Northern Virginia. She spent a decade working as a teacher in both Louisiana and Dubai, before settling down in Richmond. After a major career pivot from teaching to property management, Emily learned she was made for hospitality; she now runs a mini-boutique hotel in Church Hill called Eileen (along with her colleague David Steiger) and couldn’t be happier. Emily enjoys playing recreational kickball (shoutout to ClubWaka), enjoying Spotty Dog Ice Cream, and spending time with her two and a half year-old son at their favorite spot, Jefferson Park playground. Emily's recommendations, whether for ice cream flavors or anything else, are sure to be a hit!
Take it away, Emily...
Eileen's Birthday
She is beauty, she is grace: she is Eileen. A beautifully restored hundred-year old building on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and N. 24th Street, Eileen houses four Airbnb apartments upstairs and two businesses below. This January marks her fourth birthday. In the four years since we opened, we have had thousands of happy guests. Our reviews speak for themselves. The renovation made her structurally sound and we preserved many historical details, but she still has a signature lean, which is why we call her Eileen.
Let your spirit play at 3S Yoga. Our guests at Eileen absolutely love being able to walk out the door of their Airbnb apartment directly to this wonderful yoga studio right below. If you haven’t checked out 3S Yoga yet, now is the perfect time. Follow them on social media to participate in giveaways throughout their birthday week kicking off this weekend. Celebrate four years with 3S through community yoga offerings, social gatherings, and more!
Vitals:
3S Yoga - Fourth Anniversary Events / Community Yoga (donation-based), Sunday, January 14 at 10:45 AM, Hardywood: 2410 Ownby Lane
Megan Wilson and her team at Sweet Talk Strategy are sharing their most successful strategies from 2023 and tons of research and education they've personally invested in to YOU. Join us for one efficient day of high-impact learning, content creation, connection, and planning for success.
You can expect to:
Kick off the year with confidence
Be able to ask the experts ANYTHING and get the answers you need
Learn about the best apps to the get the job done
Leave with templates you can use right away
Have new headshots that reflect YOU
Connect with experts in a variety of industries to strengthen your network
Create social-ready content you can use right away!
Our guests love sharing a building with North End Juice Co. There’s no better way to exude health and happiness than with breakfast or lunch from here. Whether you choose a signature smoothie (my personal favorite is the Elvis made with banana, peanut butter, chocolate whey protein, and almond milk) or one of their delicious food offerings (their avocado toast is to die for with a thin layer of garlic hummus, avocado spread, cherry tomatoes, sesame seeds, and microgreens), you really can’t go wrong with this juice bar on the corner.
Vitals:
North End Juice Co. / Church Hill Location: 2400 Jefferson Ave A / Museum District Location: 718 N. Cleveland Street
More About Eileen.
In Church Hill, cultures intersect to create one of Richmond, VA’s most diverse, hip, and walkable neighborhoods. You can catch picture perfect views of the skyline from Jefferson Park, sample cuisine from award-winning eateries, and shop to your heart’s content at local shopping boutiques.
Eileen and Church Hill have something for everyone. Situated just ten minutes from the airport and right next to downtown, staying at Eileen delivers a uniquely rich way to experience Virginia’s capital. Eileen is booking now for staycations, short-term rentals, and all things in between. Come experience Richmond through the lens of a local! Learn more, eileenrva.com.
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