Meet this week’s guest editor, Myra Goodman Smith! Myra has deep roots in our region, having shared her childhood experiences in Richmond through the UR museum exhibit "Growing Up in Civil Rights Richmond" and the book "Overcoming Bias." She has served residents and communities in our region through various roles and currently serves as President and CEO of Leadership Metro Richmond.
In her role, Myra connects community leaders, enhances their capacity to create meaningful change, and inspires community engagement. Passionate about nonprofit governance and management, Myra often extends her expertise to assist in strengthening organizations.
In her free time, Myra and her husband enjoy spending time with their families and attending concerts and sporting events in Richmond and beyond. She draws inspiration from the Chinese proverb below:
“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, and others build windmills.”
Take it away, Myra ...
Billy Childs Quartet with Sean Jones, The Winds of Change
One of the things I love about Richmond is its talented musicians. Billy Childs is one of the finest — a leading American composer and jazz pianist who excels in both jazz and modern classical music. He’s won Grammys, writes for classical ensembles, and performs at top venues worldwide. This performance features his quartet alongside internationally recognized trumpeter Sean Jones.
One of the things that makes Richmond special is its powerful storytellers. Theresa G. is one of them — a renowned performer who brings history to life. Best known for portraying Coretta Scott King, she captures audiences with her vivid storytelling. In this performance, she honors Maggie Walker, the nation’s first Black female bank president, in a moving tribute. Experience In the Presence of Maggie Walker this weekend, as part of the Distinguished Speaker Forum at River Road Church.
Do you want to create change and make a difference in your community? Join us on February 13 to learn more about LMR’s community leadership program, Leadership Quest. You will discover how our program empowers individuals to connect, foster understanding, and create lasting change. Alumni and current participants will share firsthand stories about how they’ve built meaningful relationships, addressed regional challenges, and found innovative ways to make a difference. Whether you’re already leading or simply driven by a desire to do more, Leadership Quest is your opportunity to take the next step and inspire change where it matters most.
Meet this week's guest editor, AnnMarie Grohs. Twelve years ago, AnnMarie never imagined she would one day lead a fitness movement in Richmond. In college, she ran her first 10K and finished dead last—behind eight people carrying a Santa sleigh. But for her, movement was never about winning. It was about showing up.
She moved to Richmond to help open Morton’s Steakhouse, fell in love with the city, and decided to stay. Over time, that same passion for hospitality shaped her vision for BOHO Studios: a space where fitness felt approachable, welcoming, and fun. Today, BOHO is three studios strong, but AnnMarie’s focus remains the same—building community, supporting local businesses, and making Richmond a little healthier.
And when she’s not working? She’s probably on a mission to find the city’s best French fries—current favorites: Laura Lee’s and The Roosevelt.
Take it away, AnnMarie...
BOHO Cycle Studio: Super Bowl Halftime Performers
BOHO's signature 50-minute cycle class is a full body workout that incorporates rhythm cycling, strength training, and mind-blowing beats! Get into the big game spirit and celebrate past halftime performers.
Bring a friend and meet new folks as you indulge in an hour of relaxation and social self-care in Celeste Farms' Field Spa. This communal spa experience includes access to barrel saunas, cold plunges, and a wood-fired hot tub, all centered around a large fire pit.
Experience the Wild: A =PR= Run Club Trail Adventure
Join the =PR= Run & Walk - Forest Hill community and the =PR= Run Club for an unforgettable trail running experience. We’re all about sharing the joy of running, and this 10k-ish adventure. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow trains enthusiasts while exploring the beautiful, varied terrain around the James River.
BOHO Quad is Richmond’s premier running hub- the city's first one-stop shop for all things running. This studio is home to BOHO’s Personal Training Center, =PR= Run & Walk, and On Track Physiotherapy & Sports Rehab. Here you can find the right shoes and running accessories. Trainers can help you build strength to enhance your running, and nutrition guidance helps your overall wellness. The physical therapy team specializes in running with gait analysis, injury prevention, marathon training, and more. There’s nothing like it in Richmond!
Meet this week's guest editor, Dr. Hollee Freeman! A nationally certified educator with over 30 years of experience in K-12, higher education, and educational administration, Dr. Freeman is dedicated to transformative STEM learning. A TEDx and Creative Mornings RVA speaker, her work on education reform, DEI, and teaching practices has been featured in books, podcasts, and articles. She is also a self-published author of five children’s books and develops custom curricula for schools and organizations.
Beyond education, Dr. Freeman is a beekeeper, filmmaker, and radio host. She manages nine honeybee colonies through City Bees RVA and leads several ventures, including the Hollee Freeman Foundation and Freeman Educational & Business Consulting LLC. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, crafting, and watercolor painting. A passionate traveler, she dreams of conducting global research on beekeeping.
Take it away, Hollee...
Oakwood Arts
Oakwood Arts opens the door to creativity and career opportunities, breaking down barriers to make the arts and creative industries accessible to all. Through dynamic community engagement, inspiring programs, and hands-on learning experiences, they spark imagination and empower individuals to turn their passions into professions. From mastering cutting-edge digital tools to building the technical skills essential for success, Oakwood Arts’ classes and workshops prepare students to thrive in the ever-evolving world of creative work.
The Fourth Trimester Mental Health Program supports new parents through the challenges of early parenthood. It offers free mental health screenings for mothers and fathers, outpatient therapy sessions, and monthly postpartum group support on the fourth Sunday of each month.
Join Zawadi Nyong’o on Wed, Jan 29th for the first SoulCare With Zawadi Session of 2025! This event will be held LIVE on the Insight Timer platform during the first New Moon of the year. This is an opportunity to do a final clearing of 2024 and prepare for the year ahead. Zawadi creates sacred spaces for Black womxn to rest, restore, rewild, reconnect with their souls, and remember who they truly are.
Dr. Hollee Freeman shares her passion for beekeeping and Richmond through free monthly honey tastings and book readings centered on City Bees, a book she co-authored celebrating pollinators and the city’s cultural landmarks. Each event features unique, seasonal honey varietals. Stay connected by following on Instagram and Facebook and subscribing to the Hollee Freeman Foundation newsletter for updates.
As a state-certified apprentice beekeeper, Dr. Freeman also offers the Honeybees and Me course, a 6-month self-paced program with live group sessions and optional apiary visits. Enrollment is open until January 30th—Register Here to join this one-of-a-kind experience!
Stay connected and inspired through social media and the newsletter—let’s grow and learn together!
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