Meet Kleigh Koupal, this week’s guest editor. Kleigh is the co-founder of "The Effect Run Club," a new run club launching in February that's built on community, not pace. An enthusiastic extrovert with a love for physical activity, Kleigh has a passion for combining running with exploring and celebrating Richmond with others. His athletic background spans from collegiate swimming to marathon running, emphasizing his deep-rooted joy for group exercise. And when he's not on the move, you can find him collaborating with local businesses as an employee benefits consultant where he generates innovative solutions for employee engagement and satisfaction. Today, Kleigh is here to provide Here readers with a handful of recommendations for the weekend ahead.
Take it away, Kleigh...
First Fridays in the Arts District
Since moving back to Richmond, I have always loved First Fridays. This Friday, February 2nd, First Fridays in the Richmond Arts District is back! Featuring Mylo's documentation of Broad Street Bullies and other artists at Gallery5, the grand opening of Jackson Ward's newest home and pantry shop Odd Bird, portraits at the Library of Virginia, studio art at Red Amp Audio, and more...this isn't one to miss! Keep an eye on social media for a round-up of all the First Fridays events. This is a celebration of culture, art, music, and community that everyone can get behind!
It's always a good time when Kendall Street Company rolls through Richmond. Make sure to catch them this Friday, February 2nd, for their highly anticipated show at The Broadberry. Kendall Street offers a blend of eclectic rock and will leave you laughing with comedic bits and fun stories throughout their set. Plus, the Broadberry is always an awesome venue, with an intimate vibe; a little known fact...they have the best chicken tenders in town!
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.
I always love to check out what the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is putting on throughout the year. Join VMFA in a celebration of the Lunar New Year and ChinaFest: Year of the Metal Rat! Explore Chinese art and culture through art-making activities, demonstrations, and performances. Highlights include: creating a Tao Tie-inspired paper vessel, creating your own lion mask, watching the dynamic Lion Dance, beautiful performances by Yu Dance Arts, and more! Also this event is free and who doesn't love free things to do on a Saturday?
Kleigh, along with co-founders Christie and Grace, are excited to bring The Effect Run Club to Richmond on February 13th. The idea for The Effect Run Club was born simply because the founders saw a need for a run club centered around community rather than pace. The club aims to create an environment for meeting new people and to have fun while running with low stakes and low pressure; you can consider this a social run club. A variety of social elements will be incorporated into each weekly run to promote and foster community and socialization with club members. Some of those activities will include post run coffee, themed runs, Happy Hour runs, and more. The club is free and plans to meet every Tuesday.
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.
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