RVANews

Carytown: Richmond’s ever-changing shopping district

Stephen Nielsen — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:56:21 +0000

Down by the Museum District, just west of the Boulevard, is a stand-alone shopping area devoted to original stores and their owners’ self-expression: Carytown. The area hosts Cary Court, which was built in the 1930s as Richmond’s first strip mall; the Byrd Theater, which was built in the 1920s; and nine blocks of unique and interesting stores. It has become both a historic landmark and tourist standby that makes most area residents proud.

Carytown has continually grown, changed, and developed since its very early days. In fact, the reason that this area has become so notable is exactly because it has changed over and over to meet the needs of customers.

“Carytown was very traditional when it first came to Richmond,” said Raul Cantu, owner of Nacho Mama’s and president of the Carytown Merchants’ Association. He said that customers now have different expectations because of the country’s changing economy. “People are looking for a better deal. Times are different...we all feel it, we all know it.”

Cantu said that “Carytown always goes through a transition every four or five years.” For this reason, Carytown has changed gently over the last few years to become a place that can survive the more difficult economic climate. “It’s a tourist spot,” he said. “[Carytown] used to be a retail spot. Now it’s an eatery, spa, and lots more.” Carytown serves as a “one stop shop,” according to Cantu.

Usage of “Carytown” as the official name began in 1974 when a vote was held among residents. Until then stores were simply part of W. Cary Street, according to JoAnne Draucker. JoAnne has owned Ellman's Dancewear for the past 34 years and Premiere Costumes for 38 years. She also grew up in the area and helped put on the first Watermelon Festival 29 years ago.

In the 1960s, the area was mainly apartments and corner stores. “You had the store downstairs and the apartment upstairs.” It was in about 1955 that the street was changed to one-way, heading into town. “Cary Street sort of became a pass-through.” Slowly houses turned into shops because of the through traffic. It wasn’t until later that people began to notice how useful the street had become: “You could get your vacuum cleaner fixed, your lamp fixed, you could buy appliances, and you could buy anything you wanted without having to go to a mall.” To Draucker, 1974 was “sort of like the beginning of Carytown.”

“Even at that point, Carytown was going through a revolution, so to speak.” There were restaurants coming and going, and smaller retailers beginning to feel the effects of the competing stores at Willow Lawn. This led to another change in Carytown. Specifically, many of the appliance shops closed and by 1980, Carytown was no longer considered a “safe shopping area.”

Ultimately, Drauker and the owner of Rostov's Coffee attempted to have the city increase the police presence, but at the time the city didn't have the budget. So Drauker enlisted the help of an off-duty police officer, even going door-to-door to collect money for his services. For a while, the officer would spend his off-duty hours patrolling the neighborhood. Later on in the late 1980s, the city provided official bicycle police.

This strong feeling of responsibility for the area by owners and residents is another one of Carytown’s unique aspects. Owners and residents have a history of taking a strong interest in the area, not simply their own stores. One example of this, according to Drauker, was when an adult store opened in Carytown on the corner of Belmont and Cary, within 500 feet of a church school. The store opened after its owner told the landlord they intended to sell candles.

When its true purpose was discovered, community members sprang into action. “They were picketed,” said Drauker. “The nuns from Saint Gertrude’s came over. Everyone came over.” They had their electricity pulled, but then the store ran a power line to the apartment above them. The community had the apartment’s power shut down. “Finally, one night they just disappeared.” Drauker admits that they will fight tooth and nail to keep the tone of Carytown. She did clarify, however, that it isn’t necessarily the store’s contents that dictate whether they’ll take action, but the quality of the store itself. “You just don’t want your customers to have to walk by someplace really sleazy.” She also comments that that has only happened once. Stores that open in the area expect to take part in and benefit from the unique qualities of Carytown.

Over time, as Carytown moved away from residences it became nearly pure retail: the “Mile of Style.” It became a place for people to develop new businesses. But as old businesses bow out and new stores try to gain a foothold, stress can be caused by the vacancies. “Right now we’re going through those growing pains,” said Drauker. She attributes this in part to the economy, saying that owners that bought property in better years are still charging store owners leasing rates that don’t reflect the harsher times. “It’s slower seeing those buildings occupied.”

Another aspect of the transition seen in the last few years has been the growing number of clothing stores, restaurants, and specialty stores instead of classic retail. One of which was Eurotrash, opened in 2007 by Anne Hughes, which imports European clothing lines. When asked why she chose to open in Carytown, Hughes said “I knew it was the perfect place to reach the type of client that would respond to the unique and fashion forward styles I would be bringing to Richmond through Eurotrash.” Kerensa Davenport, manager of Eurotrash, said that she thinks customers come to Carytown to find something unique that they couldn’t find in a mall.

Bob Broomfield opened the Carytown Play N Trade in 2008, at a time when the country’s economic difficulties were just beginning. “It struggled initially...We opened up about a month before the stock market crash.” He added that it took a few years to really get rolling. A big part of the change had been the return customer base built up over time, but the location had a strong effect as well.

When choosing where to set up shop, Broomfield looked at places like Midlothian, but ultimately came to Carytown. “Carytown had, to us, everything you were looking for,” said Broomfield. Being its own area, “like a little village,” gave him freedoms that you can’t find elsewhere. Typically, “you have to conform to whatever little rules and regulation the owners of that particular shopping center want to conform to,” he said. These include mandatory hours, where signs are placed, and even decorating the front of the store to meet a certain style. “They might not have any idea how to run a store or even create an identity.” By comparison, the freedom of Carytown is staggering.

“Around here it is so laissez faire,” said Broomfield. “People have closing hours at six in the evening. Some Businesses don’t open on Sunday. Some don’t open on Monday.”

Soon more change will come to the area. This summer, construction begins on Carytown Place, a new shopping center located near Carytown that will include a Fresh Market grocery store. Also Richmond Bizsense recently reported that Carytown Place will host a Petco and a Panera--direct competitors to Dogma Grooming & Pet Needs and several familiar Carytown coffee shops. Despite this, time has shown that though the area may change, it certainly won’t disappear.

The Carytown shopping center is an evolving and vibrant community that has survived to this day by adapting. As old businesses close and new ones open, the area reshapes itself to fit the times. While the recent economic problems certainly have affected the area, Carytown is still a place where visitors and residents alike can find great food and shopping.

Photo provided by the Valentine Richmond History Center

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Where to watch fireworks

Stephen Nielsen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:48:40 +0000

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— ∮∮∮ —

Nothing tops explosives for celebrating the birth of our nation, so don't miss out this year! Here’s a giant list of where you can watch the rockets’ red glare.

Fireworks on the James

July 3rd • 9:15 PM
Brown's Island
FREE

Fireworks and the Flying Squirrels

July 4th, 6:35 PM, July 5th and 6th, 7:05 PM
The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard
$7 - $11

Fireworks at Dogwood Dell

July 4th • 5:30 PM
Dogwood Dell, 700 Blanton Avenue
FREE

King's Dominion Military Days

July 3rd and 4th
King's Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way - Doswell, VA
FREE Admission to active, inactive, or retired military personnel with ID

Genworth Independence Day Concert

July 3rd • 6:30 PM
Genworth Financial's World Headquarters, 6620 W. Broad Street
FREE

Powhatan Independence Day Celebration

June 30th • 5:00 PM
Jacques Gits, 2693 Rocky Oak Road - Powhatan, VA
$20 per car, $15 with canned food donation

Racing to the Stars and Stripes

July 4th • 5pm - 8:45pm. Fireworks at 9:30
Colonial Downs, 10515 Colonial Downs Parkway - New Kent, VA
See website for available price packages

Chesterfield County July 4th Celebration

July 4th • 5pm - 9pm
Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA
FREE

Colonial Heights Fireworks

July 4th • 9pm
K-Mart and Walmart parking areas, 116 Southgate Square
FREE

Busch Gardens IllumiNights

July 1st - August 19th • fireworks at 9:30pm
Busch Gardens - Williamsburg, VA
$66.99 adult, $56.99 child

Goochland County Fireworks

July 4th • 9pm - 10pm
Goochland Sports Complex, 1800 Sandy Hook Road - Goochland, VA
FREE

Brewdependence Day

July 4th • 5pm - 11pm
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane
FREE admittance

photo by Mel Kobran

Local Golf Classic raises funds for vision screenings

Stephen Nielsen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:18:04 +0000

On June 11th, the 21st annual Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic Swing for Sight Golf Classic was held at the Hermitage Country Club.

The classic, sponsored by Medarva at Stony Point Surgery Center, and with the help of individuals from local businesses, raised approximately $100,000. This money will help support the Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic (PBMA) foundation.

"Most all of our support comes locally," said Robin Mead, Vice President / Development for PBMA. She explained that the organization and implementation of the event is done by a committee made up of individuals from local businesses, headed by John Locher of Taylor & Parrish, Inc. "They work for about six months a year on the event.”

This year's Classic was attended by over 200 golfers, making up 48 teams. It took place on both Hermitage courses and, due to the volume of participants, the winners were divided into two flights based on handicap.

The money will go to fund programs run by PBMA, a non-profit organization. This volunteer based organization offers programs and services emphasizing early detection and prevention of loss of sight in both children and adults. "The primary means of accomplishing our mission since 1957 are through vision screening, education, and public information," states the foundation's website.

The money raised by the classic will go towards "our signature program," said Mead. "Star Pupils" is a school based screening program. Public schools have mandated screening tests, but don't always have the resources to perform them effectively. Star Pupils supplies tools to aid screening and vouchers for students needing long-term care.

"A lot of what we did was bring Amblyopia screening to schools," said Mead. This condition, if untreated, can lead to serious vision problems. But most of all, said Mead, "we give school nurses a vision resource." It's a difficult job, she said, and any help the foundation can provide to lighten the load is worth it.

Plans are already underway for next year's classic. "It's becoming a standing tradition," said Mead.

stock photo by kulicki

UR Basketball hits 100th year

Stephen Nielsen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:00:21 +0000

The University of Richmond’s mens basketball program is celebrating its 100th anniversary during the 2012-13 season.

The season will be dedicated to looking back at the great moments of Spiders Basketball. A special 100-years logo has been unveiled which will be displayed both on the Robins Center court and on uniforms. Occasionally, however, players will wear special throwback uniforms from a past era of the program.

"The plans have been in the works for several months," said Mark Kwolek, Director of Public Relations and New Media for UR. "Deputy Athletic Director David Walsh has led planning and the athletic marketing and public relations offices."

Home games throughout the season will feature 15 of the greatest moments of the team's history, going back to the 1913-14 inaugural season. There will be memorabilia, radio highlights, and former players and coaches returning to the Robins Center.

Season ticket holders will benefit from special giveaways throughout the season. Such items include bobble heads of former Spider greats Johnny Newman, Justin Harper, and Kevin Anderson, a special 100-year poster, and retro apparel. Merchandise with the 100 Years logo will also be sold at games.

One game fans should keep in mind is opening night on November 9th against Liberty. The E. Claiborne Robins family will be recognized for their contributions to the program and the Robins Center, which has housed the Spiders for the past 40 seasons. "We will tip-off the celebration that night and raise a banner to the rafters commemorating the 100th season," said Kwolek. "Later in the year we will have a game honoring the All-Time Team that the fans select." The date for that event has not be determined.

Fans will help pick the All-Time Spider Basketball Team by voting online. They will also be able view great moments through photo and video galleries, interact with other fans, and vote for their favorite players.

Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is turning two!

Stephen Nielsen — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:24:06 +0000

In 2010, VCU Health System and the Children's Hospital of Richmond merged, forming the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR). On Saturday, June 30th, the CHoR celebrates its two year anniversary. It's the area's only full-service children's hospital, with 13 locations and 120 pediatric specialists in both Richmond and Fredericksburg.

"By joining VCU Health System and Children's Hospital, Richmond gained a strong children's health care provider," said Leslie Wyatt, vice president of children's services and executive director for CHoR in a statement. "We have made children's health a top priority for our region, and we have attracted a number of new pediatric specialists to the area. In fact, over the past three years, we have increased the pediatric faculty by 20%, significantly improving access to care for pediatricians and their patients."

At the age of two, the CHoR has room to grow. Through investments by the VCU Health System, additions have been made like a 40-bed private room neonatal intensive care unit. It also provided the only pediatric emergency room in the region with 24/7 access to pediatric sub-specialists. Also, in 2011, a state-of-the-art nephrology¹ program was created, thanks to investment by the Children's Hospital Foundation. The program averages more than 30 outpatient visits a week and construction plans are underway to add a new ambulatory pavilion to meet the growing number of outpatients.

"Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU is vital to the Richmond community," said Bruce Rubin, M.D., physician-in-chief of Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU and chair of the VCU Department of Pediatrics. "Pediatrics is a priority, as evidenced by our dedicated people, programs and facilities that support the specific health needs of children."

Some of the pediatric care offered by CHoR includes emergency, primary, secondary, and long term. The hospital is also involved in medical research, working on advances in asthma, cancer, cystic fibrosis, genetics, infectious diseases, obesity and many other fields.

In honor of the celebration, the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU is offering community members a chance to win a prize by entering on either Facebook or Twitter.

— ∮∮∮ —

Footnotes

A branch of internal medicine and pediatrics dealing with the study of the function and diseases of the kidney. ↩

2012 summer festivals

Stephen Nielsen — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:11:23 +0000

It's Summer! Now what are you going to do with all the great weather? Good thing you live in Richmond, which is just jam packed with great events. Get out and enjoy the best of what this fine city has to offer this summer!

June

1. CultSha Xpo

This annual event spotlights Richmond's nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. There's art, history, culture, and family fun for anyone who wants to attend. Featured organizations include ART 180, Richmond Ballet, Valentine Richmond History Center, and many more.

Saturday, June 23rd • 10am - 5pm
Science Museum of Richmond, 2500 W. Broad Street.
FREE

2. 10th Annual Richmond Vegetarian Festival

With over 100 vendors and restaurants, this event is worth going to for any food, whether you are a vegetarian or not. It has more than enough to keep you busy: live music, speakers, a vegan twist on Iron Chef, and a number of other food events.

Saturday June 23rd • noon - 6pm
Bryan Park, 4300 Hermitage Rd.
FREE

3. Parham Road Independence Day Parade & Festival

Come celebrate the birth of the nation with the Parham community at their 3rd annual parade and festival. The parade features holiday floats, marching bands, and a very special grand marshall.

Saturday June 30 • 10am - 4pm
Parham Baptist Church, 2101 N. Parham Road
FREE

July

1. James River Splash and Dash

A competitive tube race down the James River that ends with racers sprinting to the finish line while wearing their tube? Come relax (and race!) and support the James River Association!

Saturday, July 14th • 5pm
Belle Isle
$34 registration fee

2. Hanover Tomato Festival

There will be over 200 arts, crafts, and unique vendors, along with a variety of entertainment, food, and free activities for children of all ages. And a TON of tomatoes!

Saturday, July 14th • 9am - 4pm
Pole Green Park - Mechanicsville, VA
FREE

2. 6th Annual Latin Jazz & Salsa Festival

Don't miss this chance to dance the night away at the Latin Jazz and Salsa fest. This event has concessions, vendors, and entertainment by the likes of Tito Allen, Frankie Morales, Melena, and Allen Hidalgo.

Saturday July 21 • 7pm - 10pm
Dogwood Dell, 6000 S. Boulevard
FREE

August

1. Watermelon Festival

It's never quite summer until you've bit into that first sweet and juicy slice of watermelon. For the 29th consecutive year, Carytown is taking that idea to the extreme. The Watermelon Festival, Virginia's largest one-day festival, is everything you want out of summer: music from 80 musicians, over 100 exhibitors, and 3,000 delicious watermelons.

Sunday, August 5th • 10am - 6pm
Carytown
FREE

2. Richmond Jazz Festival

Need to put some Soul back in your soul? Then come listen to the smooth tunes of the 3rd annual Richmond Jazz fest at Maymont. Music will predominantly feature jazz, but will also include R&B, neo-soul, and other genres.

Friday, August 10th - Sunday, August 12th
Maymont, 1700 Hampton st.
$90 for the weekend. Daily tickets available.

3. Filipino Festival

Sample more than great food at the 7th annual Filipino Food Festival. This event uses over 600 volunteers to celebrate the rich Filipino culture and community present in Richmond. Come for the food and stay for the folk dance and music.

Friday, August 10th - Saturday, August 11th • 10am
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 8200 Woodman Road
FREE to attend, but $2 donations are appreciated.

4. Big Brothers Big Sisters Duck Race

Nearly 20,000 little yellow ducks (not real ones!) will be dumped into the James River where they will race toward the finish line. Winning ducks will earn their owners some great prizes, including a 2012 Nissan Versa. Proceeds go to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Saturday, August 11th • 2pm - 6pm
Rocketts Landing
FREE to attend, duck packages run from $7 - $250

5. Seafood Splash

The 10th annual Seafood Splash is coming. Details and artist have yet to be released, but it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Saturday, August 25th • noon - 8pm
Hadad's Lake, 7900 Osborne Turnpike
$27.37 for general admission. Children and teen prices available.

6. Carib Culture Unity Festival

Presented by the Island Venture Restaurant and Lounge, the 2nd annual Carib Festival is meant to both celebrate and promote the thriving Caribbean community in Richmond. There's dance, music, and lots of great food.

Saturday, August 25th • 10am - 10pm
Brown's Island, 5th & Tredegar streets
Price TBA

photo by Erica Terrini

Local artists turn to nonprofit studio for printing

Stephen Nielsen — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 15:03:43 +0000

Leaving school can be a frightening thing: finding a place to live, a job, a whole new place in life and for the first time you’re expected to do it on your own. For business majors, this means joining a good company or, if you're ambitious, starting one. For artists, though, it can get even more complicated.

For artists specializing in print making or etching, it’s less about the job or the location and more about the equipment. That’s why Studio Two Three exists. It’s a non-profit organization devoted to providing a cheap place for people, like those freshly minted college graduates, to get access to the equipment they need to make a start and, with any luck, make it big.

"Once you get out of school, you don't really have access to this stuff anymore," said Executive Director Ashley Hawkins. In 2008, Hawkins, Sarah Moore, Emily Gannon, and Tyler Dawkins opened the studio mainly for their private use. "We wanted to continue making print," Hawkins explained. But like many graduates, they lacked the equipment.

So they got together and bought the basics.

They added other local artists and the studio became more than just a workspace. "It's a community," Hawkins said. "You get used to a community of artists in school. We try to recreate that."

"I always feel more productive (here)," Sarah Orr, a photographer who rents space at the studio, said. She's been working out of the space for over six months. "It's worth every penny...It's just better to work around other artists."

Studio Two Three became a non-profit and in 2010 moved to a larger location at 1617 W. Main Street. "The non-profit route allows us to have equipment donated," Hawkins said. Their current facility hosts 17 tenants with room for 25 full-time renters. The studio provides a print-specific gallery show every month and equipment for screen-printing, lithography, and relief art, along with a dark room for photography.

Hawkins doesn't plan to stop there. As it stands, the studio is run by volunteers. While Hawkins has another full-time job outside of Studio Two Three, she insists that it's "not about money." Any growth she wants to see is that of the organization itself. "If anything, we'd want it to be self-sustaining,"

For now, the studio will follow its mission by "providing an accessible workspace and engaging the public through workshops, exhibitions, and outreach." To that end, Studio Two Three regularly collaborates with the Church Hill Academy, a non-profit private high school and recently sponsored a group that went to Rwanda. There they collected photographs and samples of art and fabrics to create an art and exhibition book, the proceeds of which went to the International Rescue Committee.

The studio is also host to three VCU art students who are helping to prepare for this year's Cultsha Xpo. "I really like the idea of communal space," junior Emma Barnes said. Barnes, junior Grace Huddleston, and senior Elisa Rios have prepared shirts and a few other items to sell at the Xpo--all made with the studio’s signature printing.

Since students like Barnes, Huddleston, and Rios will eventually leave school, but would like to continue in this medium, places like Studio Two Three are a must. "I'd love to keep connections here," Rios said.

Sign of the times: businesses and city officials meet over contentious parking signs

Stephen Nielsen — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:00:28 +0000

Residents and city officials held a meeting last Friday to address complaints from Grace Street residents and Broad Street businesses about the recent no-parking enforcement issues. Residents argue that late night no-parking signs on Broad Street have affected on-street parking on Grace. Businesses contend that the signs have led to a decrease in their revenue. Many residents and businesses think the late night parking signs on Broad Street are unnecessary and should be changed or removed.

The meeting was held at The Empress and led by West Grace Street Association president Alyse Auernheimer. Representatives from several local businesses attended: Assante’s Pizza, the Republic, the Camel (whose owner was recently arrested in connection to this issue), and others. Also present were a number of city officials from the Department of Public Works, Richmond City Police, and City Council.

President Auernheimer wanted the group to propose legitimate suggestions for changing the signs. “We did not fire people up. We just want it dealt with,” she said. As has been reported previously, many of the parking rules on Broad Street exist to deal with “cruising.” Cruising hasn’t been an issue for a while, says Auernheimer, and as such the rules should change.

“I think it’s a killer for small business,” said City Council candidate Charlie Diradour (2nd District), who attended to show support for an overhaul of the parking restrictions.

The agenda contained three clear recommendations for how to alter the signs:

Removal of the 11pm-to-4am restrictions along W. Broad Street.
Remove the no parking signs along Allen Avenue.
Remove or relocate the “here to corner” parking restriction signs along W. Grace Street.

Major Mike Shamus and Captain Michael Snawder attended as representative of the Richmond Police to inform the public of their safety concerns. “There’s still cruising going on,” said Maj. Shamus. “The 11pm - 4am signs give us a tool to deal with it.”

The police contend that removing the signs might lead to an increase in cruising, which was a problem in the late 1990s before the signs were installed. They said that enforcement has not been an issue until recently.

“This most recent string of events was because of a complaint,” said Capt. Snawder. The signs are there as an enforcement option should a problem arise. “We don’t have the resources to have 24/7 enforcement,” Snawder said. “It’s not that there has been no enforcement, but that it’s been sporadic.” The recent emphasis on enforcement, which resulted from a business complaint, began on June 4th.

Capt. Snawder said he instructed his officers that there would be no blanket ticketing. Instead, ticketing would come from direct requests by the public. Maj. Shamus, when asked how long this policy would be in effect, responded that that isn’t really the right question.

He said the policy to ticket as a response to a complaint, called “directed patrol,” has been the general policy of the police on Broad Street for a long time. Maj. Shamus commented that, even recently, the Richmond Police attached fliers to offending cars, informing drivers and local businesses of the planned enforcement a week prior to implementation.

For now, steps have been taken to update the rules, but in what way has still not been decided.

Sign of the times; RVANews

Experts will be on hand to review military artifacts

Stephen Nielsen — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:02:03 +0000

Have you ever wondered where that old sword you hang above the fireplace came from? Is it an authentic Civil War-era piece, like the family legend says? Maybe you just want to know a bit more about that hand-me-down from your grandfather's war days? On Saturday you'll have a chance to find out.

The Virginia War Memorial will host the "Artifacts Roadshow,” allowing the public a chance for experts to review their military-related memorabilia. It’s the second such event that the Virginia War Memorial has hosted.

"It's just fun to see what people bring in," said Jeb Hockman, Director of Marketing for the Virginia War Memorial.

At the inaugural event in January, some of the items brought in included a sword from the War of 1812 and a Nazi uniform collected by a soldier during WWII. There were even mysteries: a handgun kept as a memento by a soldier in the Korean War actually came from Spain--no explanation how it got to the other side of the world. "People love hearing that story," Hockman said. "It gives them a real connection to the item."

The initial idea for the event came from memorial curator Jesse Smith, one of the two experts who will be on hand Saturday. Smith heard of a similar event held annually in Quantico, and given the popularity of TV shows like Antiques Roadshow, the memorial staff decided to try one themselves. But with a slight twist: only military-related items. "The people we have here, whatever era it is, they know about it," Hockman said about the expertise of the Virginia War Memorial staff.

To distinguish Saturday’s event from the inaugural attempt in January, the memorial has made two changes. The first has been to increase advertising for the event in the hopes of surpassing the 65 who attended in January. Another change stems from a concern at the first show. "We did have someone who brought in a weapon and didn't know it was loaded," Hockman said. To prevent this on Saturday, the memorial staff have enlisted the help of the Colonial Shooting Academy. The academy will check every weapon at the door, making sure that they are either disabled or unloaded. One thing hasn't changed: this event is not a chance to sell items.

The reviews are free, but the Virginia War Memorial won't be offering money for exceptional memorabilia. "We can give them people to contact, but that's not why we do this," Hockman said. Unlike a trade show, where an appraiser may withhold certain information as an interested buyer, Hockman said you can trust the information provided on Saturday will be fair and unbiased. "We have no monetary interest, so you get the real story," Hockman said.

“Artifacts Roadshow” will take place on Saturday, June 16th at 10am. The event is free and open to the public.

stock photo by Aldo Fonticiella

Over 1,400 athletes ready for Special Olympics Summer Games

Stephen Nielsen — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:57:25 +0000

The "Flame of Hope," which will light the Special Olympics Cauldron, will arrive at the State Capitol this Friday where more than 75 Richmond-area officers and servicemembers will carry it the final leg of its journey.

Check it out

You can find a a full list of events along with their times and locations here.

If you can't make it out to any of the events, you can watch online, live here.

The event will begin with a 10am ceremony where Special Olympics athlete Will Daniel will present the torch to the runners completing the final leg: officers from the Richmond Police Department, the Department of Corrections, and the Virginia Capitol Police. “It's an incredible event to watch and experience,” said Holly Claytor, Director of Public Relations for Special Olympics Virginia.

The torch has traveled more than 1,900 miles, and its arrival will mark the commencement of festivities for the 2012 Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games, during which more than 1,400 athletes from the Commonwealth will compete in powerlifting, swimming, track and field, softball, tennis, and bowling.

“It's a chance for the officers to pay homage to their heroes, the athletes, and for us to say thank you to the officers for their 27 years of support,” Claytor said.

The University of Richmond will host Special Olympics Virginia June 8th-9th. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the event, and a special 30th-anniversary torch will be presented to University of Richmond President Ed Ayers. To celebrate the landmark anniversary a new cauldron will hold the ever-burning Olympic flame.

“The steel cauldron, which was made especially for Special Olympics Virginia by Twoseven, a creatively-led design firm located in Brooklyn, New York, replaces our 20+ year old cauldron, and will allow us to keep the Flame of Hope shining for our athletes for years to come,” Claytor said.

The summer games will also have a special Volunteer to Cheer crowd of more than 1,500 participants. “Volunteer to Cheer is a chance to learn more about Special Olympics, and also a fun, family-friendly and free opportunity to cheer on some incredible athletes,” Claytor said.

Athletes will gather again at 7:30pm Saturday at the Robins Center for the closing ceremony and victory dance.

Memorial Day guide

Stephen Nielsen — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:15 +0000

There's always lots to do in Richmond, but this weekend gives you the special chance to take part in Memorial Day celebrations all over the city. There's a little something for everyone, so don't miss out of these exciting events!

1. Memorial Day Ceremony with Gov. McDonnell

The public is invited to celebrate and remember our nation’s heroes at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial. The ceremony is co-hosted by the American Legion 11th District, and Governor McDonnell will be on hand to deliver the keynote address.

Monday May 28th • 10 am
Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvedere Street
FREE

2. History of Memorial Day at Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour

Learn about the history of Memorial Day from local scholar Jim DuPriest while taking a stroll through one of the most historic cemeteries in America. Be sure you don’t forget the walking shoes!

Sunday May 27th • 2pm - 4 pm
S. Cherry & Albemarle streets
$10 per person

3. Shockoe Jazz Festival

How about spending the Sunday before Memorial Day enjoying the first ever Shockoe Bottom Jazz Festival? This festival of Richmond’s jazz culture will feature local musicians along with art and food from local vendors.

Sunday, May 27th • 11am - 6 pm
17th & Main streets
FREE

4. Rocketts Red Glare: Memorial Day Fireworks at Rocketts Landing

Can’t wait until the Fourth of July? Come see the free fireworks at Rocketts Landing. Not only will there be an array of fireworks but also live music, activities, and dessert vendors. Attendees are invited to bring picnic baskets as well as chairs and blankets for seating.

Sunday, May 27th • 5:30 pm
211 Rocketts Way
FREE

5. Graffiti Party!

The Lucky Buddha and Cha Cha's Cantina are holding their annual Memorial Sunday bar crawl. This year, however, party favors include white shirts, highlighters, and black lights to give the night a bit of color.

Sunday, May 27th • 7 pm
Lucky Buddha, 1421 E. Cary Street
Free to attend, charged by drink

6. Kings Dominion: Military Days

Kings Dominion is celebrating the holiday with a weekend-long festival featuring the 380th Army Band on Sunday. Admission is free both days for active, inactive, and retired military with a valid I.D. Both evenings will have a fireworks show beginning at 10 pm.

Saturday, May 26th - Sunday, May 27th, regular hours
Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, Va 23047
Free for military personnel with valid ID

photo by Ross Catrow