5 things

Oh, Richmond in June. You with your not totally suffocatingly humid days and breezy nights. We salute you. You make it so easy to get out and do stuff…

June 11, 2009; 7:30 AM • by Valerie Catrow

Oh, Richmond in June. You with your not totally suffocatingly humid days and breezy nights. We salute you. You make it so easy to get out and do stuff…

1. For Better or For Worse: The Journey of a POW and His Wife

In my humble opinion the Virginia Historical Society is one of the most underrated places in this town. I’m always amazed by the stuff they come up with. Now I know, you think “lecture” and your eyes roll back in your head and you fall asleep. BUT, this one involves war, prisoners, wives fighting for husbands, lots of good stuff. Check it:

In June 1966 Lt. Cmdr. Paul Galanti was shot down over Vietnam and endured nearly seven years of captivity. His wife Phyllis played a leading role in the efforts of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia to publicize the plight of their loved ones and to secure their release.

The Galantis will present an illustrated lecture recounting this dramatic story. Their talk is held in conjunction with the exhibition Bring Paul Home: Phyllis Galanti and Vietnam War POWs, which is based on the collection given by Phyllis and Paul Galanti to the VHS.

Sounds pretty romantic to me. Thursday, June 11th, 12pm to 1pm, 428 N. Boulevard, Free!

2. Groovin’ in the Garden: Indigo Girls (to Benefit Richmond SPCA Pet Pantry)

If you were cognizant of the world during the 90s, try to tell me that you can listen to “Closer to Fine” without singing along. And then I will call you a liar. For this edition of Groovin’ in the Garden, the Indigo Girls have partnered with Richmond SPCA Pet Pantry to conduct a pet food drive during their concert. So head on over to Lewis Ginter, enjoy some tuuuuuuunes, and bring some pet grub to donate. Thursday, June 11th, 6pm, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, $25. Go here to buy tickets.

3. Good Natured Riot and Blue Line Highway to Benefit Soles4Souls

Two great, Richmond-based bands supporting a great organization that’s trying to do something very simple: give shoes to those who need them, in the US and all around the world. Is your heart made of stone??? How can you say no to that? Friday, June 12th, 9pm, Cary Street Cafe, 2631 W. Cary Street, $8 or $5 with a shoe donation.

4. 10th Annual James River Regional Cleanup

Thanks to Dominion Riverrock last month, people are all in love with the river now. So, it’s high time we do our part to keep the James clean. Online registration is closed, but you can still sign up the day of if you get there by 8:30. And remember to wear closed-toes shoes and bring your own water and gloves. Saturday, June 13th, 9am to 1pm. There a tons of clean-up sites, so go here to learn more.

5. Gallery5 Yard Sale

You might have heard that there’s a recession going on. Consequently, a lot of non-profits out there are struggling. But, here’s a chance for you to help out with a fantastic one in our area. And really, it’s a win-win. You save money buying cool stuff while also helping to save one of Richmond’s gems. Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th, 9am to 3pm both days, 200 W. Marshall St.

Know of anything else going on this week? Leave it in the comments.

(If you have an event coming up that you want help promoting, let us know. It just might end up making the list!)

June 11, 2009 7:30 AM 1