January 4, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

49º | Sunny | 5% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:24 a.m. | Sunset 5:07 p.m.

Richmond’s Ins + Outs for 2024

CASA volunteers work with children around the Richmond area. | Photo by @cwclarke_photos

New year, new us.

2024 has arrived. For some folks that means big goals, and for others it just means a new number at the end of the date. Whatever you’re looking for in the new year, we asked readers to tell us what’s in and what’s out in Richmond in 2024.

Some patterns emerged in the responses to both our reader survey and our Instagram post. A number of respondents seemed focused on mindful development, improving transportation and infrastructure, and supporting Richmond businesses.

Transportation was also a dominant topic for things to leave in 2023 — particularly some less-than-popular local driving behaviors.

Without further ado, here’s what’s in and out for the new year.

In

“Promoting Black/POC and female businesses on a regular basis.” — Susan W.

“Local craft stores and hair salons, drive in movies, cool tattoos.” — Hannah G.

“Better crosswalks for pedestrians, covered bus stops, shopping small businesses, trying RVA’s wide array of food!” — Liz H.

“Get rid of/renovate old houses to be more efficient for water and HVAC purposes.” — @michaelandthedrone

“Skinny trails through the woods.” — @shreddy.art.rva

“Biking, affordable housing, smart growth.” — @callie.pillar

“Speed tables.” — @thepoetryofthings

“Using your blinker before your brakes.” — @sugery_donuts

An intersection on VCU campus, with students and other pedestrians crossing in front of a large VCU sign — Infrastructure like crosswalks and bike lanes were major topics of discussion for what Richmond’s goals should include.
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Photo by RICtoday

Out

“Stop signs that are invisible because of tree overhang.” — Hannah G.

“Bird scooters.” — @honey_hivez

“Yet another corner vape shop and cars flying through pedestrian crosswalks.” — Liz H.

“Parking in bike lanes.” — @thepoetryofthings

“Bike lanes.” — @christinewampler

“Cars, abusive landlords, car-centric growth.” — @callie.pillar

Do you agree with these picks? Our survey is still open — let us know what you hope the new year brings and what it ought to leave behind.

Events

Thursday, Jan. 4

Music Bingo | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | RPL Broad Rock Branch, 4820 Old Warwick Rd., Richmond | Free | Bring the family for this song-filled take on bingo at the library.
Bluegrass Jam | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 8 p.m. | Frontier by Alamo, 412 N. 25th St., Richmond | Free entry | Bring your acoustic instrument or enjoy the tunes and some barbecue.

Friday, Jan. 5

CultureFest Friday | Friday, Jan. 5 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Children’s Museum of Richmond, 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free | This month’s cultural celebration will explore Afghanistan with snacks from The Mantu and performances.
RVA Square Dance | Friday, Jan. 5 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Studio Two Three, 109 W. 15th St., Richmond | $0-$10 | No experience is necessary to join the dance with guest caller Becky Hill and accompanied by the Earl White Stringband.

Saturday, Jan. 6

VCU Men’s Basketball vs. George Washington | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 4-6 p.m. | Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., Richmond | $30-$35 | Cheer on the Rams against George Washington at home.
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond | $32-$62 | Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter with the “Whose Line is it Anyway” duo.

Sunday, Jan. 7

New Year’s Market | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 12-5 p.m. | Triple Crossing Beer, 113 S. Foushee St., Richmond | Free entry | Enjoy a beer and some pizza before shopping for gifts, goods, and treats from local artisans.
“The Phantom of the Opera” | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 2 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | See the 1925 version of the classic tale on the big screen.

100+ more events

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History

Explore the role of American citizenship in our Democracy

Presented by the John Marshall Center for Constitutional History & Civics, this program is part of the VMHC’s multi-year initiative to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the US. | Photo provided by Virginia Museum of History & Culture

On Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 5:30 p.m., The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is hosting an evening lecture with diplomat and renowned policymaker, Dr. Richard Haass, to discuss his most recent book, “The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens,” a provocative guide to re-envisioning citizenship.

Dr. Haass uses his expert blend of civics, history, and political analysis to illuminate how Americans can rediscover and recover the attitudes + behaviors that have contributed to our country’s success over the centuries.

News Notes

Biz

Though its $1 billion plant in Chesterfield is still in the works, the LEGO Group has a temporary packing plant up and running nearby. The facility, situated at 1600 Ruffin Mill Rd., will support the company’s business across both American continents. (Richmond BizSense)

Transit

GRTC will be at Chesterfield Towne Center tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. to discuss the new Route 1A expansion. The 1A extension, which begins service on Sunday, Jan. 14, will add another eight miles to the route, going out to the Walmart off Chippenham.

Sports

Richmond’s yet-unnamed USL W League soccer team held its first combine over the weekend. The event took place a week after the team announced its new head coach Kimmy Cummings, an alum of the Richmond Kickers Destiny — the original Richmond W League team.

Health

Both COVID and flu are on the rise right now, but COVID hospitalizations are lower than they’ve been in three Januarys and the flu’s trajectory is nothing out of the ordinary. Regardless, health organizations are recommending Virginians make sure their vaccines are up to date. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Edu

College applicants in Virginia and nationwide are experiencing some issues with the new version of Free Application for Federal Student Aid — aka FAFSA. Bob Spieldenner, a spokesman for Virginia’s State Council of Higher Education, said the council is monitoring the impact of the new form’s rollout. (Virginia Mercury)

Fun Fact

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Asked

What’s the best mocktail in the River City?

Peruse the aisles at this Carytown shop. | Photo by RICtoday

The rise of non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits is great news for anybody undertaking Dry January, or who just prefers a non-boozy beverage. Richmond has a plethora of offerings, but we want your take — where are the best non-alcoholic options in Richmond?

A mocktail is any cocktail that contains no alcohol, whether or not it seeks to imitate a classic alcoholic drink. We’re looking for mixed drinks, unboozy bottles, and local NA brews.

Whether your favorite can be found in a restaurant, a bar, or anywhere else around town, let us know what you’d recommend.

Give us your recs

The Buy

Pvolve’s signature equipment bundle, so you can try the at-home functional fitness method that has proven results and a Clinical Advisory Board. Fun fact: Jennifer Aniston liked it so much, she joined the company.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

In case you were wondering, my “ins” for 2024 are local coffee, running on James River trails, and composting. My “out”? Throwing on your hazards and stopping in the middle of Broad Street.

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