Plus, Earth Week volunteering opportunities
 
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Today’s Forecast

65º | 1% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:24 a.m. | Sunset 7:52 p.m.

 
🌳 Lake improvements underway
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County and neighborhood leaders break ground at Lake Overton near Chamberlayne. | Photo by RICtoday
Lake Overton near the Three Fountains North neighborhood hasn’t been the same since Hurricane Gaston hit in 2004. Two decades later, Henrico is moving forward with safety and environmental improvements.

On April 18, county leaders broke ground on a new earthen dam at Lake Overton. The lake has been at a lowered water level since the former dam sustained damage during Gaston. As a result, it shrunk from around 7.5 acres to about 4.3 acres.

In the years since, the Three Fountains North Civic Association has maintained the lake. Now, it will undergo $1.5 million in improvements including adding native plants, greater erosion control, and a walking path for the community. The project should take around nine months to complete.

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Homes in the Three Fountains North and Overbrook Park neighborhoods back up to the lake.

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Photo via Henrico County

County leaders emphasized the environmental and public benefits the rehab project will create. The lake won’t be as large as it once was, but it should be an area of increased accessibility and opportunity for community members.

“It’s a win for the neighborhood and all of Henrico County,” Fairfield District Supervisor Roscoe Cooper said.

Several community members were present at the groundbreaking, including Richard Flanagan, the president of the civic association. Flanagan took to the podium to thank his neighbors for their longstanding maintenance of the resource.

“Hurricane Gaston dumped a lot of water on our lake,” Flanagan said. “I know it was 11 inches per two hours, because that’s what I dumped out of my basement.”

With the help of the county, Flanagan expressed hope that Lake Overton will become an even more valuable asset to the community once the project is complete.
 
Events
 
Monday, April 22
  • RVA Yoga Hang | Monday, April 22 | 6-8 p.m. | Benchtop Brewing, 434 Hull St., Richmond | $25 | Enjoy a relaxing yoga session and a brew after the class.
Tuesday, April 23
  • Congress and the Power to Declare War | Tuesday, April 23 | 10:30 a.m. | Virtual | Free | Explore the history of Congress issuing declarations of war at the VA War Memorial program.
  • Cadence Hoedown | Tuesday, April 23 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2410 Ownby Ln., Richmond | $50 | Support local theater programs and enjoy live entertainment from Eva DeVirgilis, Charles Arthur and The Ranch Party, and Anthony Cosby Jr.
Wednesday, April 24
  • Meet ChamberRVA | Wednesday, April 24 | 3:45-5 p.m. | Atlantic Union Bank, 4300 Cox Rd., Richmond | Free | Mingle with members of the chamber team and learn about joining the dynamic network of businesses.
  • Jazz Café | Wednesday, April 24 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Free | Enjoy a performance from the VCU Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.
Thursday, April 25
  • Goth Prom UnHappy Hour | Thursday, April 25 | 6-9 p.m. | The Poe Museum, 1914-16 E. Main St., Richmond | $12 | The first UnHappy Hour of the season will include tunes from DJ Scareypete, a projection piece by artist Jeff Dobrow, and eats by The Veil Brewing Co. and TBT El Gallo.
  • Flying Squirrels vs. Bowie Baysox | Thursday, April 25 | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $10-$25 | Cheer on the Squirrels at Little League Night and stick around for fireworks after the game.
Friday, April 26
  • Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles | Friday, April 26 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond | $40+ | Enjoy an immersive concert experience in The Dome with the Listeso String Quartet playing classical selections and Beatles hits.
Tuesday, May 14
  • Bug Squad | Tuesday, May 14-Sunday, Aug. 25 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Children’s Museum of Richmond, 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond | $0-$9 | This touring exhibit features talking animatronic members of the Bug Squad, and offers a full sensory experience while providing plenty of active spaces for little ones to play.*
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Shop
 
Celebrate Earth Day with local makers
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We’re giving local businesses two green thumbs up. This Earth Day, we’re getting in the sustainable spirit by highlighting our environmentally-friendly brands.

Try syrups from Sweet’s Elderberry or a sparkling non-alcoholic beverage from Sarilla to give green drink a double meaning. Need a stronger boost? Purity Coffee has you covered.

Bring the Earth Day celebration inside with an organic coconut wax candle. Pro tip: Use the vessel as a planter after it’s fully burned. Speaking of reuse – check out these Pirani Stackable Tumblers designed to make convenience less wasteful.

Strut your sustainable style with a retro beanie from Rainier Watch, plus 5% of your purchase goes towards National Parks protection. If you’re looking for more modern (but equally environmentally-friendly) styles, give Seaav a glance.

Feel fresh from head to toe with personal care products from Parrotfish or skincare by Salt & Ash Soap Co. Plus, She Biology’s relief balm, face creams, and drops are all organically made.

The Earth Day vibes don’t have to slow down here. See our full collection.

Want to win some Earth Day products? Be sure to enter our contest on Instagram.
 
 
News Notes
 
Civic
  • City Council will hold a public hearing on the FY 2025 budget tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Hall. You can attend in-person or virtually. Catch up on budget season with our breakdown.
Traffic
  • Watch out for slower traffic if you’re heading north on Arthur Ashe Boulevard towards the Diamond. The right lane and sidewalk on the bridge will be closed while repairs are conducted on a deteriorating bridge pier.
Outdoors
  • This week is Earth Week. Check out volunteer opportunities with James River Park System including garden bed plantings, cleanups, and invasive species removal days.
Sports
  • NWSL action will return to Richmond for the first time since 2018 this summer. On July 31, City Stadium will host an NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup Match between the Washington Spirit and the Chicago Red Stars. Tickets go on sale to the public Thursday, May 9.
Development
  • Curious about construction on West Cary Street? There are at least eight projects underway between the 1200 and 2300 blocks of Cary, including new residential builds, adaptive reuse developments, and the city’s new Fire Station #12. (Richmond BizSense)
Eat
  • 821 Cafe celebrated two decades in business over the weekend. Co-owner Andrew Clarke reflected on his journey with the VCU-area staple, which he bought with his friend Chip Cooke. (Richmond Magazine)
Listen
  • Local independent radio station WRIR 97.3 is in the midst of its Spring Fund Drive. A $65 donation supports the station and scores you this sick t-shirt. Bonus: Mark your calendar for the free 19th Anniversary Party this Saturday, April 27 from 1 to 10 p.m. at Hardywood.
Family
 
 
Asked
 
💭 The future of Brown’s Island
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Around 1 million people a year go to Brown’s Island for events and recreation. | Photo by @cwclarke_photos
The city is partnering with Venture Richmond to provide up to $30 million in improvements for Brown’s Island.

Suggestions in the plan include:
  • Adding play areas for kids
  • Installing more trees
  • Building bathrooms
  • Constructing seating, lighting, and an elevated platform for events
  • Widening the entrance of the T. Pott Bridge
  • Improving river access
The official designs are undetermined. We want to know what you think — what would you add to Brown’s Island?

We want to hear everything, from your practical suggestions to your out-of-the-box ideas for Richmond’s riverfront.

Share your thoughts at the button below and you could be featured in a future newsletter.
 
The Buy
 
Colorful old fashioned glasses that are perfect for spring and summer. They have the look and feel of glass, but are made from unbreakable and BPA-free Tritan material, meaning they’re pool and party-proof.
 
Answered
 
Last week, we asked about your favorite part of visiting the VMFA.
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The exhibition will remain at the VMFA through Aug. 4. | Photo by RICtoday
The special exhibits take it — around 51% of respondents said they like seeing the visiting exhibitions, while 29% go for the regular galleries.

Good news for our readers: The “Samurai Armor” exhibit is now open. Get an inside look and see how to attend at the button below.
 
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The Wrap
 
Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt Today’s edition by:
Robin
From the editor
Checking out the new VMFA exhibit? Amuse Restaurant has a new, mouth-watering menu inspired by “Samurai Armor.”
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