July 19, 2024

Today’s Forecast

87º | 13% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:03 a.m. | Sunset 8:27 p.m.

🌊 River Education Center opens

RICtoday_RiverEdCenter_JamesRiver_RibbonCutting

City, state, and federal leaders joined JRA to cut the ribbon. | Photo by RICtoday

Local, state, and federal leaders joined the James River Association the morning of Wednesday, July 17 to officially open the James A. Buzzard River Education Center.

The center has been in the works for several years, as part of JRA’s $25 million James Changer campaign. The organization acquired the .85-acre parcel in 2022 and broke ground in May 2023.

Classes are already in session. The first group of RPS students saw what the facility has to offer at the beginning of the month.

RICtoday_RiverEdCenter_JamesRiver_OutdoorClassroom — An outdoor classroom at the River Education Center teaches students about fish migration.
|
Photo by RICtoday

In the past year, JRA has hosted over 20,000 students for programs along the length of the James. It hopes to expand its reach with the new center.

The site includes two lab classroom spaces, a riverquarium, and an outdoor classroom. A river health meter is set up on the front of the building facing Dock Street to alert Richmonders to current river conditions.

City Councilmember Cynthia Newbille spoke at the ribbon cutting. She highlighted the benefits for local students, from environmental education to recreational opportunities and river safety.

“It won’t be a situation where they’re an adult, as I was, before they got out on the river and did a little white water rafting,” Newbille said. “They as youngsters will become educated and engaged with practical applications.”

RICtoday_RiverEdCenter_JamesRiver_TimKaine — Senator Tim Kaine speaks at the opening of the River Education Center.
|
Photo by RICtoday

JRA leaders highlighted the environmental considerations that went into building the facility, like the implementation of a green roof, living walls, native landscaping, and a permeable bus loop.

The construction took place at the same time as the new Dock Street Park, which allowed for the relocation of a stretch of the Virginia Capital Trail away from the street.

Senator Tim Kaine also spoke at the opening event and emphasized the importance of early education and exposure to the James.

“If you create passion among young people, then they’ll be stewards for life,” Kaine said.

Quiz

Which statement about Atlantic sturgeon is NOT true?

A. They can grow up to 14 feet in length
B. They return to the river to spawn in the middle of summer
C. They can live as long as 60 years
D. They are bottom feeders, eating worms, shellfish, and crustaceans

Free river facts

Events

Friday, July 19

Community Roots Awards | Friday, July 19 | 7 p.m. | Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Ave., Richmond | $25 | Join UGRC and Black Pride RVA for a night celebrating individuals and organizations making a difference in Richmond.
White Ford Bronco | Friday, July 19 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St., Richmond | $16 | Get ready to rock with this cover band bringing back all things 90s.
Outdoor Movie: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” | Friday, July 19 | 8:30-10 p.m. | Taylor Farm Park, 200 Whiteside Rd., Sandston | Free | Check out the brand-new park and bring a chair or blanket to see the 1990 film on the lawn.

Saturday, July 20

“A Star Is Born” | Saturday, July 20 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | Warning: “Shallow” will be stuck in your head after seeing the 2018 Lady Gaga film on the big screen.
Charlotte Morris | Saturday, July 20 | 8 p.m. | Garden Grove Brewing, 3445 W. Cary St., Richmond | Free entry | Sip on a local brew and listen to the Americana artist joined by Theocles and Eric Sites.
Caldonia Cabaret | Saturday, July 20 | 8-11 p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St., Richmond | $20+ | This burlesque and drag showcase will feature performers Kayy Lovely, Jo’Rie Tigerlily, and more.

Sunday, July 21

Summer Sale Block Party | Sunday, July 21 | 1-4 p.m. | Ten Thousand Villages, 3201 W. Cary St., Richmond | Free entry | Get 50% off items at the store and join the party outside with live music by It’s All Right and treats from Noah’s Rockin’ Buns and Good Vices.
Tasting & Tour | Sunday, July 21 | 1:30-3 p.m. | Virago Spirits, 1727 Rhoadmiller St., Richmond | $25 | Join a Virago distiller for a personalized tour of the production facility and a tasty sampling.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Arts

Southside is about to get more colorful. All City Art Club announced that it received the National Academy of Design’s 2023 Abbey Mural Prize. The group plans to use the funds to paint a new collection of murals in neighborhoods south of the river. (South Richmond News)

Theater

It’s the last weekend of this year’s Richmond Shakespeare Festival. You can still snag tickets for the final performances of “Doctor Faustus,” scheduled for 8 p.m. shows tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday.

Drink

This weekend is the 24th Annual Anthem LemonAid. Individuals and groups will set up lemonade stands around the region to raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. Find a stand a near you.

Health

Bon Secours wants to expand its Short Pump Medical Plaza. The health system plans to build an ambulatory surgery center on two acres just north of the Aldi at Broad Hill Centre. (Richmond BizSense)

Cause

Terry’s Locker, a resource room with essential items and laundry facilities, is opening at Maymont Preschool next week. The room is part of an initiative by Washington Commanders player Terry McLaurin, who teamed up with VT football player and Richmonder Kelvin Gilliam Jr. for the River City location.

Announced

5th Wall Theatre has announced its plans for the next year. The 2024-25 season begins in October with “H*tler’s Tasters,” a dark comedy about the women conscripted to taste the dictator’s food for poison. In the spring, the company will stage “Sanctuary City” at Richmond Triangle Players.

Active

Registration is open for the Richmond Road Runners Club Pony Pasture 5K. The race, dedicated to the memory of Dr. Peter Still, benefits RRRC’s scholarship fund. The group is also looking for race day volunteers.

Watch

Right around the one-year release anniversary of “Barbie,” Richmond’s favorite intergalactic barbarians covered “I’m Just Ken” for The A.V. Club. Enjoy “We’re Just GWAR.”

Drink Up

Clink, clink — we’d like to make a toast. Drink Up Week is coming Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26. We can’t wait to raise a glass to Richmond’s buzzy beverage culture, including a map to the most refreshing beverages for a hot summer day.

Eat

🍦 Ice Cream Day deals

Stay up for a free scoop at Gelati Celesti. | Photo by RICtoday

This Sunday, July 21 is National Ice Cream Day. A few Richmond favorites are ringing in the holiday with deals and specials.

Literally right at the beginning — from 12:01 a.m. to 1 a.m. — Gelati Celesti will have a Midnight Madness party with free scoops at all locations. For non-night owls, you can stop by throughout the day for a chance at a periodic giveaway.

Ruby Scoops is also getting in on the fun with cake stuffed cones available for one day only. Choose between funfetti, devil’s food Oreo, and red velvet white chocolate chip cake flavors and top with the scoop of your choice.

Screaming for local ice cream? Hit the button below for our ultimate guide.

20+ local ice cream shops

The Buy

These men’s lightweight cotton-blend undershirts, which are moisture-wicking, tag-free, and on sale in color white.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin

From the editor

I celebrated the beginning of Hot Tomato Summer last night at Brambly Park with my pals. The Hanover Tomato and Burrata Sammy really hit the spot.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

›

Advertise

›

Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More

›

Feedback on Today's Newsletter

Did you like today’s newsletter?

😍 Loved it 🙂 Solid effort 😞 Changes needed

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY