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Editor’s Pick
A reader’s Cloverleaf Mall memory
Cloverleaf officially closed in 2008, with mall demolition beginning in 2011. | Photo by Will Fisher via Wikimedia Commons
Last week, we rounded up some research on the decline of Cloverleaf Mall and Regency Square. Then, we opened the floor for you all to share your mall memories. Here’s what reader Patti D. sent in:
“Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, our parents would drop us off at the mall in the station wagon, and we would meet up with our friends and stay for several hours. The Hardee’s beside Thalhimers was a favorite spot.
I especially loved the elaborate holiday decorations and displays. It was also special when your 8th-grade chorus was scheduled to perform at the mall to sing Christmas carols.”
A few malls we’re eyeing for part two: Azalea Mall and Virginia Center Commons.
Front Lawn Fun | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History & Culture | Free | Bring the kiddos to let out some energy with lawn bowling and stick horse races.
Mountain Bike Ride | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Carytown Bicycle Company | Free | Bikers with intermediate to advanced experience can give this community ride a go — if it’s the right fit, you can return at the same time next Tuesday.
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Chesapeake Baysox | Tuesday, July 1-Thursday, July 3 | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond | $13+ | This week’s games include Richmond Virginians’ Night, James Madison University Night, + a Fourth of July celebration with fireworks.
Wednesday, July 2
Live at The Branch: Ari Voxx + The Sad Lads | 6-8 p.m. | The Branch Museum of Design | $35+, tables for one, two, or four available | DJ Ari Voxx channels the dreamy pop sounds of the 1980s and 1990s, while The Sad Lads drift into a nostalgic, lyrical atmosphere.
Thursday, July 3
Summery Fruit Painted Tote Bags | 2-3 p.m. | Ginter Park Library | Free | The library is celebrating Plastic-Free July with D.I.Y. tote bags — all supplies provided.
Friday, July 4
July 4th Naturalization Ceremony | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History and Culture | Free | Celebrate America’s newest citizens at this special naturalization ceremony, part of VMHC’s 250th anniversary commemoration.*
This event is free and open to the public, but seating for the ceremony is on a first-come, first-served basis. | Photo provided by Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Celebrate freedom, community, and new beginnings at VMHC on Friday, July 4, with a special Naturalization Ceremony welcoming America’s newest citizens.
Held in partnership with the US District Court and USCIS, this free event includes fun festivities following the ceremony:
Naturalization Ceremony | Robins Family Forum | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cake, lemonade, and live music | Commonwealth Hall | 12-1 p.m.
VCU Rams’ basketball star Max Shulga is joining the big leagues in Boston. Shulga was selected No. 57 in the NBA Draft — first picked by the Orlando Magic + later traded to the Boston Celtics. (Atlantic 10)
Mansion Monday
The 1970s are calling, and we’re on the other line. Meet Sommerwood, a six bed, six bath house tucked into the trees along Cherokee and Huguenot Roads. Take a virtual tour of this 1976 home, which features a regal curved staircase, spacious sunroom, and a rec room with a wooden built-in bar.
Number
72.2 million. That’s how many Americans are expected to travel for the Fourth of July, a 2.4% increase from last year. This includes an estimated 5.84 million people traveling by air — if you’re one of those flyers, familiarize yourself with Richmond International Airport before departure. (AAA)
Drink
Ready for a twist on a classic? Good Housekeeping named the spicy pina colada the drink of the summer, which heats up the cocktail’s recipe by adding a spicy ingredient like chile-infused rum. If you’d rather drink something else, we think local happy hours are always on trend.
Ranked
No. 43. That’s where Richmond ranked on Resonance’s list of America’s 100 best cities. The ranking used data ranging from a city’s GDP to content on Tripadvisor and Instagram + highlighted Richmond’s attractions and recent developments.
Number
45%. That’s the percentage of Americans who believe they need to make at least a six-figure annual income to be comfortable financially. Explore our jobs board to see if that six-figure salary is waiting for you locally. (Bankrate)
Community
Got extra diapers or baby supplies? Virginia Physicians for Women is hosting a Mama and Baby Supplies Drive through Thursday, July 17. Drop off diapers, wipes, formula, and more at any VPFW location — or donate through their Amazon Wishlist. Support local families in need.*
Civic
Pothole on your block? Missed trash pickup? You can report these issues — and more — through RVA 311’s website, mobile app, or by calling 3-1-1. It’s a fast, simple way to connect with city services right when you need them. See what you can request.*
Community
Uh-oh, short-staffed again? Don’t sweat it — the RICtoday Job Board has your back. Post your job, reach awesome local talent, and get that role filled fast. Oh, and did we mention it’s totally free? Yep, like zero dollars.
Editor Elise is Richmond Young Writers’ No. 1 fan. | Photo by RICtoday
Summer camps are more than just a way to keep kids busy. They help young minds stay engaged with the community, invested in their passions, and curious about new interests. Here are a few camps and classes still open for registration this summer:
Week-long camps
Virginia Repertory Theatre, various locations
Sign your shining star up for camps like Stage Explorers or Performer’s Institute.
Richmond Young Writers, various locations
Summer classes for ages 9-15 include themes such as confessional poetry + writing with oracle cards — plus, a one-day workshop in screenplay writing.
Richmond SPCA, 2519 Hermitage Rd.
Spots are filling fast, but there are still 10+ pawsome camps with openings from July to August.
One-day classes
Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd.
This public estate hosts a variety of crafting, foraging, and history workshops for youth of all ages.
Young Chefs Academy, 2230 John Rolfe Pkwy.
Your mini Gordon Ramsay can explore the basics of farm-to-table cooking with one-day or multi-day class opportunities.
We’ve got all the Fourth of July essentials you need and won’t immediately throw away after the holiday. (Think: Family-friend games you can play all summer long, a reusable + safe alternative to fireworks, and grill accessories that last). Buy these items today for the chance for them to arrive before the holiday.
🍖 Get the grill ready with this scouring stone that cleans better and faster than a brush.
🔥 Speaking of the grill, trade your old pocket lighter for this windproof one.
🎆 This light up bubble blower serves as a safe, kid-friendly replacement for fireworks.
🇺🇸 This red, white, and blue reusable tablecloth is stain-resistant and waterproof.
☀️ No summer holiday is complete without a fun backyard game like Spikeball or lifesize Jenga.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The fan-fave popup opened a dine-in/take-out location in Church Hill last November. However, each option represents a new pizza restaurant opened in RVA within the last year. Want to see where Emmy Squared opened?
Movieland at Boulevard Square has just unveiled its $5 million makeover, which includes a new arcade, duckpin bowling, expanded concessions (with a fully equipped bar), reclining seats, and additional auditoriums.
Eager to check out the upgrades? From now until Thursday, July 3, you can receive a free small drink + a $5 arcade card with your ticket purchase.
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