Help plant trees at a local library, and see your volunteer efforts grow in real time. | Photo via James River Association
Want to add some volunteer work to your October calendar? With dozens of local causes making change in our city, you can seek out options that suit your interests and availability (or try something totally new).
To help you find your fit, we rounded up a few October volunteer opportunities based on different personal interests and personality traits.
For the nature lover: Plant trees at a local library
Join PlanRVA + the James River Association to help expand the tree canopy at a local library — an act of beautification as well as protection, adding vital shade to one of Richmond’s “urban heat islands.” Volunteers can opt for a morning or afternoon shift.
Weddings at the ballpark. CarMax Park is working toward its 2026 stadium opening, but baseball isn’t all that’s on the playing field. Earlier this week, the Flying Squirrels launched 804Live, an entertainment company aimed at facilitating year-round concerts, festivals, business gatherings, and, yes, weddings. (12 On Your Side)
Sports
High school football season is rallying excitement in the Richmond area, and Highland Springs is the frontrunner of the week. The team earned a “revenge win” over Phoebus last Friday, following last year’s high-profile loss. See the team in action at tonight’s home game at 7 p.m. (CBS 6)
Election
Did you watch the Virginia governor’s debate last night? To ensure you’re registered and ready to vote, visit our election guide to check your status, find your polling location, and see what’s on the ballot for Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Trending
Francine’s lost-and-found story isn’t quieting down yet. In fact, it’s officially taking hold of the national news sphere — think AP News, The Washington Post, and USA Today. Since returning home to the West Broad Lowe’s, Francine’s narrative reached the happy ending we all hoped for, and major news sources are jumping on the sentiment. Cue the Google search.
Transit
Have you noticed the new curb extensions, red-light cameras, and speed checks in Richmond? Those are the results of the city’s long-term Vision Zero initiative. Have a say in what comes next with these two feedback surveys about upcoming projects and transit culture in Richmond.
Listen
While we’re on the topic, what other changes might be coming to Richmond? Local podcast RVA’s Got Issues sat down for a one-on-one interview with the mayor, seeking answers to questions like “What is Mayor Avula trying to change?” and “What will he have to battle to get it done?” (VPM)
Plan Ahead
Good news, Richmond: The Dominion Energy Charity Classic is back Oct. 17-19 with PGA Tour Champions play, live music, and community events. A long weekend of golf and giving at Richmond’s premier tournament? Yes, please.*
Featured Deal
Hair loss deserves more than guesswork. That’s why we’ve partnered with Happy Head. Use code 6AM to get 45% off a dermatologist-developed, customizable treatment plan for hair loss.*
The Buy
Fall = cozy vibes only. We’re staying warm (and stylish) with these five picks:
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.
My birthday dinner results are in. After much consideration and some great reader suggestions (thank you), my Dad and I decided on Metzger Bar + Butchery. As a former Church Hill resident, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to share my love for the neighborhood.