Help “Spread the Love” this February. | Photo via Henrico County Human Resources
The smallest gestures can make the biggest impacts. Henrico County’s sixth annual “Spread the Love” campaign is officially underway.
What is Spread the Love?
Henrico collects Valentine’s Day cards to later distribute among older adults in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
How can you contribute?
Craft your card(s), then either bring them to one of four drop-off locations or mail them to Henrico EngAGE — save the address. Card collections are open now through Friday, Feb. 6. You do not have to be a resident of Henrico to participate.
Pro tip: Organizers suggest keeping each card’s message generic, with an uplifting Valentine’s Day sentiment.
Have you noticed the mysterious construction site next to Shyndigz on West Cary? The sweet secret is out: Shyndigz 24/7. The local dessert business is installing a refrigerated vending machine + 18 fridge lockers to be kept stocked with cakes, pies, and fresh flowers. Don’t forget the 24/7 part.
Development
Plans to redevelop two historic churches — both located in Richmond’s East End — have advanced with support from the city’s planning commission. Proposals aim to turn New Mt. Calvary Holy Church into a 17-unit residential complex and Bethlehem Baptist Church into four office spaces. (Richmond BizSense)
Try This
Want to see a bird’s-eye view of Richmond without having to make rooftop dinner reservations? After six years of closure, the Observation Deck at City Hall has reopened to the public. You can access the 18th-floor deck on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Award
Richmond’s Altria Theater is in the running for Theatre of the Year. The nationwide contest narrowed the stage to six candidates, and Altria is the only nominee outside a major US metro city —see the other nominees. The awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this April.
Drink
Sip Société, formerly known as Southside’s Oxford Cellars, underwent a recent name change and relocation. The boutique wine shop will host a grand (re)opening tonight, Jan. 9, at its new space near Willow Lawn. Guests can enjoy free wine tastings from 5-7 p.m.
Open
Justin Westbrook Antiques has a new sister-store, Westbrook & Friends, now open on Libbie Avenue in the West End. Riddled with estate-sale treasures, the new shop plans to focus on antique furniture, differentiating itself from its companion shop on Patterson Avenue. (Richmond Magazine)
Finance
You’re smart — but your spending can still be dumb. Here are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money on.*
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The Buy
Take the guesswork out of healthy eating with chef-cooked meals from Forkful. Instead of spending hours on Pinterest looking for recipes, opt for high-quality, nourishing meals delivered right to your door. Forkful’s meals boast only the finest ingredients, like grass-fed meats, wild-caught seafood, and organic produce. Think: protein-packed pastas and plant-based burrito bowls. Plus, Forkful meals are never frozen + only take 2-3 minutes to prepare.
A 24-hour Shyndigz vending machine was not on my 2026 Bingo card, but I’m into the sweet surprise. I’m also so curious to see what the vending-machine element will look like. You can see some of the conceptual design in Shyndigz’s post, but I’m still wondering.
Question for the crowd: What local business would you love to see open 24/7? Let me know.
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