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A memorable mend
Learn how this starry alarm clock became one of Repair Café RVA’s most sentimental stories. | Photo by Antonio Guarniere
Last week, we chatted with the founder of Repair Café RVA, Jenny Kobayashi Malone, to reflect on the anniversary of the volunteer-led program. Read our Q+A, although we left out one part at the time. We felt this story deserved its own spotlight.
What have been your most memorable repairs over the past year?
Editor’s note:Kobayashi Malone recounted a few fond stories, one involving a defunct toaster that required a near-surgical sesame seed removal. Another — a treadmill that had never run a day in its life until the cafe’s volunteers stepped in. The final repair memory she told us struck a chord.
“There was an older woman who brought in two items [to Repair Café RVA] that were really special to her.
I think they belonged to her grandmother — a music box with a ballerina in it and an alarm clock with holes punched in it so light could shine through and have stars shine on your wall...”
History in full bloom: Don’t miss Revolutionary Gardens
Presented by Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Step into a world where Virginia’s rich past and vibrant nature come together. | Photos provided by Virginia Museum of History & Culture
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture, in partnership with the Garden Club of Virginia, invites guests to History Blooms, a three-day celebration from Feb. 20-22. This year’s theme, Revolutionary Gardens, celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with dozens of floral displays crafted by Garden Club member clubs from across the state.
Weekend highlights:
Day one: Special lectures, workshops, and demonstrations on Virginia history, gardening, and landscape preservation (separate tickets required)
All three days: Explore immersive floral displays throughout the museum
Daily admission: Access to all floral displays included with museum admission
Whether you’re a history buff, gardening enthusiast, or simply seeking inspiration, History Blooms offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Virginia’s past through flowers.
Don’t curb your cravings. French-inspired bakery Le Petit Morceau will host a soft opening in Manchester this weekend, Feb. 21 + 22. The local business has established itself as a pop-up staple over the years, so you might recognize some menu favorites if you stop by. (Richmond Magazine)
City
Henrico County launched a pilot program to provide free public access to naloxone products. Empower Henrico Distribution Cabinets, each holding up to 10 boxes of naloxone, have been installed at four mental health centers as well as both Libbie Mill and Fairfield Area libraries.
Watch
Eager to see the construction progress at Brown’s Island? We were too. Luckily, this bird’s-eye video helped quell our curiosity. If you need a refresher on the city’s countless construction projects, you’re not alone, but we can help you keep up with the crane.
Transit
Speaking of construction, there’s another street improvement project kicking off in mid-March.See what’s changing for Hull Street, between Cowardin Avenue and Belt Boulevard. Announced earlier this month, construction on Jahnke Road will begin in late February.
Cause
Over a dozen Black-owned restaurants across Virginia are participating in a “pay what you can” outreach effort lasting through Sunday, Feb. 22. See the list of participating restaurants, which includes several Richmond-area businesses. (WTVR)
Holiday
The team at Scrap RVA in Brookland Park wants to help folks celebrate Lunar New Year the best way they know how — colorful, resourceful crafts. Bonus: They made prepackaged collage kits so you can have a head start. Take a look.
Shop
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Health
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Finance
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Pro Tip
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The Buy
A 4.6-star rated collagen mask that features a Botox-like peptide developed using Nobel Prize-winning technology. It deeply moisturizes dry skin while boosting elasticity and improving skin sebum levels.
Yesterday, I asked for leads on where to find paczkis in Richmond. Fat Tuesday (the holiday associated with the traditional Polish treat) may have passed, but this feedback from Reader Abby K. is certainly worth holding onto:
“Emailing to recommend Ryba’s Pierogi for paczkis!!! (@i.love.rybas on IG) They are unfortunately sold out this year, but nonetheless wanted to give a shoutout to a local biz making the sweet treat! If we bug them enough, maybe they’ll make paczkis on a more regular basis?”
I’m with you on that last sentiment. Thank you for sharing!
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