Graphic by Sarah Cole
We’ve enjoyed almost 300,000 unique visitors to our website in 2013 and it’s been a fun year! We welcomed Brian Roome and Christa Donohue as the new owners and creative minds behind the BEST FAMILY WEBSITE in Richmond and continued to expand the great content our readers love.
As we enter 2014, we took a look back at the most popular articles and posts of 2013. Here are some of our most-read stories of the year:
- Potty Training the Strong Willed Child: How We Do It
- Stepping Back but Not Away
- Benefits of Breast Feeding
- An Adoption Story: Life Filled with Surprises
- Mama Wears Shorty Shorts and She Don’t Care!
- 7 Lessons I Learned from Going Gluten Free for One Month
- Finding Me: A Sister’s Notes in the Loss of Her Brother
- Top 5 Things I’ve Learned as a Newbie Swim Team Mom
- Why I Won’t Resolve to Lose Weight This Year
- Peace Love and Parenthood
- Fear and Confrontation in Parenting
- Old School Versus New School Parenting
- You Ruined My Life
- Richmond is Not the South
- The Great Richmond Yogurt Wars
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Click here to view the events for the coming week and beyond. Our comprehensive family-friendly event calendar makes it easier to find what you’re looking for when you want it. You don’t have to wait and get the event calendar on Monday – it’s here 24/7 now!
This is a very exciting week because something very spooky is happening. That’s right, it’s Halloween! Get your costumes and trick or treat bags ready and don’t forget to check out our huge list of Halloween events sure to keep you and your family spectacularly entertained.
Don’t miss these exciting events this week:
Richmondmom.com’s contest celebration to honor Noah’s Children (Thank YOU for making this possible!)
Cartwheels and Coffee Mom Swap
And enough Halloween and Trick or Treating events to keep you entertained all night long!
Then spend your weekend glowing at the Science Museum, having an adult night out at the Wine Loft, or auditioning for The Color Purple!
There’s more than enough events to keep your Halloween week entertaining, educational, and even a little spooky. Visit our calendar to plan your best Halloween week yet!
Do you have an event you would like added to the Richmondmom.com calendar? Let us know! Email rhonda@richmondmom.com and see your event featured on our site!
Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many local events and activities for kids and adults. Don’t have a card? No worries – download a copy here!
Happy Halloween! Stay safe and eat a piece of candy (or two) for your friends at Richmondmom.com!
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October is SIDS and Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
October is SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
I always feel a little out of place speaking or writing about pregnancy and infant loss and its impact on my life, because I haven’t personally lost a pregnancy or infant. I feel like I’ll say the wrong thing. I worry about coming across as insensitive. But it is a very important issue and month for me, and for many who have experienced those things or work on behalf of those who have.
For almost 15 years, my work has intersected or focused on either preventing infant loss or representing the stories and interests of those families who have lost a baby.
My first intimate experience with infant loss occurred when I was in the Peace Corps in 1999. I vividly remember Jacqueline, a baby whose mother had died in childbirth. A woman who was a health worker I knew had essentially adopted Jacqueline, trying to save her life. In unhygienic conditions and without proper medical care, Jacqueline lived for less than a week. I still feel that I could have done something to help save that baby, but to this day I am unsure what.
In graduate school, I focused on maternal and child health. One internship brought me face to face with professionals, legislators and families who were working hard to figure out how to reduce prematurity and birth defects – the leading causes of infant loss.
Another internship brought me into the homes of poor women and families to help them have a healthy pregnancy. I vividly remember helping one struggling family negotiate with a grocery store manager to return a can of formula because they bought the wrong one and did not have enough money to buy another can of the correct formula for their newborn.
My career took me on a path that evaluated a state-wide nurse home visiting program in Oklahoma, during which we were able to demonstrate that the services that the program resulted in a lower rate of infant loss in our population.
Later, I supervised a program which pieced together the details of over 50 infant losses a year so a community team could try to figure out what could be done to support moms and families, and how the community could come together to help prevent other such losses. During that time, I interviewed mothers, and often the fathers, of babies who had died. I sat in their living rooms and listened to their stories, and held their hands, sat silently as they recalled tragic events and cried.
I will always carry their stories with me.
Throughout my children’s infancy, I couldn’t help but imagine those events happening to our family, and I think my sympathy and understanding grew. So did my passion for my career field. Today I am blessed to manage a public health program whose sole purpose is to help reduce the rate of infant loss in three communities in Virginia.
No, I don’t have a personal story to tell about pregnancy and infant loss. But I believe that when a family loses a baby, the community does too. It is a tragedy for us all. This month, my heart is with families who have lost a baby, and with the nurses, doctors, social workers, first responders, researchers, chaplains, friends, family and anybody else who work so that more babies will live.
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Click here to view the events for the coming week and beyond. Our comprehensive family-friendly event calendar makes it easier to find what you’re looking for when you want it. You don’t have to wait and get the event calendar on Monday – it’s here 24/7 now!
Be sure and visit our mega listing of Halloween events and October fall festivals too. You’ll find dozens of local events all month long.
This will be lots of fun this week. Don’t miss:
- Monster’s University at the Byrd
- Identity: An Exhibition of You
- Richmond Montessori Open House
- Family Fun Days
- St. Christopher’s Open House
- 5th Annual Romp n’ Roll Halloween Bash
- Suicide Prevention Walk
- Virginia Women’s Conference (with Kate Hall too!)
- Carnivals and Clowns, Instrument Petting Zoo, and More
- Tons of Halloween Events – click here!
Visit our calendar and plan an active week of fun, learning, and entertainment!
Be sure and email us with your upcoming events so we can add them to the calendar too. You can email me at rhonda@richmondmom.com anytime.
Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many local events and activities for kids and adults. Don’t have a card? No worries – download a copy here!
And always remember to click here for our weekly health tips from Virgina Women’s Center – where they know women and what we need to know!
Kate Hall
The 4th Annual Women’s Conference is Saturday, October 26, 2013 at the Richmond Marriott Downtown and it’s a day filled with great speakers and lots of valuable information. If you’re an entrepreneur, mompreneur, or just interested in what’s going on in the world of business, health, and social media, you’re going to love this conference! The event is free to all participants.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Doors Open at 8 a.m.
8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Richmond Marriott
500 E. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 22319
Hosted by Senator Mark R. Warner, VCU Medical Center, Virginia State University and Virginia’s Community Colleges.
And there’s one more BIG reason you may want to attend. Our own Kate Hall is a panelist on the topic of social media! Who better to talk about optimizing social media for your business than the Richmondmom.com founder?
Putting Social Media to Work for You
Facebook is great for staying in touch with friends and sharing pictures. You get all your news from Twitter. But do you know how to unlock the full potential of social media and put it to work for you? This session will share best practices for maximizing social media – an important platform for networking and showcasing your professional profile. The content you post every day is building your personal brand – make it count! A strong personal brand online is an important factor for potential employers and clients. Join our panelists to learn the best way to use different social media platforms to your advantage.Moderated by Addie Bryant, Office of Senator Mark R. Warner
Latryce Noel, Public Relations & Marketing Specialist, Virginia State University
Judi Crenshaw, Communications & Marketing Manager, Virginia Council on Economic Education
Kate W. Hall, Founder/Writer Richmondmom.com
Kendall Morris, Founding Partner, Create Digital
You will also enjoy hearing from Mary Foley, Emcee, Author and Radio Host, along with other great speakers. Click here for the full agenda.
Fun and engaging topics include information on:
- Your Financial Roadmap
- The Affordable Care Act & You
- Create Your Next Job…Become an Entrepreneur!
- Make Shift Happen
- Ages & Stages: Women’s Health & Happiness
- Women as Agents of Change: Rising to the Challenge of Building Community
- And much more!
It’s an inspiring day for women that you don’t want to miss. Click here for details and take advantage of this free conference to get your creative juices flowing and create the life you’ve always wanted!
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Click here to view the events for the coming week and beyond. Our comprehensive family-friendly event calendar makes it easier to find what you’re looking for when you want it. You don’t have to wait and get the event calendar on Monday – it’s here 24/7 now!
Be sure and visit our mega listing of Halloween events and October fall festivals too. You’ll find dozens of local events all month long.
This will be lots of fun this week. Don’t miss:
- Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge
- All Fired Up After School Enrichment
- St. Christopher’s Fall Open House
- Hugs and Kisses at VA Rep
- Identity: An Exhibition of You opening
- 45th Richmond Fall Oktoberfest
- 32nd Annual Midlothian Village Day Festival
- NAMI Walks 5k
- Stony Point Howl-O-Ween Family Fest
- LOTS MORE!
Visit our calendar and plan an active week of fun, learning, and entertainment!
Be sure and email us with your upcoming events so we can add them to the calendar too. You can email me at rhonda@richmondmom.com anytime.
Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many local events and activities for kids and adults. Don’t have a card? No worries – download a copy here!
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Labor Day signals the end of summer for most school-age kids in the area, and that means lots of schedule changes for parents too. As we move into September and head back-to-school, we’ll keep you posted on all of the events for kids of all ages – and parents too!
Click here to view the events for the coming week and also for the month of September and beyond. Our comprehensive family-friendly event calendar makes it easier to find what you’re looking for when you want it. You don’t have to wait and get the events calendar on Monday – it’s here 24/7 now!
- Sort by day (and click on the “View all….” at the bottom of each day for a complete listing of events for that day – including location, time, and website information when available)
- Sort by month
- Or sort the list of events for each day
Be sure and email us with your upcoming events so we can add them to the calendar too. You can email me at rhonda@richmondmom.com anytime.
Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many local events and activities for kids and adults. Don’t have a card? No worries – download a copy here!
Event times and locations may change after posting. Please visit websites or call to confirm event details.
In addition to this week’s calendar, here are some of the highlights you don’t want to miss!
- Wine Down at the Wine Loft is rescheduled to September 11 (2nd Wednesday of the month). It’s hard enough going back to school so we’re giving you a little extra time to adjust your schedules!
- Enter our contest and you could win free movie tickets to “The Mortal Instruments – City of Bones”, and $100 in prizes!
- Enter to win free tickets to Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate!
- September is College Savings Month at VA529 – you’ll find lots of events to celebrate. And you might win $2,529!
- Save up to $50 at Hip to be Round during their Labor Day sale on September 2!
- Stroller Strides is offering September specials and Body Back starts September 9.
- Pit Stop is coming to CMoR Short Pump on September 4th!
- VA529 College Savings Day at the Museum is filled with fun.
- Romp n’ Roll Open House is September 7 and it’s FREE! 9am-12noon.
]]>Visit our comprehensive family-friendly calendar for all of the week’s events ahead!
Event times and locations may change after posting. Please visit websites or call to confirm event details.
Have an event to share? Email us at rhonda@richmondmom.com.
Be sure and check out our Special Back-to-School section of our website this week! Check our Weekly Health Tips from Virginia Women’s Center too!
Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many local events and activities for kids and adults. Don’t have a card? No worries – download a copy here!
Click for FUN HIGHLIGHTS!
Be sure and vote for our Real Cute Kids in our contest: click here.
Grab your 30% off at Great Wolf Lodge by September 9, 2013: click here.
Get 50% off for Disney Live Shows: click here.
Join the Out of the Darkness Walk: click here.
Enter Romp n’ Roll sweepstakes no later than September 5 to win 3 months of classes: click here.
Mark your calendar for Romp n’ Roll’s FREE open house on September 7: click here.
Enjoy some delicious Mexican food at Chuy’s during the Green Chili Festival: click here.
Boost! is OPEN, Signaling Beginning of Multi-Year Transformation for the Museum - Now Open! Celebrate with us as the Museum shares its biggest new, permanent exhibition in a decade and heralds the start of new, exciting things to come: Click here.
Events for Monday, August 26th 2013
Revolutions: Songs of Social Change
Through January 5, 2014 The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! What does one of Bob Dylan’s best–known songs have to do with slavery and the American Civil War? How did spiritual songs recorded by Union soldiers in the 1860s become popular protest songs 100 years later? Every song has a […]
Denim Drive
Whitten Brothers 5th annual denim drive at Chesterfield Towne Center to benefit Chesterfield County schools and Goodwill’s community programs. Clean out your closets of all things denim (shorts, pants, jackets etc.) to support Chesterfield County PTA’s and Goodwill’s community-based programs – Wednesday, August 21 – Sunday, September 22nd . Ceremony to be held at Chesterfield […]
Chesterfield County Fair
County Fair with agricultural displays, firds, midway, fun, food and more! Chesterfield County Fairgrounds. 100th Anniversary year!
Robots + Us
Science Museum – Explore differences between humans and robots by examining how lifelike machines imitate moving, sensing, thinking and being. Investigate robotics, computer science and biomedical engineering through enjoyable interactive exhibits and videos. Included with exhibit admission. Free for members.
Hubble
Giant Screen Film at the Museum – Journey through distant galaxies and accompany astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
Giant Screen at the Museum – Experience an exhilarating raft ride down the Colorado River with a team of explorers including renowned river advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and anthropologist Wade Davis. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Chuy’s Green Chili Festival
Chuy’s CELEBRATES 25th annual green chile fesTIVAL FOR THE FIRST TIME AT cHUY’S Richmond Restaurants introduce special menu using fresh green chiles from Hatch, New Mexico RICHMOND, VA – For this first time, Chuy’s Richmond located at 11229 W. Broad Street, will celebrate Chuy’s Green Chile Festival, a 25-year tradition started by the Austin, […]
Lewis Ginter Water Play
Lewis Ginter water play during the week (weather permitting). Extended Hours during Flowers after Five Thursday evenings, June – August, 5 – 8:00 p.m.
VHS Long Term Exhibits
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 1pm-5pm The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! Long term exhibits – visit Museum website to confirm exhibits are still available: The Story of Virginia, An American Experience Long-term This 10,000-square-foot, family-friendly exhibition includes several interactive features. It showcases more than 1,000 objects and covers 16,000 years of Virginia history […]
Events for Tuesday, August 27th 2013
Revolutions: Songs of Social Change
Through January 5, 2014 The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! What does one of Bob Dylan’s best–known songs have to do with slavery and the American Civil War? How did spiritual songs recorded by Union soldiers in the 1860s become popular protest songs 100 years later? Every song has a […]
Denim Drive
Whitten Brothers 5th annual denim drive at Chesterfield Towne Center to benefit Chesterfield County schools and Goodwill’s community programs. Clean out your closets of all things denim (shorts, pants, jackets etc.) to support Chesterfield County PTA’s and Goodwill’s community-based programs – Wednesday, August 21 – Sunday, September 22nd . Ceremony to be held at Chesterfield […]
Chesterfield County Fair
County Fair with agricultural displays, firds, midway, fun, food and more! Chesterfield County Fairgrounds. 100th Anniversary year!
Robots + Us
Science Museum – Explore differences between humans and robots by examining how lifelike machines imitate moving, sensing, thinking and being. Investigate robotics, computer science and biomedical engineering through enjoyable interactive exhibits and videos. Included with exhibit admission. Free for members.
Hubble
Giant Screen Film at the Museum – Journey through distant galaxies and accompany astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
Giant Screen at the Museum – Experience an exhilarating raft ride down the Colorado River with a team of explorers including renowned river advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and anthropologist Wade Davis. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Chuy’s Green Chili Festival
Chuy’s CELEBRATES 25th annual green chile fesTIVAL FOR THE FIRST TIME AT cHUY’S Richmond Restaurants introduce special menu using fresh green chiles from Hatch, New Mexico RICHMOND, VA – For this first time, Chuy’s Richmond located at 11229 W. Broad Street, will celebrate Chuy’s Green Chile Festival, a 25-year tradition started by the Austin, […]
Lewis Ginter Water Play
Lewis Ginter water play during the week (weather permitting). Extended Hours during Flowers after Five Thursday evenings, June – August, 5 – 8:00 p.m.
Westchester Commons Kid’s Club
Westchester Commons Kid’s Club. Crafts, games and story time. Free fun for parents and kids.
VHS Long Term Exhibits
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 1pm-5pm The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! Long term exhibits – visit Museum website to confirm exhibits are still available: The Story of Virginia, An American Experience Long-term This 10,000-square-foot, family-friendly exhibition includes several interactive features. It showcases more than 1,000 objects and covers 16,000 years of Virginia history […]
Tae Kwon Do Classes at CMoR Chesterfield
The Children’s Museum has partnered with Grandmaster Dong’s Studio to offer Tae Kwon Do Tuesdays at CMoR Chesterfield! Here are some exciting details: Classes run on Tuesdays from June 4 through August 27 from 6-7pm CMoR members ages 3-5 years are encouraged to participate Classes are $15 per student, which includes a uniform with patches, […]
Concert in the Park
Deep Run Park (9900 Ridgefield Parkway Henrico, VA 23233). All ages. The Henrico Community Band will perform in a series of three outdoor concerts. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a casual evening in the park at the Nature Pavilion listening to your favorite band music! In case of inclement weather, the concerts […]
Events for Wednesday, August 28th 2013
Revolutions: Songs of Social Change
Through January 5, 2014 The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! What does one of Bob Dylan’s best–known songs have to do with slavery and the American Civil War? How did spiritual songs recorded by Union soldiers in the 1860s become popular protest songs 100 years later? Every song has a […]
Denim Drive
Whitten Brothers 5th annual denim drive at Chesterfield Towne Center to benefit Chesterfield County schools and Goodwill’s community programs. Clean out your closets of all things denim (shorts, pants, jackets etc.) to support Chesterfield County PTA’s and Goodwill’s community-based programs – Wednesday, August 21 – Sunday, September 22nd . Ceremony to be held at Chesterfield […]
Chesterfield County Fair
Lots of rides, food, and fun in Chesterfield County. 100th anniversary of the fair. Much hard work has gone into planning our 100th Fair scheduled to open on Friday, August 23rd and run through Saturday, August 31st. We’ve expanded our entertainment and exhibit line-up to include a bull riding competition, Bengal tiger showcase, pro wrestling, […]
Robots + Us
Science Museum – Explore differences between humans and robots by examining how lifelike machines imitate moving, sensing, thinking and being. Investigate robotics, computer science and biomedical engineering through enjoyable interactive exhibits and videos. Included with exhibit admission. Free for members.
Hubble
Giant Screen Film at the Museum – Journey through distant galaxies and accompany astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
Giant Screen at the Museum – Experience an exhilarating raft ride down the Colorado River with a team of explorers including renowned river advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and anthropologist Wade Davis. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Chuy’s Green Chili Festival
Chuy’s CELEBRATES 25th annual green chile fesTIVAL FOR THE FIRST TIME AT cHUY’S Richmond Restaurants introduce special menu using fresh green chiles from Hatch, New Mexico RICHMOND, VA – For this first time, Chuy’s Richmond located at 11229 W. Broad Street, will celebrate Chuy’s Green Chile Festival, a 25-year tradition started by the Austin, […]
Adult Book Club
Wednesday, August 21 2:00pm Adult Book Club- Belmont Library – The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl Wednesday, August 28 6:30pm West End Library- We are not your typical book club! Join us for a lively discussion of the book The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. We will have several copies available at the front desk. New members are encouraged to […]
Lewis Ginter Water Play
Lewis Ginter water play during the week (weather permitting). Extended Hours during Flowers after Five Thursday evenings, June – August, 5 – 8:00 p.m.
VHS Long Term Exhibits
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 1pm-5pm The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! Long term exhibits – visit Museum website to confirm exhibits are still available: The Story of Virginia, An American Experience Long-term This 10,000-square-foot, family-friendly exhibition includes several interactive features. It showcases more than 1,000 objects and covers 16,000 years of Virginia history […]
Lunch Break Science at the Museum
Pack a lunch and join us. Science Museum scientists and others share easy to understand information on a wide range of science topics. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Free. Click here for list of topics as they may change after posting below. May 29 – Resolving Nuisance Deer Problems presented by Virginia […]
Innsbrook After Hours
Innsbrook After Hours. Gates open at 5:00pm, and concert-goers will be introduced to a significantly expanded food court with seating and pre show specials, as well as a marketplace with entertainment for patrons to enjoy prior to the show. For 28 years, Innsbrook After Hours has brought the Central Virginia area great live music acts such […]
RVA Food Trucks at Chesterfield Mall
RVA Food Trucks at Chesterfield Mall. Expect trucks like Soul Ice, Boka, Mr. Softy, Habanero, Almadina, Paris Creperie, The Dog Wagon, Station 2, P&T Kitchen, Grate Pizza, Chupacabra, Super Fresh, Slideways Mobile Bistro, Croaker Spot, King of Pops, Thai Cabin, Flynn’s Foods, and The Meatball Company. Tables and chairs will be set out. Each event will be […]
Meet the Doulas
Wednesday’s with Jeff
Events for Thursday, August 29th 2013
Revolutions: Songs of Social Change
Through January 5, 2014 The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! What does one of Bob Dylan’s best–known songs have to do with slavery and the American Civil War? How did spiritual songs recorded by Union soldiers in the 1860s become popular protest songs 100 years later? Every song has a […]
Denim Drive
Whitten Brothers 5th annual denim drive at Chesterfield Towne Center to benefit Chesterfield County schools and Goodwill’s community programs. Clean out your closets of all things denim (shorts, pants, jackets etc.) to support Chesterfield County PTA’s and Goodwill’s community-based programs – Wednesday, August 21 – Sunday, September 22nd . Ceremony to be held at Chesterfield […]
Chesterfield County Fair
County Fair with agricultural displays, firds, midway, fun, food and more! Chesterfield County Fairgrounds. 100th Anniversary year!
Robots + Us
Science Museum – Explore differences between humans and robots by examining how lifelike machines imitate moving, sensing, thinking and being. Investigate robotics, computer science and biomedical engineering through enjoyable interactive exhibits and videos. Included with exhibit admission. Free for members.
Hubble
Giant Screen Film at the Museum – Journey through distant galaxies and accompany astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
Giant Screen at the Museum – Experience an exhilarating raft ride down the Colorado River with a team of explorers including renowned river advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and anthropologist Wade Davis. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Chuy’s Green Chili Festival
Chuy’s CELEBRATES 25th annual green chile fesTIVAL FOR THE FIRST TIME AT cHUY’S Richmond Restaurants introduce special menu using fresh green chiles from Hatch, New Mexico RICHMOND, VA – For this first time, Chuy’s Richmond located at 11229 W. Broad Street, will celebrate Chuy’s Green Chile Festival, a 25-year tradition started by the Austin, […]
Lewis Ginter Water Play
Lewis Ginter water play during the week (weather permitting). Extended Hours during Flowers after Five Thursday evenings, June – August, 5 – 8:00 p.m.
VHS Long Term Exhibits
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 1pm-5pm The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! Long term exhibits – visit Museum website to confirm exhibits are still available: The Story of Virginia, An American Experience Long-term This 10,000-square-foot, family-friendly exhibition includes several interactive features. It showcases more than 1,000 objects and covers 16,000 years of Virginia history […]
Flowers After Five
Lewis Ginter – Regular Garden admission: $11 adults; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 3 – 12; free for children under age 3 and free admission for Garden Members. Planning to visit the Garden more than once or twice this year? Membership can save you money. June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; August […]
Florida Georgia Line
One of country music’s hottest new acts, Florida Georgia Line, is coming to The Classic Amphitheater at Richmond International Raceway Thursday, August 29, with Colt Ford set to open the show, co-promoted by RIR and Whisper Concerts, Inc. The Florida Georgia Line duo is comprised of Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, whose single, “Cruise,” hit […]
Events for Friday, August 30th 2013
Revolutions: Songs of Social Change
Through January 5, 2014 The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! What does one of Bob Dylan’s best–known songs have to do with slavery and the American Civil War? How did spiritual songs recorded by Union soldiers in the 1860s become popular protest songs 100 years later? Every song has a […]
Denim Drive
Whitten Brothers 5th annual denim drive at Chesterfield Towne Center to benefit Chesterfield County schools and Goodwill’s community programs. Clean out your closets of all things denim (shorts, pants, jackets etc.) to support Chesterfield County PTA’s and Goodwill’s community-based programs – Wednesday, August 21 – Sunday, September 22nd . Ceremony to be held at Chesterfield […]
Chesterfield County Fair
County Fair with agricultural displays, firds, midway, fun, food and more! Chesterfield County Fairgrounds. 100th Anniversary year!
Robots + Us
Science Museum – Explore differences between humans and robots by examining how lifelike machines imitate moving, sensing, thinking and being. Investigate robotics, computer science and biomedical engineering through enjoyable interactive exhibits and videos. Included with exhibit admission. Free for members.
Hubble
Giant Screen Film at the Museum – Journey through distant galaxies and accompany astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
Giant Screen at the Museum – Experience an exhilarating raft ride down the Colorado River with a team of explorers including renowned river advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and anthropologist Wade Davis. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Chuy’s Green Chili Festival
Chuy’s CELEBRATES 25th annual green chile fesTIVAL FOR THE FIRST TIME AT cHUY’S Richmond Restaurants introduce special menu using fresh green chiles from Hatch, New Mexico RICHMOND, VA – For this first time, Chuy’s Richmond located at 11229 W. Broad Street, will celebrate Chuy’s Green Chile Festival, a 25-year tradition started by the Austin, […]
Lewis Ginter Water Play
Lewis Ginter water play during the week (weather permitting). Extended Hours during Flowers after Five Thursday evenings, June – August, 5 – 8:00 p.m.
VHS Long Term Exhibits
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 1pm-5pm The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! Long term exhibits – visit Museum website to confirm exhibits are still available: The Story of Virginia, An American Experience Long-term This 10,000-square-foot, family-friendly exhibition includes several interactive features. It showcases more than 1,000 objects and covers 16,000 years of Virginia history […]
Events for Saturday, August 31st 2013
Round Robin: Social Networking before Facebook
From 1920 to 1961, multiple generations of the Pollard family wrote letters to each other in small notebooks they called “round robins.” Each relative made an entry, some of which included newspaper clippings and photographs, and then mailed the book to another family member who would do the same as well as comment on previous […]
Revolutions: Songs of Social Change
Through January 5, 2014 The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! What does one of Bob Dylan’s best–known songs have to do with slavery and the American Civil War? How did spiritual songs recorded by Union soldiers in the 1860s become popular protest songs 100 years later? Every song has a […]
HCA VA Night at the Diamond
Denim Drive
Whitten Brothers 5th annual denim drive at Chesterfield Towne Center to benefit Chesterfield County schools and Goodwill’s community programs. Clean out your closets of all things denim (shorts, pants, jackets etc.) to support Chesterfield County PTA’s and Goodwill’s community-based programs – Wednesday, August 21 – Sunday, September 22nd . Ceremony to be held at Chesterfield […]
Chesterfield County Fair
Lots of rides, food, and fun in Chesterfield County. 100th anniversary of the fair. Much hard work has gone into planning our 100th Fair scheduled to open on Friday, August 23rd and run through Saturday, August 31st. We’ve expanded our entertainment and exhibit line-up to include a bull riding competition, Bengal tiger showcase, pro wrestling, […]
Robots + Us
Science Museum – Explore differences between humans and robots by examining how lifelike machines imitate moving, sensing, thinking and being. Investigate robotics, computer science and biomedical engineering through enjoyable interactive exhibits and videos. Included with exhibit admission. Free for members.
Hubble
Giant Screen Film at the Museum – Journey through distant galaxies and accompany astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
Giant Screen at the Museum – Experience an exhilarating raft ride down the Colorado River with a team of explorers including renowned river advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and anthropologist Wade Davis. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Chuy’s Green Chili Festival
Chuy’s CELEBRATES 25th annual green chile fesTIVAL FOR THE FIRST TIME AT cHUY’S Richmond Restaurants introduce special menu using fresh green chiles from Hatch, New Mexico RICHMOND, VA – For this first time, Chuy’s Richmond located at 11229 W. Broad Street, will celebrate Chuy’s Green Chile Festival, a 25-year tradition started by the Austin, […]
VHS Long Term Exhibits
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 1pm-5pm The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! Long term exhibits – visit Museum website to confirm exhibits are still available: The Story of Virginia, An American Experience Long-term This 10,000-square-foot, family-friendly exhibition includes several interactive features. It showcases more than 1,000 objects and covers 16,000 years of Virginia history […]
Events for Sunday, September 1st 2013
Revolutions: Songs of Social Change
Through January 5, 2014 The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! What does one of Bob Dylan’s best–known songs have to do with slavery and the American Civil War? How did spiritual songs recorded by Union soldiers in the 1860s become popular protest songs 100 years later? Every song has a […]
Denim Drive
Whitten Brothers 5th annual denim drive at Chesterfield Towne Center to benefit Chesterfield County schools and Goodwill’s community programs. Clean out your closets of all things denim (shorts, pants, jackets etc.) to support Chesterfield County PTA’s and Goodwill’s community-based programs – Wednesday, August 21 – Sunday, September 22nd . Ceremony to be held at Chesterfield […]
Robots + Us
Science Museum – Explore differences between humans and robots by examining how lifelike machines imitate moving, sensing, thinking and being. Investigate robotics, computer science and biomedical engineering through enjoyable interactive exhibits and videos. Included with exhibit admission. Free for members.
Hubble
Giant Screen Film at the Museum – Journey through distant galaxies and accompany astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
Giant Screen at the Museum – Experience an exhilarating raft ride down the Colorado River with a team of explorers including renowned river advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and anthropologist Wade Davis. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Chuy’s Green Chili Festival
Chuy’s CELEBRATES 25th annual green chile fesTIVAL FOR THE FIRST TIME AT cHUY’S Richmond Restaurants introduce special menu using fresh green chiles from Hatch, New Mexico RICHMOND, VA – For this first time, Chuy’s Richmond located at 11229 W. Broad Street, will celebrate Chuy’s Green Chile Festival, a 25-year tradition started by the Austin, […]
VHS Long Term Exhibits
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 1pm-5pm The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! Long term exhibits – visit Museum website to confirm exhibits are still available: The Story of Virginia, An American Experience Long-term This 10,000-square-foot, family-friendly exhibition includes several interactive features. It showcases more than 1,000 objects and covers 16,000 years of Virginia history […]
Patrick Henry’s Speech Reenactment
Since 1976, St. John’s Church Foundation has presented historical reenactments at the original location of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775. Professional actors in 1770s attire portray ten delegates, including Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The delegates engage in the debates and arguments of the Second Virginia Convention, which lead up to Patrick Henry’s […]
Cirque Italia
A traveling water circus from Italy is setting up in the Kmart parking lot at 6807 Midlothian Turnpike. Aerial acts, contortionists, hand balancing acts and more perform over a stage that holds 35,000 gallons of water. 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets run from $9 to $45. All ages IMPORTANT PURCHASING INFORMATION - Children ages 13 and under are FREE. *Free kids coupons must be presented at the box office for redemption upon arrival. Old Kmart Parking Lot 6807 Midlothian Turnpike. Richmond, VA 23225
Wine Down to benefit the Dominion School for Autism is Wednesday, August 8, 2013 at the Wine Loft. Please consider attending and bring a friend or two or more!
Event times and locations may change after posting. Please visit websites or call to confirm event details.
And remember that you can click on our dynamic calendar ANY TIME to see what’s happening this week or in the future to help you make plans. Our calendar is updated with new events every day and it gives you a chance to see what’s ahead! For your convenience, we’ll continue to post weekly events in a special post for now too – making it easy for you to find what you need. Have an event to share? Email us at rhonda@richmondmom.com.
Be sure and enter our Real Cute Kids Contest – prizes worth over $2,000 for the grand prize winner! Deadline for photos and to enter is August 17, 2013 so call now to make your photo appointment!
Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many local events and activities for kids and adults. Don’t have a card? No worries – download a copy here! Visit our Summer Fun 2013 links for a huge listing of things to do all summer long.
Through August
Fit4Moms is offering a Mini Body Back session in August for 4 weeks. They will resume the traditional 8 week sessions in the fall. You can register online and get more information regarding times and locations at www.richmond.fit4mom.com.
Summer Kids Club every Thursday at 10am in Whole Foods Short Pump Café. Just $3 per child. Kids do a fun craft and have a tasty snack. Craft will be hosted by the Children’s Museum of Richmond. Ages 3-8. Must pre-register. Call 364-4050.
Summer Nights at CMoR , 2626 West Broad Street, Richmond. Visit website for details. Take advantage of CMoR’s extended summer hours with fun activities each weeknight! All Summer Nights activities are free with museum admission. A variety of food options are available at the Seymour Snack Shack including frozen yogurt, popcorn, snow cones and a variety of hot and cold beverages like coffee and […] Find out more »
Permanent Exhibits or Events
Boost! is OPEN, Signaling Beginning of Multi-Year Transformation for the Museum - Now Open! Celebrate with us as the Museum shares its biggest new, permanent exhibition in a decade and heralds the start of new, exciting things to come. Boost! challenges your perception of health and wellness in a way that is personalized and playful! Included with exhibit admission- $11 with $1 discounts for ages 4-12 and 60+. Free for members. Read our review here. And now: The Science Museum of Virginia will test your skills against professional athletes. You can train like a pro at the Boost! exhibit before or after enjoying the Redskins training camp.
Lewis Ginter – Families use clever clues and mapping skills to find their way to a hidden treasure in the Garden. Along the way, children and their adults are encouraged to record the names of plants they encounter. Once the quest is completed, children return to the admission desk at the Robins Visitor Center to receive a collectable button. Six editions printed per year; Free with Garden Admission.
Through August 18
SYMMETREES at The Science Museum of Virginia. Photographer and sculptor John Moser shares his unique view of fallen trees in Central Virginia forests by capturing their photos, then enhancing them so that the images take on a life of their own. Included with exhibit admission. Free for members.
Through August 25EXTENDED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2013 by Popular Demand – A “Must See”!
Steel Magnolias Virginia Rep – Hanover Tavern.
Through September 6
Flight of the Butterflies – The Science Museum of Virginia: Read our Real Richmond Review.Migrate with hundreds of millions of Monarch butterflies across North America! Discover the hideaway of these magnificent creatures – a secret that was unlocked after 40 years of research by Dr. Fred Urquhart. Immerse yourself in this compelling adventure as you find a super generation of butterflies who miraculously travel to a new and remote destination. Experience firsthand the beauty of the migration cycle of butterflies spanning not only thousands of miles but generations!
To The Arctic at The Science Museum of Virginia: Through September 6, 2013. Venture across floating ice with a mother polar bear and her two cubs as you take an extraordinary journey into the Arctic. Discover the constant struggle for survival as they face natural predators and a rapidly changing climate. Travel with a herd of caribou to their calving ground and plunge into the ethereal underwater world of waltzing walruses! Gaze across an exquisite spectacle of sapphire white as you see hundreds of miles of snow-bound peaks in this breath-taking film!
Hubble. Journey through distant galaxies and accompany astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk. Experience an exhilarating raft ride down the Colorado River with a team of explorers including renowned river advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and anthropologist Wade Davis. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Through September 13
Lewis Ginter Water Play during the week (weather permitting). Extended Hours during Flowers after Five Thursday evenings, June – August, 5 – 8:00 p.m.
Through September 29
Robots + Us at The Science Museum – What differentiates humans and robots? Explore what it means to be human by examining how lifelike machines emulate four major categories of human capabilities: moving, sensing, thinking and being. Take a closer look into robotics, computer science and biomedical engineering as you encounter interactive components, videos and much more! It’s here now through September 29, 2013!
Through October 13
Butterflies Live! Experience the wonderful world of butterflies! Tropical beauties, fascinating and showy, transform the Conservatory’s North Wing into a wonderland of vibrant colors…captivating sights…and extraordinary discoveries. EXHIBIT HOURS: Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Butterflies tend to be most active on sunny days and in the morning and early afternoon; they tend to roost more on cloudy days and in late afternoon.
Through December 31, 2013
VHS Long Term Exhibits – Through December 31, 2013. The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! Long term exhibits – visit Museum website to confirm exhibits are still available: The Story of Virginia, An American Experience Long-term This 10,000-square-foot, family-friendly exhibition includes several interactive features. It showcases more than 1,000 objects and covers 16,000 years of Virginia history from prehistoric times to […] Find out more »
Through January 5, 2014!
Landscapes of Salem and Liberty Through January 5, 2014 at Virginia Historical Museum – The VHS offers FREE ADMISSION to the history museum and research library daily! In the 1850s, German artist Edward Beyer traveled throughout western Virginia and painted landscapes of many of the small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains. These paintings are remarkable not only for their beauty but also their attention to […] Find out more »
Events for Monday, August 5th 2013
Virginia Farmers Market Week – Celebrate locally grown products and visit a Farmers Market this week. Help Patrick raise money for hungry families too! Click here for details. Find out more »
Lewis Ginter Water Play - Lewis Ginter water play during the week (weather permitting). Extended Hours during Flowers after Five Thursday evenings, June – August, 5 – 8:00 p.m. Find out more »
Summer Nights at CMoR Take advantage of CMoR’s extended summer hours with fun activities each weeknight! All Summer Nights activities are free with museum admission. A variety of food options are available at the Seymour Snack Shack including frozen yogurt, popcorn, snow cones and a variety of hot and cold beverages like coffee and […] Find out more »
Events for Tuesday, August 6th 2013
Movieland at Boulevard: Free Movies MOVIELAND AT BOULEVARD SQUARE Contact Us: MOVIELAND AT BOULEVARD SQUARE 1301 North Boulevard at West Leigh St. Richmond, VA 23230 Just off I-95, Exit 78 View Map Find us on Facebook! Showtimes & Information: (804) 354-6099 Free Admission! Show Time 10AM Doors open at 9AM Absolutely Free Admission! Seating limited to theater capacity; tickets issued […] Find out more »
Virginia Farmers Market Week Celebrate locally grown products and visit a Farmers Market this week. Help Patrick raise money for hungry families too! Click here for details. Find out more »
Westchester Commons Kid’s Club – Westchester Commons Kid’s Club. Crafts, games and story time. Free fun for parents and kids. Find out more »
Club Mom – Fun for kids every month! Visit website for details and schedule. Different entertainers and events each month. Kids under 12 get a free breakfast coupon. Find out more »
Regal Summer Movie Express: $1 Movies – Regal Summer Movie Express offers $1 movies again this summer – 2013! Locations (beginning June 18th) Each participating location is offering the Summer Movie Express on Tuesday and Wednesday each week at 10am during the summer months, beginning June 18, 2013 at Richmond area theaters listed below. Click here to check with theaters to confirm times, dates, […] Find out more »
Summer Nights at CMoR Take advantage of CMoR’s extended summer hours with fun activities each weeknight! All Summer Nights activities are free with museum admission. A variety of food options are available at the Seymour Snack Shack including frozen yogurt, popcorn, snow cones and a variety of hot and cold beverages like coffee and […] Find out more »
Tae Kwon Do Classes at CMoR Chesterfield – The Children’s Museum has partnered with Grandmaster Dong’s Studio to offer Tae Kwon Do Tuesdays at CMoR Chesterfield! Here are some exciting details: Classes run on Tuesdays from June 4 through August 27 from 6-7pm CMoR members ages 3-5 years are encouraged to participate Classes are $15 per student, which includes a uniform with patches, […] Find out more »
National Night Out Event – A community event to bring together citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighbors, organizations and local officials from Highland Springs community and surrounding areas. Call 804.328.2995 with questions. It’s FREE! Find out more »
Events for Wednesday, August 7th 2013
Movieland at Boulevard: Free Movies – MOVIELAND AT BOULEVARD SQUARE Contact Us: MOVIELAND AT BOULEVARD SQUARE 1301 North Boulevard at West Leigh St. Richmond, VA 23230 Just off I-95, Exit 78 View Map Find us on Facebook! Showtimes & Information: (804) 354-6099 Free Admission! Show Time 10AM Doors open at 9AM Absolutely Free Admission! Seating limited to theater capacity; tickets issued […] Find out more »
Virginia Farmers Market Week - Celebrate locally grown products and visit a Farmers Market this week. Help Patrick raise money for hungry families too! Click here for details. Find out more »
Regal Summer Movie Express: $1 Movies – Regal Summer Movie Express offers $1 movies again this summer – 2013! Locations (beginning June 18th) Each participating location is offering the Summer Movie Express on Tuesday and Wednesday each week at 10am during the summer months, beginning June 18, 2013 at Richmond area theaters listed below. Click here to check with theaters to confirm times, dates, […] Find out more »
Lunch Break Science at the Museum - Science Museum of Virginia, Noon – 1pm. Pack a lunch and join us. Science Museum scientists and others share easy to understand information on a wide range of science topics. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Free. Click here for list of topics as they may change after posting below. May 29 – Resolving Nuisance Deer Problems presented by Virginia […] Find out more »
Innsbrook After Hours - Innsbrook After Hours. Gates open at 5:00pm, and concert-goers will be introduced to a significantly expanded food court with seating and pre show specials, as well as a marketplace with entertainment for patrons to enjoy prior to the show. For 28 years, Innsbrook After Hours has brought the Central Virginia area great live music acts such […] Find out more »
RVA Food Trucks at Chesterfield Mall – RVA Food Trucks at Chesterfield Mall. Expect trucks like Soul Ice, Boka, Mr. Softy, Habanero, Almadina, Paris Creperie, The Dog Wagon, Station 2, P&T Kitchen, Grate Pizza, Chupacabra, Super Fresh, Slideways Mobile Bistro, Croaker Spot, King of Pops, Thai Cabin, Flynn’s Foods, and The Meatball Company. Tables and chairs will be set out. Each event will be […] Find out more »
Summer Nights at CMoR – Children’s Museum of Richmond, Take advantage of CMoR’s extended summer hours with fun activities each weeknight! All Summer Nights activities are free with museum admission. A variety of food options are available at the Seymour Snack Shack including frozen yogurt, popcorn, snow cones and a variety of hot and cold beverages like coffee and […] Find out more »
Wine Down with Richmondmom.com - August 7 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at The Wine Loft, – 4035 Whittal Way, Glen Allen, VA 23060 United States. Wine Down to benefit the Dominion School for Autism. Enjoy fun, food, and socializing with friends while helping raise money for an important cause! Just $10 entry fee and it all goes to the Dominion School! Free appetizers, discounted wines, and fun. Find out more »
Events for Thursday, August 8th 2013
Blizzard Day for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Dairy Queen is donating $1 per Blizzard - visit website for a list of participating locations.
Virginia Farmers Market Week Celebrate locally grown products and visit a Farmers Market this week. Help Patrick raise money for hungry families too! Click here for details. Find out more »
Richmond Jazz Festival – August 8 – 11 at Maymont. The 4th Annual Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont brings back a sense of serenity, soul and smooth sounds to the City of Richmond. Located at Maymont, the Richmond Jazz Festival features over 20 local, national and international bands and artists on two stages. Festival attendees enjoy smooth jazz, while taking advantage of products and services […] Find out more »
Summer Concert Series in Short Pump 10th Annual Summer Concert Series at Short Pump Town Center. 6pm-8pm. Find out more
Maymont Carriage House August 8 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Maymont – Ages 7 – 11 enjoy a morning of old-fashioned fun with games and activities that amused kids 100 years ago! Register at 804.358.7166, x329. Find out more »
Culture and History on the James – Henricus Historical Park, Henricus Historical Park invites ages 7-12 to see the James River as Native Americans and English used it for fishing and transportation. River activities, make-and-take projects and more are included. Register at 804.318.8797. Find out more »
Nutzy the Squirrel – Richmond Public Library, Main – Thursday, August 8th 11:00am Nutzy the Squirrel will be flying into the Belmont Library for a special storytime. Call 646-1139 for details and reservations. Find out more »
FIDO After Five at Lewis Ginter – Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Fidos After 5 is the second Thursday of each month (July 11 & August 8) when leashed pets are invited as well. $2 suggested pet admission benefits the Richmond SPCA. Flowers After 5 is rain or shine; in case of extreme inclement weather, activities will be moved inside. The Garden’s in-house caterer, Meriwether Godsey, offers wine by […] Find out more »
Flowers After Five – August 8 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Lewis Ginter – Regular Garden admission: $11 adults; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 3 – 12; free for children under age 3 and free admission for Garden Members. Planning to visit the Garden more than once or twice this year? Membership can save you money. June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; August […] Find out more »
Dance Performance at 8:30pm at Dogwood Dell, Byrd Park Court, Richmond, 23290. City Dance Theatre is an award-winning ensemble of approximately 15 young men and women bringing excitement and creativity to movement. The concert is free. Find out more »
Events for Friday, August 9th 2013
Richmond Jazz Festival -The 4th Annual Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont brings back a sense of serenity, soul and smooth sounds to the City of Richmond. Located at Maymont, the Richmond Jazz Festival features over 20 local, national and international bands and artists on two stages. Festival attendees enjoy smooth jazz, while taking advantage of products and services […] Find out more »
Virginia Farmers Market Week – Celebrate locally grown products and visit a Farmers Market this week. Help Patrick raise money for hungry families too! Click here for details. Find out more »
Ezibu Muntu – African Dance at 8:30pm at Dogwood Dell, Byrd Park Court, Richmond, 23290. The concert is free. Find out more »
Disney Live – Click here for a quick preview of the show! Tickets available online at Ticketmaster.com, area Ticketmaster outlets, Charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000 and at Richmond Coliseum Box Office. Ages 1 and up require a ticket. Click here for tickets. Grab your tiaras and doubloons and join us for Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure. […] Find out more »
Filipino Festival – Our Lady of Lourdes – 8200 Woodman Road, Henrico , The Northside’s Filipino Festival celebrates Filipino culture with two days of authentic Filipino fare, colorful Filipino dancing, music and more. Make sure to dig into the lumpia, empanadas and pancit. At Our Lady of Lourdes. Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Find out more »
Free Movies in the Park – The annual series of free movies will be held every Friday night in a different park through August 16. The movies will begin at 8:30 p.m., or as soon as it’s dark, and families are invited to bring their own blankets or chairs and refreshments and enjoy the free PG-rated movies in the park. Vendors […] Find out more »
Events for Saturday, August 10th 2013
Richmond Jazz Festival -August 8 – 11 at Maymont. The 4th Annual Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont brings back a sense of serenity, soul and smooth sounds to the City of Richmond. Located at Maymont, the Richmond Jazz Festival features over 20 local, national and international bands and artists on two stages. Festival attendees enjoy smooth jazz, while taking advantage of products and services […] Find out more »
Virginia Farmers Market Week Celebrate locally grown products and visit a Farmers Market this week. Help Patrick raise money for hungry families too! Click here for details. Find out more »
Jonny Z Festival - Shields Avenue between Grove and Hanover, Richmond, VA United States. Jonny Z Festival is an annual street festival that celebrates art, craft, music and food in the creative spirit of artist and Bizarre Market coordinator Jonathan Zanin. Fun for the whole family. Shields Avenue between Grove and Hanover. Free. Noon to 5 p.m. Find out more »
International Dragon Boat Festival -August 10 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at Rocketts Landing, Dragon boats are 40 foot human-powered canoes decorated with ornate Chinese drag heads. Led by rhythmic beat of a drum, teams race down the river. From the Sports Backers. It’s Free. Find out more »
Filipino Festival -The Northside’s Filipino Festival celebrates Filipino culture with two days of authentic Filipino fare, colorful Filipino dancing, music and more. Make sure to dig into the lumpia, empanadas and pancit. At Our Lady of Lourdes. Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Find out more »
“The Jubilo Collection” – Richmond Public Library- Main August 2013 – Art Exhibit. Join us as Nessa Baskerville, artist, historian, activist, librarian, and truly one of Richmond’s Treasures, provides insights into her work “The Jubilo Collection” depictions of legendary Richmond events and mythical characters. Find out more »
Jammin’ on the James – Bring a picnic dinner and your lawn chair for family friendly music and fun on the grass terrace overlooking the James River. Face painting, games, and crafts for kids. Free. Featuring: Stonebrook Join us this summer for free concerts on the grounds of Wilton. Bring a picnic dinner and your favorite lawn chair for family-friendly […] Find out more »
Events for Sunday, August 11th 2013
Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont – The 4th Annual Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont brings back a sense of serenity, soul and smooth sounds to the City of Richmond. Located at Maymont, the Richmond Jazz Festival features over 20 local, national and international bands and artists on two stages. Festival attendees enjoy smooth jazz, while taking advantage of products and services […] Find out more »
Carytown Watermelon Festival – The festival runs 10am – 6pm. Imagine…115,000 people, over 3000 watermelons and you! With 60 musicians, over 100 exhibitors, one of the largest kids areas of any festival on the east coast and all of the great Carytown style, the Carytown Watermelon Festival presented by Martin’s has become the largest one day festival in the […] Find out more »
Patrick Henry’s Speech Reenactment – Since 1976, St. John’s Church Foundation has presented historical reenactments at the original location of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775. Professional actors in 1770s attire portray ten delegates, including Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The delegates engage in the debates and arguments of the Second Virginia Convention, which lead up to Patrick Henry’s […] Find out more »
My Doula, McRae Brittingham, recommended that I share my breastfeeding story with you to help others in their quest to breastfeed naturally.A word of advice …
I was a high risk, first time, mature, single, mom-to-be and had no preconceived ideas about breastfeeding, but knew that I wanted to have a natural labor and breastfeed my baby as soon as he flexed his baby lungs and screamed his arrival. 22 hours of natural labor, three hours of epidural expectations and one hour of c-section delivery soon shot my fairytale dream delivery but I still remained hopeful for a blissful breastfeeding experience.
So then I was faced with this new infant who wanted to eat 24/7 or so it seemed. Who relied on me to provide his every need. The lactation nurse came in to see me at the hospital that very morning, and proceeded to “teach” me how to properly breastfeed, as she aggressively fondled me and managed to get my boy latched on. I felt relieved and slightly violated.
However, as I was soooo drugged up with hospital medications to keep pain at bay, I seemed to remember thinking that the lactation nurse looked very similar to my long deceased grandfather. Truth be told, I was so blitzed when the lactation nurse was explaining how to help the baby latch onto my breast. Why, I wonder now, is this instruction not provided the week prior to birth, when you are completely sober and drug free.
A word of advice … take the lactation nurses prescription for Jack Newman’s Nipple ointment, and ask for refills – it was a saving grace.
Those first couple of days of breastfeeding were impossibly hard, upsetting and stressful for me. I was just grateful my son was getting milk and didn’t pay much attention to how he was getting it, which resulted in cracked, bleeding and extremely sore nipples from hell.
I was fortunate enough to have a Doula and postpartum Doula who helped me, as best they could, with how to adjust my breastfeeding positions to help with the latch. But my son and I were constantly at odds when it came to my breasts and his feeding. It was frustrating, awkward and painful for both of us.
On the second month, I was desperate to try and figure out a compromise for us. My postpartum Doula suggested a visit to the Breast Whisperer located in southside. I was intrigued and did I mention, desperate. So I immediately made an appointment and was ushered into the Breast Whisperer’s house, with baby and all baby feeding paraphernalia. I was shown how to cradle my child, supporting him and how his latch should feel and look like, without the aggressive fondling the hospital lactation nurse had generously provided previously.
The Breast Whisperer weighed my baby, in the buff, after each breastfeeding, to determine the quantity of milk he was receiving from each breast. And surprise, surprise, it was sufficient and he was thriving. I had such a feeling of relief and success. At last, I could provide for my child without both of us cringing, crying or climbing walls.
It took one more visit to the Breast Whisperer a couple of weeks later to find new feeding positions that would work for us, as my son grew big, strong and healthy. She recommended hydrogel pads to help soothe my enflamed nipples and by the third month, my son and I were best friends at breastfeeding time and my nipples, while they are as hard as silver bullets, have sufficiently recovered.
I am still breastfeeding my son, who turns five months old next week. Back in the bleak days, I swore I would “only breastfeed him for two more weeks”. My aim now, is to continue breastfeeding for as long as I want. Now, if only finding a job were that easy!
Another word of advice … if it hurts, just reach out for help. Don’t be frustrated alone. Believe me when I say, “by the third month, it becomes sooooo much easier.”