RichmondMom.com » Rachel Reynolds

Announcing our 2013 Richmond Supermom Winner

Kate Hall — Wed, 01 May 2013 05:54:25 +0000

Congrats to Michelle Colo Burdiss who had the most unique votes and is our 2013 Richmond Supermom! Read her nomination and those of the many other amazing women nominated here.

Thanks to Medarva at Stony Point Surgery Center for sponsoring this amazing tribute to Richmond moms.

Prizes include over $3,000 of great local swag including a celebration for Michelle and her friends at Brio Tuscan Grill at Stony Point Fashion Park on May 8th, 2013 at 6:00-7:30pm.

We’ve made a donation to CJStuf.Org for every nomination! They grant $500 gifts to families suffering with illness in memory of Charlotte Reynolds who passed away at the tender age of four. Read more about Charlotte from her mom, Rachel Reynolds.
Shannon Milligan of Keller Williams Realty matched our donations to CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation = $500 total donation. One family will receive help because of your involvement.

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Prizes are subject to change with many thanks to our generous sponsors, and Michelle will receive:

Gardner & Jones Orthodontics – $500 off one full case of braces, Invisalign, or Invisalign Teen for a child or an adult!

Hayes & Fisk $500 gift certificate

The Wine Loft – A wine and Cheese tasting for 6 people valued at $250

Richmond Symphony – Family four pack of tickets valued at approximately $200. The tickets will be for Sunday, May 19 at 3 pm. Pixar in Concert. The magic of 13 Pixar films on a BIG screen with scores played live by the Richmond Symphony. It’s a uniquely magical experience.

Massage Envy – A one-hour Massage and 1-hour Healthy Skin Facial worth $166

Health Focus - 90 minute microcurrent facial rejuvenation ($139 value).

Kate Hall: Richmond Rocks – 5 books to winner; 1 to each of two runners up – Value $105

nTelos – 2 tickets to see The Avett Brothers at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion in Portsmouth on June 22 – Value $100

Indulgence Salon & Boutique in Ashland and Gundlach Plumbing & Heating. Monique of Indulgence and the sisters from Gundlach are giving a joint gift certificate for $100.00 for the Salon. They have a beautiful boutique, hair styling, message therapy, facials, manicures and pedicures and wonderful facials. They also have several types of tanning and the new spray tanning service.

Virginia Eye Institute – a $100 gift certificate to our optical shops

Atkins, Maestrello, Miller & Associates – Sonicare toothbrush worth $99

Science Museum of Virginia - One year family membership valued at $99

Affiliated Dermatologists of Virginia – $90 gift of a 60 minute European facial

Spirited Art – 2 seats at an art class worth $70

VHS, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond, VA (next to the Fine Arts Museum) - One year membership to the Virginia Historical Society valued at $72.

College Nannies – 4 hours of nanny care worth $70

Romp n’ Roll – One free week of summer camp – ”week” is Tues/Thurs from 9am-noon or 2pm-5pm – $65

Sweet & Simple Moments with God Devotional (release scheduled for 9/2013) – Kim Newlen, local Richmond author and Founder of Sweet Monday is giving the winner and 2 runners-up a gift certificate for signed copy of new devotional book when it is released in September – Value is $50.

Frostings – One dozen delicious cupcakes – $30

Granny Babysits The Mischievous Five(retail value $23.95) to the winner, and the runner up receives My Dear Rosa Jean(retail value $14.95) by Carin Casey

Three (3) classes at the Barre Boutique worth $50!

Seven (7) free yogurt cards at Sweet Frog – one for every day of the week! Value of $35.

Two free movie ticket vouchers to Cinebistro at Stony Point Fashion Mall worth $26.

A gift basket from Fruit 66 valued at $25.

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Go for the Gold in September

Rachel Reynolds — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 13:00:27 +0000

Our children are starting a new school year this week. The backpacks are purchased. The lunchboxes are packed. The notebooks are clean and fresh. The pencils are sharp. It is easy to see why there is excitement in the air.

It is important to know, however, that on the first day of school, 46 mothers will hear the news that their child has cancer. In fact, this year, over 12,000 families in the United States will face this devastating disease for the first time. In our own city, 500 children every month receive treatment for pediatric cancer and blood disorders and the ASK Hematology/Oncology center at Children’s Hospital of Richmond.

Are these shocking statistics? They were to me. Four years ago, I knew very little about Pediatric Cancer. It was a rare disease that only kids in Lifetime movies dealt with. Sure, I had seen the St. Jude’s commercials at Christmas time. Every once in a while, I saw a poster for a local fundraiser asking to help a family and their sick child. Cancer was something that happened to other people. Then it happened to me.

On January 20, 2009, my daughter Charlotte was diagnosed with a massive brain tumor. In one year, our family received a crash course in the world of cancer. Charlotte endured four brain surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and seemingly endless hospitalizations. Despite the wonderful care we received from excellent health care providers, Charlotte lost her battle. I lost my only child.

This year, over 1000 children will miss their first day of school because they lost the cancer fight. Thousands more will miss out on regular school activities because of doctor’s appointments, extended hospitalizations, and therapy appointments. They will miss playdates and slumber parties because the chemo and radiation has compromised their tiny immune systems, putting them at risk for even the tiniest germ or virus.

We have plenty of time to talk about breast cancer awareness in October. In September, let’s make the conversation about GOLD.

Support local events such as the ReeseStrong 5K and Connor’s Heroes Diggity Dudes Fest. These organizations raise funds towards local efforts that support families mangaing pediatric cancer.

Donate blood or platelets, an ongoing need for anyone receiving chemo and radiation.

Bake (or buy) cookies for a Cookies for Kids Cancer bake sale near you.

Wear a gold ribbon or paste one on your Facebook profile. Show support for families facing life and death decisions for their children every day.

This September, I will remember those who will miss the start of another school year. I remember Lois, Abbie, Drew, Liam, David, Casey, Allie, and of course, Charlotte. I think about many of the Kourageous Kids who continue to fight. I’m going to make September all about GOLD.

Statistics provided by Cure Search, American Cancer Society, and ASK

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An Author Interviews an Author (Part 2 of 2)

Rachel Reynolds — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:14:00 +0000

An author interviews an author: Rachel Reynolds interviews Nicole Unice

When Nicole and I realized that we both had our first books coming out in May, we jumped at the chance to review each other’s work. Here is my interview about Nicole’s book She’s Got Issues. You can also check out her interview about my book, Four Seasons for Charlotte, HERE.

Nicole, what inspired you to write this book?

I wrote this book because I felt stuck. I knew on paper that my life seemed pretty great, but it didn’t feel pretty great to me. That led me to ask some deeper questions about life, joy and where God is in all of that.

Why do you think many of us who grew up in a Christian community often abandon the church or forget to seek Jesus for answers as we get older?

I wonder if we’ve really come to grips with our own need for Jesus. As a kid, we are sometimes spoon-fed Jesus as our friend and our comforter. When we don’t have a deep, growing faith, we can easily feel like Jesus isn’t much of a friend–especially if we believe that following Christ means we should have an easy life, and that things can go our way. When we do start to see who we really are, the failures and the fears and the ways we hurt and wound others, it’s our chance to re-examine what Jesus is all about.

Sometimes I encounter friends and acquaintances who try to equate Christianity with perfection. What do you think of that?

Well, I think that feels like a religion I don’t want to be part of! I think there’s been a culture in the past around some Christian women, particularly in the south, that equates “good Christian girl” with “perfection.” But times are changing. The women I know who really are trying to experience God aren’t looking to be perfect. They just want to experience a different life.

One of the big topics in your book revolves around “control”. When we talk about God being in control, it seems important to remember that he is in charge of both the good things and the challenging things in our lives. What is your perspective on this?

This is one of those questions that really challenges our belief systems. It’s the hard question: is God all-powerful or is he good? If he is all-powerful, why does he allow bad things to happen? If he is good, why does he allow bad things to happen? So we begin to think that God must be this impersonal force who is either uninterested, or worse, cruel. But this is a question that anyone who believes in God should be wrestling through. For me, I know that God uses suffering and trials for good outcomes. I’m the one who wants the easy, comfortable life. But I have a feeling that in heaven, we’ll be looking back on this world and our lives and our only response will be “oh.” There is so much that’s beyond our understanding in this life. We all have to wrestle with that, and hopefully make peace with the fact that God is both all-powerful and good, even in the darkest of times.

How can the Bible be relevant to a 21^st century working woman and mother?

The Bible has every human condition in it. The Psalms alone express so many of the thoughts I shared above, about feeling abandoned by God, about wondering if he’s there. What I love about the Bible is that it’s full of messed-up people who don’t get it right. But if you read it as a human study and as a God study, you’ll learn all about the character of humans and the character of God. And that makes it so relevant to my life! Consider this truth: Jesus said “what you say flows from what is in your heart.” That’s just straight up truth and wisdom for my life.

Is this a book for solitary reflection or should it be used with a group?

You could do it either way. I’ve created a DVD group experience that tries to combine the best of both. In the group, there’s time built in for solitary reflection and journaling, but you also then have the opportunity to open up with your friends. I think most women could use some practice in getting vulnerable and honest about these things, especially with some friends. It’s a great chance to know each other better and to encourage one another in life.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in writing this book?

The biggest thing I’ve learned is that God isn’t waiting for me to fix myself up before he can work with me. In fact, God isn’t even trying to fix all my issues. What He’s trying to get me to do is be in a vibrant, real, relationship with Him, as my divine Father who’s way into his little girl, and wants to be in relationship with me right through the issues I’m dealing with. That’s a completely different way of experiencing life for me.

Which of the “issues” in your book is the most challenging to you personally?

You can be the judge of that by reading the book! I’ll give you a hint: it involves a cheese grater.

With an intriguing statement like that, how can you not be interested in Nicole’s book? To find out more about Nicole Unice and her book, She’s Got Issues, check out her website.

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An Author Interviews an Author (Part 1 of 2)

NicoleUnice — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:17:27 +0000

An author interviews an author: Nicole Unice interviews Rachel Reynolds

It was such a fun thing to connect with Rachel Reynolds. Right as I was releasing She’s Got Issues, she was releasing Four Seasons for Charlotte. We thought it would be cool to ask each other some questions, author to author. To read Rachel’s interview of me, you can click HERE.

Rachel, your book is about your daughter’s diagnosis with a brain tumor. You chronicle her treatment and her tragic death, but also the power and strength in community. What was one unexpected thing that you experienced from writing and publishing the book?

This may sound funny, but I was truly surprised at how interested people were in hearing our story. Originally, I put my ideas on paper as a way to process my thoughts and feelings around that incredible year of our lives. As I shared some of my writing, people kept saying, “You should turn this into a book.” After hearing it from people outside my closest friends and family, I thought that maybe I did have an interesting story to tell.

What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?

As I wrote and edited the book, I found myself reliving 2009 all over again. Those emotions and memories were sometimes difficult to process. It was great to relive the happy memories of times that we shared with Charlotte but writing also reminded me why I was telling our story in the first place. That empty place in my heart ached a little every time I edited the book.

Four Seasons for Charlotte touches on the very real process and emotions of a parent losing a child. What would you say to someone who’s experiencing this kind of grief?

Grief is such a powerful and complicated emotion. Everyone seems to process something like the death of a child in a different way. There are two big lessons I have learned on this journey: No two people grieve in the same way and there are no hard and fast rules for the process. The grief often comes and goes in waves. Sometimes the waves are tiny ripples and sometimes they are tsunamis. Navigating grief is about learning to ride the waves.

In your experience, what’s the best way friends and family can support someone who’s experiencing severe or terminal illness (either themselves or their child)?

If a family is living in crisis because of a severe or terminal illness, it is very important for them to learn how to accept (and delegate) help. In our experience, the community wants to help but they sometimes need a little bit of direction. If you are trying to help a family in need, think about what you can do and just dive right in. No good deed is too small. Offer to do a load of laundry, bring a meal over to their home, babysit, deliver an extra cup of coffee, or just distract your friend with a fun evening out. Living in crisis is scary but knowing you have a community behind you willing to help makes all the difference in the world.

So who should read your book?

I think this book will resonate strongly with any parent who has lost a child but I hope that it will give insight to anyone who is also supporting a family in crisis. While every family’s story is unique, we learned some valuable life lessons in the year of Charlotte’s illness. Everyone has challenges in their life and has to find ways to manage stress. There are common threads in our story to which I think almost anyone can relate.

Find out more about Four Seasons for Charlotte and connect with Rachel on her website.

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Five Things I Love About Chick-fil-A

Rachel Reynolds — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:15:34 +0000

Two weeks ago, Richmond Mom was chosen as part of a select group of mom’s websites for a backstage tour of the Chick-fil-A headquarters. I was so excited to represent the Richmond Mom team at this event. The Chick-fil-A Backstage event helped me realize why this restaurant has been one of my favorites almost as long as I can remember.

Here are my top five reasons that I love Chick-fil-A:

1. Fresh ingredients: The topic of food quality creates a lot of buzz these days. Fast food gets a pretty bad rap with a reputation for lower quality ingredients, pre-packaged delivery, and food additives like “pink slime.” You won’t find anything like this at Chick-fil-A. They are committed to

All you need to make that fresh Chick-fil-A lemonade

using fresh, top-quality ingredients in all of their products. Name brands such as Nabisco Nilla wafers, Hershey’s chocolate syrup, and Sunkist lemons are used in all of their restaurants. During our tour, we had an opportunity to make the Chick-fil-A lemonade just like every restaurant operator. The ingredients are simple: fresh lemons, sugar (or Splenda for diet), and water. These lemons are squeezed fresh every day at each location. Lemonade isn’t made from a mix or syrup.

Similarly, their chicken breasts and nuggets are hand-breaded, pies and cookies are baked fresh, and salad ingredients are chopped in each store. Nothing is “pre-made” for Chick-fil-A locations. This commitment to freshness ensures the best quality for your family.

2. Kids meals encourage engagment: I usually cringe when we get a kids meal from another fast food restaurant. The plastic object included with the meal may carry some interest long enough for the car ride home but it is quickly forgotten and often relegated to gathering dust or taking up valuable storage space in our already cluttered home. This never happens at Chick-fil-A. The prizes

One of the popular Chick-fil-A cows

in their kids meals focus on bringing families together. If you have been to one of their restaurants recently, you may have seen the University Games educational toys or the Klutz Build-A-Book kits that allow kids to create books for mom, dad, or family (perfect for those spring holidays that celebrate the family unit). Stay tuned later this year for gardening tools from the National Wildlife Federation, Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter books, Jim Henson puppets, and comic books featuring the popular Chick-fil-A cows. Did you know that each kid’s meal prize comes with a guide for families that offers activities and ideas to expand engagement with your child? I have yet to find a comparable restaurant that offers that kind of thoughtfulness with their kiddie sized fries.

3. Challenging conventional wisdom:

Me & Dan Cathy at the original Dwarf House restaurant, the "First Chick-fil-A"

When Truett Cathy started his Dwarf House restaurant in 1947, he served meals 24 hours a day to the blue collar employees who worked in the industrial area of Atlanta where he set up shop. The exception was that he always closed on Sunday. Sixty-six years ago, this was not uncommon, but the Cathy family has kept to their commitment of giving all of their employees a day of rest. It certainly hasn’t hurt their business. Their commitment to quality ingredients also bucks the fast food standard. Truett’s son Dan Cathy shared their family formula for success during our tour: success happens when you “get the food right, create the right employee atmosphere, and get people coming back over and over again.” This commitment is seen not just in the three generations of the Cathy family who now run the business but the thousands of employees who work in all aspects of the corporation, from owners and operators to dishwashers and cashiers.

4. Commitment to the community: You have probably participated in a Chick-fil-A Spirit Night recently. The individual locations are proud to be an active part of their communities. Not only do they offer creative opportunities for local organizations to raise funds, they also offer special evenings that help families reconnect and engage. In the past year, some Chick-fil-A locations have hosted special family nights such as father-daughter and mother-son date nights, girls night out (for mothers and daughters) and football nights (for fathers and sons). These events are usually more than just an opportunity to eat out. The restaurants offer extras such as tablecloths, table-side entertainment, themed games, and more! In the next year, stay tuned to your local Chick-fil-A locations for more opportunities like this. For the cost of a meal, you can get an engaging evening out with one (or more) of your children.

5. Standing by their values: The Cathy family does not shy away from their commitment to being a family centered company. Many people know that they are a Christian family and it is evident through some of their kid’s meal programs as well as their charitable activities that their business model and employee training are centered around Christian ideals. Regardless of your personal ideology, it is difficulty to argue with a business that is clearly family centered, focused on engagement, and also focused on balance. I respect that commitment to the Golden Rule as well as the investment they put into both their business and the community.

Do you love Chick-fil-A? Comment on this post, telling us what you like best about their restaurants, and you could win some great prizes brought straight to you from Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta. Comments must be made by May 28th to qualify.

Disclaimer: Chick-fil-A provided my food, airfare, and lodging during the Backstage Tour. The opinions expressed are entirely those of the author.

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This Week Rocks: May 14-20

RhondaDay — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:24:35 +0000

We hope all of our great Richmond moms enjoyed a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend. Now, it’s time to get ready for the week ahead and boy are there lots of things to do! Don’t miss a single one of them – and be sure to attend the Bully Town Hall Meeting on May 17, sponsored by Richmondmom.com and Commonwealth Parenting (thanks to Katie Mardigian for making this happen!).

We’re also excited with the release of “Four Seasons of Charlotte” by Rachel Reynolds – many of our Richmond moms will be at her May 17th book release and signing so join us if you can.

Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many of these events.

Have a great and active week!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Seussical: The Musical at the November Theatre. Based on the works of Dr. Seuss, Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! All of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters are brought to life, including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination, Jojo.

Zula Patrol At CMoR Short Pump Extended to May 18th! Join all of your favorite characters from the Zula patrol as you and your family explore weather phenomena at each of the interactive stations in this special exhibit, at CMoR for a limited time!

The Hope Tree Project at Lewis Ginter from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Hope Tree Project exhibit, organized by Richmond author Meg Medina, will feature area high school students’ art. The students will decorate five crape myrtle trees in the Children’s Garden with foil symbols expressing the students’ hopes, dreams or aspirations for themselves or their community. Included in admission. Call 804.262.9887.

Flying Squirrels Baseball – Come out and support our hometown baseball team, the Flying Squirrels. Kids Club members get free admission on Sundays. Check schedule for specific dates and times.

Ring Around the Rosy Summer Sale. Rockwood Square Shopping Center, 10185 Hull Street Rd., Midlothian, VA 23112. Near Big Lots in the former Pretend Town building, at the intersection of Hull Street Rd. and Courthouse Rd. Shop for Summer Clothing, Toys, Books, DVD’s, Home Decor, Women’s Clothing & Accessories, shoes, Infant Equipment & Supplies, Furniture and Much More!

Born to be Wild at The Science Museum of Virginia (film in IMAX^®DOME) – Now Playing – see website for times and details. Born to be Wild is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. Narrated by Academy-Award^® Winner Morgan Freeman, this film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them—saving endangered species one life at a time. $9 general admission, $5 for members.

To The Arctic (film in IMAX^®DOME) at the Science Museum of Virginia – Now Playing – visit website for times and dates. To The Arctic takes you on a never before seen journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her two seven-month old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating, adventurous, and intimate footage brings you up close and personal with this family´s struggle to survive and thrive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks. $9 general admission, $5 for members.

Award-winning films celebrating the lives, stories, and art of people with disabilities – MAY 14-21, 2012. The Weinstein JCC is pleased to present the traveling program of the New York ReelAbilities Disabilities Film Festival. This festival features award-winning films and live engaging presentations that celebrate people with disabilities. Started in 2007 and now traveling outside of New York City, ReelAbilities will be offered May 14 – 20 at various locations in Richmond.

Super Science Week – Celebrate National Science Month at CMoR during Super Science Week! Throughout each day we will feature special demonstrations that focus on science-related concepts like nature and simple machines as well as a special art activity in the Art Studio. Demonstrations will be held at 10:30am and 12:00pm. At 11:00am enjoy story time where we’ll read books like From Caterpillar to Butterfly, and There’s No Place Like Space which reinforce science concepts. *Available at both CMoR Central and Short Pump.*

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Stony Point Surgery Center - Join Julie Bragg and a panel of Richmond’s leading eye specialists for a free community event explaining the facts about cataracts and cataract surgery. Two events will take place on Tuesday, May 15 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Medarva at Stony Point Surgery Center. To RSVP call 804-775-4552.

Mr. Beatman’s Storytime at Barnes & Noble, CommonwealthCentre, 4600 Commonwealth Center Parkway, Midlothian, VA.

Food Truck Court at Virginia Historical Society, 428 Boulevard, Richmond VA. Food Truck Court is officially back in session! We will be at the Virginia Historical Society on Tuesdays and Fridays through May. Find out more at www.foodtruckcourt.com. Vendors include familiar friends like Boka Truck, Dressed & Pressed, Rooster Cart, RVA Vegan, Habanero, Crossroads Coffee and Thai Cabin. FREE admission.

Summer Boredom Busters (Parents of Children 2-7 years). Bon Secours Innsbrook, GlenAllen, VA. 6:30 p.m. Prepare early for summer boredom. Low cost or no cost activities to keep them busy and happy. Ideas for long car trips.

Reithoffer Shows Carnival at Virginia Center Commons Mall. May 15-20. Bring the whole family out to Virginia Center Commons for this fun-filled event, May 15-20! Get ready to eat funnel cakes and cotton candy, ride the Ferris wheel or the Tilt-a-Whirl and try your luck at the games of chance and skill. There is something for everyone at the Reithoffer Shows Carnival at Virginia Center Commons, open weekdays 5-11 p.m. and weekends 1-11 p.m.

Supporting Autism Spectrum Disorder Students for Success in College. May 15 at 5:00 p.m. at Community Idea Stations (23 Sesame St., Richmond, VA.) The panel discussion will be recorded live in our studio on May 15th and will air on Sunday, May 20th at 6:00 p.m. as a special WCVE Forum program on WCVE Public Radio. Soon after broadcast, the program will be added to our website so you can listen again or share the experience with your friends and family. -Students with Asperger’s Syndrome may have a tough time navigating the transition from high school to college. Charterhouse School and Commonwealth Autism Services will conduct a panel discussion to address some of the challenges and academic supports these students may need to be successful.

Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinics sponsored by Capital Home Veterinary Care. See our website for more details and pricing. All packages include a complimentary wellness exam for your pet!

Tuesdays on the Patio: Free Concerts at Short Pump Town Center in May. This month, Short Pump Town Center is hosting a free concert series: Tuesdays on the Patio. From 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., you can listen to live music while you dine on the patio at the food court or a nearby restaurant. May 15: Crew D’Bayou.

Young at Art: Ancient Art and Languages. 10am-11am. VMFA – Preschool Program. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each month. Check website for times and details.

Flying Squirrels Baseball – Come out and support our hometown baseball team, the Flying Squirrels. Kids Club members get free admission on Sundays. Check schedule for specific dates and times. Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Harrisburg Senators at The Diamond. Fireworks/Grandparent Appreciation Night – 6:35 p.m. on May 15.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Spirited Art is starting a weekday class - every Wednesday, we will be offering an adult class at 11 a.m. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch/snacks during this weekday class. Check out our calendar www.myspiritedart.com

Relic-ly Speaking – Meet Artist Chuck Scalin – Wednesday, May 16, 1 pm at the Museum. Peruse the newest exhibit in Café Portico and meet the artist – internationally known Chuck Scalin. He is professor emeritus and former assistant chair of the Communication Arts + Design Department at Virginia Commonwealth University. His work has been exhibited in the United States, Europe and Asia for the past 40 years. He is a faculty member at the Studio School of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Young at Art: Ancient Art and Languages. 10am-11am. VMFA – Preschool Program. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each month. Check website for times and details.

Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Harrisburg Senators at The Diamond. – Bark in the Park #1 – Dogs Welcome. Flying Squirrels Baseball – Come out and support our hometown baseball team, the Flying Squirrels. Kids Club members get free admission on Sundays. Check schedule for specific dates and times.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

“Bully” Town Hall meeting. On Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., RichmondMom.com and Commonwealth Parenting will present a Town Hall evening of discussion and resources for parents and educators. This event is hosted by Canterbury Community Preschool. Sponsored by Richmondmom.com and Commonwealth Parenting.

Celebrate baby Charlotte’s life by purchasing a copy of Rachel Reynolds’ soon-to-be-released book “Four Seasons for Charlotte”, to support CJ’s Thumbs Up!. Rachel journals her story of dealing with her child suffering with cancer and losing her daughter to a devastating illness. You can pre-order the book on the CJSTUF website and pick it up at the Book Release Party on Thursday, May 17th, 6-9 PM at Gallery Flux in Ashland.

Barnes & Noble Storytime at Short Pump – Children’s Storytime: Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 6 and Under). Join us each Thursday for our Children’s Storytime. On the third Thursday of each month, we’ll have a special visit from Seymour and the Children’s Museum at Short Pump – 11640 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23233, 804-360-0103.

Young at Art: Ancient Art and Languages. 10am-11am. VMFA – Preschool Program. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each month. Check website for times and details.

~Expecting 101~ Thursday, May 17 7:30p at Hip to Be Round, Richmond, VA Birth Matters of Virginia presents a mom-to-be celebration!

Flying Squirrels. Come out and support our hometown baseball team, the Flying Squirrels. Kids Club members get free admission on Sundays. Check schedule for specific dates and times.

eMommie Warehouse Sale. Shop all the maternity brands under one roof in eMommie’s warehouse sale Saturday, May 12th and Fri/Sat May 17th & 18th. Maternity overstocks and closeouts, designer labels, and more.

Strings in the Garden. Bring a picnic and join us for an evening of Irish and Appalachian String Band music in Sabot at Stony Point’s beautiful Gillette Garden. Gates open at 5 p.m. and music will be from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Admission to the concert is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there. Tell your friends! Please note: this is a fair-weathered event only. 804.272.1341 with questions.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Spectacular amusement rides and games, operated by Deggeller Attractions, Inc. , “America’s #1 Carnival”, will be sure to delight the young and young-at-heart. The three-day event will open with a memorable salute to the United States military by the Lonesome Dove Equestrian Drill Team, which provides therapeutic riding and equine-related activities for physically-disabled veterans. A new attraction will be the amazing feats of the Stella Circus and Thrill Show, offering stunning aerial acrobatics and death-defying acts. For more information, please visit www.powhatanfair.org or contact Randa Jackson at 804-240-0390.

LiveSky: Venus and its Transit – Friday, May 18, 6 pm. Venus is getting ready to take it’s last trip across the sun in our lifetimes! Museum scientists introduce you to the transit of Venus as you discover this planet’s weather – some of the most interesting in the solar system.

Food Truck Court at Virginia Historical Society, 428 Boulevard, Richmond VA. Food Truck Court is officially back in session! We will be at the Virginia Historical Society on Tuesdays and Fridays through May. Find out more at www.foodtruckcourt.com. Vendors include familiar friends like Boka Truck, Dressed & Pressed, Rooster Cart, RVA Vegan, Habanero, Crossroads Coffee and Thai Cabin. FREE admission.

93rd Annual Powhatan County Fair - Games, rides, exhibits, food, music, and more. Purchase discount Ride Tickets at Central VA Bank or Mercedes Benz Midlothian. May 18-20, 2012.

eMommie Warehouse Sale. Shop all the maternity brands under one roof in eMommie’s warehouse sale, May 18th. Maternity overstocks and closeouts, designer labels, and more.

Target Family Night is back by popular demand. Bring the whole family to enjoy what The Children’s Museum has to offer from 5:00-7:30pm on the third Friday of every month for just $1 per person! Click here for more information!

The Iron Way: Railroads, the Civil War and the Making of Modern America Friday, May 18 12:00a to 1:00p at The Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA . William G. Thomas, professor of history at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will discuss his book, The Iron Way: Railroads, the Civil War and the Making of Modern America. Beginning with Frederick Douglass’s escape from slavery in 1838 on the railroad, and ending with the driving of the golden spike to link the the transcontinental railroad in 1869, his book charts a critical period of American expansion, one largely dominated by the dynamic growth of railroads and telegraphs.

28th Annual Lebanese Food Festival – Take out orders can be faxed to 804/273-9914 or called in at 804/346-1161 or 804/270-7234. No e-mail orders will be taken. Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm. Enjoy dancing, music and a sampling of Mediterranean cuisine like kebabs, falafel, stuffed grape leaves and cabbage and Lebanese pastries and sweets. The food is available as complete dinners, boxed lunches and single portions.

DOMINION RIVERROCK presented by SUBARU May 18-20, 2012. Dominion Riverrock presented by Subaru is the East Coast’s premier outdoor lifestyle festival, bringing athletes, spectators, musicians, and even dogs to Brown’s Island and Historic Tredegar for a three-day festival against the backdrop of downtown Richmond’s urban riverfront. The festival features a variety of outdoor sports including trail running, kayaking, biking, bouldering, stand up paddleboarding, slacklining and dog jumping. The event was designed to promote Richmond’s unique riverfront, downtown trails and whitewater rapids to outdoor enthusiasts. As a result of the creation of Dominion Riverrock, there is a stronger appreciation for the value of outdoor recreation throughout the entire Richmond region. All events and concerts are FREE to spectators!

Music for a Cathedral Space at Sacred Heart Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m – Songs from Musicals‚ Love Makes the World Go Round is a benefit concert for the preservation of the magnificent Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Held on Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m., Vocal Soloists of the Cathedral include the talented and popular Father Michael Renninger, Michele Orr, Anne O’Byrne, and Lisa Edwards Burrs. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is located at 800 S. Cathedral Place. For ticket information, please call the Cathedral at 359-5651.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Harlie.

We Heart Harlie at the Glen Allen Elementary School. Plenty of fun, games, and activities for kids as we raise money for this precious little girl.

Two BIG events at HCA Virginia: Faces of Hope 5k and Girl’s Day Out. Health screenings, mammograms, food, and fun.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. 11am & Noon. Short Pump Mall Main Plaza. Celebrate your unbirthday at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! Wander down the rabbit hole, and enjoy entertainment from Hope Harris, face painting, balloon twisting and more while you enjoy lunch with Alice and her friends. Seating is limited. Call 804-360-1700, or visit Guest Services to reserve your spot beginning April 27. Reservations are limited.

2012 Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk at Innsbrook. North Shore Commons in Innsbrook with check-in at 9 a.m.

2012 Virginia Brain Tumor Walk Saturday May 19 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Innsbrook. Your Eyes are Your Heart.

2012 Arthritis Walk at Kings Dominion at 7:30 a.m. on May 19 – Come out for a fun walk with the Arthritis Foundation. The walk features a three-mile and a one-mile course with activities for the entire family like educational booths, food, entertainment and more!

10th Anniversary Children Fore Children Golf Tournament Saturday, May 19^th. The First Tee of Chesterfield (6736 Hunting Creek Drive). The Children Fore Children Golf Tournament is part of the Richmond Junior Golf Tour, organized by Jamie Fagan. For a full list of events, download this flyer or go to www.richmondjuniorgolftour.com

credit: sacchef.com

The Wonder of Nature – 5:00 p.m. at Center Stage: Carpenter Center. Spotlight Studio of Dance is a celebration of movement for children and adults. This year’s theme, “The Wonder of Nature,” was chosen to remind us that humans are an integral part of nature and it is our duty to protect its integrity, diversity and beauty. Join us May 19th at 5pm for an exclusive performance with three NEW dances choreographed to unveil that evening! Please call 804-639-1186 for more information or www.spotlightstudio.net.

15^th Anniversary Greater Richmond Children’s Choir Spring Concert – Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. The Greater Richmond Children’s Choir – under the direction of Hope Armstrong Erb, Pete Curry and Matt Mangialetti – will present a concert featuring more than 70 choristers, ages 8-18 in five ensembles, representing more than 30 different schools in the city of Richmond and surrounding counties. This delightful afternoon of music will celebrate a milestone anniversary with our community! Held in conjunction with the statewide arts initiative MINDS WIDE OPEN: Children and the Arts.

Summer Preview Party and Ice Cream Giveaway at Whole Foods Market Short Pump- Join us for an early celebration of Summer foods. We’ll be doing live demos around the store of all of your warm weather favorites, from grilled meats to ice cream. Speaking of ice cream….It may be a fashion faux pas, but if you dare to wear your summer whites (white pants, shorts and/or shoes) before Memorial Day, we’ll give you a quart of Homestead Creamery Ice Cream for FREE! Limited to the first 100 people. See store for details.

Kidgits Little Planet Helper at Virginia Center Commons Mall from 2-4 p.m. Come go Green with Kidgits and learn ways to keep the environment clean and healthy. Event to include such activities as “Go Green” crafts and educational programs. All Kidgits members will receive a special green surprise! Not a Kidgits Member? Just $5 to join! Annual Membership!

2012 Annual Pink Shoe Walk and Family FUN Fair. 5K wacky walk that’s fun for the entire family. Family FUN Fair includes games, prizes, fun bus, and clowns. Lite 98 personalities Bill Bevins and Shelley Perkins will be there along with special guests from Sweet Frog and Chick-fil-A. The Pink Shoe Walk and Family FUN Fair is a fundraising event for Sweet Monday, a local nonprofit 501c3 organization. Sweet Monday’s mission is reaching out to women one sweet invitation at a time for Christ.

Easter Seals UCP’s 7^th Annual Walk with Me Richmond at University of Richmond. Activities and check-in begin at 9:00 a.m. and the three-mile walk begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by festival activities and a complimentary lunch for all participants. This family-friendly walk benefits critical programs and services for children and adults with disabilities and mental health challenges.

Join us for the grand opening of the newly renovated Front Yard at CMoR! In an effort to continue to create new and innovative learning experiences for our guests, our front yard area is undergoing some exciting changes! Lite98 Kat Simons will be there to celebrate and lots of fun activities.

Powerkids Triathlon – best kids triathlon in Virginia for ages 5-14.

Music Series at River Road Church, Baptist Saturday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. – Come and enjoy the stirring music of tenor William Dameron accompanied by River Road’s gifted organist Dr. Robert Gallagher on Saturday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. They will perform works by Schumann, Strauss, Ravel, and Puccini as part of the E. Carl Freeman Concert Series at River Road Church, Baptist located at 8000 River Rd.

4th Annual Imagination Richmond. 10am-2pm. The Shops at Willow Lawn. A free event featuring live music and performances provided by popular children’s entertainers, strolling entertainment with the famous Jonathan the Juggler, arts & crafts, meet & greet with popular costumed characters, face painting, balloon art and other favorite children’s activities.

Lebanese Food Festival!

DOMINION RIVERROCK presented by SUBARU May 18-20, 2012. Dominion Riverrock presented by Subaru is the East Coast’s premier outdoor lifestyle festival, bringing athletes, spectators, musicians, and even dogs to Brown’s Island and Historic Tredegar for a three-day festival against the backdrop of downtown Richmond’s urban riverfront. The festival features a variety of outdoor sports including trail running, kayaking, biking, bouldering, stand up paddleboarding, slacklining and dog jumping. The event was designed to promote Richmond’s unique riverfront, downtown trails and whitewater rapids to outdoor enthusiasts. As a result of the creation of Dominion Riverrock, there is a stronger appreciation for the value of outdoor recreation throughout the entire Richmond region. All events and concerts are FREE to spectators!

LearningRx is having an information session for teachers, parents, and professionals who want to learn how to increase cognitive skills in the classroom, at home, and at work. The information session will be on Saturday May 19th, 2012 from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. at Learning Rx Richmond West, 3850 Gaskins Road, Suite 250, Richmond, VA 23233.

93rd Annual Powhatan County Fair - Games, rides, exhibits, food, music, and more. Purchase discount Ride Tickets at Central VA Bank or Mercedes Benz Midlothian. May 18-20, 2012.

Welcome Home Parade for War Veterans – Saturday, May 19th, Armed Forces Day. The parade will begin at the intersection of Boulevard and Kensington at 10 a.m., and run to the Carillon at Byrd Park.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Food Cart Rally at 17th and Market Streets – Food Revolution Day Activities – Food Cart Rally – Come and taste the best of Richmond’s food trucks – Flynn’s Foods and the Boka Truck are highlighting more fresh, local FRD dishes. Contact Melissa with questions.

City Singers Children’s Choirs Spring Concert Sunday, May 20 4:00p at Christ Ascension Episcopal Church, Richmond, VA. City Singers Children’s Choirs will present their spring concert on Sunday, May 20 at 4:00 pm. The concert will take place at Christ Ascension Episcopal Church (1704 West Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227). This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 657-SONG (7664).

Credit: Born to be Wild

Saturday and Sunday is the Richmond Multisports (RMS) Power Sprint Triatholon at Shady Grove YMCA which will include 3 para-triatheletes for the first time ever. They will do the full tri on adaptive equipment. Get more information here.

Spring Serenade – From the littlest harpists to the seasoned performers this performance is sure to delight. The concert will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 20 at Lakeside United Methodist Church, 2333 Hilliard Road. This is a free event, but donations are suggested. For more information visit the website or call 804.837.9355.

93rd Annual Powhatan County Fair - Games, rides, exhibits, food, music, and more. Purchase discount Ride Tickets at Central VA Bank or Mercedes Benz Midlothian. May 18-20, 2012.

Richmond Concert Chorale at Church of the Holy Comforter Sunday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. – The Richmond Concert Chorale, directed by Grant Hellmers,with Crystal Jonkman, accompanist, will present their annual spring concert at Holy Comforter on Sunday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. The Chorale will sing Psalm settings by Sweelinck, Schütz, and Schubert; Magnificat by Pachelbel; fourpart-songs by Parry; Chansons des roses (five songs with words by Rainer MariaRilke) by Lauridsen; Hymn for St. Cecilia by Howells. Donations will be accepted. Church of the Holy Comforter is located at 4819 Monument Avenue.

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Enter a Great Richmond Mom in Richmond’s 4th Annual SuperMom Contest: 3K in prizes

Kate Hall — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:52:50 +0000

Thank you, Stony Point Surgery Center, for sponsoring our annual Supermom contest!

Each year, in anticipation of Mother’s Day, our team encourages our readers all over Richmond to nominate great moms they know. This year, we’re fortunate to have Stony Point Surgery Center sponsor this contest. Prizes include $3,000 of great local swag & a celebration for the winning mom at The Wine Loft on 5/9/12!

Last year we celebrated with Richmond mom Jamye Tickle, who will this year’s Supermom be?

Do you

2011 SuperMom Winner Jamye Tickle

know a great Richmond mom?

1) Nominate any Richmond-area mom by clicking on this link through 4/14/12. You’ll have to provide information so we can contact both of you as the contest progresses. We’ll make a $5 donation to CJStuf.Org for every donation up to $500! CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation grants $500 gifts to families suffering with illness in memory of Charlotte Reynolds who passed away at the tender age of four. Read more about Charlotte from her mom, Rachel Reynolds.

2) Vote for her and encourage friends to do the same 4/16-4/30. Each person may only vote once, so it’s simple and easy. We’ll send you the voting link once all the nominations are in.

3) The winner will be announced on 5/1/12, and may invite 20 friends and family to celebrate with her at our SuperMom Celebration at The Wine Loft on 5/9/12 where she’ll be treated to this amazing bunch of prizes*:

$500 Gift Certificate to Hayes and Fisk, the Art of Photography

Celebration for up to 20 friends and family at The Wine Loft in Richmond including wine, soft drinks and appetizers ($500)

Overnight Stay at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg($300+)

Theatre IV wants your vote.

Theatre IV/Barksdale Ticket package ($292):

-4 Tickets for Seussical at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre($128 value)
-2 Tickets for Spring Awakening at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre($88 value)
-2 Tickets for Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music at Hanover Tavern ($76 value)

Birthday Party for a child at Core Kids Academy ($255)

One-hour massage AND Facial from Massage Envy Spa Richmond ($166)

One-year membership to the VA Historical Society ($99)

One-year membership to the Science Museum of Virginia ($99)

Darling summer tote bag full of gifts from Clementine in Carytown ($80)

One-year membership to KidsDineFree.net ($80)

Two adult classes to Spirited Art Richmond ($70)

Four-hours of nanny care at College Nannies and Tutors ($70)

Five signed copies of Richmond Rocks ($65)

Facial to Massage Envy from Kidz Kare at Home ($70)

Gift certificate to Relay Foods ($50)

Gift certificate to Mom’s Treehouse ($50)

Gift certificate to Kindermusik ($50)

Gift certificate to Romp n’ Roll ($50)

One dozen cupcakes from Frostings, valued at $35.

Gift certificate to Weebsworld ($25)

One dozen chocolate dipped strawberries from Wild Greens Catering ($25)

*prizes may be subject to change slightly in item and/or value

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So You Want to Save the World: Starting your own nonprofit, Part 2 of 2

Rachel Reynolds — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:00:57 +0000

Many people want to put their passion to work by serving others. You might want to channel that passion into a specific effort that helps others through nonprofit work. In part one of this series, I shared some of the important tasks central to starting a nonprofit. Specifically, bring in key players to help determine your organization’s mission. Those key players might be an already established partner organization or a diverse group of advisors formed from contacts and resources within the community. Here is the next step:

Carve your role: After you establish your mission, it is important to think about what your role in the organization is going to be. Do you plan to be paid as the Executive Director or perform some other leadership role? If so, you might not want to sit on the Board of Directors as well. Your board serves an important role in providing direction and oversight in the operation of your organization so it is important that “paid” staff serve independent of the board when possible. Roger and I formed CJSTUF and serve as (currently unpaid) staff; however, we rely on the talents and leadership from our board to keep us on the straight and narrow. If it were up to me, I would give away all the money we have within each fiscal year, providing funds to any family that asks for support. Our board is tasked with creating a strategic plan that makes the foundation sustainable, even when the economic outlook is not so good. For that reason, neither Roger nor I hold a voting position on the board.

Get your ducks in a row: As I mentioned previously, starting a nonprofit is like starting a business. In addition to filing with the IRS for nonprofit status, you need to file with the state for incorporation, apply with each state in which you solicit charitable donations, develop all of your startup documents such as bylaws, confidentiality statements, a conflict of interest policy, policies and procedures, fiscal policies, whistleblower policies, liability insurance, and background checks (if applicable). Whew! That’s just a starting list. Board Source offers a great resource on the Principles of Good Governance that can help guide you through the process as you get started. Every year, many nonprofits get their 501(c)3 status revoked for not following through on some of these state, federal, or general good practice guidelines.

Another great local source is Nonprofit Learning Point. This educational arm of the Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence provides excellent courses in nonprofit management. The schedule is flexible, the classes are affordable ($45 per class) and you can take courses in topics such as basic budgeting, grant writing, organizational management, and leadership. I am a little more than halfway towards earning my certificate in Nonprofit Management and I highly recommend the program.

Dive in and give 100%: Establishing yourself as a nonprofit is just the beginning. Just like running a business, you will never stop working to establish and sustain your mission. Running a nonprofit involves endless rounds of publicity, marketing, events, and fundraisers. In the first few years, it might take some time to determine your best strategy but even the most established organizations work nonstop to continue their mission and grow within their community.

In the end, starting a nonprofit is exciting, rewarding, and exhausting. If you find that it is the right path for launching your passion, I wish you every success. It is amazing the power that we, as individuals, can have on our community, especially when we band together with others for a common cause.

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So You Want to Save the World: Starting your own nonprofit, Part 1 of 2

Rachel Reynolds — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:34 +0000

Many of us strive to make the world a better place. Some do it through simple random acts of kindness. Others support their favorite causes through their volunteer efforts and monetary donations. Sometimes your passion for a cause is so strong, you want to take a lead role in the action. Your immediate reaction might be, “I want to start a nonprofit organization!” Before you dive off the proverbial cliff, I’d like to offer a few words of wisdom from someone who has been in the trenches for a little while.

First, determine if starting a nonprofit is really the right direction for your cause. There are over 1.6 million nonprofit organizations in the United States. Virginia plays host to over 25,000 groups that carry the 501(c)3 designation. Just like starting a business, creating a nonprofit takes a great deal of effort, setup cost, and energy. You need to establish your “brand”, get a large core group of supporters, and acquire capital and materials key to carrying out your mission. Instead of starting something new, you might be able to partner with a currently established organization that is willing work with you. There are many advantages to this, including the fact that your partner organization would already carry the 501(c)3 tax exempt status and that they already have a board of directors and established organizational structure that would give you a head start. Many nonprofits are very open to this concept so keep an open mind when drafting your mission and strategy.

Speaking of mission: One of the first things you will need to establish is the specific focus of your cause. This is important for so many reasons. It helps you determine not only who the beneficiaries of your efforts will be, but it can also help you share your cause with potential supporters clearly and succinctly. How do you establish your mission? Form an advisory committee of people who are interested in supporting your efforts. This may or may not be your initial Board of Directors (we’ll get to that in part 2) but they can help form your germ of an idea into a fully developed concept. This is critical to the process because while your goals and objectives may be clear in your mind, they may not be clear to others at first. You will need to find a good way to clearly convey your message.

When we started brainstorming ideas for what would become CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation (CJSTUF), my husband and I pulled in friends whose talents spanned diverse areas such as finance, marketing, nonprofit governance, business, and the specific area we were serving (hospitalized children). This was important because our original ideas around organization and mission actually evolved into something slightly different (and in the long run better) than what we initially envisioned.

Establishing your mission is only the beginning! In part two, I will discuss the intermediate steps to launching your passion. Stay tuned!

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RichmondMom.com » Rachel Reynolds

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An Author Interviews an Author (Part 1 of 2)

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This Week Rocks: May 14-20

Enter a Great Richmond Mom in Richmond’s 4th Annual SuperMom Contest: 3K in prizes

So You Want to Save the World: Starting your own nonprofit, Part 2 of 2

So You Want to Save the World: Starting your own nonprofit, Part 1 of 2