Meet Bill Street, our guest editor for a special early edition of Here Weekly! Bill is the executive director of James River Association and today he kicks off "Riding the Currents of 2020," a virtual event featuring the exceptional efforts in our river community, giveaways, and inspiring updates across the watershed. As a child, Bill remembers following his father as he waded in lush underwater grass beds dipping for soft shell crabs. But by the time Bill came of age to dip for crabs himself, those vital grass beds were gone because pollution wiped them out. Now with two sons of his own, Bill's personal mission is to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy healthy Virginia waters. Take it away, Bill ...
Every time I see a sturgeon breach, an eagle soar or see people swimming in the river right downtown, it fuels my fire to keep the James River comeback coming. Here are three tips to get outside this fall to explore our river and the Richmond community at large. See you on the water!
Pipeline
Trail
A wonderful getaway to escape right in the heart of Richmond City, the James River Pipeline Trail offers captivating scenery and an up-close-and-personal view of the Pipeline rapids. Located at the end of S. 12th St. downtown, this unique trail has a metal ladder you can climb down to walk the pipeline, boasting even greater opportunities to observe the natural resources of Virginia’s largest river and take in Fall’s foliage. You may even spot a Great Blue Heron among other wildlife tucked away in the banks of the James. Make sure to bring a blanket as there are several small, sandy beaches nestled throughout the trail which act as the perfect backdrop for an afternoon picnic or sit down by the water.
The Robins Nature Center at Maymont, a 29,000 sq. ft. attraction and the largest facility of its kind in Central Virginia, holds close to 30,000 gallons of aquaria showcasing animals of the James River and Chesapeake Bay. As part of the Center’s $2.3 million renovation project, Maymont is showcasing a special exhibit themed, “Run of the River,” which highlights the natural history of the area and accentuates the remarkable ecology of the James River located on Maymont’s southern border in Richmond. The Center presents a new way to experience the river with features like “River Reach,” a 34 ft tall sculpture that inspires active play and learning within a series of netted rising platforms that depict microscopic river microorganisms. You can catch me there among the approximately 45,000 guests that have already visited the exhibit for a fun and interactive day exploring all of the many exciting hands-on activities.
After exploring Maymont and the James River Pipeline Trail, I recommend you enjoy a delicious beer at one of my favorite spots - Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. You won't want to miss the upcoming release of their Gingerbread Porter and Bourbon GBS on Saturday, November 14 from 12pm-9pm at both their Richmond Brew House & Taproom location and the West Creek Brewery location. Sip on the Bourbon GBS, ranked as one of the Top 20 Milk Stouts in the World by BeerAdvocate.com, while listening to live bluegrass as a nod to Hardywood’s traditional Bluegrass Festival, while taking in the beautiful scenery of Tuckahoe Creek. You can also grab a Great Return IPA if that’s more your speed - a seven-year collaboration benefitting the James River Association - bringing awareness to the great comeback of Atlantic sturgeon in the James River.
There’s still time to register for James River Association’s Riding the Currents of 2020, happening at 5pm tonight! This annual-oyster-roast-turned-virtual-event will give you an exclusive insider’s look into inspiring updates on JRA’s work across the watershed, James Changer Awards acknowledging exceptional efforts in our river community, and awesome river-themed giveaways including paddles on the James and a pontoon boat tour for 10. There’s even a James Changer cocktail lesson and Waterbird Spirits giveaway if you log on early at 4:45pm! NBC12 Meteorologist Andrew Freiden will host, joined by an exciting lineup of local and international industry experts who will speak to the importance of water in our lives, our rivers, and our planet.
Meet this week's guest editor, Nancy Brown. She's here to provide a handful of tips for the perfect fall day in Richmond -- involving books, coffee, and open spaces. Nancy is the co-founder and chief marketing officer of Bookclubz, a web and app for book club management. Nancy believes in the power of narrative. Both in the non-profit and startup space, her career has focused on content across mediums and continents. Whether it is crafting a brand, growing an audience or building partnerships, storytelling and finding shared value is behind everything she does. Take it away, Nancy ...
Read Outside
at VMFA
Pack your favorite book and head to the VMFA. This is one of my favorite green spaces in Richmond to relax and unwind after work or on the weekends. The beautiful campus, including the E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden, was made for creativity, contemplation, and community. The coffee is A+ and the Rumors of War statue by Kehinde Wiley is stunning and inspiring. After taking in the natural surroundings, step inside where the VMFA is currently offering the Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Sunken Cities exhibit on view through January 18, 2021 (free to all healthcare workers and first responders). For a deeper dive into Sunken Cities, VMFA is currently hosting a free series of virtual talks (the next one is this Sunday) by noted Egyptologists, curators, professors, archaeologists, and conservators.
One of my favorite parks in Richmond is Chimborazo, a 30-acre park with 180 degree views of the city, in Church Hill. You have an incredible view of Downtown Richmond and the historic houses that line the park and neighborhood are so charming. It's also home to a miniature Statue of Liberty, the popular Church Hill Dog Park, and a community garden! Chimborazo Park is one of my go-to spots for hosting a socially distanced book club!
Bookstores and coffee shops - the most important fuel for the avid reader! Local stores and shops are working hard to support the community amid Covid and I definitely recommend returning the support by purchasing books locally from Chop Suey Books and Fountain Bookstore (offering curbside pickup, private browsing, and virtual events). And for your caffeine fix, order a cup of coffee online from Lamplighter for pickup and let them know Richmond loves its local coffee shops. Save time to swing by Whisk in Shockoe Bottom (they just celebrated their fifth anniversary this week) for Parisian-style pastries and locally roasted coffee. You can also stay in your PJs and take a virtual class offered by Whisk to learn to make your own fall macarons and croissants (watch their Facebook page for upcoming classes and event registration here).
Nancy and the Bookclubz team believe in the power of book clubs to enhance the reading experience, support lifelong learning, and build community. Their website and app support online book clubs, virtual book clubs, in person book clubs, clubs that gather to learn, to stay in touch, to read more, to relax and have fun, to improve work culture, for self-improvement, for social change, and more.
Meet our guest editor, Keith Ramsey of Ramsey Art Works. Keith is a Richmond based contemporary and conceptual artist, designer, and sculptor. He’s known for his found object artwork and his commitment to initiating conversation through his art that serves as commentary on politics, society, social conditions, isolation, and more. He’s also the co-founder of Bike Monday Bros, a series of group rides that promote unity and inclusion. Keith recently wrapped up a sculpture called "Edwards the Fisherman" (pictured) that is part of a downtown scavenger hunt as Richmonders try to determine the exact location of RVA's newest piece of public art. Take it away, Keith ...
On June 30, 2016, my world changed. It was my last day employed as a professional graphic designer...and it wasn't by choice. But, I did realize the universe had a plan for me as an artist. After spending the weekends, putting in time after hours, and using every minute to hone my creativity, that change had finally arrived. From that day forward I built my life around being a full-time professional artist on my own terms and I never looked back. Here are my tips for finding inspiration and being prepared for opportunities in this city we love to call home.
That COVID
Thing for VCU
My first piece of advice is to always say "yes" when you're called upon to help. Look for ways to roll up your sleeves and make an impact with the unique skills you can offer. Back in March, as an example, I was contacted out of the blue from someone needing a welder to help put together 12+ racks for VCU Health that would be used to sterilize medical supplies in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. There were projects already in the workshop, but before he could get halfway through asking if I could help it was already a hard "YES" from me. It was more welding in a short amount of time than I had ever done, but after a week of straight 9-hour days we got the racks out the door! The thing about that is, I was proud to be able to do something...anything, to help with the crisis our nation and the world is facing. It was a small part by comparison to what others are doing and sacrificing, but it was what I personally could do with the resources I had. When called upon, offer your creativity, find ways to help and be ready to say "yes" when asked.
A few years ago I joined a ride with friends participating in Bike Walk RVA for Bike Month and was immediately hooked. Saying yes to that initial ride led to more gatherings, and before I knew it we were pedaling around the city every Monday. With each ride more and more friends joined our route each week. After the protest of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and more African-Americans at the hands of police and vigilante citizens, we decided to bring our biking community together with a “Unity Ride for Black Lives" involving over 250 people riding through downtown and the Fan District. Today, we're still getting together on Mondays to ride and we always invite the community to ride along with us. Now called Bike Monday Bros, our series of rides are designed for riders to meet new people and to enjoy our local bike culture for an evening. Check out Bike Monday Bros on Instagram and come ride with us!
We all need a place to hang, share ideas, and find inspiration. Due to COVID, it's hard to find this kind of place like we used to. But with Crossroads open again (at limited capacity) this month, there's finally an option for the community to gather at a favorite local coffee shop. While I spend most of my time in my workshop in the Valley Manufacturing Building in the Northside working on commissions or personal projects, I always save time for a trip to Crossroads on the Southside for lively conversation, good food and coffee, and a creativity boost. Loyal fans love this place so much that when Crossroads was closed for months its regulars organized a GoFundMe campaign to support its reopening. We all chipped in and like many, I made donations when possible, used my social media to bring awareness, and offered creative ideas to help when asked. Go check out this classic coffee shop, and other favorite local coffee shops around town, to let them know we're glad they're open.
Hidden somewhere in downtown Richmond is "Edwards the Fisherman," a towering new installation made from found objects by Keith Ramsey. Inspired by African-American contemporary artist and sculptor Melvin Edwards, this important piece reminds us that public art and the process through which it is produced should positively impact the community, create a sense of inclusion, and forge connection between citizens and our open spaces.
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