Here's to great returns! Elisabeth Edelman puts her editor hat back on and returns for a guest spot that's sure to get your year ahead off to a good start. As many longtime Here readers know, Elisabeth founded our weekly newsletter years ago prior to it becoming part of the Richmond Gridfam! In addition to launching Here, Elisabeth is also the proud founder of Golden Word, a powerhouse communications agency that chases doing good work with good people. Prior to Golden Word, she studied journalism at the University of Richmond, cut her teeth on PR with five action-packed years in NYC, and broadened her marketing grasp in-house at Ledbury. Take it away, Elizabeth ...
Despite the considerable headwinds of this pandemic, I tend to focus on what’s still possible and what’s still good. I’m already thinking ahead to 2021 – specifically thinking about what I can do now to set myself up for a strong start to the new year. Here are a few suggestions to help you think big for 2021.
Cloth
& Paper
First things first: let’s get organized. I like making my ideas and plans for the year tangible by writing them down. Richmond-based Cloth & Paper is an incredible resource for planners, notebooks and office supplies – expect chic and minimal. I particularly love the soothing tones of their neutral sticky notes. This is an easy way to make WFH a little more zen.
Reading has been a source of escape, connection and growth through the pandemic, so I’m doubling down for 2021 with a reorg of my book club. I’m excited to ditch the mayhem of email chains and Doodles in favor of Bookclubz, the book club management app that streamlines all communication and keeps book clubs happy. And it's a Richmond-based startup!
And the source of our book selections? I am straight obsessed with bbgb in Carytown. They are perhaps best known for children’s books, but their recommendations across categories are my secret to finding my next stunner of a book.
To round out our 2021 prep, I bet you thought I’d recommend a local gym or workout. Wrong! I’m a serious sweet tooth, and we all need something to look forward to. So let me tip you off to Recess, the dessert delivery service from Charm School co-founder Meryl Hillerson.
Check their Instagram for new menus every other week, then place your order via email or text. Think sweet treats like Apple Galette with Brown Sugar Oat Crumble or Salty Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. *drooling*
Tap into more of Elisabeth’s tips by checking out Golden Word’s series of virtual PR workshops, “How to Pitch Yourself: For The Job” sessions, and the “Boost.”
With the holiday season upon us, we suggest sticking with the fundamentals in the weeks ahead -- giving back, getting outside, and eating warm donuts. Here are three tips for safely celebrating this place we love to call home this weekend and as we kick off the holidays. See you out there!
Eco-Journaling
on the River
Many of us kept diaries in our youth then abandoned the practice as we got older. But reflecting on our experiences with pen and paper can have numerous benefits – from reducing stress to improving sleep to making it through 2020. Join the free eco-journaling workshop in the beautiful urban wilderness of the James River Park System this Saturday at 3 PM. Eco-journaling combines mindfulness and quiet nature observation to help you simply unwind, reflect, and process the week – no writing or journaling experience required. Saturday’s session will be led by Natalie Stickel, a Richmond based writer, artist, educator, and river guide. “I believe healing of ourselves, our relationships, and our communities happens outside,” explains Natalie.
Vitals:
Saturday, November 21 / 3 PM - 5 PM / Meet at Pony Pasture at 7310 Riverside Dr / Bring a mask / All participants asked to adhere to social distancing of 6+ feet throughout the time together in the park
Warm Cider Donuts
at GrowRVA Market
Nothing says fall like WARM APPLE CIDER DONUTS! First Stop Donuts serves their delicious creations out of a school bus named Flubert! A hardworking everyday short school bus turned armored donut transport vehicle, Flubert can be spotted around Richmond at breweries, farmers markets, festivals and events big and small. On Saturdays you can find the school bus at the GrowRVA Market (formerly known as South of the James Farmers Market now at Bryan Park). Order a bag of donuts and hot cider by First Stop Donuts and spend your Saturday morning outside exploring local farms, local food and local arts.
Vitals:
Saturday, Nov 21 / 9 AM - Noon / GrowRVA Market / Masks required at all times (no eating those donuts in the market area, there's plenty of room in Bryan Park)
Holiday Volunteering Guide
by HandsOnRVA
During this time of year, many Richmonders want to find ways to volunteer, donate an in-kind gift, or weave the importance of giving into their holiday plans. While your holiday giving may look different in 2020, there are still many opportunities to give back in thoughtful and responsible ways. The fine folks at HandsOnRVA have rounded up a handy guide that details ways to give back during this holiday season. Doing a Secret Santa or other gift exchange? Ask for, or give, the gift of charity instead. Tell your coworkers or family you’d like a monetary donation in your name for a favorite local cause. Learn more about ways to align your values to organizations doing work in the Richmond region and create a culture of giving within your own fam this holiday season. Check out the Holiday Philanthropy Guide here. Also check the guide for a list of tips for healthy volunteering to keep you safe while volunteering, gathering supplies, and lending a hand this season.
A favorite tradition at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden featuring lights, decorations, outdoor model trains, dinners, hot chocolate & more! All displays are outdoors with safety measures in place. Beginning November 23! Nightly 4-10 p.m.
Two for one! Meet this week's guest editors, Alex and Lauren Glaser, the husband-and-wife duo behind award-winning real estate firm The Glaser Group. The team has been named among the top three ‘Best Real Estate Agent(s)’ by Style Weekly for seven consecutive years – and they make it their business to know the City of Richmond inside and out! If you’ve ever checked out their Instagram @whyrichmondisawesome, then you know how much Alex and Lauren love RVA (and their Richmond Animal League pups!). They created the Why Richmond is Awesome community to showcase what makes it one of the best cities to live, work, and play. Get inspired by some of their top picks for things to do around Richmond as we head into the holidays.
Virtual Thursday
Night Trivia
When the pandemic hit, we searched for ways to stay connected to our community and support local businesses, restaurants, and breweries. Enter: virtual trivia. Were we qualified as realtors to host trivia? No. Did we do it anyway and fall in love? Yes. Every week we host free, virtual, live trivia, and the prizes are purchased from local spots to give them recognition and help support them financially. As we enter the colder season and our ability to socially distance outdoors dwindles, we invite you to cozy up in front of your device and join us for some good fun and prizes. Each week we purchase and give away gift cards to local spots for first and second place, but we also give out participation prizes each game and $20 for best team name, so even if you’re not awesome at trivia you still have an opportunity to win. This week's featured businesses are Can Can Brasserie (check out their fall special, Maple Crème Brûlée, pictured here) and Sneed's Nursery! Become a trivia club member (free!) and get two answers each week, plus hints and early access during special trivia events.
Participate in Better Housing Coalition’s fourth annual Gingerbread House Challenge! Round up your household, friends, family, "quaranteam," or simply register solo to show off your creative spirit by building a gingerbread house based around the ‘Hometown Holidays’ theme. The deadline to register is November 27 and virtual judging takes place December 3. The Gingerbread House Challenge is a (virtual) fundraiser supporting BHC’s mission of changing lives and transforming communities through high-quality affordable housing. Raise money for a chance to win the People’s Choice Award, which includes an awesome prize pack from Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, and also compete for the juried grand prize of $1,000. We can’t think of a better way to safely get into the holiday spirit while giving back to a great cause!
Vitals:
The deadline to register is November 27 / Virtual judging is December 3
Artisan Market
Main Line Brewing
On select Sundays now through December, Main Line Brewing is hosting a local artisan market so you can shop small this holiday season! We’ve found so many incredible makers at various Richmond-area pop-up markets and it’s such a great way to source local treasures and gifts for friends and loved ones. Browse more than 20 vendors selling home-made items such as jewelry, soaps, candles, and more. Once you’ve done some shopping, relax and sip on a craft beer or gluten-free hard seltzer. Cirrus Vodka is next door if you’d prefer a spirit. But our favorite part? Main Line Brewery welcomes dogs on its patio and inside its taproom ... Cheers!
HEARD, premiering Thursday at 9:00 pm on VPMChannel 23, captures the inspiring stories of five people who grew up in public housing, surviving and thriving in spite of, and often because of, the challenges they've had to overcome. Now they’re giving back to their home communities, trying to make a better life for those who come behind.
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