vol. 84 / do good 🙌Celebrating those who are open, courageous, compassionate, and kind.
VOL. 84 / DO GOOD
Richmond is brimming with do-gooders. This week we’ve asked our favorite do-gooder, Becky Crump, to join us as guest editor as we celebrate those who are open, courageous, compassionate, and kind. Take it away, Becky ...
I’ve been the host of Mindful Mornings for 29 months (but, seriously, who’s counting). That’s 29 local do-gooders who have held a microphone to tell their story and share their beliefs about Richmond’s need for change. Several of these speakers lead nonprofits, others lead in their lives through individual action, and all are local change-makers packed full of more kindness than one soul should be able to hold.
When I think of Richmond, I don’t think of restaurants, shops, or the best brewery. I think of loving, compassionate, generous people! That’s why I’m sharing with you more than just my favorite watering holes, local boutiques, and must-do activities. To be frank, I’m an introvert on the evenings and weekends and don’t get out much, so I’m hardly the person to ask. I’m sharing with you a few of my favorite people, and several of the kindest places to visit in Richmond.
Meet three do-gooders in Richmond who are working hella hard every single day to make this town better for you, for us.
Rachel
Douglas
When you commit your heart, mind, and soul to living fully in and with the world, you usher in joy—and pain. It’s why so many of us choose to live sleepy lives beneath our covers of comfort. The world is filled with wicked problems that hurt, and we worry we can’t help. In that space of overwhelm and fear, blocking instead of welcoming is a natural reaction rewarded by our body’s desperate need for survival and for happiness. But it’s also an instinct that staves off solutions made possible (oftentimes, probable) when we unite in compassionate community to amplify our individual voices and multiply our actions. That work—both the work of awakening to the world and the work of changing it—requires inner work that cannot be done alone, work that is critical to our own wellbeing, and to our empathetic understanding of the lived experiences of others, and of our natural world. Rachel is the person in Richmond who won’t let you do that work alone—who knows that living here, being here and being present demands support. In moments, or in hours, she’ll give you all she’s got. Her focus, her energy, her time, and an intensity of attention that comes from her selfless desire for you to feel seen, heard, and supported. She won’t claim to have all the answers—in fact, she believes in living the questions. Whether through the Innerwork Center, where she is the Executive Director, or over coffee at Perk, she will make certain you’re surrounded with who and what you need at this unique moment. Much of my personal growth these past couple of years can be attributed to the work of Rachel and her team at the Innerwork Center—and I will be forever grateful. Founded in 1994 as Chrysalis, The Innerwork Center is a welcoming place for Richmonders working to create a more well world and a critical partner for Mindful Mornings.
Shep
Roeper
There’s one fail-proof way to spot a kind person—their smile. It lives in their eyes, through their mouths, and pours out of their soul without invitation. Shep doesn’t stop smiling, and when he spoke at Mindful Mornings, neither did anyone else in the room. That’s because Shep has the joyful variety of peace that only living your passion can provide.
When we think of the River City, we think of, well, the River—but Shep knows our River is too often only accessible to the people with the ‘right’ physical capabilities from the ‘right’ neighborhoods—and that just doesn’t seem ‘right’ to him.
That’s why Shep co-founded Beyond Boundaries, to create life-changing experiences that build confidence and courage for everyone. Beyond Boundaries is a non-profit that specializes in guiding participants with disabilities on outdoor adventures.
Alan
Delbridge
Meet Alan Delbridge, the approachably earnest, friendly, impassioned volunteer and partnership coordinator for the Enrichmond Foundation. On April 5, in front of a pretty big crew of do-gooders at River City Roll, Alan activated the hearts and minds of 180 people through personal stories of altruism, and with his pragmatic plea for more conscious volunteerism in Richmond. He asked us to get curious about what exactly we want to do in this world. He reminded us not to treat the symptom, if we can treat the cause. He encouraged us to consider how we volunteer our strengths, not only our passions. And he left us with a command that was repeated in every social media post from attendees for days to come: volunteer alongside, not for. And right before he left the stage, to much applause, he shared this quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness." Find Alan at The Enrichmond Foundation, a local nonprofit committed to serving the people, parks, and public spaces of the City of Richmond since 1990.
Bonus
Before going to a brewery, local festival, or to your favorite Richmond restaurant, consider taking that time and those resources to support these brave few on their journey toward making the world a better place.
And now...my list of the kindest places, companies, experiences, beverages, and people.
The kindest community project: The Giving Wall *This is my project and I’m terribly biased.
The kindest eating experience: When Jeffrey Ota (sushi master) energetically thanks me for purchasing my daily philly roll from Ellwood Thompson, while making sure I have all the soy sauce I need.
The kindest entertainment:River City Roll because, well, bowling…#americanpasttimes
Join me for Mindful Mornings on the first Friday of every month to hang with the kindest group of do-goodin’ change-makers you could ever hope to meet!
Do Good Perk.
Becky is giving away two Do Good tanks. If you would like to enter to win one, all you need to do is take a picture of the kindest person you know in Richmond, write why, and share it on Instagram, tagging @mindful_mornings_richmond. Two lucky people will be chosen!
vol. 83 / have pride 🌈Celebrating a welcoming place for all.
VOL. 83 / HAVE PRIDE
Have pride, RVA! This week, Wyatt Gordon, a writer for RVA Magazine, is joining us as guest editor. His vision is to use community-driven placemaking to highlight what he calls "the charming queerness of the Commonwealth’s capital." Wyatt is an urban planner that volunteers with Diversity Richmond and Virginia Pride. Take it away, Wyatt ...
The lack of a “gayborhood” in Richmond doesn’t mean there aren’t cool things to do throughout June to show your pride. The rebellious, counter-culture spirit of any good Pride celebration is baked into Richmond’s DNA. Whether you’re LGBTQ+ yourself or just an ally, here are three great ways to show your pride!
Have a
Gay Old Time
For the first time in years Richmond is going to have its very own queer film fest! Starting June 3, come get a little gay every Monday during Pride Month and the first Monday of July when the Byrd Theatre is taken over by MonGays, a film series celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. All proceeds from the $4 suggested donation will benefit Diversity Richmond, Nationz Foundation, Side by Side, Health Brigade, and Black Pride RVA. I’m biased since I organized this one with Virginia Pride, but the lineup of critically acclaimed and audience adored movies will be sure to enlighten as well as entertain!
Vitals:
Every Monday in June and the first Monday of July
This Monday's feature is Rafiki (pictured)
7 pm at the Byrd Theatre
What's
the Tea?
Last month the Tottering Teacup celebrated two years since opening at the corner of Cary and Dooley in Carytown. What started out as an affordable specialty tea house serving homemade macarons, scones, and tea cookies has transformed into a hub for the community. Whether you’re looking to throw a birthday bash, play dress-up, or simply enjoy a high tea, owner Anatash Werne revels in her shop being a welcoming place for all.
Over the past couple years, Hard Candy has been bringing some of the drag world’s top queens to Fallout, Richmond’s premier goth / industrial / fetish nightclub. Stars like Brook Lynn Hytes, Jasmine Masters, and Scarlett Envy have all taken the stage in Shockoe Bottom. And on June 4, Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 11 finalist Akeria C. Davenport will join their ranks! Additional performances by local queens Chiki Parm and Jasmen Clitopatra will round out the evening and guarantee a good time.
The first Here. member to give us a shout will receive two free tickets to Friday Cheers this week featuring Colter Wall with Thorp Jenson. Email us using the link below. Early bird gets the worm!
vol. 82 / bust a move 🕺Take more chances. Dance more dances.
VOL. 82 / BUST A MOVE
Let’s dance. This week Mandy Helmlinger, founder and artistic director of Richmond Urban Dance, is joining us as guest editor. Her vision is to bring the high quality hip hop dance scene typically found in LA and NYC to RVA. Mandy has over 35 years of dance training and experience in performing, teaching, choreographing, and directing. Bust a move, Mandy…
There's a vibrant and growing dance scene in Richmond, you just have to know where to look! There are studios for all styles, unique venues, and amazingly talented creatives that embrace the dancer life. Here are three favorites to start your search whether you've been here forever or are new to the area!
Richmond
Urban Dance
Sure, we're a bit biased here -- but we love our dancers! Check out a variety of Richmond Urban Dance classes, from pre-school to adult, that are open to all experience levels. PRO TIP: If you're nervous about trying a master class, consider the adult beginner or RUD Fit classes first. And don't miss the 3rd annual I AM HIP HOP show on June 7 and 8. This isn't your typical recital! There will be plenty of special guests, surprises, and we get HYPE! Best of all, proceeds from the show support the Richmond Urban Dance scholarship fund. Grab your tickets fast!
Perk: The first 10 Here. members to email us about "I AM HIP HOP" score free tickets to the Richmond Urban Dance performance of their choice in June.
Dogtown Dance Theatre is a beautifully renovated dance space located in Manchester on the south side of the James River. It's home to independent performing artists and studios looking for space to create and train. They offer a wide variety of classes from contemporary to pole. Their next main stage performance is by RVA Dance Collective “Four Seasons.” Grab your tickets for the shows on May 31 and June 1.
Perk: The first five Here. members to email us about "Four Seasons" will receive free tickets to the performance of their choice at Dogtown Dance Theatre.
Dancers of RVA is a collaborative project focused on capturing the passion of RVA dancers and showcasing the beautiful landscape of our city. The photography by Katrina Boone is stunning. And it’s a great way to learn the personal stories of the dancers in our area and perhaps even get featured! Give them a follow on Instagram @DancersofRVA and get inspired!
Not just any oyster knife, one made locally from oak bourbon barrel staves from Richmond based Reservoir Distillery! Made exclusively for Grid Supply Co. with a special promo code for Here. members. Use "HERE" for 10% off.
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