vol. 277 / Let's Take This OutsideExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 277 / LET'S TAKE THIS OUTSIDE
This week, we’re excited to welcome Will Dixon, Executive Director of Sports Backers, as our guest editor. Will and the entire Sports Backers team are dedicated to making all corners of the Richmond community more active through a wide array of events, training teams, and programs.
A Richmond native, Will recently stepped into the Executive Director role, succeeding Jon Lugbill, who led the organization for 32 years. While his role may be new, Will is no stranger to Sports Backers; he’s been a key part of the organization for over 17 years. He has steadily risen through the ranks, previously serving as Operations Manager, Director of Sponsorship, and, most recently, Chief Administrative Officer—a role he took on in June 2020.
Will earned his degree from James Madison University and, after graduating, returned to Richmond to begin his career with Sports Backers. Beyond his professional contributions, he has served on several local nonprofit boards, including SwimRVA, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, and Richmond Region Tourism—reflecting his deep passion for community health and wellness.
Throughout his tenure, Will has played a pivotal role in strengthening Sports Backers’ marketing, sponsorship, and fundraising efforts, helping to expand the organization’s impact on the health and vibrancy of the Richmond region. With a strong commitment to the mission, he’s excited to lead Sports Backers into its next chapter.
In his free time, Will enjoys riding his bike, running and swimming, and spending time at local parks with his family—fiancée Courtney, two sons, and two dogs. Here’s a peek at a few of his favorite parks around town.
Take it away, Will …
Taylor Farm Park
One of Henrico County’s newest parks has quickly become a favorite spot for spending time with my family. Taylor Farm Park features a skate park, dirt pump track, splash pad, two playgrounds, nature and walking trails, and more. My sons are big fans of the skate park and biking elements. We can spend an entire day at Taylor Farm Park, so come prepared with a packed lunch, snacks, and skateboards and bikes in tow. Beyond the amenities, what’s impressed me most about this park is how welcoming and helpful other users have been to my sons, who are beginner-level skaters and riders. Taylor Farm Park offers entertainment for all ages, skill levels, and outdoor interests. Regardless of where you live in the region, it’s a park worth traveling to.
Vitals:
Taylor Farm Park / Open daily from dawn to dusk / 200 Whiteside Road, Sandston
Forest Hill Park
Recently, my family and I spent the morning hiking the trails in the James River Park System. We parked in Forest Hill Park, ventured down to the Buttermilk Trail, and scrambled across the exposed rocks over to Belle Isle. If you want to feel like a kid again—or just enjoy watching kids be kids—add the dry rocks scramble to your list. Just be aware that at certain river levels, the rocks are submerged and not safe to cross.
While we were out there, we ran into a group from Homegirl Hike, said hi to some passing mountain bikers, saw a few grazing deer, and played a round of 20 Questions to finish off the hike once the kids got antsy. Afterward, we headed to The Veil on Forest Hill Avenue for a beer and grabbed lunch at Y Tu Mama (highly recommend the Quesabirria Tacos and the Nachos!).
It’s hard to believe we have such an incredible outdoor oasis just minutes from downtown.
Vitals:
Forest Hill Park / Open from sunrise to sunset / 4021 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond
Deep Run Park
I grew up in the West End and spent a lot of time biking and hiking at Deep Run Park as a kid. And while I still live out in the Short Pump area, it’s been a joy to see Deep Run Park continue to grow and evolve to serve the community. The pump track is perfect for riders of any age, the pond offers enjoyable fishing, and the multi-use trails are ideal for a walk, ride, or run—with plenty of shade and green scenery. And if you’re more into team sports, there always seems to be a pick-up soccer game or cricket match happening.
Even better, thanks to Henrico’s efforts to enhance the walkability and bikeability of the county, I can get from my front door in West Broad Village to Deep Run Park and be on a sidewalk the entire time! After an action-packed day at the park, we like to swing by neighborhood spots including the newly opened Emmy Squared Pizza or MPM Tiki Bar for a bite, then cap off the day with some Ray’s Italian Ice, Gelati Celesti, or Sweet Frog.
Vitals:
Deep Run Park / Open daily from dawn to dusk / 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico
More about Sports Backers.
During the past 33 years, Sports Backers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has developed programs and events designed to inspire people to live actively. Sports Backers achieves this work by focusing on a network of collaborative partnerships with other organizations, businesses, local governments, and faith-based institutions. In order to create transformational change, the organization recognizes that it can’t do it all alone; rather, it works collaboratively to build a movement of change in our community to make active living the easy choice.
There are over 8,000 volunteers and staff involved with Sports Backers. Collectively the organization encourages an active lifestyle in all corners of our community. It doesn’t matter if you are filling cups at a water stop, leading a fitness class, or advocating for bike infrastructure, we are all part of the same team. Together we each contribute to the magic that makes Sports Backers' nationally recognized programs and events come to life and help our families, friends, and neighbors live actively.
Heidi has been orchestrating the art of storytelling since childhood, when she first fell in love with mass communications. Now she spends her days amplifying Virginia's educational heroes as a communications strategist for the Commonwealth, transforming everyday classroom victories into compelling narratives that reach far beyond school walls.
The mastermind behind HWILSONPR since 2008, Heidi doesn't just teach strategic communications—she lives it. From her former role shaping future communicators as department chair at Virginia Union University to her current work coaching organizations through digital chaos and crisis management, she's built a reputation for turning complex messages into magnetic stories. Between crafting campaigns and conquering dance floors through Hip Hop Fit classes, Heidi's on a perpetual quest for the perfect pizza slice, the sparkliest vintage finds, and the next adventure with her three-year-old great niece, who's already showing signs of inheriting the family's flair for dramatic storytelling.
Take it away, Heidi …
PRSA Richmond Monthly Luncheons
Each month, PRSA Richmond brings communicators together over lunch to explore a fresh topic in PR, marketing, or media. Expect smart conversation, solid takeaways, and plenty of time to connect with colleagues across the industry.
Talk shop. Grow your network. Learn something new.
Vitals:
Monthly, Dates Vary / 12:00 – 1:30 PM / FREE - members, $15 - students/retirees, $45 - non-members / Westwood Club, 6200 W Club Lane
Little Nickel
Discovered during a birthday dinner, this Forest Hill favorite quickly earned a spot on the regular rotation. With standout service, generous portions, and a menu that blends tiki flair with coastal Mediterranean touches, Little Nickel nails the casual-meets-craveable experience every time.
Come for the vibe. Stay for the sweet potato volcano.
Vitals:
Open Monday - Saturday / 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM (Mon. - Thurs.), 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Fri. & Sat.) / 4702 Forest Hill Avenue
Crossroads Art Center
Whether you’re into paintings, photography, sculpture, or mixed media, Crossroads is a hub for Richmond’s visual arts scene. With rotating exhibitions, artist-led workshops, and guided tours, there's always something new to spark your curiosity. Bonus: it makes a great day date.
Local art. Fresh inspiration. A perfect creative escape.
I recently launched "TALK About Yo Stuff," a motivational campaign designed to combat the epidemic of talented people hiding their light under a bushel. Too many entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives, and changemakers are doing incredible work but staying silent about their impact—and that needs to change.
This movement is for the teacher transforming young minds who thinks sharing their classroom innovations is "bragging." It's for the author whose book is changing lives but feels awkward promoting it. It's for the stylist boosting confidence one client at a time, the entrepreneur solving real problems with their products, and the professional earning recognition but downplaying their achievements. If you're making a difference—whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or communities—it's time to own it and share it.
The campaign goes beyond motivation. When you grab merch from our collection, you're not just wearing a statement—you're funding communications scholarships for the next generation of storytellers. Every purchase helps students learn to amplify their own voices and the voices of others who are doing meaningful work.
Ready to join the movement? Follow the journey on Instagram and discover how others are talking about their stuff, then start talking about yours. Because the world needs to hear what you're bringing to the table.
vol. 275 / INNERWORKExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 275 / INNERWORK
Meet Yedda Stancil, this week’s guest editor. Yedda is a mindfulness teacher, coach, speaker, and the Executive Director of the Innerwork Center in Richmond. With over 20 years of experience in personal development, coaching, and contemplative practices, Yedda helps people reconnect with their inner wisdom and live with intention. She is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and the author of Shut Up and Sit, a modern-day, mindfulness-based guide to changing your life from the inside out.
Yedda calls herself part shaman, part monk—a "shunk"—reflecting her deep devotion to a contemplative life rooted in silence, stillness, and spiritual practice, while also embracing the vibrancy of modern life, from fashion and art to all things fun, fierce, and fabulously full of expression. As Executive Director of the Innerwork Center, she’s leading with a fearless, joy-filled spirit and a passion for helping others awaken their inherent enoughness.
As this issue of Here Weekly launches just before July 4th, Yedda’s inspiration for her tips this week came from her reflection on the meaning of freedom. “I believe the truest and most lasting sense of freedom comes from within. Inner work—getting quiet, curious, and connected to ourselves—is how we cultivate that inner freedom,” says Yedda. “If we each took time to do this work, every day could be a celebration of freedom. I believe that kind of radical self-awareness could transform not only our individual lives but the entire community we call home here in Richmond.”
These three events are close to Yedda’s heart and offer a doorway into that inner work. Take it away, Yedda …
Mini Urban Silent Retreat
In the heart of the city, this two-hour silent retreat is a sacred pause. No guided meditation. No incense. No right or wrong way. Just stillness and space to be with yourself.
I learned early on that the most radical thing I could do was get quiet. When I finally shut up and sat still, I met the parts of myself I’d been running from—and found peace in the silence. This mini retreat is about learning the language of stillness, open to everyone, no matter your background or beliefs.
Come as you are. Leave with a little more of yourself.
I believe the most powerful spiritual practice we can cultivate is curiosity. Not certainty. Not dogma. Just the courageous act of wondering—together.
Every month at the Innerwork Center, we host the Spiritual Curiosity Circle—a free, inclusive gathering where we explore the big questions: What do you believe? What do you long for? What do you wonder about when the world gets quiet?
We don’t try to fix or convert anyone. We simply practice being present in the mystery and learning to speak the sacred language of not knowing. Because when we get curious together, we learn not to invade or abandon ourselves—or each other.
Vitals:
Wednesday, July 9 / 6:00 PM / Innerwork Center / 213 Roseneath Road / Register Here
Deborah Silverman Keynote:
I live in the tension between fire and stillness, mysticism and mindfulness. So when I tell you I’m excited about this event, I mean it with every fiber of my being. Deborah Silverman is a world-renowned astrologer, psychotherapist, and author who bridges the gap between science and soul. In her new book, I Don’t Believe in Astrology: A Therapist’s Guide to the Life-Changing Wisdom of the Stars, she offers a grounded, humorous, and profound take on how the ancient language of the stars can align with the very modern work of therapy and transformation.
This isn’t about horoscopes or fate. It’s about asking deeper questions: Who am I? What am I here to do? And how do I live in alignment with something greater than myself?
Sunday, July 13 / 3:00 PM / Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Glen Allen / 11105 Cauthorne Road, Glen Allen / Register Here
More about Yedda.
This year marks a bold new chapter for me and the Innerwork Center. We're expanding our digital footprint with an online community, a new podcast (Begin Within: The Innerwork Journey), and a fresh sponsorship model connecting local businesses with our mission of well-being for all.
After years of growing my private coaching practice, I’ve now brought those offerings into the Innerwork Center, creating a unified space for deep, impactful inner work. Our partnership with the International Coaching Group allows us to bring coach training, leadership development, and mindfulness into organizations and communities that need it most.
The future of healing and transformation lies in bridging ancient wisdom with modern science—and I’m honored to help make that bridge possible.
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