Award-winning Italian conductor Valentina Peleggi was introduced to the Richmond Symphony when her mentor, conductor Marin Alsop, was associate conductor. Peleggi admired the symphony for being the first orchestra to believe in…
Author: Joan Tupponce
Joan Tupponce
An award-winning writer based in Richmond, Joan Tupponce is a parent, grandparent, and self-admitted Disney freak. She writes about anything and everything and enjoys meeting inspiring people and telling their stories. Joan’s work has appeared in RFM since the magazine’s first issue in October 2009. Look for original and exclusive online articles about Richmond-area people, places, and ideas at Just Joan: RVA Storyteller.
During a pandemic or a public health crisis, families look to healthcare experts and scientists for guidance. Leaders rise up because of their courage, intelligence, and calm demeanor. Leaders like…
Rebecca Lewis refers to herself as a paid disease detective. “That’s what I like to think of myself,” says Lewis, senior epidemiologist for Henrico County. “I put the puzzle pieces…
Even though stay-at-home guidelines are still in place, artists Hamilton Glass and Matt Lively have found an innovative way to collaborate and create murals around Richmond. “I always crave collaborating,”…
Registered nurse Michelle Vaughan was deeply saddened when COVID-19 restrictions regarding family visitations went into effect in the critical care unit at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital. Vaughan, who works…
When she heard a CDC spokesperson say crisis medical workers could use a bandanna or scarf over their faces as a last resort, Julie Kratzer knew she needed to do…
Early morning wake-up calls are built into the job for Camille Schrier, Miss America 2020. In early March, Camille set her alarm for five in the morning to get ready…
Like other small business owners, Patti Angus is trying to come up with an effective action plan for her tailoring business. “Being in the service industry, it is day to…
Tom Parfitt doesn’t need a canvas to create art. All this stay-at-home dad needs is his homemade focaccia and nature’s bounty. “I have been baking bread for a decade,” says…
Godwin High School Choral Director Jacob Devol became interested in the concept of a virtual choir about ten years ago when he was a sophomore at Hermitage High School. That’s…
At a time when people can’t interact with the City of Richmond community in the same way they did before the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s comforting to know that a virtual…
Anyone familiar with the “Yes, and…” principle of improv knows it’s important to be able to switch course at a moment’s notice and build on what’s being said. So when…