2025 is flying by, isn’t it?! It seems like just yesterday we were wrapping up the holidays, and now we’re sailing into summer. I for one am ready for it!
I’m excited to introduce you to the Townes family in this issue. I had the pleasure of meeting Martin Townes last year when I was invited to lunch at Virginia’s Executive Mansion (imagine my surprise receiving THAT invitation!), and after chatting with him, I knew that I wanted to share his family’s story with our readers. As you know, RFM steers clear of politics, but once I learned that the Townes family has proudly worked for eleven Virginia governors, I knew we had a non-partisan, feel-good story on our hands.
Martin’s attention to detail throughout the luncheon and his extensive knowledge of the history of the Mansion and its contents blew me away. He gave me his business card at the end of my visit, and I have had a great time getting to know more about him and his family ever since. As it turns out, in addition to his role as Deputy Butler of the Executive Mansion of Virginia, Martin is also a member of the Board of Historic Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia and a statewide ambassador for the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (aka VA250, the group that serves to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia, where much of this history took place).
I’m embarrassed to admit that in all my years in Richmond, I had never toured the Executive Mansion (I’m not counting that time during my freshman year at William & Mary when my hallmate, Laura, gave me a ride home, and we stopped by her house to say hi to her dad, Governor Baliles!). Did you know it’s the nation’s oldest continuously occupied governor’s mansion? AND did you know it’s open to the public for tours every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., no reservations needed?! It’s so easy, just walk up to the Executive Mansion gate and let the Capitol Police Officer know you’d like a tour. An experienced docent will guide your 30ish-minute tour and answer all your questions. You might even get to meet Martin while you’re there!
Also in this issue, we’re telling you about an old-school hobby that’s making a big comeback – square dancing! I had no idea my 6th grade PE activity is a bona fide form of entertainment and socialization in the area, and now that I know, I think I must try it out! You’ll enjoy this article from Emily Wise, RFM’s newest contributor, beginning on page 40.
You’ll find lots more great articles to kick-start your summer in this issue, too, plus our supersized community calendar, starting on page 44. You’ll be circling events and dog-earring pages like crazy as you use the RFM calendar to plan your RVA May and June. You’ll see tons of free events at our area libraries, including lots of summer reading kickoff celebrations. Other favorite annual events on the RFM calendar include Dominion Riverrock May 16-18, lots of Flying Squirrels games, and Front Lawn Fun at Virginia Museum of History & Culture, kicking off on June 10. Also, come see me at Partners in Parenting on Tuesday, May 13, at noon, when I’ll be joined by Lindsay Garrison to give you the scoop on all things RVA summer fun. It’s always a great time, and I’d love to see you there!
Best wishes,
Margaret Thompson
Publisher
