Spring is in the air, friends! It’s sprinkled throughout this issue, too, with everything from spring cleaning tips to Earth Day-themed crafts and books. We have Easter events on the calendar, plus spring break camps, and yay! – baseball is back! (Be sure to check out the next column over to learn how you can win tickets to the Richmond Flying Squirrels home opener!)
Also in this issue, Joan Tupponce introduces us to an inspiring local mom and nationally acclaimed distance runner, Keira D’Amato. Learn about Keira’s journey to becoming an American marathon record holder and how she makes time for training and running a business, all while prioritizing her family. She loves calling Richmond home, and we love sharing her story with you (see page 28).
Plus, have you heard the news? Virginia Rep’s awesome programming for kids has a wonderful new home! And it’s one you surely have passed by a million times in your travels around the area. Paula Peters Chambers takes us inside the new Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education (formerly the Scottish Rite Temple) in the Hermitage Road Historic District and talks to the team at Virginia Rep about what’s next for this nearly fifty-year-old beloved organization (page 48).
Beginning on page 18, Laura Boycourt explores some local groups who are on a mission to get books into area kids’ hands. From the Lit Limo to the Book Buggy to those cute Little Free Libraries you have seen around town, organizations and individuals are making it easier to help area families build their home libraries. Now that’s an idea we can really get behind!
Plus, it’s summer camp planning season for many families, and RFM has all of the info you need to plan your kids’ best summer ever. You’ll see lots of camp information throughout this issue, including a handy guide to the camps featured in this issue beginning on page 38. Be sure to check out our online Camp Finder, too, where you can filter the list of hundreds of camps by age, location, and activities. Plus, we have chances to win four awesome Maymont summer camps, one for every age range! Flip to page 12 for more information, then head to our website and enter to win.
Speaking of winning, you’ll feel like you hit the jackpot when you sign up and start receiving our weekly RFM eNews. It’s the resource families count on for weekend event recommendations, exclusive contests, community news, and much more. You can sign up on our website (right now – just do it!).
Enjoy this issue and the start of springtime!
