Local author Sadeqa Johnson sees herself as a conduit for the stories that choose her to bring them to life. “Once I say yes to the story, I turn myself over to the characters and let them speak to me. I capture the story flowing through me and write it…

Maymont is the backdrop of countless special moments in the lives of Richmond families. Many of us have memories of playing soccer or flag football on the big field near the Hampton Street entrance, trying to catch a glimpse of one of the bears in their habitat, reading a book…

I first visited Lynchburg roughly 35 years ago for a weekend conference. I recall walking around downtown after 5 p.m. on a Friday, and it was empty. With no one in sight and not much to do, I ended up spending all my time in the conference hotel (yes, it’s…

My mom has always treated my birthday like a national holiday. She threw me the most fun, creative parties, filled my room with balloons and decorations, and took me out to a restaurant of my choosing for dinner. I’ve always loved how special she’s made me feel on my birthday.…

About 8 years ago, my wife and I took our two boys on an all-inclusive trip to Jamaica. Our family arrived at the hotel, rolled our bags into the room, and immediately headed out to start our vacation. After a quick lap around the resort, we posted up at one…

Raise your hand if you’re ready for this winter to get on outta here and let spring take over, letting us all get back to enjoying all RVA has to offer, minus a thick coating of ice. Hopefully by the time you read this, those icy weeks will be a…

There are only a handful of books I’ve read over the years that I come back to time and time again, and How Lucky You Are by Kristyn Kusek Lewis is one of them. Maybe it’s the fact that the novel is set in Virginia, or maybe it’s how the…

Q. My elementary schooler has started putting himself down a lot, and I’m noticing more negative self-talk. Is this normal? What can I do as a parent to support his confidence and emotional wellbeing? It’s great that you’re noticing and listening. In some ways, it can actually be a positive…

“I love you. It's ok if you have to go.” Zosha Olearnick was only 11 when she whispered these words to her dying father. Minutes later, while holding his hand, she watched him take his last breath. In the months that followed, Zosha did what many grieving children do. She…

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). It’s highly contagious and typically seen in kids under the age of 5, so the odds of your child experiencing it at some point are pretty high. This common virus has become even more prevalent in…

Brussels Sprout Tacos Ingredients1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved1 tablespoon olive oil1 tablespoon chili garlic paste1 tablespoon soy sauce1 teaspoon lime juice6 small corn or flour tortillas1 small avocado, sliced or chopped¼ cup crumbled queso fresco or feta Cilantro, for garnish Place a baking sheet in the oven and…

Materials Wooden mallet or hammer Thick paper (example: watercolor or mixed media paper) Found nature objects (example: leaves and flowers) Container Instruction Grab a container and head outside! Gather any nature items you see, like colorful leaves or vibrant flower petals. Empty your collection and sort through the materials. You…

The Earth Book by Todd ParrAges 3-6Celebrate Earth Day with this bright and cheerful book! With easy-to-understand ideas for taking care of our planet and playful text, this story helps even the youngest readers learn how they can make a difference All That Grows by Jack WongAges 3-7This picture book…

Smartphones and social media are part of everyday life for today’s teens. They are how friendships grow, jokes are shared, and creativity finds an audience. But for many families, screens are also a source of tension, especially when scrolling seems endless and moods begin to shift. A new Virginia law,…

Are you looking for career change or planning to get a new job soon? If so, there’s a lot to look forward to — a new salary, new coworkers, and new duties. But you’ll also want to look into the financial considerations. Here are some of the most important things…

Congratulations! You’re one of eight billion people who get to experience this amazing place called Earth. You get to inhabit it, explore it, and take in its wonder. In Virginia, we’re especially lucky because we have no shortage of wonder all around us, from the mountains to the ocean. The…

Autism is everywhere: in our schools and clubs, neighborhoods and parks, stores and restaurants, churches and workplaces, and the national news. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in every 31 8-year-olds is autistic.My involvement with autism began in the fall of 2017 when my granddaughter…

Montpelier is more than just the home of one of America’s Founding Fathers. It’s a place where we can learn how our Constitution affects our everyday lives. Enjoy access to Montpelier’s grounds, including the Annie DuPont Formal Garden, eight miles of hiking trails, and the award-winning exhibition The Mere Distinction…

What kid hasn’t dreamed of playing in a band and performing on stage? At School of Rock, dreams come true! These music camps are designed for students ages 6–18, and no prior music experience is necessary. Throughout the week-long camps, students explore rock instruments through fun musical games, hands-on activities,…

Whether they’re furry, fluffy, slithery, or scaly, pets are part of the family too. They bring us joy and love us unconditionally, and we love them too (even if they claw or chew up the furniture). RFM Wants to Know: How Many Pets do You Have?