Events
HandsOn Day 2016 to bring together 1,300 volunteers for 60 transformative service projects
Registration is now open for this city-wide day of service, and there’s something for everyone, regardless of age, skill, or interest.
HandsOn Greater Richmond is calling on Richmond residents to volunteer at projects all over the city October 15th for the ninth annual HandsOn Day service event. The nonprofit says over 1,300 volunteers are needed to help with 60 transformative service projects around the area.
Registration is now open for volunteer slots in a wide range of service projects encompassing all ages and skills to better the region by helping local nonprofit organizations, schools, and parks. Volunteers can choose from a variety of ways to give a day and give back–from painting and gardening to visiting seniors or building a house. HandsOn Day will also feature DIY and “drop-in” projects for those who can’t commit all morning to a project.
Since the first HandsOn Day in 2008, annual volunteer participation in the event has more than doubled, the organization says, significantly increasing the value of service and donated goods. In 2015, HandsOn Day provided more than 4,258 volunteer hours at 66 project sites for $117,762 in volunteer time value.
“What I love most about HandsOn Day is that it provides an opportunity for anyone to get involved,” said Catherine Lukhard, chair of the HandsOn Day steering committee. “There is a wide variety of projects from gardening to art projects and everything in between which means regardless of age, personal interest or skill set there really is something for everyone. Additionally, in just a few short hours this group of volunteers makes a huge impact across the city and surrounding counties.”
The day of service kicks off Saturday, October 15th from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM, followed by a celebration at Gather Scott’s Addition and adjacent Three Notch’d Brewing Company.
Volunteers can sign up to participate in HandsOn Day projects and activities by visiting the organization’s website.
Community
Richmond Folk Festival Announces First Set of Performers
You’ll notice a well-known local band in the list performing at the best festival in the state of Virginia.
The Richmond Folk Festival returns October 13-15, 2023, and celebrates its 19th anniversary, having become one of Virginia’s largest events. The beloved festival draws fans each year to downtown Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness, and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling, and food.
The free event hosts 200,000 people over a three-day weekend. Featuring six stages and showcasing music and dance from more than 30 performing groups from around the nation and the world, the Richmond Folk Festival today announces the first eight artists of what will once again make up a culturally diverse and artistically excellent program.
“We are looking forward to showcasing downtown Richmond’s ever-changing riverfront once again for a beautiful weekend of music, dance, food, and crafts with the James River and our city skyline as the perfect backdrop,” said Stephen Lecky, director of events at Venture Richmond. “This is the 19th year of the festival, and we couldn’t be more proud of its legacy in Richmond and across Virginia.”
The Richmond Folk Festival is presented by Venture Richmond Events in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), Virginia Humanities, Center for Cultural Vibrancy, Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond.
Artists to be featured at the 2023 Richmond Folk Festival include:
- Baba Commandant & the Mandingo Band (Mandinka)
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso- Bio Ritmo (salsa)
Richmond, Virginia- Chuck Mead (rockabilly and honky-tonk)
Nashville, Tennessee- Genticorum (Québécois)
Montreal, Québec- Hālau ‘O Lilinoe (traditional Hawai’ian hula)
Carson, California- Kala Ramnath (Hindustani violin)
San Francisco, California- Melody Angel (Chicago blues)
Chicago, Illinois- Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (bluegrass)
Charlestown, Indiana
Events
PlanRVA Day on June 1st offers host of free learning opportunities
The Richmond region’s planning district commission is opening its doors to community members and partners next month for a day of learning and networking.
PlanRVA will host PlanRVA Day on June 1 from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at its new office at 424 Hull St. Rd. in the Manchester neighborhood. The event will focus on the topic of placemaking, the process of creating quality inclusive places where people want to live, work and play. Sessions will explore various aspects of inclusion and public engagement, with a focus on community connection through regional trails, public art and the environment.
The day will conclude with a film screening of the documentary “A River Called Home” with filmmaker Jess Wiegandt from 6-7:30 p.m. The film focuses on the journey of four women who launch at the headwaters of the James River and paddle to the Chesapeake Bay over three weeks, while conducting a water quality study.
“PlanRVA is where the region comes together to look ahead,” said Martha Shickle, PlanRVA’s Executive Director. “Regional collaboration and cooperation happens every day in Central Virginia. PlanRVA Day is an opportunity to celebrate the progress we’re making together to support quality of life and growth in the region. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event.”
Attendees can tour PlanRVA’s office space and connect with staff and community partners throughout the day.
Sessions are free, but registration is required. People can sign up for single sessions or for the entire day.
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