Eric Cantor, Jeb Bush to host fundraiser in RVA

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) will benefit from a fundraiser being hosted by former Majority Leader Eric Cantor and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush later this month at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. The long-time friends will team up for the February 16th event that was first mentioned by Cantor at an event in January (see Virginia Republicans look to the future).

Cross-posted at LynnRMitchell.com

RVA: My hometown is growing up

I'm a product of the Richmond area of our Commonwealth of Virginia so it's been fun to watch the city on the hill overlooking the James River come of age. From its heyday to the slump years of the 1970-80s, it has built into a mecca for young professionals and sports enthusiasts. History, architecture, government ... the city has in recent years become a mecca for craft breweries, food trucks, and festivals.

Now read the 26 (wonderful) things you need to know about Richmond before you move there. RVA: My hometown is growing up at LynnRMitchell.com.

Flashback: 'To Ukrops! The snow is coming!!'

Remember this famous Brookins cartoon from the Richmond Times-Dispatch? It's still on my refrigerator door. Hunker down, RVA ... the snow is coming!

Guest Post: Never let a 60-degree January day go to waste

Would you believe that on this 60 degree day the recent nearly zero cold  ...

... did not deter the Star of David bulbs from opening.

In addition the jonquils are not far behind.

 The heater in the birdbath keeps the H2O liquid ...

... so the Acorn birdhouse’s next tenant won’t have far to go for a bath/drink/both, their choice!

Guest post & photos by my step-dad
Richmond, Virginia
January 13, 2014

Richmond among Frommer's Top Destinations for 2014

Let's hear it for RVA, the southern city that landed on Frommer's list of top destinations for 2014, who declared, "While you weren't looking, Richmond got cool."

My hometown, it's been "cool" to many of us for years. Renovation of the Slip area from tobacco warehouses to apartments, development of Rockett's Landing, train station, museums, craft beers, Carytown, nearby attractions, history, government, shopping, Maymont Park, the James River. Right through town. How cool is that? White water rafting, Belle Island, James River Park, biking, hiking, fun.

After floundering a bit a couple of decades ago and after losing its flagship century-old downtown department stores, Richmond has refound its footing in recent years and there's nowhere to go but up. Congratulations, RVA!

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Small Business Saturday: Buford Road Pharmacy in Bon Air, Virginia

Buford Road Pharmacy is a landmark at the corner of Forest Hill and Buford Roads in the Richmond, Virginia, suburb of Bon Air. The old pharmacy was originally across the street and later moved to the current, larger location where they branched out from the usual drug store items to gifts, floral, cards, and an entire line of Virginia Diner nuts and candies.

Small Business Saturday was encouraged by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling who during his years as Virginia's chief job creator has supported local businesses. Small Business Saturday, which falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, supports the national movement to drive consumers to shop at local, independently owned businesses during the heaviest shopping weekend of the year. Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers.

Their buyers find special and unique gifts and some old-time wares that bring back memories from Christmases past. As a little girl growing up in Bon Air, my sister and I would ride our bikes to Buford Road Pharmacy to buy fire balls. Christmas has arrived at Buford and Forest Hill Avenues....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
November 30, 2013

Small Business Saturday: Papeterie Stationery & Gifts in Richmond

Looking for something whimsical, fun, and colorful? On Small Business Saturday, we visited my sister's friend Holly's shop, Papeterie, in the Stony Point Shopping Center in Bon Air for stationery printing needs but also to check out her extensive gift line of candles, entertainment essentials, cards, and Christmas decor. 

 

Small Business Saturday was encouraged by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling who during his years as Virginia's chief job creator has supported local businesses. Small Business Saturday, which falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, supports the national movement to drive consumers to shop at local, independently owned businesses during the heaviest shopping weekend of the year. Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers.

Holly describes her shop as offering engraved, thermographed, letterpressed, and flat printed stationery and invitations, plus a variety of gift items including picture frames, baby items, sachets, pottery, Italian soaps, holiday items, wrapping paper, Caspari paper plates and napkins, guest books, ICU readers, fun socks, night gowns and PJs, silk flowers, and lots more.

 These little guys are adorable!

Lines carried are Crane's, William Arthur, Carlson Craft, Krepe Kraft, Page, Betsey Hall, Cast Paper Art, Cid Pear, Kate Spade & Martha Stewart. 

They do in-house printing on all stationery lines carried in the store including Cranes, William Arthur, Odd Balls, English Paper Co., Kate Spade, Meri Meri, Cid Pear, Karen Adams, Bella Ink, Smudge Letterpress, Sharp and Sally, Anna Griffin, Bella Adorna, & B Designs Letterpress.

The shop was busy Saturday when we were there as others shoppers took advantage of Small Business Saturday.

Merry Christmas! 

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
November 30, 2013

RVA: Sights at the Forest Hill Park farmers market

 South of the James Market SATURDAY'S from 8 am – 12 pm - May 4 – December 7, 2013
Forest Hill Park, New Kent Ave & 42nd Street, Richmond VA 23225

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
September 7, 2013

RTD: How can RVA attract next generation of talented employees?

As Richmond continues to grow and attract business, Jacob Geiger, Director of Work It Richmond, notifies of the next Public Square event sponsored by the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

I also want to mention a cool event the Richmond Times-Dispatch is holding May 21. Our latest Public Square will focus on how the region can attract the next generation of talented, educated employees and retain the folks who are already here.

The event will open with a presentation about the opinions and attitudes young professionals hold about Richmond. The survey was conducted among local college students, local young professionals and similar people who live in nearby cities.

There will be a lively discussion about the data.
< br/> During the final portion of the program, I will lead a discussion with executives from some Richmond companies that have a strong track record of attracting and keeping these employees.

After the official portion of the evening, which runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., you can join me and other young professionals at Pasture to continue the conversation.

The event is free, but we are asking people to register in advance. You can do so at http://timesdispatch.eventbrite.com. Hope to see you there!

It will be interesting to see what ideas come out of this Public Square.

The side streets of Carytown

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
May 5, 2013