Drayage Brokersin Richmond, VA

Richmond, Va., Aug 22, 2023 / 06:00 am

A Catholic charity nonprofit does not often have any chance to brag one way or the other about what it does. But the Thrifty Sisters thrift store on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia, at least wants shoppers to know one thing.

“We were the first Catholic thrift store in the area!” a worker said with a laugh during a recent visit. “Anyone else is just a copycat!”

Thrifty Sisters is one of two nonprofit efforts in the Diocese of Richmond showcasing a relatively rare model of Catholic charity: Along with the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, the two shops are using the familiar economy of thrifting and putting it to work for God.

Thrifty Sisters opened in 2012. It was founded after the example of St. Jeanne Jugan, the 19th-century French Catholic nun whose service to the impoverished and the infirm in Brittany launched the Little Sisters of the Poor in 1839.

The shop was “founded with the intent of directly supporting the elderly in Richmond who otherwise do not have the financial means to affordable assisted living care,” the store says.

The shop initially directed its proceeds to the local St. Joseph’s Home, an elderly care facility run by the Little Sisters in nearby Henrico County. The sisters had some form of the care center since 1877; they announced in 2021 that they were selling the facility to a North Carolina-based senior living company.

Thrifty Sisters ultimately selected as its new charitable beneficiary the Saint Francis Manchester assisted living facility. Founded in the early 1970s as a social ministry of the Diocese of Richmond, the facility lists Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout as its board chairman.

Bruce Slough, the executive director of Saint Francis, said at the thrift store’s 10th anniversary observance earlier this year that Thrifty Sisters was a “committed partner” that in the span of its brief partnership had already “bridged the annual funding gap for at least 15 of our residents.”

Thrifty Sisters says on its website that after its launch it “quickly became one of the most popular thrift shops in the Richmond area.” The store attributes its success to “support from shoppers, donors, and volunteers from throughout Central Virginia.”

The store itself is, by thrift store standards, modestly upscale: Carefully curated and organized, it offers a broad selection of clothing, home goods, books, and other standard thrift fare.

Deals are not hard to come by: A recent visit netted a 9-inch Favorite Piqua Ware cast iron skillet in good condition at a great price, a choice find for any thrifter.

Located just a short drive away in the Bon Air neighborhood of Chesterfield County, the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is the latest effort of the Richmond Diocese’s St. Vincent de Paul council to raise funds for the poor within the diocese’s 33,000 square miles.

Founded in 1833 — within just a few years of the Little Sisters of the Poor — the St. Vincent de Paul Society is a voluntary Catholic organization in which participants “seek personal holiness through service to those in need and in defense of social justice.”

Countless “conferences” of the society have been established around the world; often working across entire dioceses, the organization frequently coordinates at the parish level to direct volunteers, funding, donations, and other charitable activities toward local needy recipients.

Dan Kearns, the executive director of the Richmond council, told CNA the council worked “for the better part of a year” to open the facility.

The society, Kearns said, addresses “basic needs” among the needy, those who “can’t pay their electric bill, their water bill, their rent; they don’t have food.”

“We’re kind of first responders for emergency needs,” Kearns said. “We send out home visitors. What makes us different is we do home visits rather than have them come to an office. We go to them.”

Kearns said there are several hundred St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores around the country; the Bon Air store is the first one in the Diocese of Richmond. It arose after the Richmond council began collecting furniture and people started encouraging the group to launch an organized retail effort.

“People kept saying, ‘You should start a thrift store!’” Kearns said. “I said, ‘I don’t really wanna,’” he added with a laugh.

“We started doing some research,” he said. “We talked to some other people who started doing St. Vincents across the country.” The store came together in rapid time, going from a tentative vision to open for business in less than a year. In April, prior to its official launch, Bishop Knestout blessed the store and its charitable mission.

The store has just two employees — Kearns himself as well as manager Kim Domingo. Its day-to-day staffing needs are taken care of by approximately 60 volunteers.

(Story continues below)

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After just a few months, Kearns said the store has succeeded beyond expectations.

“Your first year in business, you always think it’s going to struggle,” he said. “We’ve had just the opposite. We’ve been well above our goals and projections.”

“Every metric has gone up,” he said. “Our sales have gone up. Our customers have gone up. The donations have been quality. The customer base is diverse.”

“It’s only four months in but we’re projecting a very healthy ‘profit’ for Year One,” he said, “so much so that we’re thinking, what does the future look like? Is there a place for future stores down the road?”

Like Thrifty Sisters, the St. Vincent de Paul store is well-stocked, with high-quality merchandise at good prices. A recent purchase included a high-quality “rocket stove,” an ultra-efficient outdoor cooker that uses small pieces of wood to generate intense heat. It’s the perfect way to cook a camping breakfast — perhaps atop a newly purchased cast iron skillet.

Kearns said shoppers can feel good knowing that their purchases are going to help the needy in the community.

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Proceeds, he said, are “going to our mission. It’s the faith development of our members through service to those in need. You’re going to help a kid get a bed, or a family who’s homeless get fed. That’s what we do.”

Winter of 2023-2024 is expected to be influenced by the first El Niño since 2018-2019

El Niño winters tend to bring higher chances for snow in central Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Virginians are still sweltering in the heat and humidity, but the start of winter is four months away, and snow lovers are already dreaming of colder weather.

We do have some clues about what to expect this upcoming winter based on climate history and current trends, and it’s looking more promising for snow than it has in years for the Commonwealth.

The most important factor that influences our winter outlook each year is the phase of “ENSO” (El Niño-Southern Oscillation).

The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) expects an El Niño phase to be with us for the first time in five years this winter. Our last El Niño happened in the winter of 2018-2019. The last time we saw a big snowfall in RVA was 11.5 inches on Dec. 9, 2018.

Rarely do forecasts get more confident than this: the CPC says there is a greater than 95% chance of El Niño returning this winter. El Niño refers to warmer-than-average water temperatures in the region of the Pacific Ocean near the equator.

This large area of warmer-than-average water temperatures changes the jet stream winds, which control the weather patterns (both temperature and precipitation) over the United States. In the winter, this usually leads to above-average precipitation in the southeastern U.S. as the subtropical jet stream stays active across the southern United States.

Above-average precipitation and an active subtropical jet stream across the southern U.S. would tend to be a favorable pattern for Virginia snow chances. With low pressure frequently tracking near Virginia, we will likely have many “shots on goal” to see storms with potential winter weather.

At the very least, there is not much reason to be concerned about a drought this winter, even if our fall months are dry (autumn tends to be our driest season in Virginia). An El Niño pattern is reflected on the CPC’s winter precipitation outlook this year, which predicts above-average precipitation over the southeast, including Virginia.

However, the precipitation outlook only tells one side of the story. The temperature outlook is equally essential for our snow chances, which is more tricky to predict months in advance.

Temperatures are usually borderline for snow in central Virginia. The dividing line between rain and snow often sets up near Richmond during winter storms, with areas southeast of RVA seeing predominantly rain and snow more likely northwest of RVA.

The Climate Prediction Center predicts near to above-average temperatures, especially across the northern half of the U.S. Regardless of whether we are in an El Niño or La Niña, global warming means we will frequently have warmer-than-average winters in the Commonwealth. Even in a warming world, Virginia will still have bouts of cold and snow. They just won’t be as frequent as they used to be.

We also look to past winters for clues to our snow chances this winter - we call this “analog forecasting.”

Historically, El Niño is the most favorable phase of ENSO for snow chances in RVA. Richmond has a median of 13.6 inches of snow in El Niño winters based on records from 1949 through 2021.

La Niña is the opposite of El Niño (colder than average water temperatures in the equatorial Pacific). It is not as favorable for snow in RVA, with a median of 8.4 inches. The prior three winters were influenced by La Niña, including last winter in 2022-2023, when Richmond tied the record for the least snow ever in a winter season with just a trace. NBC12 predicted last year’s less snowy winter months ahead of time based on these analogs for La Niña. There can also be periods of ENSO-neutral conditions without an El Niño or La Niña. RVA has a median of 9.5 inches of snow in those winters.

Not all El Niño winters are created equally. Climatologists group El Niño into “weak, moderate, and strong,” the impacts are a little different based on the strength and location of the warmest waters.

Our snowiest winters in central Virginia tend to happen in a moderate El Niño. This upcoming winter’s El Niño is expected to reach the moderate to strong end of the scale. In fact, the CPC predicts a 65% chance this winter’s El Niño becomes strong for a time.

There have only been seven strong El Niño’s in our modern climate record, and snowfall in Richmond in those years varies considerably from a lot of snow to very little. There were nearly 30 inches of snow in a couple of strong El Niño years and either side of one inch in a couple of other years, with an average of 13.3 inches in strong El Niño years. The small sample size and large variability mean that if El Niño ends up being strong, the winter’s seasonal snowfall could be boom or bust in RVA.

To sum it up, the El Niño winter expected means our chances for above-average snowfall in central Virginia are higher this coming winter than we have seen in a half-decade. Snow lovers can’t ask for much more than that four months away from winter’s start. We can also say with near certainty that we will have more snow this year than we did last year.

Be sure to download the NBC12 First Alert Weather app for up-to-date information and to receive severe weather alerts, including updates on any winter weather that comes our way. You can find the app in the Apple Store and on Google Play.

Copyright 2023 WWBT. All rights reserved.

RICHMOND, V.A.: The Virginia Repertory Theatre board of directors voted to remove Phil Whiteway from his longtime post as managing director in a meeting on Aug. 9, according to Style Weekly. The theatre announced the decision in a press release earlier this week, stating that “Virginia Repertory Theatre and managing director Phil Whiteway have parted ways.”

“We thank Phil for all of his contributions to Virginia Rep and the entire Richmond theatre community,” the board continued in their statement, “and Virginia Rep will continue to recognize him as co-founder of the organization, and for his contributions over his long career.”

Virginia Rep’s board said that it plans to launch a national executive search for a new managing director, is meeting weekly with the staff leadership team, and is supporting them as they fulfill the managing director’s duties until an interim leader is named.

Style Weekly further reported that when contacted, Whiteway referred questions to legal counsel, and that members of the law firm Butler Curwood “are engaged in discussion with folks at Virginia Repertory Theatre” and “will make [a statement] when appropriate.”

Attorney Harris Butler confirmed to American Theatre that he is representing Mr. Whiteway in regard to a dispute involving the theatre. The firm specializes in “matters related to employment law, including discrimination, sexual harassment, overtime, retaliation and whistleblower claims.” When reached for comment, Virginia Repertory Theatre staff told American Theatre that there was nothing further to add at this time.

Whiteway founded Theatre IV, Virginia’s first professional theatre for young audiences, with former artistic director Bruce Miller in 1975. The theatre’s work focused on the arts, education, children’s health and safety, and community leadership. Theatre IV produced several educational plays designed to address social issues including Hugs and Kisses, Virginia’s principal child sexual abuse prevention program, Runners, a landmark delinquency prevention program based on interviews with runaways living in Virginia’s halfway houses and emergency shelters, and Do Lord Remember Me, based on the oral histories of former enslaved people interviewed during the Federal Writer’s Project.

Theatre IV became the first professional theatre in the nation to perform at the Pentagon with its 2002 production of Buffalo Soldier. In 1999, Style Weekly selected Miller and Whiteway as two of the “100 Most Influential Richmonders of the 20th Century.” Theatre IV eventually merged with Barksdale Theatre to become Virginia Repertory Theatre in July 2012. Virginia Rep celebrated its 70th anniversary this year, as Barksdale Theatre was originally founded in 1953.

Miller stepped down as artistic director in 2016 and was succeeded by Nathaniel Shaw, whose tenure lasted until 2020. Virginia Rep then adopted a tripartite artistic leadership model, with Desirée Roots made artistic director of community in Fall 2021, followed by the appointments of artistic director of education Todd D. Norris and artistic director of programming Rick Hammerly in Spring 2022.

In October 2022, Virginia Rep also purchased the Scottish Rite Temple in Richmond’s Hermitage Road Historic District for $3.5 million, which became the Center for Arts and Education, a new home for the theatre’s children’s programming.

Virginia Repertory Theatre is a regional professional theatre company headquartered in downtown Richmond and is one of the largest performing arts organizations in Central Virginia, with four venues and an educational touring arm. Virginia Rep seeks to entertain, challenge, and uplift its communities through the power of live theatre. As of 2022, Virginia Repertory Theatre had an approximate budget of $4.6 million.

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The suspension gives the city and nonprofit hoping to block Richmond's casino vote until 3 p.m. Friday to file legal arguments for the judge to consider. The judge will make a ruling by Aug. 23.

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The court order allowing a new casino vote in Richmond was suspended by a judge the same day it was due to be finalized.

Richmond Circuit Court Judge William R. Marchant, who signed off on the July 25 order to add a citywide referendum on the Nov. 7 ballot, made the decision Tuesday to give the city attorney’s office and a nonprofit time to file arguments in the legal effort to derail the city’s casino dreams.

Richmond Lodge No. 1 of the Good Lions, Inc., a nonprofit that holds charitable gaming twice a week at Pop’s Bingo World in Midlothian, filed motions to intervene – or enter a proceeding – in the court order and block the city from asking voters if they want a casino resort in Southside.

Judge Marchant did not rule on those efforts Tuesday but did grant the Good Lions’ emergency motion to suspend the court order to give the parties until 3 p.m. Friday to file legal arguments on the nonprofit’s motion to intervene. The order was set to be final on Aug. 15.

The judge told Christopher Robertson, the Good Lions’ attorney, and Richmond Senior Assistant City Attorney Wirt P. Marks that suspending the order would give them time to provide “some more law” to back up their arguments on whether the nonprofit has legal standing to intervene.

“You have three days,” Marchant said Tuesday in Richmond Circuit Court, adding that he would file his ruling on the motion to intervene on Aug. 23.

Before the judge’s decision Tuesday, Marks raised concerns over the “great uncertainty” that delays in the process could have on notifying the public and putting the question on the ballot.

Marchant said the suspension shouldn’t derail those efforts — unless he grants the motion to intervene and the Good Lions’ effort continues — telling Marks there would be plenty of time for the city to follow state law and give notice to voters in a newspaper at least once a week for three straight weeks.

“The Court’s action today merely provides additional time for the parties to fully brief the Judge,” Richmond City Attorney Laura K. Drewry wrote in an email Tuesday. “The City remains confident in its legal position.”

Richmond has pushed for a casino project since its first effort in 2021 was narrowly voted down and a state budget provision kept another referendum off the 2022 ballot.

In June, the City Council approved a proposal for a $562 million casino resort in Southside from a joint venture of Urban One Inc. and Churchill Downs. After getting approval from the Virginia Lottery, a petition was filed for a court order to have a second referendum on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Judge Marchant signed the July 25 order to allow Richmond to hold a new casino vote, telling Robertson in court Tuesday that he believed the city made sure all the “bases were touched” with its petition seeking the court order.

Good Lions’ motion asking the court to reconsider its order allowing the question to be on the ballot argues, among other claims, the Richmond City Council violated the Virginia Constitution by not allowing a complete public bidding process for the latest project.

Robertson reiterated that claim in court Tuesday, telling Marchant the Good Lions’ motion was to check whether the Richmond City Council followed the proper process when selecting the developers, specifically Urban One for a second time, without the bidding process used in 2021.

Marks argued the casino doesn’t need to go through a complete public bidding process because it will be built on private land. Roberston disputed that claim, telling the court that allowing developers to bid on a project that voters have to approve is “inherently part of the process.”

He also argued the Good Lions did not bring forward claims that the referendum being on the ballot would harm the nonprofit, saying economic concerns over a potential casino resort being built in Southside was not enough to challenge this year’s vote.

The judge signaled that a separate court filing, such as an injunction request, could be the better route for the Good Lions. Roberston told 8News that they believe intervening in the case is the best path forward and he hasn’t considered an injunction, but he didn’t rule it out.

If the city’s effort survives legal challenges and a potential budget provision, voters will have the final say on if they want a Richmond casino this November.

The proposed project would create 1,300 new jobs, developers said in the proposal approved by the city, and include a luxury hotel, entertainment venues, a casino, a sportsbook, restaurants and a 55-acre park.

Richmond would receive one-time upfront payments of $26.5 million for the project and the casino resort would be built at 2001 Walmsley Boulevard and 4700 Trenton Avenue, according to the proposal.

Early voting for Virginia’s Nov. 7 elections starts on Sept. 22 and runs through Nov. 4.

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Nestled in the heart of Virginia, Richmond serves as a living testament to America’s past, with its well-preserved architecture and historic landmarks. From its role in the American Revolution and the Civil War to its thriving arts and cultural scene, Richmond has a rich heritage while embracing the present. But what else is Richmond known for? In this Redfin article, we will guide you through the ins and outs of the city according to the locals. Whether you’ve lived in the city for years or you’re looking for homes for sale or apartments in Richmond, read on to learn more about this vibrant city.

1. Low cost of living

Richmond, VA is gaining attention for its attractive and affordable lifestyle, with reasonable housing costs, a median sale price of $385,000, and lower rental rates than neighboring cities. The cost of living in Richmond is 3% lower than the national average and 13% lower than in Alexandria, making everyday expenses, dining, and entertainment more manageable. Richmond’s affordability and diverse amenities attract individuals and families seeking a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

Interested in moving to the area?

Richmond, VA is known for its charming cityscape with bustling neighborhoods that blend history, culture, and modernity. Each neighborhood has its distinct charm, creating a diverse and engaging urban experience.

“Weekends are so fun in Scott’s Addition neighborhood,” shares local family photographer Jacqueline Burns. “Bouncing between breweries, wineries, and arcade bars, I always enjoy taking in live entertainment at the city’s many live music venues. I especially love visiting Maymont Park in spring to enjoy nature and wildlife. The area offers big-city entertainment with a small-town vibe and is a great place to raise your family.”

3. Virginia State Capitol

Richmond, VA, proudly holds the distinguished title of the state’s capital, a position it has held since 1780. As Virginia’s political and administrative center, the city plays a vital role in shaping the state’s governance, legislation, and history. The Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, stands as a symbol of Richmond’s significance in American democracy and history, having witnessed key events such as Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech during the American Revolution.

4. Vibrant downtown

Steeped in history, the downtown area seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering a captivating mix of architectural marvels, modern high-rises, charming cobblestone streets, and plenty of things to do.

Tony Greene, a local portrait and landscape photographer, adds, “You can enjoy your day in Richmond driving around looking at murals painted by local artists, grabbing lunch in any one of our fantastic local restaurants, enjoying freshly brewed craft beer, and finishing the day off watching the sunset over the James River from just about any perch in the city.”

5. Delicious cuisine

From mouthwatering barbecue joints to trendy farm-to-table restaurants and international eateries, Richmond’s food offerings cater to every palate, making it a food lover’s paradise.

Xiaoqi Li, a local wedding photographer, says, “Richmond has such a vibrant food scene. A recent favorite of mine is Jubilee. You can’t go wrong with anything they offer, whether shrimp and grits at brunch or scallops and roasted chicken at dinner. The bartender also makes the best mocktails and cocktails alike, so everyone at the table will love every part of their meal.”

6. Thriving art scene

The city’s passion for the arts fosters a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere that attracts artists and art enthusiasts from all over, from a diverse array of galleries and street murals to art festivals and community events.

Sara O’Connor, a Richmond artist, shares their perspective of the art community, “Richmond is well-known for creating and supporting thriving artists through direct-to-consumer sales and boutique shops like Pop of Confetti.”

7. Great location

Richmond, VA is known for its exceptional location, strategically positioned in the heart of Virginia, making it a convenient hub for travel and commerce.

“Not only are we rich in history, but we are perfectly central to all the surrounding hot spots,” shares Nicki Metcalf, a wedding, engagement, and portrait photographer. “DC is two hours away, the Blue Ridge Mountains are 1 hour away for a hike, and want to swim in the ocean? Virginia Beach is 2.5 hours away. You can’t go wrong; this city has everything.”

8. Renowned museums

Richmond, VA is renowned for its wealth of history, art, and culture. The city’s museums offer a deep dive into various facets of American and Virginian heritage, making it a cultural hub for residents and tourists.

“In the museum district lives the Virginia Museum of Fine Art, which has tons of permanent collections – which are free to see,” says Tina Thomas, a local brand and headshot photographer of Tina Take My Photo. “Richmond also has “RVA First Fridays,” a monthly celebration of art, community, and culture along the arts district downtown. In the West End, the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center is another place to celebrate visual and performing arts.”

9. James River

The James River flows gracefully through downtown, offering a picturesque backdrop for residents. The river’s presence provides abundant outdoor activities, from kayaking and paddleboarding to hiking and cycling along its scenic trails. Belle Isle, a natural oasis within the river, allures adventurers with its rocky terrain and serene beauty. Furthermore, the James River Park System, a collection of parks lining the riverbanks, offers a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and urban explorers seeking tranquility amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

10. Richmond International Raceway

The Richmond International Raceway, widely known as RIR, holds a prominent place in the world of motorsports and entertainment. As one of the premier NASCAR venues, RIR attracts racing enthusiasts from all over the country. Thrilling short-track racing, where drivers navigate the high-banked turns and exhilarating straightaways, creates an electrifying atmosphere that captivates fans and drivers alike.

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