Monday, October 31, 2011

‘Let’s Pink’ Breast Cancer Event Set for Nov. 4

The department will hold a breast cancer awareness event and fundraiser called “Let’s Pink” at its Hickory Hill Community Center on Nov. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The event will include raffles, visual arts, vendors, food, music, entertainment and much more.
     The mission of Let’s Pink is to merge the vibrancy and artistic minds of Richmond’s youth and young adults with the knowledge and life experience of Richmond’s seasoned generation while raising awareness for breast cancer.
     Local artists and photographers will display interpretive works related to breast cancer at the event and have other works from their collections on sale as well. In addition, Lauren Parker from SLAM, Richmond’s youth poet team, will present pieces created especially for the event, and two guest speakers will discuss their personal journeys with breast cancer and how it has affected them.
     An information table will provide brochures and pamphlets to take home, and a variety of vendors representing health, fitness, beauty and fashion will also participate.
     Donations of $5 are encouraged to attend the event, and all proceeds will go to the Central Virginia Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
     Although no registration is required, you can learn more about the event and sign up to attend, as well as donate, online by visiting LetsPink.EventBrite.com. You can also call 646-8874 or 245-6637 for more information.
      The Hickory Hill Community Center is located at 3000 E. Belt Boulevard. This program is in line with Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ Healthy Richmond Campaign to promote healthy lifestyles for all residents in the city of Richmond.

Kanawha Plaza Closed Today for Cleaning

Richmond, VA,  Oct. 31, 2011 - Kanawha Plaza Park is closed to the public today while the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities inspects and cleans the park.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Boot Camp for New Mothers to start Nov. 2

The department will offer six weeks of fitness training for new mothers and their babies that will help the moms lose weight, get back into shape, and regain their confidence, while they bond with their babies. It’s called “Mom and Me Boot Camp.”
     Classes will start on Nov. 2 and run through Dec. 14 and will be held at the department’s Humphrey Calder Community Center at 414 N. Thompson St. on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
     The instructor, Myra Robinson, is a personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise and a fitness instructor certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. As the owner of Mombshellfitness, she specializes in cardio and strength training for new mothers. “We turn new moms into bombshells!” she says.
     During the classes, moms work on high intensity cardio drills and strength training, often using their babies’ strollers, while the babies are entertained by the high energy music and constant movement. In addition, the class, which fosters new friendships, can help combat postpartum depression and the stress of caring for a baby.
     The cost of the boot camp is $120 for the entire six-week session, which amounts to just $5 per class, and there is no extra cost for a second child!
     The program is in line with Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ Healthy Richmond Campaign set to kick off in the spring to help promote healthy lifestyles in the city of Richmond.
     To register for the boot camp or for more information, call the community center at (804) 646-1780 or e-mail the instructor at myra@mombshellfitness.com. For more information on the Mayor’s Healthy Richmond Campaign, call 646-5823.