‘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.

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.

City to Hold Sept. 11 Day of Service and Remembrance

In conjunction with the City of Richmond’s Neighbor-To-Neighbor Initiative and HandsOn Greater Richmond, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will hold a Day of Service and Remembrance on Sunday, September 11, 2011 in recognition of the 10^th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In addition, residents are asked to give back to the community by volunteering for various projects throughout the City.

        Volunteers can sign up in advance to help with a project at http://www.richmondgov.com/NeighbortoNeighbor/VolunteerLocally, as well as at the remembrance ceremony, which will be held at the Carillon at 9 a.m. All volunteers will receive a free commemorative t-shirt and are invited to attend the ceremony prior to assisting with their chosen volunteer projects. The projects will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The general public is invited to attend the ceremony.

       “I encourage City residents to come together and serve their community through volunteerism in honor of the brave men and women who lost their lives on 9/11,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones.

        Volunteer projects include: a cleanup at Cannon Creek that will help with the development of a new greenway and bicycle and walking trail, a cleanup of graffiti on Belle Isle, and a cleanup of the Dogwood Dell theater at the Carillon. Sturdy shoes and long sleeve shirts and pants are required for the cleanup of Cannon Creek and Belle Isle. All volunteers should bring work gloves and be able to work in a rugged environment. The cleanup of the theatre would be an excellent project for anyone who enjoys theater and the Dogwood Dell. 

       There are a wide variety of other 9/11 volunteer projects from which to choose. For the entire list of volunteer opportunities, please visit http://www.richmondgov.com/NeighborToNeighbor/911ServiceWeek.aspx. All volunteers should bring their own water and snacks. For more information, please call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities at 646-5733.

Public Pools, Some Community Centers Closed

All city parks and recreation swimming pools are closed today due to power outages and storm debris. Site inspections are currently underway, and pools will re-open once determined safe for public use. 

     In addition, the following community centers are closed today due to power outages: Westover, Ann Hardy, Hotchkiss, Battery Park, and Creighton Court.

Tonight's Movie in the Park Cancelled; Park Trails May be Closed

Due to impending inclement weather, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities has cancelled tonight’s Movie in the Park at Jefferson Park, “Dogs and Cats: Revenge of Kitty Galore.” the movie, which will concludes the department’s series of free family Movies in the Park, will be rescheduled at a future date.
       In addition, it is the department’s policy to close park trails for 24 hours for every inch of rain the City receives. In the event that this occurs, signs will be posted at the trailheads.

Department Extends Free Movies in the Park Series

Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities has added another free movie to its series of family films shown in parks around the city. “Cats and Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore” will be shown at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, in Jefferson Park at 21^st and East Marshall streets.  

     In the animated family comedy, cats and dogs join forces for the first time in history to take down Kitty Galore, a former agent for the spy organization MEOWS, who has hatched a diabolical plan to make the world her own scratching post. The film features the voices of Chris O’Donnell and Jack McBrayer in the starring roles.
    This movie concludes the department’s series of free family Movies in the Parks, co-sponsored by 106.5 the Beat. The series kicked off on July 15 in Byrd Park and has featured a PG-rated film every Friday night in a variety of parks around the city.
     Families are encouraged to bring their blankets, popcorn and drinks to enjoy the movie.