It’s our last Phil-In for the year. Considering its a season with lots of trees and greenery abound, we’re heavy on environmental news this month. There’s also a call for a new president & CEO and a national feature on a celebrity’s daytime talk show. Enjoy!
Leadership Leader Sought
After 14 years at the helm of Leadership Metro Richmond – about one-third of the organization’s life – Myra Smith (LMR class of 2006) is retiring. LMR’s board is searching for her replacement. Interested candidates can apply online at www.lmronline.org/employment-opportunities by Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
Meanwhile, look for a two-part interview with Myra in the coming days.
More Than a Hug and Kiss for Hotchkiss
The Hotchkiss Field Community Center is about to get a big upgrade, including walking and roller-skating trails, seating areas, lights, shade trees, a pollinator garden and native shrubs and perennials. The $125,000 renovation is being made possible through a National Neighborhood Promise® grant to Capital Trees from the Republic Services Charitable Foundation. Richmond-based Capital Trees brings people together to transform and care for public greenspaces. Hotchkiss Field is located at 701 East Brookland Park Boulevard.
Speaking of Trees…
The 500-Year Forest Foundation (that’s its name, not the age of the 47-year-old nonprofit) has received a $20,000 grant from the Virginia Environmental Endowment to help in its ongoing efforts to protect and raise awareness about the vital old-growth forests of Virginia. The grant will support outreach programs and help deepen understanding of the need to safeguard these critical ecosystems. Virginia has a dozen forests as part of the Old-Growth Forest Network, including the James River Park System in the City of Richmond and Whiteoak Canyon as part of the Shenandoah National Forest. For more information on the organization, visit https://500yearforest.org/.
TIES That Bind
Some 400 people recently attended Equality Virginia’s annual TES Conference, an event that brings together community leaders, organizers, health providers and advocates. More than 20 workshops and just as many partners in the Resource Showcase helped create a space for learning, connection and joy. This year a new feature – “Empowerment Hours” – offered a variety of free services like headshots and acupuncture. Said Ariana Hamidi, EV’s director of programs and community partnerships: “TIES 2024 was more than just an event – it was a celebration of Equality Virginia’s shared commitment to supporting and empowering the LGBTQIA+ community. It reminded us of the power of coming together to recharge, celebrate our collective strength, and envision a brighter future.”
Featured image courtesy of EV’s post-event email.
Putting the Petals to the Medals
Not long after being selected by People magazine’s 2024 Kindness recipients, Friendly City Florals co-founders Rebecca Shelly and Laura Ruth found themselves on “The Drew Barrymore Show.” The year-old nonprofit from Harrisonburg takes flowers from events like weddings and repurposes them as displays in nursing homes, hospitals and other local nonprofits. “We were just dumbfounded,” Ruth told WHSV-3, which has more of the story here. Want to help? Email FCF at friendlycityflorals@gmail.com.
