Feb. 16 Newsletter: Warm thoughts
Weather: Partly cloudy, high of 51.
On this date in 1948, the Medical College of Virginia purchases a war surplus building that was used during World War II and moves the building to its campus on 13th Street.
Richmond, Bermuda are forever linked through a momentous storm
For weeks, the Sea Venture had enjoyed clear skies and smooth sailing, but the ship’s luck began to change on July 24, 1609. Part of a nine-vessel fleet sent to resupply the fledgling Jamestown colony, the Sea Venture was the 300-ton flagship of the Virginia Company of London.
For four days the ship was caught in the storm, before wrecking on a reef in Bermuda.
Their efforts saved Jamestown, the first enduring English colony in North America. They paved the way for Bermuda to become a British Overseas Territory. They also likely inspired William Shakespeare to write “The Tempest.” Read more on the ties between the two locations here.
New Lakeside cafe will cater to Richmond's Deaf community
The new project, which is tentatively scheduled to open in July, will be called the Gold Lion Visual Café, and is from the owners of the Southside spot.
In addition to providing a safe space and employment for the Deaf community, one of the co-owners said the new space is intended to serve all Richmonders.
"It’s such a beautiful community that is so resilient, so amazing," he said. "The language of ASL is so beautiful and, you know, I think it deserves to be shared." Read more here.
'Giving Notes' project tells stories through song
Rocketts Landing business owner Mark Brown is giving the gift of song – one note at a time.
The idea of the project came to Brown as he began writing songs for others in his own life. This led him to become even more fascinated with sharing the stories of others in his community.
“It was like, ‘All right, well, what would it take to write a song that tells someone else’s story?’ Like, really take the time to invest in the story of somebody else and what they’ve gone through, whether good or bad, and celebrate them,” said Brown.
Read more, including how he's turning it into a team-building activity.
In other news
- Richmond’s health department wants to help you find free condoms
- Hanover school board approves 2026–27 budget plan (VPM)
- Richmond area to get first Culver's frozen custard location (Times-Dispatch)
Editor Michael Phillips is out of office.
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