> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.richmonder.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Oct. 16 Newsletter: Chesterfield Towne Center's glow-up - URL: https://www.richmonder.org/oct-16-newsletter-chesterfield-towne-centers-glow-up/ - Published: 2026-10-16T10:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-16T11:40:42.000Z - Description: Croquet's finest descend on the area. Plus, Barbie arrives, a new twist on the solar deal, and what happened to Monacan's football team? - Author: Richmonder Staff - Tags: Newsletter, #the-bridge ⚠️ This article has been updated since it was initially posted to correct that a Chesterfield planning commissioner was referring to how developers have attempted to build mixed-use properties, not mixed-use itself. **Weather:** One last gasp of heat (allegedly). High of 87, then back to the 60s. **On this date** in 1960, hundreds gather from around the state for the annual Virginia Food Dealers Association meeting, where attendees are given a sneak peek at color television by industry officials. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Maymont_Garden-Glow.jpg)](https://maymont.org/calendar/garden-glow/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by Maymont.** Experience the magic of Garden Glow presented by Kroger. Spectacular light displays transform Maymont after dark into an unforgettable evening of color and light. [**Learn more here.**](https://maymont.org/calendar/garden-glow/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-18.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-towne-center-is-getting-a-facelift-but-wont-join-other-mixed-use-makeovers/) ### Chesterfield Towne Center is getting a facelift, but won’t join other mixed-use makeovers The mall's new owners spoke at a community forum last night, and said they want to revive the mall into a thriving neighborhood hub. 🏢 Unlike other recent projects, though, they do not plan to add housing on the site. Midlothian's Planning Commissioner said the county added lots of mixed-use seven years ago as part of its PlanMod effort, but said the implementation has "not been what we had envisioned," with some developers attempting to skirt the rules by building housing with, for example, a small gas station on the corner of the lot. [**Learn what's next at the mall, and see how other area malls have transformed.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-towne-center-is-getting-a-facelift-but-wont-join-other-mixed-use-makeovers/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-19.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-largest-croquet-club-in-the-world-is-on-the-northern-neck-its-hosting-the-north-american-championships-this-weekend/) ### The largest croquet club in the world is on the Northern Neck. It's hosting the North American championships this weekend The Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club is the brainchild of 66-year-old Macey White, whose 24 laser-leveled grass courts make his facility the biggest in the world. He was inspired to build it after taking up the game a decade ago. "At 53, you can't be internationally competitive in a lot of things," he said. "But croquet, you can learn the game at 53, make your national team – which I did. It's a low-impact sport." Every Sunday, the club offers free lessons from pros. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-largest-croquet-club-in-the-world-is-on-the-northern-neck-its-hosting-the-north-american-championships-this-weekend/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-20.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/history-in-pink-barbie-exhibit-arrives-at-vmhc/) ### History, in pink: Barbie exhibit arrives at VMHC The Virginia Museum of History and Culture debuts "Barbie: A Cultural Icon" on Saturday, giving visitors a chance to sit inside a room from Barbie's dream house and take a photo inside a Barbie box. True to the museum's mission, the exhibit is also educational. There are six Virginia-specific Barbies, including a George Washington (he is wearing pink). [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/history-in-pink-barbie-exhibit-arrives-at-vmhc/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-21.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/company-says-theres-still-a-chance-for-richmond-solar-deal-after-city-finishes-investigation/) ### Company says there’s still a chance for Richmond solar deal after city finishes investigation City Council’s decision not to revisit the matter seemed to be the end of the proposed agreement with Secure Solar Futures, but its CEO thinks there's still a chance. Any revival would have to wait until the city finishes its investigation into an employee who worked for both the city and the solar company simultaneously. The city's HR department declined to answer emailed questions from The Richmonder. On Oct. 7, a city spokesperson said the Office of Strategic Communications was working to “gather the appropriate details” to be able to answer. More than a week later, there was no response. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/company-says-theres-still-a-chance-for-richmond-solar-deal-after-city-finishes-investigation/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2893.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-high-school-coach-held-football-practice-in-blistering-heat-what-happened-next-nearly-tore-the-team-apart/) ### A high school coach held football practice in blistering heat. What happened next nearly tore the team apart Monacan High's football coach moved practice from the afternoon to the morning on Sept. 1, as a heat wave rolled through. However, a trainer treated players for blisters after. When the school put the coach on leave, his assistants refused to coach out of solidarity, and some parents demanded his reinstatement, defending his character. With that, one of the smallest high schools in Chesterfield County was thrust into a national debate over football conditioning, and the underlying question: What’s the difference between a tough practice and an unsafe one? [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/a-high-school-coach-held-football-practice-in-blistering-heat-what-happened-next-nearly-tore-the-team-apart/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/c-Brandon-Hendrickson-2024---Maymont-Garden-Glow.jpg)](https://maymont.org/calendar/garden-glow/) ### Garden Glow returns to Maymont Experience Garden Glow presented by Kroger, where Maymont transforms after dark into an enchanting world of color, including new larger-than-life installations, illuminated gardens and picture-perfect moments! Stroll the expanded laser lane and glowing Japanese Garden, then gather around cozy fire pits and enjoy local food trucks, a variety of beverage options, and seasonal treats. Plan your visit on a Value Night for discounted admission or visit on a Featured Night for themed fun. [**Learn more here.**](https://maymont.org/calendar/garden-glow/) --- ### In other news - [**High school football: Playoffs picture beginning to take focus**](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-playoffs-picture-beginning-to-take-focus/) - Glen Allen faces Hermitage and Petersburg visits Meadowbrook in tonight's top games. - [**Henrico man charged after bringing firearm into elementary school**](https://www.henricocitizen.com/henrico-man-charged-after-bringing-firearm-into-elementary-school/?ref=henrico-newsflash-newsletter) (Henrico Citizen) - A weapons detector alerted administrators to an item in a visitor's bag as he entered the school. - [**Judge: Flying Squirrels owner’s defamation lawsuit can continue – ‘for now’**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/10/15/judge-flying-squirrels-owners-defamation-lawsuit-can-continue-for-now/) (Richmond BizSense) - "All parties here would be better served by resolving their disputes at the bargaining table rather than dragging the Court into their sophomoric soap opera." - [**Richmond DPU Implementing Measures to Improve Bill Payment Processing**](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Richmond-DPU-Implementing-Measures-to-Improve-Bill-Payment-Processing.html?soid=1141729857239&aid=oIVY8KWN2qA) (News release) - Bills will now be due 25 days after they are issued, instead of the previous 30, which was causing issues with customers receiving bills that didn't account for processed payments. - [**Hanover County's "I Voted" Sticker Contest**](https://engage.hanovercounty.gov/stickercontest) (News release) - Through November 30, Hanover residents of all ages can submit an original design for a future “I Voted” or “Future Voter” sticker. --- ### The editor's desk [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1061-1.jpeg)](https://www.resonatepodfest.com/) This year's Resonate Podcast Festival, held at VCU, is taking on the topic of the press and preserving access to quality information. (We approve!) Public radio star Ira Glass spoke yesterday, playing classic examples of radio storytelling to inspire future generations and encouraging students to focus on centering humans in their stories. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug!