The Voices of the
V Community
Make this your home for hearing the voices and seeing the visions of women throughout the Central Virginia area.
Click here to view our Celebration Series, "Tellebration" Reader Submissions.
Here you'll find regular updates and blogs from the keyboards of select Central Virginia writers, women who share V's values of celebration, empowerment, and hope, and yet who reflect the diversity that V readers embrace. You'll find updates on news and links of interest to local women, and inspiring quotes and stories to make the world brighter.
Visit us often to see what's new - and be sure to take part in the conversations, making your voice heard, too!
To jump directly to information on any of the following categories, point and click to:
Moms Matter. With Libby McNamee
Earth Care. With Natalie Mesnard
Frequent Foreplay Miles. With Shela Dean
Libby with a "Y"
Thoughts on Life as a Stay-at-Home-Mommy With a Truck-Lovin' Toddler
Enjoy "Discovering the Science Museum," "ACAC, The Fancy Gym," "Winter Doldrums," or "A Red Caboose Is Loose!" from Libby Carty McNamee, lawyer, freelance writer, and full-time mom. All here at the Libby with a "Y" blog.
Richmond Food Collective
We Love Food
Natalie Mesnard and her collective bloggers share ideas and news on "What to Grow," "Tricycle Gardens," "Local Flour in Ashland," and a host of other articles and links sure to have your mouth watering and your heart singing. At the Richmond Food Collective Blog.
Frequent Foreplay Miles
Your Ticket to Total Intimacy
Shela Dean is a Relationship Happiness Coach and speaker who has counseled more than 2,000 couples since 1983, and author of the forthcoming book, Frequent Foreplay Miles, Your Ticket to Total Intimacy! Learn from her wisdom, in words that are entertaining and memorable, and sure to make your relationships better. At the Frequent Foreplay Miles Blog.
A Voice for Women's Victories
The V Blog
V editor Annie Tobey weighs in with ideas and inspirations for living life with aplomb. At the V Blog.
Hello, Beautiful!
Tips from Susie Galvez
Susie Galvez, day spa founder and consultant, esthetician, makeup artist, product developer, author and speaker, shares her very special tips and techniques, ideas, products and resources. She wants every woman to know how to look like a million bucks without breaking the bank. At Susie's beauty blog.
Celebration Series: Tellebration!
That Single Step
I believe in the saying "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step", because I know it's true. As an young actress and director, my experiences in the theatre have taught me so many great things about life and about myself. For a long time, I found myself wishing for juicier roles for women, more opportunities to direct, design, and create the type of theatre I believe can change the world. One day shortly after I graduated from college, I thought to myself, "Melissa, if you want all these things, don't wait for them to come along, why not start a company of your own?"
In the fall of 2007 I took a leap of faith and founded my own female theatre company, the Charlottesville Women's Theatre Project. Dedicated to the cause of creating theatre by women that the entire community can enjoy, we are now almost two years old. We have produced full productions, staged readings, and begun to offer a workshop series for female writers. This experience has made me feel more connected to my fellow women and community as a whole, and I can't tell you how empowered I feel. I have rediscovered my sense of play and my belief in dreams coming true.
It's easy for women to be hard on themselves or feel that they have roadblocks keeping them from what they desire, both personally and professionally. I will take this opportunity to say that I may not have made it to Broadway yet (though I won't rule out anything anymore) but I feel proud to be 25 years old and on this journey. Chasing your dream is like a ripple effect; you won't just be achieving something for yourself, you'll be passing it along to others, inspiring them to do the same. One of the actresses in our first production told me that she had waited years for an opportunity to come along that would allow her to get back into acting and that being a part of the production had blessed her life in so many ways. Her simple "Thank you" on closing night was enough to make the entire process worth it. It can be scary, but I encourage you to play, dream, leap, do, and savor every moment of sweet success that is sure to follow. Who knows where it will take you?
Melissa Lauricella
Co-Founder, Charlottesville Women's Theatre Project
A Richmond Mom Moving On
After five years working as a project manager for a large finance company (and, ironically, reporting to one of my best friends), our worlds crashed down around us as hundreds of us were laid off in November. It was ironic, that, after fifteen years in human resources, I didn’t know exactly where to begin to look for another job!
After several months, interviews, and thank-you-but-no-thank-you letters, I decided to take my site to the next level as a parenting resource for Richmond parents. I’ve traded my nice, window office for a laptop on my kitchen island, surrounded by three small "assistants" aged seven-and-under, scampering about as I clickety-clack away writing, musing, researching. I am so thankful for the amazing support that other Richmond entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and mothers have shown me throughout this venture. Last month, the site had over 10,000 visitors! I still have to pinch myself.
Regardless of where things go, I’ll never forget the support I’ve received during one of the most challenging points in my life, and promise to pay it forward to others!
Thank you for this great opportunity to share my story. V Magazine is a great resource for Richmond women! We are lucky to have a community in which we have such uplifting publications.
Kate
Kate W. Hall, RichmondMom.com
Where Hip Moms Click!
Dodger's Perspective
Claire Deitch writes, "This poem celebrates my dog and his rocky start in life when young. My emphasis is on the continuing challenge to keep the proper perspective, which in this environment can be difficult.... Thanks for your great magazine. Here's hoping that each day we find something to celebrate."
A Refuge
Claire Guthrie Gastanaga writes, "Sometimes you just want a place to go that is quiet and peaceful and includes glimpses of beauty and renewal."
Minds Wide Open! Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts
In spring 2010, the cultural community in Virginia will celebrate the arts with performances, exhibitions, literary readings and films on the theme of Women in the Arts. All Virginia artists and cultural organization are invited to participate by presenting at least one program for the public between March and June of 2010 featuring Women in the Arts. These thousands of cultural events will be marketed as MINDS WIDE OPEN: Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts.
Each of Virginia's 22 largest arts organizations has made a commitment to participate in 2010 and are now asking Virginia arts organizations, artists, colleges, art galleries, libraries and museums to join the celebration!
V is a celebration of the potential in all women, an inspiration to grow and achieve, to better yourself and the world around you.
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We're Seeking More Voices!
Writers for V Magazine for Women are articulate and thoughtful. Each writer sees the possibilities for making the world a better place, each in her own way. Each of these writers wields her words to work towards that vision. Her contributions to V are positie and upbeat, celebrating the good by focusing on success, achievement, and triumph. When she addresses problems, she looks at solutions. When she sees need, she sees hope, too. To inquire about contributing as a writer for V's print edition or its online portal, e-mailTalkToUs@VMagazineForWomen.com.
Some of our favorite upcoming benefits. Do good and have fun!
Autism Society of America Central Virginia 5K Walk and Run
Sat, May 23, 8am start time. www.asacv5k.com.
The Firehouse Annual Fire Ball Benefit
Hosted by actor/comedian Steve Moore, the gala benefit takes you back in time to the Roaring Twenties, Speakeasy Style, with classic cars, flapper girls, scrumptious food, live music, and live & silent auction items. Vintage/creative dress is encouraged. Proceeds benefit Firehouse Theatre Project. Sat, May 30, 7pm. www.firehousetheatre.org.
Pups on Parade Gala and Live Auction
Humans and canines alike are invited to kick off the summer season at the event of the season, FETCH a Cure, and Annual Pups on Parade Gala and Live Auction. Fri, June 5, 7-10pm. Science Museum Of Virginia. 804-525-2193 or www.fetchacure.com.
Annual Hatters Tea Benefit for Ceeatta House
Brunch and high tea, silent auction and guest speakers Michelle Oliver, Martha Rollins, and Alice Freeman. Sat, June 27, 11am-2pm at Artworks Studio and Gallery, 320 Hull St., Richmond. 804-319-9840 or tia@ourankh.com or www.ourankh.com.
A Diversity of Selected Events Around Town
The Art of Belly Dancing and High Tea
Enjoy a unique night out with a delicious dinner and dessert and, of course, tea. Watch or try belly dancing. The first Friday of every month, 6-8pm. Cuppa Tea Company, 1 N. Morris St. RSVP to 804-254-8322 or visit www.cuppateacompany.com.
Vegetarian Society of Richmond’s Family Potluck Picnics
Bring a dish to share (vegan preferable, label all ingredients), your own place setting, beverage and games and meet with like-minded families. $3/family for non-members.
Sun, May 17, 3-8pm. Deep Run Park, 9910 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico, Shelter #3.
Sun, May 24, 3-8pm. Crump Park/Meadow Farm, 3400 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, Shelter #1
804-344-4356, Lois@vegetarianrichmond.org or www.vegetarianrichmond.org.
WOVEN’s Hour to Empower Luncheon
Women of Value in Every Nation present Carrie DeLillie, mother of ten children, eight of whom are adopted. Fri, May 22, 11:45am-1:15pm, Westwood Club, Richmond. 804-750-1222.
Richmond Vegetarian Festival
This free project of the Vegetarian Society of Richmond and Vegan Action includes food, music, speakers, and fun for the whole family. Sat, June 20, noon-6pm. Azalea Gardens at Bryan Park. www.veggiefest.org.
Richmond Family Peace Festival
The RFPF promotes mutual collaboration and appreciation among Richmond’s diverse communities, and their respective faith practices. The theme for this year is PEACE: Through Cultural Understanding. Dance from different cultures will be featured on the stage along with an inter-faith program and a variety of ethnic foods will be available. Admission is free! Sun, Sept 13, 11am-5pm. St. Joseph’s Villa, 8000 Brook Road. www.familypeacefestival.org.
River City Express Network
Wed, June 3, 7:30am at Willow Oaks Country Club, Forest Hill Ave at Powhite Parkway. www.rivercityexpressnetwork.com.
Professionals Referral Organization
PRO, a business referral group, meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 8:30 am, at Impanema Grill 3641 Cox Rd. near Innsbrook. Visitors welcome. 804-363-5661 or lindaturnerhomes@comcast.net.
Network of Enterprising Women
NEW hosts monthly luncheons on the first Thursday of each month. www.networkofenterprisingwomen.org.
Cavalier Chapter of the ABWA
The American Business Women’s Association provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Cavalier Chapter meets the third Tuesday of each month. cavalierchapterofabwa@yahoo.com.
The Writing Show
James River Writers presents “Where the Wild Things Are: The Irrational World of Children’s Literature.” Featuring Gigi Amateau, author of A Certain Strain of Peculiar; Erica Kirov, author of The Magickeepers; and Meg Medina, author of MILAGROS: Girl from Away; with host Lucinda Whitehurst. May 28, 6:30-8:30pm, at The Children’s Museum of Virginia, 2626 W Broad St, Richmond. jamesriverwriters.org.
NAWBO’s Annual Enterprising Women of Excellence
National Association of Women Business Owners present their annual awards luncheon and annual meeting on June 9, 11am-1pm, at The Jefferson Hotel. www.NAWBORichmond.org.
American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants:
www.aalnc.org.
National Association of Female Executives:
760-716-1317.
National Association of Women Business Owners: www.NAWBORichmond.org.
Bon Air Toastmasters Club
Meets every Thursday, 10-11:15am at 300 Arboretum Pl., Suite 505; and 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm, at the Bull & Bear Club. Learn and practice speaking skills that can benefit you in your career. www.BonAirToastmasters.com.
With our new Diversi-T's, you can take a stand against hatred and support diversity. In a variety of styles and sizes - of course! In April, 10% of all proceeds go to the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Click here to order.
"If they come for me in the morning, they will come for you in the evening." Angela DavisWhat's Your V Word?
Victorious?
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Perhaps you are Vivacious! Or Vibrant! Or a bit of a Vixen!