Seeing Happy the Artist’s car at Bandy Field puts a smile on anyone’s face!

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Congrats to the University of Richmond for overtaking James Madison University in UR’s only home swim meet.

Jimmy Young of the UR Collegian reports:

The Richmond swimming and diving team trumped James Madison University 167-127 Saturday in front of a raucous crowd at the Robins Center Natatorium, led by three seniors competing in their final home meet, and several freshmen swimming in their first.

The Spiders, who hope to capture their eighth consecutive Atlantic 10 Conference Championship Feb. 17 to 21 in Buffalo, N.Y., honored seniors Lauren Beaudreau, Cara Smaniotto and Julia Bizer before the meet. Coach Matt Barany spoke highly of all three athletes, praising them for their abilities and leadership.

Picture by Ben Weinstein/The Collegian – Freshman Michelle Johnson (left) finished fifth in the 200 butterfly in 2:14.12. She also finished fifth in the 1000 freestyle in 10:38.95.

The Henrico Court Appointed Special Advocates program (CASA) is
seeking volunteers to serve as advocates for abused and neglected
children in Henrico’s court system.

Henrico CASA will conduct a free, six-week training program for
volunteers from 6-9 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday beginning Monday,
April 13 at its office in the Hungary Spring Office Park, 3001 Hungary
Spring Road. Applicants will undergo interviews, background and
reference checks.

To apply or to obtain additional information, contact Dayle
Goldberg at 501-1675, e-mail gol@co.henrico.va.us or log on to
www.henricocasa.org by Friday, March 13.

CASA volunteers represent the best interests of a victimized
child in the court system. They come from a variety of educational and
professional backgrounds; legal experience is not required. Qualifying
participants will learn to conduct interviews, research and investigate
cases, provide written reports for judges and assist child welfare
professionals and case attorneys.

A new blog,  Stay at Godwin, is dedicated to collecting and sharing information about the Henrico County School zone changes as they pertain to Godwin High School and the Oldhouse Run neighborhood in particular.

I thought I’d share the link in case anyone is curious or wants to have their say.

I took my son out for ice cream at Boyer’s Ice Cream & Coffee last weekend. We had the best time. The inside of Boyers was cozier than I imagined, but best of all the clerk was really nice and helpful.  It made me feel like I was in a small town, and actually, he seemed to care so much, that I asked if he was the owner.

Then, we walked down to Bakery Art, an Armenian and Mediterranean  cafe and deli and the owner, Artin Ayvanzianm,  offered us samples of grape leaves dripping in olive oil and hummus. You just don’t get service like that anymore! I only wish Ayvanziannm had a self service deli case packed with lots of food priced and labeled like Ellwood Thompson and Ukrop’s have been so successful with.  I would have happily taken home hummus, tabouli, mujadara, and baba gannouj for dinner if he’d had them out and ready.  Ther is something particularly appealing about self service and knowing the prices and quantity you are buying in advance.  The hummus was wonderful — light and garlicky.   If you like to support local businesses, I highly recommend these two, right here in the Near West End at Libbie and Patterson.

Boyer’s Ice Cream & Coffee

5720 Patterson Ave

288-4088

Bakery Art

5716 Patterson Ave

497-7707

Registration for the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ cultural arts classes is currently underway.

A wide variety of classes are offered for both children and adults. Art classes include pottery, jewelry, painting, photography, fiber arts and more. Dance classes include African, salsa, tap, modern, hip hop, ballet, line dancing and belly dancing. Martial arts classes are also offered.

For a complete listing of cultural arts classes visit the department’s website at www.RichmondGov.com/parks or call 646-3677.

Registration will continue until classes are filled, with the exception of registration for adult dance classes, which has been extended to March.

Enjoying a bit of snow.

Last bit of evening sun at Bandy Park.