Warm weather is here and we’re celebrating by putting health and wellness at the center of our summertime Downtown events and activities.

New Main Street Fitness
Class Schedule

Get fit and feel great with these free fitness classes in Downtown Richmond. Now with two additional classes: lunchtime Zumba on Mondays and Raks Africa’s Bellydance for Wellness on Friday evenings.

Zumba with Willa “Bontle” Willis

Beginning Monday, June 24

Mondays, 12:30-1:30pm
Thursdays, 6-7pm & 7:15-8:15pm

Location: BBK Community Center, 310 9th Street, Richmond

Please Note: No Zumba classes on Thursday, June 13 & Thursday, June 20. Zumba will resume on Monday, June 24 with the new schedule (above).

Bellydance for Wellness
*New Class!*

Beginning Friday, June 14

Fridays, 5:30-6:30pm

Location: BBK Community Center, 310 9th Street, Richmond

Visit our Fitness Classes page for class descriptions,
directions, and more information.

Richmond Main Street Farmers’ Market
is in Full Swing

Come Downtown this Wednesday—and every Wednesday through October 30th—to shop at our farmers’ market. Stroll through the Nevin Plaza and visit stalls brimming with affordable seasonal fruits and vegetables (many pesticide-free), fresh-baked goods, delicious lunch options, artisan wares, and other specialty items from local vendors.

For a complete list of vendors and to read the market newsletter, visit our Farmers’ Market page. For weekly market updates featuring vendors, seasonal selections, and tips “like” our Facebook page or sign up for our e-newsletter.

Free Health & Wellness Every 1st Friday
at Healthy Village Farm Stand

Join us in the Community Green Space Park (located at Harbour Way and Macdonald Avenue) every 1st Friday through August for an afternoon of fun activities for the entire family.

Featuring:

July 5th: Bike Repair Workshop by Rich City Rides
August 2nd: Bike Powered Smoothies by Urban Tilth and Interactive Activities from Youth Enrichment Strategies

Plus:

• Sample healthy treats and refreshing agua fresca courtesy of Fusion Latina Restaurant (July 5) and Caliente Sisters Catering (August 2)
• Take home FREE farm-fresh produce
• Pony rides and kids’ activities
• 100% natural salves for sale, FREE medicine plants, and garden goodies by CURME
• Visit with our community partners’ at their info booths to learn about living a healthier lifestyle: EasyGo, Elders Learning Community, GRID Alternatives, Lifelong Medical, Urban Tilth, Weigh of Life, Happy Lot Farm & Garden, and more!
• Music and Giveaways

And free bike parking courtesy of Rich City Rides

Stay tuned for more information about other exciting events and activities Downtown this summer: “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and sign up for our e-newsletter. And don’t forget to support our downtown businesses and shop local.

Be a downtown champion—volunteer or donate now!

6.04.2013-RYSE-Job Opening

Warm weather is here and we’re celebrating by putting health and wellness at the center of our Downtown events and activities.

Richmond Main Street Farmers’ Market
is Back for a 2nd Season

We are thrilled to announce the return of the Richmond Main Street Farmers’ Market in partnership with Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. Over 400 residents, workers, and community members came Downtown on Wednesday, May 8th to fill their shopping bags with the freshest seasonal produce, pick up gourmet treats and lunch items, and enjoy a special live musical performance.

Come Downtown this Wednesday—and every Wednesday through October 30th—to shop at our market…brimming with affordable seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked goods, delicious lunch options, artisan wares, and other specialty items from local vendors.

For a complete list of vendors, newsletters, and market activities, visit our Farmers’ Market page.

You’re Invited to Enjoy Free
Health & Wellness Every 1st Friday

After four years, the Healthy Village Farm Stand has become one of our signature events during the summer months. This year, we have reached out to our community partners Urban Tilth, Rich City Rides, EasyGo, and Happy Lot Farm & Garden to expand the information sharing and access to more healthy options.  Our partners will give demonstrations on important topics that are crucial to improving our knowledge and ability to eat better, exercise more, and reduce our carbon footprint.

Join us in the Community Green Space park every 1st Friday through August to learn about wellness resources available, take home free produce, sample delicious healthy foods prepared by Richmond caterers, enjoy great music, and more!

Looking for a Fun Way to Get Fit?
Come to Historic Main Street for…

Attend just one class and you will be so happy you joined this weekly fitness party…there’s nothing like having fun while you’re getting fit! But don’t take our word for it:

“I love the class.  Willa “Bontle” Willis is an amazing Zumba instructor. The energy in the class is amazing; she is amazing because she combines a little bit of all dance genre in her choreography… keeps it fun and challenging at the same time.” –Deborah Neville

Click here for more information.

Stay tuned for more information about other exciting events and activities Downtown this spring and summer: “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and sign up for our e-newsletter. And don’t forget to support our downtown businesses and shop local.

Be a downtown champion—volunteer or donate now!

Spring is here and we’re celebrating by putting health and wellness at the center of our Downtown events and activities.  After three years, the Healthy Village Farm Stand has become one of our signature events during the summer months and we can’t wait to kick off another great year of outdoor fun on May 3rd!

This year, we have reached out to our community partners Urban Tilth, Rich City Rides, EasyGo and Happy Lot Farm & Garden to expand the information sharing and access to more healthy options.  Our partners will give demonstrations on important topics that are crucial to improving our knowledge and ability to eat better, exercise more, and reduce our carbon footprint. Plus: check out other health and wellness resources available, take home farm fresh produce, sample delicious healthy foods prepared by Richmond caterers, and more!

As we continue to build on the theme of health and wellness, we are thrilled to announce the return of the Richmond Main Street Farmers’ Market in partnership with Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association on Wednesday, May 8th from 10am-2pm at Nevin Plaza.

Come Downtown on Wednesday, May 8th—and every Wednesday through October 30th—to shop at a market brimming with affordable seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked goods, delicious lunch options, artisan wares, and other specialty items from local vendors.

Looking for a Fun Way to Get Fit?
Come to Historic Main Street for

Attend just one class and you will be so happy you joined this weekly fitness party…there’s nothing like having fun while you’re getting fit! But don’t take our word for it:

Click here for more information.

Stay tuned for more information about other exciting events and activities Downtown this spring and summer: “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and sign up for our e-newsletter. And don’t forget to support our downtown businesses and shop local.

Be a downtown champion—volunteer or donate now!

]]> http://www.richmondmainstreet.org/lead-item/7248/feed 0 http://www.richmondmainstreet.org/news/become-a-writing-coach-at-richmond-high-school http://www.richmondmainstreet.org/news/become-a-writing-coach-at-richmond-high-school#comments Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:13:20 +0000 admin http://www.richmondmainstreet.org/?p=7223 Become a Writing Coach at Richmond High School

…inside every Richmond High student is a writer!

WriterCoach Connection takes teams of trained volunteers into public middle school and high school English classes to bring one-on-one help to students on their classroom writing assignments. Coaches strengthen students’ writing skills and help students develop their ideas. With positive encouragement from a caring adult, students become confident and competent writers, and creative and critical thinkers.

RHS has 75 community volunteer writing coaches serving 150 students. WCC is excited about expanding to serve an additional 100 Richmond High students in the 2013-14 school year.

You don’t have to be a writer or teacher to volunteer.
WCC’s in-depth trainings will give you strategies for working effectively with students. Please register today for an upcoming Richmond training. Each training is two three-hour sessions.

• RCH7 Thursdays 5/30 & 6/6 12:00-3:00 pm
• RCH8 Wednesdays 6/19 & 6/26 12:00-3:00 pm
• RCH9 TBD Late August/early September

The coaching commitment is only 2 hours, 2-3 times per month during class-time, to enjoy the satisfaction of helping students succeed!
WriterCoach Connection warmly welcomes parents, grandparents, college students, working and retired people, and community members of all cultures and backgrounds. Volunteers must complete a WCC training to become a coach.

For more information and to register:
Visit www.writercoachconnection.org
Or contact Shelli Fried (510) 530-7600, sfried0530@gmail.com

Priority Registration:
For former YES campers begins Tuesday, April 2nd after 2pm at the YES office (located at 3029 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804)

General Registration:
For eligible youth new to the YES Summer Camp Program begins Tuesday, April 16th after 2pm at the YES office

To Qualify:

• Youth must live in West Contra Costa County
• Be between the ages of 8-15
• Qualify for the free or reduced lunch program at school

To Register: Parents/caregivers must provide the following when registering youth for camp:

1. Proof of income*
2. Up-to-date immunization records
3. Health insurance card
4. $30 per registration (cash or money order only)

YES has been providing camperships for West Contra Costa County youth to attend summer camp since 1999. Our Camp Partners host a variety of exciting outdoor activities that build on their self-confidence, social and leadership skills in a fun environment, where they can take on challenges, meet new friends and open their mind to life’s possibilities. More information about the YES Summer Camp Program available here.

For more information, contact Blanca Hernández: (510) 232-3032 or blanca@yesfamilies.org

*Proof of income is the family’s: 2012 W2s, 2012 Income Tax return or last 3 pay check stubs from employer and/or disability, retirement, TANF, Social Security, Letter of Unemployment.

The Downtown Richmond Property Business Improvement District (DRPBID) is finally getting underway. We have made a concerted effort to reach out to property and business owners and residents to determine our focus for Downtown in 2013 and the years to come.

In our recent community stakeholder meetings, we learned what revitalization efforts are most important to our constituents: keeping Downtown safe and clean and attracting more businesses to meet the needs of the community. This focus fits squarely within the Management District Plan for the DRPBID.

In order to achieve these important goals, we are working with our property and business owners to make the district a success by listening to their challenges and working to help them find solutions. We are offering workshops and classes to educate our existing and aspiring business owners to provide them with the necessary tools to achieve success. We will be expanding our cleaning, security, and maintenance efforts in Downtown and look forward to working with a new service provider to help us achieve this goal.

Our recent Small Business Bootcamp event sponsored by Chevron, Mechanics Bank, and Wells Fargo was full to capacity. Over a dozen business experts, technical assistance providers, banks, and successful local businesses shared knowledge, best practices, and current statistics relevant for small businesses operating in Richmond. Participants came away with practical information and business ideas to help them succeed.

Although slow, the economy is steadily rebounding and we expect to see new businesses open their doors in Downtown this year. The BART parking garage is finally complete and we look forward to a grand opening event very soon. We’re excited about the commercial spaces on the ground floor of the garage, which will provide ample opportunity for more retail in Downtown.

We ended 2012 on an upward trajectory and have continued that upward momentum. Take a look at our current newsletter to learn more about what we’re doing to revitalize Historic Downtown Richmond. Connect with us via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or our e-newsletter to receive updates on our new projects and events coming this spring and summer…and our upcoming signature events: Music on the Main Summer Concerts, Spirit & Soul Festival, and the Richmond Main Street Farmers’ Market returning to Downtown on Wednesday, May 8th!

Remember we need your support to make Downtown be all it can be. Donate, volunteer, attend our events, shop Downtown, and spread the word about all the good things happening in Richmond’s Historic Main Street. We hope to see you soon on Macdonald Avenue.

Now in Downtown:

The Art of Living Black 2013

On view in the Richmond Main Street office through March 31st
The dynamic artwork of two phenomenal Bay Area artists:

Raymond Haywood

Malik Seneferu

Get Fit on Main Street with

Click here for more information about these classes.

Richmond Main Street is proud to partner with the organizers of The Art of Living Black, the only annual non-juried exhibition and self-guided art tour in the Bay Area to exclusively feature regional artists of African descent. This year’s exhibition features the work of over 50 local artists on display at the Richmond Art Center and a number of satellite locations, including Bridge Storage Studio, Oasis Gallery American Steele, Creating Framing and Gallery, Mills College Student Union, Black Bean Ceramic Art Studio, Women’s Cancer Resource Center JanRae Community Art Gallery, Henri’s Place, and Richmond Main Street.

On view in the Richmond Main Street Office, 1000 Macdonald Avenue, Suite C
Beginning Monday, February 18

The dynamic artwork of two phenomenal Bay Area artists:

Malik Seneferu, a self-taught artist, utilizes vibrant color pallets, symbols, and abstraction to explore his relationship to home and heritage. In Seneferu’s own words: “art is an absolute liberation of my imagination, a tool I use to communicate and share my ‘inner light’.”

Raymond Haywood creates dynamic mixed-media compositions by ritualistically layering series of images. “Through my paintings,” Haywood explains, “I attempt to share with the audience my experience of creating a moment in time that is ethereal and persistent.” The resulting works—often featuring graphic, street art qualities, and bold, bright colors and symbols—convey a dialogue between the artist and his works.

Self-Guided Art Tour & Reception
Saturday, February 23
2-4pm

Include Richmond Main Street on your itinerary for The Art of Living Black exhibition’s self-guided art tour on Saturday, February 23 from 2-4pm to view this unique exhibition, meet the artists, and enjoy light refreshments. Click here to view a map of the location and to generate directions.

Make sure to take a few minutes to discover the public art in Downtown and check out the Art In Windows exhibition on display at 400 Marina Way, Frame-Up 94801: Drawing Heroes in the Iron Triangle featuring the unique work of local artist Frederick Franklin.

Click here for more information about Art In Windows and Frederick Franklin’s work.

Back by Popular Demand:

Click here for more information about these classes.

Stay In Touch Online

“Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and sign up for our e-newsletter to be the first to know about our events and projects and the latest news about the revitalization of downtown Richmond.

Take 5 Minutes to Tell us What You Think!

A special thanks to all who were able to attend the Stakeholder meeting on January 10th. We had an informative and engaging discussion about continuing our efforts to improve downtown through the new Downtown Richmond Property Business Improvement District (DRPBID).

We are aware that many of you were unable to attend and would like to offer you the chance to contribute.  We value your thoughts and want them included as we develop our plan for 2013.

Please take a moment to complete a short survey in which you will be asked to provide input about your vision for Downtown and the importance of Cleanliness, Maintenance and Safety; Marketing and Business Attraction; and Promotions/Marketing efforts, especially as it relates to specific types of businesses you would like to see Downtown.

  Click here to take survey

We are excited about the success we have achieved and look forward to the opportunity to build Downtown and make it a vibrant business district that reflects the rich diversity of the City of Richmond.

Free Zumba in Downtown
Returns on February 7th!

Richmond Main Street is pleased to continue offering free Zumba fitness classes in Downtown beginning on Thursday, February 7th!

Click here for more information about these classes.

Stay In Touch Online

“Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and sign up for our e-newsletter to be the first to know about our events and projects and the latest news about the revitalization of downtown Richmond.