Rachel Kester

Virginia

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Articles

Shoot Your Shot

Jan 9, 2025 | richmondmagazine.com | Rachel Kester

Capturing the world through the lens of a camera has become even more convenient and accessible today thanks to rapidly advancing technology. But in the era of cell phone cameras, a special intimacy in photos has vanished — an absence that has led to a reverence for and resurgence in film photography. With cozier hues, personalized touches and sometimes slight imperfections, film has attracted many people who prefer the way it nostalgically preserves life’s moments.
Gingerbread Cheer

Dec 9, 2024 | richmondmagazine.com | Rachel Kester |Mindy Kinsey |Jenna Lapp

Twelve years ago on a chilly December day, a unique train appeared in Richmond. Smelling of sugar, molasses and spices, the vehicle intrigued observers with its exceptional size and artistry. Designed by executive pastry chef Sara Ayyash, Santa’s Steam Engine dazzled visitors at The Jefferson Hotel and helped transform a long-held holiday tradition at the historic venue. The Jefferson’s lobby has featured a handcrafted gingerbread exhibit for many years, although its origins are somewhat foggy.
Making Way for Monarchs

Nov 27, 2024 | richmondmagazine.com | Rachel Kester

Monarch butterflies have dazzled humans for generations as they migrate from as far north as Canada to as far as south as Mexico. Over the past few decades though, these black and orange-flecked insects have suffered due to adversaries like herbicide and pesticide usage and habitat loss. In February, Mexico City authorities recorded the second-smallest population on record: nine overwintering colonies across roughly 2.25 acres, down from 45 acres in the winter of 1996-97.
Vote Local

Oct 21, 2024 | richmondmagazine.com | D. Hunter Reardon |Laura Lee |Sarah Huffman |Rachel Kester

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: This could be the most important election of our lifetime. Cliche or not, it’s a fact that voters in the city of Richmond have a lot of consequential decisions before them. While ballots in the counties will focus mainly on the national races, River City residents have a chance to choose all new local leadership from among five mayoral candidates, 18 City Council hopefuls and 16 School Board contenders.
Cherishing the Centuries

Sep 30, 2024 | richmondmagazine.com | Rachel Kester

Virginia’s farmhouses, fields and barns all have stories, as well as mementos of previous generations. But while many of these agricultural capsules have succumbed to age, the elements or development, some live on and are celebrated by the Virginia Century Farm program. The program recognizes farms owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years. The commonwealth has 1,576 century farms, with about 70 in the greater Richmond area.
Sunday Story: Community Roots - richmondmagazine.com

Aug 4, 2024 | richmondmagazine.com | Rachel Kester

It’s a sweltering summer day in June, one when most would want to be inside an air-conditioned building or lounging at a pool. But the intense heat doesn’t deter Mary Lloyd Parks and Rita Nuckols, lead volunteers at Shalom Farms’ Powhatan site, from tending to the fruits and vegetables that will soon be transported around the city.
Clean Investment

Jun 18, 2024 | richmondmagazine.com | Rachel Kester

Chesterfield County’s booming industrial park is growing even larger, this time thanks to a Danish manufacturer’s plans to spend over $400 million to build a clean-energy factory there. Topsoe, which specializes in carbon emissions reduction technology, announced plans in May to build an electrolyzer factory at Meadowville Technology Park. The over-280,000-square-foot structure will create solid oxide electrolyzer cells, or SOEC, which produce clean hydrogen from water or carbon dioxide.
Sunday Story: The Bee’s Needs - richmondmagazine.com

Jun 9, 2024 | richmondmagazine.com | Rachel Kester

Nearly two decades ago, having a beehive affected by a new, eerie phenomenon called colony collapse disorder was frightening: To know one’s bees could suddenly vanish forever was a beekeeper’s nightmare. “I have had a hive now and then simply abscond and others die from poor management,” says Julie Waser, owner of Cold Harbor Bee Farm in Mechanicsville.
Famous Fruit

May 22, 2024 | richmondmagazine.com | Rachel Kester

For a few months each year, a tomato extravaganza takes place in Richmond. Backyard gardens, farmers markets and restaurant menus are filled with this tasty fruit, often sought after for its distinctive hues and succulent flavors. But many also have intriguing backstories, like the Wood’s Famous Brimmer Tomato, which has a unique tie to the city and can be found growing on some local farms, including Village Garden RVA.
Helping Richmond Grow

May 12, 2024 | richmondmagazine.com | Rachel Kester

It’s easy to take Richmond’s public gardens and parks for granted. Manicured flower beds, freshly cut grass and cleared pathways are benefits we all enjoy without a second thought, but they didn’t just spring up on their own. It’s thanks to volunteers who dedicate their time to maintaining local gardens, all to keep green spaces flourishing. Martha Anne Ellis, a volunteer at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, is one of those dedicated gardeners. Her inspiration came from her childhood.