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🌱 Patch AM: How will Richmond fix its mold-plagued, aging school buildings?

Make time for Make Some Scenes on the Richmond Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Richmond? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Richmond fix its mold-plagued, aging school buildings?
  • Which Richmond wiener dogs will race for Dachtoberfest glory?
  • Why a Richmond church pantry needed a big boost this month

Also on today's calendar: Make Some Scenes and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: An afternoon t-storm or two, with a high of 98 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: A p.m. t-storm in spots, temps: high: 86, low: 65.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 82 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. RPS leaders seek community input on aging school buildings (nbc12.com) — Richmond Public Schools is asking families and community members how to fix and modernize aging school buildings after mold and moisture problems temporarily closed Barack Obama and Bellevue elementary schools. Recent reports detail leaks, HVAC failures, and extensive mold, while leaders weigh whether to rebuild, renovate, or consolidate schools to stretch limited funds and keep students safely in classrooms.
   

2. Dachtoberfest returns to Richmond Raceway with wiener dog racing, local dog influencer (wric.com) — Richmond dog lovers can look forward to Dachtoberfest returning to Richmond Raceway on Saturday, Oct. 3, with dachshund races, costume contests and food trucks. The event features local Instagram-famous pup Ollie, a pet food drive benefiting area shelters, and low-cost race registration, making it a playful way to support animal welfare while enjoying a full day out.
   

3. Richmond food pantry gets makeover as need grows (12onyourside.com) — A Richmond church food pantry just received a major facelift and 6,800 pounds of food from Food Lion as demand for assistance keeps rising. Volunteers cleaned, painted, built shelving and landscaped to better serve the 130–140 neighbors who visit weekly, while partner nonprofit Feed More reports more first-time visitors across central Virginia struggling with higher living costs.
   

4. Cristo Rey Richmond students join the workforce during 2026 Draft Day (wtvr.com) — Cristo Rey Richmond High School students just learned their 2026–27 job placements during Draft Day at Henrico Sports Complex, pairing 210 teens with 62 corporate partners across the region. Through the school's Corporate Work Study Program, students earn toward tuition while gaining real-world experience in offices, hospitals, museums and tech firms, building résumés and confidence for college and careers.
   

5. Multiple people taken by ambulance from Thomas Jefferson, Armstrong game due to heat (wric.com) — A high school football game between Richmond's Thomas Jefferson and Armstrong was halted at halftime after extreme heat sent several players, a coach, and multiple fans to the hospital by ambulance. With heat indices near 100 degrees throughout the game, officials suspended play, and the teams will resume later with Armstrong leading 17–14.
   

📸 Around Richmond

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • *MISSING*.
    Hello! This is Iris. She lives on the 400 block of Clay st, is and indoor/outdoor cat, and has many neighborhood friends. She has a daily route she… (Nextdoor Jackson Ward)
  • PLEASE remember our services people out in the heat today!
    I have gotten in the habit of having a cold bottle of water for my mailman-these people really appreciate and deserve it! HINT; if you can't be… (Nextdoor Wedgewood Park)
  • Molly Maid posted a job opening for Professional House Cleaner-no nights, no weekends! in Richmond. Apply here.
  • Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. posted a job opening for Overnight Team Member in Richmond. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Richmond here.

Ok Richmond! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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