Thursday, October 8th, 2026

Spectrum

BridgeUSA brings peaceful political conversations to VCU

October 7, 2026

Siloe Brown, Contributing Writer In August, a new student-led organization called BridgeUSA at VCU was added to the university’s long list of groups. They focus on empowering students to participate in politics with confidence, including encouraging students to vote in upcoming elections and holding political debates.  BridgeUSA at VCU places an emphasis on civil political discourse and reduced political polarization with a multi-partisan approach. With 300,000 members nationally, the VCU chapter is looking to continue its growth. BridgeUSA at VCU was founded in February of 2017 at UC Berkeley and as of 2026, it has spread to schools all over the country, working to establish roots as a respectable organization for students to exercise healthy and productive political conversation skills. Lauren Zuber, a second-year student and BridgeUSA at VCU secretary, sets the group’s schedule and tracks their meeting minutes and votes.  “We promote political literacy among college students and campuses through debates,” Zuber said. Killian Korchnak, a fourth-year student and co-president of BridgeUSA at VCU, said that progress can only be made if people start understanding one another.  “We want to bring a solution where we can all move forward and hopefully have a positive outcome,” Korchnak said. Erica Powell,

Weenie wonderland: Dachtoberfest returns to Richmond

October 7, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Assistant Spectrum Editor Short legs and long backs took over Richmond as dachshunds and their owners gathered for the fifth annual Dachtoberfest hosted by the Dachshund Enlightenment Foundation.  The event brought dachshund owners, vendors and rescue organizations together for a day filled with fun costumes and exciting races.  Tanya Ryan, a VCU alumna who founded the Richmond event, said her involvement began with her husband’s childhood connection to the breed.  “My husband grew up with dachshunds,” Ryan said. “I married into it, and then I of course became the crazy dachshund lady because we have two.” Ryan’s love for the breed eventually grew into a small business and involvement with a dachshund Oktoberfest in Maryland. “When the past organizers could no longer do it, I got a phone call and they were like, do you want it?,“ Ryan said. “And I go, ‘are you kidding? Absolutely.’ I mean, it’s a big event. It’s wonderful.” Ryan took over the event in 2021, with the first Richmond Dachtoberfest beginning in 2022. Since then, participation from attendees and event organizers has continued to grow. “Participation has been booming,” Ryan said. “Not just people coming out, but taking the time to design

A little fix goes a long way at Repair Cafe RVA

October 7, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor Lots of tinkering and fixing took place at the Repair Cafe RVA’s event on Sunday, Oct. 4 and, as the name might suggest, people’s trash became treasure again. At the cafe’s monthly gathering, broken zippers, furniture, bikes, electronics and more filled tables at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Volunteers worked alongside visitors to repair items rather than sending them off to the landfill.  Repair Cafe is a worldwide movement most commonly found in Europe. After learning about the concept from a friend in France a decade ago, its founder, Jenny Kobayashi Malone, said she decided to start a Richmond chapter in 2024 after years of interest in the movement. She said she spent months planning the Richmond location.  The organization held its first event in January 2025 and has since built a community of volunteers.  “I love that Richmond has an enduring culture of mutual aid and resourcefulness, plus a growing interest in caring for our planet,” Kobayashi Malone said.  The events typically bring 25 to 45 volunteers together, with specialists working on everything from sewing to electronics. Volunteers are encouraged to keep repairs to 20 or 30 minutes and bring their

A bountiful fall at Shalom Farms’ Harvest Festival

October 7, 2026

Ariel Lebow, Contributing Writer Shalom Farms’ fifth annual Harvest Festival celebrated another year of work toward its mission to provide healthy, local produce to Richmond families. The festival was hosted on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at its Northside Farm. The Harvest Festival was free to attend and included music, dinner, bonfires and children’s activities.  Shalom Farms is an organization dedicated to combating systemic challenges of food insecurity and access for Black and brown communities, which have been historically denied in Richmond, according to its website. Volunteers greeted visitors by directing them through the parking lot, leading to the festivities. A smorgasbord was laid out in the pavilion, including fresh fruit, homemade hummus and chips, rosemary popcorn and a selection of warm autumn soups made by Chef Jason Muckle. Live music, performed by blues and folk duo Andrew Alli and Josh Small, put guests in an autumnal mood. Several bonfires were spread throughout the area with ample seating and ingredients for guests to roast s’mores. Volunteers passed out cider to wash dessert down. Alistar Harris, executive director of Shalom Farms, said he was excited to further engage with the community and enjoy the fall season at the festival. He

BridgeUSA brings peaceful political conversations to VCU

Spectrum Editor October 7, 2026

Siloe Brown, Contributing Writer In August, a new student-led organization called BridgeUSA at VCU was added to the university’s long list of groups. They focus on empowering students to participate in politics with confidence, including encouraging students to vote in upcoming elections and holding political debates.  BridgeUSA at VCU places an emphasis on civil political discourse and reduced political polarization with a multi-partisan approach. With 300,000 members nationally, the VCU chapter is looking to continue its growth. BridgeUSA at VCU was founded in February of 2017 at UC Berkeley and as of 2026, it has spread to schools all over the country, working to establish roots as a respectable organization for students to exercise healthy and productive political conversation skills. Lauren Zuber, a second-year student and BridgeUSA at VCU secretary, sets the group’s schedule and tracks their meeting minutes and votes.  “We promote political literacy among college students and campuses through debates,” Zuber said. Killian Korchnak, a fourth-year student and co-president of BridgeUSA at VCU, said that progress can only be made if people start understanding one another.  “We want to bring a solution where we can all move forward and hopefully have a positive outcome,” Korchnak said. Erica Powell, a second-year student and co-president of BridgeUSA at VCU, said their discussions are similar to a socratic seminar, where there is no right or wrong conclusion, only good or bad reasoning. She suggested that students go into these debates with an open mind.  “It’s a good way to learn more if you want to challenge your own thoughts,” Powell said. “It’s also a good space to just meet people and hear different perspectives.” According to BridgeUSA’s website, its ultimate goal is to create “A thriving US democracy where leaders and citizens engage in respectful, productive dialogue.” The club sets parameters for each debate to ensure that they remain respectful and safe for everyone. These parameters include addressing statements rather than people, absolute silence while one is speaking, having participants represent themselves and listening with the intent to understand, not respond. This way, students practice the skills necessary to participate in other aspects of political life with the same values. Members of BridgeUSA at VCU are working to raise awareness about the club and build their student-led organization. Visit @bridgeusa_vcu on Instagram for information on their latest events and activities.

BridgeUSA brings peaceful political conversations to VCU

October 7, 2026

Siloe Brown, Contributing Writer In August, a new student-led organization called BridgeUSA at VCU was added to the university’s long list of groups. They focus on empowering students to participate in politics with confidence, including encouraging students to vote in upcoming elections and holding political debates.  BridgeUSA at VCU places an emphasis on civil political discourse and reduced political polarization with a multi-partisan approach. With 300,000 members nationally, the VCU chapter is looking to continue its growth. BridgeUSA at VCU was founded in February of 2017 at UC Berkeley and as of 2026, it has spread to schools all over the country, working to establish roots as a respectable organization for students to exercise healthy and productive political conversation skills. Lauren Zuber, a second-year student and BridgeUSA at VCU secretary, sets the group’s schedule and tracks their meeting minutes and votes.  “We promote political literacy among college students and campuses through debates,” Zuber said. Killian Korchnak, a fourth-year student and co-president of BridgeUSA at VCU, said that progress can only be made if people start understanding one another.  “We want to bring a solution where we can all move forward and hopefully have a positive outcome,” Korchnak said. Erica Powell, a second-year student and co-president of BridgeUSA at VCU, said their discussions are similar to a socratic seminar, where there is no right or wrong conclusion, only good or bad reasoning. She suggested that students go into these debates with an open mind.  “It’s a good way to learn more if you want to challenge your own thoughts,” Powell said. “It’s also a good space to just meet people and hear different perspectives.” According to BridgeUSA’s website, its ultimate goal is to create “A thriving US democracy where leaders and citizens engage in respectful, productive dialogue.” The club sets parameters for each debate to ensure that they remain respectful and safe for everyone. These parameters include addressing statements rather than people, absolute silence while one is speaking, having participants represent themselves and listening with the intent to understand, not respond. This way, students practice the skills necessary to participate in other aspects of political life with the same values. Members of BridgeUSA at VCU are working to raise awareness about the club and build their student-led organization. Visit @bridgeusa_vcu on Instagram for information on their latest events and activities.

Weenie wonderland: Dachtoberfest returns to Richmond

October 7, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Assistant Spectrum Editor Short legs and long backs took over Richmond as dachshunds and their owners gathered for the fifth annual Dachtoberfest hosted by the Dachshund Enlightenment Foundation.  The event brought dachshund owners, vendors and rescue organizations together for a day filled with fun costumes and exciting races.  Tanya Ryan, a VCU alumna who founded the Richmond event, said her involvement began with her husband’s childhood connection to the breed.  “My husband grew up with dachshunds,” Ryan said. “I married into it, and then I of course became the crazy dachshund lady because we have two.” Ryan’s love for the breed eventually grew into a small business and involvement with a dachshund Oktoberfest in Maryland. “When the past organizers could no longer do it, I got a phone call and they were like, do you want it?,“ Ryan said. “And I go, ‘are you kidding? Absolutely.’ I mean, it’s a big event. It’s wonderful.” Ryan took over the event in 2021, with the first Richmond Dachtoberfest beginning in 2022. Since then, participation from attendees and event organizers has continued to grow. “Participation has been booming,” Ryan said. “Not just people coming out, but taking the time to design

A little fix goes a long way at Repair Cafe RVA

October 7, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor Lots of tinkering and fixing took place at the Repair Cafe RVA’s event on Sunday, Oct. 4 and, as the name might suggest, people’s trash became treasure again. At the cafe’s monthly gathering, broken zippers, furniture, bikes, electronics and more filled tables at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Volunteers worked alongside visitors to repair items rather than sending them off to the landfill.  Repair Cafe is a worldwide movement most commonly found in Europe. After learning about the concept from a friend in France a decade ago, its founder, Jenny Kobayashi Malone, said she decided to start a Richmond chapter in 2024 after years of interest in the movement. She said she spent months planning the Richmond location.  The organization held its first event in January 2025 and has since built a community of volunteers.  “I love that Richmond has an enduring culture of mutual aid and resourcefulness, plus a growing interest in caring for our planet,” Kobayashi Malone said.  The events typically bring 25 to 45 volunteers together, with specialists working on everything from sewing to electronics. Volunteers are encouraged to keep repairs to 20 or 30 minutes and bring their

A bountiful fall at Shalom Farms’ Harvest Festival

October 7, 2026

Ariel Lebow, Contributing Writer Shalom Farms’ fifth annual Harvest Festival celebrated another year of work toward its mission to provide healthy, local produce to Richmond families. The festival was hosted on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at its Northside Farm. The Harvest Festival was free to attend and included music, dinner, bonfires and children’s activities.  Shalom Farms is an organization dedicated to combating systemic challenges of food insecurity and access for Black and brown communities, which have been historically denied in Richmond, according to its website. Volunteers greeted visitors by directing them through the parking lot, leading to the festivities. A smorgasbord was laid out in the pavilion, including fresh fruit, homemade hummus and chips, rosemary popcorn and a selection of warm autumn soups made by Chef Jason Muckle. Live music, performed by blues and folk duo Andrew Alli and Josh Small, put guests in an autumnal mood. Several bonfires were spread throughout the area with ample seating and ingredients for guests to roast s’mores. Volunteers passed out cider to wash dessert down. Alistar Harris, executive director of Shalom Farms, said he was excited to further engage with the community and enjoy the fall season at the festival. He

Through the lens, VCU filmmakers tell stories that connect

October 7, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor Graduates from the Robertson School of Communication will take their documentaries beyond the classroom this Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Washington West Film Festival.  The films are part of (CAP)SULE, a capstone program designed by Robert Milazzo, an assistant professor and media production sequence coordinator, gives media production students opportunities to publicly share stories on how they see Virginia. It is conceived as a “time capsule” of the people, places and communities that hold meaning through a generational lens.  Robertson students produced, directed, shot and edited documentaries, with original scores created through collaborations with graduate composer programs at Johns Hopkins University and Berklee College of Music.  “Film Team,” a 15-minute documentary directed and produced by Anastasia Hines, follows students at Manchester High School in Chesterfield County as they create a film of their own.  After spending years creating films, Hines found herself back where her filmmaking journey began — at a high school film team. Hines first became interested in filmmaking as a child, making YouTube videos with her brother before joining her high school’s newly created film team. Since then, she has made more than 30 films. Hines wanted the documentary to have a reality-style,

More than a market: Celebrating Latino culture in Midlothian

September 30, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer Music and food fill the Latino farmers market at 13900 Hull Street Road every Saturday from April 4 to Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendors sell a variety of handmade products, foods and other goods, giving local businesses a chance to share what they offer with the community and meet new customers. RVA Bakehouse, founded by Kim Buehler in 2023, has been selling their goods at the farmers market and opened their store front in Libbie Mill last October. Stephanie Maranon-Estrada, a VCU alumna, represented RVA Bakehouse at the market on Saturday. Maranon-Estrada said she enjoyed the atmosphere of the market and the different activities happening throughout the event because there was something for everyone, regardless of age.  The market offers activities such as painting, games and a moon bounce, giving families and younger visitors something to do while they browse the market. Snyder Family Farm, a family-owned business based in Keysville, attends the market weekly. The farm raises cattle, pork, chicken and turkey. Heidi Snyder and Jeremy Snyder co-founded the business together.  Heidi Snyder said they started their business because they wanted better and safer food options for their family. “It’s more

Let the good times bark at Woofstock

September 30, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor Peace, love and plenty of paws took over 4951 Lake Brook Drive on Sept. 26 as Richmond Animal League hosted its 16th annual Woofstock festival. The event brought together animal lovers, pets, rescue organizations and potential adopters while giving RAL and its partners an opportunity to showcase animals in need of homes and raise money for the organization.  Woofstock, a play on Woodstock, the music festival of the late 1960s, ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and featured a dog parade, agility course, live music, vendors and adoption areas. Dogs in strollers and costumes moved through the event as attendees stopped for food and pup cups.  Steve Bardy, deputy director of development at RAL, said the fundraiser money supported general operations, including animal care, clinics, foster care and work with community cats through trap-neuter-vaccinate-return programs.  This was Bardy’s first Woofstock, but not his first dog festival. Before joining RAL, he was executive director at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, where he worked with a similar event called Paws in the Park.  Bardy has been involved with animal welfare for years, fostering over 60 puppies and a handful of kittens. He said that one of the

‘Was that the bite of ’87?’; VCU’s Doomsday presents ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s the Musical’

September 30, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor Did you survive five nights at Freddy’s? For audiences at the Richard Newdick Theatre in Shafer Street Playhouse, the answer came Sept. 25-27, when Doomsday VCU brought “Five Nights at Freddy’s the Musical” to the stage.  The production had five performances in total, with two showings on the 26 and 27.  The production was based on FNAF the Musical, created by Random Encounters in 2016, a YouTube channel created in 2011 by AJ Pinkerton, Nathan Morse and Peter Srinivasan. The musical was inspired by the 2014 horror video game “Five Nights at Freddy’s.”  Doomsday VCU used the original musical’s five songs and storyline while allowing the cast and creative team to make changes for the stage. The Random Encounters video runs for 30 minutes, while the stage production ran for 35 to 40 minutes due to transitions.  FNAF the Musical followed a night guard trying to survive five nights against the animatronics before eventually teaming up with them. Cole Hurd, director of the musical and a fourth-year VCU theatre performance BFA student, said he grew up listening to the Random Encounters musical. He contacted Pinkerton about putting the musical on stage and, to his surprise, the

Gavin and his troupe of merry men: ‘Wizard Wednesday’ adding a little bit of whimsy to your week

September 30, 2026

Maeve Bauer, Executive Editor  What do a wizard, a priest, a jester, a knight and a beast all have in common? They are all members of the Monroe Wizard’s “Wizard Wednesday.” Once a week this group of adventurers gather together in Monroe Park to go out on quests throughout VCU’s campus. Gavin Paisley is a third-year VCU mechanical engineering student, but on Wednesdays he practices sorcery. Paisley started Wizard Wednesdays around two years ago, or as he put it, “many an eon ago,” after noticing a lack of magic on campus.  “One day I was in my tower, looking upon the people of Monroe,” Paisley said. “And I saw upon their eyes, a lack of joy, a lack of whimsy.”  Paisley started his mission alone, but eventually gathered a group of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for spreading joy and whimsy to students and other passerbys in the park.  Beyond Paisley’s crew, there are people who join in each week to help accomplish quests. Community member, Jessica Dekovitch, has assisted Monroe’s mythical mob for the past three weeks and is beginning to brainstorm character ideas for herself. While exiting their last class of the evening, Crow Stephens, a first-year