Deep Run High School’s 2013 Marathon Dance, a student-run function that aims to raise money for organizations around the community, will be held March 15-16 in the school’s gymnasium. In its seven-year history, the dance has raised more than $863,000, and this year the students’ goal is to break the $1 million mark. The event has progressed from a small dance in the high school gym to an event that brings the entire community together. > Read more.

Cultural performances abound this weekend in Henrico: Minds in Motion, Capitol Opera, Black Grace, One Voice Chorus and a special dance performance at the Hindu Center of Virginia. And despite the snow earlier this week, the weekend weather is going to be sunny and warm! Spend Saturday outside for a good cause – the Free to Breathe Richmond 5K Run/Walk is in Innsbrook! Click here for more! > Read more.

A favorite pre-cursor to spring takes place on Saturday at Dorey Park – Henrico’s annual Kite Festival! Another spring activity is the Richmond Home & Garden Show. More weekend ideas: A Cappella music, the Henrico County Adventure Series and Judy Collins. For all our top picks, click here! > Read more.

Toast’s billing as a gastropub intrigued me almost as much as its “New American” menu, so I enjoyed reading up on the expression’s origins. As it turns out, some pub owners in London coined the term in 1991, as part of an effort to introduce more refinement to the menu. It wasn’t long before the British restaurant-pub hybrids caught on in the States, spawning a new genre and even a spin-off: the gastrolounge, which emphasizes wine and spirits over beer selection. > Read more.

The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen and Henrico Police Athletic League now are offering children who participate in PAL the opportunity to receive free art experiences through the Art Matters program.

Henrico PAL reaches more than 1,500 at-risk children and teens between the ages of 6 and 18 each year through educational, athletic and social programs while creating a positive relationship between police officers and youth. Through Art Matters, the CACGA and PAL are working together to expand PAL programming to include art, music and theatre classes and summer camps. > Read more.

Actor Chelsey Moss (right) of the Theatre IV on Tour production of Hugs and Kisses performs during a recent dress rehearsal of the musical. The play, seen each year by more than 50,000 Virginia students in kindergarten through fifth grade, is designed to serve as a child sexual abuse prevention program by illustrating to children the concepts of “good touch, bad touch and secret touch” in a sensitive fashion. The musical will visit Crestview Elementary School March 14. > Read more.