As preparations gear up for the 14th annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, there seems to be news about 10k sign-ups (which recently set a record for single-day registration), training teams, contests and charity promotions at every turn.

But at least one Eastern Henrico family of five needs no reminder of the event's April 13 date, or of the benefits of training and keeping fit. > Read more.

A Glen Allen teen who entered her first pageant just three years ago recently confirmed that she has a knack for winning – by capturing a regional title this past summer and a national title in November.

In August 2012, Davina Seoparsan won the title of Miss American Coed (MAC) East Coast Junior Teen. A few months later, she topped more than 50 contestants from around the nation to become Miss American Junior Teen 2013. In addition to the national title, Seoparsan won the Optional National Speech competition, was first runner-up in the talent competition, and placed third runner-up in the National Actress competition. > Read more.

Steward School students Catie McKinnon (pictured, left) and Mary McLaughlin paint as part of a beautification project the school conducted at Chimborazo Elementary School in Richmond on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan. 21. Since 2010, all Steward students have taken part in the annual "Day of Service" on the King holiday, working to enhance city schools.

This year, students and faculty members helped provide makeovers for Chimborazo's art room and lobby, while others installed artwork by Steward students, created flower pots and repainted various areas. > Read more.

A food wholesaler that caters to independent restaurants and food service businesses will open this month in the former Kroger store in the Northpark shopping center at the intersection of Parham and Brook Roads at I-95.

New York-based Restaurant Depot is planning to open at the site Feb. 27.

The company operates cash-and-carry stores that are designed specifically for independently owned restaurants, catering companies and other food-oriented businesses and nonprofits, according to Ray Mallin, the branch manager of the company's Alexandria location. > Read more.

Eligible taxpayers can receive free help preparing their 2012 income tax return at sites hosted by MetroCASH and Henrico County.

Trained volunteers will help qualifying taxpayers prepare and electronically file returns at 14 sites throughout the metropolitan area, including two in Henrico: Fairfield Area Library, 1001 N. Laburnum Ave., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Feb. 2 through March 9; and Dumbarton Area Library; 6800 Staples Mill Road, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 6 through April 11. > Read more.