Pediatric Dentistry@VCU, located on the MCV Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, will offer free services to children in need of dental care that do not have dental insurance on Give Kids a Smile Day. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Wood Memorial Building, 521 N. 11th St., Suite 315. Pediatric Dentistry@VCU and its Pediatric Dental Specialist will provide exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions and minor restorations for children ages 0-18 years old. Give Kids a Smile Day, created by the American Dental Association, is an annual focus of National Children’s Dental Health Month and is observed every year during the month of February. The program was designed to provide education, preventative and restorative oral healthcare for children. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 828-9095. Walk-ins are welcome but are not guaranteed to be seen. Appointments are strongly encouraged.

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Lakshmi Challa, of Challa Law Offices, PLC, recently was awarded the 2011-12 John C. Kenny Pro Bono Award. The award is presented annually to an individual or law firm that demonstrates a dedication to furthering the delivery of pro bono legal services to the poor and underserved in the metro Richmond area. Challa was recognized for her work with the Virginia Poverty Law Center where in 2009 she established the immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence Project. The project provides pro bono legal assistance to undocumented immigrants who are victims of domestic or sexual violence in obtaining legal status in the U.S. without reliance on their abusers. Challa has also assisted Commonwealth Catholic Charities and the Red Cross and is a board member for the Virginia Poverty Law Center. Challa Law Offices, PLC is located in Innsbrook.

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The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) recently awarded a $50,400 fellowship to A. Linwood “Woody” Holton, professor of history and American studies at the University of Richmond. Holton is among 215 grant recipients, or 8 percent of applicants, for 2011-12. The grant will support Holton’s research and writing for the book, “Liberty is Sweet: An Integrated History of the American Revolution.” Building on his last three books, which dealt with the revolutionary era’s race, class and gender issues, Holton will incorporate new knowledge of social history into the familiar narrative of the American Revolution. Holton has taught at UR since 2000 and holds a Ph.D. in early American history from Duke University and a B.A. in English literature from the University of Virginia.

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Local business owner Vicki Daniel recently won national recognition at the College Nannies and Tutors Annual National Conference. The Glen Allen Placement and Learning Center received the “Rock Star” designation for being one of the top performers in a system that serves families in 79 territories across 25 states. The location received additional recognition by being named to the CNT Top Ten List, appearing seventh out of all territories. To qualify for this award, the franchise must meet or exceed business objectives in three primary areas: financial growth and profitability, operational expertise and team building. The center is located at 10825 W. Broad St. in Parkside Marketplace across from Innsbrook.

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Agents with Cushman & Wakefield Thalhimer recently handled the following lease negotiations: TEK Systems – leased 7,054 square feet in the NY Life Building at 4435 Waterfront Dr.; Megatel Wireless – leased 2,400 square feet in Ridge Shopping Center at 1500-1552 Parham Rd.; Sweet Frog – leased 1,594 square feet in Staples Mill Square at 9073 Staples Mill Rd.; and Yapple Yogurt – leased 1,479 square feet in The Shops at Willow Lawn at 1601 Willow Lawn Dr.