Open the door to Fisher House on any Wednesday morning and prepare to have your willpower brought to its knees. The sweet aromas of chocolate, cinnamon and who-knows-what-else grab your senses.

BlueStarRichmond.org.
  Fisher House: To see a wish list for the house, visit RichmondFisherHouse.org or call (804) 675-6601.

Grilling hot dogs and hamburgers over open flames is a rite of summer. But for about 70 people, a cookout yesterday in Goochland County was about more than good food and fellowship. Members of the Blue Star Families of Richmond gathered at Benedictine Abbey on River Road for the group’s annual picnic—just one way they provide support for families of active-duty military personnel.