Today’s Forecast

95º | Partly cloudy | 5% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:30 a.m. | Sunset 7:54 p.m.

Food

🥨 Expert-approved munchies for 4/20

Presented by Hometown Hero

Hometown Hero is spilling the beans on the best snacks to pair with 4/20 festivities. | Photo provided by Hometown Hero

If you’re partaking in 4/20 festivities today (safely, of course), here are five expert-approved snacks to make (or to order on your fave food delivery app… because, let’s be honest, we’re not leaving the couch today), courtesy of the pros at Hometown Hero CBD.

🍣 Omega-3s

Omega-3s are a type of acid found in fats and oils that offer all sorts of benefits. They’re a great energy source that helps keep your cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems functioning.

Additionally, research shows that a whole bunch of chemical reactions in your body convert omega-3 fatty acids into endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system helps regulate vital functions such as memory, appetite, sleep, temperature, emotional processing, and much more. (More on the science around that here.)

Foods rich in Omega-3s include:

Salmon, oysters, mackerel, and anchovies (sushi, anyone?)
Walnuts
Peanut butter
Soybeans
Flaxseed and chia seeds (hello, smoothie bowl)

🍫 Chocolate

Before gummies came into the spotlight, the humble brownie was the most iconic cannabis edible — and for a good reason too. With its sweetness and deep earthy undertones, chocolate does a spot-on job of covering up any “meh” grassy aftertaste.

But there’s another benefit: Chocolate (particularly dark chocolate) is rich in anandamide, an endocannabinoid that gets its name from the Sanskrit word “Ananda,” which means “happiness” or “bliss.”

Snacks on snacks on snacks.
|
Photo by Christian Kaye Photography via Hometown Hero

🥭 Mangoes

Ever wonder where plants get their smell? (Stay with us here.) Through naturally occurring compounds called terpenes.

Mangoes are rich in a terpene called myrcene, which may help transport cannabinoids into the brain. Plus, this terpene may help the transdermal absorption of cannabinoids too — AKA help topical Delta-8 products absorb through the skin.

Keep reading for two more ideal munchies — and snag Hometown Hero’s bonus offer of a free sample, offered today only for our readers.*

2 more ideal munchies

This content was created in partnership with Hometown Hero CBD. Please note: Hometown Hero advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume Delta-9 before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by RICtoday.

Asked

What’s the origin of the “4/20" holiday?

A. 420 is the number of active chemical compounds in marijuana.
B. 420 is police code for marijuana violations.
C. The location of Denver Interstate mile marker 420.
D. 420 is what you get if you multiply 12 by 35, the numbers from the title of the Bob Dylan song “Rainy Day Woman no. 12 and no. 35.”
E. 4:20 is the time when a group of teens from California would search for a legendary lost marijuana crop near the Point Reyes Coast Guard Station.

Puff, puff, guess

See the correct answer in The Wrap.

Events

Thursday, April 20

Bubbles & Blooms | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 5-8 p.m. | Agecroft Hall, 4305 Sulgrave Rd., Richmond | $5-$15 | Enjoy an evening stroll through the gardens at Agecroft with food and drink available for purchase on site.
Flying Squirrels vs. Erie SeaWolves | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $10-$25 | Celebrate HBCU Night and stay after the game for a fireworks show.

Friday, April 21

RVAFW Awards Gala 2023 | Friday, Apr. 21 | 5:30 p.m. | Hippodrome Theater, 528 N. 2nd St., Richmond | $25+ | Mingle with Richmond’s fashion community and help support RIFF Arts Institute with live entertainment from Saint Samuel, ANT The Symbol, and Chance Fischer.
Samia | Friday, Apr. 21 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St., Richmond | $18-$68 | The singer-songwriter will play with Christian Lee Hutson.

Saturday, April 22

2023 Richmond Bluegrass Jam | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | American Legion Post 354, 3700 James River Rd., Midlothian | Free | Park at James River High School and get ready to jam with 15 of the region’s best bluegrass and Americana bands.

Sunday, April 23

“Anahita - a mother’s journey” Premiere | Sunday, Apr. 23 | 7-8:30 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $10 | See the premiere of a new documentary about a refugee from Kabul, Afghanistan.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Transit

GRTC’s board approved a 40% increase in the hourly rate for its bus operators. The starting pay will now be $24.91 — up from $17.43. There are also bonuses for new applicants with a commercial drivers license. Check out open positions at GRTC.

Traffic

The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K is this Saturday, April 22, and with Richmond’s favorite race comes closed streets and no parking zones. Look at the course map and pay attention to posted signs for race day.

Development

The Planning Commission has approved plans for a six-story, ~250-unit apartment building on Grove Avenue in the Museum District. The new complex would replace a vacant senior living facility. City Council should vote on the development in May. (Richmond BizSense)

Holiday

Celebrate Earth Day at the Science Museum with a Dome screening of “Antarctica” and special activities throughout the day. The Virginia Section of the American Chemical Society will also lead hands-on chemistry presentations. Get tickets.

Sports

Two former John Marshall High School men’s basketball players will suit up for the Rams next season. Roosevelt Wheeler is transferring from Louisville and Jason Nelson will leave UR for VCU. Nelson might be the first to ever play as both a Spider and a Ram. (CBS6 News)

Edu

RPS hosted the inaugural RVA Men Teach Conference last weekend. The program included presenting Philip Canady, a teacher at Fairfield Court Elementary, with the RVA Men Teach Male Minority Teacher of the Year Award.

Try This

Around 1,000 science fiction fans will convene this weekend at RavenCon, an annual event at Virginia Crossings in Glen Allen. The convention includes costume contests, an escape room, gaming, and special guests. Register here.

Award

Attention artisans. Submit your Southern-made product by June 20 for a chance to win Garden & Gun Magazine’s 14th annual Made In The South Awards. Categories include home, crafts, food, outdoors, style, and drink — plus a bonus sustainability award. The overall winner will receive a $10,000 grand prize.

Opening

Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s new Children’s Tower provides convenient access to the best pediatric care when moments matter most. Think: free valet parking at the Children’s ER, a helipad on the roof, and more.*

Health

RVA Counseling is growing and has several seasoned clinicians available to take on new clients. The practice offers counseling services for individuals, couples, children as young as five, and families for in person and telehealth services. Learn more + schedule.*

Finance

Many Americans worry they’re not saving enough for retirement — and rightfully so. Find out if your savings meet the recommended amount by age, and how a financial advisor could help.*

Fun Fact

In case you missed it, there’s still a chance to win $500 by taking our brief survey. Your feedback is important to us, and we want to ensure the content we deliver to you is relevant. Take the survey.

Travel

What trip would be worth leaving Richmond? For City Editor Robin, it’s New Zealand — to hike where “The Lord of the Rings” was filmed (and pretend she’s in Middle-earth). Sign up for Going to get notified when flight prices drop so you can book your dream trip and feel great about it. Join for free.

Shop

This wedding season make sure to shower the happy couple with the perfect gift. Our online store (Six & Main) features presents such as dinner napkins by Willow Ship and celebratory cards by Joy Paper Co. Start shopping.

Festival

🌎 It’s a planet party

Celebrate Earth Day at this Bryan Park festival

Buckets of flowers for sale under a tent.

The festival will take place at the same time as the RVA Big Market. | Photo by @maurv2

Earth Day is this Saturday, April 22. Join dozens of local nonprofits and businesses in celebration at the RVA Earth Day Festival from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Bryan Park.

🗓 How to attend

The festival will take place where the RVA Big Market typically does. Drive, bike, walk, scoot, or take the bus — routes 1 and 14 will take you to Northside.

🌳 What to do

See special demonstrations by Beyond Boundaries, the VA Dept. of Wildlife, Keep Virginia Cozy, RVA Goats and Honey, and more. There will also be vendors, foods trucks, and a live music lineup that includes Tiara & Andrew, Shiv Flowers, and tendersong.

♻️ Don’t miss

Local arts nonprofit Studio Two Three is the nonprofit beneficiary of the event. Bring your own light-colored t-shirt or tote bag and screen print an exclusive Earth Day design from the mobile print truck.

The Wrap

Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin

From the editor
The 10K and Earth Day on Saturday will make for a weekend packed with events. What are you getting up to?

Answered: E. According to several sources, 4:20 is the time when a group of teens in Marin County, California would search for a legendary lost marijuana crop near the Point Reyes Coast Guard Station in the 1970s.

One of the kid’s older brothers was friends with Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, who co-opted and popularized the now-iconic association between the number and the recreational activity (and, ultimately, the celebration of both on April 20 — aka 4/20 — each year).

Missed our last newsletter? Readers shared their thoughts on the future of Mayo Island.

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