The James River Association helps monitor the river, advocate for policy changes, and restore the health of the James’ natural ecosystem. | Photo by RICtoday
The James River Association (JRA) is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary, but first, the organization wants to hear back from the community.
JRA launched a public survey to collect input on what’s going well with the organization and what folks would love to see improved.
Bonus: Complete the survey, and your name will be entered in a raffle to win two tickets for a sturgeon-watching trip in September.
Nerdy Wordy Adult Spelling Bee | 6:15-8 p.m. | Belmont Branch Library | Free | Think you’re the best speller in Richmond? You could win a gift card to a local business + the potential envy of your friends.
Tuesday, Aug. 26
Capital Region’s Career Expo | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Manchester Family YMCA, North Chesterfield | Free | Stop by with your resume, a few questions for employers, and a confident attitude; leave with exciting, new career connections.
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Akron Rubber Ducks | Tuesday, Aug. 26-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | The Diamond | $13+ | This week’s games include Scott’s Addition Night, 1980s Diamond Through the Decades, Harry Potter Night, and Sunday’s summer concert series.
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Local Summer Produce Pop-Up | 5 p.m. | Ballast | Price of purchase | Yellow Umbrella Provisions curates the farm-fresh menu, Old Tavern Farm supplies the produce stand, and Cirrus stocks the discounted highball drinks.
Thursday, Aug. 28
UnHappy Hour: Wizard of Oz | 6-9 p.m. | The Poe Museum | $5+ | This month’s theme guides you down the yellow brick road, where you’ll find live jazz, food from 1115 Mobile Kitchen, and folks dressed in theme.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Virginia Distilled | 6-9 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History and Culture | $55 | Raise a glass to Virginia Spirits Month with live music, food trucks, and tastings from up to 15 local distilleries.*
A modern take on historic charm. We’re heading to Midlothian for today’s find — a five-bed, six-bath Tudor house, custom-built in 2016. Take a look at the storybook home, charmed by beamed ceilings, a wine cellar, an outdoor putting green, and a hallway library nook (with see-through floors).
Read
Now in Books recently made a guide of what novels to read based on your state. To be read in Virginia? S.A. Cosby’s “King of Ashes” — a tense Southern crime epic and family drama with a morally gray antihero. Check for the title at a local book shop.
Pets
Forget Whiskers and Mittens — Bella is the most popular cat name in Virginia, according to a new study. Have a better moniker in mind for a feline friend? So does Richmond Animal League. Meet Jeff Bridges — not the star of “The Big Lebowski” — an adoptable kitty and adorable star-in-the-making. (Newsweek)
Travel
This could be your cue to plan a Labor Day getaway. The average cost of domestic round-trip flights is 6% lower this year than it was last Labor Day weekend, averaging $720. Next stop, get familiar with Richmond International Airport before booking your trip. (AAA)
Ranked
No. 62. That’s where Richmond’s Open High School just ranked in a report of the nation’s best high schools. Almost 18,000 schools were ranked using metrics such as academic performance and college preparation. Consider yourself a top student? Prove it on our games site. (US News & World Report)
Shop
It’s time to fall back in love with these five trending vintage fall items: Hudson Bay blankets, brown + white transferware, Mary Maxim sweaters, copper molds, and tramp art boxes. Go diving in the local bins to see what antique treasures you can find. (Country Living)
City
Skip the lines and pay your bills online with the easy, secure Citizen Service Portal. From utilities to permits, manage your payments anytime, anywhere — fast and hassle-free.*
Travel
Psst — you might be overpaying for flights. Get flight alerts to dream destinations during Going’s biggest sale ever, with 53% off memberships until Sunday, August 31.*
Mary Munford Elementary on Grove Avenue is one of ~45 Richmond Public Schools. | Photo by RICtoday
The Greater Richmond Region has 16 school districts and 185,000+ students. We’re giving you the 411 on enrollment, student-teacher ratio, tuition, and more for the area’s major school districts. Don’t worry, there won’t be any homework.
Before we dive in, here are a few fast facts about schools in the RVA region:
Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is the only division that can claim two recipients of the National Teacher of the Year award.
There are two academic-year Governor’s Schools in the region:
Maggie Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies
Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology.
Chesterfield and Henrico are ranked as the sixth and seventh best school districts for athletes in Virginia.
RPS was the first district in Virginia to recognize teachers’ rights to collective bargaining.
Sunflow’s premium beach accessories, perfect for one last summer hurrah this Labor Day. Good news: Sunflow’s biggest sale of the year starts today, with 20% off sitewide.
🐚 The best-selling Shore Thing Chair reclines to three positions and is built to last, thanks to a rust-resistant frame + water-resistant marine fabrics.
🪸 Newly launched this summer, the Tall Sand Dune Chair has all the iconic features of Sunflow’s chairs, just 17 inches off the ground.
🌊 Looking for shade without blocking your ocean view? Say hello to the newly launched and patent-pending Happy Hut Cabana — and goodbye to awkward beach umbrellas.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
We pass surveys all the time while scrolling on our phones — I admittedly decline many — but community feedback is always worth the time, especially with something as major as the ol’ James.
I timed myself taking the JRA survey this morning and clocked in at 3 minutes and 15 seconds. Don’t forget to dedicate five seconds to give yourself a pat on the back.
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