Ed 413: Guided Meditation, Hot Dog Month, Pond Theater
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Image Source: The Richmond Experience
Happy Wednesday!
Phew — we made it to the other side of the holiday heat wave. I don’t know about you, but between that, the MSG wedding updates, and the World Cup highs and lows, I could use a little more ~woosah~ in my life right now.
Lucky for all of us, the Kadampa Meditation Center’s Richmond branch reached out and has just the thing. ICYDK, the center offers a weekly meditation class at Diversity Thrift emphasizing techniques for training the mind, benefiting yourself and, in turn, those around you. Each sesh offers guided mediations, teachings, and commentary derived from Kadampa Buddhism, followed by time for discussion and questions. And everyone’s welcome — no matter your gender, sexuality, race, background, income, or religion. From the org’s POV, Buddhist teachings can benefit anyone.
Want to learn more? Visit the group’s website here, and follow Meditate in Richmond on Instagram here and Facebook here. And if you want to drop in and see what it’s all about firsthand, use code RVAX1 for a $1 class! Can already feel the stress of not yet seeing a Taylor Swift wedding pic melt away, can’t ya? 🧘♀️
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including candy fixes, Christmas in July, a spritz garden, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Heavy thunderstorms; high of 83°, low of 71°
Thursday: Afternoon thunderstorms; high of 89°, low of 72°
Friday: Afternoon thunderstorms; high of 92°, low of 72°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 9 - 12 pm: RICHMOND COMMUNITY TOOLBANK VOLUNTEER OPP
Thursday, 6 - 9 pm: SUMMER MUSIC SERIES
Friday, 5 - 9 pm: HANOVER TOMATO FESTIVAL KICKOFF
CITY GUIDES
1. THE TRENDSPOTTER: JULY 2026
2. 10 NEARBY FARMS WHERE YOU CAN PICK YOUR OWN PRODUCE
3. TOP SPOTS TO GRAB A GLIZZY IN HONOR OF NATIONAL HOT DOG MONTH
Image Source: The Richmond Experience
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Pond Theater: We’d hate for you to scroll right by that pink perfection up top without a little more info. Studio Ossidiana's Pond Theater has transformed the ICA at VCU's reflection pool into a floating public gathering space, with circular fiberglass-and-wood platforms designed for seating, play, and community connection. The installation explores the relationship between architecture, ecology, and public space while launching the ICA's new Broad Signals outdoor public art series. Created by the Rotterdam-based design duo, the project marks Studio Ossidiana's first major commission in the United States — and it’s as cool as it looks. Check it out now through November 29.
THE LATEST
Image Source: Trolley Car Sweets & Treats
Image Source: North End Juice Co
Image Source: CSX
Image Source: Resist Booksellers
SOCIAL NEWS
We’d really love a Blue Suede Shoes right about now. As we mentioned in an earlier edition, North End Juice Co is (blessedly!) back in the Museum District under new owners Stephanie and Patrick Murtaugh, reviving the beloved neighborhood juice bar with a fresh focus on community, quality ingredients, and a streamlined menu of smoothies, breakfast bites, and coffee. Fan favorites like the Blue Suede Shoes smoothie have made their return alongside new offerings like a turkey sandwich, chia pudding, and draft iced brown butter oat latte, with updated recipes featuring more protein and less sugar. Since reopening June 20, the spot has already seen plenty of love from Richmonders, and the owners hope North End can once again be a welcoming gathering place. (Style Weekly)
You’ll find us by the gummy peach rings. Trolley Car Sweets & Treats has rolled into the Fan, bringing a Scandinavian-inspired pick-and-mix candy experience with nearly 100 varieties of sweets from around the globe. Owners Jacob Horsfall and Nikki Victoria, who moved to Richmond from Charlotte in 2021, turned their longtime love of international candy into a shop they hope becomes a joyful neighborhood destination. Beyond its imported candy selection, the shop plans to add a coffee program, mobile candy cart, and community events later this year. (Richmond magazine)
Deck the halls and baseballs. The Richmond Flying Squirrels say planned road construction near the main entrance to CarMax Park this fall could impact offseason events, including the proposed WinterWorld holiday attraction featuring an ice rink, ice slide, and light display, along with Squirrel-O-Ween. In a letter to the city's Economic Development Authority, the team's ownership says the construction timeline could jeopardize millions of dollars in planned investment and revenue, adding another chapter to the ongoing dispute surrounding the Diamond District redevelopment and stadium access. The team has suggested an alternate construction schedule to keep events moving and says it may take legal action if a resolution isn't reached. (But in the meantime, by the way, the Squirrels are also getting wintry for Christmas in July.) (The Richmonder)
It’s spritz szn. Morty’s Market & Deli is expanding into the long-vacant, roofless building next door, transforming the space into an open-air “spritz garden” with European-inspired patio seating, room for about 30 additional guests, and plans to showcase classic Italian sports. Owners Jay Bayer and Adam Stull hope the new outdoor space will be ready by the deli’s one-year anniversary in late September, adding another gathering spot to the ever-evolving Brookland Park Blvd corridor. (Richmond BizSense)
Now, in “Hey, What… the Actual Hell is Going On?” news... Henrico County is asking employees to cut back on electricity use after a 25% jump in power rates is expected to add about $5 million to the county’s annual energy costs across schools and government buildings. Officials are encouraging conservation efforts — like turning off lights and electronics when not in use and skipping space heaters — to help manage the increase and keep taxpayer dollars focused on county services. (WRIC)
Businesses near Kanawha Canal are dealing with the ripple effects of the July 3 freight train derailment, with some owners expecting road closures and reduced access to impact customer traffic. As CSX works to remove corn from the derailed railcars and repair the damaged track, nearby businesses are reminding customers that they’re still open and welcoming visitors despite the disruption. (WRIC)
Crews are continuing repairs on a 50-year-old, 36-inch water main in the Kanawha Canal that caused water pressure issues for some Richmond residents over the holiday weekend. The city has installed three bypass pipes to keep service running while excavation work continues, but officials say there is still no firm timeline for completing repairs, which will depend on factors including weather. (WRIC)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🧑🏫 Virago Alley, the nonprofit behind the Richmond Ren Faire, has moved into the second floor of Gallery5 in Jackson Ward, where it will offer year-round educational programming focused on historic artisan trades and martial arts while expanding its community arts presence. (Style Weekly)
🥳 Resist received a grant from American Express and plans to use its funds to add a cafe to the bookstore. (Instagram)
🌭 ICYMI, The Mayor Meats closed its Carytown storefront as of July 4, *but* you can (and should) still catch the spot’s meats at the markets, festivals, pop-ups, and more around town. (Instagram)
Image Source: The Haymaker Collective
Weekly Giveaway
The Haymaker Collective
This new bev biz is bringing together craft beverage know-how, engineering expertise, and a passion for community to create hemp-infused drinks made with quality ingredients and a local-first mindset. Its Switchel supper is infused with a gentle dose of hemp-derived THC, CBD, and CBG and is designed to be an approachable feel-good alternative for social drinking without the alcohol.
This week, we’re teaming up with The Haymaker Collective to give THREE winners each a four-pack of Switchel! Note: You’ll have to present a government-issued ID to show you’re 21+ at the time of pick-up at Ninja Kombucha.
To enter, tell us: What can human beings do faster than a cheetah?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Paige R, for winning Echelon Wine Bar giveaway!
Image Source: Broad to Broad
Member Perks
Broad to Broad
Broad to Broad (formerly Already Richmond!) creates RVA-inspired tees, hoodies, and gear designed to celebrate the city’s culture, creativity, and underdog spirit. The streetwear brand is all about showing love for Richmond and giving smaller cities a bigger place in the spotlight. Freshen up your summer tee stash ASAP.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 10% off all apparel at broadtobroad.com! Just use code ALREADY10 at checkout.
What’s trending from RVAx
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SAVE THE DATE
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Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 11 new members this week: Faby H, Zesta B, Andy H, Damiana M, Kelley S, Taylor S, Thomas J, TJ W, Carrie S, Julia L, and Josh B, we’re so glad you’re here!
It takes a village, so let us know if you have any questions, thoughts, feedback, tips, or recs! Thanks for reading edition 413 of The Weekly Insider.
Sending good vibes and bad puns 😇
- The Richmond Experience
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