news briefs

Treatment for Alpha Gal Allergy/Syndrome

Deborah Farley, L.Ac., of Acupuncture Works, has been certified in the Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) since 2019 and specializes in treating galactose-a-1,3galactose (Alpha Gal) allergy using this technique.

A treatment for Alpha Gal may involve more than simply treating the allergy to the Alpha Gal sugar molecule that is found in all four-limbed mammals except humans and Old World apes. People may also become allergic to meat proteins and mammal products such as milk, dairy, gelatin, skin care products, medications and cosmetics that contain ingredients made from mammals.

The complete treatment, developed and patented by Dr. Nader Soliman, comprises two visits and includes the consultation, bioresonance testing to confirm the allergy, locating the point in the ear that corresponds with the area in the body where the reaction would start, placement of the needles and the follow-up visit. The follow-up includes removing the needles, bio-resonance testing and reintroduction instructions. SAAT is natural, safe and drug-free, and works for food, environmental, chemical and drug allergies.

For appointments or more information, call 434-237-0302 or visit AcupunctureWorksLLCLynchburg.com. See ads, pages 3 and 30.

Fall Flair at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host Fall Flair from September 1 to October 31. The Garden will celebrate the fall season with events such as Fall PlantFest on September 1617, HarvestFest on October 29, and other harvest-themed activities.

Fall Flair is the perfect opportunity to view beautiful autumnal blooms with friends and family. Decked out with pumpkins, gourds and haybales, the Garden will put you into the fall spirit. All are welcome to this event.

Regular Garden admission is in effect. Location: 1800 Lakeside Ave. For more information, visit bit.ly/fallflair.

Glenmore Yoga Enrolling for Yoga Teacher Training

Glenmore Yoga’s 200-hour teacher training program will begin its 18th year on September 17. Owner Kathleen Baker, RYT-200, says, "Our mission is to provide each yoga teacher with the foundation to teach therapeutically and skillfully with compassion. Designed for aspiring teachers and students of yoga who wish to deepen their yoga practice, the program consists of 16 training modules that take place on Saturdays and Sundays, and may be completed in eight months or up to two years. Modules are held one weekend a month in the studio. Each class includes experiential practice, lecture, discussion and demonstrations."

Glenmore Yoga and Wellness Center is one of the first yoga centers in Richmond. Created in response to the need for a dedicated space for the practice of hatha yoga, it offers a calm, welcoming and safe environment for students of all levels. The center has grown and expanded over the years, but has never lost sight of its original intention and purpose to assist individuals in improving their health and quality of life through the integration of body, mind and breath.

Location: 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. To request a brochure with details about the application process, fees, module topics and more, call 804-741-5267 or visit GlenmoreYoga.com. See ads, pages 9 and 35.

The Innerwork Center Hosts Rhonda Magee

Transforming the community begins by healing oneself. The Innerwork Center invites the RVA community to explore together how one begins within in order to ripple out and affect positive change with acclaimed author and teacher Rhonda V. Magee, M.A. Sociology, J.D., who will deliver a keynote presentation from her first book, The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness, on October 20 at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond at 1000 Blanton Avenue.

Magee is an internationally recognized thought and practice leader focused on integrating mindfulness into higher education, law and social change work. As a prolific author, she draws upon law and legal history to weave storytelling, poetry, analysis and practices into inspiration for changing how we think, act and live better together in a rapidly changing world.

The Innerwork Center is a catalyst for well-being via programs that inspire curiosity, cultivate mindfulness and awaken the spirit. This local center for lifelong learning envisions an individual and collective human experience rich with compassion, authenticity and meaning, encouraging spiritual growth and exploration beyond the conventional boundaries of any one faith.

Rhonda V. Magee

For more information and to register, call 804-359-0384 or visit InnerworkCenter.org. See ads, pages 23 and 32.

Thermography Discounts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Throughout the month of October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Debbie Troxell, RN, MSNH, a local thermographer and owner of Lifestyle Designs, LLC, is offering special pricing on all thermography services. One region of the body is $185 (save $20), half-body with abdomen is $385 (save $40), half-body without abdomen is $325 (save $40) and full-body is $547 (save $50). Returning clients always receive the special pricing for follow-up studies on the same region. These services are often covered by FSAs and HSAs.

By detecting heat patterns and blood flow in body tissues, thermography’s preventative and diagnostic applications include breast health, cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal disorders, dental health, sinus and allergies, thyroid health and fullbody health maintenance. Thermographic images are interpreted by Dr. Matthew Lee, M.D., RPh, MS, of eLEEte Physicians.

Location: 1404 Starling Dr., Henrico. For more information or to make an appointment, call 804-683-7774 or visit LifestyleDesignsWellness.com. See ads, pages 9 and 33.

Debbie Troxell, RN, MSNH Thermographer RVAThermography.com • 804-683-7774

Breast and Health imaging to keep you living happily longer.

Aren't you worth it?

Begin your journey now to a healthy body and tranquil mind.

Classes are tailored to meet your needs. Yoga | Massage | Workshops | Teacher Training

804.741.5267 • glenmoreyoga.com

10442 Ridgefield Parkway, Richmond

Intuitive Readings Resume at Alchemists

Alchemists, a locally owned, independent shop in Stony Point Village Shopping Center featuring books and tools for spiritual development and gifts to nurture, comfort and inspire since 1992, has resumed inperson intuitive readings after a two-year hiatus. Their readers bring expertise, unique perspectives and gifts to the table and clients will arrive at a deeper understanding of their own life experiences through various divination and extra-sensory offerings.

Alchemists’ diverse lineup includes animal communicator Mattie Coll providing insight into our most beloved furry or feathered friends; Rob Peckham combining his extraordinary connection with the natural world and shamanism to shed light on past lives and soul connections; Brianna skillfully delivering understanding through a personal astrological chart; deeply intuitive tarot readers Cindy and Katherine offering guidance through the imagery of the cards and the wisdom they have obtained over the years; and Valerie delving into the Akashic Records and assisting clients in understanding the journey of their unique soul.

Location: 3080 Stony Point Rd. For more information, call 804-3209200 or visit AlchemistsRVA.com/Readers. See ad, page 9.

55th Annual Gallery Fine Arts and Crafts Show

A visual feast for the eyes, Gallery, the 55th annual Fine Arts and Crafts Show and Sale at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond, is back. Gallery will open at 5 p.m., September 28 and continue through 5 p.m., October 2. More than 160 local and regional artists and craftspeople will exhibit their works, and prices range from 10 dollars to several thousand. There is no admission charge to attend the show.

All aspects of Gallery are run by volunteers that transform from daytime professionals such as actuaries and lawyers, teachers and IT geeks to denizens of the arts, turning the award-winning, open-space floor plan of First UU into a first-rate art gallery and exhibition space.

Admission is free. Location: 1000 Blanton Ave. For more information, call 804-355-0777 or visit RichmondUU.org/Connect/Gallery. See ad, page 14. The 19th annual Richmond VegFest will be held from noon to 6 p.m., September 17 at the Carillon in Byrd Park. As always, there will be delicious vegetarian and vegan food, cooking demonstrations, vendors, life-changing presentations and some of the most compassionate people in RVA. On-site animal adoptions provide an opportunity to possibly discover your new BFF. Grab a cool treat and head over to hear ultra-marathon runner extraordinaire, Anne the Vegan, share her tips about being a vegan athlete.

The main objective of this annual event is to educate the public about the many healthful and humane aspects of a vegan lifestyle. The VegFest is a combined effort of amazing local sponsors—Vegan Action, the Vegetarian Society of Richmond, My Vegan Sweet Tooth, Soupergirl, and Natural Awakenings magazine, wonderful vendors and amazing volunteers.

Admission is free. Currently vaccinated, leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, visit VeggieFest.org. Take the 22-day pledge to go vegan today at Challenge22.com. See ad, page 17.

New Activity Center for Aging Adults in Bon Air

Elder Pep Day Club & Spa is a friendly day activity club for the 55-plus population where members can connect with caring staff and other seniors interested in socializing, life-long learning, engaging activities and optional amenities. Owner Diane Yane says, "The Elder Pep vision is to provide our senior community with a safe and nurturing environment, offering socialization, stimulating activities and games, classes designed for both men and women to explore their creativity and physical capabilities, and unique spa services for health and relaxation. It has been my life’s work to build trust, as well as strong, loving, long-lasting relationships with the seniors I have provided care for over the last two decades. My hope is to continue building these relationships between myself, my staff and our valued members.”

Conveniently located in Bon Air at 2610 Buford Road, next to Buford Road Pharmacy and Joe’s Inn, Elder Pep Day Club & Spa offers daily rotating classes such as Gentle Exercise, Chair Yoga, Marbling, Painting, Creative Writing, Jewelry Making and Beer Brewing, with live entertainment and more. Spa services (opening late this year and not included in membership pricing) will include private baths in a walk-in tub, facials, chair or table massage, hairstyling, manicures, reiki, hand reflexology and meditation.

Guiding Tree Yoga is a new holistic yoga studio located at 12205 Gayton Road, Suite B, in Henrico. Their mission is to provide yoga offerings to the community that are accessible and inclusive. Classes are designed for all levels, no matter what age, flexibility, previous knowledge or ability. Students will receive guidance in finding their individual yoga practice from instructors that are talented, diverse and passionate about yoga. A new student deal is $35 for unlimited classes the first month and the 9 a.m. Saturday vinyasa class is $10 to drop in.

Owner Caleigh Seligman says, "What makes a yoga studio holistic? We aim to share the many healing benefits and practices of a yoga lifestyle while honoring the roots and traditions through respect and an inquisitive mind. Yoga is a way of life, with the physical poses being but one aspect. The studio is already in partnership with other community healers and small businesses; offering special events with acupuncture, tea tasting, reiki healing and farmers markets. Stay tuned for more special events and workshops." Guiding Tree Yoga offers sliding scale membership, “pay what you can” and class pass packages.

For more information, call 757-758-3081 or visit GuidingTreeYoga.com.

Encouraging Corporations to Keep Virginia Cozy

Keep Virginia Cozy is now providing cleanup opportunities for corporations to get their teams outside, pick up some litter, enjoy each other’s company and show the community that their business cares. So far, more than 40 local businesses have beautified bus stops, green spaces, neighborhoods and communal spaces, resulting in more than 8,000 pounds of litter and recycling being removed.

Led by Brian Bell and fueled entirely by volunteers and community support, Keep Virginia Cozy has removed more than 44 tons of litter and recycling from our public lands since 2017. This local nonprofit works to conserve our lands by connecting and educating people, promoting inclusivity and increasing accessibility; their motto is: Be Kind. Pick Up Litter. Get Involved. Protect Nature. Through unique community partnerships and practices like using spent grain bags from local breweries and reusable gloves, their efforts produce zero waste.

For more information, visit KeepVirginiaCozy.org. Art on Wheels at Leave Your Mark Mu ral Fest will be located at Three Notch’d RVA Collab House in Scott’s Addition from September 30 through October 1, with a chance to watch muralists in action and contribute to a community mural. It will also be at Lamb Arts Fest, in Hopewell, on October 1, with a fun make-and-take project, and at Step up for Downs Syndrome on October 15.

A pair of Art on Wheels’ communitymade artworks will be installed at both branches of the Children’s Museum of Richmond this fall as the result of a Community Art Day, which also includes projects from the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, Studio Two Three, Art for the Journey and The Arts Community Center.

Since 2007, Art on Wheels has been enriching lives by sharing diverse arts experiences in communities with limited access to the arts. By focusing on four program areas—aging in the arts, arts and disability, healing in the arts and art in the community—teaching artists and volunteers work with program partners to tailor creative experiences that meet the needs of participating artists to foster personal and community growth and connection.

To donate or for more information, visit ArtOnWheels-VA.org.