Richmond VA - 10

RICHMOND

VIRGINIA | VOL. 10

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: READ THIS ISSUE ONLINE. SCAN THE QR CODE

FEATURED ARTICLES

RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION

RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY

TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING

CO NTE NT S

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14

FEATURES 4

Investment Strategies

8

Home Library

14

Local Event Guide

23 Travel to Florida 26 Wellness Trends 28

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Recommended Service Directory

• Promote your brand • Earn new clients • Grow your business The55spotlight.com

CO NTE NT S 2026-27 SCHEDULES

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12

PGA Tournaments

13

LPGA Tournaments

20

Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments - Australian

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Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments - Wimbledon

22

Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments - US Open

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Recommended Service Directory

RICHMOND

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SUSTAINABLE

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES Have you ever thought about or heard about sustainable investing?

If not, here is some information about what it means and how one can approach it. First, sustainable investing refers to socially responsible investing (SRI) as well as environmental, social and governance data investment (ESG).

A sustainable investment strategy considers environmental, social and corporate governance criteria to generate long-term competitive financial returns as well as a positive social impact.

There are two ways to look at these investment strategies. Do you want to eliminate from your portfolio certain industries because of what they do (SRI) or are you more interested in investing in

companies that do good which is called (ESG)?

SRI, or Impact Investing, generally refers to making investments based on one’s values - avoiding companies that don’t fit your morals. Some companies that are often excluded are those that make their profits from tobacco, fossil fuel, firearms, and alcohol but at the end of the day, you are the judge.

ESG investing is focused on how the company operates. Does the company have a positive or negative impact on climate change, what is the company culture, and what is the corporate structure in relation to its stakeholders?

To accomplish your goals, consider an asset manager’s history and whether they have dedicated the (. . .continued on page 6)

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necessary resources to provide ongoing research and analysis.

To maintain returns while investing sustainably, seek out a fund that is benchmarked to a broad-based index. This shows the manager’s goal is to provide market-like or better than market returns.

Research has shown that companies that best manage their environmental and social impact

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and follow good governance practices (ESG) are more profitable in the medium and long term. The growth in sustainable investment opportunities has been substantial as individuals choose to find investments that align with their goals.

The Global Sustainable Investment Alliance reports a 34 per cent increase in these investments over the last two years.

RICHMOND

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HOME LIBRARY HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF CREATING A LIBRARY IN YOUR HOME?

Home libraries are a dedicated space to relax and enjoy reading time. If you love books and have a lot of them, it is a great way to

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enjoy your collection. It is also a personal statement about what you’re interested in; books and mementos can serve as a history

RICHMOND

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of your life.

It is wonderful if you have a room that can be designated as the library but that really isn’t necessary. What’s most important is to create a cozy space for your collection. A library can be created in many different spaces since a room can be multi-functional.

Sometimes there is space under a staircase or in a quiet nook, maybe a wall in the dining room or the hall. A fireplace can often be surrounded by bookshelves to create a library. Even a bedroom can be an interesting place to create your library; it could even be used as a wall unit above your headboard. All it takes is a little imagination.

Your personal library isn’t necessarily just for books. It is a place to show off collections, photos, albums, plants and even art. It can all be incorporated in the design. It is really about your own interests, which is what makes it personal.

You might want to include a desk in your library wall or a hidden space to hide games and other important knick-knacks.

Keep in mind that a library should feel like a cozy retreat for reading.

Depending on the space, consider

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the color palette. Deep rich colors are relaxing in a library, but it all depends on the library’s location and the design of your home. Wood paneled libraries are traditional but there are many ways to create a relaxing space, depending on your own individual aesthetic. If you have a window with surrounding bookshelves, a window seat makes the perfect addition. Add a comfortable oversized chair if you have space.

Don’t forget to consider lighting, which depends on the size and location of your library. Use picture lights mounted at the top of the shelves to illuminate books and add a dramatic effect. For a traditional look, use wall sconces.

For actual reading, recessed lighting is appropriate as it can be dimmed by preference. Table lamps are always appropriate as are floor lamps depending on the location and available space in your own library.

Whether your home is large or small, there is always a space for a personal library.

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Earn new clients

Grow your business

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RICHMOND

| VIRGINIA | VOL . 10

2026 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE DATES

TOURNAMENT

WATCH

JUL 2 - 5

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run Silvis, IL • USA

JUL 9 - 12

Genesis Scottish Open The Renaissance Club North Berwick • Scotland

PARAMOUNT, GOLF, CBS, ESPN+, SXM

JUL 9 - 12

ISCO Championship Hurstbourne Country Club Louisville, KY • USA

GOLF

JUL 16 - 19

The Open Championship Royal Birkdale Golf Club Southport • England

JUL 16 - 19

Corales Puntacana Championship Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course) Punta Cana • Dominican Republic

GOLF

JUL 23 - 26

3M Open TPC Twin Cities Blaine, MN • USA

PARAMOUNT, GOLF, CBS, ESPN+, SXM

JUL 30 - AUG 2

Rocket Classic Detroit Golf Club Detroit, MI • USA

PARAMOUNT, GOLF, CBS, ESPN+, SXM

AUG 6 - 9

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club Greensboro, NC • USA

PARAMOUNT, GOLF, CBS, ESPN+, SXM

AUG 13 - 16

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind Memphis, TN • USA

PARAMOUNT, GOLF, CBS, ESPN+, SXM

AUG 20 - 23

BMW Championship Bellerive Country Club St. Louis, MO • USA

PARAMOUNT, GOLF, CBS, ESPN+, SXM

AUG 27 - 30

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club Atlanta, GA • USA

PARAMOUNT, GOLF, CBS, ESPN+, SXM

+ Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

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* Schedule subject to change

PARAMOUNT, GOLF, CBS, ESPN+, SXM

RICHMOND

2026 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

| VIRGINIA | VOL . 10

* Schedule subject to change ** Purse subject to change

DATES

TOURNAMENT

PURSE

JULY 9-12

The Amundi Evian Championship Evian Resort Golf Club | Evian-les-Bains, France

$8M

JULY 23-26

ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open Dundonald Links | Gailes, North Ayrshire, Scotland

$2M

JULY 30 AUG. 2

AIG Women’s Open Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club | Lytham St Annes, England, United Kingdom

$9.75M

AUG. 13-16

The Standard Portland Classic Columbia Edgewater Country Club | Portland, Oregon

$2M

AUG. 20-23

CPKC Women’s Open Royal Mayfair Golf Club | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

$2.75M

AUG. 27-30

FM Championship TPC Boston | Norton, Massachusetts

$4.4M

SEPT. 11-13

Solheim Cup Bernardus Golf | s’-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), Netherlands

SEPT. 25-27

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G Pinnacle Country Club | Rogers, Arkansas

$3M

OCT. 1-4

LOTTE Championship presented by Hoakalei Hoakalei Country Club | Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

$3M

OCT. 15-18

Buick LPGA Shanghai TBD | People’s Republic of China

$3.2M

OCT. 22-25

BMW Ladies Championship Pine Beach Golf Links | Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea

$2.35M

OCT. 29 NOV. 1

Maybank Championship Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

$3M

NOV. 5-8

TOTO Japan Classic Taiheiyo Club, Minori Course | Ibaraki, Japan

$2.1M

NOV. 12-15

The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Pelican Golf Club | Belleair, Florida

$3.25M

NOV. 19-22

CME Group Tour Championship TiburonGolf Club | Naples, Florida

$11M

DEC.11-13

Grant Thornton Invitational TiburonGolf Club | Naples, Florida

$2.05M

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS ARE UNCERTAIN. DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATIONS, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

JULY

JULY 10 - 11 | TOMATO FESTIVAL A huge festival located at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville, the Hanover Tomato Festival has just about every variation of tomatoes you can think of: fried green tomatoes, tomato pie, tomato Po’ boy, tomato tacos, tomato burger, fried tomato chips, tomato wraps, salsa, and on and on and on – all, of course, of the Hanover tomato variety. For more info visit: hanovertomatofestival.com JULY 24 - 30 | HIGHLANDS FEST 75 years ago, Robert Porterfield began a cultural experience unparalleled to our region. The Virginia Highlands Festival has continued to grow in size and scope to become a destination for tourists and a beloved regional cultural resource for the arts, history and culture of Virginia.

For more info visit: vahighlandsfestival.com

AUGUST

AUG 1 - 8 | COUNTY FAIR Well, there is no shortage of great things to do and see – whether you are young or old – or some place in between. With your family, friends, and friends you are about to meet. But the real reason everyone loves the County Fair is because of the singular focus to make the fair fun for you!

For more info visit: pwcfair.com AUG 8 - 9 | JAZZ FESTIVAL This is a world-class jazz event that’s worth traveling for. Every year, the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival lines up some of the best names in jazz, funk and blues.

Make plans now to join us at this monumental festival!

For more info visit: richmondjazzandmusicfestival.com

(. . .continued on page 16) 14

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS ARE UNCERTAIN. DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATIONS, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 14)

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 19 - 20 | MUSIC FESTIVAL Iron Blossom Music Festival will offer two days of top line musical talent, as well as the very best of Central Virginia’s food, beverage and maker communities.

For more info visit: ironblossomfestival.com SEPT 22 - 27 | FILM FESTIVAL An inclusive and spirited festival designed to honor true film artists.

Richmond theaters will show quality flick after quality flick. More than 150 films from over 35 countries to be screened over several days. In between screenings, you can catch panels, awards, musical performances, and more!

For more info visit: rvafilmfestival.com SEPT 25 - 30 | STATE FAIR The Virginia State Fair features dozens of food vendors offering all-time favorites like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and barbecue chicken. Vendors offer souvenirs,

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clothing, belt buckles, and various unusual designs.The beautiful Meadow Park is a great outdoor setting for exciting rides, games, shows, concerts, and other family fun. For more info visit: statefairva.org

OCTOBER

OCT 1 - 31 | HARVEST FESTIVAL Come celebrate with us and create an unforgettable experience picking pumpkins, getting lost in our corn maze and roasting marshmallows at the bonfire.

Don’t forget those freshly made Cider Donuts! For more info visit: greatcountryfarms.com OCT 9 - 11 | FOLK FESTIVAL This beloved event attracts people to downtown Richmond’s riverfront over three days to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through 30 different genres of music on seven stages, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling and food. With children’s activities, a folk arts market-

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS ARE UNCERTAIN. DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATIONS, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

place, regional and ethnic foods and more, there’s something for everyone at The Richmond Folk Festival. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3hMY9L2 OCT 16 - 17 | OKTOBERFEST! Come celebrate at the only authentic Oktoberfest in Virginia.

The entertainment will be highlighted with the traditional march of the regional German Societies, the crowning of the Oktoberfest Queen, and the popular Beer Stein Hoisting Contest.

For more info visit: richmondoktoberfestinc.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 6 - 7 | OYSTER FESTIVAL As you walk through the festival you will find many food & craft vendors, as well as wine tasting, beer tasting, and educational experiences. There is something for everyone at this popular festival & the Urbanna Oyster Festival invites individuals from all over to what has long been known as the

Official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth. For more info visit: urbannaoysterfestival.com NOV 14 | RICHMOND MARATHON Each of our scenic courses showcases some of our city’s favorite attributes. With street art and river views, historic architecture and beautiful parks, our race routes treat runners to a unique and unforgettable tour of RVA that ends with our renowned downhill finish and post-race party on the riverfront! During your race, you’ll also encounter live bands, DJs, spirit groups, and Party Zones that will offer plenty of encouragement and motivation. For more info visit: richmondmarathon.org

DECEMBER

DEC 3 - 6 | BIZARRE BAZAAR The Bizarre Bazaar’s Christmas Collection features more than 500 juried exhibitors in four contiguous buildings. The 45th Christmas Collection will feature talented artisans of varied media, unique

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS ARE UNCERTAIN. DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATIONS, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

new shops, boutiques, small businesses, exciting new gift lines, holiday decorations, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing, accessories, toys, quality crafts, fine art and much more! For more info visit: thebizarrebazaar.com

beginner-friendly environment.

Our unique event combines fine wine tasting, microbrewery beer, and everything you ever wanted to know about fly fishing but were afraid to ask. For more info visit: vaflyfishingfestival.com

DEC 5 | CHRISTMAS PARADE Kick off the holiday season with the annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade. You do not want to miss an exciting parade line-up full of colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and college marching bands, princesses, superheroes, and Legendary Santa himself! For more info visit: richmondparade.org

JAN 22 - 24 | BOAT SHOW Â Over 20 BOAT Dealers from all over Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland, all competing for your business. Boats on display from, fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats, deck boats, jet boats, PWCs, motor yachts. Additional exhibits include boat lifts, floating docks, marine electronics, water sports and safety equipment. Experts will be on hand to give information and answer questions about marinas, financing, insurance, boat maintenance and repair and boating safety. For more info visit:

JANUARY

JAN 8 - 9 | FLY FISHING FESTIVAL The Virginia Fly Fishing Festival is the largest event of its kind in the country and attracts fly anglers from across the United States and the Mid-Atlantic in particular.

Nowhere else can anglers learn about the quiet sport in such a

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downtownrichmondboatshow.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS ARE UNCERTAIN. DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATIONS, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

FEBRUARY

FEB 6 | CHOCOLATE, WINE & WHISKEY FESTIVAL Enjoy Chocolate in a multitude of decadent presentations – an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates. Quench your thirst with Champagne, Prosecco and premium wines and a sip of fine whiskies! Hey, and buy some to take home – why not, you deserve it! For more info visit: chocolatewinewhiskey.com

MARCH

MARCH 14 | SHAMROCK THE BLOCK Shamrock The Block is a FREE street festival - located in Historic Scott’s Addition - on LEIGH STREET between Movieland and Midtown Green! This is our cure for “Cabin Fever” in Richmond.

For more info visit: shamrocktheblock.com

APRIL

APRIL 9 - 11 | SPRING MARKET Two Exhibition Buildings featuring unique gifts, gourmet foods, boutiques, fine artists and crafters and exciting decorative accessories for the home and garden. For more info visit: thebizarrebazaar.com

MAY

MAY 21 - 23 | RIVERROCK The nation’s largest outdoor sports and music festival is Dominion Energy Riverrock, a three-day riverside experience in an urban setting with great food, craft beer and wine nearby. This isn’t your typical festival, and we’re not your typical town. For more info visit: riverrockrva.com

JUNE

JUNE 3 - 6 | GREEK FESTIVAL At the Richmond Greek Festival, we pay tribute to this ancient tradition and bring in many local and international vendors for the public to browse.For more info visit: greekfestival.com

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RICHMOND

| VIRGINIA | VOL . 10

2027 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

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SESSION

DATE

TIME

FEATURED MATCHES

0

JAN 14 - THU

10:00 AM

Qualifying

0

JAN 15 - FRI

10:00 AM

Qualifying

0

JAN 16 - SAT

10:00 AM

Qualifying

1

JAN 17 - SUN

11:00 AM

First Round

2

JAN 17 - SUN

7:00 PM

First Round

3

JAN 18 - MON

11:00 AM

First Round

4

JAN 18 - MON

7:00 PM

First Round

5

JAN 19 - TUE

11:00 AM

First Round

6

JAN 19 - TUE

7:00 PM

First Round

7

JAN 20 - WED

11:00 AM

Second Round

8

JAN 20 - WED

7:00 PM

Second Round

9

JAN 21 - THU

11:00 AM

Second Round

10

JAN 21 - THU

7:00 PM

Second Round

11

JAN 22 - FRI

11:00 AM

Third Round

12

JAN 22 - FRI

7:00 PM

Third Round

13

JAN 23 - SAT

11:00 AM

Third Round

14

JAN 23 - SAT

7:00 PM

Third Round

15

JAN 24 - SUN

11:00 AM

Fourth Round

16

JAN 24 - SUN

7:00 PM

Fourth Round

17

JAN 25 - MON

11:00 AM

Fourth Round

18

JAN 25 - MON

7:00 PM

Fourth Round

19

JAN 26 - TUE

11:00 AM

Quarterfinals

20

JAN 26 - TUE

7:00 PM

Quarterfinals

21

JAN 27 - WED

11:00 AM

Quarterfinals

22

JAN 27 - WED

7:00 PM

Quarterfinals

23

JAN 28 - THU

11:00 AM

Women’s Semifinals

24

JAN 29 - FRI

12:00 PM

First Men’s Final

25

JAN 29 - FRI

7:30 PM

Second Men’s Semifinal

26

JAN 30 - SAT

7:30 PM

Women’s Singles Final Men’s Doubles Final

27

JAN 31 - SUN

7:30 PM

Women’s Doubles Final Men’s Singles Final

RICHMOND

| VIRGINIA | VOL . 10

2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATE

PLAY START

SESSION

JUNE 29 - MON

11:00 AM

Men's & Ladies' 1st Round

JUNE 30 - TUE

11:00 AM

Men's & Ladies' 1st Round

JULY 1 - WED

11:00 AM

Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 2 - THU

11:00 AM

Men's & Ladies' 2rd Round

JULY 3 - FRI

11:00 AM

Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 4 - SAT

11:00 AM

Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 5 - SUN

11:00 AM

Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 6 - MON

11:00 AM

Men's & Ladies’ 4th Round

JULY 7- TUE

11:00 AM

Ladies' and Gentlemen's Quarterfinals

JULY 8 - WED

11:00 AM

Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Quarterfinals

JULY 9 - THU

11:00 AM

Ladies’ Semifinals

JULY 9 - THU

11:00 AM

Gentlemen’s Semifinals

JULY 10 - FRI

11:00 AM

Ladies’ Singles Final & Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles

JULY 11 - SAT

11:00 AM

Gentlemen’s Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles

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RICHMOND

| VIRGINIA | VOL . 10

2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change ** Start Times Listed in EST

22

SESSION

DATE

SCHEDULE

PLAY START

MATCHES

1

AUG 24 - SUN

Day

12:00 PM

First Round

2

AUG 24 - SUN

Night

7:00 PM

First Round

3

AUG 25 - MON

Day

12:00 PM

First Round

4

AUG 25 - MON

Night

7:00 PM

First Round

5

AUG 26 - TUE

Day

12:00 PM

First Round

6

AUG 26 - TUE

Night

7:00 PM

First Round

7

AUG 27 - WED

Day

12:00 PM

Second Round

8

AUG 27 - WED

Night

7:00 PM

Second Round

9

AUG 28 - THU

Day

12:00 PM

Second Round

10

AUG 28 - THU

Night

7:00 PM

Second Round

11

AUG 29 - FRI

Day

12:00 PM

Third Round

12

AUG 29 - FRI

Night

7:00 PM

Third Round

13

AUG 30 - SAT

Day

12:00 PM

Third Round

14

AUG 30 - SAT

Night

7:00 PM

Third Round

15

AUG 31 - SUN

Day

12:00 PM

Fourth Round

16

AUG 31 - SUN

Night

7:00 PM

Fourth Round

17

SEP 1 - MON

Day

12:00 PM

Fourth Round

18

SEP 1 - MON

Night

7:00 PM

Fourth Round

19

SEP 2 - TUE

Day

12:00 PM

Quarterfinals

20

SEP 2 - TUE

Night

7:00 PM

Quarterfinals

21

SEP 3 - WED

Day

12:00 PM

Quarterfinals

22

SEP 3 - WED

Night

7:00 PM

Quarterfinals

23

SEP 4 - THU

Night

7:00 PM

Women’s Semifinals

24

SEP 5 - FRI

Day

3:00 PM

Men’s Semifinals

25

SEP 5 - FRI

Night

7:00 PM

Men’s Semifinals

26

SEP 6 - SAT

Night

4:00pm

Women’s Final

27

SEP 7 - SUN

Day

2:00pm

Men’s Final

Florida HISTORIC TOWNS IN

If you happen to be driving through Florida, there are several interesting and historic towns worth visiting. St. Augustine, the oldest town in America, is located on the northeast coast of the state, just south of Jacksonville. Then head south to enjoy the Lake Wales Ridge, which includes the towns of Sebring, Lake Placid and Avon.

First settled in 1565 by the Spanish and predating both Jamestown and Plymouth Rock, St Augustine was first seen by Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Visit Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th century Spanish stone fortress, and the cobblestoned historic downtown that includes over 30 historic houses. Remember, this is the city known for the Fountain of Youth, so be sure to see the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park where

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visitors can drink from the spring.

Next, head south to Lake Wales, which has an ‘old Florida” vibe and is one of the most scenic areas in the state. Known for its cypress trees, citrus groves and abundance of freshwater lakes, Lake Wales can’t be missed! Enjoy the history of these towns and don’t miss Highlands State Park for hiking, biking, birding and a variety of rare and native plants.

Sebring has undergone a major restoration of its historic downtown. There is a lot to see and do, particularly if you are a history buff. Sebring was founded in 1912

by Ohio pottery manufacturer George E. Sebring and is now designated as a 1920’s Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Known as “The City on the Circle” because of its design

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which is based on the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis. With a circular park, all roads radiate from there which makes Sebring very distinctive.

Lake Placid was founded in 1927 and has two nicknames: the “Town of Murals” and “The Caladium Capital of the World”. It is known for its art scene with over 50 murals throughout the town, it is a sight to behold. Some of the murals are as large as 175 feet

Travels ENJOY YOUR

wide and 30 feet tall and depict the town’s history including the town’s Native American heritage.

There is also the Historical Society Depot Museum located in the original railroad depot. And don’t miss the interesting boutiques and restaurants in the downtown area.

Avon Park is known as the “City of Charm” because of its historic downtown and small town feel.

It was founded in 1886 and is the oldest town in the region, It was named after Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Visit the Avon Park Depot Museum and the Museum of Florida Arts and Culture. Babe Ruth and Clark Gable stayed at the historic Hotel Jacarinda downtown.

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RICHMOND

| VIRGINIA | VOL . 10

WELLNESS TRENDS FOR

2026

In 2026, there will be a focus on fitness and AI will be a part of this trend. It will revolutionize the industry through personalization, instant feedback and data tracking. The fitness trend has shifted from short-term goals to long-term lifestyle concerns.

People are focused on the number of years lived in good health, not just lifespan. There is an emphasis on fundamentals like strength training, consistent sleep, stress reduction and a nutrient rich diet as well as preventative health care.

Technology plays a part in this shift toward mind and body fitness as real time data becomes available.

Wearable technology, artificial intelligence and advanced

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analytics give individuals a unique understanding of their body.

Wearables like Apple Watches, WHOOP, and Oura Rings increase our knowledge of how our bodies are functioning. Not only do wearables count steps and steadiness, but they are also capable of tracking sleep quality and recovery, heart rate variations, skin temperature and other variables. With all this information, personalized programs can be developed that incorporate diet, exercise and recovery.

The American College of Sports Medicine ranked wearable technology as the #1 fitness trend because of its ability to integrate

RICHMOND

nutrition, sleep, mental health, and physical performance. AI can analyze all the data and recognize patterns. Imagine being informed that your recovery is lagging or your walking isn’t steady. Then it tells you how to correct through exercise or adjustments to sleep routines, nutrition or stress management strategies.

There is also a new emphasis on recovery from a workout. It is now considered a critical component of any fitness program as it enhances performance, longevity and overall

| VIRGINIA | VOL . 10

wellness. Gyms today often offer meditation corners, hyperbaric chambers, red light therapy, cold plunge pools, and cryotherapy stations. Additionally, there are somatic healing offerings. These include yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and dance - all of which focus on the mind body connection.

The latest trends in fitness are holistic and recognize that mental and emotional health are inseparable from physical performance.

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RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY

AESTHETIC TREATMENTS PrecisionMedMD..........................................................3

NON PROFIT Alzheimer’s Association........................ Back Cover

ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCE Alzheimer’s Association........................ Back Cover

PERFORMANCE VENUE Chamberlayne Actors Theatre .............................5

AUTO SALES Haley Automotive Group.........................................7

PEST MANAGEMENT Victory Pest Management................Front Cover, 1

BAKERY Minglewood Bake Shop............................................7

RENOVATIONS Bath Tune Up Midlothian & West End..............15

BATHROOM REMODELING Bath Tune Up Midlothian & West End..............15

SHEET METAL Daniels Heating & Refrigeration Corp................7

CAR DEALER Haley Automotive Group.........................................7

THEATER Chamberlayne Actors Theatre .............................5

COFFEE Minglewood Bake Shop............................................7

THERAPY Heart & Mind Therapy..............................................11

COUNSELING SERVICES Heart & Mind Therapy..............................................11

VACCINE American Medical Association..................................... Back Inside Cover

FLU SHOT American Medical Association..................................... Back Inside Cover HOME DECLUTTERING SERVICES Home to Home Services.........................................11 HOME ORGANIZATION Home to Home Services.........................................11 HVAC Daniels Heating & Refrigeration Corp................7

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WATER HEATERS Daniels Heating & Refrigeration Corp................7 WELLNESS PrecisionMedMD..........................................................3