[{"id":7141,"date":"2026-07-15T05:23:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T05:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7141"},"modified":"2026-07-01T20:25:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T20:25:10","slug":"eat-light-for-summer-energy-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/15\/eat-light-for-summer-energy-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Eat Light for Summer Energy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When temperatures rise,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.us11.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=1830e3c3d9dd1f0d36ffaa91b&amp;id=3e1f4413bc&amp;e=3d56f51b50\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lighter meals<\/a>&nbsp;can help you stay comfortable and energized. Seasonal fruits and vegetables provide hydration, fiber, and nutrients that support digestion and overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This week, try swapping greasy takeout for something light, refreshing, and nourishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"802\" height=\"747\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-15-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-15-26.jpg 802w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-15-26-300x279.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-15-26-768x715.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 802px) 100vw, 802px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When temperatures rise, heavy meals can leave you feeling sluggish and weighed down. Lighter, plant-forward dishes not only complement the summer heat but also support digestion and help maintain steady energy throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Lighter Meals Work Better in Summer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/news\/2024\/06\/26\/as-summer-heat-cranks-up-our-appetites-may-cool-off\">Appetite often dips<\/a>&nbsp;in the heat as your body prioritizes cooling over digestion. To stay cool, it increases blood flow to the skin and produces sweat\u2014both of which require energy. Eating rich, high-fat foods can raise your internal temperature further, placing added strain on your digestive system and making you feel uncomfortable. In contrast, lighter meals\u2014especially those rich in fiber, water, and antioxidants\u2014are easier to digest and more refreshing in warm weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fruits and vegetables in season during summer\u2014like tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, green beans,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/nutrition\/the-health-benefits-of-leafy-greens-and-how-to-prepare-them\">leafy greens<\/a>, and berries\u2014provide hydration along with essential vitamins and nutrients. Seasonal eating also encourages variety, which&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/nutrition\/the-importance-of-gut-health\">supports gut health<\/a>. A diverse gut microbiome, fueled by fiber-rich plant foods, is linked to improved digestion, stronger immunity, and better mental well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Quick &amp; Nourishing Summer Meal Ideas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are two satisfying, no-fuss recipes that are perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep on hot days:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cucumber Tomato Salad<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 large cucumber, sliced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/4 red onion, thinly sliced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 tbsp olive oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (like basil or parsley) to taste<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Toss all ingredients in a bowl and let it chill for 10\u201315 minutes before serving. This hydrating salad provides vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cowboy Caviar-Style Summer Salad<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/2 red bell pepper, diced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/2 green bell pepper, diced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/4 red onion, finely chopped<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 tbsp olive oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 tbsp lime juice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tbsp red wine vinegar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin or chili powder to taste<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><br>Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Let it sit for 15\u201330 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serve on its own, over greens, or with whole grain chips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Small seasonal swaps can go a long way.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This week, trade greasy pizza or takeout for light, seasonal meals such as crisp salads or grilled fish with summer vegetables. Your digestion, energy, and gut will all benefit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When temperatures rise,&nbsp;lighter meals&nbsp;can help you stay comfortable and energized. Seasonal fruits and vegetables provide hydration, fiber, and nutrients that support digestion and overall well-being. This week, try swapping greasy takeout for something light, refreshing, and nourishing. When temperatures rise, heavy meals can leave you feeling sluggish and weighed down. Lighter, plant-forward dishes not only [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7141","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7141"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7141\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7143,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7141\/revisions\/7143"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7153,"date":"2026-07-14T07:46:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T07:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7153"},"modified":"2026-07-07T19:48:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T19:48:28","slug":"do-you-like-cooking-with-herbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/14\/do-you-like-cooking-with-herbs\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you like cooking with herbs?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not sure which herb to use when you cook? Keep this quick guide handy for easy flavor pairings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"786\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-14-26-786x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-14-26-786x1024.jpg 786w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-14-26-230x300.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-14-26-768x1001.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-14-26.jpg 821w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 786px) 100vw, 786px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Not sure which herb to use when you cook? Keep this quick guide handy for easy flavor pairings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7153","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7153"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7153\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7155,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7153\/revisions\/7155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7153"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7096,"date":"2026-07-13T07:28:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T07:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7096"},"modified":"2026-06-09T19:31:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T19:31:19","slug":"motivational-monday-165","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/13\/motivational-monday-165\/","title":{"rendered":"Motivational Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"541\" height=\"557\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/mm-july-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/mm-july-2.jpg 541w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/mm-july-2-291x300.jpg 291w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7096","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7096","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7096"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7096\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7167,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7096\/revisions\/7167"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7096"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7096"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7041,"date":"2026-07-10T07:20:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T07:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7041"},"modified":"2026-04-29T19:21:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T19:21:21","slug":"funny-friday-288","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/10\/funny-friday-288\/","title":{"rendered":"Funny Friday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Me trying on Summer Clothes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"696\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-24-26-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7043\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-24-26-2.jpg 696w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-24-26-2-286x300.jpg 286w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Me trying on Summer Clothes<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7041","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7041","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7041"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7041\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7041"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7041"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7041"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7150,"date":"2026-07-09T07:44:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T07:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7150"},"modified":"2026-07-07T19:45:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T19:45:56","slug":"healthy-summer-activites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/09\/healthy-summer-activites\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthy Summer Activites"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summer has a way of making healthy habits feel less like discipline and more like just&#8230; what you&#8217;re doing anyway. You&#8217;re walking around a festival, relaxing by a pool or on a back porch, eating strawberries that actually taste like strawberries. The season does some of the work for you. It&#8217;s also a natural halfway point to check in on the health goals you set back in January and reset or recommit if you need to. We rounded up some\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.us11.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=1830e3c3d9dd1f0d36ffaa91b&amp;id=6640a9271a&amp;e=3d56f51b50\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">healthy summer activities<\/a>\u00a0worth trying out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"388\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-9-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-9-26.jpg 388w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-9-26-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 388px) 100vw, 388px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summer has a way of making healthy habits feel less like discipline and more like just&#8230; what you&#8217;re doing anyway. You&#8217;re walking around a festival, relaxing by a pool or on a back porch, eating strawberries that actually taste like strawberries. The season does some of the work for you. It&#8217;s also a natural halfway [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7150","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7150","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7150"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7150\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7152,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7150\/revisions\/7152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7150"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7150"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7150"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7147,"date":"2026-07-08T07:42:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T07:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7147"},"modified":"2026-07-07T19:43:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T19:43:33","slug":"financial-programs-through-dhrm-for-vcu-employees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/08\/financial-programs-through-dhrm-for-vcu-employees\/","title":{"rendered":"Financial Programs through DHRM for VCU employees"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Financial Wellness Program &#8211; July 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategies to Thrive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"582\" height=\"160\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-8-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-8-26.jpg 582w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-8-26-300x82.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dear State Employees:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>Employee Financial Wellness Program<\/strong>&nbsp;continues to provide resources to help you achieve financial independence as your financial wellness remains a priority! Please check out&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/links-1.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:%2F%2Fwww.dhrm.virginia.gov%2Fdocs%2Fdefault-source%2Femployee-programs%2Ffinancial-wellness--owe%2Fjuly-2026-financial-wellness-newsletter.pdf\/1\/0100019f38b023fe-b9a55a21-f2ef-47fd-9f77-6e8d5f8f63db-000000\/toX29Och0zHWSi8Oa2Rm_yM2rChuepTB9LRXqjiJbtM=452\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">July&#8217;s financial wellness newsletter<\/a>&nbsp;and the items below to learn more about the financial education offerings and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Virginia Employee Discounts Marketplace<\/strong>. Summer savings start with your savings marketplace. Enjoy exclusive deals across top brands and experiences. Save up to 40% on hotel reservations in top destinations, enjoy up to 25% off AMC Theatres tickets, and discover up to 40% off local dining and experiences near you. Planning a getaway? Save up to 25% on rental cars and explore new Walt Disney World\u00ae Resort and save up to 80%. Plus, save on the latest styles and trends from Sunglass Hut. Explore all offers today and start saving with your savings marketplace.&nbsp;<strong>Access your discounts&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/links-1.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:%2F%2Fcommonwealthofvirginia.savings.workingadvantage.com%2Fhome\/1\/0100019f38b023fe-b9a55a21-f2ef-47fd-9f77-6e8d5f8f63db-000000\/OGfcnI6H2ndQbuHrR2rFLwLguYspjhJc3CG68JU1r_A=452\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Virginia Credit Union. Mid-Year Financial Check-In.&nbsp;<\/strong>July empowers employees to reassess financial progress and make mid-year adjustments.&nbsp;<strong>Register below<\/strong>&nbsp;to join the virtual session on&nbsp;<strong>Tuesday, July 14th starting at 11:00 a.m.&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/links-1.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:%2F%2Fforms.office.com%2Fg%2F4TDR2aS9xk\/1\/0100019f38b023fe-b9a55a21-f2ef-47fd-9f77-6e8d5f8f63db-000000\/7z-6TfhM5eXTlSzgFUNbOl-eH1gRDLCj9vXPyPxzGmg=452\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/forms.office.com\/g\/4TDR2aS9xk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Virginia Retirement System (VRS). Summer Wedding Season is Here!&nbsp;<\/strong>Tying the knot shapes your finances more than you may expect, including your taxes and Social Security benefit. Read \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/links-1.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:%2F%2Fenrich.varetire.org%2Farticles%2Fhow-does-marriage-affect-your-retirement-planning%3Futm_source=dhrm%26utm_medium=email%26utm_id=7-26\/1\/0100019f38b023fe-b9a55a21-f2ef-47fd-9f77-6e8d5f8f63db-000000\/dAlTQWUN49yREhSRQebc7pU2fG61-XxCBvMJ-n2h_1g=452\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How Does Marriage Affect Retirement Planning?<\/a>\u201d by logging in to your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/links-1.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:%2F%2Fmyvrs.varetire.org%2Flogin%2F%3Futm_source=dhrm%26utm_medium=email%26utm_id=7-26\/1\/0100019f38b023fe-b9a55a21-f2ef-47fd-9f77-6e8d5f8f63db-000000\/d-KAretkHM-IxywbAnwXnbou7nLhKHDFkXTFZ9qtH80=452\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">myVRS account<\/a>&nbsp;and selecting Financial Wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund (VSEAF)<\/strong>. The Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund provides grants to eligible state employees suffering from financial crisis due to an unforeseen emergency&nbsp;that impacts the employee or family members living in the residence of the employee. The VSEAF is a recognized 501c(3) charity member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), Code 203040. Visit the VSEAF webpage&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/links-1.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:%2F%2Fwww.dhrm.virginia.gov%2Fvseaf\/1\/0100019f38b023fe-b9a55a21-f2ef-47fd-9f77-6e8d5f8f63db-000000\/eDEpOEO0AUj_HT5gvOLNaakZqaDVHB0-hGof3h8Zh5Q=452\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Anthem Employee Assistance Program<\/strong>. Anthem EAP is now available to<strong>&nbsp;all<\/strong>&nbsp;employees who have waived their enrollment in a health plan, non-benefit eligible wage employees, adjunct faculty and TRICARE Supplement members.&nbsp;<strong>Employees and their household members are eligible for up to four free online or in-person counseling sessions per issue each year.<\/strong>&nbsp;In addition, other well-being resources can be accessed on the EAP website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detailed instructions on how to access EAP can be found&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/links-1.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:%2F%2Ffile.anthem.com%2FCOVA_EAP_StepbyStep.pdf\/1\/0100019f38b023fe-b9a55a21-f2ef-47fd-9f77-6e8d5f8f63db-000000\/TO82bVEGZCxzOA50ox5ISejGfPeg15iQudlUEv9QYnA=452\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. Employees can learn more about EAP by visiting&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/links-1.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:%2F%2Fwww.anthemeap.com%2Fcova\/1\/0100019f38b023fe-b9a55a21-f2ef-47fd-9f77-6e8d5f8f63db-000000\/pGJQAed-fMb2IWcjWlN_zHgapFmzBRfN-dPq2M0b0Cw=452\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">anthemeap.com\/cova<\/a>&nbsp;or calling 855-223-9277. Please feel free to share this information and the flyer with employees. Employees can contact their Benefits Administrator, if they have any questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you,&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employee Financial Wellness Program<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Financial Wellness Program &#8211; July 2026 Strategies to Thrive Dear State Employees: The&nbsp;Employee Financial Wellness Program&nbsp;continues to provide resources to help you achieve financial independence as your financial wellness remains a priority! Please check out&nbsp;July&#8217;s financial wellness newsletter&nbsp;and the items below to learn more about the financial education offerings and resources. Virginia Employee Discounts Marketplace. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7147","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7147"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7147\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7149,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7147\/revisions\/7149"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7147"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7137,"date":"2026-07-07T06:19:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T06:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7137"},"modified":"2026-07-01T20:23:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T20:23:13","slug":"move-more-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/07\/move-more-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Move More This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s easy for healthy habits to slip when summer gets busy. Between travel, celebrations, and rising temperatures, regular exercise can shift to the back of your mind. But the season offers plenty of opportunities to move in ways that feel enjoyable rather than obligatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A pickleball match with friends, an evening stroll with family, or a weekend spent exploring somewhere new can help you stay on track with your health goals while making the most of the longer days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.us11.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=1830e3c3d9dd1f0d36ffaa91b&amp;id=d1471dac2f&amp;e=3d56f51b50\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Biking<\/a>&nbsp;is another perfect example. It&#8217;s good for your heart, gentle on your joints, and a simple way to add more movement to your routine. Plus, every trip taken by bike instead of car is a small step toward a healthier planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This week, dust off your bike, pump up the tires, and see where the ride takes you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"608\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-7-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7138\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-7-26.jpg 608w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-7-26-300x263.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 608px) 100vw, 608px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Physical Benefits of Biking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank goodness we never forget how to ride a bike, because besides being a convenient and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation, cycling is an excellent source of physical activity for a wide-range of fitness levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cycling has a number of advantages that other forms of exercise don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, it\u2019s low impact, which means less strain on the bones and joints compared to other aerobic workouts like running or jogging. Second, biking hits all of the major muscle groups from the waist down, strengthening your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back, which are all important to improving balance, endurance, and the ability to stand and walk upstairs. It also comes with a myriad of other health benefits including increased cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and joint mobility, as well as decreased stress levels and body. And while other sports require a group or excess equipment, all you need for cycling is a bike, a helmet, and the open road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t need to be a competitive cyclist to reap the physical rewards of biking; just go at your own pace \u2014 leisurely or intense \u2014 depending on your fitness goals. Cycling is an excellent workout, but it\u2019s also a fun hobby for adventure seekers, granting you access to landscapes and views that you might\u2019ve missed speeding by in the driver seat of an automobile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, what are you waiting for? Get those bike tires pumped with air and hit the road or sidewalk or trail!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"981\" height=\"865\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-7-26-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7139\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-7-26-2.jpg 981w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-7-26-2-300x265.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-7-26-2-768x677.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 981px) 100vw, 981px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/move-it-monday-gif-bike-climate.gif\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Biking for the Environment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Biking comes with benefits. Besides being a convenient mode of transportation, cycling is great for your physical health; it can help strengthen your legs and glutes, burn calories, and improve your cardiovascular health all while giving you access to the outdoors. But biking instead of using a car can also be a useful step in reducing your carbon footprint and preserving the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transportation accounts for more than half of the carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides emitted into the air, with the average U.S. car emitting a pound of carbon dioxide per mile from burning fuel. By opting to bike, you are saving fossil fuel and reducing the number of cars on the road. Fewer cars relieves congestion and traffic and of a need for new parking lots and roadways, and more potential locations for public green spaces. Bicycles can utilize existing infrastructure, without demanding too much in terms of road construction and parking spaces. They\u2019re also quiet, which means no honking or obnoxious noise pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But most importantly, biking around our neighborhoods gives us a greater appreciation for the surrounding natural beauty. By choosing to bike this Monday, you are embracing the outdoors, cementing an appreciation for the environment, all the while bettering your own health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/756531321-healthy-monday-graphic-biking-family-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Basic Cycling Guidelines to Ensure You Stay Safe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zipping through city streets or country roads on your bike can be an exhilarating workout, but any cyclist, no matter their skill level and comfort, should adhere to some basic biking safety protocols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most important safety requirement is wearing a helmet that fits your head properly. Helmet sizes differ based on manufacturer, so the only real way to know how it fits is to put it on and adjust the straps. You also want to make sure the bike you\u2019re riding is the right size with functioning. Before your ride, make sure your shoe laces are tucked securely into your pant legs so that they don\u2019t get tangled in the bike chain. It also helps to plan your route ahead of time. If driving on the road, choose areas with less traffic and slower speed limits; for leisurely rides, try to stick to a bike path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You also want to do your best to avoid crashes; because, regardless of who is responsible, if a cyclist falls or collides with another vehicle, they are often the one who suffers with the physical consequences. According to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/road-safety\/bicycle-safety\">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration<\/a>, most bicyclist deaths occur between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm in urban areas, so try to avoid riding during these times of day when visibility is limited. If you do decide to ride during dusk or the evening, use reflective gear and clothing as well as a flashing front and rear light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bicycles on the roadway have the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. Riding defensively is the best way to avoid an accident. Drive with the flow of traffic, obey street signs, signals, and road markings, and always assume that the other person or vehicle doesn\u2019t see you. When biking, riders should be as predictable as possible, using hand signals and following the other rules of the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow these basic guidelines to ensure your ride is a safe success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s easy for healthy habits to slip when summer gets busy. Between travel, celebrations, and rising temperatures, regular exercise can shift to the back of your mind. But the season offers plenty of opportunities to move in ways that feel enjoyable rather than obligatory. A pickleball match with friends, an evening stroll with family, or [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7137","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7137","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7137"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7137\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7140,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7137\/revisions\/7140"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7137"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7137"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7137"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7094,"date":"2026-07-06T07:27:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T07:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7094"},"modified":"2026-06-09T19:28:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T19:28:12","slug":"motivational-monday-164","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/06\/motivational-monday-164\/","title":{"rendered":"Motivational Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"667\" height=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/mm-july.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/mm-july.jpg 667w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/mm-july-273x300.jpg 273w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7094","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7094","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7094"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7094\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7145,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7094\/revisions\/7145"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7094"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7094"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7094"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":6471,"date":"2026-07-03T06:43:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T06:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=6471"},"modified":"2025-07-02T18:44:25","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T18:44:25","slug":"enjoy-your-fourth-of-july-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/03\/enjoy-your-fourth-of-july-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"Enjoy your Fourth of July weekend!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"699\" height=\"874\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2025\/07\/july-4-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6472\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2025\/07\/july-4-26.jpg 699w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2025\/07\/july-4-26-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 699px) 100vw, 699px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6471","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6471","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6471"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6471\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6471"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6471"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6471"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7134,"date":"2026-07-02T08:02:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T08:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7134"},"modified":"2026-07-01T20:12:26","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T20:12:26","slug":"upcoming-events-in-richmond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/02\/upcoming-events-in-richmond\/","title":{"rendered":"Upcoming events in Richmond"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Rhythms, Races &amp; RVA Summer Energy\u200a<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NbsVzArLzyzYgi685obVBIbLtc36w4Xwq56UoU0UwrHbYhggFfTUWg-6aM272G-QyuTwSDQmrpZU30obdYdFopw4fNqd30Lg4IrZqzkk5wggUJYxivm1Mpxo2p9nGDkPb0tY2n5JvchzNOg3qGvTjvh9w9c4g=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/files.constantcontact.com\/45f285a5301\/21451c7d-74b8-4600-b3e0-05f100dd8759.png?rdr=true\" alt=\"\"><\/td><td>Take the Plunge<br>Cool off and make a splash in the Richmond Region! From paddling the James River and floating through water parks to enjoying splash pads, nature centers, and waterfront dining, RVA offers plenty of refreshing ways to beat the heat. Dive in to discover your next water-filled adventure.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi9-rEd92IcemQ2BulsiAP0y82KFCLh59vmzeUAUpXUtOM-M_6Mdyorcdga-d2I6xLhjhYqeDZ-V9c75CI61ZZVEEFJx3fPLUZePnsqumYYEEj3nmvkrCXcsCK7Gqrb7kAsx1JEdqAkxohZ3TRIp5E84zzW9_jenMEQNuCv0TNJdNbOEIXBrnWp-5AUcnas84ziNabAwINV4OQXgPWPXPV7djo9CVUerDpWuWiGojEtwzUBvz8jb7Hqqg1PWaBxoKvNPQiX_Iau9dGggi32PLep2dfXt6IfwYClEU34p5TEVzXkPSCl3PK83SnB8aAYCCIX15Fa8vckVS_fRAm9XzDiuV0okUoj9eY2LiHCnziMxIXX-9dgL5uOYdjonr4LiHfldXYbbNYWTAuLn9WeShhmsMfpgOQQhRtoxcVV3NQ6aCuUD74YW14_5tJlZzM3SRchThetE5lxTvzpVRyNK5DMBKP-qscXyxRsoUbckYcprU2bfXL5IYLZ7j31nhG983LOG514w6KQy857ygw41FtbMJ3uOscBEMA9uu5Vzqhzusd1aao1JCpTNlvfzgmiIgnACILt-Q5C_sPX9gVPkidSc6fjfWsiWaCb4rfZ9ghPGL_CS16_E6O5pOttBnwt8y46KhgWL2GnV6we9EGuaq85YP7PJ_zJHKYUa-Fdgq8V-LEdi8O_th8z0pzB9vmIbWk4TDWfoZ7mpXReJGsTfl2Tt3GWAuE6MzapI74lFwp-eGgV5bMFnaS_9YKShq3gfmJPtvOemom6UL3Q6CYLOIdo8=&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MAKING WAVES<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>What&#8217;s Trending in RVA<br>Last month, hundreds of travel creators from around the world explored the Richmond Region during TBEX North America, discovering everything from river adventures and farm life to craft beverages, hidden gems, and incredible meals. Search\u00a0<strong>#TBEXRichmondVA<\/strong>\u00a0for fresh ideas and inspiration for your own getaway.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi9-rEd92Icem2Rm8YsFUTWC4Ep4TGsT_bMXEnft73l5jpZqBkXJ3vmMqg_6FiMEm7m2QNCsxNufkDShsyXnXgOz99uY_Lnx_0Fh3ZVpRYRidtxnf0ROMGbkNKvqNI95jnA==&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TRAVEL LIKE A CREATOR<\/a><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NaCzI7WUAOiIuQJgYIi7wJ1b7SiRncGtuA5yDyZ8qIMlo1w5qockfHgFD-4zEuDLdK1GblqaD9Ti9LtAuR4HZZBFEqYIOpkGBq8k3S7IjfmGALvvHGSkFYchm38KF9XODCGtnbyOl0wFjgcZVRij0OHPdLyJQ=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/files.constantcontact.com\/45f285a5301\/8fa0b3f4-165b-4600-83da-d28d4d33adaa.png?rdr=true\" alt=\"\"><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Upcoming Events<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"246\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NamvVa-eNRtQsm2tXXDzUAYsTuxTc0f8LcE9482MJrUyvcopps76EBpamMT3NF-E1dkl34mJ6KHcGGrW0ofJm14yP3Kl22VtG0zOXTGGPwesRgA1n-rlAeuKpc_N5lB3IfFigVo5mANhR-_D5KYZjVnfUf_vQ=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/files.constantcontact.com\/45f285a5301\/47acf613-22ab-407e-81ff-101b2f68dc18.png?rdr=true\" alt=\"\"><\/td><td>Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival<br><strong><em>August 1<\/em><\/strong><br><br>Experience an unforgettable day of competition, community, and celebration when vibrant cultural traditions meet high-energy racing as teams in colorful and creative costumes power 40-foot dragon boats across the James River.\u00a0<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi0N4hOEz3RtF7csErj-8GZJTr0MeFbxJrhyFa0DD7Geo6BsncNSPJWVK7V_iE5f3NacRy2PvALoTjEzzwiCe1U3NKwGm72co6B7t9KeksKpBcieY4bbK5Aw73Qudz5GaSGYNXHQgCWklcJsKIZvErHHIY3J5qcWq9728KsTNvEW_sqLCWIOkYCA=&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PADDLE PROS<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Festival of Racin<\/strong>g<br><strong><em>August 1<\/em><\/strong><br><br>Celebrate summer at the Festival of Racing at Colonial Downs, where thoroughbred racing, lively crowds, summer sunshine, and timeless trackside traditions set the stage for a memorable day in New Kent.\u00a0<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi9-rEd92Icem_KeYLc1QrRh3K4HtNN7b5IytKJ4AH_qwHElZNvUnPlW2vCJQ61fmCOSEVFmA_-GeYvL0zjwlNU-QV9U31W7Jjn8seP8QHcaim_z2BiEIQQKJ0cnuITKPiGxgOCSr0BJmvqfYE4lmVLXUcjSJfx5V4Q==&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AND THEY\u2019RE OFF<\/a><br><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NbTh9OBlbncq00bNJi8epsurXVs1076M044tiS3ZD3qgNCJzHmmAFqoy6etEoSKdgVjD2MDH8dgKdg84TGKcEn1a_Vlo2ENakG_z3ogSOloCLE9fDhFuKznZde2J6hzOKekB09JVqahRviy5Z5vYei6OJ6BPQ=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/files.constantcontact.com\/45f285a5301\/a4c42b76-51b1-404e-a037-a4e77c4d7b20.png?rdr=true\" alt=\"image_p2.png\"><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NbvxjrMXWP7cvT-BXEKEcXhC4r-Bm3QobYwR_xPxvWkytKg926R7fNONQ92Muny_rDSGAt7BVmzafEoxYcLqMdyS8YzROl2ZTN9aPRd7hokVl6GHhKwkGUBniKoAcgl4wSo8vUhLketEUzzZsKvsKGzKezs-A=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/files.constantcontact.com\/45f285a5301\/481f835f-f049-4f84-b2d5-0bd13f3b2498.png?rdr=true\" alt=\"\"><\/td><td>Richmond Jazz and Music Festival<br><strong><em>August 8-9<\/em><\/strong><br><br>Find your groove during this epic weekend of music, when thousands of fans gather for soulful performances, vibrant sounds, and block party vibes that capture RVA\u2019s harmonious spirit. Hum unforgettable tunes all weekend long.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi9-rEd92IcemPOa_1BkmdVvyw3y3sIk5JJeTbj9KA3WN8vykUIgQNS8uVj0suIEmq-fu8G7z_g-BZ6s15NX-aWlnKjF4lo5QAd-J6c2nFIV5nGUmsU_NBvoPMhNMJcBNKw==&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SOUNDTRACK FOR THE SEASON<\/a><br><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>More Events Ahead<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Titans of Transportation<\/strong><br><strong><em>July 11-12, 18-19<\/em><\/strong><br><br>All aboard at the Keystone Truck &amp; Tractor Museum! Explore 9,000 sq. ft. of model train displays plus towering tractors, titanic trucks, and other legendary vehicles, all included with museum admission, across two weekends this month.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi0DF0exioxHMo2MWrBWjOdO-lIo_YI-K2u3zJQYeQGYQPTwcom0eYz5n7uVfhE2EwsXgsxsieKfyk2VCU4Q_LMod1edqcLsJVqEXHaMf6h9hUmtG_13exVJRdX6QOCcV3jZdDWLTcBaw12yteGkV2OKez8UHkuIGIA==&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GEAR UP FOR GIANTS<\/a><br><br>\u200a<strong>804 Day<\/strong><br><strong><em>August 1<\/em><\/strong><br><br>Make your way to 804 Day in Shockoe Bottom for a full day of indie music, local shopping, delicious eats, and meaningful community connections. Celebrate everything that makes the Richmond Region special as you meet local vendors and discover homegrown talent.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi3mXc_ssNArF5KWdrOKRxtw3ArFP6JkaVdtuycdh6FLMqKgYetP6bImJjB673MR9MVlW6L_IlFR4OzBFlfQyveq4Yu9KWGJ3i4LT_rbl16U-8plXwy5dkgs=&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ROCK ON!<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Classic American Summer Fun<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Nothing says summer quite like a ballgame, a cold local craft beer, and the roar of the engines. Celebrate the season with three timeless traditions that are even better in the Richmond Region.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZuEyrnkg7ZMWZsBcqoDEd_Kv0pzFR8a9SPmuJShDIu-4DL06vMQtnjG8bxvAaEmwuMb7CDoy_u95DqVfldJ8hfhZoS4j7Xp07f2vp6Ocyvphj4QB204jnRrQBtgL7Bs5m6n1TJ9s8vjCwOAJB4D10KuJEYmQ=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/files.constantcontact.com\/45f285a5301\/a6b49dc8-e7ba-47f9-af7e-a28e9d96b342.png?rdr=true\" alt=\"\"><br>Flying Squirrels Baseball<br><strong><em>Now &#8211; September<\/em><\/strong><br><br>Catch the Richmond Flying Squirrels live at CarMax Park, their brand new stadium, where big hits, rising prospects, and nonstop fan fun create unforgettable nights. Grab tickets, enjoy great food, fireworks, and electric energy, and be part of Richmond\u2019s favorite baseball tradition.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi9-rEd92IcemZYTMZFrLOrDBPWKw7bJJApiN-Vt1UvyTUNRgmhlQ0JFFb9RyNG-6jECxd6pN3aqyzFfHI54O0vO_qG-n7Cd2faGxWvxiUdIcyQ_OkeB4yhg=&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PLAY BALL<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Richmond Region Beer Trail<\/strong><br><strong><em>Year Round<\/em><\/strong><br><br>Raise a glass along the Richmond Region Beer Trail, where more than 30 craft breweries pair bold local flavors with settings that range from lively urban neighborhoods to scenic countryside. Grab a passport, explore unique taprooms, and turn every stop into a memorable, shareable adventure.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi2BzMpJ-u7H0xIN6tR2P6l2BK8sNUcTdtx4TY-slZxH5qCMHQUD6Pgrup1MmE8r4KD00hI-gdlSg4MhMnHHMKkZR9mPEx52h_n0w0FC4M0FUXRXkJ7XHBq8pMj1Iq0XKWfUu66Psxh7ZuVCGaZ5x6hs=&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CRAFT ADVENTURE<\/a><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NYG_1sB88xldsuEACOjWBZCpMUIPvzOSFhxdTrkmmNnvGdKRlS2huFiRA7iyRIqGzjCDUgGNIJTLGVLQnTUR1K1abghAEjlgB6kVyZpC1Q5uY8tKNsOw1WcrSGyvm433x-XnGdOc34CqqyuKiQZfJx0vgnoxw=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/files.constantcontact.com\/45f285a5301\/9bee1e45-2502-4f4c-8aa5-b2052051efb4.png?rdr=true\" alt=\"\"><br><br><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"260\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NbONO8hSCqkpD6dtmCw3Z7eMdrbURzmN3YG9jUvyu8EBnvunmf2m_zFHs8JsOzRSO3LZBvj-p0R9DnDztJUEtSoIuCjMv-_PzvK-EkhtDq9OvLurrYYJU6PrIGzYHH3pSUdx6fCw-y6jCvBYhVvLtW643r2Aw=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/files.constantcontact.com\/45f285a5301\/2821f43e-033e-4db6-b650-fff38613e347.png?rdr=true\" alt=\"\"><br>NASCAR at Richmond Raceway 80th Anniversary<br><strong><em>August 14-15<\/em><\/strong><br><br>Experience the thrill of Richmond Raceway\u2019s 80th Anniversary as NASCAR returns with heart-pounding action, iconic drivers, and unforgettable night racing. Celebrate eight decades of speed during an electric weekend of racing, history, and high-octane excitement.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi9-rEd92Icem5yUBYtkUNs_8OlO7ZGV6z8JMtRbl_nzWNLlt-R2cjalv02JQUPAZwKplG7pwiGAZjb3V6zK5XisKPHwYkG_hETpZ-fNpqPTxOLv0dJ6x1Ja8QcBN5q5ikyhWOuOKTapS&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">START YOUR ENGINES<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Richmond Region News Highlights<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NYd4WAoGBzgQWp2en2ZOWhu5XjYQk3uQr63_UtnDATK9NBbm3Y07DhcnD8uCGjWQ8sIWmxNH2qYLuiZ8puCqevG6KmqNY75RT9l9n1vGQPAMBj9lj3ILG4rHY35zZSLvrIOxNwLYIiBE3YLGiwUqD-P7C0abA=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/files.constantcontact.com\/45f285a5301\/12fb2cda-710e-4641-bb4d-171317a4f609.png?rdr=true\" alt=\"\"><strong>Forbes:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi9-rEd92IcemIF8zyBtOfmhTjkE5F5YjM6BYwRXl0pTvMhDosJ7soM1OYlptElouHRWFDU1Jx4GwQBquS6KXq2gH_ESDfjLMtEELkmy5Jzwhg4wJKTY4-1RnFaicxK0WStxg82m-b8AePuCdoLF7UmPmfsgsbi9pFRusScMV5AMe5waBE5HUoBlXM51HTsdENh6XPPzTB7NAXkGJoeO-Jb_ADfsy6Hz2Gw==&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cPut These Underrated Music Festivals on Your Radar\u201d<\/a><br><br>The Richmond Folk Festival is a top 10 ranked music festival featuring diverse musical performances, cultural demonstrations, and tasty food finds.<\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"279\" src=\"https:\/\/ci3.googleusercontent.com\/meips\/ADKq_NZ2Fob2se5GC1SLGSByVBTNZqcavqa3N7X521ctvp9GZopv_e09gvLbxNcxwIlnqzZnam0mnqmVkZq4vygVyXWH7KM64JnM1rxZz_A5080-yB83bLxXBG2TmaqKWf7uTHmjnRYz-_8vtIPwBOi0Mv37rH_jSA=s0-d-e1-ft#https:\/\/files.constantcontact.com\/45f285a5301\/115b0465-20d7-4767-9a3c-3b53e75078dd.png?rdr=true\" alt=\"\"><br><strong>The Hotel Guide:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi9-rEd92IcemSOicYe3FPaXG0xV8rAOmdLwlZ6iwV6e6NwugLJkLNqQwnL05UHDeIHnZoHyx40gcIgPj8Xqe9aL6-L_XYIjaPFxO3GmEBGpOpVKEsUOLgmi5Xj73Qp0pqEGRt5cFqD_nORTtH17bvrVwmaBYhiQVT94LbzkUfrsE6awYZVjFBjnVB85KWJAySWUsDbHBFSHxT2a9WsWK_vzK4_nqLFDZ9w==&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cThe Richmond Region in Virginia: A Summer Study in Riverfront Energy and Refined Stays\u201d<\/a><br><br>The Richmond Region draws national attention for its close connection between the James River\u2019s dynamic outdoor experiences and the city\u2019s vibrant arts, history, and culinary scenes, creating a seamless blend of nature and urban life that defines its summer identity.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/u9lqfnnab.cc.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001-W0v2eT_8ncvJ0sUzoynWU88oXhTcKpGli2wxsxUnyvsX7vzTArWi4RJAWIJU9hhAq1Exi1eJup1cmTSZKZ15zmP1EZwVqK42zHXG-nct-Gi6vDNM-lLkxKOQGes07SPLOuRcKW7JI_Y_SiCSSSMhJBtbEwZcKEZoJOUTNZHpxewVyVN71hUqG_42S3EHWu1aF7nnt4bz3xq3lVn7k4LSnDx7MBs4Nsp&amp;c=Xak4GkKGu6PhuFa1ZMR0hUpv-7l_ewdbLCwHJpWtCeA3a3bqIOW0SA==&amp;ch=p7gM-kZk_S22ikpNkOkqcJU2NB68AMswBLTkf27eQLIDFkwS6DdpBg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check Out More RVA Buzz!<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rhythms, Races &amp; RVA Summer Energy\u200a Take the PlungeCool off and make a splash in the Richmond Region! From paddling the James River and floating through water parks to enjoying splash pads, nature centers, and waterfront dining, RVA offers plenty of refreshing ways to beat the heat. Dive in to discover your next water-filled adventure. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7134","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7134","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7134"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7134\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7136,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7134\/revisions\/7136"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7134"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7134"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}]