Agecroft Hall in Richmond has installed solar panels as part of its commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency, reflecting the Tudor period's ethos. The 146k-watt solar system, installed by Performance Solar, makes the museum net zero for electricity. Agecroft Hall has been recognized with a Green Giant award by the Sierra Club’s Falls of the James Chapter for its environmental contributions. The museum encourages other venues to consider solar installations if feasible.

The article discusses the high-stress nature of 911 dispatching, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on dispatchers like Diane Branch from Hanover County. It covers the introduction of Next Generation 911 (NG911), a new technology that allows callers to send texts, photos, and videos, potentially increasing the stress on dispatchers. The article also touches on the high turnover rates in the profession, with Hanover County experiencing a 25% turnover rate, which is consistent with the state average. The job's classification as clerical work in Virginia limits access to certain benefits for dispatchers, and a bill to offer enhanced retirement benefits was not passed. The article emphasizes the mental health challenges faced by dispatchers, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and compassion fatigue, and the support systems in place, such as counseling and peer support hotlines.

The article discusses the impact of pesticides and herbicides on the flavor of fruits, particularly strawberries. A study by Jinling Diao at China Agricultural University found that chemicals like boscalid and difenoconazole reduce the natural sugar content in strawberries, leading to less flavorful fruit. Historical and recent studies are cited, including a 2018 blind taste test of wines that favored organic over non-organic due to taste. The article highlights the trade-offs between using chemicals for higher yields and the benefits of organic farming. It features Thorpe’s Organic Family Farm and Frey Vineyards as examples of organic producers. The article suggests that soil health and the avoidance of synthetic chemicals can lead to more flavorful and robust crops, and it emphasizes the importance of organic farming for the future of agriculture.

The article discusses the history of perfumery, from ancient times to the present, highlighting the shift from natural to synthetic ingredients in the late 1800s. It outlines the health and environmental concerns associated with synthetic perfumes, such as the presence of harmful compounds and their contribution to pollution. The focus then shifts to modern natural perfumers like Mason Hainey of MIZU and Whitney Swales of Wit & West Perfumes, who prioritize natural ingredients and sustainable sourcing. Hainey and Swales share their passion for natural perfumery, the complexity of working with natural scents, and the importance of ethical sourcing. The article emphasizes the uniqueness of natural perfumes and their environmental benefits, comparing them to an art form that combines design and aromatherapy.

Agecroft Hall & Gardens is a museum in Richmond's Windsor Farms neighborhood that offers visitors a glimpse into Tudor England. The manor, originally from Lancashire, England, was transported to the United States in the 1920s to save it from destruction due to industrial development. Thomas C. Williams Jr., a Richmond native, acquired the estate and had it meticulously dismantled, shipped, and reassembled in Richmond. The museum now showcases the history and culture of the Tudor period, featuring gardens designed by Charles Gillette and a variety of historically themed areas. The executive director, Anne Kenny-Urban, highlights the unique journey of Agecroft and its significance as one of the few buildings to have been relocated across the Atlantic.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) houses a remarkable collection of nearly 400 pieces of Russian decorative arts, including 200 objects from the House of Fabergé, with the highlight being five imperial Fabergé eggs. These eggs, created by the Russian jewelry company led by Peter Carl Fabergé, were originally commissioned by Czar Alexander III in 1885 and became a tradition in the royal family. The VMFA's collection was bequeathed by Lillian Thomas Pratt, a collector fascinated by Russian art and history, who acquired the pieces with the help of dealers Alexander and Ray Schaffer. The museum's conservation department, led by Ainslie Harrison, meticulously maintains the eggs to ensure their preservation for future generations. The Fabergé eggs are not only historical artifacts but also represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design, making them a significant attraction at the VMFA.

The article discusses the history and restoration efforts of the purple straw wheat variety, once a staple in Southern U.S. cuisine. It was known for its pest resistance and was widely used for whiskey and pastries. However, it fell out of favor in the 1970s due to the rise of hybrid wheats. Food historian Dr. David Shields and Glenn Roberts of Anson Mills are working to revive this heritage grain. They sourced seeds from the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System and the Sustainable Seed Company, and have been cultivating it at Clemson University. Challenges such as modern diseases and climate requirements for vernalization are being addressed by scientists like Richard Boyles. Interest in purple straw is growing among distilleries and chefs, with limited flour availability from Barton Springs Mill. Efforts to reintroduce the grain to historical sites like Mount Vernon are underway, symbolizing a potential resurgence in its cultivation and use.

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Base Camp, co-founded by John O’Reilly, celebrates its 14th anniversary, having grown significantly since its affiliation with Better Homes & Gardens in 2016. With two locations in the Greater Richmond Area and 63 agents, the company is committed to exceptional service in Central Virginia, guided by its core values of Passion, Authenticity, Inclusion, Growth, and Excellence. The company has received awards for community involvement and service, and places a strong emphasis on community service, employee recognition, and a supportive work environment.

F.H. Batacan's 'Smaller and Smaller Circles,' considered the first modern crime novel of the Philippines, has been adapted into a movie. The novel, set in Manila during the 1990s, follows two priests with forensic knowledge investigating the murders of two boys and uncovering a serial killer targeting young males. The book, which won several awards and is required reading in the Philippines, also critiques the political system and the Catholic Church's role in science. Batacan, a former intelligence agent and broadcast journalist, was inspired by her experiences to write the novel, which expanded from 155 to 353 pages due to its popularity. The film adaptation, directed by Raya Martin and starring Nonie Buencamino and Sid Lucero, encourages viewers to read the book first. Batacan is currently working on a new novel, 'The Weight of Sin,' featuring the same protagonists.