Nursing Homes Swing “Swings” by Mary Williams Community Center
JABA’s Mary Williams Community Center features a variety of regular entertainment and activities for its members, ranging from bingo and chair yoga to visits from the children in the YMCA’s child care program. This month, Nursing Homes Swing, a musical group that tours to area senior/rehabilitation facilities, came in for a visit last Tuesday.
“Nursing Homes Swing visits us regularly at the Jefferson School City Center–usually every other month–to play for our members,” explained Mary Williams Community Center Manager Kelly Carpenter. “This month we had Rick LaRue and Noriko Donahue playing the violin and keyboard respectively. They were both very talented and shared a variety of musical styles.”
Nursing Homes Swing is sponsored by Better Living, BAMA Works & Church of Our Saviour.
African American Heritage Center Hosts Monthly Genealogy Research Opportunities
Online databases like Ancestry.com and television programs like Henry Louis Gates’ Finding Your Roots have caused the number of people who research their familial histories to grow considerably. Often, however, getting started on research projects seems to be a daunting enterprise. The Isabella Gibbons Local History, located in the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, provides educational opportunities for those who are interested in genealogy research.
Beginning on May 24, 2014 10 am -1 pm, the Center will offer its first of two classes led by Jean Cooper, Genealogical Resource Specialist at the University of Virginia. The second class will be June 7 from 10 am – 1pm. Ms. Cooper’s presentations seek to introduce the beginner in genealogy to concepts such as what genealogy is, why people enjoy it, basic research guidelines, what resources to use, and gives some general advice for the genealogist. These presentations will also discuss how to use the U.S. Census in genealogical research, how newspapers can be useful in historical research, and what useful online resources are available for the genealogist.
As a result of a generous grant from BamaWorks, and support from Jefferson School Alumni and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, researchers who use the Isabella Gibbons Local History Center have access to five computers and three search engines: the full version of Ancestry.com, Heritage Quest, and African American newspapers.
Additionally, on each third Saturday of the month a member of the Burke, Brown Steppe chapter is available from 10 am -12 pm to help genealogists overcome research hurdles. The Isabella Gibbons Local History Center is open to the public Tuesday – Saturday. To use the space, contact Heritage Center staff at admin@virginia.edu.
Common Ground Holds Silent Meditation 10 Week Workshop
Every Wednesday, May 14 through July 9, 2014, Asha Greer will offer a series of meditations at Common Ground Healing Arts, 7:00-8:00pm. Drop-ins and regular attendees are welcome. Each week a different meditation practice will be presented and time provided to answer questions about meditation practice.
These evenings give an opportunity for those who like sitting practice or would like to train to enjoy its benefits.There will be some guidance for beginners and people who love to sit are encouraged to attend to bring compassion into the space as well as to dive into the joy of silent communion.
Asha Greer is a founding member of Lama Foundation, a grandmother, nurse, painter, and senior Sufi Ruhaniat teacher who teaches workshops internationally as well as solitary retreats. A practicing artist, she has created a deck of meditation cards from paintings she has done as well as a book illustrating each day of a forty day retreat.
American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Offered at Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center
On Saturdays June 14 and June 21 Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center will be hosting babysitter training for youth from 11-15 years old. This training will prepare participants to supervise children, toddlers, and infants, select safe toys and avoid safety hazards, as well as provide basic first aid for common injuries like bee stings, burns, choking, and cuts. The training will also prepare participants to communicate with adults and proper etiquette for babysitting interviews.
Each session runs from 9:00am-4:00pm and registration is required and limited to 10 participants per session and classes fill up fast. For more information or to register, call 434-657-7009.
Jefferson School City Center is a voice of the nine nonprofits located at Charlottesville’s intergenerational community center, the restored Jefferson School. We are a legacy preserved . . . a soul reborn . . . in the heart of Cville!
