The Women’s Initiative Offers “Challenge into Change” Writing Contest, Workshops
The Women’s Initiative is offering two workshops to support writers entering its “Challenge into Change” writing contest. Today, from noon to 1pm, the Women’s Initiative will host a brainstorming session at its main office, located at 1101 East High Street. The second workshop will focus on polishing one’s essay and take place September 19, noon to 1pm, also at the High Street location. Contact Eboni Bugg for more information or if you’d like to attend: ebugg@thewomensinitiative.org.
“We encourage folks to come out and participate,” said Bugg. “The workshops will be facilitated by someone who has experience in writing but there will also be a counselor there as well to provide support through the process as you’re processing some of these tough things to get on paper.”
“Challenge into Change” is open to all writers, regardless of gender. Submitted writings should be no more than 500 words and be about or by a woman who has turned a challenge into an opportunity for positive growth. This is the contest’s fifth year.
“The idea is to honor yourself through telling an inspiring story about how you transformed challenge into change or to submit a story about a woman who has done so,” said Bugg. “This year we are including alternate forms of expression [not just essays]. This year we are accepting poetry and other forms of written expression as well.”
Bugg said it’s a very powerful experience reading the contestants’ stories. “All three of the entries that placed first, second, and third last year are fantastic examples of writings…[For instance,] our first place winner talked about overcoming significant mental health issues. There’s a lot of emotional resonance in her story as well as bravery in the telling of it.”
Submissions are due by Thursday, September 25 and winners and contestants will be celebrated on October 26 at the Jefferson School City Center. All submissions must be accompanied by an agreement form. Judges will be looking for essays that inspire and show transformation; perfect spelling and grammar are not required. The following cash prizes will be offered: 1st place ($200), 2nd place ($150), 3rd place ($100), Runners Up ($50) and Honorable Mentions ($25). All contestants will receive three free copies of the 2014 contest book. Books will also be available for purchase through Lulu Press, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.
Chill’n & Grill’n Returns to Vinegar Hill Cafe September 4
Once again, the Jefferson School’s Vinegar Hill Cafe will feature barbeque and music as part of its Chill’n & Grill’n event on Thursday, September 4, 5pm-7:30pm. For $10, guests can enjoy a menu featuring barbecue ribs, chicken, or hamburgers, with a choice of sides. Children’s menu and pricing, and vegetarian options available.
Overdog will be playing at this month’s event. Formerly known as the Stoned Masons, Overdog’s music blends features of classic rock, blues and reggae with Grateful Dead influences.
Vinegar Hill Café is located in the historic Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th Street NW in Charlottesville 22903. For details visit www.VinegarHillCafe.org or contact Joel Schechtman, JSchechtman@jabacares.org, 434-817-5234.
New Meditation Offerings at Common Ground Healing Arts
Common Ground is partnering with the Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville (IMCC) on its current meditation scheduling & programming. Through this partnership, drop-in meditation is available on Thursdays from 7:30-8:30am and Wednesdays and Fridays, 12:00-1:00pm at Common Ground.
Led by rotating IMCC teachers, these drop-in sessions offer guided insight and heart meditations, with time for questions and discussion. These sitting periods are open to all levels of meditators, including those new to practice. Advance registration is not required and participants may drop in at any time. There is no fee, though donations are welcome and appreciated, and benefit both Common Ground and IMCC.
Additionally, Common Ground will be offering a six week course, Intro to Mindfulness Meditation Series, starting September 8 and running through October 13. The class will meet Mondays, 7:00-9:00pm and is also offered in partnership with IMCC. This class is open to anyone who would like to establish a regular practice of mindfulness and Insight Meditation. There will be talks, instruction, discussion and guided meditations based on the Buddha’s teaching of the foundations of mindfulness. Regular home practice is an integral part of the course. The cost of the class is $60 and sliding scale is available. This class will be taught by Jeff Fracher. If you have questions regarding this class contact: jeffreyf@imeditation.org. For more information or registration for the series go to IMCC
Raffle, Game Night Happening at Mary Williams Community Center
JABA’s Mary Williams Community Center will be raffling two pairs of tickets to an upcoming concert at Carver Recreation Center featuring “Touch the Band.” Proceeds from the raffle will support JABA’s Home Delivered Meals program in Charlottesville & Albemarle county. Raffle tickets are available at the center and at JABA’s Hillsdale location for just $1.00 a chance. Concert tickets are valued at $18.00 each and include refreshments catered by Mel’s Cafe. The winners will be drawn on Monday September 8. “Touch the Band” will be performing on September 12, 8:30pm-11:30pm at Carver Rec.
Mary Williams Community Center Manager Kelly Carpenter also reports that the Center will be partnering with Charlottesville Parks & Recreation to host a weekly Games Group. Beginning Sept. 17, each Wednesday through December 17 from 2:15pm to 3:15pm, the Center will be open to individuals who would like to play dominoes, checkers or scrabble. While the group is geared to seniors everyone is welcome. There is no fee to participate. Call the Mary Williams Community Center for questions and to reserve your spot at 434-987-8433.
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!
