Forty trivia teams, including four teams of high-school teachers, squared off last Tuesday in Wordplay, the contest that benefits adults learning to read, write, and speak the English language at Literacy Volunteers. Since moving into the Jefferson School City Center, Literacy Volunteers has seen an increase in the demand for services. Funds raised from this event will support between twenty-five and thirty students at the Jefferson School City Center.
In the live game show presented at The Paramount, McGrady’s Irish Pub gained an early lead and never let go. The second place winner was NBC29 and the third place winner was T&N Printing.
McGrady’s was one of two local restaurants that promoted Literacy Volunteers’ Wordplay event at their regular Tuesday night trivia games. The exposure helped bring in a record number of teams. Team fees account for most of the income from the event.
“We take our trivia nights at the pub very seriously,” McGrady’s owner Scott Roth said. “But we know the most important responsibility of a local business is supporting our community. We tip our hats to all of the literacy volunteers and are honored to be a part of supporting their dedication to the people of Charlottesville.”
McGrady’s team member Ankit Tejani is a former board member of Literacy Volunteers. “After having served as a volunteer at Wordplay in past years, it was both fun and fulfilling to play on a team while supporting such a worthwhile cause,” he said. “Ensuring a literate and well-informed public is the best way to help families step closer to achieving the American dream. LVCA is at the forefront of this movement.”
Common Ground Healing Arts hosts Spring Wellness Festival at Jefferson School City Center
Common Ground Healing Arts is preparing for its Spring Wellness Festival this weekend. The Spring Wellness Festival will feature 17 workshops such as “Align for the Springtime: Intro to Alignment-Based Yoga,” “Chanting in the Yoga Tradition,” “Mindfulness Meditation” and “Ecological Gardening Practices.” Sessions run from 9 am Friday, March 22, through 5 pm Sunday, March 24, at the Jefferson School City Center. Most of the sessions can accommodate beginners or those new to the healing arts. All sessions will be open to the public on a donation basis. Income received from donations will help Common Ground continue offering a sliding scale of fees.
Free Blood Sugar Screening and Diabetes Education
The Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Health Center at the Jefferson School City Center is offering a free blood sugar screening 10 am to 6 pm on Tuesday, March 26. No appointment is necessary, and no fasting is required. Two days later, on Thursday, March 28, there will be a free education session with Barbara Martin, Certified Diabetes Educator, from 5 to 6 pm. For further information, call Martha Jefferson Health Connection at 434-654-7009 or 888-652-6663.
Call for Artists at Vinegar Hill Café
As part of JABA’s dedication to local food, music and arts, Vinegar Hill Cafe at the Jefferson School City Center will be featuring the artwork of artists of all ages from our community. Artists interested in displaying their work should send an email to atvinegarhillcafe@jabacares.org. Include your name, artwork medium, and samples of your work. Vinegar Hill Cafe is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm. All proceeds from sales at the cafe benefit JABA’s programs for at-risk seniors.
Walk it Out
The Women’s Initiative will host weekday walking groups focused on building community and providing mutual support while relieving stress and gaining energy. The “Walk it Out” program will kick off on Saturday, March 30th from 2 to 4 pm at Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Health Center. This event will feature Mark Lorenzoni of the Charlottesville Ten-Miler training program and Ragged Mountain Running Shop; Nurse Practitioner Miranda Trent from Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Health Center; and Mike Inge, yoga instructor from Common Ground Healing Arts. Stop by to hear tips for training and staying motivated, learn about free health assessments, see a stretching demonstration, and sign up for a walking group with routes starting from the Jefferson School City Center. For more information, contact Eboni Bugg, LCSW, at 434-202-7692 or ebugg@thewomensinitiative.org.
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!