The AIDS Services Group (ASG) celebrated National HIV Testing Day at the Jefferson School City Center on Thursday, June 27. In collaboration with Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Health Center and using space provided by JABA, ASG expected to test about 50 individuals for the HIV virus and Hepatitis C. ASG provided information on their programs which build community for people living with, affected by, or at risk for HIV or AIDS.
Alene Meadows, Quality Improvement Standards Manager at ASG said, “The best part of today has been watching people come in and knowing the question has been on their mind… and then walking out knowing their status. It makes a difference.”
The staff at ASG provided pre- and post-counseling and were able to tell the clients their results within 20 minutes. They also had volunteers on the downtown mall directing potential clients to the Jefferson School City Center.
Maintenance problems derail some programs at Jefferson School City Center
On Tuesday, June 25, a malfunction with a water heater and portions of the heating and air conditioning system flooded parts of the building and caused the building to be evacuated. It was completely shut down for two days. The Women’s Initiative, Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Center, Mary Williams Center, Vinegar Hill Café, and parts of Carver Recreation were flooded with hot water and antifreeze.
As a safety measure on Tuesday morning, the YMCA kept the children outside while waiting for their parents to pick them up. “The children were calm during the evacuation and enjoyed their extended outdoor time. The teachers were continuously interactive with the children singing songs and having storytelling time. We kept the children hydrated with plenty of fluids,” said Ikea Prince, Child Care Director.
The Vinegar Hill Cafe officially reopened on Friday morning, but other portions of the Jefferson School City Center most affected may not re-open until Monday, July 1. To keep updated, check the status on the Jefferson School City Center’s Facebook page or check with the nonprofit directly.
Sit on it
On Saturday, July 13, Common Ground Healing Arts will be hosting it’s second annual Sit-A-Thon, a community meditation event. Both experienced meditators and those who have never meditated are welcome. Common Ground is seeking to raise $50,000 with this year’s event, all of which will go directly toward charitable care. Common Ground will provide over $200,000 in charitable care this year.
Phoebe Haupt, Program Director at Common Ground said, “the Sit-A-Thon is the most Blissful Fundraiser to hit Charlottesville—an opportunity to invest in your own wellness, expand your mindfulness practice or just learn how to meditate while supporting a good cause. Anyone can join us—from beginner to advanced. There is no minimum donation—though we have some amazing prizes for the top fundraisers.”
Carver Recreation Center to Present “An Evening of Jazz” featuring the Riseband and Show
Charlottesville Parks & Recreation will host “An Evening of Jazz” on Saturday, June 29 from 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm at Carver Recreation Center at the Jefferson School City Center. The Riseband & Show is a Washington D.C. area band which performs oldies but goodies as well as jazz and Motown. This program is open for anyone ages 18 and up for a cost of $15 per person. Included in the cost is heavy hors d’oeurvres by Mel’s Café. Register online.
Literacy Volunteers new tutor training
Literacy Volunteers has seen an increase in requests for services since moving to the Jefferson School City Center. There are many students currently on a waiting list to be assigned a tutor. The next tutor training is scheduled for Saturday, July 13, 9:30a m to 4 pm. Food from the Vinegar Hill Café is provided for lunch.
New tutor trainings are designed to give volunteers all the skills they need to be great tutors. No teaching experience is necessary but patience is helpful. Register for the July 13 training or get more information by calling 434-977-3838.
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!
