Author: Jefferson School City Center

YILC to host winter event

The YMCA’s Intergenerational Learning Center will be hosting a pancake breakfast at the Vinegar Hill Café on Saturday December 13. From 9am-11am, the breakfast will include pancakes, bacon, coffee, milk, and juice. Santa will also be a special guest during the breakfast! Afterwards, come over to the child care center to shop for a gift for a family member in the Secret Santa Gift Shop, or make a holiday craft. Tickets for the breakfast are available at the front desk of the center. Adult tickets are $8 and children tickets are $6. A portion of ticket sales goes back to the child care center.

Jefferson School’s JABA seeks items on Christmas Wish List

The Mary Williams Community Center, located in the Jefferson School City Center is looking for donation items to cross off their Christmas wish list. Their small supplies and bingo prizes are slowly running out. For the general center, they are seeking Clorox Wipes, sugar free hot cocoa packets, all occasion greeting cards, large-print word search books, crafts kits (with enough for 25 crafts), and a microphone stand. For bingo prizes, they are looking for items such as dish soap, laundry detergent, chapstick, gloves, boxes of tissues, and small stuffed animals. The donation box is located right outside of their center door. They will be accepting items until December 18^th. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the center director Kelly Carpenter, at 434-987-8433 or at kcarpenter@jabacares.org.

Culinary Arts Advising and information sessions now scheduled for the upcoming spring semester

New students that are interested in starting the PVCC Culinary Arts degree program are required to attend at least one of the sessions listed below in order to enroll. Sessions cover descriptions of classes, tips for success in the program, needed supplies and materials, and instructions for meeting with a Culinary Arts faculty member to help in registering for classes. Those who attend sessions will also get a tour of PVCC at the Jefferson School’s teaching facilities and meet Associate Professor of Culinary Arts Professor Eric Breckoff. The remaining sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, December 10^th (Room J112) and Saturday December 13^th (Room J111). Both sessions are from 10am-Noon. If you are a current culinary program member, you must attend an advising session in order to receive spring permission numbers. All sessions are held at the PVCC Jefferson School City Center, 233 4^th ST., NW. For more information, please call 434-961-5255.

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!

African American Heritage Center hosts Greens Cook-off, also screening Dark Girls Documentary

The African American Heritage Center, located in the Jefferson School City Center hosted their first Greens cook-off on Saturday November 8^th, 2014. The event was sponsored through the generous support of businesses such as Eppie’s, Brown’s Catering, and The Blue Moon Fund. Volunteers such as the Delta Gems were in attendance to help with the event. It was free and open to the public. There were fifteen different participants showcasing family recipes, cultures, and newly learned skills through local culinary programs. Recipes ranged from traditional collard greens to spinach stew with shrimp. Those who attended the event were given utensils for eating as well as a piece of paper to write and submit their favorite competitor. The winner was Ada C. Saylor with her collards and cabbage medley. The African American Heritage Center will also be screening the documentary Dark Girls on Saturday, November 15^th at 5:30pm.  It explores the roots of classism, racism and the lack of self-esteem within a segment of cultures that span from America to the most remote corners of the globe. Women share their personal stories, touching on deeply ingrained beliefs and attitudes of society, while allowing generations to heal as they learn to love themselves for who they are.

Starr Hill Health Center hosts a free program for expectant moms

The Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Health Center is currently hosting a Baby Basics Mom Club for expectant moms. Located in the Jefferson School City Center, these club meetings are ongoing and moms can join at any time. This group covers anything that you should expect if you are having a baby. This informative event is free, and occurs on 1^st and 3^rd Tuesdays from 5:30-7pm, as well as 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays from 9:30-11am. The meeting location is on the second floor of the Jefferson School Building, room 225A. There are snacks and giveaways at every meeting! There are also free cab rides and free babysitting services available if needed. For more information on cab rides and babysitting, please call 434-654-7009. The Baby Basics Mom Club meets at two sites in Charlottesville. For more information on either location, please call 434-924-9920.

Sign your child up for upcoming Winter Break Camp at Carver Recreation Center

If you are seeking care for your child during the upcoming winter break, join Carver Recreation Center for their annual Winter Break Camp. Located in the Jefferson School City Center, Carver’s Winter Break Camp is for children as young as Pre-K to the 6^th grade. They offer many activities such as arts and crafts, different field trips, and fun games in the open gym area. Parents are asked to provide their child’s lunch and snacks for the day. The first week of camp is December 22^nd-26^th, with no camp on December 25^th. The second week of camp is December 29^th-January 2^nd, with no camp on January 1^st. Camp hours are from 7:30am-5:30pm (and closing at 2pm on December 24^th and 31^st). City residents pay $76 per week, while non-city residents $99 per week. Financial assistance is also available. Those who are seeking scholarships should submit their applications by December 5^th. Registration is available online at www.charlottesville.org/parksandrec, as well as by phone at 434-970-3260. You may register in person at Carver Recreation Center, Smith Aquatics and Fitness Center, or the main office at 501 East Market Street.

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!

Mary Williams Community Center member turns 100

On Wednesday November 4^th, the Mary Williams Community Center celebrated the birthday of 100-year-old Annie Merritt. Friends and family came together in the Carver Recreation Center multi-purpose room filled with balloons, kind words, and tokens of love and appreciation to celebrate the special day. Children from the YMCA’s Intergenerational Learning Center also stopped by with cards and books made in the classroom for the new centennial. Mrs. Merritt grew up in South Carolina, and moved to Charlottesville with her husband some years ago. Her son Kent was the first African American to play football at the University of Virginia on scholarship.

“I feel fine today,” Merritt commented when asked how she was feeling on her birthday. “Everything was a surprise to me. They told me not to do anything and to just be here. Now here I am!” Although her celebration was on Wednesday, Mrs. Merritt’s actual birthday is on Saturday. When she was asked about her plans on the day of her actual birthday, she stated “I don’t have any plans yet. I want to relax and get ready for church on Sunday.” Staff and members of the Mary Williams Community Center at the Jefferson School City Center were just as happy and excited to share this occasion with Mrs. Merritt as she was to spend it with them.

Carver Recreation Center to host a Flea Market with YILC to join

On Saturday, November 8^th, Carver Recreation Center at the Jefferson School City Center will host a flea market in the multi-purpose room. This event is free and open to the public from 8am-1pm. In conjunction with Carver’s Flea Market, YMCA’s Intergenerational Learning Center, also located in the Jefferson School City Center, will have a table selling items as well. The Y mentions that “we are collecting donations from families to sell during this time with all proceeds going to our YILC classroom supply fund. We ask that you drop off any unneeded items to the Director’s office on or before Friday November 7^th. A donation letter can be provided for your tax purposes. Don’t forget to shop as well!”

If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the flea market, a 6’x8′ space is available for $15. There will be staff available to help set up at 5:45am. Vendors must be set up and ready to sell by 7:40. If you would like to bring your own table, please make sure that there are rubber feet on the bottom to protect the floors. Vendors have the choice to sell what they want with the exception of snacks, food or drinks, obscene materials of any kind, and fire arms or fireworks. Please contact Carver Recreation Center at 434-970-3053 for more information.

Vinegar Hill Café Catering Services just in time for Holidays

Vinegar Hill Café is offering catering services to the public just in time for the holidays. Located in the Jefferson School City Center, this café specializes in using local foods to create their menu items. The café serves foods such as shrimp shooters and Korean-style BBQ spare ribs. The manager, Joel Schechtman considers the café as boutique- like, providing an extension of the services they have during normal business s hours to consult with the client to decide on a hands on customized operation for the customer’s event. Vinegar Hill Café also offers the option to travel or host. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as cocktail parties with hors d’oeuvres, or a complete holiday dinner prepared by Executive Chef Kevin Vickery. To book your holiday party today, please contact Joel at 434-245-5811.

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!

Pumpkin Carving Winners, Flea Market at Carver Recreation Center

Last Friday 75 carvers turned 30 pumpkins into some frightening and fun jack-o-lanterns at the Jefferson School City Center’s Carver Recreation Center.

“All of our pumpkins made it safely to the Downtown Safe Halloween Festival on Saturday,” said Dan Carpenter, Carver Recreation Center Manager. At the festival, attendees had the chance to vote for their favorite pumpkins and 1,975 votes were cast.

The Kelly Aldhizer Team took home first place, the Matt Thomas Team took home second, and the Mihr Walden team took home third.

“Every single pumpkin recorded some votes,” said Carpenter, indicating the competition was fierce. Carver Recreation plans to continue this tradition again next year.

Additionally, Charlottesville Parks & Recreation will once again host the Carver Flea Market on Saturday, November 8 from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm at Carver Recreation Center. Modeled on a traditional outdoor yard sale, but taking place inside, admission to the event is free and open to the public.

Carver Recreation Center is located in the Jefferson School City Center at 233 4th Street NW, which is accessible via Main Street and Preston Avenue.  For more information, please contact Carver Recreation Center at (434) 970-3053.

Common Ground Welcomes Two New Massage Therapists

This month, Common Ground welcomes two new massage therapists to its organization. Anyone making an appointment with either Heather Waugh or Patricia “MoonGlow” Springer in the month of October can take advantage of the new massage therapist rate of $50.00

Heather Waugh received her training in Massage Therapy from the American Institute of Massage in Richmond, Virginia and is certified as a Massage Therapist through the Virginia Board of Nursing. In addition to classical massage techniques, she is certified in Prenatal Massage and Thai Bodywork. Waugh has provided hands on care in the healing arts to a variety of people ranging from small children (that include her own two children from prenatal to present), athletes and seniors. Waugh is available for appointments on Thursdays from 4:45pm-8:15pm.

Patricia “MoonGlow” Springer has been a Virginia Certified Massage Therapist since 1998. She has been massaging clients since 1993, after graduating from massage school in Tallahassee, Florida. In addition to her hours at Common Ground Healing arts, she provides weekly seated massages at SNL Financial. Her massages are mainly Swedish, integrating trigger point therapy, deep pressure, myofacial release and craniosacral therapy as needed. Collaborating with her clients, she uses tactile and verbal communication, training and intuition, to customize each session to support her client’s health and well being. Springer is available for appointments on Mondays from 4:45-8:15pm.

Literacy Volunteers Hosts New Tutor Training

On Saturday, Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville / Albemarle (LVCA) trained 20 new volunteer tutors to work with adults one-on-one in our community. LVCA tutors work with adults on developing basic literacy and English as a Second Language skills through practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English.

“While we do not require a background in teaching or tutoring for our volunteers, we do want them to feel prepared before they meet with a student. So we spent the day going over different tutoring techniques and bring in some veteran tutors to talk with the ones in training,” explained Executive Director Ellen Osborne. “We also supplement our trainings with videos we’ve produced in-house to help new tutors get a better sense of what a tutoring session looks like.”

Those interested in becoming a Literacy Volunteers tutor must be able to commit to working with a student two hours a week for at least a year. Those interested in becoming a tutor can call 434-977-3838 to learn more or register for the next training, which will be held Saturday, January 31, 2015.

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!

Literacy Volunteers Students Take Trip to Monticello

On Wednesday, October 23, Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/ Albemarle organized a field trip for its English as a Second Language students to Monticello to learn more about American history and Thomas Jefferson’s life. Twenty-four students and tutors were able to attend.

“We are dedicated to helping our students not only learn English, but to learn more about American culture and history. For many of our students, citizenship is a major goal, so activities such as these help students experience United States history first hand,” said Executive Director Ellen Osborne.

The students enjoyed their tour of Monticello and many commented on the number of books Thomas Jefferson owned. “The students admired Thomas Jefferson’s ingenuity in particular,” said Amie Whittemore, LVCA staff member who joined the students and tutors on the trip. “Many of them commented on his clock in the front hall and his dumbwaiter in the dining room.”

LVCA offers civics-oriented workshops throughout the year, including talks with city council members and advice on navigating the healthcare system. Some of these activities are funded through a Virginia Department of Education grant focused on Civics education.

YMCA Hosts  “Ghouls Night Out” Tonight, October 24

In order to celebrate Halloween, the YMCA at the Jefferson School City Center will host a “Ghouls Night Out” featuring a flashlight maze, games, treats, and a dance party, 6:00-8:00pm October 24. YMCA instructor Devyn Wildy will DJ the “Monster Mash” dance party. The event is open to the public and costs $5 per family and family-friendly costumes are encouraged.

The YMCA encourages families to also take part in Carver Recreation Center’s pumpkin carving contest, also happening October 24 from 6:00-8:00pm. The carving contest costs $5 per pumpkin and pre-registration is required. To register or learn more, call or visit Carver Rec: (434) 970-3053.

Artist Reception and Community Discussion Upcoming at African American Heritage Center

On Saturday, October 25 at 6:00pm, Daphne Maxwell-Reid will discuss her new exhibit at the African American Heritage Center, “Doors Open the World to Your Dreams.”  Maxwell-Reid’s work focuses on her travels and captures images of portals, doors, gates, and architectural details. These images harken back to her childhood explorations as well as her latest trip to Morocco.

The exhibit will be up through January 11, 2015 and a reception will follow the talk. This event is free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, October 28, 6:00-7:00pm, the African American Heritage will host a community discussion about reinterpreting slavery at local sites. Gary Sandling, Vice President of Visitor Programs and Services at Monticello, Matt Reeves, Director of Archealogy at Montpelier, and Ben Ford, Principal Investigator with Rivanna Archaeological Services will lead the discussion.

Slavery and early African American history are central to the history of the region, which attracts over 500,000 visitors per year for historic tourism. Three major attractions–Monticello, Montpelier, and the University of Virginia–are in the process of reevaluating the way slavery is presented to the public and are endeavoring to tell a more accurate and personal history of slavery.  This ommunity discussion will focus on the way slavery is presented at these sites. Gary Sandling, Matt Reeves, and Ben Ford will make brief presentations on how each site has researched and interpreted its slave history.  After the presentations, audience members are encouraged to ask questions and give their ideas about how Monticello, Montpelier and UVA can better reflect community desires in their interpretation of antebellum African American history.

There will be a reception following the discussion. This event is free and open to the public.

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!

Carve a Pumpkin at Carver Recreation Center Next Week

Carver Recreation Center will host its annual Pumpkin Carving Contest next Friday, October 24, 6:00-8:00pm. Interested carvers must register in advance and the cost is $5.00 per pumpkin. All pumpkins will be entered into the Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Downtown Safe Halloween Event on Saturday, October 25 (2:00-4:30pm).

Over sixty people attended the event last year and helped twenty pumpkins transform into cats, ghosts, and monsters at the event.  “We had some very creative designs. Our winner [last year]  in the family category was a pumpkin that got a little “sick” and had pumpkin guts and seeds coming out of his mouth,” said Dan Carpenter, Carver Recreation Center Manager of Kirsten Seay, Olivia Bryan, and Eli Seay’s winning pumpkin.

Pumpkins will be judged in three categories: Youth (ages 12-17), Adult (18 and over), and Family (all ages) and winners in each category will win one free two-month pass to Carver Rec and Smith Aquatic and Fitness Center. Pumpkins and tools will be provided. Please call 434-970-3035 to register.

Upcoming Events at African American Heritage Center

On Saturday October 18, the Jefferson School City Center’s African American Heritage Center (AAHC) will show a screening of The Coachman. The Coachman is a documentary by Lorenzo Dickerson that focuses on the life of a local African American domestic worker in Albemarle County from 1887-1946. The domestic worker featured in this film came from slaves, held a position of prestige, enjoyed love and endured heartache and loss. He lived through Jim Crow, The Great Depression, Great Migration, WWI and WWII

The film will begin at 3:00pm and a discussion will follow. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments available for purchase.

On Tuesday, October 21 at 6:00pm the AAHC will host a wine tasting. “Wine 101” will feature a variety of chardonnay styles from big and buttery to elegant and ripe. Konrad Turnbull from local wine importer Simon N Cellars will host the tasting. Suggested donation is $5.00 for members and $8.00 for non-members.

Finally, on Wednesday October 22 the AAHC will host it’s next installment in the “Story Time!” series. Next week’s story will be Life Doesn’t Frighten Me by Maya Angelou with illustrations by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Angelou’s poem celebrates the courage residing in everyone. This event is appropriate for children ages 4-8 and their parents/caretakers. It is free and open to the public.

Free Breast Health Screenings Offered at Martha Jefferson’s Outpatient Care Center

On October 25, from 9am-2pm, free breast breast health screenings will be provided at Martha Jefferson’s Outpatient Care Center, located at 595 Martha Jefferson Drive. Participants may qualify if they don’t have insurance that covers mammograms, cost is a concern, are 40 years of age or older, and/or it’s been over a year since their last mammogram. To make an appointment or for more information, call 434-654-7009.

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!

Common Ground Healing Arts Welcomes New Instructor, Launches Fall Schedule

Common Ground Healing Arts has several new classes on its fall schedule at the Jefferson School City Center, including offerings with instructor Tanya Valentine, who is teaching Yin Yang Yoga on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 7:00am and Yoga for Beginners at 10:30am on Saturdays. Yin Yang yoga features an approach that balances “Yin” yoga, which is slow-paced, introspective practice where participants hold positions for longer lengths of time with “Yang,” which features more flow and movement.

“Yin is very challenging in ways that are not expected,” Valentine explained, saying that many of the qualities of our daily lives are Yang-oriented–loud and fast–so it’s important to make space for contemplation. “It helps us be in our selves and in the world in a way that’s a little more kind and less reactive.”

Valentine has been teaching a variety of styles of yoga for ten years, after earning her 200-hour certification at Sivananda Ashram in Val Morin, Canada, and she’s currently studying for further certification through the Insight Yoga Institute. While she decided to pursue certification as an extension of her personal practice, she’s found the transition to being a teacher very rewarding.

“What I enjoy about teaching is providing a space for people to explore possibility,” she said. “Whether it be in their mind or thought patterns or body.” One of her favorite poses to teach is the yogic headstand because of how it offers both physical and mental challenges. “I like building people’s capacity to trust themselves,” she added.

Originally, Valentine’s practice as a dancer opened her up to pursuing yoga. She often found herself slipping into yoga poses during dance. “Yoga does the same kind of things as dance and…that was my door into yoga,” she said. In addition to teaching at Common Ground, Valentine offers classes at ACAC as well as private classes. She’s particularly excited about teaching at Common Ground because she’s an enthusiastic supporter of its mission to provide yoga and other healing arts at affordable and sliding scale rates so no one is turned away from the benefits of yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage.

Other changes to Common Ground’s fall schedule include two additional 5:30pm yoga classes (5:30pm classes now offered Mon-Thurs), and a 7:00pm restorative yoga class with Sue Bovenizer on Tuesdays.Yoga instructor Kevin Warren is also adding two new classes to his Common Ground schedule on Wednesdays. In addition to his 9am Inner Body Vinyasa class, Warren is offering a Teen yoga class at 4:15pm, a Fun Flow at 5:30pm, and has opportunities for private classes on Wednesdays as well.

Additionally, opportunities for massages have expanded, and acupuncture availability has increased on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

“War of the Churches” Lecture at African American Heritage Center Oct. 15

The African American Heritage Center will host a lecture with Associate Professor of History at the University of Central Florida Scott French on Wednesday, October 15 at 6:00pm. French will focus on the tensions between churches, political figures, and the press in Charlottesville’s African American community from 1890-1892. This event is free and open to the public.

French will shed new light on a tumultuous three-year period in the late 19th century history of Charlottesville’s African American churches. A bitter public dispute over ministerial credentials and claims to race leadership split the local Baptist congregations (Delevan First Colored & Mt. Zion First African), hastened the departures of their feuding pastors (Rev. R. Alonzo Scott and Rev. J. Francis Robinson), and inspired the establishment of a new, breakaway church (Ebenezer Baptist, led by Rev. Alexander Truatt). At the heart of these so-called “church wars” lay different thoughts on racial advancement and activism.

This lecture and book signing is made possible through the generous support of the Blue Moon Fund.

Free Breast Health Screenings Offered at Martha Jefferson’s Outpatient Care Center

On October 25, from 9am-2pm, free breast breast health screenings will be provided at Martha Jefferson’s Outpatient Care Center, located at 595 Martha Jefferson Drive. Participants may qualify if they don’t have insurance that covers mammograms, cost is a concern, are 40 years of age or older, and/or it’s been over a year since their last mammogram. To make an appointment or for more information, call 434-654-7009.

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!

Story Slam Tonight at African American Heritage Center

The second Story Slam kicks off at 6:30pm tonight, October 3, at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. October’s theme is “Gravy” and eight story-tellers will compete for best story of the night. The winner earns a place in the Story Slam-off, where the winners of the year’s slams will compete for the “Slamma Jamma” trophy. The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center is at the Jefferson School City Center.

Storytellers should register upon arrival and names are drawn out of a hat to determine order of presentation. Stories should fit into the theme, be true as the storyteller remembers it, and should be under five minutes in length. No notes, props, or music allowed. Judges are selected from the audience.

The cost is $5 for JSAAHC members and includes one free drink ticket. The cost for non-members is $8, which also includes one free drink ticket.

Mary Williams Community Center Seeks Bingo Prizes, Announces Game Group

JABA’s Mary Williams Community Center requests assistance restocking its bingo prize cabinet. “We appreciate prizes of non-perishable foods, household supplies such as laundry soap, dish soap and paper towels and of course money can be donated so we may purchase prizes,” explained Kelly Carpenter, Mary Williams Center Manager. “Our members also enjoy stuffed animals and small décor for their homes.” Individuals or groups can sponsor prizes. Typically the center goes go through 25 prizes a week, so donations are very appreciated.

The Mary Williams Center has also partnered with the City of Charlottesville Parks and Recreation to begin a weekly group for individuals who enjoy dominoes, checkers, and scrabble. “We meet in the Mary Williams Community Center from 2:15 to 3:15 every Wednesday,” said Carpenter. Everyone is welcome to join in this hour of playing games and meeting new people.

YMCA Prepares for “Ghouls Night Out” October 24

In order to celebrate Halloween, the YMCA at the Jefferson School City Center will host a “Ghouls Night Out” featuring a flashlight maze, games, treats, and a dance party, 6:00-8:00pm October 24. YMCA instructor Devyn Wildy will DJ the “Monster Mash” dance party. The event is open to the public and costs $5 per family and family-friendly costumes are encouraged.

The YMCA encourages families to also take part in Carver Recreation Center’s pumpkin carving contest, also happening October 24 from 6:00-8:00pm. The carving contest costs $5 per pumpkin and pre-registration is required. To register or learn more, call or visit Carver Rec: (434) 970-3053.

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!

Literacy Volunteers Students Celebrate Success at Achievement Ceremony

On Thursday, a crowd of about 75 Literacy Volunteers students, their families, tutors, and staff gathered in Vinegar Hill Café at the Jefferson School City Center to celebrate the achievements of 44 Literacy Volunteers students. Executive Director, Ellen Osborne, kicked off the celebration. Tutor Richard Alonzo and student Irene Reyes Sanchez also spoke. Students were honored for completing 100 hours of study, obtaining U.S. citizenship, and completing the program.

Richard Alonzo, a retired bilingual teacher and administrator from California, spoke about his four years as a tutor as well as his own struggles with learning English. “Like you I began my life speaking another language. I didn’t learn to speak English until I went to school. As a child it was a very difficult process to learn another language, and as an adult I know it is even harder,” said Alonzo.

Alonzo retired to Charlottesville and spent a year trying to find the right volunteer opportunity. “It was important for me to do something useful and rewarding in my new community,” said Alonzo, and he has found his work as a tutor to do just that. He’s worked with three students as a tutor, and mentioned his current student, Mariam, who just became a United States citizen. “Many of you are working, raising families, and going to school, but you’ve come to learn how important it is to learn the language of the country you live in,” he said. “You are to be commended for making the commitment to attending weekly tutoring sessions, completing homework, and applying what you have learned from your tutors.”

Sanchez spoke about her experience as a student in the LVCA program and her commitment to earning her GED, for which she is currently studying. She has studied with LVCA for two years and was recognized for studying for over 100 hours. “I want to improve my English to talk to my children’s teachers and neighbors. I want to improve my English to talk with my co-workers, boss, and so I can have more opportunities at my job,” she said. “When I improve my English, I understand what happens in the world better [and I can] to make a better life for my children.”

Chill’n & Grill’n Returns to Vinegar Hill Cafe October 2

For the last time in 2014, the Jefferson School’s Vinegar Hill Cafe will feature barbeque and music as part of its Chill’n & Grill’n event on Thursday, October 2 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.

180 will be playing this month. 180 is a six-piece band that plays rock and dance favorites from the 1960s to today.

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.

Story Slam Returns to African American Heritage Center October 3

The second Story Slam kicks off at 6:30pm at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center on Friday, October 3. October’s theme is “Gravy” and eight story-tellers will compete for best story of the night. The winner earns a place in the Story Slam-off, where the winners of the year’s slams will compete for the “Slamma Jamma” trophy.

Storytellers should register upon arrival and names are drawn out of a hat to determine order of presentation. Stories should fit into the theme, be true as the storyteller remembers it, and should be under five minutes in length. No notes, props, or music allowed. Judges are selected from the audience.

The cost is $5 for JSAAHC members and includes one free drink ticket. The cost for non-members is $8, which also includes one free drink ticket.

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!

Touch the Band Performance a Success at Carver Recreation Center

On Friday, 50 people danced and sang along to the music of Touch The Band at Carver Recreation Center at the Jefferson School City Center. “The concert was nice,” said Dan Carpenter, Carver Recreation Center Manager. “We’ll do another one on a Saturday in early 2015. The band played until almost midnight and the crowd stayed the whole time.”

TOUCH is a six-member ensemble that play soulful blues, smooth jazz, and R & B. The band has won many awards and is known for its ability to get the audience dancing and singing along. More information about the group can be found by visiting their website at www.touchtheband.com.

Also coming up at Carver Rec, starting on Sept 23, the Parent & Me Playgroup returns. Appropriate for ages 0-5 years, this playgroup meets in the gym for indoor playtime on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10am-2pm, September 23-December 19. The cost is $3 per child / per visit and active parental supervision is required.

Story Time, Teacher Open House, Volunteer Event Coming up at African American Heritage Center

Next Wednesday, September 24, 3:30-5:00pm, the African American Heritage Center will host its first Story Time. Story Time is a new after-school event for children and families. Each session will feature storytelling, songs, movement, and activities related to a particular aspect of African American culture. Next week, Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington by Jabari Asim, with illustrations by Bryan Collier, will be the featured book. Story Time is suited for children ages 4-8 years old and their caretakers.

On Thursday, September 25, 6:00-8:00pm, the JSAAHC will host a Teacher Open House. This event will allow teachers to learn more about how to use the Heritage Center as a resource to supplement their curriculum. The event will feature a tour of the current temporary exhibit, Frank Walker: Black Stories, which is on view until October 11. RSVP here.

Finally, on Friday, September 26, 6:00-8:00pm, the JSAAHC will host its second annual Volunteer-a-thon. At this event, potential volunteers can learn more about how to get involved with the JSAAHC, paritcularly in helping diversify cultural offerings and planning for the Jefferson School’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2015.RSVP here.

The Women’s Initiative “Challenge into Change” Contest Deadline Approaches

The Women’s Initiative has one more workshop available to support writers entering its “Challenge into Change” writing contest. The workshop takes place today, September 19, noon to 1pm, at the High Street location, and will focus on polishing one’s essay. Contact Eboni Bugg for more information or if you’d like to attend:  ebugg@thewomensinitiative.org.

“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.

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.

Martha Jefferson Accepting Unwanted Medications & Sharps Saturday

Martha Jefferson’s Outpatient Care Center at Pantops (595 Martha Jefferson Drive) will be collecting unwanted household medications and sharps (syringes) at a free drive-through event, Saturday, September 27 from 10:00am-2:00pm. Any unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications and syringes will be accepted. No commercial organization medical waste will be accepted. For more information, call 434-654-7009.

Additionally, Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center is always offering help for individuals who are overweight and seeking to become healthier. Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, asthma, and certain types of cancer. To find out more about Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Center’s free health services, call 434-984-6220.

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!