Author: Jefferson School City Center

Martha Jefferson Offers Free Spa Day for Expectant Moms, Other Events

Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center will host two spa days as part of its Baby Basics Moms Club, a support group for expectant mothers. The spa days will be Tuesday, September 16, 5:30-7:00pm and Tuesday, September 23, 9:30-11:30am at the Starr Hill Center location in the Jefferson School City Center.

The spa days are for expectant moms only and participants will enjoy manicures, massages, facials and learning about stress reduction techniques they can use at home. Both sessions are free. Overall, the Moms Club has been well attended, with 14 women having participated thus far, many attending multiple sessions since the program began in January. Expectant moms are still welcome to join the group, which meets on the first and third Tuesdays each month, 5:30-7:00pm or the second and fourth Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00am. For information about free cab rides to the meetings, call 434-654-7009.

On Thursday, September 18, 6:00-8:00pm, Martha Jefferson will host a community conversation about end of life planning in the African American Heritage Center. Dr. Monica Williams-Murphy, emergency physician and nationally-known author, will speak about the importance of talking honestly about end of life issues. She’ll address subjects such as who would make decisions for you if you become unable to do so, health care decisions, and other end of life wishes.

The first 150 people will receive a free copy of Dr. Williams-Murphy’s book. Light refreshments will be provided and free blood screenings will be available from 5:30-6:00pm, before the event begins.

African American Heritage Center Hosts Lecture, Jazz Performance Sept. 19

Next Friday September 19, 6:00pm, Andrew Kahrl, Assistant Professor of History at the Carter G. Woodson Institute, will speak about his book, The Land Was Ours: African American Beaches from Jim Crow to the Sunbelt South. The talk and book-signing will take place in the JSAAHC auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

Kahrl’s talk will explore the African American beach resorts, amusement parks, country clubs, and summer vacation communities that dotted the coasts and waterways of Virginia and Maryland in the 1950s. These segregated and African American-owned properties played an important, if overlooked, role in shaping black culture and economic life under Jim Crow. By the 1970s most of the land was lost to land speculators and real estate developers.

After the lecture, Dr. Kahrl will sign copies of his book. Cost of book is $40, members receive 10% discount.

Following the lecture at 8:00pm, veteran trombonist Ku-umba Frank Lacy will perform with his New York based 10³²K trio, featuring Kevin Ray on bass and Andrew Drury on percussion. Their debut recording, “That Which is Planted,” has just been released on the Passin’ Thru label.

10³²K is known as the Planck temperature–the temperature at which matter ceases to exist, conventional physics breaks down, and, according to Lacy, “strange things begin to happen to space and time.” This could also be an apt description for what happens when you mix the emotion and power of Lacy’s trombone with Andrew Drury’s propulsive percussion, and add the vibrant, driving bass of Kevin Ray.

Tickets are available in advance at Franklacy.eventbrite.com. The cost is $15 general, $12 with JSAAHC membership, and $10 for students. Presented in collaboration with the Charlottesville Jazz Society.

Literacy Volunteers Seeks New Tutors for September 20 Training

On Saturday, September 20 Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle (LVCA) will host its next tutor training at the Jefferson School City Center. The training, led by LVCA staff, takes place from 9:30am-4:00pm and prepares volunteers to work one-on-one with an adult interested in learning English as a Second Language or improving his or her basic literacy skills.

“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 spend 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. To register for the September training or to learn more, please call 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!

African American Heritage Center Hosts First Story Slam Tonight

Starting at 6:30pm tonight, September 5, the Jefferson School City Center’s African American Heritage Center (JSAAHC) will host a Story Slam, featuring eight storytellers. This month’s theme is “Grits.”

“We were brainstorming about this season’s programming and [we wanted to] have something fun and in line with the mission here,” explained Assistant to the Director Mia Haruko Logan. “Part of the story slam is honoring the tradition of oral storytelling, and just paying homage to that and bringing it into modernity and having contemporary storytellers.” Each month will feature a different theme related to African American cultural heritage. October’s theme is “Gravy.”

Logan stressed that this event is not for professional storytellers, and that anyone of any age is welcome to come and tell a story. The slams will be held on the first Friday of each month with a final competition, the “Slamma Jamma” in late spring, where winners from each month will compete against each other.

The cost is $5 for JSAAHC members (includes one free drink ticket) and $8 for nonmembers (includes one free drink ticket). Individuals who sign-up for a JSAAHC membership will get in for free.

Official Rules for the Heritage Center Story Slam are as follows:

1. Storytellers register upon arrival—please try to arrive promptly at 6:30 if you want to tell your story. Names are usually drawn out of a hat to decide order of presentation.

2. Stories should fit into the theme of the night.

3. Stories should be true as you remember it.

4. Stories should be under five minutes in length! 6 minutes and you hear a whistle—8 minutes and you get the hook.

5. No Notes, No Props, No Music.

Three judges will be selected from the audience. Each storyteller is given a score on a scale of 1-10 on the following criteria: sticking to the theme, sticking to the five minutes, and audience response. The storyteller with the highest score wins and is given a spot in the final slam off.

The JSAAHC is also looking for a logo for the Story Slam and t-shirts. Design must say Jefferson School African American Heritage Center Story Slam 2014-15.  Winner gets $50 and two free tickets to the October slam. Send designs to admin@jeffschoolheritagecenter.org.

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.

Touch the Band to Perform at Carver Recreation Center

On September 12, Charlottesville Parks & Recreation will present a concert by TOUCH the Band from 8:30pm-11:30pm at Carver Rec. The cost is $18 per person.

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.

This program is open for anyone ages 18 and up. Included in the cost is heavy hors d’oeurvres by local favorite, Mel’s Café.  No alcohol is permitted. To purchase tickets, please call (434) 970-3053.  Tickets may also be purchased in person at Carver Recreation Center.  There are a limited number of seats available.

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!

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!

Literacy Volunteers to Benefit from Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers Event Saturday

On Saturday, August 23, Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers will be hosting its final match of the season and proceeds from the event will go to support Literacy Volunteers. General admission tickets are $5 and doors open at 7pm with wrestling starting at 8pm. A few V.I.P. tickets are still available here.

While there are now over twenty CLAW leagues throughout the United States, as well as in South America and Europe, lady arm-wrestling began here in Charlottesville. “Claw’s been around since 2008, so the first year it was at a manic pace of about ten matches that year and now we do three each summer,”  Dolly Joseph, one of the founding members of CLAW. CLAW’s popularity even led to a locally-produced documentary about the growth of the movement by Billy Hunt and Brian Wimer. CLAW: The Movie is available for purchase at the Blue Moon Diner or online, and is currently being screened at film festivals around the country, after premiering at the Virginia Film Festival last year.

“It really started as some smack talk while several of our founders were at the gym together trying to threaten to see who could take who down in arm-wrestling,” added Laura Galgano, another founding member and owner of the Blue Moon Diner. “They decided they wanted to try and have an event and they came to me at Blue Moon Diner and I’m silly enough to say, yes of course, we should completely do something like that.”

The event features eight wrestlers, who dress up as characters and have entourages that try to collect bribes from the audience to sway the event’s judges. All proceeds from these bribes go to benefit a woman-founded or woman-run charity in the area. “We’re really excited to be working with Literacy Volunteers and excited to be doing ridiculous things to raise money for some local causes,” said Galgano.

Literacy Volunteers will be rooting for one of its staff members, Amie Whittemore, who will be wrestling as Betty Bookworm. “While Betty may seem very bookish, she’s tough and she takes reading very, very seriously,” Whittemore explained about her persona. In the last six years, CLAW has raised over $60,000 for local causes.

Galgano added, “There are very few opportunities for adults outside of Halloween to really be silly and let go and hide underneath another persona. So it’s a very freeing and fun experience for everyone.”

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.

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. On August 29, 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.

“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.

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!

Vinegar Hill Cafe’s Chill’n & Grill’n Closes Out a Successful Summer in September

Last week, Vinegar Hill Cafe hosted its third installment of Chill’n & Grill’n this year, a music and barbeque event that occurs on the first Thursday of every month while the weather allows. Overdog performed for about 100 people in attendance at Thursday’s event.  Formerly known as the Stoned Masons, Overdog’s music blends features of classic rock, blues and reggae with Grateful Dead influences.

Guests enjoy a menu featuring barbecue ribs, chicken, or hamburgers, with a choice of sides. Children’s menu and pricing, and vegetarian options are always available. The next Chill’n & Grill’n  will take place on Thursday, September 4, from 5pm to 7:30pm. October’s installment will be the last one for the season on October 2. For details visit www.VinegarHillCafe.org or contact Joel Schechtman, JSchechtman@jabacares.org, 434-817-5234.

Vinegar Hill Monument Presentations Next Week

The public will have two opportunities to hear from Melvin Edwards, a renowned American sculptor, about his vision for a Vinegar Hill monument, which will find its home at the Jefferson School City Center. The monument represents one of the action items of the City of Charlottesville’s Dialogue on Race. It will serve as a remembrance of the Vinegar Hill neighborhood, which was leveled under the guise of urban revitalization in 1962.

Edwards will speak on August 20 at 7pm at Ebenezer Baptist Church and on August 21 at 7pm at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. He’ll present a model of his proposed sculpture and engage with the community about the significance of sculptural presentation.

Carver Recreation Center Hosts Blood Drive

On August 19, 3pm-7pm, community members can donate blood at the Carver Recreation Center. Walk-ins are welcome and participants can also register online at www.vadonor.org. All donors must present a valid ID or VBS donor card at registration. For more information, call 434-989-4438.

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. On August 29, 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.

“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.

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 Holds Record-breaking July Tutor Training

Last Saturday, Literacy Volunteers hosted one of its most successful summer tutor trainings yet. “July is historically a tricky month to pull in a large numbers of new tutors since many people are on vacation,” said Executive Director Ellen Osborne. Twenty-two tutors attended the all day training.

At the training, Literacy Volunteers’ Program Director Deanne Foerster provided new tutors with an overview of the program, resources available to them, and good tutoring practices. During the lunch provided by fellow Jefferson School tenant Vinegar Hill Cafe, tutors shared their stories about what drew them to volunteer their time. Many of them are new to the area and wanted a way to connect with the community; others had known about Literacy Volunteers for a long time and were finally read to make the commitment.

Foerster will spend the next few weeks matching tutors with students on the waiting list. “We brought in a good group of tutors who are very interested in helping our students.  We look forward to them being part of our program and helping someone become more integrated into our community by improving their literacy and English skills,” Foerster said. The next tutor training is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2013. Call 434-977-3838 for more information.

African American Heritage Center Exhibit Opening

Frank Walker’s exhibit “Black Stories,” opens at the Jefferson School City Center’s African American Heritage Center this weekend. The opening reception will be Saturday, July 26, 6pm-8pm, with a talk by Walker at 7pm.

Walker’s exhibit features a series of commissioned portraits. Before painting, Walker researches and interviews his subjects to get a better sense of who they are and how to best represent their essence. The exhibit also includes images highlighting unsung heroes of African American history and everyday life. He works in a variety of mediums including graphite and red and white chalk, sometimes using paper bags and plywood as canvases.

Walker recently retired from the University of Virginia Hospital where he worked as a medical illustrator.  He received his BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in painting and printmaking. His work has been shown in numerous exhibitions, most recently in 2012 at the McGuffey Art Center.  His paintings and drawings can be found in numerous private collections.

Frank Walker: Black Stories is made possible through the generous support of the Blue Moon Fund and albermarle magazine.

Carver Rec Hosts Hiking 101 Tuesday

On Tuesday, July 29, Marit Gay of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club will discuss gear for those new to hiking and share some of her favorite local trails. The talk, scheduled for 7pm at Carver Rec, is free and open to the public.

Additionally, Charlottesville Parks and Recreation has released a new mobile app and it is now available for free download on Apple or Android devices.  This free app will help individuals connect with Carver Recreation Center and other parks and recreation facilities with a variety of functions. To download the app, visit either the Apple iTunes store or Google Play depending on your device.

Mobile App Functions:

• News Feed (from Charlottesville’s Parks and Recreation twitter account)
• Carver Group Exercise and Open Gym Schedules
• Smith Group Exercise, Pool and Water Aerobics Schedules
• Mobile Registration (Mobile WebTrac)
• Outdoor Pool Schedules
• OFAC Web Cam
• Spray Ground Hours and Directions
• Current Program Guide
• Mobile Directions to Facilities via GPS

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!

Ladies Night with Sizzle: An African Fashion Show and Health Update

Next Friday, July 25, 2014 at 6pm, the African American Heritage Center will host an African Attire Fashion Show and Health Update as part of the 25th Chihamba Annual African American Cultural Arts Festival. The show will feature Kenechi Fashions and models from Ardor Model and Talent Agency.

Miranda Trent, Certified Nurse Practitioner at Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center, will give the keynote address. “I will be talking about how healthy lifestyle changes can make a difference,” explained Trent. Trent will be emphasizing the importance of getting enough sleep, eating five portions of vegetables and fruit (combined), watching no more than two hours of TV or being on a computer per day (outside of work), and getting at least one hour of physical activity in daily. She’ll also provide concrete strategies for making these changes to one’s routine.

Light refreshments featuring healthy soul food will be available, along with health information tables.

This event is sponsored by the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center and Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Health Center and is for women only. Wear African attire to get a special gift.

PVCC Hosts Culinary Arts Info Sessions at Jefferson School City Center

Anyone interested in enrolling in Piedmont Valley Community College’s Culinary Arts Associate Degree program this fall, must attend an information session.All sessions will be held at the Jefferson School City Center.

At the information session, potential students will learn about the degree curriculum and how it can launch their culinary careers.  Attendees wil alsol tour PVCC’s state-of-the art teaching facilities, meet Associate Professor of Culinary Arts Eric Breckoff, and meet currently enrolled students.

The next available information sessions will be held on July 19 at 10am in room J111 and August 1 at 10am in room J112.

For more information, contact Marya Choby, CTE Coordinator, mchoby@pvcc.edu or 434.961.5358.

Register for Common Ground’s Anatomic Yoga Workshop

From July 25-July 27, Common Ground Healing Arts will host a yoga workshop with Ray Long, MD FRCSC. This multimedia workshop will combine modern western science with the art of hatha yoga.Long is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and the author of Scientific Keys, a book series on anatomy and yoga.

Participants can register for the full weekend or for specific workshops. The schedule is:

• Friday July 25, 6pm-8pm workshop
• Saturday July 26, 12pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm
• Sunday 12pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm

The weekend will highlight fundamentals such as form and function of the skeleton and major joints; application of fundamentals through asanas or yoga poses; and pranayama practice, which focuses on the breath.

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 Executive Director

Elliott Brown, Common Ground’s new Executive Director, was immediately captivated by the organization’s mission to provide access to complementary healthcare, regardless of income,  because of its intersections with her professional and personal experiences. On the personal level Brown has directly benefited from the presence of yoga, meditation, and massage in her life. “I had some nerve damage and pain and after a year and a half of western medicine, it wouldn’t go away,” Brown said. “After three months of yoga, it was gone and I never felt it since and it’s been two years. The impact of that and massage and meditation on my life, and just my attitude and who I’ve become it’s made me be a bigger, better, stronger person.”

She also understands how powerful access to holistic and complementary medicine can be for people who may not typically have access. Brown has spent the past twenty years working with nonprofits on issues of poverty, homelessness, and affordable housing. “Most recently, I was the Executive Director of an interfaith nonprofit that provides shelter to homeless families with children while helping regain their dignity and independence,” explained Brown. “And the most successful families we helped were families who sought out and had access to holistic healthcare.”

Right now, Brown is focused on furthering Common Ground’s mission through continued outreach to populations that don’t normally seek out or have access to holistic medicine. She explained that their main goal is to educate groups that have misunderstandings about their services. For instance, some people might be concerned about yoga’s roots in eastern religion; however Common Ground does not incorporate the religious aspects into it. For instance, “we [sometimes] have changed the name of yoga to stretch and relax,” said Brown. “Because that’s what it is.”

While Brown has only been in town for about a week, she’s happy to be closer to family in Lexington, after having lived in South Carolina and Austin, Texas. She and her partner have enjoyed the outdoor, art, and music activities that Charlottesville offers. “We’ve listened to music, gone hiking, mountain biking, and we’re planning on going to the James river this weekend to tube,” she said.

African American Heritage Center Hosts Freedom Read-a-thon

On July 18, 10am-8pm, the African American Heritage Center will hold its second Freedom Read-a-thon in honor of Nelson Mandela International Day. The event features ten hours of words for freedom–67 minutes of which will be devoted to words by Nelson Mandela to honor his years as an ardent fighter for human rights. Read your words or the words of others. This event is free and open to the public and will take place in the African American Heritage Center auditorium; please enter through the Commerce street entrance.

Last in Career Workshop Series Offered at the Women’s Initiative

The final installment of The Women’s Initiative’s workshops aimed to help women become the architects of their careers will be held on Saturday, July 26, 9am-12pm. This workshop will focus on professionalism. An ongoing support group is also available to workshop participants and anyone else interested in receiving support in their career search.

The workshop will be held at the MJH Starr Hill Health Center, on the second floor of the Jefferson School City Center. For more information or to register, contact Kirsten at 434-872-0047 x 101 or kirstenfranke@thewomensinitiative.org.

Still Time to Register for Literacy Volunteers New Tutor Training

On July 19, Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville / Albemarle will host its next New Tutor Training, 9:30am-4:00pm at the Jefferson School City Center. This training provides new tutors with the foundation they need to help adults in the community improve their speaking, reading, and writing skills in English.

“We may be teaching people basic skills, but those basic skills add up to changing a life,” said Executive Director Ellen Osborne. “Our students leave our program better prepared for good jobs and to take an active role in their children’s lives and their communities.”

Literacy Volunteers requires a year commitment and tutors meet with students for two hours each week. For more information or to register for the July 19 training, call 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!

PVCC Culinary Arts Students Bake Up New Skills, Delicious Desserts this Summer

Wander around the Jefferson School City Center halls mid-afternoon this summer, and your nose will be in for a delicious treat. Now through July 12, the students in Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC)’s Culinary Arts program have begun Introduction to Baking.

Nineteen students are enrolled in the two sections of the course this summer and working on quick breads, leavened breads, cakes, pies, pastries, and frozen confections, such as ice cream and sorbet.

Chef Tammy Brawley explained that one of her favorite parts of teaching is that moment when students understand a new concept and everything clicks. “There maybe things that a home cook is a little afraid of or challenged by and we try to move people through those fears,” she explained.  For instance, students learn how to make caramel sauce using a wet and dry method so they can understand the qualities of both approaches.

“It’s awesome,” student Alicia Simmons said about the baking course. “How can you complain about baking sweets all day?” Simmons put off entering school a year to be part of PVCC’s Culinary Arts degree program and has found it well worth the wait. “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s definitely worth it,” she said, adding her dream job is to run her own restaurant and fill the menu with her favorites.

Chef Brawley loves teaching and supporting her students in learning the fundamentals they need to be successful in their future careers. Brawley, who lives in Richmond, has been teaching in various settings since 2007, and also offers recreational cooking classes through her company, The Green Kitchen. “The ultimate goal [for her business] is to be a sustainable cooking school, not a degree program. You come, have a glass of wine, and you learn to do a sauce or a recipe, but the main focus is on eating out of [your] garden,” said Brawley.

After the baking course wraps up the culinary students will enjoy a break until the fall semester begins August 21.

Still Time to Register for Literacy Volunteers New Tutor Training

On July 19, Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville / Albemarle will host its next New Tutor Training, 9:30am-4:00pm at the Jefferson School City Center. This training provides new tutors with the foundation they need to help adults in the community improve their speaking, reading, and writing skills in English.

“We may be teaching people basic skills, but those basic skills add up to changing a life,” said Executive Director Ellen Osborne. “Our students leave our program better prepared for good jobs and to take an active role in their children’s lives and their communities.”

Literacy Volunteers requires a year commitment and tutors meet with students for two hours each week. For more information or to register for the July 19 training, call 434-977-3838.

African American Heritage Center Continues Its Children’s Summer Film Series

On Saturday, July 19, at 3pm and 5:30pm, the African American Heritage Center will show Khumba (2012).  In Khumba, a young zebra, born with only half his stripes is rejected by his superstitious herd and blamed for a sudden drought affecting the land. Teaming up with a sassy wildebeest and a flamboyant ostrich, Khumba sets out on a daring mission across the Karoo desert to find the legendary waterhole where the first zebras got their stripes. Along the way he meets a variety of characters, but before he can reunite with his herd, Khumba will have to come face to face with a menacing leopard to take part in an epic battle.

Tickets are available at the door and the suggested donation is $5.00.

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!

Summer Camp in Full Swing at Carver Recreation Center

This summer the Jefferson School City Center’s Carver Rec is hosting a pre-teen camp for youth in grades 4th through 6th grade. The camp lasts from June 16 through July 25 and registration is open and ongoing until the camp reaches capacity.

“Parks and Rec offers a comprehensive summer camp program where campers participate in experiential education through a variety of clubs ( Green Adventure Project, PB & J Fund, City School Yard Garden, African American Heritage Center, Light House, Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center, Zumba, fencing, tennis, basketball, swim lessons etc.) and fun field trips,” explained Erica Goode, City of Charlottesville Recreation Program Manager, adding that “most importantly camp is fun.”

The camp meets daily from 9am-4pm for the six week period. The camp also offers a nutritional breakfast and lunch to campers. More information can be found on the website or by calling the information line at 434-970-3260.

Next up in The Women’s Initiative’s Professionalism Series

The Women’s Initiative is hosting a series of workshops to help women become the architects of their careers so they can pursue their dreams through a structured approach. These workshops will focus on resume writing, interviewing, and establishing a career path. Each workshop is three hours long and there is no obligation to attend the entire series. There will also be an ongoing support group available to workshop participants and anyone else interested in receiving support in their career search.

• The remaining workshops are on the following dates:
• Interview Basics: June 28,2014,  9:00am-12:00pm
• Professionalism: July 26, 2014, 9:00am-12:00pm

All workshops will be held at the MJH Starr Hill Health Center, on the second floor of the Jefferson School City Center. For more information or to register, contact Kirsten at 434-872-0047 x 101 or kirstenfranke@thewomensinitiative.org.

Vinegar Hill Cafe Hosts Chill’n & Grill’n July 3

Start the July Fourth weekend early at the Vinegar Hill Café with Chill’n & Grill’n on Thursday, July 3, 5:00pm-7:30pm. Enjoy a straight-off-the-grill menu, including barbecue ribs, barbecue chicken, or hamburgers, with a choice of collard greens, baked beans, coleslaw and homemade cornbread, all for $10.00.  Children’s menu and pricing, and vegetarian options available.

As always, Chill’n & Grill’n will include live music, this month featuring Charlottesville’s own Midlife Crisis.

The Café welcomes dogs on the patio when accompanied by well-behaved owners.

For details visit www.VinegarHillCafe.org or contact Joel Schechtman, JSchechtman@jabacares.org, 434-817-5234.

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!