Author: Jefferson School City Center

The Women’s Initiative’s Eboni Bugg Shares What Inspires, Sustains Her

If you stop by The Women’s Initiative office at Jefferson School City Center, don’t be surprised if you don’t find Eboni Bugg there. Her role as Therapist and Outreach Coordinator has her in the office as much as out. “As a therapist, I provide individual and group counseling services to women. As the outreach coordinator, my job is to collaborate with our partner agencies in the building, to ensure that the community surrounding the Jefferson School is educated about mental health issues, and to provide supportive educational opportunities, such as stress management workshops,” said Bugg.

Bugg finds that her dual roles feed into each other nicely. She explained that while she might be out in the community leading a support group, a participant might approach her, looking for more help. And, once she works with an individual, she not only provides therapy but connects individuals with other services. “If they’re trying to create a healthier lifestyle for themselves, I might refer them to Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center,” Bugg explained. “Or if some of their mental health issues could be supported by some body work, like acupuncture and yoga, then I would connect them with Common Ground.” Bugg thrives on these different roles, as she enjoys connecting with others on a variety levels–be it as a therapist or working a table at a community event.

Bugg started out as a science teacher and majored in biology. “I found that I was often interested in some of the emotional and social barriers that were occurring in the classroom,” she said, which led to her work in foster care and social services before earning her Master’s of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Now she works mostly with adult women and finds it very rewarding to help women through major transitions in their lives.

“For me the thing that sustains me is I am truly in awe of the women I see everyday. By the time they come to me they have survived so much that coming [to therapy] is already an act of health for them,” Bugg said. “And we’re here to bear witness.”

The Women’s Initiative offers walk-in hours from 9am-noon on Tuesdays at its High Street location and 2pm-5pm on Wednesdays at the Jefferson School City Center. Additionally, it offers a variety of ongoing support groups and several workshops, including a series on professionalism this summer. On June 28, 9am-noon, human resources specialist Wendy Miller will lead a workshop on interview skills as part of this series and on July 26, 9am-noon, she’ll cover professionalism. These 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.

Summer Children’s Film Series at African American Heritage Center

The African American Heritage Center will be screening Kirikou and the Soceress (1998) on Saturday, June 21 at 3pm and 5pm. Suggested donation is $5.

The film is based in a little village somewhere in Africa, where a boy named Kirikou is born. But he’s not a normal boy, because he knows what he wants very well. Also he already can speak and walk. His mother tells him how an evil sorceress has dried up their spring and devoured all males of the village except one. Hence, little Kirikou decides he will accompany the last warrior to the sorceress. Due to his intrepidity he may be the last hope of the village.

Literacy Volunteers Seeks New Tutors for July 19 Training

On Saturday, July 19 Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Ablemarle (LVCA) will host its next tutor training of 2014 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 July training, 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!

JABA Members Dance the Day Away at Prom

On Thursday, May 29, 26 members of the JABA Mary Williams Community Center traveled to Nelson County to attend the “Senior Centers’ Members’ Merry Month of May Prom.” The prom was held in the fellowship hall of the Nelson United Methodist Church and included lunch, door prizes, and music. Though held off and on for several years, Kelly Carpenter, Mary Williams Community Center Manager, said the participating organizations hope to make this a regular, annual event.

“The music was provided by ‘The One More Time’ Band, who played a fantastic variety of tunes that had everyone tapping their toes, clapping their hands, singing along & many up on the dance floor,” said Carpenter. Members of many of JABA’s community centers, as well as several senior centers from Nelson County attended the prom. The JABA Nelson Community Center hosted the event.

“It was a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new friends throughout the day,” said Carpenter.

The African American Experience at Montpelier:  Making the Invisible Visible at African American Heritage Center

On June 19, 2014 at 6pm, the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center will host a talk with Christian Cotz, Director of Education and Visitor Engagement at James Madison’s Montpelier. Join Cotz as he explores the story of African American history at Montpelier, reveals individuals from the historical record, and discusses Montpelier’s research and interpretive efforts.

Since 2000, Cotz has been instrumental in designing school programs, experiential learning venues, exhibits and interpretive programs at the home of the Father of the Constitution.

This event is the first in a series of collaborations between the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center and Montpelier. A reception hosted by Montpelier precedes the talk.

The event is free and open to the public; however, a ticket is needed to enter.

“Family Open Basketball” Sundays at Carver Recreation Center

Sundays in June & July from noon-2pm will be designated as “Family” Open Gym Basketball at Carver Recreation Center. There must be both youth and adult (18+) in each group in the gym. This is a great time for families to exercise and have fun together.

From 2pm-6pm open basketball is available for any age group on Sundays.

There is a $2 daily fee for Adults over 18. Youth 17 and under are free. Fees do not apply to Recreation Access Pass holders.

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!

June Collmer Photography Exhibit at Vinegar Hill Cafe

Stop by Vinegar Hill Café at the Jefferson School City Center this month to admire the photography of June Collmer. While Collmer holds a B.A. from Temple University in studio arts, her various careers as a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP), attorney, and nonprofit executive director, have kept her from fully engaging with her creative side until recently.

“I’ve always had to love whatever I do. I loved being a PNP, I loved doing contracts, and right now, this just ignites me,” Collmer said about her photography. Two years ago, Collmer began taking “abstract” shots with her iPhone 4s, which she describes as shots that focus on the texture and composition of a portion of a wall, a ceiling at CVS, or other moments of everyday beauty that caught her eye. She approaches photography intuitively, often taking a shot quickly and not setting up a scene or cropping her images.  With time, her work has evolved to include black and white work and portraiture. Her show at Vinegar Hill Café features scenes from the National Linen Building. She spent four months hanging around the building and visiting the different studios there, which house people working on projects as diverse as auto-body work and air conditioning to painters, goldsmiths, and tentmakers.

“I really love doing the studies of people. I talk with them a little bit, and then, while I’m in the process of framing [the shot], I wait until there’s a connection,” Collmer explained. “It’s really what I try for, is to connect with who that person is, and that’s such a magical thing.”

Collmer takes much of her inspiration from walks around the Vinegar Hill and Starr Hill neighborhoods, in an effort to increase awareness of the Jefferson School City Center as well as further her art. While she used to be very shy, she’s now comfortable approaching strangers and enjoys the connections she makes. “Walking around these communities has been a real education for me,” she said. “We’re talking about race issues, integration issues, so it’s been really interesting talking with people about the history of these communities.”

In addition to her show at Vinegar Hill Café, Collmer will serve as the informal curator of the space and is looking to put together a group printmaking show for July. Interested printmakers can contact Collmer at jecollmer@gmail.com for details on the exhibition.

Book Drive at JABA’s Mary Williams Community Center

The Mary Williams Community Center is serving as a drop-off location for the United Way’s Children’s Book Drive, now through June 16. “If you have gently used children’s books appropriate for ages 6 months to 12 years, you can drop them off here at the center. We’ll get them to the United Way to then disperse to their community book baskets,” explained Kelly Carpenter, Mary Williams Community Center Manager. New children’s books are also accepted.

The Mary Williams Community Center is also looking for donations to its bingo prize cabinet and has some volunteer opportunities available. “If you’d like to donate prizes for bingo we appreciate non-perishable food items, household supplies like dish soap, laundry soap, personal toiletries, etc. and large print puzzle books or any other item you think our members would enjoy,” Carpenter explained. The center also needs volunteers for the following roles:

• Morning Setup person – a 30 minute commitment Monday through Thursday mornings 8:45 am to 9:15 am and setup for coffee and beverages.
• Whole Foods donation pickup – a once a week commitment to pickup our donation of eggs and bananas from Whole Foods at 8:30 am Monday mornings and drop them off to us by 9:00 am. (this position could be done in combination with the Morning Setup)
• Shelf building – a one time project, we need an individual with building skills to help us add shelves to two closets. An individual with connections to a supply donation would be outstanding, but the staff can help in finding / purchasing the supplies necessary.
• Bingo prize collection –  We’d love to have a dedicated volunteer to reach out to community businesses for bingo prizes regularly and help us keep our bingo prize cabinet full and organized
• Lunch service help Tuesdays and Wednesdays – an easy 30 minute commitment on Tuesdays from 11:15 to 11:45 and Wednesdays from 11:45 to 12:15 to help us serve lunch. Simple as delivering plates from the kitchen to the members.

Please contact Kelly Carpenter if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer at kcarpenter@jabacares.org or 434-987-8433.

Common Ground’s Sit-a-thon Happening June 14 at The Haven

On Saturday, June 14th, 10am-noon at the Haven, Common Ground will be hosting its third annual Sit-a-Thon, its largest fundraiser of the year. This event, featuring an hour long meditation followed by a reception, is open to all levels: beginners will learn useful tools for meditation, and experienced meditators of all traditions are welcome to come and sit with other mindful individuals in our community.

Pat Coffey, a Senior Teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition, will lead a one-hour community meditation, divided into 20 minutes of seated meditation, 20 minutes of walking meditation, and 20 minutes of heart meditation (also known as metta, or loving-kindness). An optional Q&A and reception will follow the sit.

Participants can register in advance and fundraise to support Common Ground’s outreach work in the community or just show up on the morning of, make a donation of any amount at the door, and join in the event.

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!

Creigh Deeds Speaks About Legislative Progress at Mental Health Coalition Gathering

State senator Creigh Deeds was the keynote speaker at the Mental Health Coalition’s meeting on Thursday, May 29, held in the auditorium of the African American Heritage Center.  Deeds confined his remarks to the progress the legislature has made remaking the mental health system in Virginia.

The Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition includes the AIDS/HIV Services Group; Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail; ARS Pantops; Charlottesville Albemarle Office of the Public Defender; Charlottesville Department of Social Services; Charlottesville Free Clinic; Charlottesville Department of Human Services; District 9 Probation and Parole; Jefferson Area Community Corrections/Crisis Intervention; Jefferson Area Board for Aging; Offender Aid and Restoration/Jefferson Area Community Corrections; Martha Jefferson Hospital; Mental Health America; On Our Own; PACEM; Region Ten Community Services Board; The Women’s Initiative; University Medical Associates and the University of Virginia Master of Public Health program.

The most recent legislative changes for mental health in Virginia are an almost “real time” psychiatric bed registry and an increase in the amount of time a person can be held on an emergency custody order.

Representatives from Region Ten, Charlottesville Free Clinic, UVA, and Thrive also spoke about changes. They all fielded questions from the audience which ranged from concerns about children’s mental health services to patients’ rights.

YMCA Celebrates Pre-K Graduation Next Week

The Y at the Jefferson School will celebrate the graduation of 9 of its 22 of pre-k students next Friday, June 6, 10:00am-11:00am. All children in the class will participate and graduates will receive diplomas. Following the short ceremony, will be a reception for friends and family to celebrate with their students. Guests are welcome to bring a finger dish to share.

Women’s Initiative Hosts Career Workshop Series

The Women’s Initiative will host three workshops in May, June, and July 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 all three. There will also be an ongoing support group available to workshop participants and anyone else interested in receiving support in their career search.

The three workshops are on the following dates:

• Resume Writing: May 31, 2014, 9:00am-12:00pm
• 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 next Thursday

The party continues at the Vinegar Hill Café’s Chill’n & Grill’n on Thursday, June 5 from 5:00-7:30pm. The cafe will be offering 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 only $10. Children’s menu and pricing, and vegetarian options available.

As always, Chill’n & Grill’n will feature live music. The Café also welcomes dogs on the patio when accompanied by well-behaved owners.

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.

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!

Nursing Homes Swing “Swings” by Mary Williams Community Center

JABA’s Mary Williams Community Center features a variety of regular entertainment and activities for its members, ranging from bingo and chair yoga to visits from the children in the YMCA’s child care program. This month, Nursing Homes Swing, a musical group that tours to area senior/rehabilitation facilities, came in for a visit last Tuesday.

“Nursing Homes Swing visits us regularly at the Jefferson School City Center–usually every other month–to play for our members,” explained Mary Williams Community Center Manager Kelly Carpenter. “This month we had Rick LaRue and Noriko Donahue playing the violin and keyboard respectively. They were both very talented and shared a variety of musical styles.”

Nursing Homes Swing is sponsored by Better Living, BAMA Works & Church of Our Saviour.

African American Heritage Center Hosts Monthly Genealogy Research Opportunities

Online databases like Ancestry.com and television programs like Henry Louis Gates’ Finding Your Roots have caused the number of people who research their familial histories to grow considerably. Often, however, getting started on research projects seems to be a daunting enterprise. The Isabella Gibbons Local History, located in the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, provides educational opportunities for those who are interested in genealogy research.

Beginning on May 24, 2014 10 am -1 pm, the Center will offer its first of two classes led by Jean Cooper, Genealogical Resource Specialist at the University of Virginia. The second class will be June 7 from 10 am – 1pm. Ms. Cooper’s presentations seek to introduce the beginner in genealogy to concepts such as what genealogy is, why people enjoy it, basic research guidelines, what resources to use, and gives some general advice for the genealogist. These presentations will also discuss how to use the U.S. Census in genealogical research, how newspapers can be useful in historical research, and what useful online resources are available for the genealogist.

As a result of a generous grant from BamaWorks, and support from Jefferson School Alumni and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, researchers who use the Isabella Gibbons Local History Center have access to five computers and three search engines: the full version of Ancestry.com, Heritage Quest, and African American newspapers.

Additionally, on each third Saturday of the month a member of the Burke, Brown Steppe chapter is available from 10 am -12 pm to help genealogists overcome research hurdles. The Isabella Gibbons Local History Center is open to the public Tuesday – Saturday. To use the space, contact Heritage Center staff at admin@virginia.edu.

Common Ground Holds Silent Meditation 10 Week Workshop

Every Wednesday, May 14 through July 9, 2014, Asha Greer will offer a series of meditations at Common Ground Healing Arts, 7:00-8:00pm. Drop-ins and regular attendees are welcome. Each week a different meditation practice will be presented and time provided to answer questions about meditation practice.

These evenings give an opportunity for those who like sitting practice or would like to train to enjoy its benefits.There will be some guidance for beginners and people who love to sit are encouraged to attend to bring compassion into the space as well as to dive into the joy of silent communion.

Asha Greer is a founding member of Lama Foundation, a grandmother, nurse, painter, and senior Sufi Ruhaniat teacher who teaches workshops internationally as well as solitary retreats. A practicing artist, she has created a deck of meditation cards from paintings she has done as well as a book illustrating each day of a forty day retreat.

American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Offered at Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center

On Saturdays June 14 and June 21 Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center will be hosting babysitter training for youth from 11-15 years old. This training will prepare participants to supervise children, toddlers, and infants, select safe toys and avoid safety hazards, as well as provide basic first aid for common injuries like bee stings, burns, choking, and cuts. The training will also prepare participants to communicate with adults and proper etiquette for babysitting interviews.

Each session runs from 9:00am-4:00pm and registration is required and limited to 10 participants per session and classes fill up fast. For more information or to register, call 434-657-7009.

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!

Vinegar Hill Cafe Welcomes New Staff Member, Latasha Mathews

Latasha Mathews, aka Nicky, started at Vinegar Hill Cafe about six weeks ago and enjoys her new role at the cafe at the Jefferson School City Center, in customer service. “I like the people and I like that it’s a nonprofit and I’m working for a greater cause,” said Mathews. Mathews, a Charlottesville native and a graduate of Monticello High school, also works at Staples as a Sales Associate and spends what little spare time she has with her son, eight-year-old Jabril.

“He’s finishing second grade at Red Hill Elementary,” Mathews said, adding that Jabril’s an enthusiastic basketball and soccer player.  She also volunteers with her church, Free Union Baptist Church, in their soup kitchen and at fundraising events. When she has time to herself, she likes to head to the casinos to work on her Texas Hold ‘em skills. “My dream is to play in the World Series of Poker,” she explained.

Her long-term goals include going back to school full-time to finish her associate’s degree. “I want to get my degree in business management and open my own business,” adding that she’s interested in possibly opening a clothing or antique store. For now, she enjoys working at Vinegar Hill Cafe and helping out at events like it’s Chillin’ and Grillin’ event on first Thursdays. On June 5 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm Chillin’ and Grillin’ will feature live music and barbeque chicken and ribs fresh from the grill.

JABA Hosts “Commonwealth Coordinate Care” Info Session at Jefferson School City Center

The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) at JABA has announced two Charlottesville Town Hall Meetings to answer questions about the new Commonwealth Coordinate Care (CCC) program now being introduced by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Representatives of the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and the three insurance plans will be on hand to provide information about the program, its benefits and coverage.

Both sessions take place Thursday, May 29, 2014 at the Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th Street NW, Charlottesville, VA  22903. Sessions will be held in the lower level multi-purpose room; use Carver Recreation entrance.

SESSION A: 10:00am-12:00pm: For those receiving full Medicare-Medicaid benefits, their families and advocates

SESSION B: 12:00pm-2:00pm: For health care and service providers

Commonwealth Coordinated Care (CCC) is a new program that seeks to better coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits for those individuals receiving both. CCC is designed to combine the same benefits as regular Medicare and Medicaid under one health plan with one insurance card. CCC also offers extra benefits not currently available through regular Medicare and Medicaid.

The new CCC plans will roll out in the greater Charlottesville area in August. Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries will be automatically enrolled unless they act to opt out. Providers will also be affected due to changes in the billing system. Enrollees and providers can expect to receive a letter explaining the changes.

To request special accessibility or other accommodations please email CCC@dmas.virginia.gov by May 21, 2014. For more information call JABA at (434) 817-5222.

Still Room in Kofi Busia Workshop May 16-18 at Common Ground

Kofi Busia is one of the world’s foremost teachers in Iyengar yoga tradition. He has been teaching for nearly 40 years and has held his Advance Certificate for 35 years. He has taught all over the world. He began yoga as a student at Oxford and has taught professionally ever since.

His workshop this weekend, held at Common Ground Healing Arts, features a series of asanas (workshops focused on body positions) and pranayamas (workshops focusing on the breath). The entire weekend package is $220 and $170 for asanas only (individual workshops are also available for purchase). Registration is available online.

All proceeds from this workshop will benefit Common Ground’s outreach programming. A limited number of props are available, so please feel free to bring your own mats and props if desired.

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 Kofi Busia May 16-18 for Workshop

Kofi Busia is one of the world’s foremost teachers in Iyengar yoga tradition and Common Ground welcomes him to the Jefferson School City Center. He has been teaching for nearly 40 years and has held his Advance Certificate for 35 years. He has taught all over the world. He began yoga as a student at Oxford and has taught professionally ever since.

His workshop, held at Common Ground Healing Arts, features a series of asanas (workshops focused on body positions) and pranayamas (workshops focusing on the breath). The entire weekend package is $220 and $170 for asanas only (individual workshops are also available for purchase). Registration is available online.

All proceeds from this workshop will benefit Common Ground’s outreach programming. A limited number of props are available, so please feel free to bring your own mats and props if desired.

Sign up for New Tutor Training with Literacy Volunteers

Literacy Volunteers still has space available for its New Tutor Training on May 17, 2014, from 9:30am-4:00pm at the Jefferson School. Anyone interested in working one-on-one with adults in our community to help them improve their skills at reading, writing, and speaking English is strongly encouraged to register for this training. No experience required, just a desire to help others improve their lives. Call 434-977-3838 to register or visit literacyforall.org for more information.

Dismantling Jim Crow, 1954-1974 at African American Heritage Center Next Week

2014 is a significant year as it marks the anniversaries of three important events in America’s history–the settling of the landmark court case Brown vs. Board of Education, the passing of the Civil Rights Act, and the advent of the Boston busing riots. From May 12-May 14 the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center will look at these events through three films and a conversation with Mildred W. Robinson, Henry L. and Grace Doherty Charitable Foundation Professor of Law at the University of Virginia, who will discuss her book Law Touched Our Hearts: A Generation Remembers Brown v. Board of Education.

On May 12 at 5:30pm Separate But Equal  (1991) will be shown. This mini-series is based on the groundbreaking Brown vs. the Board of Education case. The film follows a young Thurgood Marshall (Sidney Poitier) as a lawyer who argues the racially charged lawsuit before the Supreme Court. Marshall’s opponent is John W. Davis (Burt Lancaster) and the two argue passionately and eloquently before a Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Earl Warren (Richard Kiley). Separate But Equal is a moving and human dramatization of one of the most pivotal court cases in American history.Suggested donation $5.00

On May 13 at  6:30 pm A Class Apart (2009) will be shown.This film focuses on the landmark 1951 legal case Hernandez v. Texas, in which an underdog band of Mexican Americans from Texas bring a case all the way to the Supreme Court – and win. The film begins with a murder in a gritty small-town cantina and follows the legal journey of the Hernandez lawyers through the Texas courts and ultimately to the United States Supreme Court.

Closing out the series on May 14 at 6:00 pm is Can We Talk? Learning from Boston’s Busing/Desegregation Crisis (2012). The Boston busing crisis (1974–1988) was a series of protests and riots that occurred in Boston, Massachusetts in response to the passing of the 1965 Racial Imbalance Act, which ordered public schools in the state to desegregate. The legislation provoked outrage from white Bostonians and led to widespread protests and violent public disturbances. The conflict lasted for over a decade and contributed to a demographic shift in Boston public schools, with dramatically fewer students enrolling in public schools and more white families sending their children to private schools instead. Suggested donation $5.00.

Following the film at 7:00pm will be a discussion with Mildred W. Robinson about her book Law Touched Our Hearts: A Generation Remembers Brown v. Board of Education. For the book, Robinson and her co-editors surveyed 4750 law professors born between 1936 and 1954, received 1000 responses, and derived forty essays from those willing to write personal accounts of their childhood experiences in the classroom and in their communities. Their moving stories of how Brown affected them say much about race relations then and now. They also provide a picture of how social change can shape the careers of an entire generation in one profession.

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!

JABA Members Share Stories with Local Students

Ten eighth-grade students from Saint Anne’s-Belfield (STAB) interviewed seniors at the Jefferson Area Board for Aging’s Mary Williams Community Center last week, according to NBC 29. The students are studying the civil rights era in their history class and partnered with the Piedmont Housing Alliance (PHA) to put together the oral history project. It’s the first time this undertaking has been a part of PHA’s Fair Housing Month.

The students’ questions focused on access to equal housing in Charlottesville during the days of segregation.Caleigh Weis and Audrey Strong sat down with 80-year-old Julia Jones to record her story. “To hear the emotion from her and the opinions and experiences are better than just the facts in books,” said Strong.

“We had five members participate in the project,” explained Mary Williams Community Center Activities Assistant Karen Beiber, who helped coordinate the project with STAB and PHA. .

“Our program really helps people get access to housing, so it’s very much an issue today just as it was back in the ’60s,” said Marguerite David, PHA fair housing program manager. “It’s still an active issue having people have equal access to housing.”

STAB students will copy the recordings and transcribe these interviews for PHA and the seniors to keep as a record of housing history in Charlottesville. PHA hopes to make this oral history project part of fair housing month every year.

Sign up for New Tutor Training with Literacy Volunteers

Literacy Volunteers still has space available for its New Tutor Training on May 17, 2014, from 9:30am-4:00pm at the Jefferson School. Anyone interested in working one-on-one with adults in our community to help them improve their skills at reading, writing, and speaking English is strongly encouraged to register for this training. No experience required, just a desire to help others improve their lives. Call 434-977-3838 to register or visit literacyforall.org for more information.

Celebrate Spring with Curtis Morton at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center

This Saturday at 2pm local dahlia expert Curtis Morton will share his knowledge of these perennial flowers. in the Isabella Gibbons Local History Center inside the African American Heritage Center. Dahlias were found in Mexico by Spaniards during the 16th century.Morton will teach attendees how to plant, care-for and even eat their flowers, leaves, and roots. This event is free and open to the public.

Carver Recreation Center Hosts Mother/Son Dance Next Weekend

Carver Recreation Center invites mothers and sons to its Mother/Son dance on May 9, 6:30-8:30pm. The cost is $10 per couple. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. Register online (activity number 270400-01) or call 434-970-3053.

The Parks & Recreation Summer Guide is also now available online and at Carver Rec and registration is open for spring and summer classes.

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 Gives Away 80 Books for World Book Night

On April 23, Literacy Volunteers joined over 25,000 volunteers from Kodiak to Key West in giving away half a million free books across America. Literacy Volunteers stationed their giveaway at Vinegar Hill Café at the Jefferson School and, with the help of tutors and other volunteers, distributed 80 copies of When I was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago.

“Many of our students are learning to read for very practical reasons—to get better jobs, help their children with homework, and understand official forms and documents. But we hope along the way our students also gain a love of reading and we’re pleased to be part of a worldwide event designed to do just that,” said Executive Director Ellen Osborne.

World Book Night (WBN) involves volunteer book lovers promoting reading by going into their communities and handing out free copies of books selected by WBN to appeal to light or non-habitual readers. WBN takes place on Shakespeare’s birthday and is in its third year in the U.S., after launching in the United Kingdom in 2011. The WBN book picks are by a wide array of award-winning and bestselling adult and YA authors, as well as classics, books in Spanish, and books in Large Print.

Martha Jefferson Accepting Unwanted Medications and 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, April 26 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, located at the Jefferson School City 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.

Women’s Initiative Hosts Variety of On-Site Workshops, Walk-in Hours

The Women’s Initiative hosts several workshops throughout the week to support women’s health and well-being. For example, on Thursdays from 3:00-5:00pm, a knitting group, “Knit Now – Learn How,” meets with facilitator Susan Schiffer at the Living Room (1101 E. High Street). New and experienced knitters are encouraged to join the group free of charge. Knitting help and supplies are provided.

Also offered at The Living Room on Fridays, from 12:00-1:00pm is an hour of silent meditation led by Kirsten Franke, LCSW. Participants are invited to meditate or sit in quiet meditation for the full hour or fifteen-minute intervals.

In addition to its workshops, The Women’s Initiative holds regular walk-in hours at the Jefferson School City Center on Tuesdays from 9:00am-12:00pm and at its main office (1101 E. High Street) on Wednesdays from 2:00-5:00pm. During walk-in hours, one-on-one sessions with a counselor are available free of charge for immediate, short-term assistance with eligibility screenings, self-care assessment and planning, referral services and education, as well as emotional support.

Yoga for Neck & Shoulders Workshop at Common Ground May 3

Tension and pain in the neck and shoulders can be produced by stress, computer work, and sleeping position, among other things. Even yoga practice can be a contributing factor. Suitable for all levels of experience, Common Ground‘s workshop will look at the structural alignment of the head, neck, and shoulders within the framework of yoga asana.

Cynthia Woordring, RYT, will be leading the class.Woodring has been teaching yoga since 1995 and is a 500-Hour Level Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. Known for teaching with precision and eloquence, Cynthia has a creative and authentic teaching style and often weaves a discourse into her classes. Her practice is informed by a variety of methods including Integral, Iyengar, and Anusara styles. She offers a safe and supportive environment suitable for all levels of experience.

The workshop will be held at Common Ground on Saturday, May 3 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and the cost is $30.00.

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!

Literacy Volunteers’ Wordplay Delights and Challenges for the Seventh Year

On Wednesday night, nearly 400 team members, scorekeepers, and audience members filled the Paramount Theater for a night of trivia in support of Literacy Volunteers’ mission to provide free one-on-one tutoring for adults learning English or working to improve their basic literacy. For the seventh year, game-maker Debra Weiss delivered another batch of challenging and amusing rounds, including a spelling bee, zoomed-in shots of everyday objects and famous people, and movie clips featuring famous dance scenes.

“It was a great success,” said Literacy Volunteers Executive Director Ellen Osborne. “It’s wonderful to see so many teams come back year after year as well as lots of new faces.” The winning team was C-ville Weekly’s “C-villains,” who went head-to-head with the Daily Progress’s team, “Spellbound,” to break a tie and win the game. Greene County Schools’ “Dominating Dragons” took home third place honors. Additionally, the “Walmart Wizards” won for best costume and Murray High School‘s “Franks, Cents, Gold, and Murray” won for best team name.

Though Wordplay is Literacy Volunteers’ main fundraiser, the organization is not taking the week off. On April 23, 2014, Literacy Volunteers will join in World Book Night by giving away books at Vinegar Hill Café from 4:00-5:00pm to light and non-readers.

“We are thrilled to be part of this wonderful event. Many of our students are learning to read for very practical reasons—to get better jobs, help their children with homework, and understand official forms and documents. But we hope along the way our students also gain a love of reading and this event emphasizes just that,” said Osborne.

“We hope community members can join us in this celebration of the written word,” said Osborne. “It should be a relaxing event where avid readers can introduce new readers to wonderful books.” LVCA staff and volunteers will be giving away copies of When I was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago. This event is free and open to the public.

Neck & Shoulder Massage for Couples at Common Ground Saturday

Massage can be a great way for couples to promote relaxation and health in each other. Under the guidance of Rosa Nicholosi, RN and a massage therapist, participants attending Common Ground’s Neck & Shoulder Massage Workshop will learn basic neck and shoulder massage skills to share with a fully clothed friend or partner. Each person will need to register separately and pay the class fee.The class is April 19, 2014 from 2:00-4:00pm and costs $30.00 per person.

Rosa Nicholosi provides transformative bodywork to support individuals’ self-healing abilities. Responsive to her students’ needs, she incorporates a range of modalities into each session, including Integrative Acupressure, Craniosacral balancing, Lymph clearing, and Reflexology.

YMCA Accepting Registration for Kindercamp & Summer Camp programs

Registration is underway for the general public for the YMCA’s Kindercamp and Summer Camp program. Both summer camps run June 23-August 15th, from 7 am to 6 pm.  YMCA Summer Camp will be at Grier Elementary School serving children ages 6 to 14 years of age.  Kindercamp will be in the YMCA Intergenerational Learning Center at the Jefferson school and will serve only children who will be entering Kindergarten this fall.

The early bird deadline is April 25, which includes a discounted tuition rate for summer camp and free registration and shirt for Kindercamp. Financial assistance that is available for those that qualify as well as a 15% military discount.   Tuition rates for Summer Camp are $155 a week and include two days of swimming and an additional field trip.  Kindercamp is $165 and includes meals, splash parks, and field trips.  You can find an application and information at www.piedmontymca.org.

Soul Food Junkies Screening at African American Heritage Center

In celebration of Earth Day, the JSAAHC will screen the film Soul Food Junkies on April 22 at 6pm, followed by a conversation with Dr. Leni Sorensen that will explore food, from the ground to the table.

In Soul Food Junkies, filmmaker Byron Hurt explores the soul food tradition and its relevance to black cultural identity. Through candid interviews with soul food cooks, historians, and scholars, as well as with doctors, family members, and everyday people, the film puts this culinary tradition under the microscope to examine both its positive and negative consequences. Hurt also explores the socioeconomic conditions in predominantly black neighborhoods, where it can be difficult to find healthy food options.

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!