Drums & “Swingin’ Senegal” Lecture at Mary Williams Community Center

Last Friday, JABA’s Mary Williams Community Center was filled with tapping feet and smiles as members enjoyed an afternoon with Bruce Penner, a local musician, who shared his knowledge of music along with a drumming demonstration for JABA members. Penner shared his knowledge of the roots of modern American music.

“We listened to tracks of music ranging from tribal drum beats to blues to swing,” said Kelly Carpenter, Mary Williams Community Center Manager, adding that Penner also traced the routes music traveled from Africa to America. Following his talk, Penner led the group through a drum workshop, helping them to experience the rhythms he’d described to them. “During the workshop everyone had the opportunity to drum. Bruce was able to bring enough instruments for everyone…ranging from bells to drums to a five-gallon bucket,” Carpenter added.

Carpenter hopes this is the first in a potential series of workshops for JABA members. “We are especially hopeful about opportunities that would allow our members to learn or experience something new,” she said.

Literacy Volunteers’ Wordplay Event April 16 at The Paramount Theater

Net week, Literacy Volunteers’ will host its annual trivia fundraiser, Wordplay, on April 16 at 7pm at the Paramount Theater on the downtown mall. Nearly 40 teams already signed up for the event, which features trivia on a variety of topics such as popular culture, history, and literature.

“This is our main fundraiser so it’s critical we have a great turnout so we can keep providing free tutoring in literacy to adults in our community who need the help,” said Executive Director Ellen Osborne. Individual tickets are still available at $20.00 a person, either online, at the LVCA office, or the Paramount Theater box office. For more information or to buy a ticket, go to literacyforall.org/wordplay.

Earl Gordon Exhibit and Street Charette at African American Heritage Center this Weekend

Tonight, the African American Heritage Center (AAHC) will hold a reception in honor of its newest exhibit, “Earl Gordon: Art History Remix.” The reception will last from 6-8pm and Gordon will speak about his work at 7pm. Gordon’s work explores the intersection of modern Western art and African Art through a series of collages. The twenty collages in the exhibit are marked by both biographical references to Gordon’s life as well as relationships to other artists. They often feature angular points that direct the viewer from area of the image to the next. Some critics have compared his work to a visual form of jazz improvisation.

The exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the Blue Moon Fund and Albemarle Magazine and will be on display through June 30.

On Saturday, the AAHC will host a Charette from 10am-2pm in its auditorium. A charette is a design-focused collaboration or workshop, and the goal of Saturday’s event is to brainstorm potential points of interest in order to create a comprehensive African American Heritage Trail in Charlottesville and Albemarle county. Community members can drop by any time between 10am and 2pm to share their ideas and stories about what sites should be included on the trail.

Carver Recreation Center Celebrates Successful Flea Market, Spring Break Camp

“Our Flea Market was great,” said Dan Carpenter, Carver Recreation Center Manager said, indicating that in addition to plenty of shoppers heading into Carver Rec on March 29, but also that vendor space was entirely sold out. “We will definitely do this again, probably in the fall,” he added.

Carver Rec also welcomed 101 spring break campers last week. “Highlights included a fishing fair on Wednesday at Quarry park,” said Erica Goode, City of Charlottesville Recreation Manager. “Campers fished in the creek and caught close to two dozen fish. They also hiked, played, and did arts and crafts as well.” Campers also went swimming at Smith Aquatic Center and enjoyed a day at the movies at Stonefield during the camp..

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!

Culinary Arts Info Sessions at Jefferson School City Center

Piedmont Virginia Community College is hosting information sessions about its Culinary Arts associate degree program. The free sessions will be held at the PVCC Jefferson School Center location, 233 Fourth St. NW, in downtown Charlottesville on the following dates:

• Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. in room J111

• Monday, April 14, 4 p.m. in room J112

• Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. in room J111

Attendance is required at one of the sessions for any new student interested in beginning PVCC’s Culinary Arts degree program. The session will cover class descriptions, tips for success in the program, student materials and supplies, and instructions for meeting with a Culinary Arts faculty member to register for classes. Attendees will tour PVCC’s culinary teaching facilities, meet Associate Professor of Culinary Arts Eric Breckoff, and meet students currently enrolled in the program.

Graduates of the new culinary arts program will be prepared for entry-level jobs as caterers, chefs, food service managers, bakers, and more. The program includes credit classes in food preparation, foodservice management, nutrition, safety and sanitation, and hospitality industry computer systems. See www.pvcc.edu/culinary for more information or contact Marya Choby, CTE coordinator, atmchoby@pvcc.edu or 434.961.5358.

Summer/Fall Internships Available at African American Heritage Center

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center (JSAAHC ) offers internships to promising high school rising juniors, seniors, undergraduates, graduate students or career changers who are considering employment in the arts, history, education, nonprofit management and promotions, and marketing. Through administrative and project-based activities, interns have the opportunity to research and develop programs and initiatives that advance the Heritage Center’s mission.

Interns will get the opportunity to work directly on programming, interact with other resident organizations at the Jefferson School, and learn more about Charlottesville’s history and the culture of African Diaspora peoples.

With the exception of the Pauline Oberdorfer Minor Local History Internship, our internships are unpaid. During summer sessions, interns are expected to commit 15-20 hours per week during a 10-week cycle beginning June 16 and continuing through August 25, 2014.  Fall session interns are expected to commit 15-20 hours per week during a 10-week cycle beginning September 2 and ending December 5, 2014.

To obtain an application or for more information email director@jeffschoolheritagecenter.org. The deadline for applications is April 21, 2014.

Literacy Volunteers’ Wordplay Event April 16 at The Paramount Theater

Only 12 days until Literacy Volunteers’ annual trivia fundraiser, Wordplay, and LVCA staff, board, and volunteers are busy with promotions and organizing the 40 teams already signed up for the event.

“This is our main fundraiser so it’s critical we have a great turnout so we can keep providing free tutoring in literacy to adults in our community who need the help,” said Executive Director Ellen Osborne. Many teams, such as Albemarle Baking Company, Piedmont Virginia Community College, and UVA Credit Union, have participated in the event every year for the past seven years. “We’re thrilled so many teams enjoy coming out for a night of trivia and fun in support of literacy,” explained Osborne. “We’re also excited about new groups who are getting into the game this year, such as McCallum & Kudravetz law firm, HelioSage Energy, and the Junior League Sustainers.”

The event kicks off at the Paramount Theater at 7pm on the 16th and individuals can cheer on their favorite teams for $20 a ticket. During the evening, teams of three compete answering trivia questions featuring subjects such as vocabulary, pop culture, history, literature, music, and more. For more information, to form a team, or to buy a ticket, go to literacyforall.org/wordplay.

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 Trains 13 New Tutors

On Saturday, March 22, Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville / Albemarle (LVCA) Program Director Deanne Foerster welcomed thirteen new tutors to LVCA’s crew of volunteers who work one-on-one with adults in the community. Foerster explained to the group that LVCA serves adults seeking support in basic literacy as well as many who seek to learn English as a second language. Foerster led the group through several activities to help them see the importance of being a good listener, expressing empathy, and engaging students actively in the learning process.

“I was surprised by all the resources available to the tutors and tutees,” said Amaury Vaillant-Baez, one of the new recruits. She, along with all new tutors, are provided with a base book to use as a resource for their practice with their students. More resources are available for loan in the LVCA library.

Like many new tutors Vaillant-Baez, a Legal Administrator at University of Virginia Investment Management Company, was looking for a way to give back to the community. “I had been charging for French lessons before I started working full-time,” she explained. “But since I no longer needed that source of income, I wanted to volunteer in empowering a population who really needed it.”

Foerster will be busy matching tutors and students over the next week or two, but emphasizes that demand always outpaces supply. “We never have to advertise for students. They find us and we do our best to help them as effectively as we can,” she said. Right now, 30 students are waiting for tutors, so even with thirteen new tutors trained, some students will continue to wait to be matched.

“Fortunately we have a variety of computer-based educational programs for our students on the wait-list,” explained Executive Director Ellen Osborne. “We also have drop-in conversation classes for students to practice speaking English with others. But we definitely need more tutors to meet demand.”

The next tutor training will be May 17, 2014. To register call 434-977-3838 or learn more at literacyforall.org.

From Jackson 5ive to Boondocks: African Americans in Animation in the Post Civil Rights Era at African American Heritage Center

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center will host its first Heritage Center at the Edge Symposium series entitled From Jackson 5ive to Boondocks: African Americans in Animation in the Post Civil Rights Era. The symposium will feature youth and adult classes, as well as lectures from experts in the field of animation on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29. On Friday at 6pm Dr. Richard Breaux of Colorado State University and Dr. Carmenita Higginbotham of UVA will speak.

On Saturday afternoon at 1:30 Dr. Christopher Lehman of St. Cloud University will speak. Keynote speaker artist Bruce Smith, one of the few Black animators working in the industry and supervising animator for Disney’s Princess and the Frog, will talk at 2:30pm. Smith has worked on such films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Tarzan, The Emperors New Groove, and the TV show, The Proud Family. Smith will discuss his experiences and projects over the course of the last 30 years. Reception to follow the keynote address.

Ticket purchase and more information on classes and speakers can be found here.

Parking available in the Jefferson School City Center parking lot.

Carver Recreation Center to Present Indoor Flea Market

Charlottesville Parks & Recreation will present the Carver Flea Market on Saturday, March 29 from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm at Carver Recreation Center at the Jefferson School.  Modeled on a traditional outdoor yard sale, but taking place inside, admission to the event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Carver Recreation Center at (434) 970-3053.

Common Ground Celebrates Spring Festival this weekend

Common Ground will host its second annual donation-based Spring Wellness Festival Friday through Sunday, March 28-30, 2014. This three day event features an inspiring schedule of classes and lectures by area experts in holistic health. From yoga to parenting to herbal medicine, Common Ground’s Spring Wellness Festival has something to support everyone’s wellbeing. All sessions will take place at Common Ground’s anchor location in the Jefferson School City Center. All donations go directly to benefit equal access to the healing arts through Common Ground. Advance registration is encouraged. Onsite parking is 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!

Carver Recreation Center to Present Indoor Flea Market

Charlottesville Parks & Recreation will present the Carver Flea Market on Saturday, March 29 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.

Vendor space is still available.  Vendor applications are available at Carver Recreation Center, or online at www.charlottesville.org/parksandrec.  Spaces 6’ x 8’ (approx.) and are $15 each.

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

Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center Offers Free Blood Sugar Screenings

As part of the American Diabetes Association’s Alert Day, Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center will be holding free blood sugar screenings on a drop-in basis on March 25, 2014, 10:00am to 6:00pm. No fasting is required. For more information, call 434-654-7009.

Lecture and Demonstration with Bill Cole Untempered Quartet at AAHC

In keeping with the Heritage Center’s desire to trace the movement of black music, the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center is partnering with the Charlottesville Jazz Society and the University of Virginia Arts Administration program to present a lecture/demonstration with jazz musicians Bill Cole, Lisa Mezzacappa, Lisette Santiago, and Ras Moche on March 26 at 4:30pm in the AAHC auditorium. This event is the first time that these artists will rehearse together. For viewers it is a rare opportunity to partake in an improvisational moment in an artist’s life.

Bill Cole, a talented jazz musician with a penchant for using non-Western instruments such as the didgeridoo, Ghanaian bamboo flute, and Tibetan trumpet, is well known in the music world for his innovative and masterful blending of diverse musical traditions. He is a recent emeriti professor of Syracuse University, and has authored books about jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

Lisa Mezzacappa‘s music spans the vast terrain between free improvisation, contemporary composition, and creative jazz. She leads many of her own celebrated bands. Lisette Santiago is a multi-instrumentalist who started singing at the age of four and was accepted into the Children’s Metropolitan Company at age nine. Ras Moche began leading his own ensembles in 1987 and enjoys playing in Reggae groups. He is a seven-year member of Bill Cole’s Untempered Ensemble and believes in the positive effect that Jazz will have on social change. This event is free and open to the public.

Common Ground Celebrates Spring Festival at End of March

Common Ground will host its second annual donation-based Spring Wellness Festival Friday through Sunday, March 28-30, 2014. This three day event features an inspiring schedule of classes and lectures by area experts in holistic health. From yoga to parenting to herbal medicine, Common Ground’s Spring Wellness Festival has something to support everyone’s wellbeing. All sessions will take place at Common Ground’s anchor location in the Jefferson School City Center.  All donations go directly to benefit equal access to the healing arts through Common Ground. Advance registration is encouraged. Onsite parking is available.

Tickets on Sale for Literacy Volunteers Spring “Wordplay” Event

Wordplay is the annual fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/ Albemarle, which provides free one-on-one tutoring in basic literacy and English as a second language to adults. Each spring, businesses and organizations team up against one another for a trivia competition based on vocabulary, pop culture, history, and literature.  This year Wordplay will be on April 16 at the Paramount theater, and audience tickets are $20. The audience is encouraged to play along while cheering on their favorite teams.

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!

YMCA Kindercamp Registration Starts Soon

For the first time, the Y at the Jefferson School will offer Kindercamp this summer at the Jefferson School City Center. The program is exclusively for children entering kindergarten in the fall. “This is a licensed camp that will be offered June 23 through August 15,” explained Early Childhood Director Michelle Ryan. Parents can sign their children up for a week of camp or multiple weeks–whatever fits their summer plans.

“Once a week we’ll go down to the Spray Park for water play, and we’ll also take weekly field trips to places like the Green Adventure Project and Safari Park,” Ryan said. Each week will also feature a different theme such as “Born to be Wild,” “Get Your Game On,” and “The Final Countdown.”

Registration will begin in April and open to current YMCA parents first. The cost is $165.00/week and financial assistance is available.

Fitness and Safety Extravaganza at Jefferson School Saturday March 8

Carver Recreation Center and Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center are partnering to throw a Fitness and Safety Extravaganza at the Jefferson School on March 8 from 10:00am-2:00pm. This family-friendly event will feature games, fitness activities, a bike rodeo, poison and fire prevention tips, and healthy food. Jackie Martin, Director of Community Benefit for Martha Jefferson especially encourages youth to try out classes they may not have tried before, such as yoga, karate, hip hop dance, tumbling, etc. She also encourages visitors to the Extravaganza to take advantage of the free CPR classes that will be offered.

African American Heritage Center Brings Comedian Darryl Littleton to Town

Darryl Littleton, author of Black Comedians on Black Comedy, Comediennes: Laugh be a Lady, and executive producer of Robert Townsend’s documentary,Why We Laugh will be performing at the African American Heritage Center on Wednesday, March 12. Doors open at 7pm event starts at 7:30 pm and tickets are $12.00 and $10.00 for students or seniors.

According to Fresh Fiction, Darryl Littleton began his career writing and performing radio sketches for “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” on CBS Radio. Since then, he has honed his stand-up skills and worked with other comedy stars, including Andrew Dice Clay, Eddie Griffin, George Wallace, Carlos Mencía, and Damon Wayans.

This event is made possible through the generous support of the Blue Moon Fund, Hampton Inn and Suites and WUVA 92.7

Literacy Volunteers Offers Tutor Training March 22

On Saturday, March 22, Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Ablemarle (LVCA) will host its second 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 March 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!

Meet Literacy Volunteers Tutor Gail Rubin and her student Pamela

In Gail Rubin’s six years at Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville / Albemarle (LVCA), she’s worked with students from around the world, including Afghanistan, Tibet, Russia, South Korea, and most recently Chile. Her experience is not unusual—this year, Literacy Volunteers tutors at the Jefferson School City Center have worked with students from 38 countries.

Rubin decided to pair her love of languages with a desire to help adults and maybe even brush up on her Spanish skills. “I have found, of course, that it is not at all necessary to have the student’s language,” she said, indicating that it is just now—after six years with LVCA—that she is working with a Spanish-speaking student. Her student is Pamela, a young woman from Argentina who is here while her husband pursues his PhD in astronomy at UVa.

Gail’s love of language stems from her college years, majoring in French and living abroad in France and Germany.  She and her husband Steven traveled extensively as sailors for many years, exploring the waters around their summer cabin in Nova Scotia.  These explorations nurtured her curiosity about other cultures as well as her empathy for individuals in the United States navigating a foreign language.

Gail started working with Pamela last year and both women enjoy their time together. “I have friends, but Latin friends,” Pamela explained, indicating that she doesn’t have the opportunity to speak English regularly in her daily life. “Literacy Volunteers is my place. It is where I can speak English, only English.” In addition to twice weekly meetings with Gail, Pamela also attends one of LVCA’s conversation groups at the Jefferson School City Center.

“Pamela’s very committed to learning English while she’s here,” added Gail. “She knows how to study and she’ll take materials home and review vocabulary or whatever we worked on by herself. I’ve also had the occasion to invite her and her husband to the house, and just be social. We’re friends, and that’s fun.”

The next volunteer training opportunity for individuals who want to become LVCA tutors is on March 22, 2014. For more information, call 977-3838.

The Women’s Initiative Hosts Mindfulness Journaling 

From March 10-April 21, The Women’s Initiative will be hosting a Mindful Journaling Group on Mondays, 12:00-1:00pm at its High Street location (1101 E. High Street, Suite A). Each meeting of the group will feature a period of mindfulness meditation, followed by opportunities to respond to journal prompts that will help the writer feel grounded in the present moment and connected to herself as a writer and woman. No experience in meditation or writing is necessary; simply bring a willingness to relax, breathe, and spend time writing in fellowship with others. Lisa Ellison, Ed.S, NCC, and TWI Clinician will facilitate the sessions. This is a drop-in group. Please call in advance or for more information: 434-872-0047.

Fitness and Safety Extravaganza at Jefferson School Saturday March 8

Carver Recreation Center and Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center are partnering to throw a Fitness and Safety Extravaganza at the Jefferson School on March 8 from 10:00am-2:00pm. This family-friendly event will feature games, fitness activities, a bike rodeo, poison and fire prevention tips, and healthy food.

Comedian Darryl Littleton at African American Heritage Center

Darryl Littleton, author of Black Comedians on Black Comedy, Comediennes: Laugh be a Lady, and executive producer of Robert Townsend’s documentary,Why We Laugh will be performing at the African American Heritage Center on Wednesday, March 12. Doors open at 7pm event starts at 7:30 pm and tickets are $12.00 and $10.00 for students or seniors.

According to Fresh Fiction, Darryl Littleton began his career writing and performing radio sketches for “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” on CBS Radio. Since then, he has honed his stand-up skills and worked with other comedy stars, including Andrew Dice Clay, Eddie Griffin, George Wallace, Carlos Mencía, and Damon Wayans.

This event is made possible through the generous support of the Blue Moon Fund, Hampton Inn and Suites and WUVA 92.7

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!

Carver Recreation Center Entertains with Music, Gets Ready for National Geographic Explorer of the Year

Last week, the United States Air Force Band Heritage Brass played at the Carver Rec Center to a crowd of over 50 people. The brass quintet and percussionist played songs ranging from “The Star-Spangled Banner” to “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

“There was lots of great interaction between the audience and the band,” said Carver Recreation Center Manager Dan Carpenter. “They even stayed late and answered a lot of questions.”

The local American Legion Post 74 joined the group for the Presentation of Colors as Heritage Brass played the national anthem. The Heritage Brass tours around the region, performing for schools, hospitals, and other community organizations.

Next week at Carver Rec, on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, Jennifer Pharr Davis, 2012 National Geographic Explorer of the Year, will discuss her adventures on the Appalachian Trail. Davis completed the Appalachian Trail three times, and will be discussing her latest book, Called Again, which chronicles her 2011 record-breaking trek in which she completed the Appalachian Trail in 46 days.

This event is co-sponsored by the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library and the City of Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department. It is free and open to the public. The event begins at 7:00pm.

Common Ground Offers “Toning with Harmonic Crystal Bowls” Workshop

Next Friday, February 28, Common Ground Healing Arts will offer a workshop focused on helping participants reach a meditative state through creating harmonics with crystal bowls and song. This donation-based workshop will take place from 6:00-8:00pm and all donations will support the Prenatal and Postpartum Services at Common Ground. Melanie Gillette, who has been trained in Qigong, Soundwork, Plant Energetics and Buddhist and Taoist practices, will use her background in these areas to lead a powerful and transformative workshop.

Literacy Volunteers’ Wordplay Team Recruitment Underway

Literacy Volunteers is gearing up for its seventh annual “Wordplay” fundraising event. Wordplay, the ultimate live game show of cultural literacy, will be held at the Paramount Theater on April 16, 2014 at 7:00pm.

In Wordplay, teams of three compete by answering trivia questions featuring subjects such as vocabulary, pop culture, history, literature, music, and more. About forty businesses and private groups across Charlottesville and Albemarle county form teams each year to participate in the fun-filled game. Past teams have represented Albemarle Baking Company, Piedmont Virginia Community College, many local schools, and the UVA Community Credit Union.

“We already have many returning teams registered,” said Executive Director Ellen Osborne. “But we’re hoping to pack the house this year with a great mix of long-time supporters and folks who are new to the game.”

Those interested in forming a Wordplay team can visit www.literacyforall.org/wordplay to learn more and register for 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!

New to Yoga? Common Ground Instructor Barbara Germershausen Wants to Teach You

Barbara Germershausen is the first to admit that she may not be the right yoga instructor for you. Even so, she wants to talk to you. “I love getting my hands on a student who has never done yoga. That to me is what it’s about,” she said. “It hurts me to think that a student may go to a yoga class and feel it’s just not for them. It doesn’t mean yoga is not for them,” she said. She’s happy to direct students to other classes, studios, and teachers, if that means helping them connect with yoga.

Barbara is no stranger to the magic such a connection can spark—she spent much of her twenties trying to find the right yoga class before trying a session of Integral Yoga in Atlanta in the early 1980s. “They say when the student is ready, the teacher appears,” Germershausen said, explaining that she was initially drawn to yoga as a means to meditation. Her Integral Yoga class—a style that emphasizes the connection between mind, body, and spirit—did the trick. And, when her teacher said he was moving away, she was surprised when he suggested she lead the class in his stead.

“It was terrifying,” Germershausen admitted. “I couldn’t picture myself being in front of people.” However, she apprenticed for several years, and eventually started her own studio in Austin, Texas with her husband at the time, who was a martial arts teacher. “That is really where I honed my teaching skills,” she explained. She moved to Charlottesville in 1996 and taught at Living Yoga until it closed in 2002 when she began her own studio, Simply Yoga.

While she teaches regularly at her studio and for the City of Charlottesville, she was happy to join Common Ground’s mission when it began soliciting teachers at the Jefferson School City Center. “When I first started teaching yoga, it was hard for me to figure out what to charge and how to charge. It just felt to me like you can’t put a price on it,” she said, explaining that one of her teachers helped her see that class fees go to rent, electricity, and feeding the teacher so that she or he can come back and teach again. Germershausen decided early on to barter or offer discounted rates to anyone who couldn’t afford her classes—making her a perfect fit for Common Ground’s mission to provide access to the healing arts through sliding scale fees and donation-based offerings.

Currently, Germershausen teaches Gentle Chair Yoga through Common Ground in partnership with JABA’s Mary Williams Community Center. Two-thirds of the class is done from a seated position and one-third standing up, for those who are able to stand independently or using a walker.

For the yoga-curious, Germershausen suggests calling local studios and talking to instructors about the type of yoga they offer—she says many instructors, including herself, will allow new students to take a first class free to check it out.  And, she urges, don’t give up. “You don’t have to stand on your hands,” she said, indicating there’s a type of yoga for everyone, it’s just a matter of finding the style and teacher that works for you.

From Africa to Appalachia: An Evening with Cheick Hamala Diabate, Sammy Shelor, Danny Knicely and Friends

On Thursday, February 20th the African American Heritage Center, in partnership with the Virginia Folklife Program at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, will be hosting “From Africa to Appalachia,” an evening of music. Doors will open at 7:30 and the concert will begin at 8:00pm. The evening will trace the evolution of the 5-string banjo, among the very first truly American-born instruments,  to its roots from the lutes brought by enslaved Africans to the New World, most notably the West African n’goni and kora. It has been well argued that the European violin (fiddle) and African-derived banjo comprised “the first duet” in the New World, providing the cornerstone of American musical forms for centuries to come.

“From Africa to Appalachia” will take the n’goni and the banjo full circle, bringing together Grammy-nominated Master Malian Griot Cheick Hamala Diabate with Sammy Shelor, one of the most celebrated bluegrass banjoists of his generation.  Much acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Danny Knicely will join in, as well as numerous special guests, guaranteeing a memorable and powerful evening of music.Tickets available here.

Family and Friends CPR Saturday with Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center

Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center is hosting Family and Friends CPR workshops on Saturday, February 15 for those interested in learning CPR but do not need it for their job. Participants will learn CPR for adults, children, and infants; AED use in adults; and relief of choking in adults, children, and infants.

The workshops will be held at the Starr Hill Center from 10:00am-11:00am, 2:00pm-3:00pm, or 6:00-7:00pm. Participants must be 12-years-old or older, and registration is required and limited to ten participants per session.

For more information, and/or to register, call Martha Jefferson Health Connection at 434-654-7009 or 1-888-652-6663.

Mary Williams Community Center Walking Fundraiser in February

The JABA Mary Williams Community Center’s walking fundraiser is still going strong, with only a few more days in February left. During the fundraiser, community members, businesses, and organizations can sponsor a senior member’s efforts to reach his or her walking goal for the month. Funds raised will support the activities and services provided by the Center.

Members will commit to taking an intentional gentle walk for exercise each day they attend the Center during February. Members will also seek donation pledges from family and friends. The suggested donation is $1.00 for every five minutes walked. Flat donations are also accepted.

Community and business organizations are encouraged to “sponsor a week” of the fundraiser by contributing the suggested $1.00 for every five minutes walked per member during the week. Community members can sponsor a day using the same format.

“The Center is scheduled to be open 16 days during the month of February,” said Kelly Carpenter Mary Williams Community Center Manager. “and we hope to have over 1,000 minutes walked!” Carpenter and the rest of the staff are particularly excited about this fundraiser as it serves the dual purpose of raising needed funds and encouraging a daily exercise routine for members. Questions can be directed to Carpenter at kcarpenter@jabacares.org or 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!

Mary Williams Community Center Walking Fundraiser in February

This February, the JABA Mary Williams Community Center is hosting a “walk-a-thon” fundraiser at the Jefferson School City Center. Community members, businesses, and organizations can sponsor a senior member’s efforts to reach his or her walking goal for the month. Funds raised will support the activities and services provided by the Center.

Members will commit to taking an intentional gentle walk for exercise each day they attend the Center during February. Members will also seek donation pledges from family and friends. The suggested donation is $1.00 for every five minutes walked. Flat donations are also accepted.

Community and business organizations are encouraged to “sponsor a week” of the fundraiser by contributing the suggested $1.00 for every five minutes walked per member during the week. Community members can sponsor a day using the same format.

“The Center is scheduled to be open 16 days during the month of February,” said Kelly Carpenter Mary Williams Community Center Manager. “and we hope to have over 1,000 minutes walked!” Carpenter and the rest of the staff are particularly excited about this fundraiser as it serves the dual purpose of raising needed funds and encouraging a daily exercise routine for members. Questions can be directed to Carpenter at kcarpenter@jabacares.org or 434-987-8433.

Pancakes = Internships Tomorrow at Vinegar Hill Cafe

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center (AAHC) will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast at Vinegar Hill Cafe tomorrow (Feb 8) from 8:00am-1:00pm. The cost of the breakfast is $8.00 and includes pancakes, bacon, topping, and beverage.  A portion of the proceeds from the breakfast will go to support internships. The AAHC offers internships to promising rising High School juniors, seniors, undergraduates, graduate students or career changers who are considering careers in the arts, history, education, nonprofit management and promotions and marketing. Through administrative and project-based activities, interns have the opportunity to research, conceptualize and implement programs and initiative that advance the Heritage Center’s mission. The AAHC is currently taking application for Summer/Fall 2014 internships. Deadline to submit an application is April 21, 2014.  Email admin@jeffersonschoolheritagecenter.org to receive an application.

Family and Friends CPR with Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center

Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center is hosting Family and Friends CPR workshops on Saturday, February 15 for those interested in learning CPR but do not need it for their job. Participants will learn CPR for adults, children, and infants; AED use in adults; and relief of choking in adults, children, and infants.

The workshops will be held at the Starr Hill Center from 10:00am-11:00am, 2:00pm-3:00pm, or 6:00-7:00pm. Participants must be 12-years-old or older, and registration is required and limited to ten participants per session.

For more information, and/or to register, call Martha Jefferson Health Connection at 434-654-7009 or 1-888-652-6663.

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!

Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Center Kicks off Baby Basics Moms Club

On Tuesday evening, Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Center filled with the spicy scent of kabobs from Vinegar Hill Cafe and the sounds of chatter and laughter as moms-to-be and other community members attended the center’s kickoff for Baby Basics Moms’ Club. Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Center is part of the Jefferson School City Center.

“This program targets women who wouldn’t traditionally go to a childbirth education class. It’s a very informal drop-in club that gives them all of the information they need to know,” explained Jackie Martin, Director of Community Benefit for Martha Jefferson. “It’s not meant to replace prenatal care or childbirth classes, but we do talk about things like nutrition and preterm labor and we partner that with really fun topics, like packing for the hospital.”

Tuesday’s kickoff served as an informative session, with childbirth educators and staff on hand to answer questions and talk about the curriculum of the club. Club meetings will be held on first and third Tuesdays, starting in February, from 6:00-7:30pm and on the second and fourth Wednesdays, from 9:30-11:00am. The meetings are free and will be held at the Starr Hill Center. Free cab rides and limited babysitting services are also available for moms-to-be, if needed.

Martin stresses the importance of the club for new mothers who may not typically seek out prenatal or childbirth classes. “What we have found in our community is that many women are not accessing prenatal care and there is a huge disparity in infant mortality rates in African American women,” said Martin, adding that she hopes women use the club as supplemental to such care. The club meetings will begin with some informal conversation, followed by a presentation on a specific topic and a chance for women to talk to each other and ask questions of the childbirth educator facilitating the session. There will be snacks and free giveaways, such as diapers, at each session as well.

The Baby Basics Club is being launched in partnership with UVa Children’s Hospital Women’s Health Services. For more information call Martha Jefferson Health Connection at 434-654-7009 or visit marthajefferson.org.

Common Ground Offers Mid-Winter Yoga Immersion Series

Starting Friday, February 7, Common Ground Healing Arts will offer a four-week yoga series, with each week focusing on a different aspect of yoga. Beate Rose, M. Ed., an instructor trained in Vini-Yoga and Mindfulness Yoga, will lead the course. She also specializes in yoga for mood regulation and yoga for stress management.

The class meets every Friday through March 7, 2014 from noon to 1:00pm at Common Ground. The cost is $45.00 for the entire series or $13.00 to drop in to an individual session. Week one will focus on breath awareness; week two on  soothing visualizations; week three on pranayama techniques; and week four on energizing through sound and mudras.

Heritage of America Band Performs at Carver Rec February 11

Carver Recreation Center will be hosting the United states Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band for a free concert on February 11 from 7:00-8:30pm. The band was one of the original Army Air Corps bands, created during World War II. Based out of  Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA, it performs live concerts throughout the mid-Atlantic and on television.  The USAF Heritage of America Band has earned a variety of honors including eight Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, five Air Force Organizational Excellence Awards, and many other state and municipal proclamations. The concert 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!