Author: Jefferson School City Center

Finding meaningful work suited for individual personalities is the focus of The Women’s Initiative career development workshop on Saturday, June 1, 10 am to 2 pm at the Jefferson School City Center. “This workshop will go beyond basic skills,” said Eboni Bugg, Outreach Coordinator at The Women’s Initiative.  “While we primarily provide counseling at the Jefferson School City Center, our mission is empowerment of women in whatever form that takes.”

The workshop will feature Wendy M. Miller, a SPHR-Training and Career Development Specialist.  Lunch is provided. Nicole Royal, a local photographer, will be available to take professional pictures for online employment profiles.

Workshop topics include “Finding Work that Matches your Interests and Personality,” “How to Market Yourself when Re-entering the Workforce or Changing Careers,” and “How to Create a Path to Your Dream Job.”

The event is free; however, space is limited. For more information or to register, contact Eboni Bugg at 434-202-7692 or ebugg@thewomensinitiative.org.

“When women are in financial distress, it is difficult for them to focus on self-care,” said Eboni Bugg of The Women’s Initiative. “This is a time for them to focus on self-care and the next step in their career.”

Kids in the Kitchen

Kids will have the opportunity to see how things cook in the Jefferson School City Center’s state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen this summer. During the week of July 15 through 19, Mr. Tom Cervelloni, Director of Food and Beverage at U.Va’s Darden School will teach rising third through sixth graders how to prepare a healthy salad, make meatballs, and scoop muffins and cookies. Kids will learn basic rules of kitchen safety and food preparation and practice teamwork skills. Students will create a lunch to share with parents at the end of the week. Space is limited to 10 students. More information is available by calling 434-961-5354, and a registration form available online.

Grillin’ and Chillin’ at Vinegar Hill Café

The Vinegar Hill Café will be creating a party atmosphere at the Jefferson School City Center on Thursday, June 6, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm with backyard style food and fun for the family. The café will be showcasing BBQ Ribs, BBQ chicken and hamburgers with choice of collard greens, baked beans, cole slaw and homemade cornbread with live music, all for $10. All proceeds from food sales support JABA‘s senior meal program.

Roller Skating at Carver Recreation Center

Roller skating, a long-standing community tradition in Charlottesville, is being offered at Carver Recreation Center on the Jefferson School City Center campus. This event occurs most Fridays from 5pm–8pm and Sundays from 1pm–6pm.  Skates are provided and there is no charge for this activity.  (Skaters are also welcome to bring your own skates or rollerblades.)

Coming soon to the African American Heritage Center

The African American Heritage Center at the Jefferson School City Center will be presenting the work of Lola Flash from June 7 to August 30, 2013 in the Contemporary Gallery. Flash’s photographic imagery confronts pigmentocracy, which is a term that relates a slave’s socio-economic position to their skin color. Flash analyzes the impact of this condition on contemporary society in the exhibition, “[sur]passing.”  Flash will speak at the gallery on June 14 at 5:30 pm.

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 auditorium at the Jefferson School City Center was the venue for the forum for City Council candidates co-sponsored by Charlottesville Tomorrow and The Daily Progress on Thursday night. The event was moderated by Charlottesville Tomorrow’s Executive Director Director, Brian Wheeler. Candidates Bob Fenwick, Adam Lees, Wes Bellamy, Melvin Grady and Kristin Szakos answered questions related to their priorities and vision for Charlottesville’s future. The first batch of questions came from the news outlets and each candidate gave answers to questions on such topics as public housing, homelessness, education economic development, the Belmont bridge, and the Council taking up national issues. A few questions were taken from the audience.

Candidate Fenwick was the first to acknowledge the venue. “This is a great place to have this forum because it’s so accessible to the entire city,” he said.

Each candidate had a unique viewpoint. Candidate Adam Lees appeared determined to do something about public transportation. Candidates Grady and Bellamy drew on their experience as teachers and youth mentors to influence their answers to the questions, and Szakos drew on her knowledge and experience as the incumbent. Two City Council seats will be voted on in November.

Bringing families together at the Jefferson School City Center

Over 100 pairs of well-dressed young men and their mothers attended the Mother-Son dance at the Carver Recreation Center last week. DJ Rick Haggard played up-tempo dance music and a few slow tunes for the crowd.

“We love offering programs that can bring families closer. Events like these really strengthen the bond between the child and parent. We like seeing families recreate together!” said Dan Carpenter, director of the Carver Recreation Center.

Carver Rec will be throwing another dance, a Sock Hop, on Saturday, June 1. Ages 3 and up are invited, and there is a $5 entry fee.

Registration for summer classes at PVCC at the Jefferson School

Registration for classes at the Jefferson School City Center branch of PVCC is underway. Classes in keyboarding, business, composition, and several other subjects offered at the Jefferson School begin on May 20.  For the full schedule of class offerings at all PVCC campus locations visit pvcc.edu.

Employment help for women

The Women’s Initiative will host a career development workshop for women on Saturday June 1st from 10am to 2pm at the Jefferson School City Center.  Topics include: finding work that matches your interests and personality; marketing yourself when re-entering the workforce; and creating a path to your dream job.  Lunch is provided. A local photographer will be available to take professional photos for online employment profiles.  To register, please contact Eboni C. Bugg, LCSW at 434-202-7692 or ebugg@thewomensinitiative.org.

New writers published

“The Joy of Writing” is a recently published collection of stories and narratives by students at Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville-Albemarle. The 24-page book features autobiographical stories from students from South Sudan, South Korea, El Salvador, Iran, Iraq, Rwanda, Mexico, India, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and the U.S. About ninety percent of LVCA’s students are adults learning English as a second language.

The book is free to students and tutors. Others may obtain a copy at the Literacy Volunteers office at the Jefferson School City Center for a donation in any amount.

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 new manager of the Vinegar Hill Café at the Jefferson School City Center had his heart set on living in Charlottesville. Originally from Hamilton, Ohio, Joel Schechtman and his wife spent time in Charlottesville and fell in love with it. “We wanted to move to here, so we made it happen,” he says. Now he’s fallen in love with the Jefferson School City Center.

“The synergy within the building is amazing,” he said. “It’s great to hear about the projects everyone is working on. I’m especially interested in watching the culinary program at PVCC grow and seeing how the Heritage Center develops.”

Before coming to the Vinegar Hill Café, Joel managed the restaurant at Farmington. At the Vinegar Hill Café, Joel intends to continue expanding the food offerings and the fresh mix of locally grown food. “We’d love to do more special events around food,” he said. “I’d like to do some chillin’ and grillin’  or maybe have a Saturday pancake breakfast. I’d like to have a carnivalesque atmosphere out front!”

Joel sees catering as eventually being a large percent of the café’s business. The café already works with many of the nonprofits in the building, and often rents out the space. As a JABA project, all of Vinegar Hill Café’s revenue goes back into JABA’s intergenerational programs.

Mother-son dance TONIGHT, Friday May 10– spaces still open!

Mothers, grandmothers, and aunts are encouraged to bring their favorite prince to the “Mother+Son Dance at Carver Recreation Center on Friday, May 10 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.   Cost is $10 per couple at the door. For more information call 434-970-3053.

Tutor training for Literacy Volunteers

Literacy Volunteers has seen a threefold increase in requests for services since moving to the Jefferson School City Center. There are many students currently on a waiting list to be assigned a tutor. The next tutor training is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 9:30a m to 4 pm. Food from the Vinegar Hill Café will be provided for lunch.

New tutor trainings are designed to give volunteers all the skills they need to be great tutors. No teaching experience is necessary but patience is helpful.

Literacy Volunteer students come from a variety of backgrounds, and they are all hoping to acquire the skills they need to independently pursue their life goals, support their families, and be active in the community. Often, these are adults who have so few skills they are not capable of keeping up in a classroom situation. They need the one-to-one attention that Literacy Volunteers can provide. Register for the May 18 training by calling 434-977-3838.

Summer registration

Registration for classes at the Jefferson School City Center branch of PVCC is underway. Classes in keyboarding, business, composition, and several other subjects offered at the Jefferson School begin on May 20.  For the full schedule of class offerings at all PVCC campus locations visit pvcc.edu.

Employment help for women

The Women’s Initiative will host a career development workshop for women on Saturday June 1st from 10am to 2pm at the Jefferson School City Center.  Topics include: finding work that matches your interests and personality; marketing yourself when re-entering the workforce; and creating a path to your dream job.  Lunch is provided. A local photographer will be available to take professional photos for online employment profiles.  To register, contact Eboni C. Bugg, LCSW at 434-202-7692 or ebugg@thewomensinitiative.org.

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!

“Here is an opportunity for people to see what’s available in the neighborhood for their care. At this event, people can see what’s physically here at the Jefferson School City Center and learn what we’re all about,” said Miranda Trent, Nurse Practitioner at Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Center.  On Saturday, May 11 from 1:30 to 5 pm Trent and colleagues will be helping women learn how to take care of themselves at the Carver Rec Center.

As a special treat, at 2:15 info-Tainer Mr. Alex-Zan will present “Enjoying my me-time: Take a break… to be around for the breakthrough.” Mr. Alex-Zan is an entertainer and educator who facilitates creative and interactive presentations for a variety of audiences. A native of Charlottesville, he was one of twelve blacks to first desegregate Virginia public schools in 1958. Seating is limited and the event is for women only.

Guest vocalist Barbara Edwards and the Dynamic Mime Duo, Unity in Christ will also perform. The afternoon will include information on wellness assessments, stroke awareness training, massages, Zumba, stress reduction, cooking demonstrations, and a tour of the African American Heritage Center.

The event is supported by several of the nonprofits at the Jefferson School City Center, including The Women’s Initiative which will offer stress management sessions. Eboni Bugg, therapist and outreach coordinator at The Women’s Initiative said, “Mothers often overlook their own self-care in order to fulfill their duties as caretakers which often leads to fatigue and frustration.  We’re going to give participants some tools so they can incorporate relaxation into their daily lives.”

New writers published

“The Joy of Writing” is a recently published collection of stories and narratives by students at Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville-Albemarle. The 24-page book features autobiographical stories from students from South Sudan, South Korea, El Salvador, Iran, Iraq, Rwanda, Mexico, India, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and the U.S. About ninety percent of LVCA’s students are adults learning English as a second language.

The book features students’ impressions of a LVCA workshop that involved writing on the First Amendment monument downtown.  “Freedom of speech is one of the human rights and all need it. I wrote, ‘We love USA, people of Iran,’” said one student. Another student wrote, “I am very excited and very happy writing on the wall, because I don’t have that chance in my country.”

The book is free to students and tutors. Others may obtain a copy at the Literacy Volunteers office at the Jefferson School City Center for a donation in any amount.

Weekend workshop with international teacher Kofi Busia

Common Ground Healing Arts is hosting a series of four Asana and two pranayama workshops with Kofi Busia on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (May 3 to May 5) at the Jefferson School City Center.

Kofi Busia is one of the world’s foremost teachers in the Iyengar tradition. He has been teaching for nearly 40 years. He began yoga as a student at Oxford and has taught professionally all over the world ever since. Throughout the 1970’s and up until the mid-1980’s, he studied regularly with B. K. S. Iyengar at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, Maharashtra, South India. Register online or by calling 434-321-8384. Funds raised from these workshops enable Common Ground to provide equal access to some of the healing arts at the Jefferson School City Center.

Going to the zoo

On Wednesday May 8, JABA’s Mary Williams Center will be closed while the members attend a field trip to the Virginia Safari Park. Members will tour three miles in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley with the Blue Ridge mountains and wild animals in the backdrop. When back at the center, members will continue to work on a service project of creating bags for foster children to use when carring their belongings. The center is looking for donations of fabric (large pieces), cording, or time from those who can sew.

Mother-son dance

Mothers, grandmothers, and aunts are encouraged to bring their favorite prince to the “Mother+Son Dance at Carver Recreation Center on Friday, May 10 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Pre-registration is required.  Cost is $10 per couple. To register, visit Charlottesville Parks and Rec or call 434-970-3053.

Jefferson School City Center is a voice of the nine nonprofits located at Charlottesville’s intergenerational community center, the restored Jefferson School. We are a legacy preserved . . . a soul reborn . . . in the heart of Cville!

JABA knows how to throw a party at the Jefferson School City Center. More than 400 local volunteers along with officials from the city of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson, poured into the Carver Recreation Center for some well-earned praise on Wednesday. JABA supplied non-stop entertainment, door prizes, lunch, and more.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year award to Geraldine Wells for her more than 900 hours of service over the course of eleven years to seniors. Geraldine served as the manager of JABA’s Keswick Community Center which merged with the Mary Williams Community Center now housed at the Jefferson School City Center.

“I’m honored,” Geraldine said. “I’m sad that the Keswick center is no longer around, but happy that we’re over  here.”

Geraldine was instrumental in developing the relationships that live on today at the Mary Williams Community Center. The connections Geraldine fostered and helped to maintain still thrive in JABA’s space at the Jefferson School City Center. These relationships remain at the heart of what JABA strives to do every day.

“Geraldine’s guidance and devotion to the JABA community has provided reassurance, comfort and a sense of community to its members,” said Marta Keane, CEO of JABA.

Strong Arms for Healing

Common Ground Healing Arts is the beneficiary of the CLAW (Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers) event Saturday, April 27, 7 pm at the Blue Moon Diner. CLAW is a group of women arm wrestling each other to raise money for women-initiated causes in our community, such as Common Ground. CLAW is committed to supporting our community and fostering the joy that comes from acts of public foolishness and arm wrestling.

The entrance fee is $5 to get in the door, including CLAWbucks for betting on your favorite lady arm wrestlers. CLAW events are theatrical with lots of big personalities. A limited number of VIP ringside seats are available for $75 each. They can purchased at Common Ground or on line, and proceeds go to ensure equal access to the healing arts at Common Ground in the Jefferson School City Center.

Me-Time for Mothers

Info-Tainer Mr. Alex-Zan will present “Take a Break… to be Around for the Breakthrough” especially for women at a Pre-Mothers’ Day event on Saturday, May 11. Sponsored by Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Health Center at the Jefferson School City Center, the event will be held at Carver Recreation Center between 1:30 and 5 pm. Mr. Alex-Zan is an entertainer and educator who facilitates creative and interactive presentations for a variety of audiences. A native of Charlottesville, he was one of twelve blacks to first desegregate Virginia public schools in 1958.

The event will also feature guest vocalist Barbara Edwards and the Dynamic Mime Duo, Unity in Christ. The afternoon will include information on wellness assessments, stroke awareness training, massages, Zumba, stress reduction, cooking demonstrations, and a tour of the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center.

Walk-in Wellness Clinic for Women

The Women’s Initiative has provided a listening ear to over 4000 women in our area since they opened their doors in 2008. Now the counselors of The Women’s Initiative are available at the Jefferson School City Center. Walk-in hours for a free, one-on-one session with a counselor are Tuesday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm or Wednesday afternoons from 2 to 5 pm. Staff are available to provide immediate, short-term assistance to those in need of self-care assessment and planning, referral services, education, or emotional support.

“We’re offering effective evidence-based mental health care to women, regardless of their financial means,” said Outreach Coordinator and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Eboni Bugg. “We can help women transform challenging life situations into opportunities for personal growth.” For more information please contact Eboni at 434-202-7692.

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!

Senator Creigh Deeds popped in to the Jefferson School City Center to read to the young people at the YMCA child care center on Thursday April 18. Deeds acknowledged “The Week of the Young Child” by reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to the preschoolers.

“He actively engaged the children in an instructional way,” said Ikeia Prince, Director of Child Care Services. “He was asking them questions about colors and they were answering correctly. And the children were extremely witty!” After Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the children asked for another book and he read more.

“The Week of the Young Child” is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  The purpose of “The Week of the Young Child” is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.  However, Deeds arrived with no publicity or camera crew in tow and genuinely appeared to enjoy spending time with the children.

The YMCA childcare program at the Jefferson School City Center is a licensed child care center for infants and toddlers through Pre-Kindergarten. Enrollment has grown to 55 children, and the center can serve 69. Almost half the children who attend receive some form of scholarship.

Teaching peace in a violent world

Knowing that ignoring violence will not make it go away, John Hunter seeks to teach peace in our often-violent world. On Monday, April 22, 5:30 pm, John Hunter will present “World Peace and Other 4th Grade Achievements” at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. Hunter created the world peace game where fifty world problems are on a 4’ x 5’ plywood board and 4th graders are tasked with solving them without war. The goal is to develop critical thinking skills and compassion. “We find the students want compassion and to decrease suffering,” he said. “There’s a natural inclination to help each other.”  Hunter recently released a book by the same title. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Walk it out

Weekly walking groups sponsored by The Women’s Initiative help women relieve stress and gain energy. Walking groups follow routes from the Jefferson School City Center and go through surrounding neighborhoods. Groups meet at noon and 6 pm on Mondays, and are open to all. For more information, contact Eboni Bugg, LCSW at 434-202-7692 or ebugg@thewomensinitiative.org. 

Looking for artists

Vinegar Hill Cafe is featuring the photography of Adam Mohr. Stop by and see his photographs of Charlottesville and other interesting places.  Artists interested in displaying your work at the Vinegar Hill Café should send an email to vinegarhillcafe@jabacares.org.

Me-Time

Info-Tainer Mr. Alex-Zan will present “Take a Break… to be Around for the Breakthrough” especially for women at a Pre-Mothers’ Day event on Saturday, May 11. Sponsored by Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Health Center at the Jefferson School City Center, the event will be held at Carver Recreation Center between 1:30 and 5 pm. Mr. Alex-Zan is an entertainer and educator who facilitates creative and interactive presentations for a variety of audiences. A native of Charlottesville, he was one of twelve blacks to first desegregate Virginia public schools in 1958.

The event will also feature guest vocalist Barbara Edwards and the Dynamic Mime Duo. The afternoon will include information on wellness assessments, stroke awareness training, massages, Zumba, stress reduction, cooking demonstrations, and a tour of the African American Heritage Center.

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!

On any particular day at the Jefferson School City Center, Greg Burroughs can be found checking in on “his” employees at the Jefferson School City Center. Through his company Futureworks, Burroughs helps people with developmental and intellectual disabilities find jobs or volunteer positions.

“There’s a real sense of community here. Everywhere I go people seem kind and accommodating toward the people I serve,” said Burroughs. Since 1992 Burroughs has placed well over 100 people in positions but especially likes having his workers at the Jefferson School City Center. “Work adds meaning to our lives,” he says. “Sometimes what work we do is how we identify ourselves. Whether it’s paid or volunteer, people want to work. This is a great place to work.”

Currently, Burroughs has employees and volunteers at three of the nonprofit organizations at the Jefferson School City Center.  Burroughs finds positions ranging from three to thirty hours per week. In some cases, he heavily supervises the worker, and in other cases he takes a “hands off” approach. “It’s rewarding to see them learn new things,” he said.

Quilting group

Starting April 19th, The Women’s Initiative at the Jefferson School City Center will sponsor a weekly quilting group located in JABA’s Mary Williams Community room on Fridays from 10 am to 12 pm.  Volunteer Karen Horridge will help participants learn to quilt or improve their skills. Projects can include baby quilts, table runners, bed covers, wall hangings and tote bags.  All fabric and supplies are provided and the group is free of charge to members of the community.  For more information, please contact Eboni Bugg, LCSW at 434-202-7692 or visit The Women’s Initiative online.

Natural reality

“Between Invention and Reality,” works by local artist Caesar Morton are on display at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center through June 2. Morton’s sculptures are inspired by objects found in nature. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 3 pm, and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm.

Looking for artists

Vinegar Hill Cafe is featuring the photography of Adam Mohr. Stop by and see his photographs of Charlottesville and other interesting places.  If you are an artist interested in displaying your work, please contact the Cafe curator at vinegarhillcafe@jabacares.org.

Nickels for healing

Common Ground Healing Arts is the recipient of Nickels for Nonprofits at Whole Foods Market throughout the month of April. Shoppers who bring their own shopping bags when they shop can choose Common Ground as the beneficiary of the 5-cent bag credit. Through hundreds of volunteer hours donated by local healing arts practitioners, and donations such as those from shoppers at Whole Foods, Common Ground’s Community of Healers program offers people in Charlottesville a variety of free and reduced-cost wellness services.

Common Ground’s outreach practitioners partner with local service providers to reach low-income children and adults, people with limited English proficiency, the elderly, pregnant adolescents, people with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, incarcerated women, minorities, and other special populations. When possible, Common Ground identifies members of the community to train as practitioners, increasing the access of the healing arts to the community around the Jefferson School City Center.

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!

Driftwood, fish bone and stingray casings never looked so good. Local sculptor Caesar Morton uses found objects from the natural world to inspire his free-standing and wall-mounted sculptures on display at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. The Heritage Center at the Jefferson School City Center will host an opening reception for Morton on Friday, April 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Center director Andrea Douglas states, “We want to support local artists, especially those who have little access to the art industry. Morton is a serious artist who has been working at his craft for over 20 years and we felt his work was thought provoking. He uses very original materials.”

Highlighting Morton’s work in an exhibition also expands the Heritage Center’s stable of artists to help educate the public. “We’re providing him an avenue to show his work, photographing the images and helping him develop a webpage,” said Douglas. “In return, he will come to this place and talk to students and provide an educational experience for us.”

Largely untrained, Morton began his career as a painter but has since found his artistic voice in sculpture. His manipulation of such incongruous materials results in images of women, aquatic-scapes, and tigers that reside in the space between invention and reality.

The show will be on display through June 2. The Heritage Center is open Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 3 pm, and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm.

Preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Test

Literacy Volunteers is now accepting registrations for a new 12-week class, Preparing to take the Citizenship Test. Designed for intermediate ESL Learners, the class will meet on Monday evenings from 6 to 8 pm. Assessment and registration starts on April 8 and the class will run through June 17.  Homework and English practice are required. There is $25 registration fee, but books and materials are provided.

“We’re looking forward to having diligent students,” said Program Director Deanne Foerster. “Because of these classes some of our students will be able to obtain Citizenship sooner than expected. We have a great teacher who will lead them through the whole test. Toward the end of the semester we’ll even have some mock Citizenship interviews.”

Literacy Volunteers is providing this class in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee in Charlottesville. To register, call 977-3838.

Singing with Barbara

Just about every Wednesday morning from 11 am to 12 pm, participants at the Mary Williams Community Center at the Jefferson School City Center can be heard throughout the halls. Barbara Harris from Union Ridge Baptist Church has been leading the group in singing for many years.  JABA’s program at the Mary Williams Community Center is designed for independent adults over 60. They offer a variety of activities and a gathering place for different generations to build relationships.

Children’s Playgroups at Carver Rec

Carver Recreation Center offers indoor playtime in the gym for children up to 6 years old on Tuesdays from 10-12, Wednesdays 9:30 to 11:30, and 1-3 pm, and Fridays from 10-12. Active parental supervision is required, and there is a $2 drop-in fee. Pre-register by calling 970-3059.

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!

“Change occurs when there’s an element of community involved and we can support one another,” said Eboni Bugg of The Women’s Initiative Walk It Out campaign. The Women’s Initiative will host weekday walking groups at the Jefferson School City Center. The walking groups will focus on building community and providing mutual support while relieving stress.

“The Jefferson School City Center engagement team was adamant about identifying opportunities to bring health and wellness to this community. Walking is a free, low-impact way to gradually improve one’s health,” said Bugg.

Walk it Out will kick off on Saturday, March 30 from 2 to 4 pm at Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Health Center at the Jefferson School.  Joining the event will be Mark Lorenzoni of the Charlottesville Ten-Miler training program and Ragged Mountain Running Shop; Nurse Practitioner Miranda Trent from Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Health Center; and Mike Inge, yoga instructor from Common Ground Healing Arts.  They will provide tips for training and staying motivated and provide a stretching demonstration.

“It’s difficult to make healthy changes. But, we can support one another and motivate one another. Our route will begin at the Jefferson School City Center and will travel through 10th and Page, Fifeville, and Westhaven,” said Bugg. “While the exercise will energize us, the most important part is building community.”

Individuals can sign up for a walking group with routes starting from the Jefferson School City Center by contacting Eboni Bugg, LCSW, at 434-202-7692 or ebugg@thewomensinitiative.org.

Bookmobile at the Jefferson School City Center

The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s Bookmobile will be at the Jefferson School City Center on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. The bookmobile has its own collection and carries 1800 to 2000 books to each stop. Patrons can place holds on materials and pick them up at their respective stops. Patrons may also request materials on particular subjects to be delivered to a patron’s stop. Materials borrowed from the bookmobile may be returned to any JMRL location and materials from other JMRL locations may be returned to the bookmobile.

The bookmobile sits low to the ground and has a ramp instead of steps to make it easily accessible. It brings library services to many people in our community who would not have access otherwise. The bookmobile service is frequently used by the seniors at JABA’s Mary Williams Community Center at the Jefferson School City Center.

Diabetes screening a success

Thirty-seven individuals took advantage of the free blood sugar screening on Diabetes Awareness Day on March 26. The free service was offered at The Jefferson School City Center by Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Health Center. Diabetes is a disease that affects about 27 million Americans, or 8.3% of the U.S. population. The screening enabled people to check for potential signs of the disease.

“Seventeen percent of those we screened were found to be at risk for diabetes. That means we attracted the people we wanted to attract— people at risk at a higher rate than the American Diabetes Association estimate,” said Jackie Martin, Starr Hill Health Center Director.

Rita P. Smith, registered dietician with Martha Jefferson, also met with many individuals interested in learning about food choices that can affect blood sugar levels.

Child Care at the Jefferson School City Center

The YMCA child care facility at the Jefferson School City Center offers many scholarships to families needing low-cost childcare. Scholarships are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

B.B.’s Kids Scholarship Fund at the YMCA helps enable children to receive affordable quality child care. It is named after Barbara Brown, a former child care center director who believes no child should be turned away because of income. For more information on childcare scholarships, contact Ikea Prince, kprince@piedmontymca.org. 

Free Roller Skating at Carver Rec

Free Roller Skating time is offered at Carver Recreation on most Friday evenings from 5 to 8 pm and Sunday afternoons from 1 to 6 pm. Skates are provided or patrons are welcome to bring their own skates or rollerblades. However, on Friday, April 5, Roller Skating will begin at 6 pm instead of 5 pm due to another scheduled event.

Holiday Closing

The Jefferson School City Center will be closed on Easter Sunday.

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!

Forty trivia teams, including four teams of high-school teachers, squared off last Tuesday in Wordplay, the contest that benefits adults learning to read, write, and speak the English language at Literacy Volunteers. Since moving into the Jefferson School City Center, Literacy Volunteers has seen an increase in the demand for services. Funds raised from this event will support between twenty-five and thirty students at the Jefferson School City Center.

In the live game show presented at The Paramount, McGrady’s Irish Pub gained an early lead and never let go.  The second place winner was NBC29 and the third place winner was T&N Printing.

McGrady’s was one of two local restaurants that promoted Literacy Volunteers’ Wordplay event at their regular Tuesday night trivia games. The exposure helped bring in a record number of teams. Team fees account for most of the income from the event.

“We take our trivia nights at the pub very seriously,” McGrady’s owner Scott Roth said. “But we know the most important responsibility of a local business is supporting our community. We tip our hats to all of the literacy volunteers and are honored to be a part of supporting their dedication to the people of Charlottesville.”

McGrady’s team member Ankit Tejani is a former board member of Literacy Volunteers. “After having served as a volunteer at Wordplay in past years, it was both fun and fulfilling to play on a team while supporting such a worthwhile cause,” he said.  “Ensuring a literate and well-informed public is the best way to help families step closer to achieving the American dream. LVCA is at the forefront of this movement.”

Common Ground Healing Arts hosts Spring Wellness Festival at Jefferson School City Center

Common Ground Healing Arts is preparing for its Spring Wellness Festival this weekend. The Spring Wellness Festival will feature 17 workshops such as “Align for the Springtime: Intro to Alignment-Based Yoga,” “Chanting in the Yoga Tradition,” “Mindfulness Meditation” and “Ecological Gardening Practices.” Sessions run from 9 am Friday, March 22, through 5 pm Sunday, March 24, at the Jefferson School City Center. Most of the sessions can accommodate beginners or those new to the healing arts. All sessions will be open to the public on a donation basis. Income received from donations will help Common Ground continue offering a sliding scale of fees.

Free Blood Sugar Screening and Diabetes Education

The Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Health Center at the Jefferson School City Center is offering a free blood sugar screening 10 am to 6 pm on Tuesday, March 26.  No appointment is necessary, and no fasting is required. Two days later, on Thursday, March 28, there will be a free education session with Barbara Martin, Certified Diabetes Educator, from 5 to 6 pm. For further information, call Martha Jefferson Health Connection at 434-654-7009 or 888-652-6663.

Call for Artists at Vinegar Hill Café

As part of JABA’s dedication to local food, music and arts, Vinegar Hill Cafe at the Jefferson School City Center will be featuring the artwork of artists of all ages from our community. Artists interested in displaying their work should send an email to atvinegarhillcafe@jabacares.org. Include your name, artwork medium, and samples of your work. Vinegar Hill Cafe is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm.  All proceeds from sales at the cafe benefit JABA’s programs for at-risk seniors.

Walk it Out

The Women’s Initiative will host weekday walking groups focused on building community and providing mutual support while relieving stress and gaining energy. The “Walk it Out” program will kick off on Saturday, March 30th from 2 to 4 pm at Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Health Center. This event will feature Mark Lorenzoni of the Charlottesville Ten-Miler training program and Ragged Mountain Running Shop; Nurse Practitioner Miranda Trent from Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Health Center; and Mike Inge, yoga instructor from Common Ground Healing Arts. Stop by to hear tips for training and staying motivated, learn about free health assessments, see a stretching demonstration, and sign up for a walking group with routes starting from the Jefferson School City Center. For more information, contact Eboni Bugg, LCSW, at 434-202-7692 or ebugg@thewomensinitiative.org.

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!