Deep dish
Charlottesville resident Rachel Drame has been charged with arson of an unoccupied structure in connection with an August 11 fire at Vocelli Pizza.
The fire caused approximately $30,000 in damage to the pizzeria, and investigators with the Albemarle County Fire Marshal office quickly determined the blaze was suspicious after first responders found the storefront and nearby trash cans aflame. If convicted of the class four felony, Drame faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
While she was originally arrested the day of the fire on charges of public intoxication, Drame was released on recognizance, according to the Virginia Court Case Information System. She was then arrested in connection with the arson on August 15 and is being held without bond at Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail.
Separate hearings have been set for the public intoxication and arson charges, and no connection between the offenses has been made as of press time. Drame’s next appearance in connection with the pizzeria fire is scheduled for 10:30am on August 28.
According to a post on the pizzeria’s Facebook, Vocelli Pizza will remain closed until repairs are completed. A timeline for reopening has not yet been announced.
Weekend availability
The Emergency Food Network is now open
on Saturdays, according to an August 16 press release.
Open since 1973, EFN provides free food to Charlottesville and Albemarle residents. Those in need can contact the nonprofit at 979-9180 between 9am and noon on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday for same-day food pick up at 900 Harris St. from 1:30 to 3:30pm.
“Since the expiration of increased pandemic SNAP benefits, demand for our services has been at capacity and we knew we needed to do more,” said EFN Board Chair Miette Michie. “A weekend day may be more convenient for those in need who are working weekday hours.”
Beyond food, EFN also provides personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies on request. The nonprofit does not require any financial information from those in need to receive donations.
For more about EFN, visit emergencyfoodnetwork.org.
Carjacking arrests
Charlottesville City Police have arrested two people in connection with a carjacking that occurred on August 14. The incident took place at approximately 10:08pm in the area of 7 ½ and Pine streets, with initial reports indicating a firearm was involved. Officers located the stolen vehicle, which was occupied by multiple people, the next morning in the 600 block of Cherry Avenue. A local juvenile and an 18-year-old from Chester County were arrested after attempting to flee the vehicle. Officers also recovered a replica firearm during the investigation. CPD asks that anyone with information contact Crime Stoppers at 977-4000.
Knighthood
In addition to a new name, Buford Middle School (soon to be Charlottesville Middle School) is getting a new mascot next fall, according to an August 16 press release from Charlottesville City Schools. After conducting two community surveys, CCS selected the Young Knights as the new mascot. Both the mascot and new name officially go into effect in fall of 2025.
Move-in madness
The University of Virginia’s move-in is in full-swing this week, with the bulk of first-year students set to arrive on August 22 and 23. Locals looking to dodge the chaos should avoid the UVA area, especially Alderman and McCormick roads. Upperclassmen move-in continues throughout the weekend, so make sure to finish any grocery store runs before Thursday if you want to avoid the out-of-town and student traffic.