C-VILLE Weekly | May 22 - 28, 2024

No. 21

Creative Spaces

The Shenandoah Valley’s art scene is booming, with an innovative ethos of DIY culture and collaboration.

NEWS 9

11 Gov. Glenn Youngkin approved a compromise budget, but concer ns remain.

13 Long past COVID, Region Ten’s Women’s Center is still closed.

15 Real Estate Weekly: The site of the Music Resource Center changes hands—for $1.3 million.

CULTURE 27

28 Feedback: Opera singer V ictor Ryan Robertson answers our burning questions

29 Pages: Emma Copley Eisenberg on her writing process and the journey to her new novel, Housemates

31 Screens: Sam TaylorJohnson’s Back to Black is ultimately a losing game.

Sudoku

Crossword

Free Will Astrology

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EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Caite Hamilton editor@c-ville.com

CULTURE EDITOR

Tami Keaveny tami@c-ville.com

NEWS REPORTER

Catie Ratliff reporter@c-ville.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

CM Turner arts@c-ville.com

COPY EDITOR Rachel Cressell

CONTRIBUTORS

Rob Brezsny, Dave Cantor, Matt Dhillon, Carol Diggs, Shea Gibbs, Claudia Gohn, Mary Jane Gore, Maeve Hayden, Andrew Hollins, Erika Howsare, Justin Humphreys, Matt Jones, Sarah Lawson, Erin Martin, Kristin O’Donoghue, Lisa Provence, Sarah Sargent, Kristie Smeltzer, Jen Sorensen, Susan Sorensen, Julia Stumbaugh, Courteney Stuart, Paul Ting, Sean Tubbs

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

ART DIRECTOR

Max March max@c-ville.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Tracy Federico designer@c-ville.com

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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Gabby Kirk (434) 373-2136 gabby@c-ville.com

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Sarah Smith sarah@c-ville.com

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PUBLISHER

Anna Harrison anna@c-ville.com

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Debbie Miller debbie@c-ville.com

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Nanci Winter (434) 373-0429

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Billy Dempsey circulation@c-ville.com

C-VILLE HOLDINGS, LLC

Bill Chapman, Blair Kelly

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MEMBER Virginia Press Association

Every moment matters

THIS WEEK

Hello, Charlottesville. Thank you for reading C-VILLE Weekly.

Let me introduce myself. I’m Caite Hamilton, the new editor of this newspaper. Take that word— new—with a grain of salt. I’ve actually worked here since 2007, when I was hired as a proofreader straight out of college. I’ve been the paper’s Online Editor, Managing Editor, and the Editor of our suite of magazines—Abode, Knife & Fork, Weddings, Best of C-VILLE, and others. Before I started, though, then-editor Cathy Harding posed a question to me during my interview: “What do you know about C-VILLE?” Flustered (and thinking she meant C’ville the city, not C-VILLE the newspaper), I said, “Not much. I’m from Harrisonburg, but I come over here a lot.” I will never not be mortified by my answer, but in the 17 years since, I’ve come to know and love C’ville (and C-VILLE) as if it were my own hometown.

The place I’m actually from—the Shenandoah Valley, just over the mountain—happens to be the subject of our cover story this week. Written by the inimitable Erika Howsare, the piece highlights a few “DIY outsider art” spaces (as one of the venues’ founders calls it) from Harrisonburg to Staunton and, what’s more, accomplishes what I love best about local journalism: It helps us get to know our area and our neighbors. That’s something I’ll work to achieve in each and every issue of C-VILLE Weekly and its magazines. If you’d like to help (with a story idea, freelance writing, or constructive comments), email me at editor@c-ville.com. I’m looking forward to meeting you.

Caite Hamilton

JULY 19-ON SALE

“This is one of those situations where there will be criticism regardless of what decision is made. Jim Ryan, faced with a situation that leaders believed had reached an untenable point, made a call prioritizing safety.”

—Legal analyst and UVA alum Tim Heaphy on UVA administration’s response to the May 4 encampment on Grounds in an article on cvillerightnow.com. (Still) closed for business

NEWS IN BRIEF

Bringing home the BACON

The Best All-Around Club of Nerds (BACON) at Charlottesville High School soared to new heights last week, taking home first and second place in the skills contest at a regional drone competition. Juniors Jacob Weder and River Lewis won individual accolades at the event, setting new world records in the skills piloting and autonomous flight events respectively.

Historical markers

Swords Into Plowshares marked the 100th anniversary of the installation of the Robert E. Lee Statue at Market Street Park on May 21. The Recast/Reclaim event included portions from the original dedication ceremony and remarks from community members. While the Lee Statue has already been melted down for the SIP project, the group is currently collecting community feedback as to where the resulting public art installation should be located.

CPD annual report

The Charlottesville Police Department released its 2023 Annual Report on May 15. The report includes data about the demographics of the force, complaints, and crimes reported. Crime data largely remained unchanged compared to 2022, with a total of 3,317 Group A offenses—which includes crimes against persons, property, and society. The vast majority of Group A offenses reported were crimes against property. The department received 32 complaints in 2023, with 24 violations sustained, five exonerated, one not resolved, and 18 unfounded. The full report can be found at charlottesville. gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/252.

Drawing up plans

Piedmont Housing Alliance was awarded a $100,000 Our Town grant from the National Endowment for the Arts on May 15. The money will go toward planning for a “resident-driven, permanent public art installation” in the Kindlewood neighborhood.

The art installation is the latest development in the larger redevelopment of Kindlewood. The public housing commu-

Graduation procession

Pro-Palestine protestors are frustrated with UVA leadership’s decision to bring in police on May 4.

Agroup of pro-Palestine students walked out of the University of Virginia graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 18. Hundreds of graduates have recently walked out of commencement ceremonies across the country.

“NO COMMENCEMENT WITHOUT DIVESTMENT,” shared @uvaencampmentforgaza on Instagram. The post highlights banners displayed by protesters, reading “BLOOD ON UVA’S HANDS” and “DISCLOSE DIVEST.”

Graduates could be spotted carrying watermelon balloons— which have the same colors as the Palestinian flag—in support of the anti-war movement. Students who participated in the protest left when President Jim Ryan appeared on stage.

“NO TIME FOR JIM LYING WHEN GAZA IS DYING,” said @uvaencampmentforgaza in the same Instagram post.

nity has undergone several improvement projects in recent years, including the renaming of the neighborhood from Friendship Court to Kindlewood in 2023.

Residents have been heavily involved in the redevelopment process and will remain involved in the upcoming art project.

“Working with artists, Kindlewood residents, community stakeholders, and

“We walked out of commencement this weekend for the students killed in Gaza who will never get to graduate.”

The graduation walkout is the latest in a series of protests at UVA, including an encampment which Virginia State Police forcefully dispersed on May 4. More than two dozen people were arrested at the encampment, including 12 students, according to the university.

“Those of us who were arrested on May 4, 2024, by the University Police, Charlottesville Police, and State Police are facing criminal charges. We reject the distinction dividing UVA students, staff and faculty, and the greater Charlottesville community,” said a majority of the arrestees in a statement released through the Charlottesville Anti-Racist Media Liaisons on May 15. “While each arrestee is making personal decisions on how best to proceed, we stand united as a group and focused on the fight for a free Palestine.”

the city of Charlottesville, Piedmont Housing will facilitate the collaborative creation of an installation that will reflect the fraught history, rich culture, and thriving future of this neighborhood,” said PHA Executive Director Sunshine Mathon in a press release. “We hope this effort will serve as a catalyst for other parts of Charlottesville to reckon with the past through place-based storytelling.”

Sunshine Mathon

Budging the budget

Local representatives weigh in on the compromise state budget

By Catie Ratliff reporter@c-ville.com

After months of debate, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a compromise budget passed by the state legislature during a special session on May 13.

The new budget passed with broad bipartisan support, with vote totals coming in at 94-6 in the House of Delegates and 39-1 in the state Senate. Most of Democrats’ priorities from the March version of the legislation—which Youngkin all but vetoed with 233 amendments—were included in the final budget, with a few notable exceptions.

Under the new budget, Virginians will not see any substantive change to current taxes. While Democrats rallied behind the introduction of a digital sales tax, the proposal was dropped in favor of getting the governor’s support for the budget.

According to state Sen. Creigh Deeds, the intent behind the proposed digital sales tax was to raise revenues to support needed investments in K-12 education.

“Last year we got hit with this [Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission] report that told us what we knew: that the state was underfunding K to 12 education— but it quantified that at nearly $4 billion a year. Well, the only way we’re going to address that in the long run is new revenue,” says Deeds. “The proposal we had generates about 1.2 billion over a biennium.”

Even without the digital sales tax, the budget still includes significant investments in education and 3 percent raises for teacher and school support staff annually for the next two years.

“I’m really proud of the fact that we’re able to have money for the schools. [It’s] a historic level of investment in K-12, early education,

as well as higher ed,” says 55th District Del. Amy Laufer about the more than $2 billion increase in education appropriations. “The pay raise for teachers at 3 percent was exciting.”

For all of its investments in education, the budget’s final version cut a provision allowing localities to hold a referendum on a 1 percent tax increase to fund public school construction.

“I know for Albemarle County, that was something they were really looking forward to,” says Laufer. “And I do believe we’re gonna try to pursue that again next year.”

Also cut was language requiring that Virginia reenter the Regional Greenhouse

Gas Initiative, a multi-state effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through caps on power plants.

“We fought very hard to keep RGGI in there. But we just lost that fight,” says Deeds. “I don’t think the governor had the authority to pull us out of RGGI in the first place. There’s litigation on that. I think that we’ll go back in RGGI long haul, but there was language in there that we fought very hard to keep.”

The commonwealth entered the environmental program in 2020 after a vote by the state legislature, but the decision was reversed by Youngkin in 2021. A suit by the Southern Environmental Law Center is cur-

rently underway, arguing only the state legislature—not the governor—could pull Virginia out of RGGI.

The SELC declined to comment on the removal of RGGI language from the budget given the ongoing nature of the litigation.

Both Deeds and Laufer support the SELC suit and Virginia’s reentry into RGGI, but critics of the environmental initiative argue the resulting rate hikes are a burden on consumers.

“[RGGI is] paid for by a surcharge for ratepayers. But the reality is, Virginia has received much more in benefit than we’ve ever paid into it; we’ve received an incredible amount of money,” says Deeds. “There are things that we are going to have to spend general fund dollars on because we don’t have the RGGI money.”

“The governor should not be able to take these things out just on a whim,” says Laufer.

Several state environmental groups expressed frustration with the removal of RGGI language from the budget. In a joint statement from the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, leaders of several climatefocused groups said that “Gov. Youngkin got us into this mess. But it is incumbent on lawmakers to do everything they can going forward to protect vulnerable communities from climate change and rising energy costs, and to secure a clean energy future.”

Still, local lawmakers are pleased about several priorities in the final budget legislation.

“I’m really proud of our leadership for pursuing all of our goals in terms of funding,” says Laufer, who had three items included in the final budget. “I’m proud as a freshman that I was able to accomplish that.”

“The budget itself, and the spending plan itself, is something that we can all be proud of,” says Deeds. “I’m just disappointed about a couple of things, but I’ll get over it. We’ll work towards fixing that in a little while.”

“There are things that we are going to have to spend general fund dollars on because we don’t have the RGGI money.” CREIGH DEEDS, STATE SENATOR

FILE PHOTO

The newly adopted budget funds Virginia from 2024 to 2026.

Open and shut

Why has the Women’s Center still not reopened post-pandemic?

By Catie Ratliff reporter@c-ville.com

More than four years after closing its doors due to COVID-19, Region Ten’s Women’s Center still has not reopened. While the community service board cites staffing difficulties, concerned members of Interfaith Movement Promoting Action by Congregations Together (IMPACT) are frustrated with the lack of progress in reopening the facility.

Opened in 2018, the Women’s Center is a residential treatment program for women dealing with substance use. The treatment facility, alongside most of Region Ten’s inperson programming, was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

But while most Region Ten offerings have since returned to normal operations, the Women’s Center is still closed.

On May 13, IMPACT members attended the public portion of Region Ten’s monthly board meeting to emphasize the urgent need to reopen the Women’s Center.

“We cannot continue to ignore the plight of mothers, sisters, and daughters who are dying from alcoholism and addiction,” said Pastor Liz Emrey in a public comment to the Region Ten board.

Emrey’s congregation—New Beginnings Christian Community—focuses on outreach for former offenders and people dealing with substance abuse. During a closed-door portion of the board meeting, the pastor and other members of IMPACT spoke to CVILLE in the Region Ten lobby. All expressed frustration with the lack of move ment in reopening the Women’s Center.

“We started this [advocating for the re opening of the Women’s Center] because of stories we got from our congregations,” said Vikki Bravo of Congregation Beth Israel. “It’s really important to us because it’s important to our community.”

“We have been asking them for at least two years, since the pandemic ended, to reopen the women’s treatment center,” said Emrey. “They said it was a staffing problem. But how is it a staffing problem for the women’s and not for the men’s?”

In a comment via email, Region Ten Director of Community Relations and Training confirmed that staffing challenges

have contributed to the continued closure of the Women’s Center.

Both the Women’s Center and Mohr Center—Region Ten’s residential substance abuse program for men—were closed due to the pandemic in 2020. But it was duration and logistics, not gender, that facilitated the Mohr Center’s prompt reopening.

“While Mohr Center staffing was negatively impacted by the pandemic, it was not at the same level as the Women’s Center, which was a newer program that had been in operation for less than two years,” said Jennings.

With the Women’s Center closed, women seeking residential substance abuse treatment have limited options in central Virginia. Region Ten currently offers programs including Project Link, Recovery Support, Intensive Outpatient Programming, and the Wellness Recovery Center for those recovering from substance abuse, but none offer the same benefits as the Women’s Center.

“We cannot continue to ignore the plight of mothers, sisters, and daughters who are dying from alcoholism and addiction.”

A LOCAL AUTHOR OF TWO BOOKS William A. James, Sr. HAS WRITTEN A PLAY

FIFTH & DICE

WILLIAM A. JAMES, SR.

DIRECTED BY JORDAN SYKES

Is about the Demolition and Gentrification of The Fifeville Community

Located around Fifth And Dice Streets during the 1990s as part of Charlottesville’s “Urban Renewal/ Black Removal Initiative.”

Program Director, Leslie Scott Jones

The Play Will Be Read At The Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center 233 4th Street N.W. Charlottesville, VA 22903

June 14, 2024 at 7:30 P.M.

As part of The JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION Call (434) 260-8722 for Ticket Info

Tickets can be purchased Online at: Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. 5th & Dice by William A. James, Sr.

BOOKS BY WILLIAM A. JAMES, SR:

SOLD AT:

The University of Virginia Bookstore

400 Emmet Street, Charlottesville, VA 22904 (on UVA Grounds)

Patsy Goolsby, Manager, 434-924-1075 | bookshop@virginia.edu

2nd Act Books

214 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Daphne Spain, Owner, 434-202-0754 | daphnespain@gmail.com

Call or Write, William A. James, Sr. 434-985-8987 • Wjpublications@aol.com PO Box 6991, Charlottesville, VA 22906

The Women’s Center is one of more than 35 programs offered by Region Ten.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Annie Gould Gallery

A unique art gallery located in the heart of historic Gordonsville.

Back to worship

The Point Church purchases the Music Resources Center at West Main and Ridge

By Sean Tubbs

AChristian church with locations in Louisa County, Pantops Mountain, and Waynesboro has purchased a key site in downtown Charlottesville for a new campus.

Point Church paid $1.3 million for 105 Ridge St., a structure originally built in the late 19th century for the Mount Zion Baptist Church. The property had previously been listed at $1.875 million.

“This is an amazing building, and just think of all the life changes that have happened here,” said executive director Chip Measells in a video on the church’s website. “You can’t get any more [central] than where we are.”

After the Mount Zion congregation moved to a new location on Lankford Avenue in 2003, the building became the home of the Music Resource Center in 2004. Previously, the center offered educational opportunities to teens in a practice space above Trax, a famed nightclub that was demolished soon after the University of Virginia purchased it for hospital expansion.

Point Church was founded in 2009 and is listed as being a Southern Baptist congregation. Their website states they expect to have the old church ready for worship services in April 2025. The purchase was a strategic one.

“We want to be at the center of everything that’s happening around our communities that are in poverty, that are struggling with financial hardships, and to do that we need to map the assets and collaborate and coordinate with all the other great work that’s being done,” Measells said.

One nearby opportunity for collaboration is the Salvation Army at 207 Ridge St. City Council recently granted permission for an expansion project that will allow an increase from 55 shelter beds to 114 beds. That includes seven two-bedroom suites for transitional housing, allowing families to stay together.

Measells said Point Church has an entrepreneurship academy that lasts 10 weeks and is followed up with Gospel-led mentorship.

“We are praying that God is going to make an extraordinary impact through this Gospel-centered path out of poverty,” said Pastor Gabe Turner in the video. “We are praying that the poverty level will decrease.”

The Point Church will continue to lease the basement space to the Music Resource Center. They also have a map indicating several satellite locations for parishioners to park. The few spaces close to the church are reserved for drivers with handicap tags. Next door, Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is marketing the former Greyhound bus station as a “rare development opportunity” that could take advantage of the new Commercial Mixed Use Corridor zoning. An encampment of unhoused individuals is currently living at the site.

Elsewhere in Charlottesville, plans to develop a portion of the Hinton Avenue Methodist Church in Belmont with affordable apartments fell through when the Church of the Good Shepherd paid $1.5 million for the property. That purchase allowed the congregation to move out of the space they were renting at 105 Ridge St. from the Music Resource Center.

The building at 105 Ridge St., which formerly housed the Music Resource Center, will serve as Point Church’s newest campus. SUPPLIED

EDGEMONT

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 15 miles south of Charlottesville, is this rare 572-acre historic estate whose design is reputed to be the only remaining private residence attributed to Thomas Jefferson. $15,000,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700 www.HistoricEdgemont.com

HIGHER GROUND

27 acre estate, mountaintop retreat with 11,400 sf., 8-BR, 6.5-BA residence with many outside terraces, decks and unsurpassed panoramic mountain views!

10 miles to famed Omni Homestead Resort, 2 miles to the airport. Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455 www.highergroundva.org

SPRING HILL LANE

Ivy-architect designed, light filled Contemporary with 1st floor master suite, chef’s kitchen, FR, 3 additional BR, study, LR, DR, terrace level guest quarters, 2-car garage, pool and multiple terraces. Western school district. $1,695,000. Tim Michel, 434.960.1124 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

LOFTLANDS GLEN

4-bedroom, five full bath home built in 1996. Main level with primary bedroom suite, open kitchen, living room with fireplace, home office. Sunroom and deck to private backyard with swimming pool. Terrace level family room, plenty of storage. MLS#652617

$750,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

BENTIVAR MANOR

Exquisite brick home on 88 acres less than 5 miles from city limits. Residence is in excellent condition, 7-BR and 11,000+ sf. The property is a mix of pastures & woods with long frontage on the Rivanna River, & miles of trails. MLS#652353 $5,200,00 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

UNDERCONTRACT

SWANNANOA COUNTRY CLUB

This legendary Blue Ridge Mountain golf course is on the market for the first time. The 236 acres offers sweeping views and huge opportunities for multiple uses. 20 minutes west of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia. MLS#649416 $3,500,000 Tim Michel, 434.960.1124

CRAIGS STORE ROAD

76 acre parcel in western Albemarle with compelling views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, diverse terrain, and multiple estate-caliber building sites. 15 miles from Charlottesville, not under conservation easement. MLS#652337 $1,150,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

MONTICELLO AVENUE

1-BR, 1-BA condo located just steps away from the Downtown Mall. Featuring a gourmet eat-in kitchen, private balcony and more! Exceptional opportunity to experience the best of Downtown living! MLS#651308 $520,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

FIELDS OF BOAZ

A country French estate on 24 acres 6 miles from the University of Virginia. Timeless charm and modern luxury with soaring ceilings, spacious primary suite, home office, wine cellar, guest quarters, and private pond. MLS#652608

$3,995,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

TORRES FARM

175-acre property near Charlottesville with pastures, woods, Hardware River frontage. Features a pristine 4-bedroom residence, 3 cottages, office, studio, gardens, and pool. MLS#652518

$3,200,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

FREE UNION PARCEL

42 acre tract on Wesley Chapel Road with the right to be divided into two 21 acre parcels. Big views with clearing towards the Blue Ridge. Stream frontage on Burruss Branch. Old logging road recently cleared for easy access. MLS#647055

$799,000 Tim Michel, 434.960.1124

KESWICK ESTATE

Discover Keswick Estate, a gated community near Keswick Hall, offering a 2.10± acre building site harmonizing country life and resort living in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Create your dream home close to golf, dining, tennis, and more. MLS#650785

$515,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

$795,000 | montaguemiller.com/651866 Gaffney Saadut Team | 434.760.2160

481 Stoney Creek East | Nellysford

Custom-built, architect-designed home featuring a fusion of styles, from the country-inspired front elevation transitioning to an Italian-influenced rear terrace. The main level features 10’ ceilings and 8’ doors. Grand foyer leads to formal dining room with a stunning domed ceiling and wainscoting. The heart of the home is the open kitchen and living room, both connecting to a covered deck with golf course views. Primary suite occupies the entire 2nd floor, complete with a private deck, massive closet, and adjoining room and luxurious primary bath.

7.96 acres zoned R-2 Residential. Beautiful, flat to sloping terrain, mostly wooded with some steep slopes. A Builder & Developer will create something special here.

Rd |

Cresent

THE MA DWOMAN PROJECT PRESENTS

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

AH WING AND THE AUTOMOTION EAGLE by Brandon Zang, directed by Daniel Kunkel / NEEDVILLE written and directed by Sara M. Robinson / BLUE RIDGE MAMA by Ti Ames, directed by Cyril Amanfo

NEW WORKS LINEUP

LOCALLY SOURCED produced by Live Arts Playwrights’ Lab / THE 7 UNLUCKY PASSENGERS ON THE TIME TRAVELER’S FLYING ESTATE by Steph Prizhitomsky / CRAWLSPACEBLOG by Rebecca Kane / MELANCHOLY ECHO by Robert Alexander Wray / MOVING ON by Andrea Fine Carey / GROUNDED produced by Charlottesville Playwrights Collective / STAND BY TO ASSIST by Chuck Lipsig / THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU by Sarah Groustra / PERSUASION, A MODERN ROMANCE by Lisa Quoresimo / HOPE IS A BIRD by Dave Carley / THE TOTALITY OF ALL THINGS by Erik Gernard / I’M GOING TO GO BACK THERE SOMEDAY by Asher de Forest / A PLAY WITH A DOOR by Ruben S. Carbajal / MERLOT LEMAY WITH MAYONNAISE by Jaquelyn Priskorn / WAITING FOR THE 6 TRAIN by Elizabeth Shannon / CAMBRIOLAGE by James Nelson / LUCID by Dana Hall / SHADES AND SHADOWS by William Brasse

Sponsored by Open Hands in Memory

25 “PAPER TO STAGE: PLAYWRIGHT/DIRECTOR DYNAMICS”

1

TO PRODUCE: THE PUBLISHING PROCESS”

THE ART OF THE place

chilly March night, and the indoor space seems to be unheated. It’s not designed to be comfortable; it’s an industrial building in Harrisonburg repurposed as a climbing gym that also hosts music, and it has a concrete floor, a loft reached by a ladder missing a rung, and odd couches and crates. People bob heads and dangle their feet. Eleagnus singer Taylor Hanigosky, wearing coveralls, pushes a metal dolly around a big cardboard Amazon box that’s been set in the middle of the room with a small basketball hoop taped to its side. She struggles to slide the dolly under the box; inside is another performer who, after Hanigosky wheels the box closer to her bandmates, will push her arms and legs through holes in its sides and stand, the upside-down Amazon smile becoming a creature’s frowning face, earning cheers from the audience. A few songs later, Hanigosky talk-sings over a groove laid down by her partner Jordan Fust and their bandmate Mahi Doiron, while the space’s booker, who goes by Shoz, watches rapt from near the wall.

Named after the Latin name for autumn olive—an invasive shrub that also makes edible berries—Eleagnus is the musical wing of an expansive partnership between Hanigosky, Fust, and a network of other people. They do many kinds of work: selling products at farmers’ markets; visual art in media like felting and screen-printing; performance art; river restoration.

All of this work has a distinctly DIY ethos that depends on community to come alive. “I just feel super passionate about … people being able to make art happen,” Shoz says, adding that before this underground space started hosting music, it was hard for fringe acts to find a venue in Harrisonburg.

All this work, too, is firmly based in a specific place: the Shenandoah Valley— which, despite being reachable in less than 35 minutes from Charlottesville, can feel a world apart. The Valley’s public image is often more connected to agriculture, as though it were a slice of the Midwest slotted into Virginia’s rolling landscape. Yet it only takes a little digging to realize that the Valley supports its own crop of experimental and innovative artists.

SHENAND OAHArts

Arts initiatives

Many of their projects occur not in spite of, but in direct relation to, the Valley’s character and history. Take Silk Moth Stage, for example—a theater venue that happens to be located in Aili Huber’s yard. Artistic director Huber earned a master’s in directing through Mary Baldwin and the American Shakespeare Center and has lived with her family near Harrisonburg for 17 years. Since her home is tucked along the edge of a working dairy farm, the plays produced there fold the setting—fences, cows, silos—right into the theater experience.

“I love it when the cows come to the edge of a fence and stare,” says Silk Moth board president Holly Labbe, “or the cats come across the stage in the moment of the show and the actors respond to that. It feels very real.”

Huber, who founded Silk Moth in 2022, says the venue’s performance style owes a lot to the ASC, though rather than the Bard, 21st-century plays are her focus. And she chooses scripts that will fit well with her outdoor stage—which is actually a deck and a balcony on her house. “We can’t have anything where you have to have a set and fancy lighting effects. Some plays require a realism that isn’t going to work here. We do our shows in the afternoon, lit by the sun, and the actors and audience can see each other.”

Silk Moth has been producing just two shows per year—that’s the right number, Huber says, considering she relies on her neighbors to provide parking, and because she herself is sometimes busy directing plays elsewhere in the U.S. This year’s season opened May 10 with a production of Underneath the Lintel, a play by Glen Berger that maps the time-traveling adventure of a mystery-solving librarian.

Huber is deeply invested in the ethics of how a play comes before an audience—from the way directors treat actors to which audience members are made to feel welcome.

Silk Moth has partnered with groups serving low-income and unhoused people to bring their clients to performances, providing not only tickets but transportation, meals, and child care. It also cultivates ties to local organizations like libraries and LGBTQ centers and has a fund to subsidize free and reduced ticket prices. “While our published ticket price is $34, our average last year was $20 when you factor in free and reduced,” Huber says. “A budget is a moral document.”

She also makes a point of paying actors and other collaborators—“To the best of my knowledge, there are only two other theaters within a two-hour drive of us that pay artists consistently, and we have a plan to pay people on a union scale by our fifth season,” she says proudly—and strives to create a “radically welcoming” experience for actors.

“Theater is generally really bad for the people who make it,” she says. “Just as a matter of tradition, we have these practices in terms of teaching or directing that are not good for people. We ask them to bring their own trauma to the surface of our art, and costume designers say horrible things about people’s bodies. I set out to create a new framework, where the core principle is we’re humans with needs, and we should have the right to radical consent about our bodies

SUPPLIED PHOTO NICK SARACENO

Located on the basement level of a 160-year-old brick building, SolArt Center in Staunton is the spot for “DIY outsider art,” says one of its founders.

SHENAND OAHArts

Silk Moth Stage makes a point to be welcoming, providing not only free and reduced-price tickets but transportation, meals, and child care to audience members.

and inner spaces.” She calls her framework “Take5” because one of its tenets is that actors can ask for a five-minute break at any time. Most Silk Moth actors are local, but this is not community theater. “People come to see our shows and they’re always a little shocked at the quality. It elevates this community in the eyes of people from elsewhere. I want this to be a destination.”

Breaking convention

Separate from Charlottesville but not exactly part of Appalachia, the Valley is its own center of gravity. For Hanigosky, who grew up in the Rust Belt environs of Youngstown, Ohio, it’s a home she adopted after living on the West Coast, where she met Fust on a permaculture and fiber farm in Washington state. “I got really immersed in fiber and it was a completely transformative experience,” she says. “Farming helped me understand a pathway to having a relationship with place. It caused me to reckon with my own trajectory from Ohio west and why I made that decision … I started to wonder if my

gifts, my skills, my dreams could be more useful applied in a context that wasn’t about leaving and starting somewhere fresh but was about returning and dealing with the harm that’s been caused in a place.”

Because Fust’s family had owned land in Stuarts Draft for six generations, the Valley offered itself as a place where the two of them could dig into a landscape with personal connections. The pair moved there in 2019 and named it Wild Altar Farmstead, and the pandemic saw them quickly expanding their garden beds and selling at farmers’ markets in Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, and Staunton. Yet simply building a produce operation wasn’t their goal.

“You have to get efficient and tight with margins, but that’s not our path,” she says. “We’re really interested more in the relationship to land and trying to engage with the community and bring more people into the possibility of that relationship.” If, for example, they make jam out of those invasive autumn olive berries, “it opens up this whole world where you talk about why it’s here and what can we do about it. We can eat it! Food becomes this center of a relationship.”

At the same time, Hanigosky and Fust stay connected to their art practices through performing with Eleagnus, making visual work, and offering fiber arts workshops. They marry food and art by using Staunton’s Art Hive as a place to teach fermentation and seasonal cooking. They’ve even undertaken dance and performance art at the former site of the Staunton Mall.

“It came from this desire to witness places that are in transition, to spend time lingering in places caught up in the human development and redevelopment cycle,” she explains. “What does the land have to say about that? How are we witnessing this really rapid change?”

The documentation of their work at the mall became an exhibition and performance in May at an intriguing new gallery/performance space in Staunton called the SolArt Center. Located on the basement level of a 160-yearold brick building, SolArt is the creation of Wes Wyse, who owns the vintage store Eclectic Retro upstairs, and Rachel Towns.

“We were talking and saying, wouldn’t it be cool to have an arts space?” Wyse says, recalling their vision for a fringe-friendly spot that could accommodate music, small-scale theater, film, art, and other offerings. SolArt opened last November, hosting a popular zine fair as one of its first events. “We packed people in,” says Wyse. “After three months, it became clear that it was taking on a life of its own.”

By explicitly inviting local creatives to bring their ideas and projects, everything from medicinal mushroom classes to battle-jacket workshops, SolArt has made itself accessible and DIY-centric. The building itself—think walls made of giant stones and mismatched furniture—is a big part of the appeal. “The space has such a great vibe, it lends itself to certain types of music—folk, ambient, experimental drone things,” Wyse says. “[We did] a punk market in May. It builds on itself.”

Like everyone else in this story, he and Towns take pleasure in midwifing the projects of others. “These are the artists and musicians who don’t fit Beverley Street or the Downtown Mall,” Wyse says. “I think there is a movement of DIY outsider art.”

The fact that the Wild Altar artists form a bridge between SolArt and Shoz is emblematic of the spirit of connection animating the scene here. “Definitely the work that’s been most motivating to me has been collaborative,” says Hanigosky. “That’s been really exciting about being in the Valley.”

Wild Altar Farmstead mixes art and farming. “It came from this desire to witness places that are in transition, to spend time lingering in places caught up in the human development and redevelopment cycle,” says co-founder Taylor Hanigosky.

WEEKLY SPECIALS

Mondays-Fridays

Wine & Food Specials

Wednesdays

Paint & Sip 6/12, 7/24

Chef Tasting Series 6/26, 7/17

10% Off Bottles Every Wednesday

Thursdays

Thursday Night Music Series

Live Music 5-8PM -or- Music Bingo 6-8PM

$5 Glasses Of Wine, Beer & Cider and Chip Flights

Fridays

Live Music 5-8PM Every Friday

Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration - Every Friday

Eastwood Food Truck - Open Most Fridays

Tasting Bar Takeover Series - Select Fridays

(See Winery Calendar For Details & Dates Of Tastings)

Saturdays

Live Music All Day Every Saturday:

Afternoon Live Music 1-4PM

Eastwood After Dark: Fun & Lively Bands 5-8PM

Eastwood Food Truck - Open Most Saturdays

Sundays

Paint & Sip 5/26, 6/9, 7/14

Father’s Day Market & Live Music 6/16

Music Bingo 6/30, 7/7, 7/28

Eastwood Food Truck - Open Most Sundays

Memorial Day Weekend

GATHER WITH YOUR TEAM, FRIENDS & FAMILY

We offer Large Party Reservations for 7-30+ people and Private Events for up to 200 people.

Enjoy our wine, beer, and cider along with delicious food in two beautiful spaces.

Now booking spring and summer gatherings. Plan your event today!

Live Music Lineup

Thursday, May 23 | Gia Ray 5-8PM Friday, May 24 | Eli Cook 5-8PM

Saturday, May 25 | Lenny Burridge 1-4PM

Saturday, May 25 | Jackson, Pendergrass & Townsend 5-8PM Sunday, May 26 | Jim Richardson 1-4PM

We look forward to welcoming you to our tasting room, seven days a week. Join us for award-winning wines, beer, and cider, as well as delicious lunch and dinner menus. Enjoy lounging on the veranda with a glass of our gold edal 2023 Petit Manseng or 2022 Rosé. Or, stay inside and enjoy live music with a toasty seasonal flatbread or baked brie. We also have juice flights and cheese boards for the kids. See the Winery Calendar for details. Escape to Virginia Wine Country, only five miles from Downtown Charlottesville.

CULTURE

SATURDAY 5/25

KEEPING IT 100

Dust off your dancing shoes and warm up those vocal cords because audience interaction is a must when local legends 100 Proof take the stage. Merging funk, rhythm and blues, neo soul, and jazz with Latin congas, this go-go group brings wild energy to the dance floor. And the beats don’t stop when DJ Runway takes over to keep the records and heads spinning into the night. 18 and over. $17–60, 9pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

THURSDAY 5/23

SADDLE UP

SATURDAY 5/25 & SUNDAY 5/26

AMP UP THE ARTS

Whether you’re out to critique, create, or commune, the Charlottesville Arts Festival celebrates its fourth iteration with a little something for everyone. This year, the two-day celebration of creative culture brings together more than 50 fine artists and artisans, along with local musicians, vendors, and community partners. Interactive demonstrations and workshops provide grounds for insight and education, while immersive art experiences, performance pieces, and live musical acts engage the senses. $7–20, times vary. Ix Art Park, 522 Second St. SE. ixartpark.org

Touring in support of the new album Marigolds, North Carolina’s Tina & Her Pony rides into town on Americana arrangements that depict a life truly lived. Featuring Tina Collins with Rebecca Branson Jones on pedal steel, the duo’s twangy tunes explore love, loss, growth, and change on relatable tracks that evoke sawdust-covered bar room floors and driving down dirt roads at sunset. Free, 7pm. Dürty Nelly’s, 2200 Jefferson Park Ave. durtynellyscharlottesville.com

28 CULTURE FEEDBACK

Tenor of the season

Past success and popular demand have led Victory Hall Opera to bring back its outdoor acoustic series for a third year. Soundflight 3, hosted in the natural amphitheater of the Quarry Gardens at Schuyler, returns with four performances in early June. The series also brings virtuoso VHO tenor Victor Ryan Robertson back to the commonwealth. The accomplished performer is fresh off of a stint with The Metropolitan Opera, where he brought to life the complex characters of Street and Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad in X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X

Victor Ryan Robertson will perform along with soprano Sarah Wolfson in Victory Hall Opera’s Soundflight 3, a program of operatic, art song, folk, spiritual, and contemporary repertoire in a natural outdoor setting. More information at victoryhallopera.org.

Name: Victor Ryan Robertson

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Job: Opera singer

What’s something about your job that people would be surprised to learn: My job is so globally small. We all kinda know each other no matter if you live in Atlanta or Capetown.

How did you get started performing: I started performing in a rock band right out of high school. We toured the Southeast doing Zeppelin, Living Colour, and Journey covers to name a few.

First opera you performed in/role you performed: My very first opera that I performed was Nemorino in L’elisir D’amore

Favorite role/piece you’ve performed: My favorite role ever performed was either Rodolfo in La Bohème or Street/ Elijah Mohammed in X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X

What’s your comfort food/meal: My true comfort food is yellow rice, black beans, and slow-roasted pork Cuban style.

How do you take your coffee: I’m a very meat and potatoes kinda coffee drinker— double espresso with honey.

Best advice you ever got: Best advice I ever got was “Nobody owes you a thing.”

Proudest accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment was knowing I can make my living strictly from singing alone.

Favorite movie and/or show: Favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption and show right now is Hates Town on Broadway.

Wednesday 5/22 music

Berto and Matt. Latin guitar night. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 201 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

Dueling Pianos. Two dueling pianos, two charismatic, hilarious entertainers behind the keys, and an audience that will laugh and dance into the night. Bring your requests, as no song is off limits. $25, 7pm. Pikasso Swig Craft Bar, 333 Second St. SE. pikassoswig.com

Karaoke. Downtown C’ville’s longest-running Karaoke party. Hosted by Jenn Deville. Free, 9pm. Rapture, 303 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. rapturerestaurant.com

Open Mic Night. Open to all musicians, poets, and everyone in between. Hosted by Nicole Giordano. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St.

The Wavelength. Vintage rock, originals, and jazzy blues vibrations for your midweek music boost. Free, 6:30pm. The Whiskey Jar, 227 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thewhiskeyjarcville.com

classes

Paint Your Partner. Sit across from your partner or friends and paint their likeness to the best of your abilities. A night of fun, laughter, beer, and artwork. $30, 6pm. Pro Re Nata, 6135 Rockfish Gap Tpke., Crozet. prnbrewery.com

etc.

Batman Tim Burton’s 1989 blockbuster stars Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader and Jack Nicholson as the mean-spirited Joker. $10, 7pm. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 5th Street Station. drafthouse.com

Bingo. Free to play, fun prizes. Free, 6pm. Firefly, 1304 E. Market St. fireflycville.com

SuperFly Run Club. Run around the city, then enjoy $5 pints. Free, 6pm. SuperFly Brewing Co., 943 Preston Ave. superflybrewing.com

etc.

Dart Night. Luck-of-the-draw, double-elimination games with $1-off pints. Free, 6pm. Decipher Brewing, 1740 Broadway St. decipherbrewingco.wixsite.com

Habitat Hike. Spring outing for those with mobility challenges and special needs. This will take place on paved paths with gentle slopes and frequent seated breaks. Free, 10am. Ivy Creek Natural Area and Historic River View Farm, 1780 Earlysville Rd. ivycreekfoundation.org

Little Naturalists. Bring your 3–5-year-old out to Ivy Creek to introduce them to nature and get them exploring the trails. Free, 10am. Ivy Creek Natural Area and Historic River View Farm, 1780 Earlysville Rd. ivy creekfoundation.org

Trivia Night. Play alone or with a team of up to six players. Six rounds, eight questions per round. John Daniels’ final night of hosting. Free, 6:15pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

Friday 5/24

music

Chickenhead Blues Band. Well-loved local band brings their sensational New Orleans boogie-woogie, upbeat, rhythm and blues sounds to the tropics of Free Union. Free, 6pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com

Dropping Julia. Sassy, soulful, female-fronted rock. With indie pop-rockers Boxed Lunch. Free, 9pm. Rapture, 303 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. rapturerestaurant.com

Eli Cook. Enjoy live tunes with your wine, cider, and beer along with a full menu of food options. Free, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarm andwinery.com

Freedom From The Shadows. Five-piece metal-core band based in central Virginia. Free, 8pm. Ace Biscuit & Barbeque, 600 Concord Ave.

Favorite book: My favorite book will always be Fountainhead

What are you listening to right now: Right now I’m listening to Hiatus Kaiyote. Go-to karaoke song: “Lights” by Journey. Who’d play you in a movie: Terrence Howard.

Describe a perfect day: My perfect day would be to wake up at 9:30am, study for a couple of hours on the beach, get a massage, play tennis in the evening, and go to a concert.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for: If I had three wishes they would be to sing a duet with Chaka Khan, find the perfect mountain/beach house, and to be enveloped in rapture for hours with the lady of my choice.

Most embarrassing moment: My most embarrassing moment was realizing I need glasses whilst reading out loud a script in rehearsal. I simply couldn’t see the words and some people thought I might have been illiterate.

Most used app on your phone: Voice recorder.

Most used emoji: The eggplant emoji. Subject that causes you to rant: Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Best journey you ever went on: Best journey I ever went on was a job in Capetown.

Favorite curse word: What in all fucks?!

What have you forgotten today: Today I have forgotten to write down what I’m grateful for.

Thursday 5/23 music

Baby Jo’s. Boogie-woogie takes on classics with a full horn section, groovy rhythm, shredding guitars, washboards, and the “Queen of Boogie,” Betty Jo. Free, 8:30pm. Rapture, 303 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. rapturerestaurant.com

Berto and Vincent. A night of wild flamenco rumba and Latin guitar. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 225 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

Cleidsner. Tailgate Thursdays with live music and hand-shucked oysters. Folk-rock and fresh shellfish. Free, 6pm. Stinson Vineyards, 4744 Sugar Hollow Rd., Crozet. stinsonvineyards.com

Gia Ray. Enjoy live tunes and specials in addition to the regular menu. Free, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Karaoke. Sing your favorites while enjoying food and drink specials. Free, 7pm. Firefly, 1304 E. Market St. fireflycville.com

No BS! Brass Band with Theocles. This show is part of the Rivanna Roots Concert Series presented by The Front Porch and Rivanna River Company. $14–17, 5pm. Rivanna River Company, 1518 E. High St. frontporchcville.org

Phosphorescent. American singer-songwriter performing country-tinged rock ‘n’ roll. $27–32, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jefferson theater.com

Thomas Gunn. A longtime staple of the local music scene, this guitarist’s original work delivers a fusion of folk and country with poignant lyrics and unscripted humor. Free, 5pm. The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Blvd. thecentercville.org

Fridays After Five: The Lone Rangers. Playing everyone’s favorite songs from the last 70 years of rock and Top 40. Saxophones, synthesizers, and good-looking singers. Free, 5:30pm. Ting Pavilion, 700 E Main St., Downtown Mall. tingpavilion.com

Ian Gilliam and The Fire Kings. Local rock ‘n’ roll, blues, rockabilly, and country. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St. Josh Mayo and Alex Bragg. Josh Mayo and his group of great musicians provide wonderful music outside of Högwaller Brewing. Free, 6pm. Högwaller Brewing, 1518 E. High St. hogwallerbrewing.com

Mike Henry. Local singer-songwriter uniquely blends pop, rock, show tunes, blues, and bluegrass with a healthy dose of humor. Free, 5pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Please Don’t Tell. A trio of players with mixed musical backgrounds including classical, goth, and bluegrass perform at Offbeat Roadhouse. Free, 8pm. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

Queen City Porch Swingers. Sunset soirée featuring Staunton Virginia’s favorite traditional jazz band with Raclette Man. Free, 6pm. Chisholm Vineyards at Adventure Farm, 1135 Clan Chisholm Ln., Earlysville. chisholm vineyards.com

The Gladstones. Straight, old school rock ‘n’ roll of every variety, ranging from Johnny Cash to The Clash with original tunes mixed in. $15, 8pm. The Southern Café and Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

words

Author Event: Tabitha Stanmore. Join us for a book talk with Tabitha Stanmore, who will speak about her new work, Cunning Folk. Free, 7pm. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. ndbookshop.com

Puzzle Crawl. Crack codes, solve puzzles, and enjoy some of Charlottesville’s best beers along the way. $15, all day. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Saturday 5/25 music

100 Proof Go-Go Band. Groove to the infectious rhythms of this legendary band, known for high-energy performances and unstoppable beats. Keep the party going all night long with DJ Runway. 18+. $17–60, 9pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

Bailey Hayes. Local singer-songwriter plays an eclectic range of music from country to classic rock, pop-soul, folk, original music, and more. Stick around to howl at the full moon. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Berto Sales. Sounds of Brazil, Spain, and Latin America with a unique fingerpicking style and contagious energy. Free, 11am. Tavern & Grocery, 333 W. Main St. tavernand grocery.com

Conley Ray & The Joneses. Come scoot your boot for a fun night of old and new country favorites from this super-talented group. $10, 7pm. The Batesville Market, 6624 Plank Rd., Batesville. batesvillemarket.com

Gina Sobel Duo. Award-winning songwriter and composer brings together elements of funk, jazz, and American folk music into a fresh and compelling sound. Free, 5:30pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

Gone Country. Gone Country is where the line dancing, honky-tonk sound of Brooks & Dunn meets the smooth melodies of Alan Jackson. $10, 7pm. Pro Re Nata, 6135 Rockfish Gap Tpke., Crozet. prnbrewery.com Jackson, Pendergrass, and Townsend. Jazzpop trio providing new perspectives on great American music. Free, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwood farmandwinery.com

Josh Mayo and The House Sauce. One of C’ville’s favorite bands brings rockin’ originals and classic covers to the stage. Free, 10pm. The Whiskey Jar, 227 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thewhiskeyjarcville.com

Lenny Burridge. Enjoy live tunes with your wine, cider, and beer along with a full menu of food options. Free, 1pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwood farmandwinery.com

Mayday. Trumpet solos, four-part harmonies, and original music from this Charlottesville and Richmond-based band. With The Hot Mamas, an all-female singer-songwriter collective based in the Shenandoah Valley. $12–40, 8pm. The Southern Café and Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesouthern cville.com

Mojo Pie. Featuring founding members Susan Munson and Frank Bechter, entertaining all with their super-fun original and eclectic sounds. Free, 5pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. www. glasshousewinery.com

The Wavelength with Lisa Carter. Soulful tunes on a Saturday afternoon. Free, 2:30pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com

dance

Ballroom Dance. USA Dance Charlottesville presents a fun evening of ballroom dancing. Beginners welcome, no partner required. Come for the class and stay for the dance. $5–10, 7pm. The Center, 540 Belvedere Blvd. thecentercville.org

Worthy journey Housemates explores a queer and existential road trip

By Sarah Lawson arts@c-ville.com

Though Emma Copley Eisenberg is known for her acclaimed true crime memoir, The Third Rainbow Girl: The Long Life of a Double Murder in Appalachia, she received her MFA in fiction from the University of Virginia, where she was a Henry Hoyns/Poe Faulkner fellow. Her new novel, Housemates, is a queering of the classic road trip story, exploring personal and political expression through art, the transformative potential of community, and the joy and pain that we experience through our bodies. Given the breadth of the author’s inspirations and considerations in writing Housemates, this interview was edited for length.

C-VILLE Weekly: What inspired Housemates, and when did you know that your protagonists would be re-imaginings of Berenice Abbott and Elizabeth McCausland?

Emma Copley Eisenberg: “Sort of by accident, I turned to reading this plump biography of American photographer Berenice Abbott. I knew she was a lesbian and had lived a glamorous queer life in Paris in the 1920s and had had an older man mentor who reshaped her life. I was stopped in my tracks by this section about her meeting her life partner, Elizabeth McCausland, a hot tall fat butch lesbian ... Pretty quickly the two set out on a road trip across the southeastern U.S. with Abbott making large format photographs and McCausland writing about it. The two left single and creatively adrift and came back wholly together, romantically and creatively, with a clear sense of the project they wanted to make, which became their famous collaboration Changing New York What happened on that road trip? I needed to know, yet knew I never would, as those intimate details are lost to history.

“It didn’t take me long to realize I didn’t want to write a historical novel, but rather wanted to know about this duo of the past because of what they might be able to offer me about the present—halfway through Trump’s presidency, and in a moment where America was even more hostile to queer people and artists than ever. How to be a queer woman who was also trying to be an artist in America? How to both appreciate and get free of the old men artists who shaped you? How to be both a separate person and together with someone? These were the questions that kicked off Housemates.”

This is a very corporeal book. As someone who has written about fatphobia, describe why it’s important to you to show bodies, and ways of using bodies, that often remain uncelebrated.

“I always come back to one of my north star truths about writing: If it is part of the ex-

perience of being alive, it is worthy of examination in fiction. Having a body is at least fifty percent of being a human being, yet we forget about it in books. And more than fifty percent of Americans are now fat people. If you are writing fiction about America, you are writing about fat bodies, yet I recently ran the numbers about The New York Times’ annual lists of notable books in all categories, and less than one percent of their picks from the last five years have a fat person in them. One percent!

“I’ve noticed that when books, especially fiction, do have fat characters in them, the fat characters are almost always treated with derision or disgust, or their fatness is treated as the central problem the book is trying to ‘solve.’

This is not how my fat body exists for me—it is one important part of who I am, but I also struggle with many other things. So it was important and interesting to me to write a fat main character whose body is on her mind a

“I wanted to

lot but who is, fundamentally, struggling with other things, like what to do with her life. I wanted to show her in all her complexity—including how good she is at sex and how at home she feels in pleasure, something that is usually denied to fat people. I think both main characters are interested in having a body, so I wanted to show them talking and grappling with that ... They talk aloud about picking their noses, which I have been waiting my whole life to do in fiction.”

Describe your research process. “I did a lot of research for this book, which differed from what I did for The Third Rainbow Girl in that it focused on understanding emotional truths and putting my body in the places that appear in the novel. I did things like visiting the Flight 93 memorial in Stoystown, PA, eating at an Amish smorgasbord in Lancaster, driving up and down the Susquehanna River, and reading Galway Kinnell poems.”

Describe the responsibility you felt weaving together questions of morality, despair, and art’s life-saving potential. “This book is as much about the costs and rewards of making art as it is about Bernie and Leah … [asking] the question of whether or not art can save your life. I went into the book with that question as an open inquiry, and I think all of the characters would have different answers to it … Yes, it can save your life in the sense that it can make a life more alive, more pleasurable and it can open up seams of love and connection that sustain people, especially marginalized people who have often had less access to material resources. But at the same time, in no way is art a substitute for money, jobs, or healthcare—if you are sick or poor or mentally ill or being discriminated against or harmed on a systemic level, art is not going to save your life … just as America fundamentally does not support healthcare in this country, America fundamentally does not support the arts. We have decided, apparently, that neither taking care of the body nor the soul is important to us as a country. That leaves every person out there on our own to muddle through and build the best, most alive life that we can.”

show her in all her complexity— including how good she is at sex and how at home she feels in pleasure, something that is usually denied to fat people.”

EMMA COPLEY EISENBERG

Emma Copley Eisenberg will discuss Housemates with Carmen Maria Machado during a virtual event on June 11, hosted by Charis Books. Details can be found at charisbooksandmore.com.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Pre-register starting May 28, 2024. jmrl.org/challenges

Nelson, May 30, 2-4pm Greene, June 3, 6-7:30pm Louisa, June 4, 2-4pm Central, June 8, 10am-12pm

CULTURE THIS WEEK

Saturday 5/25 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

classes

Mosaic 201: Your House Number. Challenge your skills and creativity while making a personal house number or flat garden ornament for your home with outdoor proof materials. 18+. $65, 10:30am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappy elephant.com

etc.

Charlottesville Arts Festival. Fifty-plus fine artists and artisans celebrate creativity, diversity, and community. Immersive art experiences, incredible live music, workshops, and artisan demos will be happening throughout the event. Free, 3pm. Ix Art Park, 522 Second St. SE. ixartpark.org

Northside, June 8, 1-3pm Crozet, June 10, 5:30-6:30pm Gordon Ave, June 10, 6-8pm Scottsville, June 11, 2-4pm

Puzzle Crawl. See listing for Friday, May 24. $15, all day. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Storytime. Readings of recent favorites and classics. Free, 11am. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. newdominionbookshop.com

Sunday 5/26 music

BRIMS Presents: Frankie Gavin and Catherine McHugh. Traditional Irish fiddle with piano accompaniment. Free, 6pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

Chris Van Cleave and Gary Green. Actor, singer, and songwriter Chris Van Cleave is joined by harmonica wizard Gary Green for Sunday-funday antics. Free, 2pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com

2pm. Ivy Creek Natural Area and Historic River View Farm, 1780 Earlysville Rd. ivy creekfoundation.org

Puzzle Crawl. See listing for Friday, May 24. $15, All Day. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Monday 5/27 music

Berto and Vincent. Come join us for an evening of Spanish rumba and Latin guitar with Berto Sales and Vincent Zorn. Free, 6:30pm. South and Central Latin Grill, 946 Grady Ave., Ste. 104. southand centralgrill.com

Charlottesville Cinco. The Charlottesville Municipal Band Woodwind Quintet showcases their talents in celebration of Memorial Day. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducard vineyards.com

classes

Create and Play Mondays. Sensory art making and play time for children ages three–five. Kids will have the pleasant and joyous experience of drawing, finger painting, and mess-making. $15, 11:30am. Rose’s Inspiration Station, 2025 Library Ave., Crozet. piedmontplacecrozet.com

etc.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia. Compete with teams of up to six people for chances to win gift cards. Hosted by Audrey. Free, 6:30pm. Decipher Brewing, 1740 Broadway St. decipherbrewingco.wixsite.com

Trivia Night. Unleash your talent for trivia. Fierce competition and big laughs, hosted by Brandon “The Trivia Guy” Hamilton. Free, 6pm. Prince Michel Vineyard & Tap 29 Brewery, 154 Winery Ln., Leon. princemichel.com

Gina Sobel. Sobel brings together elements of funk, jazz, and American folk music into a fresh and compelling sound. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Otra Vez. This Sunday session features Otra Vez playing Brazilian music, cheerful tangos, and waltzes. Popitos Pizza serves up wood-fired pizza on site. Free, 1pm. Chisholm Vineyards at Adventure Farm, 1135 Clan Chisholm Ln., Earlysville. chisholmvineyards.com

Zuzu’s Hot 5. Traditional New Orleans-style jazz live in the orchard. Free, 2:30pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com

dance

BRIMS Presents: Ceol and Ceili. Irish reels, jigs, and polkas for dancers. All dances will be taught and called by BRIMS dance instructors. All ages welcome, no previous dance experience needed. Free, 3pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

classes

Paint + Sip. Learn a variety of techniques and skills to render a “sunset lake.” Paint, sip, repeat. $38, 2pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarm andwinery.com

etc.

Charlottesville Arts Festival. See listing for Saturday, May 25. Free, 10am. Ix Art Park, 522 Second St. SE. ixartpark.org Developmental Darts. Open to dart throwers of all skill levels or anyone who just wants to learn the basics. Free, 1pm. Decipher Brewing, 1740 Broadway St. decipherbrewingco.wixsite.com Geology Hike. Learn about the geology of Ivy Creek and the surrounding area. Free,

Tuesday 5/28

music

Josh Mayo and The House Sauce. Charlottesville staples Josh Mayo and The House Sauce take the stage for a night of live originals and classic covers. Free, 10pm. Rapture, 303 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. rapturerestaurant.com

Karaoke. Sign up and sing your favorite songs. Hosted by Thunder Music. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St. Vincent Zorn. Wild flamenco rumba performed solo. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 225 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. the bebedero.com

words

Profs & Pints. “The Future of Meditation” on rethinking ancient contemplative practices to fit our times. With David Germano, professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Virginia. $13, 5:30pm. Graduate Charlottesville, 1309 W. Main St. profsandpints.com etc.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia. An awesome evening of challenging questions and endless fun. Free, 7pm. Firefly, 1304 E. Market St. fireflycville.com

Music Bingo. Listen to your favorite tracks and earn the chance to win prizes. Hosted by King Trivia. Free, 7pm. SuperFly Brewing Co., 943 Preston Ave. superflybrewing.com

The Man Who Laughs Silent Film Series presents movies as they were in the early days of filmmaking. Watch a silent film on the big screen with live piano accompaniment. Free, 5:30pm. The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Blvd. thecenter cville.org

Back to basic

Back to Black is a conventional biopic aided by a strong cast

By Justin Humphreys arts@c-ville.com

Director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Back to Black details the short, volcanic life of pop star Amy Winehouse. It’s a by-the-numbers music biopic that is mostly unremarkable, with the exception of the film’s cast. Marisa Abela as Winehouse and Jack O’Connell as her husband Blake Fielder-Civil give performances that intensely enliven the film. Winehouse died at age 27 in 2011, and her story is fairly familiar to viewers. The picture focuses on the gifted singer and jazz enthusiast’s rise to international stardom with her albums Frank and Back to Black, while her chaotic personal life is marred by alcoholism and bulimia.

A sucker for “bad boys,” Amy falls in love with lowlife Blake (O’Connell), whose presence in her unbalanced life exacerbates her self-destructiveness, culminating in drug abuse. Back to Black also explores the singer’s deep bonds with her grandmother, Cynthia (Lesley Manville), and her father, cabbie Mitch Winehouse (Eddie Marsan).

To her credit, Taylor-Johnson treats Winehouse relatively kindly and humanizes her, while also emphasizing her family ties and justifiably condemning the

paparazzi who hounded her. The central problem with Back to Black is the mediocrity of the storytelling: There are so many run-of-the-mill, TV-movie-of-the-week biopics out there, so why make another? Back to Black isn’t a poorly-made film—it’s just unexceptional.

Back to Black’s real draw is its lead actors. Abela, who does her own singing, is very convincing as Winehouse, and though her performance has caught flak for overdoing Winehouse’s North London accent, it’s truer to the singer than her detractors give the actress credit for. O’Connell shines even brighter as the trashy Fielder-Civil, whom he consulted while preparing for the role. Tasked with playing an ignorant, scummy, unlikable character he doesn’t resemble, O’Connell is impressively natural, right down to his bovine stare.

Despite its uneven script, certain scenes—like Winehouse’s initial flirtation with Blake in a pub—really click. But, overall, this version of Winehouse’s life seems incomplete, making this one of only a few recent movies that should run over two hours but doesn’t. Certain characters and plot points are hinted at when they should be fleshed out, including brief passages of Winehouse composing and recording her

hits. It also suffers from characters making points that are obvious to anyone paying attention. Taylor-Johnson does get extra credit for not dumbing down the British lingo, including Cockney rhyming slang. She assumes the audience is smart enough to catch on to it, and it’s easy to follow.

The supporting cast is fine, with Manville and Marsan getting top honors as Winehouse’s grandmother and dad, respectively.

Back to Black

R, 107 minutes | Regal Stonefield, Violet Crown Cinemas

They both imbue their characters with genuine warmth and humanity. The cinematography is generally very straightforward. The costumes, makeup and hair, and production design are all good.

Back to Black has been criticized for, among other things, being too sanitized, for focusing too much on Winehouse’s addictions, and for leaving out key figures in the performer’s life, including her last boyfriend, Reg Traviss. But this is no surprise: Doomed musician biopics are almost always lacking, leaving viewers dissatisfied. In hindsight, the screenplay itself clearly needs rehab.

To her credit, Sam Taylor-Johnson treats Winehouse relatively kindly and humanizes her, while also emphasizing her family ties and justifiably condemning the paparazzi who hounded her.

Marisa Abela stars as the late, doomed singer Amy Winehouse in Back to Black

Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

Opera biffs

BY MATT JONES

ACROSS

1. Gave a hoot

6. Some TV screens

10. Herring cousin

14. Former “SNL” cast member Cheri

15. “It’s all ___!”

16. “Aladdin” parrot

17. Opera that’s sorta supernatural, but by chance?

19. Actress Cannon of “Heaven Can Wait”

20. 2024 title role for Michael Douglas on Apple TV+

21. Those who ___ most

23. Partner of yang

24. Opera about actor Ribisi turning into a canine?

26. ___ California, Mexico

27. Expected

28. Opera about an Irish wiggly dessert?

31. Collective auction offering

32. Software creators, for short

36. “Holy cow!”

37. Office seeker, for short

38. Shakespeare collection

39. Ooze through a crack

40. St an Getz’s instrument

41. Opera about a superhero mechanic?

42. League where Utah is deciding on a team name

43. “The Big Easy”

44. Opera where a future king turns blue-green?

49. Ask later” on schedules

52. Playwright Eugene

53. Send mass phone messages during an election, maybe

55. Shoelace issue

56. It alian opera about pub quizzes?

58. German article

59. Snack with a roughly 1.75-inch diameter

60. Oopsie

61. In proximity

62. Notify

63. Break a truce, maybe

DOWN

1. Like a nice recliner

2. Pong producer

3. “King Lear” daughter

4. go bragh

5. “King of the Surf Guit ar”

6. Division for FC Barcelona

7. Held on (to)

8. “Hi and Lois” creator Browne

9. Escorted to the door

10. 45’s main feature?

11. Composer with all the symphonies

12. “What is it now?”

13. “___ Make It Look Easy” (Meghan Trainor song)

18. 1988 Olympics track star nickname

22. Night before

25. K-pop st ar, e.g.

26. Radar flash

28. Fractions of a lb. or qt.

29. Coffee

30. Shorn animal

31. Bagel go-with

32. Kids’ show explorer

33. Shade tree

34. Through

35. Family tree branch, perhaps

37. Hand part

38. Topple

40. Superficial

41. Raccoon’s South American cousin

42. 0, on a soccer scorecard

43. Cell that fires on impulse

44. Gotten out of bed

45. Concave belly button

46. Singer Lewis

47. Quart’s metric counterpart

48. ___ Tots

49. Papal headpiece

50. Ulan ___, Mongolia

51. Clock-radio feature

54. Very urgent

57. Longtime Notre Dame coach Parseghian

Morgan Stanley is proud to congratulate Eric Parker, CFP® Named one of Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Advisors

Being named to Forbes’ 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list is a testament to your experience, focus, and dedication to your clients’ financial future.

Thank you for the work you do each day and for carrying forward the standard of excellence at our firm.

Eric Parker, CFP® Managing Director –Wealth Management Wealth Advisor 120 Garrett Street, Ste 301 Charlottesville, VA 22902 434-220-3809

eric.parker@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/eric.parker NMLS# 1261954

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S.

Source: Forbes.com (April 2024) 2024 Forbes America’s Top Wealth Advisors and Best-In-State Wealth Advisors rankings awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 6/30/22–6/30/23. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC, or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKresearch.com. © 2024 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

T:6.25"

By Rob Brezsny

Taurus

(April 20-May 20): Poet Emily Dickinson was skillful at invoking and managing deep feelings. One scholar described her emotions as being profoundly erotic, outlandish, sensuous, flagrant, and nuanced. Another scholar said she needed and sought regular doses of ecstasy. Yet even she, maestro of passions, got overwhelmed. In one poem, she wondered “Why Floods be served to us in Bowls?” I suspect you may be having a similar experience, Taurus. It’s fun, though sometimes a bit too much. The good news is that metaphorically speaking, you will soon be in possession of a voluminous new bowl that can accommodate the floods.

Cancer

(June 21–July 22): Bold predictions: 1. Whatever treasure you have lost or are losing will ultimately be reborn in a beautiful form. 2. Any purposeful surrender you make will hone your understanding of exactly what your soul needs next to thrive. 3. A helpful influence may fade away, but its disappearance will clear the path for new helpful influences that serve your future in ways you can’t imagine yet. 4. Wandering around without a precise sense of where you’re going will arouse a robust new understanding of what home means to you.

Leo

(July 23–Aug. 22): Denmark’s King Canute IV (1042–1086) wasn’t bashful about asserting his power. He claimed ownership of all the land. He insisted on the right to inherit the possessions of all foreigners and people without families. Goods from shipwrecks were automatically his property. But once, his efforts to extend his authority failed. He had his servants move his throne to a beach as the tide came in. Seated and facing the North Sea, he commanded, “Halt your advance!” The surf did not obey. “You must surrender to my superior will!” he exclaimed, but the waters did not recede. Soon, his throne was engulfed by water. Humbled, Canute departed. I bring this up not to discourage you, Leo. I believe you can and should expand your influence and clout in the coming weeks. Just be sure you know when to stop.

Virgo

(Aug. 23–Sept. 22): Virgo-born Irène Joliot-Curie craved more attention than she got

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Gemini

(May 21-June 20): All of us periodically enjoy phases I call “Freedom from Cosmic Compulsion.” During these times, the Fates have a reduced power to shape our destinies. Our willpower has more spaciousness to work with. Our intentions get less resistance from karmic pressures that at other times might narrow our options. As I meditated on you, dear Gemini, I realized you are now in a phase of Freedom from Cosmic Compulsion. I also saw that you will have more of these phases than anyone else during the next 11 months. It might be time for you to get a “LIBERATION” tattoo or an equivalent new accessory.

from her mother, Marie Curie. Mom was zealously devoted to her career as a chemist and physicist, which is one reason why she won Nobel Prizes in both fields. But she didn’t spend sufficient time with her daughter. Fortunately, Irène’s grandfather Eugène became his granddaughter’s best friend and teacher. With his encouragement, she grew into a formidable scientist and eventually won a Nobel Prize in chemistry herself. Even if you’re not a kid, Virgo, I suspect there may be a mentor and guide akin to Eugène in your future. Go looking! To expedite the process, define what activity or skill you want help in developing.

Libra

(Sept. 23–Oct. 22): I have a fantasy that sometime in the coming months, you will slip away to a sanctuary in a pastoral paradise. There you will enjoy long hikes and immerse yourself in healing music and savor books you’ve been wanting to read. Maybe you will write your memoirs or compose deep messages to dear old friends. Here’s the title of what I hope will be a future chapter of your life story: “A Thrillingly Relaxing Getaway.” Have you been envisioning an adventure like this, Libra? Or is your imagination more inclined to yearn for a trip to an exciting city where you will exult in high culture? I like that alternative, too. Maybe you will consider doing both.

Scorpio

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): An Instagrammer named sketchesbyboze advises us, “Re-enchant your life by making the mundane exciting. You are not ‘going to the drugstore.’ You are visiting the apothecary to buy potions. You are not ‘running an errand.’ You are undertaking an unpredictable adventure. You are not ‘feeding the birds.’ You are making an alliance with the crow queen.” I endorse this counsel for your use, Scorpio. You now have the right and duty to infuse your daily rhythm with

magic and fantasy. To attract life’s best blessings, you should be epic and majestic. Treat your life as a mythic quest.

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I invite you to invite new muses into your life in the coming months. Give them auditions. Interview them. Figure out which are most likely to boost your creativity, stimulate your imagination, and rouse your inspiration in every area of your life, not just your art form. Tell them you’re ready to deal with unpredictable departures from the routine as long as these alternate paths lead to rich teachings. And what form might these muses take? Could be actual humans. Could be animals or spirits. Might be ancestral voices, exciting teachings, or pilgrimages to sacred sanctuaries. Expand your concept of what a muse might be so you can get as much muse-like input as possible.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The Japanese have a word for a problem that plagues other countries as well as theirs: karoshi, or death from working too hard and too much. No matter how high-minded our motivations might be, no matter how interesting our jobs are, most of us cannot safely devote long hours to intense labor week after week, month after month. It’s too stressful on the mind and body. I will ask you to monitor yourself for such proclivities in the coming months. You can accomplish wonders as long as you work diligently but don’t overwork. (PS: You won’t literally expire if you relentlessly push yourself with nonstop hard exertion, but you will risk compromising your mental health. So don’t do it!)

Aquarius

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19): Typically, human fertility is strongest when the temperature is 64 degrees

Fahrenheit. But I suspect you will be an exception to the rule in the coming months. Whether it’s 10 below or 90 in the shade, your fertility will be extra robust—literally as well as psychologically and spiritually. If you are a heterosexual who would rather make great art or business than new babies, be very attentive to your birth control measures. No matter what your gender or sexual preference is, I advise you to formulate very clear intentions about how you want to direct all that lush fecundity. Identify which creative outlets are most likely to serve your long-term health and happiness.

Pisces

(Feb. 20-March 20): Here’s a key assignment in the coming months: Enjoy fantasizing about your dream home. Imagine the comfortable sanctuary that would inspire you to feel utterly at home in your body, your life, and the world. Even if you can’t afford to buy this ultimate haven, you will benefit from visualizing it. As you do, your subconscious mind will suggest ways you can enhance your security and stability. You may also attract influences and resources that will eventually help you live in your dream home.

Aries

(March 21-April 19): Welcome to the future of your education, Aries! Here are actions you can take to ensure you are exposed to all the lush lessons you need and deserve in the coming months. 1. Identify three subjects you would be excited to learn more about. 2. Shed dogmas and fixed theories that interfere with your receptivity to new information. 3. Vow to be alert for new guides or mentors. 4. Formulate a three-year plan to get the training and teachings you need most. 5. Be avidly curious.

Expanded weekly audio horoscopes and daily text message horoscopes: RealAstrology.com, (877) 873-4888

Direct

$16-$18 per hour

$48k-$56k

To

a complete job description for each please visit the careers page of our website. arcpva.org/careers Offering

Where the heart is

Again this year, Piedmont CASA, a local nonprofit that aids kids in foster care, held its annual playhouse raffle. Designed by Hinge, built by Robertson Renovations, and painted by Sun Painting, the 2024 playhouse features a climbing wall that leads to a loft as well as an interior/exterior slide. The winner—one of 758 entries that raised more than $10,000 (include sponsorships)—was announced May 18 and will soon be delivered to its new owners, a local family with three young children.

Joe Mucciolo. Photo by October Grace Media.