C-VILLE Weekly | April 30 - May 6, 2025 by C-VILLE Weekly

ICE raid at Albemarle courthouse leaves more questions than answers P.11

City eyes creating Land Bank Authority for affordable housing P.17

Sushi at Vitae, new nosh from the former Flat team, and more food news P.43

BadassTHE BLUEPRINT

Rachael Kesler Palm spotlights the women who lead, inspire, and conquer in Charlottesville

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YoursupporofLVCAmeanssomuch!

Hello, Charlottesville.

Thank you for reading C-VILLE Weekly.

4.30.25

Visibility matters. That’s one of the reasons we’re so excited about this week’s cover story (p.23), which highlights Badass Women of Charlottesville, a new book by Rachael Kesler Palm. In it, she profiles two dozen local women who are bold, creative, strong, and fiercely committed to their work and their communities. In short: badass.

These women aren’t new to the scene—they’ve been leading, building, organizing, and innovating in Charlottesville for years. What’s new is the spotlight. Badass Women of Charlottesville doesn’t just celebrate these women—it makes them visible. It says: Here they are. Let’s honor their work. Let’s learn from their stories.

I had the pleasure of working with Rachael behind the scenes on the early stages of the book, and last week, I got to attend the launch event at The Bradbury, where many of the women featured in the book gathered to read selections from their essays. The energy in the room was electric—a powerful, joyful celebration of women lifting each other up. (There were a few men there too, but it was very much a night for the girls.) That feeling— the collective strength and support—reminded me why visibility matters so much.

I’m thrilled that we get to bring a piece of this project to you in Julia Stumbaugh’s story. And I’m proud to amplify the spirit of badass women in this week’s issue. When we lift up women who lead with courage and creativity, we invite others to see that path for themselves, too.

Hey, thanks!

These generous benefactors of C-VILLE have supported our work through our Save the Free Word campaign. If you’d like to contribute, follow the QR code.

Towns Ackerman

Catherine Anninos

Lori Balaban

Timothy Bambury

Catherine Barnes

Susan Battani

Jennifer Beachley

Mayanna Bean

Denise Benson

Anne Bergamesca

Kim Biasiolli

Patrick Bird

Paddy Bowman

Paul Brewer

Claudia Murray Brindle

Sumner Brown

Colette Brown

Jack Brown

Kate Buford

Cathleen Burgess

Patricia Burkett

Michael Callahan

Brian Carlton

Karen Collins

Emily Currier

Maria-Eugenia Dalton

Martha Donnelly

Charlotte Drummond

Louise Dudley

Lee Elberson

Jane Elmore

Karen Emmitt

Ken Engebretson

Elizabeth Engle

Rosa Ellen English

M. Fife

Lavonne Fitts

Barbara Fornoff

David Gies

Stephanie Goodwin

Madeleine Hawks

Mary Haynes

Chris Hellings

Stephen Herrick

John Heyser

JoAnn Hofheimer

Lisa Hogan

Laura Horn

Christina Horton

Deb Jackson

Garth Jensen

Nina Johnston

Nicole Jones

Diane Jones

Janet Jospe

Brian Kelly

Trish Kenney

Tom Kirk

Kathryn Kluge

Julie Lacy

Marcia Langsam

Jacalyn LaPierre

Aaron Lawrence

Eric and Diane Lawson

Elizabeth Lawson

Frances Lee-Vandell

Sean Libberton

Angeline Lillard

Jessica Lino

D. Little

Phillip Long

Rob Lynch

Jeff Martin

Erin Mayer

Kieran Mcdowell

Mary McIntyre

Ruth McWilliams

James Mernin

Nicolas Mestre

Parthy Monagan

Hilary Moorman

Michael Morency

Harold E. Morgan

Michael Moriarty

Jim Mummery

Karen Myers

Monica Newby

Dennis O’Connor

Cynthia Van Osch

Annette Osso

Annette Owens

Timothy Palmer

Joe Peacock

Elizabeth Perdue

Joann Peters

Damon Pettitt

Elayne Phillips

Anne Price

Ernest Pugh

Harry Purkey

Leslie Quenichet

Frances Racette

Sarah Ratcliffe

Stots Reele

Marjorie Rein

Cindy Richards

Kevin Richardson

David Robinson

Julia Rubarth

Carol Gilbert Sacks

Audrey Sarate

Joan Schatzman

Sandra Schmidt

Eric Schultz

James Seitz

Elaine Shaw

This week’s contributors

Julia Stumbaugh has worked with C-VILLE since 2017. She developed her love for writing while growing up in Albemarle County, and her passion for sports journalism while attending William & Mary. When she’s not contributing to C-VILLE’s art and sports coverage, you can probably find her at an art museum or watching hockey. Read her work on page 23.

Chuck Shelton

Paul Shettel

John Smith

Kristina Smith

Meredith Smoot

Mickey Speck

Maria Spence

Nichole Taylor

Emily Thiede

Reid Thompson

Prue Thorner

John Titus

Jessica Tobin

Erica Toy

Jill Trischman-Marks

Susan Uland

Rick Vergot

Christina Walker

David Waters

Chris Waugaman

Kelly West

Jay Wildermann

Marcia Wilds

Andrew Wolf

Natalie Yancey

Suzanne Yeaman

Nura Yingling

Kelly Zalewski

Kathleen Zenker

Sarah Golibart Gorman is a writer and educator. Her food journey began in a peach orchard, sparking a respect for growers and a love of flavor. Gorman contributes to Garden & Gun, The Harrisonburg Citizen, JMU’s Madison Magazine, and Edible Blue Ridge, where she was named a 2024 Best of Edible Award finalist. She also develops recipes and stars in cooking videos for Shenandoah Valley Orchards. She currently lives in Harrisonburg. Catch her adventures on Instagram @friendlycityfoodie. Read her work on page 43.

11 Update on ICE arrests at county courthouse.

UVA and CCS vie for FEI property; international students’ status restored; and more. 15 Planning Commission recommends floodplain development.

15 Real Estate Weekly: Is Land Bank Authority in city’s future? CULTURE

ED I TORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Caite Hamilton editor@c-ville.com

ART DIRECTOR

Max March max@c-ville.com

CULTURE EDITOR

Tami Keaveny tami@c-ville.com

NEWS REPORTER

Catie Ratliff reporter@c-ville.com

NEWS CONTRIBUTOR

Sean Tubbs

ASSOCIATE CULTURE EDITOR

CM Turner arts@c-ville.com

COPY EDITOR

Susan Sorensen

NEWS INTERN

Merrill Hart

CONTRIBUTORS

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

43 Small Bites: Sushi at Vitae, Maple Tree Café, and foodcentric getaways. 44 Galleries: What’s on view this month.

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THURSDAY, MAY 1 MAYA DE VITRY (TRIO) WITH SAM MOSS

FRIDAY, MAY 2 SHORT N’ SWEET: A SABRINA CARPENTER DRAG & DANCE PARTY (16+) HOSTED BY SWEET PICKLES

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Cold as ICE

Plainclothes agents detain two men at Albemarle County Courthouse BY CATIE RATLIFF

Local judicial and law enforcement systems were turned upside down on April 22, when two men were detained by plainclothes immigration officers at the Albemarle County General District Court. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is standing by its actions despite numerous concerns and questions raised by immigration activists and civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union.

The men detained, identified by Virginia Public Media as Teodoro Dominguez-Rodriguez of Honduras and Pablo Aparicio-Marcelino of Mexico, are currently in custody at the ICE detention center run by Abyon in Farmville, Virginia.

A video published by The Daily Progress shows three plainclothes federal officers, one of whom is wearing a balaclava in violation of Virginia Code 18.2-422, closing in on one of the men as two unidentified bystanders ask to see a warrant. The agents did not show a warrant, badge, or other identification to the men prior to arrest, according to witnesses at the scene.

Security at the courthouse is handled by the Albemarle County Sheriff’s Office. Both the ACSO and the Albemarle County Police Department say they were not aware of the federal law enforcement action prior to ICE agents arriving at the courthouse. According to Sheriff Chan Bry-

ant, the federal agents showed identification, including badges and credentials, and warrants to bailiffs prior to making the arrests.

“The agents informed the bailiffs at that time that they were there to detain two individuals who had court cases in the Albemarle County General District Court,” said Bryant in an April 23 press release. After the first man was detained and removed from the building, a crowd gathered and began recording the incident. “When the federal agents became the subject of an individual recording them, one of the agents put on a hood to cover his face. After the conclusion of the

ON PAGE 13

Protesters gathered in Court Square on April 23 to oppose detainments by ICE.

second individual[’s] court hearing, he was detained by federal authorities and escorted out of the building.”

Several local and state legal authorities have since spoken out against the detainments.

Jim Hingeley, commonwealth’s attorney for Albemarle County, was not present at the time of the detainments, but has publicly criticized the actions and has opened an investigation into the incident.

“I am grateful that no one was hurt in this operation, but I am also greatly concerned that arrests carried out in this manner could escalate into a violent confrontation, because the person being arrested or bystanders might resist what appears on its face to be an unlawful assault and abduction,” said Hingeley in an April 23 release.

An ICE spokesperson responded to Hingeley’s comments on April 26, indicating that the agency stands by its actions, intends to prosecute the bystanders who “unsuccessfully attempted to obstruct enforcement efforts,” and accused Hingeley of “posturing for the media … to gain political capital.”

The same statement labels Dominguez-Rodriguez as an “illegally present, violent Honduran alien.” The Virginia Online Court Case Information System lists two charges against the defendant for assault and battery, one of which was dismissed in court on April 22. The other charge has not yet gone to adjudication.

Hingeley responded to the ICE statement the same day. “It is a fact that the method chosen by ICE agents to make these arrests constituted a risk to public safety, and I stand by that statement. In Albemarle County, at least, if not at ICE, facts are facts, and I am confident my constituents appreciate my efforts to bring facts to light,” he said. “My investigation is balanced and impartial, and I have received input from the federal agencies involved in making the arrests, all the more reason, it seems to me, to conclude that the ICE spokesperson’s attack on my integrity was misguided. I leave it to my constituents to decide who was ‘posturing for the media.’”

Chief Public Defender for Charlottesville and Albemarle County Nick Reppucci, whose office was representing Dominguez-Rodriguez in court that day, also condemned the detainments.

In addition to the impingement of his client’s rights, Reppucci is concerned about the potential “chilling effect” on participation with the justice system, discouraging people from showing up to court, reporting crimes, or seeking legal help. “It is not just the undocumented community that will

IMMIGRATION NEWS

be negatively affected, but everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Charlottesville,” he says. “Our community is less safe and just than it was a few days ago.”

From Reppucci’s perspective, legal action against the bystanders shown in The Daily Progress video would further exacerbate harm to the Charlottesville community.

“The thought process behind it, in my opinion, would be to intimidate the community and individuals from demanding that law enforcement follow correct protocol,” he says. “If the protocol becomes accepted in our society, that people can just say that they’re law enforcement and seize people off the streets under the guise that they are enforcing immigration laws, it’s going to lead to widespread abuses of people’s rights and undoubtedly copycat criminal behavior.

Bryant acknowledged the potential impact of the detainments on the local justice system in a comment via email, but also said that “Albemarle County Sheriff’s Deputies identified the federal law enforcement agents by their badges and credentials, therefore they knew that it was not a kidnapping, and the federal agents were there on their of-

IN BRIEF

ficial business. I cannot speak on other law enforcement agencies’ policy and procedures relating to how they identify themselves to the public.”

Local representatives are also weighing in on the April 22 detainments. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine echoed many of Reppucci and Hingeley’s points in an email, sharing that his staff is currently looking into the incident. “Particularly in settings like courthouses, which are staffed by armed officers, it’s important that law enforcement officers are clearly identified to help avoid misunderstandings that could lead to escalation of violence, even to include officeron-officer fire,” he said. State Sen. Creigh Deeds and Del. Katrina Callsen are also investigating, and jointly filed a Freedom of Information Act request with Albemarle County the day after the ICE action. Developments are available on Callsen’s website as they emerge.

At press time, Dominguez-Rodriguez and Aparicio-Marcelino remain in custody at the Farmville Detention Center, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office has not filed charges against the bystanders.

All the news you missed last week (in one sentence or less)

UVA Health announces rollout of recyclable paper-based prescription pill bottles. Business financing company Advance Funds Network determines Chaps Ice Cream is Virginia’s most popular small business, according to poll. Three men arrested in connection with fatal October 2024 shooting. UVA Health University Medical Center named to Newsweek’s list of best weight-loss clinics in America. A $350,000 grant from nonprofit Ascendium Education Group enables UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies to offer college courses at prisons. Charlottesville transformer fire knocks out power for more than 1,000 Starr Hill and North Downtown residents on April 24. Indoor pickleball and entertainment center cvilleSMASH signs lease on 33,431-square-foot space in Seminole Square Shopping Center. Circa burgled in plain sight April 25; police searching for three suspects. About 1,000 people attend Indivisible Charlottesville-hosted town hall for no-show 5th District Congressman John McGuire April 26.

Local law enforcement was reportedly not aware of the ICE detainment activity until federal agents entered Albemarle County General District Court.

YEAR ‘ROUND YUM!

NEWS AT A GLANCE School showdown

CCS and UVA both interested in acquiring the Federal Executive Institute

After the Trump administration shuttered Charlottesville’s Federal Executive Institute earlier this year, Charlottesville City Schools and the University of Virginia are competing to acquire the property.

The 14-acre site, formerly used as a leadership training center for federal employees, shut down following a February 10 executive order. In mid-March, schools learned that, through the Federal Real Property Assistance Program, the FEI was available for purchase by an educational institution in the city.

UVA submitted a formal expression of interest on April 21—the Board of Visitors will vote whether to approve the bid in an April 29 special meeting. The meeting agenda did not include UVA’s specific plans for the facility, but noted that no construction or renovation to buildings was expected. UVA estimated a cost of $1.85 million in one-time funds to bring the entire property into good condition, along with approximately $1.9 million annually for ongoing maintenance.

CCS, which announced its bid April 23, plans to convert the property into a preschool and other division administration offices.

Leaders say the move would free up existing CCS sites to expand alternative-education and special-needs programming.

“This single opportunity offers a costeffective way to impact young people in

Open-ended questions

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION reversed course on April 25, restoring the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System records of thousands studying in the United States. While SEVIS record reactivation is a win for international students, immigration officials say they will continue to pursue visa revocation and deportation.

According to an FAQ for international students and scholars, the University of Virginia “learned that one current student and two alumni with [optional practical training] had their visas revoked and their SEVIS records terminated” on April 4. The SEVIS records for all three have since been reactivated, but there is no public update on their visa statuses.

Charlottesville from age 3 through graduation,” Superintendent Dr. Royal Gurley wrote in a press release. “From our preschool to a family welcome center to alternative learning programs, this acquisition would allow us to make powerful changes on an accelerated timeline.”

Local organization Livable Cville added its voice to the debate, emailing the BOV a request to vote against the FEI acquisition and instead endorse the CCS bid.

“Our main point is [that] UVA should facilitate the city [school’s’] use of the property rather than competing with the city for scarce resources,” the group wrote in an Instagram post.

At press time, the board has yet to meet for the FEI vote. Visit c-ville.com for updates.—Merrill Hart

The legal status of many international students remains in doubt as the Trump administration says it does not intend to walk back the cancellation of visas despite early reporting by The New York Times, which has since been corrected.

The SEVIS status update is the latest in a series of federal actions affecting higher education institutions. Earlier that week,

UVA President Jim Ryan and more than 150 other university presidents condemned federal overreach by the Trump administration in a joint statement from the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

“We must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses,” reads an excerpt from the April 22 release. “We will always seek effective and fair financial practices, but we must reject the coercive use of public research funding.” Catie Ratliff

Local meteorologist arrested

FORMER NBC29 METEOROLOGIST

Joshua Fitzpatrick, 42, has been charged with felony sexual extortion and unlawful creation of image of another, according to the Albemarle County Police Department.

Arrest warrants for Fitzpatrick were obtained on April 9, after a victim came forward in late February. According to an April 25 post by ACPD, the victim “reported that after a consensual sexual encounter, they were extorted and threatened with the release of a video taken unknowingly and without their consent.”

Fitzpatrick left Charlottesville, and NBC29, shortly after the investigation began in early March. He was arrested on a fugitive warrant in Ohio on April 22. At press time, he is awaiting extradition to Virginia.

Based on its investigation, ACPD believes there may be additional victims. Anyone who had “an encounter” with Fitzpatrick is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 296-5807.—CR

Early season

EARLY VOTING IN THE JUNE 17

Democratic Primary for Charlottesville City Council begins May 2, officially kicking off the city’s experiment with ranked-choice voting.

Mayor Juandiego Wade and Vice-Mayor Brian Pinkston are both seeking reelection, but face a challenge from Jen Fleisher for the two available seats. Rather than filling in two bubbles as usual, voters have the opportunity to rank all three candidates in order of preference.

More information on ranked-choice voting and the City Council primary can be found at rankedchoiceva.org. CR

The Federal Executive Institute, which was shut down by an executive order in February, was opened in 1968.

Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade (above) is running a joint reelection campaign with Vice-Mayor Brian Pinkston.

Filling in

Divided Planning Commission recommends key approval

for floodplain development in

Woolen Mills BY

SEAN TUBBS

One of the areas the Albemarle Board of Supervisors has identified for industrial development is along Broadway Street in a land-locked section of the county that’s only accessible via roads through Charlottesville.

The future happens one application at a time, and the board will soon consider whether it wants to allow the owners of a project called Woolen Mills Industrial Park to fill in a portion of a seven-acre property on Franklin Street. The Planning Commission had its public hearing on April 25.

“The underlying zoning is light industrial,” said Albemarle Planning Manager Rebecca Ragsdale. “The purpose is to potentially allow 1.47 acres to be filled and then allow for future industrial uses.”

Property owner Elemental Ecotech has not yet indicated any specifics, but a 9-foottall retaining wall would need to be constructed to help create the building pad at 325 feet above sea level. Filling in the floodplain also triggers the involvement of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has to approve the plan. The agency has issued a conditional approval and would grant a permanent one after the fill has taken place.

The rest of the property would remain in the floodplain and a portion of the land would be dedicated to the county for open space and, potentially, a trail easement.

Several speakers who live across the border in the city urged the Planning Commission to recommend the Board of Supervisors deny the permit. Eli Connell of Franklin Street said climate change has led to more intense storms.

“We’re having a longer hurricane season, we’re having more intense hurricanes, and we’re having more frequent hurricanes,” Connell said. “It just seems to me that this is something that we would have approved in 1990 when we didn’t really know much better.”

Similar concerns prompted the City of Charlottesville to spend $5.9 million in late 2023 to purchase 23.8 acres of land along the Rivanna River in part to prevent a developer from building a 245-unit apartment complex in the floodplain.

City resident Jenny Mikulski said she was concerned a future building could be as high as 67 feet, and called the promise of a trail easement a red herring.

“An isolated park on the rear of this lot would be very unsafe and very difficult to maintain and a liability to the county,” Mikulski said. “There is no connectivity to the trail system at all.”

Commissioner Karen Firehock said the floodplain provides an ecological service.

“During a storm as the water is rushing down, because it has this area it spreads out and dissipates the energy of the water,” Firehock said. “[Floodplains] have a purpose and we really should not build in the floodplains.”

Commissioner Nathan Moore said the City of Charlottesville should be involved in the discussion. The Woolen Mills property is adjacent to the Carlton Mobile Home Park, which is now owned by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville and the Piedmont Housing Alliance. City Council is backing the purchase with an $8.7 million forgivable loan over five years.

“We barely speak to the city, which is kind of a structural problem,” Moore said. “We

have so little regional cross-boundary cooperation, even though for all intents and purposes this is one area, this is one neighborhood literally across the street.”

However, Moore said he disagreed with colleagues who said the county should not allow more industrial development, given the number of existing businesses in the Broadway corridor.

“It’s next to a sewage treatment plant, for crying out loud,” Moore said.

Commissioner Julian Bivins pointed out that Albemarle supervisors told staff last

June they want the Broadway Corridor to remain industrial. He said he felt the benefits would be worth losing some floodplain.

“For me, an acre and some change being set up for a pad to be light industrial also does something else for me,” Bivins said. “As you’ve known … I’m about economic development, so I’m about putting jobs in places that people could walk to.”

The Albemarle County Planning Commission voted 4-3 to recommend approval of the permit. A public hearing before the Board of Supervisors has not been scheduled.

Areas marked in blue are considered floodplain, but a property can petition the county and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fill in the land. The site is marked in red.

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REAL ESTATE NEWS Banking land

City evaluates proposal to create authority to purchase land for affordable housing

BY SEAN TUBBS

When City Council adopted a new zoning code in late 2023, the action granted property owners the ability to build many more houses and apartments than under the old rules. Charlottesville’s housing program manager said that has made property more valuable.

“We have occurrences of rising land costs [and] speculative development that may happen within our market,” said Antoine Williams.

The new development code came after adoption of an affordable housing plan that laid out many steps to mitigate the effects additional density might have on property costs. One tool would be the creation of a new entity that would purchase land on behalf of other groups to construct new units.

“The Land Bank Authority will have a board just like the Charlottesville Economic Development Authority has its board,” Williams said.

Appointments to that board would be made by City Council. Williams said funding for the land bank would come from many sources including area philanthropic donations.

The idea has been in development since a housing study in 2016 recommended the concept as one way to bring down the cost to rent or sell units to low-income households. A draft ordinance was in the works in 2018 but the idea was put on hold until the new Comprehensive Plan and zoning were complete.

Charlottesville City Councilor Michael Payne wants the local government to be able to act fast to acquire existing affordable units that may be at risk of entering the private market.

“Even when some of our nonprofit partners aren’t immediately in a position to develop that property, if we can kind of reserve it for affordable housing,” Payne said, “I think there’ll be a long-term benefit there.”

Councilor Lloyd Snook said he is concerned it may be difficult for elected officials to track the activities of yet another entity. He noted Payne is on the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, but that doesn’t mean the city gets reports.

“I don’t think we have very much of an idea what CRHA is doing or how it’s doing or whether it’s doing it well,” Snook said.

A draft land bank ordinance has been reviewed by the city attorney’s office and a public hearing could be held in the fall. The idea is to establish the land bank by the end of the year.

In the nine years since the idea first came up, council has become more used to buy ing property or contributing to transactions by others.

In January 2017, City Council spent $2.85 million to purchase two buildings in the 800 block of East Market Street for a park ing garage that would later be abandoned.

The city remains a landlord.

Council contributed $5 million two years ago to the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority to cover half the purchase price for the 74 housing units known as the Dogwood Housing. In early 2024, it also paid CRHA $4 million for land at 405 Avon St., for which there are no plans to build housing.

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Last year, council agreed to an $8.7 million forgivable loan to Piedmont Housing Alliance and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville to purchase the Carlton Mobile Home Park. Both nonprofit groups also got funding in the current fiscal year to cover land purchases.

Meanwhile, the CRHA continues to purchase properties across the city. The agency most recently spent $2.2 million to buy 212 and 217 Fifth St. SW in a deal that closed on January 14.

While talk of the creation of a land bank continues, the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority is using its resources to purchase property such as this house on Fifth Street SW, which was part of a $2.2 million deal.

LOCALLY SOURCED by Live Arts' Playwrights' Lab THE RAVENSIDE OCCURRENCE MARIA KENT & THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE

SPOTLIGHT SERIES NEW WORKS FESTIVAL

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“I loved meeting emerging playwrights and seeing powerful new work unfold on stage!” –2024 Waterworks Audience Member FESTIVAL

FIERCE FEMALES

Rachael Kesler Palm’s new book looks at some of the Badass Women of Charlottesville BY JULIA STUMBAUGH

PHOTOS BY SARAH CRAMER SHIELDS

THE BADASS BLUEPRINT

IIt started at a yoga retreat in November 2023.

Rachael Kesler Palm was sharing dinner with catering chef Allie Redshaw, who told the story of how she lost her hand after a kitchen accident in 2017.

Because Redshaw was pregnant with her second daughter at the time, she chose to undergo amputation surgery without anesthesia. Eight years later, Redshaw is a yoga instructor and competitive paraclimber, in addition to a chef, wife, and mother.

Redshaw says, “[Palm] and I started talking about how many cool, incredible people live in Charlottesville, and we cross paths on the daily, and we sort of know each other’s stories, but we don’t really know the depths of all the cool, badass things that everybody’s done.”

During after-dinner yoga, Palm folded into the final resting pose of shavasana and contemplated that conversation.

“And this thought came in my head,” Palm says. “I remember it so vividly. I was laying there, and I thought, ‘God, her story has to be told.’

“I got out of the pose when we were all done, and I said to the ladies around me, ‘I think I want to write a book about Allie, about her story, and about other badass women.’”

Palm first began learning yoga after losing her father two decades ago. Some of the most transformative moments of her life since then, including first meetings with her future wife and multiple women she later interviewed for her book, have taken place on a yoga mat.

“[Yoga] puts me in a state of mind to be open and receptive to these creative ideas,” Palm says.

Almost a year and a half after realizing she wanted to interview Redshaw, Palm is thrilled that Badass Women of Charlottesville, a book featuring stories about 24 women impacting the Charlottesville community, is on bookstore shelves and available for order online.

Getting started

One of the first steps in putting the book together was finding somebody to photograph her interview subjects. Palm approached local photographer Sarah Cramer Shields before a 6am fitness class they were both in.

“I said, ‘Sarah, I’ve got an idea.’ She said, ‘Whatever it is, yes.’ And I knew she was the right partner to do this,’” Palm says.

Palm, meanwhile, shared a nomination form through which she asked members of the Charlottesville community to submit the names of women they’d like to see interviewed.

“When I was thinking about the women I wanted to write about, I wanted to prioritize women that were either Black, brown, or part of the LGBTQ community, because those were the women that I felt live a little bit more in the margins, and their stories aren’t the ones that are told,” she says.

The Prolyfyck Sole Systaz, seven non-traditional runners who learned to love the sport by joining the Black-led Prolyfyck Run Crew for regular

Prolyfyck Sole Systaz, a group of non-traditional runners who joined the Black-led Prolyfyck Run Crew, were nominated as subjects for the book through a form Palm sent to her network.

runs through Charlottesville’s predominantly Black neighborhoods, fit the bill.

Palm went along for one of the runs and met Juanika Howard and Shelomith Gonzalez, two members of the Sole Systaz who were training for their first marathon.

“I just hadn’t seen a lot of runners that were our body shapes, our body sizes, or even within our age category,” Howard says. “So, it was like, ‘Can we do this?’ So that’s where the brain child [for the group] was birthed from.”

Howard and Gonzalez have since completed multiple 26.2-mile runs, and Gonzalez says she is excited to have their journey from non-runners to marathoners immortalized in Palm’s upcoming book.

“I like that for my kids, you know, they’ll have something that they can have and be like, ‘Oh yeah, my mom did that cool thing back in the day,’” Gonzalez says.

Palm also used the book to highlight the fitness journey of Nicole Hawker, owner of community gym Heart & Soul Fitness.

Hawker’s journey from stay-at-home foster mom to gym coach inspired her to open the nonprofit in 2022. After losing her mother, Hawker focused on her own health, which led to weightloss surgery, falling in love with functional fitness, and leaving her longtime career in social work to open a gym accessible to women and other marginalized clients.

“Whether it was they felt marginalized because of their body shape, they felt marginalized because of their finances, they felt marginalized because of racial demographics—whatever their definition of marginalized, I wanted it to be a space where they felt they belonged,” Hawker says.

Palm has also continued her conversations with Redshaw, who told the author that searching for

Rachael Kesler Palm’s book project began after hearing Allie Redshaw’s story of losing her hand in a restaurant accident.

accessible physical activity after her accident led her to adaptive climbing.

“I wasn’t going to have the same abilities as before, but there were ways to move around and adapt to things, and I was going to get to a point where my arm was desensitized. There was a whole mental, emotional empowerment process with climbing that really, really saved me,” Redshaw says.

Redshaw has since competed with USA Paraclimbing, traveled across the world to climb, and learned adaptive poses in order to teach yoga. The surgeons who saved her life eight years ago tell her story to amputees around the United States as an example of resilience.

It can be difficult for Redshaw to revisit the accident that changed her life. Still, she believes sharing her story with people like Palm is worth it to inspire others.

“When you’re able to move those things to the surface, and you feel safe enough with the community around you to move through those things, to heal, to process, to un-attach, you are able to find freedom in yourself, in your heart, in your body, in your mind. I fully believe in that,” Redshaw says. “Whether we talk in person, or whether you read my story in Rachael’s book, I hope that that’s what people see.”

Share and share alike

Another person Palm interviewed for her book was birth doula and prenatal yoga teacher Kelly Cox. Originally a therapist working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, Cox didn’t think she wanted to become a doula until she witnessed a child being born. She has now been present for 70 births.

Through her work, Cox has met a range of people—women unable to lactate, grandparents raising grandchildren, gay couples, and breast cancer survivors like herself—in need of breast milk. She was inspired by dating apps like Bumble to found Share the Drop, a nationwide web app matching breast milk donors with parents in need.

Because sharing milk is by necessity hyperlocal, whereby users match with volunteer donors in their own zip code, Cox sees Share the Drop as a community-building exercise. She considers Palm’s book another way to bring the people of Charlottesville together.

“I love what Rachael’s doing about telling stories about people in our community,” Cox says. “I’m just a huge believer in community. I’m not from here, I don’t have any family here, but my community is so big because I’ve just shared my life with everyone. So, I love that she is pushing out these stories about, ‘Hey, do you know what your neighbors are actually doing?’”

As Palm wrote on her Substack, Radically Honest, writing this book meant “that these stories— and these women—will live forever. There is a permanence now that perhaps didn’t exist before.”

Palm, a former journalist who now works fulltime in marketing, scheduled hours of interviews and writing around her own consulting business. She ultimately decided to spend $10,000 of her own funds to self-publish and get her stories out into the community.

“When you’re writing, sometimes you just feel like you’re putting it out in the ether, and is anyone reading it? Is anyone resonating with it?” Palm says. “But it’s something that I do because I feel like I can’t not do it.”

While writing is often a solitary pursuit, Palm says she wasn’t really alone, thanks to “unconditional support” from her editor Jenny DeBell; from

Shields, who in addition to serving as the book’s photographer also photographed Palm’s wedding last November; and, at home, from her mother, her daughter, and her wife.

“I felt like my whole village has just been incredibly vocal in their support and just backing me up and asking ‘what can I do,’” Palm says.

She also received encouragement from her interview subjects, some of whom are now close friends.

“It’s enriched my life incredibly. It’s been an opportunity for personal growth for me,” Palm says. “I learned so much about these women. I think these women have so much to teach us, and their stories just represent all the best things that women can do and have to offer. It’s felt really special to be trusted by these women and to get to know them more.”

She continues, “I think it was really cathartic for a number of them. A couple of them came back to me and said, ‘You know, that’s the first time I’ve ever really told this, start to finish.’ It’s a healing process for them. In a lot of ways, it was therapeutic for them. It was therapeutic for me.”

A portion of the net proceeds from sales of Badass Women of Charlottesville will be donated to The Woman’s Initiative, a Charlottesville-based organization providing women with access to mental health programs and counseling regardless of their financial status.

“I do want to give back to the community, like these women gave up their time,” Palm says.

Now that Badass Women of Charlottesville is on shelves, Palm is considering a sequel, which may feature some of the other women suggested through her nomination form.

“There are many other women, many other stories that have not been told,” Palm says. “I do foresee another edition of this, if not multiple other editions.” C

“I

love that she is pushing out these stories about, ‘Hey, do you know what your neighbors are actually doing?’” says Kelly Cox, one of the badass women featured in the book, of Palm’s project.

Badass Women of Charlottesville is available for sale at Rock Paper Scissors and New Dominion Bookshop, as well as at rachkpalm.com.

SUMMER RECREATION CAMP 2025

(FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM)

Ages 6-13

The program consists of organized recreational activities, sports, games, contests, arts & crafts, and special events. This program is run in coordination with summer school.

• Your child must turn six by November 30, 2025. (No Exceptions, this is a daycare license requirement)

• This program is open to all children in the age group.

• You do not have to attend summer school to attend the Summer Recreation Camp.

• Maximum of 100 participants for each location.

June 23rd -July 3rd, 2 weeks, Noon-6 PM

*Cost of camp is a one-time fee ($150), whether you attend one day, one week, or both weeks, includes field trips to Albemarle County Lakes for swimming.

Locations:

Agnor Elementary, Crozet Elementary , Hollymead Elementary, Journey Middle School, Scottsville Elementary, Stone-Robinson Elementary, Walton Middle School

ADVENTURE CAMPS 2025

Ages 6-13

Our ACPR Adventure Camp is a specialized type of summer camp that focuses on outdoor activities and adventures, offering campers opportunities to explore nature, develop skills, and build confidence through recreational activities. We will be using the school facilities, ACPS outdoor space and field trips to Greenwood Community Center, Maymont Park and to Albemarle and City Parks.

Mon-Fri, July 14th -18th, 8am-5:30pm

*Cost of camp is a one-time fee ($185)

Locations:

Crozet Elementary, Hollymead Elementary, Journey Middle School, Stone Robinson Elementary

ALL-SPORTS CAMP 2025

Ages 6-13

All-Sports Camp is open to the youth ages 6-13 for the purpose of providing them with a positive multi-sport experience. Fundamentals of a variety of sports will be covered through stations, drills, and skills training. This program is designed to introduce the participants to a variety of sports during the week and on Friday there will be time for contests and games. If it rains all activities will be in the gym.

Mon-Fri, July 7th -11th

8am-5:30pm

*Cost of camp is a one-time fee ($185)

Locations:

Crozet Elementary, Hollymead Elementary, Journey Middle School, Stone Robinson Elementary

Homesickness Dos and Don’ts for Parents Preparing for Camp

Homesickness is a fact of life. It is human nature to pine for what is known and comfortable. And a stay at summer camp — even for a seasoned camper — can generate pangs of longing for the comforts of home: the family pet, mom, dad, even a sibling that isn’t favored when they are together.

At camp, we acknowledge homesickness as a valid emotion; we don’t diminish the feeling. We use our own experiences as former campers and adults away from home to help guide campers through those feelings of unease and discomfort. We help develop the skills to conquer pangs of emotion.

Successfully navigating a sleepaway camp experience requires preparation both on the part of the parent and the camper. The following tips are provided to help guide your camp preparations and ensure a camp experience that builds the skills to deal with setbacks such as homesickness, rather than one that is overshadowed by such emotions.

Prior to Camp

• Your research. Make sure that the camp you have selected is the right fit for your child. Talk to the camp staff and make sure you

understand their communication policies. You need to know what you can expect as a parent and make sure you are okay with what the camp will provide.

• Talk positively about the camp experience. Let your child know they are going to have an amazing time at camp and make some wonderful new friends, while trying exciting new activities.

• Provide opportunities for your child to practice being away from you. Sleep overs with friends and family can be a great stepping stone towards a longer sleep away experience.

• Provide opportunities for your child to practice making new friends. Set up play dates and other similar opportunities for your child to meet new friends and practice the skills needed to introduce themselves and play cooperatively.

• Visit the camp. Take advantage of open house events or set up a private tour so your child can become familiar with the camp facility and some of its staff.

DO NOT

• Talk negatively about the camp experience. Avoid saying things like “we will miss you so much,” “I don’t know what I’ll do without you” or “I’ll be counting down the days until you return.” Comments like these will cause your camper

to feel guilty if they are enjoying their time at camp knowing that you are at home missing them.

• Offer a pick-up clause. If you are sending your child to camp with the phrase “give it a try and if you don't like it, I’ll come and pick you up” – save yourself, the camp, and the child the time, effort, and energy and do not send the child to camp. If you make a pick-up clause with your child, you will inevitably be faced with the decision to either pick the child up and rob them of a valuable growing experience or break your promise and damage your credibility with your child. Neither of these outcomes are positive and both can be avoided by refraining from offering a pick-up clause in the first place.

• Promise that you will talk or write to your child every day. Most camps do not allow parents to speak to their child during their stay. Campers who are well adjusted and managing well at camp can be crippled by feelings of homesickness simply by hearing the voice of a well-intentioned mother or father. Unless you can guarantee you will write every day, don't promise that you will. In the event that a letter or email does not arrive for whatever reason, feelings of worry and homesickness may set in.

During Camp

DO

• Write positive letters with encouragement. Let your child know you are proud of them for trying new activities and making new friends.

• Contact the camp if you want an update or have any concerns. The camp staff if there to support the parents just as much as the campers. Camp staff will be happy to provide updates on how your child is adapting to camp and answer any questions you may have.

• Trust that the camp is doing its job. If you did your research prior to registering for camp and made the decision to send your child to camp, trust that the camp always has your camper’s best interests in mind. Homesickness is not something that camps want, and they will be working with your camper to help them develop new skills and grow as a result of their experience.

• Remember that homesickness is normal. Everyone experiences homesickness to different degrees. If the camp informs you that your child is experiencing homesickness, it does not mean

that you must immediately come to the rescue. Work with the camp staff and provide them with any information that you believe may help your child to overcome the challenges they are facing. DO NOT

• Try to talk to your child. A big part of the growth you hope your child will experience as a result of their time at camp comes from allowing your child the space for growth to occur. Camp is not perfect — but there are opportunities each day to test, try, fall, get up, face, conquer, learn and grow.

• Write negative letters. Letting your child know that you miss them and cannot wait until they get home will only prolong and intensify any feelings of homesickness they may be experiencing.

• Visit the camp. While some camps have organized parent visiting days, others do not. Please do not arrive to camp unexpectedly and request to see your camper. While your child may be well adjusted, the sight of a parent with their child may trigger feelings of homesickness in other campers. Similarly, your presence may negatively affect your own child’s camp experience. You chose to send your child to camp so they may grow – it is up to you to give them the space for that growth to occur away from you.

Remember that by sending your child to sleepaway camp, you have given them an incredible opportunity to develop new skills and abilities which will serve them for the rest of their life. While you may not be present while these skills are being developed, you (as well as your camper) will certainly benefit from your child’s increased confidence, independence and ability to problem solve without your assistance.

Daniel Hammond is the director of Pali Adventures, offering 21 specialties and over 70 electives kids can choose from in Running Springs, California. Pali is different from other specialty camps because their specialties are so accessible. The programs are encouraging and supportive of all ability levels. They love to see campers explore activities they have only dreamed about; Pali tailors an experience to each camper. Specialties are loosely grouped into four broad categories — Adventure, Creativity, Performance, and Leadership. https:// paliadventures.com

Everyone experiences homesickness to different degrees. If the camp informs you that your child is experiencing homesickness, it does not mean that you must immediately come to the rescue. Work with the camp staff and provide them with any information that you believe may help your child to overcome the challenges they are facing.

It’s

camp!

• Eligibility: Open to students K-8 grade

• Location: Charlottesville Catholic School and our Incubator located at 206 Albemarle Sq.

• Camp Hours: 8:30a-5:30p, with half day options

CIT PROGRAM

Students entering grades 8+

Counselors in Training will develop leadership skills and mentor younger campers. First aid and other special trainings will be balanced with active experience.

We are a genuine camp camp – an outdoors camp.

We can seek shelter when necessary, but our kids spend their days in the outdoors, playing field games and board games, doing crafts, getting dirty, swimming, and so forth. We have no electronics, and we tend to thrive in trying to find ways to make things happen and get things done with what we have, in true camp fashion.

Camp Poplar is an intensive version of Field Camp, for campers who want to immerse themselves more in a full-time camp environment for one or two weeks.

THE WINE DOWN -

WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES?

53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD

A note from Winegrower and Owner, Dave Drillock

We are a Winery that just wants to be a Winery! That was my answer to a customer about my thoughts about owning a winery for almost ten years now.

We invite you to visit our serene, meadow-like location in rural Louisa County. We pride ourselves on being genuine and approachable, eager to share our passion for wine without any scripted lines or memorized facts—just a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Over the coming months, we’ll host several special tasting events. For more details, please check our website at www.53rdwinery.com or call us at 540-894-1536. We look forward to welcoming you to the winery, and we truly appreciate your business and support.

Upcoming events:

May 3rd : Special Release of our 2024 Albariño

For $17/person, enjoy a wine tasting in the pavilion with our Wine Club members, and spend your day at 53rd!

Food Truck: Salty Bottom Blue Oysters

Live Music: Carter Freeman

May 10th : Live music with Jim O’Ferrell

May 17th : Wine Club Day!

Food Truck: Hibachi Mobile

Live Music: Mike Proffitt

Open 7 days a week, 11 am – 5 pm • Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm

13372 Shannon Hill Rd Louisa, VA 23093

(540) 894-5474 • 53rdwinery.com

DUCARD VINEYARDS

2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve

With an intense garnet color and earthy aromas of currant, plums, and fennel, the 2023 Cabernet Franc Vintner Reserve is robust

and smooth. Expressions of clove, black cherry, and pink peppercorn with classic chalky tannins offer a welcoming first impression. This wine is a gold medal winner and included in the 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup Case. It is available in our tasting room and online.

We are open 7 days a week throughout the month of January, with live music every weekend! Make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media pages for the most up to date listings of our upcoming artists.

Fridays- Friday Night Out! Every Friday night through the summer we feature half price wine flights, live music, food for sale, and grills available for use until 8:00pm.

Weekends- Live music all weekend long! Check out our lineup on our website!

May 18th – Wine Education and Exploration of Rosé for Virginia Women in Wine Members

Open daily

Mon-Thurs. 12-5 pm Fri. 12-9 pm Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm

40 Gibson Hollow Ln Etlan, VA 22719 (540) 923-4206 www.ducardvineyards.com

SPARKLING

Celebrate the spring season with a glass of our sparkling brut Blanc de Blancs and oysters on Friday nights! Salty Bottom Blue will be here every Friday night this spring serving their

delicious raw and grilled oysters, which pair beautifully with a glass of our gold medal Sparkling Blanc de Blancs. Made from Virginia Chardonnay, it is dry and crisp with notes of almond and lemon zest. Delicious to enjoy on its own, with Salty Bottom Blue oysters, a toasty seasonal flatbread from Chef Andrew, or with one of your other favorite menu items. Let us pop the cork on a bottle for you!

Upcoming at the Winery:

Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration | Every Friday In May

Our Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration is back every Friday night! The oysters are prepared by Salty Bottom Blue. Enjoy them in a relaxed, fun atmosphere with live music from 5-8pm on the stage in our tasting room.

Paint & Sip | Wednesday, May 7

Grab a glass of wine (or your favorite drink!) and let your creativity flow in our relaxed and fun Paint & Sip classes. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a first-time painter, the talented instructors of Blue Ridge Brushes will walk you through the painting process as you create your own masterpiece. Ticketed Event - Reserve Your Spot On Our Website

Mother’s Day Weekend | Thursday, May 8 - Sunday, May 11

Celebrate Mom with Music Bingo on Thursday night, Oysters on Friday night, Live Music all weekend, and a special Mother’s Day Market and Make-Your-Own Flower Bouquet on Sunday!

Thursday, May 8: Music Bingo 6-8PM & $5 Taps (Beer & Cider)

Friday, May 9: Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration 5-8PM, Live Music by Eli Cook 5-8PM

Saturday, May 10: Live Music All Day! Porch Dogs from 12:30-3:30PM and Mike Burris Trio from 5-8PM

Sunday, May 11: Mother’s Day Maker’s Market 12-5PM & Live Music by Jim Richardson 1-4PM, Make-YourOwn Flower Bouquet Pop-Up 12-3PM (Until Sold Out)

UVA Graduation Weekend | Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18 Cheers, Graduates! Your hard work has paid off and now it is time to celebrate! Join us for our Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration on Friday night and Live Music all weekend.

Friday, May 16: Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration 5-8PM, Live Music by FarAway 5-8PM

Saturday, May 17: Live Music All Day! Matthew O’Donnell from 12:303:30PM and Kat & The Travelers from 5-8PM

Sunday, May 18: Live Music by Brian Franke 1-4PM

Memorial Day Weekend | Thursday, May 22 - Monday, May 26

Memorial Day is a time of reflection, gratitude, and gathering. Join us all weekend for Live Music & Special Events. And, ask about our Pay It Forward beverage program at the bar.

Thursday, May 22: Live Music by Michael Clem 5-8PM & $5 Taps (Beer & Cider)

Friday, May 23: Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration 5-8PM, Live Music by CSharp 5-8PM

Saturday, May 24: Live Music All Day! Heidi Riddell from 12:30-3:30PM and The Near Passerines from 5-8PM

Sunday, May 25: Paint & Sip 12-2PM & Music Bingo 2-4PM

Monday, May 26: Open 12-5PM

MUSIC AT EASTWOOD THIS MONTH!

Join us for the popular Eastwood After Dark featuring upbeat, danceable music on Saturday nights from 5-8pm (in addition to our more mellow Saturday afternoon music program). Eastwood also hosts a range of live performances by talented local and regional musicians every Thursday and Friday night. See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.

Every Thursday: Live Music 5-8PM or Music Bingo 6-8PM

Thursday “Thank You” Community Day at Eastwood—$5 Taps (Beer & Cider)

Every Friday: Live Music 5-8PM Low-Country Shrimp Boil 5-8PM

Every Saturday: Live Music 12:303:30PM + Eastwood After Dark with Live Music 5-8PM

Every Sunday: Music Bingo, Paint & Sip, Maker’s Market or Live Music (See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.)

What about the kids?

Kids can share in the experience with their own juice tasting flights and cheese boards!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Winery Hours: Sunday-Wednesday (12-5 PM); Thursday-Saturday (12-8 PM)

We look forward to welcoming you to our cozy tasting room, seven days a week. Join us for award-winning wines, beer, and cider, as well as a delicious seasonal menu by Chef Andrew Partridge that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Delight in lounging on our enclosed & heated veranda with a glass of our gold medal 2022 Meritage Reserve. Or, stay inside and enjoy live music with a seasonal toasty flatbread or our scrumptious Cast Iron Baked Brie. Escape to Virginia Wine Country, only five miles from Downtown Charlottesville. Open year-round, seven days a week. Pet friendly and large groups are

welcome. Ample indoor and outdoor seating.

Rt 20 near the intersection with Avon Extended (5 mi from Downtown Mall) Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 264-6727 www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

HARDWARE HILLS VINEYARD

River Bend White

This blend of Vidal Blanc with Seyval Blanc is just perfection for the warming days of Spring. Pairing well with chicken or fish dishes, this PinotGrigio-like wine is also wonderful as a porch sipper! Stop in a try it in a flight and find out how

Spring has sprung in the vineyard and when you stop by to look at the previously sleeping vines, you’ll now see bright green pops of budbreaking color. It is a precious time in the vineyards throughout Virginia as the threat of evening frosts can be a concern against these tender growing shoots. We are pleased to share that our newly expanded tasting room is open and ready for visitors! Please stop by and check out this new space. And if you have a special event in your future, please talk with us about how we can help make it spectacular!

Hours:

Thursday 4 – 7 p.m. (new starting in May 10: 12 – 8 p.m.)

Friday 3 – 8 p.m. (new starting in May: 12 – 8)

Saturday 12 – 5 (new starting in May: 12 – 8)

Sunday 12 – 5

Events: (all are listed on our FB events page and at www. hardwarehills.com/events for more details)

SPECIAL DINNER EVENT MAY 5TH! Hybrids, hybrids, hybrids! Why all the talk about hybrid grapes lately?

Kick your wine IQ (and your palate) up a notch at this first-ever Hybrid Fête at Hardware Hills Vineyard.

Fête is of course French for PARTY, and that’s what this night’s all about – festivities and French Hybrids!

If you don’t know much about these very special grapes, you will by night’s end after tasting wines from around Virginia crafted from French hybrids and paired with a delicious multi-course dinner (check out the delicious menu!), hearing from a lively panel of winemakers, and having the chance to purchase the wines to take with you.

Tickets can be found https:// virginiawomeninwine.com/event

May 4th 2:30 p.m.

Mom and Me Mother’s Day Cookie Design Workshop with Broody Hen Bakery: Come join us at

Hardware Hills Vineyard for a funfilled afternoon of cookie decorating with Broody Hen Bakery! Create a special treat for mom to a creative experience where you can learn how to decorate cookies like a pro. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!

During this hands-on workshop, you’ll receive expert guidance from Angela of Broody Hen Bakery. She’ll provide all the tools and materials needed to create beautiful and delicious cookies that your mom will love. Each participant will go home with 10 GOURMET cookies. And we can tell you... these cookies are NO JOKE, so good and worth every penny!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create a delicious and memorable gift. Secure your spot today for a sweet and unforgettable Mother’s Day celebration! Children over age 10 are welcome to join participants under one ticket. Each ticket is good for 10 cookies.

LIVE MUSIC FRIDAYS at the Hills!

May 2 -- Micah Vogt

May 9 -- F.O.G. Band

May 16 -- Rick Hollowell

May 15 -- WILD WILD WEST

Trivia Night -- bring your group of 6 for a hilarious night of brain teasing fun, wine, and food!5199 W River Rd, Scottsville, VA

434.286.4710 www.hardwarehills.com

KESWICK VINEYARDS

Come Sip, Play, and Unwind at Keswick Vineyards!

Join us at Keswick Vineyards for an unforgettable experience! Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, we’ve got something for everyone.

Wine by the Glass, Bottle & Flight –Explore our award-winning wines with the option to enjoy a glass, bottle, or a tasting flight. Perfect for discovering your new favorite!

Guided Tastings – Available 7 days a week, our knowledgeable staff will walk you through a tasting experience like no other.

Mini Golf & Dog Park – Bring the whole family (including furry friends!) and enjoy our scenic mini golf course and dog park.

Wine Slushies, Local Beer & Cider – Cool down with refreshing wine slushies or sip on local beer and cider.

Live Music – Every Saturday from 12-4 PM, enjoy live tunes while sipping your favorite Keswick wine. It’s the perfect way to spend your weekend!

We’re thrilled to offer a special bundle featuring Keswick Vineyard’s 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2023 Viognier — both of which earned prestigious Gold Medals at the Governor’s Cup!

This exceptional duo showcases the best of Virginia’s wine scene: the bold, rich flavors of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the crisp, aromatic profile of the Viognier. And for a limited time, you can grab both bottles for only $99!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic deal — experience the gold standard in Virginia wines today!

Wednesdays - Wine Down Wednesdays 5:30-8:30pm

Weekends - Live Music from 12-4 pm (check out our website for the schedule!)

Hours:

Monday- Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm

1575 Keswick Winery Drive Keswick, Virginia 22947

Tasting Room: (434) 244-3341 ext 105 tastingroom@keswickvineyards.com www.keswickvineyards.com

PRINCE MICHEL VINEYARDS

Rapidan River Sweet White Reserve

Celebrate spring and Easter with the refreshing taste of our Rapidan River Sweet White Reserve, April’s featured Wine of the Month. This delightful white wine offers vibrant notes of ripe peach, apricot, and honeysuckle, all perfectly balanced by a crisp, clean finish—making it the ideal companion for springtime gatherings.

Whether you’re setting the table for Easter brunch or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, this wine shines alongside dishes like glazed ham, roast chicken with herbs, carrot cake, or fresh fruit salad.

April Special:

$22.99 / 750 ml

20% OFF for Wine Club Members

15% OFF for Non-Members

Discount valid April 1–30

Experience More at Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery!

Nestled in the heart of Virginia Wine Country, Prince Michel is one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Commonwealth. Open daily from

11 a.m., we offer wine tastings, shopping, tours, scenic picnic areas, and so much more.

Be sure to explore our wide range of wines—from bold reds and crisp whites to our fan-favorite Decadence Chocolate wine and refreshing wine slushies. Plus, enjoy craft brews and elevated pub fare at Tap 29 Brew Pub, open seven days a week.

Weekly Events:

Live Music every Friday–Sunday (music lineup at princemichel.com)

Monday Night Trivia | 6–7:30 p.m.

Tuesday Beer & Wings Specials | 3–5 p.m.

Thursday Happy Hour | 3–5 p.m.

154 Winery Lane, Leon, VA 22725 (540) 547-3707 www.princemichel.com A Woman-Owned Business

REVALATION VINEYARDS

2024 Hera Crisp, refreshing, crowd-pleasing bubbles for any occasion. This near-equal blend of Albariño and Vidal Blanc has aromas of green apple, pear, lime and nectarine. The mouthfeel is fresh with notes of citrus. Its acidity will match salty cheeses, salads, fried chicken, and fish dishes as well as lean meats without heavy sauces.

April Hours: Friday 12pm to Sunset; Saturday 12pm to 6pm; Sunday 12pm to 5pm; Monday and Thursday by reservation only.

Until April 30 - Exhibition of artwork by Stephanie Mendlow. May 2nd - Book World Meets Wine World at 6 pm: Author Lynn Wyvill will present her book Morning Light, Quiet Nights. A benefit for the Literacy Council of Madison County. May 4th - En Plein Air: Artist Day at Revalation. Artists are invited to create art in the vineyard from dawn to dusk and exhibit their work from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Artist tickets available on our website.

2710 Hebron Valley Road, Madison, VA 22727 540-407-1236 www.revalationvineyards.com

THURSDAY 5/1

DANCING MS. DAISY

The L.A.-based World Ballet Company presents a visually stunning new production based on the classic novel The Great Gatsby. Featuring lavish sets and costumes, multimedia effects, and amazing acrobatics, the performance puts the narrative of wealth, romance, and tragedy tied to the American dream to an original score of jazz-inspired arrangements reminiscent of the Roaring ’20s. Renowned choreographer Ilya Zhivoy guides an all-star, multinational cast of 40 professional dancers through dynamic and sensual movements that capture the passion and mystery central to this iconic story. $45–105, 7pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

CULTURE TO-DO LIST

FRIDAY 5/2

GUILDED AGE

It’s the dawn of a new era at Vault Virginia with the unveiling of The Guild, an intimate live-music venue presenting world-class experiences organized by The Festy co-founder Michael Allenby. The debut event features two seated shows from a bluegrass trio led by Jeremy Garrett of the Grammy Awardwinning band The Infamous Stringdusters. Garrett, an innovative fiddle player and expressive singer, is joined by Grammy-nominated artists Chris Luquette on guitar and Ryan Cavanaugh on banjo, both of whom are featured on Garrett’s upcoming album, Storm Mountain. $50, 6pm and 9pm. The Guild at Vault Virginia, 300 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. tixr.com/groups/theguild

Wednesday 4/30

music

Beleza Duo. Join us for an evening of funkalicious samba soul—music that moves you from the inside out—with Madeline Holly-Sales on vocals and keys and Berto Sales on guitar, voice, and loops. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 201 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

Mike Rosensky Trio. Live jazz. Free, 8:30pm. Miller’s Downtown, 109 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. millersdowntown.com

Open Mic Night. Mic check to all the musicians, poets, and everyone in between. All ages welcome. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St. classes

Paint + Sip: Cherry Blossoms. Learn a variety of tips and techniques to render a cherry blossoms scene with step-by-step instructions. One free drink included with ticket. $42, 6pm. Pro Re Nata, 6135 Rockfish Gap Tpke., Crozet. blueridgebrushes.com etc.

Rapture Karaoke. The longest-running karaoke event in town. Hosted by Jenn DeVille. Free, 9pm. Rapture, 303 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. rapturerestaurant.com

Scrappy Crafty Hour. Bring your project, grab a cup of tea, and hang out in the library with other knitters, hookers, stitchers, and crafters. Free, noon. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

etc.

Brewery Puzzle Hunt. An escape room meets a pub crawl. Visit the Preston Avenue breweries, crack codes, unravel riddles, and sample Charlottesville’s best brews. Players get $1-off pints at each brewery. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. Like an escape room but at a winery. Crack codes and unravel riddles while sampling Charlottesville’s best wine, beer, and cider. Play when you want and go at your own pace. $15, available noon–8pm. Please confirm Eastwood Winery and Potter’s Cider hours beforehand. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

Friday 5/2 music

An Unexpected Party. A night of music, community, and celebration as we bid farewell to one of our own. Featuring Sisters and Brothers, bringing its signature soulful rock sound, plus a lineup of special guests. $5, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

Chickenhead Blues Band. Charlottesville’s premier boogie-woogie, beat, rhythm and blues dance band. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St.

Fridays After Five: Free Union. Ever-evolving music rooted in soul, incorporating rhythm and blues, rock, and pop into its sound. With Charlottesville High School Jazz Band. Free, 5:30pm. Ting Pavilion, 700 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. ting pavilion.com

John Kelly. A long-time local musician, writer, and producer brings along his rock-solid guitar playing and singing, rooted in traditional and country styles. Free, 5pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Linda Chatterton Chamber Trio. The first and only flutist to win a McKnight Artist Fellowship for Musicians twice, Chatterton has produced numerous albums, including her most recent recording, Songs and Dances for Solo Flute Free, 8pm. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

to spring flowers. Led by Chip Hall and Raging Buffalo Glass studio. $110, 4pm. McGuffey Art Center, 201 Second St NW. raging buffaloglass.com etc.

Brewery Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, May 1. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Scrappy Crafty Hour. See listing for Wednesday, April 30. Free, noon. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Trivia with Olivia. Get the weekend started with beers and trivia. Free, 6pm. SuperFly Brewing Co., 943 Preston Ave. super flybrewing.com

Wildlife Baby Shower. Help wildlife rehabilitation efforts by donating an item from the baby-season wish list and enjoy a drink while you’re at it. Education ambassador animals will be on site. Kids welcome. Free, 4pm. Selvedge Brewing, 2415 Ivy Rd. Ste. 190. selvedgebrewing.com

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, May 1. $15, available noon–8pm. Please confirm Eastwood Winery and Potter’s Cider hours beforehand. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

World’s Toughest Rodeo. Experience the absolute best-of-the-best cowboy athletes compete in a range of rodeo events, plus additional rodeo entertainment. Prices vary, 7:30pm. John Paul Jones Arena, 295 Massie Rd. johnpauljones arena.com

Saturday 5/3 music

4th Annual Primavera Fest. Enjoy live music by Alegria Latin Duo, Paulo Franco (solo), and Ramona Martinez. CUBAMEX food truck and facepainters will also be on site. Free, noon. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com

Winemaker’s Golf Tournament at Keswick Hall. A rare opportunity to play golf alongside some of Virginia’s top winemakers, while enjoying premier wines from the Monticello Wine Trail. $150–600, 9am. Keswick Hall & Golf Club, 701 Club Dr., Keswick. keswick.com

Thursday 5/1

music

Berto & Vincent. Lively flamenco rumba with Latin and Cuban influences. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 201 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

Eddy and the JackWagons. Thursday Evening Sunset series featuring a blend of well-crafted originals along with cool twists on fan-favorites. $10, 6pm. Carter Mountain Orchard, 1435 Carters Mountain Trl. cartermountainorchard.com

John D’earth & Friends. Live jazz with a rotating cast of local and national musicians. Free, 10pm. Miller’ Downtown, 109 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. millersdowntown.com

Maya De Vitry Trio. Music blurring the lines of folk, indie rock, and Americana. $18–20, 8pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesouthern cville.com

dance

World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby. Step into the jazzy world of the Roaring ’20s with this new production of the World Ballet Company. $45–105, 7pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

LockJaw. Covering some of the best music created by the Boomer generation. Look forward to an evening of A–Z classic rock ranging from Aerosmith and The Beatles to Van Morrison and ZZ Top. Free, 6pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com

Metal Mayhem. Moshing Friday fun. Polluted Tongues, Krode, and Eustace bring the music, you bring the energy. Free, 7pm. Ace Biscuit & Barbecue, 600 Concord Ave. acebbq.com dance

Short n’ Sweet. A Sabrina Carpenter drag and dance party hosted By Sweet Pickles. Ages 16+. $18–20, 9pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

words

Friday Night Writes. An open mic for emerging musicians and writers performing their music, poetry, and short stories. Free, 7pm. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. newdominionbookshop.com

Making Music Count: Jess Reia Book Launch. Celebrate the publication of Jess Reia’s newest book, Urban Music Governance: What Busking Can Teach Us About Data, Policy, and Our Cities. Registration required. Free, 4pm. Digital Technology for Democracy Lab, 722 Preston Ave., Second floor. karshinstitute.virginia.edu

classes

Vase Glassblowing Workshop. A one-of-a-kind experience to blow a custom vase with colors and design of your choice—the perfect complement

Goth Takeover. A monthly night filled with alternative spookies and a variety of gothy DJs and bands. Open to all ages. Guests under 18 must have an accompanying adult after midnight. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St.

Jen Tal Band. A collaborative of versatile and creative musicians plays a style blending influences from classic soul and R&B, rock, funk, reggae, and jazz. Free, 10pm. Miller’s Downtown, 109 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. millersdowntown.com

Josh Mayo and Friends. Classic rock covers done masterfully. Free, 8pm. Vision BBQ & Catering, 247 Ridge McIntire Rd. visionbbqcville.com

Kenn Herrington. Singer-songwriter from The Bob and Kenn Duo and Jefferson Speedboat performs solo. Free, 1pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarle ciderworks.com

Matt Johnson. A local favorite featured on NBC’s “The Voice.” Free, noon. Keswick Vineyards, 1575 Keswick Winery Dr., Keswick. keswickvineyards.com

No Stupid Questions. A sonic cocktail consisting of equal parts indie alternative and Americana, with a dash of Dadrock and a grungy garnish. With Blues Jam and Tomilola. $20, 7:30pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesouthern cville.com

Rivanna Roots: Gallatin Canyon with Michael Clem & Friends. Rivanna Roots kicks off with a show featuring traditional bluegrass and singersongwriter music. Come celebrate five years of music under the stars at the first show of the season. $15–18, 5pm. Rivanna River Company, 1520 E. High St. frontporchcville.org

STAGES CULTURE

Ships In The Night

Ships In The Night, the one-gal, electronic, smoke-and-mirrors synth project of Charlottesville’s own Alethea Leventhal, descends from the ethereal mists for what local fans will recognize as a performance wrapped in a thematic event. SITN has a recurring habit of playing all manner of spookily framed balls, proms, raves, and just about anything shy of a barn dance, at least as of the time of this writing. It’s the perfect ruse to level up with marketing and get the kids out of their houses. But it’s a fair trade as this evening promises to be a platform for her reliably solid music, only slightly obscured by other attractions for those with short attention spans.

This celebration of recently passed auteur David Lynch will arrive via a “Twin Peaks”-inspired Black Lodge, likely complete with fog machines, red velvet curtains, and, according to the promotional material, coffee and donuts. DJ Bobby Metronome will spin tracks of the Lynchian variety, adding to the irreal mood, though probably veering from the extended uncomfortable noisescapes that colored his films.

For SITN, the event doubles as an album release party for the full-length Protection Spells. The first single, “Blood Harmony,” provides a whispery synth-pop piece that could potentially make some people dance. If the rest of the new record’s anything like that, and by extension, Leventhal’s earlier releases Myriologues (2017) and Latent Powers (2021), it signals an admirable continuation of more airy Good Witch narratives. Depending on the song, its levels of reverb, delay, and the venue’s acoustics, Leventhal’s voice can carry a passing resemblance to Lynch’s musical muse, the late Julee Cruise. The SITN live set pushes similar buttons, awash in dreamy sine waves and melancholy.

Costumes are encouraged, but if you’ve ever gone to any goth-adjacent events in this town (which this stands to be), it’s often hard to know who’s in fancy dress and who’s just wearing what they always wear on a Saturday. So while the famous filmmaker’s ghost won’t necessarily be there, this ball should still be more than weird enough.—CM Gorey

CULTURE TO-DO LIST

Saturday 5/3

Ron Gentry. Influenced by the sounds of Motown and classic rock, Ron is back in the area doing what he enjoys most—playing a variety of great music in a way that only he can. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Zephyrus Presents: Faire is the Heaven. Featuring heavenly music by a star-studded list of composers: Walter Lambe and William Byrd, William Harris and Charles Villiers Stanford, and Eric Whitacre and Ola Gjeilo. Free, 7:30pm. St. Paul’s Memorial Church, 1700 University Ave. stpaulsmemorialchurch.org dance

SOS: The Recession Pop Party. Come live in the moment as top tier DJs help you put the world on pause with all the bangers, anthems, and singalongs to keep your body moving. Ages 18+. $15–20, 9pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com stage

All Bark, No Bite. Virginia premiere of a heartwarming comedy by Kara Emily Krantz about relations among neighbors. $15, 7:30pm. Victory Hall Theater, 401 Valley St., Scottsville. scottsvillecenter.org

classes

Beginning and Intermediate Gelli Printmaking. Learn to use a gelli plate to create custom paper designs for display, collage, or scrapbooking and cardmaking. Ages 16+. $30, 11am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Cyanotype Workshop. In this beginner-friendly printmaking class, you’ll use plants and other found objects to make white prints on a blue background using the power of the sun. $40, 2pm. Nealand Farm, 8232 Scottsville Rd., Scottsville. nealand.farm

Sustainable Fashion Workshop. Join the sustainable fashion and recycling movement by upgrading and personalizing your current wardrobe. Ages 16+. $40, 10am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com etc.

Brewery Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, May 1. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Celebrating 50 Years of Batesville Day. Since 1976, Batesville Day has been a sign of spring in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, featuring a famously challenging 10k race, community parade, music, a Maypole Dance, arts and crafts, and more. Free, 10am–2:30 pm. 6534 Plank Rd., Batesville. batesvilleva.org

Color Wheel Trail Walk. Explore nature’s palette through journaling and the color wheel with this guided two-mile trail walk along the Blue Pasture Trail. No artistic experience needed. $5, 10am. James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe Pkwy. highland.org

First Street Fair. Shop local artisan and food vendors while enjoying live music. Free, 10am. Darling Boutique, 115 First St. S. shopdarlingxdashing.com

Free Comic Book Day. A single day when participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. Free, 11am. Hello Comics Uptown, 398 Hillsdale Dr. hellocomics.net

How-To Festival. Drop-in workshops inside and outside of the building on a wide range of topics. Free, 10am. Central Library, 201 E. Market St. jmrl.org

MSC Truck Touch. Providing children with the opportunity to explore vehicles of all types. Featuring

FRIDAY 5/2 & SATURDAY 5/3

BUCKING GOOD TIMES

Dust off your chaps and shine up your spurs, because CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo rides into town for two nights of ripsnorting fun. The action between cowboys kicks up a notch as riders vie for a chance to compete at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas later this year. Featuring bareback, saddle bronc, and bull-riding, along with barrel racing and classic rodeo entertainment, tickets also include admission to a preshow event where patrons can get down in the dirt for autographs, photo ops, roping tutorials, and more. Prices vary, 7:30pm. John Paul Jones Arena, 295 Massie Rd. johnpauljonesarena.com

15+ vehicles, food trucks, and kid-friendly activities including face painting, tumbling mats, and more.

$8–25, 10am. Fairview Swim and Tennis Club, 707 Belvedere Blvd. montessoriofcville.org

Piedmont Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale. Offering thousands of annuals, perennials, vegetables, fruit-bearing plants, herbs and houseplants. Free, 10am. Albemarle Square, 402 Albemarle Square. piedmontmastergardeners.org

Storytime. Featuring readings from recent storybooks and the classics kids know and love. Rain or shine. All ages welcome. Free, 11am. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. newdominionbookshop.com

UVA Orthopedics Community Event. A day of orthopedic fun for the family. Enjoy free donuts and coffee, a face-paint artist, games, crafts, and giveaways while doctors give talks and demonstrations on common injuries. Free, 9am. UVA Health Orthopedics, 2280 Ivy Rd. uvahealth.com

World’s Toughest Rodeo. See listing for Friday, May 2. Prices vary, 7:30pm. John Paul Jones Arena, 295 Massie Rd. johnpauljonesarena.com

Sunday

5/4

music

Dave Goodrich. An entertaining rock-based repertoire including flavors of blues, pop, Motown, and original music. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

room decorations. Ages 11+. $40, 3pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Needle Felted Opossums. Learn how to make a soft little opossum figure using a specialized notched needle to sculpt dyed wool. Ages 12+. $40, noon. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Paint and Sip: Rolling Hills of Color. Learn a variety of techniques and skills to render a rolling hills of color scene with step-by-step instructions. No experience necessary. $38, noon. Hazy Mountain Vineyard & Brewery, 240 Hazy Mountain Ln., Afton. blueridgebrushes.com

Spring Blooms Watercolor Workshop. Discover the art of botanical watercolor painting in this three-hour, beginner-friendly fundamentals workshop. Ages 15+. $35, 2pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

stage

All Bark, No Bite. See listing for Saturday, May 3. $15, 3pm. Victory Hall Theater, 401 Valley St., Scottsville. scottsvillecenter.org etc.

Brewery Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, May 1. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Monday 5/5

etc.

Scrappy Crafty Hour. See listing for Wednesday, April 30. Free, noon. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Jon Spear. Local singer-songwriter performs solo acoustic folk, oldies, and more. Free, 2pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com

Songwriter Showcase. Featuring talented performers from our weekly open mic nights, including David LePage, John Kelly, Paxton Henderson, Emily Forister, and Jason Burke. Hosted by Theocles Herrin. $12–15, 6pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

Sunday Jazz Jam. Live jazz featuring local, regional, and national musicians improvising with friends and strangers. Free, 6pm. Miller’s Downtown, 109 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. millersdowntown.com

dance

Beginner Bachata Classes. Beginner-intermediate bachata classes. No partner required. Proficiency with the basic, turning, and partner connection required. $10, 5:15pm. DMR Studio D, The Dance Connection, 109 Second St. SE.

Beginner Salsa Classes. Beginner-intermediate salas classes. No partner needed. Proficiency with the basic, turning, and partner connection required. $10, 4pm. DMR Studio D, The Dance Connection, 109 Second St. SE.

classes

Introduction to Upcycled Tapestry Weaving. Learn how to make hanging tapestries by weaving leftover yarn, fabric strips, and whatever else you can imagine together on basic flat lap looms. Ages 8+. $35, 11am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Needle Felted Mushrooms. A beginner-level felting class using a specialized barbed needle to sculpt beautiful dyed wool into soft and colorful mush-

Trivia on Tap. Five rounds of trivia for teams of up to six people. This month’s theme: “Game of Thrones.” Free, 7pm. Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery - Charlottesville, 520 Second St. SE. threenotchdbrewing.com

Tuesday 5/6

music

Vincent Zorn. Lively flamenco rumba with a unique percussive technique that incorporates a diverse range of strumming styles, rhythms, and taps. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 201 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

words

Pursuits of Knowledge. Connect with authors and hear how they engage the past in the present through genres of biography, political history, and young adult fiction. $10–30, 5:30pm. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy. home.monticello.org

classes

Paint and Sip: Lakeside Twilight. Learn a variety of techniques and skills to render a lakeside twilight scene with step-by-step instructions. No experience necessary. $42, 6pm. Ellie’s Country Club, 16 Elliewood Ave. blueridgebrushes.com

etc.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia. Good trivia, good times. Teams of two to six people compete to win prizes like gift certificates and pint glasses, plus bragging rights. Free, 7pm. Firefly, 1304 E. Market St. firefly cville.com

The Run Club. Do a 5K run, then drink beer. $1-off pints for runners. Free, 6pm. Decipher Brewing, 1740 Broadway St.

SMALL BITES CULTURE

Seasonal greetings

Dreaming of sushi, djon djon mushroom broth, and a vineyard hike

Roll with it

Yoshihiro Tauchi, often called the best sushi chef in town, is now slinging sashimi at Vitae Spirits on the Downtown Mall. After building his legacy at TEN, Lemongrass, and his own spot, Mican (formerly Kokoro), Tauchi went private—until his pop-up partnership with Vitae went permanent in August 2024. His Omakase Obscura menu changes often and is all about trust: Omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you,” and you definitely should. Expect chef’s choice sashimi (14 pieces!), creative rolls, and classic apps like seaweed salad, edamame, and takoyaki. Open Thursday–Sunday, 4–9pm. No reservations—so arrive early to snag a seat! instagram.com/omakaseobscura

Branching out

Remember The Flat, that charming creperie on Water Street that’s now Vu Noodles?

Flat founder Lauren McRaven Hockaday is back with a new venture: The Maple Tree Café, a lunch-only spot that opened in midFebruary in the former Kitchen(ette) space at 905 9 ½ St. Hockaday is just back from three years in Haiti, and island flavors shine at her new café in dishes like the Island

Time sandwich—pulled pork, pikliz (Haitian relish), mango chutney, and garlic aioli on French bread. Or go veg with the So Long, Farro bowl. Hockaday simmers the farro in Haitian djon djon mushroom broth, and tops the bowl with sautéed mushrooms, arugula, smoked tomato, sheep feta, tangy sweet potato purée, and green goddess dressing. Pair it with a rosemary lemonade and you’re set. Bonus: If enough of us ask nicely, breakfast might just be next on the menu. themapletreecafe.com

Batteau appétit

Open-fire chef Sarah Rennie and the James River Batteau Company have joined forces to bring you the ultimate elemental mashup: flame and water. On board a historic-style batteau—flat-bottomed boats once used in the 1700s to navigate the James River—you’ll enjoy a two-hour feast, complete with a family-style farm-to-table meal, live music, and golden-hour views. Whether you come solo, with a partner, or book the whole boat for your crew, this interactive experience is built for connection. The first batteau leaves the dock on May 2, with more dates through September. jamesrivertour.com

Check in and wine down

Need a little R&R without the TSA? The historic Crossroads Inn is just 15 minutes from downtown Charlottesville. For spring, it’s serving cozy Friday night dinners exclusively for overnight guests: four courses, gardengrown ingredients, local flair, and wine pairings from its sister property, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards. Want the full foodie fantasy?

Stay in the Pippin Cottage—once the inn’s original cooking kitchen, now a queen-bedand-kitchenette situation with a private deck and serious sunset vibes. crossroadsinn.com Why stop at one foodie staycation when you can have two? Veritas Vineyards and Winery is hosting one-day mini epicurean retreats on select Sundays in May and June, and yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. Picture this: yoga at 9am, a light breakfast, a vineyard hike, a farm-fresh lunch, and, naturally, wine! Head winemaker Emily Hodson leads a laidback tasting that’ll have you swirling, sipping, and spouting tasting notes like a pro. One day not enough? Stretch it out with a fourday retreat (Sunday through Wednesday), where you’ll enjoy the full lineup plus cooking classes and even more vino-fueled relaxation. veritaswines.com/events

Market

opening bell

Does milder weather have you hankering for crisp radishes, fresh arugula, or the season’s first snappy spears of asparagus? While two of our regional markets are open year-round, spring means a bounty of local goods purveyors set up across the region.

Albemarle Farmers Market at Hollymead Town Center, Saturdays 8:30am-noon, through September

Charlottesville City Market at Water and Second streets, Saturdays 8am-1pm, through Thanksgiving

Crozet Farmers Market at Crozet Ave. & Jarmans Gap Rd., Saturdays 8am-noon, through October

Earlysville Farmers at Buck Mountain Episcopal Church, Thursdays 2pm-dark, year-round Farmers in the Park at Pen Park, Wednesdays 3-6pm, through September

Market Central Farmers Market at IX Art Park, Saturdays 8am-noon, year-round

Scottsville Farmers Market at Scottsville Pavilion, Saturdays 9am-1pm, through November—Sarah Golibart Gorman

More to chew on

Wednesday 4/30

Winemaker’s Reception at Keswick Hall. This exclusive event brings together winemakers from wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail, offering guests a unique opportunity to taste Virginia wines and engage with the talented producers behind them. Participating Wineries: Montifalco, Eastwood, Keswick, Trump, Afton, Michael Shaps, Hardware Hills, Veritas, Horton, Woodbrook Farm, Cunningham Creek, King Family, Stinson, and Jefferson. $85, 5:30pm. Keswick Hall & Golf Club, 701 Club Dr., Keswick. monticellowinetrail.com

Sunday 5/4

Sourdough Workshop. Participants will learn how to care for a sourdough starter, see all stages of the breadmaking process, and take home their own starter and sample to bake at home. The workshop will take place largely outside, weather permitting. $60, 2pm. Nealand Farm, 8232 Scottsville Rd., Scottsville. nealand.farm

Sunday 5/18

Charcuterie Board Workshop. Join a hands-on session with Sweets & Treats by Nancy to elevate your entertaining skills in a fun setting with friends. Nancy will share tips and tricks for designing custom charcuterie boards that are sure to impress your guests. $60, 1pm and 3pm. Chiswell Farm & Winery, 430 Greenwood Rd., Greenwood. chilesfamilyorchards.com

Rosé Wine Education & Exploration. Rosé is the herald of warm weather, a staple for summer suppers, and sipping on a sandy beach. Join us for an exploration of why rosé is so much more than that. $75, noon and 3pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Ongoing

Cocktail Masterclass at The Aspen Bar: Gin Garden Party Class. Expand your knowledge of gin and its uses with Birch & Bloom’s bartenders. $45, 4-5pm. Kimpton The Forum Hotel, 540 Massie Rd. forumhotelcharlottesville.com Submit food and drink events to events.c-ville.com.

Yoshihiro Tauchi brings his sushi expertise to omakase dining at Vitae Spirits Downtown.

CULTURE GALLERIES

Exhibitions

2206 Fontaine Ave. Extended. “Spring Bouquets in Oils,” an annual exhibition serving as a vehicle for studying color and exploring fresh new techniques in painting. Showcasing 75 smaller works housed in up-cycled frames. Through May.

540 Belvedere Blvd. “Artful Gardens Bouquet Display,” a collaboration between the Mid-Atlantic Pastel Society, the Art Guild of Greene County, and Charlottesville Garden Club featuring pastel works and paintings displayed alongside fresh floral bouquets inspired by the visual artwork. Artworks on view May 1–June 30; bouquets on display May 14–17. Reception May 15, 5–7pm.

Inside Vault Virginia, Third St. SE. In the micro gallery, “Near and Farther Places,” featuring intimate and beautiful small-scale still life studies by Charlottesville artist Blake Hurt, in a two-part exhibition. In the Great Halls of Vault Virginia, “Near and Farther Places,” larger landscape paintings from a recent trip to Portugal in the second part of artist Blake Hurt’s extended exhibition. Through June 27.

er Nonsense,” whimsical ceramic works by Jane Angelhart. Both shows run May 1–31. Meet the artists event May 17, 11am–1pm. Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival Claudius Crozet Park, 1075 Park Rd. Featuring more than 130 fine artists and contemporary craft artisans from around the country in a juried fair, with live music, food and drink vendors, and kid’s activities. Ticketed entry. May 10, 10am–5:30pm and May 11, 10am–5pm.

700 Harris St., entrance off Dale Ave. “1 x 4 Show,” a vibrant showcase of creative art quilts where each piece measures 1x4 feet. Featuring 16 artists from the Fiber & Stitch Art Collective of Central Virginia. Through May 30.

5791 Three Notch’d Rd., Crozet. “A Moment in Time,” plein air paintings by Penelope Matallana in oil, watercolor, and acrylics. “Hippos and Oth-

C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery 118 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. “Enchanted Forest,” featuring mixed media masks and paintings inspired by a love of nature, folklore, and fairy tales by Sigrid Eilertson. May 2–31. First Fridays reception with the artist 5–8pm. Fairhaven Guesthouse 413 Fairway Ave. The fifth annual “Art Transforms Life” art show and open house, featuring diverse, original artworks and locally-made crafts by Flame Bilyué, Petra Monaco, Albert Moore, and Ed Mundy. May 3 and 4, noon–7pm. The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA 155 Rugby Rd. “Structures,” a selection of 20th- and 21st-century works exploring the ways that art can speak to or question the formal, physical, environmental, social, and institutional structures of our world. “Celebration,” features works by five African American artists highlighting the ways these artists honor history, culture, and heritage through various media. “Joan Mitchell: Uncovering 100 Years,” Abstract Expressionist paintings. “Between Hand and Scroll: Torah Pointers from the Barr Collection,” a selection of more than 80 Torah pointers (yads) made of gold, silver, pearls, jewels, and additional materials. “O’ Powa O’ Meng: The Art and Legacy of Jody Folwell,” contemporary pottery from Kha’p’o Owingeh (Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico). Through June 15. All shows run through July 20, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

Allie Kelly at The Gallery at Studio IX

Renee Blue O’Connell at Northside Library

The Gallery at Studio IX 969 Second St. SE. “People and Trees: Studies Through Color and Movement,” featuring a rainbow of portraits painted from life by Eliza Evans and scenes from the natural world painted by Allie Kelly. May 2–30. Opening reception May 9, 5–7pm.

IX Art Park 522 Second St. SE. “The Looking Glass,” an immersive art space featuring a whimsical enchanted forest and kaleidoscopic cave. Ongoing. “Art Mix at IX,” a fun night of art, music, and drinks where you can spark new ideas, make awesome connections, and celebrate the local art scene with fellow cool cats. First Fridays, 6pm–midnight. The Charlottesville Art Festival, featuring 50+ artists, artisans, and vendors in a celebration of creativity, diversity, and community. Ticketed entry. May 24, 3–8pm and May 25, 10am–6pm.

Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of UVA 400 Worrell Dr. “Milpa: Stop-motion animation by Spinifex artists,” animated films from the remote Western Australian town of Tjuntjuntjara. Through June 15. “In the Beginning: Paintings by Senior Artists of the Spinifex Arts Project,” presents the bold, dynamic work of internationally renowned artists from the Spinifex Arts Project. Through March 8, 2026.

Jefferson School African American Heritage Center 233 Fourth St. NW. Permanent exhibition, “Pride Overcomes Prejudice,” exploring the history of peoples of African descent in Charlottesville. Ongoing.

The John P. & Stephanie F. Connaughton Gallery at the UVA McIntire School of Commerce McIntire School of Commerce, Rouss & Robertson Halls third floor, East Lawn. “Parallel Dimensions in Color,” paintings and mixed media works by Lee McCraw-Leavitt and Laura Thompson. Through June 16.

Les Yeux du Monde 841 Wolf Trap Rd. “Material/Mater/Mother,” a solo show of new works by Michelle Gagliano. May 9–June 29. Opening reception May 9, 5–7pm.

McGuffey Art Center 201 Second St. NW. In the Sarah B. Smith Gallery, “The Space Between Sound,” layered paintings occupying the liminal space between figuration and abstraction by Karen Eide. In the First and Second Floor Galleries, the “Charlottesville Area High School Show,” featuring works by students from Albemarle High School, Charlottesville High School, Renaissance School, St. Anne’s-Belfield, Tandem Friends School, and Western Albemarle High School. In the Associates Gallery, a monthly rotation of works by Associate Members. All shows run May 2–June 1. First Fridays reception including Associate Members pop-up shop, 5:30–7:30pm.

New City Arts 114 Third St. NE. In the Welcome Gallery, “one hand washes the other,” a meditation on inheritance, reciprocity, and the everyday gestures of devotion by interdisciplinary artist Vibha Vijay, touching on the themes of memory, labor, and belief through Tanjore painting and textile-based works. May 2–28. First Fridays opening reception 5–7:30pm, with an artist talk at 6pm. Northside Library 705 Rio Rd. W. A special photography exhibit in celebration of the Charlottesville Camera Club’s 30th anniversary, inviting visitors to explore the diverse talents and visions of local photographers. May 2–31. In the Quiet Room, a spring art show featuring collage works by Renee Blue O’Connell. Through June 4.

The PVCC Gallery V. Earl Dickinson Building, 501 College Dr. The 2025 Student Art Exhibition, featuring ceramics, photography, printmaking, drawing, graphics, and more from a diverse range of PVCC classes in art and design. Through September 6.

GALLERIES CULTURE

FRIDAY 5/2

Charlottesville’s newest creative space, Milkweed Clay Studio, launches its venture with a grand opening celebration. Tour the studio, meet with member artists, take in pottery demonstrations, and shop locally made ceramic works while enjoying the company of fellow fans of functional ware and artworks on May 2, from 5–8pm. The studio will also host a ticketed Mother’s Day workshop where you and your mother, mother-in-law, dear friend, or chosen family member can choose a handmade ceramic vase to fill with fresh flowers while enjoying refreshments and meaningful connection on May 11 from 10am–2pm. Milkweed Clay Studio, inside the Silk Mills Building, 700 Harris St., Ste. 101. milkweedclaystudio.com

Ruffin Gallery UVA Grounds, Ruffin Hall, 179 Culbreth Rd. Department of Art FourthYear Thesis and Aunspaugh Fellowship exhibitions, featuring digital art, film, painting, performance, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Through May 9. Exhibitions change weekly, with receptions on May 2 and May 9, 5–7pm.

Second Street Gallery 115 Second St. SE. In the Main Gallery, “HOME,” an interdisciplinary group exhibition of works exploring the rich and varied interpretations of “home” within Black communities, curated by the Charlottesville Black Arts Collective. In the Dové Gallery, “Charlottesville Porch Portraits,” featuring images of local residents captured during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic by photographers Ézé Amos, Tom Daly, Kristen Finn, John Robinson, and Sarah Cramer Shields. Both shows run through May 23. Family Studio Day, May 10, 10am–2pm. “Charlottesville Porch Portraits” Artists in Conversation gallery talk, May 21, 5:30–6:30pm.

Visible Records 1740 Broadway St. “seeds of connection: dreams of freedom,” weaves together multidisciplinary abolitionist project The People’s Paper Co-op and an ongoing abolitionist community project at Visible Records. Featuring interdisciplinary works by incarcerated artists from across the U.S. Through May 31. Prison in Twelve Landscapes film screening and grill out in the garden, May 1, 7pm. Blue Ridge Bail Fundraiser Show featuring Public Acid, Spicy Meatball, and Blue Spring, May 2, 7pm. Prisoner letter writing event, May 8, 6–8pm.

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FOR FUN PUZZLES

SUDOKU

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crosser

17. Property purchased with Qatari currency?

19. Pickleball divider

20. Hit the buffet 21. “Boo-___!” 22. Regretted 24. Words to a song

26. Shared billing for Etta and Celine?

31. “___ & Greg” (late ‘90s sitcom)

33. Extremely successful, in Variety

34. Singer Lily

36. Militar y packaged meal, for short

38. Granola grain

39. Performed in front of a pharaoh?

43. Pretty great

44. It may be original

45. “C’mon, please?”

46. Defunct channel that aired “Felicity”

49. Elegant detail

51. A pleased 500e, maybe?

53. Paul of “Breaking Bad”

57. “The Wire” character

58. Tajikistan, for short, once

60. Wondrous feeling

61. Mellow like cheese

63. Food served up for some rock Kings?

67. Tattletale

68. Of the lower back

69. Like some sporting equipment

70. “The Amazing Race” network

71. Photographer Arbus

72. Extremely

DOWN

1. All over the web

2. “Jaws” town

3. Cake component

4. Prefix that follows giga, tera, and peta

5. Notion

6. Another nickname for Dubya

7. Sinus doc

8. 2010 health legislation, in brief

9. London length

10. Crash, for one

11. The night before

12. Understand

15. “Yertle the Turtle” author

18. Chinese fruit

23. Tokyo’s former name

25. Without doing anything

27. Household cleaning chemical

28. Johnny of The Smiths and Modest Mouse

29. Giraffe’s relative

30. Forget-me-___ (certain flowers)

32. “No ifs, ___ , or buts”

FOR FUN FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny Gemini

(May 21-June 20): Gemini painter Henri Rousseau never saw a jungle in person. In fact, he never left his native country of France. But he painted some of modern art’s most vivid jungle scenes. How did that happen? Well, he visited zoos and botanical gardens, perused images of tropical forests in books, and heard stories from soldiers who had visited jungles abroad. But mostly, he had a flourishing imagination that he treated with reverent respect. I urge you to follow his lead, Gemini. Through the joyful, extravagant power of your imagination, get the inspiration and education you need. The next three weeks will be prime time to do so.

Cancer

(June 21-July 22): No, ruby-throated hummingbirds don’t hitch rides on airplanes or the backs of geese. They make their epic migrations completely under their own power. To get to their wintering grounds, many fly alone from the southern United States to the Yucatan Peninsula, crossing the 500-mile expanse of the Gulf of Mexico in 20 hours. I don’t recommend you attempt heroic feats like theirs in the coming weeks, Cancerian. More than usual, you need and deserve to call on support and help. Don’t be shy about getting the exact boosts you require. It’s time to harvest the favors you are owed and to be specific in articulating your wishes.

Leo

(July 23-Aug. 22): The golden pheasant is dazzling. Among the bright colors that appear in its plumage are gold, red, orange, yellow, blue, black, green, cinnamon, and chestnut. In accordance with astrological omens, I name this charismatic bird to be your spirit creature for the coming weeks. Feel free to embrace your inner golden pheasant and express it vividly wherever you go. This is a perfect time to boldly showcase your beauty and magnificence, even as you fully display your talents and assets. I brazenly predict that your enthusiastic expression of self-love will be a good influence on almost everyone you encounter.

Virgo

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo poet and visual artist Dorothea Tanning had a few mottoes that endlessly nurtured her abundant creative output. Here’s one: “Keep your eye on your inner world and keep away from ads, idiots, and movie stars.” As excellent as that advice is, it’s a challenge to follow it all the time. If we want to function effectively, we can’t always be focused on our inner worlds. However, I do believe you are now in a phase when you’re wise to heed her counsel more than usual. Your soul’s depths have a lot to teach you. Your deep intuition is full of useful revelations. Don’t get distracted from

(April 20-May 20): Taurus author Nellie Bly was a daring trailblazer. It was almost impossible for a woman to be a journalist in the 19th century, but she did it anyway. One of her sensational groundbreaking stories came when she did an undercover assignment in New York’s Women’s Lunatic Asylum. Her reporting on the neglect and brutality there prompted major reforms. I nominate Bly as your role model for the foreseeable future. You are, I believe, poised for epic, even heroic adventures, in service to a greater good. (PS: Bly also made a solo trip around the world and wrote 15 books.)

them by listening too much to ads, idiots, and celebrities.

Libra

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is essential for the functioning of your body and every other animal’s. It carries instructions about how to build proteins, and your cells are full of it. We humans can’t edit this magic substance, but octopuses can. They do it on the fly, enabling them to adapt quickly to changing environmental conditions. Even though you Libras can’t match their amazing power with RNA, you do have a substantial capacity to rewrite your plans and adjust your mindset. And this talent of yours will be especially available to you in the coming weeks. Your flexibility and adaptability will not only help you navigate surprises but may also open up exciting new opportunities.

Scorpio

(Oct. 23-Nov.21): Is there a sanctuary you can retreat to? A relaxing oasis where you can slip away from the world’s colorful madness? I would love for you to be bold enough to seek the precise healing you need. You have every right to escape the rotting status quo and give yourself full permission to hide from pressure, demands, and expectations. Is there music that brings you deep consolation? Are there books and teachers that activate your profound soul wisdom? Keep that good stuff nearby. It’s time for focused relief and regeneration.

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22-Dec.21): The chemical element known as arsenic is notoriously toxic for humans, but has long been useful in small amounts. Ancient Chinese metallurgists

discovered that blending it with copper and tin made the finest, strongest bronze. In modern times, arsenic fortifies the lead in car batteries. People in the 19th century sometimes ingested tiny doses as a stimulant. In this spirit, Sagittarius, I invite you to transform potentially challenging elements in your life into sources of strength. Can you find ways to incorporate iffy factors instead of eliminating them? I assure you that you have the power to recognize value in things others may neglect or reject.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Renowned Capricorn author Henry Miller had to wait far too long before getting readers in his home country, the United States. American censors regarded his explosive texts as too racy and sexy. They forbade the publication of his books until he was 69 years old! His spirit was forever resolute and uncrushable, though. In accordance with astrological omens, Capricorn, I recommend you adopt his counsel on the subject of wonders and marvels. Miller wrote, “The miracle is that the honey is always there, right under your nose, only you were too busy searching elsewhere to realize it.” Here’s another gem from Miller: He advised us “to make the miracle more and more miraculous, to swear allegiance to nothing, but live only miraculously, think only miraculously, die miraculously.”

Aquarius

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): For now, everything depends on your foundation, your roots, and your support system. If I were you, I would devote myself to nurturing them. Please note that you’re not in any jeopardy. I don’t foresee strains or tremors. But your grad-

uation to your next set of interesting challenges will require you to be snugly stable, secure, and steady. This is one time when being thoroughly ensconced in your comfort zone is a beautiful asset, not a detriment to be transcended.

Pisces

(Feb. 19-March 20): The coming weeks are a favorable time for you to build symbolic bridges. I hope you will link resources that aren’t yet linked. I hope you will work to connect people whose merger would help you, and I hope you will begin planning to move from where you are now to the next chapter of your life. I advise you to not model your metaphorical bridges after modern steel suspension bridges, though. Instead, be inspired by the flexible, natural, and intimate bridges made by the ancient Incas. Woven from ichu grass via community efforts, they were strong enough to span rivers and canyons in the Andes mountains.

Aries

(March 21-April 19): To create microgardens, you plant vegetables and herbs in small containers placed on your porch, balcony, window sills, and kitchen counter. Lettuce, peas, spinach, and basil might be among your small bounties. I encourage you to use this practice as a main metaphor in the coming weeks. In other words, gravitate away from huge, expansive visions, and instead work creatively within existing constraints. For now, at least, “less is more” should be your operative motto. Meditate on how apparent limitations might lead to inviting innovations. Seek out abundance in unlikely places.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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PRICING

We’re eager to hear from candidates who share our passion for serving the community for the following positions

Direct Support Professionals (Residential)

$16-$18 per hour

Director of Development

Residential Manager

Charlottesville

Lovingston

classifieds.c-ville.com

The University of Virginia seeks an IT Analyst Staff Spec, BI Dev in Charlottesville, VA to use the enterprise’s data to design, create & maintain analyses & BI reports & tools in support of clinical, business & research operations at UVA Health.

Reqs: BS in Comp Sci, Indust Eng, Indust Mgmt, Log Mgmt, or rel + 7 yrs exp or MS in Comp Sci, Indust Eng, Indust Mgmt, Log Mgmt or rel + 5 yrs exp or PhD in Comp Sci, Indust Eng, Indust Mgmt, Log Mgmt or rel + 3 yrs exp. Remote work permitted.

For full reqs and to apply go to https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/ & submit your resume to req R0071134.

($70k-$85k)

$48k-$56k

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

Offering competitive compensation, paid training, andfor full time staff - an attractive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and more

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE

ZELDA HINES, Case No. CL25-675 Plaintiff v. EVERETT

LEON DAVIS, et al., Defendants

ORDER

The object of this suit is to effect partition among the owners of a certain tract or parcel of land containing approximately 3.000 acres, located in Albemarle County, Virginia, originally conveyed to Mary Kile (a/k/a Mary Wormly Kyle, a/k/a Mary Kyle, a/k/a Mary Kyles), more particularly described as:

All that certain tract or parcel of land situate and being in Albemarle County, Virginia, originally conveyed to Mary Kile by Deed dated June 20, 1907, and recorded in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office for the County of Albemarle, Virginia in Deed Book 148, Page 381 (the “Property”), bounded and described as follows: all that certain lot or parcel of land lying in the vicinity of Ivy Depot in the County of Albemarle on the side of Gillums Mountain containing 3 acres, more or less, beginning in the center of the Mountain Rd. opposite stake a comer to the Lewis Bruce lot (formerly J. H. White) thence along the road 30 3/10 poles to the fork of the said Mountain Road and the Gillum road, thence along the latter 27 8/10 poles to a comer opposite a stake and pointers on the north side and comer to Lewis Bruce thence with his lines N.45 E.43 poles to a stone and N.45 W.7 6/10 poles to the beginning.

Being the same property identified as Parcel ID 0570000-00-08900, further shown on a plat entitled “Boundary Survey Plat PIO 05700-00-00-08900 Along State Route 708, White Hall Magisterial District, County of Albemarle, Virginia,” prepared by David A. Jordan, Land Surveyor, Commonwealth Land Surveying, LLC, dated June 1, 2022, and recorded in the Clerk’s Office of Albemarle County as Instrument No. 202400008895.

It appearing by affidavit filed that the number of defendants upon whom process has been served exceeds ten and it appears by a pleading or exhibit filed that such defendants represent like interests with certain parties not served with process, and furthermore, that due diligence has been used to ascertain the identity and location of certain parties to be served, without effect, and that there may be unknown heirs, devisees, and successors in interest to Mary Kile (a/k/a Mary Wormly Kyle, a/k/a Mary Kyle, a/k/a Mary Kyles),

It is ORDERED that:

The following defendants, whose identities or last known addresses are unknown, do appear on or before May 23, at 9 a.m., 2025, and do what is necessary to protect their interests: the heirs, devisees, and successors in interest to Mary Kile (a/k/a Mary Wormly Kyle, a/k/a Mary Kyle, a/k/a Mary Kyles), and any other persons, firms, or corporations having or claiming an interest in the Property who are made parties to this action under the general description of “Parties Unknown;” the following heirs whose last known addresses are unknown: Mary E. Greenlee, David Waller, Helen L. Moore, and Mary Ellen Young; and all other known defendants with interests in the subject property.

ENTER: Cheryl V. Higgins

DATE: 4/8/2025

I ASK FOR THIS:

Lisa Brook, Attorney (Virginia State Bar No. 35661)

TUCKER GRIFFIN BARNES

307 West Rio Road Charlottesville, VA 22901

Main: (434) 973-7474

Fax: (434) 951-0875

lbrook@tgblaw.com

Counsel for Plaintiff

FORECLOSURE SALE OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE AT PUBLIC AUCTION

A 7 Bedroom, 9½ Bath Home 55 High Meadows Lane, Scottsville, VA 22950 Albemarle County Tax Map No. 130A1-00-00-00400

SALE: MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025, AT 10:30 A.M. AT THE ALBEMARLE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE LOCATED AT 501 E. JEFFERSON STREET, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902

In execution of a Deed of Trust, being dated April 15, 2020, and recorded on April 16, 2020, in the Clerk’s Office of Albemarle County Circuit Court, Virginia (the “Clerk’s Office”), as Instrument No. 202000004232 (the “Deed of Trust”). The undersigned as Trustee under said Deed of Trust will offer for sale at public auction the parcel listed below:

ALL that certain tract or parcel of land, with improvements thereon and appurtenances thereto, situated in Albemarle County, Virginia, on the east side of State Route 20 in the Town of Scottsville, containing 13.09 acres, more or less, shown as TM 130A(l)-4, on a plat by Lum’s Land Surveys, Inc., dated April 24, 2007, and recorded in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Albemarle County, Virginia in Deed Book 3415, page 168; TOGETHER WITH a 25’ nonexclusive easement for ingress and egress to and from State Route 20 as shown on plat recorded in Deed Book 826, page 359.

Property Address: 55 High Meadows Lane, Scottsville, VA 24590

Tax Map No. 130A1-00-00-00400 (the “Property”).

TERMS OF SALE: A bidder’s deposit of the greater of $30,000 or 10% of the winning bid, shall be paid at the sale by cashier’s check made payable to Bidder (to be assigned to Trustee if Bidder is successful), with the balance of the winning bid plus a 10% buyer’s premium to be paid upon delivery of a trustee’s deed within 30 days of sale. If the initial deposit is less than 10% of the winning bid, then the successful bidder’s deposit MUST be increased to 10% of the winning bid by cashier’s check or wired funds within three (3) business days. Settlement shall be held within 30 days after the date of sale unless otherwise postponed at the sole discretion of the Trustee. Sale is subject to the covenants, conditions, restrictions, rights of way, and easements, if any, contained in the deeds and other documents forming the chain of title to the property. Property is sold “AS IS, WHERE IS,” “WITH ALL FAULTS” and “WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTIES.”

TIME SHALL BE OF THE ESSENCE WITH RESPECT TO SETTLEMENT. The deposit shall be applied to the credit of successful bidder at settlement; or, in the event of failure to complete settlement within the time set forth after the date of sale, in accordance with the terms of sale, the deposit shall be forfeited and applied to the costs of sale, including Trustee’s fee, and the Property shall be resold at the cost and expense of the defaulting Purchaser. Risk of loss or damage to the Property shall be borne by successful bidder from the time of auctioneer’s strike down at the sale. Purchaser shall pay all settlement fees, title examination charges, title insurance premiums, and recording costs. Current real estate property taxes will be prorated at closing as of date of sale. Rollback taxes, if any, will be the responsibility of the Purchaser.

THE TRUSTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT: (i) to waive the deposit requirements; (ii) to extend the period of time within which the Purchaser is to make full settlement; (iii) to withdraw the Property from sale at any time prior to the termination of the bidding; (iv) to keep the bidding open for any length of time; (v) to reject all bids; and (vi) to postpone or continue this sale from time to time, such notices of postponement or setting over shall be in a manner deemed reasonable by the Trustee. Announcements made on day of sale take precedence over all other advertised terms and conditions.

FOR INFORMATION SEE: www.fplegal.com/foreclosures

Flora Pettit PC, Trustee

Nancy R. Schlichting

530 E. Main Street P. O. Box 2057 Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 220-6113 lmg@fplegal.com

P.S. THE BIG PICTURE

Pinball wizard John Breen spent a lot of time at Decades. When he passed away from cancer in 2021, the Downtown Mall arcade honored his memory with an annual pinball tournament. More than 30 people participated in this year’s April 27 event, with the winner taking home $75 in cash, plus another $48 to Decades, $35 to Fredericksburg’s Reclaim Arcade, $30 to Cville Escape Room, $25 to Starr Hill Brewing, and a pass to Richmond’s Pinball Collective. Proceeds from the afternoon benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities Charlottesville, where in 2023 Decades placed two machines in partnership with Project Pinball, so immunocompromised children could have fun during treatment.