A small Charlottesville nonprofit is restoring the city’s tree canopy—one yard, one neighbor, one student at a time
DOE says "takesies backsies," gives FEI building to UVA P.9
Old Wertland building subject to demolition, BAR may say P.11
Getting messy, centered, and kinda off-kilter at City Clay P.27
Moments WorthFlowersRemembering
Hello, Charlottesville.
5.14.25
Thank you for reading C-VILLE Weekly. If you’ve ever stood under the shade of a tree on a sweltering summer day, you know the difference it makes. Now imagine that relief—or lack of it—on a neighborhood scale.
In this week’s cover story (p.18), Jake Solyst takes us into the yards and streets of Rose Hill, 10th and Page, and Woolen Mills, where a young nonprofit is doing more than just planting trees. ReLeaf Cville is addressing a quiet crisis: the rapid loss of tree canopy in some of Charlottesville’s warmest, most under-resourced neighborhoods. With science, sweat, and a lot of care, it’s giving residents a break from the heat—literally—and building a greener, more equitable future in the process.
This is also a story about what happens when a community takes matters into its own hands. When city limitations meet citizen action. When saving a tree can mean saving a home’s comfort, a person’s health, and a neighborhood’s spirit. It’s easy to talk about climate solutions in the abstract. ReLeaf reminds us that sometimes, real change takes root in the dirt.
Hey, thanks!
This week’s contributors
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
Julie Basic
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
Helen Cathro
Karen Collins
Emily Currier
Maria-Eugenia Dalton
Nancy Dettor
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
Cara Hall
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
Peppy Linden
Jessica Lino
D. Little
Phillip Long
Rob Lynch
Jeff Martin
Erin Mayer
Kieran Mcdowell
Mary McIntyre
Ruth McWilliams
James Mernin
Nicolas Mestre
Tim Michel
Parthy Monagan
Hilary Moorman
Michael Morency
Harold E. Morgan
Michael Moriarty
Catherine Moynihan
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
T. Radsky
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
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
Jake Solyst is an environmental writer based in Charlottesville. A Maryland native, he recently moved to the city from Baltimore. In his free time, Jake enjoys hiking, gardening, and hitting up local vineyards with his wife and dog. He’s a published fiction writer and proud member of the Charlottesville Writers Critique. Read Jake’s work on page 18.
Ella Powell is a student journalist at the University of Virginia who’s set to graduate in May 2025 with a BA in media studies and English. She’s interested in freelance writing and other media jobs, such as advocacy work for nonprofits. She has written for The Cavalier Daily as a life columnist, interned at Iris Magazine through the UVA Women’s Center, and is a former C-VILLE Weekly intern. Her work primarily engages with arts and culture events and music, but her academic interests extend to the health of media ecosystems. Read Ella’s work on page 25.
potato culurgione with lamb ragu, shaved white truffles, herbs Tolaini, Toscana Sangiovese Mello 700 (2020) secondi
simmons family farm bistecca alla Fiorentina, escarole-cannellini bean salad, grilled meyer lemon Tolaini, Toscana Perlui (2020) dolci honey semifreddo, local berries Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Sauternes (2009)
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Money futures
Albemarle County supervisors adopt FY 2026 budget
BY CATIE RATLIFF
The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors adopted a $644 million FY26 budget on May 7. The budget is balanced with a 4-cent increase to the real property tax rate, and a restoration of the prepandemic personal property tax rate.
New rates go into effect on July 1, for an overall real property tax rate of $0.894 and a personal property tax rate of $4.28 per $100 of assessed value.
Highlights from the adopted budget include investments in public safety, education, affordable housing, and climate action.
A further breakdown of the 4-cent rate increase to the real property tax rate provided by Albemarle County outlines specific funding allocations. Approximately $9.9 million, or 3.2 cents per $100, will support the continued staffing of 57 FEMA
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant firefighter positions, six new police officers, and a 3 percent salary increase. Additional education priorities and affordable housing efforts will each receive roughly $1.2 million, or 0.4 cents per $100, from the tax hike.
“This budget reflects our continued commitment to long-term community well-being, with focused investments in core services, public safety, and capital needs,” said Jim Andrews, Board of Supervisors chair. “I appreciate the collaboration of my fellow board members, the dedication of staff, and the thoughtful input from community members. This was not a process we took lightly, and I’m grateful to everyone who engaged to help shape a budget that addresses our most urgent and strategic needs.”
CCS and UVA both say the reversal came as a surprise.
“When we received this email, the assumption was … that it was going to be next steps on how this process was going to continue forward,” said CCS School Board Chair Emily Dooley at a May 12 press conference. “All of our stomachs dropped in just absolute shock when the letter was absolutely not that and was instead a complete reverse course.”
UVA, CCS, and at least one other institution applied for acquisition of the FEI site through the Federal Real Property Assistance Program, which allows the transfer of surplus federal property to organizations, including educational institutions, on an application basis.
“When UVA was approached by the General Services Administration, we inquired about submitting a joint application with the City of Charlottesville. The GSA indicated that they would not accept such a proposal,” said UVA Deputy Spokesperson Bethanie Glover in a May 12 statement. “In addition to responding to the GSA’s request for a proposal, UVA submitted a letter in support of the city’s proposal. Once we heard that the federal government had accepted the city’s proposal, we congratulated the city and moved on, fully expecting that the matter was closed.”
CCS hoped to use the space primarily for its centralized preschool, with a secondary utility as the district’s consolidated administrative offices. UVA’s application outlined a proposed expansion of its School of Continuing and Professional Studies and ROTC at the site.
When there are multiple applicants for a single surplus property, the site is generally awarded to the application with the most public benefit, as determined by total public benefit allowance calculations.
Prior to the award of the FEI property, Livable Cville and other local organizers called on UVA to drop its bid for the site.
IN BRIEF
All the news you missed last week (in one sentence or less)
According to the DOE, the change in award recipient resulted from process changes to the Federal Real Property Assistance Program amid staff reductions and work reassignments.
“The notifications that were sent out from the Department on April 29 did not include full consideration of the applicable regulatory factors,” said Madi Biedermann, DOE deputy assistant secretary for communications, in an email. “Upon further review, the Secretary determined that the University of Virginia’s proposal to the use the [sic] FEI building as a permanent home for their ROTC program provides the greatest public benefit from among the applicants who expressed a desire to utilize the property.”
For CCS, the loss of the FEI site has led to a domino effect, impacting its plans for spaces well beyond the 14-acre campus. By moving its planned centralized preschool to the Emmet Street property and consolidating administrative offices on the campus, currently occupied spaces were made available for use across CCS. Early considerations for these newly freed-up spaces included expanded alternative education programs and space for students with special needs.
“At this juncture, we are reverting to our previous plan to put our preschool at the Walker [Upper Elementary School] campus and keep our administrative offices where they are,” Dooley said. “What that means is that we can no longer expand our alternative high school, Lugo-McGinness Academy, to Walker. We can no longer expand the alternative middle school, New Pathways Academy. We can no longer free up space at the high school for career and technical ed classrooms, and we can no longer expand facilities for special needs students. What we want to convey today is just how shocking and disappointing this decision was, but that said, we are committed to doing the work on behalf of our students in this community.”
Magnitude 3.0 earthquake rocks Buckingham County. UVA alum and former Virginia head wrestling coach Bernard “Butch” Schwab III passes away at 91. Albemarle County Office of Housing accepting applications for Southwood’s Hickory Hope apartments’ voucher-based waitlists until May 16. Foxfield Racing donates $50K to Camp Holiday Trails following April event. Virginia Department of Forestry reports 550 wildfires have burned more than 9,000 acres so far in 2025. Former 29News meteorologist Josh Fitzpatrick denied bond on charges of sexual extortion. Staunton resident Colegedo Vincent Mokus pleads guilty in Charlottesville Circuit Court to distributing three and a half pounds of fentanyl on Angus Road in July 2024. Firefighters respond to grease fire at Prospect Market and Deli on Cherry Avenue; no injuries reported. DOJ extends deadline for UVA to eliminate DEI. Botanical Garden of the Piedmont accepted into 1% for the Planet and the American Horticultural Society organizations. Albemarle County Service Authority announces 9 percent increase in water rates. City of Charlottesville granted $15,000 through the Southern Cities Economic Initiative program to drive economic growth.
The draft FY26 budget was first presented to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors in February. C
While CCS and UVA have reached out to the DOE for more information following the surprise change of course, the district says it does not plan to fight the reallocation given the emergent needs of its students and the August 2026 opening date for the preschool center.
“Being selected to acquire the Federal Executive Institute at no cost was a oncein-a-generation opportunity for Charlottesville City Schools that has been taken away for reasons that are frankly not clear,” said Dooley. “What is clear are the huge negative impacts on our students.”
Community members are now calling on UVA to decline the FRPAP award, with a protest set for 5:30pm on May 15 in front of the FEI.
Charlottesville Education Association President Shannon Gillikin also penned a scathing letter to the university, adding the CEA’s support for the effort. She calls on local education institutions to hold UVA accountable for acquiescing to the Trump administration’s anti-DEI efforts at the expense of vulnerable community members.
“It is not a coincidence that UVA decided to cancel all DEI programming in accordance with the Trump administration’s orders and was then granted this property,” said Gillikin in a May 10 statement. “For far too long UVA has relied on the grossly underpaid labor of our public school teachers to train and mentor their student teachers, without investing in the very system they have taken for granted. It is time they feel the consequence of those actions. UVA continues to take from our community and our response is we will no longer work with them.
“We ask that UVA rescind their application for the FEI property and until they do so we are calling on all educators in Charlottesville City Schools to boycott hosting UVA practicum and student teachers for the next school year.”
Historic decision
BAR will consider request to demolish one of Charlottesville’s oldest houses BY SEAN TUBBS
Charlottesville has seen many periods of growth since its founding in 1762, and new development rules adopted in late 2023 point the way to a more dense future.
Along the way, city leaders have made decisions about whether some buildings should be preserved, assigning the Board of Architectural Review—the governing body that makes such decisions—a powerful role.
In the mid 2010s, two developers of large buildings on West Main Street were required to incorporate four 19th-century structures into their projects after the BAR refused to approve their demolition.
But just a few years before, the BAR approved a request to demolish an 1980s-era office building that had been Republic Plaza on West Main. That building and a former grocery store were taken down to make way for The Standard at Charlottesville apartment building.
In January, the BAR denied a request from the Delta Zeta sorority to remove 144 Chancellor St., with some members arguing that the structure, a former schoolhouse, was worth preserving. On May 5, City Council overruled that decision in a 3-1 vote, with one member pointing out that the building today shows no signs of its past due to aluminium siding.
“If we’re trying to build up the notion that the district is a historic preservation district, it ought to be something that people can see,” said City Councilor Lloyd Snook.
That decision was the second time in three years that council overturned a BAR ruling on
a demolition. The second was removal of a 20th-century structure known as the McLeod House to make way for the 463unit Verve Charlottesville project at the corner of Jefferson Park Avenue and Emmet Street.
On May 20, the BAR is scheduled to hear a request to demolish 1301 Wertland St., a structure that is the centerpiece of the Wertland Street Architectural Design Control District. The house was built around 1830 and is one of the oldest houses remaining in Charlottesville.
“Wertland Street takes its name from the family of William Wertenbaker, the second librarian appointed by Thomas Jefferson at the University of Virginia,” reads the nomination form that earned the district a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Federal and state recognition comes with no protection, but designation in one of the city’s architectural design control districts gives the BAR authority.
A limited liability company tied to Seven Development bought the 0.4-acre Wertland Street property in May 2024 for $1 million. The property is zoned Residential MixedUse, which would mean unlimited residential density and a maximum of seven stories if the project meets the affordability levels necessary to achieve bonus height.
The BAR also plays the role of granting certificates of appropriateness for new con-
struction. A group called Preservation of Affordable Housing is overseeing a project at 1000 Wertland St. that will have 180 units guaranteed to be affordable to individuals and households below 80 percent of the area median income. The project has been before the BAR twice and the applicant deferred in late February when the appointed body wanted changes to the design.
Earlier this year, the BAR granted a Certificate of Appropriateness for Heirloom Development to take down the building that houses Violet Crown Cinema. However, both the BAR and the city’s Neighborhood Development Services must first determine what the allowed size and shape of a planned apartment building can be.
One of the oldest houses remaining in Charlottesville, 1301 Wertland St., is the subject of a demolition request that goes before the Board of Architectural Review May 20.
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Shadebydesign
ReLeaf Cville helps
turn yards into leafy
oases—andcooltheirneighborhoods
By Jake Solyst
“We’re developing who we hope to be environ
IN
one of Charlottesville’s warmest neighborhoods, John Hunter’s yard feels like a cool oasis.
An array of waist-high shrubs and groundcover fills the property, while a billowy corkscrew willow, a hardy black walnut, and several juvenile trees cast shade over the space. Come summer, the plants go a long way toward helping Hunter and his wife beat the heat.
“Some of our friends will come by just to sit in our yard during the summertime,” Hunter says. “You can really feel the difference.”
Though many of the plants were put in the ground by Hunter and his wife, three of their newest trees came courtesy of the local nonprofit ReLeaf Cville. Formed in 2021, ReLeaf plants and maintains trees on private properties in an attempt to increase the city’s tree canopy, which dropped from 50 percent in 2004 to 38 percent in 2023, according to the Charlottesville Tree Commission’s 2024 State of the Forest report.
So far, the organization has focused on neighborhoods with the lowest percentage of tree canopy, areas that also tend to be the warmest on average. This includes Rose Hill, where Hunter lives, which has the third lowest tree canopy percentage in Charlottesville at 23 percent.
In 2023, ReLeaf’s small team of arborists, tree planters, and paid high schoolers (known as the Green Team) swept through Rose Hill looking for places to plant trees. The group put 129 trees in the ground that season, across 30 homes, two schools, and a small park, adding to the neighborhood’s overall tree canopy and giving homeowners like Hunter some reprieve from the summer heat.
“We would’ve taken more if we had more room,” Hunter says.
One house at a time
It’s no secret that trees are critical for a healthy, vibrant city. On hot summer days, trees provide shade and release water vapor through a process called evapotranspiration, lowering air-conditioning bills and reducing risk of heat-related illness. Studies have shown that just being around trees can help lower blood pressure and reduce stress and anxiety.
But when the city released its 2021 State of the Urban Forest report, it became clear that not all communities are benefiting equally. While neighborhoods such as Greenbrier, Fry’s Spring, and Barracks/Rugby boast a healthy tree canopy percentage of 50 percent or more, areas like Rose Hill, 10th and Page, and Starr Hill have well under 30 percent. These neighbors also have a lower average income, according to the report.
Peggy Van Yahres, who was chair of the Charlottesville Tree Commission when the report was released, says further studies show that about 75 percent of the available area for tree planting in Charlottesville is on private property. Since the city only plants on public property, expanding Charlottesville’s overall canopy meant there was a need to engage homeowners.
“Some of us thought, we’ve got to step in and do something,” says Van Yahres, who is now the chair of ReLeaf Cville.
In 2021, members of the Charlottesville Tree Commission, Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards, and The Nature Conservancy in Virginia came together to form ReLeaf Cville—a partnership designed to work with homeowners on increasing tree canopy where it was needed most. The group received its initial funding from TNC and used tree canopy data to figure out which communities to focus on.
ReLeaf Cville Executive Director Cathy Boyd, Green Team member Antony Arostegui, and arborist Keith Pitchford show off their handiwork—the restoration of a tulip poplar that had become overgrown with English ivy that was weighing on its branches and blocking sunlight needed for the tree’s survival.
“We have 12 neighborhoods out of 19 that are under 40 percent [tree canopy],” says ReLeaf’s Co-Chair Keith Pitchford. “So we started in those neighborhoods.”
The group officially broke ground in 2022 by planting 39 trees in 10th and Page, where only 18 percent of the community is covered by trees. The next year, they tackled Rose Hill, with funding from the Virginia Department of Forestry, planting 129 trees. In 2024, the organization partnered with the Rivanna Conservation Alliance to plant 140 trees in Woolen Mills, where tree canopy is at 38 percent, but also a priority location for RCA due to its proximity to the river.
During those first three years, the organization mostly planted on private property, but also added trees to several schools, parks, and public housing communities within their target neighborhoods. Expert arborists such as Cville Arborist (formerly Pitchford Associates) canvassed neighborhoods explaining the importance of trees, and worked with willing homeowners to add new trees to their property.
“We choose about 12 trees that people can pick from,” says Keith Pitchford, a Charlottesville resident who spent much of his career preserving tree canopy in Washington, D.C. “We try to plant major shade trees because they’re gonna provide the most benefits.”
In 2025, ReLeaf Cville will continue planting trees in Woolen Mills as part of RCA’s Rivanna River Forest Health & Resilience Project, as well as Fifeville, where tree canopy is around 35 percent ReLeaf recently brought on Executive Director Cathy Boyd, who is hoping to grow the organization’s impact this year.
According to Pitchford, ReLeaf wants to help Charlottesville get every neighborhood to 40 percent tree canopy coverage and the city as a whole to 45 percent by 2050. Accounting for the current rate of tree loss, the city will have to plant about 3,697 trees a year to get to 45 percent, according to the Charlottesville Tree Commission.
To reach that goal, groups like ReLeaf are going to have to focus not only on getting new trees in the ground, but protecting the ones we already have.
Longevity & Vitality Through Self-Realization with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and honored guest, His Holiness the 34th Menri Trizin Rinpoche, spiritual head of the Bön tradition of Tibet. Join us for one or both weeks!
MAY 28
LIGMINCHA CHARLOTTESVILLE MONTHLY PRACTICE
6:00 - 7:30 PM at Jefferson Memorial Regional Library, downtown Charlottesville.
Learn more and register:
SERENITYRIDGEVA.ORG
CULTURE
THURSDAY 5/15
SONGS OF SUPPORT
Singer-songwriter, composer, concert pianist, and playwright Rebecca Magnuson brings her life story to the stage in She Sings: A Soaring Musical. The one-woman show shares a deeply personal story of escape from physical, mental, and financial abuse. Following Magnuson’s journey growing up as a piano prodigy and daughter of a conservative hell-fire preacher, the show shines a light on systemic justice failures that arose during her contentious divorce trial in D.C.’s Superior Court. Highlighting healing, empowerment, and advocacy, this performance benefits survivors of domestic abuse. $22–32.50, 7:30pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net
FRIDAY 5/16
SAILING ON SOUND WAVES
Bust out your resort wear and mix up some margaritas because Jimmy Buffett tribute band Captain Mike & The Shipwrecked is pulling into port. Parrot Heads agree that this 10-piece band brings enough island energy to fill your sails without melting the ice in your glass. Playing the greatest hits of JB’s catalog, along with some deeper-seas cuts, Captain Mike & The Shipwrecked chase away your Coral Reefer madness and replace it with a slice of paradise fit for any cheeseburger lover who’s lost his shaker of salt. $25–30, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com
John Kelly. A Charlottesville-based singer-songwriter with more than two decades of solo acoustic performing experience. Free, 5pm. Fallen Tree Vineyard and Farm, 4593 Clark Rd., Crozet. fallentreevineyard.com
Ken Farmer & the Authenticators. Fresh originals and vintage covers rooted in classic blues, country, and rock. Free, 6pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com
Metal Mayhem. Mosh music to heal your soul, featuring Cumshot Wound, Decay, LCTR, and Dead Horse Theory. $10, 7pm. Ace Biscuit & Barbecue, 600 Concord Ave. acebbq.com
The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute. If you want to experience the best Beatles tribute ever, you won’t want to miss this show. $34–69, 8pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net
West of Wyatt. With Jonah Kane-West on organ, guitar, and vocals, and Matt Wyatt on drums, vocals, and synth, this dynamic duo delivers a jazzy, soulful sound. Free, 5:30pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com dance
Dance Vibes Electronic Dance Party. DJs Bristol, Toni, and Rick light up the dance floor with house and deep house hits. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St. stage
WATERWORKS Festival 2025. See listing for Thursday, May 15. Prices and times vary. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. livearts.org
words
Gallery Talks: Monthly talks with Monticello experts. Join Monticello staff to hear stories and
SOUND CHOICES CULTURE
On the move
Claire Boyer
discoveries about objects in our collections in these informal talks. May’s talk: Jefferson’s Books. Free, 1pm. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy. home.monticello.org etc.
Brewery Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, May 15. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com
Scrappy Crafty Hour. See listing for Wednesday, May 14. 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. superflybrewing.com
Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, May 15. $15, available noon–8pm. Please confirm Eastwood Winery and Potter’s Cider hours beforehand. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com
Saturday 5/17
music
Anmara. Dream-folk act merging organic synthpop, entrancing folk, and “post new-age” into pure sonic catharsis. Free, 8pm. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net
Baby Jo’s Boogie Band. Get your dancing shoes and boogie on down. Free, 6pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com
Butterfly Vendetta. A powerhouse blend of rock, pop, and punk. This dynamic group has an infectious sound that breaks from the convention with enormous fun and intensity. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St.
“The Scarecrow,” Mountainside Studios Charlottesville resident Claire Boyer went viral after humming along to the drone of a fan on TikTok. “Kitchen Fan Lullaby” has since amassed nearly 14 million streams on Spotify and garnered Boyer a following of more than 200,000 on the music platform. Now she invites listeners on an eerie journey through barren cornfields and feelings of self-doubt in a new release, “The Scarecrow.” Boyer personifies herself as the autumnal figure, sharing that her “heart sits empty,” and she’s “numb as a bag of leaves.” She rustles through these feelings of inadequacy, employing haunting melodies over drums that imitate a heartbeat. As vocals layer onto guitar plucking, upbeat keys, and James McLaughlin’s beautiful production, the tune ends on a light, magical note. “My hope is that this song helps people remember that feelings are temporary, and seasons come and go,” says Boyer. soundcloud.com/claire-boyer
Butcher Brown
Letters from The Atlantic, Concord Jazz
In their native city of Richmond, Butcher Brown members Morgan Burrs (guitar), Andrew Randazzo (bass), DJ Harrison (production), Corey Fonville (percussion), and Marcus Tenney (trumpet) have
cultivated a shared love for disco, jazz, R&B, bossa nova, and all things groove. Their latest album is a sonic trip that combines nostalgia for Virginia, the East Coast, and overseas. “We’re pulling sounds from across the Atlantic,” the band told BroadwayWorld in mid-January. Every track on Letters From The Atlantic has a dreamy, energetic vibe that’ll pull listeners onto the dance floor. The record’s groovy soundscape features several uplifting female vocalists throughout, including Leanor Wolf, MIA GLADSTONE, Yaya Bey, and Victoria Victoria. Jazz trumpeter Nicholas Payton shows up on “Montrose Forest,” and the track “Unwind” showcases vocals and trilling flute from Brooklyn-born jazz experimentalist Melanie Charles. “Dinorah Dinorah” bumps up the energy with a funky saxophone, playful keys, and a foot-tapping tempo. The quintet’s invigorating “Ibiza,” with its live melody and kick, is an all-access pass to the European dance club in your mind. butcherbrown.com
Drook
The Pure Joy of Jumping, Brat Daddy In 2019, Matthew Shultz, Liza Grishaeva, and Tyler Smith began self-releasing music under the name She, before rebranding to Drook in 2022. That same year, they released an EP, Life in Estates, which earned a nomination for the 2023 Newlin Music Prize (awarded to the best album from the Richmond-Petersburg metropolitan area, selected by members from the local music and arts scene). Drook’s latest, The Pure Joy of Jumping, reached higher, and won the award in 2025. The stellar full-length features songs the band has been performing live for years, including the opening track, “Sprinter”—an energetic crowdpleaser. Drook will expand its electronica and dream-pop universe this summer in a North American tour that’ll end in Washington, D.C. If you’re not hip to the trio’s diverse discography, now’s the time to catch them in a small venue. drook.bandcamp. com— Ella Powell
YEAR ‘ROUND YUM!
CULTURE TO-DO LIST
SATURDAY 5/17
RIVER ROCKS
The Rivanna Roots concert series is back, with exciting outdoor shows from local acts on the banks of the river, rain or shine. Adam’s Plastic Pond brings folk ballads and modern R&B to bear in its guitar-forward brand of rock, infused with alt-country and pop inflections. The Jen Tal Band offers a genre-surveying set influenced by classic soul and R&B, funk, reggae, jazz, and rock. It’s a family-friendly affair, so bring the brood and chill out to the tunes. $15–18, 5pm. Rivanna River Company, 1520 E. High St. frontporchcville.org
Buzzard Hollow Boys. A musical landscape somewhere between the Dust Bowl and the Mississippi Delta. $10, 7pm. The Batesville Market, 6624 Plank Rd., Batesville. batesvillemarket.com
Jimmy O. An amazing guitarist with a unique style of classic rock, oldies, and a rockin’ country mix. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com
Kat & The Travelers. Steel-toe originals, roots jazz-blues, hot swing, vintage country, rock, and folk. Free, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com
Matthew O’Donnell. A traditional folk musician and singer based in Central Virginia shares songs
Tara Mills. Inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the rich musical traditions tied to them, Mills describes her music as, “original mountain Americana,” a blend of folk, bluegrass, and American roots. Free, 2:30pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com
The Michael Elswick Gathering. Entertaining all with jazz, blues, ballads, and Latin tunes. Free, 5pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com
U2TOPIA. Performing a range of music from the early ’80s all the way up to present day. Delivering faithful, spirited renditions of not only U2’s biggest hits, but also deeper cuts from the catalog. $15–18, 8pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com
stage
WATERWORKS Festival 2025. See listing for Thursday, May 15. Prices and times vary. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. livearts.org
classes
Crochet for Beginners. Learn the basics of crochet. Leave with a bamboo crochet hook and a small crocheted washcloth. Ages 12+. $25, 10am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com
Invasive Species: Not All Plants Are Created Equal. Piedmont Master Gardeners present a garden-basics class on how to recognize and eradicate the top-10 invasive species in the Piedmont region. Free, 2pm. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1118 Preston Ave. piedmontmastergardeners.org
Tapestry Crochet. Learn how to work with different colors via Tapestry Crochet. Ages 12+. $30, noon. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com etc.
Charlottesville City Market. Discover produce and products from 80+ local vendors. Visit the Market Management tent to match your SNAP dollars up to $50 each visit. Free, 8am. Charlottesville City Market, 100 Water St. E. charlottesville. gov
Brewery Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, May 15. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com
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
Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, May 15. $15, available noon–8pm. Please confirm Eastwood Winery and Potter’s Cider hours beforehand. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com
Sunday 5/18
music
and tunes for all people and all places. Free, 12:30pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com
Rivanna Roots: Jen Tal Band. Songs reflecting a mix of the musicians’ varied backgrounds and influences, including classic soul and R&B, rock, funk, reggae, and jazz. With Adam’s Plastic Pond. $15–18, 5pm. Rivanna River Company, 1520 E. High St. frontporchcville.org
SONOSYNTHESIS: La Vie est Belle. Cari Shipp, flutist, and Linda Blondel, pianist, present a concert celebrating the beauty of life, supporting the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Free, 4pm. Cove Presbyterian Church, 5531 Covesville Ln., Covesville. carishipp.com
An Lár Traditional Irish Band. Lilting jigs and full-throttle reels alternating with lyrical waltzes and melancholy airs, as well as Irish folk ballads of love and adventure. Free, 2pm. Batesville Market, 6624 Plank Rd., Batesville. batesvillemarket.com
Erynn McLeod. A powerful yet soothing acoustic set from a singer-songwriter who writes at the crossroad of folk and musical theater. Free, 2pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com
Kat & The Travelers. Steel-toe originals, roots, jazz-blues, hot swing, vintage country, rock, and folk sounds. Free, 2pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.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
Space is limited-sign up online to reserve your spot today.
Beginners Classes: June 9-10-11(ages 12-17) - July 7-9-11(adults)
Intermediate Classes: June 16-17-18
THE WINE DOWN
WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES?
53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD
A note from Wine grower and Owner, Dave Drillock
It’s Rosé time! Our three 2024 Roses are bottled and the first release is our Gentle Press Rosé. Made from the Chambourcin grape, this light bodied Rosé has aromas of strawberry, cherry and honeysuckle and combined with a refreshing acidity has made it a customer favorite from day 1. Our Quintessential Rosé, for those who enjoy a Provance style, is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. With lively acidity and notes of strawberry, pineberry, red apple and pink grapefruit make this an easy drinker on the patio. And finally, our Barrel Aged Rosé, released in late summer/ early fall, is medium bodied with notes of cranberry, vanilla spice, cherry and raspberry. Goes with many foods, particularly salmon and, I know its early to mention, Thanksgiving dinner.
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. We are a Winery that just wants to be a Winery!
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 17th: Wine Club Day!
Food Truck: Hibachi Mobile
Live Music: Mike Proffitt
Saturday, May 24th:
It’s a full day at 53rd Winery! We’ll release Venust, our new 2024 Vidal Blanc! Available to pair with your favorite dishes, share among friends, or savor at the end of a summer day.
Food Truck: Blue Ridge Pizza Co.
Live Music: Danny Kensy 1-4pm
Also, on the 24th at 4:30pm, the crush pad will host our popular ticketed event, Sip, Smoke, Pizza & Jazz —an evening featuring fine wine, cigars, wood-fired pizza, and live jazz in a relaxed vineyard setting.
To learn more and purchase event tickets, visit our website.
Saturday, May 31st:
For Norton lovers and the curious, our Norton Wine and Food Pairing event is here. Taste Nortons from 2019 through 2023 with some excellent food pairings. For tickets and details visit our website.
Live Music: Matt Johnson 1-4pm
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
2024 Rosé
Our new Rosé is a classic, dry Provencal style wine with a gorgeous coral color. A perfect pairing for the patio, this wine exhibits a vibrant mouthfeel with notes of cranberry and stone fruit. Perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon! It is available in our tasting room and online.
Join us on the lawn at DuCard May 25th for an unforgettable afternoon of live music, great food, and local wine—all to support the vital work of Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR). FOR, our region’s leading environmental nonprofit, is facing a major challenge with the loss of millions in federal funding that powers their mission to act as the voice and active force for the Rappahannock River through advocacy, restoration, and education. DuCard Vineyards is throwing a classic summer party to help keep their incredible local work going strong for a project put on hold to build an outdoor environmental classroom called Float on Farms! Live music by Sentimental Journey, a 17-piece Big Band, food trucks, wine and lots of fun. Tickets are $50.00 per person and include a one-year membership to Friends of the Rappahannock, a DuCard logo wine glass (for plenty of use and yours to take home!) and admission to a beautiful afternoon of music and celebration. Kids and guests under 21 get in free! Go to the DuCard Vineyards website to purchase tickets at www. DuCardVineyards.com.
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 Me mbers
40 Gibson Hollow Ln Etlan, VA 22719 (540) 923-4206 www.ducardvineyards.com
EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY
SPARKLING BLANC DE BLANCS & VIRGINIA OYSTERS
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
UVA Graduation Weekend | Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18 Cheers, Graduates! Your hard work
Floral Arranging Workshop | Thursday, May 29
Join us for a relaxing event where you can let your creativity bloom! Learn how to create a stunning floral centerpiece from locally grown flowers with the help of farmer-florist Jenn Heller of Dogwood House Floral. Jenn will walk you through principles of flower design and you’ll leave with a beautiful centerpiece and the skills to bring more flowers into your life. Ticketed Event - Reserve Your Spot On Our Website
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.
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
Riparian Sparkling Rosé
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
Paint & Sip | Sunday, May 25
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
Every Thursday: Live Music 5-8PM or Music Bingo 6-8PM
Thursday “Thank You” Community
With the warmer weather starting to make life outdoors not only enjoyable, but also perfect for porchside sipping. Sparkling wine is often associated with celebration! We say, celebrate life and great weather anytime. This chambourcin-based rose’ is perfect for gifting and enjoying alone or with a great cheese board or
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!
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
salad. This gorgeous wine will delight with beauty, flavor and fun. Enjoy elegance and whimsy with notable complexity, dazzling color and lively flavors of bright cherry, cranberry, strawberry and blood orange.
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!
Check us out on social media- we’ve got some amazing viral videos to enjoy! We can help make it spectacular!
NEW HOURS!
Thursday - Saturday 12 - 8 Sunday 12 - 5
FOR FUN PUZZLES
SUDOKU
#1
#1
#4 #2
#3
#2 #5
#4
Longtime syndicated radio host and voice of Shaggy on “Scooby-Doo”
19. Elation
20. Meal prep box
21. Dair y product with a straining process
23. Request for help 24. “Blueberries for ___”
25. Body of beliefs
28. Texting protocol initials
31. Phobias
35. Just terrific
38. Flying mammal
39. Jonas who developed a polio vaccine
40. Creepy
41. Output of Kilauea
42. Sugar suffix
43. One who often knows what foods they like
45. Filmmaker Russ
48. “I know kung fu” role
49. Bohr who won a Nobel
50. Movie studio expanse
52. Throw in
53. Couple’s parting gesture
59. ___-Locka, Fla.
62. Pointless
63. Some pivotal song moments, or what the other five theme answers literally contain
65. Complete fiction
66. Singer Fitzgerald
67. Jalisco sandwich
68. Push to the limit
69. Rep.’s colleague
70. Low, as a voice
DOWN
1. Poster fastener
2. Jai ___ ( fast-paced game)
3. Play personnel
4. Minecraft resource
5. “The Phantom of the Opera” heroine Christine ___
6. In ___ ( intrinsically)
7. Time period
8. Switch back and forth
9. “Letterkenny” streamer
10. Manual reader
11. “Cancel that deletion”
13. “Holy cow!”
15. Organic brand for soups and frozen entrees
18. “I Got Next” rapper ___-One
22. Awkward one
23. Item that sticks to other laundry items
25. Salt that’s high in magnesium
26. Make fun of
27. “Roots” author Alex
28. Coil of yarn
29. Dance company founder Cunningham
By Rob Brezsny Gemini
(May 21-June 20): Gemini author Huston Smith was a religious scholar who wrote 13 books. But he was dedicated to experiencing religions from the inside rather than simply studying them academically. Smith danced with whirling dervishes, practiced Zen meditation with a master, and ingested peyote with Native Americans, embodying his view that real understanding requires participation, not just observation. In the spirit of his disciplined devotion, I invite you to seek out opportunities to learn through experience as much as theory. Leave your safety zone, if necessary, to engage with unfamiliar experiences that expand your soul. Be inspired by how Smith immersed himself in wisdom that couldn’t come from books alone.
Cancer
(June 21-July 22): More than 2,000 years ago, people living in what’s now the Peruvian desert began etching huge designs of animals and plants in the earth. The makers moved a lot of dirt! Here’s the mystery: Some of the gigantic images of birds, spiders, and other creatures are still visible today, but can only be deciphered from high above. And there were, of course, no airplanes in ancient times to aid in depicting the figures. Let’s use this as a metaphor for one of your upcoming tasks, Cancerian. I invite you to initiate or intensify work on a labor of love that will motivate you to survey your life from the vantage point of a bird or plane or mountaintop.
Leo
(July 23-Aug. 22): You now have extra power to detect previously veiled patterns and hidden agendas. That’s why I urge you to be alert for zesty revelations that may seem to arrive out of nowhere. They could even arise from situations you have assumed were thoroughly explored and understood. These are blessings, in my opinion. You should expect and welcome the full emergence of truths that have been ripening below the surface of your awareness. Even if they are initially surprising or daunting, you will ultimately be glad they have finally appeared.
Virgo
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Renowned Virgo author Nassim Nicholas Taleb has called for the discontinuation of the Nobel Prize in Economics. He says it rewards economists who express bad ideas that cause great damage. He also delivers ringing critiques of other economists widely regarded as top luminaries. Taleb has a lot of credibility. His book The Black Swan was named one of the most influential books since World War II. I propose we make him your inspirational role model for now, Virgo. May he incite you to question authority to the max. May he rouse you to bypass so-called experts, alleged mavens, and supposed wizards. Be your own masterful authority.
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY FOR FUN
(April 20-May 20): The most successful people aren’t those who merely follow their passion, but those who follow their curiosity. Honoring the guidance of our passions motivates us, but it can also narrow our focus. Heeding the call of our curiosity emboldens our adaptability, exploration, and maximum openness to new possibilities. In that spirit, Taurus, I invite you to celebrate your yearning to know and discover. Instead of aching for total clarity about your life’s mission, investigate the subtle threads of what piques your curiosity.
Experiment with being an intrigued adventurer.
Libra
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I predict that your usual mental agility will be even more robust than usual in the coming weeks. Although this could possibly lead you to overthink everything, I don’t believe that’s what will happen. Instead, I suspect your extra cognitive flexibility will be highly practical and useful. It will enable you to approach problems from multiple angles simultaneously—and come up with hybrid solutions that are quite ingenious. A possibility that initially seems improbable may become feasible when you reconfigure its elements. P.S.: Your natural curiosity will serve you best when directed toward making connections between seemingly unrelated people and fields.
Scorpio
(Oct. 23-Nov.21): You’re ready to go to the next evolutionary stage of a close alliance. Although you may not feel entirely prepared for the challenge, I believe you will be guided by your deeper wisdom to do what’s necessary. One way I can help is to provide exhilarating words that boost your daring spirit. With that in mind, I offer you a passage from poet William Blake. Say them to your special friend if that feels right, or find other words appropriate to your style. Blake wrote, “You are the fierce angel that carves my soul into brightness, the eternal fire that burns away my dross. You are the golden thread spun by the hand of heaven, weaving me into the fabric of infinite delight. Your love is a furnace of stars, a vision that consumes my mortal sight, leaving me radiant and undone. In your embrace, I find the gates of paradise thrown wide.”
Sagittarius
(Nov. 22-Dec.21): In ancient Egypt, mirrors were composed of polished copper. To remain properly reflective, they required continual maintenance. Let’s take that as a metaphor for one of your key tasks in the coming weeks. It’s high time to do creative upkeep on your relationships with influences that provide you with feedback on how you’re doing. Are your intended effects pretty close to your actual effects? Does your self-image match the way you are perceived by others? Are you getting the right kind of input to help you stay on course?
Capricorn
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Chances to initiate creative transformations will come from unexpected sources in the coming days. I guarantee it. But will you be sufficiently receptive to take maximum advantage? The purpose of this horoscope is to nudge you to shed your expectations so you will be tenderly, curiously open to surprising help and inspiration. What sweet interruptions and graceful detours will flow your way if you are willing to depart from your usual script? I predict that your leadership qualities will generate the greatest good for all concerned if you are willing to relinquish full control and be flexibly eager to entertain intuitive breakthroughs.
Aquarius
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): For many Indigenous people of California, acorns were part of every meal. Nuts from oak trees were used to create bread, soups, dumplings, pancakes, gravy, and porridge. But making them edible required strenuous work. In their natural state, they taste bitter and require multiple soakings to leach out the
astringent ingredient. Is there a metaphorical equivalent for you, Aquarius? An element that can be important, but needs a lot of work, refinement, and preparation? If so, now is a good time to develop new approaches to making it fully available.
Pisces
(Feb. 19-March 20): When Pisces-born Jane Hirshfield was a young poet, she mostly stopped writing poetry for eight years. During that time, she was a full-time student of Zen Buddhism and lived for three years at a monastery. When she resumed her craft, it was infused with what she had learned. Her meditative practice had honed her observational skills, her appreciation of the rich details of daily life, and her understanding that silence could be a form of communication. In the spirit of the wealth she gathered from stillness, calm, and discipline, I invite you to enjoy your own spiritual sabbatical, dear Pisces. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to relax into the most intriguing mysteries.
Aries
(March 21-April 19): What may appear to be slow or static is actually moving. The developing changes are imperceptible from day to day, but incrementally substantial. So please maintain your faith in the diligent, determined approach. Give yourself pep talks that renew your deeply felt motivation. Ignore the judgments and criticism of people who have no inkling of how hard you have been working. In the long run, you will prove that gradual progress can be the most enduring.
Expanded weekly audio horoscopes and daily text message horoscopes: RealAstrology.com, (877) 873-4888
Software Engineer III:
Bach’s deg (or forgn equiv) in comp sci, comp eng’g or electr eng’g+ 3 yrs exp. Use Linus/Windows OS; debugging hardware & software interactions; oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, & vector network analyzers, & programming; RF measurements; & devg firmware for embedded sys & FPGAs to provide expertise in software eng’g in support of radio astronomy instrumentation devt, test, & eval. F/T. National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Charlottesville, VA.
Apply at
https://public.nrao.edu/careers/ Ref# 41
No calls/recruiters/visa sponsorship.
Research Engineer:
PhD (or for. equiv.) + 6 yrs exp. Use exp. w/: expert user of electromagnetic simulation design & analysis; radio astronomy reflector antenna analysis; unique radio astronomy reqs & specs to provide engrg & scientific leadership to the Observatory. F/T. Charlottesville, VA. National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Charlottesville, VA. Apply at https://us242.dayforcehcm.com/ CandidatePortal/en-US/aui/Posting/ View/254 Ref#53.
No calls/recruiters/visa sponsorship.
Spadafore
Legals
STARR HILL BREWERY, LLC
5391 Three Notch’d Road, Charlottesville, VA 22932
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a On & Off Premises Beer & Wine Retail license
Josh Cromwell, President
NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be Submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
Commonwealth of Virginia VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Charlottesville Circuit Court Case No. CL25000251 315.East High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re: CYNTHIA BROWN-LOCKLEY v. DEAN CARNELL LOCKELY, SR
The object of this suit is to: Divorce
It is ORDERED that DEAN CARNELL LOCKELY, SR appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before June 16, 2025. 5/8/2025
Claude V. Worrell, II
DATE JUDGE
STARR HILL BREWERY, LLC
Trading as STARR HILL DOWNTOWN 946 Grady Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a On & Off Premises Beer & Wine Retail license
Josh Cromwell, President
NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be Submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
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