Running games crucial for Virginia, Georgia Tech in ACC showdown

As spotter and statistician for the Virginia Sports Radio Network, it is my job to know relevant personnel, follow the football, and relay information to our on-air voices. There are countless perks to the gig, with one exception: Georgia Tech week. Paul Johnson’s triple-option, spread offense is designed to deceive. On any given play, there […]

Green happenings: Charlottesville environmental news and events

Rock show: On Saturday, September 15, join geologist and author Dr. Robert Badger to learn about the rock formations along the ridgetops of Shenandoah National Park. The program starts at 1pm in the Byrd Visitor Center at milepost 51 on the Skyline Drive. Get a bucket: Learn how to harvest rainwater in your own backyard […]

Growing good wine in Virginia’s unlikely clime

Ever since Virginia’s first settlers planted wine vineyards in the Tidewater, the challenges of growing good grapes here have been apparent. The varieties we know, like Chardonnay, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon, all belong to the European species vitis vinifera, which tends to favor a dry Mediterranean climate. Those vines didn’t take kindly to Virginia’s […]

Planning Charlottesville’s first Pride Festival

Conservatives across the nation ate mountains of waffle fries in support of “traditional marriage” on August 1, hooplah associated with a politicized discussion over one CEO’s opposition to gay marriage. And while local gay rights activist Amy Sarah Marshall said she was appalled by the local turnout for “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” here in Charlottesville, she […]

City Council approves Downtown Ambassadors program to improve Mall safety

Two months after removing fountain-side benches in an effort to curb panhandling and alleged inappropriate behavior on the Downtown Mall, city officials say they are taking another step toward making Charlottesville a safe, welcoming place. City Councilors recently voted to adopt a Downtown Ambassadors pilot program, which is intended to address problematic areas on the […]

On reporting and remembering 9/11

On September 11, 2001, I had been a New Jersey schoolkid for all of a couple of weeks. I was barely 16 and the shy new girl in a small town outside Princeton where lots of parents took the train into lower Manhattan each day. When a jet slammed into the North Tower of the […]

UVA rallies, escapes with wild 17-16 win over Penn State

It never had a chance. Sam Ficken’s fourth missed field goal sailed wide left and gave Virginia an improbable 17-16 win over Penn State on Saturday at Scott Stadium. “I understand there’s a lot of pressure on kickers,” UVA coach Mike London said. “But I also understand the pressure that can be applied on the […]

This week in Charlottesville: What’s coming up the week of 9/10

Each week, the news team will be taking a look at upcoming meetings and events in Charlottesville and Albemarle we think you should know about. Consider it a look into our datebook, and be sure to share newsworthy happenings, too. Both the city and county Planning Commissions meet Tuesday at 6 p.m. The city‘s got […]