High hopes

 Dear Ace: Every year, my husband and I celebrate the beginning of spring with an aerial tour of the renewed landscape. We’re new to Charlottesville, and wondering where around here we might find a private plane, helicopter, or balloon to give us a bird’s eye view of the area?—Fuselage-Fool-in-Charlottesville Would-be Charlottesville aeronauts have several places […]

Head of UVA's endowment resigns

 When he began leading the University of Virginia’s investment management firm, he oversaw roughly $2.5 billion in assets. More than five years and one Great Recession later, Chris Brightman, CEO of the University of Virginia Investment Management Company, resigned for “personal reasons,” with an endowment pool totaling $4.4 billion, according to a January 31 investment […]

How does Albemarle's real estate tax rate compare to others?

LOCATION     ::    TAX RATE PER $100 OF REAL ESTATE VALUE Albemarle County   74¢ Amherst County     52¢ Augusta County     48¢  Buckingham County  44¢ City of Charlottesville  95¢  Culpeper County 65¢ Fluvanna County 50¢ Greene County  69¢ Louisa County  62¢  Nelson County  55¢ Orange County  47¢ Rockingham County  60¢ […]

Joanna Newsom; The Jefferson Theater; March 24

 Those walking in late to Wednesday night’s concert at the Jefferson Theater might have mistaken it for a comedy show. “Saturday Night Live” cast member Fred Armisen was shaking a tambourine onstage, the audience wore lovestruck grins, and at the grand piano, a long sheet of hair dangling over her shoulders, Joanna Newsom looked something […]

Prospective benefits

 Dear Ace: Times are tight right now. What’s the history of finding gold in the area? And do you think it might pay off for me to hit the creek with some panning equipment?—Ain’t-sayin’-he’s-a-gold-digger-but-ain’t-messin’-with-no-broke-rivers-in-Charlottesville So you want to know whether your auric ambitions will pan out? Fortunately, there are several factors working in your favor. […]

Bell's $2.6 million amendment fails

 Contentious words were exchanged. A lobbyist was hired. A City Council resolution was passed. And in the end, Charlottesville Mayor Dave Norris liked the outcome. READ MORE Charlottesville and Albemarle are locked in a battle over $2.6 million in school funding. Who will come to the breaking point first? The General Assembly thwarted Delegate Rob […]