Community outreach
The University of Virginia President’s Council on UVA-Community Partnerships met recently to discuss the university’s relationship with the broader Charlottesville community. The council is made up of area leaders from institutions including UVA, the Legal Aid Justice Center, and the Public Housing Association of Residents.
The October 20 event highlighted the college’s ongoing efforts to engage with leaders in Albemarle and Charlottesville on key issues. Notable efforts highlighted at the event included the university’s commitment to paying employees and contractors a living wage, the hiring focused Pipelines and Pathways Program, and anticipated land allocations for affordable housing.
Speaking about the council’s work, President Jim Ryan stressed the importance of the university investing resources, funds, and time into Charlottesville. “People stop talking about potential solutions because they think they’re really expensive,” he said.
Beyond specific action items and goals, panel members emphasized their hope that the council will engage community members. “We are always looking for people to sit on the President’s Council,” said Harold Folley, civil rights and racial justice organizer for the LAJC.
“This is some real stuff, this is happening … it’s actually taking action and doing something,” said Folley. “We’ve been getting stuff done for the last five years. I think the great thing is it’s finally coming together.”
Still in business
Despite concerns sparked by dwindling stock on shelves,
Charlottesville staple Reid Super Save Market is not planning on closing, according to owners.
Online, several Charlottesville residents shared their concerns about the grocery store staying open after noticing fewer and fewer products on shelves. “I really like this little locally owned grocery store. It has an affordable diverse range of products,” posted u/throw-away-doh in the r/Charlottesville Reddit community. “I would be sad if this place went away, there aren’t many inexpensive store options close to downtown.”
Located on Preston Avenue, the family-owned and -operated grocery store has been struggling to keep shelves full due to increased costs and diminished profits. For now, the store is focusing on keeping its meat and produce sections full, with hopes to start bringing in more frozen and dairy products in the coming weeks.
“Everyone that we’ve been honest with has been extremely supportive, and that’s what’s keeping us going right now,” Sue Clements, whose family owns the store, told CBS19. “Continue to support us in our current state, and in our future state.”
In brief
Hoos on a roll
In a shocking upset, the University of Virginia football team beat the previously undefeated University of North Carolina Tar Heels 31–27 on October 21. The Cavalier’s victory marks the first time in the program’s history that UVA has beaten a top-10 ranked team on the road—could this mark a turnaround for the Hoos?
Closing time
Market Street Park’s 11pm curfew was reinstated on October 21, after originally being lifted in late September following allegations of police mistreatment of unhoused individuals. The park’s curfew was put back in place following the announcement that People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry would open its overnight shelters early this season. Despite prior announcements of police presence and road closures coinciding with the reinstatement of the curfew, neither were reportedly active at closing. Local advocates for the unhoused held a “Pack the Park” event before the park’s close, which included speeches, a march on the Downtown Mall, and sharing of personal stories.
In review
After months of investigation, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced on October 20 that his office had completed an external review of the November 13, 2022, shooting at the University of Virginia. UVA anticipates releasing the report—which looks at the school’s policies, actions, and threat assessment protocol—to the public in early November. The same day Miyares announced the review’s completion, accused shooter Christopher Jones Jr. appeared in court and waived his right to a speedy trial. Jones’ next court appearance is scheduled for February 5, 2024.
