In brief 01/01/2025

Remembering Sandy McAdams Sandy McAdams, founder of C&O Restaurant and Daedalus Bookshop, died December 21 due to complications from multiple sclerosis. He was 82. When McAdams arrived in Charlottesville in 1974 with 20,000 books in a railroad car, he found a permanent home for his collection on the corner of Market and Fourth streets. Many […]

In brief 12/18/2024

New leader On January 1, Owen Brennan, interim executive director of The Haven, will officially become the organization’s permanent executive director. “Owen’s knowledge of The Haven and the local Continuum of Care, his calm presence in accompaniment of people in crisis, and his deep understanding of the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness are the right […]

In brief 12/11/2024

Fresh ideas The Cherry Avenue Grocery Community and Stakeholder Engagement Project held its fourth and final Buy Back the Block event on December 9, unveiling both the results of its survey and the names of parties interested in owning and operating a grocery store at 501 Cherry Ave. The development is on the site of […]

In brief 12/04/2024

Feeding frenzy Local food equity nonprofit Cultivate Charlottesville launched a fundraising campaign to help cover a $500,000 budget shortfall. Without the donations, the organization may close as soon as spring 2025, according to a November 26 social media post. “Cultivate Charlottesville is at a critical funding crossroads,” shared the organization. Among other challenges, the nonprofit […]

In brief 11/27/2024

Big RIIG A cybersecurity and risk intelligence firm founded by former Republican congressman Denver Riggleman recently secured $3 million in seed funding. His company, Riggleman Information and Intelligence Group, said in a November 19 press release that the money will go toward the launch of AI solutions and expanding its workforce and client support. RIIG […]

In brief 11/20/2024

No shrinking Violet Despite a report of its impending closure, Violet Crown isn’t going anywhere, according to a statement published on the movie theater’s social media accounts. “While we are aware of the potential sale of the property, it is our understanding that this sale has not yet closed and no decision is final,” shared […]

In brief 11/13/2024

Looking ahead  In the days after President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory, Charlottesville progressive groups organized to process results, bolster community, and strategize. For those focused on combating climate change, Trump’s promises to support the fossil fuel industry and pull out of the Paris Agreement have garnered concern. Dozens of University of Virginia students gathered with […]

In brief 11/06/2024

Culture of care The Women’s Initiative received a grant of $50,000 from Sentara Health, according to an October 31 press release. The grant will support the organization’s culturally responsive mental health care offerings, including Sister Circle, Bienestar, and LGBTQ+ programs. Founded in 2007, The Women’s Initiative is a Charlottes­ville-based nonprofit supporting women and others affected […]

In brief 10/30/2024

Roll it back On October 27, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling ordering the Youngkin administration to add more than 1,500 Virginians back onto voter rolls. Both Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares said they will appeal the case to the Supreme Court, calling the decision an attempt […]

In brief 10/23/2024

Off court Tony Bennett retired as head coach of the University of Virginia men’s basketball team after leading the program for 15 years. UVA announced Bennett’s immediate retirement on October 17, shocking the Cavaliers faithful since it came just 20 days before the team starts its regular season and four months after the coach signed […]