Would anyone notice if the podcast version of Charlottesville Community Engagement were to be produced from Antarctica? What about Zaire? It is conceivable that this weekly audio edition of the newsletter could be put together just about anywhere as long as all of the equipment can be packed into a suitable bag. That’s the case this time around. I’m Sean Tubbs, and I’m not sure where I am, either.
In this edition:
Speakers at final budget public hearing ask Albemarle Supervisors to spend more on housing and climate action (learn more)
Republican Scott Smith launches campaign for Samuel Miller District seat on Albemarle Board (learn more)
Albemarle Supervisors to hold public hearing on May 7 on Branchland precinct change (learn more)
Charlottesville City Schools selected to proceed with acquisition of Federal Executive Institute (learn more)
Charlottesville announces upcoming opportunity to provide feedback (learn more)
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First shout-out: Piedmont Master Gardeners Plant Sale coming up this Saturday
The Piedmont Master Gardeners will hold their annual Spring Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at Albemarle Square Shopping Center in Charlottesville. The sale will offer thousands of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, vegetables, fruit-bearing plants, herbs and houseplants, along with a wide assortment of gently used garden tools, yard ornaments, outdoor furniture and other “Green Elephants.”
The sale’s large selection of native plants will include curated combinations of native species that support pollinators and provide food and habitat for wildlife throughout the growing season. These collections will be available in two versions, one for sunny locations and another for shade. Shoppers will also be able to purchase bags of locally produced compost and pick up kits for sending soil samples to Virginia Cooperative Extension for testing.
Trained Master Gardeners will be on hand to help shoppers with their plant selections and will staff a Help Desk for addressing plant questions. Display booths and information tables will provide research-based educational resources on a variety of topics, such as conservation landscaping, soil health, composting, pest management and controlling invasive plants.
Second-shout out: When Driving Is Not An Option webinar on May 12
A third of people living in the United States do not have a driver’s license and must navigate a mobility system designed almost exclusively for drivers. Does it have to be that way?
On Monday May 12th from 6:30 pm to -7:30 pm, Livable Cville will hold a conversation with Anna Zivarts, author of the book When Driving Is Not An Option. Charlottesville City Councilor Natalie Oschrin will also make an appearance.
When Driving is Not an Option shines a light on the reality for non-drivers and explains how improving our transportation system with nondrivers in mind will create a better quality of life for everyone. Zivarts is a low-vision mom, disability advocate, and non-driver. In this webinar, she’ll
explain how healthier, more climate-friendly communities can be the result of what happened when the needs of involuntary nondrivers are viewed as essential to how we design our transportation systems and our communities.
Councilor Oschrin will share about how these ideas apply to the Charlottesville area. There will be an opportunity for Q&A at the end. You can sign up here for this free event.
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