Community Corner
🌱 Have you seen this man from the Downtown Mall shooting?
Coming up on the Charlottesville Patch calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Good morning Charlottesville! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Have you seen this man from the Downtown Mall shooting?
- How Charlottesville students can win $200 in this water-themed art contest
- How local firefighters honored 9/11 with 2,200 grueling steps
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 90 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: Humid with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 84, low: 64.
- Saturday: Mainly cloudy and less humid, with a high of 79 and low of 65 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Charlottesville Police finally release images they had of alleged Downtown Mall shooter (augustafreepress.com) — Charlottesville Police have released surveillance images of the suspect in a recent Downtown Mall shooting after initially withholding them for three days. Investigators say the man in a black hoodie, light jeans, and white sneakers was seen firing eastbound near CVS before running toward Water Street, and they're asking anyone who recognizes him to contact Detective Raines or Crime Stoppers.
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2. Charlottesville-area students invited to enter 'Imagine a Day Without Water' art contest (nbc29.com) — Charlottesville and Albemarle County students can now enter the city's Imagine a Day Without Water art contest, creating two-dimensional art or photos about why water matters in their lives. Open to kindergarten through 12th grade, entries are due October 26, with $200 gift cards for winners and extra prizes for participating teachers. Details and submissions run through the City of Charlottesville's contest page.
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3. In their shoes (c-ville.com) — Charlottesville firefighters joined Albemarle County Fire Rescue at John Paul Jones Arena on September 12 to honor the 343 first responders who died on 9/11. Participants, some in full gear, climbed 2,200 steps to mirror the Twin Towers' 110 stories, turning remembrance into a demanding physical tribute that connected local crews to the sacrifices made that day.
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4. UVA ranked ninth in national college free-speech rankings (cvillerightnow.com) — UVA in Charlottesville has been ranked ninth nationally in FIRE's 2027 College Free Speech Rankings, earning praise for its written policies but only a C overall. The survey highlights strong student tolerance for controversial speakers but lingering discomfort discussing topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. University leaders say they remain committed to free expression while considering the survey's feedback.
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5. Autism Sanctuary helps participants thrive through farm‑based learning and support (nbc29.com) — Adults with autism from Charlottesville and surrounding areas are finding routine, nature, and community at the Autism Sanctuary's farm-based day program. Staff work with families and case managers to set individualized goals, then use gardening, animal care, music, and other activities to build skills, confidence, and friendships that carry into everyday life in Charlottesville and Crozet.
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📸 Around Charlottesville
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Charlottesville
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness →
Belk, 1581 Rio Rd E, Charlottesville
10:00 am
Thursday September 24
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Clarinet Ensemble Plays at The Colonnades →
The Colonnades, 2600 Barracks Road, Charlottesville
7:00 pm - Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival Presents: Series Concert III →
Location: The Paramount Theater 215 East Main Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 View a Map, 215 E. Main Street, Charlottesville
7:30 pm - McCormick Observatory Public Nights →
Leander McCormick Observatory, 600 McCormick Road, Charlottesville - Ice Cream Social →
Cake Bloom, 705 W Main Street, Charlottesville - Special Olympics Pepsi 10k run / 2 mile walk →
Charlottesville VA - Barn Store →
Bellair Farm CSA, 5290 Bellair Farm, Charlottesville
9:00 am - Day-Off Camp: Recess Rumble →
Virginia Discovery Museum, 524 E Main Street, Charlottesville
10:00 am - Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival Presents: Free One-Hour Community Concert →
Location: The Paramount Theater 215 East Main Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 View a Map, 215 E. Main Street, Charlottesville
12:30 pm - Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration With Live Music →
Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Road, Charlottesville
5:00 pm - Eastwood Farm & Winery →
Eastwood Farm & Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville
5:00 pm - Medicare: Healthcare in Retirement →
Microsoft Teams
12:00 pm
Thursday September 17
Friday September 18
Friday September 25
📣 Charlottesville Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Charlottesville PatchAM possible:
- Just Better Home Services — (434) 987-5680
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- HE'S BACK!
I've posted about Turkey before - I'm fostering him for Dogs Deserve Better - but he's been unavailable for adoption since he started his heartworm… (Nextdoor Fry's Spring) - Superb food every time.
Excellent service. Attractive setting and decor. Music that doesn't overwhelm conversation. Parking lot. Everything you could ask for! (Nextdoor Johnson Village)
- Dreamscape Hospitality posted a job opening for Night Auditor in Charlottesville. Apply here.
- Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service Supervisor in Charlottesville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Charlottesville here.
Ok Charlottesville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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