Community Corner
🌱 Why Downtown Mall mornings just got a lot quieter for nearby residents
Also check out Pajama Party Storytime on the Charlottesville Patch calendar

Hey there, Charlottesville! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Downtown Mall mornings just got a lot quieter for nearby residents
- How to get instant alerts if someone records a deed to your home
- What bold ideas did local students pitch for the Downtown Mall's future?
Today's riddle: What did one strawberry say to the other strawberry? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 83 and low of 62 degrees.
- Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 84, low: 68.
- Thursday: Humid with heavy t-storms, with a high of 85 and low of 68 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Electric leaf blowers bring quieter maintenance to downtown Charlottesville (newsvirginian.com) — If you frequent Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, your mornings should now be noticeably quieter and cleaner. The city's custodial crew has fully switched from gas to electric leaf blowers, cutting noise and emissions while still maintaining the 182,000-square-foot pedestrian space seven days a week for residents, workers, and visitors.
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2. Charlottesville Circuit Court wrapping up system switches, offers Deed Fraud Alerts (29news.com) — Property owners in Charlottesville can now sign up for free Virginia Deed Alert emails that flag new land-record filings tied to their name or parcel. The Charlottesville Circuit Court is finishing a switch to a new state-run records system by early September, which won't change public access but will add this extra layer of protection so residents can quickly spot and address possible deed fraud.
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3. Students pitch ideas for future of the Downtown Mall (29news.com) — Charlottesville students are helping city leaders reimagine the Downtown Mall, pitching ideas that range from more year-round events and green spaces to a digital "C-Ville Quest" passport and a pilot "living block." Their 12‑month demonstration proposal also tackles business challenges, homelessness, and the need for a single coordinating body, aiming for a more welcoming, vibrant mall by 2036.
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4. 'Delaying isn't an option,' city manager denies congressman McGuire request to delay shelter opening (29news.com) — Charlottesville is moving ahead with opening a new low-barrier shelter on Holiday Drive on September 1, while closing the Free Bridge and East High Street encampments the same day. City Manager Sam Sanders rejected Congressman John McGuire's request to delay, saying planning and safety preparations are sufficient, though nearby businesses have raised concerns about security, sanitation, and public safety impacts.
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5. Charlottesville, VA: UVA Community Mourns Beloved Security Officer Jackie Johnson After 49 Years of Service (theunionstar.com) — UVA and Charlottesville are mourning Security Officer Jackie Johnson, who spent 49 years warmly watching over students, patients, and staff across Grounds and the Medical Center. Colleagues and family remember him for remembering names, checking on people's lives, and sharing his love of Disney, with tributes pouring in as the community reflects on his remarkable service.
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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!
- Pajama Party Storytime
Northside Library 705 West Rio Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901
6:30 pm - JVES Coffee with the Principal
Jackson-via Elementary Charlottesville, VA 22903
8:00 am - Bonchon's Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting →
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Available parking in front and side of building
11:00 am - Working Wednesdays →
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce himalayanRange llc
5:30 pm - Screen-Free Family Game Night
Northside Library 705 West Rio Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901
6:00 pm - Stuffie Camp-in
Gordon Avenue Library 1500 Gordon Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903
6:00 pm - Rainbow Reads
Northside Library 705 West Rio Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901
6:30 pm - Movies at the Market
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce 209 5th St NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902
7:00 pm
Tuesday August 25
Wednesday August 26
📣 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!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Reading Rangers: School for Whatnots
Gordon Avenue Library 1500 Gordon Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903
4:30 pm - JVES Coffee with the Principal
Jackson-via Elementary Charlottesville, VA 22903
8:00 am - Stuffie Camp-in
Gordon Avenue Library 1500 Gordon Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903
6:00 pm - Paws to Read
Gordon Avenue Library 1500 Gordon Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903
3:30 pm
Tuesday August 25
Wednesday August 26
Thursday August 27
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! 💚
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Every single dog in a shelter is just waiting for that special person to walk through the door.
They have so much love to give and just need a chance to show it. If we all did one small thing to support our local rescues we could transform… (Nextdoor Owensville) - This is Zoey she got out doing the storm last week and I've been searching for her since plz if anyone see her plz message me or call local support she is friendly but shy to strangers she will bark and be stand offish but she loves kids and treats
she has a cut on her left ear this is a older picture but she still looks bout the same she was last seen on 10 1/2 st nw Charlottesville plz if you… (Nextdoor 10th and Page)
- The University of Virginia posted a job opening for Temporary Custodial Pool in Charlottesville. Apply here.
- TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for Stocker 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: If you weren't so sweet, we wouldn't be in this jam! (Thank you Patti F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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