Apply for the CCAC – 2018 edition

via email

Also, please note that applications are open for new CCAC members beginning in April 2018.  Applications are due Feb 27 and a link to application is here.  Existing members whose terms are expiring and want to re-up must re-apply.  If you are not a member but are seeking ways to get involved locally, I encourage you to apply.  Feel free to contact me or Emily Kilroy at the County if you would like further information about CCAC membership or look here.

Crozet’s Infrastructure Needs

Good story from C-Ville. We need roads, bike lanes, sidewalks. No report yet on when those will appear.

Good comments on the facebook post.

From C-Ville (read the whole thing)

A fire along Old Three Notch’d Road caused a rush hour roadblock February 1 on one of Crozet’s main thoroughfares: Three Notch’d Road, aka Route 240. Instead of being able to drive to downtown Crozet, drivers had to make a U-turn, return to U.S. 250 and make a right, then another right onto Crozet Avenue/Route 240, only to be part of a massive backup at the light and four-way stop near the railway trestle at Crozet Square.

High-density growth area Crozet surely has the homes, but roadways have lagged behind. Will 2018 be the year several road projects begin in earnest?

“We’ve worked hard for the past 10 years, so it would be great to finally take some steps,” says Ann Mallek, chair of the Albemarle Board of Supervisors and representative of the White Hall District, which includes Crozet, where two connector road projects are in the works.

One would connect Route 240 to Route 250 through Park Ridge Drive and the Cory Farm subdivision.

The proposed Eastern Avenue Connector, which runs north-south, still has two major portions that need to be constructed, says Kevin McDermott, transportation planner for Albemarle County.

The northern piece may break ground soon. “The private developers of the Foothills-Daly development are responsible for making a connection onto Park Ridge Drive and onto Route 240,” McDermott says, and they have submitted all of the required applications.

To the south, a bridge that is needed to cross Lickinghole Creek to complete the connector road “is the sticking point and has been for many years,” says David Stoner, a member of the Crozet Community Advisory Committee. “It’s such an expensive proposition that it hasn’t risen to the top of the county’s list of projects to be funded.”

The southern-portion work is No. 12 on the county’s priority list of road projects, McDermott explains. “Because other priorities are already under way, No. 12 will be a priority in the next year,” he says.

Possibly Related:  President’s budget threatens local transit projects.

Cities and states stand to lose billions in funding for projects that are already moving toward construction. Nationally, more than 70 projects are waiting for funding from the New Starts program, and only about a dozen have been approved.

More Funding for Libraries

Yeah, it’s a political post of sorts, but yeah, I love our libraries, and libraries are one of the best things in Charlottesville.

If you have two minutes, how about sending an email to our delegate, Steve Landes? (click here to send an email)

Dear Delegate Landes,
Please support the Virginia Library Association’s budget amendment, Item 238 #1h (Delegate Rush), Item 238 #2h (Delegate Sickles), to increase State Aid for Public Libraries by $2.5 million dollars. Local libraries play an indispensable daily role in Virginia’s educational system and State Aid to Public Libraries is essential to meeting those needs. This increase would be used by libraries to support summer reading materials and programs or library materials that target STEAM instruction.
This additional funding will provide an additional $100,248 in state aid to the Jefferson Madison Regional Library and would allow JMRL to improve collections, programming, etc. in support of education here in our community.
Thank you for your support and help with this matter.

White Ribbon Wednesday

via Nextdoor, by way of Twitter –

“”I wanted to pass along there are a few neighborhoods spreading the word to place white ribbons on the trash can handles this week (Wednesday), to show support for the victims of the train crash. People will also be placing ribbons on their trees if they desire. This is a voluntary act of kindness, and I wanted to spread the word, so please pass this idea along to friends who may not read Nextdoor. Thank you.””

GoFundMe Pages for Man Killed & Man Injured in Train Crash

GoFundMe now live.

On January 31st 2018, Christopher Foley was one of the victims in the Amtrak and garbage truck collision. Unfortunately Chris lost his life. We here at the company lost a friend and a brother, his one year old son and mother of his child lost a father. We have set up this page to help Mr. Foley’s family, theres no amount of money that can replace a human life. Anything that you are able to donate helps the family financially through this horrific time. We are trying to raise enough for the family to cover funeral cost and help with some living costs. All the money will go directly to Mr. Foley’s family.

And this one

On January 31st 2018, Dennis Eddy was one of the victims in the Amtrak and garbage truck collision. Fortunately, Dennis is still with us, however he remains in recovery at the hospital. We have set up this page to help Mr. Eddy, to help with hospital expenses as he recovers. Anything that you are able to donate helps him financially through this horrific time. All the money will go directly to Mr. Eddy.

 

I understand there will be GoFundMe for the two other victims, who were in the ICU last I heard.

Amtrak Train Hits Trash Truck in Crozet

Last update, but perhaps most important one


 

I’ll update this as the day goes on.

Best news will be found on my Charlottesville media twitter list.

 

Amtrak train carrying GOP politicians to the Greenbrier hit a trash truck at the Lanetown intersection … think – Railroad Avenue towards Mint Springs, but bear left to go behind Orchard Acres, cutting over to Jarmans Gap.


From Reddit.


From NBC29

Emergency crews are on the scene in Crozet where an Amtrak train struck a garbage truck.

A nurse on the scene tells NBC29 that there is one fatality and at least one person is in critical condition.

Continue reading “Amtrak Train Hits Trash Truck in Crozet”

Road Closure on 240

via the Daily Progress

Postponed by last week’s snow, repair crews are planning to take to Crozet’s streets Wednesday and Thursday to work on water supply lines.

Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority and Faulconer Construction crews will work on the line on Route 240 near Park Ridge Drive, officials said.

The work will require flaggers at the site to help direct traffic around the crews, and traffic will be shifted into the painted median to help minimize delays.

Construction is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. each day.

Big Sick (and More!) at Crozet Library

Libraries are Awesome. (note: this blog post should print out nicely, if you’re inclined)

We are gearing up for some more great programs at the Crozet Library – come see what January and February have in store for you!
First off, come see The Big Sick for our Night at the Movies at the Crozet Library – tonight 1/22! It’s an awesome comedy, and we’ll be serving up fresh popcorn and drinks for your entertainment needs. As, always, all programs here are FREE. So bring a friend, and make a night of it.
Big news this January: You can now sign up for programs online. Just go to jmrl.org, hover over programs, and click adults (or just click here). If you want to see only programs at Crozet, you can use the check boxes on the left. Just click the green Sign Up button next to the event you want to register for. If an event doesn’t have a button, check the listing; it’s likely open to walk-ins (no registration required) or registration hasn’t started yet. You’re still welcome to call, email me, or come in person if you prefer, though!
In this new year, I’ve got a Reading Challenge 2018 list if you want to expand your horizons and read outside of your comfort zone. No prizes involved, just good old-fashioned reading-for-yourself challenges. Pick up the list the next time you’re in the Library.
Here are upcoming events for the next few months to get onto your calendar:

A Night at the Movies

Monthly on Mondays at 6:30pm*

Join the Crozet Library for a night at the movies with theater-style popcorn and drinks. Refer to ratings for age restrictions.

January 22: The Big Sick [R] (2017)

February 26: I’m Not Racist..Am I? [NR] (2014)* FILM STARTS AT 6PM. Discussion to follow.

March 26: Loving [PG-13] (2016)

April : The Zookeeper’s Wife [PG-13] (2017)

May: The Circle [PG-13] (2017)
?

Health Literacy Apps

Monday, January 29 at 6:30pm

Learn about the latest health literacy related apps for your mobile device or tablet. Try out some health apps on the library’s iPads, or bring your own device to get help downloading apps. Registration requested. Ages 14+

Monday Night Book Group

Monthly on Mondays at 7pm

Join this informal group for relaxed and stimulating book discussions. Newcomers always welcome.

February 5: The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee

March 5: What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank by Nathan Englander (Same Page Community Reads)

April 2: The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman

May 9: Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

A Valentine for that Special Someone

Wednesday, February 7 between 3-7pm

The countdown to Valentine’s Day has begun. Come into the library and make a special something for your special someone. Supplies will be available to create a unique handmade valentine. All ages.

Tape Resist Paint Party

Monday, February 12 at 6:30pm

Using a tape-resist technique, you’ll create fantastic geometric designs on canvas using any color palette you choose. No artistic skills required and all materials provided. Ages 14+. Required registration starts January 29.

Live Poets, Too

Second Mondays at 7pm

February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14

Bring several poems to share, either of your own authorship or another’s, then sit back and enjoy listening to the language of the poet. Optional writing prompts provided upon group interest. Ages 18+.

Zumba for Older Adults

Friday, February 23 at 10am

Zumba is Latin-fusion dance class with easy-to-follow moves. Jennifer Homan will lead this introductory lower-intensity class that will get your heart pumping, improve your range of motion, and your coordination. No registration required.

Family Zumba Workout

Saturday, February 24 at 2pm

Zumba is a Latin-fusion dance class with easy-to-follow moves. Jennifer Homan will lead this family-friendly class for all ages that will get your body moving and your heart pumping. No registration required.

I’m Not Racist…Am I? Film & Discussion

Monday, February 26 at 6:00pm

Join us for an important community discussion following the screening of this documentary about 12 NYC teenagers who spend a year talking and learning about racism. The discussion will be led by trained facilitators and is in partnership with Beloved Community Cville. Ages 14+. No registration required.

Questions/Curious about the Crozet Real Estate Market?

If you are curious about the market, and googling isn’t doing it for you, come talk to two experts about the Crozet real estate market.

Questions about the Crozet real estate market? Curious about the new construction or resale market? Stop by NestWest in Piedmont PlaceThursday from 5 to 7, grab a drink Blue Ridge Bottle Shop, a bite from Morsel Compass, dessert at Crozet Creamery, and chat with David & Jim!

NestWest is right next to Over the Moon Bookstore & Artisan Gallery!