Keswick Life

Lifestyles in Keswick and its environs

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COMMUNITY: Dividing Foxfield

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A complaint, was filed December 30 in Albemarle County Circuit Court by a group   of concerned Albemarle citizens against the Foxfield Racing Association to prevent the racecourse and surrounding land from being sold. The complaint alleges that the Foxfield Racing Association has attempted to sell 137 acres or have it listed for sale.

At issue is whether the last will and testament of the late Mariann S. de Tejada should be held in perpetuity according to her wishes. Her will states “That is to apply all my time, energies and financial resources to the perpetuation of the Foxfield Races in Albemarle County for the recreation, education and enjoyment of the people of Albemarle County and their friends and visitors and of Virginia who appreciate equestrian sports, competition and related activities,” she wrote.

The plaintiffs in the case argue they are all beneficiaries of the trust and are thus entitled to a ruling because they are all “concerned citizens and owners of land” near the property. The suit states that de Tejada purchased the property in 1973 from Grover Vandevender, the huntsman for the Farmington Hunt Club. De Tejada was the original president of Foxfield Racing and helped incorporate Foxfield Steeplechase Inc. to carry on equestrian pursuits in Vandevender’s honor and memory.

When de Tejada died, she was president of Foxfield Racing. Benjamin Dick was vice president and served as one of the co-executors of her will.

The property passed into the hands of Foxfield Racing on May 7, 1987. Benjamin Dick had by that point become president. The suit seeks a judgment on whether the Foxfield property should be held perpetually in trust and whether the current owners can sell any portion of the 137 acres on which the races are run.The suit also seeks an injunction requiring the races to continue “in the normal course of business.”The plaintiffs in the case are John H. Birdsall, Harry Burn, Reynolds Cowles, Landon Hilliard, Kiwi Hilliard, John G. Macfarlane III, Dudley Macfarlane and Jack Sanford Jr.

The Foxfield website states that the Spring Races will be held on April 29. The beneficiary of the race will be International Neighbors Charlottesville. The land is located within Albemarle’s rural area and could be developed. “The number of lots that could be created would depend on several things, including how many development rights it has, whether or not there were any conservation easements on the property,” said county planner Elaine Echols.

ON EXHIBIT: “Faulkner: Life and Works”

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Adapted by Keswick Life

It’s been 60 years since William Faulkner first came to the University of Virginia as the Balch Writer-in-Residence. In February, the University is marking the diamond anniversary of the Nobel Prize-winning writer’s arrival on Grounds with an exclusive new exhibition.

The Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library will open “Faulkner: Life and Works” on Feb. 6.

“The exhibition covers two bodies of work. There are the literary works that Faulkner composed, and then there’s the person who he became over the course of his life,” Special Collections Curator Molly Schwartzburg said. “We know that Faulkner liked constructing and playing with personae. The most famous – or infamous – example of this was that he pretended that he had been wounded in WWI and he hadn’t. He loved performing that tall tale.”These different personae come to life throughout the exhibition. Along with the largest collection of Faulkner manuscripts in the world, the UVA Library also holds a great deal of the writer’s personal effects, letters, interviews and audio recordings, all of which shed light on the many facets of his identity.

Born William Cuthbert Falkner, Faulkner added the ‘u’ to his last name shortly after returning from a few months of training in Canada as a cadet in the British Royal Air Force. This change in spelling was accompanied by an affected British accent and a fake limp he claimed he acquired in an equally false wartime plane crash. While he kept his RAF jacket (pictured above left with one of his tweed jackets) and the added ‘u,’ Faulkner’s inhabitance of the British soldier character was otherwise short-lived. Still, it was the beginning of a trend that could be traced throughout his life. He often adopted the traits of the type of character he felt he should be at any given time.

“There were some personae that he really liked to inhabit, like that of the farmer from Mississippi. And then there were others that were thrust upon him, like that of the Nobel Prize-winner,” Schwartzburg said. “The exhibition looks at how he is constructed through time, both by his own motivation and by circumstance.”A look at early handwritten manuscripts, like the one for  >>>

Faulkner’s short story, “A Rose for Emily,” offers a window into the mind of Faulkner as a young writer.

Many handwritten manuscripts were donated to UVA by the William Faulkner Foundation a few years after his death in 1962. Through the foundation and the efforts of many other generous donors over the years, the library has amassed a staggering collection of originals like the “Rose for Emily” manuscript. Visitors to the collection will even get a glimpse of never-before-displayed acquisitions such as the original bound typescript of Faulkner’s first collection of poems, “Vision in Spring.”

In addition to his creative work as a writer, the exhibition also highlights Faulkner’s efforts as a visual artist. He often painted and sketched images and used his skills to help map out his stories depicting the fictional universe of Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi.

Guests can take a deep dive into that universe through the “Digital Yoknapatawpha” project led by UVA English professor Stephen Railton. With interactive maps and timelines, this project places readers inside Yoknapatawpha and catalogs the progression of characters, places and events there. The exhibition will have a touchscreen portal where visitors can explore various aspects of this ongoing project.

In the early 1930s, Faulkner adopted an additional creative identity: Hollywood screenwriter. He worked in Southern California on and off for more than a decade, collaborating primarily with director Howard Hawks at several different studios. Hawks and Faulkner had numerous successful films, the best-known of which were “To Have and Have Not” and “The Big Sleep,” both staring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

Along with photos and belongings from Faulkner’s time in Hollywood, the UVA exhibition also contains classic movie posters from popular film adaptations of Faulkner’s work such as “The Sound and the Fury.”Speeches and interviews that Faulkner gave throughout the 1940s and 1950s indicate that he felt it was his duty to use his celebrity status for good. He traveled throughout Asia, Latin America and Europe advocating for peace.“When he won the Nobel – not long after World War II – he used his acceptance speech to discuss the atomic bomb. He was clearly deeply affected by the war and felt strongly that if he could play a role toward peace among nations, he should,” Schwartzburg said.

Faulkner’s years of international travel overlapped with his time at the University, where he served in one capacity or another from 1957 until his death in 1962. It was during this same time that he also began to directly address one identity he had inhabited his whole life, that of the white Southern man.“You can’t easily summarize Faulkner’s views on racial attitudes or views on integration or racial justice,” Schwartzburg said. “It’s surprisingly complicated. Every time I think I know what his position was, I encounter another document with a very different view. Our display tries to show how his views shifted from moment to moment.

“I hope the exhibition encourages more people to read and think about Faulkner’s non-fiction writings on race – both public statements and in his private correspondence – and how they might help us understand the complex range of white Southern views on this topic in the 1950s.”

The full exhibition will be open from Feb. 6 to July 7, and readers can also attend a celebration of “Faulkner: Life and Works” on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. Additional details are available here.

COMMUNITY: DMB Provides $519,500 in Grants to 71 Local Nonprofits

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Adapted by Keswick Life

Charlottesville, Virginia – December 15, 2016 – Today, the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation announces $519,500 in grants to 71 local nonprofits through the Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band. In 2016, the Bama Works Fund has awarded and committed over $1.9 million to 175 organizations in total. Established in 1998, the Bama Works Fund has been committed to making grants in Charlottesville and the seven surrounding counties for close to two decades, and has had a significant impact on a variety of organizations. Grants have supported youth, vulnerable populations, the natural environment and arts and cultural assets. Since 1998, the Fund has made over 1,200 grants, totaling more than $18 million.

Dave Matthews Band’s philanthropy through the Bama Works Fund has not only touched a broad range of nonprofits of all sizes, it has also made foundational gifts to transformative community projects over the years. In addition, the Band finds new ways to give back to the community. This year, the Band marked its 25th anniversary and thanked its hometown with a special benefit concert at John Paul Jones Arena to support area nonprofits. Following the concert, Bama Works issued a $500,000 challenge grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia to help fund an expansion project of their Southwood Club. Additionally, the fund issued challenge grants to both Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville for their work in the Southwood Community, and to the City of Charlottesville for the planned Skate Park in McIntire Park.

Anne Scott, President of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, stated that “Dave Matthews Band’s commitment to improving the quality of life for everyone in our community is unique and outstanding. The Community Foundation is grateful for their support and appreciates the lasting benefits of their hard work and generosity for hundreds of individuals and programs throughout the local area.”

A complete list of the Fall 2016 grant recipients can be found on the Community Foundation website www.cacfonline.org/apply.

Twice each year, the Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band of CACF awards gifts through a competitive grant cycle. Applicants seeking a grant for the next Spring decision must apply no later than February 1, 2017. Additional information on the grant process can be found on the Apply for Grants page of the Community Foundation website.

2016 Fall Bama Works Fund Awards

  • Albemarle County Public Schools
  • All God’s Children Child Development Center Appalachian Voices
  • Art Guild of Greene
  • Basic Animal Rescue Training
  • Ben Hair Just Swim for Life Foundation
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge
  • Blue Ridge Heritage Project
  • Book Baskets
  • Boys and Girls Club of Central Virginia
  • Building Goodness Foundation
  • Camp Albemarle
  • Camp Holiday Trails
  • Center for Nonprofit Excellence
  • Charlottesville City Schools
  • Charlottesville Department of Human Services Charlottesville Free Clinic
  • Chesapeake Bay Foundation
  • Charlottesville Police Department Foundation City of Promise
  • Community Investment Collaborative
  • East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Department Fluvanna Historical Society
  • Georgia’s Friends
  • Girls on the Run of Central Virginia
  • Hospice of the Piedmont
  • IMPACT
  • Interfaith Humanitarian
  • Ivy Creek Foundation
  • Jefferson Area CHiP
  • Light House Studio
  • Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry
  • Local Food Hub
  • MIMA Music
  • Molly Michie Cooperative
  • Montanova Stables Foundation
  • Paramount Theater
  • Partner for Mental Health
  • Piedmont CASA
  • Piedmont Environmental Council
  • Piedmont Housing Alliance
  • Planned Parenthood South Atlantic
  • Public Education Foundation
  • Quickstart Tennis of Central Virginia
  • ReadyKids
  • ReinventED Lab
  • Richmond Ballet
  • Rockfish Wildlife
  • School Improvement Fund
  • Science Delivered
  • Second Street Gallery
  • Senior Center
  • Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers
  • Shenandoah National Park Trust
  • Smart Cville
  • Southern Environmental Law Center
  • Special Olympics Virginia
  • The Bridge Ministry
  • The Haven at First & Market
  • Therapeutic Adventures
  • Tom Tom Foundation
  • Unity in Community
  • University of Virginia Contemplative Sciences Center University of Virginia Fralin Art Museum
  • Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and Public Policy
  • Virginia Consort
  • Virginia Institute of Autism
  • Virginia Supportive Housing
  • Voices for Animals
  • Wild Virginia
  • Wildrock

COMMUNITY: From In and Around Keswick

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By Keswick Life

Charlottesville and Albemarle County: A Festive & Fun Wonderland to Visit in Early Winter

The Charlottesville area is a wonderful choice for an early-winter getaway, with shopping options galore, special evening tours at Monticello and Highland, First Night Virginia and a performance at the Paramount Theater by Tony Bennett!

The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau (CACVB) invites everyone to consider the Charlottesville, Virginia area for an extraordinary early-winter getaway. With lots of great shopping, winter events, and fantastic deals on area lodging and attractions, early winter makes for the perfect time to visit Charlottesville & Albemarle County.

The holidays are an amazing time to rediscover history in an interesting and unique way, by taking a holiday evening tour at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello or James Monroe’s Highland. Monticello’s small-group house tours, which include the Dome Room, give guests an intimate look at how the holidays were celebrated in Jefferson’s time. Guests will also have the rare opportunity to experience Monticello after dark. For more details, visit www.monticello.org. Additionally, James Monroe’s Highland will be opening its doors to special evening tours on three dates in December, giving guests a unique glimpse into this presidential home. Visitors will be able to take part in cooking demonstrations on open hearths to create buttermilk pies, apple cakes, wine-soaked pears, and sweet potato pudding, all enjoyed by candlelight. Guests will then enjoy a guided visit of the Presidential guest house and museum spaces which will be decorated for the holidays. For more information, visit www.highland.org.

The year 2017 will start with a bang on the historic Downtown Mall as First Night Virginia celebrations take place. First Night Virginia is one of the oldest First Night events in the nation and is a terrific and family-friendly way to usher in the new year. Families and visitors will be treated to a plethora of entertainment acts, live music, face painting, and other artistic activities. For more information on this iconic New Year’s Eve celebration, visit www.firstnightva.org.

Located at the heart of Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall, the Paramount Theater has several exciting and festive performances lined up for the holidays! For more information on shows and performances taking place at the Paramount Theater, visit www.theparamount.net.

Even though the days are shorter and the weather is cooler in the winter months, it is still business as usual in Charlottesville & Albemarle County. Numerous area hotels and attractions offer discounted rates during this time of year as an incentive for tourists to visit the destination without all of the crowds often found during busier times of year. Many of these deals are offered in gift certificate form and make great holiday gift ideas. The Charlottesville area also features more than 30 wineries, breweries, and cideries, many of which have large roaring fireplaces, making for a perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day. For more information about special packages and offerings, go to www.visitcharlottesville.org/packages.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe!

Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet’seating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:

O’Christmas Tree

Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

Tinsel-less Town

Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

No Feasting for the Furries

By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

Toy Joy

Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Choose gifts that are safe. Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly

Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to sufferForget the Mistletoe & Holly Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Leave the Leftovers

Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to yourfurry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills.

That Holiday Glow

Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!

Wired Up

Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth.

Put the Meds Away

Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

A Room of Their Own

Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

ON SCREEN: Fifteen Awesome Preservation-Themed Movies

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By Winkie Motley

We know there’s no substitute for visiting historic places and experiencing firsthand the stories they tell and the history they bring to life, like when you step into an old movie theater or pull up to a drive-in and feel the magic about to begin. But for the winter weather when you can’t get out to a historic site or for whenever you’re in the mood to simply cozy up on the couch, we’ve put together a big list of preservation-themed movies worth a watch.

1. Barbershop (2002)—One day, the son of a barber decides he no longer wants to run the barbershop his father handed down to him. But shortly after he sells the shop, he realizes how vital it is to the surrounding community and decides to try and get it back.

2. *batteries not included (1987)—Small alien machines help the tenants of a threatened apartment block save their building from demolition by developers.

3. Cars (2006)—On the way to California for a tiebreaker car race, race participant Lightning McQueen and his big rig end up being impounded overnight in Radiator Springs, an old Route 66 stopover. When the race is over, Lightning returns to the town to help put it back on the map.

4. The Descendants (2011)—A family living in Hawaii controls 25,000 acres of land that are both financially and culturally valuable. The family trust will expire in seven years and they decide to sell the land to a developer, until one member of the family changes his mind.

5. From the Ashes: The Life and Times of Tick Hall (2003)—This documentary explores the history, loss, and rebuilding of the 125-year-old house known as Tick Hall in historic Montauk, N.Y. After the house was tragically destroyed in a fire in 1997, the owners decided to rebuild it exactly as it once was.

6. From Up On Poppy Hill (2013)—A Japanese animated drama, this story centers on the relationship between two high school students who decide to clean up their school’s clubhouse. When they learn that the chairman of the school intends to demolish the building for redevelopment, they set out to convince him to reconsider.

7. Herbie Rides Again (1974)—A ruthless developer sets his sights on an old firehouse in San Francisco, inhabited by the widow of its former fire captain. Herbie steps in to help save the day, rallying together other VWs in town.

8. The Majestic (2001)—A man suffering from amnesia finds himself welcomed by a small town who believes him to be a long-lost WWII veteran. He settles into his “new” life and starts to restore The Majestic, an old, abandoned movie theater.

9. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)—Based on real-life events that took place in Savannah, Ga., the movie showcases old Savannah and follows a man on trial for murder, who has also restored a number of mansions in the city, and a reporter covering the case.

10. Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948)—This movie is based on a novel about an advertising executive who decides to move out of the city to fix up a 200-year-old farmhouse. The house turns out to be unsound and must be torn down, and there are many incidents along the way as the family tries to build a new house. The later movie The Money Pit (1986) is another adaptation of the original novel. (Fun fact: A replica of the home built for the 1948 movie was constructed as a promotion for the film and still stands today in Ottaway Hills, Ohio.)

11. The Muppets (2011)—A devoted Muppet fan reunites the gang to help save the Muppet Theater from a businessman who plans to demolish it to drill for oil.

12. These Amazing Shadows (2011)—The National Film Registry is a list of films deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and are earmarked for preservation by the Library of Congress. This film is a documentary on the history and importance of the registry.

13. Two Weeks Notice (2002)—A lawyer who specializes in environmental law ends up working for a real estate tycoon she meets as she’s trying to stop the destruction of the Coney Island community center, initiated by his company.

14. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)—While Roger Rabbit is suspected of murder, Toontown (a 1940s LA town) finds itself at risk of being destroyed to make room for a freeway, which people will be forced to use when the trolley system is also dismantled.

15. Xanadu (1980)—A mythical muse inspires an artist stuck in a humdrum job and an orchestra-leader-turned-construction-mogul to form a partnership and open a night club in a once-abandoned auditorium.

GIFTING GUIDE: A Few of Our Favorite Causes

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By Winkie Motley with Contributer Lizzie Rives

Giving Tuesday kicked off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Between the holiday party frenzy and the nonstop shopping, it feels good to give back during the holiday season. You don’t have to donate money in order to help; there are organizations that are willing to take new items, homemade ones, and just about every one of your no-longer-used objects lying around the house. With locations around the country, these charities work hard to help those in need not only at Christmas, but all year round. Please consider kicking off your holiday giving season with a gift to a one of the local charities listed below or a special charity of your choice.

Considering a donation to The Piedmont Environmental Council. Your contribution will help sustain the organization and help keep the Piedmont a wonderful place to live and work. With a donation of $35 or more you will also become a PEC member or renew your existing membership. Please contact Karen Hunsberger Adam at khunsberger@pecva.org or 540-347-2334 x7001 with any questions related to your donation or if you would like to target your gift towards a particular program.

Caring and generosity make it possible for the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA to continue its life-saving work. Thanks to friends like you, since 2005, they have maintained one of the few No Kill communities in the entire nation. But their job is far from over. There are still pets in need. Some are simply lost, others can no longer be kept by their owners, many have been abandoned, and a few need life-saving medical attention. No gift is too small or too big. Some choices for donating money include a one-time gift, a monthly recurring gift, a gift in memory/honor of a pet or person, a legacy gift, sponsor-a-pet, adopt-a-kennel or purchasing a memorial brick. For further information contact www.caspca.org.

There are many ways to give to Habitat for Humanity of Charlottesville, and one of those is to provide financial support.  Your gifts in support of their local mission are a critical part of enabling them to address the local affordable housing crisis and support hard-working local families. The money you invest in assisting a Partner Family today keeps giving year after year. That is because Habitat has a unique funding model, the Fund for Humanity, which combines a wide variety of sources of support to pursue their core mission of building homes and community.  Their successful Partner Families become homeowners who make monthly payments, generating funds that go directly toward building additional homes. For further information: info@cvillehabitat.org or call 434-293-9066.

Your gift to the Monticello Annual Fund will significantly aid in the enhancement and stewardship of Jefferson’s Monticello—the only home in America recognized by the United Nations as a World Heritage Site—one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures. By giving to the Monticello Annual Fund, you will help them share Jefferson’s ideas and ideals with people around the world and support the continued preservation of one of the world’s most recognizable and admired buildings. For further information: https://www.monticello.org/.

Charitable gifts from generous donors allow Montpelier to open the doors every day to visitors, students, scholars, and international leaders from emerging democracies. As a partner in their mission, support from donors like you helps Montpelier bring to life the character of one of our most indispensable founders. Your gift honors James and Dolley Madison and shares their legacy with the nation and the world.  Like most of our suggestions, the Montpelier Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your charitable gift is fully eligible for tax deductions. If you have a question about making a gift to Montpelier, please contact support@montpelier.org or call (540) 661-0253.

The Little Keswick Foundation for Special Education has several methods of making contributions to the Foundation that will enable the donor to enjoy personal financial benefits while supporting the Little Keswick Foundation’s mission to support children who experience learning disabilities and/or emotional behavior issues. Gifts may be in the form of cash, appreciated securities, life insurance, real estate, or deferred. For further information contact the Little Keswick Foundation for Special Education — www.lkfse.org.

Like all Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation facilities, Montpelier Farm receives absolutely no public funding.  Every bale of hay, quart of grain, halter, horseshoe, and vaccination is made possible by generous donors.  Your tax-deductible contribution of any size will go toward helping retired all TRF horses, including those living at Montpelier Farm.  They happily accept donations of supplies and services.Sponsoring a permanent resident at Montpelier makes a wonderful gift for someone special. Please call the TRF Montpelier Development office with any questions.

College Mentors for Kids

By Lizzie Rives

Keswickians as we come upon the giving season I want to tell you a little bit about my current involvement in a nonprofit as a third year at the University of Virginia. When I’m not studying biology in the stacks of Alderman Library, I am a mentor for the University of Virginia Chapter of College Mentors for Kids. This is the first year I have been involved with College Mentors and I am so happy I joined.

College Mentors for Kids is an innovative nonprofit that matches the talents and resources of college students with children in the community. Twenty times throughout the school year, over 2,000 children are brought to 38 college campuses across the country to participate in one-on-one mentoring activities led by 2,300 college student mentors and volunteers. Through the mentoring program, we accomplish our mission to connect college students with the most to give to kids who need it most. Most children in the program are below the poverty level or would be the first within their families to attend college. Mentors are paired with the same child (little buddy) each week to foster a strong relationship throughout the school year.

The child I mentor is in fifth grade. She likes to play games with her friends and she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. Her favorite part of College Mentors for Kids is writing in her journal at the end of the day and participating in the activities with her friends.

Here at the UVA chapter of College Mentors for Kids, we serve 120 kids within Clark and Johnson Elementary and Walker Upper Elementary School. To connect with our little buddy, we conduct activities on grounds, which provide opportunities for the kids to learn about higher education and careers, community service, and culture and diversity. Our vision is to help all kids look forward sooner and be able to give back later. At College Mentors for Kids, we motivate kids and college students to reach their full potential to positively impact the community.

Mentoring relationships are not only beneficial for the children, but the college students, as well. Mentors learn about the resources their campus offers, leadership skills that they may have never thought they had, and the need for positive role models in their communities.

Last year, our UVa Chapter was awarded “Chapter of the Year 2015-2016” from College Mentors for Kids Nationals. Our Chapter is quickly growing as we have over 140 members in our organization, doubling our membership from last year. This year we have added a third elementary school to our mentorship program.

Working with my little buddy and the rest of the chapter has been a great experience, one that that would not be possible without support from individuals like you. This year our Chapter needs to raise $20,000 to keep this nonprofit running. The best part of my week is being able to help my little buddy and other kids in this program, and I would really appreciate your donation.

If you are interested in donating to College Mentors for Kids you can either donate by check or online. If you prefer to write a check please write: College Mentors for Kids: University of Virginia in the subject line and Lizzie Rives in the memo line.

All checks should be addressed to:

College Mentors for Kids: University of Virginia,212 West 10th Street, Suite B260 ,Indianapolis, IN 46202

To donate online proceed to the overall UVa  College Mentors for Kids page, and on the right side there is a red button that says “Give”.

Thank you for your support! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

POLITICS: A Proposed Montpelier District

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Adapted by Keswick Life

district-mapIn July, the Orange County Supervisors authorized staff to draft a comprehensive zoning classification for Montpelier at the request of Montpelier leadership, including the Montpelier Foundation’s CEO/President Kat Imhoff and COO Sean O’Brien.

46map1bh On Thursday evening (Dec. 1), the Orange County Planning Commission held the first formal public hearing on the proposed Montpelier District—a site-specific zoning classification that would allow the National Trust for Historic Preservation property to pursue agri-tourism economic development opportunities.

According to the Orange County Department of Planning and Zoning, the purpose of the district is two-fold: to reasonably permit Montpelier to conduct operations which align with its mission—especially in light of its importance in generating tourism income and exposure for the county—and to allow Montpelier to capitalize on the findings and recommendations of a grant-funded study assessing economic development opportunities at the county’s premier property. The proposed district would apply to more than 2,000 acres the Montpelier Foundation operates and would permit Montpelier to diversify operations that align with its mission of “transforming James Madison’s historic estate into a dynamic cultural institution engaging the public with the enduring legacy of Madison’s most powerful idea: government by the people.” The proposed Montpelier District also would bring several of Montpelier’s current operations—such as the visitors’ center, Exchange Café and Center for the Constitution classrooms—into county zoning compliance.

The December 1 hearing is the first of two required public hearings, but represents the latest in an ongoing dialogue between Montpelier officials, county staff, planning commission members and citizens.The district also could position Montpelier to supplement its own revenue stream while supporting county tourism-related economic development.

This is a new idea in Orange County and citizens have expressed concerns about Montpelier essentially authoring its own zoning district, the impact new development could have on Rt. 20 traffic and the possible permitted uses within such a large and historic site. They’ve wondered how much revenue any potential new agri-tourism businesses actually would generate for the property and what specific projects Montpelier might pursue with its own zoning district? They’ve consistently questioned the proposal’s urgency.

A site-specific zoning district is a complex and fascinating prospect for both Montpelier and the county, understandably there are concerns and questions. But surely a healthy Montpelier benefits all—particularly as a prestigious, agri-tourism and intellectual industry with a diverse local, national and international audience.In an effort to expand agritourism opportunities at its 2,600-acre property while still maintaining its historical and environmental character, Montpelier is working with the county to establish a unique zoning classification for the county’s most popular attraction. Currently, the property which houses James Madison’s mansion, a visitor’s center, trails, gardens and the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution, is zoned agricultural which limits future uses for the property.

Revisiting the property’s zoning would assure Montpelier is in compliance with county zoning, but also ensure Montpelier can pursue opportunities to benefit not only Montpelier but the county, O’Brien added. Those findings were presented to the supervisors earlier this year and included recommendations such as a boutique hotel with event space, a farm brewery and continual assessment of agricultural opportunities.

In September, Orange County Planning and Zoning Director Josh Frederick presented the supervisors with a proposed draft of the MD during a work session. The text was the collaborative effort of Frederick, the county administrator, the county attorney, the director of economic development and Montpelier leadership.Frederick said the property’s historical significance makes this a unique process that been a collaborative effort between the county and Montpelier to ensure the language aligns with Montpelier’s mission and long-term goals.

Orange County Administrator Bryan David said the proposed zoning classification would be specific to Montpelier and not available to any other properties in the county.“The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which is actually the owner of the land, has looked at it [the proposed MD] and felt very comfortable with it,” David said. “In fact, they held it out as they wish they could have this for some of its other properties across the nation.”

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello went through a similar process in Albemarle County when Imhoff was COO there.In a letter to the supervisors, Imhoff said the report completed by Virginia Tech had provided good and sound guidance for opportunities that may best fit Montpelier’s mission while maintaining its rural character. Montpelier’s current agricultural zoning classification isn’t well-positioned to meet its future needs, she added.

O’Brien said the MD language has gone through several revisions at Montpelier’s request.

“We went back to them and said ‘here are some things we think are actually too open and we’d like to restrict it a little bit.’ We want to protect Orange County’s character and we want to protect Montpelier’s character for the future, so we don’t want to have things be as open as they were in the initial draft,” he said. “That’s where things like the language associated with design standards got added or got changed. We’re talking about this widely with supporters, donors, board members and everybody in the area on how this will help Montpelier meet its educational goals and financial goals and then contribute more to the Orange community.”

Montpelier has also discussed the proposed zoning language with the Piedmont Environmental Council, he added.

WEDDINGS: Manning – Henry

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Photos by Lynne Brubaker Photography

screen-shot-2016-11-29-at-8-14-51-pmChris Henry and Katie Manning were married September 17 in Keswick, Virginia, at Grace Episcopal Church. After the ceremony the couple rode in a horse drawn carriage to Castalia Farm, owned by the bride’s parents Diane and Paul Manning. Friends and family gathered in the property’s restored 1903 cattle barn for the reception. Katie’s 25-year-old former junior jumper Guinness, aka Clown, welcomed guests on the patio during the cocktail hour.

Chris parent’s Patricia Mehrmann and Alan Henry from Roanoke, Virginia, hosted the rehearsal dinner at Maya restaurant.

screen-shot-2016-11-29-at-8-13-15-pmChris and Katie became friends in the fall of 2007 at the University of Virginia where they both studied history. They started dating three years later while Katie studied journalism in graduate school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. After a few years working abroad – the groom in Africa and the bride in Chile – the couple moved back to Charlottesville to be together. The newlyweds now live downtown with their two loving labradoodles Billie Jean and Elvis. Katie reports as a freelance journalist for local and national media outlets. Chris is the general manager/COO of Stony Point Design/Build, a Charlottesville-based construction development company.

COMMUNITY: UVa’s Madison House Brightens the Holiday Season for Local Families

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By Keswick Life

It’s all about the kids,” fourth-year University of Virginia student Morgan Gronbeck as she surveyed a room full of boxes packed with all kinds of gifts and household items, from stuffed animals and soccer balls to cereal and canned vegetables.

A Madison House program director, she and other student volunteers work for the Holiday Sharing program year after year, she said, because of seeing those children’s faces light up as they see their gifts of bicycles, toys and more.

Coordinated by Madison House, UVA’s student volunteer center, and in partnership with the Salvation Army of Charlottesville, the Holiday Sharing program invites the UVA and Charlottesville communities to collect food and gifts for local families in need. The program has been an annual tradition for almost 30 years.

Bikes, bikes and more bikes! As the Holiday Sharing program head program director, fourth-year student Emily Brown oversees about 50 Madison House volunteers and helps inventory donations.

Bikes, bikes and more bikes! As the Holiday Sharing program head program director, fourth-year student Emily Brown oversees about 50 Madison House volunteers and helps inventory donations.

This year, with the support of donors from UVA offices and departments, Greek organizations and alumni from across the country, as well as area nonprofit groups, the program collected more than $40,000 in donations of food, gifts and money that will be distributed Saturday to 150 local families referred by the Salvation Army.

The families are invited to pick up their packages during a festive party at Madison House, where they can decorate cookies and enjoy snacks while holiday music plays.

As busy as Santa’s elves, UVA students gathered at the center this week to pack food and gifts for local families to help them enjoy the holiday season.“Seeing the reactions of the families, how grateful they are, makes it all worthwhile,” said fourth-year student Emily Brown, the Holiday Sharing head program director who oversees about 50 Madison House volunteers. “Many recipients have expressed that without Holiday Sharing, celebrating the holidays in their household just wouldn’t be possible.”

Aidan Kilrain, a third-year biology major, leads one of five teams who work all semester on soliciting donations, running a food drive at local grocery stores, keeping an inventory of all the packages and planning the celebration for the families. It’s a great experience to help people in Charlottesville, he said, and offers students a chance to meet others beyond the on-Grounds bubble.

COMMUNITY: All Saints Chapel Adds Parish Hall

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By Keswick Life

stony-pointOn Sunday, November 20, All Saints Chapel at Stony Point hosted a ceremony dedicating its new addition: a parish hall including a large meeting area, storage and vesting rooms, and kitchen and rest room facilities.  Officiated by the reverend Miles Smith, rector of All Saints and of Grace Episcopal Church, the occasion drew well over fifty members of the two churches, donors, and construction contractors.

All Saints Chapel is a mission of Grace Church, founded in the 1920’s by Grace Church rector F. Leslie Robinson and now the sole survivor of three chapels built on the west side of the Southwest Mountains as outreach to those living in those outlying areas.  The original structure, completed and dedicated in 1929, was designed by architect Stanislaw J. Makielski, then a professor in the University of Virginia School of Architecture and designer of many historical structures.  Highly symbolic in its design, it has remained in active use since its opening. Completed in 1929, All Saints Chapel is the only survivor of several Grace Church missions .Its exterior of rough boards painted the white of purity, its fence shaped as open arms, and its broken roof line to show the cross on the turret-shaped chimney as its highest point are features of the highly symbolic effect conceived by the architect, Stanislaw Makielski (1914-1968), whose papers are archived at the University of Virginia Department of Special Collections.

Recently Thomas J. Crenshaw, a lifelong member of the All Saints congregation, died, having expressed his wish that his estate could help the chapel.  Many of his legal heirs donated funds for the addition.  These were expanded by other donations and by a grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.  After necessary permits by Albemarle County had been secured, a member of Grace Church, Ralph Dammann, acting as general contractor, engaged the services of Robertson Renovations as builder.  The plans, designed by architect Adams Sutphin, follow faithfully the style of the original chapel.  He and septic installer Wayne Gentry contributed their expertise as donations.

The congregation is small, averaging fifteen to twenty people for semi-monthly services, which follow the rather traditional Rite One of the Episcopal liturgy.  It is hoped that the addition with its new features will enable more diverse activities and attract additional community and other attendees.

Services are held twice monthly at 9:00 am, consisting of Holy Communion on the second Sunday, celebrated by Grace’s Rector, the Reverend G. Miles Smith, and Morning Prayer on each fourth Sunday, celebrated by a lay reader. All services utilize Rite One. The usual congregation numbers about 15 to 18 persons, in addition to occasional outside visitors. Increasingly we have been joined by regular attendees of Grace Church who wish to enjoy worship in the quaint chapel building or who take this opportunity for an early service within the parish. The lay officiants for the Morning Prayer services are Alden Bigelow, Susan Hoyt, and Corky Shackelford. The three of them follow each other in rotation on fourth Sundays. We enthusiastically invite all those who are interested to come for a simple, traditional service in a beautiful setting. All Saints Chapel is located at 3929 Stony Point Road on Route 20 North, about 8 miles from Free Bridge and the Charlottesville city limits. From Cismont, one can take Route 600 (Stony Point Pass) to its end, then left about 200 yards on Route 20.