Podcasts about Albemarle

Today's edition is sponsored by the Ragged Mountain Running and Walking ShopSeptember 30 is the final day of the federal fiscal New Year and one version of today's Charlottesville Community Engagement could perhaps have been about how this region might be affected by a federal shutdown. Each edition of this newsletter could be a lot of different things, but what gets selected is usually a matter of what is available for me to write.I'm Sean Tubbs and for a story on the looming shutdown, I refer you to the Virginia Political Newsletter by my colleague Brandon Jarvis.In today's installment:* Albemarle Supervisors have endorsed their legislative priorities for the 2026 General Assembly while Charlottesville City Council is still working on theirs* Jaunt turns 50 this year and is seeking stories from riders* Albemarle Supervisors get a progress report on climate action initiatives including where $522K in spending will go this fiscal yearThanks for reading Charlottesville Community Engagement ! This post is public so feel free to share it.First shout-out: A Week Without DrivingHow different would your life be if you didn't have a car? From Monday, September 29 to Sunday October 5, Livable Cville invites you to join the local Week Without Driving experience. The goal is to learn more about barriers and challenges that nondrivers face in our community and to reflect on the challenges you would face as a full-time non-driver.There are many reasons why people do not drive, including people with disabilities, youth, seniors and those who can't afford vehicles or gas. A third of people living in the United States do not have a driver's license, but are forced to navigate a mobility system designed almost exclusively for drivers.Livable Cville expects the Week Without Driving experience will help participants better appreciate the challenges and barriers they face. For more information and to register your participation, please visit: https://livablecville.org/weekwithoutdrivingLocal elected officials preparing for 2026 General AssemblyThere are over a hundred days left until the 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly and less than two months until legislators can begin to pre-file bills.Across Virginia, localities are determining what priorities they would like to see turned into legislation.At their meeting on September 15, Charlottesville City Council went through a long list of suggestions from the Planning Commission, the Human Rights Commission, and the Office of Sustainability.“Energy prices are going up,” said Kristel Riddervold, the city's sustainability director. “Legislative priorities related to expanding distributed energy, meaning solar, all over the place in different ways.”Riddervold said city priorities are for the Virginia General Assembly to maintain the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act, full funding for the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, and reform of rules for construction of data centers. You can see the full list here.The Human Rights Commission submitted a three page list including a request for legislation for expanded rights for those who rent, a request for localities to have right of first refusal to purchase supported housing units, and a $60 million state fund for housing assistance to support 5,000 families. Another legislative request is to require all Virginia localities to maintain a public homeless shelter. You can view this list here.Vice Mayor Brian Pinkston said many of those ideas seem very aspirational and may not take into account political realities.“The one that says here, ‘require that each county and city in Virginia maintain a public overnight homeless shelter or fund a private equivalent,'” Pinkston said. “I mean, that would be lovely because we're, we're doing this. I have a sense for neighboring counties and communities, the work that we're doing here. But does that have any hope of being passed?””City Councilor Michael Payne said many of the Human Rights Commission's requests are part of statewide efforts and many of the aspirations could get through depending on who holds the majority in 2026.“There definitely [are] some that potentially I think really could get passed this year, including like the 5,000 family funds or first right of refusal, but for example, the homeless shelter one you mentioned. I mean, I would feel. I think we could all feel confident saying there's no chance that passes this year.”The Planning Commission submitted a list of 15 potential pieces of legislation. The first addresses the section of state code that is at the heart of the lawsuit against the city's zoning code. Number six is a reintroduction of failed legislation that would allow localities to tax land and improvements at different rates. (view the list)Council will have a further discussion on October 6 before adopting their legislative agenda on October 20.The Albemarle Board of Supervisors is a little further ahead and had the third of three work sessions at their meeting on September 17. Albemarle has four legislative priorities, three of which would involve legislation and the fourth being a budget amendment.“First, we're seeking as a priority enabling localities to enforce the Virginia Landlord Tenant Act,” said County Attorney Andy Herrick. “We're also carrying over from past years expanding the authority to use photo speed monitoring devices.Currently those are limited to road construction work zones and school zones and Albemarle wants to be able to use them on rural roads. Albemarle also wants the General Assembly to try again on legislation to allow localities to hold a referendum on whether to levy a one cent sales tax to fund school construction.“This is an initiative that has been sought in prior years, that's passed the Assembly and been vetoed by the Governor in the past two years,” Herrick said.The budget amendment relates to another item Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed this year. The legislature's version of the budget had funding for a connector trail to connect Biscuit Run Park with the Monacon Indian Nation Tribute.Supervisors adopted their legislative priorities and the next step is to schedule a meeting with area legislators.To learn more about some of the statewide issues, read this story in the Virginia Mercury from Charlotte Rene Woods.Jaunt turns 50 this year and seeks travel storiesAs the Week Without Driving continues, one way people participating might get around is public transit. In addition to Charlottesville Area Transit, the region is served by Jaunt, a public service corporation that formed in 1975.To celebrate, Jaunt is asking people to submit their stories of using the service.“As we look back on 50 years of service, we know the most important part of Jaunt's story is the people we serve,” said Mike Murphy, Jaunt's Chief Executive Officer. “Our mission has always been rooted in community, care, and connection—and this anniversary is about celebrating the ways Jaunt has supported essential regional needs for mobility across generations.”Jaunt was created as Jefferson Area United Transportation but the acronym became the official name in 1983.Have a story from that time? Tell Jaunt at the website they've created.Second shout-out: Five Things ReLeaf has done recently!Time for a subscriber-supported shout-out, this time for ReLeaf Cville!* On April 21, ReLeaf Cville celebrated Arbor Day 2025 by talking with 40 fourth grade students at Greenbrier Elementary about the importance of urban tree canopy, and then planting a tree on the preschool playground* On April 25, the Van Yahres Tree Company donated time and energy to provide tree care to 45 trees ReLeaf planted in the Rose Hill Neighborhood, Fall 2023* On May 10 at RiverFest, Green Team members Moos and Antony joined Keith Pitchford, Board vice-chair, and Cathy Boyd, Executive Director, in providing information about ReLeaf Cville and playing Tree Bingo* In May, C-Ville Weekly profiled ReLeaf Cville's efforts to help homeowners turn their yards into leafy oases - and cool their neighborhoods.* The fourth annual Green Team session took place this week and was designed to equip rising 9th-12th graders in tree knowledge and tree care skills, this year's schedule includes sessions co-led by the Rivanna Conservation Alliance, Van Yahres Tree Company, Master Naturalists, Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards, Community Climate Collaborative, and Steve Gaines, Charlottesville's Urban Forester.Albemarle Supervisors briefed on Climate Action programs, $522K in FY2026 spendingFor the past eight years, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors has been in support of efforts to monitor greenhouse gas emissions as part of an international bid to keep global temperatures from rising. For six years, though, a different set of elected officials opted out of the program.On September 17, 2025, the six elected officials got a briefing from staff on county and regional efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to a world of higher temperatures and more volatile storms. They were also briefed on how staff plans to use $300,000 the Board dedicated to the issue at the end of the FY2026 budget process as I reported at the time.Resources:* 44-page progress report from Albemarle staff* Slide presentation from the briefingBut first, some recent history.Recent historyIn June 1998, local leaders signed a document called the Sustainability Accords, a series of statements intended to solidify the work of several environmental groups working in the area. While climate action itself was not mentioned, the document called for the development of “attractive and economical transportation alternatives to single occupancy vehicle use” and called for the promotion of “conserv[e]ation and efficient use of energy resources.”In December 2007, Albemarle Supervisors voted to adopt a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050. At the time, Supervisor Ken Boyd voted for the “Cool Counties” initiative though he expressed concern about the potential impacts. (read a story I wrote then)In the years that followed, a group called the Jefferson Area Tea Party raised concerns about both the resolution and the county's membership in the International Council for Sustainability. The ICLEI group provided resources to measure greenhouse gas reductions and Boyd sought to end participation“We are being infiltrated in local government by an agenda that is set by this international organization,” Boyd said in early May 2011 as I reported at the time. “I think it's now a cancer that is infiltrating our local government here.”By that time, two other Republicans had joined the Board of Supervisors giving Boyd votes he needed to change direction. Democrat Lindsay Dorrier Jr. was a swing vote.Lane Auditorium was packed on the night of June 8, 2011 with some in the crowd defending sustainability efforts and continued participation in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Members of the Tea Party claimed that civil liberties were being threatened.At the end of the meeting, Supervisors voted 4-2 to end participation in ICLEI as I reported at the time. Three months later, they ended participation in Cool Counties as reported in the Charlottesville Daily Progress.However, the Republican majority would come to an end in 2013 after Democratic candidates defeated Duane Snow in the Samuel Miller District and Rodney Thomas in the Rio District.Back on the jobIn September 2017, Supervisors voted to adopt a resolution to “support local actions to reduce climate pollution.”“In October 2019, the Board adopted greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement,” said Jamie Powers, a county employee since 2023 who is now Albemarle's Climate Program Manager. “The next year, October 2020, the board adopted the Climate Action Plan and stood up the Climate Action Program to implement that plan and help get the community's emissions down in line with the board's targets.”The targets now call for a 45 percent in emissions reductions from 2008 levels by 2030 and to be carbon-free by 2050.Powers said emissions continue to climb across the world and the effects of climate change are here now as a present crisis rather than one for the future to deal with.“The impacts are generally going to be worse over time and increasingly unpredictable unless we can get global emissions under control,” Powers said. “And we do have a role to play locally.”Albemarle's reduction targets are in line with the Paris Agreement which set a framework to reduce emissions so that the increase in global warming could be kept below 2 degrees Celsius. The increase is now at 1.5 degrees.Powers said climate change itself is not the underlying problem.“It is a symptom of a set of problems,” Powers said. “This socioeconomic system that we have, it works exactly as designed and it brings us to a climate crisis and a biodiversity crisis and all these sorts of things. So if we are going to effectively address the climate crisis, we need to take a look at our systems and address things appropriately.”The models used by Albemarle and other local governments are complex and conform to the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories. These are put together by ICLEI and emissions come from many source sectors.“The major sectors of emissions are transportation, stationary energy, and that includes solar,” said Greg Harper, Albemarle's chief of environmental services. “That would be kind of like reducing that stationary energy. Ag force and land use is a smaller contributor and then waste as well.”Albemarle resumed doing inventories in 2018 and Harper said emission levels dropped during COVID but increased for 2022. Data is about two years behind. Harper said reductions can be decreased many ways, such as if many groups can work together to reduce a metric known as “vehicle miles traveled.”“We don't want to stop activity in the county, obviously, but we want to shift people from driving a car by themselves to taking mass transportation, getting on their bicycle for smaller commutes,” Harper said.Powers said Albemarle has been active in many ways to encourage reductions such as supporting home energy improvements, providing “climate action activity kits” through a nonprofit, installing electric vehicle chargers, and creation of the Energy Resource Hub.Albemarle also provided several grants including $20,000 for the International Rescue Committee's New Roots farming program to allow them to electrify equipment and improve their agricultural practices.“If we break down some of the things that they were doing from their composting practice, we calculated that about 25 tons of carbon dioxide is sequestered by them using the composting practices,” Powers said. “About 5 tons of avoided emissions by removing synthetic fertilizers from their operations.”All told, Powers said about 38 tons of carbon dioxide emissions were prevented.Albemarle County is also collaborating with the City of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia on the Resilient Together initiative which seeks to create a resilience plan to adapt to a different weather pattern. That will come before the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors in early 2026.FY2026 fundingPowers also outlined a recommendation of how Albemarle might put that $300,000 to use, as well as another $222,000 in carry over funds for climate action.“The Board made it clear we wanted to emphasize projects that are going to get the most value in terms of emission reductions in FY26,” Powers said.The Residential Energy Improvements line item is intended to assist property owners with lower incomes and that $237,000 does not include another $150,000 the county received through the federal Community Development Block Grant program.“A lot of times, especially in low income households, energy is going out the window, literally,” Powers said. “And so how can we help those folks tighten up their envelopes so when they're turning the AC or the heat on, it's still staying in the home instead of heading out the window.”The Local Energy Alliance Partnership (LEAP) and the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP) are partners on that project. Powers said the goal will be to reach up to 50 homes, decreasing emissions classified as “stationary” energy. He estimates the return on investment will be about $3,000 per ton of emissions prevented.Another $100,000 will be spent on energy efficiency in county-owned buildings.“Most likely implementation looks like LED installation, LED fixture installation, likely at two different buildings,” Powers said. “If we transition the equivalent of the space of Northside Library to those fixtures, we would reduce again in that stationary energy category, one of those four categories by 0.03 at $700 per ton and annually that'd be a 143 ton reduction.”Albemarle funded the Energy Resource Hub in FY2025 at the $100,000 level and an additional $63,000 for this year. This is a program that helps homeowners find rebates and other incentives.Partners have not yet been found for the Climate Action Collaboration initiative.For previous coverage on climate action issues, visit Information Charlottesville.Reading material for September 30, 2025* Whistleblowers accuse HUD of ‘systematically undermining' fair housing laws, Ryan Kushner, Multifamily Dive, September 25, 2025* HUD cuts multifamily mortgage insurance premiums, Julie Strupp, Multifamily Dive, September 26, 2025* Albemarle County to consider delay on data center ordinance, Jenette Hastings, WVIR 29NBC, September 28, 2025* Watershed mapping project shows rapid loss of forests, offers new view of Va.'s changing landscapes, Evan Visconti, September 29, 2025* Charlottesville's schools are old. Local officials are trying to change that, Brandon Kile, Cavalier Daily, September 29, 2025* Afton Scientific breaks ground on $200 million expansion in Albemarle, Kate Nuechterlein, September 29, 2025What's the ending, #929?Today I could not get moving. Something is off but my job is to bring people information. I picked up four new paid subscribers since posting the May 2025 transactions, and it is important to get out what I can.The story I wanted to tell today was an accounting of yesterday's traffic congestion caused by a truck hitting a bridge under construction that carries Old Ivy Road over the U.S. 250. I lack the resources to get such a story together but I have questions about whether such an incident is covered by emergency management officials in the area.There are so many stories I want to tell, and sometimes the best I can do is link to other people's coverage. Here's a story from VPM. Here's one from 29NBC News. Here's another from CBS19. How about Cville Right Now?There is a lot of rhetoric about climate action and moving people out of automobiles. Is any of it having any effect? Are fewer people driving alone? How many people are paying attention to this issue? What is the community supposed to do when a major highway is shuttered for hours? Are we all so endless trapped in a news cycle that solutions remain elusive, situations remain intractable?I don't have the answer but I know I want to be part of an information ecosystem that seeks to do better than what we have at the moment with a series of wicked problems that are difficult to solve in this era of fragmentation.So what's today's ending? A note that David Bowie's Diamond Dogs helped me think this morning and this 1973 special seems important. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Let's explore how to find joy even when life gets tough! In this message, we dive into how you can stay positive like Paul, who found joy even in hard times. Learn how living with a purpose and standing strong with friends can make you feel unstoppable. Curious about tackling fear and speaking up confidently? This message will inspire you to live boldly and find true joy no matter what challenges you face. Join us to discover how to create a life filled with meaning that can be lived boldly without fear or intimidation!

We have reached the end of another week here at Charlottesville Community Engagement and all that is left to do is put together an audio version using the stories already told. Listening might become habit-forming if you have an interest in discussions about the future, and if you want to spot the mistakes. Is this the one where I leave in the curse words? Tune in!If not, this edition also serves as a way to remind you of some of the stories this week.In this edition:* Albemarle Planning Commission takes a look at the county's draft Comprehensive Plan (read the story)* Albemarle Supervisors discuss 2025 build-out analysis (read the story)* Albemarle PC recommends approval of new rule to allow taller buildings in industrial districts (read the story)* Manning Institute of Biotechnology director outlines hope for creating new medicine (read the story on C-Ville Weekly)* Charlottesville poised to appropriate fourth state grant for flood preparation (learn more)Sponsored message: Westwind FlowersAt Westwind Flowers the Dahlia fields are in full bloom with a stunning array of colors and varieties that only this season can offer.You're invited to experience it for yourself on September 27th and October 4th during their Dahlia U-Pick events at their farm, located on the historic grounds of James Madison's Montpelier. It's a chance to stroll through the fields, cut your own flowers, and soak in the beauty of the season—a flower lover's dream come true!Can't make it to their Dahlia U-Pick event? They can bring the season to you! Order your locally grown, freshly harvested bouquets today, available for pickup at their Gordonsville floral studio or delivered straight to your home, your office, or someone special.Westwind Flowers offers sustainably grown, thoughtfully curated cut flowers, perfectly suited to the season and the special moments in your life. They believe the blooms in your vase should be just as fresh, and just as local, as the food on your table.To register for a Dahlia U-Pick, order seasonal flowers, or learn more, visit westwindflowers.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Discover how joy and peace can shine through even the toughest moments of your life. This inspiring message shows us that true joy doesn't depend on what's happening around us. By focusing on God and practicing gratitude, we can find happiness and contentment, no matter the situation. Learn how the Apostle Paul found joy while in prison and how his faith encouraged others. This message will help you see how trusting God, being thankful, and sharing your faith can lead to a life full of joy, hope, and courage.

“National Public Radio will serve the individual: it will promote personal growth; it will regard the individual differences among men with respect and joy rather than derision and hate.” Thus begins a document written by Bill Siemering in 1969 when the federal government was investing in public broadcasting. Charlottesville Community Engagement is a newsletter and podcast that is not public media but aspires to all of the principles in that document. I'm Sean Tubbs, and I'll be bringing up that paper again. Now it's time for these things from this week in 2025:* Charlottesville City Manager Sanders tells Council work continues to find site for a low-barrier homeless shelter (read the story)* UVA committee briefed on new public safety agreement with Albemarle and Charlottesville (read the story)* UVA's Board of Visitors signs off on lease and possible sale of Oak Lawn to Charlottesville City Schools, and Charlottesville City Manager Sam Sanders details some next steps (read the story)* C-Ville Sabroso to hold 13th event this Saturday at the Ting Pavilion (read the story)* Loop De Ville coming up on September 27 (read the story)* Riverbend to rework rezoning proposal for land near U.S. 29 / I-64 intersection (learn more)Sponsored message!At Westwind Flowers the Dahlia fields are in full bloom with a stunning array of colors and varieties that only this season can offer.You're invited to experience it for yourself on September 27th and October 4th during their Dahlia U-Pick events at their farm, located on the historic grounds of James Madison's Montpelier. It's a chance to stroll through the fields, cut your own flowers, and soak in the beauty of the season—a flower lover's dream come true!Can't make it to their Dahlia U-Pick event? They can bring the season to you! Order your locally grown, freshly harvested bouquets today, available for pickup at their Gordonsville floral studio or delivered straight to your home, your office, or someone special.Westwind Flowers offers sustainably grown, thoughtfully curated cut flowers, perfectly suited to the season and the special moments in your life. They believe the blooms in your vase should be just as fresh, and just as local, as the food on your table.To register for a Dahlia U-Pick, order seasonal flowers, or learn more, visit westwindflowers.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Generally the audio version of Charlottesville Community Engagement comes out on a Friday or a Saturday, but due to a series of factors, this time around non-radio listeners can hear it on a Monday. We're in a time when so much is happening all at once, but this particular week there needed to be a break, an eddy in the space-time continuum. I'm Sean Tubbs, and here are the items you're going to hear today:In this edition:* UVA fundraising surpassed $885 million in FY2025 (read the story)* FEI property now known as Sycamore Hill (read the story)* The UVA Buildings and Grounds Committee has approved the schematic design for the future Center for the Arts (read the story)* Albemarle Supervisors get update on Shenandoah National Park (read the story)* Greene Supervisors approve financing package for White Run Reservoir, other projects (read the story)* TJPDC legislative liaison briefs Greene Supervisors on upcoming General Assembly session (read the story)* Two Supervisor seats on the ballot in Greene this November, one of them contested (read the story)* Charlottesville hires Block by Block firm to perform services of “Clean Team” (read the story)* Democrat holds onto Virginia's 11th Congressional District (read the story)* Virginia Court of Appeals sends Albemarle's “missing middle” case back to Circuit Court (read the story)Sponsor: Westwind FlowersIt's that time of year we've all been waiting for… Dahlia season!Westwind Flowers in Orange, Virginia believes the blooms in your vase should be just as fresh, and just as local, as the food on your table.Join them in September at their Gordonsville floral studio for their Dahlias & Desserts Workshop—sweet treats, stunning flowers, and serious fun.Then in October, grab your shears and sign up for their Dahlia U-Pick events at their farm… a flower lover's dream come true!But why wait? Order your locally grown, freshly harvested Dahlia bouquets today, delivered straight to your home, your office, or to someone special.Westwind Flowers offers sustainably grown, thoughtfully curated cut flowers, perfectly suited to the season, and the special moments in your life.Learn more at westwindflowers.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Discover how to find true joy even when life doesn't go as planned. In the first message of our series through Philippians, we explore the power of gratitude and how it can change the way we see our circumstances. Learn how gratitude helps us stay positive, trust in the process, and overcome the ups and downs of life. Join us as we uncover the secret to staying joyful through any challenge!

Heaven says the earth is already full of God's glory (Isaiah 6:3),and yet most of us don't see the world that way. What does heaven see that we don't? The potential for the glory of God that is in us to erupt from within us to the world around us!! We are geysers of revival, and God uses the things that make us feel broken and fragile to release them. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Yes.

There is a different gravity to holidays weeks as the routine is challenged in exchange for the illusion of a day off. Or at least, that's definitely the case with this edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement produced at the end of a truncated week in which a lot seems to have happened. I'm Sean Tubbs, and if you're a skeptic of the audio, I still recommend listening to the first story today.In this edition:* Charlottesville City Council ends consideration of anti-camping ordinance after pushback from homeless advocates (read the story)* Charlottesville City Attorney explains why Gentry Locke still represents city in case against zoning code (read the story)* An update on some residential projects under review in Charlottesville* Ridership on Charlottesville Area Transit up five percent in FY2025 (read the story)* Rivanna River pedestrian bridge once again misses out on federal funding (read the story)* 5K race planned Sunday to raise money for prostate cancer research (read the story)* Albemarle's deputy fire chief is now Charlottesville's emergency management coordinator (read the story)Sponsor: Westwind FlowersIt's that time of year we've all been waiting for… Dahlia season!Westwind Flowers in Orange, Virginia believes the blooms in your vase should be just as fresh, and just as local, as the food on your table.Join them in September at their Gordonsville floral studio for their Dahlias & Desserts Workshop—sweet treats, stunning flowers, and serious fun.Then in October, grab your shears and sign up for their Dahlia U-Pick events at their farm… a flower lover's dream come true!But why wait? Order your locally grown, freshly harvested Dahlia bouquets today, delivered straight to your home, your office, or to someone special.Westwind Flowers offers sustainably grown, thoughtfully curated cut flowers, perfectly suited to the season, and the special moments in your life.Learn more at westwindflowers.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

JDiscover how the most captivating message in history can change how you live. In this video, we talk about what makes Jesus' words stand out and how they can shape your everyday choices. You'll learn to recognize powerful truths and how to use them in your life to make a real difference. Get ready to understand and act on words that have the power to transform the world around you. Let's dive into what it means to live with true authority!

Wall Street closed at new record highs, with investors now digesting fresh earnings from Nvidia, though the stock slipped after its data centre revenue fell short of estimates. Elsewhere, Cracker Barrel surged on news of a logo revamp, while American Eagle tapped Travis Kelce in the wake of the Sweeney controversy. Meanwhile, bond yields fell as markets shrugged off Fed drama, and Albemarle gained on a stronger lithium price outlook. Energy stocks also led the advance as US crude inventories declined. Back home, the ASX is set for a flat start on Thursday ahead of results from Wesfarmers. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Das wikifolio Industrial Metals Blue Chips ( https://go.brn-ag.de/411 ) von Dieter Haas (Helveticus) brilliert seit 2017 mit einer durchschnittlichen Performance von 50 % jährlich (+2.300 % gesamt) - und das in einem höchst kritischen Geschäftsumfeld. "Der Trump macht die Leute kirre, mittelfristig ist das inflationstreibend. Generell bin ich aber bullisch, was die Rohstoffe anbelangt." Haas ist voll investiert, und das mit nur fünf Werten im Depot. Allesamt große Firmen, Haas scheut das Risiko mit kleineren. Das Bergbauunternehmen BHP Billiton ist "der Titel schlechthin, wenn man Kupfer spielen möchte". Albemarle ist ein weltweit tätiges Spezialchemieunternehmen: "Der weltgrößte Lithiumproduzent. Ein Metall, das man haben muss." Sprott Physical Silver Trust investiert in physische Silberbarren. Newmont Goldcorporation ist der weltgrößte Goldproduzent, der zudem mit Kupfer und Silber handelt. "ASA GOLD ist mein Mid- und Smallcap-Play. Hier kann ich diversifiziert auch im kleineren Bereich mitwirken."

Join us as we explore how to build a life that stands strong, no matter what comes your way. Inspired by the timeless story of wise and foolish builders, this message dives into the power of taking action on what you hear. Discover why it's not just about knowing what's right but actually doing it. Learn how to turn knowledge into action for genuine transformation. Whether you're navigating school, relationships, or personal challenges, this message offers relatable insights to help you live with purpose and resilience.

Sun, Aug 24 11:13 AM → 11:13 AM CHS Alarm Radio Systems: - Charlottesville, Albemarle, UVA PD, FIRE, EMS

Once more into the breach we go, though we're not headed for battle but for another bout of audio stories collected and packaged as the Charlottesville Community Engagement podcast. This is an element of Town Crier Productions, a one-person information outlet created in 2020 to provide me, Sean Tubbs, with a way to do what I love best: Write stories that may seem obscure until you realize I'm writing about growth, economic development, and living in a changing community.In this edition:* One person is dead and another injured following house explosion in Keswick (story)* Judge Worrell is set to make a decision related to the granting of default judgment in the legal case against the city's zoning code but it had not come in at press time (story #1) (story #2)* Albemarle Fire Chief Dan Eggleston will retire in October and a brief look back at his career as well as a listen back to a March story about why fire and police both asked for more money in the FY2026 budget (story)* Charlottesville City Council briefed on regional tourism efforts (story)* Albemarle County Supervisors adopt economic development strategic plan (story)Sponsor: Westwind FlowersIt's that time of year we've all been waiting for… Dahlia season!Westwind Flowers in Orange, Virginia believes the blooms in your vase should be just as fresh, and just as local, as the food on your table.Join them in September at their Gordonsville floral studio for their Dahlias & Desserts Workshop—sweet treats, stunning flowers, and serious fun.Then in October, grab your shears and sign up for their Dahlia U-Pick events at their farm… a flower lover's dream come true!But why wait? Order your locally grown, freshly harvested Dahlia bouquets today, delivered straight to your home, your office, or to someone special.Westwind Flowers offers sustainably grown, thoughtfully curated cut flowers, perfectly suited to the season, and the special moments in your life.Learn more at westwindflowers.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Dive into this powerful sermon as we explore the warnings of false prophets and the importance of authentic faith. Uncover how appearances can deceive and why genuine spiritual fruit matters. Learn how to recognize true teachings by aligning with Scripture and cultivating a deep relationship with God. This message challenges us to evaluate our own faith journey, ensuring we're rooted in truth and not led astray by misleading voices. Let's embrace this call to be vigilant, plant ourselves in fertile spiritual soil, and flourish with love, joy, and righteousness.

Pastor Brigette Kimmer dives into the bold teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the choice between the world's easy road and the challenging, rewarding path of faith. Jesus urges us to embrace a life of authenticity and purpose, aligning with God's kingdom through acts like giving, praying, and forgiving. It highlights the inspiring story of Stephen, a true believer who stood firm and forgave even in the face of danger. She challenges us to ditch superficial paths and follow Jesus' transformative way, encouraging genuine commitment and reflection on our lives' true direction.

The time has come for another audio edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. Or at least it is time for me to produce one. I'm Sean Tubbs, the publisher at Town Crier Productions, an extravagant name for a company that describes the kind of journalism I produce as often as I can. I got my start in public radio and use audio from meetings to fuel my reporting. In this edition:* UVA Board of Visitors appoints law professor as interim president (learn more)* Community walk planned for Greenbrier neighborhood this Sunday (learn more)* Albemarle County expanding school zone speed camera locations while Charlottesville to start (coming soon)* A handful of Fifeville residents want Charlottesville to crack down on illegal fireworks (coming soon)* Weldon Cooper Center releases new population projections (learn more)* Another motion is filed in the legal case against the city's zoning code in advance of an August 13 hearing (learn more)* Albemarle Supervisor Michael Pruitt outlines steps he will take if elected to Congress (learn more)* Albemarle and Charlottesville recognize Soul of Cville with proclamations (learn more)Commercial sponsor: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Dive into a transformative message about the art of asking and receiving. This talk explores how approaching life with childlike boldness and curiosity can bring incredible opportunities. Discover the importance of persistence and seeking bigger dreams without letting realism dull your spark. Learn how genuine ask-and-receive energy, fueled by an expectation of good, can not only enhance your life but also impact the world around you positively.

In this message from The Jesus Way series, we're challenged to reconsider our approach to judgment. For apprentices of Jesus, it's not about avoiding judgments, but rather about being able to make judgments without being judgmental. Learn how healing our eyes, heart, and spirit can help us have hard conversations without having a hard heart.

At long last, another sonic edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. It's summertime and the podcasting isn't as easy due to a combination of travel, heat, and other factors but this edition will tide you over until the next version which may be in two weeks. Or perhaps on time? I'm Sean Tubbs, and if you've never heard one of these before, take a listen!In this edition:* Charlottesville City Council refers Development Code back to Planning Commission (learn more)* Charlottesville files motion asking Judge Worrell to reconsider default judgment (learn more)* Charlottesville Planning Commission reviews design for apartment building on Seminole Trail (learn more)* City Council briefed on budget scenarios for expanded service (learn more)* Albemarle Planning Commission discuss Comprehensive Plan's implementation chapter (learn more)* The Albemarle Board of Supervisors followed suit eight days later and some members want AC44 to speak to social belonging (learn more)Commercial shout-out: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

12 Articles With Great ESG Stock Picks. Includes the terrific Humankind ranking, top infrastructure, lithium mining, and AI stock picks. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 157, July 25, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 157, published on July 25, 2025, titled “12 Articles With Great ESG Stock Picks.” Before I begin, I want to let you know that my next podcast will be on August 22nd as I'm taking some time off. So, this podcast is presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your go-to site for vital global, ethical, and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content, including stock symbols and bonus material, on this episode's podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don't receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, please visit this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and additional company and stock information. I have a great crop of 12 articles for you in this podcast! Note that some companies are mentioned more than once! ------------------------------------------------------------- Humankind 100 rankings I'm beginning this episode with another of my favourite company rankings whose annual list has just been released. It's the Humankind 100 rankings. Here is an overview of them from their website. “The Humankind 100 celebrates the one hundred U.S. public companies with the highest Humankind Values. We believe these companies consistently work to create large amounts of value, not just for their investors, but for humanity at large. The Humankind 100 companies are ranked based on Humankind Value, a proprietary metric that provides an estimate of the overall dollar amount a company creates for investors, consumers, employees, and society at large, and are therefore among the most ethical companies in the United States, according to our research.” End quotes. Their top 5 companies are Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), Eli Lilly & Company (1LLY.MI), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), AbbVie Inc. (ABBV), and Pfizer Inc. (PFE). ------------------------------------------------------------- Infrastructure Stocks To Consider - July 12th This second article features a sector favoured by many ethical and sustainable investors. The article is titled Infrastructure Stocks To Consider - July 12th. It's by MarketBeat and seen on marketbeat.com. Here are some quotes from the article. “1. NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) provides graphics and compute and networking solutions in the United States, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and internationally. The Graphics segment offers GeForce GPUs for gaming and PCs, the GeForce NOW game streaming service and related infrastructure, and solutions for gaming platforms; Quadro/NVIDIA RTX GPUs for enterprise workstation graphics; virtual GPU or vGPU software for cloud-based visual and virtual computing; automotive platforms for infotainment systems; and Omniverse software for building and operating metaverse and 3D internet applications. 2. Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:COIN) provides financial infrastructure and technology for the crypto economy in the United States and internationally. The company offers the primary financial account in the crypto economy for consumers; and a marketplace with a pool of liquidity for transacting in crypto assets for institutions. Read Our Latest Research Report on COIN 3. Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) offers various products and platforms in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Google Services, Google Cloud, and Other Bets segments. The Google Services segment provides products and services, including ads, Android, Chrome, devices, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, Google Photos, Google Play, Search, and YouTube. Read Our Latest Research Report on GOOGL 4. Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) designs, develops, and supplies various semiconductor devices with a focus on complex digital and mixed signal complementary metal oxide semiconductor based devices and analog III-V based products worldwide. Read Our Latest Research Report on AVGO 5. Oracle (ORCL) offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Best Lithium Mining Stocks 2025: Buy Top Mining Stocks Now Every investor knows that lithium is a basic mineral for electric batteries. So, this next article will interest many investors. It's titled Best Lithium Mining Stocks 2025: Buy Top Mining Stocks Now. It's by Farmonaut and found on farmonaut.com. Here are some quotes by Farmonaut on each of their picks. “1. Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) headquartered in the USA, is the world's largest lithium producer… With operations spanning North America, South America, and Australia, Albemarle boasts: Diversified extraction & processing operations, including high-margin lithium brine and hard rock mining projects Ongoing investments to expand production capacity in Nevada (USA), Chile, and Australia A resilient supply chain and ability to scale output to meet global demand Strategic partnerships with leading EV battery makers Strong commitment to sustainable mining and ESG practices Albemarle's scale, geographic diversification, and innovation position it as one of the best performing mining stocks of 2025. 2. Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (or SQM) (NYSE: SQM) is South America's lithium market leader. Based in Santiago, Chile, SQM boasts some of the world's largest and lowest-cost lithium brine operations situated in the renowned Lithium Triangle (Chile, Argentina, Bolivia): Extensive lithium reserves & robust extraction technology, delivering high efficiency Geopolitical stability—Chile enjoys a relatively favorable mining regulatory environment compared to other regions Cost-effective production enables SQM to remain highly profitable even as competition heats up Continuous expansion to satisfy increasing global lithium demand for EV batteries and storage solutions Environmental sustainability programs, making SQM attractive for ESG-focused investors SQM competitive positioning ensures it remains a top choice in the best lithium mining stocks to buy for 2025. 3. Livent Corporation (NYSE: LTHM) distinguishes itself by focusing on high-purity lithium chemicals for next-generation battery technologies. With operations in the United States, Argentina, and China, Livent stands out for: Supplying premium lithium hydroxide and carbonate solutions for advanced battery manufacturers Strong partnerships with key players in the EV battery chain, including Tesla Expansion projects in Argentina and the U.S., boosting 2025 production capacity and flexibility ESG and sustainability initiatives for responsible lithium extraction Livent is uniquely positioned for specialty market growth, making it one of the best lithium mining stocks for investors eyeing niche applications and supply chain integration. 4. Piedmont Lithium (NASDAQ: PLL) though a smaller player, it has become a rising star by focusing on high-quality spodumene reserves in the United States—especially in North Carolina's Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt. Piedmont brings: Strategic U.S. supply source—critical for domestic battery manufacturers and government-led supply chain diversification Fast-tracked expansion projects supported by U.S. regulatory incentives and EV adoption targets Potential to benefit from blockchain-based traceability in mining—enhancing transparency for institutional investors Growing interest from global automakers and battery companies seeking secure lithium supply Piedmont's agility and domestic positioning could mean outsized growth as U.S. policy emphasizes onshoring critical battery mineral chains.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Infrastructure Stocks Powering the Next Wave of Innovations Now, like most investors, you probably are invested in AI stocks, either directly or via funds. Hence, this next article 5 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Infrastructure Stocks Powering the Next Wave of Innovations, should interest you. It's by Justin Pope and found on fool.com. Here is some of what Mr. Pope says about his picks. “1. Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) The company has maintained its winning position as it progressed from its previous Hopper architecture to its current Blackwell chips, and it expects to launch its next-generation architecture, with a CPU called Vera and a GPU called Rubin, next year. Analysts expect Nvidia's revenue to grow to $200 billion this year and $251 billion in 2026.  2. Amazon (AMZN) Web Services (AWS) has long been the world's leading cloud platform, with about 30% of the cloud infrastructure market today. Through the cloud, companies can access and deploy AI agents, models, and other software throughout their businesses. 3. Microsoft (MSFT) Its Azure is the world's second-largest cloud platform, with a market share of approximately 21%. Microsoft stands out from the pack for its deep ties with millions of corporate clients. 4. Arista Networks (ANET) sells high-end networking switches and software that help accomplish this. The company has already thrived in this golden age of data centers, with top clients including Microsoft and Meta Platforms, which happen to also be among the highest spenders on AI infrastructure. 5. Broadcom (AVGO) which specializes in designing semiconductors used for networking applications. For example, Arista Networks utilizes Broadcom's Tomahawk and Jericho silicon in the networking switches it builds for data centers. Broadcom's AI-related semiconductor sales increased by 46% year-over-year in the second quarter.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Ethical Companies To Invest In 2025 (ECL, MSFT, UNFI) The final reviewed article for this podcast episode is titled Ethical Companies To Invest In 2025 (ECL, MSFT, UNFI) and was written by the Analyst Team and seen on asktraders.com. Now a few quotes from the article by the Team. “1. Ecolab (ECL) a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions, presents a straightforward ethical narrative. Its products and services help businesses reduce water consumption, improve hygiene standards, and prevent infections, contributing directly to public health and environmental protection… Analyst ratings remain in line with current pricing, with Wells Fargo & Company reiterating a price target of $260.00 in May 2025. With the Ecolab stock price having gained 14% since the start of the year, the company has managed to outperform the market on the period whilst holding true to it's ethical standing. While its dividend yield of approximately 1.1% is slightly higher than others on the list, its P/E ratio of around 38x indicates a similar valuation based on future earnings potential. 2. Microsoft (MSFT) presents a complex ethical profile. On one hand, its commitment to carbon neutrality, investments in renewable energy, and initiatives to bridge the digital divide are commendable… The stock's impressive 20% YTD return and a consensus analyst price target of $475 reflect market confidence in its financial stability and future growth, primarily driven by its cloud and AI segments, making it one to keep on shortlists… While Microsoft offers a modest dividend yield of around 0.7%, its high P/E ratio of approximately 36x suggests a premium valuation reflecting its growth potential rather than a focus on immediate shareholder returns. The company's low debt-to-equity ratio underscores its financial strength, allowing it to invest heavily in research and development and pursue ambitious sustainability goals. 3. United Natural Foods (UNFI) stock has pulled back ~15% this year, although remains firmly higher over the past 12 months, with a gain of more than 70%. The company, a leading distributor of natural, organic, and specialty foods, presents the most challenging investment case with the recent cyber incident causing a sharp pullback in the stock. This could in fact be an opportunity… Unlike Microsoft and Ecolab, United Natural Foods does not offer a dividend, reflecting its current financial constraints. Its low P/E ratio of around 8x suggests a deeply discounted valuation, reflecting the market's skepticism about its turnaround prospects. Recent earnings on July 16 beat expectations, however, and the stock is on the move with an 8% gain immediately off the back.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- More articles of interest from around the world for ethical and sustainable investors 1. Title: Top 10: Wind Power Companies on energydigital.com. By Jasmin Jessen. 2. Title: Ethical Companies To Invest In 2025 (ECL, MSFT, UNFI) on AskTraders.com. By Analyst Team. 3. Title: The Green Gold Rush: Why Techem's $6.7B Sale Signals a Buying Opportunity on ainvest.com. By Wesley Park. 4. Title: AJ Bell adds Rathbone Ethical Bond to buy list on portfolio-advisor.com. By Christian Mayes. 5. Title: Procter & Gamble Named Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock on ainvest.com. By Ainvest. 6. Title: 11 Best Halal Dividend Stocks to Buy Now on insidermonkey.com. By Vardah Gill. 7. Title: JPMorgan Picks 3 Top Stocks In Alternative Energy On Heels Of Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' - First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR), Brookfield Renewable (NYSE:BEPC), and HASI (NYSE:HASI) on benzinga.com. By Priya Nigam. ------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Comment These are my top news stories with their stock and fund tips for this podcast, “12 Articles With Great ESG Stock Picks.” Please click the like and subscribe buttons wherever you download or listen to this podcast. That helps bring these podcasts to others like you. And please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. Let's promote ethical and sustainable investing as a force for hope and prosperity in these deeply troubled times! Contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for listening. As I mentioned earlier, I'm taking some time off, so I'll talk to you next on August 22nd. Bye for now.   © 2025 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul

In this message from The Jesus Way,, Wes Byrd urges us to focus on Jesus, not on worries about money and possessions. He uses Matthew 6:19-34 to show that our real treasure is knowing God. Wes shares personal stories, including his father's unshakeable faith, to illustrate how trusting Jesus brings peace, even when life feels uncertain. He challenges us to practice faith daily and to seek God above all else. By doing this, we find true light and purpose, knowing Jesus will provide.

What is the purpose of journalism? What is the purpose of the government? What makes up society? How did we get here? All the questions David Byrne asked in Once in a Lifetime? This is the audio edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement, a podcast that features audio versions of stories that have gone out in the written version. To add to the confusion, there's also Information Charlottesville which is intended to capture all of these stories in one place for future people to look back toward.Now, what's up this time?* Speakers seek answers on next steps for zoning in Charlottesville (learn more)* City Manager Sanders provides status report on various initiatives (learn more)* Charlottesville City Council gets update on ANCHOR program (learn more)* Applications being taken for Charlottesville Boards and Commissions (learn more)* Speakers tell Charlottesville City Council of what they say are threats to U.S. Constitution (must produce)* Albemarle Planning Commission recommends approval of more residential units at Brookhill (need to produce)Today's experimental sponsor is Westwind Flowers. You can hear a more detailed description in the audio above, just after the show's billboard. Why experimental? If you're interested, respond to this email and I can share some information. An explanation of #895-AThis is coming out much earlier than usual, just as the Week Ahead for the period beginning July 14 will also be out earlier. I'm taking a road trip which means making adjustments. However, as a one-person operation, that doesn't mean the work will stop. Hundreds of you are paying me to do this work, and so I do! I'm absolutely grateful. Sunday is also the fifth anniversary of the newsletter. I've not done anything too terribly special for it except decide to go on a road trip which will keep me away from the screen for most of the day. Instead I'll see a good chunk of the country as I help out a friend. In any case, do take a listen if you've not heard one of these before. I got my professional start in public radio and realized fairly on that no public radio station in their right mind would hire me because in the early 2000's I was quite critical of the shrinking amount of time available for local stories. So, stubborn old me created the Charlottesville Podcasting Network in 2005, a website I still maintain but won't send you a link because I've not figured out how to fix something. And then I created a podcast called the Charlottesville Quarantine Report in March 2020 out of a desperate need to return to journalism. The podcast gets about a tenth of the audience, but I believe it's the best version of the work I do. I love being able to mix in people's voices, and there's so much more to be done. However, I'm a one-person operation with many ideas to unfurl. Thanks to paid subscribers for helping to keep this thing sailing along and let's hope I find the map. Charlottesville Community Engagement is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

The podcast edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement marks the end of the workweek for the devoted staff at Town Crier Productions and the beginning of the next one. The mission is to write as much as possible and to always strive to capture more. The podcast edition reaches about a tenth of the audience for the written version. From a production standpoint, they're the same thing - stories about the community that may help you understand some of the shifting dynamics. I'm Sean Tubbs, and I'm glad to be able to bring this information to you.On this edition:* Inaugural director of Manning Institute of Biotechnology shares vision with UVA Board (learn more)* UVA surpasses $6 billion in major fundraising campaign (learn more)* Charlottesville Planning Commission briefed on forthcoming updates to zoning code (learn more)* UVA provides update on construction projects to Charlottesville Planning Commission (learn more)* City parks and recreation put garden plot term limits on hold (learn more)* Albemarle County Supervisors get briefings on the cost of county services as well as economic development (stories come out on Monday)Charlottesville Community Engagement is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Soul-searching SaturdayThere are no shout-outs in the print edition but I'll take this Saturday afternoon to write up the current state of that form of public announcements. I've strived to be transparent with how my company makes revenue.Prior to launching this newsletter on July 13, 2020, I launched a Patreon account for people who wanted to provide seed money for the overall venture. I did not know how I would distribute the work. At the time, my work consisted of a podcast called the Charlottesville Quarantine Report.That went out through Simplecast, and I still pay $15 a month to host the work until I can figure out a more permanent place for it to live. I think it is a valuable archive of a time in history. If you want to hear one, go back and listen to the June 8, 2020 edition which gave an update on what local government was doing.Producing that program made me want to move forward with this newsletter, which was a podcast for almost all of the first 700 editions. These were very short in nature at first but expanded over time as I got used to doing the work.If you look at the print version of the July 13, 2020 edition, there is no shout-out. There are also no pictures. No headlines. It's literally a radio script. If you take a listen, you'll hear a shout-out to Rapture. I put that in as a placeholder as I spent some time in public radio and wanted to do something. At the time, the place had reopened under COVID rules and it was where I spent time away from home.In the July 15, 2020 edition, I noted that Mead Oriental Rugs was supporting the show in both the print and the written versions. I'm friends with the owner. There was no money exchanged.In the fourth version, College Inn was a shout-out. One of the owners let me do this and I don't remember if we had any sort of an arrangement or not. They're now gone.This continued for those first few weeks with me adding in others here and there, even promoting the Charlottesville Podcasting Network. That's the site I created in 2005 as an experiment in audio distribution.By the 14th edition of the newsletter, I began to implement something from the Patreon world. For most of the time of the site, if you paid $25 a month through Patreon, you'd get a certain number of “shout-outs” in the newsletter. I began to track these, as there were many people willing to support the work.And so on. Now we're up to 879 editions of the regular newsletter, and over 315 editions of the Week Ahead newsletter. All produced by one person. However, the business has grown incrementally, and there is now much in the shout-out system that needs to be fixed.I'm hoping to do that over the course of the year. I'm no longer taking any new requests under the old system but I have two paid advertisers who are going to work with me as I begin to put the new system in place. This will be a mixture of message here in Substack, banner ads on Information Charlottesville, as well as mentions in the podcast.The shout-out will continue and the new policy will contain some way of getting public service announcements. There are thousands of you reading this newsletter and I suspect that number will grow as more people learn.Now I need to get going because the next set of stories beckon. Thank you for reading to this point if you did. If you didn't read to this point, please know I'm waving at you and saying hello anyway.Thanks for reading Charlottesville Community Engagement ! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

The end of the week at Town Crier Productions means it is time for another audio edition produced in the form of a podcast! Newer readers may not know that for many years, all of these versions went out in sonic form. Will that ever happen again? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Perhaps all effort in the future will go toward a version not unlike Bazooka Joe comics? In any case, I'm Sean Tubbs and it may be time to get on with the show.In this edition:* Charlottesville City Manager Sam Sanders addresses several issues including FEI, Sanctuary City list, arrest of man who painted crosswalk across Elliott Avenue (learn more)* Sanders reduces contingency spending request after appearing on Sanctuary City list (learn more)* All bids for Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail renovation exceed budget (learn more)* Albemarle County Supervisors deny a request to fill in the floodplain for an industrial building in the Woolen Mills* Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority adopts budget for FY2026, $550 million capital improvement program (learn more)Charlottesville Community Engagement is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.First shout-out: Plant Virginia NativesSpring is here and there's still time to plan for upgrades to your outdoors. You can take some time to get ready for spring! Check out Plant Virginia Natives!Plant Virginia Natives is part of a partnership with ten regional campaigns for ten different ecosystems across Virginia, from the Northern Piedmont to the Eastern Shore. Take a look at the full map below for the campaign for native species where you are in the Commonwealth. For the Charlottesville area, download a free copy of the handbook: Piedmont Native Plants: A Guide for Landscapes and Gardens.Plant Northern Piedmont Natives is for anyone who works with native plants, whether you are a property owner, private consultant, landscape designer, nursery operator, conservation group, or local government.Second shout out: Cville Village?Can you drive a neighbor to a doctor's appointment? Change an overhead lightbulb, plant a flower, walk a dog for someone who is sick, visit someone who is lonely? If so, Cville Village needs you!Cville Village is a local 501c3 nonprofit organization loosely affiliated with a national network of Villages whose goals are to help seniors stay in their own homes as long as possible, and to build connections among them that diminish social isolation. Volunteers do small chores for, and have gatherings of, professors and schoolteachers, nurses and lawyers, aides and housekeepers. Time and chance come to all – a fall, an order not to drive, failing eyesight, a sudden stroke. They assist folks continue living at home, with a little help from their friends.Cville Village volunteers consult software that shows them who has requested a service and where they are located. Volunteers accept only the requests that fit their schedule and their skills.Volunteering for Cville Village can expand your circle of friends and shower you with thanks.To learn more, visit cvillevillage.org or attend one of their monthly Village “meet-ups” and see for yourself. To find out where and when the next meetup is, or to get more information and a volunteer application, email us at info@cvillevillage.org, or call them at (434) 218-3727. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I'm joined by Rodney French for an in-depth look at the incredible freshwater fishing opportunities around the Norfolk and Virginia Beach area! From his early fishing roots to his passion for exploring untapped waters, Rodney shares his journey and breaks down some of the best fisheries in the region.We cover a wide range of hotspots including the Chowan River, Albemarle Sound, Back Bay, James River, Western Branch Reservoir, Lake Burnt Mills, Lake Lawson, Lake Smith, and more! Whether you're a local angler or planning a trip to southeastern Virginia, this episode is packed with local knowledge and tips you won't want to miss!

In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf sits down with Bradley Sullivan at the Charlotte Motor Speedway to dive into Bradley's unique journey as a Memory Maker at Broad River Retail. Bradley, affectionately known as Sully, recounts his path from his early days in the furniture business, his meaningful recruitment experience at the transformative Purpose 8:28 event (Bradley's 'Day Zero' in Fort Mill, South Carolina, on August 28, 2019), and his rise through various leadership roles within the Company—from his start in Cary as an AGM with Michael Childers, to taking on the GM role in Bull City, to revamping the culture at the Ashley Outlet in Charlotte, N.C., on South Boulevard (which changed its identity during Bradley's tenure from the Boulevard Bulldogs to the "Boulevard Believe"), and now leading the Albemarle Aces to success. Bradley's remarkable story is marked by resilience, personal growth, and a knack for seeing potential in the underdog. Throughout the conversation, Bradley emphasizes his love for developing people, not just selling furniture. He highlights how culture is the cornerstone of thriving stores and shares heartfelt stories about the Albemarle Aces' journey to becoming a top-performing memory-making group, including winning the North American Ashley Store of the Month a record-setting three times within the past five months. The discussion also explores the importance of confidence, overcoming setbacks, and the challenge of consistency in retail. Bradley gives a special shoutout to the individual Memory Makers who make the Albemarle Aces shine, reinforcing the deep bonds and connections that drive success within Broad River Retail. Additional Resources: Broad River's Original Purpose Summit, Purpose 8:28 (held on 8.28.2019) - https://www.purpose828.com   Watch this episode YouTube:  https://youtu.be/3irD0s0Rpic  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com                              Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf sits down with Bradley Sullivan at the Charlotte Motor Speedway to dive into Bradley's unique journey as a Memory Maker at Broad River Retail. Bradley, affectionately known as Sully, recounts his path from his early days in the furniture business, his meaningful recruitment experience at the transformative Purpose 8:28 event (Bradley's 'Day Zero' in Fort Mill, South Carolina, on August 28, 2019), and his rise through various leadership roles within the Company—from his start in Cary as an AGM with Michael Childers, to taking on the GM role in Bull City, to revamping the culture at the Ashley Outlet in Charlotte, N.C., on South Boulevard (which changed its identity during Bradley's tenure from the Boulevard Bulldogs to the "Boulevard Believe"), and now leading the Albemarle Aces to success. Bradley's remarkable story is marked by resilience, personal growth, and a knack for seeing potential in the underdog. Throughout the conversation, Bradley emphasizes his love for developing people, not just selling furniture. He highlights how culture is the cornerstone of thriving stores and shares heartfelt stories about the Albemarle Aces' journey to becoming a top-performing memory-making group, including winning the North American Ashley Store of the Month a record-setting three times within the past five months. The discussion also explores the importance of confidence, overcoming setbacks, and the challenge of consistency in retail. Bradley gives a special shoutout to the individual Memory Makers who make the Albemarle Aces shine, reinforcing the deep bonds and connections that drive success within Broad River Retail. Additional Resources: Broad River's Original Purpose Summit, Purpose 8:28 (held on 8.28.2019) - https://www.purpose828.com   Watch this episode YouTube:  https://youtu.be/3irD0s0Rpic  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com                              Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Brace yourselves now for another sonic edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement with audio versions of stories that have already gone out in this feed. These podcasts also appear in radio form on WTJU on Saturday morning at 6 a.m. but you can decide when you to listen the podcast. I'm Sean Tubbs, and I could decide to wait to produce it, but then everything would go stale.In this edition:* The executives in charge of Albemarle, Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia talk collaboration and innovation at the Tom Tom Festival (learn more)* City Council votes 3-1 to approve special use permit for commercial lodging at 401 Ridge Street (learn more)* Charlottesville City Council holds first reading on pass-through grant for police technology (learn more)* Charlottesville City Council also votes to approve a new lease for the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial Foundation for their memorial in McIntire Park (story not online yet)First shout-out: Celebrating the community's other information organizations!There are a lot of stories each week that go out through this newsletter, but no one information outlet can put together the entire picture. That's why each regular edition ends with a section called Reading Material.Charlottesville is fortunate to have a media landscape that includes the Charlottesville Daily Progress, C-Ville Weekly, Charlottesville Tomorrow, and Cville Right Now, I curate links from these sources because I believe a truly informed community needs multiple perspectives.There's also the Cavalier Daily, Vinegar Hill Magazine, the Fluvanna Review, the Crozet Gazette, NBC29, CBS19, and other sources. But if you look every day, you'll find links to articles in national publications, all linked to give you more perspectives on some of the issues of our times.Now more than ever, journalism is needed. To be a citizen of a democracy, you must seek information from multiple sources. Consume only one and you are at risk of becoming a zombie!Second shout-out: Advertise on Information CharlottesvilleLong-time readers may know that most of the stories posted through this newsletter are also posted to Information Charlottesville. Sometimes the stories go there first! Both this newsletter and that website are part of the same information gathering operation, an operation I hope to continue to grow!There are multiple ways to contribute to Town Crier Productions.One new one is to place an advertisement on Information Charlottesville. I'm in the early days of experimenting with visual ways for organizations to get their message across to a growing audience. I've not yet put together a media kit, but I'm ready to offer a special for March. What's the special? More details in the audio version of the podcasts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

The I Love CVille Show headlines: What Does Greystar Project Say About Home Ownership? Albemarle Middle Class Now Destined To Be Renters? John Blair Compelling Insight On Greystar Project CAAR Q1, 2025 Report: News, Notes & Tidbits VHSL Approves Updated Transgender Sports Policy CVille Biz Spotlight: Vivace Has It Figured Out ACC Men's Hoops Will Cut 2 Games, Move To 18 Downtown Office 4 Rent: $395 Per Month W/ Utilities Read Viewer & Listener Comments Live On-Air The I Love CVille Show airs live Monday – Friday from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm on The I Love CVille Network. Watch and listen to The I Love CVille Show on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, iTunes, Apple Podcast, YouTube, Spotify, Fountain, Amazon Music, Audible, Rumble and iLoveCVille.com.

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) Charlottesville Community Engagement is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.First shout-out: Piedmont Master Gardeners Plant Sale coming up this SaturdayThe 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 12A 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'llexplain 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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

US President Trump said he is going to make a fair deal with China on trade; predicts that China will eat the tariffs.APAC stocks failed to sustain the positive handover from Wall St and traded mixed; Chinese official PMIs disappointed.European equity futures indicate a contained cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 future flat after the cash market closed with losses of 0.2% on Tuesday.DXY is a touch higher and building on yesterday's slight gains, EUR/USD is back on a 1.13 handle, AUD leads post-CPI.Looking ahead, highlights include French GDP, German Import Prices, Retail Sales, Unemployment Rate, GDP, CPI, Italian GDP, CPI, EZ GDP, US ADP, GDP, PCE (Q1 & for March), ECI, BoC Minutes, BoE's Lombardelli, Supply from UK, Germany & US.Earnings from Microsoft, Meta, Robinhood, Qualcomm, Albemarle, eBay, Humana, Caterpillar, International Paper, GE Healthcare, Hess, Airbus, Credit Agricole, TotalEnergies, SocGen, UBS, DHL, Kion, Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, Barclays, GSK, Segro & Glencore.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

US President Trump said he is going to make a fair deal with China on trade; predicts that China will eat the tariffs.Stocks trade tentatively ahead of a slew of key risk events, including US GDP/PCE and earnings from Microsoft & Meta.USD looks to build on Tuesday's advances, EUR overlooks strong GDP, AUD is supported by hot CPI.USTs are contained into data & refunding, EGBs firmer but largely unaffected by a data deluge.Subdued trade across industrial commodities amid uncertainty and overall downbeat Chinese PMIs.Looking ahead, US ADP, GDP, PCE (Q1 & for March), ECI, BoC Minutes, Comments from BoE's Lombardelli, US Quarterly Refunding.Earnings from, Microsoft, Meta, Robinhood, Qualcomm, Albemarle, eBay, Humana, Caterpillar, International Paper, GE Healthcare, Hess.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

The I Love CVille Show headlines: CVille Area Shocked & Shaken w/ ICE Courthouse Raid Albemarle Co Sheriff Issues ICE Raid Statement Albemarle Co Commonwealth Attorney Statement Is ICE Indignation Fair, Or Just Doing Their Job? Can Civilians Now Wear Masks And Video In Courts? Most Important Downtown Restaurant From Visibility? City's Dairy Rd Estate Sells For $3.5M (Top In History) Office For Rent $475 Monthly All Utilities Included Read Viewer & Listener Comments Live On-Air The I Love CVille Show airs live Monday – Friday from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm on The I Love CVille Network. Watch and listen to The I Love CVille Show on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, iTunes, Apple Podcast, YouTube, Spotify, Fountain, Amazon Music, Audible, Rumble and iLoveCVille.com.

This week's episode plunges into the mysterious depths of the creepiest and most haunting swamp locations. As two investigators who often find us immersed in swamp-like settings, we thought it would be thrilling to spotlight some of the most spine-chilling places brimming with paranormal activity.In this episode, we delve into the eerie Great Dismal Swamp, Manchac Swamp, Honey Island Swamp, and Bear Creek Swamp. We'll uncover tales of ghostly apparitions, chilling urban legends, a Bigfoot-like cryptid, and a bizarre event from 2014, where 21 porcelain dolls were discovered impaled in one of these swampy areas.Beyond the chilling accounts, we'll explore the fascinating history behind these locations, share some personal insights, and ponder the forces that may make these swamps hotspots for paranormal occurrences. It's an episode packed with mystery, intrigue, and spine-tingling stories that you definitely don't want to miss!Small Disclaimer/ correction: In the episode we state that Drummond was the first governor of North Carolina which isn't entirely true. Drummond was the first governor of the Province of Albemarle which is now part of North Carolina. This was done under the Lords Proprietors in the 1600s during the colonial period before North Carolina was a state. Ways to Get In Contact With UsEmail: Hiddenintheshadowspodcast@gmail.comWebsite: Coming Soon: hiddenintheshadows.comLink to All Socials: Hiddenintheshadowspodcast | Instagram, TikTok | LinktreeLovin' the intro and outro music?"Swamp Witch”Our other intro Music: "Stacy Dahl" by MaudlinWant to hear more from Maudlin? Check them out on social media!Tik Tok: @maudlinInstagram: @maudlinListen on Spotify and YouTube!Special thanks for all the copyright free YouTube sound effects account that gave the perfect vibes to this episode.Dark Ambient- Horror Background Music No Copyright By: THRLLPaddle In Canoe Sound Effect: Played N Faved-Sound EffectsWoman Crying and Sobbing Sound Effect: SoundEffectsFactory(Free) Horror Ambiance- Ominous Background Music By ESN productionsTense Horror Music No Copyright Loop “Scary Forest” by Gravity SoundHave a paranormal experience to share? Reach out to us! Send us a message on social media, fill out our contact form, or shoot us an email (Hiddenintheshadowspodcast@gmail.com)Get ready for more spooky content coming soon! Follow us for updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick and Gio welcome Andrew McBride. Andrew McBride is the CEO of Integrity Bridge LLC, a consulting practice offering strategic & operational compliance support for companies. Andrew has over 25 years of compliance experience, at an international law firm and several multinational companies in the Americas, Europe and Australasia. In his most recent role as Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Albemarle Corporation, he built a new ethics and compliance program, and recruited a new team, against the backdrop of an FCPA investigation. The investigation was resolved by way of a Non-Prosecution Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and Cease & Desist Order with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. As part of the resolution, Albemarle secured a 45% reduction in penalty due to its co-operation with the investigation and the compliance program that was built, the largest FCPA % penalty reduction to date. In recognition of these efforts Albemarle was awarded Compliance Program of the Year by Compliance Week in May 2024. In parallel to the FCPA investigation and business ethics efforts, Andrew played a key role supporting Albemarle's commitment to sustainability including UN Global Compact membership, management of the company's human rights framework and support for the company's successful efforts to achieve certification against the Initiative of Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)'s Mining Standard. Prior to Albemarle, Andrew was Associate General Counsel Compliance at BHP, Senior Antitrust Counsel at BP and Managing Associate at Linklaters. Andrew is admitted to practice law in England, Western Australia & California. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner.