Good morning, Charlottesville.

Organizations and residents gathered on Jan.

17 for the 'Growing Response to Climate Change' event in Charlottesville to address regional food access issues. Climate action program manager Jamie Powers said discussions focused on creating sustainable solutions for healthy, affordable food.

Two families achieved home ownership on Saturday as Habitat for Humanity held a dedication ceremony (in Albemarle County) to mark new beginnings for local residents.

Charlottesville’s Dave Matthews performed six songs Saturday night at Richmond’s historic inaugural ball celebrating Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who was sworn in on the Capitol steps.

Top state officials attended the event at Main Street Station.

At U.Va., the Belles—its oldest all-female a cappella group—hold challenging auditions with warm-ups and callbacks to select around four to six new members each semester.

Their spring concert is scheduled for April 11, showcasing a range of songs that blend vocal talent with strong camaraderie.

The University of Virginia offers Writing with Sound, a class that teaches 16 students podcast production from script to editing.

The course, featuring projects on topics like failure and mental wellness, airs on Spotify + Apple Podcasts and a new section begins in Spring 2026.

Residents in Albemarle County can join a Citizens Police Academy that offers ride-alongs & virtual reality simulators for a look at daily police work.

The three-day program runs each Saturday from Feb. 21 to Mar. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with applications due by Feb. 10.

Community members gathered for Save a Life Saturday at Jefferson School City Center to learn CPR, bleeding control & overdose response through hands-on practice in the historic space.

Attendees moved room to room to build skills needed to act quickly during emergencies.

Sentara Martha Jefferson opened its $10 million Early Learning Center on Friday to serve 150 children from hospital staff & community members.

The new center follows decades of planning to meet local childcare needs.

A local commuter recounted his everyday train ride from Charlottesville station to Washington, D.C. noting that although the ride is slow and seats are worn out, it offers a moment of reflection and small friendly chats with fellow passengers + sharing advice to put aside tech and enjoy the journey.

The Virginia men’s squash team won a 7–2 game against Princeton on Jan.

10 at the McArthur Squash Center — they swept Tufts 9–0 on Jan. 17, while the women rebounded from a shutout loss to Princeton by sweeping Tufts 9–0 in Springfield, Va. The wins boost their postseason hopes.

Virginia’s swimming meet Saturday in Christiansburg saw the women set five pool records to remain unbeaten at 7-0 while the men lost 157-104 to unranked Virginia Tech; they will face NC State next weekend.

Gia Ray Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of soulful tunes with Gia Ray, highlighting themes of life's challenges and isolation.

NC State Wolfpack vs. Virginia Cavaliers Women's Basketball Game

5-7 p.m. — John Paul Jones Arena — Free trial available — Catch the thrilling showdown between NC State and Virginia in women's college basketball.

Susto Stringband Performance

7-10 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket info not specified — Experience the vibrant sounds of the Susto Stringband as they present their debut album.

Lettuce Concert

8-10 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Ticket information available — Experience a genre-busting performance by Lettuce, a six-member musical collective.

Joe Jordan Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket info not provided — Experience engaging storytelling through honest lyrics and live guitar music.

Dar Williams Live Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening of captivating music from singer-songwriter Dar Williams along with Seth Glier and Ward Williams.

David Foster Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Paramount Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of one of the most illustrious composers of our time performing live.

Tim O'Brien Concert

8-10 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Check venue for cost — Enjoy an evening of folk and rock music with acclaimed artist Tim O'Brien.

Langhorne Slim Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Tickets available — Experience the raw emotion and spirit of modern Americana with Langhorne Slim's latest music.

Father Daughter Dance

6-8 p.m. — Carver Recreation Center — Price per couple; register daughter only — Dads, uncles, and grandpas take your little valentines for a night of fun dancing.