Good morning, Charlottesville.

Salvation Army has named Aimee Andrews as Director of Development to lead the final phase of its 'Hope Has a Place' capital campaign—she served from 2020-2023 and now will help raise the $9 million needed for a new 47,000 sqft Center of Hope by the end of summer.

Darden Towe Park's expanded pickleball courts, now 12 in number, will host a grand opening celebration Saturday, June 20 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

The event, organized by the Albemarle County Parks Foundation and Central Virginia Pickleball through community fundraising, features open play and games for all.

Z95.1 received first-place honors for its Christmas Greetings promotion and 95.5 3WV won top recognition for its McDonough Toyota spot at the Virginia Association of Broadcasters summer convention in Virginia Beach this past weekend (both stations are part of Charlottesville Media Group).

Swords Into Plowshares hosted a meeting at The Haven on June 8 to invite community feedback on turning the removed Lee monument’s bronze remains into new art for Market Street Park (featuring proposals like steel rings and bronze tree designs).

The winning team will be announced on July 10.

Albemarle County Public Schools will open a Family Assistance Center tomorrow at Journey Middle School to offer information and emotional support to students, families and staff.

The center, featuring small-group discussions (scheduled at set times), will operate every Thursday until early August.

UVa revised plans for its new data center at Fontaine Research Park in Albemarle County; the project will now be a three-story building costing $102 million to construct.

On Tuesday, candidate Tom Perriello held a press event in Charlottesville urging Congressman McGuire to sign a petition for a federal law protecting contraception access, following new state legislation.

Early voting for the 5th District primary begins this Friday.

A Charlottesville advocacy group, Court Square Enslavement Memorial (CSEM), asked the city council on Monday, June 15 to restore a historical plaque marking a former slave auction block removed in 2002.

The group has raised private funds for the marker to honor local history.

Charlottesville City Council will vote Monday on a plan to upgrade the West Main and Ridge Street intersection, aiming to ease traffic and improve pedestrian safety near local businesses.

The decision could lead to significant improvements on one of the busiest roads in the city.

Thomas Rayner, a 62-year-old retiree, is biking across the country on a 65-day journey to promote free health care for the uninsured.

He stopped at the local Free Clinic as part of his Miles of Care tour and will continue his ride to support multiple sclerosis research.

A grand opening celebration for the expanded pickleball courts at Darden Towe Park is set for Saturday, June 20 from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

The expansion doubled the courts from six to twelve using community fundraising and approvals from the Darden Towe Parks Committee.

Sounds of Summer Concert

6-8 p.m. — Tonsler Recreation Center — Free entry — Kick off summer with live music from the 100 Proof Go Go Band and tasty treats from Carnelos Burritos.

Life Hacks for Distracted Brains

5:30-8 p.m. — Graduate by Hilton Charlottesville — Ticketed event — Explore research-based strategies to manage distractions in our busy lives.

Shawn Mullins Concert

8 p.m. — The Southern Café & Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of melodic storytelling with Shawn Mullins in a cozy venue.