Good morning, Charlottesville.

On Tuesday, July 14, Blue Ridge Home Builders Association volunteers worked with Habitat for Humanity at Southwood (a 1,000-unit mixed-income redevelopment) to advance affordable housing.

The project will add over 500 affordable homes and help ease the local housing shortage.

The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation awarded $230,000 to 11 nonprofits across Central Virginia as part of its Solidarity Grant Program.

The funding supports groups making community impact amid federal cuts — organizations like the City of Promise and Legal Aid Justice Center will benefit from the boost.

Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless will launch its first Summer Point in Time Count next week to estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness in Charlottesville+ Organizers plan to record data at community locations to guide local support efforts.

The Rotary Club of Charlottesville has paused shipments for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library due to funding shortfalls affecting 2,600 families — it is seeking a new partner to fund the program.

Louisa County cattle farmers face a third month of extreme drought that has reduced hay crops to about 25% and forced them to import feed.

An extension agent warned that potential water advisories may further challenge irrigated crops.

Linda Blum of Piedmont Master Gardeners advises residents to water deeply early in the day, cover soil with about four inches of mulch, and focus on watering roots as drought challenges gardens this summer.

The group will be at the Albemarle County Fair for more advice.

Students and community members have petitioned school boards to improve recycling and composting in area schools (with nearly 300 signatures) as the Green Teen Alliance urges a shift to paper-and-metal-only recycling, clearly labeled bins, and staff-managed waste handling.

Coach Tony Elliott announced that transfer quarterback Beau Pribula will start this season, as confirmed during ACC media sessions in Charlotte.

UVA expects Pribula to develop strong on-field chemistry during camp.

The Barber of Seville

2-5 p.m. — The Paramount Theater — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience the charming and comedic operatic classic by Rossini sung in Italian with English supertitles.

Lyle Lovett Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Paramount Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the storytelling and musical fusion of Lyle Lovett in a captivating live performance.

Coey Redd Live Performance

8 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sounds of Coey Redd in an iconic Charlottesville venue.

35th Chihamba Cultural Arts Festival

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Booker T. Washington Park — Free entry — Celebrate diverse cultural heritage with vibrant performances and artistic expressions.

Vincent Zorn Live Music

12-4 p.m. — Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards — Cost TBD — Enjoy award-winning wine and Latin guitar with stunning views.

The Masons Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket information required — Experience live music in a vibrant setting.