Good morning, Charlottesville.

Indivisible Charlottesville hosted a Sing to the Polls event today to urge local residents to vote early (a musical nod to civic engagement).

NeighborWorks America honored Carmelita Wood, president of Fifeville Neighborhood Association, with the Dorothy Richardson Award for her work keeping the neighborhood affordable and pushing for a local grocery store.

She hopes more neighbors join future efforts (a sign of renewed community drive).

Carmelita Wood, president of Fifeville Neighborhood Association, was honored with the Dorothy Richardson Award by NeighborWorks America for her work in keeping homes affordable and pushing for a new grocery store in the neighborhood.

She expects more locals to join the association as it builds on its success.

The Albemarle County School Board held a public hearing Thursday to choose a new at-large member.

The board will decide next Thursday at 5 p.m. and swear in the winner at the Oct. 8 meeting — a step aimed at rebuilding trust — as it addresses challenges.

Local nonprofit Martin Horn Helps is sponsoring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program for over 2,500 Charlottesville children.

Book deliveries paused during the summer due to funding shortfalls will resume in October (after a break of two months).

Early voting kicked off Friday as Sen. Mark Warner and candidate Tom Perriello greeted voters downtown, setting the stage for November’s midterm elections.

Charlottesville opened an emergency low-barrier shelter at 2000 Holiday Dr on Sept.

1 — police reported no rise in calls near the facility. The shelter now houses 68 of 70 beds and the city is working with community partners to develop a permanent solution and manage nearby encampments.

Health officials from the Blue Ridge Poison Control Center report that mislabeled products sold as cat’s claw across Virginia have been found to contain kratom, an opioid-like substance that can cause serious side effects (including breathing trouble) and they expect regulators to enforce stricter oversight soon.

Wastewater surveillance that began during the coronavirus pandemic is now used to track flu and other viruses in Charlottesville.

The permanent program collects data from 30 sites (a statewide network) to help state and federal agencies act on emerging public health threats.

Caring for Creatures in Charlottesville advises older adults to consider pet adoption by matching an animal's energy and needs with personal lifestyle, noting that pets offer companionship and daily structure.

The nonprofit also stresses a plan for pet care (if circumstances change) to support long-term well-being.

Virginia women’s soccer overcame Miami 3–0 at Klöckner Stadium Thursday night — Addison Halpern scored twice and Aniyah Collier opened the scoring — and the Cavaliers will play North Carolina in Charlottesville at 7 p.m. on Sept.

25.