Good morning, Charlottesville.

Center Church Charlottesville said on Sept.

30 it is trying to buy the former Big Lots building at 590 Branchlands Blvd. The church will change the 45,654-square-foot building into a ministry hub — if the sale goes through.

Liberty Mills Farm closed its corn maze and pumpkin patch starting Wednesday after owners Kent and Evie Woods were threatened with physical violence and racial insults from customers over the weekend.

They offered refunds to those with advanced tickets and said they will decide over the winter if they will reopen the Somerset farm next year.

The DOJ accused U.Va. of mishandling an alleged antisemitism case from October 2024 that involved repeated antisemitic texts, a confrontation, and a firearm incident at a former fraternity house where fourth-year student E.N. was targeted—Robert Romer now faces felony and misdemeanor charges as legal proceedings continue amid conflicting resident accounts.

Charlottesville poet MaKshya Tolbert celebrates her debut collection Shade is place (inspired by her shade walks around the Downtown Mall's trees and architecture) and will have it on sale November 4 (through Penguin Random House).

Director Hikari showed her new film Rental Family as the closing film at the Virginia Film Festival at the Paramount Theater.

It will open in theaters on Nov. 21 and stars Brendan Fraser as an actor who works with a paid family service — a sign that Hikari is a rising talent.

American director Richard Linklater showed his new movie Nouvelle Vague at the Virginia Film Festival Sunday—this film tells the story of Jean-Luc Godard making Breathless and stars actor Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg.

At the University, students had problems when GrubHub was replaced by the beta app WahooEats, which brought long lines and glitches.

Fourth-year students Calhoun and Kitzmann said the incident shows a need for student self-governance on technology issues — they called for a Student Technology Council to let students help decide campus tech.

The University of Virginia declared its new Screenwriting Club as a Contracted Independent Organization in spring—bringing together 14 members who meet twice weekly for table-read script sessions and guest speaker events to boost their screenwriting skills.

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank leaders welcomed Gov. Youngkin's Tuesday announcement that set up the VENA program to use $1 million in emergency funds for food banks if the shutdown continues — they have not yet received details on how much will come to their region.

Albemarle County will host a community wellness meeting today at 6 p.m. at the county office building—where local leaders discuss challenges and solutions.

Presentations from UVA, Piedmont Virginia Community College and Blue Ridge Health District will share plans including the Community Wellbeing Profile, Orange Dot Report and Mapp2health plan—providing updated insights.

Virginia's basketball team features 12 new players including seven transfers and five freshmen as Coach Ryan Odom builds a tall, fast-paced roster focused on character—three of whom are local stars, and the team is preparing to play in a 14,593-seat arena after five months of culture-building. The new lineup also includes two international pros as the Cavaliers get ready for the season.

UVA returned transfer center Brady Wilson to the lineup after missing three games due to a calf injury, but the team struggled in a 17-16 UNC road win, recording a season-low 59 rushing yards and six sacks.

Coach Tony Elliott said the offense will work to reestablish its timing this week while adjusting to injuries (including running back Xavier Brown’s season-ending knee injury) as it looks to regain its earlier scoring production.

Virginia field hockey beat Maryland 2-0 at Turf Field on Tuesday night—a win marked by junior goalkeeper Nilou Lempers’ key saves—and the team will face Wake Forest on Friday.

Jesse Pritchard has managed sports turf maintenance for over 20 years and now leads a team that works more than 80 hours a week painting and maintaining fields for football games, lacrosse championships, and concerts at Scott Stadium—his work is key as extra events push the need for top-notch playing surfaces.

Cars & Coffee Charlottesville

8-10 a.m. — Barracks Road Shopping Center — Free entry — Enjoy a diverse showcase of eclectic cars come rain or shine.

Matt Maeson Live

7-8:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience Matt Maeson's unique blend of emotional storytelling and music rooted in his Virginia upbringing.

Disco Biscuits Live

7:00-9:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the pioneering Trance-Fusion sound blending electronic dance music and jam rock.

Berto & Vincent Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Bebedero — Ticket info not provided — Experience the vibrant fusion of Gypsy Rumba and Latin influences with the talented duo Berto & Vincent.

Family Weekend Choral Showcase

8 p.m. — Old Cabell Hall — Ticket purchase required — Experience the harmonies of the University Singers and Chamber Singers in a delightful performance.

DreamFlight Aerial Fitness Classes

7:15-8:30 p.m., 12-1 p.m., 8:45-9:45 a.m. — The Seminar Center — $18-$20 — Experience the benefits of AntiGravity® fitness in a certified studio.

Trampled By Turtles Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of folk and bluegrass fusion from the beloved Minnesota band.

Berto and Vincent - Wild Gypsy Rumba

7-11 p.m. — The Bebedero — Check venue for entry fee — Experience a captivating blend of wild Gypsy Rumba with Latin and Cuban influences.

Waasi Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a lively evening with Waasi alongside The Pocket Presence & AD Carson.

2nd Annual Cultivate Cup Pickleball Fundraiser (Rescheduled from the Summer)

Don't miss out on this opportunity to showcase your pickleball skills, help raise money for school and community gardens, and make new friends in the process. Mark your calendars and we'll see you on the court at Greencroft Club!