"Postcards from Charlottesville," Show #8

I was very pleased to have my good friend and fellow housing activist Joy Johnson as my guest on this month's show, along with Deirdre Gilmore (current Board Chair of PHAR). Joy tells us how she went from a child growing up in Kingston, Jamaica to a nationally-recognized public housing resident leader; she and DeeDee both discuss how public housing residents in Charlottesville have gotten involved in improving their own communities through collective action. "People gave their lives for us to be able to speak up," says Joy, "and I just think that we should exercise that right." Indeed.

The episode premieres this Friday at 7:00pm on Charlottesville Public Access (Channel 13). To view it on-line, click here:

http://charlottesville.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=102

10 Years

It was 10 years ago today that my mother passed away at the age of 55. Still seems unfair to have lost her so young. She was a good, kind person and had so much life left in her.

The worst part of it is, her death -- from malignant melanoma -- was almost 100% preventable. She had a mole on her leg that had grown unchecked for several years, and by the time she got a doctor to look at it, the melanoma had metastasized and her body was already wracked with tumors. She was dead within months. It didn't help that she had been a longtime smoker, which only hastened the cancerous advance.

My mother was a smart woman, but did not know the warning signs of melanoma (such as a mole that grows in size or changes in shape). Do yourself a favor and learn what they are -- click here. And if you're a smoker, all I have to say is: if you love your children, please quit.

We miss you mom.

Why the UVa Football Team Will Win the National Championship This Year

About the only thing I'm more ignorant about than football is...college football. Therefore, I had to chuckle when this e-mail arrived in my in-box yesterday:

Dear Mayor Norris,

For our upcoming College Football Special Section, we need your help. Our theme this year is “Campaign 2008: Who is No. 1?” We would be honored if you can give us a couple of paragraphs on why Virginia will win the national championship. The more personal, the better. We understand that you have more important items to deal with. So, we’re hoping that if we ask now, you can get us your team’s platform by July 15. Thanks ahead of time for your help. You’ve got our vote in your next election.

Bob Asmussen
Champaign, Illinois, News-Gazette

OK, kind readers: help an ignorant brother out. Please leave some comments below as to why you think UVa will be in the running for the national championship this year. [Apparently the News-Gazette contacted Mayors from the 30 cities whose home teams they deemed most likely to win it all.] Even if you're not 100% convinced that UVa has the national championship in the bag this year, let's be optimistic here and talk up our team's prospects. Let's strike some fear into the hearts of any team that dares to take the field against our Cavaliers! I will pick and choose from among your keen observations in my reply to Mr. Asmussen. Thanks.

[Postcard below circa 1909]

Just What the Homeless Need...A Home.

"SRO 101" -- Introducing a Proven, Permanent Solution to Homelessness

On Tuesday, May 27, from 4:00-5:30pm, representatives from Virginia Supportive Housing will lead an insightful and interactive presentation for the Charlottesville community on Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing for the homeless -- a proven, permanent solution to homelessness that's taking hold in many cities across the country. The presentation will take place in the "CitySpace" meeting room at the Charlottesville Community Design Center on the Mall side of the Market Street Parking Garage.

Virginia Supportive Housing, a Richmond-based statewide nonprofit housing provider, recently agreed to work with the Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless (TJACH) and the Charlottesville community to develop and manage an SRO facility in Charlottesville. The May 27 presentation will give members of the public, community agencies, local officials, potential funders and area media a chance to learn more about the SRO concept and to hear about Virginia Supportive Housing's plans and timeline for opening an SRO in Charlottesville.

A Single Room Occupancy facility typically features several dozen efficiency apartments that are available at low cost to people who have been homeless, with on-site support services and security to help keep the SRO residents stable in their housing. In cities like Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke, Fairfax and (soon) Virginia Beach, SROs have been successful in moving local residents -- many of whom are disabled and/or veterans -- off the streets and out of shelters and into permanent supportive housing. For more info. about SROs in general and Virginia Supportive Housing in particular, visit www.virginiasupportivehousing.com.

Do come.

PACEM Now Hiring Part-Time Development Coordinator

PACEM (People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry) is now hiring a part-time Development Coordinator to conduct donor outreach, develop fundraising campaigns, build and maintain our donor database, assist with grantwriting, and plan special events. The PACEM Development Coordinator will help create and execute a fund development strategy that engages with individual, congregational, business, civic, governmental and philanthropic donors to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our cold-weather shelter program for the homeless and our year-round homeless support initiatives.

Seeking a hard-working self-starter who is unafraid to "make the ask" and has a heart for the mission of our organization. Pay is $24,000/year for a 20-hour/week position (no benefits).

To apply, send a cover letter and resume by Friday, June 6 to: Dave Norris, Executive Director, PACEM, P.O. Box 14, Charlottesville, VA 22902; or via e-mail at cvilledave@hotmail.com. PACEM is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about PACEM, please visit www.pacemshelter.org.

[editorial comment: I think I'm a pretty good boss and I know it's a good cause. If you've got the skills, give it some thought.]

Keith Olbermann's Righteous Indignation About Bush & Iraq

Have you got 12 minutes to spare? Keith Olbermann at his finest.

Webb for VP and Other Random Thoughts

* Are the stars aligning for an Obama-Webb ticket? Jack Landers makes a very compelling case for Webb as VP and I note with interest this blurb by Marc Ambinder from TheAtlantic.com. Webb also passes the crucial "Don Norris litmus test" -- i.e. he's a Democrat that even my Republican father seems to like and respect, which bodes well for cross-over appeal.


* Speaking of my father, I see that a 19-year-old college freshman has just been elected Mayor of my father's hometown of Muskogee, Oklahoma. And people tell me I'm too young to be Mayor of Charlottesville -- I'm almost twice that kid's age!


* I've been very lame about posting images from my Cville postcard collection the last few months. Here's a quickie (below, circa 1955) in honor of UVa's graduation ceremonies this weekend. Congratulations to all grads -- especially my excellent Intern, Catherine Tobin (a future Governor of Virginia, you heard it here first).

Bike-Friendly Cville

It's official. Charlottesville has been declared "Bicycle Friendly" by the League of American Bicyclists -- only the second community in Virginia to be so honored (Arlington being the other). We even have the sign to prove it (see here). Fitting that David Brown received the award on behalf of the City, since he (unlike the current Mayor) actually is a regular bike rider. Practice what you preach and all that.

When you read the fine print you see that we only received a "Bronze" designation this year with regard to our Bicycle-Friendliness (i.e., only a step up from fair-weather friend). Highest is "Platinum" (aka best friends forever). Let's aspire to Platinum next time. Here's how to get there.

Public Hearing on Water Supply Plan

Next Monday, May 19, as part of our regular City Council meeting (which starts at 7pm at City Hall), Council is holding a public hearing on implementation of the long-range Water Supply Plan for our region. At our subsequent meeting on June 2 we will vote on how to proceed with this plan, so Monday's public hearing will be your last and best opportunity for offering your thoughts to Council (and into the public record) before the vote.

One of the best ways to understand what's at stake with this issue is to watch some or all of last Tuesday's City Council work session on the Water Supply Plan. Click here to view the video, or click here to read Charlottesville Tomorrow's helpful summary of Tuesday's proceedings.

Jim Duncan Asks a Very Good Question About the Meadowcreek Parkway

Jim Duncan wonders if, with 40+ years of hindsight, there's a better way to do what the Meadowcreek Parkway was originally conceived to do. I couldn't resist adding my 2 cents about one of the foundational justifications for the Parkway (i.e., it will save Downtown). I encourage you to visit Jim's blog to add your own thoughts.

Images from Warner Rally

Yesterday I got to help introduce our next United States Senator from Virginia, former Gov. Mark Warner, at a campaign kick-off rally in front of Charlottesville City Hall. (Not that he really needed any introduction, of course....) Warner gave a good speech that focused on his plans for bringing people together across party lines to get our country back on track. Thanks to Steve D. for the photos.

Cville Mini Triathlon

Here’s your chance to get a great workout for a great cause.

Next Sunday, May 18, is the 2nd Annual Charlottesville Mini Triathlon, starting at 8:00am at Crow Pool. It’s a 150 yard swim, 5 mile road bike, and 1 mile run — “Perfect for families, first-timers, and anyone who is looking for a short challenge!” Ages 10 and up welcome.

As they did last year, the organizers have chosen PACEM as the beneficiary of all event proceeds. Pre-registration is $25, same-day registration is $35. For more info., go to www.cvilleminitri.com.

Hope to see you there!

[cross-posted to www.pacemshelter.org]

Albemarle Morris Men Make the National News (Well, Sort Of)

Every day I scroll through the "Huffington Post," the national news aggregator, to see some of what's making national headlines. Was doing so just now and was surprised to come across an old picture of Charlottesville's own Albemarle Morris Men -- someone apparently pulled a random pic off AMM's website to illustrate an essay about May Day. Pretty cool.

p.s. If the tall redheaded man in that picture who's dancing in public with bells on looks vaguely familiar...well, I have no idea what you're talking about.