Community Corner

🌱 How one Charlottesville seventh grader turned spelling bee nerves into victory

You won't want to miss Christmas Eve (City Offices Closed) on the Charlottesville Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 23rd Patch AM
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Hi there, Charlottesville! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How one Charlottesville seventh grader turned spelling bee nerves into victory
  • How will UVA’s new president shape life in Charlottesville?
  • What will $1.2 million in ambassadors change on the Downtown Mall?

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Charlottesvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Clouds breaking for some sun, with a high of 61 and low of 41 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and warm, temps: high: 63, low: 41.
  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy, warm and misty, with a high of 63 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Charlottesville Seventh Grader headed to Spelling Bee Regionals (cvillerightnow.com) — A Charlottesville Middle School seventh grader, Justine Puri, has won both the schoolwide and division-wide spelling bees and is now headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee regional competition in Richmond on March 4. Puri credits nightly practice with their parents for the turnaround from last year’s disappointment and encourages other Charlottesville students not to give up after early setbacks.
   

Find out what's happening in Charlottesvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. New UVA president Scott Beardsley shares private sector, education experiences (cvillerightnow.com) — Charlottesville residents are getting their first detailed look at Scott Beardsley, the University of Virginia’s newly introduced 10th president, via a fresh video campaign. From his long private-sector career and decade leading UVA’s Darden School to his new role guiding the university through funding, independence, and athletics challenges, Beardsley stresses collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and local health professionals.
   

3. Downtown Mall ambassador program to launch next year (29news.com) — Charlottesville is launching a two-year, $1.2 million ambassador program on the Downtown Mall next year, contracting with Block by Block to boost cleanliness, safety, and visitor support. Ambassadors will add more than 200 work hours weekly, helping people with directions, walking them to cars, and keeping the mall welcoming for residents, tourists, and local businesses.
   

4. UVA Football prepares for Gator Bowl (29news.com) — UVA football is gearing up in Charlottesville for its Gator Bowl matchup against Missouri on Saturday, December 27, aiming for the first 11-win season in program history. Players describe leaning on each other after the ACC title loss and enjoying extra bonding time with no classes in session.
   

5. Spanberger announces new PAC to back future Virginia Democrats (cvillerightnow.com) — Charlottesville readers are hearing directly from Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger as she launches a new PAC aimed at supporting future Democratic candidates across Virginia. Speaking from a Charlottesville dateline, she also named retired Major General Timothy P. Williams as the next Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, emphasizing readiness of the Virginia National Guard and support for communities facing severe weather or security threats.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This kitten was found under a car on Commonwealth Dr and Commonwealth Circle.
    Can't find owner. Kitten will be at SPCA this afternoon. (Nextdoor Berkeley)
  • Can anyone lend a hand with a ladder to assist me in replacing the batteries in my 3 fire alarms and swapping out a bulb in a closet?
    I've got the batteries and the bulb on hand. I've managed this task on my own for years, but unfortunately, my age and physical condition are now a… (Nextdoor Blue Heights)
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Charlottesville. Apply here.
  • Lowe's posted a job opening for Full Time - Receiver/Stocker - Overnight in Charlottesville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Charlottesville here.

Ok Charlottesville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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