City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County raise awareness about the value of water and the importance of infrastructure and conservation efforts with a free, public event and student art contest. CHARLOTTESVILLE/ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA - The City of Charlottesville (City), Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA), and Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA) will join the third annual "Imagine a Day without Water" national campaign to educate and inspire the community about the value of water in our everyday lives. In October, communities around the nation are participating in this effort to raise public awareness about the water infrastructure crisis currently facing the United States, highlight our local drinking water systems, and emphasize the importance of water conservation. The City, ACSA, and RWSA will once again be holding their annual "Imagine a Day without Water" Student Art Contest. This contest will be open to all 1st - 8th grade students in Charlottesville and Albemarle. Art entries will be accepted September 12th - October 16th. This year, students are asked to artistically convey the new theme of "Why Does Every Drop Count?" Last year's contest was a huge success bringing in over 440 entries, and we hope to see increased participation throughout the community. There will be cash prizes awarded to the top finishers in different age categories and a fan favorite selected by the community (voting from November 1st - 14th will be available online). In addition, the City, ACSA, and RWSA will be hosting a public event on Wednesday, October 11th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on the Downtown Mall on the corner of East Main Street and 2nd Street NE next to the water fountain display at Central Place Plaza. There will be information about our public water utilities and water sources, free giveaways to help residents save water, and music entertainment provided by 106.1 The Corner. Last year's winning entries from the art contest will also be on display. "The City, ACSA, and RWSA are excited to once again bring the community together on this important topic," said Gary O'Connell, ACSA's Executive Director. "Water is a limited, natural resource that we all rely on every day. It is easy to forget the people, infrastructure, and healthy environment that are needed in order to get each person in the Charlottesville area clean, safe drinking water each day. We hope this campaign reminds the Charlottesville community that every drop counts when it comes to our water supply." More information about the Imagine a Day without Water campaign and art contest can be found here: www.charlottesville.org/artcontest. More information about Imagine a Day without Water can be found here: http://imagineadaywithoutwater.org.

CITY CELEBRATES WELCOMING WEEK SEPTEMBER 15–24 CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Welcoming Week (September 15-24) is an annual celebration across America that celebrates the contributions that immigrants and refugees make to our nation. Welcoming Week also demonstrates the key role that local communities play in fostering a welcoming culture for all. The Welcoming Week purpose is to connect our diverse neighbors and create a stronger community. All are welcome here: all races, religions, ethnicities, nationalities, gender identities and sexual orientations, all walks of life. We welcome everyone to participate in the Welcoming Week events, and to celebrate our community's rich diversity. Highlighted Events (visit www.wgcville.org for a full schedule): Friday, Sep. 15 PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING WELCOMING WEEK Location: C'ville Coffee Time: 4-4:30 pm Info: City Council members Kathy Galvin and Kristin Szakos talk about Welcoming Week, its purpose and some of the activities. Saturday, Sept. 16 CVILLE PRIDE FESTIVAL (free) Organizer: Cville Pride Location: Sprint Pavilion Time: 11am-7pm Info: http://cvillepride.org/2017-cville-pride-festival/ Saturday, Sept. 16 CVILLE SABROSO- CHARLOTTESVILLE'S FESTIVAL OF LATIN AMERICAN MUSIC, DANCE & ART (free) Organizer: Sin Barreras Location: IX Art Park Time: 11am-9pm Info: https://www.facebook.com/cvillesabroso/ Monday, Sept. 18 A REFUGEE JOURNEY: FLEEING WAR, THE LONG WAIT & THE HOPE OF STARTING OVER (free) Organizer: IRC Location: Central Library Time: 12pm-1:00pm Info: Join Harriet Kuhr, Executive Director of the IRC and Prof. Christine Mahoney, author of Failure and Hope: Fighting for the Rights of the Forcibly Displaced to discuss the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and the Trump Administration's refugee ban - including where these refugees come from, what displacement looks like for them and their hope and process of starting over in America. Rescue.org/Charlottesville Facebook.com/IRCCharlottesville Thursday, Sept. 21 CULTURAL COOKING DEMO WITH LOCAL CHEFS Organizer: Priya's Now Serving Location: The Haven Time: 5-7pm Suggested voluntary donation of $5 or $10 dollars Info: Local world-class chefs discuss making their global cuisines and offer a taste of their delicious food! Participating chefs include: Pearl Island Catering (Puerto Rican), Little Manila (Filipino), Sussex Farm (kimchi), Desi Dosa (South Indian), Marco & Luca (Chinese), Cocoa & Spices (chocolatier), Ivy Inn (Greek/European) and Chef Tony (Caribbean). Saturday, Sept. 23 "WALK 6,000 MILES IN MY SHOES" REFUGEE SIMULATION (free) Organizer: Charlottesville Human Rights Commission/ IRC Location: Carver Recreation Center Time: 3-5 pm (Check in begins at 2:30pm) Info: Ever wondered what it takes to come to the U.S. as a refugee or wanted to learn more about the vetting and resettlement process? Come experience it for yourself in this interactive role-playing simulation followed by discussion. https://www.facebook.com/events/142605033008116 CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION: Deena Sharuk: Deena@justice4all.org Phone (434) 422-2264 Russ Linden: russlinden1946@gmail.com Phone: (434) 242-8586 #WelcomingCville

TOMORROW - Charlottesville Veteran & Community Job Fair CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Job seekers - join us at Charlottesville Veteran & Community Job Fair! The job fair will be held Wednesday, September 13th from 10:00am until 2:00pm at Jefferson School City Center Carver Recreation Center in downtown Charlottesville. Almost 50 exhibitors from a wide variety of industries will be represented! Entry level to upper level management positions will be available, so there's something for everyone! The fair targets veterans but is open to the public and is ideal for anyone in our community who is in search of a new career. Participation in this event is FREE - to get quicker access to employers the day of the event, please pre-register at: www.charlottesville.org/jobcenter. The Charlottesville Veteran and Community Job Fair is sponsored by the City of Charlottesville in partnership with the Piedmont Workforce Network, the Virginia Workforce Center, the Virginia Employment Commission, the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, the County of Albemarle, Piedmont Virginia Community College, and The Haven. Media sponsors include WVPT, Charlottesville Radio Group, and The Daily Progress. The event is part of WVPT's series, The Vietnam War, a film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. Get the latest information about the job fair and participating employers at www.charlottesville.org/jobcenter.

On August 12, 2017, our community experienced an unprecedented tragedy. Every member of our community has been affected by that day and it will take us time to heal. In the interest of keeping our community informed, the City of Charlottesville has established a central online hub where residents and those interested in the community can find answers to frequently asked questions, identify helpful resources, and updates related to the City’s recovery efforts. We will update this website in an ongoing manner with information for the public as it becomes available. We recognize and appreciate the continued outpouring of support for our community.

Victim and Witness Assistance Services Available In response to the events of August 12th the Office of Victim and Witness Assistance for the City of Charlottesville would like to ensure that people who have been injured are aware that they may be eligible for assistance. Many people who were victims of crime on the 12th have been in contact with our office or the police, but there may be other people who have not. We want to make sure that everyone knows of the resources that are available to crime victims through our Victim and Witness Assistance Program. Our program serves as a source of information and resources for crime victims, whether or not they choose to make a report to the police. Victims who want more information about the process of reporting a crime, have questions about our services, or need referrals to community resources may call our office for help at 970-3176. Our specially trained staff has been in contact with many of the victims of crime from August 12th. We would like to make sure that all victims from the 12th are aware of the Virginia Victim Fund. This special fund was established in Virginia to pay for qualifying expenses of victims who suffer personal physical injury, emotional injury, or death as a result of a violent crime and are willing to participate in the criminal justice process, if needed. It can cover medical expenses, mental health expenses, lost wages and some other crime-related expenses that total over $100. It will not cover costs for pain and suffering or property loss. Victims who have not been in contact with the Charlottesville Police Department or the Victim and Witness Assistance Program are encouraged to call our office for more information.

City Council Town Hall Meeting Postponed to Sunday Afternoon The City Council Town Hall meeting scheduled for this evening at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center has been rescheduled due to conflicts with student activities at Charlottesville High School. The Town Hall will now take place on Sunday August 27th beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the same location.

City Council Town Hall Meeting Postponed to Sunday Afternoon The City Council Town Hall meeting scheduled for this evening at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center has been rescheduled due conflicts with student activities at Charlottesville High School. The Town Hall will now take place on Sunday August 27th beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the same location. ------------------------------------ The City of Charlottesville will be partnering with the Community Relations Services (CRS) division of the U.S. Department of Justice to begin a road to recovery for our community. CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The City of Charlottesville will be partnering with the Community Relations Services (CRS) division of the U.S. Department of Justice to begin a road to recovery for our community. Representatives from CRS will work closely with a working group of area residents to develop a vision, develop a robust community engagement plan and create recommendations for an action plan. The working group will be comprised of people from all walks of life in our community and will begin meeting in the next couple of weeks. As a first step in the community engagement efforts the City will host a Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, August 27th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center (1400 Melbourne Road). The City will provide an update on recovery efforts and offer opportunities for public comment. In addition to the formal meetings with the CRS, the City will be creating ongoing opportunities for our community to speak with City officials, ask questions, make new connections and work through this experience in a wide variety of ways. As these are scheduled, they will be announced to the public. "Our community has been shaken to its core," said City Manager Maurice Jones. "We see this partnership with CRS as the beginning of a process of recovery and renewal. Charlottesville is a resilient City and I am confident we will come through this tragedy stronger than ever." Created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, CRS is the only federal agency dedicated to helping state and local governments, private and public organizations, and community groups with preventing and resolving racial and ethnic tensions. The City has partnered with the agency in the past to facilitate discussions with the police department and our residents.

The Charlottesville Fire Department has received multiple reports of citizens receiving phone calls from individuals purporting to be collecting donations for the Fire Department in the wake of the events of August 12, 2017. No City Department will ever seek such donations. Should people wish to contribute to a fund in response to August 12, we would encourage them to contact the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, www.cacfonline.org.

All streets in Downtown Charlottesville are now open with the exception of the 4th St. Mall Crossing.