More than 30 years have now passed since I began work as an intern for WVTF Public Radio, beginning a professional career that has at times included the production of audio stories. When Town Crier Productions first began putting out the Charlottesville Quarantine Report in March 2020, I finally returned back to having a sonic element as part of my work routine.

The first 650 editions of this newsletter were all podcasts as well, but I made a change last February that has meant there’s only one of these a week. That’s because I produce a version for WTJU that airs Saturdays at 6 a.m. The idea is to produce a podcast version too, but the holidays were particularly grueling.

Today’s edition is produced as a reminder that audio is an aspiration, and perhaps the first time many new subscribers realize this occasional benefit. Everything you hear has already been in print and you can find the written articles over on Information Charlottesville.

In this edition:

* Democrats retain control of the Virginia General Assembly after three special elections on January 7 (learn more)

* The General Assembly convened briefly on January 8 and recessed until Monday due to Richmond water crisis (learn more)

* Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered the State of the Commonwealth address when they got back to work (learn more)

* Albemarle Supervisors retain leadership for what is described as a challenging year (learn more)

* A look at School Board races in Charlottesville so far (learn more)

* Reids Super Save Market to close as Twice as Nice thrift store to purchase building (learn more)

* Albemarle Planning Commissioners request different designations of for different kinds of rural land (learn more)

* BAR members suggest changes to planned affordable housing building on Wertland Street (learn more)

Sometimes there are podcast editions and this is one of them. Sign up to get them all!

First shout-out: Celebrating the community’s other information organizations!

In today’s first shout-out in the form of a house ad, I want to make sure everyone knows that every edition of the regular newsletter (not the podcast ones) ends with a section called Reading Material. Charlottesville Community Engagement is just one offering in a landscape that includes the Charlottesville Daily Progress, C-Ville Weekly, Charlottesville Tomorrow, and Cville Right Now, I curate links from these sources because I believe a truly informed community needs multiple perspectives.

There’s also the Cavalier Daily, Vinegar Hill Magazine, the Fluvanna Review, the Crozet Gazette, NBC29, CBS19, and other sources. But if you look every day, you’ll find links to articles in national publications, all linked to give you more perspectives on some of the issues of our times.

Second shout-out:

What you are reading or listening to at Charlottesville Community Engagement is part of a business-venture that’s based on a pretty simple idea. I will spend my time researching and reporting and will provide ways for people who want to pay for the material to be produced!

bI’ve been a journalist for a long while now, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Charlottesville Podcasting Network. While that website doesn’t have new content, it’s part of how I demonstrate my dedication to this community. In 2025 I’m seeking ways to solidify the business, and here are some ways you can support the work.

* Sign up for a paid subscription through Substack. There is not much premium content because my primary aim is to get information out to as many people as possible.

* Contribute through Patreon. A major goal this year is to replace this with a way to make a tax-deductible donation, but that’s not set up yet. If I had more time, I’d make more audio programs through Patreon.

* Send in a check made out to Town Crier Productions at PO Box 1754, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902. This will be used as a replacement for Substack.

* Ask me about advertising opportunities! Later this month, advertising will begin to appear on Information Charlottesville and I’m hoping it can have the same style as the shout-outs. Introductory pricing will be low!

* Tell friends about the work!

* Volunteer to design some logos because I’m very bad at graphics!

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast for January 14, 2025: Governor Youngkin addresses General Assembly, an AC44 work session, and the BAR seeks a new design for affordable housing project

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