Welcome to another monthly edition of the Albemarle County Community Digest. Thank you for subscribing and being an engaged member of our community! Please share this email with any friends, family, and neighbors who might be interested in staying informed.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Albemarle County Parks and Recreation: Outdoor Movie Night at Chris Greene Lake is August 1

Mark your calendars for a fun-filled evening under the stars at Chris Greene Lake! Join our Parks & Recreation Department on Saturday, August 1, for a free outdoor showing of The Goonies at the swimming beach.

The evening begins with games, crafts, and free snacks at 6 pm, followed by the movie at 8:30 pm. Bring your own picnic dinner, lawn chairs, or a blanket, and enjoy a memorable summer night with family and friends.

Visit albemarle.org/parks for more information, and be sure to follow the Facebook event for updates! Learn more and add this event to your calendar.

Let's Talk Albemarle: Get Engaged at Our Next Summer Pop-ups

We're excited to announce our next series of Summer Pop-Ups, where you can learn about how to get engaged in local government. Join us this summer to find out what Albemarle County local government is up to!

On Friday, July 31, from 3 - 5 pm, we'll be at Walnut Creek Park. Look for us at the yellow and white "Let's Talk Albemarle" van.

On Saturday, August 1, from 6 - 9 pm, we'll be on site at Chris Greene Lake Park, supporting the Parks and Recreation Outdoor Movie Night! Look for us at the concession stand and tell us how we can help you.

On Tuesday, August 4, from 3 - 5 pm, we'll be on site at Mint Springs Park. We hope to see you there!

National Night Out (NNO): Putt Putt with the Police on August 4

Join ACPD on National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, from 3:30 to 6:30 pm for a fun-filled afternoon of mini golf at Putt Putt Fun Center. In addition to mini golf, activities include meeting ACPD's K-9s, exploring police vehicles, and a scavenger hunt.

This free, family-friendly event is part of our National Night Out celebration and a great opportunity to connect with your local officers. Come enjoy the fun activities, free snacks, and prizes. Officers will also be handing out school supplies to help children in our community get ready for the new school year.

We hope to see you there! Learn more and add this event to your calendar.

2026 Charlottesville/Albemarle Back to School Bash is August 9

The annual Charlottesville/Albemarle Back to School Bash is happening on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 12-4 pm at Fashion Square Mall. All families, from Albemarle and surrounding counties, are welcome to join the Albemarle Foundation for Education and Albemarle County Public Schools for this event.

Free school supplies, backpacks, physicals, immunizations, activities, music, and more will be available. (A parent or guardian must be present with their child(ren) to receive the supplies.) There will be other resources and opportunities at the event and at individual open houses happening at schools throughout the county.

Be sure to visit local government staff at the Back to School Bash and learn about how you can Get Engaged in our community as we head into a new school year!

Economic Development Office (EDO)

Food and Beverage Accelerator - Applications Open Through August 24

Ready to grow your food or beverage business? Apply now to the Venture Central Food & Beverage Accelerator’s 1st Cohort, a GO Virginia–funded initiative made possible through the support of Albemarle County and our regional partners. The program will select 8–10 growth-stage packaged food and beverage manufacturers (typically $100K+ in annual revenue or a clear path to it) for an intensive, no-cost, eight‑month accelerator beginning in October.

The Venture Central Food & Beverage Accelerator provides specialized workshops, 1:1 coaching, access to industry experts, and introductions to buyers and distributors, designed specifically for regional food and beverage producers positioned for scale.

Applications close on Monday, August 24. Learn more and apply on their website.

To discuss the program directly, schedule a free call with Program Director Hope Lawrence or email accelerator@venturecentralva.com.



Tourism for All Cohort 4

Applications are officially open for Charlottesville and Albemarle County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CACVB’s) fourth annual Tourism for All cohort!

This free professional development and community program takes place over six months. Participants are expected to attend the four virtual sessions and two in-person sessions and complete the necessary coursework for the program.

Learn from local and state-wide industry members, build relationships with fellow cohort members, and come away with an action plan designed to improve your organization's operations and become more welcoming.

SPACE IS LIMITED and applications close Monday, August 24 at 5 pm! Apply online today ahead of the deadline.



Regional Critical Infrastructure Forum at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC)

Central Virginia National Security Alliance (CVNSA), formerly the Defense Affairs Committee (DAC) will host the inaugural Central Virginia Critical Infrastructure Protection Forum on Tuesday, August 25, from 9 am to 12 pm at Piedmont Virginia Community College’s Bolick Auditorium.

This half‑day event convenes regional, state, and federal partners to strengthen the security and resilience of essential systems across Albemarle County and the region. Opening remarks will feature the FBI Richmond Field Office, with a keynote from the 91st Cyber Brigade.

Attendees will also hear insights from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), UVA’s School of Data Science, Central Virginia localities, and regional water and wastewater utilities. The forum offers an opportunity to connect with subject‑matter experts, share best practices, and collaborate on emerging infrastructure challenges. Registration is free, and lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the event. Register here or contact Miles Davis, Director of the CVNSA, at mdavis@centralvirginia.org with any questions. 

Current Job Openings: Join the Albemarle County Team

Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) is still hiring! Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Whether you're looking to grow physically, mentally, financially, or all of the above, ACFR is the place to invest in yourself. We believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for everyone to thrive. 

No prior fire rescue experience? No problem! We value a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. If you have that, we'll provide the training you need to become a firefighter/EMT. Learn more and apply before August 16 at www.WorkForACFR.com.

There are a variety of other career openings. If you're interested in more opportunities for a rewarding career serving the community, check out all the current job openings online and apply today. Know someone who might be interested? Share this information with your friends and family!

Announcements

Fiscal Year 2027 Adopted Budget

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Adopted Budget is now available online for review.

Learn more about the budget process and its development on our website.



Albemarle County Parks and Recreation (ACPR)

Updated EV Charging Rate Starting August 1

To continue offering dependable and affordable Electric Vehicle (EV) charging for the community, starting August 1, Albemarle County will adjust its public charging rate from $0.14 to $0.21 per kWh. This small change ensures we can recover the rising costs of electricity and the fees required to operate and maintain the charging network, while keeping our prices at or below many other public charging options in the area.

County‑operated chargers provide meaningful environmental benefits by supporting cleaner transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and this rate adjustment helps us maintain a reliable system that residents can count on. Learn more about County EV Charging Stations on our website.

People & Project Spotlights

Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) - ACPD Sergeant Recognized by NACS Foundation as First Responder of the Year



ACPD Sergeant Ryan Sheridan and his K-9 partner, Dembe, of the Albemarle County Police Department were recently honored as national finalists for the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Foundation’s First Responder of the Year Award. The NACS Foundation exists to unify and amplify the charitable efforts of the convenience and fuel retailing industry, supporting communities across the United States. Its mission focuses on developing future industry leaders, supporting first responders, fighting hunger, promoting healthy kids, and maintaining clean communities.

Selected from 570 nominees nationwide, Sgt. Sheridan and Dembe were recognized for their exceptional service throughout 2025, including their role in multiple high-profile arrests, significant drug seizures, and responding to more than 370 calls for service. Their dedication and impact on community safety earned praise from ACPD leadership and community partners alike. Read the full article and learn more on our website.



In Case You Missed It

Reminder - August 4 Primary Election



The 2026 primary election for both parties will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, to nominate candidates for the offices of United States Senate and United States House of Representatives. Election Day is August 4 for the Primary Election, and all precinct polling places will operate from 6 am to 7 pm for in-person voting on Election Day. There are three different ways to cast your vote:



• Early in-person (through August 1)
• Vote by mail (absentee)
• In-person at your polling place on Election Day, August 4

Early in-person voting began Thursday, June 18, and runs through August 1, 2026. The last day for early in-person voting is this Saturday, August 1, from 8:30 am - 5 pm. Any voter registered in Albemarle County may vote early in-person at the County Office Building on 5th Street in Conference Room A.

As a reminder, vote by mail voters may return their ballots in a few ways:

>> By mail: Mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before August 4 and received by the Registrar's Office not later than noon on the Friday after the election. Voters are strongly encouraged to return their marked mail-in ballots as early as possible to avoid potential delays in mail processing. Use the pre-addressed, postage-paid, return envelope that was sent with your ballot.

>> Return by a commercial delivery service, such as FedEx or UPS, to our mailing address:

Voter Registrations and Elections, 1600 5th Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

>> By drop box: Voters may deposit their marked ballots – please use the postage-paid return envelopes provided, even if you are putting it in the drop box – located just outside of the 5th Street County Office Building main entrance, up until 7 pm on August 4.

Learn more about the upcoming election and all your options for casting your vote. Still have questions about this election? Call our Elections Office at 434-972-4173 for additional assistance.

Reminders: Drought Watch Information and Summer Safety Tips

Drought Watch In Effect

Albemarle County residents are encouraged to conserve water due to below-normal rainfall across our area. The Rivanna Authorities has issued a Drought Watch for Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville. Our partners at the Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) are encouraging voluntary water conservation measures and the adoption of water-saving practices to help protect this valuable resource.

Ways to Stay Safe During the Heat and Other Summer Safety Tips

We would also like to remind our community of the importance of keeping safe during hot weather. Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, keep cool by visiting air-conditioned public facilities, such as local libraries and businesses. Or, visit local beaches like the Chris Greene, Mint Springs, and Walnut Creek swimming areas. We also have a spray pad at Simpson Park.

There is a lot to keep in mind when the temperatures rise, so please take a few minutes to read through these tips and share them with your friends and neighbors - especially those participating in outdoor activities. Our community's health and safety are a top priority. Let's all commit to a safe summer - share this flyer with your neighbors. You can also read this email to learn more ways to be safe and stay cool this summer.

ACPR Reminder: Have You Taken the 2026 Summer Swim Survey? Please Participate and Share Your Experiences From Your Visit

We value your feedback and the Summer Swim Survey is available and will remain open throughout the swim season.

We'd still appreciate hearing your thoughts. Your input helps us create the best possible experience for everyone in our community.

Take a few minutes to share your feedback—it'll be quick and easy, and it'll make a big difference!

👉 Take the Summer Swim Survey Here. Thank you for being part of what makes our swim season so special!

Reminder: Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center (ISWRC): A New, FREE Lithium Battery Disposal Program is Now Available

Residents now have a safe, convenient, and free way to dispose of lithium batteries through a new program at the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center. The initiative complements Rivanna Solid Waste Authority's (RSWA) existing free disposal programs for paint, motor oil, and antifreeze.

The program is available to residents of Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the Town of Scottsville. Commercial entities and businesses are not eligible to participate at this time.

If possible, lithium batteries should be removed from the devices they power before being dropped off. If the battery cannot be easily removed, the entire device may be accepted as long as it fits inside a standard 5-gallon bucket.

Lithium batteries can be dropped off at the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center, located at 4576 Dick Woods Road in Charlottesville. The battery collection shed is located in the Convenience Center area alongside the public recycling bins. Simply place batteries in the designated collection bucket outside the building.

Visit RSWA's website to learn about proper lithium battery disposal and download fun educational activities designed to help children learn about lithium battery safety.

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