WTJU

The Covid-19 outbreak has us all beginning to feel a little disconnected from each other. In an effort to keep the creativity and connectivity alive during these strange times, The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative is teaming up with Charlottesville Safe Routes to School to introduce ART APART. Find a visible window or porch location to display a piece of art you’ve created or a piece from your personal collection. Once you’ve done this, just fill out a simple form online so they can add you to the digital map. Use the map by yourself or with your family to see the beauty and creativity of your neighbors on your next walk or bike ride. Go to TheBridgePAI.org for details about joining in the ART APART project.

This radio station practices acceptance and respect for all people. As part of the University of Virginia, WTJU promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes. WTJU envisions a community of understanding, tolerance, and respect. Thank you for being one of our listeners and thank you for being a part of this community.

The Science Museum of Virginia is offering you a trip to the moon and Mars by way of Zoom. Well, sorta. You can sign up for an hour-long presentation by NASA Program Executive LaNetra Tate, Ph.D. who will explain transformative space technologies that drive the space agency’s exploration to the moon, Mars and beyond. And she will describe some of the the scientific instruments her Program has developed for the upcoming Mars 2020 mission. It’s on Wednesday, July 8th, at 12 noon. There’s room for 300 to take part on Zoom, so register soon at smv.org. The Zoom presentation will be uploaded to the Museum’s YouTube page for guests who could not attend the event.

The Albemarle County Service Authority assures us that the Coronavirus does not affect the quality of our drinking water. They have multi-barrier water treatment and disinfection processes in place that remove or inactivate viruses.

ACSA is implementing emergency operations plans to make sure their essential facilities are staffed as necessary. They are restricting outside visitor access to their facilities. During this time, utility bill payments are strongly encouraged to be conducted through the mail and their online, phone, and the payment drop-off box services. To further encourage use of online payment options, any customer choosing to use the credit/debit card option through Official Payments will be reimbursed for their fee.  ACSA is also eliminating disconnects for non-payment during this emergency period. No final notices will be mailed. The public is advised to be aware of scammers claiming otherwise.

For more information, visit ServiceAuthority.org.

The Better Business Bureau has some travel tips from the Center for Disease Control for these times of the coronavirus. First, they suggest you stay in the country and pick a destination close to home. Never travel if you’re sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. Always have a face mask for when close to other people, and pack your own food, water, hand sanitizer and medications in case stores can’t serve you due to occupancy limits or shortages. For more information, go online to bbb.org/coronavirus.

During this time it’s important to know that there are many addiction treatment resources still available to you.

Alcoholics Anonymous is available online at A A dash intergroup dot org. Narcotics Anonymous also has online support groups at N A chat dot net. You can also visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness for more resources at N A M I dot org or call 1-800-950-6264.

Your wellbeing and safety are important. You can get the help you need.

If you don’t have internet access during this COVID-19 crisis or are worried about losing it, there are several things to know.

Comcast is offering a 60-day internet essentials package for free to new low-income customers.  You can find out more by going to internet essentials dot com or by calling 855-846-8376.

Spectrum is providing free broadband for 60 days to K-12 and college student households. You can enroll by calling 844-488-8395. Spectrum’s wi-fi hotspots are also open for public use.

The stress we all feel under the pressures of the COVID-19 restrictions calls for getting some relief. A group calling themselves the Living Earth School has an original idea for doing that. It's call the "Sit Spot." You pick your Sit Spot -- in your back yard or in a nearby park or patch of woods -- wherever you most easily feel at one with nature. The Living Earth School gives you a Sit Spot mission each day by e-mail for you to carry out. In their words, it can help things settle, and let you feel real and grounded in these uncertain times. For more information and to sign up, go online to livingearthva.com.

New City Arts Initiative and The Bridge have launched an Emergency Relief Fund for Charlottesville area artists. Artists can request up to $300 to compensate for work that was scheduled and lost. You can apply regardless of whether the income was from art or other jobs.  You must live in the Charlottesville area, which includes Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties. For more, visit thebridgepai.org.

During this time it’s important to know that there are many mental health resources still available to you.

If you need to talk to someone about any concerns, including COVID-19, you can contact the Crisis Text Line to connect with someone. Text 741741. That’s 741741.

In addition, many of the national hotlines are also available.  The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 1-800-656-4673. The National Suicide Prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.

Your wellbeing and safety are important. You can get the help you need.

If you or someone you know needs help getting enough to eat, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and partner food pantries are open and ready to help. Did you lose a job? Has your family income been cut? You are not alone, and you can get help online at BRAFB.org/findhelp. You can also help your neighbors in need by sharing this message.

For 30 years, the International Bluegrass Music Association Trust Fund has been there to help members of the bluegrass community in times of emergency financial need. It stands today to help through the COVID-19 crisis. The IBMA Trust Fund Board of Trustees has set aside up to $150,000 specifically for COVID-19 Relief. If you have a little, give; if you need a little, ask. To apply, or to learn more, go online to ibma.org.

Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP), works year-round to provide emergency repairs to low-income individuals and families in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. They will continue managing critical home repair needs during our current social isolation practices. If you need their help or would like to volunteer your time and skills to helping others, please visit AHIPVA.org or call 434-817-2447.

FDA findings and scientific studies indicate that ingredients found in many chemical sunscreens may cause damage to humans and to the environment. To choose a safe sunscreen, look for active ingredients non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide. For more information, visit safesunscreencouncil.org.

Many in the aging population are on a fixed income, and struggle from month to month, but there is help: help with medications, health care, income assistance, food and nutrition, housing and utilities, tax relief, veteran assistance, employment and more. The National Council on Aging has built a resource website for seniors and their families to find help, nationally and locally. Visit BenefitsCheckup.org to connect with the $20 billion in benefits that go unclaimed each year.

If it's time for you to think of replacing your old car, please consider donating it to benefit WTJU  ... and you could get a tax break.  It's easy. Just call 844-WTJU-CAR. Or go to wtju dot car easy dot org. That’s wtju dot car easy dot org. Thanks! 

Charlottesville singer-songwriter Devon Sproule and trumpet master John D’earth will be featured on Kid Pan Alley's virtual house concert series, Because We Have Music, on Sunday, July 5th, at 7 p.m. The concert is free, with a voluntary tip jar to help support the artists during these challenging times. To attend on Zoom or Facebook Live, register at Kid Pan Alley.org/hconcert. For details call Paul at 540-322-2022.