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| 1st Annual Charlottesville Piedown - what?? |
I attended the first annual Charlottesville PieDown yesterday. Yes, the first annual Cville Piedown, held at Mudhouse on the downtown mall. This event, a competition for the title of Charlottesville Pie Master, was phenomenal. Not just because it was fun, or the pies pretty and delicious, or the company wonderful, but because this all came about as the result of Twitter. Unbelievable I assert, that over 30 people filled Mudhouse to standing room only on the Sunday of a holiday weekend, just to watch 5 people eat pie (and get a tiny taste if patient). Mayor Norris was there, participating as a judge (lucky!) and before it ended Congressman Tom Perriello stopped by as well. The event was well covered by both The Daily Progress and NBC 29. All because they follow social media darling Twitter. Count me among them. What does twitter mean to me? A FAST, let me repeat, FAST and easy way to find and communicate with corporate customers, colleagues (local and otherwise), and friends or family in 140 words or less. Already a person of few words, I confess I love it. I might even receive complaints, but that is encouraged. I want to be trusted and available, and want the opportunity to tackle a problem if at all possible. In addition, Twitter allows all followers to see the post and response, promoting sharing and creativity in a new and improved way. Following peers in aviation, I am able to network more than before; and, following news (or anyone!), the opportunity to hear it first on Twitter.Most importantly, I have met the most congenial, helpful, friendly, bright, intelligent group of people imaginable. During my initial Twitter days, it was pretty obvious who the original tweeters of Charlottesville included, and while significantly more techno-intelligent than me, they were gracious and accommodating, helpful and encouraging. Turning to park at the back of the Omni, I voiced a moment of trepidation to my daughter who eagerly accompanied me to the Piedown. However, it turned to excitement when I saw Joe Meade & family as I parked my car. No, I had not yet met Joe, but already recognized him as I pointed him out to my daughter. It was a bit unique, finding familiar faces that I had never met. Try explaining that one to your great aunt! And I think that's what I found most unique and intriguing yesterday, recognizing that this group of online commuicators understands that it's not just about the technology, but the relationship as well.Oh, and in case you are interested, it's all documented-be sure and visit the website for pictures, recipes and the people who made it possible.Stay tuned to Fall 2009 - First Annual Crozet Piedown to come!
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| Tags:
charlottesville, annual, twitter, piedown |
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Norris briefs stakeholders on water supply plan
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By Sean Tubbs Charlottesville Tomorrow stubbs@cvilletomorrow.org Charlottesville Mayor Dave Norris said Thursday that studies requested by the City Council are providing new data that will result in a better solution for Charlottesville and Albemarle County’s urban water needs. “I think...
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Field Trip: Fridays After Five
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Charlottesville PavillionAnyone who has spent some time in Charlottesville is familiar with the infamous Fridays After Five party on the downtown mall. Every Friday during the summer, the people of Charlottesville (and anywhere closeby) swarm the downt...
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A day working for the planet
Friday is our sabbath, so we decided to do something different and, we hope, useful. Lori and I volunteered to work at the Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity store for the day. If you haven't been there, go.
The store has everything from kitchen sinks to baseboards, from washing machines to windows, doors, bathtubs, brand new flooring, building supplies, and all manner of furniture. Everything is a bargain, and every sale benefits Habitat for Humanity.
And for the next three months, 5 percent of the sales will go to Habitat's rebuilding effort in Haiti. The rest of the sale proceeds goes to help Habitat build houses for low-income people.
One of our parishioners, Buck Smith , is the store manager in Charlottesville. He does everything from scheduling and paperwork, to dismantling ceiling fans and carting bathroom cabinets out the door and into customer's vans.
As for me, I cleaned a lot of things. I was much content working with my hands, unloading a truck and dusting everything I could find in the store that needed dusting. My adventure for the day was going on a pickup with Larry, who has been working for Habitat for many years. We picked up a donated washing machine, loaded it into a truck, and lumbered our way back to the Habitat store.
Back at the store, Lori was inputting donation data into a computer. My other project for the day was to scrub tape off a sign so it can be re-lettered and reused. One of the principles of Habitat for Humanity is recycling -- everything is reused and reused and reused again. As little as possible ends up in a landfill.
There are Habitat for Humanity stores all over the country. You do the planet and people a favor by shopping at one. While at the store in Charlottesville, pick up an ice shovel -- they are on sale.
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