DECEMBER 2017 NO. 153 PRICELESS (FREE!)
EDDIE’S SECOND CHANCE 11
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K9 WARRIORS 16
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TRINITY OYSTERS DECEMBER 2017 Blue Ridge LIFE 27 1
Building Homes in Central Virginia For the Past 35 Years
434.361.2525 admin@Tectonics2.com Tectonics2.com Independent dealer of
Quality Builders of the Finest Homes 2
Blue Ridge LIFE
DECEMBER 2017
Nelson County… it’s a lifestyle! Nelson County
5265 Cub Creek Road Perfect property for a permanent residence or a gorgeous mountain getaway! Just minutes away from Nellysford, breweries, cideries, Wintergreen Resort and the Appalachian Trail. This well-maintained, 3 BR, 2 BA, cedar-sided home is surrounded by lush woods, has all-season mountain views and overlooks a very bold creek. Sit on the spacious decks and listen to the rushing water go by. “Hang out” in the adorable log cabin below the house or hike the 4.13 acres through the rhododendron, mountain laurel and fern gardens. Handsome rockwork around the house and parking area. 1-car garage and small shed for storage. Very private! $289,000
59 Towler Way Wonderful vintage 3 BR, 2 BA farmhouse, with a 1 BR cottage, on 2 sunny acres in Afton. The home is a melding of old and new with a knotty pine paneled living room with a fireplace and a spacious tiled master bath with a jetted tub and separate shower. The cottage is perfect for in-laws, adult children or airBnB! Outside you’ll find mature landscape plantings and Blue Ridge views across a sweeping front lawn. Great location within 20 minutes of Charlottesville or Waynesboro. $275,000
84 Little Stoney Lane Located minutes from Nellysford, Wintergreen, breweries, cideries and shopping and with extensive frontage on Stoney Creek, this modular home has 4 BR, 2 BA and lots of living area. Open, sunny area for gardening but it also is very private with no other homes in sight! The bathrooms, kitchen and mudroom all have tiled floors. There is a spacious great room as well as two decks. Sitting area by a very bold Stoney Creek. $179,000
5 Dogwood Lane This charming 3 BR, 2 BA house is nestled in a peaceful setting with seasonal mountain views and the sounds of a meandering creek. Soaring ceilings and lots of windows allow natural light to flow throughout the home’s open, airy layout. The renovated gourmet kitchen has granite counters, eat-in island, large pantry, BOSCH dishwasher, stainless refrigerator and microwave and electric stainless range. Minutes to Wintergreen, breweries, cideries and Nellysford. This is the life! $325,000
Castle Rock Road lots Affordable building parcels in a convenient Afton location with easy access to Batesville, Crozet, and Charlottesville. Just 5 miles from Route 151 in Afton via Greenfield Road to visit the wine and brew trail. Two parcels available—parcel F has 2.01 acres and E has 2.03 acres; purchase both for even more privacy! Land is mostly wooded and gently rolling with great privacy and seasonal mountain views. Select clearing could open up the mountain views. Priced well below tax assessed value! $29,900 per lot
Wi n t e r g r e e n R e s o r t PRICE REDUCED!
78 Split Rock Trail Great value! Grand 3-story home with seasonal mountain views on a private wooded lot. Spacious great room with fireplace for those cool evenings. Features 6 BR (2 private suites), 4.5 BA, chef's kitchen with granite countertops, family room and an attached 1-car garage. Oversized, covered wrap deck with seasonal views. Surrounded by native rhododendron and mountain laurel. Driveway recently paved. Excellent rental income. $424,900
459 Three Ridges Walk to slopes, dining, shopping and entertainment from this 2 BR, 2 BA end unit. New windows, paint and flooring. Great rental potential! Sold furnished.
$127,500
1809 High Ridge Court With breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rockfish Valley and ski slopes, this updated and handsomely furnished 2 BR, 2 BA condo makes the perfect second home or rental property. Elevator access and under-building parking! Enjoy the views from the great room, dining, kitchen and master suite. Relax in the whirlpool tub after a day of adventures. Easy walk to golf, spa, tennis and short shuttle to skiing. Turnkey and ready to enjoy! $239,900
952 Blue Ridge Drive The many features in this 5 BR, 4 BA home include tile floors throughout with radiant heat, top-tier Brazilian soapstone kitchen countertops and tile backsplash, handsome wood railings, wood ceilings, exotic tile application in baths, and the list goes on. Relax on the full front and rear porches. The living room with stone fireplace, family room downstairs and loft room offer elbow room for everyone. Only minutes from the Chestnut Springs swimming pool, golf and the resort amenities. This would be a wonderful rental income property. $399,000
(800) 361-5155 • (434) 361-2440 • www.MountainAreaRealty.com
2788 Rockfish Valley Highway • Nellysford, VA 22958
DECEMBER 2017
Blue Ridge LIFE
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New Years Eve!
Choice of:
Garden or C
aesar Salad
Chicken Bre as Lemon Cape t topped with a r Cream served over Asparagus/ Sauce Sherry Riso tto or Salmon topp Pickled Blue ed with a served over berry Sauce Fennel Riso tto or Braised Bee f se Mashed Red rved with Asparagus, Bliss Po a Horseradis h Artichoke tatoes and Bechamel S auce Grand Marn ier and D topped with ark Chocolate Truffles Smoked Sea Salt Glass of Cha mpagne or H ouse Wine $40 Call ahead w a Our REGULAR itlist available for sea ting MENU will als o be availab le
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2461 ROCKFISH VALLEY HWY • NELLYSFORD, VA • WILDWOLFBEER.COM • 434-361-0088 4
Blue Ridge LIFE
DECEMBER 2017
DECEMBER 2017
Blue Ridge LIFE
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Editors & Publishers Yvette Stafford, Tommy Stafford info@blueridgelife.com
a mom & pop since 2005
Blue Ridge Life magazine (formerly Nelson County Life) is published monthly by The Afton Group, LLC and is distributed free of charge. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Advertising deadlines are the 15th of every publishing month. For advertising information, download our ratecard at BlueRidgeLife.com or contact us at info@blueridgelife.com. Views reflected by our advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or the company. Blue Ridge Life Magazine, published by The Afton Group, LLC is pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing oppotunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise ‘any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.’ This magazine will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this magazine are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Contributors Marcie Gates marcie@blueridgelife.com Woody Greenberg woody@blueridgelife.com Erin Hughey-Commers erin@blueridgelife.com Rachel Ryan rachel@blueridgelife.com Jennie Tal Williams jennie@blueridgelife.com Victoria Beecher Godfrey victoria@blueridgelife.com Photography Marcie Gates marcie@blueridgelife.com Hayley Osborne hayley@blueridgelife.com Paul Purpura paul@blueridgelife.com Kate Simon Advertising sales@blueridgelife.com Address: The Afton Group, LLC P.O. Box 455, Wintergreen, Virginia 22958 Have a story idea? Email us at info@blueridgelife.com
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Blue Ridge LIFE
DECEMBER 2017
434.361.0104
december
2017 11 second chances
If Eddie wants you to do anything this holiday season, it is to simply make memories.
Prepare for winter. Listen to Tommy’s exclusive weathercast at BlueRidgeLife.com And for live weather updates, follow us:
facebook.com/BlueRidgeLife
twitter.com/BlueRidgeLife
16
k9 warriors They are man’s best friend for a reason.
27
the roast Over a fire until those beautiful things begin to pop.
inside
basic necessities ................. 9 cover story............................11 at home with marlo ......... 23 this old/new house ............ 24 sam’s garden ..................... 35 ask the dr. ......................... 35 event calendar ................. 36 business directory ............ 37 classifieds .......................... 38 games .................................. 39
on the cover Photo credit: Yvette Stafford The view from a spot at Eddie Seaman’s Christmas Tree Farm in Montebello. Story on page 11.
from
thepublishers We’re going to talk about a few things that the family may or may not find stuffed in this year’s Christmas stockings. For Tommy, it should probably be zip ties. He zip ties everything. He has packs of them hiding everywhere. Heck, when he sneezes, his body seems to eject a few of them from its crevices. But he’s always short on zip ties because if a bundle of cables could use a zip tie, six is better. For Adam, he may or may not find a blueberry muffin in his stocking. Whenever possible, he gets dad to buy him one to eat at home but I’d say half the time, the muffin goes untouched. The result? We have a collection of solid breakfast cakes occupying precious space in the freezer because our moral constitution prevents us from tossing out fancy sweets to the chickens. This is also called hoarding. For Peyton, she may or may not find an assortment of dried flowers and USB charging cables. When she’s not busy running down her iPad battery building elaborate Minecraft villages, she is grabbing everything growing out of the ground or on a tree that has color.
“Mommy, I wonder if I can build a portal to Spring in Minecraft,” she asked me on one of those chilly overcast days. For myself, I’m hoping my stocking remains largely empty because what I really need is space. And maybe a few airplane minis of bourbon. It won’t be long before I start streaming some holiday music and begin the traditional brining of the turkey and of myself. I somehow ran out of skin with which to neatly tuck the legs when I processed the Christmas bird but never fear! All I have to do is empty a mini, tickle my dear husband’s nose, and he’ll sneeze out a zip tie or ten. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Yvette and Tommy Stafford
DECEMBER 2017
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Winter is a Great Time to Tour the Best of Wintegreen
Dima Holmes 434.962.2252 DimaDHolmes@gmail.com
Renovated Condo
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2204 Tanners Ridge Wintergreen
255 Timbers Wintergreen
558 Fawn Ridge Dr Wintergreen
1 BR, 1 BA condo with bright and open floor plan. Fully furnished. (567934) $59,900
1BR, 1 BA renovated condo with great mountain and ski slope views. On private rental. (566317) $130,000
Craftsman home built in 2004. 3BR, 2.5 BA + Large Den. Furnished. (562177) $319,500
View Home Near Skiing
Modern Valley Home
Luxury Valley Living
302 Pedlars Edge Dr Wintergreen
76 Coleman Pl Nellysford
35 Wild Ginger Ln Nellysford
5BR, 5.5 BA home with nice mountain and valley views. Private 0.71 ac lot. 2-car garage. Furnished. (567922) $535,000
5 BR, 3.5 BA on private 1.43 ac. Open and Bright floor plan. Built in 2005. (563377) $499,000
3 BR, 3.5 bath home all on one level. 4,097 sq ft, 3-car garage. Unique architectural details throughout. (556684) $619,000
Specializing in log cabins, stone work, and historical restorations. Also buying log cabins and barns
Meade Shirley 540-241-9075 CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE:
elkmountaincontracting.com
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Blue Ridge LIFE
DECEMBER 2017
basicnecessities By Kay Pfaltz www.basicnecessities.com www.kaypfaltz.com Holiday Picks Christmas, Hanukkah, pagan solstices—whatever your culture or fancy, they share in common celebration accompanied by traditional, and abundant, food and drink. Pairing wine with food for the holidays is a broad category (loosely, wines to pair with rich and varied dishes) and many of last month’s Thanksgiving choices cross over seamlessly. But perhaps the later holidays offer a chance to be more adventuresome, maybe break into the cellar stash. Away from Thanksgiving’s candied sweet potatoes and obligatory pumpkin pie, perhaps now is the time to try a sweeter style wine. If you steer clear of sweeter wines as a rule, dare to go out on a limb and opt for something with good acidity and just a hint of residual sugar. Best Buys: Weins-Prum Estate Riesling (Mosel) – Riesling is in many ways a chameleon but one that works with food so beautifully no matter what its style you’ll want to have at least one bottle circulating. Dry, off-dry or sweet, a well-made Riesling is one of food’s greatest
companions. Pair this with dark meat turkey or goose for a flavor explosion; the acid cuts the fat and the sweet/sour balance of fruit melds all together. $18.99 The Splurge: Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, Riesling, Spätlese, 2005 (Mosel)– Great complexity comes from age and here you’ll find notes of honey and tangerine, with mushrooms and spice. 93 Wine Spectator $32.99 White wine’s higher acidity in general allows it to pair fluidly with many foods. Some whites actually do better with red meats like salamis, and some reds are better with traditional white fare. Remember when pairing, to match the wine to the richest ingredient, often the sauce. Best Buys: Wolfberger, Pinot Gris, 2016. Grab a bottle of this and your guests will ask you what it is and where they can get it. Rich, smooth and creamy, yet dry. Is it a Chardonnay? Nope. Semillon? Nope. Rather Pinot Gris from Alsace, an excellent companion for a wide range of dishes from including spicy cuisines, stinky and blue cheeses, white meats and fish. $16.99 The Splurge: Jean-Mi-
chel Guillon, Santenay, 2010 or 2015 – We can’t get enough of Jean-Michel’s burgundies and here is white burgundy at its most alluring. Opt for the younger and you pick up distinct apple and citrus notes, combined with a perfect dose of minerality. Opt for the older and you gain that beautiful complexity and funk. $44.99 Pinot Noir and other lighter-bodied wines are excellent at pairing with food for they don’t distract from the dish but instead compliment it, like a good marriage, bringing two separates to make an even better whole. Pinot Noir offers soft fruit flavors in new world styles such as this gem from Oregon, and earth, depth and complexity when vinified in burgundy. Best Buys: Foris Pinot Noir, 2014 –Oregon couldn’t make a bad bottle of wine in 2014; raspberry and cherry notes make for easy indulgence. $18.99 The Splurge: Jean-Michel Guillon, Gevrey Chamberin, Cuvée Rene Galland, 2014 – Silk in a bottle with notes of black cherry, wet leaves, game, earth and spice. $54.99 Happy holidays to all and may you know peace, love and great joy.
Café Wine and Cheese Shop 2226 Rockfish Valley Highway Nellysford, Virginia ph: 434.361.1766 www.basicnecessities.us
A taste of Europe in the Blue Ridge!
Keep Nelson, Nelson! and shop locally Come browse our local: Jams, Teas, Wines, Vinegars, Vinaigrettes, Tortillas, Cheeses, Eggs, Granola, and Books Tu-Th 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-3pm Reservations advised for weekend dinner and brunch.
Friend BASIC NECESSITIES Visit us on Foodwaze Review us on Trip Advisor and Yelp
The Perfect Gift for
Everyone
Please join us for our annual
WINTER WARMER Saturday, December 9th • 11 am - 6 pm
Thrill Of The Grill Food Truck: All Day Music by Lisa Carter: 1 pm - 4 pm Open daily for tours and tastings Monday - Saturday 11 am - 6 pm Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm 434.285.2900 • www.vadistillery.com
Give the gift of whisky!
Holiday gift baskets are now available.
71 River Road • Faber, Virginia Phone:(434) 806-8058 Hours: Thursday –Sunday 10am - 5pm
ebbandflowcottage.com DECEMBER 2017
Blue Ridge LIFE
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P a s s i o n. E x P E r i E n c E. i n n o v a t i o n
Amherst Office 434.946.5522 • 434.263.5088 198 South Main St, Suite 102 PO Box 1020 Amherst VA 24521
Lovingston - $750,000 - 344 +/- ac of beauty.10 ac open, 2 bold streams, 5 BR hunting cabin sold “as is”. Mark Brashears: 540.570.2874
Montebello - $485,000 - 87.67 ac of significant timber value, 2 ac. open, stream, 5,000 ft of state rd frontage. Mark Brashears: 540.570.2874
Lovingston - $289,900 - 33.56 acres currently zoned A1, Ideal location for Business subject to County approval. Pat Malchow: 434.946.9889
Arrington - $296,500 - 33.54 ac Private 2,031 fin. sq. ft. 3 Br 3 baths, full apartment in walkout basement. Carole Saunders: 434.981.3089
Arrington - $245,900 - 6.12 acres with spectacular log home, open flr plan, $82K below assessment. Andy Youngs: 434.942.9795
Shipman - $189,500 - 1 ac, 4BR, 3BA, 2274 finished sq. ft., many updates, Garage. Additional land available. Carole Saunders: 434.981.3089
Amherst - $185,000 - 3.6 open ac., fab mtn views, trout stream, 3/4BR, stone fireplace, garage, workshop. Christiane Gathright: 540.222.8415
Amherst - $157,900 - Sweeping Views from this Mountain Chalet! 2 BR retreat, open flr plan, gas log FP,stream. Kristin Wood: 434.942.4680
w w w. M o n t a g u E M i l l E r . c o M Amherst Office • 434.946.5522 • 434.263.5088
Naughty or Nice, we will help you with your wish list! • Bookkeeper • Payroll Service • Tax Prep • Online Banking • Online Bill Pay • Notary
TAYLOR MADE BUSINESS SERVICE, LLC p: 434.361.2208 • f: 434.361.2131 TaylorMadeSvc@gmail.com
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MONTEBELLO
[ nelson county ]
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY by YVETTE STAFFORD
2nd CHANCES Eddie Seaman refused to give up. Then came the Christmas Trees.
DECEMBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2017 2017
Blue Blue Ridge Ridge LIFE LIFE
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Eddie Seaman is taking me riding down the rows and rows of Fraser Firs, and this dream of his – to plant acres of Christmas Trees in the hills of Montebello – almost came to a crashing thud as he came out of the kitchen a few weeks after retirement. “My body started shutting down. I grabbed the phone as I was falling to the floor. 9-1-1. I could still move a little bit. My legs and stuff wouldn’t work. Then all of a sudden, I said, ‘I’m having a stroke.’” And on that floor, a man begins to think about his life. About his God. About why, of all nights, he had locked the doors to his home. The night first responders needed to get in. “I said break the door! Break a window!’ I couldn’t turn my head but I could talk.” The window shattered and Mr. Seaman got gurneyed out into the ambulance. Had he not dialed for help, he could have died. But even in rehab, he knew he had some life left in him, even if the left side of is body was frozen. “I didn’t want to go to a nursing home. I wanted to go back here.” He wasn’t even “nursing home” old. He was in his 60s. And he could still drive a lawn mower. Christmas trees, he thought. He began planting them the following year. “You can’t quit. And that’s what happens even when people get older. And I’m not old. That’s what kills me!”
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So Eddie, who had raised two daughters now grown, became a father again. He started off with little Fraser Firs. The first patch didn’t do so well because of grubs, but he kept at it as new fathers do. Today, the scene is bucolic as we ride up to a knoll overlooking the farm. We stop and as he gazes across the tips of the 8000-9000 neatly trimmed firs, he shares his first Christmas memory. “Dad had an old Case tractor, a red tractor. He’d hook up a trailer, put hay bales around on it, and myself, my brother and my sister would ride ... we’d cut a cedar tree down.” The scrappy look of a cedar Christmas tree adorned many modest Blue Ridge mountain homes before the advent of cut pines leaned against each other on grocery store parking lots. “It was such a great memory. I’m afraid they’re not making Christmas real anymore.”
NELSON COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Holiday fresh greens of magnolia, pine, boxwood and beautiful winterberry are available as well as dried flowers, hydrangeas and more.
SEAMAN FAMILY ARCHIVE
Santa here December 10.
www.PharsaliaEvents.com
434-277-5231
Margaret Seaman and Susie Ballowe pose for a photo of the family Christmas tree as young kids (at left). Their father, Eddie Seaman, grew up with a cedar tree during the holidays as well (above). Today is his first year opening JES Christmas Tree Farm in Montebello to the public. A departure from the scrappy nostalgia of a cedar, neatly trimmed Fraser Firs are available starting the day after Thanksgiving until December 17. For more info, visit JESChristmasTreeFarm.com
And for Eddie, a real Christmas starts with a real tree. “Pull a plastic bag off of the plastic Christmas tree. ‘Alright, kids. Go on back to your video games.’ It ought to be a memory. It ought to be something that you look back on years from now and say, ‘Golly, remember when we used to do that?’ I don’t know how you change that.” I first met Eddie before I had kids, newly moved to Nelson County, needing some insurance as a new homeowner in Afton. He spent 21 years inside living rooms and sitting at kitchen tables writing insurance policies for people. Before that, he had taught a few years at the school, and he had run the family packing shed in Tyro. And before that, the nation was at war in Vietnam but the only action he saw was in California. “The captain asked one day if anybody in formation know how to type. Out of a hundred some people, I was the only one who raised my hand. He said I need a company clerk, mine’s getting out in three weeks.” Eddie Seaman, keyboard warrior. But he served his country and came home, becoming a father to two girls, Margaret and Susie, born roughly two years apart. They shared with me a picture of a cedar tree in their home. continued on page 14
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VeronaAntiques.com Rt. 11 north of Staunton DECEMBER 2017
Blue Ridge LIFE
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continued from page 13
“Dad would pretty much drive around until we found one that we liked,” Susie recalls. “He cut them down because ‘cedar trees can bite you!’ They would always be bigger than we should have gotten but that didn’t matter. “I think it was something he did with his dad and that we did with him and now seeing our families, he really just wants all families to have that experience.” “One of the biggest things I remember was you always had fruit. We always got oranges and tangerines and nuts. We had an aunt that lived in Tennessee and she’d send us pecans. “They redid my brother’s bicycle with gears on it and that was my Christmas present. I just thought that was the greatest thing in the world.” We ride over to the tractor shed where there’s a grand old apple tree and young trees growing around it, the red fruits adorning the trees like a skirt. “We used to have the deer come up here and eating them up every night but they’re not here now.” Must be the coyotes, he thinks. He doesn’t remember the coyotes being so bad as a child and the winters were surely colder. As kids, the ponds would freeze over. “We’d sleigh ride off the hill. The sled would hit the lake and spin all the way across it … I just thing people ought to make memories.” Frozen lake not required. “Taking our children to pick out a tree is a must for is,” Susie says. “We always go together as families. I have even gotten a Fraser fir and a cedar to put up.” “I don’t care what you do,” Eddie insists. “Take the kids fishing. Do something with your children instead of staying on that thing all the time!” He’s jabbing a thick finger at the iPhone I’m using to record this conversation. But I get his point. “They need to be outside. They need to be playing with the dog. They need to be doing stuff outside with mom and dad. Build memories.” Though he towered over her growing up, little sister Susie sees her dad as a softy come Christmas time. “I think he likes to see the smile on the children’s faces when they choose the perfect tree.” And maybe that tree is in Montebello this year. BRL
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COURTESY MARGARET SEAMAN
It wouldn’t be a legit Christmas Tree farm without a pitiful Charlie Brown Christmas Tree (top). During the warm months, Eddie Seaman spends his time on the mower keeping the rows clean every two weeks (above). Always a family affair, the grandkids made Eddie Seamanstyle memories last year cutting down their trees (at left).
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Introducing Nelson County’s Newest Retreat
The Inn at Blue Mountain BOOK NOW AT WWW.INNATBLUEMOUNTAIN.COM
DECEMBER 2017
Blue Ridge LIFE
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STAUNTON
[ augusta county ]
STORY by VICTORIA BEECHER GODFREY PHOTOGRAPHY by YVETTE STAFFORD
K9s for WARRIORS “It’s the family you always wished you had.” – Justin Redifer continued on page 18
OLD WORLD CARPENTRY “hoch die zimmererkunst” 3450 Ennis Mountain Rd, Afton VA MLS #557813 Stunning Blue Ridge mountain views surround a custombuilt home on over 8 acres, complete with fenced pastures and multiple outbuildings, offered at $658,000.
Georgia Lindsey 434.566.4635 georgia@nestrealty.com
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Jens Müller
6997 Rockfish River Road Schuyler, VA 22969 434.831.5998 CUSTOM SAWING WITH A WOOD MIZER PORTABLE BAND SAW
oldworldcarpentryvirginia.com
NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2017
Blue Ridge LIFE
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Chad Layman and Justin Redifer take a break from walking Andre and Scout at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton. An Army veteran, Justin Redifer manages his warrelated challenges with Scout, a black Labrador Retriever he secured through K9s for Warriors. For more info, visit K9sForWarriors.org
continued from page 16
The Washington Times ran a piece on July 9, 2016 recounting the pitiless killing of Manaba, Justin Redifer’s service dog of seven and a half years. The dog went missing and a week later was found purposefully shot. The story was open-ended and frankly bleak regarding a canine replacement and Redifer’s future. Talking with Justin Redifer I see a tidy polite twelve-year Army man. I would not guess his Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome symptoms, his heart condition, and that the tensions of his life were sometimes, if not frequently, disabling. The only clue is the antidote to these challenges, a sleek fine-boned black Labrador Retriever in full service-dog regalia. Scout’s tail is wagging and her warm eyes flit between Redifer and me. I’m mindful not to touch or approach her, she’s on duty. There’s a pause of silent attention between the two then the command, “Make a friend.” I was as relieved for that permission as she was, the dog slobber and wiggling go wild. A nod and she is back at his side quietly composed. Chad Layman watches this smiling. Chad is not military but his own experiences with anxiety, depression and attempted suicide led him to service dogs. His German Shepherd/Yellow Lab mix, Andre, has changed and secured his life. Realizing their immense worth Chad began to focus on getting dogs to those veterans who needed them most by volunteering for K9s for Warriors. Having read the article about Justin, Chad launched a personal phone campaign calling Justin who recounts, “I just wanted this guy to go away.” Chad did not. He continued to call Justin and suggest meeting. Redifer recalls, “People were really nice after they saw the article. They’d call and tell me their dog just had a litter and I could have a
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puppy. I thought, it takes two years to train a service dog. I’ll be dead by then. But I agreed to meet Chad, so he’d leave me alone.” The men chuckle. Chad’s calls to Justin continued but now to report on his progress in securing a dog for Justin through K9s for Warriors. Justin was skeptical. Support from the military was superficial to non-existent, why would anyone else help? 125,000 vets have committed suicide in the past 15 years. Not much outlook for a shell-shocked 30-something veteran. Shari Duval’s son returned from two tours in Iraq with PTSD. She worked to help him; her compassion is overflowing and contagious. “Our men and women of our military fought for our tomorrows, so we fight for theirs,” says the founder of K9s for Warriors, a small but mighty non-profit based in Florida. Duval is known to everyone associated with K9s as “Mom.” She has created a haven where rescue dogs become service dogs and dignity is restored to vets long stigmatized and isolated for being, well, human. “The warriors arrive here broken on two legs and leave here on six legs recovered.” says Duval. Exactly a year after Justin Redifer met Chad Layman he completed his three week 24/7 training with Scout in Florida. Because of her he is able to drive and therefore work, go to the grocery store, negotiate crowds, anticipate heart episodes and wake from nightmares with a black lab bumping her cold wet nose against his face. “My family consists of Scout, my two children and K9s for Warriors.” says Redifer looking appreciatively at Layman. Yeah, “Make a friend.” BRL
SAUNDERS BROTHERS FARM
MARKET
SINCE 1915
2717 Tye Brook Hwy Piney River, VA 22964
Choose & Cut Tree Farm open Saturdays from 10 am - 5 pm!
Enjoy our seasonal wreaths,
hot cider, and the angel tree!
Farm Market closes December 16! expires 12.16.17
Mon-Sat 9-5 (closed Sunday) saundersbrothersfarmmarket.com BRL 9 bring this ad in for 10% off
12017 Patrick Henry Highway
T
his wonderful 105-acre property located in Roseland (Nelson County) has a lovely, well-maintained old Virginia farmhouse ready for your special touch. Seasonal views, a creek and lots of picturesque wooded land make this perfect for the hunter, hiker and ATV rider. Private yet close to all that Nellysford has to offer. Just minutes to the popular Brew and Cider area and a short jaunt up to Wintergreen Resort. $495,000
Hunter Price, ABR, GRI, CRS, Realtor Cell 540-290-0694 hunterprice07@gmail.com
www.MountainAreaRealty.com 2788 Rockfish Valley Highway Nellysford, VA 22958
DECEMBER 2017
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Mountain Homes for Your Outdoor Lifestyle. MOUNTAIN HOMES AT WINTERGREEN
$285,000
MLS# 555213
CONDOS AT WINTERGREEN
MLS# 563020
$479,000
MLS# 555001
$137,500
67 Squirrel Tree Lane
77 Den Tree Lane
179 Mountain Inn Condos
Beautifully decorated & upgraded 3 bedroom, 2 bath Ski Chalet is a short walk to the slopes. Comes furnished and ready for your family this ski season with picturesque views from your master bdrm, living room, & expansive deck. Tim Craig – 540.416.8498
Private & secluded well cared for 4 bdr, 4½ bth furnished home has attached garage, screened porch, lots of deck, and bright and open layout. Vaulted ceilings, central air, fireplaces in family room and master and more! Steve Marianella – 434.566.1293
This slope side condo has been completely remodeled and comes turnkey furnished; ready for you this winter! Having achieved a Gold Rated Rental Status in Wintergreen Resort program makes this unit an instant income producer! Tim Craig – 540.416.8498
$350,000
MLS# 568591 106 Oak Lane
What a mountain home should be! Beautifully renovated in 2015 w attention to every detail. Expansive deck off front of the house offers seasonal views & space for friends & family to enjoy mountain living at its finest. Gavin Sherwood – 434.962.0226
$279,900
MLS# 561065
MLS# 564291
$529,500
MLS# 563216
$126,000
175 East Catoctin Drive
1450 Ledges Condos
Shenandoah Valley AND golf course views from this immaculate 5 bdr home. Two masters, renovated kitchen & baths, and gorgeous floors are a few of the upgrades in this meticulous home. Main level is ideal for entertaining. Steve Marianella – 434.566.1293
This beautifully decorated & well maintained 1 bdr 1 bth turnkey furnished unit offers an open floor plan with many upgrades. Enjoy panoramic mountain views from your private deck. A popular rental in the resort rental program. Tim Craig – 540.416.8498
MLS# 535481
$549,000
MLS# 561903
$249,000
188 Shamokin Springs Trail
293 Cedar Drive
1607 Overlook Condos
Spacious and efficient 4 bdr, 3 bth home on a quiet street is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Wintergreen & the conveniences of resort community living. Sold furnished with great rental potential! Tim Craig – 540.416.8498
Experience some of the best year round views at Wintergreen from this amazing home with large decks & screened porch on a 2.4 acre lot. 3-car garage with a hobby room above that could be a 4th bedroom. Steve Marianella – 434.566.1293
Experience the beauty of Wintergreen Resort from this retreat that will make you never want to leave! Year round panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mtns. from this recently renovated 2 bdr, 2 bth condo make it a must see destination. Gavin Sherwood – 434.962.0226
434.325.8018 / 800.325.2200
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In Partnership with Wintergreen
Blue Ridge LIFE
DECEMBER 2017
WintergreenResort.com
To Learn More, Contact Us Today! 434.325.8018 / 800.325.2200
n Resort Premier Properties
STONEY CREEK AND NELSON COUNTY
MLS# 562922
$165,000
1434 Highlands Condos This is exactly what a mountain condo should be! Imagine being on the slopes within minutes of arriving at this beautiful 2 bdr 2 bth getaway! This rare offering, only a minute walk to Highlands Express, has great rental potential. Gavin Sherwood – 434.962.0226
MLS# 563761
$119,500
MLS# 565446
$359,900
75 Oak Grove Lane
424 Hunters Point
Well maintained 3 bdr, 2½ bth custom contemporary home is your perfect getaway! Located in Stoney Creek and on almost 2 acres, this home boasts soap stone counters, hickory floors, expansive decking, and landscaped yard. Tim Craig – 540.416.8498
MLS# 562176
$70,000
MLS# 550327
$430,000
Panoramic golf views and towering mountain views from this lot in coveted Hunters Point section of Stoney Creek with all its conveniences. The nearly level lot makes building easy. Bring your own builder or ask us for recommendations! Brian Chase – 434.296.9860
$785,000
MLS# 567671
2077 Stone Ridge Condos
431 Hunters Point
885 Elk Mountain Road
No steps! This furnished 2 bdr 2 bth condo, in one of the newest buildings at Wintergreen, boasts a cozy wood burning FP, central AC & heat, separate dining area & nice deck! Currently in resort rental program with good rental revenue & rating. Steve Marianella – 434.566.1293
In Hunters Point area of Stoney Creek, well cared for home with seasonal views is golf front and stream side on Monacan Hole # 4. One level main living & master, screened porch, sun room, hard wood floors, vaulted ceilings. Steve Marianella – 434.566.1293
Spectacular 180 degree views of the Rockfish Valley to C’ville from this mountain top home. This 4 bdr, 3 bth home sits on over 3 acres and has been tastefully updated w/a modern design and flooded with beautiful natural light. Gavin Sherwood – 434.962.0226
MLS# 529037
$264,950
15 Shenandoah Ridge Townhome This 5 bedroom townhome features a renovated kitchen and excellent sunset views of Shenandoah Valley and mountains beyond. Centrally located for an easy walk to the spa, fitness center, tennis, and golf. Brian Chase - 434.296.9860
MLS# 565531
$40,000
$815,000
MLS# 546795
1012 Stoney Creek West
512 Hunters Point
The location of this lot offers resort-style living with unparalleled privacy and serenity! Come take a look at this location and let’s talk about your design plans. Your home awaits in the center of the Virginia Viticulture Region. Gavin Sherwood – 434.962.0226
Water-front home with views of the lake, 5th green, & surrounding mountains. Situated in the Hunters Point cul-de-sac, this is Stoney Creek’s gem - a home that embraces peace & solitude while only a minute from many amenities. Brian Chase – 434.296.9860
P.O. Box 706, Wintergreen, VA 22958
DECEMBER 2017
Blue Ridge LIFE
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Where the Cancer Experts are
C
“In my fight, I was never alone!” – Margaret, Cancer Survivor
540-322-5960
22
Blue Ridge LIFE
DECEMBER 2017
www.augustahealth.com
athome
Is it the right time to list? Advantages of selling in the winter
withMarlo
By Marlo Allen Marlo Allen is a licensed Realtor residing in Nelson County
“Good timing” can always be met with uncertainty. Quite often life events don’t fit so neatly within our lives and on our terms. Perhaps that is why sellers would rather not open up their homes to prospective purchasers over the holidays or in the cold, dreary, winter months when their home may not feel as showcase worthy. While that is understandable, buyers don’t always have the luxury of timing their needs; making a move may be dictated by job relocations, divorce, or other major life changes. Hence, no matter what the season, there will always be buyers. Let’s explore a few reasons why sellers may want to consider listing in the winter. Less competition – Everyone knows that spring brings more buyers. However, what some fail to realize is that it also brings more sellers. When a buyer has more
options, sellers have to be even more mindful of making sure their property stands out in a crowd. It may be easier to win the race in the winter when there is much less competition. More motivation – The spring market brings out more buyers, but are they more motivated? Would you rather go look at homes on a nice warm, sunny spring day OR on a cold, blistery winter day? Any buyer willing to venture out on a less than desirable winter day is probably a serious buyer. When sellers celebrate holidays with extended family and friends, so do buyers. Buyers don’t typically want to disrupt their holiday festivities either, so again, if a buyer is house hunting over the holidays, that buyer is typically a motivated buyer, one choosing needing to purchase a home because of relocation or other life event. Cozier and inviting – Emotions
Marlo Allen
can play a huge role in a buyer’s purchase decision. Hence, sellers may be able to capitalize on that fact by setting the stage to evoke that emotion. As long as they are not overdone or too cluttered, holiday decorations can be inviting. In addition, a warm interior with the fireplace going can entice a buyer to cozy up to the fire and focus on what may be a big selling feature such as a stone fireplace or an economic advantage of an alternate heat source. View worthy – There are BIG mountain views and then there are “seasonal” mountain views. Winter is the perfect time to feature a mountain view that may not be as evident when the foliage returns. Location, location, location – What may attract buyers to the area? In the winter, a ski resort such as Wintergreen, can be a big draw. Highly touristed areas,
434-996-3525
Forget Santa. Call Marlo!
Buying or selling, Marlo is the name to know in Wintergreen, Stoney Creek, and Nelson County. Marlo G. Allen
Associate Broker Cell: 434.996.3525 Web: InsistOnThatGirl.com Email: Marlo@InsistOnThatGirl.com
Insist on that girl!
within a short drive to major cities, open up another opportunity for sellers by bringing in good second home prospects. Preparation – In order to make the most of the winter sales opportunity, sellers should price the home appropriately, have the home in tiptop showing condition, and make sure the home is easily accessible. Buyer’s slipping and sliding to your front door may not make the best first impression. You never know when a buyer may be in the market for a home just like your home. Get it listed now, so that you don’t risk missing that buyer! Marlo Allen, frequently referred to as “That Girl,” calls Nelson County home. In fact, she grew up in Nelson County and helped found Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery of Nellysford. Marlo provides real estate services in Nelson and surrounding counties.
InsistOnThatGirl.com Wintergreen: Big home - Small price! 17 Pitcher Plant Ln; only $249,900 #568542; 2,363 sq ft; 5Br/3Ba
Great retreat for large group of family and friends OR for an investor wanting 10+ sleeping capacity as an income generating resort rental. Home is easy for all generations with level parking and ground level entry deck. Entry level has the kitchen, dining, bedroom/bath, and great room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and sky lights for natural light. Upstairs is an ideal master suite with bedroom/ bath with private balcony and optional 5th Br or sitting area. Lower level has 2 more bedrooms/ bath and a family room with stone fireplace. Enjoy woods, privacy, seasonal mountain views, and nearly 1,000 sq ft of decking.
Marlo is a top-producing agent throughout Nelson County, Stoney Creek and Wintergreen. DECEMBER 2017
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thisoldhouse
Location: 182 Timber Ridge Lane, Wintergreen, Virginia Offered at: $620,000 Comments: Built to high standards and in “like new” condition. On a ridge at the far Eastern extremity of Wintergreen’s Mountain top village, a dramatic, vertical drop of over 2,000’ of unencumbered mountainside to the valley floor. Exceptional Eastern exposure toward Charlottesville. Extraordinary sunsets illuminate majestic humpback framed from the house. Contact: Peter Farley Wintergreen Realty 434-361-0567
Life isn’t perfect. But your hair can be. Call for an appointment.
Beech Grove Salon 434-361-1810
910 Beech Grove Rd (Rt. 664) Roseland, VA
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DECEMBER 2017
Location: 93 Harpers Creek Lane, Tyro, Virginia Offered at: $189,000 Comments: Spicewood Cabin provides all the modern conveniences while maintaining the original charm of a 100-year old cabin with antique furnishings and chestnut walls. Situated on 1.84 acres offering 2 small springs, frontage on Harpers Creek and private surroundings with Blue Ridge Mountain views in the Tye River Valley. Spicewood Cabin has 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a great room/kitchen combination and 2 screenedin porches. Nearby are Crabtree Falls, breweries, wineries, Wintergreen, a short walk to the Appalachian Trail and the Tye River. Contact: Lynn Bowling Montague, Miller & Co. - Amherst 434-941-3126
thisnewhouse
BECERRA LAWNCARE Now taking appointments for Chipping and Leaf Removal Contact: Carlos Becerra
434-962-3266 Firewood • Debris Cleanup • Wood Chipper Mowing • Weed Eating • Pruning/Weeding Tree Trimming • Planting/Fertilizing • Mulching Spraying Weeds • Raking Leaves • Much, much more ...
DECEMBER 2017
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Rockfish River Gallery Fine Art and Exquisite Crafts from Virginia 55 Artists & Artisans – We Are Unique !
Here are a few of the items that we have: lots of cards, five different jewelry makers’ jewelery, local Virginia authors’ books, witches, fairies, watercolor, oil, acrylic, pencil sketches and mixed media paintings, hand-made clothing, dolls, hand-made wooden toys, local music, blown glass and stained glass, strange fish, pottery and on and on ... Part Of Our Mission Is to Allow As Many As Possible Virginia Local And Extended Local Artists And Artisans To Display Their Work and to Promote Art in the Community at Large. We now have more than 50 artists, Artisans and Authors Displaying their Work
We are located in the RVCC (Rockfish Valley Community Center), RVCC Shops and Facilities include the Treasure Chest Thrift Store, Trager Brothers Coffee, Virginia Rock Shop, Claudia’s Catering and Food, the Full Circle Hair Salon, Fitness and Yoga Studios, classes and health and wellness services. Recreation: skate ramp, playground, basketball court, soccer field, baseball field, and the Blue Mountain Pavilion.
Rockfish Valley Community Center 190 Rockfish School Lane, Afton, VA 22920 We are open all year Weds. through Sat. from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. 434 - 294 - 4668 Check our website for info, map and news. www.RockfishRiverGallery.com
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Blue Ridge LIFE
DECEMBER 2017
ARRINGTON
[ nelson county ]
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY by YVETTE STAFFORD
THE ROAST Around a roaring fire next to a church graveyard in the pouring rain, souls begin to gather.
DECEMBER DECEMBER 2017 2017
Blue Blue Ridge Ridge LIFE LIFE
27 27
“We could do without the rain but it’s all part of it,” says the man with the yellow storm hat and the long beard. Don Lansing is a builder based in Nellysford who’s been shuttling trays of oysters back and forth between the pit and the tents where people, armed with shucking knives, are prying open shells. If it weren’t for the fog masking the mountains from view, you would think this was one of the many Episcopal churches dotting the Virginia tidewater holding an oyster roast for its parishioners. But William Yagel of Tye River, who grew up on the Chesapeake Bay, knows he is miles away from those marshy riverbanks. “We moved out to Nelson County 11 years ago [and] you can’t get these little pieces of home.” So along with a few other members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Arrington, William hatched a plan to haul a batch of oysters to the western end of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, as a way of spreading goodwill. “We want you here for the oysters. We want you to enjoy responsibly and enjoy the community. It’s been part of our effort to make sure that we access as many parts of the community as we can in having this roast,” he said. Tonged the morning before along the banks of the Rappahannock, the oysters are chilled and arrive on ice. Clint Sorrels drove up from Lynchburg to turn the heat on. “We got started at nine this morning, put the tents up. Got the fire started about 11:30 and then we put the oysters on right around 2 o’clock.”
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There’s a tent a few yards away where a man is hosing off a heap of raw oysters so that they won’t taste as gritty coming off the fire. From there, a young man in a dark hoodie wheels them over in a wheelbarrow to Clint. “You put the oysters on the trays and you take the wet burlap bags over top of them and it creates a steam and pops them open,” Clint says, standing next to a group of 5-gallon buckets keeping the burlap moist. In its fifth year as an annual fundraiser, the event runs like a well-oiled machine. When things do get stuck, beer from nearby Blue Mountain Barrel House keeps the system going. Yagel says funds raised from this year’s roast are headed to Puerto Rico relief efforts via Episcopal Relief and Development.
“We want people to know we’re here and come and celebrate with us but we don’t want try to preach ... We believe in Christian fellowship but we understand that can be a challenge to some people.” “I don’t go to church here but they’re just good people,” Don affirms to me under a large tree whose canopy isn’t shielding us from the weather. With a nod and a smile, he darts back out into the pouring rain to get back to work, living proof that every now and then, you do find a pearl in an oyster. BRL
DECEMBER 2017
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Brady S. Nicks Attorney-at-Law,
Counselor, and Officer of the Court, serving Citizens of Nelson and Surrounding Counties in Matters before the Courts, Civil or Criminal, or between Parties.
North Branch School Preschool – 8th grade
Nature Nurture North Branch A North Branch education is affordable. Ask about our financial aid and scholarships. 540-456-8450 www.north-branch-school.org
North Branch School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color or income & actively seeks minority students.
Consultations are Confidential and Free. 434-263-4141 All Client calls returned within 24 Business Hours. Office Located on the Courthouse Grounds, Lovingston. nicksatlaw.com
Experience a Conscious Awakening Learn techniques and tools to explore expanded states of consciousness. Join the tens of thousands of people from all around the world who have attended our programs and discovered the life-changing benefits of expanded awareness through their personal exploration of human consciousness. Call or visit our website to learn more.
The Monroe Institute 365 Roberts Mountain Road Faber, VA 22938 434-361-1500 www.monroeinstitute.org
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434-263-4500 8535 Thomas Nelson Hwy Lovingston, VA 22949
FOSTERFUELS.COM PROPANE • GAS LOGS • TANKS • HEATERS • GRILLS & MORE 30
Blue Ridge LIFE
DECEMBER 2017
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434-361-2445 or 800-361-5155
HOLIDAY JUBILEE The Nelson County Community Orchestra spreads sounds of the season.
NELLYSFORD
[ nelson county ]
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY by MARCIE GATES
DECEMBER 2017
Blue Ridge LIFE
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Come warm up with one of our
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The Best Around Burgers – Salads – Sandwiches Selection of Va Foods and Wines 7023 Patrick Henry Hwy, Roseland
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Your local answer for primary & preventive health care needs! Family Practice• Pediatrics • Dental• Pharmacy • X-Ray • Laboratory • Physical therapy • Counseling & behavioral health • Referrals to specialists near you• School-based health care in Nelson County Public Schools • Rural Health Outreach Program
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Call today for an appointment!
434-263-4000 32
Blue Ridge LIFE
DECEMBER 2017
The Nelson County Community Orchestra performs “Holiday Jubilee” around the county three times in December on the 2nd, 3rd, and 9th. For locations and times, visit nelsoncco.org.
Every Monday night at the Rockfish Presbyterian Church on Rt. 151, a group of individuals that vary in age as much as personality gather together in the activities room upstairs. For the past three months, the Nelson County Community Orchestra has been rehearsing two hours a week in preparation for their upcoming performances of “Holiday Jubilee” which will take place in early December. In this holy hub, you’ll find congregated in the name of music; a woman who is legally deaf playing the cello, a bad-ass motorcycle-riding potter who also happens to play the French horn, and a gentleman named Bob Hoffman who enjoys “experimenting” with the construction of violins as much as he likes playing them. “I started playing with the orchestra a year after it started, so for about two or three years now,” says Bob. “It’s a very welcoming community orchestra. There are very nice people there. The orchestra is trying to get people back into playing music and for young people to begin music. So, there’s a great caring for the community and we hope to get more people to play with us.”
And leading the pack is highly skilled and qualified musician and conductor, Michael Tyree. ͞“I have been a member of a community orchestra almost continuously since I started the violin thirteen years ago,” says Michael, who drives from Lynchburg every Monday for Nelson’s practice. ͞Though I just started as the music director of NCCO this season, I conducted one “guest” session and concert series last spring. The orchestra reached out to local music schools in the area as part of their conductor search, and I heard about it from my violin professor.” Michael is the kind of guy who uses words like “buttery” and “schmaltzy” to describe how he wants certain notes played, and he doesn’t hesitate to give a demonstration. And even though he’s probably heard it a million times, he admittedly still gets excited when hearing “Sleigh Bells.” The orchestra performs the “Holiday Jubilee” three times this winter. “The music features flowing melodies by Bach, playful dances of Tchaikovsky, and catchy tunes by Leroy Anderson,” adds Michael. “I am especially excited that Hillary Day, our Concert Master, will be leading the orchestra as soloist in Vivaldi’s Winter.” In addition to that, Michael says the orchestra is inviting members of the community to sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah as the grand finale. BRL
DECEMBER 2017
Blue Ridge LIFE
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Blue Ridge LIFE
DECEMBER 2017
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sam’sgarden By Sam Saunders Edge, LLC
A Winter Wonderland The formula for a winter wonderland goes into the plan well before Old Man Winter drops his frosty hands onto the autumn landscape. Proper planning utilizes plants and structures alike to decorate for the long stretch of cold that looms in our Zone 5 to 6 landscape. The formula is simple: carefully select and position plants and hardscapes around the yard and home that offer a layered approach, while adding in backdrops and structure to an otherwise baron winter wasteland. While distant memories will offer lush green and color from your spring and summer garden, proper planning will at least offer a substantial bookmark in a novel that will once again resume when the last frost dissipates. From a very basic scenario, the landscape is composed of four seasons of continuously evolving drama – a happy ending or a horror title is controlled by the one that wields the landscape blueprint. A layered landscape offers height against the structure, and slowly (or even dramatically) descends to the grass or mulch. Where deciduous material is used, the layers need an evergreen backbone to sustain the landscape during the winter months. For example, on the corner of a structure may be a Kousa Dogwood – only a skeletal canopy during the winter months. Against the structure on the 90 degree turn of the house could be an evergreen shrub, while under the canopy of the dogwood could be a figurine surrounded by ferns and evergreen hellebore. An evergreen groundcover, like Pachysandra, surrounding a cleverly placed mountain rock would also add a nice detail. I tend to opt away from adding height under trees since it covers the trunk of the selected tree. When an evergreen is chosen for a corner anchor, deciduous shrubs like panicle hydrangeas, deciduous azaleas, or weigelia can
occupy the foundation planting. I still find it flattering to add in splashes of color like Pulmonaria, Phlox or Arum to create interest in the off season. As important as layering, adding in backdrops for casting color and structures against is a necessity in the garden. Considering the time of the year where a place will be visited dictates whether the backdrop can be deciduous or evergreen. Understanding preferred annuals and perennials and their associated height then determines the size of the shrub to be used. Near the entrance to the home or around the front of the house in general, an evergreen backdrop is preferred. Something as simple as dwarf boxwood (Justin Brouwers), Montgomery Spruce or many other dwarf and semi-dwarf evergreens or conifers add color, structure and provide a reliable backdrop and anchor for an area. Around patios and other summer visited areas, deciduous shrubs can provide a nice backdrop for a host of perennials. Structures like figurines, stonework and other hardscapes are not an option in the landscape. As necessary as the plants that envelope the structure, hardscapes offer eye candy and breaking points in the landscape to draw the eye around the premises. Locating hardscapes on corners, beneath canopies and around patios allows the eye to focus on a strong edge while passing through or sitting for a spell. Plants that would otherwise be lost, like the delicate blooms of the Bletilla striata, suddenly are appreciated at the base of a bird bath. Equally important, designing stone walls and columns to stand alone with just grass and perhaps a cluster of ferns or other perennials at their base, allows the whole structure to be visible and add beauty year-round. As for winter interest, nothing could be more appealing than stone covered in snow.
asktheDr. By Dr. Steve Schmitz Afton Family Medicine Dear Dr. Steve, I know I should get a flu shot every year, but what is this I hear about a pneumonia shot? Pneumonia is bad news. It is an infection in the lungs that can be caused by bacteria or viruses, and usually causes a cough, shortness of breath, and fever. I was talking to my 89 year old grandfather recently who told me that his father died at a young age from pneumonia. He tells me he remembers as a kid that if someone got pneumonia, they died. Thankfully, a lot of people who get this awful disease now-a-days don’t die from it, but many certainly do. The pneumonia shot is a way to help prevent getting pneumonia. There are probably 80 or so bacteria that can cause pneumonia, and lots of viruses (including influenza) as well. The pneumonia shot protects against 23 of the most common strains of bacteria-caused pneumonias. It is made of parts of bacteria, not live bacteria, so it can not make you get pneumonia. Most people tolerate it very well, but some experience soreness where the shot
was given and even fewer may get a low grade fever or body aches. Children following the usual vaccine schedule get the pneumonia immunization series when they are under 2 years old. It is recommended that all adults get the adult version at age 65. Adults with long term illnesses, especially heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease, should get it when they are younger. There are now two pneumonia shots recommended for people over 65, and they are given one year apart. Thankfully, my granddad is still doing pretty well at 89 (I interrupted his football watching to get my pneumonia history facts straight!), and he has had his pneumonia shot. If you are 65 or have a major health problem and have not had this immunization, please talk to your doctor about it. Plus, everyone loves shots, right?!! Dr. Steve Schmitz is a licensed medical doctor based in Afton. This column is provided as a service to readers of Blue Ridge Life Magazine and it does not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers of this magazine. If you have a question about your personal health, please consult your doctor.
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OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm For more information or to schedule an appointment, CALL (540) 456-6710 10950 Rockfish Valley Hwy (SR151) • Afton, VA • www.sentara.com DECEMBER 2017
Blue Ridge LIFE
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eventcalendar DECEMBER 9 SATURDAY
DECEMBER 2 SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET Start: Dec. 2, 2017 9:00 am End: Dec. 2, 2017 12:00 pm Venue: Rockfish Valley Community Center Phone: 434-361-1725 Address: 190 Rockfish Lane Afton, VA 22920 (NELSON) COMMUNITY BREAKFAST Start: Dec. 2, 2017 8:30 am End: Dec. 2, 2017 10:30 am Venue: Rockfish Valley Community Center Phone: 434-361-0100 Address: 190 Rockfish Lane Afton, VA 22920 (NELSON) WREATHS AND WINTER INTEREST PLANTS Start: Dec. 2, 2017 9:00 am End: Dec. 2, 2017 5:00 pm Venue: Saunders Brothers Farm Market Phone: 434-277-5455 Address: 11100 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Afton, VA 22920 (NELSON) 2017 CONCEALED DARKNESS RELEASE PARTY AND PIG ROAST Start: Dec. 2, 2017 10:00 am End: Dec. 2, 2017 8:00 pm Venue: Blue Mountain Barrel House Phone: 252-207-9393 Address: 495 Cooperative Way Arrington, VA 22922 (NELSON) WINTER SHOW AND SALE Start: Dec. 2, 2017 10:00 am End: Dec. 3, 2017 5:00 pm Venue: Tye River Pottery Phone: 434-263-4065 Address: 1289 Falling Rock Drive Amherst, VA 24521 (NELSON) WAYNESBORO CHRISTMAS PARADE Start: Dec. 2, 2017 6:00 pm End: Dec. 2, 2017 8:00 pm Phone: 540-942-673 Address: Downtown Waynesboro (AUGUSTA)
WINTER WARMER Start: Dec. 9, 2017 11:00 am End: Dec. 9, 2017 6:00 pm Venue: Virginia Distillery Company Phone: 434-285-2900 Address: 299 Eades Lane Lovingston, VA 22949 (NELSON) NELSON COUNTY CHRISTMAS PARADE Start: Dec. 9, 2017 6:00 pm End: Dec. 9, 2017 8:00 pm Venue: Lovingston Village Phone: 434-826-8001 Address: Front Street Lovingston, VA 22949 (NELSON)
DECEMBER 10 SUNDAY SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS Start: Dec. 10, 2017 1:00 pm End: Dec. 10, 2017 5:00 pm Venue: Pharsalia Phone: 434-277-5231 Address: 2333 Pharsalia Road, Tyro,VA, 22976 (NELSON) A BLUE RIDGE CHRISTMAS WITH THE VIRGINIA CONSORT Start: Dec. 10, 2017 4:00 pm End: Dec. 10, 2017 6:00 pm Venue: Rockfish Presbyterian Church Phone: 434-361-0541 Address: 5016 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford, VA, 22958 (NELSON)
DECEMBER 15 FRIDAY BETHLEHEM VILLAGE Start: Dec. 15, 2017 6:00 pm End: Dec. 19, 2017 9:00 pm Venue: Hebron Baptist Church Phone: 540-456-6863 Address: 66 Tanbark Road, Afton, 22920 (NELSON)
BROWSE MORE EVENTS: blueridgelife.com/events
DECEMBER 7 THURSDAY HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING Start: Dec. 7, 2017 3:00 pm End: Dec. 7, 2017 6:00 pm Venue: Devils Backbone Brewing Phone: 434-361-1001 Address: 200 Mosbys Run, Roseland, VA, 22967 (NELSON)
DECEMBER 9 SATURDAY ROCKFISH WRANGLERS 3RD ANNUAL CRAFTER/ VENDOR Start: Dec. 9, 2017 8:00 am End: Dec. 9 2017 12:00 pm Venue: Rockfish River Elementary School Address: 200 Chapel Hollow Rd, Afton, VA 22920 (NELSON) PINTS AND PANCAKES Start: Dec. 9, 2017 9:00 am End: Dec. 9, 2017 12:00 pm Venue: Blue Mountain Brewery Phone: 540-456-8020 Address: 9519 Critzer Shop Road, Afton, VA, 22920 (NELSON)
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Blue Ridge LIFE
LIST YOUR EVENT Want to be included in our event calendar? Visit BlueRidgeLife.com/events and click on “Submit an Event.” We’ll try to publish as many events as possible (see opposite page), space permitting. Deadline for next month’s issue is the 15th.
DECEMBER NOVEMBER2017 2017
businessdirectory Accounting ROGERS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 434-361-9650 2461 Rockfish Valley Hwy Nellysford, VA NELSON COUNTY Call today to schedule your complimentary “get-acquainted” meeting with one of our CPAs. Specializing in quality tax and accounting services for individuals, small businesses, trusts and estates. Visit www.R-CPA.net for additional information.
Construction
Real Estate
Visitor Centers
ELK MOUNTAIN CONTRACTING, LLC 540-241-9075 221 Old Tyro Lane, Tyro, VA AUGUSTA COUNTY
MARLO G. ALLEN, ASSOCIATE BROKER 434-996-3525 Nellysford, VA NELSON COUNTY
Elk Mountain Contracting has been building custom log cabins and barns for 14 years. Using stonework and reclaimed materials to compliment your project allows us to provide a historic appeal to your structure. Services Provided: Reclaimed building materials, Custom log cabins and barns, Chinking, Stonework, General Construction, Cabin and barn restorations.
When buying or selling real estate in Nelson County or Wintergreen, you can count on “That Girl” to get you results! Besides being a family business partner at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery of Nellysford, I am also a recognized and trusted name in real estate throughout Nelson County and Wintergreen.
R.M. GANTT CONSTRUCTION 434-316-0090 www.RMGantt.com NELSON COUNTY
MOUNTAIN AREA REALTY 434-361-2440 2788 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA NELSON COUNTY
R.M. Gantt Construction is a family owned business which has served the Central Virginia area since 1992. We concentrate on higher end residential construction by providing our team of professionals, consisting of our well trained and specialized Framers, Millwork Specialists, Project Managers, Estimators, and Interior Designers. We offer a turn key project.
Mountain Area Realty offers full real estate services for Nelson County, Wintergreen Resort, Stoney Creek, and surrounding areas. Call our office 7 days a week for immediate professional service from one of our experienced agents.
NELSON COUNTY TOURISM 434-263-7315 8519 Thomas Nelson Hwy Lovingston, VA NELSON COUNTY Experience the Sunrise Side of the Blue Ridge. From our mountains to the mighty James River. Wear yourself out at our wineries, breweries, cidery, and eateries. Then hit the sack in a cozy cabin or bed & breakfast.
Breweries BLUE MOUNTAIN BARREL HOUSE 434-263-4002 495 Cooperative Way, Arrington, VA NELSON COUNTY Come visit us at the Barrel House brewery and tasting room and discover where tradition meets innovation. Our tasting room is open Sunday-Thursday, 12PM-8PM, Friday 12PM-9PM, & Saturday, 12PM-8PM. You can enjoy a tasting flight of our available beer selections, relax with a full glass of one of our fine ales or lagers, and take a complementary tour after your purchase if you’d like to learn about our special brewing process.
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Medical BLUE MOUNTAIN BREWERY 540-456-8020 9519 Critzers Shop Rd Afton, VA NELSON COUNTY Blue Mountain Brewery is open 7 days a week bringing the revolution of real hand-crafted American beer to our corner of the world. Eight to ten Blue Mountain drafts available at all times, local foods for lunch and dinner, local wines & family friendly.
SENTARA MARTHA JEFFERSON AFTON FAMILY MEDICINE 540-456-6710 10950 Rockfish Valley Hwy Afton, VA Family Medical Physician’s office specializing in preventive care, acute care,chronic illness care, pediatric and newborn care, women’s health, sports medicine, and geriatric medicine. All ages are welcome.
Music WILD WOLF BREWING COMPANY 434-361-0088 2461 Rockfish Valley Hwy Nellysford, VA NELSON COUNTY Plan a visit to Wild Wolf and experience Chef Chris Jack’s amazing creations made with locally sourced ingredients, enjoy your meal inside or out with one of our 13 craft beers on tap then take your favorites home with you our awesome to-go beer selections. For private events contact aj@wildwolfbeer.com
BLUE STAR MUSIC 434-263-6746 177 Main St. P.O. Box 493 Lovingston, VA NELSON COUNTY 434-277-9209 2nd Stage, Amherst, VA AMHERST COUNTY NELSON COUNTY’S FAVORITE SINCE 1988 Musical instruments, service, repairs, rentals and supplies. Lessons: all styles and levels of guitar, including advanced jazz, banjo, bass, vocals, keyboard, drums, beginning mandolin, dobro and accordion. Mon. Wed. Thurs. 12-8 bluestarmusicva.com
WINTERGREEN RESORT PREMIER PROPERTIES 434-325-8018 Mountain Inn Loop Wintergreen, VA NELSON COUNTY The official real estate office of Wintergreen Resort. Contact us for sales and purchases of lots, homes and condos in Stoney Creek and on the mountain.
Resorts & Recreation WINTERGREEN RESORT 855-245-5011 39 Mountain Inn Loop Wintergreen, VA NELSON COUNTY Wintergreen Resort is a four-season mountain retreat on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Championship golf; seasonal skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing; an award-winning tennis program; a full-service, destination spa; indoor and outdoor pools; miles of marked hiking trails; 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space; charming lodging; and a variety of enticing dining options.
Your local answer for primary & preventive health care needs! Family Practice• Pediatrics • Dental• Pharmacy • X-Ray • Laboratory • Physical therapy • Counseling & behavioral health • Referrals to specialists near you• School-based health care in Nelson County Public Schools • Rural Health Outreach Program
Most insurances accepted!
On Route 29 N. in Colleen (4038 Thomas Nelson Hwy)
Call today for an appointment!
434-263-4000
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Priceless Classifieds for the People!
G REAL ESTATE BRING YOUR HORSES AND MOVE RIGHT IN Afton Farmette on 6.6 acres, beautiful, year-round mountain views. NEW kitchen with stainless appliances, wide plank flooring, carpet, lighting, ceiling fans, interior doors, induction base board heating and so much more. Wrap around deck, 2 1/2 car garage with workshop and perfect bonus room space above for potential living/rental space. Two stall barn with hay/equipment storage, fenced and crossed fenced with heated automatic waterer. 710 Crawfords View Road. Posted By: Barbara Funke. 22958 - Nellysford/Wintergreen 434-465-3543 $249,000 Building Lot 3.08 Acres. Mostly cleared, with year round mountain views. Close to elementary school and all Route 151 activities. Afton area. Posted By: David Marshall 22920 - Afton 540-456-6046 $64,000 hunting-recreational land (Lovingston) Over 8 wooded acres in Wingina VA. Driveway already put in. Large stone clearing for RV parking. No electric on property however transformer at edge of driveway. Close to several hunt clubs, BREWERY’S and winery’s. GREAT FAMILY FUN LAND , with lots
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of privacy. tax map number 71-A-31C Red Bud Ln. Nelson County. Posted By: donna stepien 24599 - Wingina 540 872 6698 $29,000
CARS & TRUCKS Hyundai Elantra 2009 Hyundai Elantra, 67,000 miles, XM radio, new tires, new timing belt, new inspection. Posted By: Sonny 22958 - Nellysford/ Wintergreen 434-361-1851 $6500
FARM & TOOL Mitre saw Kobalt 10” single bevel sliding compound laser mitre saw, excellent condition. Posted By:Gary Evans 24464 - Montebello 540-3776059 $100 Bench Grinder 2 wheel bench grinder good condition. Posted By:Gary Evans 24464 - Montebello 540-3776059 $30 obo John Deere 820 John Deere 820 diesel tractor, new seat, external remotes, good tires, 6 foot bush hog, 6 foot scraper blade, carry all. Posted By:Sonny 22958 - Nellysford/Wintergreen 434-361-1851 $5500 Grain-Finished Beef Farmraised & grain-finished beef
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available now - plenty of 80/20 ground beef, briskets, roasts, - limited amount of sirloin, rib-eye & T-Bone steaks. Also taking orders for bulk orders 1/4, 1/2 or whole. Posted By:Jeff Fletcher NELSON COUNTY 434-361-2294 $Starting at 5.00 per pound Woodturners Chuck Woodturning Chuck -- by Robert Sorby— from 1980s—but almost new in steel box. Similar to $300 Stronghold Chuck. Posted By: Chuck Strauss 22938 - Faber 434-263-8294 $200 obo Portable Generator 5 kw Portable Generator. Gas. 120/240 volts. used for power outages only. Coleman model 5000. Kohler 10 hp engine. Good condition. Posted By:Gary Evans 24464 - Montebello 540-377-6059 $275 Miter Box- DeWalt 10” stationary,power miter box Reconditioned,in good shape. Posted By: Grant Heggie 22958 - Nellysford/Wintergreen 434-325-1254 $110
SERVICES House sitting Dependable gentleman offering house sitting services ,will provide references. Posted By: Robert Cockrell 22924 - Batesville 434-760-5504 $TBA
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SERVICES Wintergreen’ s Precise Painting When you want it nice... Precise Painting. Clean work guaranteed. Posted By: Dave and Jessica Brown 22958 - Nellysford/Wintergreen 434 996 3039 $TBA
HOME & GARDEN SOLD! - Garlic for Sale Nelson grown without pesticides. Large bulbs great for planting and/or cooking. Free growing instructions provided. Call evenings before 9PM. Posted By:Keith Dix NELSON COUNTY $10 lb. or 8 lb. for 5 lbs. or more Wooden skis and poles Wooden skis and bamboo poles. Great for display on wall or over fireplace. Made in Maine or Norway. Posted By:Albert Coleman 22920 - Afton 540-456-6884 $250 Pet Containment Pen A 6-sided pet yard with door......adjustable panels... like new !! Great for small or large dog... especially a new puppy ... Our pup loved i!!. Posted By: SANDRA GALLAGHER 22920 - Afton 540-256-8986 $40 OBO
JOBS Housekeeper Part Time Nellysford Reliable housekeeper needed for weekends (Saturday and Sunday 11- until 2 or 3 or until finished)
for Nellysford B&B. Must be physically fit (2 flights of stairs several times a day). Pay commensurate with skills and experience. MUST HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION. Posted By: Leslie D Tal 434-361-1101 $8-12/hr Sunday School Teachers/ Nursery Workers Sunday School Teachers and Nursery Workers needed for new church. Applicants must be at least 18yo, have reliable transportation, and willing to submit to a background check. Please email kelli@thewellofnelson. com outlining your experience working with children and include 3 references to schedule an interview. Posted By: Dan Magan 434-981-3268 $20/wk Virginia Distillery Co. Brand Ambassador Virginia Distillery Company, an American Single Malt Whisky distillery based in Lovingston, Virginia, is seeking Brand Ambassadors in the Central Virginia area. Seeking highly interested individuals who want to learn about the growing spirits industry in Virginia and beyond, who enjoy interacting with the public in support of brand development. The core responsibilities will include conducting tastings at consumer events in the local area. Posted By: Jessica Bullard 22949 Lovingston 434-285-2900 $Hourly Based On Experience
THIS IS JUST A SAMPLE OF WHAT YOU’LL SEE ONLINE AT WWW.GREENSHEET.US POST A PHOTO CLASSIFIED FOR FREE! TO DISCONTINUE AD, HIT THE “REPORT” BUTTON.
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434.263.4805
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Blue Ridge LIFE
DECEMBER NOVEMBER2017 2017
Life isn’t perfect. But your hair can be. Call for an appointment.
Beech Grove Salon 434-361-1810
910 Beech Grove Rd (Rt. 664) Roseland, VA
ANSWER KEY
NOVEMBER 2017 DECEMBER 2017
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InsistOnThatGirl.com
Marlo Allen
434-996-3525
Your Home + Marlo = SOLD! Nelson County - Wintergreen - Stoney Creek Don’t wait! List & Sell with Marlo. Consultations are FREE.
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48 Coleman Pl; $489,000
Live on one level w/ overflow for guest and entertaining; in-law suite and full basement with rec/family room; built 2012; 5Br/4.5Ba; 1.19ac
80 Front St; #549987; $199,000
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Commercial building AND adjoining vacant lot in heart of Lovingston business district; 2,520 sq ft with 3 store front entrances; 1.38ac
1246 Carter Hill Rd; #564396; $559,900
Log home on 54 acres w/ spectacular mountain views, creek, trails, woods, and clearings for animals/gardens; 60k improvements; 3Br/3Ba
Livebeautifully in Nelson County Marlo G. Allen, Assoc. Broker 434-996-3525 InsistOnThatGirl.com
434-996-3525 Blue Ridge LIFE
Marlo Allen
InsistOnThatGirl.com DECEMBER 2017