INSIDE ON ROUND UP page 3 OLD BATESVILLE page 7 WILDROCK page 9 OFF DUTY page 10 BAND CHAMPS page 11
JUNE 2015 VOL. 10, NO. 1
Piedmont Place Revives Dormant Project Site
KELLY BRONZE page 12 BY THE NUMBER page 14 LOTUS LAND page 16 PEANUT SAUCE pages 18 LUCKY DOGS page 19 HOT DOGS page 20 RUNNERS page 23 TONS PER YEAR page 22 CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN page 23 SEWING GUIDE page 24 TOO BAD IT WORKS page 26 PAST PTSD page 27 HERO GIRL page 28 CROSSWORD page 29 INVADERS page 30 SCULLERS WIN page 32 RAINING FISH page 33
Emily Heymann of Dialogue + Design Associates and Mark Lieberth of LPDA, a landscape designer, present a sketch of one of the small group’s ideas for the Barnes Lumber property.
Town Turns Out to Give a Vision for Barnes Lumberyard Development A large crowd numbering more than 160 came out to The Field School in Crozet May 27 for a town hall discussion about how to develop the 20-acre former Barnes Lumber Company site in downtown. The meeting was hosted by the Crozet Community Association and Milestone Partners, the new owners of the lumberyard parcels. It was facilitated by White Hall residents Christine Gyovai and Reed Muehlman of Dialogue and Design Associates, a Charlottesville firm that
offers architectural and consensus-building services, plus advice on permaculture systems. Milestone Partners paid for Dialog and Design’s services and the CCA sprang for dinner (provided by Sal’s Restaurant) for those who attended a meeting that started at supper time. “This is a tremendous opportunity to shape the place where you live,” said Gyovai to open the meeting. “All ideas are welcome. The goal is to engage the community to transform continued on page 4
New Restaurant Coming to Mechums River
The derelict location of former restaurants at the intersection of Rts. 250 and 240 at the Mechums River bridge east of Crozet will become a restaurant again if the owners of the parcel can get a special use permit for its water needs, the Crozet Community Advisory Committee learned at its meeting May 20. What was once know as Pop and Ethel’s and later as The Gallery Restaurant will be rebuilt on essentially its original footprint, according to William McKechnie, a restauranteur continued on page 33
Claudius Place, the name given to a two-story building proposed in 2011 to be built across from Crozet Library, has come to life again, rechristened Piedmont Place, with new owners Drew and Michelle Holzwarth acquiring the site in May. The first effort at Claudius Place, expected to start construction in 2013, stalled and languished. Its revival marks the first new private investment in downtown since the new library opened in September 2013. “We love our little town and we’re excited to have some locals set the tone for downtown,” said Holzwarth, who is the president of the southern region of Stanley Martin Homes. He said their preliminary plan for the site is a three-story, 20,000-squarefoot building. “We are completely committed to building an architecturally stunning building that will be admired for many generations,” said Holzwarth, who has been instrumental in several improvements at Crozet Park in recent years. They have hired architect Bob Anderson, who also did the design for the first iteration Claudius Place and is familiar with the location. Holzwarth said Anderson, who lived in Crozet for continued on page 11
2
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Creating Winning Smiles Early Intervention, Teens and Adults Braces, Invisalign, and In-Ovation Brackets
Visit our Crozet office in Old Trail! 1005 Heathercroft Circle, Suite 200
434-296-0188 Dr. David Hamer of Hamer & Hamer Orthodontics has been awarded the designation of Elite Preferred Provider by Align Technolgy for the third consecutive year (2012, 2013, and 2014), awarded to only the top 1% of Invisalign Providers in the nation.
4053 FREE UNION ROAD - $549,900 - MLS#531304
5053 BROOK VIEW ROAD, OLD TRAIL - $519,900 - MLS#531995
NEW LISTING
• 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths in Old Trail • Great yard and beautiful views! • Open floor plan and upgrades galore • Stunning new screened-in porch www.5053BrookViewRoad.com
DENISE RAMEY (434) 960-4333
• Classic colonial on 2.5 acres with pond • 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths • Updated gourmet Kitchen • Main floor Master and screened room www.4053FreeUnionRoad.com
2013 Salesperson of the Year
Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS
the
Published on the first Thursday of the month by The Crozet Gazette LLC, P.O. Box 863, Crozet, VA 22932 © The Crozet Gazette Member, Virginia Press Association
NEW LISTING
for homes in albemarle county
deniserameyrealtor@gmail.com www.deniseramey.com
CROZET gazette
Charlottesville office: 2202 N. Berkshire Road
MICHAEL J. MARSHALL, Publisher and Editor news@crozetgazette.com | 434-466-8939 ALLIE M. PESCH, Art Director and Ad Manager ads@crozetgazette.com | 434-249-4211 LOUISE DUDLEY, Editorial Assistant louise@crozetgazette.com
350 Old Ivy Way, Ste 200 • Charlottesville 22903
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: John Andersen, Clover Carroll, Marlene Condon, Elena Day, Phil James, Charles Kidder, Dirk Nies, Robert Reiser, Rebecca Schmitz, Roscoe Shaw, Heidi Sonen, David Wagner, Denise Zito.
Don’t miss any of the hometown news everybody else is up on. Pick up a free copy of the Gazette at one of many area locations or have it delivered to your home. Mail subscriptions are available for $25 for 12 issues. Send a check to Crozet Gazette,
P.O. Box 863, Crozet, VA 22932.
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
To the Editor Send your letters to the editor to news@crozetgazette.com. Letters will not be printed anonymously.
On Emmet Hanger I’m not political, but I do want my family to continue enjoying what makes this area special: family values, strong schools, low taxes, and economic development driving good jobs. Elections seem to be a lot of the same thing, tearing down your opponent. Emmett doesn’t do that. He runs on his record—a good, conservative record. Emmett’s working hard to make our government work better for us. He’s approachable and speaks to his record. I don’t have all the details legislators do when they cast votes, but I am confident Emmett does and he makes the best decision representing my interests. That’s why I support him. Emmett has earned a lot of leadership positions; you only do that over-time and by understanding issues. New guys start
at the bottom and that is not good for us. We have strong, conservative, honest leadership with Emmett Hanger. Vote June 9.
Vote for Emmett Hanger June 9th!
Dana Breeding Staunton
Re-elect the right man for State Senate. Emmett Hanger is that man. As his Legislative Aide, I know he’s truly serving for the right reasons. With our state government mirroring Washington-like politics, it is important we have a person willing to stand up for what’s right and most practical, not what’s popular or party-line. Emmett is not one issue. He’s not even two or three issues. His accomplishments run a critical gamut: Pro-business, education, conservation, environment, agriculture, mental and health care, personal property, gun rights, pro-life and personal responsibility. He knows the issues and is not providing simple lip-service. His leadership is unmatched and we need him to continue in these critical roles because it benefits our wallets and families. Emmett is a rare statesman. He works with opposing sides to find compromise; often that’s
I am currently a retired state employee. During my many years of employment at various state agencies, I have had the opportunity to observe and work directly with Senator Emmett Hanger. He has represented his constituents with integrity, honesty and intelligence. His review and decisions regarding legislation are not limited by party affiliations or influenced by other legislators. Because of his experience and reputation, he is respected by members of the General Assembly and is able to work with them to bring about compromise when faced with difficult issues. It is very important to re-elect Senator Hanger. We need a Senator who is strong, experienced, provides honest leadership and will work for what is best for Virginia.
Open House, TODAY in Old Trail!
Sunday, June 7 • 1 - 3 p.m.
7128 BRADBURY CT., CROZET OLD TRAIL • $789,000
• TWO MASTER SUITES on the main level! • Amazing screened porch with stone fireplace. • 5 beds, 4.5 baths, 6,940 total sq. ft., 0.48 lot size • Private cul de sac lot, backyard backs to natural area & creek For showings & additional information contact:
Anne McIntyre 434-284-3133 David Lambert 434-996-9669 Anne.McIntyre@LNF.com
Open House, TODAY in Old Trail!
Sunday, June 7 1:00 - 3:00 pm
7134 BRADBURY CT., CROZET OLD TRAIL • $740,000 • 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 6,280 total square feet, 0.46 acre lot size • Private cul de sac lot, backyard backs to natural area & creek • Dry bar, workshop, walkout basement, exercise room
Patty Atkins-Smith West Augusta, VA
the only way to accomplish a goal. His temperament is one that in the most heated moments, he’s the voice of reason and navigates a plan of action. Emmett is not a public servant to satisfy personal ambition. He’s a person of humble beginnings who’s worked to give back to the community where he grew up and raised family. Emmett believes in second chances, honesty, and living to reflect true Christian values. You may be skeptical I say these things out of loyalty or job security. My response to that is, I have seen the hours he puts into this job and I have seen his patience, concern and wisdom. He has told me to go back, try again, the results can and must be better. But most impressive, he has told me this is important work we do, but at the end of the day, our personal integrity and family are more important Vote for OUR Senator, Emmett Hanger, June 9. Holly Wyatt Herman Waynesboro continued on page 6
Third Thursday at The Lodge at Old Trail june 18
5:30 pm
The Silverback Distillery The Lodge at Old Trail welcomes the Silverback Distillery for a discussion about the history of the Distillery, their product mix and their environmentally conscious distillery process. At the Silverback Distillery they believe that staying green is as important as providing the best American Bourbon, Gin, Whiskey and Vodka. You’ll hear about what it takes to create a sustainable liquor product. It’s sure to be a fascinating evening.
Make your reservation early. RSVP to 434.823.9100 or rsvp@lodgeatoldtrail.com
For showings & additional information contact:
Anne McIntyre 434-284-3133 David Lambert 434-996-9669 Anne.McIntyre@LNF.com
3
330 Claremont Lane, Crozet, Virginia 22932 | www.lodgeatoldtrail.com
INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE
4
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Barnes Meeting —continued from page 1
Barnes Lumber into a vibrant town center.” Citizens were asked to comment specifically on how three design components should be handled: the road system, civic space and green space. The walls had photographs offering examples of the town design taken in places such as Richmond’s Carytown, Staunton’s Beverley Street and a market square in Bellingham, Washington. Participants were encouraged to put green stickers on things they liked and red stickers on things they didn’t. Gyovai said the firm had been interviewing people in town. “Across the board we heard people love Crozet.” She said they mentioned things like the Christmas parade. People also brought up their pride in Crozet’s locally grown businesses and when she asked how many in the crowd had contributed to the Crozet Library fundraising drive, a large majority raised their hands. She said Crozetians also showed a sense
of pride in their agricultural past as “Virginia’s peach capital.” “We don’t want to lose the refined and folky spirit of Crozet and we don’t want to lose the small town flavor of Crozet,” she said. County planner Elaine Echols, who was involved in the original development of Crozet’s Master Plan in 2004, gave a sketch of the master planning history of Crozet. “I’m amazed so many are new. The people who developed the plan are well versed in it. One thing is that Crozet cares and it has a vision. The Barnes site is pivotal and that’s why you are here tonight.” She said the Master Plan for downtown envisions it as mixed commercial and residential use (with up to 36 residential units per acre) with an emphasis on employment uses, a block form of development, and an orientation to support tourism. Development of the lumberyard, now zoned heavy industrial, will require rezoning action by the county supervisors to add it to the Downtown Crozet District (DCD), a
unique zoning description in the county. The meeting was designed to help develop a consensus on what the proposed plan should look like. White Hall Planning Commissioner Tom Loach followed Echols with conjectural illustrations the county had devised of what the DCD terms would look like if built out, on Berkmar Drive or Albemarle Square in Charlottesville.
“We wanted downtown to continue to be the commercial and social center of the community,” he said of the goal of the zoning rules. “Our downtown ordinance is so good, the county has copied it for other locations. Crozet leads, we don’t follow.” The illustrations showed three-story buildings flanked by street trees with commercial lower levels and apartments continued on page 34
Price reduced
Celebrating June Dairy Month View our specials at: www.rockinghamcoop.com
Feed • Fertilizer • Fencing • Mineral Animal Health • Garden Seeds Grass Seed & Mulch • Greenhouse Plants Triple Crown & Legends Horse Feed & Pet Food by
For Treatment & Control of Both Ecto and Internal Parasites: AGRI-MECTIN 5 Ltr Pour-On Wormer: $44.99 Reg. $54.99 2 or more: $39.99
Wood Pellet Pre-Season Special: $229/ton thru June 30, 2015
HOURS: Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM - 6 PM Saturday: 8 AM - 5 PM 1000 W. Broad St. • Waynesboro
(540) 949-8229 • www.rockinghamcoop.com
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Albemarle Ballet Theatre
Summer Dance Classes & Dance Camps
CharlottesvilleFamily
Our Dancers Perform
TM
Favorite Award Winner 2014
434.823.8888 ∙ Dance@aBallet.org ∙ www.aballet.org Albemarle Ballet Theatre, Inc. • 5798 Three Notch’d Road • Rear Entrance • Crozet VA 22932
Your builder of choice Since 1957
Crozet Model Homes Open Daily 12-5
Foothill Crossing
from the upper $400’s
Old Trail Creekside from the low $500’s
Old Trail Village Homes from the low $400’s
Old Trail Georgetowns from the low $300’s
Old Trail Villas
from the low $500’s
Old Trail Courtyard Homes from the mid $400’s
CRAIGBUILDERS.NET | 434 .973 .3362
5
6
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
To the Editor —continued from page 3
On the Pipeline Meeting the students participating in the Atlantic Coast Pipeline Resistance Ride May 11 was a rewarding experience. By cycling the path of the proposed pipeline, they are expressing their freedom of speech in a creative and constructive way to represent people who will be directly impacted. Our elected officials say there is not much we can do when it comes to stopping the planned construction of the pipeline in Virginia, but these students disagree. They will not take that for an answer and are encouraging others to speak out against the pipeline. The power to have a voice and a vote will be the tools we use to register an approval or complaint in Richmond politics. Join me in thanking these students who have given our voices strength. Angela Lynn, Candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 25th district White Hall
On Round Up In “WHO Says Roundup is ‘Probably’ Cancer-causing,” [Crozet Gazette April 2015], Ms. Day wrote that “cancers can be decreased if we limited and/or eliminated chemicals like Roundup/glyphosate until/ unless there was certitude of their safety.” Although “safety” was not defined, I expect it was meant that at a minimum a pesticide is not expected to cause cancer among the general public. Relevant to this, WHO’s (World Health Organization) finding was that occupational exposure was the one of concern, not to the general public (https://publichealthwatch. wordpress.com/2015/03/22/ who-roundup-weed-killer-is-probably-carcinogenic/). Also relevant is that generally half of the some 900 chemicals tested for carcinogenicity, whether natural or anthropogenic, have been found to be capable of causing cancer in animal studies at high doses (http://monographs.iarc.fr/ ENG/Classification/index. php). Furthermore, any chemical/substance has a dose at
which it is toxic, including wine, oxygen and water. Two naturally occurring compounds on WHO’s list of carcinogens are ethylene oxide and formaldehyde, both of which are produced within our own bodies. Also listed are coffee, alcoholic beverages, mineral oil (sold over the counter), viruses and bacteria, and leather and wood dust. And here in the Crozet area, we all breathe in isoprene, also on WHO’s list, which is a volatile organic compound emitted by trees and contributes to the blue haze we see when we look west to the mountains. Not mentioned in the Gazette article was the recent finding of the German Federal Office for Risk Assessment. This agency, after considering the findings of some 1,000 studies regarding glyphosate, reported that the evidence does “not suggest that glyphosate has carcinogenic or embryo-damaging properties or that it is toxic to reproduction in test animals” (http://geneticliteracyproject. org/2014/01/german-government-study-reaffirms-safety-ofglyphosate-roundup-used-with-
gmo-crops/). While Monsanto is the company always mentioned in regard to glyphosate, it is no longer the sole producer since its patent has expired and dozens of companies, including at least one in China, now produce this pesticide. Two criteria that contribute to a pesticide’s safely are that it be fairly insoluble in water and readily degraded after used. Glyphosate reportedly meets both criteria, in contrast to prior pesticides (remember DDT). In summary, although we all would like our pesticides to be “safe,” glyphosate appears to be one of the most investigated pesticides and the findings indicate that if properly used, it poses minimal risk to the general public. Additionally, that risk appears to be no greater a threat than that posed by coffee, wine, beer and the air we breathe as we hike in the nearby mountains or while doing wood working projects in our homes. Phil Sandine Crozet
Visit our showroom in
Crozet
Real People, Real Service!
Blue Ridge Builders Supply
Crozet 434.823.1387 Mon–Fri: 7am–5pm Sat: 8am–1pm
265 Turkeysag Trl Ste 101A Palmyra VA M-F: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Charlottesville 434.964.1701 closed 434-589-2877 Mon–Fri: 7am–6pm www.blueridgepalmyra.com
Sat: 8am–4pm
Visit brbs.net for more information Blue Ridge Builders Supply is a BBB Accredited Business
50865
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
By Phil James
7
phil@crozetgazette.com
Batesville The village of Batesville, Virginia, with its beginnings reaching back to the mid-18th century, is one of Albemarle County’s best-preserved secrets. The 25 m.p.h. drive through its main thoroughfare reveals a pleasing mix of 19th and early 20th century dwellings, enough so that, in 1999, Batesville Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Earlier known as Oliver’s Store, the crossroads village was designated as Mount Israel in 1828, with Rowland Bates, Harvey Oliver, and Samuel Moon listed among its first postmasters. Soon thereafter, the hamlet of fewer than 100 souls became noteworthy as the approximate mid-point on the increasingly popular 43-mile Staunton and James River Turnpike that linked Shenandoah Valley’s Augusta County with the port town of Scottsville on the James River in southern Albemarle. The turnpike waypoint at Mount Israel profited from the traveling public of its day, much as a busy interstate exit does today. Locals provided food, spirits and basic lodging at tav-
on the
Old Plank Road
A light snow helped define the village of Batesville in this early 1900s postcard view. [Courtesy of the Phil James Historical Images Collection]
erns, while blacksmiths offered often-needed services to steeds and various beasts of burden, as well as repairs to stagecoaches and wagons. Farms in the surrounding region prospered from much easier access to large markets. Maintenance of the roadway was a constant struggle, physically as well as financially. During wet weather, teamsters barely made ten miles’ progress a day. Between December and March, when freezing and snowy conditions precluded most maintenance efforts, the tollgates were often left open (thereby losing profits), and shippers sought alternate routes and markets. The coming of the railroad to central Virginia and the
The Staunton and James River Turnpike served as Main Street of Batesville. Turnpikes, the toll-managed expressways of their day, were greatly favored by freight haulers. However, during the difficult-to-maintain winter months, the tollgates were left open and usage fees were not collected. “Modernized” with wood planking in the early 1850s, the road’s rapid deterioration by 1860 led to its ownership going to Augusta and Albemarle Counties. [Photo by Phil James]
Valley by the mid-1850s coincided with struggles between stockholders and turnpike managers over how best to improve and maintain the road’s surface. Macadamized surfaces of crushed, packed stone were most durable and naturally preferred by the public. Virginia’s State Engineer Claude Crozet had advocated for that surface treatment during the turnpike’s earliest years: “Although this turnpike is not so good as it might have been, it will nevertheless be one of the best roads in the State, when miry places in it shall have been made firm by the super-addition of a bed of broken stone.” Within two years of a reorganization of the turnpike company in 1847, a penny-pinching decision was made to surface the roadway with wooden planks. Mount Israel Post Office was renamed Batesville in 1853, coinciding with the peak years of usage for the rapidly deteriorating plank road. Disorganized business management and the coming of the iron horse brought about the end of a once-promising era. In 1860, the state allowed the individual
counties to purchase the failing roadway. Because many of the army movements during the Civil War followed the railroads, Batesville was spared indignities imposed on those places closer to primary travel arteries, especially the railway towns. In mid-September 1865, former Confederate General Robert E. Lee may have passed this way en route from his home in Powhatan County through Rockfish Gap to Lexington, where he assumed the work of president of Washington College. Major changes were on the horizon for the nearly forgotten village in 1869 when word arrived of the death of one of their native sons: Samuel Miller, who was born in the Batesville area in 1792. He and his older brother John lived a hardscrabble life nearby the village, but their mother Jane was determined that her sons would receive an education. When John completed his course of local studies, he left home to find work as a merchant in Lynchburg. Samuel finished
continued on page 8
8
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Batesville
—continued from page 7
school as well, but he chose to stay at home with his mother. Together they eked out a subsistence living and Samuel taught classes at the village school. John prospered in his business at Lynchburg, and around 1814 called for Samuel to join him there. Together they bought their mother a small farm near Batesville, and arranged with trusted local merchant Nicholas M. Page to give careful attention to her care and to apprise them of whatever comforts she might need. That arrangement continued until her death in 1841. Following his brother John’s death, Samuel, who never married, continued to live frugally in Lynchburg, and he wisely invested and managed the monies that he and his older sibling had earned. His detailed will, drawn up in 1859, appointed three executors including his mother’s former guardian, long-time Batesville friend Nicholas Page. By the time of Miller’s death in 1869, Page was the sole surviving executor. A biography of Samuel Miller prepared by R. Colston Blackford of Lynchburg supposed that at the time of his death, Miller was “one of probably the ten richest men in the United States” with an estate valued at
Nicholas Murrell Page (1810–1902) was a respected Batesville merchant of “incorruptible integrity.” Following Samuel Miller’s death in 1869, he labored as sole executor for five years to organize and settle claims against the estate. His tireless dedication culminated in the successful establishment and endowment of Miller Manual Labor School, said in that era to be the grandest school of its type in the South. [Courtesy of the Phil James Historical Images Collection]
Batesville Lodge #353 Independent Order of Odd Fellows was instituted at Batesville c.1907. Within 20 years, its membership had grown to 110. The benevolent fraternal organization’s lodge hall, formerly located across the road from Batesville United Methodist Church, was razed in 1969. [Photo courtesy of Danny Mawyer]
nearly two million dollars, “vast beyond words at that date.” Nicholas Page proved Miller’s confidence in him through the five years required to settle the estate. The will’s mostly benevolent directives were highlighted by the 25th clause directing the balance of the estate to be used for the endowing of Miller Manual School. The dream of John and Samuel Miller finally was realized in the fall of 1878 when the first enrolled boarding students began classes at the magnificent edifice nearby the grave of Jane Miller, a poor mother who did all that she could to provide for her children. It was noted that by around 1900, Batesville was home to “five stores, two churches, a blacksmith and livery, a mill, a
barrel factory, a cabinet maker, two doctors [one of whom, Dr. Robert L. Page, son of Nicholas Murrell Page, served as a physician in Batesville for over 50 years], a lawyer, and lots of fine homes.” Batesville’s residents for many generations have known a most special place that has been honored and preserved for well over two centuries. Its old plank road dissolved back into its mud base only a decade or so after that ill-advised decision was pronounced. With its “expressway” traffic diverted, the good people of that village made the prudent decision to work hard, provide for their families, and just enjoy life to the full away from the heavily beaten path. That wise decision continues to make all the difference.
Charles W. Baber established Batesville Bargain House on the southwest corner of today’s Plank Road (Rt. 692) and Craig’s Store Road (Rt. 635). Mr. Baber served also as postmaster of the village from 1901 until 1914. He was succeeded by Postmaster Charles T. Page who had taken over C.S. Joseph’s store business on the opposite side of the street. [Photo courtesy of Jerry Baber]
Follow Secrets of the Blue Ridge on Facebook! Phil James invites contact from those who would share recollections and old photographs of life along the Blue Ridge Mountains of Albemarle County. You may respond to him through his website: www.SecretsoftheBlueRidge.com or at P.O. Box 88, White Hall, VA 22987. Secrets of the Blue Ridge © 2003–2015 Phil James
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
9
New “Natural Play Space” Coming to Crozet By Rebecca Schmitz becca@crozetgazette.com A local family’s love of nature and commitment to the environment will soon prove to be a great benefit to people in Crozet. In April next year, Carolyn Schuyler and her family will open Wildrock, a 28-acre “playscape,” hiking and camping area next to Patricia Byrom Park on Blackwell Hollows Road. The family purchased the property in February 2014 to use as farmland and as a way to spend time together in nature: “The outdoors is where we connect as a family. It is what brings us joy,” said Schuyler, a therapist specializing in trauma issues. After owning the property for three months, however, she realized the land could be a source of joy and inspiration to other families too, and felt compelled to share it with the public. After a flurry of Internet
research and brainstorming sessions, she formulated a plan to create an outdoor park that would appeal to multiple generations and allow families to re-connect with nature and each other. “Instead of cultivating crops, we’ll be cultivating a heartfelt connection to the land.” Her plan got a boost in April when she won the Tom Tom Festival’s Crowdfunded Pitch Night, beating out eight other start-up business ideas. During her three-minute pitch, Schuyler presented her plan for Wildrock to the audience gathered at the Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville. She opened by ringing a cowbell—the same bell her mother used to ring to summon her inside to dinner after a day of playing outside. She contrasted her own childhood spent roaming in nature to that of many kids today, lamenting the fact that some spend more time with comput-
The Schuyler Family
ers and other electronic devices than playing outside. She presented Wildrock as an antidote for a generation starved for a connection to nature. The crowd embraced her idea and voted her the winner, ensuring her a spot at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business’s Innovation Lab this summer, where she’ll receive legal support, mentoring, and workspace. Schuyler said she hopes her experience at Darden
will help her “…really give Wildrock a firm foundation so it can be here for generations to come.” She’s already received help with logistics issues and insurance, and is hoping to create an advisory panel that includes children, parents, and experts on native plants and other environmental issues. Schuyler said Wildrock will be different from traditional playgrounds and nature areas. continued on page 39
Charlottesville’s Early Childhood Leader since 1984
Enroll Now and Enter to Win an Outdoor Grill! Now offering virtual day notes!
Over 2 Acres of Play Space
Infant - Pre K! Now offering school-age summer camp!
Voted #1 By:
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2014
Tour Now! Call Taylor, Our Crozet Director:
434-823-7219
Wildrock site plan (Sophie Johnston Landscape Architect)
brightbeginningsva.com
10
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015 Home Helpers is Taking Care of the Greatest Generation… Yours.
REALTOR®
434-770-8902 ®
Since 1927
Crozet, Va 22932 434-770-8902 • www.RoyWheeler.com
Live Life Your Way in the Comfort of Home!
(540) 910-3008
local.homehelpershomecare.com/ charlottesvilleva/home/
Natasha Jahrsdoerfer
A Place to Breathe
©
Meditation and Yoga Studio
A variety of styles at A Place to Breathe ensures there is something for everyone. From flow to restorative, breathwork to meditation, this is a studio for you to find you.
Located minutes from the heart of Crozet on 250 Chairs and Props Available • Beginners Welcome Classes Ongoing/Drop-ins Welcome • Easy Parking
www.aplacetobreathe.com 4405 Ivy Commons • Charlottesville, 22903 • 434-245-8080
CHEERS TO DAD!
FATHER'S DAY BRUNCH AT BLUE MOUNTAIN! SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 11 AM - 2 PM No reservations required
Open for Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week! Mon. – Sat. 11 am – 10 pm; Sun. 11 am – 9 pm
9519 540-456-8020 9519 CRITZERS CRITZERS SHOP SHOP RD, RD, AFTON AFTON 540-456-8020 BLUEMOUNTAINBREWERY.COM BLUEMOUNTAINBREWERY.COM
Teaching Never Grew Old Natasha Jahrsdoerfer was 58 when she started teaching kindergarten and first and second grade at North Branch School in Avon in 1990. Now she’s 84 and she’s decided its time to find things to do at home. “I think being with children and young people is very rewarding,” she said. “You keep on your toes. Being a classroom teacher, you have to be ready to fill in gaps and juggle. That keeps one younger and ‘operational’. I love what I do and I’ll miss it tremendously. A little part of me worries about not having school to stay active.” The daughter of Russian immigrants, raised in New York City, Jahrsdoerfer was an elementary education major at Queens College and began teaching in public schools right out of college in 1953, first in Arlington and next in Charlottesville. She kept teaching until her third child came along (she had four) in 1962 and then she stayed home to raise them. She came back to teaching after her family was grown. She checked out public schools first and decided she didn’t want that. “It’s so different from when I started,” she remembered. “Then there was no TV really. There were homes and raising kids was happening at homes. Kids had longer attention spans. But, if you’re a good storyteller, you can keep their attention. I tell them now, ‘I’m not a TV. I can tell when you’re being rude.’” She said she questioned herself about going on teaching. “I get tired now when I didn’t used to. I don’t have the stamina. I
want the children to have as much as they can. I’m really delighted that North Branch really doesn’t use computers with children until fifth grade. At the lower levels, it’s not in the class. You have to learn to question and to think and to judge what is true. Just accepting what you are told is not a goal of learning. It’s a little scary to me where we are going with our education system,” she observed. “We need to address—not more money, but the philosophy of education. “I feel it’s a huge responsibility to work with young minds. It’s important what you say and how you say it. I also respect what the children say and feel. You can’t just be dogmatic.” Jahrsdoerfer mainly works on reading and math in class, but she also covers art, science, and history and culture topics. Her kids learn about Egypt and Jefferson. In the summers she usually travels and gardens. In 2009 she drove the Alaska Highway. “Spectacular!” she said. She camped all over Europe for a decade of summers. She liked backpacking and did the Grand Traverse in New Zealand. This summer she’s driving to Utah, timing it so that she’s not anywhere close to school when opening day comes. “We can learn so much from history and that’s why I love traveling. I went to stand in Domremy where Joan of Arc was.” The thought of it brightened her face still. The place was obviously special to her. “Europe is exciting if you have any historical background.” continued on page 31
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Piedmont Place —continued from page 1
Henley Symphonic Band Named Grand Champion The Henley Middle school concert and symphonic bands competed at the 2015 Festival of Music at Kings Dominion on Saturday, May 9, among more than 30 choral and instrumental ensembles in the competition. The Henley symphonic band not only won first place for its category, but was also named
Grand Champion for the entire event. The Henley concert band was recognized as superior with a plaque. Band director Kate Meier leaves Henley now on high note, as she heads for married life in Chicago. In addition to competing, the band members got to enjoy rides during the visit.
CHRONIC FOOT PAIN? RUNNING INJURIES? LOWER BACK PAIN? Come see how our natural approach to footwear can help! • Get flat – Shoes with an elevated heel put your arch in an unnatural position & throw off your posture. You were born flat. • Get wide (in the toes) – Your toes need room to splay for better stability & control. Shoes don’t stop pronation, your big toe does. • The support you need from maximal to minimal cushioning, we’ve got it all & will help you to find the best level of cushioning & support for your individual needs
www.crozetrunning.com | 434-205-4452 facebook.com/crozetrunning | @CrozetRunning
Located on the first floor of the Crozet Library building
many years and built a home near Mint Springs, has started work. The starting plan for the building includes a 3,500-square-foot terrace-level restaurant with a patio space along the alley, Holzwarth said. At 5,000 square feet, the first floor will house “Piedmont Place Market,” a concept like the Main Street Market in Charlottesville, which has mainly food emporia. Holzwarth said potential vendors have been approached and
11
several are excited about the possibility, including an organic butcher. The second and third floors will be eight high-end, two-bedroom apartments. Downtown zoning allows a fourth floor if it is set back from the main façades, and Holzwarth said they are considering a fourth-floor bar with a terrace that takes advantage of the site’s fabulous views. All the floors will be served by an elevator. Holzwarth said additional building features are under discussion with country reviewers.
Local Family Owned! Saturday Repairs Available
Scott’s Ivy • Offering FULL SERVICE and self service, quality Exxon gasoline & diesel • Courtesy shuttle provided to Crozet & C-ville • ASE certified mechanics • Auto Advantage Club Program includes: - 2 free state inspections - 4 free oil changes - A free trip check - Other repair discounts
HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, SCOTT!
$19.65 OFF ANY SERVICE or
Scott’s Ivy
AUTO ADVANTAGE CLUB MEMBERSHIP
DURING THE MONTH OF JULY HE’S NOT OLD... HE’S A
SCOTT’S IVY EXXON IS AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR: 4260 IVY ROAD (ROUTE 250) • 434-295-1717 or 434-293-2033
12
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Organic Turkey Farm Coming to Greenwood England’s Kelly Bronze, a three-generation, free-range organic turkey farm, will plant its operation in America in Greenwood on the farm of Judd and Cari Culver. Founded in the 1970s, Kelly Turkeys UK has grown in reputation, and for the last eight years it has been voted England’s best turkey. It now accounts for one percent of British holiday market sales. The Culvers are opening Kelly Turkeys USA using the same slow-growing breed of turkey and the same methods. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the new operation April 30, saying the Greenwood farm represents an investment of $1.4 million and holds the potential for some 30 jobs. State and local governments threw in $29,000 each in grants to support the selection of the western Albemarle location for the farm. Cari and Judd met at Virginia Tech while earning graduate degrees in animal science, hers in dairy science and his in poultry. Cari went on to earn a Ph.D. in microbiology and became a cancer researcher. Judd became an expert in tur-
key nutrition and physiology. “I didn’t know growing up that I would do turkeys,” he said. After Tech he went to work for Butterball in Georgia and then worked for Mountaire Farms in North Carolina, a massive industrial-style operation. “I didn’t intend it, but I’m a turkey guy and I love it. Turkeys have a lot of personality.” Meanwhile Cari got a post-doctoral fellowship at a research center in Dundee, Scotland. Judd took a job with a British poultry feed supplier, Alltech, that emphasizes natural nutrition and working with birds’ immune system. The general goal is to replace the use of drugs such as antibiotics or growth-promoters in raising commercial turkeys. In the course of his job, Culver called on the Kelly farm and met the family. “We hit it off. Derek Kelly was wonderful and so knowledgeable. Over a few years they became good friends and they talked to us about setting up a North American operation.” The couple has two young sons, one of whom is autistic. They wanted to establish near
an autism center, and they were attracted to the Virginia Institute of Autism. “We wanted to be in the Blue Ridge. But we have a special needs kid and we have to think about that. Albemarle is a farm county and turkeys are perfect for spotty areas where they can find nuts. We looked mainly in Nelson County and then this place [off Jarmans Gap Road, just above the railroad crossing] came up. The price was reasonable. It’s like a blessing, a dream come true. “We want the community to know we are doing everything the right way. You should be a steward of the land. It’s an organic operation. We’re getting certified. The Kelly way of doing things does not smell. When people hear ‘turkey operation’ they think of the turkey houses in Harrisonburg and the smell. We are beyond ‘organic’ and ‘animal welfare.’ We are not sure we want to use those logos because that would mean a lowering of our standards. The birds are outside. I want the pastures to stay green, so I’m looking at 250 to 500 birds per acre. They’re like cows. They like to hang out in shade and be
near the feed. “Birds don’t urinate,” Culver explained. “Their digestive track moves food back and forth until it’s completely digested, leaving the smallest amount of waste.” The Culver farm is a little greater than 100 acres, with 30 arable (18 of that is now fenced), and lots of land that is wooded mountainside. “Turkey’s love that,” he said. “It’s perfect for them.” The Kelly method is seasonal and birds are not raised in winter. Turkeys are hatched in spring in heated brooder houses. By June they are ready to be released. “We say they are ‘bred to be wild’,” said Culver. Commercial turkeys are typically slaughtered after as little as 10 to 12 weeks, but Kelly Bronze turkeys are raised to maturity at six months, twice as long, fed on a ration of corn and soybeans that Culver devised. “They put down fat in that time. We slaughter when they are ready to be eaten, not when they are heavy enough to fill an order,” said Culver. A Kelly Bronze turkey is dry-processed when it is harvested, and it dry-ages in 36-degree storage for two weeks.
SUNDAY, JULY 5
5 p.m. Parade to Crozet Park Through Downtown Crozet
6 – 10 p.m. Community Celebration at Crozet Park • LIVE MUSIC BY LockJaw • KIDS’ GAMES & AMUSEMENTS • BOUNCE HOUSES, LASER TAG, PONY RIDES • TRADITIONAL FOURTH OF JULY FARE
FIREW ORKS CR OZET P JULY ARK 9:30 P 5 .M.
Pork BBQ, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Pizza, Popcorn, Flavored Ice, Apple Pie, & More! Starr Hill Beers
• FIREWORKS: 9:30 P.M.
MALCOLM ANDREWS
Bring a lawn chair to watch the band and ballgames!
CROZETgazette
13
JUNE 2015
CROZET YMCA Swimming Fitness & Family Fun
Dome is down! Water Heated!
Become a member of the Crozet YMCA!
Cari and Judd Culver
Turkeys range in size from 12 to 22 pounds (14 pounds would be average) and an average ready-to-cook bird sells for $175. “The taste is not a problem once [a customer] gets over the price,” Culver said. “Fat and dry-age—it’s the best turkey you’ll ever taste. It tastes the way turkey used to taste before mass production. It’s super tender and juicy.” The flocks of turkeys on pasture are a temptation to predators, so Culver’s woven-wire perimeter fence has hot wires added on the top and bottom. There are two “guardian” llamas, in the field, too, to discourage attackers. “And it’s fenced off from the creek to keep everybody out of there.” Their feed is always available, and a new well supplies water to the pasture. They stay in their pasture until November. They are processed by hand, 250 birds at a time in one day, dry-plucked with no water used. “Water equals bacteria,” noted Culver. “Ours have no salmonella on them because they are dry-aged. Our birds are so clean from living outdoors.” “People come to the farm to pick up. We deliver to a few butchers like the Organic Butcher. There are a dozen now.” They rent a truck and do a single route in one day. Turkeys are boxed, then put in an insulated container, and a meat thermometer is provided. A fresh bird can last up to five days. The goal for this year is to raise 1,000 birds. The farm could be capable of 10,000, but that would mean fencing a lot more mountainside, plus getting a brooder house capable of
hatching that many chicks, and that scale is at least three years away, Culver said. The target date for being able to produce their own eggs is 2017. Eleven different lines of genetics are involved. “We’ll eventually be able to offer different sizes of birds. So far only one line of genetics is being raised,” said Culver. After the hatchery begins in 2018, the farm may need as many as five employees. Until then the work is seasonal. Culver remains employed off the farm in the livestock nutrition business, and for all the ambition of the project, it is a start-up business for the time being. The farm takes orders online; last year the company was sold out in July. Go to Kellybronze. com. Pick-up day will be November 25. “No one is going to notice our vehicles. It will just be one day when people come to pick up. We’ll have a feed truck that comes once a month. “In Europe they know a lot more about their food, partly because it costs more. In America our food is very safe. Our area has a strong local food movement and we fit in perfectly with that. We can provide you the best turkey possible. The Culvers are renovating an 1870s farmhouse on the property and remodeling a pole barn to become a brooder house. “We want to be active in the community and we want to be transparent. We love it here,” said Culver, “and we’re here to stay. We need to sell turkeys. We’re the same concept as the breweries, but with turkeys. We want families to make our turkeys part of their tradition.”
MEMBERSHIP
ONE TIME MONTHLY JOIN FEE RATE
Family
$100
$69
Adult Single
$75
$48
Senior (65+)
$75
$43
Student
$25
$38
Youth
$25
$22
DAILY RATES:
YOUTH (2-18) $5
ADULT (19-64) $10
Swim Lessons
Parent/Child. June 6-27. Preschool/Youth. June 15-26.
SENIOR (65+) $5
Scholarships Available!
Adult Masters Swim
JUNE 14 10:30 A.M. Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time The Field School 1408 Crozet Avenue Fr. Joseph Mary Lukyamuzi Holy Comforter Catholic Church
M/Tu/Th 5:30-6:30 AM; Sat 8-8:15 AM
Chito-ryu Karate
Ages 7 and up. May 1-29
Tennis
All ages. May 16-June 6
Summer Day Camp
Ages 5-12. June 8-August 14
*NEW—Scuba Parties—NEW* Join the Crozet Gators Swim Team! www.crozetpark.org/crozet-gators 434 205 4380 • www.piedmontymca.org
DENTISTRY FOR KIDS, YOUNG ADULTS & CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
INSURANCE ACCEPTED
14
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
BY DR. ROBERT C. REISER
crozetannals@crozetgazette.com
Brave New World
For Better Hearing...
Trust Your Audiologist Tammy Garber, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology
Let’s have a conversation about improving your life through improved hearing. Call us today.
Ah summer! Here at last. I am looking forward to going on vacation as soon as the new interns arrive later this month. Dr. Sudhir has gamely offered to fill in for me in the ER and in the Crozet Annals. When and if I return from vacation the whole medical world will have changed. For the entirety of my career I have struggled to master the 14,000 diagnosis codes that the World Health Organization published in 1979 as the ICD-9, the International Classification of Diseases; Version 9. Within this bible are contained all of the injuries and illnesses that can befall a human being. The ICD diagnosis codes are universally used to generate the appropriate bill for doctor-patient encounters and to track disease and injury patterns. While I am away my colleagues will be in training to learn the intricacies of the government-mandated switch to the ICD-10 diagnosis codes, set to occur on October 1, 2015. This is going to be a big change for us. The ICD-10 contains a staggering 69,000 codes for illnesses and injuries! I guess I will have to catch up to 55,000 new diagnoses. Piece of cake.
The ICD codes were originally formulated in 1893 and periodically updated as medical practice has changed and knowledge of diseases has blossomed. I think this is good in general; some of the current ICD-9 codes are a little out of date. In my practice, for example, code E978-“Decapitation by guillotine” is seldom used. I hope I never have to bill an insurance company for this diagnosis, but it is nice to know that I could. Similarly 020.9“Black death” probably has been used as little as E832-“Falling off a gang plank (into water).” Arr! I can’t remember the last time I saw somebody “Injured by a cotton gin” (E919.8) or treated a patient for an “Accident involving animal being ridden injuring occupant of streetcar”- (E828.4) but maybe that still happens in San Francisco. Perhaps the most ancient ICD-9 code of all is V65.0-“No room at the inn.” Really, that is a billable diagnosis. I assume it has to do with patients boarding in the ER, but maybe Mary and Joseph can submit a bill if they can find suitable documentation from the innkeeper in Bethlehem. Not all of ICD-9 is out of date, however, and some of it is quite futuristic. E843 covers
We offer:
• Comprehensive hearing evaluations, consultations, and solutions • Demonstrations of the latest in hearing technology • Comprehensive care for current and new hearing aid users • Custom swim and noise molds
Free screenings on Fridays!
434.422.3196 Crozet• 580 Radford Ln, Ste 106 Charlottesville - Off Rt 250
HearingHealthAssoc.com
HOURS: Monday-Thursday 8am-5:30pm Friday 8am-5:00pm X-Ray Services Available On Site
Mark Keeley, MD • Russ Sawyer, MD Amie Munson, MD • Peter Taylor, MD
New Patients Welcome!
434-823-4567 • 1646 Park Ridge Drive • Crozet
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Fall in, on, or from aircraft injuring occupant of spacecraft. Hmm, I’m trying hard to think of the extraordinary chain of events that would lead to such an occurrence and how much could I bill for it. On the other hand, E996-“Injury due to war operations by nuclear weapons” begs the question; who would be left to send the bill to? By and large, though, I have been happy with ICD-9, which allows me to encode the many common events I encounter at work in the ER. 787.03-“Vomiting alone” is something I see on a daily basis, and while it sounds vaguely sad, is 787.01-“Vomiting in a crowd” or 787.02-“Vomiting with company” any better? Maybe a little. It is certainly better than 569.87-“Vomiting of fecal matter” which brings up some questions, but which I have seen from time to time. Patients can of course have several diagnoses assigned at the same visit. V60.0 -“Hobo” often has a secondary diagnosis of E013.8-“Very low level of personal hygiene.” I see this too from time to time. My coders warn me, though, that E013.8
should never be a primary diagnosis. Nor should 701.8“Wrinkling of skin”, 318.2“Idiot”, or 301.6 –“Inadequate personality” be primary diagnoses, although they do exist. Some diagnoses rarely coexist however. I don’t think I have ever seen a patient with 300.29“Fear of women” who was also complaining of V61.10-“Seven year itch.” Yes, that, too, is a medical diagnosis apparently, and yes, it does refer to the Marilyn Monroe movie of the same name about marital infidelity. Well, before I go I thought I would preemptively study up on the impending new diagnoses of ICD-10 that I will be tasked with on my return. The government website at CMS assures me that this will be easy because “Most physician practices use a relatively small number of Diagnosis Codes that are generally related to a specific type of specialty.” Ha! We use the whole book in the ER. But at least one section practically defines our practice, the R46 codes. R46.1 Bizarre personal
continued on page 31
NEW LISTING!
8979 DICK WOODS ROAD • Charming 1930s farmhouse • 12.85 acres • Barn, chicken coop, poultry house • Fenced for sheep & goats • Stream, HUGE Blue Ridge views • Minutes to breweries, wineries • Western Albemarle schools • MLS#530808, $349,000
David H. Ferrall
Associate Broker, Nest Realty
NEW LISTING!
df@NestRealty.com
434.882.LAND (5263)
6709 DICK WOODS ROAD • • • • • •
3 bedrooms 2 full baths Impeccable condition Panoramic Blue Ridge views Fenced yard Convenient to all Crozet shopping & dining • Western Albemarle schools • MLS#531113, $349,000
David H. Ferrall
Associate Broker, Nest Realty
df@NestRealty.com
434.882.LAND (5263)
AugustA Audiology AssociAtes is celebrAting 20 yeArs of service for your heAring heAlthcAre needs! We are the only center in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas that offer complete evaluation & management of your hearing healthcare needs, including:
Complete Assessment of Hearing, The Vestibular System and Auditory Processing.
stAte-of-the-Art heAring Aid technology: To help you hear what you have been missing, our hearings aids are available in different styles and a wide range of prices for your budget!
CANCER CENTER
We Specialize In Custom Earmolds For: Musicians, Hunters, Swimmers, Nascar Fans, MP3 Players, Industrial Employees and MORE! Our Services Also Include: Assistive Technology For Personal Listening, T.V., and Telephone We care about you and your family! We are here to serve you!
Call 540-332-5790 to schedule your appointment! Julie Farrar-Hersch, Ph.D., Clinical Audiologist 540-332-5790 • Augusta Health Medical Office Building 70 Medical Center Circle, Suite 204 • Fishersville, VA 22939
15
Powerful Medicine, Tender Touch AugustA HeAltH CAnCer Center 78 Medical Center Drive • Fishersville, VA 22939 www.augustahealth.com/cancer-center 540-332-5960 • 540-932-5960
16
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
John W. Clayton & Son Doublegrind Hardwood Mulch Pine Bark Mulch Composted Horse Manure Screened Topsoil Brick Sand Blue & Brown Driveway Gravel Custom Application of Lime & Fertilizer
inthegarden@crozetgazette.com
California: A Fantastic Garden, plus Unbelievable Trees in “Ganna Walska Lotusland”
P.O. Box 167, Ivy, VA 22945 johnwclaytonandson@earthlink.net
Mulch & Compost Double Ground Hardwood Mulch Pine Bark Mulch Black, Red, Brown & Natural Colored Mulch Organic Compost
CROZET, VIRGINIA
434-466-2682
5690 Three Notch’d Rd., Ste. 100 • 434-823-4080 Dr. James W. Willis • Dr. Emery Taylor • Dr. Brian Podbesek
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US
#1 DENTAL OFFICE
CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Award Winner 2014
IN THE CHARLOTTESVILLE AREA FOR 2014 Over 130 unique patient reviews on Rate-A Dentist.com, 4.9/5 star rating!
“I consistently feel that the staff at Crozet Family Dental cares about me as a person, and listens to what I have to say. That makes all the difference.” (5 stars) by M. H. on 10/09/2014 “Very thorough and professional. The repair work done feels superior to previous repair of the same problem.” (5 stars) by M. B. on 09/27/2014 “Fantastic, great atmosphere from the minute you enter this office!... Two fillings, one upper and one lower... virtually painless and in and out in under 45 minutes. This team makes you actually look forward to going to the dentist.” (5 stars) by G. R. on 09/20/2014
Insurance Accepted!
434-823-4080
www.crozetfamilydental.com
5690 Three Notch’d Rd., Ste. 100 • Crozet (Beside PT Plus)
You might think I’m practicing my Polish, trying to tell you that I’m waltzing my way to some place called Lotusland. Well, you would indeed have the Polish and waltzing connection correct. But in actuality, I’ve just put forth the name of a fabulous garden near Santa Barbara, California, so the name “Lotusland” now becomes more meaningful. But what about Ganna Walska? Hanna Puazc was born to a middle-class family in Poland around 1887. It’s not easy to handily summarize the next ninety-seven years of her life. Early on she changed her name to Ganna Walska, the latter signifying the waltz. Her professions, not necessarily in any particular order, could be listed as artist, singer, mystic, gardener and serial monogamist. It is said that she “married often and well,” and her life in Europe, New York and California attests to that. In 1941 she and her last husband purchased an estate in Montecito and renamed it “Tibetland.” They intended to be a refuge for Tibetan monks, but when that idea did not come to fruition, the name was changed to “Lotusland” after Walska’s favorite flower. Madame Walska, as she is frequently referred to, had purchased a quite lovely 37-acre property and garden but set about re-making it her own vision. A swimming pool was converted into a water feature to contain the signature lotuses. She had a love for desert plants
and employed them to wonderful excess. If one cactus made a statement, she believed that dozens would bowl you over. A mass of Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) flank the front door to her house; they are endangered in the wild in Mexico, but fortunately easy to propagate. Succulents are such a part of the Lotusland look that it’s tempting to say, if you don’t like them, then stay away. But that would be a mistake for a couple of reasons. First, there are several other totally different gardens on the estate: a Japanese garden, ferns, topiary, an orchard, a blue garden—albeit with many agaves—and a water garden. But I think that even cactus haters arriving with an open mind would come to appreciate the sculptural quality and sheer weirdness (to Easterners) of these amazing plants. Although Walska died in 1984, a major portion of her garden’s cacti did not arrive at Lotusland until 2001. Her friend Merritt S. Dunlap had promised her his collection in 1966, and upon his passing, over 300 different species were trucked up from the San Diego area over the course of a couple of years. One can only imagine the effort that went into such a task, especially with the need to protect both the plants and the laborers moving them. At Lotusland you can walk down a path between a “forest” of cacti on one side and succulent euphorbias on the other. The two plant groups are unrelated, the first being from the New World, the second from
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
17
Haircuts|Beard Trims|Shaves Free eyebrow, ear & mustache trim with haircut Straight razor shaves include hot lather, hot towels & aftershave
HAIRCUTS ONLY $12!
Mon. Tues. Thurs. & Fri. 7:30 - 5:30 Wed. 7:30 - 12; Sat. 7:30 - 3 Walk-Ins; No Credit Cards
SERVING CROZET SINCE 1933
1202 Crozet Avenue 434-823-4223
Golden Barrel Cactus and other succulents in front of the house at Lotusland. (Photo courtesy Ganna Walska Lotusland)
the Old. Growing in similarly dry conditions, however, they have both adapted and assumed similar forms. But give them a closer look, and you will see subtle differences in stem and flower structure. One can not talk about Lotusland and not mention the Cycad Garden. These primitive plants, bearing a superficial resemblance to palms and ferns, were also a favorite of Walska’s, so much so that she auctioned her jewelry collection to the tune of almost a million dollars to finance the purchase of the cycads. The collection of 900 specimens encompasses half of the world’s species, one of which is extinct in the wild. Visiting Lotusland in May, one could not help be aware of California’s ongoing drought. They are very mindful of the problem and managing their water carefully. Fortunately, Lotusland has its own well and has been practicing sustainable and water-wise gardening for years. Visiting Lotusland should be on any gardener’s bucket list, but it requires some planning. The garden is in a very exclusive area known as Montecito— think hedges and walls hiding grand mansions owned by the likes of Oprah Winfrey—and there are restrictions on the number of visitors. Visitation is only by guided tour; there are
two per day, Wednesday through Saturday, mid-February through mid-November. Admission for adults is $45, certainly pricey compared to most gardens. But it’s worth every penny. Upkeep is far better than most public gardens, our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and Lotusland does not have the freedom to admit more people to increase revenue. If it fits into your schedule, one other must-see in California is the Giant Sequoia trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum). They are cousins to the Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), which are taller but not as massive. Sequoias can exceed three hundred feet in height, have a diameter over twenty-five feet, and can live over three thousand years. I took many pictures of these trees, but none could capture their scale. Plus, if you walk up to one, you can have the pleasure of patting its fibrous, hollow-sounding bark, sometimes up to eighteen inches thick. Giant Sequoias are found in a few dozen scattered groves in the southern Sierra Nevada. Some of the best places to see them are national parks: Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite. But please note: in Yosemite, most of the much-visited Mariposa Grove will be closed to visitors for the next two years.
Shenandoah Valley's premiere outdoor store since 1987.
1461 E. Main Street • Waynesboro • 22980
540-943-1461 • RockfishGapoutfitteRs.com
CarolBoersma Boersma MD, MD,Stephanie Stephanie Grice GriceMD, MD,Robert RobertMichel MichelMD, MD, LLtoto R:R:Carol Mary Anne Mayo MD, Angella Stitely-Lamm CPNP, Arika Roy Cocke CPNP, Mary Anne Mayo MD, Angella Stitely-Lamm CPNP, Arika Roy Cocke CPNP, Gretchen Wasserstrom Brantley MD, .Jocelyn Schauer MD
Gretchen Wasserstrom Brantley MD, Joelyn Schauer MD
can get sick quickly OurKids summer appointments are and without warning. filling up fast! We are ready with same day sick * Call now to schedule your camp, at both of school, our offices appointments and sports physicals.* for established patients Specialized pediatric care from birth through the college years
Specialized pediatric care from birth through the college years Charlottesville: 900 Rio East Court (434) 975-7777 Crozet: 1193 Crozet Avenue www.piedmontpediatrics.net
18
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Turning the Mundane into a Little Bit of Heaven Thai food is popular, as it deserves to be, and Charlottesville has several fine establishments. I’m still working on my currys, but for now, I’d rather spend the money to go out to dinner and let the experts cook for me. However, I do have a peanut sauce recipe that I use when I want to pan fry some vegetables and/or tofu, and/or chicken for a quick supper. Making this peanut sauce is not really quick—there are so many ingredients and all are necessary for the delicious result. But once you have made it—and it stores well in the refrigerator—the rest of the
Crozet’s Local Burgers, Shakes, Fries, And More! Check out our new menu!
Taco TuesdayS!
$1 Tacos Yummy
Smoothies & Shakes!
1/2 dozen
Wings only $5.50
mon. – Sat. 11 – 8
meal takes no time at all. I sauté the meat if I’m using it, or the tofu, then add sliced carrots, a slivered onion, two sliced sweet peppers, two thinly sliced cloves of garlic and when they have cooked, I serve with this peanut sauce. Note: I love it hot—probably hotter than you or anyone you know does. So when it is complete and before adding the pepper flakes, I divide it in half: one half for the civilians and the other for the iron stomach (that would be me). I’ve also used it on rice, or any other combo of sautéed vegetables. I hope you enjoy it!
Peanut Sauce—Hot, or Not
IN CLOVER LAWN ON RT. 250, ACROSS FROM HARRIS TEETER
Assemble the following ingredients and combine in a small food processor or blender:
David A. Maybee, DDS
Family Dentistry $775,000,000
is the annual consumer spending on
toothbrushes. Why not get a free one from your dentist?
New Patients Welcome!
434-823-1274
No Babysitter? No Problem!
Keep an eye on your children with our playroom cam
crozetdentistry.com Ad design and copy provided in part by fifth graders at Brownsville Elementary School
540 Radford Lane, #100 • Across from Harris Teeter, behind BB&T in Crozet
½ cup creamy peanut butter ¼ cup catsup ¼ cup water ¼ cup tamari sauce Juice from ½ lemon 4 cloves crushed garlic ¼ cup brown sugar
2 T peanut oil 1 T sesame oil 1 T red wine vinegar 1 T onion powder 4 tsp bottled ground ginger Crushed red pepper— see instructions below.
After blending thoroughly, decide how hot to make it. The recipe makes about 1 ½ cups of peanut sauce. For mild seasoning add ½ tsp crushed red pepper. To make it as hot as Denise likes it, add ¼ cup of crushed red pepper. I’m not kidding. I’ll let you decide where you fall on this spectrum.
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
19
Crozet Dog Park Receives $10,000 Challenge Grant Claudius Crozet Park (CCP) has been awarded a $10,000 matching challenge grant from the Starr Hill/Red Light fund of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation (CACF). The fund will match all donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000 to help build the Crozet Dog Park, one of many projects underway at the 22-acre community-owned Crozet Park. According to CCP board president Kim Guenther, “The grant improves our chances of building the dog park this year by not only providing much needed funding, but also generating momentum to raise the remaining $10,000 needed for the project. We will work to match the $10,000 grant by the end of this summer with the goal of completing the dog park project this fall. The total estimated cost of the project is $30,000. With money previously raised, additional funding from the Starr Hill Brewery’s Cheers for Charity program in April, and a generous challenge grant pushing us to the finish
line, total project funding is well within reach.” With a fall completion date now in sight, dog park site work has now begun in earnest thanks to Luke Omand, owner of Piedmont Land Management (PLM), who visited the park in May to begin initial clearing. PLM’s visit to the site came at the request of County Parks and Recreation, who requested a public demonstration of a method of land-clearing called “Forestry Mulching.” The “green” method uses a medium sized tracked vehicle that mulches brush and small trees as it clears. Forestry Mulching is a relatively new alternative for brush removal, allowing land to be cleared in a much more environmentally friendly way and much more effectively than by hand or with larger, heavier equipment. More about PLM’s services, including Forestry Mulching, can be found at: http://www.piedmontlm.com/. The demonstration attended by County officials, area residents and Park Board members
culminated in several days of work by PLM that cleared about 50 percent of the proposed dog park area. With preliminary clearing completed, the dog park’s site planning group is now in the process of developing final designs that will ultimately accommodate both small and big dog fenced-in areas on just over an acre of land. “Crozet, and Albemarle County in general, is a dog-loving community,” said Guenther. “A fenced-in park in western Albemarle where dogs can run off-leash is long overdue. We are
climate CLIMATE controlled CONTROLLED units UNITS • Resident Manager
•• Monthly Resident Manager Leases climate controlled • Tractor Trailer Accessible units •• Insurance MonthlyCoverage Leases • Resident Manager Available Gate Access ••Passcoded Tractor Trailer Accessible Monthly Leases ••24-hour Access Available Tractor Trailer Gate Accessible •• Packing Passcoded Access Materials • Insurance Coverage Available now rentin •• Passcoded 24-hour Gate Access Available Access g • 24-hour Access Available •• Packing Packing Materials Materials now 434-823-2340 rentin RENTIN
G www.charlottesvilleselfstorage.net NOW g
Call 823-2385 today to make an appointment!
434-823-2340
434-823-2340
Bill tolbut 5390 Three Notch’d Rd Resident Manager Crozet, VA 22932 www.charlottesvilleselfstorage.net
www.charlottesvilleselfstorage.net
Bill tolbut 5390 Three Notch’d Rd Resident Crozet,Manager VA 22932 WilliamManager E. Tolbut | Resident
5974 JARMANS GAP ROAD CROZET, VA 22932
434-823-2385
Dr. John Schoeb Dr. Kevin Albert — We are a locally-owned practice with a community-based staff. — ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS AND INSURANCE ACCEPTED | LARGE PRIVATE ROOMS
5390 Three Notch’d Rd | Crozet, VA 22932
especially excited that so many are stepping up to support this effort, including Albemarle County Parks and Recreation, Starr Hill Brewery, the Starr Hill/Red Light fund, the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA and now, Piedmont Land Management. The Crozet Dog Park is no longer a “hope to have” amenity in our community. It’s a reality happening this fall!” To make a donation and for more information, please visit: w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / c ro ze t dogpark or www.crozetdogpark. org.
20
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Neighbor Law © Alice Neff Lucan
Hot Dogs
New Patient Offer!
Happy
Father's $49 Day!
Bring in this ad during June for an exam, any necessary x-rays, and consultation for just
Total value of exam and x-rays: $194
Valid for new patients only. Offer transferable. Please share with your family & friends!
Call 218-7056 or 270-0186 NOW for an appointment!
Crozet Dentist NellysfordDentist James Rice, D.D.S.
Jennifer Rice, D.D.S.
Jessica Todd, DDS
Offer not valid for previous services. New patients only. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Expires 6/30/15.
325 Four Leaf Lane–Suite 10, Charlottesville, 22903 | 2905 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, 22958
Welcome to Central Virginia, where we go from winter to summer in a matter of days. Sadly, it is also the season to find hot dogs left in cars while the owner ‘pops’ into the grocery store for ‘just a moment.’ Who has ever gotten out of a grocery store in less than thirty minutes? An overheated dog can die in minutes, according to Earlysville veterinarian Dr. Emily Kinnaird, especially the short-nosed pugs and bull-dogs. But no breed has the ability to sweat to relieve intense heat, as we do. Dogs can only pant and pray for water. Larry Crickenberger, who has served 13 years as an Albemarle County Animal Control Officer, says that some dog owners don’t understand one serious fact: leaving the windows open in a car may not help at all. The front and back windows of any car are huge magnifiers of heat, so leaving side windows open usually isn’t enough to relieve the animal shut inside. And if the dog is agitated, barking and panic will only increase the body temperature, causing faster overheating. Dismiss this behavior as harmless ‘separation anxiety’ and you (or Animal Control) can put your dog at risk. Believe it or not, roughly 125 “hot dog” calls came in to Albemarle Animal Control in 2014. Officer Crickenberger said that Albemarle’s four Animal Control Officers (ACOs) will respond to calls about heat distressed dogs (call 977-9041), but many variables determine what they can do. ACOs are equipped with thermometers that can test the heat on the car seats and Crickenburger’s rule is that 7580 degrees is tolerable, but on a warm, not even hot, summer day, under the steady sun, car temperatures go way higher than a dog can bear. Abusing and neglecting your companion animal is against the law in Albemarle County (and throughout Virginia). The
Schedule Your Spring Cleaning Today!
Albemarle County Code requires a kind of ‘floor’ of care you are required to give your companion animal. Each owner shall provide the following for his companion animal: 1. Adequate feed; 2. Adequate water; 3. Adequate shelter that is properly cleaned; 4. Adequate space in the primary enclosure for the particular type of animal depending upon its age, size, species, and weight; 5. Adequate exercise; 6. Adequate care, treatment, and transportation; and 7. Veterinary care when needed or to prevent suffering or disease transmission. Look at number 6 again. Leaving your pets in a hot car could/might violate this requirement. Violating these rules the first time can result in charges for a Class 4 misdemeanor and the penalties increase when there are more violations after the first. Cruelty to animals, which can take many different forms, is a Class 1 misdemeanor and can result in a jail term and fines. It is also illegal to abandon or dump an animal, which is a Class 3 misdemeanor. That can result in fines. So the culprit who dumps an animal along side the road risks penalties. It is a thoughtless act when we have so many animal rescue shelters in our area. You can find this section of the Albemarle County Code online; see Chapter 4, Animals and Fowl, for the law protecting companion animals. But it’s not a matter of knowing the bits and details of the law. Common human decency covers most of it, along with kindness. Disclaimer: Don’t rely on this information as legal advice. Ask a lawyer who takes you as a client and can get your specific facts first hand. The tiniest circumstance can change any outcome.
YOUR LOCAL SOURCE FOR LOCAL, ORGA
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Crozet
21
www.greatvalu.com
Where respect for YOU is ALWAYS in stock
Kretschmar DELI MEATS Sliced fresh to order! Not pre-cut. Gluten-free, No MSG, No fillers
Alcaro, Oberg Step Up as School Board Candidates Jonno Alcaro, left, and David Oberg took a few minutes at the Crozet Community Advisory Committee meeting May 20 to introduce themselves as candidates for the White Hall District School Board seat. Alcaro, a five-year resident of Crozet, is the co-founder of YellowPages.com and has had an executive career in business in securities and Internet industries. His wife Nanette had an international career marketing boutique hotels. Their daughter is a freshman at Western Albemarle High School. Alcaro calls himself egoless in solving problems and said he intends to work for fair outcomes for parents, students and teachers. He
said he has a long experience with budgeting. Oberg is a Charlottesville attorney and the son of two public school teachers. His wife DJ is president of the Crozet Elementary PTO, where their daughter is in fifth grade. She is the former president of the county school system’s Parent Council. Oberg said he is adamant that student learning should not be measured solely by multiple-choice tests and that community schools should be nourished beyond the mandates of state and federal laws. The Gazette will run complete statements from each candidate as Election Day nears.
LOCAL Hydroponic Red & Green Butterhead LETTUCE $2.49 Mountain Culture LOCAL KOMBUCHA All varieties $3.25
Fresh Mint flavor is back for the summer! Western Albemarle’s Hometown Grocery Store Since 1946
5732 THREE NOTCH’D ROAD • CROZET
Preschool Ages 2 ½ - 5
A gentle, safe and loving atmosphere for young children to begin to explore the world and to prepare for kindergarten.
Summer Camp Ages 3 - 6
Sign up by the week or for the whole summer. Creative weekly themes. Private, in-ground wading pool for daily swimming.
Crozet Running Trail 5k at MSVP The fastest male finishers at the second annual Crozet Running Trail 5k on May 9 are, from left, Matt Thompson (4th place), Mike Fox (3rd place), David Hryvniak (1st place in 23:39), Michael Dubova (2nd place), and Nicholas Dipirro
(5th place). Top five women were Ellen Tani in 29:36, Jo Thompson, Holly Grimm, Devon Burger, and Sophie Speidel. More than 250 runners registered. The course climbs 1,000 feet in elevation.
Close to Crozet, Charlottesville & UVA NUMEROUS SCHEDULE OPTIONS Half Day, Extended Day & Full Day Programs
DISCOVER... CREATE... HAVE FUN!
(434) 979-2111 www.millstoneofivy.com
22
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
© J. Dirk Nies, Ph.D.
An Incommodious Truth— Carbon Dioxide: The Essential Pollutant (Part Seven) Carbon dioxide is the natural by-product of burning fossil fuels. We Americans have chosen to power our economy by burning fossil fuels since the 1880s, when coal achieved predominance. From then until today, America has favored—on practical and economic grounds—burning coal, oil and natural gas to supply most of our country’s energy needs. In this article, I will examine how U.S. and global emissions of carbon dioxide, generated from burning fossil fuels, have evolved over the past two decades. I will say upfront that I am astonished, modestly delighted, but mostly dismayed by recent trends that are emerging. Ramifications of these trends, which I will touch upon later, have profound importance regarding the choices we face today. For relevant and reliable data, I have turned to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the statistical and analytical arm of the U.S. Department of Energy. EIA “collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.” EIA publishes data on its website, www.EIA.gov. One of their online products is International Energy Statistics. From among these data, I chose 1995 as a baseline year to compare and contrast with 2012, the most recent year for which EIA compiled statistics in this report. Supporting data are presented in Table 1. Here are a few notable highlights. First the good news. Annual emissions of carbon dioxide released by burning fossil fuels fell in the United States
and in Europe. Both the American and European economies emitted a little less (each about 0.5 billion metric tons less) of this greenhouse gas in 2012 than they did in 1995. Here and in Europe we are beginning to see glimmers that fossil fuel’s dominance is beginning to wane. Now the rest of the news. I hope you’re sitting down. Worldwide, annual CO2 emissions shot up 45.8 percent. While America and Europe were holding about steady, the world’s annual emissions increased by 10.14 billion metric tons, from 22.17 to 32.31 billion metric tons. This monumental amplification of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is greater than American and European yearly CO2 emissions combined! However bad America was in 1995, in a mere 17 years, the world duplicated America’s emissions, and threw in all of Europe’s to boot. The emerging economies accomplished this on top of what they already were emitting two decades ago. Even more disconcerting, Chinese emissions of CO2 skyrocketed 184 percent. For the first time in modern history, China reigns supreme and unchallenged as the world’s largest emitter of CO2. In 2012, China released 8.106 billion metric tons of CO2 into the air—an increase
of 5.254 billion metric tons over their 1995 levels of 2.852 billion metric tons. In doing so, China contributed more the half of the increase in world CO2 emissions that occurred between 1995 and 2012. Coincidentally, this increase of 5.254 billion metric tons is equivalent to the entire annual emissions of the United States. Shockingly, what took us more than two centuries to achieve, the Chinese replicated in less than two decades! The countries of the Middle East (126 percent increase) and India (108 percent increase) became major contributors during this time period. They more than doubled their emissions of CO2. Taken together, the emerging economies of China, India and the Middle East accounted for nearly three-fourths of the increase seen worldwide. Their annual emissions of CO2 (11.973 billion metric tons) grew to become 25 percent greater than those of Europe and America combined (9.533 billion metric tons). The remaining countries of the world, including Central and South America, Africa, Mexico, Canada, Russia, Australia, Japan and Korea, collectively saw their emissions rise by 36.7 percent, contributing an additional 2.902 billion metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year above their combined 1995 levels. Here are four major points I wish to emphasize. First, the U.S. held its emissions in check—even while our population and economy grew. We achieved this through energy conservation, improved energy efficiency, bringing renewable energy sources on line, and switching to natural
gas in lieu of coal (for the same amount of energy, natural gas produces about half as much carbon dioxide as does coal). Another important factor was increased out-sourcing of energy-intensive manufacturing. As Americans purchased more and more goods made overseas, we also shifted our CO2 emissions overseas as well. Second, China, India, and the Middle East saw their emissions grow enormously. This occurred as their energy use per person rose to more closely emulate American and European per capita energy use. Third, had America and Europe completely sworn off fossil fuels and cut their emissions to zero in 2012, annual CO2 emissions worldwide still would have increased by 0.6 billion metric tons over 1995 levels. Fourth, CO2 emissions worldwide will continue to increase if emerging economies persist in copying our current patterns of energy generation and use. Looking forward to 2040, EIA projects that U.S. energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide will grow on average 0.1 percent per year. By the end of this century, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has forecast atmospheric CO2 concentrations to possibly be as high as 970 ppm. As a reference point, CO2 concentrations are 400 ppm now; they were 280 ppm back in 1750. EIA data starkly illustrate the magnitude of the challenge before us. Around the world, fossil fuels are being burned in quantities greater than at any time in human history. Consequently, power-related continued on page 35
Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Consumption of Fossil Fuels (Billion Metric Tons Per Year) Year (Change)
World
United States
Europe
China
Middle East
India
Everywhere Else
1995
22.17
5.319
4.313
2.852
0.901
0.880
7.902
2012
32.31
5.270
4.263
8.106
2.036
1.831
10.804
Net Change
10.14
-0.049
-0.050
5.254
1.135
0.951
2.902
Percent Change
45.8%
-0.92%
-1.14%
184%
126%
108%
36.7%
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
23
June 22-26, 2015 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
For children entering 1st - 6th grades COST $100 • Register by June 8 Contact us if you need a scholarship or childcare after 3 p.m.
Located at Tabor Presbyterian Church (USA), Crozet
by John Andersen
That Hill… In many ways, I was a dumb kid in high school and college. I smoked cigarettes for about 6 years and drank way too much. I always get uncomfortable and somewhat ashamed when I admit that because, well, it was stupid! I was living the classic “no consequences” life, not thinking at all about how my current life choices could affect my future health. Fortunately, I grew up and found a wonderful woman who inspired me to get my act together. After college, I moved to Blacksburg for veterinary school, met Michelle, and found Brush Mountain. While in vet school in Blacksburg, I had a classmate who asked me if I wanted to go mountain biking. Biking was my main mode of transport in college, so even though my lungs and cardiovascular system were pathetic, my legs were in decent shape (I thought.) And when he described how fun it was biking down the mountain trails, I was intrigued. We arrived at Pandapas Pond just outside of Blacksburg at the foot of Brush Mountain. In order to get the thrilling downhill ride on “The Beast” trail as it was called, we had to climb all the way up the mountain on our mountain bikes. Was I in for a rude awakening! Very quickly I learned how out of shape I was. At the first prolonged section of climb, my lungs felt like they were exploding and my legs went dead. I had to get off my bike and walk. I was trying to save some face, but that climb up to the top of Brush Mountain was very difficult and discouraging for me, especially since I was with someone else who was making it look rather easy. After a lot of time and patience on my buddy’s end, we finally made it to the top of The Beast—a several-mile, technical downhill trail that sped down
Brush Mountain. I should add here that my “mountain bike” was a really crummy bike. It was heavy, had no shocks or fancy pedal clips, and was just some junk I bought from someone in college. But when I took that hunko-junk down The Beast, and felt gravity pull me down that trail, I was hooked. What a thrill! I loved everything about zooming down that mountain trail— feeling every bump, being only half in control, and grabbing my handlebars and brakes so hard that my hands were cramping. The whole experience was very moving to me. Why had I never gotten out in these mountains before? I slowly turned into a mountain biker. I would head back to Brush Mountain regularly and do that loop. But that hill never got flatter. The first several times I went back to Brush Mountain, I saw that hill as an obstacle to my fun downhill riding. “Let’s get this over with” was my mantra. I hated that hill. It constantly defeated me, demanding I get off my bike and walk, gasping for air. But I kept at it, and soon enough I could ride a little further up that hill before I had to get off and walk. I noticed this. Slowly, with a lot of hard work, I began to see that hill differently. Bombing down The Beast was always a thrill, but my relationship with Brush Mountain changed. “The Hill” started to become the main attraction. As I kept coming back, I became more fit. I was seeing the tangible effects of my persistence. I was making it about halfway up that hill without stopping. I would still see the fast guys with the fancy bikes and gear just plow up that hill right past me while I rested, but I never let that discourage me. It was about
continued on page 34
Camp Hanover Day Camp is a small group experience where campers spend time with other children their age doing arts & crafts activities, Bible studies, playing games, exploring nature, singing songs and even cooking out their own lunch one day!
For more information visit www.camphanover.org/summer-camp/day-camp or contact Julie MacMillin
crozetcares@gmail.com or 434-823-4255
Tabor Presbyterian Church (USA) Worship Service Sundays • 10:30 a.m.
FOLLOWED BY FELLOWSHIP Rev. Dr. Jewell-Ann Parton, Pastor Traditional in worship, Prgressive in outreach, Inclusive of All
Crozet Cares Schedule An Outreach of Tabor Presbyterian Church All Events are in the Pickford-Chiles Fellowship Hall Unless Otherwise Noted
Some Girlfriends Antique & Home Decor Sale Saturday, June 6 • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7 •12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Furniture, Finds, and Frills!
Crozet Community Orchestra Concert Sunday, June 7 • 4 p.m.
Featuring the Crozet Community Chorus. Located at the Crozet Baptist Church
Second Saturday Art Gallery Opening Saturday, June 13 • 5 - 7 p.m.
This month’s featured artist is John Borden Evans. His textured acrylic paintings have been shown in numerous galleries across the South. John lives in North Garden.
Crozet Community Junk Orchestra
Thursdays, 6:45-8:15pm June 18 - Aug 6 (no meeting June 25 or July 16)
$10 per session, All ages 10+, Seniors welcome. Want to turn your rhythm and junk into music? Let’s do it this summer in Crozet. A tin ear? Perfect, you can still make music with us! Questions: Philip Clark pclarkmusic@gmail.com 434 979 3343 Sign up: Denise Murray murrden@gmail.com 434 987 5517
Camp Hanover Daycamp June 22 - 26, 2015 See our ad above.
Rita Mae Brown Talk & Booksigning Tuesday, June 30 • 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Two books can be signed at this event, if purchased at Over The Moon: The newest Mrs. Murphy mystery, Tail Gait, and the reissue of Rubyfruit Jungle, timed to coincide with LGBT Pride Month. Questions? Contact Over The Moon Bookstore and Artisan Gallery: 434-823-1144 www.overthemoonbookstore.com For more information visit
CrozetCares.com Click on Upcoming Events
Tabor Presbyterian Church
5804 Tabor Street • Crozet www.taborpc.org • 434-823-4255
24
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
By John Andersen, DVM gazettevet@crozetgazette.com
To Stitch or Not to Stitch
CLIP THI
S AD &
GET $2
0 OFF YOUR
FIRST VI
SIT!
Dr. Michael Rose Dr. Kim Bohne Dr. John Andersen Dr. Kristin Heilmeier
Compassionate care for your pets!
We provide medical, surgical • Routine health care • Family-friendly office— and Dental care for your family pet with a loving touch. • Advanced surgical, medical bring the kids! We are now taking new patients. & dental procedures • Traveling Vet available Call us tofor sethousecalls up an
434-979-DOGG
appointment today!
brought to us 2-3 days after they happened, and are now terribly infected and much larger problems than they were a few days ago. Any time there is a cut deep enough to bleed, there is a break in the natural protective barrier of the skin and bacteria WILL enter—not just bacteria from the dirt, bite, etc., but also the bacteria that already live on the skin. We routinely see relatively small, but deep, cuts and punctures turn into very large areas of dead skin because of infection. Superficial wounds can be cleaned and treated topically at home, whereas deeper wounds likely need deeper cleaning and antibiotics to prevent infection. The key thing is it’s always better to deal with it now vs. in two days. Superficial cuts and scrapes can usually be treated at home. Think of these as the “skinned knees and elbows”—not really a cut, but more an abrasion of skin. Just like cleaning your kid’s knee, treating your dog’s scrape is not very different, except that he is very hairy!! So, steps in taking care of these simple wounds: • Get in good lighting! • Clip or cut hair away from the wound—otherwise it will stick to the wound and foster infection and keep it from staying clean. • Clean blood, debris, etc. from the wound and surrounding skin—a warm washcloth is
Celebrating over 30 years of service to our local area We provide medical, surgical and Dental care for your family pet with a loving touch. We are now taking new patients. Call us to set up an appointment today!
Get to know us on Facebook!
www.cvillevet.com
Summer is here, and one thing we are sure to see a lot more of at the veterinary hospital are cuts, bites, and wounds. Running through the woods, playing in the river, tussling at the dog park, dogs are like a bunch of rowdy kids, not always aware of their bodies until play time is over. So here you are, on a Saturday afternoon just finishing up a long hike with your family dog, and you notice blood in the back of the car. After making sure the kids are all intact, you examine the dog, who now seems to have lost the invincible forest wolf energy she had just minutes ago, and now looks at you sadly and holds her paw up. You see a deep cut in the pad that at first glance makes you go “ewww.” What do you do? Rush to the veterinary ER? (Of which there are two in Charlottesville, thank goodness!) Clean it and wait until Monday, which is a long 36 hours away? Duct tape? Here is my guide for dealing with these inevitable moments when also inevitably you’ve got soccer games, family travel, and a million other things to deal with! Deal with it now. The most common “worst case scenarios” we see regarding cuts and wounds are ones that are
Serving Crozet and all of Albemarle County
1193 5th Street SW • Charlottesville, VA 22902 • 434-979-3644
Medical • Surgical • Dentistry Boarding • Grooming • Laser Therapy Acupuncture • Herbal Rx • Digital Radiology House Calls • Comprehensive In-House Lab
1263 Parkview Drive, Crozet, 22932
434-823-4300 www.crozetvet.com
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
good here, as is hydrogen peroxide. Note on hydrogen peroxide: while this is a good disinfectant, and is especially helpful when there is a lot of dried blood and goop on a wound, it does delay wound healing. So think of peroxide as Day 0 wound cleaning only. • Apply antibiotic ointmen. Yep, bacitracin, Neosporin, etc.—all safe for kids, all safe for dogs too—even if they lick it a bit (which they will). Apply a thin layer on the wound and repeat a few times a day until it’s dry. • Keep them from licking. Some dogs are totally cool, while others become a neurotic mess and start licking the heck out of any skin wound. They can certainly create a larger problem from their tongue and saliva, so if they are obsessing about it, you may need a cone collar or bandage. • Only bandage if you need to. Bandages need to be placed with care—if too tight, they can cause swelling and tissue damage. If left on more than 12-24 hours on a new wound, they are just becoming a cozy home for bacteria to fester in. Deeper cuts should be dealt with by your vet, ideally that day. There are many deeper cuts that we see that we don’t sew up—if the skin edges are close enough and there is not a lot of motion or skin tension, we may just clean it out and let it heal on its own. The key decision with these is whether it is deep enough to warrant an antibiotic or not. Remember, every wound is contaminated. If cleaned thoroughly within a few hours and if not too deep, it may not need antibiotics. However if not dealt with for over 4 hours, if
deep, or if difficult to clean all the debris out of it, it may need some vet care for proper cleaning and antibiotics to keep it from getting infected. Many cuts need to be sutured closed. For dogs who are calm we can do this in the office with no sedation, just a local block and a few staples or stitches. However many dogs need to be sedated because they are too scared, wild, or painful. Punctures should always be seen as soon as possible. Bite wounds from a fight/scuffle with another dog/cat can become terribly infected because the teeth can sink deep below the skin, despite some very small skin wounds. Take a cat bite for example. This may cause only a 2 mm puncture wound in the skin, but that cat tooth may have sunk in ½” and is almost certain to be a painful infected mess in 1-2 days if not treated immediately. Most puncture wounds will be cleaned out and placed on antibiotics—again, virtually all cat bites will become infected due to the nature of the bacteria that normally live in the mouths of cats. Not all dog bites will become infected, but the deeper ones usually cause enough tissue trauma that antibiotics are needed. It’s not getting better. It’s important to see that the wounds are getting better, whether a simple scrape that you treated, or a dog fight wound your vet helped you with. Sometimes there is blood supply that was damaged at the time of the injury that will delay healing, or sometimes your pet has been licking at it. Check these wounds at least twice a
25
Betty Thomas Realtor
Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together Weekly
Insight Meditation (Vipassanā) Dharma (Teachings)
Call Today! 434-964-6259
Wednesdays 7 - 8:30 PM
betty.thomas@LNF.com
whitehallmeditation.org
www.BettyThomas.LNF.com
2015 SOCA Summer Soccer June
SOCA Day Camp: Mornings • June 8 - 12, June 15 - 19 SOCA Summer Academy: AM Only • June 22 - 25 SOCA Striker/Keeper Camp: Evenings • June 22 - 25
July
Blue Ridge Residential Soccer Camp • July 7 - 11 SOCA Summer Academy: AM & PM • July 13 - 16, July 20 - 23 SOCA World Cup Camp: Evenings • July 27 - 31
Enjoy professional soccer instruction on the highest quality fields. For details go to www.SOCAspot.org, click “Camps” for more info. Registration is quick and easy using your personal MySOCA Account. Summer soccer excitement is heating up. We look forward to seeing you on the fields!
JOIN THE FUN!
continued on page 31
Emmanuel Episcopal Church Camp Emmanuel 7599 ROCKFISH GAP | GREENWOOD, VA 22943 | 540.456.6334 | emmanuelgreenwood.org
June 22-26
3.4 miles west of Western Albemarle High School on Route 250
WELCOME TO OUR PARISH! Mission: May we live in Christ and seek to do His Work from this place. SUNDAY WORSHIP SUMMER SERVICE TIME BEGINNING JUNE 7 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Children’s Worship TWO SERVICES AT 9 & 11 WILL RESUME IN FALL
Nursery Care Available Join us in the Parish Hall for Coffee Hour after services! Newcomer’s Dinner Saturday, June 13 at 6:30pm Ledford House. Call to RSVP!
Earth Our Island Home 8:30-12pm (free) optional afternoon excursions for $25 per day—discounts for multiple children.
emmanuelgreenwood.org/parish-life/camp-emmanuel
26
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
The Success of Neonics Early June is busy with garden weeding and mulching. Mulching is a necessity as sparse rainfall and/or seasonal drought often occur. It also suppresses weeds and adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes over the course of the season. I have noticed that pollinators, including honeybees, are few. At this time of year my poppies are generally abuzz with bees. Neonicotinoids (“neonics”) as a class have been implicated since 2008 in honeybee colony collapse (Colony Collapse Disorder or CCD). Modeled after the natural insecticide, nicotine, neonics act on the central nervous system of insects causing excitation of nerves, eventual paralysis and finally death. Neonics are systemic pesticides that are taken up by the plant and transported to leaves and flowers, root and stems, pollen and nectar. Thereby they are persistent. (Contact insecticides remain on the plants’ surface.) Neonics are effective against sucking aphids and whiteflies as well as beetles (flea beetles) and cutworms (Lepidoptera). Bayer patented Imidacloprid in 1985 as the first commercial neonicotinoid. Neonics were developed as an alternative to more damaging insecticides. Neonicotinoid use became widespread in the 1990s. Other neonics on the market today include Syngenta’s Thiamethoxan and Bayer’s Clothianidin. Neonics account for 30 percent of the global pesticide market. They are routinely used on 95 percent of corn and canola crops, the majority of cotton, sorghum, and sugar beets and 50 percent of soybeans. They are sprayed on apples, cherries, peaches, oranges, berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes, cereal grains, rice, nuts and wine grapes. It’s big money. Bayer
reaped $262 million on Clothianidin, marketed as “Poncho,” sales in 2009. Imidacloprid remains the most widely used of the neonics, however. Not only are neonics sprayed on food crops but home garden flowers/ornamentals and vegetable starts at local big box store garden centers are generally drenched with neonics. Seeds are coated with neonics and soils are often wetted as well. Neonics are water soluble and have been found in stream samples in both the U. S. and Canada. According to commercial beekeepers in the U.S., upwards of 40 percent of honeybee colonies succumbed to Colony Collapse Disorder in 2012. (This was especially significant in California’s almond groves, which are in the news again because of the ongoing California drought.) In 2013 the EPA and the USDA formed a task force to study the reasons for the decline. Of course their “review” won’t be available until 2019. In December 2013 the European Union placed a twoyear moratorium on three neonic insecticides. Since the mid 2000s beekeepers have lost approximately a third of their hives to CCD every year. The chemical companies and neonic proponents are claiming that only 23 percent colony loss in 2014 indicates that neonics are not to blame for CCD. Five environmental groups, including The Sierra Club and Pesticide Action Network, and four prominent beekeepers had asked that EPA suspend the use of Clothianidin and Thiamethoxam in 2013. EPA declined. A suit was filed against EPA by the Sierra Club and the Center for Environmental Health in March 2013. The environmentalists and beekeepers had also asked that EPA stop “conditionally registering” new pesticides to allow sales without premarket review.
PE N T E C O S T The birth of the church in 33 a.d. Join us during this post-festive time!
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
U.S. Route 250 West Call 434-973-2500 for info stnicholasorthodoxchurch.org
This was the situation with Bayer’s Clothianidin in 2003. Bayer submitted required documents four years later. EPA reviewers said the Bayer’s field study was so poor that it was “invalid.” Yet Clothianidin remained on the market. In July 2013 Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) introduced the Saving America’s Pollinators Act to suspend the use of four neonics including Clothianidin. H.R. 2692 remains in committee. One hundred crops provide 90 percent of food worldwide. Seventy of these crops are pollinated by honeybees. It would be reasonable that EPA assume a precautionary attitude rather than a hurried register of new chemical agricultural products. One cannot help but wonder whether bees and other pollinators stand a chance. Cold winters and slow springs coupled with overuse of neonics contribute to colony loss. Bees and other pollinators face loss of innumerable nectar and pollen sources with the now-yearly ritual of Roundup spraying over millions of acres of farmland. Brown/yellow fields do not provide bee food. It is likely that colonies might take a longer time to recover numbers when forage is sparse. The Roundup/glyphosated fields are also most aesthetically displeasing when springtime is supposed to be bathing our eyes with variant hues of green. And who wants to eat food from fields that have been regularly deadened with chemicals rather than by nature’s seasonal cycle. President Obama’s strategy to save bees is to plant seven million acres in bee food forage. It’s not enough if the synergistic effect of the chemical soup of
pesticides remains unaddressed. Citizens should be gravely concerned about Obama’s pursuit of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. The U.S. Senate recently awarded Obama Trade Promotion Authority or “fast track”—if the House of Representatives also allows him fast track. Congress will have 90 days to pass the trade deal on an up or down vote. There will be no Congressional committee review, no amendments, and debate would be limited to 20 hours. Tucked away in Section 2, Trade Negotiating Objectives, is a clause that states that negotiators must fight against any “barriers” to markets, such as labeling genetically engineered (GE) foods. Monsanto and other agrochemical corporations would have a right to challenge national or state laws that require GE and country of origin labeling. Food inspections would likely be weakened as well. Note that currently 64 countries require GE foods to be labeled, including Japan, China, Brazil, and the European Union. One cannot help but wonder why U.S. citizens continue to be denied what is currently legislated in 64 other countries. TPP, if allowed to stand as is, will allow governments and multinational corporations to challenge and assuredly strip consumers in other countries of the right to know what they are ingesting. Call your representative and hope he or she can be persuaded to deny President Obama fast track authority. I end this column with the hope that the June firefly display is undiminished.
Nancy Fleischman Principal
An independent agency offering a choice of companies.
Let us compare for you.
crozetinsurance.com
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
27
Warrior Healing Campaign Aims to Support Vets & Their Families Bingham Jamison of White Hall told his story of recovery from the war in Iraq at The Lodge at Old Trail May 21 as part of The Lodge’s regular Third Thursday speaker series. It was the first time he had spoken publicly about his experience, which led him to co-found the Warrior Healing Campaign, a philanthropic effort to aid vets and their families as soldiers recover from the traumas of war. Today the WHC raises money for the Richmond Fisher House, a place where 21 families can reside at no cost while their family members get treatment at Richmond’s McGuire Veterans Administration Hospital. “I went from being a frat boy at U.Va. to the crucible of the Marine Corps and Iraq—and I came home to my second war,” said Jamison, who was in U. Va.’s Class of 2002, the first to graduate after 9/11. He was in the Commerce School. “I was being trained to be a millionaire and go to Wall Street. I had desire to change myself. I always thought the Marine Corps was special. I wanted to test myself. “When I saw the plane go into the World Trade Center I knew my life had changed. I had an opportunity to serve a cause greater than myself. To quote Roosevelt, I wanted to be a warrior in the arena.” So he joined the Marines and went to Officer Candidate School. He finished training at the beginning of the Iraq War. He became a counter-intelligence officer in Anbar province whose task was to discover information from local sources. At age 24 he was in charge of all interrogations in western Iraq.
“It makes a big impact on the battlefield,” said Jamison. “I had enormous responsibility. Basic training teaches you to lead Marines. I was naïve and headstrong. The thought that I could die had not entered my mind. But war is random, violent and confusing.” He described his involvement in The Awakening in Anbar and the capture of an associate of the infamous terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. There were successes and failures. He recalled the battle of Fallujah as the worst experienced by the Marines since Khe Sanh in Viet Nam. “Not all the stories are that great,” Jamison said. “When I came home, I was changed. Part of me died in Iraq. Thanks to my wife Kristen and the VA, I recovered.” One night he choked his wife in his sleep. “That was the canary in the coal mine for me,” he said. Of course she was seriously scared. “War showed me people aren’t necessarily good,” Jamison said. It changed his assumptions. “PTSD, [post-traumatic stress disorder] is a natural response to extraordinary circumstances,” he explained. “In PTSD the flight-or-fight mechanism never turns off. When you’re under stress for so long, you become hyper-vigilant. I found a way to get better. PTSD is not a new concept. It’s been around as long as war.” He credited his wife with his recovery. “It wasn’t until I admitted what was going on that I started to get better.” He went through cognitive processing therapy at the VA. It involves writing down detailed
Sharing the Love of Jesus Since 2002
Bingham and Kristen Jamison
things about your worst days over and over again. Eventually Jamison wrote a story for Time Magazine about what he had been through. “It came out easy, but it was hard to press send.” He was subsequently published also in Forbes, The Daily Beast, the Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Daily Progress. He reads extensively in the memoirs of Iraq War vets and sufferers from PTSD. “I’m honored to be here,” he said. “Veterans are not victims.” He keeps in touch with his Marine friends. “We have an untouchable bond.” He said it as if he didn’t expect the audience to get it. He joined two other Marine vets in Charlottesville last year to form the Warrior Healing Campaign. Jamison, whose day job now is as a financial advisor, serves as chairman. “It connects vets with resources in central Virginia and it facilitates an honorable transition for vets,” he explained. “Families are so important to the healing of vets.” So far the fund has raised
$130,000 for Richmond Fisher House, which has a top rating for efficiency as a charity, Jamison assured his listeners. “We wanted a local organization so we could build our community.” He said the Marine Corps is now doing more “resiliency” training to help soldiers learn how to calm down. Seventy-five percent of his interaction with the VA was positive and 25 percent was terrible, he said. “I had the intensity to get what I needed, even talking to my congressman. I went through a very dark period. Some people come home to divorce and don’t get the help I have.” The experience has also changed Kristen’s outlook. A Ph.D. psychologist and the founder of The Loop Center in Charlottesville, which specializes in treating children’s social and emotional development issues, she now understands some cases better as the effect of traumas. You can donate to the cause at www.warriorhealingcampaign. org.
Reverse Mortgages A Reverse Mortgage can significantly increase your quality of life in retirement years by eliminating debt and providing funds to keep up with the cost of living.
434-249-4080
TheReverseMortgageDoctor.com
28
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Valiant Has Girl Power by Clover Carroll | clover@crozetgazette.com
Forty-odd book lovers crowded into Over the Moon Bookstore in Crozet May 2 for a release party to celebrate the publication of the new young adult novel Valiant, by local author Sarah McGuire. After hearing the author read one of the more nail-biting passages, guests asked questions and eagerly lined up to have their copies signed. Owner Anne DeVault quickly sold out of all her copies and began taking orders for more. Then guests enjoyed punch and cookies, decorated to look like spools of thread and served from a sewing box. In a town that boasts so many wellknown authors—John Grisham, Jan Karon, Rita Mae Brown, and Ann Beattie, to name a few—we all felt some home-town pride to add one of our own to the ranks. Valiant is a rich, emotionally compelling re-imagining of “The Brave Little Tailor”— an old German folk tale collected by the Bro t h e r s Grimm in the 19th century—featuring a strong female protagonist who protects her kingdom from an army of giants. Soon after moving to the kingdom’s capitol of Reggen, spunky heroine Saville’s tailor father suffers a stroke and is confined to his bed, unable to sew. To support him as well as Will, a homeless waif she befriends soon after their arrival, Saville disguises herself as a boy, represents herself as the tailor’s apprentice, and wins a commission to sew for the king. But when two giant scouts appear at the city’s gates, sent by the “Holder of the Eternal Heart” who intends to lay claim to the kingdom, one of them makes the mistake of picking Will up and dangling him upside down. Determined
to save her best friend by any means necessary—even at the risk of her own life—Saville faces down and outwits the giants to become the town’s champion, thereby winning the princess’ hand in marriage (and adding a dose of humor). It’s a sort of Sandra Day O’Connor meets Goliath situation—only instead of slinging rocks, she uses her intellect to win the day. From this engaging beginning, the story builds to a gripping showdown between the weak King Eldin and the giant army, masterfully—or should we say mistressfully?—managed by Saville. Along the way we are treated to verbal sparring between Saville and the giants, hilarious interviews with the king before her gender secret is revealed, secret tunnels to hidden caves in the mountainside castle, and just the right amount of nuanced romance. Valiant has been well received in the reviewing journals and is included in Follett’s subscription “Great Reads for Girls” package. “McGuire uses familiar European folktale motifs as the bare-bones backdrop for a lively adventure story with some surprising twists… [to produce] a charming, satisfying first novel” (Kirkus Reviews 3/15/15). Fairy tale retellings are a current trend in young adult fiction—pioneered by Shannon Hale, Gail Carson Levine, and Marrissa Meyer—but McGuire says that when she started writing seriously in 2006, it never occurred to her to write anything else. “These are the stories that matter to me,” she explains. “And it’s nice to start with the germ of a story to work with and reshape.” After laboring at a different novel for five years, in the spring of 2012 McGuire finally realized it would not sell and signed up for a fantasy writing workshop hosted by Patricia
Sarah McGuire
Lee Gauch, children’s author and editor of the classic Redwall fantasy series as well as the 2013 Newbery-nominated Mockingbird: (Mok’ing-burd), by local author Kathryn Erskine. A Highlights Children’s Authors and Illustrators Foundation scholarship made it possible for her to attend. Early in the workshop, as McGuire was flipping through a book of Grimm’s fairy tales, she came across “The Brave Little Tailor.” While she remembered how much the girls she had nannied enjoyed the cleverness of the tailor in the tale, the way he took advantage of the stupidity of giants also angered her. A fundamental principle of teaching math, as McGuire has done at Western Albemarle High School for the past five years, is the recognition that no student is stupid; they just may need the material to be presented in a different way so they can understand it. She began to think about how she could re-envision that relationship. What if the giants weren’t brutes? And what if the tailor were a girl! Girl power is, of course, another timely trend. Gauch had offered to mark up any rough draft that was ready by that November—an opportunity McGuire could not pass up. She spent the whole summer writing and made her first deadline. Gauch marked up every page, McGuire remembers, and emphasized that every good story must have an emotional heart or center. It is the “transcendent moments,” scenes that move the reader emotionally, that make a book successful. McGuire spent the next eight months revising her initial draft. But as soon as she sent out her
finished manuscript, it was accepted by an agent, and then accepted for publication by Egmont Publishing on the first round of submissions in August 2012. As an indication of her energy level, to celebrate McGuire spent her advance on a hiking tour of Scotland during the summer of 2013. Over 10 days, she and her 30-year-old ‘little brother’ walked the 96-mile West Highland Way between Glasgow and Fort William, including a stop at Loch Lomond. This was a dream come true for McGuire. All she had to carry was a day pack; the Macs Adventure touring company transported all her other belongings from one small town inn to the next for the overnight stays. A tall, slender woman with a mop of strawberry-blond curls, McGuire teaches Discrete Math, Launch, and Creative Writing, and sponsors the Myriad literary magazine. At the end of a typical school day, she grades papers and plans lessons until evening, and begins writing between 7 and 9 p.m., often continuing late into the night. “I love teaching because it gets me out of my head,” she observed. A good writer should be involved in the world and have many varied experiences from which to draw. “Living allows you to write well. I am naturally an introvert, but if I can teach rational polynomials without kids going to sleep, I can do anything!” The act of explaining something difficult is essentially the act of storytelling. “I love my students and I love explaining things, unpacking them.” A good writer is observant, curicontinued on page 37
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Going to the Chapel
by claudia crozet
ACROSS 1 Terrible 6 More than a couple, less than some 10 Race on runners 14 Romantic European river 15 _____ me tangere 16 Mint Springs or Chris Green 17 Hallway to the oval office? 20 Nelson County river 21 Frat counterpart 22 Press 23 Promissory notes: Abbr. 25 Sometimes human, sometimes a drag 28 Disneyworld center 31 God of love approved? 34 Pal for Pierre 35 Table scrap 36 Dream on the Riviera 37 Participated in a marathon 38 Phonetic pronunciation for Olympia painter? 40 Facilitator 42 Sigma follower 43 NASA Prefix 46 Highest degree 47 Quaker grain 48 Bouquet holder and toaster? 53 Electronic messaging pictogram 55 Cruciverbalist Reagle 56 The Explorer 57 Toon elements 59 Double digits 61 Director Luhrmann
62 Ballroom dance for a happily single? 67 Nuthatch nut cracker? 68 Golden calf 69 Spinning 70 Sciences complement 71 No longer there 72 Uncle Tom title
1
DOWN 1 Pole spot 2 ID question: _____ are _____? 3 Start the barbecue 4 Branch of Las Vegas coll. 5 Garlands for Oahu weddings 6 Jacket for 1D 7 Sign word before sale or rent 8 Evil Woman grp. 9 Internet café provision 10 Single masted sailboat 11 Mowing and weeding, e.g. 12 Get by (with out) 13 Definite article for Merkel 10 Middlemarch heroine, _____ Brooke 19 Moment for final soliloquy? 24 Finish for ten, abra, and aver 26 Lincoln or Ford 27 Look over 29 Sharif or Epps 30 Woodman in search of heart 32 In a daze 33 Pearl Jam song or baby bottle quality
29
2
3
4
5
5
6
14
15
15
17
18
20 24
9
31
14
25
26
30
39
27
43
47
45
48
53
54
50
51
62
63
28
32 40
29
30
44
45
51
52
46 49
57
50 56
58
52 59 64
62
70
37
41
55
67
13
34
36
37 40
12
16
33
35
42
11
19
32
38
10
22
24
60
61
65
66
68
69
71
72
Solution on page 38
38 Contracted address to women 39 Stalin or Mao 41 Wearing loafers 42 Ballerina point 44 Volcano locale 45 On urn or skylark 47 Baltimore baseballer 50 Hamlet question: “Whether tis _____ in the mind to suffer… .” 51 Speechifies
Down 2 A pest at a picnic 4 Another word for bug 5 Dogs scratch to get rid of them 7 If you love to read, you might be called this 9 A scream in the comics 12 It seems to have 100 legs 13 An ___ tide pulls the water away from the shore 14 Punch holes in its lid to keep bugs in it 16 “Please give it to ___.” 19 They make honey 20 Opposite of on 22 “___ Very Hungry Caterpillar”
52 Half of flashy rhyming phrase 54 Tugs suddenly 58 Big gulp 60 Crawled across the pool? 62 Darden degree 63 Shakespearean contraction, at any time 64 Wedding words inside 17A, 31A, 48A, 62A 65 Draper of Mad Men 66 Coach Parseghian
Kids’ Crossword
Don’t Bug Me! Across 1 Its nest under the eaves is like paper 3 Deer often carry them 6 It’s red, with black spots 8 An “itsy, bitsy” climber 10 It eats holes in wool clothes 11 Males rub their wings together to sing 14 It is named for this month 15 Dorothy: “There’s no place like ____.” 17 Opposite of there 18 Stomp in a puddle after this stops 21 It chews on wood 23 Middle school in Crozet 24 They light up at night
8
21
23
36
7
29
by Louise Dudley
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Solution on page 38
30
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
“Invasive” Plants Invaluable to Degraded Environment As April transitioned into May, I was surprised to see a fair number of daffodils still blooming along the roadway where I walk. It was a sign of how chilly the spring had been. Another sign I picked up on that morning was the “invasiveness” of daffodils. There were many, many daffodil clumps spanning the miles of my exercise route. They exemplified the ability of some plants brought to this country to reproduce successfully enough to move well beyond the garden gate and out into the larger world. Such so-called invasive plants have constituted an issue for some time now, although I don’t recall ever hearing anyone complain about the invasive nature of daffodils. Perhaps if a plant is lovely, people can forgive its tendency to reproduce and spread. But when you are talking about the health of our environment, you can’t entertain such biases. If a plant meets the criteria for being considered “bad,” then it shouldn’t be granted a special exemption. This situation begs the question, “Should nonnative plants be considered pestiferous when they spread?” I say absolutely not in most cases, especially in back yards, along hiking trails, in meadows and fields, and by roadsides. These plants are providing an invaluable service to a degraded environment. Usually nonnative plants fill an area only after it had been left barren because of an altered soil profile brought about by man, severe storms, or both. Very few native plant species can grow in poor-quality soil. By moving into these damaged areas, alien plants do what humans can’t easily do: they
rehabilitate the soil. In other words, they are creating a rich soil so that—once they’ve done their job—native plants may again be able to grow there. Nonnative species are able to obtain nutrients from nutrient-poor soil and transform them into plant tissue. When that plant tissue is returned to the soil (such as when leaves detach to be replaced by new ones or when the plant itself dies), it becomes humus— organic material that enriches the clay soil because its nutrients are in a form that’s usable by many more kinds of plants. But enriching the soil is not the only thing invasive plants are doing for the environment. They are also supporting our wildlife, all of which require plants for food, shelter, and nesting sites. Every plant on invasive-species lists provides one or more of these basic necessities to our critters. Although “invasive” plants are often referred to as noxious (deadly, harmful, dangerous), they are simply doing what they are meant to do—reproduce and multiply if there is room for them and the growing conditions are right. It’s what “happy” plants do. Consider Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), a large herbaceous perennial plant that was brought from Asia to this country in the late 1800s. Its flowers feed abundant numbers of insects, especially bees of many kinds. Yet according to the National Invasive Species Information Center, this plant is problematic because “it crowds out native species.” Well, yes, Japanese Knotweed eventually gets large enough and spreads enough to take up space so nothing else can share the space, but in all likelihood, this plant is not crowding out native species, but rather, other nonnative plants
A large stand of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), which is considered an invasive plant species, grows underneath a native Eastern Redcedar (Juniperous virginiana). Both kinds of plants, located along a gas pipeline, tell the informed observer that the soil in this location is nutrient-poor and compacted. (Photo credit: Marlene A. Condon)
like itself! One of the reasons this plant was originally brought to this country was erosion control after the ground had been denuded by man’s activities, such as road building. The only reason to bring in a foreign plant to prevent soil from washing away in these areas during rain storms is because no native plant could possibly handle the job. During construction, heavy equipment clears away topsoil that native plants have evolved to grow in. The subsoil that remains is hard, and made harder still by the heavy equipment driven over it. It takes a tough plant to grow in heavy, hard-as-rock dirt! In Charlottesville, the City Council recently voted to continue to use pesticides for controlling unwanted plant growth, such as Japanese Knotweed growing along the Rivanna River. People believe the plant “will take over next to streams so nothing else can grow there,” creating “a monoculture.” However, it could well be that nothing else can grow there. The Rivanna runs red every time there’s a heavy rain. That color signifies sub-soil erosion, the result of development upstream and properties on which land has been cleared right to the edges of streams (it’s allowed on “pasture” in Albemarle County). Although that soil is traveling towards the Chesapeake Bay and is a major contributor to its impaired state, some of it gets
deposited along the edges of the waterways. This red clay is not typically conducive to nativeplant growth, which is why nonnative plants were able to start growing in the first place and to subsequently “take over.” Although one might think the land along the river is in a pristine state, it’s easy to discern the truth of the matter by simply examining what plants are growing with the Japanese Knotweed. If you see many so-called invasive species, such as Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), and Autumn Olive (Eleagnus umbellata), that’s an undeniable sign of disturbance. Killing and then replacing the Japanese Knotweed plants along the Rivanna River will simply re-disturb the soil, setting back the clock for its rehabilitation. If people truly want to help the environment, they need to take the long view. Over time, the Japanese Knotweed will ultimately be shaded out by trees because Mother Nature’s goal is to create forest. No environment is static; it’s constantly in a state of flux. People can spend time, effort, and money to remove nonnative species that are able to grow vigorously in disturbed areas of our making, but it’s virtually impossible to do so without re-creating the conditions that brought about the problem originally. In the majority of situations, it’s difficult to make right what man has done wrong. Better to take the passive approach and let Mother Nature perform the renovations. In fact, the whole invasive-plant issue has been a huge disaster for our environment. As a result of the rush to judgment that says all of these plants are “bad,” no matter what, herbicide usage has increased tremendously. Even most environmentalists now consider the employment of pesticides acceptable. It’s as if poisoning the Earth is far better than allowing plants to exist in areas where they are not native. Rachel Carson’s ashes must be whirling in her grave. This scientist, by recognizing the dangers of pesticides,
continued on page 32
CROZETgazette
Medicine
—continued from page 15
appearance R46.2 Strange and inexplicable behavior R46.3 Overactivity R46.4 Slowness and poor responsiveness R46.5 Suspiciousness and marked evasiveness R46.6 Undue concern and preoccupation with stressful events R46.7 Verbosity and circumstantial detail obscuring reason for contact R46.8 Other symptoms and signs involving appearance and behavior Actually looking at this list reminds me as much of my colleagues and staff as my patients. But it is understandable when you see the list of maladies we are likely to encounter under ICD-10. Imagine my horror to discover this diagnosis V91.07XA–“Burn due to waterskis on fire” just before leaving for a vacation of waterskiing! I didn’t know water skis were so flammable. Fortunately I have time to buy a fire extinguisher
North Branch —continued from page 10
“Every year I say, ‘this is the best group I’ve had!’,” she said merrily. “It’s all these wonderful years at North Branch. I love the trust that allows me to be my own person. “If I have a talent it’s that I’m a good listener and not being judgmental. I think I can accept people.” Jahrsdoerfer has been a city market vendor, purveying baked goods and rabbits. She keeps a small flock of about 20 sheep on her farm north of White Hall. She kept Horned Dorsets for years and then switched over to Katahdins, the hair sheep, after it became hard to find shearers. Jahrsdoerfer does not watch TV at home, not for 30 years now. “It’s a waste of time. I have too much to do.” She’s a regular at Yoga class. “I look at the kids and I think, ‘I won’t have you!’” She was sad to say it. “But there is a wonderful teacher coming. “My advice for a new teacher is: if you don’t love it, don’t do it. You need to love teaching
JUNE 2015 and some flame retardant paint. But how does one protect oneself while traveling from V97.33XD-“Sucked into jet engine, subsequent encounter”? And how is it a subsequent encounter? How many of these can you survive? Assuming I make it off the jetway and to my destination of Florida, I still have to worry about W58.03A“Crushed by a falling alligator”. Sounds painful. I will keep my eyes on the sky. The ICD-10 reminds me that the world is both a dangerous and a bizarre place. Consider the dangers: Bitten by an Orca Whale, W56.21X. Not going to Sea World! Walked into lamp post, W22.02XA. It happens. Asphyxiation due to being trapped in a discarded refrigerator at the dump, T71.231D. Oddly specific, and tragic. Insect bite (nonvenomous) of anus, initial encounter, S30867A. Why we wear clothes to picnics. Spacecraft collision injuring occupant, V95.43XS Spacecraft explosion injuring occupant, subsequent encoun-
ter V95.45XD. I guess you can survive this. Struck by a falling turkey, W61.42A. The frozen ones can really wallop you. Drowned in a bucket of water W16.221 –How exactly? And the bizarre: Lips stuck to a tuba, Y93.J4. Injured in an opera house, Y92.253. Probably where Y93.J4 happens. Injured in an art gallery, Y92.250. I don’t see this too often. Injured in the driveway of a mobile home, Y92.024. I see this a lot. Injured in a chicken coop, Y92.72. Pecked by chicken, initial encounter, W6133XA. See Y92.72 Struck by duck, W61.62. It’s just fun to say. And while I like to think I have seen it all, I have yet to put this in a chart. Injured in swimming pool of prison, Y92.146. I didn’t even know prisons had swimming pools. Enjoy your summer, but watch out for falling alligators!
and the joy of working with children is what should bring you to teaching. “The most important thing when you start out a class is to be firm and strict. Gradually you can loosen up. If you are fair, they learn school is fun and good. It’s like parenting: they don’t need a buddy. It’s really hard to pull a class back from disaster when you don’t start off with a tight ship. When she came to North Branch she “wasn’t thinking about the future,” she said, “I saw an ad and every year I ask [Head of School] Charlotte [Zinsser Booth] am I still viable.” Yes is still the answer. “She’s the one of the best,” said Zinsser-Booth. “I love talking with children and hearing their view of life and their wisdom and insight,” said Jahrsdoerfer. “I love books and that’s what I want to give— for them to love reading—and I want to make it as successful as I can for them. I don’t let them get discouraged. I use the old-fashioned rule, ‘If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything.’ “I feel totally appreciated and
recognized at North Branch. I love this school. There’s a feeling when you walk in; it’s good. Our middle schoolers are delightful, the nicest people. They are poised and they know who they are. That age group is so vulnerable. North Branch has lots of contact between older and younger students. They sit together at lunch. It’s a beautiful relationship.” It’s all been a beautiful relationship. North Branch hosted an open house in her honor May 31 so her scores of students, some now 30 years old, could call on her and thank her.
Gazette Vet
31
Brownsville your neighborhood market
GRILL • MARKET • GAS STATION CONVENIENCE STORE
Grab & Go or Made to Order! BREAKFAST
STARTING AT 5AM
at
Coffee’s
Ready
! 4:30 a:3m 0 am) s at 5
(Sunday
LUNCH
Come Tr yO HOM ur Famous FRIED EMADE CHICK EN!
—continued from page 25
day to make sure they are healing. I tell people the wounds should look more “boring” each day: less redness, less discharge, and less painful. Get your pets out there and enjoy our area this summer, but when the inevitable accidents happen, simply ask what you would do if it was your own skin. That will usually guide you to the right action.
MON. - SAT. 5 am – 10 pm SUNDAY 6 am – 9 pm Route 250 • Crozet Next to Western Albemarle High
434-823-5251
32
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Warrior Crew Comes Home Champions By Brooke Correll Western Albemarle’s Rowing Team dominated the sculling events at the 2015 Virginia State Rowing Association Championship on the Occoquan River May 14, bringing home three champions and one third place finish in the 1,500 meter sprints. Western won the women’s singles event for the second straight year as senior Never Gallagher clocked a 6:37. Senior Hayes Shannon finished first in men’s singles with
a time of 5:56. Elinor Bragaw, Emily Barlow, Grace von Elton and Carrie Smith finished first in women’s quads with a time of 5:29. Maggie Vidal and Emmy Thacker took third in women’s doubles with a time of 5:59. All four boats moved on to compete in the 2105 National Scholastic Rowing Association Championship in Camden, New Jersey May 23. The WAHS boys double, comprised of seniors Cole Bright and Carter Spradlin, made it to the final heat, but did not place. It was
Hayes Shannon
Naturalist
—continued from page 30
brought about the environmental movement in which people began to recognize the effects of their actions upon the planet.
Elinor Bragaw, Grace Von Elton, Carrie Smith, Emily Barlow
Neve Gallagher
an amazing achievement for six boats from WAHS’s small team to qualify for and participate in the national championship. Western Albemarle showed big muscle for a small team of just 20 rowers. At the state championship, the school entered eight boats in six events to bring home an astonishing four medals. Western competes only in sculls, smaller boats in which each rower uses two oars, rather than sweep boats, larger boats where each rower uses a single oar. Head coach Myriam Pitts believes sculling to be much healthier for developing bodies: “Sweep creates one-sided, repetitive movement that can strain muscles and set up longer term
muscular imbalance. Sculling, with two oars, requires symmetry and balance that works all muscles evenly,” she said. “Further, scullers need to be more adept at ‘setting’ or balancing the boat because there are fewer rowers in a scull than in a sweep boat. I’m proud to say our program produces some of the finest, most skilled athletes in the community.” After such a strong showing, she’s clearly produced some of the finest athletes in the state. WAHS coaches offer a summer rowing program at Beaver Creek for adults and teens who want to learn to row or row competitively. For more information, write to info@beavercreeksculling.org.
Yet now these poisons (substances that are capable of causing illness or the death of a living organism when introduced or absorbed into its system) are seen as either totally innocuous or a choice that is preferable to the alternative.
What is the alternative? The alternative is that a nonnative plant should occupy a spot of ground that in most cases is degraded and incapable of supporting a native plant anyway. Herbicides sicken and kill many kinds of organisms, either
directly or indirectly. Alien plants, on the other hand, often do far more good than harm to the environment. Can there really be any doubt about which choice is the better one to make?
Crozet United Methodist Church
Join Us Sunday Mornings
8:30 – Contemporary 11:00 – Traditional 10:00 – Christian Education Hour Nursery Service Provided
Sign up today so your children are a part of the fun and excitement of Vacation Bible School at Crozet UMC this Summer!
Sunday June 14: 6–8PM Monday–Thursday June 15–18: 9AM–12PM
Sign up online: crozetumc.org/VBS2015
CROZETgazette
Restaurant —continued from page 1
who is planning the project. He has jointly owned the property with Melton McGuire since 2004. The shell of the former building has been left standing so that the property would not lose its right—but be considered “grandfathered”—to be resurrected as a restaurant at some point. The location was once the scene of an encampment by Stonewall Jackson’s army in 1862 in the opening stages of Jackson’s audacious Valley Campaign. The rebel army boarded trains at Mechums River to go face a Federal force approaching Staunton from the west. “We’re very invested in this project and we want it to be transparent to the community,” McKechnie said. The 1.3 acre site would have a 5,500-squarefoot, 100-seat building and 51 parking places. Entry to the lot would be located as far from the main intersection as the parcel allows, McKechnie said. “There are many challenges to restoring it,” he said. “We’ve been working through the process. We want something aesthetically pleasing. We’re in initial site plan review to see if we can meet requirements.” McKechnie said he has a signed letter-of–intent to open there from “an experienced restaurant operator” who he declined to reveal, hinting only that the firm has restaurants in Charlottesville and Richmond. “It is not a franchise restaurant,” he said. “They match their presentation to the community. “We want to be worthy of the spot on two entrance corridors,” he said, and they are going through review by the county’s Architectural Review Board “to see that it matches the environment and adds to it.” The planned restaurant
JUNE 2015 would need more than the 560 gallons of water per day allowed by ordinance. McKechnie said a professional engineer’s water study the size of a phone book found “the highest ground water availability” at the site, “favorable to the proposed use” and with geological properties that “will lead to steady recharge of the well.” The study also found no contamination threats on the site or in surrounding fields and no effects on water users near the property. A copy of the water study is on file at Crozet Library. The study has been accepted as valid by the county, McKechnie said. McKechnie said a well will be drilled only after the plan has been approved and only then will a well’s flow rate be known. McKechnie said he expected to return to the CCAC to keep it informed. He said the restaurant would likely use 1,500 gallons per day and the SUP request asks for a limit of 5,000 gallons per day because of sewer requirements. “It’s a placeholder building that assures that a building can take its place.” Former restaurants were on a septic field, but the new restaurant will tap into the sewer line, thanks to a connection made by a previous owner. The plan has no need of public water, he said. The building, which sits near the confluence of Lickinghole Creek with Mechums River, is not in a flood plain, though a portion of the parking lot is. Adjoining property owners Gale Pickford and Jeff Clayton challenged McKechnie on the status of easements necessary for sewer access, and met with him and McGuire privately after the presentation to the CCAC. New CCAC member Alice Lucan asked if a traffic light was called for at the intersection and McKechnie said the Virginia Department of Transportation is reviewing the points of the plan.
The Crozet Gazette is seeking a reporter to cover high school sports. Please contact news@crozetgazette.com. Also perfect for a senior internship!
33
Crozet
Weather Almanac
MAY 2015
By Heidi Sonen & Roscoe Shaw | weather@crozetgazette.com
Can it Really Rain Cats & Dogs? You’ve heard the expression “It’s raining cats and dogs.” And of course there is the famous book “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” where food rained down three times a day on the town of Chewandswallow. Last week in Crozet, it seemed at times as if cats and dogs were falling. One evening, we measured 2.18” in just 20 minutes. Of course, these are just expressions and fiction, but you would be surprised what can rain out of the sky. There have been numerous accounts of small creatures raining down: • Between AD 77 and AD 79 the Roman writer Pliny the Elder recorded a storm of frogs and fish in his Natural History. • Showers of live minnow and smooth-tailed sticklebacks fell on Aberdare, Wales, 11 February 1859. • On 21 May 1921 thousands of frogs fell on Gibraltar during a thunderstorm. • A heavy storm in Acapulco, Mexico, on 5 October 1967, was accompanied by inch-long maggots. • Dozens of fish, later identified as flounder and smelt, were found in gardens and on roofs in London, following a thunderstorm on the night of 27-28 May 1984. • Worms fell on skiers last winter in Norway. This follows many reports of raining worms in Norway since the 1920s. • In Yoro, Honduras, resi-
dents claim that “fish rain” happens nearly every summer. So, this has happened enough times in enough places that it is certainly true. But how does it happen? The most logical explanation is that a tornado moving over water sucks up the creatures high into the air and drops them often miles away. This is supported by the fact that the vast majority of reports of raining animals involve small aquatic creatures. Often, the animals are light enough to land safely and resume a normal life. Some frogs, however, have been swept high enough to freeze, get coated by ice and come down hard and dead like a hailstone. What a way to go. Of course, a mean tornado can make it rain houses, too. An F4 tornado just missed Heidi’s childhood home. When we visited months later, many trees were still filled with aluminum siding that glinted in the sun, serving as a reminder of how quick a mobile home can become “precipitation”, too. May Recap The past two years have been very cold, but May 2015 reversed the trend, finishing nearly 3 degrees above normal. Twenty one days reached 80, which is more like summer than spring. Rain dried up during the last half of the month and
continued on page 35
34
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Barnes Meeting —continued from page 4
above. “Crozet needs more diversity in housing, especially apartments,” Loach said. He concluded by showing the photo of The Square in 1954 that hangs behind the library’s circulation desk. “Back to the future,” Loach explained. Frank Stoner of Milestone, representing the group of investors in Barnes incorporated as Crozet New Town Associates, whose photos he showed, enumerated some of his previous projects, including Belmont Lofts, the Jefferson School, Queen Charlotte Square and Lochlyn Hill in Charlottesville. “Barnes Lumber falls into our categories,” he said. He noted that there are no railroad crossings between the Crozet Avenue trestle and Park Ridge Road in eastern Crozet. “We need a possible connection across the tracks.” Stoner said that when the Planning Commission rejected the first plan for Barnes they presented last July, which contained 40 percent single-family housing, the commissioners said he should work with the Crozet Community Advisory Committee. “We’re not used to working this way that we are working now on Barnes Lumber,” Stoner acknowledged. “This has to be a community effort. This is not going to be Stonefield [which Stoner has no connection to] with national franchises brought in. We envision an organic process of development with parcels sold off to individual builders.”
He showed a one-quartermile radius from the site, representing a walking distance. “We need more people in walking distance,” he said. Then he showed photos of St. Michaels in Maryland and Serenbe, Georgia. “These have the eclectic nature people say they want for Crozet,” he explained. “We want it to be authentic but not a copy of somewhere else. In answers to questions from the crowd, Stoner said all that utilities will be underground. “The county has created a Master Plan,” he added. “The problem is most people are driving their cars downtown. Parking is already a problem.” Asked by Fardowners Restaurant owner Mark Cosgrove, “Who says what businesses get in?” Stoner answered, “No national retailer will want to locate in downtown. We have to create affordable spaces for businesses. We really need help—led by the community— to establish businesses in downtown.” “Please don’t put in a McDonald’s,” said voice in the crowd. “Structured parking is the answer long-term,” continued Stoner. “As private builders we can’t recover the cost of building them. We’ve made a decision that we’re not going to focus on the residential. That’s contentious. We’ll focus on the commercial. The Master Plan does not say how to get from here to there. There is interest in a hotel downtown. That would be a game-changer.” The crowd divided into five smaller groups, each assisted by an architect, to sketch street and public space ideas on tracing
Frank Stoner
About 160 people attended the meeting at the Field School
paper placed over photos of the site. After an hour, the groups reassembled and representatives of each group summarized their ideas for the whole. One group showed a plan with a single trunk road through the site stemming from a traffic circle on the west end that connected The Square, Library Avenue and High Street. The concept was similar to one proposed by Stoner before. Two other groups showed Library Avenue and a parallel road extending from The Square along the tracks with connecting roads in between, creating a grid street system. A compilation of group comments recorded on large pads showed that the groups tended to agree that they wanted the mountain views incorporated in the plan and that parking lots should go alongside the railroad tracks. They wanted a multi-use town square, preferably on the higher elevation at the west end,
Fitness
—continued from page 23
me vs. the hill. Really, it was about me vs. the old me. For the first time in a long time, I was building my health and fitness, not dragging it down or letting it get stale. Brush Mountain had been there for a long, long time. I didn’t have to visit it or climb it. But it represented a new personal challenge. There was literally a mountain in the way of a life of destructive behaviors, and a life of growth and revival. Would I head out to the mountain today? Or stay home? I chose the mountain more and more often and soon climbed to the top without stopping. And soon I was the
and they said the first floor of buildings should be commercial or office space and the upper floors should be residential. They want a connection to Crozet Park from the site’s southeast corner. They declared a preference for a grid road system that was not strictly straight so as to reduce traffic speed. Some suggested roundabouts. They want attention on pedestrian priorities. They preferred a slow rate of growth and they resisted franchise businesses. Essentially, Crozetians asked for the same things they have been asking for in downtown since formal planning for it first began in 2006. A follow-up meeting is set for June 11 at the Field School where design options derived from ideas at the May 27 meeting will be offered for the public to react to. Food and child care will be available again at 5:30. The meeting starts at 6 and is expected to last until 8:30.
one bringing friends who weren’t in shape to give it a try. It never got easier. I just became more capable. Will it be too cliché and predictable to say that we all have our own Brush Mountain looming right in front of us? Life is full of rewarding personal challenges, if we are willing to take them on and work hard towards their completion. Many times, we are busy focusing on where our feet currently stand and we forget to look up. Or we may see the mountain off in the distance but never even consider that we could be on top of it. Look around. There are mountains all around us, both literally and figuratively. Go spend some time there. Bring a friend.
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Ryan Jones, left, a senior at Western Albemarle High School, was awarded Crozet Great Valu’s $1,000 college scholarship this year by store representative David Wagner. Jones is headed to the University of Virginia next fall as an Echols Scholar. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the winner of the Renssdaer Medal in math, and has never failed to make the honor roll at WAHS. He’s probably headed for a career in science or engineering.
Science
—continued from page 22
emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere have never been higher. Our global economy remains on an energy path that will pump CO2 into the atmosphere faster than the Earth’s ecosystems can remove it from the air. We are out of balance. More fundamentally, the Earth’s recoverable supply of fossil fuels eventually will run dry. To paraphrase Giuseppe di Lampedusa, “If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.” The status quo will not sustain the status quo. Carbon dioxide is essential for life. It is not inherently necessary for industrial power. To put ourselves on a sustainable energy footing, we must design and implement dramatic transformations in how we generate, transmit, store and use energy. To reduce energy-related CO2 emissions to the atmosphere and thus diminish the risks they pose to the climate, the world’s major economies must deeply ‘decarbonize.’ Many fruitful steps to this end have been initiated. They include: improving energy conservation at work and at home; switching to more energy efficient appliances, cars and manufacturing processes; generating “clean electricity” from non-carbon-based energy sources; buying locally manufactured goods and locally grown foods; using water more efficiently; improving battery and other energy
storage technologies; switching to non-carbon-based power for transportation and heating; and using carbon-free fuels, such as hydrogen gas, synthesized using “clean electricity.” Effective remedies will require global cooperation. Even with unprecedented, multinational collaboration in concord with a worldwide, herculean effort, transiting away from fossil fuels will take many decades to achieve. This means that while we are making changes in the ways we power our economy, we also will need to adjust and to adapt in the years ahead to a climate and ecosystem that is influenced by atmospheric CO2 levels much higher than they are today.
Weather
—continued from page 33
the grass started to brown-out, but that seems like a distant memory now that June has started astonishingly wet. At this time of year, rainfall totals often vary wildly over short distances. Rainfall Totals… Mint Springs 2.87” Greenwood 0.78” Beaver Creek 1.86” Batesville 1.06” Wintergreen 2.50” White Hall 3.52” Nellysford 1.72” Univ. of VA 3.49” CHO Airport 1.82”
Serving Crozet & Surrounding Areas Since 1980
CALL TODAY! 434-823-4622 We Offer Duct Cleaning
Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
24 HOUR ANSWERING SERVICE
“Where Quality Counts” 5391 Three Notched Road, Crozet, VA 22932
35
36
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
BEREAVEMENTS James Frederick Brown Jr., 58
April 7, 2015
Margaret C. Berndt, 78
April 23, 2015
Richard Cary Joseph Jr., 27
April 30, 2015
Giles Anthony Ketterer, 53
April 30, 2015
Clovia Jan Crawford, 56
May 1, 2015
Gary Wampler Myers, 65
May 1, 2015
Christian F. Scherer, 79
May 1, 2015
Della May Fredrikson, 95
May 3, 2015
Barbara Rose Lehotay Floersch, 79
May 4, 2015
Robert Earl Crum, 73
May 5, 2015
Henry Lee McClung, 75
May 5, 2015
Vinh Nguyen, 33
May 5, 2015
Mildred Viola Jennings Wood, 98
May 5, 2015
Gary Lyn Davis, 58
May 6, 2015
Glen William Richards, 89
May 6, 2015
Leonard L. DiIoia Sr., 78
May 7, 2015
Evelyn Shifflett Gibson, 69
May 7, 2015
Nellie Mae Shifflett, 89
May 7, 2015
Joan Diane McDowell, 70
May 8, 2015
George F. Smith, 83
May 8, 2015
Vandrew Atwell Whiting Jr., 68
May 8, 2015
Mary Ann Wieboldt, 91
May 8, 2015
Barbara A. Rudischhauser, 77
May 9, 2015
Beall Dozier Gary Jr., 56
May 10, 2015
Guy W. Taylor, 55
May 10, 2015
Phoebe William, 87
May 11, 2015
Antony Joseph Bartlett, 71
May 12, 2015
Eugene Franklin Bellomy II, 74
May 12, 2015
Martin Carey Battestin, 85
May 15, 2015
Mildred Wade Layman-Geer, 84
May 16, 2015
John David Anderson Jr., 80
May 17, 2015
Thomas Edward Ashley, 79
May 18, 2015
Elvin R. Davis, 80
May 18, 2015
John Clarence Hester, 71
May 18, 2015
Terry Lee Gentry, 51
May 20, 2015
Nelson Randolph Lamb, 72
May 20, 2015
Robert Aubrey Mawyer, 86
May 20, 2015
Lizzie Beverly Morris, 82
May 22, 2015
Carl Orlando Raines, 87
May 23, 2015
Ruby Lillian Taylor Suter, 90
May 23, 2015
Lonnie Wycliffe Branham, 78
May 25, 2015
Robert E. Lee Supinger Sr., 74
May 26, 2015
Carl “Junior” Olander Raines Carl “Junior” Olander Raines, 87, of Crozet, Virginia passed away Saturday, May 23, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lou Morris Raines; three brothers, Harmon Raines, Carl “Todd” Raines and Ed Raines; and two sisters, Elizabeth Davis and Mary E. Raines. Born in Free Union, Junior was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Bernice Sandridge Raines; sister Madeline Fisk of Dyke; sons Carl “Skeeter” Raines, wife Linda of Charlottesville, and Allen Page “Nat” Raines and wife Diane of Crozet. He had three grandchildren, Deanna Graves, Kelly Raines Sullivan, husband Troy of Chesterfield, and Jason Raines, wife Bridgett of Stanardsville; brother-in-law
and special friend Tommy Sandridge and wife Lois of Crozet; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He was a hardworking man who enjoyed spending time with family, hunting, fishing and he loved tending to his garden. He had a larger than life personality and was a friend to all. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. A graveside service was held May 27 at the Sandridge Cemetery in White Hall, with Rev. Mary Boyne officiating. The family suggests that memorial donations may be made in his name to the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 188, Crozet, VA 22932. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Patsy Diane Smith Cauley Patricia Diane Smith Cauley (Patsy), age 72, of Tallahassee, FL passed away Monday, May 18, 2015 at the McLeod Hospice in Florence, SC. Mother of Joseph Daniel Cauley and wife Nancy of MD; Keven Terrence Cauley and wife Penny of SC; and Christopher Patrick Cauley and wife Kathy of FL; Grandmother of Erin, Ryan, Brendan, Conor, Sean, Grace, Angela and Katie; and sister of Joseph D Smith Jr. of NY. She was predeceased by her parents Joseph D. Smith and Marjorie B. Smith of Tallahassee. Patsy
was a rural letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service until her retirement in 1996. The funeral will be held at 3 pm on June 5, at the Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of the Darlington Presbyterian Church or the Susan Johnson Memorial Scholarship. Both memorials may be mailed to 311 Pearl St. Darlington, SC 29532.
Serving Western Albemarle Families Since 1967 Robert S. Anderson & John W. Anderson, Jr., D I R E C T O R S
Gazette obituaries are only $25 for up to 500 words, including a photograph. Call 434-466-8939 or emails ads@crozetgazette.com for details.
823-5002 5888 St. George Avenue Crozet, VA 22932
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Carrie Smith Crickenberger Carrie Elizabeth Smith Crickenberger, 85, of Crozet, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 30, 2015. She reunited with her beloved husband, Bill, who preceded her in death on the other side. She is survived by her brothers, John Henry Smith, Bill and Grace Smith, Tommy “Pete” and Joyce Thompson, and a sister, Mary Ella “Polly” Reintzel. She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Ilene “Dukie” Robinson and Bonita Toms. She was a rock for five grandchildren and their families: Amber Lanter and Jacob Tomlin; Dana and Dede Campbell, Jordan and Kayla;, Mark and Jill Campbell, Jake, Elena, and Noah; Nikki and Kevin Brookman, Maggie and Lilly; Barbara Gordon, Katlin, Kendall, and Kelsey. Crick served her family and community selflessly all the years of her life. She was an active member of Mountain Plain Baptist Church for more than sixty years. She enjoyed her membership in the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxillary. Crick worked endlessly to build and maintain a comfortable home and provide a safe haven for her family and friends as long as she was able. She was a skilled seamstress, gardener, and top-notch southern cook who passed along the values of honesty, faithfulness, love and compassion for others to her family. Toward the end of her life she enjoyed a loving second home with the ladies of Blue Ridge Adult Care in Crozet. We offer special thanks to Selena, Becky, Linda, Sam, Hailey, and Katherine for their love, com-
Valiant
—continued from page 28
ous, caring, open-minded, and tolerant—which are also the characteristics of a good teacher. They say that all first novels are at least partly autobiographical. McGuire has herself demonstrated a great deal of courage and determination to bring this project to life on top of her demanding teaching schedule. Her favorite scenes to
Carrie Crickenberger
mittment and dedication to Crick during this time. Her departure from this world indeed leaves a mark on her family and community, but her soul soars with the joy of meeting with Bill and many other loved ones. Doubtless, she was met by her heavenly Father with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” The family received visitors on June 2 at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service was held at Mountain Plain Baptist Church on June 3, followed by a covered dish celebration of Crick’s exceptional life and legacy at the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department. Rev Sam Kellum officiated at the service. In lieu of flowers, friends may send a donation to Mountain Plain Baptist Church, 4297 Old Three Notch’d Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901, or the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 696, Crozet, VA 22932 Anderson Funeral Service of Crozet is in charge of arrangements.
write in Valiant were those between Saville and Will—perhaps stemming from her relationship with her brother. Delighted by her success, McGuire hopes her next novel will be even better. She is already hard at work on a retelling of “The Six Swans,” in which six enchanted brothers are turned into birds, and their sister must remain silent while she weaves them six shirts out of nettles in order to free them from the curse.
37
CLASSIFIED ADS Become a CAREGiver: Make a difference in a senior’s life! It takes a special person to be a Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver, not a special degree. We are always looking for people who are dependable and compassionate to join our team. No experience necessary! Paid on-going training is provided. We provide services such as companionship, meal preparation, transportation, and personal care. Must be 21 years of age and consent to pre-employment state and national background checks and drug screenings. Please call 434.979.4663 with any questions or fill out an application online atwww.homeinstead.com/532. CROZET for sale or rent. Country setting. Four bedroom, 2 1/2 bath Cape Cod. Walk-out basement and large garage. Fireplace in living room. Available now. Call to see where you can view pictures. 434-466-4634. GET FIT THIS SUMMER: Boot Camp for REAL People has classes Monday-Saturday starting June 6. Have fun and get fit with these non-intimidating and challenging exercise classes. Visit www. m2personaltraining.com for a full class schedule and to register. Come try your first class for FREE! Call Melissa Miller with questions at 434-9622311. MT. MORIAH UMC IS LOOKING FOR A PIANIST / CHOIR DIRECTOR. We seek to blend traditional as well as contemporary music. Must be available for weekly evening choir rehearsal; play for Sunday worship service and for special services throughout the year. Worship service starts at 10:00 am. The church is located at 4524 Garth Road, Crozet, VA (White Hall). Please contact Debra at dgs1952@hotmail. com or call (434) 4662094Call: (434) 466-2094.
NEED A HELPING HAND or a companion to an adult? Please call 823-5802. Please leave a message. OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Beautiful, quiet, 2nd floor office space to share in the historic Blue Goose Building. Large closet, lots of natural light, and mountain views. Private, off-street parking. Across from the new library and within walking distance to Mudhouse, Old Trail, etc. Shared lobby, bathroom, and kitchenette with three other offices. I use the space for massage therapy and currently share with a psychiatrist, who is moving shortly. Something in a similar field would be a great fit. Please write to marysbeebe@gmail. com for more info. Available July/August. ONE LEVEL LIVING in fabulous Westhall! Western schools, 3 bed/2 bath Earth Craft home. Built in 2007, fenced in yard, Whirlpool tub, hardi-plank siding and a great neighborhood for $279,900. Walk to Crozet Park. Call 434-962-5772 today!
TWIN 17 year old girls are taking reservation for summer pet sitting. Also available be for babysitting and small errands 434-465-9019. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL St. John’s Episcopal Church on Dick Woods Road will have Vacation Bible School June 15-19 from 9 a.m. to noon each day. The theme is Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Might. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Call 434-295-0744 or visit sjbec.avenue.org for more information.
Classified ads start at $16 (repeating) and include free online placement. To place an ad, email ads@crozetgazette.com or call 434-249-4211
38
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Crozet’s Favorite Flicks
Crozet Gazette Business Card Ads
R E A LTO R ®
B e v i nS e l l s Cv i l l e @gm a i l. co m
What’s hot now at Maupin’s Music and Video
434.996.8633
When you live in Crozet you’re buying a Lifestyle not just a Home
Top Rentals in MAY
www.BevinSellsCville.com Montague, Miller & Company REALTORS®
Selma
(Drama about MLK)
DOUG SEAL & SONS
Fifty Shades of Grey
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
(Drama with Dakota Johnson)
Licensed & Insured Contractor Since 1964
Paddington
We Do All Home Interior & Exterior Remodeling & Repairs
(Family with Nicole Kidman)
Plumbing, Electrical, Painting, Carpentry, Floors, Walls, Kitchens, Baths, Etc. We Also Buy Old Coins and Paper Money
The Wedding Ringer
(Comedy with Kevin Hart)
Crozet ................................... 434-823-4167
The Gambler
(Action with Mark Wahlburg)
Blackhat
PMI Charlottesville P.O. Box 2796 Charlottesville, VA 22902 Office: 434.326.4786 www.pmicville.com
Cell: 434.270.5586 michael@pmicville.com
ALL ENGINES POSSIBLE
(Action with Chris Hemsworth)
New location! 6037 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Crozet
JUNE picks
Open Monday - Friday 9 am - 6 pm; Saturday 8 am - 1 pm; Closed Sunday
Quality Work | Affordable Rates 434.823.8392 434.953.7931 cell
PETE’S PICKS
New: The Loft Old: In the Land of Blood & Honey
www.allenginespossible.com
RICK’S PICKS
CROZET This charming country classic is loaded with character. 4 BR, 2 baths. Original floors, high-efficiency gas furnace with central air. Deck and large garage, wood stove in living room. Great location on road to Mint Springs Park. $213,000
New: American Sniper Old: Green Berets
JONATHON’S PICKS New: Black or White Old: Clay Pigeon
434-466-4634
A c r o s s f r o m M u s i c T o d a y & N e x t t o t h e L a u n d r o m a t
4 3 4 - 8 2 3 - 4 5 2 3
P . O. Box 36 • 5370 T h r e e N o t c h ’d Rd • Crozet, V A 2 2 9 3 2
WA S P N T I CK S N S P I DE R E E CR I CK E B T E J UNE B A T RA I N P O T E RM F D F I R E F L
Accounting - Bookkeeping Tax Services - Notary Public BY APPOINTMENT
1186 Crozet Avenue In the Blue Goose Building in Downtown Crozet
Phone: 434-823-1420 Fax: 434-823-1610
MASONRY, CARPENTRY & LANDSCAPE WORK
O CR
Class “A” Contractor Looking for Small Projects UVa Architecture Graduate Specializing in: Stonework, dry-laid or mortared Hardscape, including brick paths Small Additions or Remodeling Planting, Maintenance, and Drip Irrigation Systems
OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
References Available
PAUL GRADY
General Contractor (434) 823-9009 pgrady@nexet.net
VERSATILECONTRACTOR.COM
THE MASTER MULTITASKER Emergency Service 24-7
434-882-FIXN R GIVE ME YOUR LIST
Priceless Estimates
S
T
A R
K
A
E
Y W
R
R
M E
S
E
C
J
E M O
B
G O N I L
M A
T
E
A
U
A
H
E
M A N
T
O R I
P
S
O U
I
S
E
Y
T
I
R
R
C O
N
I
R H
U
A W F
C U
D O I
L
R
D O R
A C
R
R
O
E Y
F
N O F
L
E
E W
S
E
E L Z
T
L
Z
A
B
R
E
A
R
A M
D E
I
S
A R
T H A
F
E
H O N O
E E
R
D O R
V
E O
S
L I
D O R A
O N
R O
D O K A E
A R
L I
I
M A
E
D O W W A
M E
I
O A T
F L ADY BUG O E MO T H A T S K W HOM E UG H E R E M B I T E H EN L E Y I E S W P
C O
N I T
R O N P O W E L S
A L
K E
R E D
CROZETgazette
JUNE 2015
Add yours for as little as $45 a month! Call 434-249-4211 or email ads@crozetgazette.com
McAllister Painting Licensed and Insured Over 20 Years Experience - Free Estimates All aspects of painting Interior and Exterior Gutter Cleaning & Power Washing “No job too small”
Call Todd at 434-960-4775
3+ HILLTOP ACRES BATESVILLE Elevated site overlooking Mechums Currently rented, nice oakwood 14 x 70 3BR, 2BA mobile home with deck. Located only 1.5 miles from beautiful downtown Batesville. $99,900. Or land alone for $94,900
434-466-4634
Jeff Blatter Enrolled Agent
Tax Preparation & Financial Planning for Individuals & Businesses
rjgarnercpa.com jpblatter@rjgarnercpa.com Office 434-529-6921 Fax 877-303-4517 400 Locust Avenue, Suite 2 Cell 406-580-1001 Charlottesville, VA 22902
MATT ROBB Phone: 434.531.6060 Fax: 888.251.3406 EMail: matt@robbconstruction.com 8803 Dick Woods Road Afton, VA 22920
www.robbconstruction.com Class A Lic. #2705073818A
Wildrock
—continued from page 9
Instead of jungle gyms and playground equipment, it will have only natural play elements, such as rocks, streams, and logs. Children can pretend to fish in the stream, set up their own “campsites,” build fairy houses on platforms, sit on a log throne, and explore huts and forts made of natural materials. “We want it to feel like it’s removed and very natural,” Schuler said. “It will have a very minimal impact on the land.” These types of play areas, referred to as playscapes, are designed to strengthen children’s connections to nature and are gaining in popularity, especially in the western part of the country in places like Colorado. “All of us are a little alarmed at how much time kids are spending inside and in front of screens,” said Schuyler, the mother of a two-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy. “Natural playscapes have been shown to encourage more creativity, more problem-solving, and more collaborative play. Kids use more physical energy and tend to stay twice as long as they would at a traditional playground.” Adventure-based activities, such as scavenger hunts and live-action challenges modeled on video games, will be available for tweens and teens who may have aged out of the playscape. Schuyler has hired two landscape architects to design the playscape, one from Charlottesville and one from Oregon. “Whatever you loved doing outdoors as a kid, I’m hoping you can find it here and share it with your children,” said Schuyler. “We want to create those magical moments that feel like a gift—like looking at a waterfall.” Wildrock, a 20-minute drive from downtown Crozet, will have other features that make it unique. Because Schuyler believes it’s important that the park be accessible to all ages and abilities, its trail system will be wheelchair accessible and not as steep and challenging as one that might appeal to more experienced hikers. It will also be interactive. “The trails have points where people are invited to stop and experience things,” she said. Visitors can participate in geo-caching, and stop at mediation points along the way. The trails will also have access points to streams. People will also be able to take meditative walks in a walking labyrinth modeled after the one found at the Chartres Cathedral in France. Schuyler said this ancient form of meditation and reflection while walking a circular path also appeals to many ages: “Kids like it and so do adults.” Wildrock’s layout will encourage people to explore all areas of the park. Upon entering, visitors will drive past the natural playscape and continue on a path that leads to a converted barn and parking
39
area for up to 30 cars. The barn will house restrooms and will be available to rent for birthday parties, church functions, assisted living field trips, work retreats, family reunions, and other gatherings. Reservations will be accepted online. A camping area is next to the barn, with six tents available for rent. “It’s a ‘soft’ way to introduce your kids to camping,” Schuyler said. Visitors can also rent a large teepee that sleeps 10 people. Schuyler will receive no money from the county to develop Wildrock, relying instead on community support and collaboration with nonprofits. There will be a fee to enter the park. “We want it to be affordable—we have a commitment to making it accessible.” She said fees may be waived some days throughout the year. The park will be staffed mostly by volunteers, with only a handful of paid employees. Schuyler is seeking community sponsors and “is open to community support and input.” She is hoping to get feedback from Crozet residents, and encourages them to visit her website at wildrock.org. In particular, she’s looking for volunteers with expertise in woodworking, trail building, gardening, carpentry, and sewing. Visitors to the website who want to keep in-the-know about the progress of building the playscape can sign up for email updates. On Saturdays, Wildrock will be open to the public and available for rentals. Visits during the week will be reserved for school programs or groups such as church youth groups, scouting groups, and Boys and Girls Clubs. The park will be “family-focused,” with no alcohol or loud music allowed. Dogs must be leashed. Schuyler, who, along with her husband, has had a life-long passion for the environment and nature, views Wildrock as a form of environmental activism. “I feel like it’s a more subtle way, a more joyful way to care.” She plans to restore native species of plants at the entrance of the park, with a demonstration site that teaches visitors how to grow their own. She also believes strongly in the healing power of nature. In working with people who’ve experienced trauma, she’s found that “Nature is so important to recovery and a sense of inner peace.” She cited her experience working at a camp for children who lived in the city and weren’t often exposed to nature. “By the end of the two weeks they were different kids. I’ve never forgotten how powerful that was.” She envisions Wildrock bringing the same sense of peace, joy, and wonder to those who visit. And by creating a “multi-generational” park, she hopes to bring families closer as they enjoy nature together. “I really hope that Wildrock will be the backdrop for many special family memories.”
t i a w n a c k r o w d yar
m o .C d r a h C r o h c Chilespea 434 • 823• 1583 Crozet, VA
r e t t e b s i g n i h t y r e v E ! p o t n o y r r e h c a with m o .C d r a h c r o y e l springval 434 • 960• 9443 Afton, VA
A FAMILY
OF
S
ORCHARD
since 1912
Check fruit availability online or follow us on Facebook for updates.