Nelson County Life, Issue #48 by Nelson County Life Magazine

NELSON NelsonCountyLife.com

C O U N T Y

™

L I F E March 2009 No. 48 PRICELESS! (FREE)

buzzard brunch pg. 10

BEYOND BAKE SALES • MIKE MAKES MAPS • JEREMIAH’S BEADS • HARRY HARRIS PG. 28 PG. 37 PG. 14 PG. 38

NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

Francesca SanGiorgio Home office: 434-361-1121 Cell: 434-906-0934

Conte Alain SanGiorgio Home office: 434-361-1121 Cell: 434-996-4668

Own Your Own Runway* These three NEW properties are available to pilots, horse lovers, or people who demand a view.

Flying Eagle Court – Edgewood Subdivision Nellysford Immaculate home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage, hardwood floors, room for 4 horses with run-in shed, horse fencing, a gardener's paradise with lots of perennials, Rockfish River, 6 acres and incredible views. $424,000.

Graywinds Lane – Edgewood Subdivision Nellysford Like new home on almost 3 acres with many upgrades, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, 2-car garage, whole-house generator, central vac, tray ceilings, hangar for your airplane, and great views. Seller-financing available. $399,000.

Flying Eagle Court – Edgewood Subdivision Nellysford Well maintained home on 4+ acres with mature landscaping, decks to capture the views, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open and airy floor plan, oversized hangar for your airplane. May be sold furnished or unfurnished. $399,000.

* 1/3 of the runway may be purchased with any of these properties for an additional $40,000 Open House on these 3 properties – March 21st 12p-3:00p w/ refreshments

W NE

G TIN LIS

Arrington, Va NEW LISTING: First time buyers wanted. Completely renovated with new carpet, paint, siding, bath, kitchen. Move right in. Nice yard, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. $134,900

SE LEA IAL C ER MM CO

O ND CO T S WE LO

Roseland, Va Commercial Lease. Ready to start your business, gourmet coffee shop, bakery. Ideas are endless. Full commercial kitchen and drive-thru. $2000/mo

Wintergreen Condo The lowest condo on the market. Great location on the 18th fairway. Fully furnished studio with kitchenette and full bath. A perfect weekend getaway. $109,999

W NE

G TIN LIS

Wintergreen, Home NEW LISTING: Charming 3 bedroom mountain home on a private wooded lot, has wonderful features, large windows, rock fireplace, completely furnished. $338,900.

G CIN DU RO P E OM INC

W NE

Afton, VA Commercial and Residential with monthly income. Winery cottage and main house on 5 acres. Perfect location for office, home or school, etc. A deal at $599,000.

G TIN LIS

Waynesboro, VA NEW LISTING: First time buyers, look at this! Great starter home or investment. 3 bedrooms, screened-in porch, hardwood floors, move-in condition. $152,000.

1471 Beech Grove Road • Wintergreen, VA 22958 • 434-361-0335 www.FondlyFrancesca.com • www.FourSeasonsRealty.biz

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE

Let us help you save money on your next home improvement project.

NELSON C O U N T Y

L I F E

Editors & Publishers Yvette Stafford, Tommy Stafford info@nelsoncountylife.com Contributors Woody Greenberg woody@nelsoncountylife.com Elizabeth Ferrall elizabeth@nelsoncountylife.com Jennie Tal jennie@nelsoncountylife.com Photography Ben Hernandez ben@nelsoncountylife.com Paul Purpura paul@nelsoncountylife.com

With more than 30 years as a builder in Wintergreen and Nelson County, you can trust RUFF CONSTRUCTION to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home. We can do as little or as much as you want us to do. We can guide you through the construction process from permits to materials to the completed job. Services we offer include:

Replacement windows • Additions Framing • Decks • Siding • Trim

434.361.1858

Randall E. Thompson, Owner Licensed & Insured.

4 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 009

Office: The Afton Group, LLC 6222 Rockfish Valley Hwy Afton, Virginia 22920 434.361.0104 Have a story idea? Email us at info@nelsoncountylife.com Nelson County Life magazine is published monthly by The Afton Group, LLC and is distributed free of charge. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Copyright 00 . All rights reserved. Subscriptions to Nelson County Life are available by mail at the annual rate of $ . Advertsiing deadlines are the 1 th of every publishing month. For advertising information, download our ratecard at NelsonCountyLife.com or contact us at info@nelsoncountylife.com. Views reflected by our advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or the company. Nelson County Life Magazine, published by The Afton Group, LLC is pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing oppotunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise ‘any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.’ This magazine will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this magazine are available on an equal opportunity basis.

march2009 10

a buzzard brunch Today’s my big day.

mike’s maps

the world isn’t always black or white

watch this space

Every man should have a hobby.

meet harry and his “We Shall Overcome” moment

inside basic necessities ........................... 7 cover story ................................. 10 this old house ............................ 16 this new house ........................... 16 at home with marlo ................... 23 sam’s garden .............................. 32 moneywise .............................. 32 askthedr...................................... 33 the perfect fit ............................. 33 leisure guide .............................. 34 datebook ................................... 36

on the cover Pictured: Jim Hollingsworth at Cherry Hill Farm Photographer: Yvette Stafford Animal lover Jim Hollingsworth prepares a picnic to celebrate the re-releas of a turkey vulture into the wild. Story on pg. 10.

from thepublishers The little bear is coming out of hibernation for a quick photograph. There’s a short period of time where your parents can get away with dressing you up in silly things. His bear suit is one of our favorite outfits. If you think about it, baby clothes look mighty comfortable. Except for onesies – do adults really need to be wearing body suits with snap-away crotches? – it’s amazing that baby clothes makers have yet to adapt their designs to fit the adult form. Actually, they have. Take, for instance, the fleece pajama. Someone obviously never got over outgrowing their infant jammies and decided to sell a “blanket with sleeves” on television. Though I refuse to wear anything that makes me look like an inflated Veruca Salt on Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, the guys behind the Snuggie are geniuses. They remind us on their web site that our most treasured blanket is, after all, just a blanket with inherent design flaws: Blankets are OK but they can slip and slide, plus your hands are trapped inside. Great. Couch potatoes too lazy to lean up and readjust their blanket don’t have to do that anymore. Can you imagine how horrific

it would be to show up to a family gathering with everyone wearing Snuggies? I know this hunker-down mentality is trendy in these tough economic times but I think being overly comfortable in your Snuggie is a bad thing. A weird thing. That being said, there’s a reason why bear suits and fleece body pajamas are for babies. Blankets, Adam, are for big boys. Enjoy! Yvette & Tommy Stafford

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE

STEAL THE GLASS

winetime The Allen sisters at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery have figured out how to preserve Valentine’s Day in a bottle. Jordan Pugh pours a sample of the Nellysford winery’s newest release, a Nectarine Melomel, delightfully paired with chocolate. Yum!

Day

TOMMY STAFFORD

1st Thursday of Every Month $5 Pints and you get to keep the glass

9519 Critzers Shop Rd. (Rt. 151) Afton, VA 540-456-8020 • www.bluemountainbrewery.com

Tye Brook Art Studio is now offering:

Art Classes

For Adults & Children Instructor Pat Echols Saunders, Artist Register now for classes in Drawing & Painting Starting in March Call or email today! 434-277-8036 patsaunders@att.net

2480 Tye Brook Hwy Piney River, Virginia 22964 www.patsaundersartist.com

Black Eagle Farm

All Natural Meats & Organic Eggs Farm Store Hours: Friday 5pm – 9pm & Saturday 9am – 5pm From Rt. 29 take Hwy 56 West for 2 miles – opposite Saunders Brothers turn South on Martin Lane – 1 mile ahead We accept checks & major credit/debit cards. Also available at Wintergreen Grocery, south of Nellysford, on Rt. 151 434-277-8497 • www.BlackEagleFarm.com

NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

basicnecessities By Kay Pfaltz kpfaltz@mbc.edu www.basicnecessities.com

For Your Health Part II At Basic Necessities we’re trying more and more to offer organic wines. Bev and Keith farm organically and there’s no reason why the wines shouldn’t follow suit. But what does it all mean…organic, biodynamic, sustainable? In agriculture (because I once did take a class in English literature called “Organicism”) organic means farming without the use of any chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Grapes and strawberries often top the list of heavily sprayed fruit, so given the choice, would you rather your daily dose of antioxidants with or without DDT? Biodynamic is another term being used more frequently. Think of it as the highest standard of organic growing. Biodynamic methods regard the earth as a living organism and strive to renew the soil in order to produce food that is full of vitality and deeply nourishing. It notes the interrelationship of all kingdoms: mineral, plant, animal and human, and their intricate correspondence to the rhythms and activities of the larger cosmos. This means winemakers work in harmony with the cycle of the vines and the soil,

planting with the phases of the moon. And all the biodynamic wines I’ve had from France have been excellent. Sustainable simply means using practices that, as the name implies, sustain the earth instead of harming it. Therefore, chemicals are not used in the vineyard but certain processes in the winery might involve manipulation. Many wineries that don’t want to pay for organic certification are listed as sustainable, thus essentially all organic. There’s an added health bonus to buying organic: you feel good about it. For buying organic is twofold—not only is it about the healthiest choice for our bodies, but perhaps more importantly in the greater picture (after all you and I are dancing upon this earth for brief moments in time) it’s about preserving the land. Some current favorites: Barth René, Pinot Gris, 2007 – All of Barth René’s wines (Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Muscat...) are stunning: perfectly made and balanced. All organic with the Tyflo on the label to verify. This Pinot Gris is ripe and exotic and an excellent food wine, capable of standing up to many dishes traditionally paired with

red wine, such as pork and probably reaching its pairing epitome with spicy fusion cuisine. It’s nothing like the usual thin Pinot Grigio exported to the U.S. from Italy which most of us associate with the grape. It’s earthy, yet fruity, very round and full on the palate with notes of honey, roses and earth. Although intensely dry, its richness fools your nose into believing it will be sweet. $18.99 Rayos Uva, Rioja – “Uva” is grape in Spanish, so ‘radiant grape’ is the translation of this gorgeous fruitdriven Rioja, but feel free to take it to a Virginia game tailgate and be a hit. Cherries, blackberries, blueberries, ripe black and red fruit. $18.99. Organic. Antoine Arena, Patrimonio, 2006 – I’ve always been a fan of Corsica’s Patrimonio—they’re usually big, rustic wines—but Antoine Arena is in a class of its own. This is a stunning wine which gets better if you leave it open for a day. It has layers of coffee over baked fruit flavors. Look also for notes of leather, chocolate and earth. Very complex. $49.99. Biodynamic. Kay Pfaltz is co-owner of Basic Necessities in Nellysford.

Café Wine and Cheese Shop 2226 Rockfish Valley Highway Nellysford, Virginia ph: 434.361.1766 www.basicnecessities.us

A taste of Europe in the Blue Ridge!

“Au Bon Marché” seasonal special $7.00 Thursday nights! Dinner served Thurs. through Sat. Lunch served Tue. through Sat. Brunch on Sunday Note: No longer serving dinner on Wednesday nights, but taking reservations for private parties. Call in advance. Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 10am-6pm Thursday 10am-8pm Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm Reservations advised for weekend dinners. Sunday Brunch 10am-3pm

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE

45 Quality Exhibitors

PINEAPPLE PROMOTIONS, Inc. Presents

45 Quality Exhibitors

FLEUR de LIS

snapshots

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Antiques & Garden Show March 6, 7, 8 – 2009

East Rivanna Fire Hall at Glenmore – Route 250 East 3501 Steamer Drive - Keswick, Virginia American & English Furniture, Sterling Silver, Linens, Porcelain & China, Fine Original Artwork & Prints, Country & Primitive Furniture, Estate & Custom Jewelry, Chinese Export Ware, Garden Items, Crystal, Collectibles, Copper & Brass Items, Handmade Rugs, and a selection of fine Spring Plants

PREVIEW PARTY: FRIDAY 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM - $15

SHOW HOURS Friday: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM An Annual Quality Antiques Show by: Pineapple Promotions, Inc. – PO Box 412 – Nellysford, VA 22958 Exhibitor & General Public Inquiries: 434-361-1680

TOMMY STAFFORD

General Admission Per Person: Saturday and Sunday $7.00 or $6.00 with AD

After years of playing the Virginia Lottery, Nellysford real estate agent and innkeeper Alain SanGiorgio, finally won $100,000. And who would have thought the winning ticket would have come from Graves Grocery? You may want to rub Alain for good luck. Well, maybe not.

woody’swords Woody Greenberg’s familiar byline is returning to print. Greenberg, a local newsman since the mid ‘70s, will be penning a monthly story for us. Woody has been teaching at Lynchburg College where he served as Dean of the School of Communication and the Arts. Check out his debut piece for Nelson County Life on page 38. Enjoy!

AMBROSIA

BAKERY & DELI

PUBLICITY

Now Open – Wednesday thru Sunday 8:00am – 5:00pm Closed Monday & Tuesday 434-361-9661

DECADENT HOMEMADE CHEESE CAKES Now carrying Goodwin Creek Farms Fresh Baked Breads Wraps • Hearty Sandwiches • Fresh Salads • Homemade Soups Quiche • Dips • Speads • Fine Pastries • Breakfast Sandwiches Ham Biscuits and much more! We take Orders for your Life’s Special Events Located between the Blue Ridge Pig & Valleymont Grocery

NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE

coverstory

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY by YVETTE STAFFORD

Jim Hollingsworth is on his first cup of coffee and the guest of honor is running late.

Where is that buzzard? continued on page 12

Your gazebo wedding in Nelson County! Frankee Love with Blue Ridge Weddings now offers special packages for small weddings in the gazebo. Ceremony and photos for as low as $495.

CLAUDIA GIBSON

CATERING

Blue Ridge Weddings 434-263-5350

Options for flowers, video, cake and champagne toast.

www.BlueRidgeWeddings.com

10 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

WEDDINGS ANNIVERSARIES PRIVATE PARTIES

YOUR PERSONAL CHEF

TRADITIONAL INTERNATIONAL & VEGETARIAN

CORPORATION EVENTS PRIVATE & GROUP COOKING CLASSES UNIQUE CUISINE FOR EVERY OCCASION

434-263-4192 claudiacatering@gmail.com

Energy Efficiency Saves Money

Wintergreen Post and Beam Interiors by Interhabs The Timber-frame look without the cost!

2178 Rockfish Valley Hwy (Rt. 151) Next to Valleymont Market Nellysford, VA • ph. 434.361.1310 Class A Lic. #2705 0375564

EXC E PTIONAL OFFE R I NGS FROM J U LI E B E N DLE

77 G L E N T H O R N E LO O P

ocated just minutes from Nellysford and Wintergreen, this charming old farmhouse is just waiting for some TLC. There are three bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, a dining room, a living room and a “summer kitchen.” There are wood floors underneath the existing carpet and a new furnace is being installed; there is a woodstove in place as well. The gardens and yard are lovely and the mountain views are stunning. A large outbuilding in the back yard will hold lots of storage. This is the first time this home has been on the market in many years. The renovation potential is just amazing. N EW LI STI N G! $239,000

492 SCHOOL ity convenience, HOUSE LANE country privacy. This Virginia farmhouse is located within walking distance of a brewery, a restaurant, a winery and a hiking Trail and a short drive to the hardware store, post office, auto parts/service, doctors and dentists, banks, pharmacy, multiple restaurants, salon, several antique/gift shops and grocery stores. BUT with the quiet tranquility and views you expect of a country property, there are few reasons to drive farther. The home features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and includes an unfinished 3-room area attached to the rear of the house, ready to customize for a home office or studio space. There is a guest house with attached shop space and storage for a larger home business. The house has been freshly painted. The heat pump/ac is brand new and there is a wood-fired furnace that can produce under-the-floor heating. Mature plantings, covered and open decks, several fenced areas with outbuildings, a barn and a soapstone patio with a charming goldfish pond round out this rare and inviting property. Minutes to Wintergreen and 35 minutes to Charlottesville. R E D U C E D P R I C E! $599,000

1127 J E N N Y ’ S C R E E K

elson County living at its finest! With a charming three-bedroom, two-bath cottage and 16 acres of fenced pasture, this little farm has everything you need for moving to the country. There are four separate paddocks, a spacious equipment or hay barn, as well as a run-in shed for horses or livestock. Jenny’s Creek is bold and runs through the property and there are gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain views. Relax on the screened porch and watch the seasons change. Mature landscaping surrounding the house. The living area has old custom paneling and an amazing parquet ceiling and floor. Easy commute to Lovingston, Amherst or Lynchburg and 45 minutes to N EW LI STI N G! $299,000 Charlottesville.

Julie Bendle Living in and loving Nelson County for 25 years

(434) 996-8669 (434) 361-2440 • www.MountainAreaRealty.com

julie@ mountainarearealty.com

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 11

A hospital for native wildlife, the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro nursed back to health a turkey buzzard that had suffered a gunshot wound. After spending three weeks recuperating, the buzzard was released back into the wild at Cherry Hill Farm in Arrington. Bette Grahame of the Almost Home Pet Adoption Center, was among the supporters who showed up to witness the launch (left).

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY by YVETTE STAFFORD

continued from page 10

If you’re a Turkey Vulture in Nelson County, you’re in a good place. And if you’re at Cherry Hill, the Arrington farm of animal lover and land conservationist Anne Fortune Henderson, then you might as well be in heaven. “Just to watch them fly!” says an excited Jim Hollingsworth, neighbor and friend to Anne. “[The buzzards] are such good little workers because they eat up all the road kill.” Simply put, that is the turkey buzzard’s purpose in the food chain. That is, if he can survive the food chain. “This bird was actually found in Staunton, unable to fly,” says Randy Huwa of the Waynesboro-based Wildlife Center of Virginia. “He had a gunshot wound to its wing and was brought to us

12 NELSON COUNTY LIFE FEBRUARY 2009

by the animal control folks in Staunton.” After a series of X-ray exams, the buzzard was nursed back to health with a round of antibiotics and fluids. Randy says the lucky bird spent three weeks at the Center recuperating. “Our goal is to treat, to release, to get animals back into the wild as quickly as we can.” But a buzzard launch in Nelson County wouldn’t be complete without a party. Dressed in tweeds, I found Jim meticulously assembling a picnic spread consisting of bagels, corn bread muffins, tea, and coffee. Soon enough, animal lovers began arriving including Bette Grahame from the Almost Home Pet Adoption Center just north of Lovingston. Sugar? Do we have sugar?

A lady from Wingina gets out of a car to reveal the missing condiment. It obviously takes a village to throw a buzzard. As Jim pours me a cup of coffee, he tells me of his friend Peggy Augustus, a champion rider of show horses who lives in Keswick. “She got me into it and not only that but she had literally adopted a buzzard for me because I like buzzards. So she adopted a buzzard for me where she would send money each year and I’d get a big picture of my buzzard. And I named him Buzzy.” Arriving fashionably late, the buzzard of the hour arrives in a Subaru Outback. Randy’s colleague at the Wildlife Center, Lee Schaeffer, brings him to us for the requisite photo opp. Without further adoo, Lee walks up the hill a bit, crouches down and with

WANTED Sharp Shooters, Gamers and Fun Lovinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guys and Gals Come Take Your Chances at â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smokey Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠâ&#x20AC;? at the Pair-o-Dice Hotel

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A Casino Night Fundraiser for Wintergreen Performing Arts

Saturday March 28, 2009 7:30-10:30 pm

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State of the Art Gaming Tables Ă&#x160;A

a swing, throws the bird back into the wild. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vultures are the cleanup crew,â&#x20AC;? Randy says, the vulture flapping its wings as it glides into the air for its first birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye view of Cherry Hill. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their primary food source is carrion or dead animals ... As, I sometimes say, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re carnivores that have learned how to eat meat without killing.â&#x20AC;? As the birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s silhouette grows fainter and dips below a tree line, the bagels and biscuits on the picnic blanket are forgotten. Ironically, a blue healer thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been hanging around, sensing human inattention, seizes the moment and dives for a pastry, marking the end of the buzzard brunch. And Jim, perhaps caught up in the moment, leans over with a loud whisper: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every year weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll meet here on this day to throw another buzzard!â&#x20AC;? NCL

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Entrance Fee: $60 per person

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MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 13

beyond bake sales STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY by YVETTE STAFFORD

Though the student talent show may have stolen the evening, behind the scenes, PTA members at Rockfish River Elementary School are busy preparing for a yard sale and flea market. “We don’t have enough funds yet this year to cover the second and fourth grade field trips that we’ve said that we would support so we’ve got to raise some money before the end of the year,” says Jill Averitt, the PTA’s Vice President of Membership. “We based our fund raising projections off of last year but the economy has been so poor that we’ve been scrambling. So we came up with the idea of the yard sale so that we weren’t continuously asking people just to give us

money; that way they are able to make money as well.” Though the field trips are partially funded by the school system, without the extra money, students may miss the opportunity to visit places like Jamestown and Washington, D.C. Money raised by the PTA will help cover transportation costs which have fluctuated due to erratic fuel prices. Jill estimates the PTA needs to raise $710.00. Spaces at the yard sale can be rented for $20. If the weather cooperates, the yard sale will be held outdoors on school grounds April 4, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; otherwise, vendors will set up indoors. NCL

22 Old Turtle Place

$249,900

Stunning new affordable, sustainable construction on 5+/- wooded acres in Horizons EcoVillage! Water solar panel with on demand hot water, radiant heat, bamboo and polished concrete flooring, cotton insulation, hardiplank siding, tile kitchen and bath, front and side decks, vaulted living room. DSL available. Beautiful views, nature trail and flowing creek boundary. Wild orchids and mountain To list your property with David Ferrall, laurel abound! 100+ acres common land for call 434-882-LAND (5263) residents to enjoy! Minutes to Wintergreen Summit Realty Company • dhf@ntelos.net skiing and golf. March 15 completion date. MLS# 461216 From Wall Street to Your Street

14 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

To participate in the Nelson County Yard Sale and Flea Market at Rockfish River Elementary School, call Jill Averitt at 434-361-0127.

Doolittle’s Country Kennel It’s like camp for your dog!

434-361-1880

Minutes to Wintergreen, near Nellysford www.msdoolittle.com

Lucy & Sadie

We’re looking for someone to share our lives with. Is that you? We’re at The Almost Home Pet Adoption Center 29 Stagebridge Rd • Lovingston, VA 434-263-7722 • nelsonspca.org Visit our shelter and register for our monthly drawing! March’s Prize:

$20 gift certiﬁcate from Almost Home Thrift Store. Many new and gently used items.

MINNIE BEAGLE MIX, Small, Female.

CODY SHEPARD/CHOW Male

GEORGE TABBI Male Adult

Sponsored by Richard Boyd Architect, Residential & Commercial Design 434-361-0221 rsboyd@hughes.net

Sponsored by Enterprise Properties 434-817-7249

enterprise-properties.net

Wonderful senior citizen. I’m a real gentle sweetheart who deserves lots of love. Come get me!

OLIVIA LAP CAT Female

JUNIOR PLOT HOUND Male Adult

Sponsored by Cora Pennell From the Garden, Exceptional Flower Arranging 434-361-0207

meadowlarkom@cyberwind.net

Sponsored by Michael Curry P.E. Curry and Associates, Structural Engineers 434-361-0180

ISAAC Male Adult

Sponsored by Body by Burd, personal training, Andy Burdetsky

434-361-2522 andy@cyberwind.net

PATCHES HOUND/SPANIEL Female

CUTIE 1 of 150 cats!

Sponsored by Ellen English In memory of my special girl, Miss Walker.

Support our sponsors! To be a sponsor, call Nancy 434-361-0221

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 15

thisoldhouse Location: 77 Glenthorne Loop, Nellysford, Virginia Offered at: $239,000 Comments: Located just minutes from Nellysford and Wintergreen, this charming old Virginia farmhouse is just waiting for some TLC. There are three bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, a dining room, a living room and a “summer kitchen”. There are wood floors underneath the existing carpet and a new furnace is being installed although there is a woodstove in place as well. The gardens and yard are lovely and the mountain views are stunning. A large outbuilding in the backyard holds lots of storage. Contact: Julie Bendle Mountain Area Realty 434-996-8669

thisnewhouse

Location: 12 High Pasture Ln., Wintergreen, Virginia Offered at: $525,000 Comments: Stunning new affordable, sustainable construction on 5 +/- wooded acres in Horizons EcoVillage! Water solar panel with on demand hot water, radiant heat, bamboo and polished concrete flooring, cotton insulation, hardiplank siding, tile kitchen and bath, front and side decks, vaulted living room. DSL available. Beautiful views, nature trail and flowing creek boundry. Wild orchids and mountain laurel abound! 100+ acres common land for residents to enjoy! Minutes to Wintergreen skiing and golf. Contact: David Ferrall Summit Realty Company 434-882-5263 GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING

•

YOLATES

•

WEIGHTLIFTING

Where does your health rate on your list of priorities? Shouldn't it be #1? Personal Training & Wellness Studio

PROGRAMS FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS 16 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

•

AEROBIC TRAINING

th l a He ing h t se y r el Eve

540-456-8784 • 7850 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Afton, Virginia 22920 • www.five-star-health.com

snapshots

PHOTO by PAUL PURPURA

WOUNDED WARRIORS WEEKEND

Soldiers and their families from Camp Lejeune, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Hampton, Virginia and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, spent a weekend on the slopes at Wintergreen Resort. The yearly event is organized by Wintergreen Adaptive Ski.

Time is money. We’ll help you save both.

Elk Mountain Crafters Specializing in handcrafted log cabins and restoration work. Also buying old cabins and barns. Meade Shirley • 540-241-9075 • elkmtncrafters@hotmail.com

Work with a team that works for you For free tax information go to www.mariamcmullencpa.com Michelle A. Taylor Taylor Made Business Service, LLC “The House call Bookkeeper” p: 434-361-2208 f: 434-361-2131 TaylorMadeSvc@aol.com

Maria C. McMullen Certified Public Accountant “The House call CPA” p: 434-361-2330 f: 434-361-1974 mariacpa@verizon.net

Cabins and Reclaimed Lumber In Stock! Call For Details.

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 17

snapshots

PHOTO by PAUL PURPURA

Whether you’ve had a baby and bought a new car, or now have a teenager on the road, your insurance should keep up with your life. Call today for a free review to help you decide what protection is right for you.

John K. Warren (757) 496-0585 Warren Insurance Agency johnwarren@allstate.com Proudly serving Nelson County Insurance subject to availability and qualifications. Allstate Insurance Company and Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, Illinois © 2007 Allstate Insurance Company.

D’Ambola’s

R E S TA U R A N T Dining out should be exciting and civilized, great food, great conversation and most of all great service. Enjoy life, dine at D’Ambola’s

Specializing in fine housemade sauces and Italian regional delights. Seafood is a specialty, but that doesn’t mean pasta, beef, chicken, or veal is overlooked. Dinner served Tuesday – Sunday 9278 Rockfish Valley Hwy. Afton, VA 22920

spaghetti alla carbonara alici con bucatini rigati house-made manicotti penne puttanesca house-made eggplant parmigiana steak pizzaiola fettuccine alfredo veal parmigiana meatballs with penne chicken parmigiana grilled chicken puttanesca crab capellini pan seared red snapper jumbo lump crab cakes fresh shucked fried ipswich clams shrimp fra diavolo shrimp scampi fried zucchini fried calamari grilled pizza and more!

Call 540-456-4556 or Find menu and directions on WEB.

www.dambolas.com 18 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

As impressive as this moved looked, the Nelson Governors failed to pull out a win against the Appomattox Raiders. Final score: 55 to 36. Ouch.

garden design landscaping maintenance patios & walks stone walls water gardens email: info@gardentrade.us

Phone: 434-277-9247

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177 Crawfords Edge

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18 Coopers Vantage Gorgeous year-round mountain views! Recent remodeling produced a stunning kitchen complete with granite counters, extensive cherry cabinetry, stainless appliances, and cork flooring. Generous spaces and two 1st floor master bedrooms allow for multi-family enjoyment. Year-round, mountain view properties are limited - this one is a standout. Furnished. Offered at $799,000. (456168)

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let this extraordinary, once in a lifetime opportunity to own a luxury 11 bedroom, 10.5 bath mountain retreat pass you by. One bedroom is configured as a state-of-the art conference center and is fully equipped with boardroom seating and technology while another is configured as a fully equipped fitness facility. The remaining home is furnished with luxury appointments. Sweeping year-round mountain views from the great room and decks enhance the inspirational qualities of this stunning Blue Ridge Mountain dwelling. A double kitchen includes two full-size GE refrigerators, two dishwashers, two fullsize sinks, and bar seating for three. The dinning room seats twenty, and there is a substantial rental income stream in place. An executive elevator services all four floors. Sold fully furnished. Call or click for details. $1,549,000. (460685)

1519 Cliffs Condo

2101 Fairway Woods Condo

Classic Cliffs 2 bed, mid-level condo with desirable floor plan and quiet concrete and steel construction. Recently completed Cliffs condominium capital project has made the Cliffs one of the best values on the ridge. Spectacular mountain and valley views. Walk to Wintergarden Spa & Fitness Center - Devils Knob Tennis and Golf. Sold furnished. WPI. Offered at $315,000. (461474)

This golf-front condo was gutted down to the studs and rebuilt in 2007 with the finest materials including granite counters, cherry cabinetry, tile floors. Also new are the furnishings, appliances, and fixtures. Ground level - enjoy the golf-front setting from your patio. Sold furnished with WPI. Gold rated unit with rental program revenue stream in place. Offered at $239,000. (456576)

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87 Firtree Drive What an incredible value for a home with winter views of the Rockfish Valley. Priced to sell, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home conveys furnished and features a spacious great room and dinning room combination with vaulted ceiling. Large windows and deck. New carpet throughout. Located close to the Mountain Inn Village. Rental revenue stream in place. WPI. Offered at $375,000. (456577)

901 Diamond Hill Condo

702 Laurelwood Condo

Own one of just four studio condos in Diamond Hill! Ground level: Ski-in/ski-out from your patio. Fully renovated with remodeled kitchen and bath, ceramic tile, custom fixtures, updated appliances and systems. Unique wood stove fireplace insert adds warmth and economy. Sold with updated furnishings. Great rental program potential or just keep all the fun for yourself! Offered at $189,000. (460110)

Tastefully furnished and well maintained 1 bed, 1 bath condo - turn-key ready for your enjoyment. Across from private pool and a short walk to Mountain Inn Village. Queen-size sleep sofa plus recently replaced stove, fridge, heat pump. Most furnishings convey. Walk off deck and into Mountain Laurel and mature forest. WPI. Offered at $139,500. (456086)

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286 Chestnut Place Remarkable lot with mountain and ski slope views on a street of significant mountain homes. Lightly trafficked cul-de-sac translates to peaceful enjoyment of this amazing Blue Ridge Mountain setting. Less than a 5 minute drive to golf, tennis, skiing, dining, and spa services. Bring your own builder or call for recommendations. Build now or hold for investment. Offered at $189,000. (460492)

118 Blackrock Circle Looking for a renovated mountain home that is walkable to Tyro ski slope and offers year-round sunset views of the Blue Ridge Mountainsâ&#x20AC;Ś look no further. Ask your agent for the long list of renovations included with this 5 bedroom, 3 bath home. Renovations began in 2006 and include a new, gourmet kitchen with granite counters, cherry cabinetry and island; a new roof; new Pella windows and sliders; a newly paved circular driveway with parking area; new hardwoods, tile and carpeting throughout; a new full size hot tub; new stainless steel appliances; new LCD TVs; new multi-zone, propane and heat pump heating systems; solid pine interior doors. Exposed wood beams and vaulted great room enhance the quality of this excellent mountain home value. Sold furnished. WPI. Offered at $639,900 (461761).

Brian W. Chase Serving Wintergreen & Stoney Creek Tel (434) 296-9860 Fax (877) 281-6785 www.goWintergreen.com

A Partnership with Roy Wheeler Realty Co.

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 19

– Located in the Mountain Inn – Do you love Wintergreen as much as we do? When you buy or sell with us, you are investing in Wintergreen’s future – Call us or stop in and be a part of Wintergreen’s future. Contact any of these outstanding Realtors® at our Mountain Inn office for information about Wintergreen and Stoney Creek real estate.

EAT TR RE IT VE CU EXE

LOT RE C A 7+

711 Far Knob Climb

Brian Chase Managing Broker 434-987-4168

Kim Chappell 434-238-2430

The Official Rea

Rare opportunity to own one of the largest mountain-side estate lots in Stoney Creek. With elevations approaching 2,200 feet, it is one of the community’s highest. Enjoy lower humidity and cooler summer temperatures. Easy five minute access to valley amenities from a secluded mountain home site. Gorgeous views of the Rockfish Valley. Adjacent 9 acre estate parcel also available. Offered at $225,000. Brian Chase www.goWintergreen.com 434-296-9860 (460218)

823 Shamokin Springs Trail

Beautiful winter views on gently sloping lot. Interesting rock outcropping. Great value under $100,000. Adjoining lots have already been built on - no construction to deal with after you have built your mountain dream home. Floorplans available that will suit this lot nicely. Quiet part of the mountain, but close to golf, tennis and Chestnut Springs park/pool. $95,000 .Call Rod & Christy Phillips 434-987-6399. (461478)

177 Crawfords Edge

Rare, luxury 11 bedroom, 10.5 bath mountain home. One bedroom configured as a state-of-the art conference center another as a fully equipped fitness facility. Luxury appointments adorn remaining rooms. Significant rental income stream in place. Executive elevator services all floors. Fantastic mountain views. Double kitchen. Two wet bars. Call agent for extensive list of details. Sold fully furnished & equipped. Only $1,549,000! Brian Chase www.goWintergreen.com 434-296-9860 (460685)

! CED DU E R

John Croxall 434-953-6566

Pam Le Vine 941-724-4787

Wha Rock nishe com Clos Brian

250 Timbers

This updated Timbers condo offers quality furnishings and easy access to the Mountain Village. Only a few paces from skiing, shopping, dining, and swimming. Away from the hustle and bustle but still at the heart of the Village. Furnished with Founding WPI. Gated parking. Rental income stream in place. Great investment and great mountain retreat! Reduced to $149,000. Brian Chase www.goWintergreen.com 434-296-9860 (455380)

20 Wintergreen Drive

1829 Wintergreen Drive

These are the most upscale, largest and well located townhomes ever built at Wintergreen. There are only 24 homes in four buildings and the specifications are unparalleded. Each is 3670 sq. ft, four/five bedrooms with 5.5 baths. Each home has its own private elevator, many of them have mountain/valley views. Construction in Phase I is underway! Call Kim Chappell at 434-238-2430 or www.ExperienceWintergreen.com (441100)

Looking for a home on Wintergreen Drive w/ perfect and easy on & off mountain access? Beautiful mountain chalet.Nestled on a private wooded lot w/seasonal views, this home is for those who appreciate contemporary refinement.Understated elegance w/modern luxury embraced on two levels, Spacious 4 bedrooms, exquisite granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, 5” hickory plank flooring adds to this homes charm & character, Enjoy sunsets, sunrises & entertaining from your three-tiered deck, WPI,WPI, Offer price: $430,000, Contact Thomasina Shealey, 703.328.8680, ,email: bastide@earthlink.net (459971)

Lot 5A, Cedar Drive

781 Cedar Meadow Drive Walk to Golf and Stoney Creek Clubhouse. Large fl at lot bordered by open space on one side and rear. $104,000 Kim Chappell 434-238-2430 or www.ExperienceWintergreen. com (440387)

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Steve Marianella 434-566-1293

Jim Mummery 434-531-5033 16 Blue Flint Lane Great value for a corner lot in the Indian Rock section of Laurel Springs Drive. Peace and solitude for your mountain retreat. Some seasonal views over the Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve. Bring your own builder or call for recommendations. $70,000. Brian Chase www.goWintergreen.com 434-2969860 (458383)

Joan Mummery 434-531-5033

Christy Phillips 434-987-6388

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Thomasina Shealey 703-328-8680

20 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

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105 Saddleback Knoll

Rod Phillips 434-987-6399

This photo is just a hint of the panoramic view potential of this special lot. With drainfield strategically located to maximize year-round views and more than 1 acre adjoining the National Forest, this is truly a unique Wintergreen mountain setting. With moderate slopes rather than a cliff-edge, you can take full advantage of this spectacular setting. Ideal for a significant mountain estate home. Adjacent 1+ acre parcel also available. Offered at $549,000. Brian Chase www.goWintergreen.com 434-296-9860 (460104)

Stoney Creek: Contemporary estate home designed/built for owners. Impeccably maintained and improved. Set high on a 1.3 acre water-front lot. Extensive landscaping w/ Koi pond, stone terrace, circular concrete drive, 1st floor master, 2 fireplaces, wine tasting area, gourmet kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. $875,000. Brian Chase www.goWintergreen.com 434-296-9860 (448607)

2234 Tanner’s Ridge

Just in time for ski season! Luxury & comfort embrace the location & interiors of 2234 Tanner’s Ridge. Within walking distance of Wintergreen Resort amenities, Wood burning fireplace, New kitchen w/beautiful appliances & breakfast bar add charm to this classic ski/golf condo; Private terrace for early morning relaxation, Easy access to ski shuttle, Enjoy Wintergreen’s spectacular Spa, jacuzzis, Aquatics & Fitness Center, WPI, Sold beautifully furnished, Now’s the time! Offer price: $124,900, Contact:Thomasina Shealey, REALTOR, 703.328.8680,email: bastide@earthlink.net (458336)

21 Trillium Close

Historically some of the best values on the mountain, this 4 bed, 3.5 bath, immaculate, and furnished Trillium townhome is no exception. Original owners of 17 years now selling. Never rented. Great golf views. Hardwood floors, oriental rugs, wood burning fireplace, 2 car garage, 2 large storage rooms. Seller also offering significant equity contribution when buyer activates a Premier Equity Membership. $375,000. Brian Chase www.goWintergreen.com 434-296-9860 (446472)

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87 Firtree Drive

What an incredible value for a home with winter views of the Rockfish Valley. Four bedroom, 3 bath home conveys furnished and features a spacious great room and dinning room combination with vaulted ceiling. New carpet throughout. Close to the Mountain Inn Village. WPI. $375,000. Brian Chase www.goWintergreen.com 434-296-9860 (456577)

664 Shamokin Springs Trail

Beautifully remodeled and tastefully furnished, this mountain home offers breathtaking views of Crawford’s Knob & Blue Ridge Mountains. The open floor plan with spacious kitchen, dining & living space is ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. Special features include floor to ceiling stone fireplace, hardwood floors, expansive glass to the view, granite coutertops, Kitchenaid appliances, wood ceiling, whirlpool tub, extensive decking, Hot Tub, paved drive. WPI. $499.000. Call Steve Marianella 434-566-1293 (460757)

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1519 Cliffs

Classic Cliffs 2 bed, mid-level condo with desirable floor plan and quiet concrete and steel construction. Recently completed Cliffs condominium capital project has made the Cliffs one of the best values on the ridge. Spectacular mountain and valley views. Walk to Wintergarden Spa & Fitness Center - Devils Knob Tennis - Devils Knob Golf. Furnished. $315,000. Brian Chase www.goWintergreen.com 434-296-9860 (461474)

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78 Split Rock Trail

One of the BEST real estate values on the mountain! Grand 3,800 sq ft picturesque mountain home!Exquisite Great Room w/fireplace offers pure luxury mountain living,Covered wrap deck w/seasonal mountain views perfect for indoor/outdoor entertaining,6 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, 8 flat screen televisions,Chef ’s kitchen,granite countertops, Media room,Dining for 12,Private suites,Mudroom,Exceptional rental income!Two (2) recent 6 bedroom homes at Wintergreen “SOLD” for $631,750 & $778,000 Offer price: $595,000, Contact:Thomasina Shealey, REALTOR, 703.328.8680,, email: bastide@earthlink.net (456948)

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25 Bucksaw Lane

Stunning Tectonics II home in Wintergreen Resort. Soaring windows and stacked stone fireplace are only a few features in this custom, luxury home. Three bedrooms, large gourmet kitchen, deck, screened porch, two car garage, bonus loft and bonus game room. Close to all resort amenities. Call Kim Chappell, 434-2382430 or www.ExperienceWintergreen.com (455364)

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95 Deerberry Lane Walk to Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve and trail from this level wooded lot located on a cul de sac. Nearly half an acre and offered below appraisal including WPI! $119,000 Steve Marianella 434566-1293 (451508)

Winterwoods Homes

Based in Stoney Creek and offering luxury timber frame and stone designs for estate and mountain settings. 16 unique designs delivered throughout the Blue Ridge and Piedmont via industry leading partners Tennessee Log and Timber and Vail’s Slifer Designs. Base prices from $675,000. - client customization available for each design. Call Brian Chase for details and a complimentary design package. www.goWintergreen.com 877-296-9860

25 Stem Lane

Value Priced 3BR home in WTG resort. Large wrap around deck, stone woodburng fireplace in great room. First floor mater BR. Bonus loft living room. Sold with Wintergreen Club Membership and Home Warranty. $359,900. Listed by Kim Chappell and www.ExperienceWintergreen.com 434-238-2430 (460935)

118 Blackrock Circle

Looking for a renovated mountain home that is walkable to Tyro ski slope and offers year-round sunset views of the Blue Ridge Mountains… look no further. Five bedroom, 3 bath home with new and renovated since 2006: Gourmet granite kitchen, roof, Pella windows & sliders, paved driveway, hardwood floors, multi-zone gas heat, hot tub, and much more. Furnished. WPI. Offered at $639,900. Brian Chase www.goWintergreen.com 434-296-9860 (461761)

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5 Dripping Rock Nice wooded lot with easy access on quiet street in Wintergreen Resort. Build your dream home on this .47 acre lot. www.ExperienceNelsonCounty.com 434-2382430. (460328)

26 Den Tree Lane This 4 bedroom 2 bath mountain home is great for your family and friends. Large deck and wooded natural views. WPI $355,900 call Kim Chappell 434-238-2430 (455007) www.ExperienceWintergreen.com.

988 Devils Knob Loop Premier lot located in the fantastic view section of Devils Knob Loop. Build your dream mountain escape. $629,000. Call Christy Phillips 434-987-6388. (460979)

186 Hemlock Drive Great lot located on the view side of Hemlock Drive surrounded by upscale homes. This lot has an interesting rock formation to add to your mountain retreat. Augusta County. $299,000 Call Rod Phillips 434-987-6399 (460978)

764 Shamokin Springs Trail

One of the BEST real estate values on the mountain! Dream mountain chalet! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths,Two master suites, chefs kitchen w/granite countertops, walls of windows, gourmet prep island, magnificent fireplace, ebony washed hardwood floors, soaring ceilings w/natural light flooding into the Great Room, Parisian style cabinets/sinks in baths, private master suite on second floor, interior wrought iron railings, serene brook, seasonal mountain views! A massive $114,000 off original list price! Offer price: $425,000, Contact: Thomasina Shealey, REALTOR, 703.328.8680, email: bastide@earthlink.net (456172)

WS VIE IN A T UN MO

244 Fortunes Ridge

Classic Adirondack style, timber frame cabin set on the edge of stunning mountain & sunset views. Constructed of hardy Green Oak, this mountain getaway is as durable as its timeless design. 1st floor features a great room for relaxing, dining, cooking, and gaming. And the view - visible from everywhere. New Granite, Stove & Faucet in Kitchen. 4 beds, 2 baths. $399,000. Brian Chase www.goWintergreen.com 434-2969860 (454785)

397 Blackrock Drive

Walk to Tyro ski slope from this brand new 3 bedroom contemporary ski chalet at Wintergreen. Lots of light, cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors and fireplace in family room. WPI right of membership included .Large unfinished basement could be extra bedrooms or family room. Reduced to $415,000! Great value for new construction at Wintergreen. Call Steve Marianella at 434-566-1293(459003)

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 21

SKI

RIDE

TUBE

snapshots

PHOTOGRAPHY by TOMMY STAFFORD

The slopes at Wintergreen Resort were great for an outing with the Rockfish River Elementary School Ski Club. Students in grades 3 to 5 have been sliding and snowboarding as an organized group for the past decade. “A lot of the kids are beginners that have never been on skis or a snowboard.,” says parent Jodie Bruguiere. “They learn to ski and it gets them out in the fresh air and enjoy the snow.” It’s the one club, Jodie says, “that is nothing but fun!”

WINTERGREENRESORT.COM

Keep Your Teeth Healthy For Your Entire Life.

Jim Rice DDS • Jennifer Rice DDS Sherman Smock DDS (Specialist in Periodontics) Dr. Ivona Cristi DDS

NELLYSFORD 2905 Rockfish Valley Hwy • 434.361.2442 NellysfordDentist.com

CROZET 325 Four Leaf Lane, Suite 10 • 434.823.2290 CrozetDentist.com

<h_[dZi :edÊj B[j <h_[dZi >Wl[ Ckbb[ji$ ?\ oek" eh iec[ed[ oek adem" ^Wi Wd kdZ[i_hWXb[ ^W_hijob[" m[ YWd ^[bf

8[[Y^ =hel[ IWbed

9Wbb \eh Wd Wffe_djc[dj$ *)*#),'#'.'&

910 Beech Grove Rd (Rt. 664) • Roseland, Virginia

22 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

I’d love to do your

Small Jobs

• I will return your phone calls

• More than 25 years experience in “the trades” including managing estates and commercial properties • Painting, powerwashing, plumbing/electrical repairs, carpentry, and more!

Honey-Do Handyman Serving the Rockfish Valley

434-361-0269

Chris Barksdale

Linked In

athome withMarlo

Helpful Nelson County web links for residents and prospective residents

By Marlo Allen Marlo Allen is a licensed Realtor residing in Nelson County

There are three magic words in real estate, “location, location, location”. How much do you know about the place you call home, or may soon call home? If you are a prospective purchaser, do you know where to view property listings, obtain school statistics, research zoning regulations, or view an aerial photo of a parcel of land? Even if you are a current resident, do you know how to find a local repairman or to look up your tax assessed value? Whether you are a long time resident, a frequent visitor, or a prospective purchaser, here are some web links that you may find helpful when settling into life in Nelson County. NelsonCounty.com This is a comprehensive site providing general county information including history, geography, government, taxation, travel and recreation, and consensus data. The site has a list of important county phone numbers and a broader web directory of businesses and

professional contacts. For prospective visitors, the directory labeled “visit” provides a wealth of information on events, lodging, restaurants, shopping, orchards, wineries, breweries, hiking, biking and other outdoor recreational opportunities. NelsonCountyVA.org Although this site has similar information to NelsonCounty.com, it may be more user friendly for quick inquiries. The page is structured with a table of contents and a series of informative web links to direct the user to the appropriate destinations on things such as organizations, churches, tourism, recreation, ecology, businesses, government, education, and sports. NelsonCountyGIS.org Geographic Information System (GIS) site provides public access to tax and mapping information. The “Find” feature allows you to pull up a tax map or parcel number to see an aerial view of the land. The “Layers” function enables the user to overlay maps that distinguish features

such as tax map boundaries, roof tops of structures, roads, streams, flood plains, and more. You can also use the site to research neighboring parcels and find out tax assessed values. Information and maps can be exported into Excel and PDF formats for saving and emailing of documents. Nelson.k12.va.us School contact information is easily accessible, as well as an overview of school statistics such as total enrollment, class size, attendance, student/teacher ratios, and average SOL and SAT test scores. You can also find other resources such as a parent/student handbook, activities calendar (noting school holidays, early dismissal days, sports events, and field trips), newsletter, and listing of scheduled school board meetings. NelsonCountyLife.com While news and weather are primary features, other information such as local events and activities are kept current on this site. If you are unable to stop into a local distribution point to pick up a copy

Insist on That Girl ...

of the Nelson County Life, the monthly print publication can also be viewed in its entirety online. Previous issues are also archived. MyCAAR.com Any property listed in Nelson or Wintergreen can be searched through this site via the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors (CAAR) multiple listing system. You can search for a realtor or browse properties. To search specifically for a Nelson County property, select the “specify a location” tab. Searches can be customized and saved. A user friendly tutorial is available for property search assistance. The more you know the more you will come to love Nelson County and all that it offers its residents and visitors! Marlo Allen, frequently referred to as “That Girl,” calls Nelson County home. In fact, she grew up in Nelson and besides being a Realtor, is a family business partner at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery in Nellysford. Marlo provides real estate services in Nelson and surrounding counties.

2 Homes for RENT in Afton!

At Home! InsistOnThatGirl.com HomeValueMarketReport.com

& Away from Home! ThatGirlTravel.com

User-friendly, online booking engine for: flights, cars, hotels, cruises, all-inclusive vacations, and more! Register for Trip of a Lifetime and get emailed future travel “Deals and Steals”

Each completely remodeled home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, large kitchen and living room, carport/porch, and yard; new refrigerator and stove provided; washer dryer hook� ups; central air and heat; like new condition inside and out! �800 per month with 1 month rental deposit required upon signing lease; 1 year lease term preferred, but not required. Call Marlo at 434�996�3525 for rental application; credit and reference check required! Great location with easy access to Waynesboro and Charlottesville! Owner/agent.

Marlo G. Allen

434.996.3525 Email: Marlo@InsistOnThatGirl.com Web: InsistOnThatGirl.com Market Data: HomeValueMarketReport.com

Insist on that girl!

Get real�time market data for Wintergreen, Nelson, & Charlottesville Area at HomeValueMarketReport.com

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 23

ADVERTORIAL

a second for an opinion

snapshots

By Drs. Brian and Jennifer Prax Chiropractors

The other day a patient came to me for leg cramps and back pain. The first thing I recommended was that she discuss with her doctor the possibility of getting off some of her meds. Here’s what she had to tell me in a recent email; “Thank You Dr.Brian, I am a little better. One of my medicines was causing the leg cramps. I would still be miserable had you not suggested that I or someone in the medical field review the side effects of all my medicine. I actually had to stop taking three different medicines. Lexapro, an antidepressant was causing my leg cramps. I was given Naproxen for the leg cramp that interacted with the Lexapro and caused my heart rate to go up; I was then given a pill to slow my heart down! This is all insane! So i got a pill for the side effect of the side effects caused by a side effect!(laughing)

fresh from the farm.

I have a little bit of a brain sprain from stopping my antidepressant. The site says it takes up to 8 weeks to detox from seretonin uptake inhibitors. So I will probably see you in about 8 weeks when I am more mentally stable and able to go places again, right now my anxiety level is too high for me to leave the farm. My back feels great! Thanks for listening I know this an elaborate answer for “how are ya?” Dear Reader. Does this sound familiar? Please consider the natural approach. With Chiropractic, good nutrition and exercise, YOU CAN FIND GREAT HEALTH; NOW AVAILABLE WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION. Even depression has natural solutions, more on that later.

YVETTE STAFFORD

Health; Now Available Without A Prescription

Nellysford resident Greg Heuer of the Architectural Woodwork Institute was one of six professionals invited to speak to 8th graders at Nelson Middle School. The program, organized by Piedmont Virginia Community College, is part of Virginia’s Commonwealth Scholars” program, a distinction granted to high schoolers who complete a more rigorous course of study.

Drs. Brian and Jennifer Prax, chiropractors, provide unusually effective, gentle and logical care. Email your questions or comments to info@ chiroprax.com. For more information go to www. chiroprax.com or 434-977-LIFE (5433)

Spring Veggie Starts Produce from the South Florida Strawberries Milk & Eggs MULCH MULCH MULCH

fresh to you.

Open 7 days a week! HOURS Mon-Sat 9 to 5 • Su 10 to 4 9264 Critzer Shop Road (SR 151) Afton, VA 22920 • (540) 456-7100 TOMMY STAFFORD

afton mountain Farm Market Orchard Greenhouse

Relax. The potty in the yard is only temporary. The Purple Toilet fundraiser organized by the Drumheller family benefits the Nelson County Relay for Life event scheduled to take place May 2 and 3 at Nelson County High School. A $25 donation moves the albatross to your friend’s yard. Call 434-263-5207 for info.

24 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

YVETTE STAFFORD

Job hunters, take a look. Tucked away in a corner of the Nelson Center in Lovingston is this computer linked directly to the Virginia Employment Commission. use it to help you find local jobs, file unemployment claims, and more. Techno peasant? There’s also a standard bulletin board where employers can post want ads.

GREEN FROM THE GROUND UP.

DESIGNED to respect your site

and the environment. PLANNED to harmonize your lifestyle and budget. FABRICATED of enduring products with a lifetime structural warranty. 2nd year in a row - 2008 Green Building Award www.tectonics2.com • 434-361-2525

Independantly Distributed by

N AT U R A L LY L I N D A L

TECTONICS II Custom Homes

Your Local Fuel Company These are the faces of Tiger Fuel. Making sure you’re satisﬁed with your home or ofﬁce heating needs is our business. And the best thing is, we’re just a phone call away. 434-263-5031.

PICTURED ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Phil Thompson, Tim Spicer, Donald Bell, Tammy Giles, Mark Whitehead, Bert Fitzgerald, Harold Spotswood, Mike Bryant, Ron Hunt, GP Tyree, Mike Proffitt, Lisa Bishop, Elwood Adams, Larry Burns, Eddie Fitzgerald, Mitch Carter, Ron Moyer, Fred Brown.

Tiger Fuel Company 242 Front St. • Lovingston, VA 434-263-5031

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 25

Bluebird Hill Farm

Incredible equestrian center on 102 acres just minutes outside of historic Scottsville. There are spectacular building sites, high above the James, overlooking nearly half a mile of river frontage. There is a 5BR, 2BA brick ranch and an immaculate small horse barn. Four separate tax parcels make up this unique offering. The 25,000square-foot barn (built in 2007) includes a 2100-square-foot apartment with 3BR/ 2 BA and a huge great room with oak flooring; a 60 x 168 ft. indoor riding ring; a 60 x 40 ft. indoor warm-up ring; a 60 x 40 ft. hay/feed storage area; a 14 x 28 ft. office and half BA; 21 12 x 12 stalls, convertible to 12 x 24 foaling stalls; 2 tack rooms; a wash rack; a grooming stall; a blanket drying room and 12 four-board fenced paddocks. Lots of pasture (or hay fields) and riding trails along the river and throughout the property. This is an amazing estate or business opportunity. $1,895,000

The Mark Addy

Located in Nelson County near Wintergreen is a premier Inn and Restaurant offering breathtaking views on 12.44 acres. Built in 1844, the main home has 7200 square feet, composed of 10 en-suite bedrooms (3 have jacuzzis), parlor, music room, den, dining room, 2 fully-equipped kitchens and a 1200 square-foot Penthouse with skylights, panoramic views, wet bar & bath w/whirlpool. There is a guest cottage, a studio and beautiful formal gardens. Just 30 minutes to Charlottesville, this unique property also would make an elegant home. $1,695,000

26 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

Mountainside Farm

Beautiful Central Virginia Equestrian Estate. Enjoy gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain views from the 75-foot covered porch of this handsome log home. This exceptional farm offers 4 bedrooms, including a main-floor master suite, 2.5 baths, an office/loft, living room, a huge gourmet family kitchen, a large bonus room including pool table, lounge and guest room. Antique heart pine flooring and handsome two-story stone fireplace add to the relaxed country feeling of the home. The home has undergone extensive renovations to make it a truly unique property. A charming 1-bedroom guest cottage, a barn with 3 stalls and a heated tack room, a round pen and a riding arena make this package complete. The 42 acres of woods, open pastures, streams, hours of riding trails and rolling terrain make this a wonderful place to play with your favorite four-legged creatures. All within a half hour of Charlottesville and Waynesboro and just minutes from outstanding Central Virginia wineries and microbreweries. Property has potential for 8 divisions. Offered at $1,475,000 with 45 acres or $1,150,000 with 18 acres

131 Mimosa Lane

Enjoy fantastic Blue Ridge Mountain views from this fully updated three-bedroom, two-bath home on 15 acres. The property has beautiful mature landscaping, great six-stall barn and heated tack room, fencing and paddocks on about 10 acres with creek for the horses. Lovely bluestone patio opens to the view, koi pond, specimen gardens, and privacy abounds. This property is good for the spirit and in move-in condition. Just 30 minutes to Charlottesville and close to Nellysford and Wintergreen Resort. $699,000

15723 Thomas Nelson Highway

Charming, central location— the formula for success. Live upstairs from the shop! Very unique and rentable property on Route 29 in central Nelson. Two chestnut log cabins! The smaller, approx. 590 square feet, with stone fireplace with loft and the larger, 1326 square feet, with stone fireplace, have been

occupied as antique stores with apartment upstairs (1386 square feet). This is a high-traffic area and has proven to be a great retail location with tons of character. Apartment recently renovated. Only 25 minutes to Charlottesville.

$199,000

Extraordinary offering on the scenic Tye River. Situated on 10 acres with 650 feet of river frontage, this is perfect for a getaway or a permanent home. Gorgeous in-ground pool and total privacy as well as beautifully manicured grounds. With four bedrooms, three baths, a large great room, pool, hot tub and a spacious deck, this house is great for entertaining friends and family. Lots of possibilities for the unfinished walk-out basement (plumbing available for another full bath). Fish, swim and hike to your heart’s content! $485,000

9940 Crabtree Falls Highway

362 Seaman Lane

Nestled in a sheltered valley high in the Blue

Follow the paved drive that leads you to this immaculate, threebedroom, three-bath, cedar-sided home featuring a living room with gas fireplace, eat-in kitchen with miles of new tile countertops and tons of oak cabinets, and a full finished basement with a spacious family room with gas logs. Sellers have made numerous improvements since purchasing this home, which include new gutters, exterior stain, shingles, deck, heat pump, floor coverings, new appliances, and more! Situated on a private 5.56 acre lot. Motivated sellers! $299,900

8410 James River Road

Off the grid! Top-of-theworld living with selfsufficient electric system powered by the sun in a thoughtfully constructed and comfortable home or home-away-from-home. Sited high on the flank of Three Ridges Mountain and adjoining the GW National Forest, nearly every room offers a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge. The large great room, three bedrooms, two and a half baths, screened porch, and a lot of decking offer space for family and friends. The location offers complete privacy. Leave your electric bills! Minutes to Wintergreen Resort. $349,000

4251 Cub Creek Road

15678 Rockfish River Road

bedroom, two-bath brick

Ridge, this freshly

ranch located just off US

renovated 3 BR home

29 with easy commute

awaits new owners. Located at the end of a

to Charlottesville,

state-maintained road

Lynchburg or

and adjoined by

Waynesboro. Easy to

significant acreage (282)

maintain property with

in conservation easement

a lot of privacy and

and the Cash family farm (106 acres). Renovations include a new roof, furnace and

“out in the country feel.”

kitchen with granite countertops. That fabled offering of a small parcel amid large land holdings within walking distance of the GW National Forest trail system. $249,000 This charming 2-bedroom cottage has been completely redone and upgraded. There is a brand new kitchen with hickory cabinets, new dishwasher and microwave and new flooring. The bathroom has been tiled and painted. Beautiful wood floors in the rest of the house and ceiling fans in every room. Full unfinished basement. Sit on the front porch and enjoy the mountain views! Located on 2.18 acres with a fenced back yard and an old pole barn. Minutes to Lovingston and 35 to Charlottesville. Good rental property investment! $135,000

202 Ponton Lane

Solidly-built three-

Owner is nearing completion of renovation of both bathrooms. Kitchen currently has no appliances. Handicap access ramp.

$150,000

Charming four-bedroom, three-bath home on 10 very private acres just minutes from Wintergreen Resort and Nellysford. There is a huge family room with handsome stonework around the woodstove. The kitchen, dining and living room area are great for entertaining with entrances to the back deck or the inviting front porch! There is a lovely water garden surrounded by rocks and hostas and there is a large, heated woodshop/storage area. Lovely winter and spring mountain views. Just 35 minutes to Charlottesville. $299,000

3308 Beech Grove Road

Nellysford, Virginia • (800) 361-5155 • (434) 361-2440 • www.MountainAreaRealty.com MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 27

28 NELSON COUNTY LIFE FEBRUARY 2009

mike makes maps STORY by JENNIE TAL PHOTOGRAPHY by YVETTE STAFFORD

Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go. Or was it through the woods and then over the river? Oh, dear. If only you’d remembered your map. Or at least your land patent… “You know, anybody can get lost in the woods,” said Mike Crabill, self-proclaimed map nut. Mike, who makes maps by hand for Old Dominion Map Company, spent nine years studying and mapping each and every nook and cranny of Nelson County and if he can get lost in the woods in Nelson County, anyone can get lost in the woods in Nelson County. If using the term loosely, Mike is technically a cartographer, but he thinks of his maps differently than those done by professionals who rely on computers. “Honestly, when you do these things by hand, they don’t have the finished appearance that you see on professionally done maps,” he said, describing the maps most people are used to seeing. “They’re usually engraved and you have real fine lines and that sort of thing.” “And this,” he continued, now gesturing to one of his own creations, “This is pretty crude, but I kind of like it that way. I was kind of hoping for sort of a folk art feel to it.”

continued on page 31

FEBRUARY 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 29

STORY by JENNIE TAL PHOTOGRAPHY by YVETTE STAFFORD

it starts with paper and pen ...

This is where a legal pad comes in handy. Mike Crabill creates a list of land grants from information gathered from county abstracts stored at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. Since many of the parcels are bordered by natural boundaries such as creeks, he makes a list of those as well. Using a magnifying class to read the handwritten property records, Mike begins to assemble a collection of parcels he draws to scale on grid paper. He then arranges the slips of grid paper over top a map of the county, assembling them like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. Puzzles like these take years to complete. Mapping Nelson County took Mike nine years to finish; heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently working on a map of neighboring Amherst County. For more information on Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maps, call 434-263-4193, or email acmccampbell@gmail.com, and ask for Ashley.

30 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

continued from page 29

When he started in 1994, Google Earth didn’t exist, and he couldn’t just log onto a computer from his living room to pull up documents. No, Mike spent years and years driving back and forth between his Lovingston home and the Library of Virginia located in Richmond. Once there, he’d pour over county abstracts for Goochland County, a once-huge county that encompassed much of the area including present-day Nelson. Then he identified parts of contemporary Nelson County creek by creek. Once he found a parcel he recognized, he pulled out a land patent to determine the man-made borders. “And the patent itself will have a description like, ‘Beginning at an oak tree and going North 45

East 500 poles to a cherry stump,’ or something like that,” Mike explained. Obviously, the tedious task is probably not for beginning cartographers. “It’s supposed to come back to the same point again,” he said. “Sometimes they came pretty close.” At first, Mike was overwhelmed by the surveys he was learning to read, some of them nearly 300 years old, but he came to find that most of the surveying was done very well. “I was very pleasantly surprised that most of them were pretty good, considering their age,” he said. “They, for the most part, fit together.” And, amazingly enough, Mike said that the maps he makes from information circa the 1700s are still

very similar to the way land is parceled out today. If a modern topographical map were laid out atop of the maps made by Mike, he said some of the man-made lines are almost as concrete as the divide created by the Piney River. Mike said he uses his map making to distract himself from his “Honey Do” list, but ironically enough it was that very same “honey” who got him interested in the history of the county in the first place. When they moved to Nelson years ago, Mike’s wife was the one interested in antiques. Now they live in a historic house in downtown Lovingston where he’s working on a map of Amherst County. So much for the Honey Do list. NCL

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 31

sam’sgarden By Sam Saunders Saunders Landscapes, LLC Double Digging Each year I visit a lot of jobs to bid on for work for Saunders Landscapes. Job after job, more times than not, gives me the same reaction – why do people spend tons of money on a design and installation from a landscape company, or on plants that you plan on installing yourself, and just dig a hole and plop them in the ground ‘green-side up’? I urge spending the extra dollars on soil prep because although plants are opportunistic and, believe it or not, really do want to grow – they need the right adjacent soil to encourage them to stretch out and thrive. So hold that shovel and call back your landscape company because here is my ‘quick and dirty’ on soil preparation (excuse the pun). One of the reasons that people consider us for their design (I hope) is a process we call double digging. It is a pain-staking process that involves one of two things – either digging, 8-10 inches deep, the entire area with a shovel and turning the dirt completely over (if it is good soil) or doing the same and completely removing that soil from

the site (if it is considered by us as bad). Around the majority of the homes where we work the former is typically true, but around some of the newer homes, in areas where the contractor backfilled with really mucky clay, the latter, unfortunately, is the only true answer. That soil can be used against retaining walls or in areas that you just want to fill in and later plant back with grass, but it really does not add anything but problems to a landscape bed. The best way to know which one you have is to stick a shovel in the bed during a modestly dry spell, turn over the soil and examine the layer that you just dug out. If it has a foul smell like a leak in your septic system and holds together very tightly even as you cut it up with your shovel, the best spot for this soil is anywhere but your landscape bed. Once the area is double dug or completely removed, add in highend topsoil, either 3-4 inches or 6-8 inches respectively and till in a deeptine roto-tiller. It is imperative that the soil that you back fill with be true topsoil and not just screened sub-soil. Topsoil is generally dark brown to black in color and, when moist, holds

moneywise

together slightly but still wants to crumble. Sub-soil, on the other hand, is typically clay red to really light tan in color and, when moist, becomes slick and wants to stick together like a wad of gum. The next layer that you will add is pure gravy to the plant. The best recipe is to add 2 inches of compost, around 2 inches of peat moss, a ‘sprinkling’ of garden gypsum and a thin layer of an organic, composted fertilizer like chicken litter. The ratio

for these is typically 4:4:2:1, respectively. Once all of these are added to your soil, again use a deep-tine roto-tiller and thoroughly blend all of these ingredients with the bottom layer of topsoil and existing topsoil (if you were able to keep it). The end result is 8-12 inches of the best foundation for any landscape job and the peace of mind that your landscape investment has been set up to thrive. Until our next article, Happy Gardening!

From Seed to Stone

Original & Creative Landscape Design – 17 Yrs. Experience

Design & Installation • Natural Stonework • Retaining Walls Water Features • Walkways & Patios • Outdoor Fireplaces Renovation & Installation • Tree Pruning & Removal • Naturalizing • Structures View our original designs: www.saunderslandscapes.com • Wholesale Nursery on Site • 434-263-6642 Licensed & Insured

“Rules for the Road” for Investors

By Michael Manthey Edwards Jones Investments

As an investor, you may sometime wonder what on earth is going on in the financial world. One day, the stock market is down 200 points; the next day it’s up 300. One day, a scandal rocks a company; the next day, another firm declares a poor earnings report. Isn’t there any completely smooth route for you to follow as you pursue a comfortable retirement and other key objectives? Actually, there isn’t. But you can help smooth out your journey by following a few basic ``rules of the road.’’ Here are a few to consider: · Create a plan - You can waste a lot of time, effort and money through haphazard investing. That’s why you need to create a plan that defines your longterm goals and establishes a strategy to achieve them, taking into account your individual tolerance for risk and your time horizon. Take action - The best plan in the world is useless unless it’s implemented. Once you’ve set a course of action for yourself, follow through on it. Don’t wait for the “time to be right” before you invest - because you can

32 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

always find excuses to delay. The best time to get started is right now. Stay invested - When the market is “hot,” it’s easy to for people to keep on investing. After all, everyone else is doing it, with apparent good results. But it takes far more courage to continue investing during a long bear market, when so many people head to the “sidelines.” And yet, it’s essential that you do stay invested, through good times and bad. Ultimately, the longterm performance of the investments you have chosen will have far more impact on your portfolio’s success than the daily price fluctuations that are an inevitable part of investing. Look for quality - Persistence in investing, by itself, isn’t enough to help you reach your long-term goals. You also need to be investing in quality. Look for the stocks of those companies that have solid track records, strong management teams, competitive products and well-defined business plans. Of course, you’ll experience ups and downs even in quality stocks - but if you hold them over time, you’ll greatly

increase your prospects for success. Diversify your holdings - During any given market environment, some investments will be doing well, while others will not. You could try to pick the winners, but that’s almost impossible to do with any degree of consistency. You’ll be much better off by diversifying your dollars among a wide range of high-quality stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities and other vehicles. By staying diversified, you’ll help cushion yourself against downturns affecting just one type of investment - and you’ll multiply your opportunities of benefiting from assets that are performing well. As you can see, there’s nothing magic, or even terribly complex, about any of these “rules for the road.” However, to follow these guidelines, you’ll need patience and perseverance. If you’ve got these traits, then you’re well prepared for a fulfilling investment journey. Michael Manthey is a financial advisor servicing Nelson and Albemarle County and lives with his family in Nellysford. Have a question for him? Email him at moneywise@nelsoncountylife.com. This column is provided as a service to readers of Nelson County Life Magazine. Readers should consult their financial advisor for advice.

434-823-1062

asktheDr. By Dr. Charles Cole Afton Family Medicine Dear Dr. Cole, I am about to turn 65. What is the Welcome to Medicare physical exam I have heard about? Congratulations on your upcoming birthday! There is sometimes confusion about the Welcome to Medicare evaluation and what it covers. This evaluation is being offered to Medicare Part B recipients in their first 12 months of Medicare eligibility. This year the Medicare deductible is waived for this evaluation. As always, there are some exceptions to this and you should check with Medicare or your physician about this. Although it is often referred to as a physical exam, a complete physical exam is not a part of this! It is designed as a visit that allows you to get up to date on certain screenings and vaccinations, and to talk with your doctor about your medical history and about staying healthy. The evaluation includes a review of your medical and social histories. Attention is given to modifiable risk factors for disease, such as smoking. Risk factors for depression and your functional ability and safety

issues are evaluated. Vital signs, visual acuity and body mass index are checked. A new requirement this year is a discussion of end of life planning, including advanced directives. Additional tests may be ordered if indicated. A written plan on obtaining appropriate screening tests is provided to you at the end of the evaluation. Previously an EKG was required, but is no longer part of the evaluation. Laboratory tests are not covered as a part of this evaluation, although may be ordered separately. When you call to schedule this appointment be sure to state that you want a Welcome to Medicare evaluation. Bring any medical records or immunization records with you. Learn as much as you can about your family history so that this information can be reviewed. Also bring all of your medications with you.

Another reason why people trust Afton Family Medicine.

Dr. Charles Cole is a licensed medical doctor based in Afton. Have a question for him? Email him at AskTheDr@nelsoncountylife. com. Sorry, due to the high volume of messages received, personal replies may not be possible. The Editor reserves the right to edit questions for content, accuracy, and length. This column is provided as a service to readers of Nelson County Life Magazine and is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. If you have a question about your personal health, please consult your doctor.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-5pm. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (540)-456-6710 7849 Rockfish Valley Hwy (SR 151), Afton, VA • www.marthajefferson.org

theperfectfit By Agnes F. Schrider, PT Nelson Physical Therapy

Repetitive Back Injuries Most of us have hurt our back at one time or another. As the temperatures rise and the urge to get outside and work the soil lures us to the yard, the rise in low back injuries also increase. We get excited about different projects and usually keep working until the project is complete or the sun has set. Sometimes after such endeavors, we can’t get out of bed the next day. In our lifetime, it is rarely one event of back pain that brings us to the doctor. In fact, most people’s first few bouts of back pain go away on their own with rest and some over the counter medication. It is the accumulated incidents of back pain over a lifetime, no matter how small, that can take its toll on the spine and create intense pain. It is the number of times our spine twists, (raking, weed whacking, unloading mulch), bends over (digging, hoeing, using a pick ax), receiving loads for prolong periods (using a tiller, riding lawnmower) and absorbing compression from car-

rying loads that create microtraumas in the spine and disc. As with most of body, there is also a normal aging process that occurs too and that can prolong healing. It would be awful and impossible to stop enjoying the outdoors altogether in our beautiful county so here are some pointers for prevention of back pain: Keep your feet and hips and shoulders moving in the same direction to avoid twisting Take a rest before you need to Change positions frequently (i.e., avoid staying in a bent over or squatted position for too long) Drink water often Keep items close to your body when lifting. There is a lot more to caring for your back but if we practice a few things it can make a huge difference! Most importantly, if the pain persists for more than two weeks, consult your health care provider. Grab a hoe and go!

Dr. Charles Cole

NELSON PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS CENTER

Rehab Fitness Yoga Meditation Massage NIA Personal Training Golf Fitness Training

1543 Beech Grove Rd. Roseland, VA 434.361.2650

Annual Back Care and Gardening Workshop Learn to:

•Avoid Repetitive Stress Injuries • Proper Lifting and hauling techniques • Strategies for yard to avoid injury • Basic spine anatomy Bring you favorite garden tool! Date: March 17, 2009 Location: Nelson Physical Therapy and Wellness Center Time: 4:30pm Investment: $15 Please call 434. 361. 2650 to register and protect your back!

Agnes F. Schrider, PT is a licensed physical therapist, fitness trainer, and certified golf fitness trainer based in Nellysford. Have a question for her? Email her at ThePerfectFit@nelsoncountylife.com. Sorry, due to the high volume of messages received, personal replies may not be possible. The Editor reserves the right to edit questions for content, accuracy, and length. This column is provided as a service to readers of Nelson County Life Magazine and is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed professional. If you have a question about your personal health, please consult a health professional.

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 33

spirit of Red, White &Brew

Locally crafted wine, beer and spirits from Nelson County. Afton Mountain Vineyards www.aftonmountainvineyards.com 540-456-8667 I-64 to Exit 99, take Route 250 East (1.3 miles) Right onto Route 6. Right on Route 631 (1.2 miles) Blue Mountain Brewery www.bluemountainbrewery.com 540-456-8020 I-64 to Exit 107, take Route 250 West (6 miles) Left onto Route 151 South (1.3 miles) Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery www.cardinalpointwinery.com 540-456-8400 I-64 to Exit 107, take Route 250 West (6 miles) Left onto Route 151 South (2.4 miles) Left on Route 638 - Avon Road (0.9 miles) Left on Batesville Road (0.7 miles) DelFosse Vineyards & Winery www.delfossewine.com 434-263-6100 I-64 to Exit 118A, take Route 29 South (20 miles) Right onto Route 616 (3.2 miles) Devils Backbone Brewing Company www.dbbrewingcompany.com 434-361-1001 I-64 to Exit 107, take Route 250 West (6 miles) Left onto Route 151 South (14 miles) Right onto Route 664 (0.3 miles)

Eades Whisky – Open in 2009 www.eadeswhisky.com 800-282-8223 I-64 to Exit 118A. Route 29 South (32 miles) Left onto Route 641 Flying Fox Vineyard www.flyingfoxvineyard.com 434-361-1692 I-64 to Exit 107, take Route 250 West (6 miles) Left onto Route 151 (7 miles) Right onto Chapel Hollow Road - Route 709 Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery www.hilltopberrywine.com 434-361-1266 I-64 to Exit 107, take Route 250 West (6 miles) Left onto Route 151 South (10 miles) Left onto Route 612 (3 miles) Lovingston Winery www.lovingstonwinery.com 434-263-8467 I-64 to Exit 118A, take Route 29 South (35 miles) Right onto Route 653 - Freshwater Cove Road (1 mile) Mountain Cove Vineyards www.mountaincovevineyards.com 434-263-5392 I-64 to Exit 118A, take Route 29 South (28 miles) Right onto Route 718 - Mountain Cove Road (1.5 miles) Right onto Fortunes Cove Lane (1.8 miles) Veritas Vineyard & Winery www.veritaswines.com 540-456-8000 I-64 to Exit 107, take Route 250 West (6 miles) Left onto Route 151 South (3 miles) Right onto Route 6 (1.3 miles) Wintergreen Winery www.wintergreenwinery.com 434-361-2519 I-64 to Exit 107, take Route 250 West (6 miles) Left onto Route 151 South (14 miles) Right onto Route 664 (0.5 miles) COMING SOON: Democracy Winery Nelson County Visitors Center nelsoncounty.com

800.282.8223

Nelson County

leisureguide

food&dining Ambrosia Bakery & Deli Decadent cheesecake and other desserts, as well as tasty sandwiches. 2192 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 434.361.9661 Basic Necessities Serving up a taste of the South of France for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Great wine selection. 2226 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 434.361.1766 Blue Ridge Pig Strawberry’s famous hickory-smoked BBQ. 2198 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 434.361.1170 Chen’s Chinese take-out. 73 Calohill Dr., Lovingston, VA 434.263.8865 Chirios Pizza Pizza and subs. Take out or delivered. Valley Shopping Center 2777 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 434.361.9188 Copper Mine An All American Prime Beef Steakhouse with casual but elegant dining. Featuring fresh seafood and organic poultry as well. Dinner reservations are required. Wintergreen Resort 434.325.8090 D’Ambola’s The place to go for a great Italian meal. 9278 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Afton, VA 540.456.4556 Devils Grill The highest restaurant in Virginia with spectacular views of our Devils Knob golf course Dine on our patio for lunch or dinner. Distinctive American cuisine with a Southern flare. Dinner reservations are required. Wintergreen Resort 434.325.8100 The Dogwood Steaks, seafood and country cuisine. Lunch, breakfast and dinner. 2461 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford, VA 434.361.1700 The Edge Casual dining with a view of the slopes. Seasonal live entertainment. Wintergreen Resort 434.325.8080 The Fountain Room at The Mark Addy Inn Offering the finest in international cuisine in an elegant setting. 56 Rodes Farm Dr., Nellysford, VA 434.361.1101 Lovingston Cafe Lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Breakfast Friday through Monday. 165 Front Street, Lovingston, VA 434.263.8000 Rapunzel’s Coffee and Books Full espresso bar and used bookstore, live music every Friday and Saturday. 924 Front Street (in the Packing Shed), Lovingston, VA 434.263.6660 Stoney Creek Bar & Grill Located in the valley at the Stoney Creek Golf course. Serving

34 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

casual lunch, Sunday brunch and dinner. Seasonal live entertainment on our deck. Reservations please for brunch and dinner. Wintergreen Resort 434.325.8110 Thai Mex II Wonderful Thai and Mexican cuisine to keep dining interesting and fun. Sophisticated but not stuffy. Open 8:30am to 10:30pm 7 days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Valley Green Shopping Center, Nellysford, VA 434.361.1400 Thai Siam Take-Out Authentic Thai food, antique shop next door. 4137 Tye Brook Highway (Rt. 56), Colleen, VA 434.263.8577 Vito’s Italian Restaurant Specializing in pizza and Italian dishes. 8181 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Lovingston, VA 434.263.8688 Vito’s Ristorante Italiano & Pizzeria Specializing in pizza and Italian dishes. 2842 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 434.361.9170

shuteye Acorn Inn Bed & Breakfast 2256 Adial Rd, Faber, VA 434.361.9357 Afton House Bed & Breakfast and Cottages 31 Afton Lane, Route 6 East, Afton, VA 540.456.6759 Afton Mountain Bed & Breakfast 10273 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Afton, VA 540.456.6844 Camp Blue Ridge Montebello, VA 540.377.2413 Cox’s Creek Cottage 296 C & C Lane, Roseland, VA 434.277.5566 Dutch Haus Bed & Breakfast 655 Fork Mountain Lane, Montebello, VA 540.377.2119 Fallen Oak Bed & Breakfast 353 Mimosa Lane, Faber, VA 434.361.1011 Harmony Hill Bed & Breakfast 929 Wilson Hill Rd (Route 665), Arrington, VA 877.263.7750 Horseshoe Mountain Lodge Roseland, VA 434.361.2525 The Mark Addy 56 Rodes Farm Drive, Nellysford, VA 434.361.1101 The Meander Inn 3100 Berry Hill Road, Nellysford, VA 434.361.1121 The Meeting Place 825 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Wintergreen, VA 434.361.2380 Montebello Camping & Fishing Resort 15072 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Montebello, VA 540.377.2650

Nelson County

leisureguide

North Fork Cottages 697 North Fork Road, Tyro, VA 540.377.2007

Mountain Cove Vineyards 1362 Fortunes Cove Lane, Lovingston, VA 434.263.5392

The Orchard House Bed & Breakfast 9749 Thomas Nelson Hwy (Rt. 29), Lovingston, VA 434.263.7747

Veritas Vineyards & Winery 145 Saddleback Farm, Afton, VA 540.456.8000

Walton’s Mountain B&B 6401 Rockfish River Rd, Schuyler, VA 434.831.1384

Wintergreen Vineyard & Winery 426 Winery Lane, Nellysford, VA 434.361.2519

Resort Reservations & Country Cottages Rural getaways, Wintergreen condos and homes available. Afton, VA 540.456.8300 Royal Oaks Cabins in the Mountains 45 Royal Oaks Lane, Love, VA 800.410.0627 Sarah’s Mountain Retreat Cabin 406 Fish Hatchery Lane, Montebello, VA 540.377.6458 Shadow Mountain Rentals 15644 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Montebello, VA 757.424.2884 Simpson’s Hollow Bed & Breakfast 580 Simpsons Lane, Lovingston, VA 434.263.6380 The White Pig Bed & Breakfast 5120 Irish Road, Schuyler, VA 434.831.1416 Tye River Cabin 6011 Crabtree Falls Highway, Tyro, VA 434.238.2430 Wintergreen Resort Wintergreen, VA 800.266.2444

beercountry Blue Mountain Brewery 9519 Critzers Shop Rd. (Rt. 151), Afton, VA 540.456.8020 Devils Backbone Brewing Company 200 Mosbys Run, Roseland, VA 434.361.1001

winecountry

gifts&antiques Afton House Antiques 31 Afton House Lane, Afton, VA 540.942.2993 a.m. FOG 9264 Critzer Shop Road, Afton, VA 540.456.7100 Black Rock Gallery The Mountain Inn, Wintergreen, VA 434.325.2200 x.8228 Blossom’s Flowers, Gifts & Crafts 911 Front Street, Lovingston, VA 434.263.8227 Blue Moon Antique Mall & Bookstore 8230 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Lovingston, VA 434.263.8890 Cat Rock Antiques 9704 Patrick Henry Hwy (Rt. 151), Roseland, VA 434.277.8049 Claudia’s Florist & Gifts 121 Main Street, Lovingston, VA 434.263.5848 Kelly’s 5060 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Faber, VA 434.361.1169 Foxfire Gifts 954 Beech Grove Road, Nellysford, VA 434.361.2202 Garden Trade 71 River Road (Rt. 6), Faber, VA 434.263.8786 Hughes Mews Antiques 2471 Rockfish Valley Hwy (Rt. 151), Nellysford, VA 540.456.7237

Afton Mountain Vineyards 234 Vineyard Lane, Afton, VA 540.456.8667

Lovingston Arts & Crafts 924 Front St. (In “The Packing Shed”), Lovingston, VA 434.996.5058

Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery 9423 Batesville Rd, Afton, VA 540.456.8400

Logos of Wintergreen Mountain Inn Lodge, Wintergreen, VA 434.325.1125

DelFosse Vineyards & Winery 500 DelFosse Winery Lane, Faber, VA 434.263.6100

Lovingston Antiques 924 Front St. (In “The Packing Shed”), Lovingston, VA 434.263.6660

Flying Fox Vineyard 27 Chapel Hollow Rd, Afton, VA 434.361.1692

Mountain Vision Pottery 2019 Beech Grove Road, Roseland, VA 434.361.1725

Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery 2800 Berry Hill Road, Nellysford, VA 434.361.1266

Notforgotten Farm 3530 Tye River Road, Tye River, VA 434.263.6508

Lovingston Winery 885 Freshwater Cove Lane, Lovingston, VA 434.263.8467

Rockfish Gap Country Store Intersection of Routes 250 and 151, Afton, VA 540.456.6112 SPCA Thrift Store

HAMNER THEATER

www.thehamnertheater.com • 434.361.1999

Onstage March 25 - April 4 Quartet, by Richard Washer All tickets $10 Sunday, March 15 at 2pm - Special Family Event - Kim & Jimbo Cary Storytelling and music for kids of all ages from renowned Nelson County residents Tickets $10, $5, seniors & under-10s In the Cabaret - Saturday, March 21 at 7:30pm Cleek and Graham with Good Foot Dance Company A night of music and dance from Ireland and North America Tickets $20, or 2 for $35, includes food (reservations required) Also coming up in March: Friday Night is Movie Night VPI Readings in March - Thursdays at 7pm March 6 - Chick Flick Night Free! Check website for details. March 20 - Family Movie Night Donation $3 (includes popcorn) Saturday, March 7 at 7:30pm An Evening of Improv with HIT. Donation $3 Every Monday is Improv Night at the Hamner - FREE!

Call 434-361-1999 for reservations & info

The Hamner Theater @ The Rockfish Valley Community Center 190 Rockfish School Lane, Afton, Virginia • www.thehamnertheater.com The Hamner Theater is a non-profit 501(c)(3) project of the Rockfish Valley Community Center in Nelson County.

4791 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Arrington, VA 434.263.8788 Tuckahoe Antique Mall 4202 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 434.361.2121 Valley Green Gallery Valley Green Center (Rt. 151), Nellysford, VA 434.361.9316

orchardcountry a.m.FOG 9264 Critzer’s Shop Road, Afton, VA 540.456.7100

Our dining room is now smoke free.

Fresh Seafood Char-broiled Steaks Specialty Sandwiches Fresh Salads Daily Specials

Critzer Family Farm 9388 Critzer Shop Road (Rt. 151), Afton, VA 540.456.4772 Dickie Brothers Orchard 2552 Dickie Road ,Rt. 666, off 56 West, Massies Mill, VA 434.277.5516 Drumheller’s Orchard 1130 Drumheller Orchard Lane, (Rt. 741, off Hwy. 29) 434.263.5036 Fitzgerald’s Orchard 728 Harper’s Creek Lane,(Rt. 682, off Rt. 56), Tyro, VA 434.277.5798 Flippin-Seaman, Inc. – Seaman & Silver Creek Orchards 5529 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Tyro, VA 434.277.5824 Saunders Brothers Orchard 2717 Tye Brook Hwy (Rt. 56), Piney River, VA 434.277.5455 The Apple Shed 14815 Thomas Nelson Hwy (Hwy 29), Lovingston, VA 434.263.8843

Lunch 10:30 - 4:00 Dinner 4:00 - 9:00 Open 7 Days a Week

165 Front Street Lovingston, Virginia 434-263-8000

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 35

Nelson County

datebook

sunday march 1 Live Music @ Devils Backbone Brewing Company Come have a wintery warm beverage while relaxing to the acoustic folk & rock sounds of Gary Randal on Sunday, March 1st, 2-5pm at DBBC. 4 4- 61-1001

monday march 2 Classes for Kids & Adults - Improv Mondays Every Monday is Improv Night at the Hamner with HIT (Hamner Improv Troupe). This mixed group of old hands and neophytes, under the able tutelage of Mary Coy, is meeting every Monday at 6pm sharp. Also meeting every Monday at 5pm: hit - Open to ages 8 years and up, hitters will meet Mondays from 5pm - 6pm with Mary Coy, and then spend an additional 20 - 30 minutes working with HIT. This program is free of charge and is intended for everyone with an interest in Improv. 4 4- 61-1999

logo pint glass it comes in. Very exciting! 40-4 6- 0 0

saturday march 7 First Saturday Community Market Fresh local produce, meats, cheese, eggs, baked goods, art & crafts, Live music by Red Drum Ramblers, and pancake breakfast. 9am to noon. Rockfish Valley Community Center in Afton. 4 4- 61-17 Wintergreen Winery Wine & Cheese Pairing Guests will be presented with a guided informative tasting of each of the winery’s selected wines paired with domestic and imported artisan cheeses. The evening will be hosted and presented by owners/vintners Jeff and Tamara Stone. Limited space is available for this popular after hours event and reservations are necessary. Fee includes a souvenir wine glass and generous wine and cheese sampling of ten hand crafted wines paired with over a dozen different cheeses. $ 4 4- 61- 19

sunday wednesday march 8 march 4 Home school class: Alternative jewelry Make your own jewelry using unusual objects and recycled materials. Ages 10 and up. 10AM-1 PM Bring a pack lunch or snack. Rockfish Valley Community Center $ 4 4- 6 - 1

thursday march 5 Steal The Glass Day Steal The Glass Day at Blue Mountain Brewery. Every First Thursday of the Month buy a pint and keep the

Live Music @ Blue Mountain Brewery Join Bayou Faux Pas for some authentic Cajun twosteps at Blue Mountain Brewery. 2:30pm - 5pm. 40-4 6- 0 0

saturday march 14 Denim & Diamonds The 2nd Annual March Madness Event to benefit the American Cancer Society. Throw on your best blue jeans, join your friends and neighbors for an evening of Dinner, Dancing, and Casino Gamin! The Carriage House at Oak Ridge. 6pm to midnight. $ 4 4- 6 - 676

Saturday, March 7

music: 3-7 / Red Drum Ramblers ~ 4-4 / Kim & Jimbo ALSO: Treasure Chest Bag Day

$7 per bag of adult clothes / Open from 9 am to 2 pm RVCC is on Rockfish School Lane, West off Rt. 151, between Nellysford & Afton ~ 434.361.0100

6 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 009

sat-sun march 14-15 St. Patrick’s Day Open House at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery Join the Allen Sisters for a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Food paired with Mead enjoyed by the Irish for centuries. 11- 5 pm; Sunday 1 -5 pm 4 4- 61-1 66

sunday march 15

Scrap booking social Bring your own supplies, a snack or drink to share. Share ideas and stories with other scrap bookers in your community. All ages. 6-9 PM Rockfish Valley Community Center 4 4- 6 - 1 Local Foods Potluck Bring an instrument! Come meet your neighbors and help build community. Share ideas. Laugh. Build memories. Volunteers needed for set-up and cleanup. Rockfish Valley Community Center. 5pm. 4 4- 61- 1 6

Ring making using wire Use copper and silver wire to create rings. Ages teen and up. 3-5 PM Rockfish Valley Community Center $ 4 4- 6 - 1

In the Cabaret: Cleek and Graham with Good Foot Dance Company A night of music and dance from Ireland and North America. Show 7:30 pm, Doors/Bar 6:30 pm. The Hamner Theater. $ 4 4- 61-1999

Special Family Event - Kim & Jimbo Cary Storytelling and music for kids of all ages from renowned Nelson County residents. The Hamner Theater. 2pm. $ 4 4- 61-1999

sunday march 22

saturday march 21

BIG READ Lecture In THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD by Zora Neale Hurston, Janie & TeaCake were caught up in the deadly Sept. 1928 Okeechobee hurricane. At Nelson Memorial Library listen to local author Stefan Bechtel read from his book “Roar Of The Heavens: Surviving Hurricane Camille” to learn how Nelson County residents fared during this devastating 1969 hurricane. -2:00 pm 4 4- 6 - 904

March on Nelson Help keep Nelson beautiful by joining the annual litter clean-up! Registration is 9 a.m. at Lovingston Cafe parking lot. Volunteers will collect litter along Route 56 until noon. Rain date is March 28 4 4- 6 -709 Oakland-Nelson County Museum of History Hurricane Camille – Photos and Photographers. 1:30pm. 4 4- 6 - 400

Paper bead workshop Make your own paper beads using a technique that is 100 years old. Ages teen and up. 3-5 PM Rockfish Valley Community Center $ 4 4- 6 - 1

Want to be included in our datebook? Visit NelsonCountyLife.com and click on “Submit an Event.” We’ll try to publish as many events as possible, space permitting. Deadline for next month’s issue is the 15th. Sorry neighbors, event MUST be in Nelson County or benefit an organization in Nelson County to be included in the print edition. Events in area counties can be included online, however.

DON’T MISS THE NEW VENUE

Spring Garden Par ty

NEW MOTIF

Featuring an Arcade of Garden Shops, Arts, Crafts & Antiques, Live and Silent Auctions, Light Picnic Fare & Desserts, Local Wines & Beers, Musical Entertainment.

6:30 - 9:30 pm, April 17, 2009 at Wintergreen Winery Sponsored by Blue Ridge Medical Center; proceeds benefit the Rural Health Outreach Program

givingback

jeremiah’s beads STORY by ELIZABETH FERRALL -

Jeremiah Goska is an active young man. He is twelve, and has had his own small business for three years now, making beaded items; key chains, bracelets, earrings and back pack charms, and selling them. Jeremiah’s Beads has recently upgraded from plastic beads to glass, he had an order on the counter the day I visited, waiting to go out in the mail. He created his own business card. “He is a walking vendor” said his mother Wendy. “He likes to talk to people.” He shows his creations wherever he goes, but he particularly enjoys going to Rapunzel’s Coffee and Books, in Lovingston, and selling them there. Jeremiah started beading as rehabilitation for his right side. His beads are separated in containers labeled in Braille, because Jeremiah is blind. Born with a genetic anomaly, Jeremiah began battling a brain tumor in 2001. “The main thing is life and more living,” says Wendy. His mother helps him choose bead colors, but most often he just wants to choose by himself. Jeremiah and Wendy are very close, and you can tell that they enjoy one another’s company a lot. Wendy said that it was all the time spent driving to doctor’s offices, and treatments that gave them this bond. Their newest venture began late last year, when they got in touch with the Joni and Friends Wheels for the World organization. “It is

important to reach out.” said Wendy. “Jeremiah has been through this, with cancer. It is another phase for us.” The WFTW website says that “The World Health Organization estimates that there is a need for 20-30 million wheelchairs around the world... By the end of 2008, Wheels for the World plans to have cumulatively distributed 52,342 wheelchairs to 102 countries.” The Goskas have begun to collect rehabilitation equipment; wheel chairs, crutches, canes, therapy aids, and exercise equipment. They then connect with regional coordinators in Appomattox, who send the collected items to a prison in North Carolina. There the equipment is mended and cleaned, and then sent out of the country. Last year a shipment from this area went to Peru. People there carried friends and family members to the distribution site, in hopes of getting a piece of equipment that would change their lives. “It gives me a chance to do something,” Jeremiah said. “Jeremiah is great on the phone, he gets things done that way” Wendy tells me. Jeremiah does not currently use a wheelchair, but has received his own set of wheels from another source, the Lance Armstrong Foundation. They sent the family a tandem bike when Wendy got in touch with them about Jeremiah a few years ago. NCL

If you have rehabilitation equipment to donate, the Goskas would be glad to add them to the collection going abroad with the Wheels for the World organization. Call Jeremiah at 263-5836.

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 37

woody’swords

Harry Harris, the first African-American to serve on the Nelson County School Board and be elected to the Board of Supervisors, standing in front of the now-abandoned Ryan Hall, once known as the Shipman Colored School.

Harry Harris’

“We Shall Overcome” moment

STORY by WOODY GREENBERG PHOTOGRAPHY by BEN HERNANDEZ

If Barack Obama made history by becoming President of the U.S., it’s fair to say his road to the White House was paved by other African-Americans who served with distinction in public office - Doug Wilder, Tom Bradley, Colin Powell, Andrew Young and many others. Count Harry Harris of Arrington as one of them. The first African-American to serve on the Nelson County School Board and, later, the Board of Supervisors, attended Ryan Hall, a segregated elementary school once known as the Shipman Colored School. He graduated from the nearby Nelson County Training School, the first accredited high school for blacks in the county, built during World War II, and later known as Ryan Primary School. Harry Harris was born in Elma in 1940. Back then, although blacks made up 25 percent of the county’s population, their schools were valued at about 10 percent of the value of white schools. There were $9,000 worth of school buses for white children, only $1,000 for black children. White schools had 4,352 books in their libraries. Black schools had only 762. At the secondary level, the cost of educating a pupil was $43.05 for whites, $22.36 for blacks. The disparity had been worse for his parents, Zell and Sam Harris. But there is not a trace of bitterness in Harry Harris’s recollections of his schooling. The teachers in those segregated schools “prepared us as well as they could,” he says, allowing that teachers today meet higher standards. His mother had taught him how to read even before he started school, and he was skipped a grade in primary school. “She was really strict with us, about getting

38 NELSON COUNTY LIFE MARCH 2009

our work done.” Perhaps because of his mother’s example he fully agrees with entertainer Bill Cosby’s and President Obama’s sentiments about parental responsibility. He believes in “taking responsibility for things – and not just parenting. You can’t just blame somebody else.” That philosophy eventually led him to public service. After graduating the Training School he did custodial work at the University of Virginia Hospital, then moved to New Jersey for a few years, working in a hospital and for an automobile wash and wax business. He joined the Army in 1961 and served in the infantry until 1964. He came back to Nelson and, after running a dump truck business, found a job at Babcock and Wilcox in Lynchburg where he started in ultrasonic testing of nuclear reactor components and, after several promotions, became a senior production planner and scheduler and manager of the expediting crew. He also took courses at Central Virginia Community College. By that time he had married Margaret Washington and had 10 children, and that led him to involvement in school activities. He became president of the PTA at the now integrated Ryan Primary School. He also was active in the PTA at Lovingston Elementary School and coached youth football and basketball. Nelson County’s schools had been fully integrated by 1969, but ten years later, some African-Americans were wondering why there were no blacks on the School Board. In those days, school board members were appointed by

a School Board Selection Committee, and in 1979 a delegation of ten black citizens petitioned to have Albert Thompson of Arrington, an African-American lineman at the Central Virginia Electric Cooperative and a member of the NAACP, appointed to the West District position held by Malcolm Giles, a business man. That effort failed, but it prompted the Board of Supervisors to create an at-large position on the School Board and in 1981 Harry Harris was one of two black citizens nominated for the position. The NAACP supported not Harris but William Pergerson of Afton, a counselor at Blue Ridge Community College in Staunton. “The NAACP didn’t think I was black enough,” Harris chuckles, an echo of some black leaders’ complaints about Barack Obama during the early days of the election campaign. Pergerson was largely unknown in the county, and Harris’s community service made him the Selection Committee’s choice, although the black member of that committee, Carrington Morse, voted against him. Harris didn’t view his service on the School Board or the Board of Supervisors through the prism of racial grievances, though, like Obama, he certainly acknowledged them. He pressed the school administration to do a better job of recruiting black teachers and administrators, but he didn’t want his fellow board members to feel he was trying to dictate to them. “I made my feelings known until they eventually fell in line,” he says with a smile. After 12 years on the School Board, Harris was ready to take a break and he retired from that board in 1993. But the call of service followed him. In 1997,

Johnny Ponton resigned from his South District seat on the Board of Supervisors. At Ponton’s urging, Harris allowed himself to be nominated to finish out Ponton’s term. He was appointed by the Circuit Court Judge and a year later won election to the seat in his own right, becoming the first African-American elected official in Nelson County’s history. He was elected over opposition from another black candidate, Curtis Truesdale, with more than 90 percent of the vote. He served on the Board of Supervisors for 10 years. “I thought of myself as a qualified candidate,” he says. “Being black or white didn’t enter into my mind.” During his tenure on both boards, the county underwent momentous change. Diversity in the school system did eventually increase with the hiring of an African-American superintendent of schools, Elwood Lewis, and other black administrators. The old middle school, built as an all-black high school in the 1950s, was closed and a new middle school was built along side Nelson County High School, which was heavily renovated. Two new elementary schools were built and the county’s budgeting practices changed. Through it all, Harry Harris’s temperament - calm, cool, collected - did not change. He did speak up on issues of minority recruitment as a matter of fairness, but he refused to be a “single-issue” public official, refused to get angry or emotional. Qualities that can be used to describe another African-American public official for whom Harry Harris helped pave the way. NCL

MARCH 2009 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 39

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Shenandoah & Rockﬁsh Valley Views! Wintergreenʼs premier condo bldg w/ mtn & ski slope views; deck, ﬁreplace; upgrades!!! WPI; 1,216 sq ft; 2br/2ba

NEW: 232 Fortunes Ridge Dr; #459438; $427,900

Resort Bungalow with Blue Ridge Mountain views; 1st level master, cedar cathedral ceiling, deck, balcony, fireplace; WPI; 1,784 sq ft; 3br/2ba; .72 ac

EEK

R YC

15 Eagles Ridge Dr; #460948; $244,900

Passive solar home w/ woodstove, garage, sunroom; wooded w/ clearing for gardening; fenced; outbuildings; 1,536 sq ft; 3br/1.5ba; 6.6.ac

S TO

Log cabin w/ mountain views & river frontage; front porch, ﬁre pit, woodstove, hardwood ﬂoors, vaulted ceilings; furnished; 1165 sq ft; 2br/2ba

ILL

M HIP

REDUCED: Fully furnished mountain retreat; renovated w/ woodstove; bold creek, ponds, mtn views; ﬁre pit; near Crabtree Falls; 3br/2ba; 2.25ac

RO TY

Marlo G. Allen, Assoc. Broker 434-996-3525 InsistOnThatGirl.com

NELSON COUNTY LIFE

123 Woodhouse Ln; #459892, $399,900

REDUCED: Privately situated w/ woods, creek & mountain views! Stone fireplace; wood beams; deck; garage; hot tub; rock bridge & retaining walls; WPI; 1,922 sq ft; 3br/2.5ba; 2.89ac

Sara McGann 434-996-4962 DiscoverNelsonCounty.com

Erwin Berry III 434-325-7143 ErwinBerryIIIAdvantage.com

Nelson, a Division of the Fishersville Ofﬁce 434-361-0333 MARCH 2009