FARM-TO-TABLE ON CRENSHAW ROAD

FARM-TO-TABLE ON CRENSHAW ROAD

Deep in the heart of our beloved countryside along historic Crenshaw Road, friends of the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) gathered for a Farm-To-Table Dinner at Spring Hill, hosted by Michela Gorham and family.

Rick Leach, Lena Lundh, and Katherine McLeod on the left, with Cab Grayson and Holli Thompson on the right.

The setting was the former property of Bunny Mellon and the lively happening was produced by gifted planner Montana Lanier Ruffner. There are several ways to get to Spring Hill via Crenshaw Road. From Route 50, head south on Crenshaw. This will take you past Slater Run Vineyards owned by the same family for multiple generations. Their wine was served at the event.

Maria Tousimis and George Grayson.

Slater Run Vineyard is not far away on Crenshaw Road.

Long-time conservationist Hope Porter.

Hope Porter’s daughter, Feroline Higginson, with PEC president Chris Miller.

Marie Ridder with Virginia Senator Tim Kaine.

A 9,600- square foot dreamlike sailcloth tent glowed against the twilight.

Cynthia Darlington and Catherine Adams.

Over two old small bridges, and on the top of the second, there’s a plaque with the names G.H. Gulick, M.D. Neville, F. D. Lemmon and D.D. Crenshaw. Dibrell Duncan Crenshaw, 18681934, is the namesake of this charming dirt road. It was built as a feeder path for cattle raised here for a non-stop route directly to the railroad in Rectortown heading to slaughter.

The PEC evening celebrated the 100th birthdays of two dynamos--Hope Porter and Marie Ridder, who have spent decades saving the countryside. According to Chris Miller, president of the PEC, “These two powerhouses have conserved their own properties and risked resources to protect others.” Both have remained active involving the current concerns about data centers, energy infrastructure, water supply and continue to support “ongoing efforts to accelerate land conservation.”