Blue Ridge Life, Issue #155

FEBRUARY 2018 NO. 155 PRICELESS (FREE!)

ELYSIUM BEES 11

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A HIGHLAND WASSAIL 25

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THE ROCKHOUND FEBRUARY 2018 Blue Ridge LIFE30 1

Quality Builders of the Finest Homes

Building Award-Winning Homes in Central Virginia For the Past 35 Years 434.361.2525 admin@Tectonics2.com Tectonics2.com

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Blue Ridge LIFE

FEBRUARY 2018

Independent dealer of

Nelson County… it’s a lifestyle!

Nelson County

Sto n e y C r e e k

10008 Crabtree Falls Highway More than 500 feet of frontage on South Fork Tye River, fabled trout water, with level area for camping, spring water, and adjoining the National Forest! Once the site of a cabin, there is a septic system remaining (purchaser to verify utility) and bold spring. Near Crabtree Falls, the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway and Wilderness Areas. Short trip to Nelson County’s many attractions including Wintergreen Resort, breweries and wineries. This 6.3-acre property is a perfect basecamp.

Come see a fine outdoor parcel in the prettiest county in Virginia. $97,500

1032 Stoney Creek East This lovely, remodeled 4 BR, 3 BA home sits on a private, extra-large lot in Stoney Creek close to all of the area's amenities and attractions. Enjoy main floor living with beautiful extra living spaces and lots of room! All updated flooring, kitchen, baths, light fixtures, and newly painted throughout make this ready to move in.

Minutes into Nellysford shopping and restaurants as well as breweries, cideries and lots of other services. $349,900

780 Old Stoney Creek Road This 3 BR, 3 BA home is situated on 12 acres with frontage on Stoney Creek and just minutes from Nellysford and Wintergreen. There are several sheds and outbuildings as well as a large fenced yard. Great for a permanent home or a getaway property. $290,000

887 Cedar Meadow Drive Wellmaintained, one-level 3 BR, 2 BA home close to all the resort amenities as well as Nellysford shopping, craft breweries, cideries and restaurants. Spacious great room with vaulted ceilings, soaring windows, and access to rear deck.

Large master suite and a four-season sunroom with seasonal mountain vistas and views of the private backyard.

Sunny garden spot in the backyard is screened from the deck view. $299,000

51 Creekside Loop Located in historic Beech Grove, this charming 3 BR, 1 BA farmhouse (originally a 2 over 2) is just minutes from Wintergreen, local breweries, cideries and Nellysford restaurants and shopping. Many upgrades, including updated electrical, plumbing, 2 new HVAC units, windows and more. Home office, sunroom, hardwood floors, ceramic tile and first-floor master. Over 2,000 square feet of living space and situated on just under an acre with pastoral and mountain views. $149,000

48 Coleman Place Perfect home to live on one level with options for extra wants and needs. Upstairs has a second master suite with bonus room and it is economical with dual-zone heating/ cooling. The basement is open, spacious and ideal for a family, media, or rec room with mini-bar. Recharge on the back deck or screened porch overlooking woods and the nature preserve. Extras include whole-house generator, paved drive, 3-car garage, high ceilings, hardwood floors, granite countertops, and high-speed internet. $489,000

Wi n t e r g r e e n R e s o r t 952 Blue Ridge Drive The many features in this 5 BR, 4 BA home include tile floors throughout with radiant heat, top-tier Brazilian soapstone kitchen countertops and tile backsplash, handsome wood railings, wood ceilings, exotic tile application in baths, and the list goes on.

Relax on the full front and rear porches. The living room with stone fireplace, family room downstairs and loft room offer elbow room for everyone. Only minutes from the Chestnut Springs swimming pool, golf and the resort amenities. This would be a wonderful rental income property. $399,000

403 Devils Knob Loop This well-maintained, one-owner home has 5 BR, 3.5 BA, 2 attached garages and can accommodate large or multiple families. Perched on a wooded parcel for privacy and for seasonal mountain views! Open flow for entertaining and access to decks. Master suite with private bath and jacuzzi tub, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, loft area/office, rec room, beautiful fixtures/finishes to include tile inlays, hot tub and paved drive. Access to golf course and easy stroll to trails. Furnished. $414,900

74 Gray Birch Lane Nestled in a quiet culde-sac on the 7th fairway, this home offers high-quality SIPS construction. The first floor includes a mud room, laundry, a 2-car garage, a dream kitchen with custom cabinets, highend appliances and granite counters, and spacious attached dining room. A large great room opens onto the wrap-around deck. The master also opens onto deck with views of golf course and the bath includes a whirlpool tub. Upstairs are 4 BR, 2 BA and a family room. Fully furnished and well maintained, this is a perfect family home, second home or vacation rental. $439,000

72 Pedlars Edge Drive Spacious 4 BR, 3 BA home with vaulted ceilings, two master BR and huge downstairs rec room. Screened porch. Large deck with seasonal mountain views. Conveniently located near skiing and the Mountain Inn. Gas fireplace in great room and gas pot belly stove in rec room. On-demand propane hot water heater. Stainless steel kitchen appliances. $399,000

(800) 361-5155 • (434) 361-2440 • www.MountainAreaRealty.com

2788 Rockfish Valley Highway • Nellysford, VA 22958

FEBRUARY 2018

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1/23- Nelson County Pantry 1/30- Rockksh River Elementary School PTA 2/6- TBD 2/13- Wintergreen Adaptive Sports 2/20- Blue Ridge Food Bank 2/27- Wintergreen Fire & Rescue proceeds benefit local charities

Starts at 7pm Check our website for future dates

DOUBLE INDIA PALE ALE Here you go hopheads - we brewed this one just for you! 70+ pounds of hops and grilled lemons just for some added kick.

Golden in color with a nice round malt middle, ending with a huge punch of hop bitterness. 95+ IBU

just tapped

1/16- Almost Home Nelson County SPCA

2461 ROCKFISH VALLEY HWY • NELLYSFORD, VA • WILDWOLFBEER .COM 4

Blue Ridge LIFE

FEBRUARY 2018

Building Dreams.

R.M. Gantt Construction goes to great heights to please its clients.

We are a family-owned business helping Central Virginia families build the home of their dreams since 1992.

Custom Homes • Major Additions • Renovations

gantt@centralva.net RMGantt.com

License #32216A

(434) 316.0090 FEBRUARY 2018

Blue Ridge LIFE

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Editors & Publishers Yvette Stafford, Tommy Stafford info@blueridgelife.com

a mom & pop since 2005

Blue Ridge Life magazine (formerly Nelson County Life) is published monthly by The Afton Group, LLC and is distributed free of charge. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.

Advertising deadlines are the 15th of every publishing month. For advertising information, download our ratecard at BlueRidgeLife.com or contact us at info@blueridgelife.com.

Views reflected by our advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or the company.

Blue Ridge Life Magazine, published by The Afton Group, LLC is pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing oppotunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise ‘any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.’ This magazine will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this magazine are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Contributors Marcie Gates marcie@blueridgelife.com Woody Greenberg woody@blueridgelife.com Erin Hughey-Commers erin@blueridgelife.com Rachel Ryan rachel@blueridgelife.com Jennie Tal Williams jennie@blueridgelife.com Victoria Beecher Godfrey victoria@blueridgelife.com Photography Marcie Gates marcie@blueridgelife.com Hayley Osborne hayley@blueridgelife.com Paul Purpura paul@blueridgelife.com Kate Simon Advertising sales@blueridgelife.com Address: The Afton Group, LLC P.O. Box 455, Wintergreen, Virginia 22958 Have a story idea? Email us at info@blueridgelife.com

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Blue Ridge LIFE

FEBRUARY 2018

434.361.0104

february

2018 11 elsyium bees

Feed the bees and the bees will feed you.

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highland wassail Don’t forget to dip your toast in cider.

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rockhound One man’s rubble is another man’s gem.

inside

basic necessities ................. 9 cover story............................11 at home with marlo ......... 23 sam’s garden ..................... 35 ask the dr. ......................... 35 event calendar ................. 36 business directory ............ 37 classifieds .......................... 38 games .................................. 39

on the cover Photo credit: Kate Simon The frigid weather has been hard on the bees. The bees in this hive are lucky to enjoy a slab of Diego DeCorte’s winter candy supplement.

Story on page 11.

from

thepublishers Some women cope with motherhood by stocking up on boots and purses. I enjoy ripping out bathrooms.

Adam the alchemist has a way of transforming toothpaste into the hardest of mortars. In spite of a pretty good dental streak, we find so much leftover toothpaste we wonder if any of it is really making it into his mouth. Much of it ends up on the sink close to the drain, but that’s typical. But some of it has found its way to the ceiling. I’m all for letting a child release his creative energy but not on mommy’s ceiling for crying out loud!

And then there’s the toilet. I’m sure it was the DeLorean of commodes in its day but even though it never gave us any issues, it just looks tired. And I don’t think I need to delve into specifics. We all know what a tired toilet looks like.

Every month after deadline, I find myself being swept away by a rush of euphoria knowing that I have uploaded the issue to the printer on time and that for now, the publication is in good hands.

As I made my daily tidy-up rounds, I noticed the kids’ bathroom to be in particularly bad shape.

So I calmly went to my truck and

returned with a pry bar. Soon after, there was a plumber sprawled out on the bathroom floor and here I was, scoring the putty around the old vanity. No need to scrub the tooth paste mortar from this bowl. I’ll just rip the whole thing out!

Then came the toilet, which took some elbow grease to remove because, well, it was tired. For one afternoon, we were the house with the toilet on the front porch.

I had to pause this project because before I knew it, deadline rolled around again and I am a professional amateur DIYer. But I can tell you right now, as I wrap up the February issue, mommy is dreaming of a beautiful new porcelain goddess to join our family.

Flush!

Yvette and Tommy Stafford

FEBRUARY 2018

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Winter is a Great Time to Tour the Best of Wintegreen

Dima Holmes 434.962.2252 DimaDHolmes@gmail.com

Cozy Condo Near Skiing

A-frame Craftsman Home

Mtn Home, Walk to Skiing

766 Laurelwood Wintergreen

370 E Catoctin Drive Wintergreen

634 Pedlars Edge Drive Wintergreen

1 BR, 1 BA condo at a short walk to the ski slopes. Fully furnished.

Open and bright floorplan.

(570434) $61,500

Charming Post & Beam Home, 3 BR, 2 BA, 1,5121 sq ft. Open floor plan, stone fireplace. Furnished.

(570502) $249,500

3 Br, 3 BA home at a short walk to the ski slopes and with seasonal mountain views.

Renovated. (567356) $278,000

View Home Near Skiing

Mountain Views

Breathtaking Mtn Views

302 Pedlars Edge Drive Wintergreen

137 Pedlars Pt Wintergreen

766 Blue Ridge Drive Wintergreen

5BR, 5.5 BA home with nice mountain and valley views.

Private 0.71 ac lot. 2-car garage.

Furnishedl. (567922) $535,000

Luxury mountain home perfect for full time living or getaway. 5 BR, 5 BA, large den, custom built in 2006. (556661) $749,000

4BR, 3.5 BA home with spectacular 180 degree views.

2 additional homesites convey Renovated. (570170) $799,000

Experience the sunrise side of the Blue Ridge.

From milepost 0 of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the mighty James.

Wear yourself out at our wineries, breweries, cideries, distilleries and eateries, then hit the sack in a cozy cabin or bed & breakfast.

Learn how to

relax. nelson style.

nelson county VIRGINIA

Nelson County Visitors Center nelsoncounty.com 800.282.8223

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Blue Ridge LIFE

FEBRUARY 2018

basicnecessities

By Kay Pfaltz www.basicnecessities.com www.kaypfaltz.com Wine tasting terms: Balance Great wines come in red, white, sparkling and fortified. They come from France, Italy, Hungary, the U.S. and beyond ... Some have more fruit, while others lean toward funk. Yet, however much and many are the ways in which they differ, all great wines have one thing in common.

But first, let’s back up. Since wine is completely subjective, what one person calls delicious, another may call dismal. And with wine, the pros aren’t necessarily correct.

You are, because what you like is what’s right for you. The good news is there really is no right or wrong; it’s all a matter of personal taste. Why then, do some scoff white Zinfandel while singing the praises of aged Riesling or Barolo?

Perhaps one’s level of appreciation evolves the more one drinks. Over a lifetime, not an evening.

I know my palate has changed somewhat radically, but I won’t go into that now. I do know that I could probably offer you a favorite

bottle that you’d enjoy equally, then turn around and give you another I love that you’d find unpalatable.

Taste in wine must account for personal preference: I like acid, you like oak. Still, when most people taste a truly well-made wine, they tend to agree on its quality. And that gets back to the one thing that all great wines have in common. You guessed it already. Balance.

When a wine is in balance, all of its parts are in harmony. No one of its components (acidity, tannin, alcohol, fruit) should stand out above the others. If a high level of acidity makes your eyes cry or drying tannins feel like you chewed on tea leaves, the wine is not balanced.

If, however, you notice a pleasing aroma to the wine, the tannins are supple and proportioned, the fruit is plentiful but not overwhelming, and the alcohol is imperceptible, the wine is balanced.

Try the following for examples of beautiful balance: Château Soleil, Puisseguin St. Emilion, 2010 – A little age helps this Puisseguin St. Emilion exude

exquisite balance, because any tannins the Merlot had when younger (certainly not as harsh as its Cabernet neighbor across the river) have mellowed with time, giving the wine the elegance we find in a balanced bottle. Look for a bouquet of ripe plum and black cherry, with some tobacco and vanilla, and a rich, smooth, velvety mouthfeel. $36.99 Domaine Cheveau, Saint Amour, Les Champs Grillés, 2015 (organic) – During the month that hosts Valentine’s Day who can resist extra love? Enter Saint Amour. The Cheveau St. Amour is another textbook example of balance, although completely different from the St. Emilion St. Amour is one of the ten Beaujolais cru and Beaujolais’s ability to pair with a variety of flavors makes it a sought after dinner wine. The Cheveau Saint Amour is light to medium with acidity that is neither overpowering nor disjointed, but rather cleansing, cutting through fatty foods, and pairing well with more neutral dishes.

Raise a glass to love. $25.99

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!

Celebrating Love!

Valentine’s Day Champagne Prix Fixe Dinner Wednesday 14 February Join us for a romantic dinner before the fire.

Call for reservations Tu-Th 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-3pm Reservations advised for weekend dinner and brunch.

Friend BASIC NECESSITIES Visit us on Foodwaze Review us on Trip Advisor and Yelp

Looking for Romance?

Reserve your Valentine’s Day Premium Red Roses and flowers today to ensure delivery from February 10th to 14th.

AVALENTINE’S DRAM CELEBRATION OF LOVE

We design and deliver exquisite floral arrangements to Nellysford, Wintergreen, Afton, and Roseland.

FreeSpiritFlowers.com 434-361-1280

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH | 11AM-6PM ........................................

CHOCOLATE PAIRINGS BY GEARHARTS FINE CHOCOLATES MUSIC BY SUE HARLOW 2PM-5PM

FEBRUARY 2018

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SALES LISTINGS

R E S U LT S ROD PHILLIPS / REALTOR 434-987-6399 / Rodfphillips@gmail.com www.rodphilllips.remaxagent.com

LAND FOR SALE 1085 Blue Ridge Dr. $59,000 - Golf Front Lot w/ Views

41 OAK LANE $395,000

48 SHAMOKIN SPRINgS TRAIL $445,000

Brand New Construction

by Solid Rock Properties 4 beds, 3 baths

4 Bedroom, 4 Full Baths, 2800 Sq. Ft, Updated

93 TYRO LANE $999,000

762 PEDLARS EDgE $1,995,000

Superb Ski Front House New Construction 5 BR, 3600 sq feet

Spectacular Ski Front, Timber Frame Construction, 4600+ sq ft

Hickory Spring Rd. $45,000 - Great Builadable Lot 50 Beech Drive $85,000 - Great location with views 22 Knob Hill Place $299,000 - Stunning Views 988 Devils Knob Loop $349,000 - Amazing View Lot Wintergreen Drive $1,870,000 - Development Opportunity

957 DIAMOND HILL CONDO $229,000

12 HIgH PASTuRE LN $431,000 Charming Mtn Home 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths 2800 sq. feet, updated

Ski-in/Ski-out, Great Mtn Views, 2 beds/ 2 baths

37 MARbLE LANE $219,000

5967 JARMANS gAP $599,000

Great location & Value Near slopes & Mtn Inn Private Setting

Great home in Crozet Updated home, 4 BR Sits on a huge lot, 1.5 acre

RECENTLY SOLD 177 Crawfords Edge $935,000 1206 Blue Ridge Drive $197,000 10 Shenandoah Ridge Condo $220,000 280 Fawn Ridge $385,000

132 ROCKY ROAD $495,000

62 Acre Property with Great Views. Solid brick home plus Workshop/apt Great Value in Lovingston

24 WINTEgREEN DRIvE $479,000 5 Bedrooms, Completely Update Great location inthe heart of WTG, Private Elevator

7130 HAMPSTEAD $199,900

Great buildable Lot in Crozet Located in the heart of Old Trail neighborhood

258 TIMbERS CONDO $79,000 Ski-In/Ski-Out, Great Rental Income & Value Convenient To Everything

19 Rock Dove $357,500 29 Briarwood Lane $222,000 134 Eagles Court Condo $153,500 749 Pedlars Edge Lot $75,000

RE/MAX Realty Specialists – Crozet / Wintergreen 1186 Crozet Ave., Crozet, vA 22932

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Blue Ridge LIFE

FEBRUARY 2018

STONY POINT

[ albemarle county ]

STORY by YVETTE STAFFORD PHOTOGRAPHY by KATE SIMON

Keeper of the BEES When temps plummet in the winter, beekeeping begins in the kitchen.

FEBRUARY NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2018 2017

Blue Blue Ridge Ridge LIFE LIFE

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Hanging out in the kitchen, sporting a pair of red suede Pumas, the man looks well-rested – and maybe ready to bust a move on a sheet of linoleum. But make no mistake, the recent cold snap has had this beekeeper up all night.

“The bees are keeping their hives in the winter at a certain temperature and so they need to eat to [maintain that temperature],” explains Diego DeCorte as he looks out the window where he can keep an eye on an array of hives that sit just beyond a dormant vegetable garden. Perennials come back but such cold temperatures can kill the bees Diego has worked so hard to raise. So he hits the kitchen with his wife, Anne, a film editor who does much of her work at home.

“Bees are producing honey because honey is their storage of food for the winter. What I do is literally go to see how much storage they have and I add candy.”

Anne begins to unwrap the cord around an electric egg beater. The thud you hear is the sound of Diego lifting a 25 lb sack of sugar to the counter.

“They know me as the bee guy in Costco.”

A reputation as “the bee guy” is one Diego earned from more than 40 years of beekeeping, much of that spent in Italy as a professional honey producer where he and a group of other beekeepers managed nearly 1000 hives, introducing the bees to the local flora, impacting the flavor. The honey produced was a sweet expression of whatever was blooming at the time. Think citrus, eucalyptus, cherry, chestnut, acacia, and rhododendron. continued on page 14

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FEBRUARY 2018

$ Come warm up with one of our

upcoming events n Feb 6 - Making Vintage Valentines with Mary Kathryn McIntosh

Daily Soup Specials

n March 17 - Apple Tree Grafting with Tom Burford and John Hoskins n March 20 - ‘Must Have’ Tools for the Gardener with Fran Boninti n April 10 - Vegetables Love Flowers with Lisa Ziegler n April 12 - Herbs: Add Spice to Your Life with Chris Casey n May 2 - Dahlias and More Dahlias with Bev Lacey

MAC’S Country Store FRIED CHICKEN

The Best Around Burgers – Salads – Sandwiches Selection of Va Foods and Wines 7023 Patrick Henry Hwy, Roseland

NELSON COUNTY, VIRGINIA

434-277-5305 Mon-Sat 6am-8pm Sun 9am-8pm EXXON GAS 24/7

www.PharsaliaEvents.com

434-277-5231 FEBRUARY 2018

Blue Ridge LIFE

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continued from page 13

“I was accustomed to the flora … in Italy we don’t have tulip poplars.”

Welcome to Virginia. Home to tulip poplars and black locust and maples red, sugar and silver. Come spring, Diego’s keen sense of smell picks up on every whiff.

“When maples bloom, February through March … they are absolutely beautiful,” he says in the tone of someone who can appreciate the seasons, but may silently be wishing for a quicker end to this harsh winter.

So the duo get to work. There’s a pot on the gas stove with a candy thermometer clipped to it. In goes the sugar and a bit of water, along with some vinegar to lower the pH. A mix of spearmint and lemon glass stored in a white jug is added, just enough of an aromatic tease to lure the bees to the candy.

As the mixture heats up, there’s time to look out the window. It is still clearly January and today isn’t one for the postcards. Diego’s hives are wrapped in black in hopes of absorbing any of the sun’s rays that may escape from the dense cloud cover. Today’s shielded sun and the buzzing bees share a deep history. For that, we go to Diego’s Italy, Rome in particular, where you will find plenty of Baroque embellishments featuring the fiery planet and the insects who dance to it. continued on page 16

FEBRUARY 2018

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continued from page 15

A Florentine known for his condemnation of Galileo Galilei, Pope Urban VIII hailed from the Barberini family, whose coat of arms featured three bees. Under Pope Urban VIII’s reign, celebrated architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini incorporated the iconography of the bees and the sun to express their relationship over time. Sometimes enemies of the Barberini family destroyed the bees, but yet, the sun was spared.

Similarly with Francesco Borromini’s Church of S. Ivo – and his use of sun, bee and hexagonal symbols in its design – the association between sun and bee is beyond symbolic. One needs to merely light a candle made from beeswax to illuminate the relationship.

South of the Mediterranean, the Egyptians employed beekeepers as far back as 4000 B.C. to run hives up and down the Nile on barges, following the blooms, harvesting honey and selling it. For in those days, honey was valuable. Along with salt, olive oil and wine, honey did not spoil.

“Bees in humanity have been working [together] ever since,” Diego notes, as he and Anne pour today’s batch of comfort food into a wax paper-lined tray.

As we wait for it to cool, Diego glances back at his hives — some of them swirling with bees — and explains what is happening.

“They are literally working out. They are moving their pectoral muscles … and in that way they are developing heat. They keep their hive inside at 90°F. It’s like having a 35 watt bulb inside, constantly on.”

Now, an opaque sheet of dulce, the feel somewhere in between fondant and fudge, Diego breaks off a shard and dons the veil of a beekeeper, because you never know how a bee might greet you.

The bees at the top of the hive will head to the candy, dilute the surface with their saliva, and ingest the sugar crystals. Once satiated, those bees then make their way down the hive to share the food with the other workers. continued on page 18

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FEBRUARY 2018

Valentine's Beer Dinner Wednesday, February 14th at 6:30 pm

5 courses paired with Blue Mountain beers hosted by Brewmaster, Taylor Smack

tickets available at www.bluemountainbrewery.com

Jessica Ligon DVM Krisha Golla DVM February is Pet Dental Month. Special $116* *Routine Dentals only. Does not include antibiotics, pain meds, pre-op bloodwork or extractions!

Mark your calendar for our

Rabies Clinic on March 17, 2018.

Starting @ 9 AM to 2 PM. $10 per vaccine. Please bring previous rabies certificates in order to receive a 3 year booster.

434-263-4881

Located on Highway 29 just South Of Lovingston

FEBRUARY 2018

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They say it isn’t work when you do what you love. Diego DeCorte honed his skills in Italy under the watchful eye of world renowned beekeeper Massimo Carpinteri. Today, Diego heads up Elysium Bees, a company that spreads the sweetness of honey by raising bees and selling the fruit of their labor. To learn more, visit ElysiumBees.com.

continued from page 16

“You need to consider the bees like a community, like a democracy. They absorb part of the sugar, they go down where all the other bees are … They constantly feed each other.”

There’s a word for it: trophallaxis.

“It’s a system so they make sure that everyone is eating … whatever comes down is divided by everybody.”

So says the benevolent beekeeper who can rest a little easier knowing that even though the sun remains veiled, the bees have been spared. A metaphor for a life built on caring for those around you.

“For me it is the certainty they have food … It is the symbol of strength and working together.” BRL

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FEBRUARY 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

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Mountain Homes for Your Outdoor Lifestyle.

MOUNTAIN HOMES AT WINTERGREEN

$265,000

MLS# 555213

CONDOS AT WINTERGREEN

MLS# 570640

$285,000

$75,000

MLS# 564822

67 Squirrel Tree Lane

204 Timber Camp Drive

2247 Tanners Ridge Condos

Beautifully decorated & upgraded 3 bedroom, 2 bath Ski Chalet is a short walk to the slopes.

Comes furnished and ready for your family this ski season with picturesque views from your master bdrm, living room, & expansive deck.

Tim Craig – 540.416.8498

This like - new 3BR/2BA home features luxurious granite, and loads of natural light.

The heart of the home is a vaulted Great Room and features an expansive deck where you can enjoy Wintergreen’s outdoor living.

Brian Chase – 434.296.9860

Amazing Value! Come see this 2 BR / 1.5 BA condo in Tanners Ridge! Enjoy quiet and relaxing Blue Ridge views from your Deck. Located close to Wintergarden pool and spa, golfing, & tennis.

Shuttle Bus available in Ski season.

Tim Craig – 540.416.8498

$315,000

MLS# 553985

MLS# 564291

$499,000

$187,500

MLS# 568815

67 Hickory Spring Road

175 East Catoctin Drive

108 Eagles Court Condos

Well cared for furnished 4 BR / 3BA home on level and private lot. Conveniently located near Devils Knob amenities. Large wrap around private decks, beautiful floor to ceiling stone fireplace, & wet bar in family room.

Steve Marianella – 434.566.1293

Shenandoah Valley AND golf course views from this immaculate 5 bdr home. Two masters, renovated kitchen & baths, and gorgeous floors are a few of the upgrades in this meticulous home. Main level is ideal for entertaining.

Steve Marianella – 434.566.1293

Ski-Front on Eagles Swoop! Gorgeous Renovated 2BR/1.5BA unit. Fantastic ambiance - watch friends ski past from your deck. Soak up the ski experience in winter & savor the mountain views all year. Easy access to ski slopes!

Brian Chase – 434.296.9860

$640,000

MLS# 515589

910 Devils Knob Loop Looking for incredible value and Wintergreen’s most prestigious address? Savor the incredible views from this 5BR/5BA home as you look across a sea of Blue Ridge Mountain vistas that will take your breath away. A must see!

Brian Chase – 434.296.9860

434.325.8018 / 800.325.2200

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In Partnership with Wintergreen

Blue Ridge LIFE

FEBRUARY 2018

MLS# 566525

$645,000

39 Pitcher Plant Lane Many high quality upgrades in this amazing 4 BR/4BA custom home on 1.4 acre lot overlooking Shamokin Gorge and stream.

Enjoy 2 large Fmly Rm, open gourmet kitchen, massive stone fireplace, and more!

Steve Marianella – 434.566.1293

$239,000

MLS# 540825 2 Trillium Lane

Tons of living space and priced to sell! This bright & spacious 4 BR / 3.5 BA golf-front townhome comes fully furnished & features a large wraparound deck for great outdoor living & enjoying gorgeous views of the Devils Knob Golf Course.

Brian Chase – 434.296.9860

WintergreenResort.com

To Learn More, Contact Us Today!

434.325.8018 / 800.325.2200

n Resort Premier Properties

STONEY CREEK AND NELSON COUNTY

MLS# 562922

$165,000

MLS# 550327

$70,000

$89,000

MLS# 570218

1434 Highlands Condos

424 Hunters Point

90 High View Lane

This is exactly what a mountain condo should be!

Imagine being on the slopes within minutes of arriving at this beautiful 2 bdr 2 bth getaway! This rare offering, only a minute walk to Highlands Express, has great rental potential.

Gavin Sherwood – 434.962.0226

Panoramic golf views and towering mountain views from this lot in coveted Hunters Point section of Stoney Creek with all its conveniences.

The nearly level lot makes building easy. Bring your own builder or ask us for recommendations!

Brian Chase – 434.296.9860

Mountain views from this quiet DOUBLE lot of over 1.6 acres! High Crest section of Stoney Creek is a newer section with pubic water and sewer and within a short walk to Nellysford, the Stoney Creek Bar and Grill and the Farmers Market.

Steve Marianella – 434.566.1293

MLS# 570077

$229,000

MLS# 562176

$430,000

MLS# 562761

$575,000

1596 Vistas Condos

431 Hunters Point

401 Sawmill Creek Drive

This spectacular 2BR / 2BA condo in Vistas lives up to its name with sweeping views of mountains and valleys. Great social floor plan with kitchen open to living & dining areas. Centrally located for an easy walk to the spa, fitness center, tennis, and golf.

Brian Chase – 434.296.9860

In Hunters Point area of Stoney Creek, well cared for home with seasonal views is golf front and stream side on Monacan Hole # 4. One level main living & master, screened porch, sun room, hard wood floors, vaulted ceilings.

Steve Marianella – 434.566.1293

This 5 BR, 4.5 BA home, situated on a private lot, has been meticulously cared for and shows like new! Enjoy seasonal winter views, a full house generator, and well-stocked and mature (aka.big bass) pond just below the house.

Tim Merrick – 434.825.8066

MLS# 569322

$269,000

1801 High Ridge Court Condos The incredible views, elevator, & covered parking are just 3 of the benefits of this beautifully cared for 3BR/3BA condo. A large wraparound deck gives you a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains & ski slopes.

Gavin Sherwood – 434.962.0226

MLS# 568647

$595,000

265 Black Walnut Drive Large gorgeous 5BR/4BA home on the golf course. Generous decking & many flower beds. Stream and bridges along West property line. Unique spiral staircase, reminiscent of a “lighthouse”, access to 4 guest BR & bonus rm.

Peter Farley – 434.981.0944

MLS# 567671

$785,000

885 Elk Mountain Road Spectacular 180 degree views of the Rockfish Valley to C’ville from this mountain top home.

This 4 bdr, 3 bth home sits on over 3 acres and has been tastefully updated w/a modern design and flooded with beautiful natural light.

Gavin Sherwood – 434.962.0226

P.O. Box 706, Wintergreen, VA 22958

FEBRUARY 2018

Blue Ridge LIFE

21

Where the Cancer Experts are

C

“In my fight, I was never alone!”

– Margaret, Cancer Survivor

540-322-5960

22

Blue Ridge LIFE

FEBRUARY 2018

www.augustahealth.com

athome

Market Shift 2017 Year end residential real estate summary for Nelson County

withMarlo

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

After a decade of a buyers market, the Nelson County real estate market is shifting in favor of sellers. Here is a market summary for Nelson County. *Sales figures were pulled from the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors (CAAR) Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Countywide Overview: 250 residential properties sold in 2017, which represents a 4.6% increase from 2016 when 239 properties sold.

Statistical Comparisons: Recap - Q1-Q4 2016: 239 sales, median $199,000, average price $229,552, average price per sq ft $125.32, average days on market (DOM) 183, median DOM of 113. Q1-Q4 2017: 250 sales, median $233,000, average price $288,881, average price per sq ft $135.86, average DOM 176, median DOM of 81. When compared to other Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors markets, Nelson is leading the pack in percentage change for median (17% increase) and average sales price

(26% increase). Overall, there was a marginal increase in the number of sales, but the makeup of those sales shifted. In 2016, there were 48 sales below 100k and only 10 above 500k. In 2017, there were 39 sales below 100k and 27 above 500k. In summary, sales and price increased with less time on market. Inventory is also diminishing. Countywide, there are currently 225 active residential properties for sale compared to 265 at this time last year. Buyers: With dwindling inventory, and price and rates increasing, now may be the time to act on a purchase. Sellers: The number of sales, hence buyers, did not increase significantly, so it is important that you still price your property appropriately for the market. Price, condition, and marketing are all critical components to success in getting your house sold.

Keep in mind that some houses have been on the market for a long time.

Nearly a third of the properties currently on the market have cumula-

Marlo Allen

tive days on market of more than a year. Nearly 6% have been on the market for more than three years.

Sales Summary by Locality: Nelson County sales encompass 3 main markets, Wintergreen (mountain) with 128 sales at an average price per sq ft of $135.19, Stoney Creek (valley) with 28 sales at an average price per sq ft of $146.00, and all other non-resort or county properties with 94 sales and an average price per sq ft of $133.76. When comparing 2017 sales with 2016 sales, all 3 markets experienced growth. Stoney Creek had the greatest growth with a 17% increase in the number of sales and a 17% increase in price per sq ft. Wintergreen had positive growth in sales at an 8% increase, but remained constant with a 0% change in price per sq ft. While the county saw a marginal dip in sales of 3%, the price per sq ft increased by 17%. Price growth in the county can be attributed to more high-end sales, i.e., farms and homes with acreage, etc… The non-resort,

434-996-3525

county locality with the most sales was Afton with 22, representing 23% of that market.

Monthly/Quarterly Sales Breakdown: The strongest sales months were August with 30 sales, followed

by June with 28 Sales. The slowest months were January with 10 sales, followed by February and December which each had 13 sales. 2017 Quarterly Summary: Q1-45, Q2-69, Q3-74, Q4-62. Q3 recognized the highest number of sales while Q1 achieved the fewest. Historically the second half of the year consistently outperforms the first half.

Variables such as location, views, acreage, condition and features can affect values. For further explanation and comparison relative to a property you want to sell or purchase, contact a real estate professional.

Marlo Allen, frequently referred to as “That Girl,” calls Nelson County home. In fact, she grew up in Nelson County and helped found Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery of Nellysford. Marlo provides real estate services in Nelson and surrounding counties.

InsistOnThatGirl.com

Marlo Moves Property!

Salesperson of the Year 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

Make 2018 count!

Buying or selling, call Marlo.

Marlo sold 40% of the highest-priced sales throughout Nelson County in 2017.* LD

SO

SOLD! 185 Meadow View Ln Afton

Specializing in: Nelson County – Wintergreen – Stoney Creek Marlo G. Allen

Associate Broker Cell: 434.996.3525 Web: InsistOnThatGirl.com Email: Marlo@InsistOnThatGirl.com

Insist on that girl!

LD

SOLD! 3100 Berry Hill Rd Nellysford

SO

*Per CAAR MLS for five highest selling residential properties in 2017 Marlo is a top-producing agent throughout Nelson County, Stoney Creek and Wintergreen.

FEBRUARY 2018

Blue Ridge LIFE

23

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MONTEREY

[ highland county ]

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY by YVETTE STAFFORD

HERE THEY COME

A-Wassailing

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY JANUARY 2018 2018

Blue Blue Ridge Ridge LIFE LIFE

25 25

Flurries are falling over the main strip in Monterey and someone just lit a torch by the courthouse.

26

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FEBRUARY 2018

ANTIQUES

TuckahoeAntiques.com Rt. 151 Near Wintergreen

“In pre-Christianity England they would go out to scare away the evil spirits and then they would call on the tree spirits to come because it was after the winter solstice (when the days are getting longer). So, ‘Hey, it’s time to wake up. Time to start moving your sap in the trees!’”

So says the man in the suede coat with a crown of twigs on his head. His name is Kirk Billingsley of Big Fish Cider, and the town has turned out for a torch-lit wassail. It’s good luck, he says. The first year Kirk did it, Big Fish brought home a best-in-class at the 2016 Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition for its Allegheny Gold, a semi-dry made with local Golden Russet, Northern Spy and Jonagold apples. Not bad for a new cidery.

Led by a young woman and man who were crowned Apple Queen and King just minutes before, the procession heads down Spruce before hanging a right down a darkened street, over into a small orchard to the right of a farm house. The Apple Queen holds a basket of cider-soaked toast for people to hang on the oldest tree. The King pours cider around its roots. A young man beats a pot to ward off the evil spirits, personified by a man who impishly jumps out of the shadows on cue. Another man has a shotgun and shoots it to make sure the evil spirits are gone. The flurries are still falling and the crowd marches back to the tasting room to warm up with more wassail.

A pair of ladies are behind the bar pouring the drink trying to keep up with wassailers (is that even a word?) streaming back in. “We take sweet cider, mull the sweet cider with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice and orange peel and blend that into fermented cider,” explains Sarah Ellis Collins-Simmons, the cidery’s orchardist and “pruning queen.”

“Even if it’s a chilled cider, it warms you from the inside.”

It also helps that the tasting room is small and cozy which means a merry crowd must huddle. A former movie theater, Kirk has fuzzy memories of watching a film here as a youngster, before it closed some time in the late 1960s. A restaurant was its next tenant and it wasn’t until decades later, when Kirk was looking for office space, that he bought the building.

You see, Kirk had always loved cider, the fresh kind his dad would make from the few trees on their property. As a college student at James Madison University studying to become an accountant, he took a grafting class so that he could preserve the trees on his parents’ property; that’s how much he loved them. He had tasted store-bought cider, and it just wasn’t the same.

“Why is our cider so good?” he thought. “We’ve got a few trees here that nobody takes care of, compared to the stuff from commercial orchards.”

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continued on page 28

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Blue Ridge LIFE

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continued from page 27

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE APPLES. Good luck finding Dolgo crab apples or some “ugly no-sprays” at most grocery stores. Though they may be small on looks, the crew at Big Fish Cider insists they’re big on taste.

COURTESY BIG FISH CIDER

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oldworldcarpentryvirginia.com 28

Blue Ridge LIFE

FEBRUARY 2018

A few things make the difference, according to Kirk.

First of all, commercial apples are picked before they ripen fully on the tree. They tend to be picked for looks and ripen in transit to grocery stores. That’s fine for most people but not for the cider Kirk remembers enjoying.

His palette is partial to old varieties like Grimes Golden, winesaps, and Northern Spies.

“It’s a nice balance of the acid, a nice balance of the tannins, and it just made the best juice.”

So even though his skills as an accountant were paying the bills, Kirk still had this lingering obsession with cider that kept fermenting in his mind. When he and his wife moved back to Highland County 25 years ago to raise a family, he began making cider again.

“The next fall, which was our anniversary, [my wife] bought me a cider press, so then I just went nuts.”

Out came Hayley’s Old Fashioned Apple Cider — named after their daughter — and he sold the jugs around town. But this hobby was turning into something more. His basement became home to about 4 to 5 carboys.

“Sometimes they put off a smell that’s not so great.”

That smell is sulfur and when a wife wants her house to not smell like a laboratory, she issues her husband a lovingly directive.

“She came home and said, ‘Kirk, never again will you make cider in our house.’”

Which is why Big Fish Cider is now housed in the old movie theater building. Where there used to be a movie screen is now a roll-up door leading to the outdoor crush pad where apples from area orchards undergo a metamorphosis.

The Big Fish in a small town gets it honest. At the end of the season, the cidery invites neighbors over to celebrate another English tradition.

“Every village would have their scrumpy,” Sarah explain, her eyes lighting up. “At the end of the season, whatever apples were left, they would bring them together and press them together …People invite us into their back yards. They tell us about a tree on the side of a mountain that produces really well every year and the deer really like.”

After making sure these no-name apples have a high enough sugar content for pressing, Sarah says Kirk and the crew cross their fingers.

“We press all these random apples together. We let some of them go through wild fermentation … Kirk will say the best cider he’s ever had is a wild ferment and the worst cider he’s ever had was a wild ferment.’”

Kirk is nodding.

“You never know what you’re going to get.”

Hence, the good-luck wassail. BRL

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FEBRUARY 2018

Blue Ridge LIFE

29

GREENFIELD

[ nelson county

STORY by YVETTE STAFFORD PHOTOGRAPHY by MARCIE GATES

30

Blue Ridge LIFE

FEBRUARY 2018

rockhound David Lipscomb’s obsession with rocks began on a backhoe in 1992. He was at a job site in Charlottesville putting in a culvert for a subdivision.

“When you’re digging, you’re hitting rocks and stuff and I saw this vein of quartz.”

Maybe the sun was hitting just right but he also saw a yellow shimmer.

“I thought it might be gold, yes.”

Gold, meet fool. continued on page 32

FEBRUARY 2018

Blue Ridge LIFE

31

One man’s rubble is another man’s gem. David Lipscomb can take a hunk of Nelsonite, the official state rock of Virginia, and fashion it into a wearable piece.

32

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FEBRUARY 2018

continued from page 31

But he didn’t know that yet. A hopeful David took a sample to the Virginia Department of Mines and Mineral Resources where a geologist broke the news to him. But not before his eyes landed on a book sitting beside him.

“Minerals of Virginia,” David said as he presented to me his well-worn copy of the 1970 manual.

“I definitely got hooked.”

I thumb through it, clearly not picking up on the same vibe David got when he laid his hands on it 25 years ago.

But he became a rockhound that day – that’s what they call people who go exploring for rocks – and now, he spends his much of his time inside his studio at the Rockfish Valley Community Center surrounded by his passion.

As a kid growing up in Powhatan, David didn’t really show any signs of a budding rockhound. Aside from the mica he’d pick up – a shiny silver-like rock that breaks apart, common in that part of the state – David wasn’t exactly a rock nerd. It seems as if pure accidental discovery as an empty nester fueled his interest.

“In the late ‘90s, I was working in the town of Orange and they were bringing in this gravel for doing sidewalks and the sidewalks had this really pretty green rock in it which was prehnite.

Intrigued by its color, David traced the rock to a quarry in Culpeper and got permission to bring fellow rock clubbers to the site for a field trip. But it rained that day and no one except for he and his wife showed up.

“We collected, took it home and cleaned it and power washed it and found it had some really pretty epidote crystals in there, which is unusual for Virginia.”

Though his initial discovery involved heavy machinery, when David goes exploring, he usually brings a sledge hammer and a chisel. Swinging his arm to point to the mountain behind him, David offers an example.

“Up there at the [dormant] copper mine, you would be digging in the tailings and you’d see something that’s covered in dirt and you want to see what’s inside of it.”

Seeking ore, the tailings are what the copper miners leave behind.

Lately, there’s been interest in Virginia’s first official state rock: Nelsonite.

“It was named after Nelson County back in the 1800s. It was ore of titanium. The black in there is ilmenite which is titanium oxide. Titanium is a pure white powder for whitewash paint, ceramic products.”

On the surface, it isn’t much to look at. You could mistake it for a chunk of asphalt from a pothole, only it’s much rarer than that.

“To find it, I went to a gentleman’s house in Bryant. His name was Mr. Bryant. He showed me a couple of locations and that’s how I collected it back in the ‘90s.” And aside from the Bryant area, Nelsonite’s been found in Roanoke and there is some in Canada and China, David says.

But the magic happens after David gets his hands on a hunk of it. He takes it back to the shop, cuts it to size with a diamond saw and gets to work polishing it, turning it into a beautiful black-with-white-speckled stone, perfect to be worn as a pair of earrings or hanging as a pendant.

More than a billion years before this rock found its way to David’s studio, it was formed by the slow cooling of magma beneath the Earth’s surface. Every stone David has touched shares a similar story, predating the humans who marvel at it.

“Virginia’s rock diversity is very rich,” David says, “many rocks and minerals. Very, very, old rocks.” BRL

FEBRUARY 2018

Blue Ridge LIFE

33

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Blue Ridge LIFE

FEBRUARY 2018

sam’sgarden

By Sam Saunders Edge, LLC

Aging New Metal When searching for that next piece of history to add either to your landscape or interior design, don’t give up when the antique shows only yield picked over gadgets and gismos that only add to the clutter that you are intent on eliminating.

With the aid of some aging chemicals, some creativity and a little elbow grease, new galvanized steel (i.e. trash and watering cans, sheet metal, etc.) can be instantly turned into a patina rich creation with a milky blue/black color. There are a number of methods that can be used to create different looks on the finished product – blotches, sprays and patterns. My favorite method creates a hue that resembles soapstone.

My project involved covering the sides of a bar with 22 gauge, galvanized sheet metal. From the manufacturer, the exterior of the sheet metal has a chemical residue that must be removed in order for the oxidation process to work properly. I used an all-purpose cleaner called Simple Green. With the metal lying flat, just spray on and wipe aggressively in a circular pattern to clean thoroughly. After spraying with the cleaning solution, the entire metal must now be wiped down with water. Spray on the water and thoroughly wipe all remaining cleaning solution from the metal.

Dry thoroughly so that the oxidizing chemical is not diluted or affected by remaining moisture from the cleaning process.

At this point your medium, the metal, can be oxidized a number of ways creating varying patterns/patinas. Methods that can be explored each create their own distinct patina.

A spray bottle loaded with the chemical and sprayed from about 8 inches from the metal will create a dotted effect. A 0.5 inch nap paint roller, dipped in the chemical and very

methodically rolled on the metal will create a more patterned effect.

A lint free rag, dipped in the chemical and rubbed in a circular pattern will create a very deep, dark effect.

Finally, a dust free rag that is folded to about 5 inches in length, dipped in the chemical and ‘slapped’ on the metal from about 2 inches away will create a blotched effect ranging from a Carolina blue to a dark, thunderstorm cloud look. Selecting a method that you will like will most likely, and should, involve a sample piece of metal to experiment on.

I chose the last method. With the metal chemical free, dry and lying flat, I fill my container with the Zinc Antiquing Solution and thoroughly wet my lint-free rag. With latex gloved hands, I then fold the rag so that the length is around 5 inches long and 3 inches wide and begin gently slapping the metal from about 2-3 inches away with the rag bending up and down with each movement like a hinge. Be careful not to drip the solution onto the metal as those puddles will become black blotches. Move all over the metal making sure that the entire piece gets a coating of the solution. After you re-wet your rag, keep in mind that the first slap will create the strongest hue, so keep those starting points a predetermined distance from each other. Let the chemical dry, blotting with a lint free rag where necessary.

Reapply to areas where you wish to have a darker patina.

Once the chemical is dry and your metal has the desired patina, rub a small paint brush into Clear Wax and apply on the metal in a rubbing, circular pattern coating the metal thoroughly. Cover the entire piece of metal with the wax until a faint hue or cloud is over the entire surface. Allow to fully dry, about 2-3 hours, and then buff, rubbing in a circular pattern, with a lint-free rag. Your metal is done.

asktheDr.

By Dr. Steve Schmitz Afton Family Medicine Seat belts and Smoking In medical school I heard a professor state that if we, as doctors, could help our patients to wear seat belts and quit smoking we would do more good for them than anything else we could do. I feel certain he was right.

One of the most dangerous things we do every day is get in our cars and drive. There is no question that wearing a seat belt greatly increases one’s chance of survival if he or she gets into an accident. It is a sobering fact that those not wearing a seat belt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a car in a wreck than those who are wearing a seat belt. 30 times! In practicing medicine we often get excited when a drug makes it 2 or 3 times less likely to have a bad outcome. Wearing a seat belt makes that seem ridiculous! Amazingly I get requests now and then from patients to write a letter for them so they don’t have to wear a seat belt.

I can proudly say that I have never complied with that request.

And then there is smoking. I am happy to say that it is now extremely

rare that a patient tries to argue with me that smoking cigarettes is not bad for him or her. Everyone knows that it is terrible for your health. In fact, I think most people who smoke wish they didn’t, or at least at times wish they didn’t. Which brings me to this very important point: never start smoking! It is much better to never start than to try to stop this highly addictive habit. Drill it into your kids! Drill it into your friend’s kids! But, if you are a smoker, try to quit. Keep trying. It is worth it. Cut down to a half pack per day and then quit cold turkey. Or, if that is impossible, talk to your doctor about it.

Nicotine replacement can work well.

There are some prescription drugs that can also help.

Health and doctoring can be complicated but this is simple: wear a seat belt and don’t smoke!

Dr. Steve Schmitz is a licensed medical doctor based in Afton. This column is provided as a service to readers of Blue Ridge Life Magazine and it does not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers of this magazine. If you have a question about your personal health, please consult your doctor.

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Blue Ridge LIFE

35

eventcalendar FEBRUARY 2 FRIDAY

FEBRUARY 10 SATURDAY

WINTERGREEN ADAPTIVE SPORTS WARRIOR WEEKEND Start: Feb. 2, 2018 10:00 am End: Feb. 4, 2018 6:00 pm Venue: Wintergreen Resort Phone: 434-325-2007 Address: 39 Wintergreen Drive, Roseland, VA 22967 (NELSON)

A DRAM OF LOVE VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION Start: Feb. 10, 2018 11:00 am End: Feb. 10 2018 6:00 pm Venue: The Virginia Distillery Company Phone: 434-285-2900 Address: 299 Eades Lane, Lovingston, VA, 22949 (NELSON)

GROUNDHOG DAY CELEBRATION Start: Feb. 2, 2018 5:00 pm End: Feb. 2, 2018 10:00 pm Venue: Blue Mountain Brewery Phone: 540-456-8020 Address: 9519 Critzers Shop Road, Afton, VA 22920 (NELSON) FOLK LEGEND BILL STAINES IN CONCERT Start: Feb. 2, 2018 6:00 pm End: Feb. 2, 2018 9:00 pm Venue: North Branch School Phone: 540-456-8450 Address: 221 Mickens Road, Afton,VA, 22920 (NELSON)

FEBRUARY 3 SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET Start: Feb. 3, 2018 8:00 am End: Feb. 3, 2018 12:00 pm Venue: Rockfish Valley Community Center Phone: 434-361-0100 Address: 190 Rockfish Lane, Afton, VA, 22920 (NELSON)

FEBRUARY 4 SUNDAY WINTERGREEN WOMEN’S SKI CLINICS Start: Feb. 4, 2018 7:45 am End: Feb. 4, 2018 10:45 am Venue: Wintergreen Resort Phone: 434-325-8065 Address: 39 Wintergreen Drive, Roseland, VA 22967 (NELSON)

FEBRUARY 6 TUESDAY MAKING VINTAGE VALENTINES WORKSHOP Start: Feb. 6, 2018 10:00 am End: Feb. 6, 2018 1:00 pm Venue: Pharsalia Phone: 434-277-5231 Address: 2333 Pharsalia Road, Tyro, VA, 22976 (NELSON)

FEBRUARY 14 WEDNESDAY THE POWDER OF LOVE Start: Feb. 14, 2018 9:00 am End: Feb. 14 2018 5:00 pm Venue: Wintergreen Resort Phone: 434-325-2200 Address: 39 Wintergreen Drive, Roseland, VA 22967 (NELSON) VALENTINE’S BEER DINNER Start: Feb. 14, 2018 6:30 pm End: Feb. 14 2018 9:30 pm Venue: Blue Mountain Brewery Phone: 540-456-8020 Address: 9519 Critzers Shop Road, Afton, VA 22920 (NELSON)

FEBRUARY 16 FRIDAY ITALIAN NIGHT SQUARE DANCE Start: Feb. 16, 2018 7:30 pm End: Feb. 16 2018 10:00 pm Venue: Rockfish River Elementary School Phone: 434-361-1830 Address: 200 Chapel Hollow Rd, Afton, VA 22920 (NELSON)

FEBRUARY 17 SATURDAY 60th Annual Chitterling Dinner Start: Feb. 17, 2018 12:00 pm End: Feb. 17 2018 5:00 pm Venue: Piney River Volunteer Fire Department Phone: 434-277-5778 Address: 249 Firehouse Road, Piney River, VA, 22964 (NELSON)

BROWSE MORE EVENTS: blueridgelife.com/events

FEBRUARY 10 SATURDAY WINE LOVERS 5K Start: Feb. 10, 2018 8:00 am End: Feb. 10 2018 12:00 pm Venue: Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery Phone: 540-456-8400 Address: 9423 Batesville Road, Afton, VA, 22920 (NELSON) VALENTINE’S DAY WINEMAKER’S DINNER Start: Feb. 10, 2018 6:30 pm End: Feb. 10 2018 11:00 pm Venue: Veritas Winery Phone: 540-456-8000 (Ext. 107) Address: 151 Veritas Lane, Afton, VA, 22920 (NELSON)

36

Blue Ridge LIFE

LIST YOUR EVENT Want to be included in our event calendar?

Visit BlueRidgeLife.com/events and click on “Submit an Event.” We’ll try to publish as many events as possible (see opposite page), space permitting. Deadline for next month’s issue is the 15th.

FEBRUARY 2018

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Visitor Centers

ELK MOUNTAIN CONTRACTING, LLC 540-241-9075 221 Old Tyro Lane, Tyro, VA AUGUSTA COUNTY

MARLO G. ALLEN, ASSOCIATE BROKER 434-996-3525 Nellysford, VA NELSON COUNTY

Elk Mountain Contracting has been building custom log cabins and barns for 14 years.

Using stonework and reclaimed materials to compliment your project allows us to provide a historic appeal to your structure. Services Provided: Reclaimed building materials, Custom log cabins and barns, Chinking, Stonework, General Construction, Cabin and barn restorations.

When buying or selling real estate in Nelson County or Wintergreen, you can count on “That Girl” to get you results!

Besides being a family business partner at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery of Nellysford, I am also a recognized and trusted name in real estate throughout Nelson County and Wintergreen.

R.M. GANTT CONSTRUCTION 434-316-0090 www.RMGantt.com NELSON COUNTY

MOUNTAIN AREA REALTY 434-361-2440 2788 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA NELSON COUNTY

R.M. Gantt Construction is a family owned business which has served the Central Virginia area since 1992. We concentrate on higher end residential construction by providing our team of professionals, consisting of our well trained and specialized Framers, Millwork Specialists, Project Managers, Estimators, and Interior Designers.

We offer a turn key project.

Mountain Area Realty offers full real estate services for Nelson County, Wintergreen Resort, Stoney Creek, and surrounding areas. Call our office 7 days a week for immediate professional service from one of our experienced agents.

NELSON COUNTY TOURISM 434-263-7315 8519 Thomas Nelson Hwy Lovingston, VA NELSON COUNTY Experience the Sunrise Side of the Blue Ridge. From our mountains to the mighty James River. Wear yourself out at our wineries, breweries, cidery, and eateries. Then hit the sack in a cozy cabin or bed & breakfast.

Breweries BLUE MOUNTAIN BARREL HOUSE 434-263-4002 495 Cooperative Way, Arrington, VA NELSON COUNTY Come visit us at the Barrel House brewery and tasting room and discover where tradition meets innovation.

Our tasting room is open Sunday-Thursday, 12PM-8PM, Friday 12PM-9PM, & Saturday, 12PM-8PM. You can enjoy a tasting flight of our available beer selections, relax with a full glass of one of our fine ales or lagers, and take a complementary tour after your purchase if you’d like to learn about our special brewing process.

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Medical BLUE MOUNTAIN BREWERY 540-456-8020 9519 Critzers Shop Rd Afton, VA NELSON COUNTY Blue Mountain Brewery is open 7 days a week bringing the revolution of real hand-crafted American beer to our corner of the world. Eight to ten Blue Mountain drafts available at all times, local foods for lunch and dinner, local wines & family friendly.

SENTARA MARTHA JEFFERSON AFTON FAMILY MEDICINE 540-456-6710 10950 Rockfish Valley Hwy Afton, VA Family Medical Physician’s office specializing in preventive care, acute care,chronic illness care, pediatric and newborn care, women’s health, sports medicine, and geriatric medicine. All ages are welcome.

Music WILD WOLF BREWING COMPANY 434-361-0088 2461 Rockfish Valley Hwy Nellysford, VA NELSON COUNTY Plan a visit to Wild Wolf and experience Chef Chris Jack’s amazing creations made with locally sourced ingredients, enjoy your meal inside or out with one of our 13 craft beers on tap then take your favorites home with you our awesome to-go beer selections.

For private events contact aj@wildwolfbeer.com

BLUE STAR MUSIC 434-263-6746 177 Main St. P.O. Box 493 Lovingston, VA NELSON COUNTY 434-277-9209 2nd Stage, Amherst, VA AMHERST COUNTY NELSON COUNTY’S FAVORITE SINCE 1988 Musical instruments, service, repairs, rentals and supplies. Lessons: all styles and levels of guitar, including advanced jazz, banjo, bass, vocals, keyboard, drums, beginning mandolin, dobro and accordion. Mon. Wed. Thurs. 12-8 bluestarmusicva.com

WINTERGREEN RESORT PREMIER PROPERTIES 434-325-8018 Mountain Inn Loop Wintergreen, VA NELSON COUNTY The official real estate office of Wintergreen Resort. Contact us for sales and purchases of lots, homes and condos in Stoney Creek and on the mountain.

Resorts & Recreation WINTERGREEN RESORT 855-245-5011 39 Mountain Inn Loop Wintergreen, VA NELSON COUNTY Wintergreen Resort is a four-season mountain retreat on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Championship golf; seasonal skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing; an award-winning tennis program; a full-service, destination spa; indoor and outdoor pools; miles of marked hiking trails; 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space; charming lodging; and a variety of enticing dining options.

Your local answer for primary & preventive health care needs!

Family Practice• Pediatrics • Dental• Pharmacy • X-Ray • Laboratory • Physical therapy • Counseling & behavioral health • Referrals to specialists near you• School-based health care in Nelson County Public Schools • Rural Health Outreach Program

Most insurances accepted!

On Route 29 N. in Colleen (4038 Thomas Nelson Hwy)

Call today for an appointment!

434-263-4000

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Priceless Classifieds for the People!

G REAL ESTATE Wintergreen Ski Chalet Lovely 3 bedroom house, 2 bathrooms (king, 2 twins in 2 rooms). Living room with gas fireplace, new washer and dryer. Located on quiet area of mountain. Fully furnished, including kitchen items. Large deck, parking for several cars. Includes guest passes for access to spa/ lake/ pools. Will consider short term/ winter rental. Posted By: Mary Fedorochko 22958 - Nellysford/ Wintergreen 703-451-9969 $1000/ per month plus utilities Nelson County Home for Rent with Mountain Views 3-4 bedroom; 2 full bath, hardwood floors, open fireplace, screen porch, no appliances provided, large yard oil furnace heating system/heating oil included in rent, 45 minute drive to Lynchburg, 60 minute drive to Charlottesville Posted By: Ruth Saunders 22976 - Tyro 434-277-5865 $1000/mo Country Home with VIEWS!! 3 Bedroom; 2 bath; kitchen; 2400 sq ft; washer & dryer hook ups; gazebo with large deck; basement; one car garage & storage, Coy fish pond; paved driveways; VIEWS!!! Posted By: DIane Harvey 22920 - Afton 434-9062136 $1500/mo

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Quiet apartment Quiet, one-bedroom apartment. Hiking trails, space for garden. Furnished or unfurnished. Pets negotiable. References required. Posted By: Kay 22967 - Roseland/Lowesville/Massies Mill (434) 277-9163 $550/mo Wintergreen Two Bedroom, Two Bath Two BR, two Bath condo, close to Spa and Nature Foundation. Fully furnished. Utilities and basic cable provided. Internet not provided, but is available. Posted By: Erlene Hendrix 22958 - Nellysford/ Wintergreen 757-377-1209 $875 monthly, off-season rate Prime Lovingston location! Nelson County! Seeking business proposals for prime Village of Lovingston commercial buildings. Will renovate to suit based on business plan viability, credit and use. DESIRED USES: Small market (great corner location), coffee and sandwich shop, barber shop, hair and nail salon, possible day care. Prefer uses that will generate foot traffic to increase the vitality of the Village!

Will consider others. Posted by: John Bradshaw, Jr. 22938 - Faber (703) 7426161 $n/a Lovely Home in Shipman Recently renovated two-bedroom, one

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bath home for rent. $750/mo plus $750 security deposit required. No pets. Committed professional couples preferred.

References required. Background/credit check required. Posted by: Ed Dowdy 22971 - Shipman/Rockfish (434)2636278 $750/month

SPORTING GOODS Stationary exercise bike Great condition. Arm exercise also.

Posted By: Marjorie Snyder 22967 Roseland/Lowesville/Massies Mill 434 277 5066 $50 OBO

ELECTRONICS Home Theater Granger Bessel Bluetooth Home Theater System; Ikon LED projector; Ikon scree. New--boxes open but never installed. Posted By: Dan Nettina 22958 - Nellysford/Wintergreen 443-538-8252 $790

FARM & TOOL Miter Box- DeWalt 10” stationary,power miter box Reconditioned,in good shape. Posted By: Grant Heggie 22958 - Nellysford/Wintergreen 434-325-1254 $110 Seasoned firewood 8’ truck bed full of cut and split firewood. Posted By: Michael mcdaniel 22980 - Waynesboro 540-836-3380 $80

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BABY STUFF

HOME & GARDEN

Pack and Play GRACO PACK AND PLAY NEURAL COLOR. GREAT CONDITION. Posted By: Anna 22932 - Crozet 434-2277987 $50

Vari-Kennel, extra large extra large, airline approved for dog 70-90 lbs.; chrome has rust, but could easily be painted or replaced, otherwise in excellent condition; used once to ship a dog. Posted By: Susan Gardner 24581 Norwood 434-996-7028 $75

CARS & TRUCKS 1926 Ford Model T 4-Door Touring Car ( Grandkids Parade Car) Serial #12229528 Manufactured 08/05/1925.By using reprinted Model T Service Manual, the owner finds Ford made it relatively easy to maintain.

Using that manual, the following items have been repaired or replaced–Modern distributor, 4 tires with tubes & flaps, Antique tire changing tool, Rear wheel puller tool, Starter switch, Ignition switch, Fan Belt. Original radiator rebuilt, soldered with modern core fins, fuel tank internally coated plastic. Car is not Pristine complete restoration .Posted By: Robert Deames 22932 - Crozet 434205-4234 $7500 2002 Ford F-250 Lariat Diesel 7.3 Pickup Truck 2002 Ford F-250 Lariat Crew Cab Short Bed 4x4 with a 7.3L Powerstroke Turbo Diesel Engine and an automatic transmission. With only 103,911 original miles. Posted By: Ruth Wilson AUGUSTA COUNTY 312-509-8750 $60619

SOLD! - Pet Containment Pen A 6-sided pet yard with door...... adjustable panels...like new !! Great for small or large dog...especially a new puppy ... Our pup loved it........!!!. Posted By: SANDRA GALLAGHER 22920 - Afton $40 OBO Hearthstone Wood Burning Cook Stove Hearthstone Wood Burning Cook Stove. Deva100. PurchaseD new in 2008 or 09 from Acme Stove Company In Harrisonburg but never used Been in dry storage. New today is $4299.00 Must pick up Posted By: Martha Snyder 24476 - Steeles Tavern/Spottswood 540-377-9662 $3600

SERVICES Precise Painting Plus!

Interior,exterior painting. Flagstone and stackstone fireplaces. Professional work with Competitive prices. State certified licensed contractor. Posted By: PRECISE PAINTING 22958 - Nellysford/Wintergreen 434-996-3039 $TBD

THIS IS JUST A SAMPLE OF WHAT YOU’LL SEE ONLINE AT WWW.GREENSHEET.US POST A PHOTO CLASSIFIED FOR FREE! TO DISCONTINUE AD, HIT THE “REPORT” BUTTON.

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Nelson Cable, Inc. 400 Front St. / P.O. Box 395

434.263.4805

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We have room for your STUFF.

Call today for our competitive rates.

FOUR SIZES: 5 x 10 10 x 10 10 x 15 10 x 20

200 Afton Mountain Rd, Afton, VA 22920

434-361-2445 or 800-361-5155

ANSWER KEY

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InsistOnThatGirl.com

Marlo Allen

434-996-3525

Get Results: Go with Marlo!

FREE consultations and targeted guidance on price, condition, and marketing.

Salesperson of the year at Mountain Area Realty 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

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403 Devils Knob Loop; $414,900 #570203; 5BR/3.5Ba; Sleeps 16!

185 Coleman Pl; $439.900 #563725; 4Br/3Ba; 1.47ac; 3 Car garage!

Well maintained, one owner home built in 2005 with two attached garages and tremendous sleeping capacity for large or multiple families. Perched on a wooded parcel for privacy and views! Ideal open flow for easy entertaining. Extras: vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, loft reading area/office, rec room, beautiful fixtures and finishes to include tile inlays, multiple decks, hot tub, paved drive, and more. Great location with direct access to golf course and an easy stroll to trails. Furnished.

This meticulous, well crafted home is big on space, privacy and finishes! Ideally situated along a quiet cul-de-sac on a large parcel adjoining Wintergreen open space for tremendous privacy. Many extras: bright open flow, hardwood floors, kitchen w/ granite, 3 car garage w/ workshop, finished basement w/ mini kitchen/ apartment and multi-purpose room, multiple family rooms w/ fireplaces, covered front porch, back screened porch, patio, garden shed, paved drive, & more; Approx. 30 min. to Charlottesville.

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4300 Rockfish Valley Hwy; #541126; $225,000

Commercial w/ B-1 zoning w/ by right uses: hotel/motel, retail, restaurant, office, services, etc‌; 1,500+ ft road frontage; 13.02ac

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790 Pounding Branch Rd; #563294; $399,900

Privacy w/ 8 acres for hiking and outdoor recreation; Built 2011 w/ top notch materials; full basement; woodstove, gas fireplace; 4Br/3Ba

Livebeautifully in Nelson County

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348 Deer Springs Ln; #555791; $189,000

Golf front w/ wooded buffer for privacy; 2 large bedrooms w/ extra sleeping/sitting areas; deck, wood floors, fireplace; 1,592 sq ft

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

434-996-3525 Blue Ridge LIFE

Marlo Allen

InsistOnThatGirl.com FEBRUARY 2018