Blue Ridge Life, Issue #172

JULY 2019 NO. 172 PRICELESS (FREE!)

TEMPLE & JOEL • BERRY GOOD PICKIN’ • QUEEN CITY’S HOT MIC 10 24 JULY 2019 Blue Ridge LIFE291

UNDER CONTRACT 398 Stone Chimneys Stoney Creek Offered at $19,000

CHESTNUT SPRINGS 718 Shamokin Springs Trail Wintergreen 718 Shamokin Springs Trail Offered at $29,000

CLOSE TO NELSON 151

STREAM & PRIVACY

Elevated 2.41 acre building site has potential for serene south-facing Rockfish Valley views once clearing for home has taken place. Paved shared driveway. (591335)

Secluded 6.5 +/- wooded acre parcel convenient to US 29 and only 40 minutes to Charlottesville. A great place for your primary home or your getaway (591962)

Adial Rd, near Lakeland Nellysford area Offered at $39,000

Green Creek Road lot Schuyler Offered at $49,000

0.45Acres acres 0.44

Private yet conveniently located 1.28 acre wooded parcel with a gentle slope towards the back. (591448)

May 29, 2019

Enjoy potential seasonal views from this 0.45 acre lot in Wintergreen. Convenient to Chestnut Springs pool and play area. (591124) 1:1,128

0 0

0.0075

0.015

0.015

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0.03 mi

0.06 km

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

yvette@blueridgelife.com 434.760.4181 / cell 2788 ROCKFISH VALLEY HWY NELLYSFORD, VA

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Blue Ridge LIFE

JULY 2019

YvetteStafford REALTOR

Nelson County… it’s a lifestyle!

Nelson County

Glade Road Lot 2 This 25-acre property could be used as a getaway or a permanent residence. Lots of home sites and extensive road frontage. Coon Hollow creek runs through the back part of the lot. You can have as much or as little privacy as you would like! Just 10 minutes or so into Lovingston and Route 29 (shopping, breweries, wineries and distilleries!) and not much further in the other direction, to meet the James River for tubing, canoeing and fishing. Priced below assessment, this is a real buy! $69,000

2960 Beech Grove Road This classic cabin is sited on 37 acres overlooking the South Fork Rockfish River.

The cabin has 2 bedrooms and a bath. The acreage is accessible via an old road to the ridge, and there’s soil work indicating that there’s

114 Evening Star Lane Lovely, private location only 4.7 miles from Route 29 in Lovingston.

Enjoy sitting on the freshlypainted front porch looking out at the peaceful scenic view and partial mountain views. 2 BR, 1 BA and original wood floors throughout. Fairly new heat pump for first floor. Propane back up heat pump downstairs and electric heat for the one room upstairs The eat-in kitchen has updated appliances. New washer/dryer and freezer located on the back sunporch. Storage outbuilding. $99,000

8763 James River Road Adorable 3 BR, 2 BA cottage on 3.47 acres minutes from Lovingston. Charming front porch with swing. Lovely wood floors in the living area as well as a stone fireplace and a re-done kitchen. The present owners knocked out one side of the home to add a new staircase to the bedrooms on the second floor. Master on the first floor! Added bonus is the single car garage (with electric) that is presently used for storage. The lot is mostly wooded so easily maintained. The perfect permanent home or getaway spot.

The James River is just down the road and there are fun wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries in Nelson County! $199,000

a good building site overlooking the valley.

Make this your private hunting and camping preserve. This is the property you've been waiting for!

$249,000

1089 Beech Grove Road Own a charming home in the middle of Beech Grove on 2.27 acres with mountain views, mature landscaping and a private back yard. The main residence has 3 BR, and 2.5 BA with a stone fireplace, gourmet kitchen and tile floors. The great room has a cathedral ceiling and opens to a covered entertainment area. A large shop building in the back of the property has a 2 BR, 1 BA apartment. The shop has a huge amount of storage space. Minutes to the Devils Backbone brewery, cideries, Wintergreen Resort, the Farmers Market and shopping and services in Nellysford. $325,000

Wi n t e r g r e e n R e s o r t 31 Deer Springs Lane Below assessed value! This classic chalet home nestled in the heart of Wintergreen Resort is the perfect mountain getaway! Open floor plan in the great room with lots of light and a stone fireplace. Original home features 3 BR and 2 BA. The family room and master bedroom/bath were added in 2007. The family room can accommodate a pool table or ping pong table as well as a seating/entertaining area. Roof was replaced in 2007 along with new skylights. $295,000

16 Stony Cove Lane Rustic sophistication is waiting for you in this handsome mountain retreat.

Custom-built one-owner home has never been rented. Constructed in 2012 with upgraded materials—stone fireplace, wide oak floors, local soapstone counters, stainless steel appliances, hickory cabinetry, tile baths, surround sound and stereo, and more! 3 BR and 3 BA. Family room on the lower level that walks out to a concrete patio wired for a hot tub and plumbed for an outdoor shower. Spacious deck. Mature evergreens to add color year-round. Low maintenance and energy efficient! $339,900

1211 Blue Ridge Drive Well-maintained, 4 BR, 4 BA home with privacy, golf course access and views! Ideal opportunity to have a mountain getaway and an income-producing property.

Rental income of $17,000 per year. Sleeps 12.

Cathedral ceilings, stone fireplace, open flow, spacious kitchen with island and breakfast nook, 2 master suites, baths for every bedroom, second family room, 800+ square feet of wraparound decking, lots of parking, walk to golf, tennis, hiking trails, and the Chestnut Springs Park for resort owners/guests. $374,900

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

2788 Rockfish Valley Highway • Nellysford, VA 22958

JULY 2019

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Major Additions | Renovations

Custom Homes | Major Additions | Renovations

434.316.0090

RMGantt.com

License Class A - (BLD) 32216A

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Blue Ridge LIFE

JULY 2019

Looking For A Primary Care Doctor?

Augusta Health Primary Care, Stuarts Draft is now accepting new patients.

Call (833) AHC-HLTH

to schedule an appointment.

John A. “Jay” Snyder, DO, FACP Sylvia Le, MD Victoria Tomlin, FNP-C 2570 Stuarts Draft Highway, Suite 101 augustahealth.com/find-a-provider JULY 2019

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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.

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Contributors Linda Crowe Victoria Beecher Godfrey Stephanie Gross Kate Simon Advertising sales@blueridgelife.com Address: The Afton Group, LLC P.O. Box 455, Wintergreen, Virginia 22958

434.361.0104

Have a story idea? Email us at info@blueridgelife.com

july 2019

n O k r o P r u Get Yo Your grill or smoker is going to fall in love with our Maple Brook Farm pastured pork!

BONE-IN PORK CHOPS: SOLD OUT BRATWURST: $8/pack (4 jumbo links/pack) BREAKFAST LINKS: $7/pack (7 links/pack) GROUND PORK: $7/pack (1 lb pack)

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Available now at Tuckahoe Antiques on Rt. 151 in Nellysford.

beyond the label Temple Grandin spends a day at the Farm with kindred spirit, Joel Salatin of Polyface.

Maple Brook Farm ROSELAND, VIRGINIA

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berry good pickin’ If you like their peaches and apples, you’ll love Drumheller’s blueberries and blackberries.

hot mic You’ve seen Staunton’s magic during its Harry Potter festival. Now hear the magic on WQSV.

inside

basic necessities ................. 9 cover story...........................10 ask the dr. ......................... 22 at home with marlo ......... 23 brain builders ..................... 38

on the cover Photo credit: Kate Simon Grazing cattle at Polyface Farm welcome Temple Grandin. Story starts on page 10.

fromthepublishers There may be nothing as traumatic to the soul of a 10 year-old who has been patiently awaiting camping weather to see his parents unpack the tent only to discover a pole missing. Two days later, we were back in business, right in the middle of bear season.

We have never seen signs of black bear at this farm since living here but we know they’re out there. For whatever reason, 2019 is the year a local bear discovered the fruit under the old apple tree next to the dog shed. Though it has avoided detection by the game cams (our deer, on the other hand, pose for selfies), we know what bear scat looks like and we saw two impressive piles of it behind our home. Binging on apples will do that.

We know the whole idea of letting the kids camp outside during bear season sounds alarming. So we struck a deal with them: No camping by the creek, or under the stars, unfortunately. The tent must be on the front porch, right outside our bedroom window, with the door open, and absolutely no food.

“No dill pickle chips inside the tent?!”

Absolutely not! Bears love dill

pickle chips, didn’t you know?

We did allow our campers to spend the night with Ashy the Fearless Feline for protection. Most cats wouldn’t tolerate such things but Ashy is special.

And apparently the bear isn’t keen on sunset fireworks displays. With adult supervision, the kids have been lighting up the sky after dinner, a nightly ritual before they zip themselves up into their plastic tent.

Fire, food, shelter. Such are the “bear” necessities of life.

Enjoy!

Yvette and Tommy Stafford JULY 2019

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KEEP IT FRESH, t a E & DRINK LOCAL CHRISjack

FARM-TO-FORK AT ITS BEST.

WILD WOLF BREWING COMPANY

Wild Wolf Brewing Company’s original locaaon is strategically situated along the Brew Ridge Trail on Rt. 151. Our specialles – Farm to Fork fare and award winning beer! Wild Wolf Brewing Company is a made from scratch restaurant and brewery featuring vegetarian and gluten free oppons. Visit our website for current specials and events! Check out our cur NEW locaaon in Cville!

happy hour

lunch specials

MONDAY – FRIDAY 3 - 7pm 1 OFF PINTS | $1 OFF WINE | $1 OFF APPS

$

Visit our website for our July 4th SPECIALS!

2461 ROCKFISH VALLEY HWY NELLYSFORD, VA 434-361-0088

313 2ND ST. SE CHARLOTTESVILLE 434-284-5220

WILDWOLFBEER.COM 8

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basicnecessities

By Kay Pfaltz www.basicnecessities.com www.kaypfaltz.com Provence State of Mind Somewhere between Vienne and Valence the South begins; somewhere between Valence and Montélimar ...

Eden!

– Ford Madox Ford Why do I keep returning to an area by most accounts overrun with tourists? Perhaps it’s the lure of a place familiar, a place well-traveled in youth. Or perhaps it has less to do with the crowded beaches and hilltop towns than it does with the shaded valleys and mystic springs, the orchards and vineyards, and the untrodden path far from tourist tracks. There’s the dusty green of the olive leaves against an eggshell blue sky, and long lunches with beloved friends. Provence is more than a place; it’s a state of mind, and goes beyond what the five senses take in, and perhaps has something to do with history and the spirit of place, of the artists who called this land home. Listen, and above the clink of glasses and murmur of voices on a shaded terrace, you’ll hear the tzzch-

tzzching of the cigales, the cicadas of good fortune and grace.

As we wandered the markets, catching aromas of bread baking, spices and soaps, we were aware of a way of life that’s basic and real, and we merged with the quiet simplicity that is the stanchion of daily Provençal life, a life whose rhythms and pace seem to defy the passage of time. When traveling, we’re often reminded of the constant struggle between the soul’s ideal and the human state (humanity’s greed and consuming quest for power). And, standing beside remnants of a ruined fortress, it was easy to see that the dream is certainly weak in the face of history. But it doesn’t mean we stop reaching for it, and sometimes as the bells of an ancient abbey chime, the sea laps, or the breeze blows through the plane trees, it’s enough just to be part of it all. Just to be.

To help you slip into a Provençal state of mind: Domaine Bois de Boursan, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Tradition, 2015 (organic) – The charismatic Jean-Paul Versino hosted us at his estate and explained

his traditional approach to making wine: whole bunch fermentation, only wild yeasts, and CO2 in place of sulfur during aging in large oak foudres. The estate is certified organic, and harvesting done by hand. Jean-Paul keeps yields low and works with all thirteen of the permitted CDP varietals, as well as some very old vines, which give richness, depth and flavor. “This is a wine of such dazzlingly gorgeous aromatics as to provoke a smile of disbelief. Rarely does one meet a nose of such visceral beauty in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and one must pay easily thrice or more what this wine costs to do so. It is multidimensional, offering a full spectrum of fruits, from bright red to dark black, a warm, palpable stoniness, an intoxicating interplay of spice and truffle, and whiff of ‘animale’ that is both charming and seductive.”

Experience the magic. Join me next year in Provence, June 2020. Kay@ kaypfaltz.com

Café Wine and Cheese Shop A taste of Europe in the Blue Ridge!

Wine tastings offered on Wednesdays and every other Tuesday. Call for more information.

Mon 10am-4pm Retail Only Tu-Th 10am-6pm Fri-Sat 10am-10pm Sun 10am-3pm Reservations advised for weekend dinner and brunch.

2226 Rockfish Valley Highway Nellysford, Virginia ph: 434.361.1766 www.basicnecessities.us

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

Summer is a Great Time to Tour the Best of Wintergreen Dima Holmes 434.962.2252 DimaDHolmes@gmail.com

MLS# 590953

22 Old Camp – Wintergreen

$1,499,000

From the intricate and beautiful stone walls and garden borders on the outside, to the architectural lines, millwork and finishes on the inside, this property is simply one of a kind. 180° panoramic mountain and Shenandoah Valley views offered from every room. Stunning sunsets. Spacious 4 BR, 4.5BA floor plan on 3 levels. Two master suites. Elevator that goes to all levels. Over 2000 sq ft of decks and a hot tub. Two car attached garage. Lower level with game room, bar, home theater, wine cellar. Superb privacy. Furnished.

P.O. Box 747 Nellysford VA 22958 WintergreenResort.com JULY 2019

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Beyond the Label Whether it’s “autistic” or “organic,” the case for ditching the label that limits.

SWOOPE

[ augusta county ]

STORY by VICTORIA BEECHER GODFREY PHOTOGRAPHY by KATE SIMON

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TEAM BUILDING LEADERSHIP CREATIVITY HEALING

UPCOMING EVENTS AT OUR FARM IN AFTON

Equine Partnering Leadership Workshop August 3, 9a-12p Equine Partnering Creativity Workshop August 17, 9a-12p Contact us to schedule a private session or workshop Louise Goodling 434/941-6485 louise@equinepartnering.com www.equinepartnering.com

. . . . .

No one anticipated Joel Salatin to choke up, with tears streaming down his face, when he introduced Temple Grandin as a guest of Polyface Farm in Swoope. The capacity group of three hundred stood in a pasture in late spring to hear these two icons of land stewardship and animal management ricochet off of one another.

In answer to why it was so meaningful for Joel to host Temple, “Handling livestock considerately is one of our goals, and all of our corrals and sorting infrastructure is directly modeled on Temple’s earliest public exposure. Some 40 years ago I read a Farm Journal article featuring her principles and it resonated so deeply with me I went straight out to the barn, tore out all of our chute and sorting pen infrastructure, and rebuilt it per her guidelines. Ever since, we’ve used it, running thousands of animals through, with minimal stress and enjoyable handling.” continued on page 12

SATURDAY, JUly 13TH | 11AM-6PM | Live Music by The Jon Spear Band, 2pm - 5pm Thrill of the Grill food truck, All Day

. . . . .

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD | 11AM-6PM | Net proceeds om this new release will benefit:

august 3rd | 11:00am - 6:00pm coffee cask collaboration: September 7th | 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Tickets available july 15th through www.nelson29.com

Tours daily Toursand and Tastings Tastings daily 299 eades lane 299 eades lane 22949 lovingston, lovingston, Virginia Virginia 22949

www.vadistillery.com | @vadistillery JULY 2019

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continued from page 11

Neither gained speaking skills until they were four-yearsold, and neither have shut up since. “ It’s a label salad out there!” growls Grandin. The joy of hosting a kindred spirit on family land, labored over for 60 years, to Grandin’s highly accredited approval, certainly cause for Salatin’s emotion and something to talk about. “She’s wonderful, just wonderful,” says Salatin. Clipped speech for this now high-in-demand speaker. He’s markedly awed by his guest.

Many attendees were at Polyface to hear Grandin’s thoughts on autism, but Dr. Grandin is direct about her position on the autism spectrum, “Working as a professor comes first. Autism is an important part of who I am, but working with animals comes first.”. Grandin is a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She consults internationally on livestock handling and slaughter. She directly faces the side of the steak most do not wish to think about. She is remarkable in that she turned autism into a gift.

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LIVE MUSIC BY

FIRECRACKER JAM 6-8:30 THE BLNDRS 3-5:30

BAYOU FAUX PAS 12-2:30

$15/PLATE: INCLUDES: CRAWFISH, SHRIMP, ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE, CORN ON THE COB, AND POTATOES OTHER FOOD OPTIONS ALSO AVAILABLE

ENJOY A VARIETY OF LOCAL CRAFT BEER, WINE, & CIDER BLUEMOUNTAINBARREL.COM Grandin is a visual thinker, she absorbs the world as a memory bank of images, a slideshow stored in the cloud of the brain. For autistic people this memory storage is large. When Grandin visited her aunt’s ranch in California (where the choice given to her was to spend a week or the whole summer, no option not to go) the revelation was clear. “People who think in pictures are thinking more like animals think,” says Grandin. “Animals are sensory thinkers, not word-based thinkers.” Animals were her destiny and she pursued an educational path to reach the goal of making the mute conceptions of animals heard.

She has also given voice to autistics. She speaks candidly about her perceptions and was of the first to do so. She maintains that there aren’t more autistic people now, simply more diagnosed as the spectrum is understood, oft times difficult owing to its variability. “It goes from Einstein to people who can’t dress themselves.” Grandin says.

BLUE MOUNTAIN BARREL HOUSE | 495 COOPERATIVE WAY ARRINGTON, VA continued on page 14

JULY 2019

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continued from page 13

Grandin arrived at the farm fresh from a visit to Silicon Valley, from Apple to Polyface. According to Grandin this hotbed of high-tech is rife with autistic brilliance refusing to be labeled. But labels do not serve her. Labels can become defining restraints, “There are too many kids getting labeled and becoming that label.”.

However, addressing a weakness leaves room to embrace a strength. The child who yawns through simple math may be engrossed by an introduction to algebra. In addressing a question from an anxious parent, “With a 6th or 7th-grade reading level you can run a Fortune 500 company, I’ve been in the board room,” bringing a hearty laugh from the crowd.

Grandin endorses leaving politics out of conversations. Says social media magnifies the voices of radicals. Limiting children’s “screen time” to an hour a day. Stretching kids out of their comfort zone and encouraging life skills. Some of her bullet points for success.

“One of the worst things they did in the schools was take away the trade classes: art class, designing, welding, music, woodworking.”. Grandin sees these skills, these pursuits, are fading fast and can’t be replaced by technology. Simple motor skills are being neglected. Medical students who have never wielded a needle have to learn to sew the most demanding stitch in the canvas of life for the first time in flesh, not the worn-out pillowcase. continued on page 16

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SAUNDERS BROTHERS FARM MARKET SINCE 1915

Juicy & Ripe

Peaches

on the porch!

Kids on the Farm Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 Saturday Events with Live Music July 2: Story Time with Papa Saunders July 6: Peach Sundaes July 9: Birdhouse Making July 13: Peack Pie Making Class July 16: Bamboo Fishing Pole Making July 20: Peach Freezer Jam Class July 23: Why Do Cows Eat Grass July 27: How Do You Can Peaches?

July 30: Antique Farm Equipment Display Please contact the Farm Market to register for Kids on the Farm events.

Mon-Sat 9-6 (closed Sunday) 434.277.5455 x.37 saundersbrothersfarmmarket.com Bring this ad in for a chance to win a gift card!

JULY 2019

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continued from page 14

“When bad becomes normal,” says Grandin. Joel Salatin and I banter back and forth every aspect of our society where that applies, and have probably left a few out. We seem to be a weary culture these days, but there are beacons. I find myself in the privileged position to be sitting on a hay bale next to two of them.

These are not people who have climbed onto a convenient pedestal to ride it out, they are in the trenches making a difference. They are bringing mindfulness to your plate before you even thought about firing up the grill. Why? Because they had the mentors and the will to follow what is true to them.

Salatin says, “We want to broadly message to our world that there are answers.” And then there are answers, when Wendy Gray, an employee of Polyface for eleven years, picked up the phone and called Temple Grandin, the last thing she expected was a direct return call from Dr. Grandin herself. That’s how she does it. The event sold out in a matter of days. Every Temple Grandin book in the Polyface Farm store sold and most were signed that day. continued on page 18

Rockfish River Gallery Fine Art and Exquisite Crafts from Virginia Over 70 artists, artisans, writers and musicians – We are unique!

Part Of Our Mission Is to Allow As Many As Possible Local And Extended Local Artists And Artisans To Display Their Work and to Promote Art in the Community at Large.

Rockfish Valley Community Center 190 Rockfish School Lane, Afton, VA 22920 We are open all year Weds. through Sat. 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Check our website for info, map and news. www.RockfishRiverGallery.com 434-294-4668.

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Nelson County… it’s a lifestyle!

WINTERGREEN RESORT

NELSON COUNTY

1573 Vistas Step inside this tastefully renovated 2 BR end unit and enjoy the breathtaking mountain and valley views!

You can even watch the night skiing on the popular Eagle Swoop slope. Updated with painted cabinets and new appliances in the kitchen, and vanities in the baths. All you need to do is hang your clothes in the closet and begin enjoying your time in the mountains! Short walk to tennis, golf, and the Wintergarden Spa/pool.

Excellent rental potential. $237,500

180 Blue Ridge Lane This twostory home in a parklike setting has a spacious kitchen with upgrades including granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Kitchen opens to a cozy living space with a fireplace. Main level also features a dining room. Upper level offers a master suite with double vanity and tiled shower, two additional bedrooms and an office. Lower level walkout boasts a family room with gas stove and tons of storage space. Conveniently located between 151 and 29 for easy access to Charlottesville and all of the amenities along Nelson 151. $319,000

945 Diamond Hill Enjoy the mountain views and watching the activity on the ski slopes from this renovated 2 BR, 2 BA ski front unit! A fabulous location for the ski focused buyer looking to be in the heart of the action. Open floor plan with a wood-burning fireplace in the living room. Upgraded with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, new furnishings, and a tiled master shower. Minimal steps. Excellent rental potential! $249,900 449 Three Ridges Easy walk from this 2 BR, 2 BA to the ski slopes and Mountain Inn shops, restaurants, and activities! Ideal location with minimal steps to access condo and one of the least expensive dues. Many extras include open floor plan, master bedroom with private bathroom, owners closet, wood-burning fireplace, walk-out deck. Excellent rental potential. Priced below assessed value! $97,500 66 Deerberry Lane Mountain style retreat situated on the Devils Knob Golf Course and surrounded by unique rock outcroppings and lush ferns. Great room with cathedral ceiling and wood-burning fireplace. Floor plan offers each bedroom (4) its own private bathroom. Lower level family room and a loft allows room for the family and your guests to spread out and relax. Windows and rear deck have been replaced. Fabulous home in the heart of all the amenities. $285,000 972 Devils Knob Loop One of the most spectacular view properties at Wintergreen! Sweeping views of the Rockfish Valley and Eagles Swoop from this 4 BR, 3 BA home perched high on Devils Knob Mountain. Bright, open floor plan with hardwood flooring, wall of windows/doors, gas fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Updated baths, kitchen appliances and tasteful furnishings make this move-in ready! This home has only had 2 owners and has never been rented. Lot value alone is over $300,000. Lower level basement suite with 1 BR, 1 BA and a sitting area offers rental opportunities. Windows and doors have been replaced. $525,000

57 Pounding Branch Road Well-maintained, 3 BR, 2 BA home with an open concept design located in Afton. Main level has 9-foot ceilings. Living room has gas fireplace. The kitchen features maple cabinets, granite countertops, and an island for additional seating and work space. Upstairs is a master suite with vaulted ceiling and walk-in closet, plus two more bedrooms, full hall bath and laundry area. Large fenced area for the kids or family pets. Covered front porch and an attached garage. Only 25 minutes to UVa! $289,000 16031 Crabtree Falls Highway Mostly wooded, 23-acre parcel atop Montebello with road frontage along Route 56 and Painter Mountain Road. Beat the heat and come explore this elevated parcel with view potential. Minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway and close to Crabtree Falls and the AT. Acreage is approximate. $185,500

STONEY CREEK 423 Foothills Drive Wellmaintained home on nearly 4 acres located in the foothills of Stoney Creek. Open floor plan offers a great room with stone fireplace, spacious kitchen, breakfast nook, master suite with deck access, and a study/ library. Terrace level boasts a family/game room, two additional bedrooms/baths, and large bonus room. Attached 2-car garage and an oversized laundry. Multi-level deck. A stream meanders through the property. The planted gardens glow when in bloom. A gardener's paradise. $549,000

Chastity Morgan • 434.941.5883 mobile • 434.361.1103 home (434) 361-2440 • www.MountainAreaRealty.com

2788 Rockfish Valley Highway • Nellysford, VA 22958

JULY 2019

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1 in 6 children in America lives with hunger, all across the United States, in every community. It's real.

With your help, we can change it.

Live your best.

Learn more at nokidhungry.org/onedollar

acac Crozet 434.817.2055

3 days free with code: BRL

acac.com/pass 18

Blue Ridge LIFE

JULY 2019

It’s not about fame, fame travels in closed circles of interest. It’s about one’s impact on the well-being of the community and how that impacts in ripple effect the world.

Continuing why Grandin’s visit to Polyface was personally important Joel says, “I am only one of thousands of farmers she has mentored directly or through her various outreach arms, bringing peace where conflict normally rules. To bring this much peace into the lives of this many animals is nothing short of remarkable; she has literally saved animals from fear and stress on a global scale. That is why I broke down in tears when I introduced her to the group; she’s that special in my life and in the principles we hold dear at Polyface.”

Temple’s in the car happily munching fresh-baked bread and Polyface pâté as Wendy Gray negotiates the way to Dulles airport. Our eyes have been opened wider and wiser for her visit. We have been strongly admonished to “Stop overthinking it!”, and share the word of our learning. BRL

N E L SO N CO U N T Y … now this is living!

L AY TO N FAR M ristine, private and absolutely gorgeous 119-acre offering. Accessed off of Route 56, this parcel has it all. Lovely farm pond, springs, creeks, mountain views and rolling pasture. There’s an old homestead and some great outbuildings and there is electric to the property.

Handsome old stone walls reflect the history of the farm. Amazing building sites, hiking trails and plenty of Nature’s critters everywhere!

Located in Montebello just minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, the Tye River and Crabtree Falls (highest falls east of the Mississippi!). Perfect hunting camp or retreat. $495,000

P

2749 FO R K M O U NTAI N L AN E erched on 100 acres on top of Fork Mountain in Montebello, this custom-built post-and-beam home is a perfect getaway!

Beautifully sited and landscaped with stunning views. The 4 BR, 4.5 BA main house looks out over two stocked ponds as well as orchards and flower gardens. There is a stone fireplace in the great room, a gourmet kitchen, loft/office area, sunroom, patio and large deck for enjoying the Blue Ridge views. The 2 BR guest cottage has a large screened porch and deck. Hiking trails abound. If that’s not enough, there is also a gorgeous 82.45-acre parcel that could be available, which adjoins this property and goes down to the North Fork River. Perfect for fishing, swimming or just relaxing.

Minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Crabtree Falls and the Appalachian Trail. $1,195,000

P

Vista del Monte

73 M EAD OW D R IVE tart with a cozy log cabin on 44.9 acres of private, gorgeous land.

There are mountain views, 1583 feet of Rockfish River frontage, babbling creeks, dramatic rock outcroppings and beautiful pasture.

The cabin has 2 BR, 2 BA, hardwood and slate floors in living areas, tiled baths, updated kitchen appliances, full unfinished basement, workshop and tons of decking. Several outbuildings—equipment sheds, “garage,” small structure that could be made into a guest house, storage sheds and run-in shed. Mosey on down to the riverside where it’s all set up to go floating, have cookouts, hang by the camp fire or sleep under the starry sky. This property has everything that makes Nelson County so special! $499,000

S

1887 FO R K M O U NTAI N L AN E ho wouldn't want this stunning 77-acre, old Montebello farm full of gorgeous vistas, lovely woods, hiking trails, camping spots and outstanding hunting? And “Breezy Blue” has many attractive homesites… pick your favorite view! There's electric on the property as well as an old root cellar and a equipment shed. Much is open with pasture. The perfect getaway and could also be a desirable hunting camp or family enclave.

Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, Crabtree Falls, the Tye River with amazing trout fishing (and fabulous swimming holes!). Hop down to the Valley to orchard happenings, breweries, cideries and musical events! You will love this little slice of heaven! $399,000

W

STON EY CREEK 42 KN O LL L AN E enovated Rodes Farm “Tobacco Barn” with 3BR, 2BA, a bonus bunk room and established vacation rental history. Open great room with a stone fireplace. Downstairs bath with radiant heat, whirlpool tub and separate shower. Private loft bedroom/bath suite. A screened porch and deck have been added for 3-season outdoor living. Mature landscaping.

Walk to Rodes Farm pool, tennis court, pond, archery and stable. Close to Nellysford.

Stoney Creek golf, hiking and lake all nearby. 30 minutes to Charlottesville. Sold furnished with exclusions. Yard maintenance included. $299,000

R

C R ABTR E E FALLS H I G HWAY LOTS ocated minutes from Crabtree Falls (the highest falls east of the Mississippi), this could be the site of your dream getaway!

Comprised of two lots, both with Tye River frontage, this 10.07-acre parcel is close to the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Fish Hatchery and Spy Rock. Just a short jaunt to the Nelson County Valley and numerous breweries, cideries, wineries, orchards and shopping. The Tye River is known for its excellent fishing as well as scenic swimming holes. $99,000

L

Julie Bendle • (434) 996-8669 bendle5@aol.com

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

2788 Rockfish Valley Highway • Nellysford, VA 22958

JULY 2019

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asktheDr.

By Dr. Charles Cole Afton Family Medicine Dear Dr. Cole, I am trying to take care of an elderly family member and I’m overwhelmed. I don’t know if I can do it!

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Being a caregiver is tough, and it’s a situation many people are trying to manage. About 80% of adults who need chronic care live at home and 90% of that care is provided by family members. The demand for this care is going to increase in the future. It’s a wonderful situation when you can care for a loved one and allow them to remain at home. But it comes with many challenges – emotional, physical and financial.

Caregivers tend to have more days missed from work, fewer promotions at work, reduced retirement savings and Social Security benefits. They tend to have higher rates of insomnia and depression, higher risks of serious illnesses. They are less likely to get appropriate preventive care.

Many caregivers are not prepared for the challenges that face them and have inadequate training on how to provide care and how to care for themselves. Being a caregiver for someone with dementia is especially

challenging because of the need for constant vigilance and frequent behavioral issues.

If you are a caregiver, good for you!

It is a privilege to care for a loved one, allowing them to remain at home.

But, it is important that you take of yourself during this time – otherwise you might not be able to provide effective care and your health may suffer. Take breaks every now and then. Join support groups and pursue your own interests. Get other family members and friends involved. If your loved one has dementia, get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association.

You are not alone and others are going through similar situations.

Listen to other people’s stories and learn from their experiences. Learn what resources are available in your community. And keep in touch with your doctor and your loved one’s doctor.

Dr. Charles Cole 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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JULY 2019

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit sentara.com or call (540) 456-6710.

Follow us on Facebook @MarthaJeffersonHospital, and Twitter @MarthaJefferson.

athome

Stay and Play Tips for buying a vacation or second home

withMarlo

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

The 4th of July holiday is the perfect time to be thinking about your short and long-term vacation plans. As a vacation destination, Wintergreen and Nelson County have become a respite for those seeking the natural beauty and recreation of the mountains and all that the area has to offer. Many come to play, and some decide to stay. Should you be in the market for a vacation or second home, here are a few tips for consideration before making a purchase.

Understand location. Get to know the area. Take a few day or weekend trips to explore the local offerings. Purchase near activities that you enjoy such as hiking, biking, skiing, canoeing, golfing, winery/ brewery touring, etc.… Consider driving distance. A retreat that is within a few hours commute may get used more than one taking a full day of travel. Hire a local real estate professional as your buyer’s agent as this person can provide valuable

guidance regarding the area, property search, pricing, offer negotiations, and can alert you to any other things that you may need to know. Agent expertise is paramount when you may not have the same depth of understanding about the area and current market conditions.

Determine type of home desired.

Decide what type of home is the right fit for your specific needs and intended use. Do you need a small condo getaway, or large detached home that can accommodate extended family and friends? Do you want a place with lots of acreage for tremendous privacy, or would you prefer a small yard or place in the woods with no yard maintenance?

Do you want something newer or recently renovated, or would you prefer something needing some TLC to capitalize on future sweat equity?

Know what you can afford.

Even if you are paying cash,

Marlo Allen

speaking to your financial advisor or tax accountant can give you an understanding of how much funds you can extract and the impact to your overall finances. If needing financing, speak to a loan officer, or ask the agent for a local lender, who can take a look at your overall plans and help structure the purchase in a way that makes the most sense. If doing a 1031 exchange or considering an option to rent the property, understanding the tax advantages and/or implications is a key aspect of establishing a purchasing plan.

Consider extended cost of ownership. Plan ahead to make sure you have money in the budget to cover fees associated with ownership such as real estate taxes, property owner or condo association fees, and the cost of maintenance or unexpected repairs. Give serious consideration to renting the property, especially if you may not use it

434-996-3525

Buy or List with Marlo,

regularly or during peak tourist periods. Explore Airbnb, Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO), or local property management companies; a property manager may be the best fit if you don’t want the hassle of ongoing management. While renting the property may not cover all the expenses, it can help offset the cost of ownership.

Wintergreen and Nelson County offer something for everyone.

Whether dreaming of a cabin on the river, a chalet on the slopes, a cottage in the woods, or a condo with a view, there is a place here for you that can fit any budget. Enlist the help of a local, qualified professional to help you find just the right one, so you can truly stay and play!

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 Perfect Vacation Getaway!!

885 Devils Knob Loop, Wintergreen; #591356; 4Br/3Ba; $389,000

an experienced, local, top producing agent!

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!

Renovated home with lots of character! This is truly a must see to appreciate the numerous family gathering places providing interactive flow with open kitchen/dining/great room with fireplace, wood floors and beams AND an additional family room with wet bar, cathedral ceiling, and floor to ceiling stone fireplace.

Take the entertaining outdoors to the private back decks or three season porch with vaulted ceiling and wall of windows overlooking the woods and golf course. Renovated in 2015 to include kitchen (custom cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances) bathrooms (tile shower areas), flooring, lighting, and more! Extras: garage/storage, ample level parking, sold furnished!

Marlo is a top-producing agent throughout Nelson County, Stoney Creek and Wintergreen.

JULY 2019

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LOVINGSTON

[ nelson county ]

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY by YVETTE STAFFORD

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JULY 2019 JULY 2019

There’s an unspoken rule when you go berry picking that you have to sample along the way. Macey is 6 years old and an expert at it. Wearing a sparkle backpack, jeans, and cowboy boots, she shows me what’s inside her bucket.

“I think its about a hundred-something.”

At least a hundred blueberries. Maybe a bazillion.

“I just like to pick them up,” she explains before shoving a handful into her mouth.

Pick-your-own blueberries are a fairly new offering at Drumheller’s Orchard, a 5th generation family farm in Lovingston behind the county’s middle and high schools. The lady with the white hair alongside Macey is her grandma, Doris Drumheller, the orchard’s matriarch. Her late husband’s parents purchased the land in 1937, reviving a then-abandoned farm with fruit trees and turning it into a thriving peach and apple orchard. As luck would have it, a small patch of land above the packing shed developed a fungus toxic to fruit trees. But it’s been the perfect place to establish a blueberry crop.

Nelson County Estate Parcels “Underneath all is the Land”

East Side • 1857 Findlay Mountain Road 142 acres of field and forest, regrowing timberland, springs and streams.

The core of this 4,500 square-foot 3 BR, 2 BA home, a log structure, now the kitchen, may date from the late 1700s. Expanded c. 1850, and again in 1999, Findlay Mountain Farm is now a fine southern homestead. Antique charm abounds with original flooring and moldings adding to the character. The 1999 addition incorporates details found on the 1850 home. It houses a grand entertaining space with vaulted ceiling and sunroom on the ground floor, and a balcony library and an expansive master suite on the second. There’s a pool house adjacent to the in-ground pool, and the yard is enclosed by a Jeffersonian serpentine wall hand built by an owner. $699,000

West Side • 1778 Fork Mountain Lane 128 acres of field and forest at 3,000 feet elevation.

BERRY GOOD PICKIN’ There’s a berry bonanza underway at Drumheller’s Orchard “They’re coming on really nice this year,” Macey’s mom, Morgan Drumheller Johnston tells me. “This is our first year of picking blueberries off of them, the second year for blackberries.

We have never sprayed our blueberry plants. We are very proud of being able to raise them without having to put any type of pesticide or anything like that on them. Just straight fertilizer and good rain water and some good water from the ground.”

And as Doris will tell you, a little faith and luck.

“My husband called it gambling. Because you gamble every day when you’re a farmer. You don’t know what the weather is going to do to you. It could be real dry. A hail storm can wipe you out in five minutes time … You just got to have a lot of faith with a lot of hard work.”

Escape the lowlands! Two dwellings and views! The main house offers 3BR & 2 BA. The great room with its soaring ceiling provides a Blue Ridge panorama from a wall of windows. The guest house has its own great room, 2 BR and a full bath. Both convey furnished! The property, primarily woodland, has three separate open fields that total approximately 11 acres. Montebello abounds with wildlife and has a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities including trails, campgrounds and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Ready for your family compound, Blue Ridge basecamp or private hunting reserve.

MLS 587364 $689,500

Charlie Wineberg wineberg@cstone.net 434-996-7336

www.MountainAreaRealty.com 2788 Rockfish Valley Highway • Nellysford, VA 22958

continued on page 35

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1997 – 2019 Come Celebrate with us !

22 years of supporting local farmers

Yes, we’re open!

Unlike many tax preparation firms, our office is open year round.

Contact us today for a free get-acquainted meeting.

NELSON Farmers Market MORE THAN 50 VENDORS SaturdayS 8– 12 IN THE HEART OF NELLYSFORD LIVE MUSIC UNDER THE TENT

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Blue Ridge LIFE

JULY 2019

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continued from page 33

And though the Drumheller women are enjoying the literal fruits of their labor today, the reality of farm life includes making tough decisions. To a home gardener, that may be called aggressive pruning.

On an orchard, you bring in the heavy equipment.

“You take out some, you put some back each year.”

And it was during one particular year, 1970 as Doris remembers it, that the farm went all in.

“One year we did away with all the peaches and Mrs. Drumheller did not like it because she said she just had to have peaches.”

The peach trees came back and that’s part of the riddle orchards are constantly solving: which varieties need to be culled, which ones need to be planted.

“This was all apple trees,” Morgan tells me. “I was about 12 and they pushed them all up, gave it about three years and planted peaches when I was 15.”

But 2019 isn’t one of those heavy push-down-the-trees years. So far the weather has cooperated and even the storms that have threatened the area — no hail, thank goodness — have brought in the kind of heat these berries seem to like. “The hotter the hot the sweeter the sweet,” Morgan adds, at least when it comes to blueberries and peaches.

Which, by the way, Doris has a cobbler recipe that is ridiculously simple as it is killer.

“Well, everyone seems to like it. It’s been a recipe that’s been around and I think it’s been in a lot of families. A cup of sugar, a cup of flower, a cup of butter, and like a quart of blueberries,” Doris says. Morgan whips out a copy of the handwritten recipe they freely give out to customers.

We look back at Macey, who’s prancing down the 800 ft rows of Reka, Blueray and Chandler blueberries. There are also Natchez, Chester, and Prime Ark Freedom blackberries. Pick away, littlest one.

“It brings you back to childhood,” Macey’s mom says. “You’re picking blackberries on the edge of the mountains. You’re picking blackberries on the edge of the road. And now you have them at a field where you can do that with your families.” BRL

A 5th generation family farm, Drumheller’s Orchard traces its beginnings to 1937 when E.O. Drumheller purchased an abandoned farm, eventually cleaning it up and planting acres upon acres of apple and peach trees. The orchard has begun offering pick-your-own blueberries and blackberries. Its apple butter making tradition remains a popular fall event.

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WINTERGREEN

N ELSON COU NTY

231 Timbers Condo Two walk-out slope-side condos combined into one fantastic unit! Enjoy the year-round views from your deck and stroll to the Mountain Inn and the restaurants. Updated with new appliances, new TVs, new sliding deck door.

Turn key and ready to go. Reconfigured for easy family living with 2 BR and 2 BA. Two exterior storage units for your equipment. $199,000 1191 Devils Knob Loop Great location on the 16th green of the Devils Knob Golf Course. Walk to Wintergarden Spa, The Nature Foundation and The Highland Express.

This 3 BR, 2 BA home has mahogany steps, front door and door trims along with expansive glass. Wrap around deck with access door to the kitchen and living room area. Play area for the kids in the back. Spacious 2-car garage. Seasonal mountain views. On private rental and very popular (VRBO). $289,900

Loblolly Lot 12 Great mountain views from this peaceful 5.1-acre lot.

Private area; seller recently did partial clearing for views. Located within the Dutch Creek Developement. There is electric and a perc test has been done.

Lot 12 is on the south side of the road within Dutch Creek. Gently rolling land with stream in the back of the property.

Currently in forest use. $32,900

Loblolly Lot 14 Privacy, great potential for mountain views from this 18.80-acre parcel located in Dutch Creek. $99,000

PENDING!

Hunter Price, ABR, GRI, CRS, Realtor Cell 540-290-0694

(434) 361-2440

Blundell Hollow Fabulous 20 plus acres with potential future view of Humpback Mountain. Just off of Nelson Route 151‌ the area of wineries, breweries, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, golf, hiking, and skiing at Wintergreen. A small creek winds through the property. There is a culvert in place to get to possible building sites. $140,000

hunterprice07@gmail.com 2788 Rockfish Valley Highway • Nellysford, VA 22958

www.MountainAreaRealty.com

RED WHITE CELEBRATE JULY with a complimentary glass of

or

Blue Ridge Homecrafters Environmentally friendly custom building remodeling & renovation

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Call us today

434-987-0991 28

Blue Ridge LIFE

JULY 2019

wine

BREW with a

inspired menu

The Fountain Room Restaurant The Mark Addy Inn (434)361-1101 www-mark-addy.com

Advanced Reservations Required

STAUNTON

[ augusta county ] STORY by YVETTE STAFFORD PHOTOGRAPHY by KATE SIMON

HOT MIC

The Queen City has a Voice and it’s called WQSV

JULY 2019

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Our Experience is the Key to Your Success 2788 Rockfish Valley Highway Nellysford, VA 22958

Pam McKeithen

John McKeithen

pam.mckeithen@gmail.com

jmckeithen@ gmail.com

434-906-0426

Bryant Mountain 13 Breathtaking views from this 13-acre homesite.

Build a dream home! Owner/agent $269,000

952 Blue Ridge Drive Charming mountain home just steps away from Chestnut Springs pool offering exceptional quality throughout. With 5 BR, 4 BA, second family room and sleeping loft, it is the perfect family retreat or exceptional rental property! Incredible value at $319,000 with $5000 furniture allowance.

2840 Afton Mountain Road This desirable Afton location won’t last long! Jump on I-64 for your minutes commute to Charlottesville or Waynesboro or enjoy all the wineries and breweries at your back door! With 4 BR, 2 BA on two levels it’s an ideal home and or rental opportunity.

Gorgeous plantings, sheds, creek, and 3-car garage. $344,000 with 3.5 acres or $299,000 with 2 acres

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5079 Taylor Creek Road Build your dream home on this 159 acres with views, barn, bathhouse and travel trailer. $540,000 Commercial Propert y

18 Pheasant Run On Rockfish Valley Highway, zoned B-1, with many permitted uses. Next to Wild Wolf Brewery. High traffic exposure! Apartment upstairs. $295,000

3224 Old Stoney Creek Road Minutes from Nellysford yet off the grid in 4-wheel-drive-accessible Wintergreen’s Back Country, this charming cabin on 10+ acres is the ultimate place to relax, listen to the babbling creeks and land the catch of the day! $99,500

7811 Patrick Henry Highway Great family ranch style 4 BR, 2 BA home on 2 beautifully landscaped acres with garage and shed and audible creek! $219,000

434-906-0427

98 Laurel Springs Perched above the 10th Green of Devils Knob with exceptional architectural lines and quality, this is the quintessential mountain golf front home. The great room with soaring wood-paneled ceiling, massive-floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, wall of glass with decks beyond, custom updated kitchen and handsome furnishings are just part of the allure.

The main level master suite also features a stone fireplace, deck access and large master bath With 3 more BRs, 3 BAs and family room with fireplace downstairs, this home offers the space you want to entertain family and friends. Beautifully maintained, turn key and ready to enjoy summer 2019 and years to come! Come fall in love! $569,000

Coffee Hollow Lane Mountain hunting camp with two cabins. Creek, amazing rock outcroppings. Adjoins National Forest. $289,900

68 Post Office Own the Faber Post office! Long-term lease in place through May 2025. $49,000

Wintergreen Mountain Homesites

Wintergreen Condos

1025 Blue Ridge Drive Golf front. $79,500 94 Beech Drive Great location. Winter views. $59,000 Cedar Drive Double lots 2.3 acres. Western views. $110,000 68 Pedlar’s End Winter views. On cul de sac. $39,900

1817 High Ridge Court 3 BR, 3 BA, with spectacular Blue Ridge views, covered parking, elevator access, fully furnished. $269,000 1464 Ledges 2 BR, 2 BA, 2 levels, 2 fireplaces, deck and patio.

Blue Ridge & ski slope views on rental! $184,900

continued from page 29

For those of us old enough to remember why it’s kind to rewind, there’s a certain poetic justice in analog mix tape culture making a comeback in a digital world, and having 95 watts behind the movement.

Ben Leonard was that kid in high school stuffing cassettes into his backpack.

“It was like a religion,” he tells me in a narrow hallway inside the building on Frederick Street that is home to WQSV, the city’s Low Power community radio station. Ben is one of several locals who broadcasts a show. “And now it’s like I get to make a two-hour mix tape every week … It’s kind of like tapping into that old middle school/high school desire to do mix tapes.”

Astral Travel is the name of Ben’s program and his face lights up like the glittery tail of a comet as he explains it to you.

“It is traveling the space ways and musical galaxies. It’s a lot of funk and soul and hip hop and soul and jazz and some reggae from the 1970s through the 1990s.”

So in other words, some days Ben gets to “play hip hop for two hours and nerd out.”

WQSV tonight is packed this evening with fellow music nerds like Richmond-area musician Darrell Hyden who credits the radio station for turning his life around. He is 48 now and suffered a stroke last year. continued on page 33

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Blue Ridge LIFE

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Wintergreen Music Festival Erin Freeman, Artistic Director

Tickets & Weekend Packages on sale now Wintergreen-Music.org or 434.361.0541

July 7-August 4, 2019

We are currently buying old barns, sheds, cabins, and houses for salvage. have one to sell? call us.

Meade Shirley 540-241-9075 elkmountaincontracting.com 32

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ANTIQUES continued from page 31

“I couldn’t walk or talk and months later, Tom gave me a show,” he tells me inside one of WQSV’s two studios. “It’s been great therapy for me.”

And it happens Wednesday nights from 9pm - 11pm. Name that Show with Drl is “bad comedy tied with old funk, old punk, glam rock, post punk, hard core,” the host tells me. Sounds fun but I’m stuck on the bad comedy part.

“One week I tried to open up a daycare center here and the SWAT team comes. Usually at the end of every show, I’m in jail.”

Bad comedy, for sure. And Darrel swears his listeners span the globe. “I have listeners in China, in Europe, people who know me and my bad comedy … This place is almost like a pirate radio station. It’s like me .. I can get away with playing hardcore and stuff, or stoner metal … there’s an audience for it.”

Time to talk to the manager. His name is Tom DuMontier and he birthed this radio baby three years ago. As a volunteer for WNRN, Tom was already immersed in the local radio world and when he heard of a rare enrollment period for low power FM radio stations, he jumped at it. Tom and a few fellow like-minded folks applied for the frequency from the FCC in 2013, before being granted rights to it the following year. But there’s

more to a radio station than owning a license.

“You start on a journey and then you think you’re going to go somewhere and then a series of events happen. I mean I really couldn’t have imagined things happening and coming together sort of in the way they did,” he tells me. Like the time he ran into the then seemingly insurmountable obstacle of leasing tower space to transmit. Priced like they were for large corporate radio groups like Clear Channel, Tom couldn’t afford those cell tower fees. But Staunton is a city on a hill and roof space from a budding was available that was juts 20 feet lower than there cell tower space they’d been eying. And that’s where the antenna is, less than a mile from the station as the crow flies.

“It’s kind of just having faith and putting yourself kind of out there in those situations.”

There’s something about this special Shenandoah Valley town, Tom says, that happens to throw a Harry Potter party on its downtown streets every year.

“I think Staunton ... it’s not by accident there’s Harry Potter magic …there is something kind around here that’s kind of strange and sort of lends itself to these things.” continued on page 35

TuckahoeAntiques.com Rt. 151 Near Wintergreen

CovesvilleStoreAntiques.com Rt. 29 south of Charlottesville

VeronaAntiques.com Rt. 11 north of Staunton JULY 2019

Blue Ridge LIFE

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Successfully Matching Buyers And Sellers Since 2004 MOUNTAIN VIEWS

MINUTES TO WINTERGREEN

RIVER VIEWS

1581 Beech Grove Rd, Roseland $449,000 (MLS 591037) This brick ranch-style home with just over 30 acres is only minutes to Wintergreen, with mostly open pasture and stunning mountain views. The pasture is fenced and ideal for a mini-farm with a creek and two springs. The home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sunroom with wood-stove, and eat-in kitchen.

Several outbuildings including a workshop.

11128 Rockfish River Rd, Shipman $279,300 (MLS 586043) A trip along the Rockfish River brings you to a spot just south of the historic “Rockfish Depot”, which is the setting for this charming 1820’s farmhouse. On it’s elevated perch, this federal style 3 bedroom / 2 bath home with double front porches sits, enjoying views of the river and mountains.

Soapstone throughout, original heart of pine floors.

MOUNTAIN RETREAT

STONEY CREEK

OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE

239 Marwell Drive, Montebello $297,000 (MLS 590007) Travel up Rt. 56 in Nelson County to Montebello, the site of this Blue Ridge Mountain retreat. The house borders a large tree farm, and is a short walk to the AT, fish hatchery, the Montebello store, and the start of Spy Rock hike. Lovingly renovated, with 3 BR, 2 BA, original hardwood floors in living room, converted gas FP, updated kitchen w/ hickory cabinets, wrap around screened porches and a bunk room.

112 Blue Chickory Ln, Stoney Creek $499,000 (MLS 585617) True craftsmanship is evident throughout this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home on 1.2 acres in Stoney Creek.

Over 3,000 sq. ft. with mature landscaping, paved drive, courtyard area, pool & detached 3 car garage with finished living space. Every detail was inspired with luxury & comfort in mind. 3 Fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, sauna, steam shower and much more.

Lot 64 Walkers Mountain Rd, Arrington $29,000 (MLS 591577) This level wooded 5 acre parcel in Southern Nelson County, situated in Walker’s Mountain Subdivision, has lots of potential for your vacation retreat or primary home. A common area provided by the association with shared access to the Tye River for swimming, and fishing is one amenity included in the low annual association dues collected. Easy access to rte 29 and appx 45 min to Charlottesville.

121 Orchard Ct, Roseland $299,000 (MLS 591633) This authentic log home is tucked away in the midst of park-like landscape, and mountain views.

This is the perfect Nelson County retreat with 5.5 acres offering great garden spots and privacy.

There is a detached sun-room or green house with wood-stove, several outbuildings for a workshop, equipment,& Storage.

Sara McGann

434.996.4962 sbmcgann@gmail.com

2788 ROCKFISH VALLEY HWY NELLYSFORD, VA

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Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

This summer we’ve brought back your favorite dining specials and added some new ones.

Sundown on the Veranda at Stoney Creek Bar & Grill It’s your Wednesday pick me up with live music and entertainment, drink specials and an appetizer buffet.

Friday Night Lights Join us at Stoney Creek Bar & Grill the last Friday of every month for great live music and a dinner buffet.

continued from page 33

Maybe a little bit of Ben’s Astral Travel, spiked with some of Darrel’s “Bad Comedy,” and topped off with a dose of Ali McCue’s Valley Library’s Radio Reference. Yes, Virginia. WQSV has a librarian on the air.

“Oh, its the best!” Ali beams. “You have different shows hosted by all these different community people and they’re all so eclectic and unique and you can turn the radio on and hear your favorite song from the Grateful Dead and then listen a couple hours later and hear your favorite song by Bauhaus and then a couple of hours later hear Steve talking about some awesome new electronic hip hop band you’ve never heard of.”

Or you might hear Ali in a 3-and-a-half-minute spot dishing the details on weekly events, summer beach reads, or local library resources like STEM kits and nature backpacks. A collaborative effort between the Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro Public Libraries, Ali is one of three librarians who write spots for the show. The Virginia Public Library Directors Association gave the show an award for Outstanding Outreach Project. All of a sudden, librarians are cool again. Or maybe they always have been but we didn’t know better until WQSV gave them a mic.

“We got a dope new sign!” she says pointing to the station’s call letters attached to the side of the brick building. Ben echoes Ali’s enthusiasm about a community radio station that is celebrating its third year of being of the air.

“Everybody here is like super supportive. Tom will say, ‘Make it weird. Make it whatever.’”

And weird to Ben may be doing a solid 2 hours of Prince b-sides, or whatever is on his mix tape. BRL

Sunday Brunch There is no better spot to enjoy Sunday brunch than at Stoney Creek Bar & Grill.

Dine alfresco and enjoy the view!

Visit WintergreenResort. com for details and eat, drink and be merry.

Stoney Creek Bar & Grill: 434-325-8110

855.245.5011 wintergreenresort.com

JULY 2019

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North Branch School Preschool – 8th grade

BECERRA LAWNCARE Call to schedule your mulch and chipping job!

Contact: Carlos Becerra

434-962-3266 Firewood • Debris Cleanup • Wood Chipper Mowing • Weed Eating • Pruning/Weeding Tree Trimming • Planting/Fertilizing • Mulching Spraying Weeds • Raking Leaves • Much, much more ...

Having a bad hair day?

We can help.

Inspiring a love of learning since 1983 Outdoor time for all ages every day Small class size

Call for an appointment.

North Branch School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color or income & actively seeks minority students.

A North Branch education is affordable.

Ask about our financial aid and scholarships.

540-456-8450 www.north-branch-school.org 36

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JULY 2019

Beech Grove Salon 434-361-1810

910 Beech Grove Rd (Rt. 664) Roseland, VA

Get in the Swing Come Play at Wintergreen!

Combining 45 holes of golf with two completely different course layouts, Wintergreen offers a unique golf adventure.

At 5-foot-8 and willowy, with a wide smile, Adrieanna Vest-Turner has combined her love for athletics with a drive to attend college. She could model, or do spray paint art (other dreams), but, first, she’s pursuing a health sciences (pre-physical therapy) degree through Mary Baldwin University.

Pursuing College 101 If you had asked 18-year-old Nelson County native Adrieanna Vest-Turner back in middle school what career she wanted to pursue in college, she might have sighed and said college was not in her future. However, thanks to encouragement from her family, plus mentoring and financial support from a nonprofit-supported college preparatory program, Vest-Turner just completed her freshman year at Mary Baldwin University. She credits her success, in part, to Project Discovery, a scholarship program for Nelson County High School (NCHS) students offered by the Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA). Project Discovery receives grant funding from the non-profit Nelson County Community Fund (NCCF). It is it clear, too, that her strong personal drive is a factor in achieving her dreams.

Vest-Turner’s older sister (Aja), who had participated in Project Discovery, urged her to get involved in the program. Her mom also encouraged her. “She said that if I wanted to go to college I needed to find ways to do it. She’s a single parent and couldn’t take the time off to help me look at schools.”

Through Project Discovery, Vest-Turner explored college options, went on tours, and got help prepping for the SATs and ACTS, and filling out college applications and financial aid forms. She also received a $3,000 scholarship through MACAA. Vest-Turner chose to pursue physical therapy in college on the advice of mentors she met through Project Discovery. “I come from a pretty athletic family, and I played volleyball and ran track at NCHS.” She started out wanting to be an athletic trainer, but her mentors, she said, “talked me into physical therapy because you can do more with it as a career. With a physical therapy degree, I could be

an exercise scientist, or a personal trainer, as well as a therapist.”

She chose to attend Mary Baldwin University after applying to 13 with waivers she was able to get through Project Discovery. With advisors, she compared all the aid packages. “I went where I could get the most financial help so I wasn’t saddled longterm with loans.” Mary Baldwin also wanted her for volleyball and helped her find academic scholarships.

Vest-Turner admitted, though, that she had a hard time adjusting to the college at first. “I didn’t feel like I fit in.” Joining the volleyball team helped. She also joined the Ida B. Wells Society, an African-American leadership program named for the Black abolitionist and investigative journalist who used her platform to reach out to Black women in her community. “All that has helped me find a niche and I feel I belong a there (at Mary Baldwin) now.”

On summer break, Vest-Turner is working toad to her school by serving as a counselor for ACAC’s “Adventure Central” preschool and summer camp. As for other students like her with the drive—but not the financial means—to go to college her advice is straightforward: “You have to work at it. Some who started Project Discovery with me dropped out. I’d say if you want something bad enough, go for it. Don’t think that it matters where you came from, or how well-off your family is—because it doesn’t. I grew up not thinking that I would go to college, but God made a way—and I followed it.” BRL Contributed by Sue Klett, a member of the board of the nonprofit Nelson County Community Fund, Inc. NCCF makes grants to local nonprofits meeting the educational and humanitarian needs of Nelson County residents. Visit nelsonfund.org for details on NCCF’s 2019 Opportunity (Costume) Ball at Valley Road Vineyards.

Devils Knob is Wintergreen’s Member and resort guest exclusive mountaintop course.

Defined by tree lined fairways, speedy and undulating greens and perfect playing conditions, Devils Knob, at 3850 feet, offers the ultimate mountain golf experience.

Just a short drive down the mountain, Stoney Creek course boasts 27 holes of championship golf. The Rees Jones designed course provides challenge and opportunity using the Blue Ridge Mountains as its backdrop.

Whether you are looking for a day outing or an affordable overnight package, we invite you to come and enjoy the unique golf experience Wintergreen offers.

855.245.5011 wintergreenresort.com

JULY 2019

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BRAIN BUILDERS

ANSWER KEY

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Blue Ridge LIFE Blue Blue Ridge Ridge LIFE LIFE

NOVEMBER 2018 JULY JULY 2019 2019

Y Builder’s Special Fiber internet coming 2020

Thomas Nelson Hwy | Arrington MLS 591613

Offered at $9,000

Affordable 1 acre lots without an HOA can be hard to come by. Located right on US 29 South, this mostly wooded parcel is located about 8 miles south of the town of Lovingston. Zoned A-1 (Agriculture) which permits single-family detached dwellings by right, and other uses with approval of special use or conditional use permits.

Located on the Colleen circuit, Firefly Fiber internet scheduled to be available Summer of 2020.

YvetteStafford

yvette@blueridgelife.com 434.760.4181 / cell

REALTOR

2788 ROCKFISH VALLEY HWY NELLYSFORD, VA

,

Yolks for Folks

Eggs picked daily by humans, laid by hens that enjoy a life on pasture, and nest on fluffy piles of hemp.

Sold by the dozen at Tuckahoe Antiques, Rt. 151 in Nellysford.

Maple Brook Farm ROSELAND, VIRGINIA

Where in my talent contract do I get royalties for use of this photo?

#hensonhemp JULY 2019

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InsistOnThatGirl.com

Marlo Allen

434-996-3525

#1 in Nelson County Marlo is selling more property in Nelson County than any other agent.

Pricing and marketing consultations are FREE! * Sales volume pulled from CAAR MLS from 1/1/19 to 6/15/19

NE

S TO

EEK

R YC

720 Black Walnut Dr, Nellysford; #591026; $429,000; 3 or 4Br/3Ba; 2,695 Fin Sq Ft

Wonderful privacy! Enjoy outdoor living with front porch and covered deck overlooking back yard for gardening, play, or pets. Extras: Vaulted ceilings, custom windows, hardwood floors, open flow, two car garage, full basement with rec room, home office, high speed internet; 30 min to Charlottesville!

Livebeautifully in Nelson County Marlo G. Allen, Assoc. Broker 434-996-3525 InsistOnThatGirl.com

434-996-3525 Blue Ridge LIFE

Marlo Allen

InsistOnThatGirl.com JULY 2019