Feb
03
2012
Virginia Spring Fire Season
Governor McDonnell Announces Start of Virginia Spring Fire Season
~Citizens Should Not Burn Before 4 P.M.~
 
RICHMOND – As Virginia prepares for the beginning of spring fire season which runs from Feb. 15 through April 30, Governor Bob McDonnell is warning Virginians that the threat of wildfires is increased this year due to Virginia’s mild winter.
           
“Wildfires in the Commonwealth are very weather-dependent,” Governor McDonnell said. “When you combine the effects of the 2011 tornadoes and Hurricane Irene with the relatively mild and dry winter we’re experiencing, it adds up to a potentially dangerous spring wildfire season. That’s a life safety issue which could affect thousands of Virginians.”
           
Ninety-five percent of wildfires in the Commonwealth are caused by humans, so citizens need to help the Department of Forestry to reduce the risk of wildfires.
           
“The best thing people can do is to obey the law by not burning trash or debris before 4 p.m. each day during spring fire season,” Governor McDonnell said. “Virginia’s 4 p.m. law has been in place for almost 70 years and is one of the best tools we have for reducing the threat of wildfires. Because humidity levels typically increase and wind speeds usually decrease after 4 p.m., the likelihood of a fire escaping is reduced.”
 
            The Department of Forestry offers additional fire safety tips including:
 
·         Even if it’s after 4 p.m., don’t burn if the wind speed is in excess of 20 miles per hour and humidity levels are below 30 percent
·         Burn in small piles rather than one big pile
·         Before igniting your fire, clear the area around the pile down to bare dirt
·         Don’t add to the fire after midnight
·         Keep a fully charged hose and a shovel on hand to extinguish any spot fires that ignite away from the burn pile
·         Dial 9-1-1 as soon as a fire escapes your control
 
According to State Forester of Virginia Carl Garrison, more than 40 percent of the 1,114 wildfires in Virginia last year were caused by people burning trash or debris. “These fires threatened the lives of thousands of Virginians and more than 4,000 homes and structures in 2011,” Garrison said.
           
Starting a fire before 4 p.m. during spring fire season is not only dangerous, it’s a Class 3 misdemeanor crime. It can also be very costly. In addition to a fine of not more than $500, the person responsible for an escaping fire is financially liable for the cost of suppressing the fire and for damage caused to another’s property.
           
“A good-sized fire that escapes someone’s control can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars just in suppression efforts,” Garrison said. “If your fire burns down the neighbor’s home or barn, you could be liable for hundreds of thousands.”
            
The Department of Forestry will be using a new slogan this year to remind people about the 4 P.M. burn law. “Eager to Burn? Wait Your Turn” was developed by Neal Oberholtzer, a state area forester in Mecklenburg County, as a way to discourage people from burning before 4 p.m. The slogan will be featured on the Department of Forestry’s website as a click-through portal to information on wildland fires.
           
The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. With nearly 16 million acres of forestland and more than 144,000 Virginians employed in forestry, forest products and related industries, Virginia forests provide more than $27.5 billion annually in benefits to the Commonwealth.

Jan
19
2012
Nelson County Broadband Project Update-February 2012

The Nelson County Broadband Project construction phase is currently underway. The objective is to provide a state of the art high-speed network backbone generally through the center of Nelson County from north to south, providing the ‘highway’ for private providers to enhance and expand broadband internet services in the county.  Three towers will be made available to private providers to expand wireless services into un- and under-served areas of our county.  The project is funded by a Federal stimulus grant, Commonwealth of Virginia block grant and by local funds.

What:    Combined Fiber-Optic Cable and Wireless Towers middle mile network; approximately 31 miles of fiber and 3 wireless communication towers

Why:      To provide the citizens and businesses of Nelson County faster and competitively priced access to high speed voice, video and internet services

Where:    Along the Route 29, Route 6 and Route 151 corridors

When:      Fiber construction – in process now and complete by May 2012

                   Tower construction – to begin by end of April 2012

Project completion – Expected by fall of 2012

INITIAL CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE:

Construction of the Nelson County middle mile fiber network will be done in segments to accommodate multiple crews working in various parts of the County simultaneously.  Construction of the project began November 28, 2011 with utility marking prior to breaking ground.  Initially one crew began work at the southern end of the project in the Colleen Business Park, growing to four crews in January. It was a slow start due to an abundance of rain in December, so additional crews may be brought in by the contractor when necessary to keep the project on schedule.  All of the fiber construction should be completed by May 2012.

The fiber construction segments and the approximate dates Nelson citizens should see construction along those roadways are listed below.  Please understand this schedule is dependent upon weather, equipment, ease of construction and is subject to change. 

Segment Location Anticipated Start of Construction Current Status
Segment 1 Rte 151 (Afton Mtn. Rd from Critzer Shop Rd. to  River Rd. at Martin’s Store substation) Week of March 12, 2012 Not started
Segment 2 US 29 (from intersection of River Rd. and US 29 to northern end of Lovingston) Week of February 6, 2012 Not started
Segment 3 Lovingston downtown & US 29 south from Lovingston to Stevens Cove Rd IN PROGRESS Not started
Segment 4 US 29 ( from Stevens Cove Rd. into the Colleen Business Park) IN PROGRESS Construction in progress – began at Colleen Business Park
Segment 5 River Rd. (from Rte 151 at Martin’s Store substation to US 29) Week of March 5, 2012 Not started

For more information:  Link to the NTIA Broadband USA project site:  http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantees/NelsonCounty

Detailed Broadband Project information at:  http://nelsoncounty.com/boardofsupervisors/broadband-project/

Download the Project Map:  Nelson County NT10BIX5570049 Project Map

Oct
06
2011
Nelson County Transfer Station-Hours of Operation

The Nelson County Transfer Station is located at 792 Morse Lane, Arrington, VA  22922 (State Route 748, which intersects with the north bound lane of State Route 29 across from the Nelson Heritage Center, former Nelson Middle School).  The Transfer Station’s hours of operation are:

Monday through Friday:  8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.

Saturday:  8:00 A.M. to 11:45 P.M.

The above hours of operation are maintained throughout the calendar year with the exception of federal/state holidays observed by Nelson County.

The Nelson County Transfer Station is able to accept most types of solid waste.  Resident householders and nonresident landowner householders of Nelson County may deposit the following types of waste at the Transfer Station without payment of a tipping fee:  Household refuse, household rubbish, vegetative waste, excluding stumps and large caliper tree limbs, household appliances, household recyclable waste. Materials that will not be accepted at the Transfer Station (or the County’s residential collection sites) include:  hazardous waste, motor vehicles or substantial components thereof, dead animals, sludges, bio-solids   Nelson County requires payment of a tipping fee (currently $55 per ton) for Commercial Waste, as defined, payment of which is applicable to any entity or individual deposing of commercial waste at the Transfer Station.  Solid waste generated outside of Nelson County is prohibited from disposal at all of the County’s collection sites and transfer station.

For additional information on Nelson County’s solid waste collection and disposal system, please contact the Transfer Station at (434) 263-7097, the County’s Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator (434) 263-7098 or the County Administrator’s office at (434) 263-7000.

By Authority Nelson County Board of Supervisors

Jan
03
2011
Shop Local

Afton House Antiques
Located at the Afton House Bed and Breakfast, 31 Afton House Lane, Afton. 540-942-2993

Alberene Soapstone Company
World’s largest deposit of architectural soapstone. Artisan and craftsmen working on site. Open for tours Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Route 800,  9181 Schuyler Road, Schuyler 866-831-5100

2 Arts Studios
Painter, Milenko Katic and ceramic artist, Tanya Tyree create and display their art at Gallery 161. Call for an appointment.   161 Avon Road, Afton, VA 22920 at 434-825-0618  www.2artstudios.com

Ann Leigh Woolery
Spinning 100% natural wools in a variety of weights. Most fleeces are from our area or state. Felt hats, slippers, handbags, and wine totes from 100% Patons Classic wool. 434-263-7778 barbara@annleigh.com

Artisans of Nelson County
A gathering of community artisans, our artisans offer one of a kind items hand made here in Nelson County. When visiting Oak Ridge, Crabtree Falls, the Blue Ridge Parkway, our wineries, breweries and orchards, visit our handcrafters too. For a listing of artisans and for artisan specials visit  www.artisansofnelsoncounty.com

Basic Necessities Gourmet
Wine, cheese and bread shop with a difference. Meals served. Many foods and wines not found elsewhere in Virginia. Organic soaps. Route 151, 2226 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford 434-361-1766

Bittersweet Branch Primitives
Antiques and handpainted furniture in the historic stone building at Woods Mill at the intersection of Rt. 6 and Rt. 29. Open Thursday through Sunday. 71 River Road, Faber 434 996-8455

Blossom’s Flowers, Gifts and Crafts
911 Front Street, Lovingston 434-263-8227

Blue Moon Antique Mall
Unique antiques and collectibles. 11-5 pm Sunday 12-5 pm. Closed Tues and Wed.  8230 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston.  434-263-8890

Blue Moon Book Store
Used, rare, discounted and new books. 11-5 pm Sunday 12-5 pm. Closed Tues and Wed. 8230 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston. 434-263-8890

Blue Ridge Gypsy Studio
Unique Blue Ridge Gypsy product line – Big Bad Mama Biker, Skin Free (also sold at CVS Pharmacy), Green Dog Naturals and Cobra Rose. 434-263-3119

Buck Creek Pottery
Glazed pottery ware in celadons, iron blues and copper reds are fired in an 80 cubic foot, downdraft-reduction gas kiln. Buck Creek Pottery is a teaching studio, empasizing the best of folk craft traditions. Open by appointment only. Phone 434-263-4192  1781 Buck Creek Lane, Faber, VA  22938 www.buckcreekpottery.us/

Buck Island Bay Decoys
Located on site at Rock-n-Creek Cabin is the decoy studio of Richard Christy’s Buck Island Bay Decoys. A name recognized throughout the USA and abroad known for authentic waterfowl carvings. Stop by and watch decoys made in the traditional way…as by the hand carvers of old in ways long since gone and replaced by modern equipment. Christy’s award winning decoys, carved out of white cedar, have migrated the four corners of the earth resting with collectors from around the world.  964 Zinks Mill School Road, Montebello, Va, 24464 540-377-9383 Email: contact@rockncreekcabin.com


Buteo Books
A catalog bookseller specializing in ornithology. Thousands of new, out-of-print, and rare bird books fill the shelves of the rustic residence of Allen Hale and Barbara Fiske. To arrange a visit call 800-722-2460 or 434-263-8671.

Cat Rock Antiques and Art Gallery
Art by Helen Oglesby, specializing in primitive art. Open by appointment or for special shows. 9704 Patrick Henry Highway, Roseland 434-277-8049.

Claudia’s Florist and Gifts
Celebrating more than 25 years of year of business and community service in Central Virginia. 121 Front Street, Lovingston 434-263-5848

Edible Landscaping
Located high in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, find plants and trees that produce edible food – berries, nuts, fruits, herbs; items distributed worldwide. Off Route 151, 361 Spirit Ridge Lane, Afton. 434-361-9134

Freestyle
Specializing in skis, swim, snowboards, in-line skates, footwear, skateboards and accessories. In the Mountain Inn at 39 Mountain Inn Loop at Wintergreen Resort. 434-325-1183

Ideas on Legs
Bill Hess, designer and sculptor creates spectacular work with recycled glass. Counter top surfaces add depth, color and light to any space. Call for an appointment.  5994 Taylor Creek Road  Afton, Virginia 22920  434-996-6850  www.ideasonlegs.com

Lovingston Antiques
Located in the packing shed at Rapunzel’s on Business 29, 924 Front Street in Lovingston. Open Tuesday- Thursday 12 noon – 6:00 pm 434-263-6660

Montebello Country Store
A family operation for 4 generations – an interesting place to explore – just think – “Country Store.” We offer a unique collection of toys for children,  McCutcheon’s jams and jellies, custom t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and gift items as well as a great selection of camping & fishing supplies with a full line of groceries, ice, and fuel. Try your hand at trout fishing, then come in for a bowl of our chili . Open April – October. Located on Route 56, 3.5 miles east of the Parkway (MP 27). 15072 Crabtree Falls Highway, Montebello. 540-377-2650.

Mountain Man Collection – wide variety of homemade jams from the Blue Ridge Mountains. To order: 540-377-5129

Mountain Vision Pottery
2019 Beech Grove Road, Roseland. 434-361-1725

Nan Rothwell Pottery and Studio
Functional Pottery, Salt Glaze & Stoneware , Pottery Classes and Workshops, Studio Showroom Open Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. 221 Pottery Lane, Faber, Virginia  22938  434-263-4023

Narrow Gate Tack
Narrow Gate Tack is a manufacturer, importer, and wholesale distributor of equestrian products. 3136 Patrick Henry Highway, Piney River 434-277-9337

Nelson County Farmer’s Market
Open May through September. Saturdays until 12 noon 3079 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford 22958 . 434-244-2399
NotForgotten Farm
Folky, Primitive and Unique designs for handwork in threads and wool. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11-3 pm 3530 Tye River Road. 434-263-6508

Oakland – Nelson County Museum of History –Gift Shop– Rt. 29, 3 miles S. of Lovingston – Weekends Sat. 10-4 and Sun. 1-4.  Historical maps of Nelson County, Hurricane Camille books, CDs and DVDs of Camille remembrances and books by local authors 434-263-8400

Orchard Gift Baskets
Make a Nelson County Gift basket from The Apple Shed in Lovingston,Saunders Brothers Farm Store in Piney River; Drumheller’s  Orchard in Lovingston; Dickie Brothers Orchard in Massies Mill, and Flippin-Seaman – Silver Creek Orchards at Tyro.  Large selection of apples, jams and jellies, apple butter, cider, and local honey.  Seasonal hours.

Rapunzel’s Coffee and Books
Espresso bar, gourmet coffee, tea, specialty drinks. Used books, live music Saturday nights. In the Packing Shed, Business 29, 924 Front Street, Lovingston. 434-263-6660

RC Gallery
Ruby Canody, artist and owner, creates paintings in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, knife paintings and encaustic art object and wall hangings in the gallery. Call for directions. 1876 Craigs Store Road, Afton, VA 22920 540-456-6262 RubyCanody@wmconnect.com

Rockfish River Pottery
80 Tuckahoe Lane Nellysford, VA, 22958 Also Valley Green Gallery 757-422-1449
rockfishriverpottery@gmail.com

SPCA Thrift Store
A gift shop with thrift shop pricing. Like new clothing, books, toys, movies, appliances, cookware, pet items, decorative and seasonal items. 4791 Thomas Nelson Highway, Arrington, VA 434-263-8788


Saunders Brothers Farm Market
Visit the retail store for all the orchard products and see the antique farm equipment museum. Open Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm  2717 Tye Brook Highway, Piney River. 434-277-5455

Ski Barn
Open year round. Ski and snowboard equipment, sales and rental. Ski and snowboard apparel.  Gift items and souvenirs. Open 9 am-6 pm daily. Hours extended during Wintergreen ski season.  Route 151 and Route 664, 45 Beech Grove Road,  Roseland, VA, 22967. 434-361-2600

Stedman House
Total interiors for home, office or resort. Distinctive furniture, art, antiques and accessories for over 50 years. Route 151, 2788 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford. 434-361-2560.

Steve’s  Sculptures
Garden sculpture and steel statues. Soapstone, benches and tables. 60 Davis Creek Lane in Lovingston. Contact modernmaster2@yahoo.com

The Yarn Boutique and Bead Shop
Relax, knit, crochet, bead and enjoy some tea! Marilyn Scott, Creative Designer. 163 Scotties Lane, Lovingston, VA, 22949 434-981-5519 or 434-263-6724  www.theyarnboutique.us.com  E-mail: theyarnboutique@gmail.com

Trager Brothers Coffee -100% Organic micro-roastery – marketing special blends of coffees – 486 Front St., Lovingston, 434-263-8916

The Treasure Chest Thrift Shop
At the Rockfish Valley Community Center, 190 Rockfish School Lane, Afton. 434-361-0103

Tuckahoe Antique Mall
Antiques, primitives, collectibles, fine art, glassware, reproductions. Open Thursday through Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. 4202 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford 434-361-2121

Tye Brook Studio
Pat Saunders, artist. Original acrylic paintings, limited edition prints and notecards. 2480 Tye Brook Highway, Piney River. Hours by appointment only. 434-277-8036

Tye River Pottery
Kevin Crowe produces wood-fired functional stoneware with strong Asian and English roots. Call for appointment.1289 Falling Rock Drive Amherst, VA 24521 at  434.263.4065 www.tyeriverpottery.com

Valley Green Gallery
Fine artists, photographers, pottery, baskets, glass, fiber, wood, florals, dolls and other fine crafts. Located in the Valley Green Center. Route 151, 2773 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford. 434-361-9316

Walton’s Mountain Museum Gift Shop in Schuyler – locally handcrafted items, Walton’s memorabilia, books bu Earl Hamner, and other local authors, pictures and DVDs of the Walton’s TV show. (Open during museum visiting hours) 434-831-2000

Wayfarer Forge - a Classical blacksmith shop that forges works of iron for your home.  Products are made in the manner of the classical blacksmith.  Ironwork where form and function are blended together. 3261 Afton Mountain Road, Afton, VA 22920

Whit’s End Saddle and Harness
8230 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston. Open 11-5:00 pm and Sunday 12-5 pm Closed Tues. and Wed. 434-263-8890

Wild Wolf Brewing Company and Homebrew Shop
Visit us for beer, wine and soda making supplies, brewing demos and classes. Saturday home brew demos. Open daily 10Am to 7PM. 2773A Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford, VA, 22958 434-361-0088

Wintergreen True Value Hardware
A unique place people often comment about and always remember. Family owned, operated and oriented. Kids and pets welcome. Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  2230 Rockfish Valley Highway Nellysford, VA
22958 434-361-1919


Aug
27
2009
Nelson County Prescription Discount Card

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