37.6 F
Nellysford
Thursday, January 1, 2026
type here...
Home Blog Page 154

Wintergreen Perform Arts Announces Appointment Of Executive Director

Yvette Stafford
-
0
Wintergreen Perform Arts Announces Appointment Of Executive Director
Photo via WPA: Julianne Akins has been selected as WPA's Executive Director, effective May 1, 2016.
Photo via WPA: Julianne Akins has been selected as WPA’s Executive Director, effective May 1, 2016.

Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia

Wintergreen Performing Arts (WPA) is pleased to announce that Julianne Akins has been selected as WPA’s Executive Director, effective May 1, 2016. This newly created leadership position results from a recent reorganization at WPA. Ms. Akins will be responsible for executing the administrative vision of WPA, working collaboratively with WPA Artistic Director Dr. Erin Freeman, the WPA staff, and the WPA Board of Directors to ensure the smooth operation and continued growth of WPA and its Wintergreen Summer Music Festival and Academy. In announcing the selection, Dale Weigel, President of the Board, said: “After concluding a thorough national search, we are delighted to welcome Julianne Akins to Wintergreen Performing Arts. She comes to us from the Richmond Symphony with a wealth of knowledge in the operation, business development, and marketing of artistic, especially classical music, organizations.”

Ms. Akins will be responsible for office administration, corporate and individual donor development, marketing, and relations with Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen Property Owners Association, and local government. She will support and work collaboratively with WPA’s core of dedicated volunteers.

Ms. Akins most recently served as Business Development Manager for the Richmond Symphony. Prior to that position, she was the Symphony’s Patron Services & Sales Manager and Operations Manager. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Richmond and a Bachelor of Music, Music Performance, degree from The Ohio State University. In addition to her work in arts administration, Ms. Akins is a freelance musician who plays the tuba. As David Fisk, Executive Director of the Richmond Symphony, stated: “The Richmond Symphony has appreciated our various points of connection with Wintergreen Performing Arts over the years, including this new development: Julianne Akins has been a valued member of the Richmond Symphony management team since 2010, having – most unusually – had the skill-set to work in a number of different areas in her time here: orchestral operations, patron services, corporate relations and government advocacy. That broad base of arts management experience will serve her very well in this new executive leadership role: we wish her and WPA every success.”

About Wintergreen Performing Arts, Inc.: Wintergreen Performing Arts, Inc.

(WPA) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization located at Wintergreen Resort, Virginia’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain destination southwest of Charlottesville. It has enjoyed 20 continuous, successful years of operation since its founding in 1995. It produces the Wintergreen Summer Music Festival, launched in 1997, an extraordinary month-long experience held each July. Boasting a fully professional orchestra and distinguished guest artists from around the country, the Festival attracts first-rate musicians who are consummate performers and educators. The presentation of symphonic and chamber music is at the core of WPA’s mission, but its offerings also include jazz and solo concerts; informal educational classes, seminars, and workshops for a variety of ages; visual and literary arts; dance and theater performances; and culinary arts classes and wine tastings. WPA also presents the annual Blue Ridge Mountain Music Fest each August. Important to WPA’s mission are its educational and community engagement initiatives. The Wintergreen Summer Music Academy, held in conjunction with the Festival, draws talented young musicians from across the country in stringed instruments, vocal performance, conducting, and composition of classical music. WPA also offers life-enriching outreach programs for the Nelson County Public Schools and others living in the surrounding area. WPA welcomes visitors and residents alike to share in this unique Wintergreen experience. For more information, call (434) 325-8292 or visit WPA’s website at www.WintergreenPerformingArts.org.

Raising The Roof On The New Blue Mountain Pavilion At RVCC

Yvette Stafford
-
0
Raising The Roof On The New Blue Mountain Pavilion At RVCC
©2016 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photos By BRL Region Photographer Marcie Gates : This past Sunday the roof was officially raised on the new Blue Mountain Pavilion at the Rockfish Valley Community Center in Greenfield / Afton in Nelson County, Virginia. - Sunday : April 23, 2016
©2016 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photos By BRL Region Photographer Marcie Gates : This past Sunday the roof was officially raised on the new Blue Mountain Pavilion at the Rockfish Valley Community Center in Greenfield / Afton in Nelson County, Virginia. – Sunday : April 23, 2016

Greenfield / Afton
Nelson County, Virginia

A few days ago we told you about the official start on the Blue Mountain Pavilion at RVCC in Nelson County. Once completed the pavilion will be a place to provide a protected outdoor performance venue for events large and small.

This past Sunday they officially began putting the roof on with the help of several volunteers.

Paul Ackerman and Brian Webb work on part of the framing of the roof at what will become the Blue Mountain Pavilion at RVCC.
Paul Ackerman and Brian Webb work on part of the framing of the roof at what will become the Blue Mountain Pavilion at RVCC.
Donny Lansing, a local Nelson Contractor, moves a ladder this past Sunday - April 23, 2016 during the roof raising at RVCC.
Donny Lansing, a local Nelson Contractor, moves a ladder this past Sunday – April 23, 2016 during the roof raising at RVCC.

Be looking for more updates soon!

Will You Marry Me?

Yvette Stafford
-
0
Will You Marry Me?
All photos By BRL Region Photographer Marcie Gates : In a real life story that sounds like a fairy tail, Danny McNew on bended knee proposes to the love of his life Abby Riggleman this past week at Basic Necessities in Nellysford.
All photos By BRL Region Photographer Marcie Gates : In a real life story that sounds like a fairy tail, Danny McNew on bended knee proposes to the love of his life Abby Riggleman this past week at Basic Necessities in Nellysford.

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia
Abby Riggleman thought she was headed out to Basic Necessities in Nellysford for a regular dinner this past Thursday night. It’s one of her most favorite spots! Little did she know her family and fiance’ had something else in mind. A marriage proposal!

From L to R - Oldest sister, Lauren Riggleman, Youngest sister, Lilly, Mother and Father of the future bride, Christine and Denver. Future Bride and Groom to be, Abby and Danny McNew and his parents, Dawn Classing Black and Dennis Black all congratulate Abby and Danny on their engagement.
From L to R – Oldest sister, Lauren Riggleman, Youngest sister, Lilly, Mother and Father of the future bride, Christine and Denver. Future Bride and Groom to be, Abby and Danny McNew and his parents, Dawn Classing Black and Dennis Black all congratulate Abby and Danny on their engagement.

Thanks to our BRL Region Photographer Marcie Gates for her very stealthy setup. A little birdie tipped her that it was happening. She set up with her laptop and other stuff to make it look like she was working. She was actually getting these neat pics!

Congrats Abby & Danny!

News Alert : Missing Woman Firefighter’s Body Found In Shenandoah National Park Says Family

Yvette Stafford
-
0
News Alert : Missing Woman Firefighter’s Body Found In Shenandoah National Park Says Family

Shenandoah National Park
Near White Oak Canyon Trail

From our news partners at CBS-19 The Newsplex:

“The search for a missing Fairfax County firefighter may be over as officials say a woman’s body has been found in the Shenandoah National Park.
Virginia State Police say search efforts within the park have been suspended. The body was found around 2 p.m. Thursday about a mine from the White Oak Canyon Trail parking area, six days into the search for 31-year-old Nicole Mittendorff.”

Continue redading below the US Park Service presse release for more.

Here’s the verbatim press release from the US National Park Service:

“Remains Located in Shenandoah National Park; Search Efforts Suspended
 
Madison County, Va-Search efforts in the Shenandoah National Park were suspended Thursday afternoon (April  21, 2016) with the discovery of female remains within the park property. At approximately 2:00 p.m. a ground team of National Park Service and Virginia State Police personnel discovered a body in a remote location more than a mile from the Whiteoak Canyon parking area and about 330 yards from the trail in treacherous rocky terrain. National Park Service and Virginia State Police are currently still processing the scene.

National Park Service and Virginia State Police personnel will conduct a press conference at Whiteoak parking area at 7:30 p.m.”

New Initiative Helps Fund Nelson Squads Across The County : Agencies Say Thank You : (With Audio Interview)

Yvette Stafford
-
0
New Initiative Helps Fund Nelson Squads Across The County : Agencies Say Thank You : (With Audio Interview)
Photo courtesy of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue : Faber, Montebello, and Lovingston Fire Department new “Attack Pumpers” Gladstone Fire Engine photo unavailable.
Photo courtesy of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue : Faber, Montebello, and Lovingston Fire Department new “Attack Pumpers” Gladstone Fire Engine photo unavailable.

Nelson County, Virginia
A few years ago the Supervisors of Nelson County initiated a plan to provide more support to the rescue squads and fire departments of Nelson County. Historically the County has supported operational funding assistance, and interest free loans for equipment, but never outright provision of capital equipment. Their newest initiative provides one fire department each year and at least one rescue squad substantial assistance with vehicle acquisition.

Faber, Montebello, Lovingston, and Gladstone Fire Departments have new vehicles in service which were nearly paid for in full by the County. These vehicles were ordered specifically to meet the needs of our area. Rockfish Valley Fire Department has a new pumper-tanker on order. In the first year of the program three departments were helped when they decided to acquire “mini-pumpers” which assist them in gaining access to structures with challenging driveways. Collectively these three pieces cost less than one full-sized pumper, hence three purchased at once. Piney River and Wintergreen Fire Department will round out the first round of assistance.

Gladstone Fire & Rescue Unit 151
Gladstone Fire & Rescue Unit 151
Nelson Rescue Squad Unit 100
Nelson Rescue Squad Unit 100

“The ambulances have taken a little longer to replace because the County has encouraged the rescue squads to apply for state grant assistance before encumbering County funds. The Commonwealth of Virginia has a robust assistance fund for these types of projects. Gladstone Fire & Rescue and Nelson County Rescue Squad each have beautiful new ambulances ready to respond to medical emergencies anywhere within the County. According to the Virginia Office of EMS, the average cost of a new ambulance with limited equipment is $195,000. Next to receive ambulances will be Wintergreen Rescue and Roseland Rescue, each of which are in need of a replacement ambulance within the year. Rescue Squads operating in Nelson County keep their ambulances in service for over 10 years. Given the challenges of our terrain and topography, as well as the distance which must be traveled to reach the hospital, a 10-year lifespan shows that solid maintenance plans are in place.
The member agencies of the Nelson County Emergency Services Council wish to extend a sincere ‘Thank You’ to the Supervisors, the County Administrator, and all County Staff who have made this program such a success,”

Chief Sheets said.

Rocky Mount Fire Burns 9000 Acres As Of Sunday : Updated 4.24.16 – 8:20 PM Via CBS-19

Yvette Stafford
-
0
Rocky Mount Fire Burns 9000 Acres As Of Sunday : Updated 4.24.16 – 8:20 PM Via CBS-19

Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 8.37.12 PM

Shenandoah National Park
Near Elkton

Our thanks to Hawes Spencer and Skip Degan for the information, updates and video below from Wednesday.

As of Tuesday morning WHSV in Harrisonburg reports the fire burning in the Shenandoah National Park near Elkton has now consumed more than 3000 acres.

WHSV reports more in SNP Wildfire

Shenandoah National Park : VSP Continues Search For Missing Woman : Via CBS 19 : 5:08 PM Update

Tommy
-
0
Shenandoah National Park : VSP Continues Search For Missing Woman : Via CBS 19 : 5:08 PM Update
Photo courtesy of VSP.
Photo courtesy of VSP.

Shenandoah National Park
Near White Oak

Updated 5:08 PM via VSP:

“Approximately 100 federal, state and volunteer search and rescue teams have spent Monday (April 18) searching in the Shenandoah National Forest for the 31-year-old missing Woodbridge, Va., woman. Due to the steep, challenging terrain of the area, search efforts will conclude at sundown and resume again early Tuesday morning.

The search efforts have focused on several miles of federal park land surrounding the Whiteoak Canyon trail in Madison County. Nicole K. Mittendorff’s 2009 Mini Cooper was located in the parking area at the trail entrance shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday (April 16). The abandoned vehicle was found by a U.S. Park Ranger.

There is still no evidence to indicate anything suspicious about Mittendorff’s disappearance.

She is described as a white female with blonde hair and green eyes. She is 5’6 and weighs approximately 125 lbs.
Nicole Mittendorff is described as a white female with blonde hair and green eyes. She is 5’6 and weighs approximately 125 lbs.

 She is described as a white female with blonde hair and green eyes. She is 5’6 and weighs approximately 125 lbs. The last contact any family had with her was Wednesday, April 13. She is the spouse of a Virginia State Police employee.”

Here’s the latest from the Virginia State Police as of 9:30 Monday morning:

Search efforts resumed this morning (April 18) shortly after 8 a.m. in the Shenandoah National Park for the missing 31-year-old Woodbridge, Va., woman. State police are continuing to concentrate their search operation in the region of White Oak Canyon Trail, where Nicole Mittendorff’s vehicle was discovered Saturday night (April 16). At this time, there is still no evidence to indicate foul play in her disappearance.

Our media partners from CBS-19 have more below in their coverage.

Rockfish Valley Community Center Begins Construction On Blue Mountain Pavilion Project

Yvette Stafford
-
0
Rockfish Valley Community Center Begins Construction On Blue Mountain Pavilion Project
Photo courtesy pf RVCC: Volunteers began the process this week of what will eventually become the Blue Mountain Pavilion.
Photo courtesy pf RVCC: Volunteers began the construction this week of what will eventually become the Blue Mountain Pavilion.

Afton / Greenfield
Nelson County, Virginia
After months of preparation the Blue Mountain Pavilion Project is underway at Rockfish Valley Community Center. It’s a joint effort with the Building Goodness Foundation. Once completed the pavilion will be a place to “provide a protected outdoor performance venue for events large and small,” says Mandi Smack, Blue Mountain Brewery’s co-founder.

Project coordinators are also looking for volunteers to help with the project.

“Work days are scheduled for April 23, 24, and April 30, and we could use some help. Whether you swing a mean hammer or sling a mean burger, we need you! Please let us know if you can help out at any time on any of these days. 434-361-0100 or email rockfishcc@gmail.com.”

Below, more pics from RVCC’s Facebook album as the project begins. Very exciting!

News Alert: Devils Backbone Acquired By Anheuser-Busch : Audio Update W/ Founder Steve Crandall : 2:40 PM 4.12.16

Tommy
-
0
News Alert: Devils Backbone Acquired By Anheuser-Busch : Audio Update W/ Founder Steve Crandall : 2:40 PM 4.12.16

Devils Backbone 1 bright day building image

Roseland
Nelson County, VA

Nelson County’s second established craft brewery founded back in 2008 will be acquired by Anheuser-Busch.

Shortly after noon Tuesday, we caught up with Steve Crandall the founder of Devils Backbone and had a 10 minute or so interview with him about the acquisition.

The interview below in its entirety.

This is the announcement was on the Devils Backbone Facebook page:

From Steve, our Founder:
Devils Backbone was built with a unique, adventurous spirit, and our job is to preserve that culture. That being said, our vision has now outgrown our means. We still know where we want to go, but we realized we needed a partner to get there. For the past year we’ve been exploring options for a long-term solution that would enable us to continue expanding our business of brewing consistent, high-quality craft beer. As I evaluated our options, ABI’s The High End rose to the forefront as a support team that believed in our dreams. We had many discussions and the more we spoke with ABI, the clearer it became that The High End shares our passion. All of our senior management are on board with this new direction and in it for the long haul. ABI will support our brand as we build out our dream of what Devils Backbone can become.
You are going to see many new exciting additions to Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows, located in beautiful Nelson County including permanent camping and RV locations, some added infrastructure, all which will enhance our customer experience. At the Outpost Brewery & Tap Room in Lexington, we are planning a 50,000 square foot expansion to include our new state of the art shipping and receiving facility along with additional packaging automation. All these improvements have been in the planning for many years and they will continue to have our own authentic DNA on them.
We will continue to encourage craft beer large and small to play fair, enjoy all things beer, support our employees and communities, love our fans and celebrate life. To all our family, friends and beer fans, we could not have made this journey without you and we look forward to sharing our future with you.
Cheers,
Steve Crandall
~ Founder ~:

All About Beer reports the acquisition in a post this morning.

Big Weekend Of Events Wraps Up : Farmers Market, BR Mountain Bike Club, 4 Miler, Kite Festival, Mini Tri

Yvette Stafford
-
0
Big Weekend Of Events Wraps Up : Farmers Market, BR Mountain Bike Club, 4 Miler, Kite Festival, Mini Tri
©2016 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photo By BRL Region Photographer Marcie Gates : Christina Riggleman (co-owner of Silverback Distillery in Afton, VA) braves the 30 MPH winds and temps in the 30s this past Saturday at the opening day of the Nelson Farmers Market in Nellysford. Saturday - April 9, 2016
©2016 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photo By BRL Region Photographer Marcie Gates : Christina Riggleman (right : co-owner of Silverback Distillery in Afton, VA) chats it up with a vendor and braves the 30 MPH winds and temps in the 30s this past Saturday at the opening day of the Nelson Farmers Market in Nellysford. Saturday – April 9, 2016

Central Virginia Blue Ridge
One half of of this past weekend was wicked when it came to weather. Wind gusts of 30, 40, even 50 MPH in the mountains along with temps in the 30s and low 40s on Saturday made it pretty miserable on Saturday. That didn’t stop folks from getting out and enjoying some spring traditions that take place starting in April. Check out our coverage of the events in our Facebook albums below.

With winds gusting as high as 40 MPH & temps hovering in the 30s and 40s, people still braved it all for the opening day…

Posted by Blue Ridge Life Magazine on Saturday, April 9, 2016

In spite of crazy winds and crazy temps, it was a great turnout for the BE BOLD 4 Miler held at Bold Rock Hard Cider – Our Marcie Gates braves the winds and the cold to grab a some shots!

Posted by Blue Ridge Life Magazine on Saturday, April 9, 2016

In spite of cold temps in the 30s and 40 along with winds gusting to 30+ MPH, the folks made it to the annual Piney…

Posted by Blue Ridge Life Magazine on Sunday, April 10, 2016

Its was a spectacular day for the 8th Annual Rockfish Valley Foundation Kite Festival held at Bold Rock Cidery's Bold…

Posted by Blue Ridge Life Magazine on Sunday, April 10, 2016

As the weather gets warmer and warmer, more things start happening in the Blue Ridge area.

See you out there!

1...153154155...760Page 154 of 760
- Advertisement -

© Copyright - Blue Ridge Life Magazine