BlueRidgeLife™2013: Photos By BRLM Mountain Photographer Paul Purpura : Folks danced into the sunset to the sounds of Jimi Smooth & Hittime Band this past Saturday night – June 8, 2013 as Starry Nights 2013 kicked off the season.
Emily Scott, Ashley Holden, and Addie Pierce enjoy a glass of wine during the kickoff of the 2013 Starry Nights series at Veritas this past Saturday – June 8, 2013.As daylight faded, people danced into the night with tunes from Jimi Smooth & Hittime Band at Veritas – Saturday : June 8, 2013Jimi Smooth & Hittime Band played into the night for people attending the first Starry Nights of the season. Saturday – June 8, 2013The weather couldn’t have been better. Countless people packed the grounds at Veritas to kickoff the start of Starry Nights 2013.Hungry? No problem. Roasted Candied Beets and Heirloom Tomato Salad in a Crostini Bouchée with Feta and a Champagne Vinaigrette and Chardonnay Glaze Seared Salmon with a Rouge Butter Sauce, Creamy Garlic Orzo, Asparagus Bundles, Topped with Micro Greens and Red Pepper Coulis Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse Parfait with a Caramel Crisp and Fresh Summer Berries were all on the menu as part of the start to Starry Nights 2013. Chef Jonathan Boroughs made it happen!
Didn’t make the kick off to Starry Nights this time around? Not to worry, the series runs every month with the last one on September 14, 2013. The next Starry Nights will be Saturday, July 13th, 2013, 7-11 pm featuring Abbey Road – Beatles Cover Band. Click here to make reservations. And click here to see the menu.
NelsonCountyLife – BlueRidgeLife™2008-2013 : Frank Ott (right) at the 2008 Sara Ott Golf Classic named in his late wife’s memory. Frank Ott passed away – Saturday – June 8, 2013.
Nellysford
Nelson County, VA
Way too many times over the past 4-5 years I’ve found myself posting about one of my friends leaving this life. This weekend, I sadly, have to do it again … Saturday night Liz Salas, the Membership & Special Events coordinator for The Nature Foundation At Wintergreen sent me a Facebook message letting me know that Frank Ott was gone. “We called them Mama and Papa Ott. His hugs made everything in the work all right. His laugh would light up a room. They/Sara started the tournament 20 years ago. I still miss her to this day. I’ll miss him just as much! They were an amazing family,” Liz told me around 10 PM Saturday. She was referring to Frank’s wife Sara. The Nature Foundation holds an annual golf tournament each year in her memory.
Frank Ott in the hat (center) shares a hug with friends at the 2008 Sara Ott Memorial Golf Classic. Frank’s wife Sara had passed away earlier that year. The duo helped start the tournament 2 decades ago.
“In 1996 the Wintergreen Rescue Squad was dissolved by WPOA due to significant operational shortcomings. A handful of property owner volunteers stepped up and established our current Volunteer Rescue Squad. Although several members contributed significantly, if I had to attach just one name to the effort, it would be Frank. He embraced our training and became an advanced life support provider, as well as a fire fighter. He was a lifetime member of both the Fire Department and the Rescue Squad. For anything we needed, Frank was there. An avid work worker, Frank built many of the things we still use daily such as our gear racks at Station 2, the equipment cabinet in the back of 174, and the frames around our station 911 maps,” Wintergreen Fire & Rescue Chief Curtis Sheets told BRLM late Saturday night after learning of Frank’s death.
On a personal note, let me wander for a bit. Years ago, long before we had children, I was the emcee for the tournament. Sara was still alive back then. I had NO clue what I was doing. Sara pulled me aside and quietly said, “They don’t know you don’t know what you’re doing, just smile and have fun.” I never forgot that. I kept doing that even after her death and her husband Frank never failed to come up to me and look me straight in the eye and thank me for helping out. I really did nothing. I just showed up and danced, so to speak. But both of them made it a point to let me know how much they appreciated it.
Frank in 2008 announcing the closest Hole In One Winner at the Sara Ott Memorial Golf Classic named in his wife’s memory.
“One day during a winter storm Frank spun around in the intersection of Route 6 and 151. His truck came to rest on the driver’s side. Frank climbed out of his truck, called in his accident via radio, donned his traffic vest, placed road flares in each direction, and upon arrival of our crews was directing traffic. That’s the best example of the “can do” spirit of Frank Ott I can come up with,” Chief Sheets added.
Frank I will miss you. Not as much as your family, your buddies at Fire & Rescue, The Nature Foundation, but I WILL miss you. It won’t be the same pulling into the post office in Nellysford and not chatting it up with you.
RIP my friend, you mattered, and you made a permanent mark during your time here on this earth. I miss you being here already.
According to our Media Partners at CBS-19 in Charlottesville, an investigation is ongoing Saturday morning on Route 250 on Afton Mountain. The investigation is believed to be a shooting of some type involving an Albemarle County Officer. No word on who was shot thus far.
Afton
Albemarle County, VA
Updated 3:30 PM 6.10.13
UPDATE: FATAL SHOOTING UNDER INVESTIGATION
IN ALBEMARLE COUNTY
(ALBERMARLE CO.) – One man is dead after shots were fired at a residence in Afton, Va. Virginia State Police are assisting the Albemarle County Police Department with investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting Saturday morning (June 8, 2013). The incident began at approximately 2:16 a.m. when the police department received a 911 call for a domestic situation at a residence in the 9000 block of Rock Fish Gap Turnpike in Afton.
When the Albemarle police officer arrived on scene, the officer saw a female being assaulted outside. The suspect ran towards the officer who fired his weapon. The remaining details surrounding the confrontation with the deceased individual remain under investigation.
The deceased person is identified as Gregory A. Rosson, Jr., 21, of Crozet, Va. The individual died at the scene. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond for examination and autopsy.
The police officer was not injured in the incident.
At the request of the Albemarle Police Department, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s “Police Shooting Investigative Team” from the Appomattox Field Office is conducting the investigation into the incident
Updated 12:23 PM 6.8.13
Here’s what the Virginia State Police released just after noon on Saturday:
Virginia State Police are assisting the Albemarle County Police Department with investigating a fatal police shooting in the early morning hours of Saturday (June 8, 2013). The Albemarle County Police responded to a 911 call for a domestic situation at a residence on Rock Fish Gap Turnpike in Afton.
At the request of the Albemarle Police Department, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s “Police Shooting Investigative Team” from the Appomattox Field Office is conducting the investigation into the incident.
Albemarle County Police Spokeswoman Carter Johnson confirms that Virginia State Police are investigating a shooting involving an Albemarle County officer.
Johnson says the incident happened in the 4600 block of Rockfish Gap Turnpike. We are waiting to hear from Virginia State Police for further details.
Because of the investigation, Route 250 in Albemarle County is closed from Route 151 to the top of Afton Mountain.
VDOT has set up a detour. Traffic traveling east on Route 250 is being routed onto Interstate 64 at exit 99 at the summit of Afton Mountain. Traffic can get back onto Route 250 at exit 107 at Crozet. Westbound traffic is being directed onto Route 750 (Old Turnpike) to Route 6 (Afton Mountain Road) and back to Route 250.
The road is expected to remain closed for most of the morning.
This is the second Albemarle County Officer involved shooting in as many weeks. On May 26, an officer shot a man during a reported struggle on Birdwood Court in Charlottesville.
BlueRidgeLife™2013 : Photos By BRLM Intern Tyler Rich : Ms. Wendy Dalton’s second grade students at Rockfish River Elementary in Afton held an Animal Fun Run this past Wednesday – June 5, 2013 to help raise money for the Nelson SPCA.
Afton
Nelson County, VA By Tyler Rich
Mrs. Wendy Dalton’s second grade class at Rockfish River Elementary School showed just how much they care about animals. In response to a language arts project on persuasive posters, one student suggested that the class host a fun run to benefit the Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County, and create posters advertising the event.
Students in Mrs. Wendy Dalton’s second grade class at RRES run across the lawn as part of the Animal Fun Run to benefit Nelson SPCA this past Wednesday – June 5, 2013. They donated .51 cents to the SPCA to run 1 mile dressed as an animal or carrying a stuffed animal.
Before the race, students listened to a presentation from SPCA president Bette Grahame about the pet adoption center, and the importance of making sure pets have proper identification.
SPCA President Bette Grahame talks to second graders at RRES this past Wednesday – June 5, 2013 just before the Animal Fun Run.A second grade language arts project on persuasive posters at RRES was the inspiration for the Animal Fun Run that raised over $200.00 for the Nelson SPCA.SPCA President Bette Grahame poses with a second grader from RRES this past Wednesday – June 5, 2013 at the Animal Fun Run
The students ran a mile, either dressed as, or carrying a stuffed animal, as a reminder of their cause. All
told, the kids raised $270.80 for the Humane Society.
Flood Watch / Flood Statement
Statement as of 6:30 PM EDT on May 08, 2013
…Flood Watch is cancelled…
The Flood Watch for portions of western Maryland…Virginia and
northeast West Virginia has been cancelled.
Showers and thunderstorms have diminished in intensity this
evening…and only additional light to moderate rainfall amounts
are expected with scattered showers. However…creeks…rivers
and streams will remain elevated overnight due to earlier heavy
rainfall.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH
FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
410 AM EDT FRI JUN 7 2013
…HEAVY RAINFALL EXPECTED INTO FRIDAY NIGHT…
.DEEP TROPICAL MOISTURE ASSOCIATED WITH ANDREA WILL SPREAD ACROSS
THE REGION TONIGHT AND FRIDAY. THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR HEAVY
RAINFALL TO DEVELOP FOR LOCATIONS ALONG AND EAST OF THE BLUE
RIDGE CONTINUING INTO FRIDAY NIGHT. EXCESSIVE RUNOFF MAY CAUSE
FLASH FLOODING TO DEVELOP WITHIN THE WATCH AREA. THE GREATEST
IMPACT FOR HEAVY RAINFALL IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR FRIDAY AFTERNOON
AND EVENING.
VAZ036>040-071615-
/O.CON.KLWX.FF.A.0002.000000T0000Z-130608T0200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
NELSON-ALBEMARLE-GREENE-MADISON-RAPPAHANNOCK-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…CHARLOTTESVILLE…WASHINGTON
410 AM EDT FRI JUN 7 2013
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING…
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR
* PORTIONS OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA AND NORTHWEST VIRGINIA…
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS…IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA…
ALBEMARLE…GREENE AND NELSON. IN NORTHWEST VIRGINIA…MADISON
AND RAPPAHANNOCK.
* THROUGH THIS EVENING
* RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 2 TO 3 INCHES OCCURRED ON THURSDAY. AN
ADDITIONAL 1 TO 3 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED FRIDAY. EXCESSIVE
RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAIN MAY LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING OF LOW LYING
AREAS AND SMALL STREAMS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
410 AM EDT FRI JUN 7 2013
…HEAVY RAINFALL EXPECTED INTO FRIDAY NIGHT…
.DEEP TROPICAL MOISTURE ASSOCIATED WITH ANDREA WILL SPREAD ACROSS
THE REGION TONIGHT AND FRIDAY. THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR HEAVY
RAINFALL TO DEVELOP FOR LOCATIONS ALONG AND EAST OF THE BLUE
RIDGE CONTINUING INTO FRIDAY NIGHT. EXCESSIVE RUNOFF MAY CAUSE
FLASH FLOODING TO DEVELOP WITHIN THE WATCH AREA. THE GREATEST
IMPACT FOR HEAVY RAINFALL IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR FRIDAY AFTERNOON
AND EVENING.
DCZ001-MDZ005>007-009>011-013-014-016>018-VAZ042-050>057-501-502-
071615-
/O.CON.KLWX.FF.A.0002.130607T1000Z-130608T0200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA-CARROLL-NORTHERN BALTIMORE-HARFORD-
MONTGOMERY-HOWARD-SOUTHERN BALTIMORE-PRINCE GEORGES-ANNE ARUNDEL-
CHARLES-ST. MARYS-CALVERT-LOUDOUN-ORANGE-CULPEPER-
PRINCE WILLIAM/MANASSAS/MANASSAS PARK-FAIRFAX-
ARLINGTON/FALLS CHURCH/ALEXANDRIA-STAFFORD-SPOTSYLVANIA-
KING GEORGE-NORTHERN FAUQUIER-SOUTHERN FAUQUIER-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…WASHINGTON…WESTMINSTER…
GAITHERSBURG…COLUMBIA…BALTIMORE…ANNAPOLIS…WALDORF…
ST MARYS CITY…LEESBURG…CULPEPER…MANASSAS…MANASSAS PARK…
FAIRFAX…ALEXANDRIA…FALLS CHURCH…FREDERICKSBURG…WARRENTON
410 AM EDT FRI JUN 7 2013
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING…
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR
* PORTIONS OF MARYLAND…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND VIRGINIA…
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS…IN MARYLAND…ANNE ARUNDEL…
CALVERT…CARROLL…CHARLES…HARFORD…HOWARD…MONTGOMERY…
NORTHERN BALTIMORE…PRINCE GEORGES…SOUTHERN BALTIMORE AND ST.
MARYS. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN VIRGINIA… ARLINGTON/FALLS
CHURCH/ALEXANDRIA…CULPEPER…FAIRFAX…KING GEORGE…
LOUDOUN…NORTHERN FAUQUIER…ORANGE…PRINCE
WILLIAM/MANASSAS/MANASSAS PARK…SOUTHERN FAUQUIER…
SPOTSYLVANIA AND STAFFORD.
* THROUGH THIS EVENING
* HEAVY RAINFALL OF 2 TO 4 INCHES WITH ISOLATED TOTALS UP TO 6
INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED. EXCESSIVE RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAINS MAY
LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING OF URBAN…LOW LYING AREAS AND SMALL
STREAMS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
Via Wunderground.com : After dropping rain in excess of four inches across Central Virginia, Andrea will begin pulling north & east away from Central, VA and the Blue Ridge over the weekend. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms will remain across the area for the weekend into early next week.
Central Virginia
TS Andrea is slowly losing her grip on the weather across Central Virginia over the weekend. Heavy rains fell on Thursday with more scattered showers on Friday. That will be the trend over the coming weekend as a weak disturbance moves across the area behind Andrea. Though a good chance for scattered thunderstorms remains Saturday & Sunday, we’ll begin to see some peeks of sunshine and the temps will start warming up into the 80’s as well.
Original Post from 6.6.13 @ 10:01 AM Tropical Storm Andrea, the first named tropical storm of the 2013 season, is making her way slowly up the eastern seaboard over the next day or so. Expected frequent widespread rain showers and isolated thunderstorms through the weekend. Though the heavier rain will taper off by late Friday night into Saturday morning.
™2013 BlueRideLife: Photo By BRLM Mountain Photog Paul Purpura : Agnes Schrider (center left) owner of Nelson Wellness Center in Beech Grove, chats it up with Amy Winter of Nellysford at the 2013 Trail Daze this past Saturday – June 1, 2013. The event benefitted Blue Ridge Medical Center in Arrington.
Roseland
Nelson County, VA
Absolutely picture perfect weather was the backdrop for Trail Daze held this past Saturday on the grounds at Devils Backbone in Roseland. Money raised from the event goes to Blue Ridge Medical Center
Part of the day long events included a Kids Fun Run at noon. Blue Ridge Life Magazine was the sponsor of that event.All sorts of vendors were on hand for the day long event held this past Saturday – June 1, 2013 on the grounds at Devils Backbone.To see more photos from Trail Daze head on over to our Facebook album to check them out. Simply click on the image above to get there.
The event also included, guided hukes, 5K trail run, mountain bike races, live music, disc golf, local food & beer along with dozens of outdoor & wellness exhibitors.
BlueRidgeLife™2013 – Photos By BRLM Photographer Paul Purpura : A woman shows off her strength and skill in the wood splitting competition at the annual Mountain Man & Mountain Mama Competition held Saturday – June 1, 2013 in Massies Mill, Virginia in Nelson County.
Massies Mill
Nelson County, VA
The strongest and the most willed came out this past weekend on Saturday to compete in the annual Mountain Man & Mountain Mama Competition in Massies Mill, VA. Events included: Ugly Dog, Pie Eating, Pulpwood Throw, Wood Splitting, Mud Sack Races, Pig Calling, Youth Competition & Mountain Mama Competition and more. Trophies were given for first place in each event. According to info on their Facebook Page.
To see lots more photos from the competition, head on over to our Facebook album by clicking on the image above.
Roseland
Nelson County, VA
A HEALTH AND WELLNESS EVENT IN VIRGINIA’S HEARTLAND
Presented by Blue Ridge Medical Center and Nelson County
Proceeds to Benefit Blue Ridge Medical Center
GUIDED HIKES, 5K TRAIL RUNS, MOUNTAIN BIKE RACES
LIVE MUSIC, DISC GOLF, LOCAL FOOD AND BEER
DOZENS OF OUTDOOR AND WELLNESS EXHIBITORS
$10 in Advance/$15 at the Gate – Children 12 & Under are FREE
Nelson County Residents: $5 in advance/$10 at the Gate
Tickets FREE when you register for 5k or Mountain Bike Events
To hear just how noisy the cicadas can be, take a listen to the short video clip above, shot Wednesday – May 29, 2013 at Veritas Vineyard & Winery in Nelson County.
Afton
Nelson County, VA
Many places across Virginia have seen the arrival of the 17 year cicada season, others haven’t heard a peep. Wednesday I was dropping off magazines at Veritas Vineyard & Winery in Afton and as soon as I opened the door to my Jeep, WOW! You could hear hundreds of them off in the woods.
Those that have dealt with them before say the most intense part last about a month before they begin quieting down a bit.
