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Happy Birthday! : We Turn 8 Years Old Today

Tommy
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Happy Birthday! : We Turn 8 Years Old Today
BlueRidgeLife™2005-2013 : Left in 2005 Publishers Tommy & Yvette Stafford in their first issue of then Nelson County Life Magazine. Today, they are joined by Junior Publishers Peyton & Adam Stafford in the picture on the right. On January 1, 2013 Nelson County Life became Blue Ridge Life Magazine. The original magazine was published on April 1, 2005.

Nelson County, Virginia
Eight years ago today we started a journey that’s been one of the most exciting and rewarding ones ever. Back on April 1, 2005 Tommy & Yvette Stafford started Nelson County Life Magazine. We’d been in the TV news business for years back in the mid-south. The idea for the magazine was to originally launch in the Arkansas Ozarks on the banks of the White River in Izard County. Yes, Izard. It’s near Mountain View, Arkansas.

We spent a lot of time there, and even bought property in Izard right above the river. We continued working in the news business based out of Memphis. As the years went by, it became obvious the Ozarks wasn’t the place to launch a year round magazine. It was pretty busy in the summer, in the winter, nothing. Meanwhile we began coming to Nelson a lot. Yvette had ties here and is originally from Virginia.

Fast forward to 2004, we sold our land in Arkansas, never built on it, and moved to Nelson County. Then there was that idea for the magazine. Mmmmmmm, we did it and here we are today!

We’ve grown to know a lot of you over the years. We celebrated birthdays, weddings, births, anniversaries, and more with many of you. And sadly, we have said good-bye to more than we should have. Funerals are never fun, but we’re glad to have known some of the finest people around while they were still with us.

The April 2013 issue is our 97th. Hard to believe in just 3 more, we hit the 100 mark! Time truly does fly by.

We want to thank each of you for trusting us, reading our magazine, and to our advertisers for taking the chance on us way back then when we honestly were pretty darn green. Lots of you have been with us since day one. That means a lot. And it’s very humbling.

While we’ve expanded and changed our name to take in more of the Virginia Blue Ridge, we are still very much Nelson. We live here, our offices are here, and we are staying here. But at the same time, it’s been exciting meeting our neighbors in nearby counties and telling their stories too. Over time we hope to know all of you as we do our friends here in Nelson. In just the first four issues, we’ve already become friends with so many more.

Thank you again to everyone, and we look forward to 8 more years and beyond!

No fooling!

Nelson: Atlantic Chamber Ensemble Marks Final Concert Of WPA Series For Season

Yvette Stafford
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Nelson: Atlantic Chamber Ensemble Marks Final Concert Of WPA Series For Season
BlueRidgeLife™2013 : Photos By BRLM Mountain Photographer Paul Purpura: The Atlantic Chamber Ensemble takes a bow at the final performance of the WPA Concert Series for the 2012-2013 season this past Saturday March 30, 2013 at the Lake Monocan Clubhouse in Stoney Creek.

Nellysford
Nelson County, VA
The Atlantic Chamber Ensemble held their final performance of the season this past weekend at the Lake Monocan Clubhouse in Stoney Creek. The concert series takes place outside of the regular WPA Summer Music Festival during the off months. You can read the full program about the performance by clicking and downloading here.

Double bass player Fred Dole and cellist Jason McComb before the concert.
Violinist Susanna Klein at the Atlantic Chamber Ensemble this past Saturday – March 30, 2013 held at the Lake Monocan Clubhouse.
To see these and other pictures from Saturday’s performance click on the image above to head on over to our BRLM Facebook album.
The next event WPA will be hosting is RHAPSODY IN BLUE – Saturday, April 27 in the Skyline Pavilion at Wintergreen Resort. Click on the above image for more details.

Nelson: VSP Continues Investigation Into Monday Night 3.25.13 Head On Collision On Route 151

Yvette Stafford
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Map Via Google.com : VSP continue their investigation into a late Monday night head on collision on Route 151 in Afton, VA. The area boxed in read above is generally where the accident took place, less than one mile north of Route 6 West. Click image to enlarge view.

Afton
Nelson County, VA
As another study is underway by VDOT into improving safety along Route 151 in Nelson County, a serious head on crash is now under investigation by the Virginia State Police. It took place around 11PM Monday night just north of Route 6 West in Afton.

VSP provided the following details Wednesday evening to BRML:

“Virginia State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred at 11 p.m. on March 25, 2013, on Route 151 less than a mile north of Route 6/Afton Mountain Road in Nelson County. A 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling north on Route 151 when it crossed the centerline, ran off the left side of the road and struck a highway sign. The Jeep then came back into the roadway and struck a southbound 2001 Dodge Caravan head-on.

The driver of the Jeep, Lorrie D. Thompson, 22, of Staunton, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Thompson was not wearing a seat belt. Thompson was charged with DUI.

The driver of the Dodge Caravan, Robert L. Canody, 76, of Afton, and his 11-year-old female passenger were both transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Both were wearing seat belts.

The crash remains under investigation.”

Nelson: The Blue Toad Expands – Joins Forces With Waynesboro BBQ / Catering Veteran – Adds Wi-Fi

Yvette Stafford
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Nelson: The Blue Toad Expands – Joins Forces With Waynesboro BBQ / Catering Veteran – Adds Wi-Fi
BlueRidgeLife™2013 : Todd Rath (L) owner of The Blue Toad in Afton and Rick Truslow owner of Rick’s BBQ & Catering in Waynesboro have joined forces to create a new catering arm at The Blue Toad.

Afton
Nelson County, VA
To say Todd Rath, owner of The Blue Toad, is excited about his latest expansion of sorts, would be an understatement. We first told you about the Blue Toad opening back in July 2011 in this story. “We’ve realized that we need a catering arm. We’ve done some parties here, rehearsal dinners, things like that, lot of birthday parties, and one thing we were not set up for was to do catering. At someone’s farm or someone’s house, or winery. Rick & I have know one another for about 5 years,” and that, said Todd, was enough for them to join forces.


Listen to Tommy’s interview with Todd & Rick by press play above.

“I’ve been catering for 7 years out of the house, cooking hogs for 20, and all of the sudden wanted to do it. I stepped into it and spent 20,000 dollars. I built a 9000.00 dollar kitchen in the backyard. All health department approved and inspected,” Rick told us.

And the secret to perfect BBQ? “Long and slow. That’s the best way of doing it,” Rick adds with a smile.

In addition to more food and the catering arm, Todd revealed more exciting news for The Blue Toad.”Stewart Computer Services has put in a free wi-fi network for the Blue Toad’s customers. Inside the pub, the deck, the tent and the playground. We’ve got a new building planned out by the playground that will house the ice cream, burgers and dogs. Simple foods for moms and dads. The wifi will be all of our property and free for every customer.”

Tommy’s Live Coverage on CBS-19 From Monday – March 25, 2013 Snow In Nelson County, VA

Tommy
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Tommy’s Live Coverage on CBS-19 From Monday – March 25, 2013 Snow In Nelson County, VA
Click on the screen image above to watch Tommy’s coverage of the Monday March 25, 2013 snow coverage on CBS-19 in Charlottesville.

Afton
Nelson County, VA
The snowfall is over, but it’s still covering the ground in many places on and near the Blue Ridge. I was on live Monday with our media partners at CBS-19 in Charlottesville. Me and the anchors chatted it up about the 6+ inches of snow here in Nelson.

Click on the photo above to see more pics from our Facebook album of Tommy’s TV news days.

Most of you know I once was a TV weather dude and reporter all over the mid-south, even doing regular live shots with The Weather Channel on breaking weather, like tornados, etc. Back then we used a 250,000 dollar sat truck and a crew to make it happen. These days, an Iphone, Skype and you’re in business!

Nice to knock off the dust and get back on the air from time to time. 🙂
Tommy

Nelson: Slick Roads Sunday Evening Causes Tense Moments – Child In Accident Loses Battle – Updated 3.26.13

Yvette Stafford
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Nelson: Slick Roads Sunday Evening Causes Tense Moments – Child In Accident Loses Battle – Updated 3.26.13
This car went over an 15-20 foot embankment landing partially in the water this past Sunday evening – March 24, 2013 after the driver lost control. Slick roads are believed to have contributed to the accident.

Today Corinne N. Geller Public Relations Director with VSP in Richmond updated the story and investigation, here’s their release verbatim:

“Virginia State Police Trooper R. Sachno III is investigating a single-vehicle crash in Nelson County that resulted in the death of a 5-year-old Nellysford resident. The crash occurred at 8:23 p.m. on March 24, 2013. A 1994 Saturn SL was traveling east on Route 665 when the driver lost control. Less than a mile east of Route 29, the car ran off the left side of the road and struck a tree. The vehicle then overturned into a creek.

The driver, Mercedes P. Toliver-Carrington, 18, of Amherst, was transported to UVA Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. A passenger in the vehicle, Jeremiah C. Clark, 5, of Nellysford, was transported to UVA Hospital in Charlottesville where he succumbed to his injuries Monday. Three other passengers were also transported to UVA Hospital for treatment of injuries from the crash. The driver and all four passengers were wearing seat belts.

The crash remains under investigation at this time and charges are pending. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash.”

Original Story from 3.25.13 post at 7:12 AM
Arrington
Nelson County, VA
Very tense moments set the scene Sunday evening after the driver of a car lost control on slick roads and careened over an embankment and into the water along Wilson Hill Road. BRLM has learned that a small child around 5 years old was unconscious and in full arrest (not breathing / no pulse) when emergency crews arrived. “An off duty Wintergreen paramedic was on the way home along 29 southbound and made the scene giving aid until other emergency crews arrived, said Michael Barber with WFD public relations. His 3 year old sister was also in the car but is not believed to have been critically injured. CPR was given to the 5 year old as emergency personnel arrived, including Wintergreen rescue, that was called to assist Lovingston Volunteer Fire & Rescue, along with other Nelson squads including, Piney River, Gladstone, and Roseland made the scene.

Due to snowy weather conditions, Pegasus Medical Helicopter from UVA couldn’t fly so their Pegasus Bus was sent instead. They met crews in Lovingston where the child was transferred and then transported to UVa Medical Center in Charlottesville. At the time of the transfer emergency crews had been able get a good pulse on the child and assist with breathing.

Injuries of others in the car consisted mainly of broken bones, but not life threatening.

As of this story on Monday morning, we have no updated condition on the 5 year old child.

VDOT: Road Conditions Improving – 8AM Update

Tommy
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VDOT: Road Conditions Improving – 8AM Update
VDOT urges caution when traveling area roadways.

LYNCHBURG, VA
Road conditions are improving this morning after snow, sleet and freezing drizzle fell across much of the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on Sunday and into the early hours of Monday.
As of 8 a.m., primary roads in Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward Counties were either clear or had isolated spots of snow, ice or slush. Major roads in Amherst and Nelson Counties varied in condition from clear to moderate. Moderate condition indicates that major portions of the road are covered with snow or ice.

Crews across the Lynchburg District worked throughout the day and night on Sunday pushing snow, as appropriate and applying salt and abrasives to road surfaces. Crews are working again today and once major roads are safe, crews will move their efforts to secondary routes.
Motorists are urged to remember that temperatures are expected to drop again this evening and that any moisture left on roadways will likely refreeze. Caution is important during the overnight hours and early into Tuesday morning.

Earlier Post from 5AM 3.25.13
LYNCHBURG, VA
Motorists who must travel this morning should use extreme caution as wintry weather and cold temperatures have created difficult driving conditions in many areas.

Moderate conditions are being reported on primary routes in the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, and Campbell in the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), while minor to moderate conditions on primaries are reported in Charlotte County, clear to moderate conditions in Nelson County and clear conditions in Cumberland, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward Counties. Minor conditions indicate that there is bare pavement with isolated spots of snow, ice or slush. Moderate conditions mean that there is snow or ice on major portions of the roadway.
Crews across the Lynchburg District worked throughout the day and night on Sunday pushing snow, as appropriate and applying salt and abrasives to road surfaces. This work continues today. While crews have been able to make passes on some secondary roads, the continuing precipitation has kept them focused on the major roadways and conditions on secondary roads are generally moderate.

Drivers are encouraged to check VDOT’s 511 travel website, www.511virginia.org, before traveling. The website is updated in real time with weather and road conditions for all highways in Virginia. Once on the road, VDOT’s 511 mobile app provides real-time traffic and weather information for both iPhone and Android platforms. Travelers can also call 511 from any telephone in Virginia for real-time information on traffic and road conditions.

WINTER DRIVING TIPS:
· Make sure your vehicle is winter ready – be sure to completely clear all windows, lights, and side mirrors before driving.
· Keep an emergency driving kit in your car.
· Wear your seatbelt and don’t drive distracted.
· Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
· Keep headlights on to increase visibility.
· Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
· When driving on ice, don’t slam on your brakes. Turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.

Winter Storm Warning: CANCELED

Tommy
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Winter Storm Warning: CANCELED
Via NWS: A WINTER STORM WARNING is now in effect until 6PM Monday for most of the area. Some areas to the south of Nelson have expirations around 8AM Monday. Click on image above to see latest text updates.

CANCELED – CANCELED – CANCELED

WINTER STORM WARNING
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
720 AM EDT MON MAR 25 2013

EXTREME WESTERN ALLEGANY-CENTRAL AND EASTERN ALLEGANY-AUGUSTA-
ROCKINGHAM-SHENANDOAH-NELSON-ALBEMARLE-HAMPSHIRE-HARDY-
EASTERN GRANT-WESTERN MINERAL-EASTERN MINERAL-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…FROSTBURG…CUMBERLAND…STAUNTON…
WAYNESBORO…HARRISONBURG…CHARLOTTESVILLE…MOOREFIELD…
PETERSBURG…ELK GARDEN…KEYSER…FORT ASHBY
720 AM EDT MON MAR 25 2013

…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS
EVENING…

* PRECIPITATION TYPE…SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS…6 TO 8 INCHES ABOVE 1500 FEET. 4 TO 6 INCHES
ELSEWHERE.

* TIMING…SNOW THIS MORNING WILL TAPER OFF THIS AFTERNOON.

* TEMPERATURES…MID TO UPPER 20S…RISING INTO THE LOWER 30S
LATER THIS AFTERNOON.

* WINDS…NORTHEAST AROUND 5 MPH BECOMING NORTHWEST THIS
AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS…ROADS ARE SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY…MAKING TRAVEL
DIFFICULT. HEAVY WET SNOW ACCUMULATION ON TREES AND POWER LINES
COULD CAUSE SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE
EXPECTED. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

Early Spring Snowstorm Closes Most Schools More Snow Falls Monday – Update 5:20 AM Monday 3.25.13

Tommy
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BlueRidgeLife™2013 : Photos By Tommy Stafford : A VDOT plow pushes snow off of Route 151 in Afton just north of Nellysford, VA – Sunday afternoon March 24, 2013

Nelson County, VA

As Tommy had been predicting in his weather late last week, an early spring snowstorm hit the area on Sunday. Snow began falling in areas around Lynchburg Sunday morning. It moved north into other counties including Nelson where BRLM is based on the eastern side of the BRP north of Nellysford, VA.

Route 151 southbound traffic slowly moves along in the heavy snowfall Sunday afternoon – March 24, 2013.

As we first reported on our BRLM Facebook page, Nelson County Public Schools called of Monday classes around 6PM Sunday evening. Most other schools area schools soon followed. Several accidents were occurring late Sunday afternoon all across the area in Nelson and beyond.

CBS-19 Charlottesville has their list of area closings here.

WHSV-3 Harrisonburg has their list of closings here.

ABC-13 Lynchburg – Closings here

On Devils Knob at Wintergreen streets were snow covered with at least 4 inches of snow by late Sunday afternoon.

Area snowfall totals by Monday just after 5AM in Greenfield, Wintergreen, Roseland, and Crozet were generally around 4+ inches. Totals are expected to go up by the time a WINTER STORM WARNING expires Monday at 6PM.

Wintergreen: Skiers & Boarders Celebrate End Of Season With Annual Splash & Dash

Yvette Stafford
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BlueRidgeLife™2013 : Photos By BRLM Mountain Photographer Paul Purpura : The annual Splash & Dash (Pond Skimming) was held the past Saturday – March 23, 2014 at Wintergreen Resort, VA. The yearly event signals the unofficial close to the winter season at the resort.

Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, VA
It may be spring according to the calendar, but winter still holds on for a bit longer. Regardless, Wintergreen Resort held the annual Splash & Dash, also known as Pond Skimming, this past Saturday. It’s sort of a way to say so long to the winter ski season. However, Wintergreen says they may be able to squeeze out another few days of skiing since we’ve been having a lot of late snowfall.

According to information posted on their site as of Sunday March 24, 2013:

Snow, snow everywhere. It is really hard to believe we have this much snow this late in the season. All of this snow combined with 3-6 inches of new snow overnight, you can see why we plan to ski and ride on April 6th.

Ski and Ride: We are open today, skiing and riding from 9a-5p.

March ski and ride hours:
OPEN for day sessions only Sunday 3/24 – lift tickets discounted 45%
adult 8hr-$39, 4hr-$35
youth/senior 8hr-$29, 4hr- $25
Closed mid-week 3/25-3/29
OPEN for day sessions only Saturday 3/30 discount TBD
Closed mid-week 4/1-4/5
OPEN for day sessions only Saturday 4/6 discount TBD
Note: discounts apply to lift tickets and GLS packages only

Tubing: The Plunge is closed

Ridgely’s Fun Park: Closed for the season

Terrain Park: Progression Park- two 10ft flat boxes, 10ft flat rail, small battleship rail, two small jumps and a small quarter pipe. Main Park – up box to snow box, propane tank hip, handrail, down box, 30ft down rail, 15ft flat rail and 2 medium size jumps. Dobie Park – 20ft flat box, large flat down rail, up tank to snow box, flat down elbow kink and 2 large jumps.

Nastar: Closed for the season.

Jay Roberts, VP Of Wintergreen Resort Operations, led off the race in a Harry Potter costume. Sadly, unlike previous years, he did not make it across the pond.
This year’s event had some very colorful costumes!
More of the costumes at this year’s Splash & Dash at Wintergreen Resort.
Oops – Didn’t quite make it!
Just after the OOPS!
Ouch! Into the cold water!
More of the crazy costumes at this year’s Splash & Dash at Wintergreen Resort this past Saturday – March 23, 2013
A first. A bicycle body attached to a snow board. And he did not make it across.
Wipeout!
Another wipeout!
Just before another wipeout!
The prize winner for best costume.
The first place winner, Duane Brown.

See you next year, meanwhile come on spring.

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