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Coronavirus Information Here At BRL : And Moving Forward

Tommy
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Coronavirus Information Here At BRL : And Moving Forward
To read the entire Virginia Governor’s Executive Order released on Monday – March 23rd, click on the image above.

Nelson County, Virginia
By Tommy Stafford

Two months ago, who would have ever thought we’d be where we are now? But we are. And for the foreseeable future this is how it will be. I hesitated to post much before now. Between getting ready to hunker down some for the weeks ahead and simply not knowing what I was going to post, I gave it a few days.

Facebook wasn’t around when we started BRL or this website. Well, it was sort of around, but it was still in its infancy and they didn’t know what they really had yet. That’s obviously been a big help during the Coronavirus2020, but it’s overwhelming at times with the flow of information. Some accurate, some, not so much.

When Yvette and I founded Blue Ridge Life (back then Nelson County Life) in 2005 we didn’t envision it as a hard news publication, nor was the website supposed to ever be that way. But we found in the early 2000’s there was a lack of information coming out during natural disaster out breaking news situations. So, we started posting relevant information about things when needed. The derecho, the blizzards, and more. We all made it through those times, and people before us made it through even worse times. But this isn’t going to be particularly fun.

Starting today we are using this site as a platform to push pertinent information out from officials, business owners and the like. I highly encourage you to start sending information you want pushed out to our main email address: info@blueridgelife.com We will post it as quickly as possible, then share it to all of our social media platforms.

I also highly encourage you to download our mobile app. We’ve had that in use for about a year now and it’s where everything that’s urgent is immediately pushed to your smartphone. The links to download up on the upper right part of this page your are reading now. We have versions for both Iphone  IOS and your Android devices.

Here’s a link to Nelson County’s government page on coronovirus.

We will embed many things in posts here as well, like this food pickup announcement from RVCC below and Nelson County, just above.

There are many specific groups targeted at certain parts of the county and the county itself, and they are good to get some info as people observe and put out information. Nelson Knows has become a popular by invite social media group that’s essentially crowd sourced. We will try to re-share as much of that as possible as we move forward when we can.

Here’s a great partial list sent out recently by The Monroe Institute to people living nearby. There are others participating and if you want me to add you to the list, just drop me us an email and I’ll get it up.

Thanks to Ann Strober of Nellysford for forwarding this information from Monroe:

“A quick update to say that the local vendors below will not be participating in the Shenandoah Foods/Local Food Hub/4P program, but will also have their products available for pick up on Thursdays at RVCC. Please contact the vendors directly for more information about available products and how to place your order.

Caromont Farm Goat and Cow Milk Cheeses http://www.caromontcheese.comm

Double H Farms Farm Raised Pork, fresh seasonal vegetables https://www.facebook.com/DoubleHFarmVirginia/

Gathered Threads Fresh herb bunches, Dried Herbal Teas, Spices & Spice Mixes, Herbal Remedy Kits, Herbal Body Products. Small Batch Fermented Sauerkrauts, Kimchis, and more – made with organically sourced vegetables. Some seasonal produce. https://www.gatheredthreadsllc.com/store Order by email at gatheredthreadsllc@gmail.com and pay by credit card.

Goodwin Creek Farm & Bakery Fresh baked breads https://www.aftonvirginia.com/

Little Hat Creek Farm & Bakery (Wednesday pickup only, contact Heather for more info) Seasonal vegetables, Fresh baked bread https://littlehatcreek.wordpress.com/

Additionally, if you want to get local meat delivered to your home, River Oak Farm has amazing pork, chicken, and beef and they deliver to Afton/Crozet/Nellysford on different days of the week. You can shop for their products and find delivery info here: River Oak Farm Shop.

Let’s give these awesome local farms and food producers the support they need right now!”

 

Once final thing as far as scheduled events in our calendar online. Many of these were entered months ago for for future dates. Many have been canceled. Your absolute best bet is to contact the event organizer direct and make sure the event is still taking place. Obviously not much of anything will happen over the next month due to the governor’s executive order. 

 

Let’s all stay in touch and keep updated as much as we can in the coming days and months.

 

More to come!

Tommy

 

Nelson : Nellysford : Coronavirus Notice From Rockfish Valley Foundation

Tommy
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Nelson : Nellysford : Coronavirus Notice From Rockfish Valley Foundation

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

Verbatim release from Rockfish Valley Foundation

Announcement Concerning Coronavirus & Community Resources Of Rockfish Valley Foundation

TRAILS
At this time we have no plan to close the trails. However, we ask that you take all trash
with you. If we see that is not working we may have to close the trails before we want to.
Also remember your dogs can carry virus if they have been sneezed on or hands with
germs are spread to them. It would be good to keep dogs on a leash at all times along the
trails until further notice.

SPRUCE CREEK PARK
This is our most sensitive area. Children will be playing all over the structures and with
each other. There are no cases in Nelson so far. But take care. As soon as a case is
discovered, we may decide to close the park. At this time, bring hand wash like Purell
and share with other families. Wipe and wash hands before and after playing. If we see
this is not working we may have no choice but to close the park for the safety of
everyone.

NATURAL HISTORY CENTER
The center plans to open with a soft opening on April 4. It may be that will be postponed
until Earth Day April 19. We are considering a plan to install hand washing stations with
Purell or its equivalent at the entrance to the museum. We ask that all families wash their
hands well before coming. Someone said you can sing “Happy Birthday” while you
wash and that is the necessary 20 seconds!

EARTH DAY NELSON – the 50 th anniversary.
This wonderful family event is set for April 19 from noon to 4 p.m.. With three bands,
three food vendors and about 20 environmental exhibitors, we do not want to postpone.
Check Facebook and the RVF website for updates son a possible postponement.
www.rockfishvalleyh.org . Our poster contest at the schools will definitely continue and
we will present 30 things you can do at home to celebrate if the event is not held.

If you have questions or comments let us know by sending an email to
contact@rockfishvalley.org or leaving a message at (434) 361 0271.
Thank you for keeping safety first in Nelson County.

Peter A Agelasto III
Chairman for the board of Trustees
Rockfish Valley Foundation
March 14 2015

Nelson : Nelson Cable Outlines Bandwidth Services During Coronavirus Outbreak

Tommy
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Nelson : Nelson Cable Outlines Bandwidth Services During Coronavirus Outbreak

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

Verbatim Press Release via Nelson Cable:

As our country manages COVID-19 please know that we are here to keep you connected to your family,
your workplace, your schools, and to the latest information available, via the Internet.
As schools and businesses move to a “work at home” solution, we understand the importance of
Internet connectivity and have the speeds that you need to continue with your daily activities.
Nelson Cable, Inc. joins Broadband Providers across America in taking the “Keep Americans Connected
Pledge.”

Given the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on American society, Nelson Cable, Inc., pledges for the
next 60 days to:

(1) not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay
their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;

(2) waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic
circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and

(3) open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
In addition, Nelson Cable, Inc. will provide additional assistance to those impacted by COVID-19.
Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, we will implement the following:

If you subscribe to our lowest speed, and require additional bandwidth for Distance Learning,
Telecommuting, and/or Telemedicine, we will provide it at no additional charge through June
30, 2020.

If you need Internet, we will provide you with a free installation, a free cable modem and 50/4
Mbps Cable Modem Internet Service free through June 30, 2020.

To receive more information about additional bandwidth, and /or a new installation, please contact our office at 434-263-4805, or by e-mail, info@cyberwind.net. Our Representatives are available Monday –
Friday, 9am-4pm.

We hope this will help our customers stay connected with family, be able to work from home, continue
educational opportunities, and stay up to date on the latest health alerts.
Thank you,
Nelson Cable

News Alert : Albemarle County Issues Declaration of Local Emergency

Tommy
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News Alert : Albemarle County Issues Declaration of Local Emergency

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA – Albemarle County Executive Jeff Richardson has issued a Declaration of Local Emergency in response to the COVID-19 Virus, effective Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 5:00 pm. This declaration follows Governor Northam’s State Declaration of Emergency. A local declaration allows our community to access resources during a public health crisis, such as this.
At this time, there are no cases reported in our community by Virginia Department of Health. For the most current information about Coronavirus, visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/
Event Postponements and Relocations
While our community has no confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are in the process of reviewing public meetings, events, and recreation programs. At this time, any gathering of fewer than 100 people will proceed as planned. Any gatherings expected to exceed 100 attendees are being individually evaluated for how to proceed.
We regret to announce that, out of an abundance of caution and to protect our community’s safety , we have made the difficult decision to alter several of our scheduled events for the foreseeable future. The events below are those that have been adjusted and this list will be updated as we continue to monitor the situation.
Postponed Events
  • The Yancey School Community Center One-Year Celebration (scheduled 3/14) is postponed indefinitely.
Relocated Events
  • Budget Work Session for the Board of Supervisors (scheduled 3/17) has been moved from Room 241 to Lane Auditorium in the County Office Building to accommodate social distancing.

Nelson : Another Incident For Another Driver On Route 151

Tommy
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Nelson : Another Incident For Another Driver On Route 151
File Photo By Tommy Stafford : A Virginia State Trooper travels northbound on Route 151 in Nelson County just north of Nellysford.

 

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia
By Tommy Stafford

We first told you about the death of 58 year old Veronica L. Jones of Lynchburg in this post back on March 2nd. Troopers believe she was killed after someone likely threw a large rock through the windshield of her car while traveling along Route 151 on March 1, 2020 near the Piney River area of South Nelson County.

There now seems to be more trouble happening along Route 151. “I was met by a northbound vehicle that had crossed the center line and was heading straight at me and ran me off the road,” Brian Wright of Nelson County posted in the local Facebook group Nelson Knows. I reached out to Brian and asked what happened in more detail and if this was the first time it happened. He said it happened a few days earlier, and again about six to eight weeks earlier.

Brian’s original post in the Nelson Knows Facebook group on March 11, 2020.

“Right in Nellysford the last 2 times this past weekend, and then just south of Nellysford north of Graves the first time, back in February,” Brian told me on Wednesday.

Brian reported the incidents to the Nelson Sheriff’s Office, but then also reported it to the Virginia State Police on Wednesday. VSP has taken the lead into the investigation of the rock throwing incident south of Nellysford on Route 151 in Piney River. Another rock throwing incident occurred on March 7th on Gunter Hollow Lane, but no one was injured in that incident.

“I just got off the phone with a trooper. He thinks that the same person who is throwing rocks might also be doing the head-on incidents.”

Brian couldn’t get a good look at the car for an accurate description, but did say, “Unfortunately no. It was always dark, so their headlights were blinding me. But I know it was a 4 dr sedan.”

The word for anyone traveling Route 151 between the Amherst County Line and anywhere up to Route 250, be aware, and keep your eyes open.

Virginia State Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed or has any information about the March 1 crash on Patrick Henry Highway or the March 7 incident on Gunter Hollow Lane or any similar incidents in Nelson County to call (434) 352-7128 or email area18@vsp.virginia.gov.

Nelson : Courthouse News Service : Federal Judge Rules Against VA County In Challenge to Pipeline Project

Tommy
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Nelson : Courthouse News Service : Federal Judge Rules Against VA County In Challenge to Pipeline Project
The headline of the judgement as reported in Courthouse News Service.

Charlottesville, Virginia

A federal judge in Charlottesville, Virginia has ruled against Nelson County in a filing by the Board of Supervisors challenging the right of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to ignore local floodplain permits.

From Courthouse News Service:

“CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CN) – A federal judge has sided with a pipeline company in a dispute over the permitting powers of local governments, a win for the beleaguered natural gas producer after several setbacks in court.

The proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline would stretch 600 miles between West Virginia and North Carolina to transfer natural gas throughout the region and on to ports for further sale. Backed by the region’s largest energy producer, Dominion Energy, the project has long faced legal fights and push back from environmentalists and locals who fear the project’s impact on rural regions.”

Courthouse News Service has the complete story and we are linking their story here.

Our previous archives on ACP here.

Nelson : VSP Continues Investigating Fatal Crash Likely Caused By Thrown Rock

Tommy
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Nelson : VSP Continues Investigating Fatal Crash Likely Caused By Thrown Rock

Piney River / Roseland
Nelson County, Virginia

By Tommy Stafford

BRL has been following this case since it first happened on March 1st. Initial story here.

Since the first fatal accident another incident occurred on March 7, 2020. (see below) VSP Troopers have been in South Nelson for several day investigating the case.

Below is Virginia State Police’s latest update as of Tuesday afternoon – March 10, 2020.

“On Sunday, March 1, Virginia State Police responded to a single vehicle crash in Nelson County. During the initial investigation it was determined that a large rock found inside the vehicle was the most likely cause of death to the female driver. The crash is still under investigation and state police is still working to determine the origin of the 5 lb. rock that crashed through the vehicle’s windshield.

At 12:17 p.m. on March 7, Virginia State Police responded to a call from a motorist traveling in the 700 block of Gunter Hollow Lane in Nelson County. The driver reported that large rocks were being thrown at his vehicle. The driver was not injured in the incident. State police immediately deployed multiple resources to search for the individual(s) responsible for throwing the rocks, as this incident occurred approximately 2 miles east of the fatality on Route 151 on March 1.

Since the March 1 crash, state police has learned of other similar incidents reported in the county in recent months. State police is working with the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office on information related to those incidents.

Virginia State Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed or has any information about the March 1 crash on Patrick Henry Highway or the March 7 incident on Gunter Hollow Lane or any similar incidents in Nelson County to call (434) 352-7128 or email area18@vsp.virginia.gov.

Shelby Crouch
Public Relations Coordinator
Virginia State Police”

Firefly Fiber Broadband Welcomes New General Manager

Tommy
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Firefly Fiber Broadband Welcomes New General Manager
Photo via CVEC : Dennis Reece was appointed to the position of Firefly General Manager, effective February 24, 2020.

Release via CVEC on 3.10.20

Palmyra, Va. — Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis Reece to the position of General Manager, effective February 24, 2020.  Reece comes to Firefly after more than two decades at Citizens Telephone Cooperative in Floyd, Va, including twelve years as the Assistant General Manager and Chief Operating Officer.   During his tenure at Citizens, he led the process to design, secure funding for, and build a 448-mile regional middle-mile fiber network. Reece will oversee all operations of Firefly Fiber Broadband, including customer service, networks, installations and business/plant expansion efforts. “I look forward to working with the Firefly team to bring affordable and reliable lightning fast broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of Central Virginia,” Reece said.

Headquartered in Palmyra, VA, Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative. Firefly offers lightning fast internet via fiber to the premise that is reliable and priced fairly with no hidden equipment costs or price increases.  Firefly has no contracts, no data caps or slowdowns and offers symmetrical upload and download speeds.  Firefly Light offers 100 Mbps for $49.99; Firefly Flash offers 1 Gbps for $79.99; and Firefly Voice is $29.99 when bundled with the internet.  For more information, visit www.fireflyva.com.

Increased Fire Danger : Rapid Wild Land Fire Growth Potential Today

Tommy
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Increased Fire Danger : Rapid Wild Land Fire Growth Potential Today
For the absolute latest updates from NWS, click on the image above.

Rapid Wildland Fire Growth Potential Today

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
948 AM EST Sat Mar 7 2020

District of Columbia-Washington-Frederick MD-Prince Georges-
Charles-Northwest Montgomery-Central and Southeast Montgomery-
Northwest Howard-Central and Southeast Howard-Rockingham-
Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-Nelson-Albemarle–
Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-Fairfax-
Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western Loudoun-
Eastern Loudoun-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-
Hardy-
Including the cities of Washington, Hagerstown, Frederick,
Ballenger Creek, Bowie, Suitland-Silver Hill, Clinton,
College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Camp Springs, St. Charles,
Waldorf, Germantown, Damascus, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg,
Silver Spring, Lisbon, Columbia, Ellicott City, Harrisonburg,
Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market, Winchester,
Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal, Berryville, Lovingston,
Charlottesville, Stanardsville, Madison, Orange, Gordonsville,
Culpeper, Dale City, Manassas, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Montclair,
Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean,
Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Falmouth,
Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, Warrenton, Turnbull, Purcellville,
Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Big Meadows, Wintergreen, Romney,
Paw Paw, Martinsburg, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, and Moorefield
948 AM EST Sat Mar 7 2020

…Rapid Wildland Fire Growth Potential Today…

Gusty winds and rapidly lowering humidity will result in an
enhanced risk of rapid wildland fire growth today. Humidity will
drop below 30 percent across most of the region by this afternoon,
with sustained winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph.

The combination of gusty winds and low humidity may allow small
fires to rapidly grow if they escape control. Anyone with outdoor
plans involving fire should use extreme caution today.

Though humidity will again be very low on Sunday, the winds will
be much lighter. Thus, the fire danger will be lower.

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
927 AM EST Sat Mar 7 2020

Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-
Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-
Including the cities of Stuart, Rocky Mount, Bedford, Amherst,
Martinsville, Danville, Lynchburg, Appomattox, South Boston,
and Keysville
927 AM EST Sat Mar 7 2020

…Increased fire danger across southwest Virginia…

Gusty winds and low relative humidity levels will enhance the
threat for wildfires this afternoon.

Virginia residents are reminded that open burning is prohibited
before 4 pm each day through April 30th.

Use extra caution when handling any potential ignition source…
including machinery…cigarettes…and matches. Be sure to properly
discard all smoking materials. Any fires that do start will have
the potential to spread quickly.

Spring Forward This Saturday Night Before Bed : Daylight Saving Time Begins 2AM Sunday

Tommy
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Spring Forward This Saturday Night Before Bed : Daylight Saving Time Begins 2AM Sunday
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 AM Sunday morning, so be sure to set your clock ahead 1 hour at bedtime Saturday night.
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 AM this Sunday morning, so be sure to set your clock ahead 1 hour at bedtime Saturday night.

Central Virginia Blue Ridge

With some warmer days here and there thoughts are turning to longer days. Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday – March 8th at 2AM.

If you don’t party until that hour, your best bet is to move your clock ahead one hour before turning in on Saturday night. Then you’re all taken care of until Sunday – Nov 1, 2020 when we go back to standard time.

Until then, enjoy those longer, carefree days of summer soon to come!!

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