Other

Albemarle Lock and Safe - 434-977-5397

We used Albemarle Safe and Lock (434-977-5397) for a difficult door lock and re-keying. The locksmiths were very professional and easy to work with, and reasonably priced. Submitted by Sandi Nettina. January 2025

Albemarle Lock and Safe (434-977-5397, info@albemarlelock.com) did a marvelous job of repairing 23-year-old hard-to-find lock mechanisms for us last year. Submitted by Greg Heuer. January 2024

locksmith, security

Charlottesville Community Bikes - 434-260-0893

We took several bikes over to Charlottesville Community Bikes and they were very appreciative. The non-profit accepts donated used bicycles of all shapes, sizes, and ages. If they can't refurbish it, they recycle the bike for parts for other bikes. The bikes are for adults as well as kids. They offer bicycle repairs and train teenagers in the process. Bikes go to those in the community in need. CCB's phone number is 434-260-0893. Submitted by Maria Spence. November 2024

bicycle repair, bikes, nonprofit, non-profit

David Lipscomb - 434-981-1897

I recommend David Lipscomb of Virginia Rock Shop at the Rockfish Valley Community Center for jewelry repairs and gemstone work. He has restrung several pearl and bead necklaces and bracelets for me. Does a great job at a fair price. You can stop by during his regular hours or call him at 434-981-1897. Submitted by Maria Spence. September 2024

bracelets, silver,

Party Bus - 540-478-3127

We want to highly recommend "Ride with Rog" a company with three party buses that take people to the local wineries and breweries. They have beautiful big vans with a driver that fit up to 14 people. You can set your own schedule and where you would like to visit. You can change stop locations as you go. Chris, our driver, was friendly, knowledgeable, and a great driver. Call them at 540-478-3127 or ridewithrog@gmail.com, see the Facebook page at facebook.com/RideWithRog. Submitted Paul and Maria Spence. June 2024

winery, tours,

Donna Crabtree - 706-414-7325

I highly recommend Rockfish Gap Embroidery to anyone looking for custom embroidery services. Donna Crabtree is easy to work with and takes the time to understand what type of design you are interested in. Donna's turnaround time is very reasonable as are her prices for her expert work. I have had hats, aprons, and towels all embroidered by Donna, and the final product was always flawless. Some examples of her work can be seen in the Wintergreen Resort gift shop on the mountain. Give Donna a call if you are looking for exceptional embroidery services. Submitted by Robin Pullen. April 2024

Janelle Harrop - 434-249-0914

Due to her address being wrong in one of the local commercial business directories, I had a frustrating week of trying to locate JannyBird Sewing jannybirdstyles@gmail.com (434-249-0914). I finally located the business at 179 Main Street in Lovingston near the Courthouse with operating hours M-W 11- 4, Thu/F 3-6 (by appointment only). I found the owner, Janelle Marie Harrop, eager to please, very professional, and offering reasonable pricing. Submitted by Pete Gatje January 2025

Two thumbs up for Janny Bird Sewing Company on Main Street in Lovingston. She does a lot of costume and bridal work and has a great reputation for that among the locals. When we needed some zippers replaced in several cardigans, and two sets of window curtains resized after remounting, she didn't "look down" on our smaller jobs. Quite fair pricing and, for this time of year, great turnaround. Janelle Harrop can be reached at jannybirdstyles@gmail.com, 434-249-0914. Submitted by John and Nanci Taylor. February 2024

I learned about Janelle Harrop's sewing talents from the WBB. A year ago I used her talents to have a pile of everyday clothing altered and was blown away by her expertise. She has done freelance sewing while working other jobs until just a few months ago when she put her Jannybird Sewing Co. (434-249-0914. JannyBirdSewingCo.com) into a storefront in Lovingston at 179 Main St. (below the Blue Star Music). She was the runner-up finalist in a small business grant competition, she won a grant to start her business after one of the four top finalists dropped out. She now has regular hours offering custom bridal, alterations and tailoring, home decor, and reupholstery as well as group or private sewing classes. Submitted by Charles Batchelor. July 2023

I recommend Janelle Harrop as an excellent seamstress. I had seven sets of 9-foot drapes that I wanted to have repurposed for my two-bedroom Stone Ridge Woods Condo. Not only did Janelle measure and remake my drapery perfectly, but she helped me with rods, hooks, finials, weights, dimensions, and selections. I was able to have all the hardware sent to her, and she separated and labeled all for installation. She hung the drapes and sent me pictures of the finished rooms. Janelle is very professional and communicated every step along the way with me. Call her at 434-249-0914 or email her at jmharrop@live.com. Submitted by Lynn Dunn. November 2020

Mountain Life of Virginia - 434-256-0501

I am on the board of the Highlands Condo Association on the mountain. The condo association's property managers are Mountain Life of Virginia (434-256-0501) and are very pleased with their service. The owner, Geoff Truslow, and his team are very responsive. Their office is at the base of the mountain at 910 Beech Grove Road. Submitted by Jerry Simonelli in response to a WBB subscriber's request for recommendations on property managers. September 2023

Doug Carter - 434-401-3212

We had our pool table repaired by Doug Carter out of Lynchburg (434-401-3212). He and his brothers did fantastic work repairing the table rails, leveling the table, and replacing the cloth. Doug charges by the job, plus $200 travel time for the round trip to the top of the mountain; we found that given few pool table repair people around it was worth it. We were happy with the work. Submitted by Matt and Erika Stegman. June 2023

billiards

Jim Hennessey - 540-212-4546

After our recent move to Stoney Creek, we had some damage to several pieces of furniture that had been in storage. (Broken leg on sofa, broken leg on the coffee table, and the arm of a dining room chair broken in several pieces.) The moving and storage company sent out Jim Hennessey of Weathersby Guild to do “in-home” repairs. Jim arrived promptly, went to work, and after several hours he had the repairs completed.  He kept his work space neat, and cleaned up afterward. It has been just a week since Jim did the repairs so we cannot attest to longevity, however, he guaranteed his work. We are using all of the furniture. We had a house full of family over the holiday weekend and no problems with the furniture repairs. Contact him at 540-212-4546; JimHennessey@WeathersbyGuild.com. Submitted by Joyce Claman. December 2022

Andrew Minton Jeweler - 434 979-7672

Andrew Minton Jeweler (434 979-7672) in the Seminole Square Shopping Center in Charlottesville is excellent for jewelry repair. He is fair and has wonderful recommendations. He also has a beautiful selection of estate jewelry, will order what you need or want and is very pleasant to deal with. It’s a family-run business. Submitted by Sally Bryant. January 2022

I second the glowing recommendation submitted by Sally Bryant in the WBB newsletter regarding Andrew Minton Jeweler (434- 979-7672 in Charlottesville). From the very first time I met Andrew his honesty, work ethics, and fairness have always been present. Submitted by Odette Henderson. January 2022

jewelry repair

Lili Gill - 434-227-8305

• I highly recommend Lili Gill as a piano teacher. Very much a beginner, I've been taking piano lessons from her here in Nellysford for several years and find her to be a wonderfully talented piano teacher (and pianist). She teaches both children and adults, and at all levels. Her enthusiasm for music is infectious, she has a gentle yet knowledgeable and encouraging teaching manner, and seems to have an infinite amount of patience! Her website with contact information and more details is LiliGillPiano.com. Submitted by Laura Sorenson. August 2021

Dave Brown - 434-996-3039

I would like to recommend Dave Brown, local artisan for his unique yard art. After seeing the beautiful big acorn in his yard I had to have a giant one! Dave Brown crafts sculptures of wildlife as well as unique benches and other objet de’art that will withstand the elements and add interest to your landscape. Dave Brown 434-996-3039. Submitted by Ellen English.

Art, artist, yard art

Notary Public

Responding to the request in the WBB newsletter for local notary publics, the Wintergreen Property Owners Association said that there are two notaries in their office–Theresa Harris and Pam Thomas (call 434-325-8530). Also, in Nellysford, Julia Rogers at Rogers & Associates (434-361-9650) offered that she is a notary. All provide the service at no charge during office hours but do call for an appointment. 

notery