River Oak Farm - 434-996-9112

Minimizing trips outside the home? We highly recommend Adam Aucoin of River Oak Farm who has launched a brilliant new service. He has established a web store on his web site https://www.riveroakfarm.com, with all his fabulous fresh products. Simply go to his web store and select the products you wish and place the order (payment by credit card). You get the finest freshest beef, chicken, and pork products Nelson county has to offer, delivered to your house (in select areas like Wintergreen) on a regular schedule with absolute minimal fuss. We’ve been doing this now for a couple weeks and it works great! We encourage you to save that trip to the store (and the associated risk) and try out his service. Submitted by Randy & Janelle Carroll and Bob & Jan Jones.

food online

Sweet Bliss Bakery 434-465-6776

Sweet Bliss Bakery http://www.sweetblissbakery.com/ in Nellysford (next to the grocery store on the left, in the back) is the kind of place that you would hope to find in a resort community: Extraordinary handcrafted desserts with distinctive flavors and textures you will not find anywhere else in a tiny coffee shop. Lisa Swinson is known as the Cheesecake Lady, so that gives you an idea of how rich her cakes, pies, tortes, muffins, brownies, scones, cookies, eclairs and cream puffs might be. Locals have learned to order ahead of time; 434-465-6776. Charles Batchelor.

Rosalba Couture - 434-996-0861

Don’t give up on those garments in the back of your closet that you once loved. I took mine to Rosalba in Lovingston and she was able to see immediately how to shape them up for me. She’s been in business for 20 years as a dressmaker, fashion designer, seamstress and is super talented. Custom designs, bridal, modifications, alterations, sewing instruction, call her at 434-996-0861 for an appointment. You can also reach the tailor at RVDCouture@gmail.com. She used to have a studio at RVCC but is now working from the Nelson Center across from the library. She also designs incredible jacket-type tops and tailor pants. Submitted by Sharon Gress.

Rockfish Gap Embroidery 706-414-7325

I highly recommend Donna Crabtree, owner of Rockfish Gap Embroidery, for monogramming linens, towels, baby clothes, blankets, etc. With the “giving” season just around the corner, what a nice thought it is to give personalized items to those on our “gift” lists. Donna has monogrammed and embroidered two towels for me—beautiful work! And what a convenience it is to have such a delightful and talented person right here in Stoney Creek. Donna can be reached at 706-414-7325. Submitted by Alice Karrh

Virginia Rock Shop 434-981-1897

My grandchildren love the Virginia Rock Shop in RVCC! It’s a hit with kids and adults. Beautiful crystals, carved animals, beads, jewelry, objets d’art, something for everyone. Becca Elliott 2019

Virginia Rock Shop is a real treasure with an incredible inventory. David can do most anything you need done! For us, he has made custom earrings and jewelry, replaced lost stones, repaired items and become a favorite shopping stop for our house guests. 981-1897 RVCC #13. Bonnie Jefferson 2017

Wildlife Hotline - 855-571-9003

The wildlife hotline that is run by the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries answers questions when you're not sure what to do when you face issues with wild animals such as racoons, deer, bears, possums and even squirrels. The toll-free number is 855-571-9003. When I called last week Carrie Pomfrey–a wildlife specialist and certified biologist–answered all my questions about bears and the rules about bird feeders in detail. (No bird feeding from April 1 to December 1.) VDGIF answers calls from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The phone is staffed by specialists from the wildlife services state office. After-hours and weekend calls are generally returned the next business day. –submitted by Charles Batchelor

Sheila Payne - 540-280-2322

If you have a few items or a whole house, as we did, I highly recommend Sheila Payne to help you declutter or downsize. She is tied into over 17 websites such as eBay for selling your items. In less than 3 weeks, she sold 95% of our household furniture, housewares, and décor. She takes pictures, creates the listings, handles any questions from prospective buyers, and coordinates the pick-up of your sold items. She also did an estate sale for us. We were amazed at the money she got for our items. Sheila is located in Waynesboro, but will happily drive over and meet with you. Her number is 540-280-2322. Submitted by Cheryl Fee

moving, packing