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GF&M Glass & Remodeling 434-263-6918

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GF&M Glass & Remodeling is the name of Gordon Miller's business, but he was the contractor recommended in 2014 when our 35+-year-old house on the mountain required some extensive work and thoughtful re-engineering to repair the floor joint that had rotted. It wasn't easy or cheap, but they did it right. They have also installed a patio door for us and replaced the cracked window with safety glass that had to be done from the outside–three stories up–since the window in the shower was framed in tile. His unflappable crew of carpenters and deck builders has been working around Wintergreen for decades and has seen it all. 434-263-6918; 434-907-0300 cell; email gfmglass@aol.com. Charles Batchelor.

windows, foundation, decks, doors,

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Huffman Siding 540-377-2615

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We talked to everyone we could to find the best person to put up new cedar siding on our mountain house in 2013. The one name came up time and again Bobbie Huffman. "This is the guy you want," we were told when we explained we wanted a high-quality job. We got three bids from well-known Wintergreen contractors and Huffman's was the highest, but only slightly, so we took the advice we were given with high expectations which were exceeded. Just to give you an idea: Each of the cedar boards were stained offsite first, with each piece of siding measured and cut for its space. The boards were stained again onsite on both sides; after each cut the ends had stain applied. Any exposed ends–even tiny spots–were wrapped with metal. And so on. It seemed to take forever, but it was well worth the time and money. He works with Hardie Board siding as well as wood. His crew also installed a new window, carefully rebuilding the frame. I'm told he also builds great decks. 540-377-2615; huffmansiding@gmail.com. Charles Batchelor.

Goodwin Creek Bakery

Goodwin Creek Bakery's https://www.aftonvirginia.com/ bread can be found in woke and hip shops such as area vineyards and breweries and Market Street Market in Cville, but our Afton bakery also keep a good supply at the local IGA Grocery store in Nellysford. We say their ciabatta loaf is the perfect all-around white bread–serve it with dinner, make a sandwich with it at lunch, or make toast with it at breakfast. Others swear by the French Country Bread. We bought bags of their holiday granola to share with family at Christmas. Charles Batchelor.

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Big O Tree Service 540-337-4588

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We had a good experience with Big O Tree Service https://www.bigotree.com/ (540-337-4588) in 2019. We had a huge tree near our house in Stoney Creek. We got several bids and they won. Big O has the heavy equipment (bucket truck) to handle the monster trees and their three-man crew were very professional with an obvious safety-first approach. They also have an arborist on staff that works on emerald elm borer issues. Charles Batchelor.

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.

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Wintergreen Hardware 434-361-1919

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I don't recall a time when Danny Watson or his crew at Wintergreen Hardware didn't have what we needed for a household repair. The True Value hardware store in Nellysford has come up with parts to connect an LP stove, install an oddball kitchen sink, and solve an electrical problem. But, they don't have a 2 by 4, right? Wrong. You'll find bait for mice and other pest control products that work. You can buy just one nail, bolt or screw there. Paints, stains of every type. It's where I shop for grass seed, fertilizer, mulch and landscaping rock. Chain, rope, and wire is custom cut. Lots of flashlights. I needed a can of tennis balls; they had it. Best of all, they see themselves as problem solvers. (When I needed a 5-inch wide piece of PVC pipe that was 10-inches long and a cap for each end, it was no problem for Wintergreen Hardware.) They don't mind phone calls asking if they have what you need; call 434-361-1919. Charles Batchelor.

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Associated Fabricators 434-293-2333

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We were very pleased with the custom-built wrought iron railings for our front porch made and installed by Associated Fabricators in May. The small Charlottesville business had no issues with coming out to Stoney Creek. They do all types of metalwork: steps, railings, iron stairways, metal gates, and iron fences. https://www.weldingfabricatorsva.com 434-293-2333. Submitted by Charles Batchelor.

stairs, metal, welding

K + R Construction 434-996-2363

I would like to recommend Russ Anderson for woodwork of all types. His specialty is custom cabinetry, but if any project involves woodworking, give him a call. We had an outdoor tabletop that was falling apart; he created a lovely new one of marine grade wood. We needed some kitchen cabinets built to exactly match existing cabinets; he did a fabulous job. He knows everything about kitchen cabinetry and made recommendations for improvements that we didn't even know existed. Our next project with him will be building a nicer fireplace surround and mantle. He is enjoyable to work with and his prices are reasonable. Everything he does is custom -- if you have an idea of what you want, he can probably make it happen and do it beautifully. K+R Construction, www.krconstruction02.com, email krconstruction02@yahoo.com. Becca Elliott

kitchen cabinets, carpenter,

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Snow plowing and removal

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The Wintergreen Property Owners Association’s website listed these vendors for snow plowing and shoveling.

  • Creation Appreciation 540-456-6196

  • Mountain Home Services 434-325-7711

  • Steve McCary 540-294-3019

  • Rob Mansfield 434-361-1842, 434-962-7442 and 540-470-8810

  • Taylor Tree Service 434-277-9696 and 434-531-4734

  • Orvin Kiser     540-337-4588 and 540-294-1953

  • Jay Goodwin 434-987-2181

  • Jeff McGann 434-249-8396 WTG MTN ONLY

  • Sam Saunders 434-942-5455 WTG MTN ONLY

Dianna Schillinger 434-260-1892

• I highly recommend Dianna Schillinger, aka The Dog Nanny, for her excellent pet-sitting services. She recently stayed with our two big, senior Golden Doodles for four nights. We were so happy to find someone who would not only look in on them during the day but also stay overnight with them. Dianna came over before our trip to do a meet and greet with the dogs; I knew instantly that she possessed a special relationship with animals. While we were on our trip, Dianna sent us messages including pictures while we were gone just to show us that the dogs were doing fine. When we got home, there was a written Pet Care Report Card summarizing how well the dogs ate, pottied and behaved. If you’re a dog owner or have cats, you’ll appreciate knowing how they survived without you. We have already made arrangements for Dianna to stay with our dogs for three weeks in the spring. She can be contacted at 434-260-1892, email: iamthedognanny@gmail.com or her Facebook page: The Dog Nanny. Submitted by Helen Lindsay. 2019

My pet sitter recommendation is Dianna Schillinger (iamthedognanny@gmail.com; 434-260-1892). Her business goes by the name The Dog Nanny, but Dianna cares for all animals--I had cats at the time. After several unsuccessful trials with other sitters, I discovered Dianna and have confidently entrusted my pets to her ever since. While away, I could always expect a text message when Dianna had completed her visit. That extra effort was reassuring since I had an older male on special medication. If you decide to use Dianna to care for your pets, you won't be sorry. Her winning personality and sincere concern for animals is sure to win you and your pet over. You may get in touch with me if you have any further questions. Submitted by David Clayton. May 2021

dog, cat, pet, pets, pet-sitter, pet-sitting