Photos By Paul Purpura - NCL Mountain Photographer : ©2011 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Andy Burdetsky (far right) from Nellysford jams with his buds Karl Stoll & The Locals this past weekend at Pharsalia

Tyro
Nelson County, Virginia
In spite of threatening skies Pharsalia’s Rockin Blues went off perfectly this past weekend in Tyro. The event was held to benefit Nelson County’s Almost Home SPCA, The Nelson County Community Fund and The Pharsalia Renovation Fund.

Our August 2011 issue (page 13) highlighting Andy Burdetsky and his dog Nelson. Click on the above magazine image to read the entire story.

People enjoy the Rockin Blues this past weekend at Pharsalia

Susan Viemeister, one of the event coordinators, at the mic this past weekend at Pharsalia.

Pharsalia on the web: http://www.pharsaliaevents.com/

The Nelson County Community Fund: http://nelsonfund.org/

Almost Home SPCA on the web: http://www.nelsonspca.org/

You might say Joel Salatin is obsessed with dirt. Here, he holds up a clump of grass as he discusses the carbon cylcle at a dinner and talk held at Pharsalia in Tyro. (Yvette Stafford – © 2011 NelsonCountyLife.com)

Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms came to Pharsalia to preach the gospel of the locavore food movement. Before the talk, guests sunk their teeth into meaty Polyface hot dogs complete with all the fixin’s – or as Joel called the condiments, condominiums. Thumbs up on the Rhubarb crisp, by the way.

The air may have been hot and drippy but the salad was crisp and cold. (Yvette Stafford – © 2011 NelsonCountyLife.com)

Then it was on to a fascinating history lesson in which Salatin compared the antebellum farm operation of William Massie’s Pharsalia estate to modern-day challenges facing farmers who desire to nourish the land and keep it fertile, bucking mainstream industrial agricultural practices.

The self-described lunatic farmer’s latest book, Folks, This Ain’t Normal, is due to be released October 2011.

Live music came courtesy Kim and Jimbo Cary of Massies Mill. (Yvette Stafford – © 2011 NelsonCountyLife.com)

Photos By Tommy Stafford : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Joel Salatin, self professed lunatic farmer, speaks to a crowd of about 100 people Thursday night at Pharsalia in Southern Nelson County, Virginia. Click an image to enlarge.

Tyro
Nelson County, Virginia
If you don’t know the name Joel Salatin by now, you should. Joel is considered the foremost expert on non-industrial food production. He and his family started Polyface Farm back in 1961. Rather than using highly industrialized methods to bring the old farm back into shape, Joel ignored conventional wisdom and used earth friendly methods to bring his farm to life. This past Thursday evening, Joel spoke to roughly 100 people at Pharsalia in Tyro about his decades of experience and why the country is facing a severe food problem if people don’t return to concept of knowing where their food comes from.

The lawn at Pharsalia was packed with people wanting to hear Joel Salatin's message. Reservations were cut off at 100 people, countless more called hoping to get a chance to hear his message.

“You don’t have to look any farther than the egg scare going on in the country right now to see why we need a return to local eating and not industrialized food production,” Joel told the audience. Joel has long been a critic of the way the USDA and FDA oversee food production in the US. He told the crowd huge agricultural corporations have taken over food production here in the the US while leaving food less safe than ever.

Richard Morgan of Pharsalia greets one of the many people on hand Thursday evening to hear Joel Salatin speak.

Joel makes an emotional point to the crowd Thursday evening as he discusses the tremendous need to return to local eating.

To lean more about Joel Salatin and his Polyface Farm located in the Shenandoah Valley head on over to his website: http://www.polyfacefarms.com/

Learn the best way to prune shrubs and small trees in your garden with landscape and professional gardener Susan Viemeister. This workshop will provide an overview of what to prune, when and how as well as which tools are best for the job. We will then go out into the gardens and demonstrate pruning techniques on fruit trees, grape vines, hydrangeas, roses, crape myrtles, viburnums and other plants. Each participant will have “hands on” experience and will receive handouts and diagrams and resources. Lunch included. Class Fee- $50.00
To register go to www.pharsaliaevents.com and print out registration form. Mail form and check to 2333 Pharsalia Rd. Tyro, VA 22976.

Event Date: Saturday 20th of February 2010 09:00 AM

Location/Address: 2333 Pharsalia Rd. Tyro, VA 22976

Contact Telephone Please call 434.277.5231 for more information

This post was submitted by Pharsalia Events.

Don Haynie from Buffalo Springs Farm will lead this workshop in creating the traditional door swag as seen Williamsburg. An assortment of greens, cones, fruit and berries will be used. Lunch included. Go to www.pharsaliaevents.com for more information or call for details.

Event Date: Monday 7th of December 2009 10:30 AM

Location/Address: 2333 Pharsalia Road Tyro, VA 22976

Contact Telephone Please call 434.277.5231 for more information

This post was submitted by Pharsalia Events.

Join us for an afternoon of creative Holiday Baking! We’ll make sweet and savory items for gift giving, seasonal appetizers for holiday parties and share packing ideas. Lunch and recipes included. Go to www.pharsaliaevents.com for more info or call 434.277.5231 for more details.

Event Date: Wednesday 9th of December 2009 11:00 AM

Location/Address: 2333 Pharsalia Road Tyro, VA 22976

Contact Telephone Please call 434.277.5231 for more information

This post was submitted by Pharsalia Events.

Submitted Photo By Rotary : Rotary Club President Richard Rice presents checks to (left to right) Jim Parr, Rev. David Cameron, Jonna Clarkson and Stevie Ashley

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

By Jim Hall

The Nelson County Rotary Club met recently to present checks to local organizations for their efforts to provide services to the county and international projects.
Pictured (left to right) Jim Parr presenting the Piney River Fire Department; Rev David Cameron, Rockfish Presbyterian Church (International Project – “This Child Here”);
Jonna Clarkson, Bethany United Methodist Church, (International Project – Central American Youth Mission Water Project” ) and Stevie Ashley for the Nelson County Rescue Squad.
The funds distributed were funds raised at the Folk Life Festival at Pharsalia which is distributed back into the community.

For years, Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self has been channeled through the four Avenues of Service, which form the foundation of club activity.

-Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the smooth functioning of Rotary clubs.

-Vocational Service involves club members serving others through their professions and aspiring to high ethical standards. Rotarians, as business leaders, share skills and expertise through their vocations, and they inspire others in the process.
-
-Community Service is the opportunity Rotary clubs have to implement club projects and activities that improve life in the local community.

-International Service encompasses efforts to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the world and to promote world understanding and peace. It includes everything from contributing to PolioPlus to helping Rotary Youth Exchange students adjust to their host countries.

Local Rotary Clubs are made up of business and professional men and women who are interested in service to the community and the world who band together for a weekly program and fellowship. Rotary is also open to retired persons who have been in a business or profession.

The Nelson County Rotary Club meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in the Nelson Center in Lovingston, VA.

Ever wonder why countries with warmer climates have spicy food? Those chili’s can actually help cool you off!

Shaaron Honeycutt will offer an experiential non “cooking” class – using both the usual and non-traditional; as well as many local, seasonal, super-fresh, ingredients.

Discover how salsa can easily turn the ordinary into the non-ordinary and still maintain your cool! Salsa is perfect as an appetizer, over grilled foods, and with a couple more ingredients, as a light meal.

Explore the many possibilities using salsa and enjoy your handiwork with a light dinner. Samples of your work and the recipes will be available for you to take home. Bring an apron and a friend and register before this class fills up. Your mouth, your family, your guests will thank you!

Ole´!

Space is limited, please register by Wednesday, July 29th Fee–$65.00

Go to www.pharsaliaevents.com Events page and print out registration form. Register for class by sending check and form to Pharsalia Events 2333 Pharsalia Road Tyro, VA 22976

Event Date: Wednesday 5th of August 2009 05:30 PM

Location/Address: Pharsalia, 2333 Pharsalia Road Tyro, VA

Contact Telephone Please call 434.277.5231 for more information

This post was submitted by foxie morgan.

Photos By Paul Purpura : ©2009 NCL Magazine : A pioneer demonstration at this weekend's Nelson Folk Life Festival at Pharsalia. Click on any image to enlarge.

Tyro
Nelson County, Virginia
The Nelson County Folk Life Festival continues Sunday in Tyro at the Pharsalia Plantation. This is the second time for the highly successful event last held in 2007. Our Paul Purpura came down off of the mountain Saturday afternoon and grabbed these images from the festivities.

A variety of crafters were on hand to demonstrate.

Wintergreen Winery & Devils Backbone Brewing were on hand.

Most of the participants are dressed in period costumes as they demonstrate to the public.

The weather was absolutely perfect on Saturday and predicted to be the same for Sunday.

People attending the festival look over the original kitchen and large fireplace at Pharsalia.

An old apple press is demonstrated.

People tour the original plantation home @ Pharsalia.

Pharsalia Plantation's original construction dates back to 1812.

Pharsalia is now in the hands of the fifth-generation Massie family.

Visitors are greeted by historical interpreters.

The festival offered two full days of events that continue on Sunday May 31st.

Free passes to attend will be distributed to all Nelson County area 4th and 5th grade students studying Virginia history. The passes will be distributed through the elementary schools.

The Festival will be co-hosted by The Rotary Club of Nelson County and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Morgan, the owners of Pharsalia. Proceeds from the Folk Life Festival will benefit various Nelson County organizations that depend on donations to continue their good works, and a donation will be made to Pharsalia for historical preservation of this historical site.

Directions to Pharsalia

Take I-64 East off of I-81 to Exit 99 towards Afton. Turn right on Route 250. At bottom of mountain, turn right on Route 151/Rockfish River Hwy. Go approximately 26 miles south on Route 151. Turn right on to Route 56 West (Crabtree Falls Hwy). Go 4 miles (NOT 2 miles) and proceed to the second Pharsalia Road sign (Route 680) just after crossing a bridge over the Tye River and turn left. Go 2 miles to Pharsalia on the right.

©2007-2009 NCL Magazine : Photos By Tommy Stafford : Actors portray centuries gone by at the 2007 Pharsalia Folk Life Festival. The 2009 event is this last weekend of May 30th & 31st

Tyro
Nelson County, Virginia
After two years of waiting, the highly successful Nelson County Folk Life Festival at Pharsalia returns this weekend for its second run. We covered the 1st event back in 2007.

A host of heritage tradesmen in period dress and contemporary craftsmen will be on hand to demonstrate and sell their many types of wares. There will be storytelling and children’s hands-on activities and games. A variety of foods of the time, and some to suit today’s tastes, will be available. Wintergreen Winery will offer wine tastings. Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company will have custom crafted beers on hand. Special music and historical performances will take place throughout the grounds. Mini-seminars will be offered on a variety of topics of the day including planting tobacco. Hewing logs and raising a log cabin will be demonstrated. There will be book signings by local authors. Transportation of the day will be on exhibit. The Festival will offer two full days of events to be long remembered. Many volunteers have pledged their time and talents to create an outstanding educational and historical event for the entire family.

Nelson Board of Supervisor, Allen Hale, (left) is dressed as an early settler at the 2007 festival.

The Nelson County Folk Life Festival will re-create life as it once was at Pharsalia with tours of the manor house and dependencies. Visitors will be greeted by historical interpreters portraying Pharsalia’s host, Mr. William Massie, Major Thomas Massie, as well as Thomas Nelson, Jr. and Mrs. Nelson, and the Town Crier, among others. Mrs. Massie will be there, as well, to be certain all her guests receive the finest hospitality. The Rotary Club of Nelson County and Pharsalia Plantation are partnering again this year to sponsor another Folk Life Festival.

Numerous crafters and musicians will be on hand.

The first Folk Life Festival at Pharsalia was held in 2007 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the county. Nelson County is noted for its Blue Ridge Mountains and rural scenic beauty, Crabtree Falls, Wintergreen Resort, The Waltons, and a slower, more serene lifestyle.

Gerald Boggs, owner of Wayfayer Forge in Afton, demonstrates at the 2007 event.

Free passes to attend will be distributed to all Nelson County area 4th and 5th grade students studying Virginia history. The passes will be distributed through the elementary schools.

The Festival will be co-hosted by The Rotary Club of Nelson County and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Morgan, the owners of Pharsalia. Proceeds from the Folk Life Festival will benefit various Nelson County organizations that depend on donations to continue their good works, and a donation will be made to Pharsalia for historical preservation of this historical site.

Directions to Pharsalia

Take I-64 East off of I-81 to Exit 99 towards Afton. Turn right on Route 250. At bottom of mountain, turn right on Route 151/Rockfish River Hwy. Go approximately 26 miles south on Route 151. Turn right on to Route 56 West (Crabtree Falls Hwy). Go 4 miles (NOT 2 miles) and proceed to the second Pharsalia Road sign (Route 680) just after crossing a bridge over the Tye River and turn left. Go 2 miles to Pharsalia on the right.

A Festival celebrating Folk Life and History of the early 1800s.

Includes music, food, tradesman, and demonstrations.

Presented by: Nelson County Rotary Club
and historic Pharsalia

Saturday & Sunday May 30th & May 31st

10am-5pm Daily

For information call
434-263-7015, 434-361-1055 or 434-361-0297
or
www.pharsaliaevents.com

DIRECTIONS:
From Lynchburg and points south: Take Rt.29 North turning left onto Route 151/Patrick Henry Hwy. Go approximately 10 miles turning left on to Rt. 56 West (Crabtree Falls Highway) towards Massie’s Mill. Go 4 miles Pharsalia Road (Rt.680) is a loop road. Take the SECOND LEFT on to Pharsalia Road just after crossing a bridge over Tye River. Go 2 Miles to Pharsalia.

From Charlottesville and points north: Take Rt.29, 5 miles south of Lovingston, turning right on Rt.56 Tye Brook Road. After ¾ of a mile turn right on to Roseland Road (Rt. 655). Continue for 5 miles coming to Rt.151/Patrick Henry Hwy. Turn left and take the immediate right on to Rt. 56 West (Crabtree Falls Highway) towards Massie’s Mill. Go 4 miles Pharsalia Road (Rt.680) is a loop road. Take the SECOND LEFT on to Pharsalia Road just after crossing a bridge over Tye River. Go 2 Miles to Pharsalia.

From Waynesboro/Staunton and points west: Take I-64 East off of I-81 to Exit 99 towards Afton. Turn right on Rt. 250. At bottom of mountain, turn right on Rt. 151/Rockfish River Hwy. Go approximately 26 miles south on Rt. 151. Turn right on to Rt. 56 West (Crabtree Falls Highway) towards Massie’s Mill. Go 4 miles Pharsalia Road (Rt.680) is a loop road. Take the SECOND LEFT on to Pharsalia Road just after crossing a bridge over Tye River. Go 2 Miles to Pharsalia.

Event Date: Sunday 31st of May 2009 10:00 AM

Location/Address: Tyro, Virginia

Contact Telephone Please call 434-263-7015, 434-361-1055 or 434-361-0297 for more information

This post was submitted by Jim Hall.

A Festival celebrating Folk Life and History of the early 1800s.

Includes music, food, tradesman, and demonstrations.
Presented by: Nelson County Rotary Club
and historic Pharsalia

Saturday & Sunday May 30th & May 31st

10am-5pm Daily

For information call

434-263-7015, 434-361-1055 or 434-361-0297
or
www.pharsaliaevents.com

DIRECTIONS:

From Lynchburg and points south: Take Rt.29 North turning left onto Route 151/Patrick Henry Hwy. Go approximately 10 miles turning left on to Rt. 56 West (Crabtree Falls Highway) towards Massie’s Mill. Go 4 miles Pharsalia Road (Rt.680) is a loop road. Take the SECOND LEFT on to Pharsalia Road just after crossing a bridge over Tye River. Go 2 Miles to Pharsalia.

From Charlottesville and points north: Take Rt.29, 5 miles south of Lovingston, turning right on Rt.56 Tye Brook Road. After ¾ of a mile turn right on to Roseland Road (Rt. 655). Continue for 5 miles coming to Rt.151/Patrick Henry Hwy. Turn left and take the immediate right on to Rt. 56 West (Crabtree Falls Highway) towards Massie’s Mill. Go 4 miles Pharsalia Road (Rt.680) is a loop road. Take the SECOND LEFT on to Pharsalia Road just after crossing a bridge over Tye River. Go 2 Miles to Pharsalia.

From Waynesboro/Staunton and points west: Take I-64 East off of I-81 to Exit 99 towards Afton. Turn right on Rt. 250. At bottom of mountain, turn right on Rt. 151/Rockfish River Hwy. Go approximately 26 miles south on Rt. 151. Turn right on to Rt. 56 West (Crabtree Falls Highway) towards Massie’s Mill. Go 4 miles Pharsalia Road (Rt.680) is a loop road. Take the SECOND LEFT on to Pharsalia Road just after crossing a bridge over Tye River. Go 2 Miles to Pharsalia.

Event Date: Saturday 30th of May 2009 10:00 AM

Location/Address: Tyro, Virginia

Contact Telephone Please call 434-263-7015, 434-361-1055 or 434-361-0297 for more information

This post was submitted by Jim Hall.