Crozet and Brownsville Redistricting Plan Approved

From today’s Daily Progress

The Albemarle County School Board unanimously agreed Thursday to transfer 100 pupils from Crozet Elementary to Brownsville Elementary. The affected pupils live in the Grayrock area.

The proposal is part of a long-term plan to handle the increase in students in Crozet. Crozet Elementary, which has a capacity for 380 students, has an enrollment of 428.

Because there is little room for expansion at Crozet Elementary, the county is building a $10.27 million expansion to Brownsville Elementary. The expansion, which includes a new wing of classrooms, more kitchen space and a new gymnasium, is slated to be finished in the spring.

There are 402 students at Brownsville Elementary, and the additions will allow for 716, according to a school official.

The transfer of the 100 pupils will take effect next school year, Wheeler said.

In May, it was noted that only 15 people had expressed opinions about the redistricting plans.

If you are thinking about buying (or selling, really) in Crozet – check the school district yourself – don’t necessarily trust the MLS (as much as it pains me, as a Realtor, to write that).

Santa In Old Trail

Old Trail Golf and Trailside Coffee are pleased to announce an opportunity for FREE pictures with Santa Saturday, December 13, 9am-12noon at the Old Trail Golf Pavilion. This event, free and open to the public, is a combined benefit for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and the UVa Hospital Pediatrics units (7 West and 7 Central). Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to bring either a new toy donation for the playrooms at UVa OR a canned food donation for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. In addition to bringing a toy donation, craft materials will be available to make holiday cards for hospital patients – a terrific activity for children.

It has been brought to the attention of the Old Trail community that the toy cabinets in the pediatrics units of UVa Hospital are nearly empty, causing the playrooms to be closed. Similarly, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is experiencing a high demand and is in need of additional supplies to feed area families. In this lean economy, we recognize that not everyone can afford to purchase a new toy, but may instead be able to contribute a can of food or make a holiday card for patients unable to participate in outside activities during the holiday season. Trailside Coffee and Old Trail Golf wish to help local families while providing a fun environment and an opportunity for pictures with Santa.

A photographer will be on-hand to take pictures that will be available online, free for downloading with an option to order prints as desired.

Trailside Coffee will provide hot chocolate and cookies to those bringing donations of either food or toys. Other food and beverages will also be available.

For more information, contact:
Marcia McGee, Owner, Trailside Coffee
434-825-5529

Or call Old Trail Golf: 434-823-8101

Below is a list of criteria for toys that will NOT be accepted due to health and safety concerns:

– Previously owned/used items (toys, crafts, stuffed animals, clothing);
– Friction (i.e., spark-producing) toys;
– Toys which emit or discharge projectiles;
– Toys with sharp edges;
– Electrical toys or radio-frequency generating toys which do not meet the requirements of Medical Center Policies 0055 and 0139;
– Toys with small pieces or removable parts, if accessible to children under the age of three;
– Toys with cords longer than 7”, if accessible to infants, and toys with cords longer than 12”, if accessible to toddlers;
– Water-retaining toys or anything that is in liquid form (other than non-toxic blowing bubbles);
– Toys containing latex, because of potential latex allergies or sensitivities; no latex balloons (only Mylar) and no latex wrist bands;
– Toys or packages containing candy (e.g., Pez or other candy dispensers, “goodie bags” with candy, food, drink, etc.);
– Any fomites (other than Play dough or foam craft kits that would be for individual use only)

Editor’s note: I’m tired of posting fun community building events centered in Old Trail – where are the ones not in OT? This post is a reprint of a press release sent by the Old Trail team.

Pick up the December Crozet Gazette

It’s out and it’s chock full of news. Highlights include:

– The proposed Re-Store’n Station gas station

– Planning Commission’s take on the Yancey Mills Light Industrial Plan

– Two position statements by the Crozet Community Advisory Council

– Crozet Business Networking Lunch – 16 December at Sal’s at noon

– An explanation on the previously-mentioned “Mystery Boat

– A new coffee shop is coming to Downtown Crozet – right next to the BP gas station (the ad for Trailside Coffee in Old Trail is ironically right next to this story 🙂 )

Brushfire in Crozet

Thanks to the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department for their quick response to the fire this evening. I’ll try to post a picture later tonight of the small brushfire in the field adjacent to Parkside Village. If anyone has any information into how the fire started (spontaneous combustion is a dubious explanation), please call the Fire Department – 434-823-4758.  

Field Fire in Crozet

Photo courtesy Heather

Nelson County’s Newest Brewery

You’ve heard of (and probably had) Starr Hill – Crozet

Starr Hill Brewery in Crozet, Virginia

Hopefully you’ve been to Blue Mountain Brewery – 12-13 minutes west of Crozet in Afton.

Blue Mountain Brewery

Introducing Devils’ Backbone BreweryGoogle says they’re 52 minutes away … I might make the trip this weekend – for journalistic purposes, of course.

Read more at C-Ville and cVillain.

Devil's Backbone Brewery

Could this dream come to fruition? (from the C-Ville article)

Devil’s’ General Manager Chris Trotter tells us that Crandall and friends granted a portion of the site back to Nelson County for the possible purpose of building a skate park. “The plan is to make this area the Virginia Jackson Hole,” says Trotter, who is referring, of course, to über cool resort town Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which is beloved almost as much for its dining, entertaining and non-skiing recreations as it is for its amazing slopes and powder.

Yancey Business Park folded into the Master Plan

Find out more at Charlottesville Tomorrow

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors has overturned a decision by the Planning Commission to end consideration of a proposal to create a new industrial park in Crozet on largely rural land just outside the designated growth area. The 184-acre Yancey Mills Business Park will now be considered as part of the mandated review of the Crozet Master Plan scheduled to take place next year.

And December 9 at the Crozet Firehouse, talk to the Yanceys about their plans. Please attend; this has the potential to greatly impact our community – whether you’re for or against it, participate in the conversation.

Yancey Mills Business Park in Crozet

Lost Dog Near Old Trail

Our dog, Jenny, a small female black and white Jack Russell terrier is missing. She has on 2 red invisible fence collars. She probably wandered off near Caitlin Drive or Old Trail, possibly near Brownsville or Henley.

Please call John and Tiffany Clarke 823-1434 if you see her! THANKS!

Anytime Fitness gets a plug in Today’s Daily Progress

Check it out.

At Anytime Fitness, near Crozet, owner Melody Swartz said her clients are looking for a gym that’s closer than the facilities in Charlottesville or Waynesboro.

“We’ve had a lot of people who are members at Gold’s [Gym] and ACAC and have joined here because it’s more convenient,” Swartz said.

The hallmark of these 24-hour gym franchises is their security.

Both gyms give their members access cards to get into the gym, have security cameras rolling and put emergency buttons in the facility in case something goes wrong. Swartz’s location also has a security device that gym-goers can wear while they exercise in case they need to summon help while they’re on the treadmill.

I’ll be going later today.