We recently had a pesky black bear destroy the exhaust attached to our Rinnai water heater, creating a dangerous level of carbon monoxide in our crawl space and the first and second floors of our home. Our Prolink security system (434-984-2524 in Charlottesville) tried to alert us, but we were out of reach, so the security system alerted Wintergreen Fire and Rescue. When we arrived home, the fire department had already entered our home, diagnosed the problem, and was nearing the completion of their call. We would like to thank our emergency responders for their work. However, we were unfamiliar with the Knox Box system until this event. We recommend that property owners here visit the Wintergreen Fire and Rescue website and educate themselves about the Knox Box. See related entry “Knox Box System” for more details. Submitted by Lina Johnson and Chris Niebergall. November 2025
Knox Box System
We recently had a pesky black bear destroy the exhaust attached to our Rinnai water heater, creating a dangerous level of carbon monoxide in our crawl space and the first and second floors of our home. Our Prolink security system (434-984-2524 in Charlottesville) tried to alert us, but we were out of reach, so the security system alerted Wintergreen Fire and Rescue. When we arrived home, the fire department had already entered our home, diagnosed the problem, and was nearing the completion of their call. We would like to thank our emergency responders for their work. However, we were unfamiliar with the Knox Box system until this event. We recommend that property owners here visit the Wintergreen Fire and Rescue website and educate themselves about the Knox Box. Contact Chief Riddle at 434-325-8552 for more information about getting a Knox Box installed at your location. https://www.wtgfireresq.org/knox-box Submitted by Lina Johnson and Chris Niebergall. November 2025
Dunmar Moving Systems - 804-409-0790
We bought in Stoney Creek and needed to get everything moved from storage in Midlothian to here. Tricky driveway for a moving truck. We selected Dunmar Moving Systems, 804-409-0790, out of Richmond after a thorough review of moving companies. They were perfect. Efficient, quick, and very reliable to take care of items like piano and grandfather clock, teak furniture and bed setups. I highly recommend them for moving either from here or from there to here. Submitted by Ralph Link. October 2025
Shenandoah Flooring and Interior Designs - 540-943-2911
While I'm not a fan of wall-to-wall carpeting, it's what everything upstairs required. I checked out one of the big boxes in Waynesboro, where I had some luck a decade ago, but ended up at Shenandoah Flooring and Interior Designs (540-943-2911), which was the smart move. There is someone to talk with the moment you walk in the door, and they know their stuff. I will avoid the details, but there were some issues that were not their fault, and they handled them professionally. Tip: Talk to them and let them pull samples for you. Submitted by Charles Batchelor. October 2025
Grace Management - 434-964-6726
My husband and I purchased a condo along the ridgeline on Wintergreen's mountain in early 2024. We assumed the prior owner's property manager for about 14 months. Our experience was horrible. Over Memorial Day weekend 2025, I contacted Robert Jackson at Grace Management to take on managing our condo. We found that many property managers would not take on short-term rentals. Robert not only agreed to take us on as clients, but he also provided incredible professional service. (Not to mention, he answered my first call on Sunday during Memorial Day weekend). A few notes about why we are so pleased: 1) Very professional and responsive, via email, text, and phone. 2) Excellent service and clearly showed superior service to our prior provider. 3) He could also do small maintenance projects that would have required a third party under our prior provider, streamlining our service. 4) Robert was willing to take on small additional tasks, with clear fees provided up front, such as polishing the wood along our fireplace wall that extends to the height of the cathedral ceiling. 5) He is easier to do business with, e.g., took Venmo, compared to some providers that still required paper checks or other more cumbersome payment methods. 6) Finally, Robert is simply a pleasant person to work with. We can highly recommend him to anyone at Wintergreen looking for property management services, whether or not they engage in short-term rentals. Submitted by Rebecca Rockey. November 2025
I'd like to recommend Robert Jackson of Grace Rental Management (434-964-6726). He is the property manager for our Wintergreen house on the mountain, where we have started doing short-term rentals via Airbnb. Robert is a local; he lives in Nellysford. He has been great to work with, knowledgeable, and handy, helping with many projects to prepare the house for renting, as my aging parents can not get up to the mountain as frequently as before. Submitted by Eric Magrum. October 2025
Copper Fox - 833-336-9349
I thought I might have a foundation or erosion issue. A friend recommended Copper Fox. Harold Habeck was great: very knowledgeable and helpful with his inspection/evaluation. Turns out I did not have an issue that needed addressing, and Harold recommended a DIY fix for what needed to be done. I’m really happy I called Copper Fox (833-336-9349, copperfoxfoundationsolutions.com). Submitted by Stuart Meyerson. November 2025
Top Notch Flooring - 434-808-3118
I had a great experience with Adam Williams of Top Notch Flooring, 434-808-3118, putting down laminated wood flooring at $3/square foot. He scheduled the work quickly and his communication via both texting and calling were spot on. He and his team left it very clean, hauled away all of the carpeting and some linoleum from the 80's. He says he can install any type of flooring except hardwood. Submitted by Gigi Davis. November 2025
Adam Williams and his crew do flooring installations at Wintergreen. Top Notch Flooring (434-808-3118) put in my wall-to-wall carpeting this summer, and they can also install ceramic, wood, and vinyl floors. They moved all of the furniture with care. Submitted by Charles Batchelor. October 2025
Hicks Lawn Management - 434-987-3489
We highly recommend Alex Hicks or Hicks Lawn Management, 434-987-3489, who has been doing landscaping and other jobs for us for years. Alex takes on any landscaping job and completes it masterfully. He is reliable, punctual and flexible about scheduling when the time is best for his clients. Alex also plans to provide snow clearance for a few clients during the snow season. Submitted by Janie Friedlein. November 2025
Jordan Hemp - 434-235-8412
I would like to recommend the best local small engine repair technician. Jordan Hemp, 434-235-8412, who is, by far, the best repairman I have found. He is local, just off Rt. 6, a few miles from Rt. 151. He can diagnose the issues and provide a quick resolution. He fixes them on-site as obvious by his yard and garage. He repairs anything with an engine–leaf blowers, weed wackers, chain saws, tractors, lawn mowers, etc. He is meticulous and a pleasure to discuss the issues and resolution at a very reasonable cost. Another local go-to player. Submitted by Ralph Link. November 2025
Aztec Tree Service - 434-365-0853
I'd like to recommend Humberto Torres of Aztec Tree Service (434-944-5009, 434-365-0853, Jrmchc@gmail.com). Humberto arrives promptly, works hard and carefully, has a great manner, and cleans up after the project thoroughly. I compared prices and his fee is very reasonable. This is the second time I've asked him to take down a tree (another casualty of the Ash Borer) - this one was very large and in a tricky position between our house and our neighbor's. Once the tree was safely down, he cut it all up into logs I can split myself and took the difficult and/or rotten sections away. If a tree needs to come down, Humberto is your guy. Submitted by Don Schildkamp. October 2025
I had a cord of excellent hardwood delivered and beautifully stacked by Umberto with Aztec Tree Service (434-365-0853). I needed the logs cut to 16” for my woodstove. Because of my need for short logs, he was recommended by Tosey Sparrow. The price was $300 plus $40 for stacking. I gave Umberto a nice tip because he was so courteous and proficient at stacking wood. Submitted by Charles Murphy. September 2025
Clark's Tree and Land Management - 540-241-3153
To maintain and spruce up your property, I highly recommend Clark's Tree and Land Management (540-241-3153). The owner, Jonah Clark, used to be a member of a large and well-known company. He has started his own business specializing in offering tree maintenance/removal, shrub trimming/pruning, and removal at a reasonable cost. He works closely with the property owner to develop and maintain the property in accordance with the owner's desires. He will offer suggestions and recommendations if requested and leave the property clean and looking great. Jonah and his helper did a great job on our property last week; we will definitely have them back in later fall before winter arrives. Jonah will provide a free estimate for the work you want done. Submitted by Bruce Henderson. September 2025
Valley Roofing & Exteriors - 540-820-2705
Valley Roofing & Exteriors did a wonderful job repairing lost shingles and other damage to our roof. They were immediately responsive to my phone call and promptly scheduled a visit to determine what was required to repair our roof. The price was very fair. The workers were courteous and efficient and the repair completed beautifully. A big thumbs up for Valley Roofing and Exteriors. They can be reached at 540-820-2705. Submitted by Peter Smith. September 2025
Rudy's Rug Cleaning - 434-296-7166
Rudy's Rug Cleaning has built a solid reputation in the Charlottesville area for delivering top-tier area rug cleaning services. With decades of experience and a wide range of specialized equipment, they expertly clean a variety of rug types—ensuring each rug receives the right care and protection. Their pricing is reasonable given the high quality of their work, and turnaround times are efficient. They offer convenient pick-up and delivery services, but customers can take advantage of a discounted rate by dropping off and picking up rugs at their Charlottesville location. Rudy's Rug Cleaning 434-296-7166. Submitted by Joe & Lori Stanley. September 2025
Bear Creek Outdoor Living - 540-416-1385
Keith Artley is someone I’ve personally trusted for years. He was the project manager when we built our home and has handled all of our maintenance for almost 20 years. He is now a project manager at Bear Creek Outdoor Living (540-416-1385) in Waynesboro, which does backyard, patio, and outdoor spaces. (I haven’t worked with the company directly yet.) Submitted by Deborah Missal. July 2025
Dagan Pugh Landscaping & Outdoor Services - 434-826-0856
We have used Dagan Pugh Landscaping & Outdoor Services (434-826-0856) several times for clean up around our mountain home off of Laurel Springs. From gutter cleaning and leaf removal to removal of small "volunteer" sprouting trees and shrub growth, as well as general clean-up, Dagan delivered on all efforts to enhance our home's curb appeal. He is quick to respond, fairly priced, and has done a great job keeping our lot looking its best in every season. Also of note, his wife just launched a cleaning company. Submitted by Valerie Passwaiter. July 2025
C & C Welding - 540-949-8061
During our annual fireplace and chimney inspection and cleaning, Doug Parrish of Augusta Chimney Sweeps (540-885-3244) recommended we purchase a 1/4-inch thick steel plate (24 inches wide and 16 inches high) and lean it against the back of our fireplace chamber to increase the heating efficiency of our wood-burning fireplace. He recommended C & C Welding Service in Waynesboro (540-949-8061) to fabricate the plate. We highly recommend both Augusta Chimney Sweeps and C & C Welding Service for their experience and high degree of ensuring customer satisfaction. Submitted by Mike Yurewicz. July 2025
Tracy Roussey - 434-260-6424
We heartily recommend the organizational (and motivational!) skills of Tracy Roussey (Tracy@treasureeditor.com, 434-260-6424) to anyone who is considering decluttering, downsizing, moving (in or out), transitioning a home from rental to residence or residence to rental, or planning the flow of a home to meet your needs (office space, craft area, etc.). We had a "wall" of boxes following a move after retirement, and she very effectively helped us deal with this impediment, as well as curating our furniture needs and finding new homes for pieces we were no longer using. She has motivated and helped us approach this gargantuan task with grace, not guilt, and a good dose of humor. Submitted by Cyndi McCabe. June 2025
Lauro Morales - 434-409-9971
I would like to recommend Lauro Morales (434-409-9971) for yard work and odd jobs in and around the house. Lauro had worked for me in my mountain home and now in my Stoney Creek home. He has planted trees, relocated plants from the mountain to my Stoney Creek home, waters and weeds when we are away for long periods, and just recently, he cleaned the screened-in porch, including the “top to bottom” furniture covers, all walls, screens, and railings. Looks like a “brand new” porch. Lauro has also helped us with chores around the house, such as hanging pictures on high walls. Lauro is always on time, courteous, professional, and has a good command of English, his second language. I highly recommend him. Submitted by Joyce Claman. June 2025
The Rush Painting - 434-906-9280
I want to share a very good experience with the painting contractor we used this past week. Our house is over 20 years old and the exterior had never been painted. We contacted an outfit called The Rush Painting. They power-washed on the first day and painted for three days afterwards. The Rush Painting, contact Martin at 434-305-8122 or Julio 434-906-9280; therushpaintingllc@gmail.com. Submitted by Robert Kemp. May 2025
Marta Tice - 434-226-0882
Marta Tice, ASID, (434-226-0882) of Downsizing By Design helped me a great deal with downsizing into my lovely new home in Stone Orchard. She designed a new floor plan for the furnishings that I wanted to keep and helped me decide what to purchase, such as a new sofa, area rugs, and curtains. Working with my handymen, Marta helped with the layout of furniture in my living, dining, and guest rooms. She artfully determined where pictures and paintings should be hung that would accent my harp collection and grand piano. She patiently arranged my accessories, understood the task, and encouraged me to hang in there when things seemed upside down. Submitted by Virginia Schweninger. May 2026
I can recommend interior designer Marta Tice (434-226-0882, downsizingbydesign.pro) wholeheartedly. When we decided to sell our big Alexandria house after 40 years and downsize to a small condo, so that we could spend more of our time here at our Wintergreen house, she was good at helping us plan this double move, helping us decide what furniture and possessions would be coming down here, and what would be sold, donated or kept. She kept us focused and organized through the process. When the moving truck arrived at the Wintergreen house, she worked with the movers, advising where everything should go. She then arranged for additional help to assist us with additional unpacking. Marta also has a very good eye for arranging furniture. For me, Marta's most valuable asset was her cheerful support. Moving is so stressful, and her supportive attitude made the whole process more enjoyable! If you are planning a move, Marta is the one to call. Submitted by Michele Reday Cook. April 2025
This summer, interior designer Marta Tice (434-960-6565, martaleapoffaith@gmail.com) guided our replacement of old carpeting with new carpeting and tile and installation of moving shades on our top-floor condo sky windows. She found good contractors and had the work accomplished in a highly satisfactory manner while we were away on vacation. Her fee was reasonable, and she is an interesting person to be around. Submitted by David Peyton. September 2025
