NEWS & NOTES
A New Dental Practice Serving Nelson County
A practicing dentist for 12 years, Carla Chavez-Mayorga, DDS recently opened a practice in Afton.
Originally from Nicaragua, Chavez-Mayorga went to Dental School at Universidad Americana UAM in Managua, Nicaragua.
She completed a dental residency program at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio and a second year of residency program at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Chavez-Mayoraga then moved to Charlottesville in 2017 and joined the dental residency program at UVA in 2017 as an Assistant Professor.
She lives in Charlottesville with her husband, son, daughter, 3 dogs and 1 fish, all happy to be a part of Nelson County. For more information, see p. 10.
New Arts & Gift Shop Open
The Heart of Nelson Artisan Collective is a group of 24 artists seeking to bring their love of traditional skills and techniques to the Nelson County community. Open since Dec. of 2020, on Front St. near the Courthouse, the Collective members have their talents on display and available for purchase using the mediums of wood, fabric, metal, soaps, beads, paintings, florals, pottery, jewelry, sculptures and more. Classes are offered, and on the 2nd Saturday of each month an outdoor market is held outside next to the shop.
The Heart of Nelson’s officers include Carla Quenneville, Rose Brame, Angie Dickie-Boyd and Randi Brown. For more information, see the ad on page 19.
Recreational Opportunities Abound!
The following recreational information was provided by the Nelson County departments of Parks & Recreation & Tourism. We are grateful for their assistance!
For such a rural area that Nelson County is, one could say that there are almost no activities that are not available here (although we haven’t noticed any Sumo wrestling just yet)! Many tourists are surprised to see that so much is going on! The Nelson County and Parks and Recreation Department does an excellent job, not only administrating the county-sponsored activities below but also maintaining part of the VA Blue Ridge Railway Trail and the new Blue Ridge Tunnel and trail.
The following article touches on the many things there are to do, but due to space limitations this is not inclusive of all activities. For the most complete source of Nelson County recreational opportunities, visit NelsonCounty.com.
Nelson County Youth Programs
Gymnastics – School Age
The Nelson Center, 8445 Thomas Nelson Hwy,
Lovingston, VA 22949
www.nelsoncounty-va.gov/recreation/youth-programs
This Beginner and Advanced Beginner class teaches fundamentals, conditioning, and positive progression of exercises and skill development.
Gymnastics – Creative Movement
for 3–5-year-olds
The Nelson Center, 8445 Thomas Nelson Hwy,
Lovingston, VA 22949
www.nelsoncounty-va.gov/recreation/youth-programs
This fun class for ages 3-5 teaches progressive movement and basic gymnastic skills.
Gymnastics – Mommy & Me 18–36 months
The Nelson Center, 8445 Thomas Nelson Hwy
Lovingston, VA 22949
www.nelsoncounty-va.gov/recreation/youth-programs
This class uses guided play and exercise to increase flexibility, coordination, and motor skills. Adults must accompany the children.
Nelson County Youth Sports
Dixie Youth Baseball Spring and Fall
Practice site: Dixie Youth Fields, The Nelson Center Field, and Ryan Ballfield
www.nelsoncounty-va.gov/recreation/youth-sports
Dixie Youth Baseball for ages 4 – 15 years is hosted by the Nelson Youth Baseball Association.
Spring and Fall Soccer
Nelson County Parks and Recreation. Operates at the Rockfish Valley Ruritan Park & Tye River Elementary School
www.nelsoncounty-va.gov/recreation/youth-sports
We offer Spring and Fall Soccer for boys and girls ages 5 – 14 years. Practices are held on weekdays and most games are on Saturdays. Players are divided into teams according to age. Registration ends March 5.
Tae Kwon Do
8445 Thomas Nelson Hwy Lovingston, VA
www.nelsoncounty-va.gov/recreation/youth-sports
These Tae Kwon Do classes are for both kids (age 5 and up) and adults. Classes are geared toward building strength and flexibility, then developing proper martial arts techniques and self-defense.
