Do good: 17 ways to get in the spirit of giving

While it’s important to be generous year-round, the holidays provide parents with an opportune time to teach kids about giving back, either by donating their time or goods to those in need. Here are some local ways to help out this season, from food-delivery to gift-wrapping. By Shea Gibbs and Wistar Murray Better together Mature teens […]

Head of class: Mountaintop Montessori’s newest addition

Mountaintop Montessori’s new head of school, Patricia Colby, has spent most of her adult life working in education. From South America to California to New York, Colby’s journey to Charlottesville has been long and fascinating.  After completing her undergrad work at the University of Houston, the Venezuela native pursued a doctoral degree in social psychology […]

Spa day: Ma Spa is encouraging alone time

“Moms deserve to have a space that is dedicated just to them.” Mary Coleman should know. As a mother of seven, she’s the entrepreneur behind Ma Spa, a new business in the Legend Building on Woodbrook Drive in Charlottesville. Ma Spa’s slogan pretty much sums it up: “Come pamper your soul.” Coleman offers moms of […]

November Abode: On stands now!

A renovated barn outside of Charlottesville, a city brewery opens up (literally), a Woolen Mills condo breaks the mold and more, in this month’s issue of Abode. Here’s what you’ll find inside: Architect Jeff Sties‘ solar powers. Preston Avenue’s newest brew space. Your backyard’s best autumn addition. An industrial space in Woolen Mills defies condo […]

Barns and barrels: Two local reclaimed lumber projects

Reclaimed wood has been a hot item for years now. Most people are familiar with the idea of giving old wood, from barns or other sources, new life. Most often, the salvaged stuff ends up as flooring, though cabinetry, furniture and ceilings are also big. But the folks at Mountain Lumber, the Ruckersville company that’s […]