Fluvanna Family Chiropractic welcomes new patients
By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
The long-awaited opening of Freedom Drip took place at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 1. Owner Lauren Davis and her family looked on proudly as she and one of her three children cut the ribbon. Also present was Director of Economic Development Jennifer Schmack.
The store is cozy, sporting walls of dark blue with white trim, a red booth, and white chairs. It’s a welcoming place to stop and chat, have a sweet treat, or get one of their many flavored lattes or coffee. Other than her signature doughnuts, Davis offers other items, including lemon bars, cookies, bagels, and croissants, and says in the future she may offer made-to-order items such as cakes and pies.
“This has been long awaited and thank you to everybody for their support,” said Davis.
The coffee shop is open daily 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m on the weekends and is closed on Wednesdays. For more information call (434) 960-7526.
In other news, Orme’s Gym is under new ownership. Not that Chris and Jaimie Rutherford have enough to do between their jobs and raising eight children but they believe keeping everyone fit and healthy is the focus of Orme’s.
The gym will have all new fitness equipment, continued 24/7 access, and various classes, including Zumba, strength training, interval training, Silver Sneakers, and yoga. They will also have personal training for three levels; basic, elite, and competitive. Child care will also be offered two days a week.
For more information, visit ormesgym.com
Fluvanna Family Chiropractic is also open at 68 Heritage Drive. Dr. Carmelo Caratozzolo is welcoming new patients. Originally from New York and New Jersey, he and his wife moved to Lake Monticello. Once a professional musician, Dr. Caratozzolo discovered chiropractic techniques when he was a professional musician with wrist pain that hindered his performance.
A chiropractor since 1994, he is certified in sports chiropractic care, helping to enhance athletic performance, and also certified in extremity adjustment, where other joints in the arms, hands, legs, and feet are the focus. This benefits the entire body not just the spine. He aligns specific areas to improve joint function, pain relief, mobility, and flexibility. He has over 30 years of experience in pediatric chiropractic techniques using gentle and effective adjustments for children. Adjustments for pregnancy and seniors are also available.
For more information, visit fluvannacchiro.com
After the winter time blahs, spring is alive with events at area wineries. Check out the variety of social gatherings, cooking, wine-making, art exhibits, book clubs, and trivia at Cunningham Creek Winery.
Speaking of wineries, the former Thistle Gate is now Hardware Hills and is owned by Andrea and Rob Nickels. The original owners George and Leslie Cushnie sold the winery in 2021 and retired.
The Cushnies bought the land, that was once a muddy tree farm on rolling hills along the Hardware River. Together they made the commitment to create a winery. Along with Leslie’s forestry background and George, the primary wine-maker and business manager, they made the winery a success. It was the first winery in Fluvanna and it became part of the Monticello Wine Trail.
Today, the Nickels continue the work of the Cushnie’s legacy with live music events and other activities as well. Visit hardwarehills.com, for more information.
Groovin’ at the Grove is back the second Saturday of every month with food, a beer garden, and a live band beginning on May 10, with Mama Tried. Check out the schedule at https://www.fluvannacounty.org/parksrec/page/groovin-grove-pleasant-grove-park
Looking for organic farm food that is local and sustainable, try Salt and Pepper Farm in Kents Store. Owners of the West End Farmer’s Market, feature pasture-raised eggs, woodlot pork, whole chickens, and raw wildflower honey. For more information visit saltandpepperfarm.com or call (804)-393-9395.
