Late December 2015 Warren and Frederick County Report

Warren FREE County Report WarrenCountyVA.com

Volume X, Issue 25 路 Late December, 2015

FrederickCounty.com

Page • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015

LFCC Receives Grant to Launch Innovative “Trades Academy�

Lord Fairfax Community College’s Trades Academy is the recipient of

$27,740 from the 2016 Chancellor’s Innovation Fund (CIF). This was the largest single dollar amount awarded to a Virginia community college.

The CIF is a competitive grant program open to faculty and staff of all 23 Virginia Community Colleges to fund innovative, targeted projects that closely align with the new Virginia Community College Systems (VCCS) Strategic Plan, Complete 2021.<http://www.vccs.edu/about/ where-we-are-going/> The single goal of the VCCS stra-

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Filling skilled trades jobs has been the greatest challenge facing U.S. employers for six consecutive years.

The expectation is that the Trades Academy will ultimately serve as a pipeline to prepare students for highdemand trade occupations in sectors of Industrial Maintenance Trades and Advanced Manufacturing.

Selected high school seniors from four area school divisions will participate in the Trades Academy.

The Academy is being conducted in partnership with the LFCC Career Pathways Consortium to provide opportunities for students to pursue an Industrial Maintenance Technology program through LFCC. Students who successfully complete the program will earn industry credentials in OSHA, American Welding Soci-

ety (AWS), and CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon) sponsored by the EPA. In addition to industry certifications, students will be able to graduate with two Career Studies Certificates, one in HVAC and another in Basic Electrical Technician.

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Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page

Page • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015 FREDERICK, from can move into apprentice programs to pursue further training opportunities. This is a pilot program with the hope of expansion for more students in the future.”

The Trades Academy will commence in the fall semester of 2016.

Partnering with LFCC are the following school divisions: Clarke County, Warren County, Frederick County, and Winchester City. Students will travel to Middletown during the academic year and will participate in a 31credit on-campus workforce training experience at LFCC for three hours each morning, Monday through Friday.

Besides the academic instruction and labs, the program will provide students with opportunities to meet with business and industry leaders and employers from around the region. They will receive career counseling and assistance in seeking apprenticeships.

St. Cecilia Festival and Turkey Trot at Chelsea Academy A music and arts competition marked by songs, recitations, vocal, and instrumental pieces, Chelsea Academy’s Annual Festival of St. Cecilia honors the patron saint of music and showcases the musical and artistic talents of the school’s students. Individual student selections included piano, violin, guitar, and vocal pieces, and dramatic readings, performed individually or with other students. All performances were evaluated by an independent panel of judges. After the music and arts competition, students moved outside for the Annual Turkey Trot. Upper School students chose between a 5K running or walking course, and Lower School students ran or walked a distance of two miles.

Shenandoah University Awarded $600,000 Grant to Establish Youth Theology Institute Shenandoah University, in partnership with Wesley Theological Seminary and the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, has received a $600,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to establish the Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute.

The program is part of Lilly Endowment’s High School Youth Theology Institutes initiative, which seeks to encourage young people to explore theological traditions, ask questions

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about the moral dimensions of contemporary issues and examine how their faith calls them to lives of service.

Rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible for the university’s institute, which will begin in July 2017. The students will be taught by Shenandoah University and Wesley Theological Seminary faculty and will be awarded three hours of college credit upon completion of a final project in their home church.

“This grant allows us to help shift the culture of the local church through empowering students,” said Dean of Spiritual Life and Director of the Institute for Church Professions Rev. Justin Allen, D. Min. “Youth Theology Institute students will explore the sacred scriptures thoroughly and address contemporary issues facing the church and the world.”

“Just this week world leaders gathered in France to address climate change,” added Allen. “The results of climate change will impact the poor and marginalized more than any other constituency, and the church should have something to say about that. We want our youth to wrestle with the scriptures and contemporary issues, and be a strong, passionate, and educated voice for change.”

The four-year program will focus on God’s love for the rural environment as illustrated in the Garden of Eden in the first book of the Bible and God’s love for the urban environment as illustrated in the holy city in the last book of the Bible. Therefore, students who participate in this program will spend a week deeply engaging the tradition and the future of the church at Shenandoah University against the backdrop of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and a week

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., within the political environment that determines our nation’s direction.

“This is an opportunity for Shenandoah University to give back to the community and the United Methodist Church by doing what we do best — educating and inspiring students to make a contribution in their community, the nation and the world,” said Allen.

Shenandoah University will hire a director for the institute by July 2016 in order to begin planning for the 2017 institute. Additional information regarding the application process and other details will be released later in 2016.

Shenandoah University is one of 82 schools participating in the initiative; participating schools are located in 29 states and the District of Columbia. Although some schools are independent, many reflect the religious heritage of their founding traditions. These traditions include Baptist, Brethren, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Reformed churches, as well as Roman Catholic, non-denominational, Pentecostal and historic AfricanAmerican Christian communities.

“These colleges and universities are well-positioned to reach out to high school students in this way,” said Dr. Christopher L. Coble, vice president for religion at the Endowment. “They have outstanding faculty in theology and religion who know how to help young people explore the wisdom of religious traditions and apply these insights to contemporary challenges.”

The Lilly Endowment is giving $44.5 million in grants to help a select group of private four-year colleges and universities around the nation

to create the institutes. The grants are part of the endowment’s commitment to identify and cultivate a cadre of theologically minded youth who will become leaders in church and society.

An additional grant to the Forum for Theological Exploration will establish a program that will bring together leaders of the high school youth theology institutes to foster mutual learning and support.

Phone Scams Target Local Residents The Winchester Police Department is educating local residents on two phone scams that have been targeting people in our area since October.

On October 16th an officer responded to a call in reference to a phone scam. The victim reported receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be from Criminal Investigations with the Internal Revenue Service. The victim was told she would be arrested for not properly filing her taxes. The caller told her that in order to avoid being arrested, she needed to wire $1,000. The victim did not comply. If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS you should hang up and call the IRS directly at 1-800829-1040.

On October 6th a Winchester resident called the Winchester Police Department to report being a victim of fraud. The individual stated he

received a phone call from a person claiming to be his grandson who was supposedly involved in an accident.

The victim says the caller sounded just like his grandson. The caller told the victim to send $1,300 to bail him out of jail. The victim got a money gram and sent the money to an individual in the Dominican Republic.

There are a number of variations of these scams and fraudsters put a lot of time into being convincing.

The Winchester Police Department reminds residents of these tips to prevent from becoming a victim of phone scams: If you receive a call, and have caller ID, look at your caller ID. If it is a number that you don’t recognize or if the number is blocked it is best not to pick up the phone. If it’s someone who needs to get in touch with you they will leave a message.

Be suspicious of any request for you to wire money or load money onto a prepaid card.

Never give your personal information to anyone over the phone.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you believe you have been a victim of a phone scam contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (540) 662-4131 to make a report.

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Member Virginia Press Association Press releases should be emailed to: briefs@warrencountyreport.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Daniel P. McDermott editor@warrencountyreport.com General Counsel: Georgia Rossiter, Esquire (540) 535-2001 Copy Editor: Laura Biondi editor@warrencountyreport.com Managing Editor Carol Ballard: carol@areaguides.com (540) 551-0644

ing long after it has brightened our homes during the holidays,” said Gloria Puffinburger, Frederick County’s Solid Waste Manager. “After trees are collected at the various citizens’ convenience sites, they are ground into mulch and re-used at the regional landfill.”

Beginning December 26, Frederick and Clarke residents may take trees to their nearest convenience site for recycling. Trees will not be accepted at the Greenwood Road site. Residents in the Greenwood community should take their trees to the landfill’s convenience center.

Trees must be free of decorations, stands, tinsel and wire. Swags and garland, free of wire, will also be accepted. This special collection will take place through January 31. Trees and all forms of yard waste are accepted at the landfill throughout the year.

Each year, approximately 33 million cut trees are sold in the U.S. Of these, 93 percent are recycled through a community program, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Trees also make excellent wildlife habitat during the winter months when anchored in a backyard, bird feeders if decorated with seeds and fruit, and erosion barriers around ponds and streams.

Due to the high content of flammable turpentine oils which could lead to creosote buildup and a risk of a chimney fire, the U.S. Forestry Service recommends not burning pines, firs and other evergreens in a home woodstove or fireplace.

For more information, please telephone Frederick County Recycling at (540) 665-5643 or visit www.fcrecycles.net.

City’s upcoming holiday schedule Below is the City’s schedule for the upcoming holidays: 1. City of Winchester government offices and WinTran will be CLOSED: December 24-25 and January 1, 2016 2. City’s refuse schedule is as follows: Refuse collection on December 25 is moved to Wednesday, December 23.

Refuse collection on December 24 will occur as normal.

Refuse collection on January 1 is moved to Wednesday, December 30.

Citywide yard waste collection is canceled on Wednesday, December 23 and 30.

Undecorated Christmas trees will be collected curbside with regular yard waste on January 6 and 13 (last day of yard waste collection season is 1/13).

3. War Memorial Building (Jim Barnett Park) schedule: December 24 & 25: CLOSED; December 31: Open 5:30 am-5:00 pm; January 1: CLOSED 4. The Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center will be CLOSED: December 24-25; January 1, 2016 5. Joint Judicial Center schedule (subject to change): Juvenile and General District Courts: December 23: Close at noon; December 24-25: CLOSED; Decem-

Reporters Tim Ratigan: tim@areaguides.com Teresa Brumback Sue Golden National & Agency Advertising: Alison Duvall: (540) 551-2072 alisond@warrencountyreport.com Advertising Sales Representatives: Alison Duvall: (540) 551-2072 alisond@warrencountyreport.com Angie Buterakos: (540) 671-2054 fcrwcr@gmail.com Billing Coordinator: Pam Cole billing@warrencountyreport.com Graphic Design & Layout: layout@warrencountyreport.com Contributors: Ken Thurman Ryan Koch, Cartoonist Extraordinaire Kevin S. Engle, Humor Columnist Leslie Fiddler, Writer If you are interested in contributing articles to our paper, please e-mail: editor@warrencountyreport.com This publication is printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-based ink

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Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page ber 31-January 1: CLOSED Circuit Courts: December 23: OPEN; December 24-25: CLOSED; December 31: OPEN; January 1: CLOSED 6. Winchester Sheriff ’s Office: December 23: OPEN; December 24-25: CLOSED NSVRC Commuter Survey The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (NSVRC) is searching for new ways to expand our region’s transit and commuter services.

The NSVRC is asking that community members complete an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HD8PWYB so that they can focus future efforts on the commuter needs of the Northern Shenandoah Valley specifically.

“The majority of our efforts have been focused on expanding car and vanpools as well as public transit, but we want to hear from the people of the Valley,” added Nicholas Robb, NSVRC’s Public Outreach & Ride Smart Coordinator. “We want to see what commuters think is central to reducing traffic and increasing our region’s livability, and most importantly, how they envision the future of transportation in our region.”

Queen’s Ball Returns “Home” in Move Back to George Washington Hotel Ballroom For many Festival “Old Timers,” one of the iconic memories of Festivals past was the startling juxtaposition of images created when one looked up from the craziness of the Old Town Midway and the Firefighters’ Parade Lineup Areas along Piccadilly and Cameron Streets to see the elegant couples in their gowns and tuxedos at the Queen’s Ball, dancing under the glittering chandeliers at the George Washington Hotel.

The Queen’s Ball was actually created to be held in the ballroom at “the George” and, for generations of

Festival goers, it was the ultimate oasis of elegance in the swirling chaos of Festival activities in Old Town Winchester. But, as all locals know, “the George” suffered a long, unfortunate decline before its relatively recent rebirth; and, during those years, the Festival felt that it had to pull the Queen’s Ball out and move it to a new location and what an odyssey that has been! Over the years since the event left the George Washington Hotel, we believe it has been held in at least nine alternative locations. Younger Event Organizers, in particular, have embraced the idea of returning the event to its original Old Town location.

“We want to be down in the middle of all the excitement,” is a common explanation for the move. The Festival will have the entire first floor for the event but attendance will still be somewhat limited. The entire Court assembles for this event and it is estimated that there will only be approximately 180 individual tickets for sale to the public. This move is not without expenses and a price increase is anticipated in the future, but for 2016 Festival Organizers have decided to maintain the Traditional $50/ticket, $100/couple pricing as an “Introductory Offer” to the new event.

Obviously, traffic around the Hotel will be challenging, but Kent Street See FREDERICK,

Letters to the Editor are welcome but must include the author’s name and town and should be emailed to: editor@warrencountyreport.com

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Page • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015 FREDERICK, from should be open to traffic and event attendees are encouraged to park in the George Washington Parking Garage next to the Hotel. The public will be kept abreast of the availability

of the ticketing via www.thebloom. com, e-blasts to our fan base, Facebook, and at SABF Headquarters at (540) 662-3863.

Festival Announces New Tennis Tournament in Conjunction with Winchester Country Club Since the second half of the last century, the Festival has steadily increased its involvement with athletically-themed events, from tribute events like the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast, to the Valley Health 10K Race, the Shenandoah Valley Orthodontics Kids’ Bloomin’ Mile, and the Pro-Am Golf Tournament.

Continuing in that healthy direction, the Festival is proud to announce that it is collaborating with the Winchester Country Club to create the brand-new Apple Blossom Tennis Pro-Am to be held on Saturday, April 23rd, from 8:00am to 4:30pm. The entry fee for the new event is expected to be $200 per player. This would cover admission to a Cocktail Reception at 6:30pm the previous evening (April 22nd) when the Tournament Draw would be announced; all Tournament Registrations, and a Professional Stipend.

Spectators are welcome and, at this

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com time, a fee for spectators is not expected. Food service will be handled by the Winchester Country Club, and souvenir merchandise will likely be available. The public will be kept abreast of event updates via www. thebloom.com, e-blasts to our fan base, Facebook, and at SABF Headquarters at (540) 662-3863.

5,085 Reasons Why Not to Drive Drunk or Buzzed This Holiday Season Be a designated, sober driver this

holiday season and be part of the Drive to Save Lives campaign. During the final two weeks of 2015, Virginia State Police is joining law enforcement across the country in traffic safety initiatives to deter and stop impaired driving. The weekend before Christmas beginning Friday, Dec. 18, and continuing through Monday, Dec. 21, is designated as the 2015 National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend by Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). As part of this safety campaign and to maximize enforcement ef-

forts, Virginia State Police and local law enforcement will focus patrols during time periods when alcohol consumption and holiday parties are most prevalent.

“I can give you more than 5,000 reasons why you should designate a sober driver,” says Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “In 2014, 4,834 drunk drivers were arrested by Virginia State Troopers. Another 251 persons were killed on Virginia’s highways in alcohol-related crashes*. There are no excuses. You have a choice.

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“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem.”

- Matthew 2 “Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receive them.”

- Carlos Ruiz Zafon “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving” - Mother Theresa A STAPLE of every holiday pageant is the arrival of the three biblical Magi bearing expensive gifts to the newborn Christ child, their dromedarys valet-parked near a date tree. Usually shy pre-schoolers, the “actors” seem neither wise nor tall, nor talkative; their gifts foil-wrapped shoe boxes; their theater a church or community hall. Years ago, I sat in awe as full-bearded grown-ups reenacted the Nativity story at Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove CA (hardly a cave or stable), Seraphim and other angelic hosts swung from the glassed ceiling ala Circe-de-Soleil. Live camels, donkeys, sheep, lambs and goats sauntered through the pews, before alighting a mammoth stage festooned with towering palms, scaffolded lights, a stringed orchestra and chorus, and Debbie Boone (playing Mary) crooning a sweet lullaby to her swaddled infant. Regardless the staging, props, venue or celebrity- no matter whether to you the Magi were real or fictitious - the “point” of their visit should be clear- only through humility can you be exalted; only by giving can you be truly fulfilled.

THE GREEK WORD for wisemen is magi from which we get the term “magician.” In ancient times, the lines between magic (scorcery) and legitimate science were blurred. Early chemists were alchemists, e.g., futily trying to change one element into another (usually gold) by assorted trickery and methods, including incantations. Others (less flashy) practiced what today would be “experimental chemistry.” Whether the Magi were astrologers, alchemists, or alien astronauts shouldn’t matter. They showed up and gave of themselves.

WHAT GIFTS will you give this holiday season and thus be exalted and fulfilled, like those ancient wise guys? Beyond a better pay check, fruit basket, or boozie holiday party? Beyond the charitable works each of us do in our Communities? To me, the most precious (prized) gifts are intangible, but noticed right away–not bound by fashion or fads, by dress size or weight, yet priceless, enduring and enviable.

Gift of patience Gift of forgiveness Gift of discernment Gift of learning Gift of listening Gift of persuasiveness Gift of laughter Gift of foresight Gift of generosity Gift of generosity Gift of good example Gift of leadership THE LIST of spiritual gifts and recipients could be endless, paid for centuries before - bountiful, beautifully wrapped in a grin, a comforting note, a hug, a teary eye, a gentle pat, So as holiday madness approaches, become a “wiser man,” a spiritual Santa. Give of yourself, your talents, your skills, your empathy, your encouragement, your gentle guidance. Be exalted. Be fulfilled!

“To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight. To receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness. justice, and equity: to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth - Let the Wise heal’ and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” -Proverbs 1:1

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Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com Choose to designate a driver and do your part to drive to save lives this holiday season.”

Every year during the holidays, there is an increase in drunk-driving related fatalities and crashes across the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in December 2013, there were 733 lives lost in traffic crashes because at least one driver or motorcycle operator had a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .08 or higher. Of the 733 deaths, 23 occurred on Christmas Day in 2013 nationwide.

Virginia State Police are also participating in sobriety checkpoints and roving saturation patrols as part

of the DUI enforcement campaigns Checkpoint Strikeforce and the national campaign Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which runs Dec. 16 through Jan. 1, 2016.

“Remember, drinking and driving is never an option,” says Flaherty.

Drivers and passengers have many alternatives to arrive home safely. If you plan to attend a party during the holidays, please remember: Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a friend, call family, call a cab or use public transportation.

If you know someone has been drinking. Do not let them drive. Arrange another safe way home.

If you believe you see an impaired driver on the road, call police. Re-

main alert and don’t hesitate to dial #77 to notify your nearest Virginia State Police Emergency Communications Center. Your actions could save someone’s life.

Virginia State Parks accepting applicants for 2016 AmeriCorps volunteers Volunteers are needed across Virginia to spend the summer serving in state parks by connecting park guests to natural resources and leading trail improvement projects. The Virginia State Parks AmeriCorps Volunteer Project provides 25 opportunities for part-time AmeriCorps members to serve in state parks between April

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Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page and August 2016. AmeriCorps members plan, develop and lead interpretive programs. They also help staff coordinate projects in Virginia State Parks. Members serve 675 hours and receive a bi-monthly living allowance. After completing a term of service, AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive an education award of $2,182, which can be used for education expenses. Those selected receive in-depth training on various subjects including trail improvement, interpretive programming, customer service, volunteer management, and watercraft skills.

Applications are being accepted, and positions will be filled firstcome, first-served. More information and the required application can be found at www.americorps.gov. Program information is also available at www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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Page • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015 FREDERICK, from lots; near the Pharmacy School on the extensive campus of the Valley Health Winchester Medical Center; but, at 1755 North Sector Court, there is simply nothing there. However, in the incredibly short span of two weeks, on that same spot, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®

will construct a 20,000-square-foot temporary “civic center,” complete with: stage, professional lighting and sound, dance floor, overhead viewing screen, kitchen facilities, storage buildings, restrooms, food court, display areas, hospitality areas, retail sales areas, bar and refreshment areas, decorated entry foyer, et cetera. An all-star list of major Festival

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com events is then held at this location, including: the Valley Health Business-at-the-Bloom Luncheon; the Grove’s Harley-Davidson Thursday Night Live 70s Dance Party; the Ferguson Bloomers’ Luncheon; the Jim Stutzman Chevrolet-Cadillac Rock-the-80s Dance Party; the Ram Country Music Dance Party; and, the Shenandoah Ford Bluegrass Festival.

Please be aware that the Festival’s major event center, thanks to our Festival friend Dr. Ben Tolley, is now the Tolley Dental Tent; and, it will be referred to as such in all subsequent Festival literature.

The Willows At Meadow Branch Young-At-Heart Luncheon Dance Moves Indoors at Millwood Station It is simply a fact that The Willows At Meadow Branch Young-At-Heart Luncheon Dance was obviously created for, and has been maintained for, the pleasure of some of the more senior members of the Bloom Nation.

It is also a fact that these loyal Bloom

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fans have some special needs to ensure their safety and comfort while they are attending Festival events.

Like so many Festival events, the Young-At-Heart Luncheon Dance has always been held at an outdoor Festival venue: covered, but not heated or air conditioned; and, with temporary access points and portable restroom features. The Festival dodged a major bullet last spring when the weather report for the morning of the YoungAt-Heart Luncheon Dance was for damp, drizzly, breezy, and quite cool.

Fortunately, the weather was much better than expected; but, the experience was unnerving enough to push Festival Organizers to make a major change. For the 2016 Festival, The Willows At Meadow Branch YoungAt-Heart Luncheon Dance will be moved inside, into the Special Events Center at Millwood Station Fire and Rescue. At this location, Festival Organizers can more easily control the climate and provide stable access points and restroom facilities.

Other than the venue change, there are no other changes planned for the

event. The music and the food and the camaraderie and the excitement will remain the same, including, of course, the traditional warm apple dumpling “appetizer!” The Special Events Center at Millwood Station is located at 252 Costello Drive. This is the street that accesses Costco off of Front Royal Pike. The Special Events Center is on the right a short distance past Costco, on the hill behind Millwood Station Fire and Rescue.

Please note: Because this venue does not have the capacity to be expanded, there will be a definite cap placed on the number of tickets offered for the 2016 Festival. It is expected that no more than 300 tickets will be sold to the public for this popular event; so, please do not wait to buy! The public will be kept abreast of ticketing via www.thebloom.com, via e-blasts to our fan base, via Facebook, and at SABF Headquarters at 540-6623863.

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Late December, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Warren & Frederick County Report â&#x20AC;˘ Page

Richard Traczyk chairs final meeting as supervisor

Supervisors applaud Chairman Traczykâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12 years of service on the board

By Timothy Ratigan Warren & Frederick County Report On December 8th at 9:00 a.m., Warren Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chairman of the board of supervisors, Richard Traczyk, chaired the final meeting of his political career.

From the beginning of the regular meeting, various speakers and

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county officials made references to Traczykâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retirement.

After the choir from E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School participated in the pledge of allegiance to the flag of our country and then performed a holiday song, Traczykâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fellow supervisors spoke.

The first county official to speak about Traczyk retiring was Happy Creek Supervisor Tony Carter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Traczyk has served for 12 years and during that time I have served with him. During that time there has been a lot of forward moving in the county. A lot of projects, a lot of good things happened. Everyone on this board has taken part in that. Not just this board, it has also been this community. The school board, the town. Everybody pitches in and I think we have seen really great progress in the last 12 to 15 years and we have all been a part of it. No one person has been responsible for it. We have all worked together,â&#x20AC;? Carter said.

Next up was Warren County Administrator Doug Stanley. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before I give my official report I

The Choir from E. Wilson Morrison performs for the Warren County Board of Supervisors

wanted to take the opportunity to thank Chairman Traczyk, as this is his last meeting. I have had the pleasure of working with him for the last 20 years, first serving with him on the planning commission and later as county administrator,â&#x20AC;? he said.

He continued with mentioning the projects that Traczyk has been involved with. Stanley said that during his tenure on the Board of Supervisors, Traczyk has been part of the board that made significant strides in addressing infrastructure needs of the county for the future, including: the implementation of the School Capital Improvement plan to construct the new Warren County High and Skyline High Schools; renovating the former Warren County High School into the Warren County Middle School; completion of the new Samuels Public Library; building the Warren County Public Safety Building and renovation of Bing Crosby Stadium, and helping with the acquisition of property for future public use including the Eastman and Fishnet Properties.

Stanleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list continued with:

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Eastman Park and Skyline Soccer Plex Warren County Skate Park R.S.W Regional Jail Warren County Health and Human Services Complex on 15th Street The renovation of the Warren County Community Center.

Management of the Shenandoah Farms Sanitary District, and help with replacement of several bridges in the county â&#x20AC;&#x153;Throughout all these improvements Mr. Traczyk has been able to stand by his conservative principles, as an example the county, and has been able to maintain a low tax rate.

Although some may think that Warren County may have a spending problem, Warren County is still 7th in seven localities per capita per budget spending. On behalf of the county staff, thank you Chairman Traczyk for your support of our county staff over the years,â&#x20AC;? he concluded.

Traczyk made a statement before going into closed session. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been a true honor serving on the Planning Commission for

seven and a half years and on this board for 12 years, serving the people in Shenandoah District of Warren County and Front Royal. Much has changed over the years and I feel confident that this board will continue to move the community forward. The 12 years of tenure on this board have brought new schools which were sorely needed, and vastly improved parks and recreational facilities with a new stadium and soccer fields, walking trails, boat ramps and golf courses and the purchase of Rockland Park which will be our future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have added new safety buildings and community buildings. We have also added a new library and new regional jail. And we have had the development of the corridor for shopping and dining opportunities which our people desperately wanted when I first took office. The changes have been astounding in a short period of time. With the commercial growth we have found new job opportunities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We still have an opportunity to continue improving our tax base.

There is always a price to pay and the board be vigilant in keeping the comprehensive plan under control with our controlled spending,â&#x20AC;? he said.

He finished by saying that he wanted to thank those who have supported him over his years of service. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have always thought that I have had the best interests of the community at heart. This board has been part of my life for a long time and we are almost a family. I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and a good Christmas Season. Mr. Sayre will be taking my place and I am sure he is going to do an outstanding job,â&#x20AC;? he said, in closing.

The supervisors then went into a See TRACZYK, 10

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closed session and Traczyk invited his replacement, newly elected Supervisor Tom Sayre to attend.

Before the close of the meeting each member of the board had a statement of support and thanks for Chairman Traczyk for his 12 years of service to the county as supervisor for the Shenandoah voting district.

South Fork Supervisor Linda Glavis was first to speak.

“It has been a pleasure working with you these eight years on the Board of Supervisors. I appreciate

your dedication and experience that you have shared with the county and the county board and all the citizens of Warren County and I thank you very much for your service,” she said.

Recently re-elected North River Supervisor Dan Murray spoke next.

“Mr. Chairman, from a very personal standpoint, you helped mentor me, you’ve helped this county immensely. I am going to miss your support and being able to call you at any given time. You always took the time to discuss the issues with me. You have

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never had a personal agenda. You have always worked for what was best for the County. I am really going to miss you,” he said.

Supervisor Archie Fox had this to say, “Thanks for being such a board of supervisors member. I will miss working with you. I appreciated the support you gave me when I was chairman. It was good working with you to move the county forward.”

After wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Chairman Richard Traczyk adjourned the meeting.

Chairman Richard Traczyk chairs the final meeting of his 12 years as a supervisor serving Warren County

Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 11

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Traczyk reflects on 12 years on board Has seen “astounding changes” as Shenandoah Supervisor

By Timothy Ratigan Warren & Frederick County Report Twelve years ago, a freshman supervisor for the Shenandoah voting district was sworn in. He had hopes and dreams for Warren County – the county he and his wife had chosen as their home. Twelve years later with his service to the community completed, he looks back on his service and reflects on how Warren County has changed and what his impact was and how it will be felt for years to come.

This reporter was honored to have been granted an interview with this retiring statesman. We talked about the last twelve years and how far he had come as a politician and how far

Warren County had come and how far it still had to go. We also talked very briefly about what the future held for Richard Traczyk and his wife now that his service to the community has been completed.

Q. You have been in office for 12 years. Briefly explain the experience from being elected to the board and to where you are now. In particular, how did you grow politically?

A. I think that in the 12 years that I have been in office the changes in Warren County have been astounding. The first objective that I had personally in joining the board of supervisors was to improve the school system, in building new schools and to try and get the standards up. I’ve been told time and time again by the

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administration that better schools would make better students in the end. Because everybody had more of stake in the facilities and the teachers would be more energetic. In fact that has happened. I have been informed by (Superintendent of Schools) Greg Drescher that the students are doing better and the grade scores are improving. All the things I had hoped for when we went after this are coming to fruition.

The whole infrastructure when I took office was in desperate need of repair. The sheriff ’s office, when I took over, had more bugs, literally, in it. The roof was falling in and the air conditioning was going. So we needed a safety building to house both the fire department and the

sheriff ’s department. I think we have done that. With the library we were hearing complaints that it was just not big enough. On Saturday afternoons people were trying to get in and couldn’t because the place was full. So we built a new library. I think it was a positive thing that we did for our community. The list goes on and on. Mr. Stanley (County Administrator Doug Stanley) had a list at the board meeting (December 8th). I am very pleased with how everything went over the last 12 years. I think our Capital improvement Plan, as we set it up 12 years ago is about finished. So that means we will not be looking at any real big construction projects any longer. However some still come up such as the fire house in

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Q. What about Ressie Jeffries?

Was that school on your list of items to be renovated?

A. When the Capital Improvement Plan was created, the idea was to get the new schools built first and then renovate the others. We are now at that transition period. By our plan we had intended to begin our renovations on the schools in need of it.

So the plan to renovate was always there. Ressie Jeffries didn’t happen overnight. The leaks had been going on for a number of years. So was the old Warren County High School and the other issues that we have dealt with in building the new high schools. So yes, it was in the plans.

We are trying to finance it now. If you look at some of the tests that are coming back now, they are pretty much negative (referring to the issue of mold in Ressie Jeffries). Actually, according to the tests, the air quality is better on the inside than the outside of the building.

Q. A comment appeared in a local newspaper from a recent former town manager aggressively questioning your part in what he termed as the county’s spending problem. Any comment on that?

A. I think that comment should’ve been investigated before it was made off the cuff. Because in fact we have probably one of the lowest tax rates in the surrounding area. We also have the lowest per-capita expenditure out of seven and we are at the bottom. So the money we are spending is well planned. We have income that compensated for that spending with the corridor development. All that was in place. As I mentioned earlier the infrastructure was in desperate need of repair and we went after that. Is there a price for that?

Sure. If you look at the numbers, it See TRACZYK, 12

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Page 12 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015

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TRACZYK, from 11 just doesn’t support that we have a spending problem. Everything is in balance. We are in that transition period now. We are going from a lot of building to maintaining and coming back to renovate the schools, for example. We did spend a lot but I believe we spent within a budget and that is what our plan was. So I really think that the comment was an off the cuff statement.

Q. After making that statement about not supporting Tom Sayre in the last election are you pretty confident that Mr. Sayre is going to be able to fill your shoes?

A. Tom and I have spent some time talking together. The election is over. Tom is Tom. It is time to move on. We’ll see how things work out.

I truly hope that he does the right thing for our community and we move forward on it.

Q. Looking back over the 12 years, are there any one or two or three votes that you would liked to have moved to table or to have more discussion on before voting on them?

Is there any one particular item that really sticks out?

A. Probably not. What I have always attempted to do is do my research and homework on the issues.

I read and understood the questions asked before I made a decision. So the decisions I made in my opinion were what the people elected me to do. The only thing that I regret that we didn’t do what I would like to have done more in the way of wages. But we had such an emphasis on capital improvement projects, brick and mortar if you will, that we kind of let the wages slip. I think we are seeing the consequences of that with 106 people leaving the teaching staff this past year. So we are getting a large turnover and why? It’s always for a few thousand dollars in their salary.

We train them and get them ready to go and they leave because it is always more money. So I regret that we didn’t have more funding or redirect more funding into the salaries for our people and employees. I would like to have done more. In our future boards they will have to do more or it will come back and bite us if we don’t do something in the way of improving salaries in the next year or two.

Q. Both the town and county have talked about building affordable housing specifically for the teachers and law enforcement officers that really live in that frustrating income range where they make too much to be able to get assistance for housing but they don’t make enough to afford the rental units outside of assisted housing. The teachers we have now who come into Warren County to teach often live outside of the county for cost reasons. Then they find that they can live where they teach and we are losing more teachers every year that way. Would you have liked to do a little bit more to help in that area?

A. I’ve wrestled with that very issue for a number of years when Mr. Llewellyn was on the board and

Engle’s Angle:

“Christmas Surprises and Special Skills”

By Kevin S. Engle

Supervisor Dan Murray looks on as Chairman Richard Traczyk prepares to chair the final board meeting of his political career discussed it because he was in the building industry. That’s a tough one. Builders spend so much money building a facility/apartment complex/town house and they have to get a return on their investment. If you look at the county or state or federal government subsidizing some of that. I don’t know, that’s a tough one that I’ve wrestled with for many years and still haven’t come up with a good solution for.

Q. The board of supervisors in the last few months have taken quite a bit of heat from a lot of members of volunteer fire and rescue personal seeking additional support and funding. The major complaint is that there are not enough paid personnel on staff and they are having difficulty covering shifts. Does anything come to mind in regard to what you could have done better or differently to help them? Or to answer some of their questions?

A. There again you are asking a tough question. With the fire and rescue departments they are independent organizations. The county doesn’t own them. We fund them.

We have tried through the chief to do many things. We now have a recruiting officer that we have authorized to see what we can about volunteering. We have funded and improved the fire department with new apparatus, we’ve done that in several locations. We’ve taken over Shenandoah Farms fire department and have made that fire house better. We’ve done a lot towards a fire marshal. So we have improved the fire department’s ability to respond and that’s important. Here again I’ve talked to Chris Collins (29th District Delegate Elect for Virginia House of Delegate) about the restrictions that we have put on the new volunteers.

The hours of training that have to go into it. That really hurts when we look for volunteers. He/she will have to spend a couple of weeks of his/her time away from their family or work just to be able to train to drive an apparatus and fight the fires. Do I have an answer for it? I think it is the same question that everybody is asking throughout the United States. We’re losing volunteers. We have to have more and more permanent types of volunteers. Of course that affects the budget. I think we are heading in the right direction. We are trying to get someone who can do a little better in

trying to get more volunteers. Here again it is one of our big expenses.

Again these are questions that are being asked throughout the country.

Q. January first comes around and you’re officially out and it is now Tom Sayre’s ball game. Any chance that we will see you on the other side of the podium?

A. I think it is highly possible. If Tom or any of our supervisors stray from what we have planned and where we have intended to go I will certainly voice my opinion. I’m not shy as everybody knows. I will express my views and most people know where I stand. Yes, I think I would be up on the other side if something was happening that I was not happy about.

Q. Very recently Matthew Tederick, a former supervisor, sent out a press release expressing his interest in seeking the unfulfilled term of Town Councilman Daryl Funk’s council seat. A few years from now and something comes up will we see you back in the political field or are you going to stand on that river bank and just fish?

A. I’ve been in the political world for twenty years now. (Eight years with the Planning Commission and 12 with the Board of Supervisors).

I’m seventy-two, so if I ran again I would be close to eighty and I don’t want to see myself falling asleep in the chair and not being as alert and not paying attention and not being as educated as I was in the past. Probably not going to get involved with politics anymore. However I am moving to Lake Holiday eventually within a year or two. (Lake Holiday is a Subdivision about 10 miles north of Winchester) I will have my own dock and we will be right on the lake.

In closing, the chance of Richard Traczyk getting involved in politics again is very slim. However, he did say he has been asked to become chairman of his home owners association and he replied that he would have to think about it. He said that right now he is planning on simply enjoying his retirement.

With a new house on the shores of a lake with dock included, it seems that he and his wife have a lot to look forward to, and we wish the best of luck and a long and happy retirement as we say goodbye to this retiring statesman.

It’s getting harder and harder to surprise my wife at Christmas.

Last year, I bought her first present in September. That was the easy part. Hiding it from her was the challenge.

Our house doesn’t have any good spots to stash things away. And I needed one because she has this special skill. She can look at a wrapped Christmas gift and tell you what it is. I don’t know how she does it.

As a result, I’ve had to up my game the last few years. Do things to keep her on her toes. Confuse her. Send her down the wrong path. Little tricks like using big boxes when a little one would do, or borrow from her repertoire, putting several wrapped presents in one box.

Once a package is wrapped and under the tree, there are rules. Absolutely no touching, no shaking, no smelling! No nothing! You can look, but from a distance.

I’ve had to threaten her on many occasions with “I’ll take it back” when she’s gotten a bit too close for my liking.

As soon as this gift arrived, I wrapped and hid it in the best place I could think of. Under a spare bed.

Yeah, I know, real creative.

But that was fine for a few weeks, until she said she’d be cleaning that room on the weekend.

“Not until I move something,” I told her.

That got her radar going.

I sent her to the basement while I quickly retrieved the mystery package. I moved it upstairs to my office where, of course, she was now banned from entering.

She protested but I was having none of it.

This year has presented a different challenge.

I ordered some items from Amazon.

They send emails saying “Here’s your confirmation of blah blah blah” and “We’ve shipped your blah blah blah.”

That’s nice, except my wife and I share the same email account.

If she saw those messages, she’d know what blah blah blah she was getting on Christmas morning.

We can’t have that.

I had no choice but to impose an

immediate email ban. Until further notice, she was not allowed to check messages until I did first. I’ve been deleting them as fast as they popped into our mailbox.

When they sent one the other day saying they’d shipped the last item, I determined it was safe to lift the ban. She was now allowed back on line unsupervised.

To be fair, she’s had her challenges as well.

She bought a Christmas gift for me earlier this spring. I wasn’t allowed to get near it when the mail carrier dropped it off at the house.

She didn’t want me to see who it came from. Unfortunately, when reviewing the credit card statement later that month, I forgot I wasn’t supposed to look and spotted an unfamiliar charge. I still don’t know what she got me, but I do know where it came from.

UPS delivered two packages to the house yesterday. I wasn’t allowed near those either. Not thinking, again, I watched as the driver handed them to her and I immediately recognized the green packaging. I’m guessing L.L. Bean. I’ll find out for sure on Christmas day.

Last year’s gift was an artist’s print. We’d seen it on vacation and both liked it. While she wandered around looking at his other work, I quickly jotted down the artist’s name, number and website so I could order it online. The print was thirty inches long. Using her special skills, she’d surely know what it was as soon as she saw it under the tree. To my surprise, she didn’t.

Her radar must need a tune-up.

Next year, I’m not taking any chances. I’ll wrap all of her gifts separately and then put them into one really big box.

I hope it fits under the tree.

The author isn’t the best gift wrapper. He’ll have to pay extra for that.

– kevinengle456@comcast.net

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Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 13

Recreation paradise right here in our counties Warren and Frederick form one huge, rocking and rolling playground

River.

It’s a float like no other.

There’s a lot of water to explore in these parts: Warren County lists 804 rivers and streams, 212 lakes, 179 reservoirs and other spots; Frederick County lists 191 rivers and streams, two lakes, 44 reservoirs and others.

‘The Valley Of Fish’

Hole No. 10 at the new Rockland Park disc golf course

Duke stands guard outside the Front Royal Golf clubhouse

By Mario Orlikoff Warren & Frederick County Report If you combine Warren County and Frederick County, which is easy to do if you look at a map, what comes into form is one huge, beautiful, diverse, hilly, rocking and rolling playground.

In this area, there are a lot of things to do, and there are a lot of people

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First of all, this is a place where it’s entirely possible to play three different types of golf in the same day.

People at the pro shop at the Front Royal Golf Club hesitantly confirm that, yes, you could arrive at the course landing by boat or canoe, play nine holes on the par-35, 2,987-yard course, then head to the back end of the complex, where nine holes and 1,120 yards are dedicated to the new sport called Foot Golf (a combination of golf and soccer), then hike a couple of miles on the trail to Rockland Park, where one of the finest and newest disc golf courses in Virginia sits. (During the course of the day, it’s a good idea to stop and spend five minutes with the Front Royal Golf Club’s unofficial mascot, Duke,

the superintendent’s dog who regularly sits in a golf cart parked outside the club house.)

The Rockland course is one of three available to Warren County or Frederick County players drawn to the increasingly popular sport of disc golf. (The number of disc golf courses nationwide has doubled in the past eight years.) Sherando Park has a worn-but-beloved track carved into part of its 330 acres, and Winchester has 18 challenging, well-conceived holes across 170 acres at Jim Barnett Park, where beginners can rent a disc for $2.

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Something like that could happen here because, after all, it’s Front Royal, which also goes by the name of “Canoe Capital of Virginia.” Front Royal Canoe Company, Downriver Canoe Company, Skyline Canoe Company and other outfits guide people in canoes, kayaks and tubes on the north and south forks of the Shenandoah

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King Montgomery, a noted outdoors and travel writer, has called the south fork of the Shenandoah River “The Valley of Fish.” It’s not a stretch to state that the Shenandoah, the main tributary of the Potomac River, is probably the most popular fishing river in the state, especially for smallmouth bass enthusiasts. On canoes and in boats, or on the waters’ edges, people love to fish this area. This is absolutely the place, still the hot spot, despite what happened a decade ago. The Shenandoah River has rebounded from the still mysterious fish kills of 2005-06, when the river lost around 65 percent of its fish population, perhaps due to a bacteria that affects large schools. Sure, it could happen again, but, heading into next season, things look good.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries details some of the opportunities for anglers in Warren County: largemouth bass, bream, bluegill, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, bullhead, brook trout, perch, catfish, crappie … and more than 20 other types of freshwater fish. Frederick County has the same variety and also offers two designated trout streams – Paddy Run and Hogue Creek.

On the hunt Deer season is all but over on Jan. 2, and this season’s count is not all in, but if last year’s numbers are any indication, area hunters will again have been active and successful. In 2014, 1,216 deer were harvested in Warren County, including 499 antlered males, and 2,982 (1,211 antlered males) were harvested in Frederick County, according to The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Early tracking by the department shows as much as a 35 percent increase in the combined areas for 2015.

The back pack Have you ever wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail? Or at least part of it? Around 100 miles of the storied, 2,190-mile trail, the longest hikingonly footpath in the world, passes through the Shenandoah National Park. The Chester Gap to Jenkins Gap trek is regarded by area hikers as a classic of Shenandoah hiking. In four and a half hours, you gain 2,475 See RECREATION, 14

Page 14 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015 RECREATION, from 13 feet of elevation, then are rewarded with stunning views from Possum Rest and Compton Creek. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains several backpacking cabins in the Shenandoah National Forest. For hikers who desire something more off the beaten path, there are hundreds of other trails to consider in both counties.

Idea for the New Year: On Jan. 1, 2016, all 36 Virginia state parks are joining the nation to take part in the 5th Annual First Day Hikes. The parks will be offering guided hikes and more on New Year’s Day. If that’s not enough incentive, it’s the 80th anniversary of the Virginia State Parks, for land’s sakes.

No horsing around It’s hard to drive around the Shenandoah area, especially on the back roads, and not spot plenty of horses. Yes, Front Royal is the “Canoe Capital of Virginia,” but it could also be properly labeled as part of Virginia’s “Horsey Country.” Royal Horseshoe Farms and Highlander Horses are two companies who offer trail riding on hundreds of acres of private trails in Warren County. Up the road, the Winchester Riding Club has around 130 members who maintain and promote that area’s network of bridleways. The Rocking S Ranch and the Wagon Wheel Ranch also offer riding opportunities.

Surely, many of the area’s equestrians will be at the Warren County Fairgrounds on April 10, 2016, for the Spring Equine Extravaganza, hosted by the Skyline Riders 4H Horse & Pet Club.

Team spirit At the top of this sports/recreation mountain stand the student-athletes, mentors, coaches, administrators, cheerleaders, families and fans associated with the area’s public and private schools. A sampling of the

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At Warren County High School (school population, 1,036), three days after guard Cam Ford scored 31 points in a 61-53 Bull Run District loss against William Monroe, the school demonstrated that it values its past along with its shiny present.

The school took time out at halftime of the Skyline-Warren County boys basketball matchup to honor two outstanding examples of studentathletes from this area who went on

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com to accomplish great things in sports and life. Alphonoso Rozier Jordan (Class of 1981), a football-basketballbaseball standout for the Wildcats, then a star for the Howard University baseball team, then a finalist for the 1984 Olympic baseball team, and the 188th pick (Cleveland Indians) in the 1984 Major League Baseball draft, is the chief executive officer of a company based in Richmond, Happy Creek Construction LLC. Michelle Beardmore (Class of 2004), a cross country and track and field champion for the Wildcats and later at James Madison University, is a government contractor involved in technical training for adults. Jordan and Beardmore are now enshrined in the Wildcats Hall of Fame.

At James Wood High School (school population, 1,289), Zoe Schopick set a pool record in the 100-meter butterfly at Shepherd University. Schopick’s time of 1:02.95 was one of the top performances at the nine-team Sweet Inspirations Invitational on Dec. 2, qualifying her

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Warren County skatepark attracts BMX bike riders along with the skateboarders and scooterists for the state championship meet.

At Middlebrook High School (school population, 1,245), where the boys basketball team got off to a 5-2 start, the girls indoor track and field members should not be forgotten. They are getting ready for long road trips to Dickinson College (Pa.), Montgomery College (Md.), and Virginia Tech.

At Sherando High School (school population, 1,446), junior wrestler John Borst, a state champion last season at 170 pounds, is undefeated but still adjusting to life in a heavier weight class – 182. (He wrestles at times at 195 because teams choose to forfeit against the Warriors at 182.)

At Randolph-Macon Academy, which has been around since 1892 and thus has a storied athletic legacy, the school offers 20 varsity sports

and eight middle school sports. The facilities there are impressive: two on-campus gyms, six full-size athletic fields, a football stadium, an indoor pool and tennis courts – all for 362 students.

At Shenandoah University, an NCAA Division III school nestled in Winchester, seven different programs have made NCAA championship appearances of some type in the past five years. The school’s web site states that Shenandoah’s student-athletes have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.996.

At Christendom College in Front Royal, the Crusaders compete in four men’s sports and five women’s sports, including softball, which was added to the program last spring after a 10year absence.

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Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 15

Parks and recognition In Frederick County, Sherando Park and Clearbrook Park together offer up 385 acres of opportunities.

Sherando has that disc golf course beloved by many players not only in the area but around the state since its opening in 1998, and there are multiple baseball and soccer fields.

But what may set Sherando apart are the Bocce courts, where you can hear players yelling about who is closest to the pellino. Clearbrook has everything from lighted ball fields to a 25meter outdoor pool to paddle boats and a vintage red caboose.

Like its neighboring county, Warren is home to many parks and venues. But not many can match the energy and vibe at the Warren County Skatepark, a 15,000-squarefoot facility where skateboarders, in-line skaters, scooter riders and BMX maniacs shred it up daily in between school hours from dawn to dusk. Skateboarder Caleb Noel of Front Royal was one such shredder

Left to right, Mike Swan of Spotsylvania, and Daniel and Chaz Campbell of Fauquier get ready to play a round at the Front Royal Golf Club on a recent weekday afternoon when the temperatures were unseasonably warm.

“I’ve been coming to this park since it opened,” Noel said. “It’s great.

Before I used to get chased off a lot of

Caleb Noel of Front Royal rolls with the contours at the Warren County Skatepark places, so it’s nice to be able to come here and not worry about anything.”

The Skatepark is right next to the Skyline Soccer Plex, where the Front Royal Soccer Association operates.

In the spring and summer on the weekends, you can watch dozens of soccer matches – all at once. The association’s mission statement: “To foster a soccer culture in our community that encourages positive relationships and sportsmanship in a fun, competitive, and safe environment.”

The Skatepark is to the X-Games crew what Bing Crosby Stadium and the adult softball complex at Gertrude E. Miller Park is to the more traditional sportsmen and sportswomen – the diamond lovers. The Front Royal Cardinals collegiate summer baseball team, who play in the Valley Baseball League, use the stadium named after the singer and star of White Christmas for their home games. (In 1949, when Crosby was Grand Marshal of the Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, a friend persuaded him to visit Front Royal and get involved in fund-raising for a stadium. Crosby contributed his own money and helped raise

funds to build the stadium, which was renovated in 2006. On April 1, 1950, Crosby, a native of Washington state, appeared at Warren County High School and delighted a packed house by singing: “I feel like I’m on my own soil, when I’m down in old Front Royal.”) Victor Gomez, a former catcher at Marshall University and in the Atlanta Braves organization, is the Cardinals’ new manager.

In between the Cardinals’ games, many local baseball and softball players also use the stadium and the rest of the complex. Danny L. Figgins perhaps captured the sentiment of fellow athletes when he wrote on a Bing Crosby Stadium Facebook page: “I’ve lived in Front Royal all my life. Spent hundreds if not thousands of hours playing ball in the various parks. High school football, baseball, Little League baseball, and over 50 years playing men’s league softball.

The parks are part of my life.”

Do you have a good sports or recreation story that you would like to see in the Warren County/Frederick County Report? E-mail Mario Orlikoff at marioorlikoff@outlook.com

Page 16 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015

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Council recognizes Funk at final meeting of 2015 Town leaders vote 4–2 to remove downtown security cameras

By Timothy Ratigan Warren & Frederick County Report The last two weeks have been a time for final meetings and farewells to outgoing members of the town council and board of supervisors.

Warren County’s Board of Supervisors Chairman Richard Traczyk will be stepping down from his 12 year run as Shenandoah District Supervisor.

And at the December 14th council meeting the Council recognized Councilman Funk as he leaves to assume a new role as Clerk of the Court on the first of January.

Also at the meeting, Former Mayor Stan Brooks Jr. addressed the council and spoke in favor of Councilman Bret Hrbek’s idea of reducing the lodging tax within the town limits of Front Royal to two percent to bring it in line with the County’s.

Brooks pointed out that all the hotels/motels and bed and breakfast inns pay six percent lodging tax and those funds are earmarked to pay for the promotion of tourism in both town and county.

“What this essentially means is that all nine motels/hotels and the two bed and breakfast inns are paying for all the tourism in the town and the county. My old friend Matt Tederick brought my name up a few times and has spoken before you on this issue and was not so enthused about this. So I will use Matt’s ex business in Front Royal as an example. Matt used to have a business similar to Bret Hrbek’s business with helping his clients with financial issues and helping them buy stocks and things of that nature. So I am wondering how Matt would’ve felt if he had to add four percent to every bill he sent out and Mr. Hrbek who works for

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“The motels in town are paying for all tourism development in the town and county. If you go to the visitor center on Main Street you see brochures marketing the hotels out in the corridor,” he said.

The next speaker was Front Royal resident Holland Daniels, who lives on First Street. He addressed the issue of vehicles driving up and down First Street in an unsafe manner. This issue has come up before the council on several occasions in the recent past and the town of Front Royal has performed speed checks with sensors and a speed check radar wagon.

Daniels spoke at the council meeting about this issue and at times addressed Town Manager Steve Burke directly.

“As you are all aware all the residents between Massie Avenue and Virginia Avenue and Main Street have presented a petition to this council pertaining to the speed and traffic issues in our area of town.

First, let’s be clear. 25 miles per hour in our situation is too fast regardless of anything you come up with.

I have had the opportunity to speak with various Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) officials.

And they have not been given any of the data that Mr. Burke has supposedly collected. VDOT has informed me that they do not control the speed limit in the town. In fact one official openly told me he was offended that the town would be using VDOT as a reason for not changing the speed limit for safety issues,” he said.

He continued, “Four streets just a few blocks from here do not meet the 25 mph criteria. You have 20 mph on parts of Main Street, 20 mph on parts of Luray Avenue, you have 15 mph on Peyton Street and 15 mph on another street. I was told that there are many streets that have speed limits not supported by VDOT criteria.

We do have a safety and speed problem along First Street during certain times of the day. It’s not 24 hours a

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Mayor Timothy Darr recognized Councilman Daryl Funk for his three years of service on the council at the December 14th council meeting day but we do have issues.”

Another problem Daniels mentioned is the incidents of people yelling obscenities at others, in particular, “one female in a red car who drove up and down the street yelling and swearing at residents trying to legally park on the street”. Daniels closed with saying that since sensors have been removed he has made several attempts in the last month to get in touch with Town Manager Steve

Burke, but with very little luck.

In his report, Burke announced that Front Royal would be hosting the first “First Night Celebration” on December 31st at the Gazebo Area with family friendly and alcohol free activities for the residents of Front Royal.

After his report, Vice Mayor Hollis Tharpe asked for an update on the situation on First Street. Burke said that they have not been able to

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Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 17

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com retrieve the data collected from the sensors, and added, “I have simply not had the time to work with the folks responsible for that. We will be looking at that soon. We have had a number of things we have been working with such as Leach’s Run Parkway.

I have been talking with Mr. Daniels and VDOT representatives and they indicated that they have not had a conversation on what Mr. Daniels indicated. Mr. Daniels did not indicate who he spoke with at VDOT so that I could talk to them about their concerns. They did indicate that 25 mph would be appropriate for a two lane road.”

During request and inquiries of the council, Funk read a statement. “Tonight I formally tendered my resignation from Town Council affective December 31st of this year. This will be my last meeting and hopefully my last speech. While I am excited to begin my term as clerk of the court and thankful to the citizens of Warren County in having supported me in the last election I have to say that

serving with you for the last three years has been the best experience of my life and something that I will never forget. I want to say thank you to Mayor Darr. Certainly your leadership has been tremendous during my term on council and I know we would not have accomplished everything we had without you.”

From there Funk went down the list and thanked each councilman for their service and friendship and assistance during his time on Council.

To the two freshman councilpersons finishing their first year on council he had some special advice for them.

“Councilman Connolly and Councilman Egger, obviously you are finishing up your first year on council. I think you have both done tremendous jobs and the energy that you bring to this position I think is invaluable and I hope you keep that that as it gets into your next year. The grime starts after the first year,” he said.

He closed with remarks to Burke and other department heads and employees of the town of Front Royal by

thanking them for all the hard work that they do in keeping Front Royal running. He also cited the projects that he has helped complete or start during his tenure on council such as the Leach Run Parkway, the new police department and IT Federal, and noted that these projects will affect Front Royal’s future years and even decades.

Council members said their goodbyes to Councilman Daryl Funk and wished the citizens of Front Royal Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The Mayor closed his remarks by presenting Councilman Daryl Funk with a Resolution of Appreciation for his years of service to the Town of Front Royal.

Things got back to business as the agenda was voted on to remove the cameras at the Front Royal Gazebo area; an issue that Councilman Bébhinn Egger brought up at a recent Council work session.

Egger addressed the council and outlined her reasons for putting forth this motion.

“I requested that we vote on this.

There are several reasons why I asked the council to vote on this. The biggest one is that it is a liberty issue. I am reminded of a quote by Benjamin Franklin who said that those who give up their liberty for security deserve neither. I think that is exactly what we have done. I think it is important to remember that this is our town square. It is the heart, so to speak, of our town. I think it is important to remember that the gazebo area be-

O WO

Front Royal resident Holland Daniels addressed the council and town manager Steve Burke at the December 14th council meeting longs to all fifteen thousand citizens of Front Royal. I don’t think it should be the business of the town government to be surveying the citizens of Front Royal,” she said.

Councilman John Connolly asked Burke if there had been any incidents of vandalism at the Gazebo area in recent months. Burke outlined several in the last few months. Acts of vandalism were done in the parking lot and the town visitor center, and to the caboose in the town square.

When asked by Connolly when the acts had taken place, Burke replied that the acts committed at the visitor center had taken place during the daylight hours, but he was not sure about the others.

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Connolly moved to amend the motion by putting a stipulation that the gazebo area would closed at 11 p.m.

That motion failed by a 4-2 vote.

Vice Mayor Hollis Tharpe then tried to amend the motion by suggesting adding signs that warned that video cameras were in use around the gazebo area. The motion failed to move forward because the amendment to advertise the use of cameras doesn’t support the motion to remove the cameras. The motion to remove the cameras around the gazebo area passed by a 4-2 vote. Vice Mayor and Councilman Eugene Tewalt voted against the measure.

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Page 18 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015

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Belle Grove hosts “Christmas around the World” Holiday Tours Still time to visit and enjoy the holiday spirit with music and old fashioned festivities

Belle Grove’s Docent Margery Sweat guides tours through the historic house and here gives a brief description of the original kitchen. Spiced tea and cookies are served at the winter kitchen hearth to tour guests after their visit.

Belle Grove all dressed up for “Christmas around the World”

By Carol Ballard Warren & Frederick County Report It’s definitely not looking a lot like Christmas, with temperatures in the 70s in mid-December, but the 1797 Manor House at Belle Grove Plantation was dressed up for Christmas anyway.

On the 14th, the gracious docent Margery Sweat took me for a personalized tour, and I was given permission to photograph the lovely rooms

decorated by area garden clubs with themes inspired by Thailand, the Netherlands, the United States, Scotland, England and Chile.

She has a wealth of information on the construction and history of the Manor House, originally built by Isaac Hite Jr, who was helped with suggestions by Thomas Jefferson, a close friend of Hite and his first wife, Nelly, who was President James Madison’s sister.

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cello asking for Thomas Jefferson’s input,” said Margery.

Several of his suggestions were used in the home. Windows over doorways to let in more light; keeping the home to only one story, and adjustable bookshelves, were a few of them.

We started the tour in the kitchen in the level under the main floor of the house, and Margery explained that the hearth was original to the house and often during tours the fire is lit, but with the recent unseasonal temperatures, it has been too warm in there.

“But on the weekends we had a fire in there for cooking demonstrations,” she said.

The foyer, a beautiful welcoming space, had small windows called “lunettes”, which let in light above the doors as suggested by Thomas Jefferson.

The parlor, the most formal room in the house was decorated to reflect the American style. The 12-foot Blue Spruce tree was lit and decorated with ornaments. (I’m guessing the

festive lights weren’t part of the original decorations).

Its fireplace has a marble mantel and 28 different wood motifs are evident in the room’s woodwork, all handmade by local craftsmen of the time. The room has faux Mahogany paneling, panted to look like the real

thing, which creates a warm rich feeling. The real Mahogany, shipped from South America, was kept mostly in England and any shipped to the colonies had a triple tariff laid on it.

Other rooms had Mahogany veneer on some of the furniture, but on one of the rooms, original mahogany can be seen on a door under layers of later coverings.

The breathtaking dining room was given a Thailand theme. Silk clothing was hung by the fireplace and a tranquil Buddha meditated among palm leaves in front of the fireplace. Tropical colors and flowers made the table look ready for delicious food.

Next, we went to a cozy room called the Day Sitting Room. It had a Netherlands flavor and wooden shoes were on the hearth. Margery noted that this is the room where Hite’s two wives doubtless spent most of their time during the day, being with their children and attending to the endless sewing and mending on the bench in front of the fireplace in the cold winter days.

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Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 19

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com Josiah Hite’s office, where he likely spent most of his time attending to the plantation’s business had a Scottish theme. This is where she showed me the adjustable bookshelves that Jefferson suggested, and said it as an unusual feature for shelves back then.

A Chilean theme was chosen for the main bedroom. A little sign in the room had a note saying that their celebration is similar to ours, but since it’s below the Equator, Christmas comes in the summer. Mugs above the fireplace were there because of the tradition of drinking hot chocolate.

The children’s bedroom was decorated with an English flavor, and had several beneficent Santas on the

mantle, a miniature tea set and a doll and Teddy bear gathered for tea time.

Margery said that another unusual features of the home was the built-in closets. The children’s room has two.

Most homes had wardrobes instead.

Belle Grove’s executive director was passing through the gift shop while I was there and she mentioned that Belle Grove’s Museum Shop is now listed in Points of Interest on the Artisan Trail Network’s Top of Virginia Artisan Trail. The shop caries finely crafted work from local artists and craftspeople (artisans).

The last stop on the tour was to the Museum gift shop, which carries work from the local artisans. JoAnn Guay helpfully kept the shop open for my late-ish visit and showed me

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some of the many high quality gifts available for sale there.

Some of the articles are: special Chocolates made from an original Hite farm recipe that includes whiskey as an ingredient and jams and jellies are popular items sold around the holidays, she said.

Besides those, there are handmade local jewelry, natural soaps, lotions and bath and body products, post cards, candles, Christmas themed items like lavishly dressed Santas, tea, pottery, t-shirts, and books on Shenandoah Valley and Civil war history.

They also sell the numbered limited edition Christmas ornament commemorating Belle Grove Plantation.

The translucent glass ornament has a wintery scene of the home covered in snow. The photo was taken by Frank Caravalo and was produced locally.

Belle Grove will be decorated and open for Christmas Wednesday, December 30 and closed December 24 & 25.

Until December 30, guided tours of the decorated Manor House are offered Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.

- 4 p.m. with tours beginning at 15 minutes past each hour. The last tour begins at 3:15.

Self-guided tours of the decorated Manor House with candlelight and music are offered Friday and Saturday from 4-8 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission fees apply for both types of tours. Harpist Allen Dec will again perform on Saturday, December 28; Celtic Circle will again perform on Friday, December 27.

Special Holiday Music was provided earlier in December by: Deborah Balcom, Professor of Voice and Piano at Shenandoah University (soprano); Richard Follett (tenor and guitarist);

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The formal parlor, dressed in traditional American style, is graced by a 12-foot Christmas tree. Its fireplace has a marble mantel and 28 different wood motifs are evident in the room’s woodwork, all handmade by local craftsmen of the time Deborah Byrd (cellist), and Colleen Miller (pianist). John Tole of Evergreen Shade performed on December 13 and 20 and donated the Christmas tree in the Belle Grove Parlor. He will be performing on Saturday, December 26, from 6-8 p.m., and Sunday, December 27, from 3-5 p.m.

Children’s Storytime in the Parlor featuring ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Polar Express, and a Twelve Days of Christmas sing-along with Donna Hughes Head of the Youth Services Division at Bowman Library will be held again on Sunday, December 27 from 1-3 p.m.

Admission Fees are: Belle Grove Members and children

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Belle Grove is a National Trust historic site located at 336 Belle Grove Road just south of Middletown. Call (540) 869-2028, or visit www.bellegrove.org For information about the Winchester and Frederick County area “Top of Virginia Artisan Trail”, visit www.artisanscenterofvirginia.org – carol@areaguides.com

Page 20 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015 November 2015 Indictments – October Term Courtney Joseph Duren The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Courtney Joseph Duren, age and address unavailable, with four counts. COUNTS ONE through FOUR: In the County of Warren, Courtney Joseph Duren did unlawfully and feloniously distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, to-wit: Heroin. Dates of the offenses were on or about June 17, 30 and August 21, 2015.

Kelsey Diane Horn The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Kelsey Diane Horn, 27, of 1155 Ravenwood Rd., SC, 22655, with two counts. COUNTS ONE and TWO: Kelsey Diane Horn did unlawfully drive or operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, this being a second offense within five years of an offense and did unlawfully and feloniously operate a motor vehicle while her driver’s li-cense was revoked. Date of the offenses was on or about May 3, 2015.

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com

Bernice Virginia Paige

Alexander Francis Palmiere

The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Bernice Virginia Paige, 53, of 210 Virginia Ave., Apt. 2, Front Royal, VA 22630 with two counts.

COUNTS ONE and TWO: Bernice Virginia Paige did unlawfully drive or operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, this being a third offense committed within ten years of two prior offenses, and did unlawfully and feloniously operate a motor vehicle while her driver’s li-cense was revoked.

Date of the offenses was on or about September 11, 2015.

The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges that: on or about October 3, 2015, in the County of Warren, Alexander Francis Palmiere, 37, of 2508 E. Dale St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909, did unlawfully and feloniously take, drive or use a certain vehicle valued at $200.00 or more, the property of Azlee Bates, without the consent of said owner, in the absence of the owner, and with the intent to temporarily deprive the owner of his possession.

Elric Hakeem Wright

The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Shawn Christopher Thorne, 39, of 409 E. Criser Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, with two counts.

COUNTS ONE and TWO: Shawn Christopher Thorne did unlawfully and feloniously, take or obtain a credit card from the control or possession of another without the cardholder’s consent, with the intent to use said credit card, and did unlawfully and feloniously, with the intent to defraud, obtain cash or property with a value of less than $200 through the use of a credit card or credit

The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges that: on or about September 22, 2015, in the County of Warren, Elric Hakeem Wright, of 502 Viscose Ave., Front Royal, VA 22630, did unlawfully, feloniously, and intentionally destroy, deface, damage or remove without the intent to steal, the real or personal property of Tina Villatoro, the value of or damage to such property being $1,000.00 or more.

Shawn Christopher Thorne

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card number without the consent of the cardholder. Date of the offenses was on or about August 16, 2015.

Tamara Nicole Douglas The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Tamara Nicole Douglas, 28, of 1095 N. Royal Ave. #5, Front Royal, VA 22630, with three counts. COUNT ONE: Tamara Nicole Douglas did unlawfully and feloniously rob Peter Stauffer of U.S. Currency, and other property. COUNT TWO: did unlawfully and feloniously conspire to rob Peter Stauffer, by means of violence, assault or otherwise putting him in fear of serious bodily harm. COUNT THREE: did unlawfully assault and batter Billie Jo McBrearty. Dates of the offenses were on or about August 20 through 21, 2015.

Denise Nicole Miller The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Denise Nicole Miller, 31, of 1095 N. Royal Ave., Front Royal, VA 22630, with two counts. COUNT ONE: Denise Nicole Miller did unlawfully and feloniously rob Peter Stauffer of U.S. Currency, and other property.

COUNT TWO: did unlawfully and feloniously conspire to rob Peter Stauffer, by means of violence, assault or otherwise putting him in fear of serious bodily harm. Dates of the offenses were on or about August 20 through 21, 2015.

Mitchell Lee Douglas The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Mitchell Lee Douglas, 48, address unknown, with two counts. COUNT ONE: Mitchell Lee Douglas did unlawfully and feloniously rob Peter Stauffer of U.S. Currency, and other property. COUNT TWO: did unlawfully and feloniously conspire to rob Peter Stauffer, by means of violence, assault or otherwise putting him in fear of serious bodily harm. Dates of the offenses were on or about August 20 through 21, 2015.

Billie Jo McBrearty The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Billie Jo McBrearty, 43, of 813 N. Royal Ave., Front Royal, VA 22630, with two counts. COUNT ONE: Billie Jo McBrearty did unlawfully and feloniously rob Peter Stauffer of U.S. Currency, and other property. COUNT TWO: did unlawfully and feloniously

conspire to rob Peter Stauffer, by means of violence, assault or otherwise putting him in fear of serious bodily harm. Dates of the offenses were on or about August 20 through 21, 2015.

Lloyd Henry Heimerling Jr. The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Lloyd Henry Heimerling Jr., 30, of 1095 N. Royal Ave. #5, Front Royal, VA 22630, with four counts. COUNT ONE: Lloyd Henry Heimerling Jr. did unlawfully and feloniously rob Peter Stauffer of U.S. Currency, and other property. COUNT TWO: did unlawfully and feloniously conspire to rob Peter Stauffer, by means of violence, assault or otherwise putting him in fear of serious bodily harm.

COUNT THREE: did unlawfully obtain by false pretense money in the amount of $400.00 from Peter Stauffer, with the intent to defraud. COUNT FOUR: did unlawfully falsely assume or pretend to be a sheriff or peace officer, or any local city, county or state law-enforcement officer, or who falsely assumes or pretends to be any such officer. Dates of the offenses were on or about August 20 through 21, 2015.

Rodney Douglas Haynes Jr. The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Rodney Douglas Haynes Jr., 33, of 479 Limeton Church Rd., Bentonville, VA 22610, with three counts. COUNTS ONE through THREE: Rodney Douglas Haynes Jr. did unlawfully take steal, and carry away the goods and chattels belonging to Virginia State Police, having a value of less than $200.00, and did unlawfully take steal, and carry away the goods and chattels of Target, with a value of $200.00 or more.

Dates of the offenses were on or about September 27, 25, and 23, 2015.

Scarlet Lee Vandeman The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges that: on or about October 18, 2015, in the County of Warren, Scarlet Lee Vandeman, 57, of 377B W. 19th St., Front Royal, VA 22630, did unlawfully and feloniously, with the intention of converting goods and merchandise to her own use without having paid the full price thereof, willfully conceal the goods or merchandise of Walmart, having previously been convicted of larceny or an offense deemed as larceny two or more times.

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com Larry Allen Forbus The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges that: on or about August 10, 2015, in the County of Warren, Larry Allen Forbus, age and address unavailable, did unlawfully and feloniously communicate to Virginia Mae Mills information, knowing the same to

be false, as to the existence of any peril or bombing or burning of a building.

Christopher David Senter The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges that: on or about November 15, 2015, in the County of Warren, Christopher David Senter, 39,

Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 21

of 620 Meadow Lane, Front Royal, VA 22630, did unlawfully and feloniously drive or operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol level greater than 0.08 grams per liter of breath, this being a subsequent offense committed after a prior conviction of a felony offense.

Call in a tip on a crime and you may Receive a reward of up to $1,000 *You will remain anonymous* www.crimesolvers.us

540-665-TIPS

CRIME OF THE WEEK

Frederick County Crime of the Week The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two burglaries and grand larcenies to local businesses that occurred on November 21, 2015. The first incident occurred at Smith’s Grocery located at 3430 Northwestern Pike and the second at Gainesboro Market, located at 4780 North Frederick Pike. In each instance, entry was forced and numerous cartons of Marlboro cigarettes were taken. A similar incident occurred at Ridge Country Store, located at 2118 North Frederick Pike on October 1, 2015.

If you have any information regarding a suspect or a suspect vehicle in these incidents, please contact the Crime Solvers Hotline at (540) 665TIPS (8477). Information leading to the arrest of a suspect may result in a reward of up to $1,000.

Incident #’s 15006053, 15006054 and 15005119 Investigator C. T. Streit

Tires stolen from Malloy Ford The Winchester Police Department is investigating a theft at Malloy Ford located at 1911 Valley Avenue. The incident occurred on October 8, around 11:15 pm. The suspects stole two tires from a vehicle on the lot. In addition, two tires were stolen from another vehicle on the lot during the night of September 28. Please please contact the Crime Solvers Hotline at 540-665-TIPS (8477) with information regarding the suspects or the suspects’ vehicle. Information leading to the arrest of a suspect may result in a reward of up to $1,000. Incident 15039070, 15037822

Page 22 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015

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American Legion Community Band plays the sounds of Christmas

Conductor Ed Richards directs the Community Band at the Annual Community Band Christmas Concert

By Timothy Ratigan Warren & Frederick County Report Every year the American Legion Community band practices for weeks on end preparing to entertain the community of Front Royal and Warren County during the Christmas/Holiday Season and every year the band holds a concert at the Boggs Chapel at Randolph Macon Academy for the community.

Every year the concert doubles as a fund raiser. The plate is passed during the concert and donations collected are given to either the Salvation Army or to C-CAP. And every year my wife and I have attended this concert and have thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to it every year. We are both lovers of music and the fact that the concert doubles as a fundraiser to help members of our community only makes it that more special. This year was no different.

This year brought a wonderful display of instrumental talent as the band performed such favorites as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, “The Christmas Song”, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”, “Do You Hear What I Hear”, and included a rendition of “Christmas Time Is Here”, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Peanuts Christmas Special.

For those readers who do not yet

know what the community band is, here is some history about the band that has been an integral part of our community since 1986.

While researching its history, I found this on the site’s website.

Since 1986 the Community Band sponsored by the Giles B. Cook Post #53 American Legion has been a staple for the community, but it hasn’t always been so.

Vern, Stollings, a Browntown resident, felt that Browntown’s Fourth of July celebration needed music so he and three others decided to form a small band for the day. They practiced for the big day and when it arrived, they marched in the parade as a four-piece band and played patriotic music. The celebration was hailed as a success.

Bill Nuernberg, a Front Royal resident and member of the American Legion Post #53, happened to hear Vern make a wish that day. He wished that Front Royal could have a community band. Bill never forgot those words.

Vern talked to many people about forming a community band but no one seemed to think it could work.

He even spoke to Harry Parker, the high school band director at the time, but Harry felt there wasn’t enough interest in the town.

Vern died in 1981 and never saw his dream become a reality.

The idea for a community band existed only as a wish until one day in 1986, Bill Nuernberg happened to have a conversation with John Russell, the band director at the high school in Front Royal at the time. Bill mentioned Vern’s idea for a community band and John responded with something like this, “I was just waiting for someone to ask.”

John and his wife Melinda, also a music teacher, contacted their friend Ed Richards, the band director at Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, and the three of them began forming the band. Ed supplied the band room at R-MA for rehearsals and around 35 people showed up for the first practice. They discovered there were many people in the local area who were just waiting for the opportunity to play in a community band.

Bill Nuernberg arranged to take on the band as a project for the American Legion Post #53. The post donated $500 to form the band and has been sponsoring it ever since.

Thanks to the Giles B. Cook Post #53 the band doesn’t have to worry about finances. All concerts are free and open to the public.

The American Legion Community Band has become a tradition and no public celebration would be complete without it. Its biggest event is the an-

nual Independence Day celebration at the Northern Va. 4-H Center in Front Royal.

The community band has three primary conductors: Edwin Richards, Robert Johnson and Ronald Dye and three Conductors Emeriti: John Russell, Melinda Russell and Stephen Sell. John Vance is the Master of Ceremonies and Narrator.

The band holds concerts and performances throughout the year with the Summer Gazebo performances and finishes the summer schedule with the annual concert at the 4-H Center followed by a fireworks display donated by members and businesses of the community.

They also hold a fall concert at the Boggs Chapel at R-MA followed by their annual Christmas/Holiday concert. The Christmas concert traditionally doubles as a fundraiser for Salvation Army and C-CAP to help the local community. Each Christmas concert usually raises about $400 to $600 for the needy in the community.

This year’s concert was no different. After the collection was taken up, a total of $490 was raised for C-CAP. The Concert usually draws just under 100 people. Most of the participants are family members and friends of the members of the community band. So next year if you are

Randolph-Macon Academy President Brigadier General David C. Wesley, USAF Ret. welcomes the community to the Annual Community Band Christmas Concert/Fundraiser looking for a wonderful, heartwarming outing to take the family to, think of our own community band and come and share an evening of music and giving.

For information, visit www.alcband.org – tim@areaguides.com

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Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 23

What’s next for Front Royal/Warren County in 2016?

Town and county officials map out their goals and plans for our area

By Carol Ballard Warren & Frederick County Report Looking forward to the new year, our editorial team contacted top officials of Front Royal and Warren County asking them to weigh in on their plans and hopes for 2016 and beyond, and to see what their most important projects and goals were for the town and county.

Several of the projects were joint efforts of town, county and the EDA (Economic Development Authority) and are just now getting underway. Groundbreaking for the long-awaited Leach Run Parkway happened on December 16, and the construction of a kiss-and-ride facility on Freezeland Road for bus drop-off will begin December 24.

First to respond to our request for information was Front Royal’s Chief of Police, Norman Shiflett.

“Our ultimate goal is to make our communities a safer place,” he said.

As to specific plans, he listed a few projects and hires that will be implemented.

“The Front Royal Police Department has been working with the Moseley architectural firm in designing a new police headquarters. We are currently in the programming stage. The new police headquarters is slated to be built on a five acre tract of Town owned property located on Kendrick Lane adjacent to the former Avtex site. As the design progresses we will keep the public informed,” he said.

And the Front Royal Police Department hired a part time Community Resource Officer (CRO) in April 2015.

The CRO is a sworn police officer assigned to focus on social and community issues. The CRO strives to develop a rela-

tionship between the police department and community members, to address issues and solve problems through collaboration with residences, businesses, and media sources. The CRO will be responsible for organizing and coordinating approved special events that may impact safety and security as well as assisting with the police department’s Public Information Officer (PIO), to provide accurate and timely news releases to keep our citizens informed about incidents that occur in Front Royal.

“The Front Royal Police Department and The Warren County Sheriff ’s Office along with our neighboring Law Enforcement agencies will continue to work together by sharing information and assisting one another when needed,” he concluded.

Warren County Administrator Douglas Stanley responded to the request for

county goals and contributed the top ones for 2016 “as previously established by the Board of Supervisors as part of the 2015 Adopted Goals Statement”.

They are: Construction of Morgan Ford Bridge, scheduled to start in spring 2016 Construction of Leach Run Parkway with groundbreaking occurring on December 16, 2015 Completion of easement project for Front Royal/Warren County Airport for this year Construction of a kiss-and-ride facility on Freezeland Road for bus drop-off. This project will begin December 24, 2015 Construction of second middle school—three months Install traffic signal on Rt. 340/522 north to address safety issue at McDonalds/Hampton Inn entrance, to start in January 2016

Completion of security improvements to the Commissioner of the Revenue and Treasurer’s Office, now under construction, and to be completed March 2016 Completion of Skyline Soccerplex, now under construction, with a year for completion Establish a path forward for Fire Company 2 and Company 8, now working on station replacement plans for Company 2 Expansion of Park and Ride Facilities, with construction in 2016 Complete implementation of Springsted Management Study of Building Inspections Department, to be done on July 1, 2016 Complete implementation of EnerGov software for Building Inspections, County Planning, and Town Planning, sched-

See FUTURE, 24

Page 24 â&#x20AC;˘ Warren & Frederick County Report â&#x20AC;˘ Late December, 2015 FUTURE, from 23 uled for three months Replacement of Shenandoah Farms Compactor Site, with a goal of 1-2 years Update of FY2014-2015 Capital Improvement Plan. The planning commission is now drafting the Plan After contacting the town officials, Town Manager Steven Burke and Mayor Timothy Darr collaborated on a statement of goals for the town in 2016. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Town of Front Royal has started a number of projects and initiatives that will continue into 2016 that will ultimately enhance our community,â&#x20AC;? their joint statement began.

First on the list of many projects that are in the works is construction of the Leach Run Parkway. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Town has worked with Warren County and the Economic Development Authority on this,â&#x20AC;? they said.

The Parkway will connect Happy Creek Road to John Marshall Highway to provide a western route for residents to travel through town. In addition, the Parkway will facilitate development of the new middle school, additional residential subdivisions, and the Valley Health property. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Town is also working with Warren County and the Economic Development Authority to continue development of the Royal Phoenix/Avtex property.

With the commitment from IT Federal and CBM Mortgage to locate their businesses to the site, we anticipate further commercial development of this site. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will continue to design and construct the extension of Main Street through the property to connect this commercial location with our downtown. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the Town will continue to pursue every opportunity to attract and retain businesses in Front Royal,â&#x20AC;? they said.

Another goal for 2016 is to fill the Community Development Director position to provide a resource to business owners.

The job description for this Town employee was developed with the assistance

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of members of the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Authority, and some local business owners.

This individual will work with the EDA to identify the appropriate businesses to Front Royal and to assist them as they get established and expand in town.

The Town also anticipates selection by the Department of Housing and Community Development as a Virginia Main Street Community in 2016. The Town worked with the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Front Royal organization to submit an application to be designated as a Main Street Community.

Once recognized, the Town will work with the Chamber and DFR to pursue grants to implement the organization

necessary to work with downtown merchants to enhance the business climate in town. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Town will continue to pursue trail and sidewalk construction throughout our community. Our focus in 2016 will be to identify funding to complete the Criser Road Trail to unify the Royal Shenandoah Greenway. We will also be constructing a sidewalk on Westminster Drive to provide enhance pedestrian access to the high school and elementary school. We will continue to work with Warren County Schools to prioritize other projects to enhance safe access to schools. We will also continue our program to install pedestrian signalization at all signalized intersections,â&#x20AC;? they added.

The Town will also work to develop a long range Trail and Sidewalk Program; to identify additional projects to enhance pedestrian and bicycle access throughout the community. â&#x20AC;?Working with our Planning Commission, Town Council will provide a road map to our future transportation planning,â&#x20AC;? they stated.

The Town will continue construction of improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet compliance requirements with the Chesapeake Bay Act. This work will also provide additional treatment for future residential and com-

mercial development in the town. They will also continue the program to reduce inflow and infiltration in the sanitary sewer system.

And finally, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Town will continue to evaluate opportunities to enhance our power supply program to continue to provide consistent electric service at the lowest utility rates possible,â&#x20AC;? they promised.

This is the first of a two-part series designed to bring the town and county leadersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; visions of the future in our community. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; carol@areaguides.com

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Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 25

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com

Warren County Report R-MA Middle School Rotary to Make Check Presentation to Able Forces On Thursday, December 17, 2015, the Randolph-Macon Academy Middle School Interact Club will present Skip Rogers, CEO and Founder of Able Forces (http://ableforces.org/), a check for $500 to sponsor a wounded veteran and his/her family this Christmas season. The funds were raised by the Middle School Interact Club, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Warren County.

The check presentation will take place at the Randolph-Macon Academy Middle School Dining Hall at 12:30 pm.

Council Vacancy The Front Royal Town Council will be accepting applications from Town citizens who are interested in serving on the Town Council for an unexpired term left by Councilman Daryl L. Funk who was recently elected as Warren County Clerk of the Court.

Applicants interested in applying must 1) had been qualified to vote in the Commonwealth of Virginia general election this past November; 2) have been a resident of the Commonwealth for at least one year preceding the November election; and, 3) have been a resident of the Town of Front Royal for a minimum of thirty days.

Applicants may apply online through the Town’s website at www. frontroyalva.com or by Letter of Interest to the Town’s Human Resources Department at jbush@frontroyalva.com.

Applications accepted December 14, 2015 – January 4, 2016. The term ends December 31, 2016.

Checkpoint Summary On Saturday, December 05, the Front Royal Police Department, with assistance from the Warren County Sheriff ’s Office, set up a joint sobriety and safety checkpoint from 9:00 pm until 11:00 pm on John Marshall Highway at Westminster Drive.

The checkpoint results included: 452 vehicles screened four citations for driving suspended / operating a vehicle without a license six expired inspections one illegal narcotics violation Eight Front Royal Police officers, three Warren County Sheriff ’s Office deputies, and one Front Royal Communications Officer participated in the checkpoint that was funded by a grant from the Virginia Highway Safety Program and the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

We would like to thank all who passed through the checkpoint for slowing down, and for their cooperation and patience while at the site in an effort to deter motorists from choosing to drive after drinking. According to Captain Kevin Nicewarner, officers with the police department will be conducting selective enforcements throughout the holiday season; focusing on preventing motor vehicle accidents and the detection of motor vehicle violations, including driving under the influence.

First Night Front Royal Join friends and family for the inaugural “First Night Front Royal” celebration, on New Year’s Eve – Thursday, December 31, 2015 from 6:00pm to midnight.

The Town of Front Royal has lined up an evening of fun and FREE entertainment in the heart of downtown. Along Main Street there will be music, magic, games and fun for the whole family. From 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Front Royal United Methodist Church located at 1 W Main Street, will host a variety of performers, including the Silent Monks and the Front Royal Oratorio Society. At the same time, various Main Street businesses will be transformed into performance venues with all kinds of family-friendly entertainment. At 8:00pm, the Gazebo becomes the main stage for more music, dance and fun – lasting until midnight – at which time we welcome 2016!

The Front Royal Visitors Center

See BRIEFS, 26

Page 26 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015 BRIEFS, from 25 will be open from 8:00pm to midnight selling snacks (popcorn is free).

Join in for a fun-filled, first-ever “First Night Front Royal.”

For more information visit www.

DiscoverFrontRoyal.com. For interview and press articles please contact Visitors Center Coordinator Tim Smith at the Visitors Center or by calling 540-635-5788.

Warren County Community Center The Warren County Community Center will be closed from 11:45 am till 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 16 to the general public, so the staff can attend the County of Warren Annual Christmas Luncheon.

The Warren County Community Center will re-open at 2:00 pm.

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com Adult Open Basketball This program is held on Wednesdays at the Warren County Health and Human Services Complex Gym, 465 W. 15th Street, Front Royal, from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. for those ages 16 years of age and older, January 6, 2016 through March 2, 2016. The cost of the program is $3.00 per participant.

Registration information can be

Three charged in Criser Rd. heroin bust

obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@ warrencountyva.net.

Ballet I This class is a wonderful way for a child to experience the basics of ballet without a yearlong commitment.

It affords them the opportunity to learn the basic ballet position, terminology, skill building, movement through music and getting creative with kids their age.

This class is designed for the beginner or the first/second year dance student and open to both boys and girls, ages 4-9 years.

The session will be held January 6, 2016 through February 10, 2016.

Classes will be held, Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. at the RES Youth Center, 200 E. 8th Street, Front Royal.

The cost is $55.00 per participant for the 6 week session. Minimum of 5 students are needed in order to hold the class.

For more information regarding class instruction, please email zumba. lizi@gmail.com. Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@warrencountyva.net.

Fly Tying Classes Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited (NSVTU), will offer a seven-week Beginning Fly Tying Course in Front Royal at Martin’s

SOLD

!

Delton Robinson

Robert Hall Fletcher

Chelsea Jade Wines

On December 15, 2015, members of the Northwest Regional Drug Task Force and Warren County Probation and Parole went to 411 East Criser Road, Apartment 204 to speak with the residents. While probation officers were speaking with the occupants of the residence, several items of contraband were observed in plain view. Chief Norman Shiflett advised that officers secured the residence and obtained a search warrant.

After successfully obtaining and executing the search warrant, 20 individually wrapped packages of Heroin were located along with approximately 0.1 grams of crack cocaine. Additional items of paraphernalia, packaging material, measuring devices and U.S. Currency were also discovered within the residence.

Charges were placed against both Robert Hall Fletcher, 28, and Chelsea Jade Wines, 24, for possession

of heroin with intent to distribute.

Charges were also placed against Jeromie Delton Robinson, 29, for possession of heroin and possession of paraphernalia.

If anyone has any additional information pertaining to this matter, they are asked to contact Detective J. Tanner of the Front Royal Police Department at 540-635-2111 or jtanner@frontroyalva.com – from a release

Front Royal fire destroys townhouse

3 BR, 2 Bath on a full partially finished basement in Warren County.

1 acre corner lot with hard surfaced road frontage.

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On Wednesday, December 9th just before 11am, the Department of Fire and Rescue Services were alerted for a residential fire at 1365 Robinhood Lane in Front Royal.

Firefighters arrived with-in minutes and found a 2 story duplex with significant fire conditions on the first and second floors of the home. It was determined that the sole occupant of the home at the time of the fire was able to escape but multiple animals remained trapped inside.

With fire threating the adjoining unit, firefighter’s initiated an aggressive fire suppression effort to combat the blaze, protect the adjoining home and rescue the animals. Fire-

fighters were able to prevent the fire from consuming the neighboring home but were unfortunately unable to reach the pets in time. A female occupant of the home was treated at the scene for minor burn injuries, a total of 3 pets died inside the home.

The fire incident caused over $150,000.00 in damages and displaced the four occupants of the home which have received assistance from the American Red Cross. The fire incident is under investigation by the Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office. Engine Companies 2. 4, Trucks 1 and 10 responded on first alarm and Engines

9 and Ambulance 5 responded on 2nd Alarm. Fire under control in twenty minutes.

“This tragic incident just before the holidays should serve as a reminder that fire can strike any time” stated Fire Chief Richard E. Mabie.

The Department wants to remind everyone that now is the perfect time to check your smoke alarm in your home, discuss fire safety with your family and ensure your home is fire safe. For more information on how to protect your family and home from the dangers of fire, please visit www.warrencountyfire. com – from a release

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Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com Food Market Community Room, Thursday, January 28th, 2016, starting at 7 p.m. Classes will continue for six additional Thursday evenings, from 7 to 9 p.m. Class members will learn to tie flies suitable for catching trout, bass, and panfish in the local area and will gain skills useful for any type of fly tying.

The fee for each class member is $95.00 which includes hooks, materials, and a fly tying booklet, all of which class members will keep. Class members will need to furnish their own fly tying tools but these will not be needed for the first class on January 28th. At that first class, we will discuss tool selection, demonstrate their use, and share purchase options and local sources. Please go to the NSVTU website, www.nsvtu.org, for a listing of tools. If you choose, NSVTU can order a serviceable set of tying tools for you to use and keep for $40 or less retail (at 2015 prices) plus

shipping and sales tax. Class members who prefer to buy their tools in this manner may pay for such a set of tools at the first class meeting, January 28th, for delivery the following class. Class size is limited to permit personal instruction. To register for the classes, or for more information, please call Mike, at TheKilnDoctor. com, (540) 636-6016, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, before January 20th. Those having questions about course content may call instructor Bud Brune, (540) 6753183.

Defensive Firearms of Virginia, LLC Class The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with the National Rifle Association will be holding a Defensives Firearms Class for those interested on Saturday, January 9, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00

p.m. at the Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal.

This class is open to anyone 10 years of age and older; those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

This class is a complete program covering the basics of firearm safety and is designed for individuals using all types of firearms.

This course will cover: Gun Education, Gun Safety, Hand to Hand Combat, Aiming/Firing a Gun, and Gun Cleaning The cost is $75.00 per participant and is limited to 35 participants; preregistration is required. For more information about the course contact Rex King at DFV357@yahoo.com.

Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@ warrencountyva.net.

Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 27 “Learn to Play” Mah Jongg Mah Jongg is a four person table game played with Chinese tiles. 13 tiles are dealt and are used to create hands with runs and sets similar to rummy. In this class players will learn the names of the tiles, procedures of the game and the creation of winning hands as determined by the National Mah Jongg League.

This program will be held Wednesdays, January 6, 2016 through January 27, 2016, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The cost of the Mah Jongg “Learn

to Play” program is $15.00 per player, which includes a player card. ($6.00 if you are already in possession of your own player card).

This program will be held at the Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal. For more information about the game of Mah Jongg, please contact the instructor at (540) 252-4252. Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@warrencoun-

See BRIEFS, 28

Linden 7-Eleven robbed

The Warren County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating a robbery that occurred at the 7-11 Store located at 4697 John Marshall Highway in Linden, Virginia. At approximately 12:55 a.m. on December 11, 2015, the Sheriff ’s Office received a phone call from clerk working at the 7-11 advising she had been robbed.

The suspect entered the 7-11 carrying a light colored purse style bag and while holding one hand in the bag told the clerk to give him all the money. The clerk then opened one

of the registers giving the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect then exited the store and left the area in an unknown manner.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’2” to 5’3” in height, approximately 120 lbs., wearing a ski mask, dark blue jacket with a hood, dark colored pants with white stripes, white tennis shoes and some type of light colored rubber/latex gloves.

The Sheriff ’s Office has also de-

termined that there was at least one other subject in the area during the incident and could have possibly observed this suspect. Anyone who has observed this suspect during the incident is urged to please come forward with any information they can provide, the person’s identity could be kept confidential.

This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Investigator J. M. Bates at 540-635-7100 or 540-635-4128.

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Page 28 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015 tyva.net.

Mah Jongg “Players Club” Players will play several hands of Mah Jongg against skilled opponents.

This club meets on Tuesdays, January 5, 2016 through January 26, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Ave., Front Royal. The cost for the club is $6.00 per player and players must bring their own players card.

For more information about the Mah Jongg “Players Club”, please contact instructor at (540) 252-4252.

Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@ warrencountyva.net.

Gymnastic Program The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department will be accepting registrations for their Gymnastics program, for those ages 4 years and older, beginning Monday, January 4, 2016.

The classes that will be offered are: Beginners: Girls ages 4 years old and older with no experience. 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Intermediate I: All ages (see back of reg. form for requirements). 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Intermediate II: 11+ years (see back of reg. form for requirements). 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Advanced: All ages (see back of reg. form for requirements). 1:00 p.m.

– 2:00 p.m.

Boys: 4 year olds & up 2:00 p.m.

– 3:00 p.m.

All classes will be held at the Warren County Health and Human Services Complex Gym, 465 W. 15th Street, Front Royal, on Saturdays, April 2, 2016 through May 14, 2016.

The cost of the gymnastics program is $82.00 per child and includes the uniform. Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center

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at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@warrencountyva.net. Registration will only be accepted through March 18, 2016.

Volleyball Camp The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with the Warren County Middle School, will be sponsoring a Volleyball Camp for students in 6th through 8th grade, at the Warren County Middle School Gym on Saturday, January 16, 2016, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The cost is $25.00 per participant, and each camper will need to bring lunch and a drink. For more information contact Matt Hopple at (540)635-2194. Registration forms are available at the Warren County Community Center. For more information contact the Warren County Community Center at (540)6351021.

Youth Open Gym This program is held on Sundays at

the Warren County Health and Human Services Complex Gym, 465 W. 15th Street, Front Royal, VA 22630, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for those ages 15 years of age and younger, January 3, 2016 through March 27, 2016.

The cost of the program is $3.00 per participant.

Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@ warrencountyva.net.

New Master Gardener Class Forming The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association is accepting applications through January 8th for its 2016 Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Class.

Residents of the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren are invited to enroll. To request an application or find more information, please go to http://nsvmga.org/join/ or email mark.sutphin@ vt.edu.

Gift cards don’t have to be used before Christmas -- just purchased! Whether seeking a gift card, or just wanting your cat or dog spayed or neutered, contact Spay Today.

Chose from MANY vets over a WIDE area!

NEW vets added!

Contact Spay Today: www.baacs.org or call 304-728-8330

For Sale: LZS8WSS/LZWSR ELKAY EZH20 BOTTLE FILLING STATION $300 — Front Royal. In box not used call 540-671-2054

EMPLOYMENT Looking for Nail Tech Instructor/ Nail Tech willing to teach. For more info.. visit Star Beauty School Tuesday-Friday 10 am to 6 pm at 2263 Valor Dr. Winchester

Long Time Collections for sale: Carnival Glass, Pottery; E. Texas, Roseville, Depression glass (green and pink), Jewelry from the 50’s and forward. Call 540-635-1612

Email: Dan@AreaGuides.com

We Believe.

We strive to hire and keep the brightest and the best. And to do that, we’ve put together perks designed to make you smile - even before you pick up your paycheck. From flexible schedules and competitive wages to management training. Our benefits let you know you’re a valued part of our team.

Apply Online www.mcvirginia.com/12132 or www.mcvirginia.com/2075

Mercury outboards; 20 hp $800.00, 10 hp $500.00, Prentice vise “old 108” 6” jaws $1000.00, Helen Jean Smith 1987 framed Edinburg print $400.00, John J Pershing 1927 signed photo to General Passaga $1600.00, Antique Oak Ice box, 3 door org wheels $1200.00; Aluminum Light Poles 12’ tall x 4” od, square anchor, call 540-6602913 Dolls for sale, all prices. Cookie Jars, $20 and up.. Old wicker baby stroller, $100.

Large ceramic owl, $25.00. Blue canning jars $4 each. Mens size 11 Florsheim shoes, like new, $50. Old Schwinn girls bicycle, needs tires, $50. Call 540-662-9023

Now Hiring Ad Sales Reps

Benefits

Spay Today

2003 Ford Taurus with 135k miles. Fully loaded - leather seats 3.0L V6 Blue/Gray asking $1800. Please call 540-545-8933 leave message anytime, will call back. Jim.

1981 C30 1 ton Dually 350ci 4sp 75220 org miles, mechanics bed & top, runs needs some work--540-660-2913

We believe the words “Welcome to McDonald’s” should apply to our employees just as much as our customers. We’re proud of our food, and we’re just as proud of the jobs we create.

our area’s non-profit, reduced-priced spay and neuter program.

MISCELLANEOUS

1994 Chevrolet Van, 3/4 ton high top conversion. 350 V8. Runs Great $1000 Call 540459-1748

Working Here

Gift cards from

AUTOS

2013 Toyota Corolla for sale, 4-cyl, dohc 16 valve, 4sp-auto, AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth, Magnet grey/bl int., 16” spoke alloy wheels, $15,000/Neg. 540-636-0490 or 540-6310539 leave message

We believe the best people in the world work right here. And we believe you could be one of them.

Need the “Purrfect Present”?

Classifieds

Job Fair Staff Management Group at the Virginia Employment Commission Winchester office. 100 Premier Place, 540 535-2875 Tuesday, August 25th, 2015 from 10-4pm Current Job Openings. Contact the VEC for additional information at 540-722-3420 or 540-535-2875 or Winchester@vec.virginia. gov. Please enter “Employer Services” in the subject line and job number and title when you inquire about the position: Job Number / Title 694995 / Structural Engineer 694401 / PT Bakery Outlet Clerk 694630 / Release of Information Specialist Clinic Pt 694512 / Direct Support Professional/Home Health Aide (Caregiver) Many options 694058 / Industrial Electrician 694050 / Mechanical/Electrical Systems Maintenance Supervisor 693885 / Truck Driver 693640 / Service Tech Refrigeration Repair 693678 / Office Administrator 693124 / Kitchen Utility Worker-Dishwasher 693043 / Survey Field Technician 692955 / FT Security Officers 692743 / OS-Project Manager 692720 / Dietary Aide - Front Royal 692705 / Cook-Front Royal 692592 / Splunk Engineer- Martinsburg

RENTALS Rental, Temporary housing. Mountain Lodge, high atop High Knob. 2-BR,2-BA full furnished, Winter rate $2,200 mthly incl.all util. maidservice + snow removal. Avail.Dec.5 call 703-860-2711 110 N. Massanutten Street, Strasburg, Va. Commerical space. $750 per side. Call 202302-9129

Your business listed here. 6 lines only $35.00 for 4 weeks.

Ad pre-payment required.

Email: classifieds@fredcoreport.com or call Angie at 540-671-2054

Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 29

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com

Death notices

Thomas A. Grove, Sr., 77, of Frederick County, Virginia, died Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675, Winchester SPCA, 115 Featherbed Lane, Winchester, VA 22601 or to your favorite charity Jeremy Dwayne McDonald, 39, of Middletown, Virginia, died Friday, December 11, 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BB&T Bank, Middletown, c/o Tyler J. McDonald, 7800 Main Street – P.O. Box 253, Middletown, Virginia, 22645.

Samuel James Volpe, 98, of Berryville, Virginia, died Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at a local nursing home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate Lester Linwood DeHaven, 85, of Winchester, VA passed away on December 9, 2015 in the Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601; Adult Care Center, 411 North Cameron Street, Suite 100, Winchester, VA 22601 or Welltown United Methodist Church, 1444 Welltown Road, Clear Brook, VA 22624 Mary Francis Carter, 95, of Winchester, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2015. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington D.C, 20037.

Helen “Bobby” Thompson went to be with her Lord peacefully while surrounded by family on Monday, December 7, 2015, at Winchester Medical Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2774 Northwestern Pike, Winchester, Virginia, 22603.

Frances Mae Garrett, 95, of Winchester, VA went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, December 4, 2015. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Memorial contributions may be made to Winchester Grace Brethren Church, 143 Greenwood Road, Winchester, Virginia 22602 Randy Eugene Gaston, 57, White Post, VA, passed away suddenly on Monday, December 14, 2015 in Winchester Medical Center. In lieu of flowers the family wishes for donations to be made to the SPCA, 115 Featherbed Lane, Winchester, VA 22601.

Ann Bailey Kerr, 18, of Winchester, VA, passed away on December 12, 2015 at Winchester Medical Center. Because of her love for animals, the family requests that donations in her memory be made to the Esther Boyd Animal Shelter of Frederick County, 161 Fort Collier Rd., Winchester, VA 22603 or the Winchester SPCA, 115 Featherbed Lane, Winchester, VA 22601.

BLACKOUT: When your alternator gives out at night

By Teresa Brumback Warren & Frederick County Report

You never know when your alternator might give out. Mine did at night, and it was a terrifying life and death situation that I’ll never forget.

Fortunately, it turned out all right with no one hurt.

I never knew this until it happened, but when an alternator gives out, nothing in the car works, not even the emergency flashers for which I fumbled. My hands were shaking I couldn’t even find the little pen lights I had in the car, a 2000-something

Ford Mazda.

Imagine tooling down a highway at night and then suddenly being completely blind while your car, out of the blue, careens and roars as it stops all at once. That was what it was like last year when I found myself stopped on US 340 in Warren County a few miles south of town on a treacherous curve with no place to pull over or even drift over, nothing but guard rails up against the road.

I had just bought the alternator a few months earlier, so why did it give out? I don’t know for sure, but the guy at the local auto parts dealer told me

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that unless you get a good one from a car dealer, they can be junk and you don’t know it. They are rebuilt and coming from China, he explained.

I’m not a car person and haven’t delved into it.

He was working for the popular auto parts retailer that sold me the alternator in the first place, and here he was telling me there was no way of guaranteeing they were safe or how long they would last? That was troubling to me.

But when an alternator gives out, everything in the car—lights, brakes, power steering, etc.—goes dead. I learned that that awful night.

I had just come from Front Royal where I had a nighttime cleaning job. My car cut out a couple times as I was leaving town, once by the dumpster where some nice man gave me a jump start. The second time it wouldn’t start after I stopped to get a bite to eat.

So Dennis, my boyfriend, arrived quickly and gave me a jump start. We thought all was fine. It wasn’t.

I was driving down 340 while he was in his van behind me when suddenly I had no control over the car.

Everything went pitch black. There were no lights anywhere in the vicinity and it was not a “moon-shiney” night as we say in the country. When I say pitch black, I couldn’t see anything, not even my hand in front of me. I fumbled for a flashlight for a few seconds, then realized I could be hit head-on if I didn’t get the car off the road. I got out of the car and to my horror, realized I was in the oncoming lane of traffic!

Fortunately, no cars came up. I finally found a pen light and waved away the ones that did. My boyfriend came up behind me and fortunately, did not plow into me. He saw what was happening and told me to stay in the car while he pushed me backwards, uphill, to a little tiny spot just big enough for my car to squeeze into.

Keep in mind I had no power steering. Just trying to steer at all took every ounce of arm strength I had. There really wasn’t much steering left.

To get my car to move, he had to repeatedly ram his van up against the front of my car so it would climb

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uphill backwards. So I steered as best as I could, trying to keep it off the guardrail that was between me and a big drop-off. I was just a few inches from the guardrail, so that was not a great feeling and I don’t normally get claustrophobia.

But finally he got me off the road.

Neither one of us had a working cell phone on us so we flagged down someone who called police and my tow truck driver.

“It’s really bad this time,” I told him. “Can you please come out right away?”

He did. He was there in five or ten minutes. He pulled in the road, lifted my car up and was gone into the night. I never saw any police.

I learned two things from this: Somehow make sure you have a good alternator; be prepared because anything can still go wrong, and always carry flashlights and flares. I don’t know many people who carry flares but they are always good to have.

The American Automobile Association which I have been a member of off and on my whole life, does a good job of selling auto safety kits which include flares. It would be a great present to give someone for Christmas. I just might break down and buy one for myself.

With a membership you get free road assistance including a jump start and a gallon of gas if you run out. It’s well worth it. My late aunt, when she lived in Wheaton, MD, used to take advantage of the program by calling them every morning before work to jump start her car, rather than shell out the money to buy a new battery.

I don’t recommend that.

I do recall them tweaking the rules of the “road assistance” several years ago. It was probably because of her, but I can’t say for sure. I can’t say I blame them.

Triple A has always been there for me and so has my favorite tow truck driver, who is AAA-certified. Find a tow truck driver you like and stick with them. When I call them I ask for him and him alone.

Sometimes the drivers are a bit rough looking with tattoos and talk about their “pet” Rottweilers and pit bulls, but they are usually dependable, nice hard-working people who might drive you home if you ask them. It’s a lot better than hitchhiking.

– brumback@areaguides.com

Page 30 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015

Saturday, December 19 Forecast 41° | 27° 7am – 11am Country Breakfast. North Warren Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company #10.

89 Rockland Road, Front Royal. All you can eat pancakes, biscuits, sausages, bacon, sausage and chip beef gravy, scrambled eggs, baked apples, coffee, juice, and hot tea. Adults $8.00; 4 to 12 years old $4.00; under 3 free.

8am - 12pm Breakfast with Santa. Round Hill Community Fire & Rescue, Round Hill Rd, Winchester.

Breakfast of biscuits, sausage & gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee and orange juice. $6. Pictures with Santa. Bake sale items available for purchase.

8am - 4pm Warren County Fair Flea Market. Warren County Fairgrounds. The Flea Market is open every weekend expect during the fair.

For more information, call (540) 6355827.

10am - 11am Chess Champs.

Bowman Library, 871 Tasker Road, Stephens City. Lead by members of Shenandoah Valley Chess for all ages and skill levels. Contact Donna

Hughes, (540) 869-9000 x215.

1pm - 2pm Tour Handley Library.

Staff members and volunteers will give tours, concentrating on the architecture and history of the library.

The tours will take you behind the scenes to all floors of the library, including the famous glass floors and the well under the stage. The tours are free, but making reservations is helpful.

6:30pm - 9:30pm Bingo. North Fork Resort Associates, 301 North Fork Road, Front Royal. Doors open at 4:30. Early birds at 6:30. Food

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available for purchase. Door prizes, progressive games, queen of hearts, progressive pull tab. Also, brand new Electronic pull tab games. Find us on Facebook. (540) 636-7152. Must be 12 to play. No smoking.

Sunday, December 20 8am - 4pm Warren County Fair Flea Market. Warren County Fairgrounds. The Flea Market is open every weekend expect during the fair.

For more information, call (540) 6355827.

Monday, December 21 7pm - 8pm Council Work Session.

Town Administration Building, 102 E. Main St. Tuesday, December 22 10:30am - 11am Baby & Me Story Time. Handley Library. For Infants birth to 15 months. Enjoy stories, finger plays, and songs!

10:30am - 11am Preschool Story Time. Clarke County Library. Hear great stories and have fun!

12:30pm - 1pm Tourism Tuesdays. 95.3 - the River radio station.

Hear the latest tourism-related news and events every Tuesday at 12:30!

If you can’t listen live, check out the podcasts at http://www.theriv-

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Front Royal Little League & Washington Nationals Baseball Plus the award-winning News At Noon & Valley Today, local news & sports updates throughout the day and up-to-date weather from local meteorologist Kemp Miller Serving Front Royal and Warren County since 1948

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Wednesday, December 23 6:30pm - 9:30pm Bingo. North Fork Resort Associates, 301 North Fork Road, Front Royal. Doors open at 4:30. Early birds at 6:30. Food available for purchase. Door prizes, progressive games, queen of hearts, progressive pull tab. Also, brand new Electronic pull tab games. Find us on Facebook. (540) 636-7152. Must be 12 to play. No smoking.

Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve Friday, December 25 Christmas Day Saturday, December 26 8am - 4pm Warren County Fair Flea Market. Warren County Fairgrounds. The Flea Market is open every weekend expect during the fair.

For more information, call (540) 6355827.

Sunday, December 27 8am - 4pm Warren County Fair Flea Market. Warren County Fairgrounds. The Flea Market is open every weekend expect during the fair.

For more information, call (540) 6355827.

Monday, December 28 7pm - 8pm Council Meeting.

County of Warren Government Center.

Tuesday, December 29 10:30am - 11am Baby & Me Story Time. Handley Library. For Infants birth to 15 months. Enjoy stories, finger plays, and songs!

10:30am - 11am Preschool Story Time. Clarke County Library. Hear great stories and have fun!

12:30pm - 1pm Tourism Tuesdays. 95.3 - the River radio station.

Hear the latest tourism-related news and events every Tuesday at 12:30!

If you can’t listen live, check out the podcasts at http://www.theriver953online.com.

Wednesday, December 30 6:30pm - 9:30pm Bingo. North Fork Resort Associates, 301 North Fork Road, Front Royal. Doors open at 4:30. Early birds at 6:30. Food available for purchase. Door prizes, progressive games, queen of hearts, progressive pull tab. Also, brand new Electronic pull tab games. Find us on Facebook. (540) 636-7152. Must be 12 to play. No smoking.

Thursday, December 31 New Year’s Eve 6:00pm - midnight Join friends and family for the inaugural “First Night Front Royal” celebration. The Town of Front Royal has lined up an eve-

Late December, 2015 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 31

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com ning of fun and FREE entertainment in the heart of downtown. Along Main Street there will be music, magic, games and fun for the whole family. From 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Front Royal United Methodist Church located at 1 W Main Street, will host a variety of performers, including the Silent Monks and the Front Royal Oratorio Society. At the same time, various Main Street businesses will be transformed into performance venues with all kinds of family-

540-635-4734

friendly entertainment. At 8:00pm, the Gazebo becomes the main stage for more music, dance and fun – lasting until midnight – at which time we welcome 2016! The Front Royal Visitors Center will be open from 8:00pm to midnight selling snacks (popcorn is free). Join in for a funfilled, first-ever “First Night Front Royal”. For more information visit www.DiscoverFrontRoyal.com. For interview and press articles please contact Visitors Center Coordinator

Tim Smith at the Visitors Center or by calling 540-635-5788.

Friday, January 1 New Year’s Day Saturday, January 2 8am - 4pm Warren County Fair Flea Market. Warren County Fairgrounds. The Flea Market is open every weekend expect during the fair.

For more information, call (540) 6355827.

6:30pm - 9:30pm Bingo. North Fork Resort Associates, 301 North Fork Road, Front Royal. Doors open at 4:30. Early birds at 6:30. Food available for purchase. Door prizes, progressive games, queen of hearts, progressive pull tab. Also, brand new Electronic pull tab games. Find us on Facebook. (540) 636-7152. Must be 12 to play. No smoking.

Now Hiring Ad Sales Reps in Winchester and Frederick County

Sunday, January 3 8am - 4pm Warren County Fair Flea Market. Warren County Fairgrounds. The Flea Market is open every weekend expect during the fair.

For more information, call (540) 6355827.

– briefs@warrencountyreport.com

Email: Dan@AreaGuides.com

Humane Society of Warren County

540-635-4734

Monday thru Sunday 10 am to 4 pm - Closed Wednesday • 1245 Progress Drive, Front Royal, VA • 540-635-4734 • humanesocietywc@gmail.com

Become a member of HSWC and help us save lives! Funds collected through membership dues help HSWC provide compassionate care to abandoned, abused, homeless and neglected animals in our community. To become a member or renew your membership, please call the shelter at (540) 635-4734 ext. 225

Archer - 2 year old male Walker hound. Archer is a very sweet and playful pup, and he gets along well with people of all ages and other dogs too!

He would love a home with lots of room to run and play!

Bruno – 2 year old male pit bull mix. Bruno is a sweet and goofy boy. He was found as a stray, so we are still getting to know him. Bruno thinks people are great and he loves to play. Bruno would do great in an active home where he can get lots of exercise and attention. Stop by the shelter and play with Bruno today

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Lelani - 7-9 year old female pit bull.

Lelanii was brought to the shelter as a stray. She is a very sweet girl with lots of love to give.

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Max - 2 year old neutered male hound mix.

Max does great with other dogs and cats.

He is very playful and affectionate. He does have some mild separation anxiety so he will need someone who has a lot of time and attention to give to him, and someone who can work with him on feeling more secure when he is alone. Max is house trained and knows some basic commands.

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With your help we have been able to place thousands of animals in good homes. Contact Alison @ 540-551-2072 if you would like to become a pet sponsor too!

Page 32 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Late December, 2015

Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com