Warren FREE County Report
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Volume X1, Issue 9 · Early May, 2016
FrederickCounty.com
Unplugged: “how I have shunned cell phones, the Internet, video games, even television in favor of real experiences with real people”
Page 2 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016
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Va. Governor Restores Rights to Over 200,000 ACLU applauds, Republican Party of Virginia says ‘too sweeping’ Governor Terry McAuliffe today restored the voting and civil rights of more than 200,000 Virginians who were convicted of felonies, served their time and completed any supervised release, parole or probation requirements. Each of those Virginians will immediately regain the right to register to vote, to run for office, to serve on a jury and to serve as a notary public. “Throughout my administration my team and I have operated on a simple principle: Virginians who
have served their time and reentered society should do so as full citizens of our Commonwealth and country,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Too often in both our distant and recent history, politicians have used their authority to restrict peoples’ ability to participate in our democracy. Today we are reversing that disturbing trend and restoring the rights of more than 200,000 of our fellow Virginians who work, raise families and pay taxes in every corner of our Commonwealth.” The Governor implemented his
action by signing an order restoring the rights of every Virginia felon who completed his or her sentence and all other requirements as of April 22nd,
2016. The total number of Virginians impacted by the Governor’s order today is 206,000. He also instructed the Secretary of the Commonwealth
to prepare a similar order monthly in order to restore the rights of individuals who complete their sentences in See RIGHTS, 4
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Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 3
Page 4 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016 RIGHTS, from 2 the future. Article V, Section 12 of the Constitution of Virginia grants the Governor the authority to “remove political disabilities consequent upon conviction” of a felony. Previous to today’s action, the McAuliffe Administration restored the rights of more than 18,000 Virginians, which is more than the past 7 governors combined over their full four-year terms. The Governor also worked to reform the restoration process by reducing the waiting period for more serious offenders from five years to three, classifying all drug-related convictions as non-violent, shortening the application for more serious offenders from 13 pages to one page, removing a requirement that individuals pay their court costs before they can have their rights restored, and ensuring that a notation will be included in an individual’s criminal record designating that his or her
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rights have been restored. Governor McAuliffe added, “If we are going to build a stronger and more equal Virginia, we must break down barriers to participation in civic life for people who return to society seeking a second chance. We must welcome them back and offer the opportunity to build a better life by taking an active role in our democracy. I believe it is time to cast off Virginia’s troubling history of injustice and embrace an honest, clean process for restoring the rights of these men and women.” Joining Governor McAuliffe at today’s announcement were Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Thomasson, former Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney, the Rev. Ben Campbell and Raja Johnson. Dr. Campbell is the founder of Richmond Hill, an ecumenical Christian fellowship and residential community which actively seeks reconciliation in Richmond. He was named Richmond’s “Peacemaker of the Year” in 2013 by the Richmond
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Peace Education Center. Ms. Johnson is a single mother and resident of Richmond, Governor McAuliffe restored her rights in 2014. Ms. Johnson has since gone on to obtain a Medical Associates Degree. For more information about the Governor’s order, frequently asked questions and the status of individual restoration of rights petitions, please visit: http://www.Commonwealth. Virginia/RoR From the ACLU: The ACLU of Virginia applauds Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s executive order today that restores, as of today, the voting rights of 206,000 Virginians convicted of felonies but who have completed their sentences. “The Governor’s action today matched our hopes and exceeded our expectations. The ACLU of Virginia has urged three straight governors to use their executive and constitutional power to restore the rights of all Virginians who have served their time and completed probation and parole. In our most recent letter to Gov. McAuliffe on March 7, we pointed to ‘the significant and continuing adverse impact of the racial disparities of our racial justice system’ as one of the most important reasons to let Virginians who have paid the price for their actions once again be a part of the democratic process and enjoy the full rights of citizenship. “It is particularly commendable that the Governor included both non-violent and violent ex-offenders in his order, directed the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office to monitor newly eligible persons and restore their rights on a monthly basis, and restated that eligibility is not contingent upon individuals having paid their fines and court costs. “Governor McAuliffe deserves high praise for significant actions taken before today: 1) restoring the 9:03 PM voting rights of more than 18,000 Virginian (more than the previous seven governors combined), 2) smoothing the restoration process for persons convicted of non-violent drug offenses, and 3) eliminating a requirement that court costs and fines be repaid before restoration (something he correctly labeled today ‘a vestige of the poll tax’). Today’s executive order reflects the Governor’s recognition that the depth of disenfranchisement in Virginia and its deep roots in Virginia’s Jim Crow past required bolder executive action for progress to be made.” – ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Claire Guthrie Gastañaga From the Republican Party of Virginia: “It was a Republican governor who began the long overdue work of restoring the rights of nonviolent felons. Few if any disagree that those who have paid their debts to society should be allowed full participation in that society. Mercy requires that we as Virginians be a Common-
Full text of Governor McAuliffe’s order restoring the rights of more than 200,000 Virginians wealth of second chances. But there are limits.” “Governor McAuliffe could easily have excluded those who have committed heinous acts of violence from this order, yet he chose not to. His decision to issue a blanket restoration, without regard to the nature of the crimes committed doesn’t speak of mercy. Rather, it speaks of political
opportunism.” “This blanket action, undertaken for such blatant political purposes, sullies the hard-won second chances for those who have worked so hard to overcome their mistakes. Restoration of rights should be a celebration of overcoming, not a transparent effort to win votes.” – RPV Chairman John Whitbeck
Warren County Parks and Recreation Department
Registration begins Monday, May 2, 2016
Swimming
Lessons
Session 1 June 13th through June 23rd Monday through Thursday Boys & Girls currently 5 years of age and older Various levels and times available 10 participants per class $55.00 per participant
Registration deadline is June 12th or until classes are full.
For more information or to register contact Warren County Community Center 538 Villa Ave., Front Royal, Va. or 540-635-1021 www.warrencountyva.net
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INDICTMENTS Indictments - March 2016 -April Term James Christopher Tewalt
Warren & Frederick County Report 122 W 14th Street, PMB 20 Front Royal, VA 22630
Member Virginia Press Association Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Daniel P. McDermott editor@warrencountyreport.com General Counsel: Georgia Rossiter, Esquire (540) 535-2001 Managing Editor Carol Ballard: carol@areaguides.com (540) 551-0644 Copy Editor: Laura Biondi editor@warrencountyreport.com Reporters Tim Ratigan: tim@areaguides.com Teresa Brumback: brumback@areaguides.com Sue Golden National & Agency Advertising: Alison Duvall: (540) 551-2072 alisond@warrencountyreport.com Advertising Sales Representatives: Alison Duvall: (540) 551-2072 alisond@warrencountyreport.com
Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 5
The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges that: on or about October 7, 2015, in the County of Warren, James Christopher Tewalt, 21, address unavailable, did unlawfully and feloniously distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, to-wit: Heroin. Marcus Allen Pearson The Warren County Va. Circuit
Letters to the Editor are welcome but must include the author’s name and town and should be emailed to: editor@warrencountyreport.com
Court Grand Jury charges that: on or about November 3, 2015, in the County of Warren, Marcus Allen Pearson, 26, of 733 Stockton Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, did unlawfully and feloniously distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, towit: Heroin. Monisha Desire Diggs
The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges that: on or about September 22, 2015, in the County of Warren, Monisha Desire Diggs, 23, address unavailable, did unlawfully and feloniously distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, to-wit: Heroin.
Lauren Nicole Myers
The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges that: on or about January 31, 2015, in the County of Warren, Lauren Nicole Myers, age and address unavailable, did unlawfully and feloniously distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, to-wit: Heroin. Tina Michelle Francis The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges that: on or about September 22, 2015, in the County of Warren, Tina Michelle Francis, 44, of 303 Marcum Ln., Harpers Ferry, WV, 25425, did unlawfully and feloniously manufacture methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers. Rebecca Lee Peck The Warren County Va. Circuit
Court Grand Jury charges Rebecca Lee Peck, 44, of 331 N. Duck St., Front Royal, VA 22630, with two counts. COUNT ONE: Rebecca Lee Peck, as the driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident in which a person was injured or killed, did unlawfully and feloniously fail to stop at the scene of the accident and render assistance or provide the information required by law. COUNT TWO: did unlawfully, drive a motor vehicle on a highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger life, limb or property of any person. Date of the offenses was on or about November, 15, 2015. Jonathan C. Tolson The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Jonathan C. Tolson, 34, of 99 Sugar Maple Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, with two counts. COUNT ONE: Jonathan C. See INDICTMENTS, 6
Warren
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Alison Duvall Advertising Sales
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Warren County Parks and Recreation Department
Registration begins Monday, May 2, 2016
Billing Coordinator: Pam Cole billing@warrencountyreport.com Graphic Design & Layout: layout@warrencountyreport.com Contributors: Ken Thurman, Kelly Harmanw Kevin S. Engle, Humor Columnist Ryan Koch, Cartoonist Extraordinaire If you are interested in contributing articles to our paper, please e-mail: editor@warrencountyreport.com Press releases should be emailed to: briefs@warrencountyreport.com
This publication is printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-based ink
Run, Jump & Throw Summer Camp Session 1: June 6 through July 1, 2016 Session 2: July 11 through August 5, 2016
Camp will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 9:00am – 4:00pm
Warren County Health & Human Services Complex 465 W. 15th Street, Front Royal, VA 22630 Boys & Girls, 7-12 years of age $85.00 per participant per session $155.00 per participant for both sessions (minimum of 8 participants/maximum of 50 participants)
For more information or to register contact Warren County Community Center 538 Villa Ave., Front Royal, Va. or 540-635-1021 www.warrencountyva.net
Page 6 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016 INDICTMENTS, from 5
Tolson did unlawfully and feloniously take or obtain a credit card number from the control or possession of another without the cardholder’s consent. COUNT TWO: did unlawfully and feloniously, with the intent to defraud any person, obtain money, goods or services, by representing without the consent of the cardholder that he was the holder, with a value of $200.00 or more within a six-month period. Dates of the offenses were on or about October 15, 2014 and during October 15, 2014 to July 27, 2015. Joshua Bryan Henry The Warren County Va. Circuit
Court Grand Jury charges Joshua Bryan Henry, 21, of 341 Ritenour St., with three counts. COUNTS ONE, TWO and THREE: In the County of Warren, Joshua Bryan Henry did unlawfully and feloniously give away, distribute, electronically transmit, display, with lascivious intent, or possess with intent to sell, child pornography. Date of the offenses was on or about October 14, 2014. Michael Paul Addison The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Michael Paul Addison, 31, address unavailable, with three counts. COUNTS ONE, TWO and THREE: In the
Warren County Horse & Pony Show
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County of Warren, Michael Paul Addison did unlawfully and feloniously obtain by false pretense, money in the amounts of $832.00, $613.56, and $987.00 from Front Royal Federal Credit Union, with the intent to defraud. Date of the offenses was on or about August 10, 2015. Daniel Edward Shifflett The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Daniel Edward Shifflett, 30, address unavailable, with three counts. COUNTS ONE and TWO: In the County of Warren, Daniel Edward Shifflett did unlawfully and feloniously distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, to-wit: Heroin. COUNT THREE: did unlawfully obtain by false pretense money in the amount of $80, with the intent to defraud. Dates of the offenses were on or about October 7 and 10 and November 3, 2015. Jeremy Wade Rhoades
Warren County Fairgrounds 4-H and Open, Starts 9am Sun. May 15th Rain date Sun. May 22nd Hunter, Western, Mini & Speed classes. First show in the show series. Three more to follow in June, July and October. End of the day and end of the series High point winner. Food sales and vendors on-site!
Contact : Debbi (540) 422-1625 Hold Harmless: The Warren County Fair Association, Warren County 4H Program and the Extension Office, Skyline Riders 4H, or any volunteers associated with the Fun Show, will not be responsible for any accidents to riders, their horses or spectators.
The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Jeremy Wade Rhoades, 45, of 313 Shenandoah Ave., Edinburg, VA 22824, with four counts. COUNT ONE: In the County of Warren, Jeremy Wade Rhoades did unlawfully and feloniously possess a Schedule II controlled substance, to-wit: Oxycodone and Acetaminophen. COUNT TWO: did unlawfully and feloniously possess a Schedule II controlled substance, to-wit: Amphetamine. COUNT THREE: did unlawfully and feloniously possess with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, methcathinone or amphetamine, possess the following substance: sodium hydroxide and pseudoephedrine. COUNT FOUR: did conspire to unlawfully and feloniously possess with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, methcathinone or amphetamine, and possess the following substance:
sodium hydroxide and pseudoephedrine. Date of the offenses was on or about September 22, 2015. Richard Lee Orndorff The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Richard Lee Orndorff, 20, of 529 E. Main St., #11, Front Royal, VA 22630, with two counts. COUNT ONE: In the County of Warren, Richard Lee Orndorff did unlawfully and feloniously fail to stop and give aid and information immediately after being involved in an accident resulting in personal injury. COUNT TWO: did unlawfully drive or operate a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 grams or per 210 liters of breath. Date of the offenses was on or about February 5, 2016. George Edward Caison III The Warren County Va. Circuit
Court Grand Jury charges George Edward Caison III, 18, of 466 Hill St., Front Royal, VA 22630, with six counts. COUNTS ONE and TWO: In the County of Warren, George Edward Caison III did unlawfully and feloniously take, steal and carry away the property belonging to Brandian Roberts with a value of $200.00 or more and of Shawna Laney with a value of $200.00 or less. COUNT THREE: did unlawfully and feloniously, after having received a visible or audible signal from a law-enforcement officer to bring his motor vehicle to a stop, drive such motor vehicle in a willful or wanton disregard of such signal so as to interfere with or endanger the operation of the law-enforcement vehicle or endanger a person. COUNT FOUR: did unlawfully possess controlled paraphernalia for the illegal administration of con-trolled substances. COUNT FIVE: did unlawfully drive a motor vehicle on a highway while his driver’s license
16th Annual National Day of Prayer Community Service
at the Gazebo on Main Street, Front Royal
Thursday, May 5th at 6:30 pm
Special Guest: Delegate Todd Gilbert 6:15 pm Pre-Program Music by Servant’s Heart and Hands Band Sponsored by Front Royal Community Prayer Bring your lawn chairs!
Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 7
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or privilege to drive a motor vehicle had been suspended or revoked. COUNT SIX: did unlawfully commit reckless driving by driving a motor vehicle on a highway at a speed of twenty miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit. Dates of the offenses were on or about November 22 and December 3, 2015, and March 10, 2016. Katherine Renee Thorne The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Katherine Renee Thorne, 34, of 409 Viscose Ave., Front Royal, VA 22630, with two counts. COUNT ONE: In the County of Warren, Katherine Renee Thorne did unlawfully and feloniously possess a Schedule II controlled substance, to-wit: Morphine. COUNT TWO: did operate a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more by weight volume or 0.08 grams or per 210 liters of breath; or while under the influence of alcohol or any a narcotic drug or other selfadministered intoxicant or drug, or a combination of such drugs, to a degree which impaired her ability to drive or operate a motor vehicle safely. Date of the offenses was on or
about May 30, 2015. Christopher Jacob Sensabaugh The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Christopher Jacob Sensabaugh, 20, of 219 E. Prospect St., Front Royal, VA 22630, with four counts. COUNTS ONE and THREE: In the County of Warren, Christopher Jacob Sensabaugh did unlawfully and without consent, climb into the vehicles of owned by Cecilia Slage and Monica Wilson, with the intent to commit a crime, malicious mischief or injury therein. COUNT TWO: did unlawfully take, steal and carry away the goods and chattels of Christendom College with a value of $200.00 or more. COUNT FOUR: did unlawfully and feloniously take or obtain a credit card from the control or possession of another without the cardholder’s consent. Date of the offenses was on or about February 10, 2016. April Lildawn Spiker The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges April Lildawn Spiker, 42, of 2735 Guard Hill Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, with two counts. COUNT ONE: In the County of Warren, April
Lildawn Spiker did unlawfully and feloniously attempt to possess a Schedule II controlled substance, to-wit: Cocaine. COUNT TWO: 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 a value of $200.00 or more. Dates of the offenses were on or about: November 15 and September 25, 2015. Marie Fewell a/k/a Dawn Marie Berry The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges that: on or about June 7, 2015, in the County of Warren, Marie Fewell a/k/a Dawn Marie Berry, 48, of 231 Church St., Front Royal, VA 22630, did unlawfully and feloniously possess with the intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, to-wit: Heroin. Julio Leon Mendez The Warren County Va. Circuit Court Grand Jury charges Julio Leon Mendez, age and address unavailable, with three counts. COUNTS ONE and TWO: In the County of
Warren, Julio Leon Mendez did unlawfully and feloniously, know-ingly forge or attempt to employ as true a public record knowing the same to be forged in relation to any matter where said record may be received
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as legal proof, to wit: Federal Employee Withholding Allowance Certificate W-4 and Employee’s Virginia Tax Withholding Exemption Certificate Form VA-4: COUNT THREE: did un-lawfully and feloniously, with the intent to defraud, obtain money through the use of identifying information of another person without the authorization of such person, that resulted in financial loss of greater than $200.00. Dates of the offenses were on or about February 10, 2012 through February 10, 2016.
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Page 8 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016
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Teresa Brumback unplugged (part two)
Kids compare gold finds outside the entrance to Luray Caverns.
By Teresa Brumback Warren & Frederick County Report
with the same “Keep it Unplugged!” philosophy.
Some readers have cheered me on since my article “Unplugged” about how I have shunned cell phones, the Internet, video games, even television in favor of real experiences with real people. And the advice goes for kids as well as adults. I know families who say their kids are excelling in school or while being home-schooled
Keep it Uplifting This spring, while the months seem to be in reverse, with April so far resembling a cold and blustery March, take advantage of the chance to be outdoors. One great thing to do with your kids or grandkids if the winds are strong: Go fly a kite!
From the Dollar General store I had bought $1 and $2 shark and bumblebee and action hero adventurer kites equipped with string, along with $1 bundles of extra twine and kept them stashed until the right weather conditions erupted on a Sunday with strong winds and warming temperatures, prompting me to dig out the kites and give them a whirl with my grandkids. We had so much fun. They felt like champions as the kites soared into the atmosphere, to the child’s eye, right up there with the birds and the planes that flew by. “I’ll bet that plane thinks that kite is a UFO,” I joked to my nine-yearold step-grandson. He laughed. My
four-year-old grandson was mostly speechless as he looked up in awe at the kite he was holding onto as it danced in the wind. Be ready to have several kites on board as backup. At $2 apiece, it’s easy to have a bunch even for a big crowd of kids. When the four-yearold’s kite snapped and went into the heavens, he cried and cried and I felt momentarily bad for him. “It’s OK. Sometimes kites get away. Looky here, Grandma has another kite just like that one.” Finally, he looked up, wiped off his tears and gave the second kite a chance. For his older brother, it was a day when he could feel really good about himself. Football was not his thing. And probably because it’s also in the “ball” family he doesn’t want to try baseball. He’s scared to learn to ride a bicycle, so learning to fly a kite was something he could do and feel empowered. Soon, the adults were caught up in the fun. My daughter-in-law seemed to revel in flying her own kite while my son kept busy untangling all the
twine, putting them together and reaching into trees to pick stray ones. But for the most part, it was smooth sailing and the day was picture perfect. Soar with Dinosaurs If the wind’s not up for kite flying,
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you can always take the kids to see their favorite beasts at Dinosaurland on U.S. 522 in Stephens City. A mainstay for decades where you can see and read about the giants that once roamed the earth, the attraction features a nice gift shop inside.
Water pours down from the sluice tower to the sluice bins below.
Go Caving
Head to the Beach
If it’s cold outside, you can always take the kids to some great local caverns or a wild, natural one if you know of one. Be careful, though, as bats and other creatures can inhabit the ones that aren’t open to the public. Skyline Caverns in Front Royal, Luray Caverns in Luray, and Crystal Caverns in Strasburg are among the commercial caves close by. Each offers something unique.
The rates are really low right now up until Memorial Day, so you can always do an impromptu trip to Virginia Beach, Ocean City, Md, or Rehoboth Beach in Delaware for about a four-hour trip one way. For information on Virginia Beach, the Visitors Center has a very knowledgeable staff at 1-800-VABEACH with information on hotel rates and some suggestions of their own. I found La
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Quinta to be very pet-friendly as the agent at the Visitors Center told me, and also very clean and nice, though it’s on Pacific Avenue a couple blocks from the boardwalk. For a boardwalk stay many of the chain hotels offer rates of $95 a night which include government employee, AARP, military to AAA discounts. I have found you can usually negotiate the best rates by dealing with the hotel directly instead of the central reservation number. You can also get more details about the pool, breakfast offerings included and more by calling the hotel directly. This time of year the temperatures can be much warmer at the beach than here in Warren County. Even if it’s cold you can enjoy looking out from your hotel room on the boardwalk and seeing dolphin fins popping out from the water. People watching is a lot of fun, too. Restaurants I would recommend in Virginia Beach include the Hilton on 30th Street and Atlantic Avenue, and the Waterfront Grill on 4th and Atlantic. Be sure to catch the gift shop at the Waterfront Grill with a nice selection of handmade jewelry, scarves and beachy crafts. Plant Peas and Onions Grab some Beatrix Potter books about well-mannered rabbits and some mischievous ones who get into Farmer MacGregor’s garden, and read to your child or grandchild. Then plant some peas and onions with them while spring is here. Sugar snap peas are the easiest, I’ve found, but either way they can enjoy splitting the peas and eating the baby ones right out of the pod. You can also sow some lettuce seeds for something that a child will enjoy watching it grow, and hopefully, will enjoy eating. Carrots are a good choice, too, for springtime planting but they are often hard to grow in these clay soils. It’s great when your kids can both help you plant and enjoy the harvest as in the Little Red Hen (another great book for story time). My four-year-old grandson likes to help in the garden especially with his dirt-moving trucks. But his standard but polite reply to offers to eat any kind of vegetable is that he’s “allergic.”
Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 9
Children enjoy gem sluicing outside the entrance to Luray Caverns. Pan for Gold Even if you don’t find any, it’s still a lot of fun. Goldvein, Va, so named because it was once a site for gold mining, reportedly has a post office with a museum about those golden days of yesteryear. I once accompanied some friends with a gold panning pro to a river in either Rappahannock or Fauquier. We panned for gold and managed to get a few flakes that we saved
in our little eye-dropper bottles. For kids, the mining camp run by Luray Caverns next to the Farm Museum is a wonderful treat. For a few dollars you get a bag with sand and a variety of real gemstones or fossils. You then pour the bag slowly through the hand sifter as the water rushes through it, revealing the treasure you get to keep. – brumback@areaguides.com
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Page 10 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016
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“Front Royal Voices” share poetry at Selah Theatre Warren County area community turns out to praise local writing talent
Tammy Ruggiero poses with first place contest winner Kristin Zimet. By Kelly Harman Warren & Frederick County Report It was a packed house at the Selah Theatre on Saturday night, April 24th as the winners of the “Front Royal Voices” poetry contest were celebrated and given the opportunity to read their winning entries to the audience. La Tasha Do’zia-Earley, the owner of
Selah Theatre, generously donated the use of her facility for the contest, which was organized in celebration of National Poetry Month. The event also included an open mic session, readings by two awardwinning local poets, and a musical performance by Lisa Leftwich. The evening was also a fundraiser for the Backpack Buddy program, a non-
Heather Davis and Tammy Ruggiero put on the event. profit initiative that provides nutritious weekend food to underserved kids at E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School. Heather Davis and Tammy Ruggiero, two local Front Royal residents, put on the event together. Ruggiero is also the founder of a group called the Creative Community Collective, a local group for artists of all genres to meet, hold events, and encourage
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the sponsorship of art in all its forms in the community. “We wanted to get adults and teens involved in the event,” commented
Davis. “So we decided to make it a contest to get people involved. We asked the contestants to submit poetry around the theme, ‘Where I’m from.’ We received entries from Front Royal, Winchester, Rappahannock County, and the surrounding area. Out of those entries, we selected 12 winners, three teens and nine adults,” concluded Davis. The evening started with a musical performance by Lisa Leftwich, an accomplished country blues guitarist, songwriter and composer. She is also the founder of Joystream summer music camp. Her guitar solo, and comfortable conversation with the audience when one of the audio speakers needed to be adjusted, set the mood for the rest of the evening, which was equally as casual, collaborative and community-oriented. After Lisa’s musical performance, Dee Sparger, development director for Selah Theatre, welcomed everyone. Heather Davis and Tammy Ruggiero then came onstage to kick off the evening’s readings. The first set of winners were three writers who submitted poems that most closely fit the theme, “Where I’m From”. Third place was awarded to Sally Toner, for “Back to Mayflower Road”; second place went to Mary Rose Olin, for “Where I’m From”; and first place was awarded to Melissa Yoder Ricks for her poem “I am from Freshly Sharpened Pencils.” As each poet came on stage to read, Heather Davis read a short introduction and provided a brief bio for each person. The wide variety
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Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 11
Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com of backgrounds were a testament to the fact that poetry knows no social or economic boundaries. From a former peace corps volunteer, to entrepreneur, to stay-at-home mom, to community volunteer, each author had a unique perspective to offer in their poems, which ranged from hysterically funny to poignant in perspective. Following the adults came the teen winners of the same category. Third place went to Darach Cook for “Society”; coming in second was Emma Schneider for “Where I Go, the Crow Goes”; and first place was awarded to Daniel Kurzenknabe for “Memory Lane.” All three teens were accompanied by friends and family that filled the theater with cheers and words of praise as each one was called on stage to read, further underscoring the sense of community that pervaded through the entire evening. After an intermission where Leftwich performed two more blues ballads, the six remaining winners took their turn reading on stage. This second group of winners were recognized for the overall quality of their poems. In the runner-up category, the winners were Kim Hazelwood for “Winter Geisha”, Catherine Wolniewicz for “Memorial Day”, and JoEllen McNeal for “The Visit”. Taking third place overall was John Berry for “The Source”, second place went to Maggie Stetler for “The Room”, and first place in the contest was awarded to Kristin Zimet for “Jigsaw Puzzle.” Zimet is the editor of The Sow’s Ear Poetry Review, a poetry magazine published in Winchester, VA since 1989.
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Sally Toner reads her poetry to a full house at Front Royal’s Selah Theatre, in celebration of National Poetry month. One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to hear two local award-winning poets read some of their latest work. After the contestants finished their readings, Rich Follett and Jose Padua each took a turn at the mic. Rich Follett is a local high school English, theatre and mythology teacher. His poems have been feathered in numerous journals and he has published three volumes of poetry. Jose Padua’s poems have appeared in numerous publications and his poem Seven and Seven Is won the 2014 New Guard Poetry Price. Both gentlemen captivated the audience during their readings and were the perfect capstone to the evening. After another brief intermission, the evening wrapped up with an open mic session, where the audience was invited to come on stage and read their poetry and prose. Participating in the open mic portion of the evening were Jerry Oliver Bailey, K.C. Bosch, Carol Toba, John Berry, and Maggie Stetler. “We hope this will be the first of a regular series of poetry contests and readings,” said Davis. “Given the success of this first event, we can only hope that the momentum will continue.” – KellyOutLoud@gmail.com
Winners of the “Front Royal Voices” poetry contest pose at Selah Theatre.
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Page 12 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016
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Citizens speak out against the removal of gazebo cameras Two recent incidents of indecent exposure cause reactions from community
Warren County resident and business owner Keith Menefee speaks in front of Front Royal Town Council regarding the missing cameras at the gazebo area and the incident of indecent exposure that occurred there two weeks ago. By Timothy Ratigan Warren & Frederick County Report The Front Royal Town Council meeting got off to a rocky start on Monday as members of the community and business leaders hammered the council on the issue of the removal of the cameras at the Main Street Gazebo. The first citizen/business owner to speak at the April 26 meeting
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was Keith Menefee, owner of Down Home Comfort Bakery located on Main Street in Front Royal. Menefee was one of the speakers at a council meeting earlier this year who spoke
Town resident and Shenandoah District Supervisor, Tom Sayre, addresses the council about his concerns with no surveillance cameras at the gazebo area against the removal of the cameras. Two recent back-to-back incidents of indecent exposure at the gazebo prompted him to address the council again. He thanked the new Community Developer Director for attend-
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ing the Merchants on Main Street meeting that was held the previous week, then spoke directly to the council regarding the security issues associated with the missing surveillance cameras.
“I would like to address the camera issue at the gazebo due to the crimes committed there a couple of weekends ago. One of the things I would like to address is a comment that was made on Facebook by a council member. That comment was, ‘what difference would the cameras have made if they were up?’ My concern is that yes; they could’ve made a difference. One thing is, it sure would’ve acted as a deterrent. It may not have changed the first incident. If the police had the cameras’ footage to review, the perpetrator may have been identified and then apprehended, thus avoiding a second occurrence. I would like to also mention that whenever I talk to a council member the one thing that is always mentioned is liberty. “I ask that you consider tonight, how many liberties are we going to allow these people (criminals) to take before the women and children no longer want to come down to Main Street because they are too afraid or too disgusted? I pray that each and every one of you consider these acts
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Engle’s Angle: “I’ll Never Be A Winner” By Kevin S. Engle My wife and I watch every episode of SURVIVOR, TV’s first reality show. We never miss it. But as much as I like watching the show, I know I’ll never be on the show. Why? Because I’d embarrass myself. I would be the worst contestant ever. One of the first things you have to do is build a shelter with your teammates. I can’t even build stuff with Legos®. Strike one. Next, you need to make a fire. Without matches. The closest I’ve come to building a fire is flipping the switch on our electric fireplace. Does that count? Strike two. Another very important skill is catching fish. I went fishing one time and almost died. I was ten or eleven and got a hook stuck in my finger. And I mean really stuck. My brother got it out. Somehow. I screamed. Very, very loudly. And if that wasn’t bad enough, I didn’t catch a dang thing all day. What I did do was #2. I had to wipe my rear end with dried leaves. It was not a good day. As you can imagine, I’ve never had a strong desire to go fishing again. Strike three. If this were baseball, I’d be out. But it’s SURVIVOR. Let’s keep going just to show you how pitiful I really am. Another prized skill is figuring out how to complete different kinds of puzzles. I hate puzzles. I’m not good at puzzles. I don’t enjoy working with puzzles. Have I made it clear I don’t want any part of puzzles? Strike four. I don’t like being cold and wet. The contestants are often
cold and wet. That’s five. I’m too old. I don’t think so, but my teammates would. Any male over 40 is typically viewed as “the old guy”. I’m over 50. That’s ancient. Strike six. To be successful in the game, you need to get along with people even when they annoy you. I don’t get along with people who annoy me. I don’t get along with people who don’t annoy me. You might say I just don’t get along with people. Period. Strike seven. When I’m hungry, I eat. It’s not that simple on SURVIVOR. They don’t have much food, and that’s why most of the contestants lose 15, 20 pounds or more. What number are we up to? Eight. When I’m sleepy, I like to sleep. They don’t get a lot of that on the island either. And even when they do, it’s on a bamboo bed. That can’t be comfy. Nine. Going to the bathroom in the jungle? Not brushing your teeth for days or weeks? Ten. Eleven. I’ll stop there. I think you get the idea. I will never be a winner on SURVIVOR. But I won’t be a loser either. And this old guy is ok with that.
The show’s slogan is Outwit, Outplay, Outlast. The author would simply be Out. First. – kevinengle456@comcast.net
that just happened. “This may be a foreshadowing of the times we are living in. These are very serious issues. I believe we can care enough that we can address these issues. We all have the same interest and that is the betterment of Front Royal,” he said. Shenandoah District Board of Supervisors member, Tom Sayre, also addressed the council on the missing camera issue and the back-to-back incidents of indecent exposure that occurred at the gazebo area. “I am here as a citizen of the town and county. I am here regarding the security issue with the cameras at the Main Street Gazebo. This is a foreshadowing of what can happen. When a child is abducted, normally you have four to six hours, possibly eight, to get the child back. Any longer, and the child is lost forever. With the security camera issues, you guys have been given a warning. This was someone who was on the Sex Offender Registry list who had been found and convicted twice before. This happens to be a sign of our times,” he warned. Sayre stressed the importance of having the cameras up to aid the police in crime fighting and underlined the importance of the crucial four to six hours after an abduction, which can give officers an edge in the search for a missing child. Chris German was the last speaker of the evening and also spoke about the security cameras. He observed that cameras don’t prevent crime but are used as a tool to help solve crimes. He added that if the town were going to install cameras on Main Street and the gazebo area that they might as well place cameras in other public areas like parks, ball fields and schools where child molesters usually target their prey. German gave the council research that he had collected about security cameras. He suggested that perhaps the town could assign additional police officers to the area instead of installing cameras again. D u r ing the council comments, Councilwoman Bébhinn Egger stated, as she had in the past, that it was her belief that the town government was not responsible for keeping citizens safe from harm. Councilman Eugene Tewalt also mentioned the Gazebo incident and asked the mayor to put the gazebo cameras issue on a future work session agenda. This reporter wants to know if we can expect some resistance from Egger, Councilmen John Connolly or Bret Hrbek on this item. Tewalt was on the losing side, along with Vice Mayor Hollis Tharpe in the previous discussion and vote. Mayor Timothy Darr expressed to Egger that he had a difference of opinion with her about the council’s role regarding the protection of Front Royal citizens. The Mayor chose this moment make an announcement regarding his political future. “Over the last several weeks almost daily I get asked about the election.
Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 13
Councilman John Connolly reiterates his stance on refusing to set money aside for the future $8 million police department he currently supports Do I plan on running for re-election? In order to be fair to all who are potentially looking at running I want to make it clear at this time that I am not planning on pursuing a fourth term as mayor. It has nothing to do with any of the issues or anybody on council. It is just a matter that I am tired. My wife and I discussed this and I am looking forward to enjoying some time off, of course. We are going to finish out this year, hopefully as good as we have for the last several years. I just wanted to make clear that I am just tired,” he said. One other major item was discussed and voted on, which was the final vote on setting tax rates for real estate and personal property for fiscal year 2016/17 at the advertised rate of 13 cents of $100 assessed value of real estate. Councilman John Connolly took this opportunity to hammer away about not setting money aside for the future $8 million police headquar-
ters. “I want to reiterate that I’ve done as much research as I possibly can on the police department building which seems to be the main point of contention this year. My information shows me that even considering a standard municipal loan we won’t begin to pay off the police department loan until fiscal year 2018/19 cycle. I am of the belief that it is imprudent and wrong to start taking extra money from our citizens when we don’t even know what our budget is going to look like at that point. Our budget has increased a million dollars without raising the tax rate from last year. I think this town is continuing to grow and we are going to see several other projects come off of the books and that there are options and flexibilities without raising the taxes,” he said. The vote to set the tax rate at the advertised rate passed on a 6-0 vote. – tim@areaguides.com
Page 14 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016
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Indecent exposure incidents at the Gazebo spark debate Citizens question the wisdom of Council’s decision to remove surveillance cameras from the downtown area By Timothy Ratigan Warren County/Frederick County Report
Councilwoman Bébhinn Egger finds herself back in the hot seat for supporting and championing the removal of the cameras at the gazebo area on Front Royal’s Main Street.
On two consecutive days, the Front Royal Police were called to the gazebo area of Main Street because of reports of an adult male exposing his genitals in two separate incidents. The first report came Saturday, April 16 at approximately 2:45 p.m. According to the Front Royal Police Department, officers were dispatched because an intoxicated male was reported to be exposing himself. Upon arrival, police discovered that the suspect had left the area after being confronted by a citizen at the scene. Witnesses advised that there were several children and adults present during the incident. Officers searched the area for the unknown
male subject but could not find anyone representative of the given description, said police. On Sunday, April 17th at approximately 3:10 p.m., officers were again called to the gazebo area at East Main Street to apprehend a male subject who was exposing himself. Upon the officer’s arrival, a male matching the description was observed sitting on a park bench at the gazebo, and a citizen pointed out 58-year-old Christopher J. Skube as the offender. After a brief interview with Skube, he was arrested for felony indecent exposure and public intoxication. He is listed on the Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry for two prior offensives of indecent exposure. This incident brings to the forefront the debate as to whether or not surveillance cameras should be used
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at the Main Street gazebo area. On December 14th 2015, the Front Royal Council voted 4-2 to take down the cameras at the gazebo area on Main Street. The measure was championed by Councilwoman Bébhinn Egger for liberty issues and not privacy issues, she informed the media in earlier council work sessions. Other councilmen who voted for the removal of cameras were Councilmen Bret Hrbek, John Connolly and former Councilman Daryl Funk, who is presently Warren County Court Clerk. Members of council were asked to comment. Their replies are listed below in the order in which they were received. Councilman Bret Hrbek commented by phone regarding the incident at the gazebo. “I wonder what difference it would have made. Could we put a police officer there that sits there for 24 hours a day at the gazebo? Because that would prevent it too. The cameras were not worth anything,” he said. When asked if the cameras had been there on Saturday whether the second incident could have been prevented by reviewing the footage, he said, “I doubt that they would’ve been able to identify him with the quality of camera that was down there. I also wonder if the camera would’ve been pointed in the right direction. That is really a police department question. We can only go by what the police department has told us in the past and that was that the cameras didn’t help any in the past. Also those cameras were not authorized by any legislative body in the past. The staff put the cameras up. We the members of council didn’t authorize it. I didn’t even know that there were cameras there. Now we can debate it in the public forum whether or not we should have security cameras in public places around town…. We can always have debate about it. But if it comes down to another vote, that is a different matter.” When asked if he would be willing to bring it up in council again if a better/higher resolution quality camera were installed, he said, “I would be willing to talk about it. This whole idea doesn’t really sit well with me. It makes me uncomfortable. There would have to be some really compelling reason for me to move to put the cameras back up. This situation could’ve happened at any of the parks and they don’t have cameras on them.” Councilwoman Bébhinn Egger was next to respond. She e-mailed this response in reply to the incident of indecent exposure at the Gazebo area. Her response is here in its entirety as she requested. “In response to your questions: I am no good at seeing the future after the fact. Perhaps we could employ some tarot card readers for that. “However, I think it is a stretch to
Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 15
Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com imply that having cameras up would have made this situation better. The police did a wonderful job, as they always do. They gathered eye-witness statements, received a description of the man, and searched the area. The man had left; was the camera going to make him magically appear again? Also, the sex offender registry website would have been much more helpful in this case than a long distance grainy shot from a surveillance camera. All the police had to do on Saturday was to pull up the list on their laptops, show the pictures
to the witnesses, and narrow down their search from there. “I do not believe that one incident warrants consideration of re-installing the cameras. They were taken down over four months ago, and this has been the only incident since then. Front Royal has a very low crime rate and a very dependable police department, which should make us all relax and count our blessings for living in such a wonderful place, rather than live in fear of the next boogie man who might jump out from behind a bush.
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“Lastly, I would like to reiterate the main reason why the cameras were removed in the first place. It had nothing to do privacy, as some in the media keep erroneously mentioning. The cameras were taken down because it is not the job of the government to prevent bad things from happening, nor is it the job of the government to protect people. If that were, in fact, the job of government, we should be expected to surveil anywhere and everywhere a crime might possibly take place. In the United States, that was never intended as the purpose of government. However, if one would like the reassurance of one’s government keeping all public spaces under surveillance, there are several countries which come to mind which would fit the bill.” Vice Mayor Hollis Tharpe was next to comment, his being one of two votes against the removal of the cameras in December, 2015. “I am 100 percent convinced that having cameras would have been a tool that our police department could use when the predator did his “dirty deed” the first time. (Saturday April 16th 2016) Having said that, not having a tool to go back and use to see if there was a person of interest that they may have identified and arrested immediately. But no, the perpetrator came back and did his nasty deed again and exposed himself. We were very fortunate that the police department was there quickly to apprehend the perpetrator. The big question I have for myself is, did he know that we had taken down the cameras so that he could come and do his nasty deed when women and children were enjoying our town square?” When asked if this incident was enough to consider revisiting the camera issue at the gazebo he said, “It is past time to revisit this, to have them reinstalled. Not only to have them reinstalled but to also add more cameras in the same general area where ever the police depart-
The Main Street Gazebo area, town square and heart of Front Royal, is the center of a debate on how to ensure safety of citizens, which comes after several incidents of indecent exposure. ment deems necessary,” he commented by phone. Both Councilmen John Connolly and Jacob were e-mailed the same question and this have yet to respond. In closing, this reporter would like to remind our readers of this statement that Egger made at the December 14, 2015 meeting.
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“There are several issues as to why I want the cameras removed. The main issue being a liberty issue. This makes me think of the quote I believe was from Benjamin Franklin, ‘those who would give up their liberty for security deserves neither.’ I think it is important to remember that this is our town square, the heart, so to speak, of the town.” Just four short months and three days later a man stood in our town square, the ‘heart, so to speak’, of the town and exposed himself to women and children with no cameras present. This reporter asks these questions. Whose liberty was Councilwoman Egger talking about when referencing Benjamin Franklin? Was it the innocent women and children’s or the man who exposed himself to those innocent women and children in, as Councilwoman Egger put it, “the town square, the heart, so to speak, of our town?” – tim@areaguides.com
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Page 16 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016
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Gold Mountain Martial Arts celebrates local heroes Kids learn respect for elders, law enforcement, first responders and respect for one another in Tae Kwon Do class
Nathaniel Ramey continues to develop his upper-body strength with Master Cindy Wenzel By Mario Orlikoff Warren & Frederick County Report Every day, Nathaniel Ramey, age 8, battles Spina Bifida, the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. After undergoing a six-hour surgery just weeks before, he is confined to a wheelchair. Some days are better than others. This is one of the better days, even though there’s a complication that might send him back to the hospital. Nathaniel is working out in the dojo with his personal superhero, Master Cindy Wenzel, a fourth-degree black belt and Tae Kwon Do instructor for Gold Mountain Martial Arts. (Spoiler alert: Superheroes will come up a lot in this article.) Nathaniel has gotten out of his wheelchair and is balancing on a mat, focusing on Wenzel and mirroring her moves. The look on his face has changed since he entered the dojo. It has transformed from a blank expression into one of excitement and concentration. As the workout at Fitness Evolution in Front Royal continues, Nathaniel’s grandmother and guardian, Ileen Ramey, extends a friendly greeting. She opens up about the obstacles Nathaniel and their family
have faced. “They told us the day he was born that he would never be able to move the bottom part of his body, that he would be on a skateboard,” she said. Spina Bifida is part of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects. The neural tube is the embryonic structure that eventually develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord and the tissues that enclose them, says the Mayo Clinic’s web site. Spina Bifida can cause physical and neurological problems, the web site states. This may include lack of normal bowel and bladder control and partial or complete paralysis of the legs. Children and adults with this form of Spina Bifida might need crutches, braces or wheelchairs to help them get around, depending on the size of the opening in the spine and the care received after birth. Additional problems may arise as children with Spina Bifida get older. Children with myelomeningocele, one of the most severe forms, may develop learning disabilities, including difficulty paying attention, problems with language and reading comprehension, and trouble learning math. Each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Nathaniel helps with the Tae Kwon Do class drills around 1,500 babies out of four million are born with Spina Bifida in the United States. “He never gives up” After Nathaniel’s recent surgery,
there are the complications, but there is also the hope – that Nathaniel will walk one day, and if not, that he’ll accomplish whatever the next best thing for him is. Master Cindy and the Tae Kwon Do training are crucial to the process, says Ileen.
“This has brought him a lot farther. We work with him at home and stuff, but this gives him a goal. Every week, it’s Tae Kwon Do class, and he’s ready. He does this twice a week. And he never gives up. He was crying Friday. He had an ear infection and with a temperature of 104.7, and he was crying that I wouldn’t bring him to Tae Kwon Do class.” “That right there is his hero,” she says, pointing to Wenzel and looking across the dojo as Nathaniel grunts and chants with each strike at a punching bag, always mirroring the Master. Nathaniel does not let anything get in the way of his training. “He will pull himself down on the mat no matter what,” Ileen says. Her chin and lower lip start to quiver as she tries to maintain her composure. “If he gets tired of crawling, he’ll roll. But he never gives up. The morning of the surgery, he says, ‘Mommy. There is no defeat. There’s only victory behind all this.’” Nathaniel’s one-on-one workout with Master Cindy is just the start
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Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com of this afternoon’s activities. His face lights up when he’s in the dojo, but it turns into a Christmas tree and Fourth of July fireworks upon the arrival of his friends for the main Tae Kwon Do class. Nathaniel is back in the wheelchair, but that doesn’t stop him from totally integrating himself into the routine. He holds the foam bar for kids to jump over, adjusting the height for each one. His classmates constantly jostle and bump into him, sometimes stubbing their own toes. Nathaniel may get special attention, but it’s not the kind you normally think of when that expression is used – it’s simply an adjustment and nothing more or less for this crew of two green belts, three white belts, one yellow belt, and three orange belts. They all seem to have just the right touch. “Any questions the children have had” about Nathaniel, “we’ve been open and honest about them,” Wenzel says. “Kids are so wide-open blunt.” Her goals for Nathaniel? “His goal is my goal,” she says. “Black belt.” Master’s humble start It would be hard to come up with someone better suited to instruct Nathaniel than Master Cindy. She appears to adjust to various abilities as easily as she moves around a mat. Part of her past is instructive, to say the least. When Wenzel’s daughter, Emylou, took her very first Tae Kwon Do class around 17 years ago, Cindy was there to interpret for her. Both knew next to nothing about the martial arts. The Master, who will be trying to achieve her fifth-degree black belt
this summer, looks back at the exact moment it all started. “And I said to myself, you know what, there are adults in here – they’re a little bit younger than me – but I think I can do this. So I asked her (Emylou), of course, because this was going to be her thing, and she was like ‘Yes, mommy, please. Yes, mommy, please.’” One of Wenzel’s students, Shane Neal, 10, has battled some physical problems, but he’s making a strong comeback thanks to the Tae Kwon Do training, his grandmother, Pam Brinkley, confirms. (Brinkley then calls up the picture on her phone of a cake in the shape of a black-belt martial arts robe that she baked for Wenzel on her birthday.) Neal, who is small for his age and has faced bullying at school, has improved his mobility and strength in recent months. Wenzel teaches Tae Kwon Do classes for children twice a week at Fitness Evolution (Tuesday and Friday, 3:30 p.m.) and a class for adults (Friday, 5:30 p.m.). She also works as the Warren County Parks and Recreation Gymnastics Coordinator. She also teaches tumbling classes. She’s also a fitness instructor at Fitness Revolution. Whew. We can be heroes Recently, Wenzel topped even herself by dreaming up an event called the Heroes Challenge, and then working with community forces to make it happen. To review: On March 19 at Fitness Evolution, Team Blue, consisting of members of the Front Royal Police Department, competed against Team Brown, consisting of members of the Warren County Sheriff ’s Department, in the
first Heroes’ Challenge. The competition was built around six athletic events, including tire flipping, pullups, sit-ups, plyometrics box jumps and bench press. There was also a tug of war competition consisting of five-person teams. Employees of Fitness Evolution served as officials and judges. Family members and children from the various classes at the facility were present. Wenzel was predictably everywhere, seemingly doing everything. The idea for the challenge sprang from a chili cookoff that Gold Mountain Martial Arts held to celebrate local heroes, Wenzel confirmed. She compared it to the softball games of the past between Front Royal police officers and firefighters. Team Blue won the team category and MPO Travis Cave of the Front Royal Police was the individual standout. But that wasn’t necessarily the point. “The best influences in a child’s life are our first responders,” Wenzel says an hour before class. “Their superheroes should be people that they can turn to if they get lost, or if their parents need help. Call 911. And who responds is usually someone with a blue uniform, brown uniform … On Halloween, a lot of the kids would dress up like their superheroes. Batman. Spider-Man. But we have some kids who dress up as firefighters and police officers. So it became evident that their superheroes in real life are the first responders.” Respect for law enforcement and first responders, respect for your elders, and respect for one another can translate to a better life. Wenzel explains: “Tae Kwon Do is about how to control yourself. What you say, what you do. It’s not all about the punch-
Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 17
Adult volunteers participate in all parts of the workouts ing and kicking.” It’s getting close to 4:30 p.m. and the end of Master Cindy’s Tae Kwon Do class. She has been a whirlwind. The students have been wisps around her. There’s a vibrant but deliberate flow to everything. And it’s not being gratuitous to report that Nathaniel has been amazing. First of all, it’s obvious that the kid has developed some upper body strength, even though Master Cindy wants to see him improve even more in that area. But think about all of the 30-minute workouts before practice with
Master Cindy, sitting on a mat in a squat position and doing nothing but working his arms from all positions. Think about all of the wheelchair maneuvering during the class and in everyday life. Think about all of the lifting in and out of the chair. After class, Nathaniel is gripping the right wheel of his chair and moving past me, but I quickly realize that he is keeping his left hand free so that he can shake my hand. For his age, the grip is strong. – mario@areaguides.com
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Page 18 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016
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Warren’s Supervisors vote to approve $101.7 million budget “We looked for fluff and couldn’t find any,” said Chairman Linda Glavis
Supervisor Linda Glavis supported the initial proposal for a real estate property tax increase to 63 cents per $100 valuation, a 3.5 cent tax increase.
North River Supervisor Dan Murray refuses to budge on his stance not to support a 3.5 cent increase to fund the $102.22 million 2017 budget.
By Timothy Ratigan Warren & Frederick County Report
started with Shenandoah District Supervisor Tom Sayre. “I know that the County has been working on this budget for a couple of years ahead. Anytime you have appropriations like this, and I can tell being on this board for four months, I’ve seen a lot of professionalism and I have seen the necessity of a lot of these things that are in the budget. I would’ve liked to have come on the board and sail through and have a balanced budget. That would have been nice. Maybe to be able to cut some. That is not reality at this point. I am disappointed about that. But I do understand from what I’ve seen. Mr. Carter mentioned to me at the library fundraiser that he is going to work with me in the upcoming year to see if it is possible that we might be able to do some cuts which will hopefully result in no tax increases next year,” he said. Next up was Fork District Supervisor Fox. “I just think that there are a few, not many, but a few unnecessary spending items that we have. I would like to see us spend what is absolutely necessary. And I am not sure that we have that. So that is why I am concerned about increasing taxes. I’ve narrowed it down and there are a
“Madam Chair, I move for adjournment,” said Warren County’s Happy Creek Supervisor Tony Carter, when there were still two items left on the agenda. One of those items was the vote on the tax rate for the county for fiscal year 2017. Supervisors Chairman Linda Glavis responded to that with a laugh and said, “I don’t think so.” North River Supervisor Dan Murray was heard to fire out over the laughter, “Good try!” Why the move to adjourn with items left on the agenda? We can only assume it was meant to lighten the mood as the board moved to its final item. That item? To set the tax rate for the next fiscal year’s budget. It was just a week ago that the board met in a special meeting to listen to members of the community voice their opinions on the proposed 3.5 cent tax increase. Fast forward to the April 19 meeting. It was the Board’s turn to finally speak and take action on the big question. Would the taxpayers of Warren County see their real estate taxes go
up or remain the same? The County Administrator opened things up with a general breakdown of the fiscal 2017 budget. “The proposed budget for Warren County for fiscal year 2017 is in the amount of $102,222,541, which includes county departments and the school operating fund. The budget includes a 3.5 cent increase in real estate tax rates from 59.5 cents per $100 of assessed value to 63 cents per $100 of assessed value for calendar year 2016. There are no proposed increases in the other tax rates for 2016,” he said. And with that simple statement, the journey to set the tax rates was on. Carter moved to set the rate at the advertised rate for discussion. After a long period of silence, with Glavis asking for a second, Fork District Supervisor Archie Fox finally seconded the motion. The motion was then open for discussion. Instead of letting the supervisors choose whether or not to discuss, Glavis went from her left to right calling on each supervisor by name, giving each one of the supervisors an opportunity to offer their voice to the discussion or to bow out of the discussion. She
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few places that we could reduce the spending. We really need to take a closer look at it in the coming year.” Board Chair, Linda Glavis added to the discussion. “First of all I would like to say that I value our teachers and all of our Warren County employees. Our department heads have been frugal with looking for fluff. We looked for fluff and I couldn’t find any, and I support the real estate tax increase of 63 cents. Even with that rate we are lower than proposed rates in the surrounding counties and I think it is the right thing to do. Even with the 3.5 cent increase, we have not funded the fire and rescue and law enforcement positions that were requested. We have the new middle school
opening next fall that needs to be staffed and operated. Our budget is a complicated process. Mr. Stanley and our staff have worked very hard to trim the budget where the board has suggested. It is said that some things should or could be cut or delayed. I think we need this 63 cents this year. But I would like to see us start now looking at the budget for the next fiscal year to identify any cuts or possible ways to save. We will be looking at the possibility of the golf course and I know we all take our job seriously and I encourage our citizens to contact the board members to share suggestions on how we think we can save more money. Again I am willing to support this 63 cents for the tax rate this year,” she said. North River Supervisor Dan Murray responded. “Madam Chair, I can’t support it in good conscience. I feel it is a little too high. I feel that some like the golf course took a stand and they were able, even though they were a financially losing operation, to cut $35,000 out. And I tip my hat to them. But we have a lot of other agencies that we support that haven’t done it, made cuts. And we should go on record to let them know that way things look now next year is going to be tighter. It’s not going to be easier. So that means watching every penny, dotting every ‘i’ and crossing every ‘t’. I tip my hat to the schools. The schools have come a long way. We have excellent teachers. We have great employees. But many times you have to look internally before you look externally. And you have to take care of
Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 19
Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com home before you cross the street. So I will not support the full increase. I am sorry,” Murray said. Carter addressed to board next. Once again, he jokingly attempted to move for adjournment, and of course failed to achieve his goal. He turned serious and gave his opinion. “I think revenues will be flat next year. I think we will still be around $900,000 short on the operating cost for the opening of the middle school. We will still be short on the debt service operating cost on the regional jail. (Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Warren Regional Jail) This year we caught a break on a reduction on VRS (Virginia Retirement System) rates and our health insurance plan. We do not know what will happen next year. We have all looked at the budget and I think most departments and agencies came in with a relatively flat budget. Most departments have done a good job in managing the funds we have approved. And they returned back to us any
savings that they had at the end of the fiscal year. Most of the increases we have seen have to do with payroll related items, including pay raises to remain competitive with the surrounding localities. I would like to make a couple suggestions regarding next year’s budget. First, notify each and every department and agency to prepare next year’s budget with a zero percent increase. Second, several members have voiced concerns about kicking the can down the road. Each and every one of us knows the situations facing future boards. Operating and maintenance of the new middle school, the increase of the regional jail, paid benefits of the employees in order to remain competitive. There have also been discussions of cutting fluff, fat or pork, this occurs every year at budget time from local state and federal officials. Most of the costs from our departments again are employee related. Where is the fluff? Do we have too many employees? Do we have too many vehicles? Or are we doing too
much? I am willing to cut. Give me your proposed cuts and let’s discuss them,” he offered. He went on to say that those citizens who have lived in Warren County for the last 15 years have seen vast improvements in the county’s facilities and services. He mentioned schools being finished, parks revitalized and new ones added, and completion of the new library. He added that public safety and EMS services have been vastly improved. He remembered Warren County as having once been the laughing stock of the surrounding area, and said that today the county is now the envy of the surrounding area. Glavis then called for a roll call vote on the advertised tax rate of 63 cents. When the vote was called it failed on a 4-1 vote with Glavis casting the sole vote for the advertised rate. Another attempt was made to set a rate of 62.5 cents per $100 assessed value of real estate. That motion failed to get a second
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so it died on the floor. Carter made a third attempt to set the rate at 62 cents per $100 of assessed value of real estate. Before the vote was taken, Sayre commented on the large number of delinquent accounts on the tax books and said he hoped this year the coun-
ty could be a little more aggressive about going after those citizens who owed back taxes, and attempt to collect them The measure to set the tax rate was passed at a vote of 4-1 with Sayre casting the lone vote against it. – tim@areaguides.com
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Belle Grove’s “Of Ale and History” Beer Fest Belle Grove Plantation will host its annual “Of Ale and History” Beer Festival on Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with beer tasting beginning at noon. A press conference will be held at Belle Grove on Tuesday, May 3 at 10 a.m. Representatives from the three participating beer distributors: Dixie Beverage Company, Premium Distributors of Virginia, and Virginia Eagle Distributing Company will discuss the brands they will feature at this year’s festival. More than sixty beers, including craft brews, imports, and hard ciders will be available for tasting including from Virginia breweries including local businesses Winchester Ciderworks, Backroom Brewery, and Woodstock Brewhouse. The 2016 “Of Ale and History” Beer Fest entertainment sponsor is Guinness Nitro IPA. Live music will be performed all day. The Robbie Limon Band, a five piece band that plays 1970’s era top 40 hits and deep tracks, will perform from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cazhmiere, one of the region’s premier party bands that plays music from the 80’s and 90’s as well as current pop and dance hits, will perform from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Shenandoah Country Q102 and 99.3 The Fox radio personalities will be at the Beer Fest throughout the day. Featured Beverage Host of Beer Fest is Yuengling and the glass sponsor is Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders. Other major sponsors include First Bank, Cassaday and Company Independent Wealth Management, iHeartMedia, Backroom Brewery, Grove’s Winchester Harley-David-
son, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Sierra Nevada, Heineken, Guinness, Virginia’s Best, Goose Island, Sam Adams, Blue Moon, Sweet Water Brewing Company. Additional sponsors are Frederick Brick, Block and Stone, the Better Beer Store, Safford of Winchester RAM, Jeep, Dodge & Chrysler, Union Jack Pub and Restaurant, Nana’s Irish Pub, Griffin Tavern and Restaurant, Stagecoach Productions Sound & Lighting LLC, Fastsigns, Grand Rental Station, Reddy Ice. Food will be available from Royal Siam Catering, Shaffers BBQ Palace, The Farm Effect Gourmet Sandwiches, A-1 Kettle Korn, and Virginia Smashers and Deep Fried Desserts.
Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com Local businesses and the Belle Grove Museum Shop will also offer unique gifts and products for sale. Advanced tickets are on sale online at www.bellegrove.org and there are no online ticket purchasing fees. Tickets may also be purchased at the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center at 1400 South Pleasant Valley Road in Winchester (open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and the Belle Grove Museum Shop (open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.) Tasting tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate and includes a commemorative tasting glass and eight beer tastings in addition to access to all performances, vendors, and tours of Belle Grove’s 1797 Manor House. Designated drivers or guests under 21 may purchase general admission for $10. Visitors are welcome to bring chairs and blankets but are asked to leave pets and large backpacks and totes at home. No food or beverages may be brought onto the festival grounds. Photo identification is required for entry. Anyone under 18-years of age must attend be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“Of Ale and History” takes its name from “mine host was full of ale and history” a line in a 17th century satirical poem by Richard Corbet, the Bishop of Oxford and Norwich, England. Belle Grove Plantation, which was founded in 1783, originally grew wheat, barley, oats and
other grains used in beer. Today Belle Grove is a non-profit, historic house museum on 283 acres with panoramic, Shenandoah Valley views. Belle Grove is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site and a partner in the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. 2016 will
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Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 21 mark the 21st anniversary of the “Of Ale and History” Beer Festival and it is one of the museum’s most important fundraisers. Pair Sentenced For Making False Statements in Regards to Healthcare Programs A pair of Winchester residents, who previously pled guilty to sub-
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mitting false timesheets for payment to Virginia Medicaid, were sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. and Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced today. Kevin Lavelt Freeman, 51, and Cassie Lee Davis, 48, both of WinSee FREDERICK, 22
CRIME OF THE WEEK
Winchester City Crime of the Week - April 22, 2016 This week’s Crime of the Week involves vandalism on the Jubal Early Bridge. On Wednesday, April 20, 2016 around 5:00 a.m., an officer with the Winchester Police Department was conducting an extra patrol underneath the Jubal Early bridge when he observed graffiti spray painted on the East side retainer/support wall facing the railroad tracks. An investigation determined the bridge was vandalized sometime between 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 19th and 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20th. If you have any information regarding a suspect or a suspect vehicle in this incident, please call the Crime Solvers Hotline at (540) 665 TIPS (8477). Information leading to the arrest of a suspect may result in a reward of up to $1,000. Incident #16016070 Frederick County Crime of the Week - April 18, 2016 This weeks Crime of the Week involves the larceny of two generators from two pet grooming trailers. The generators were the property of “At Your Bark and Call”, a mobile pet grooming business. An employee arrived at the business on March 1, 2016 and was getting ready to leave with one of the trailers when she noticed the generators were missing. Both were Honda brand, red and black in color and were valued at $4,500.00 each. If you have any information regarding a suspect or a suspect vehicle in this incident, please contact the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 6626162, Deputy Mark DeHaven at (540) 662-6162, or the Crime Solvers Hotline at (540) 665‑TIPS (8477). Information leading to the arrest of a suspect may result in a reward of up to $1,000. Incident #16001010. Deputy Mark DeHaven.
Page 22 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016 FREDERICK, from 21 chester, Virginia, previously pled guilty to federal charges related to making false statements as they relate to a healthcare program. Freeman previously pled guilty to one count of making false statements in connection with a healthcare program and one count of making false statements in connection to a healthcare benefits program. Yesterday in District Court, he was sentenced to 18 months of federal incarceration and two years of supervised release thereafter. In addition, Freeman was also ordered to pay $28,176 in restitution to the Department of Medical Assistance Services. Davis previously pled guilty to one count of making false statements related to a healthcare matter and one count of healthcare fraud. Yesterday in District Court, she was sentenced to time served, five days, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $28,176 to the Department of Medical Assistance Services. “We are proud to work alongside the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Virginia Attorney General’s Office on these very important prosecutions,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “Protecting the integrity of important social programs such as Medicaid and Medicare is of the utmost importance to law enforcement.” “The great relationship between our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Medical Assistance Services, and our law enforcement partners is critical to holding providers accountable for fraud that weakens important healthcare programs and does a real disservice to the vulnerable patients who rely on them,” said Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring. According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Grayson Hoffman and Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Vaso Doubles, Davis and Freeman, from July 2012 to August 2012, conspired to defraud the special caregiver program covered under Virginia Medicaid. During this time period Freeman was incarcerated. Davis, however, submitted, on at least two occasions, timesheets for payment to the Virginia Medicaid program for services that were never rendered by Freeman. In addition, Davis also falsified bills by making materially false statements or representations about the services Freeman provided her during the time he was incarcerated. Davis and Freeman communicated by telephone about their fraud during Freeman’s incarceration. These telephone calls were recorded and a number of the calls included discussions between Davis and Freeman regarding the manner in which they were defrauding the Virginia Medicaid Program. The investigation of the case was conducted by the Virginia Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid
Fraud Control Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Grayson Hoffman and Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Vaso Doubles prosecuted the case for the United States. Workshop: Creating & Tending Backyard Woods Do you have some woods or a few acres you’d like to be a natural area? While you may enjoy your woods for the privacy it offers or knowing that it gives a home to some wildlife, it can be much more! You can influence what happens in your natural area by better understanding what you have, what you want and available tools to help you accomplish your goals. For example, did you know that by selecting certain trees for firewood, you can improve wildlife habitat, scenic values and regenerate young trees, all at the same time? A full day workshop is being offered to equip owners of 1-10 acres to learn how to manage existing natural areas and/or create new natural areas. The workshop will use the latest edition of the award winning manual, The Woods in Your Backyard: Learning to Create and Enhance Natural Areas Around Your Home. This full-color 108-page workbook helps woodland owners identify goals for their land, and walks through the steps to success. Whether you are interested in converting lawn to forest, creating wildlife habitat, or providing a useful outdoor space for your family, this program is for you. The workshop will be held in Winchester, VA May 13, 2016 from noon to 5 pm. The cost of the training is $30 for individuals or $45 per couple, which includes lunch. Attendance is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, contact the Northern District Natural Resources Extension Program at 540-948-6881. A brochure with more information can be downloaded from https://forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/resources/woodlots/index.html. This program is sponsored by: Virginia Cooperative Extension, The Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries and the Forests for the Bay Program. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. Shenandoah University Unveils Plans for New Athletics & Events Center Shenandoah University’s Board of Trustees on April 20 approved plans for a new, 77,000-square-foot indoor athletic facility for the university’s 21 athletics teams. Located next to Shentel Stadium, the student-first facility will benefit each of the university’s 480 studentathletes and vault Shenandoah into
Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com the top tier of indoor athletic facilities in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. A public fundraising campaign for the final $2 million in private funds needed for construction is now underway with the hopes of breaking ground this fall. “This new athletics and events center will be transformational for Shenandoah University,” said President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D. “It’s going to impact our recruiting, our retention of students, the success of our students, and most specifically our student-athletes.” “Now that we’ve worked for years, and we’re a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference – which is one of the top Division III conferences in the nation – our studentathletes and coaches deserve better opportunities to perform,” said James R. Wilkins Jr., a Shenandoah University board of trustees member and co-chair of the Athletics & Events Center Steering Committee. Jim Vickers also serves as co-chair of the steering committee. The new facility will be the physi-
cal manifestation of Shenandoah Athletics’ “21 sports, one team” motto, offering both athletes and spectators an improved Hornets Athletics experience. “It will definitely create a stronger sense of pride for the school, and more people are going to be willing to come to the games to come see it and check it out,” said Kelsey Thomas ’16, a men’s basketball team member. The facility will include 63,000-square-feet of multipurpose fieldhouse space designed for varsity competition and practice, with retractable seating for 1,600. Boasting far more room than the 500-capacity Shingleton Gymnasium, built in 1969, the new center will assist in recruiting even more top-notch student-athletes to play on the university’s NCAA Division III teams. “Our priorities, from a design standpoint and a university standpoint, were to allow as many student-athletes an opportunity to use this facility as possible; to enhance the student-athlete experience; to impact the campus and community;
and to take advantage of public visibility from Interstate 81, which is about 60,000 views,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Doug Zipp. “So as people drive by every day, they know where Shenandoah University is located.” The university envisions that this facility will also be available for community use, and as a large events space it will seat approximately 5,000 theatre-style or nearly 1,000 for a sitdown dinner. “This is the kind of facility that impacts everyone in the Northern Shenandoah Valley,” said Dr. Fitzsimmons. “It includes college students, but it has an impact on elementary school students. It includes people who work in athletics and those who enjoy watching athletics. It includes those who want to come and hear a major speaker or a concert, but up to now, we have had no place to house such major events. This will be good for the city and the county. It will be good for all the schools and local sports teams. This is a building of which we can all be proud.”
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Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 23
Wellness Expo a ‘huge success’ Warren Memorial held the “best ever event we’ve had over the years,” according to Kim Shirley, co-chair of the event By Carol Ballard Warren & Frederick County Report
Darnell Smith of Valley Health Outreach Specialist for Aids Response Effort, is glad to educate folks on the dangers of unsafe health practices.
An unbuckled dummy’s arm is unmercifully demolished over and over in a simulated vehicle rollover, demonstrated by Deputy Jeremy Seabright.
They took my blood and breath away, but I came away with free food, a tote bag and free pen. In addition, got to spend a beautiful spring morning with amiable health-and fun seeking folks who came out to Valley Health and Warren Memorial Hospital’s Safety and Wellness Expo on Saturday, April 16 at Warren County High School from 8 a.m. to noon. I had two goals; one, to get blood screening, and two, explore everything as much as possible. I got there as early as I could, hoping to break my required 12-hour fast soon in order to get blood work done that day, but missed the starting time of 8 a.m. by 10 minutes. I was sure there would be few people there that early. I was wrong. The upper parking lot was full and I found a space at the lower level. ‘Ok, this is for health,’ I told myself, ‘a slight uphill walk can’t be a bad thing.’ Passing the entrance, friendly and helpful volunteers gave me a tote bag and a form to fill out asking for my opinion about the event. They also directed me to the blood testing area in the back of the school. To get there, I passed long hallways where tables with the 75 community health and wellness agencies and a huge number of services, free tests, organizations with health or fitnessbased agendas were represented.
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Marian, Meg, Liam and Madeline Sholar were thrilled to sit in the Medevac helicopter at the Wellness Expo. Thinking I’d be one of the first in line, but having judged wrongly, I was there well behind earlier birds. I was told it would be about a half hour wait, but was only about 20 minutes. While in line, I overheard others sharing health stories and talking about the amazing bargain it was compared to tests done in laboratories and requested by physicians. Someone said, “If the test is sent to the usual lab, it can cost about $300.” The Community Wellness panel includes comprehensive screening for blood panel, lipid, CBC and THS. Participants could choose from several options, including a $45 general wellness panel with a complete blood count (gives important information about the numbers of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets); complete blood panel (measures glucose level, electrolytes, kidney and liver function); lipid profile (HDL, LDL and Triglycerides) and thyroid gland test. Other tests were offered, for additional fees. These included: PSA (prostate-specific antigen for men); HsCRP (determines risk factors for cardiovascular disease); and vitamin D screening. The blood sugar level test showing levels for the previous three months was also extra. Vouchers for those who wanted to delay the test was available for them to be done at the hospital. Free screenings were available for: blood pressure; body composition analysis; hearing and vision; breast exams; pulmonary fit testing and oxygen saturation. Thirty vouchers for no-cost mammograms were also available, courtesy of Warren Memorial Hospital’s Medical Imaging and Virginia Radiology Associates. After the blood test, I went into the dining room where an abundance of healthy breakfast snacks was available, compliments of Warren Memorial Hospital Nutrition Services.
These included yogurt, hard boiled eggs, fruit, water, breakfast bars, and much more. There I sat across from the exuberant Sholar family; Madeline, Meg, Marian and Liam and their friendly mom, Angie. “We’ve come before and it was lots of fun to see the helicopter and the ambulance guys,” Angie said. Three-year-old Liam’s eyes lit up when the girls talked about the helicopter and his mom taking their picture. They were munching on the good breakfast and talked about coming here for the last few years. They were looking forward to seeing the petting zoo and the Medevac helicopter, and seeing what was new. By chance, they were at the helicopter when I went there to take pictures and talk to the crew that included and flight nurse Josh McGee, and pilot Craig Clement, who were friendly and willing to talk about what kinds of certification medics need for flights and specific training they need. One requirement, they mentioned, is the ability to maneuver and walk around during flights to get the job done. I asked them how difficult it is to get to the patients and how they’re able to land at hospitals or other emergency sites. “Ninety-five percent of hospitals have a helipad-a landing area or platform for helicopters. While helicopters are able to operate on several kinds of relatively flat surfaces, a fabricated helipad provides a clearly marked hard surface away from obstacles where a helicopter can land safely. Warren Memorial has a designated area in the parking lot with a big X which is cleared out when they’re on their way,” said Craig, and added, “I’m sure Warren Memorial would love to have a helipad.” They mostly serve the Shenandoah See EXPO, 24
Page 24 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016
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EXPO, from 23 Valley, but travel in an approximate 150-mile radius; as far as Richmond, Charlottesville and Baltimore and travel to “scene flights” like car accidents. Typically, they land where the fire department people have set up a landing zone, then assess where the closest facility is to take the victims. “We’re the best part of your worst day,” said Josh. When the Sholar family showed up while we were talking, they excitedly loaded into the seat of the helicopter. Their mom snapped their picture and so did I. Leaving the helicopter, and walking around the back of the school, I saw sheriff and highway patrol officers near several interesting-looking vehicles. One was set up to let participants see how well they would drive with an over the limit Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC); the percentage of alcohol in the blood or proportion of alcohol to blood in the body. Genna McGahee was in the driver’s seat and went through the test. She ended up crashing on an on-or off ramp. The screen showed how she was doing, and it looked pretty scary. Fortunately, she came out of it much better than she would have if it were real. “School Resource Officer Sergeant J.A. Laney was overseeing the tests and said she takes the distracted driving and alcohol level tests into the schools in spring and fall. She demonstrates to students how texting is a huge factor in causing accidents. “It’s an eye-opening lesson, they can see how poorly multitasking works while driving,” she said. Just across from there, Deputy Jeremy Seabright was operating the rollover vehicle. He demonstrated what happens when someone isn’t wearing a seatbelt, if involved in a rollover situation. The driver dummy was strapped in, but the unfortunate unbuckledup passenger was thrown around and their arm flopped out more and more as it turned. He said that often the dummy falls completely out of the vehicle. The demonstration didn’t show how mangled a person can be when they are thrown out, but it can be viewed on the Sheriff ’s Facebook page, he said. He also warned about how much damage can be done when there are objects in the car in this situation. “It’s heartbreaking to see inexperienced young drivers in an accident. Any kind of articles in the car can be potentially deadly in a rollover. I’d hate to see what a hammer would do,” he said, with a grimace. I heard an announcement that Deputy Josh Noland was going to demonstrate how Koda, his drugsniffing dog partner does his job. Noland set out three suitcases and we all watched as Koda sniffed each one and attacked the one in the middle. “We use dogs because their sense of smell is better and faster than hu-
Respiratory Therapist Cory Getz demonstrates with the help of her colleague Cindie Henry, how to test for cardiopulmonary issues, at the Wellness Expo.
Young Marines Pfc Cole, new recruit Brayden West and Pfc Jason Hickman, enjoyed the animals at the petting zoo Saturday at Valley Health and Warren Memorial Hospital’s Community and Wellness Expo.
Lucky participants enjoyed chair massages given by Warren Memorial Hospital staff.
Sisters Brittany and Carisa DeCormier practiced their Jiu Jitsu moves under the watchful eye of Instructor Cory Shannon from the River Bend Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy. mans,” he said. He talked about how they sniff out drugs mixed with massive amounts of money, and track, trail and apprehend criminals. Individuals in the crowd gathered at the scene asked a lot of questions, particularly about Koda. German Shepherd Koda was born in Holland and some of the commands Noland gives him are in German. He’s six years old, and was 11 months old when they got him. He lives with Noland and he began training him when he was a year old, first on the streets, then 14 weeks’ narcotics training in the canine program at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Center just outside of Front Royal. He is loaned to other agencies throughout the Shenandoah Valley if they need him, Noland said. On my way back into the Expo, I passed by kids loving the petting zoo, with the main attraction being a miniature pony. Young marines, serious in their pre-military roles, were also just being kids, enjoying petting the animals. This time at the entrance, several lucky people relaxed under the expert hands of the WMH staff giving folks chair massages. I was tempted to stop, but had to finish the second of my two goals and experience as much as possible of the event. Not too far into the main area, sis-
ters Brittany and Carisa DeCormier practiced their Jiu Jitsu moves under the watchful eye of Instructor Cory Shannon from the River Bend Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy. As I passed Respiratory Therapist Cory Getz, who was testing people for cardiopulmonary strength, she invited me to participate, so I did. She put testing gear on me, and told me how to breathe. Amazingly, I can breathe okay. “You got 100 percent!” she said. I guess it helps not to smoke. Just after I took off the gear, Cindie Henry, who is also a respiratory specialist at Warren Memorial volunteered to pose for a photo. “We’re your one-stop shop department for cardiopulmonary needs,” she said about their department at the hospital where you can go for services like: cardiac rehab; pulmonary function and cardiac stress tests; vascular diagnosis and echocardiograms. One of my last stops was at the table manned by Darnell Smith, Valley Health Outreach Specialist for AIDS Response Effort, and there to dispense life-saving information about outreach and prevention of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which attacks the body’s immune system. HIV can severely damage your immune system and lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syn-
drome (AIDS) and other diseases related to unsafe sex and drug practices. He’s based out of Winchester and partners with St. Luke Clinic in Front Royal and said he goes to wellness and county fairs, colleges, churches and C-CAP and promotes testing. He can do a 20-minute rapid test for HIV and Syphilis. “HIV has gone down nationally, but in the Lord Fairfax Health District, it has gone up. Hepatitis C has gone up and Syphilis also. A lot of it around here is from intravenous drug use,” he said. The Lord Fairfax Health District includes Clarke, Page, Shenandoah, Warren and Frederick Counties and Winchester City. To learn more, visit www.aidsresponseeffort.org. On a cheerier note, the expo had a lot for kids to do and enjoy, besides the petting zoo, helicopter, heart healthy continental breakfast mentioned earlier. The healthy lifestyle challenge set up outside had kids ding sit-ups, push-ups and listing how many fruits and vegetables they ate in a day. There was a scavenger hunt that featured great athletic gear and Fitbits as top prizes and a Teddy Bear Clinic, where kids could either bring their own favorite stuffed animal for a check-up or receive a new one. Several raffles were held for scooters, knee and arm safety pads, life vests and car seats. “We like to engage children to start thinking about their health and adopting good habits now that they’ll take with them into adulthood,” added Kristin Waltz, RN, WMH Surgical Services and co-chair of the Expo.
“It’s the best ever event we’ve had over the years, with about 1,000 participants,” said Kim Shirley, BSN, RN, director of the hospital’s Emergency Department and Women’s Care Center who also co-chaired the event. Of those, 200 were vendors and volunteers. “I want to thank them and all the people in the community who came in to the Expo. They are the ones who make this a success,” she added. And Ellen Testo, public relations manager for Valley Health, offered these statistics and comments from this year’s participants. “It’s been a hospital event for over 30 years, and at Warren County High School for the last six. Over the years, it has been held at several sites, including churches and schools,” she said. She read some of the comments that folks wrote on the forms they were asked to fill out. “Always awesome.” “Absolutely will attend next year.” “Thanks for having the breakfast. It absolutely helped after fasting.” Must have been someone who fasted for the blood test, like me, I thought. So, at the end of the Expo, I achieved both of my goals and got to see community members working on getting and staying healthy and looking forward to next year’s event. For information, visit www.valleyhealthlink.com/wmhexpo or call Warren Memorial Hospital at 6360325. – carol@areaguides.com
Warren
Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 25
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County Report
Mass Casualty Bus Accident in Warren Warren County Fire and Rescue Services units were dispatched for an accident involving two charter buses at John Marshal Highway at High Knob entrance. Units arrived on scene to find a rear end crash involving the buses with heavy damage to striking vehicle. Together, Both buses were carrying 95 students, teachers and chaperones from E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School. All students and faculty self evacuated from the first bus while the second bus had to utilize the emergency evacuation windows. EMS Responders triaged, treated and transported sixteen patients, 9 students and 7 adults, from the scene to Warren Memorial Hospital with what appeared to be minor injuries. As of 8 PM this evening, another 7 patients were being treated in the ER after being transported by personal vehicle. Those numbers were expected to increase as the evening progresses. Warren County Fire and Rescue utilized all staffed ambulances and requested assistance from Strasburg 25 and 51. Due to the large numbers of patients, Warren Memorial Hospital called back staff, going from 2 doctors and 6 nurses to a total of 7 doctors and 15 nurses/ER staff. Responding stations included Station 4, 1, 5, 2, 10, 6 and Shenandoah 25, for total of 5 ambulances and 2 engines. Most ambulances transported two or more patients at a time. Fire and Rescue were assisted by Warren County Sheriff ’s Office. John Marshal Highway was closed in both directions until 6 PM. Accident is un-
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der investigation by Va. State Police. Medic 4, Medic 1-1, Squad 1, Chief 100: 3:43 PM Res Engine 5, ALS 650: 3:51 PM Ambulance 2, Res Engine 10, Ambulance 6: 3:58 PM On scene: 3:44 PM Cleared: 5:22 PM Diesel Fuel Tanker Burns in Warren Warren County Fire and Rescue Services units responded for a tractor trailer with its cab on fire today on John Marshal Highway. Fire units arrived to find the tractor fully involved impinging on the trailer that was carrying 8500 gallons of diesel fuel. The driver noticed smoke coming from his inside vents that got worse and forced him to stop the truck and evacuate from the cab. He was not injured. Two engines, three tankers, rescue squad and ambulance using two hoselines were able to bring the fire under control approximately 20 minutes after arrival. There was a diesel fuel leak from the tractor due to the fire causing the saddle tank to fail. Hazardous materials abatement was performed by the Rescue Squad. There was not a failure of the trailer tank, thus no loss of product in the tank. There were no fire and rescue injures. The cause of the fire is under investigation but the probable cause is mechanical in or around the engine of the tractor. Damage estimates by Fire Chief Richard Mabie are in the $80,000 area. Other assisting agencies included the Warren County Sheriff ’s Office, VDOT, State Police and Dept of Environmental Quality. John Marshal Highway was closed for three hours but opened in time for school bus traffic. Engines 4, 1, 5 Ta 2 and 9, Rescue Squad 1, Ambulance 1, Chief 100 Dispatched 12:17 PM On scene-12:23 PM Spec Call-Engine 10 12:28 PM Engine 10 moved to Station 4, Engine 6 moved to Station 1
Knocked down-12:39 PM Under control-12:47 PM Cleared-3:30 PM Humane Society of Warren County to host Rabies clinic Protect your pet at the Humane Society of Warren County’s spring rabies clinic. The clinic will be held Saturday April 30 from 10am-2pm at the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter: 1245 Progress Dr. in Front Royal. The cost for a rabies vaccination is only $12.00. 1 year and 3 year vaccinations will be offered. To receive a 3 year vaccine you must have a previous Rabies certificate. All dogs must be on leash and all cats in carriers. The clinic is first come, first served so please plan on arriving early. Dog Obedience Class The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for their Dog Obedience class for dogs 3 months old and up. This class will be held on Saturdays, May 21 through June 25 at the Saul Seide Botanical Gardens, 200 E 8th St, Front Royal, from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. The fee is $90.00 per dog for the six week session and class size is limited to 6 dogs. Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@ warrencountyva.net. Mother’s Day Painting Join us for a special Mother’s Day to remember! This painting class will be hosted by local painter and owner of “The Studio”, Kelly Walker. We will be painting a project that will be completed by each mother and her child/children. All necessary supplies will be provided and light snacks will be served during the event. The Mother’s Day Painting will take place at the Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Avenue, in Front Royal on Saturday, May 7, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The cost is $45.00 per couple; each additional child is $5.00; limit 2 children per mother. Registration is limited to 40 participants; pre-registration is required. Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@
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warrencountyva.net. Swimming Lessons: Session I The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department will be sponsoring Swimming Lessons for those ages 5 years and up, Monday through Thursday, June 13 – June 23 at the Claude A. Stokes Jr. Community Swimming Pool, 1000 Stadium Drive, Front Royal. Level 1: Intro to Water Skills: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Level 2: Fundamental Aquatics Skills: 9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m., 10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. Level 3: Stroke Development: 9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m., 10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. Level 4: Stroke Improvement: 8:30 a.m. – 9:20 a.m., 6:00 p.m. – 6:50 p.m. Level 5: Stroke Refinement: 8:30 a.m. – 9:20 a.m., 6:00 p.m. – 6:50 p.m. Level 6: Swimming Skill Proficiency: 8:30 a.m. – 9:20 a.m., 6:00 p.m. – 6:50 p.m. The cost is $55.00, with a class limit of 10, 6 or 4 participants per class time based on class level. Registration will begin Monday, May 2, and will only be accepted at the Warren County Community Center. Registration will close after June 12, or when class limit is reached. Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@ warrencountyva.net. Hershey: Run, Jump, Throw Summer Camp USA Track & Field and Hershey teamed up to create Run, Jump Throw (RJT), a hands-on learning program that gets kids excited about physical activity by introducing them to the basic running, jumping and throwing skills through track and field. The RJT plan offers a selection of twenty learning stations for children to choose from, including dynamic warm-up, running form and technique, standing broad jump, softball throw and one-legged hop. The program culminates with a non-competitive track meet where kids can apply new skills and celebrate their achievements. This camp is for boys and girls ages 7 to 12 years old as of June 1, 2016. It will run Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Session I will take place from June 6 through July 1 and Session II will
run from July 11 through August 5. Both sessions will be held at the Warren County Health and Human Services Complex Main Track. Wear comfortable clothes, running shoes and bring a packed lunch and water bottle. This program costs $85.00 per session; $155.00 for both sessions. Minimum 8 kids; Maximum 50 kids. Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@ warrencountyva.net. Little Movers Ballet This class is a 30 minute, once a week, class created to introduce movement and music to the youngest dancers. The class is designed for both boys and girls ages 2 ½ - 5 years; parents will need to be present throughout the course. The session will be held May 25 through June 29. Classes will be held Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the R.E.S Youth Center, 200 E. 8th Street, Front Royal. The cost is $35.00 per participant for the 6 week session. Minimum of 5 students are needed in order to hold the class; class is limited to 13 participants. 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. Ballet I This class is a wonderful way for a child to experience the basics of ballet without a year-long 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 May 24 through June 28. Classes will be held Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. at the R.E.S. Youth Center, 200 E. 8th Street, Front Royal. The cost is $55.00 per participant for the 6 week session. A minimum of 5 students are needed in order to hold the class. Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) See WARREN, 26
Page 26 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016 WARREN, from 25 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@ warrencountyva.net. Defensive Firearms of Virginia, LLC Class The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department will be holding a Defensives Firearms Class for those interested on Saturday, May 21, 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. Front Royal Football Camp The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with Skyline High School and Warren County High School will be sponsoring a Football Camp. This camp will be held at Skyline and Warren County High Schools, May 23 through May 26 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. This camp is designed for both boys and girls in grades 3 through 8. The cost for the camp is $60.00 per camper which includes a camp T-shirt. For more information contact Coach Gilbert at (540) 631-0366 ext. 31151 or via email at hgilbert@wcps. k12.va.us or Coach Crist at (540) 635-4144 ext. 44152 or via email at scrist@wcps.k12.va.us. Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@warrencountyva. net. Front Royal National Day of Prayer This year’s National Day of Prayer service will include thoughts from one of Warren County’s State Assembly members, Delegate Todd Gilbert, who has a particular concern with regards to the protection of our religious liberty. Delegate Gilbert participation is particularly important being that this is an election year, which is considered a very Now Hiring Winchester Writers
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pivotal one in determining whether our country continues in its current trajectory, or returns to the moral values that this country was founded on. And this includes the election of our local and state officials who may have more of an impact on our future than our national government. The 16th annual Front Royal community prayer service will be held at the Main Street Gazebo on Thursday, May 5th at 6:30 pm. Special music will be provided by the band from the Servant’s Heart and Hands Outreach Ministry, an active mission-based faith community, committed to “reflecting the character of Jesus Christ”. Their focus is “People with a passion, serving with compassion” through many local community projects. The National Day of Prayer is a day designated by the United States Congress as a day when the nation’s people are asked to gather together to pray, especially for our country, its people and its leaders. The designation of the first Thursday of May to be the annual recurring date for the National Day of Prayer was established by Ronald Reagan in 1988. This prayer service is a Christian event in which pastors and lay leaders from local churches participate each year. Prayers are for the leaders of our local, state and national governments, the people of the local community, state and country. The Front Royal National Day of Prayer community service was first organized in 2001 by several local Christians. Led by Denni Giovinazzo, assisted by Cherie Ray and David Lingebach, they considered it essential that the diversified Christian community come together to pray, believing that there is much spiritual strength in the local churches gathering as a unified body. These services are only possible with the support, assistance and participation of many others in the community. The committee relies on volunteers and donated or borrowed equipment while footing the bill for advertising, printing, mailing, and other expenses, with their own personal funds. “It’s all well worth everything we give to it,” says Denni. “Only God can bring the kind of change our country needs. It’s up to those who believe in Him to come together to ask for His mercy and grace. And we consider it an honor to serve in this way.” The public is invited to this community service. Bring your lawn chairs early to enjoy great music at 6:15 by the Servant’s Heart and Hands Band. Front Royal Womens Resource Center event Front Royal Women’s Resource Center will hold its annual Spotlight on Women program on Sunday, May 15, from 3 - 5:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall of Calvary Episcopal Church, 11 N. Royal Ave. The honoree is Lillian Sloane, a dedicated teacher, hospital volunteer and member of many community organizations. The theme is “Hats Off to Mrs. Sloane” and hats
Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com are optional, but attendees are encouraged to wear one. Refreshments will be served, and the public is invited to attend. Injured dog scam The Warren County Sheriff ’s Office has received information in reference to a possible scam that is circulating on social media, as well as on petition sites. An incident has been circulating where a puppy named “Sugar” was supposedly drug behind a truck on April 16, 2016. The Warren County Sheriff ’s Office has no record of this incident and no complaint has been made. A similar incident appears to have occurred over the weekend in Warren County, Kentucky, not Virginia. The Warren County Sheriff ’s Office would like the public to be cautious of fraudulent “Go Fund Me” accounts and other related donation sites that can arise after such scams surface. Anyone with information in regards to this is asked to contact Sgt. James Darr with the Warren County Sheriff ’s Office at 540 635-4128. Water Treatment Plant Receives Award The Town of Front Royal Water Treatment Plant was recently awarded the 2015 Excellence in Waterworks Operations/Performance Award for Excellence in Clarification, Filtration, and Backwash from the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water. The mission of the Office of Drinking Water is to protect public health by ensuring that all people in Virginia have access to an adequate supply of affordable, safe drinking water that meets federal and state drinking water standards. (www.vdh.virginia. gov) The Town of Front Royal owns and operates a Water Treatment Plant to ensure a plentiful supply of potable water to its residents and several Warren County customers for human consumption and fire suppression. The Plant currently is rated to supply up to 6.0 million gallons of water per day (mgd). The majority of the Town’s water is obtained from the South Fork of the Shenandoah River with additional water coming from Happy Creek and Sloan Creek. World War II Civilian Shares the Story of His Struggle By Cooper Bourdon, R-MA Class of 2011 On April 18, 2016, Randolph-Macon Academy was fortunate enough to receive a unique guest speaker with a significant story to tell. The man spoke to the students of his experience as a young child caught in the crossfire of one of the bloodiest battles in human history. Rolf D. Schmidt was just five years old when Joseph Stalin’s Red Army began their onslaught against the city of Berlin, Germany. Once the smoke cleared, the Battle of Berlin claimed
over 200,000 lives. Prior to the battle, Schmidt ran back and forth from his grandfather’s apartment to the concealed bunker five stories below. This was almost a daily routine for 18 months to avoid becoming a casualty of war from British and American air-raids; he was the only child in the bunker. His food came from the meat of slain horses, clean water was only available when it rained and the stench of the bunker was horrid. Germany finally surrendered on May 8, 1945, and ended the war in Europe. People all over the world rejoiced in the good news, but Schmidt had little reason to celebrate. The aftermath of the war showed a ruined Berlin along with a devastated population. Schmidt recalled the sight of destructed buildings reduced to rubble with people sifting through the ruins in an effort to find their loved ones. Orphans wandered the streets looking for anybody that would take them in. Running water was undrinkable due to Hitler’s final order to flood the subway systems to eliminate the tunnels as a strategic asset for the Red Army. Hitler gave the order knowing that German civilians used the tunnels to avoid allied airraids thus contaminating the water supply with the corpses of innocent civilians. As the aftermath continued, so did Schmidt’s struggles. The winters of 1946-47 were especially difficult to bear. There was no heat, extremely limited electricity and no windows to shield him from the elements. Schmidt and his family burned everything in their apartment to keep a fire going, including the furniture. Schmidt said he will always remember the frigid night when his mother wrapped him in curtains and warned him not to fall asleep because he would not wake up. The students were intrigued by Schmidt’s experiences having been intertwined with such a significant part of history. One student asked how the morale of the German population was during this time. Schmidt explained how devastated and shocked they were by the end result of the war, especially with the suicide of their fuehrer Adolf Hitler. “The German people believed in this man… when he killed himself they felt abandoned,” he explained to the students. Another asked him what he thought of the war itself. “It was not needed,” he said, “I don’t understand it… what Germany was doing at that time.”
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Despite the chaotic events of his childhood, Schmidt has overcome his early struggle. He has traveled the world and lived in many different countries such as Brazil, the Philippines, Italy and the United States. In an effort to tell his extraordinary story he started to write his memoir in 2006, which can be found online at rolfslife.com. Auditions Open for Blue Ridge Singers Do you enjoy singing? Do you love choral music? Come join the Blue Ridge Singers! The BRS seek vocalists interested in performing fun and challenging repertoire by contemporary composers such as Lauridsen, Gjeilo, Runestad, Paulus, Wilberg, Whitacre and and Hogan in addition to selections from the Renaissance, 17th-20th centuries, and Broadway classics. All voices are welcome. Auditions (for vocal placement) are being held until July 31, 2016. Visit www.blueridgesingers.com for more information. Humane Society at FOP Carnival The annual Front Royal Fraternal Order of Police Carnival will be held May 2nd-7th at Bing Crosby Stadium. Ride all you can for one low price. Support the Humane Society of Warren County by purchasing your concessions from the carnival food booth. Carnival opens at 6PM each evening and the HSWC staff and volunteers will be serving up hotdogs, hamburgers, and french fries. Stop by to meet the team and support the homeless animals of Warren County. Goodlatte Staff in Front Royal A member of Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s staff will hold open door community office hours every Wednesday in Front Royal to meet with individuals in Warren County to discuss any problems they might have with the federal government and hear their views on current issues before Congress. Warren County Open Door Meeting 10:00am – 12:00pm Samuels Public Library 330 E. Criser Rd Front Royal, VA Upcoming Dates (Every Wed.) May 4, 11, 18, 26, 2016
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VIRGINIA An Open Letter from the Superintendent of Shenandoah National Park
Dear Fellow Citizens: As many of you know, Shenandoah National Park is experiencing a very
large wildland fire, currently the second largest in the Park’s history, at 9,386 acres. Understandably, the fire has caused a great deal of concern from park neighbors and supporters, and there has been some misunderstanding about how the fire is being managed. I would like to use this let-
ter to better inform everyone about how it is being managed, and provide you with a current update on the status of the fire. This fire was first reported to the Park on Saturday, April 16 at about 1PM. It was burning in the Park’s South District, along the Rocky
Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 27 Mount Trail, in designated Wilderness, several miles from the nearest trailhead. This is a very remote and rugged portion of the Park, with no roads and no infrastructure, such as fire hydrants. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, it is believed to have been human caused. After hiking in, the first firefighters to arrive on scene found the fire was too intense for a safe direct attack and was growing quickly. The firefighters focused on evacuating the hikers and backpackers near the fire, and as they completed their initial size-up, estimated the fire to be 70 acres in size. They immediately ordered additional firefighting crews and equipment, including wildland fire engines and a helicopter for wa-
ODB O W
ter drops. On that first day, to better support the suppression effort, I also authorized the use of chainsaws, leaf blowers, and helicopters in the designated Wilderness – tools that are not normally allowed in Wilderness, except in emergency situations. By early the next morning, before additional fire crews could arrive, the fire had grown to 200 acres, burning in steep and rugged terrain and was continuing to grow rapidly. Fuel moistures were at historically low levels and we were observing flame lengths, fire behavior and spread that are quite unusual for this part of the country. As the fire continued to grow in size and intensity, we ordered more crews, engines and airSee VIRGINIA, 28
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safe, defensible positions have been prepared is not the same as “letting the fire burn” out of control. From the moment this fire started our two primary objectives in managing this fire have been 1) ensuring firefighter and public safety, and 2) keeping the fire within the Park boundary to protect private property and structures outside the Park. I am pleased to report that these efforts have been largely successful. To date, despite the high risk, and very intense fire behavior, there have been no serious injuries on the fire, and no structures have been burned. There was one area where fire crossed over the containment lines, into the woods in Beldor Hollow, which burned a total of 180 acres. That area is now secure. The fire continues to be managed by the Type 1 Incident Management Team (under a Delegation of Authority from the Park). The goal remains the same - to keep everyone safe and keep the fire within the Park! While the Park did not ignite, nor wish for this fire under these very dry and windy conditions, natural resource managers feel that overall, the fire will be beneficial to forest health in this part of the Park, which is classified as a Fire Ecology Zone, with several fire dependent species. Having not burned for over 85 years, (in an area where low intensity ground fires should naturally occur every 3-9 years) the Rocky Mount area of the Park has had an unnaturally high level of fuel accumulation
craft from all over the country. By the end of the day, the fire had grown to 500 acres, and recognizing that it was going to quickly overwhelm our local fire organization, we ordered a Type 1 Fire Incident Management Team – the best trained and most experienced fire managers available in the United States. We also called for assistance from the Virginia Department of Forestry and the Rockingham County Department of Fire and Emergency Services. From the beginning, the only option for the Park was to manage the fire. When direct attack of a fire is unsafe, as it was in this case, fire managers have no choice but to revert to indirect attack – pulling back and selecting defensible locations (such as roads, natural barriers or constructed fire lines) where there is a reasonably good chance of safely stopping the fire. This defined area is known in fire management as the “Maximum Management Area” (MMA) – and for this fire was defined as keeping the fire west of the Skyline Drive, east of the park’s western boundary, south of Beldor Hollow and Gap Run and originally, north of One Mile Run Trail. As the fire growth continued to exceed our expectations, the southern limit of the MMA has had to be adjusted, but the other original boundaries have remained the same. It is important for the public to understand that allowing the fire to come to these stopping points, where
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Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com (leaves, pine needle litter, branches and fallen trees) and was destined to burn at some point. As a result of the fire, organic material and other nutrients have been recycled into the soil, which will stimulate new plant growth. Burning primarily leaves and dead and down material, the fire will result in very little tree mortality, and very little negative impact on wildlife species, which have evolved in the presence of fire over thousands of years. The fire will be particularly beneficial for several plant species including native grasses and wildflowers, oak and pine communities. Wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bear, songbirds and many other species will benefit from the acorns, blueberries and other seeds, produced by plants rejuvenated by fire. Because the fire has been burning in designated Wilderness, we have also been using “minimum impact suppression tactics” to minimize the damage from suppression activities and all fire lines will be rehabilitated after the fire is out. We are enormously grateful to the Virginia Department of Forestry, the Rockingham County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and the hundreds of firefighters and support personnel from 33 states that have helped us keep this fire in the park. We are sorry for the fear that this fire has caused and the smoke impacts to surrounding communities, but this fire has been a powerful and humbling reminder for all of us that nature is a very powerful force. We encourage everyone who lives adjacent to national parks, national forests, and other wildland areas to fire proof your personal property and keep a safe zone around your homes. The truth is that despite all our fancy equipment, humans just cannot quickly suppress a fire of this size and magnitude. The recent rain has helped a great deal in dampening this fire, but it is not out yet. We are continuing to mop up the inactive areas of the fire and working to fully contain it. Once it is fully contained it will have to continue to be carefully monitored and managed until there is a significant precipitation event and it can be declared completely out. You can continue to monitor the progress of the fire at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ incidnet/4689 Thank you for the many notes
of support and encouragement we have received during this difficult time. We are committed to being good stewards of the Park, and good neighbors. Sincerely and respectfully, Jim Northup Park Superintendent Residents Urged to Prepare for Arrival of Mosquitos & Zika Virus Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that as mosquito season begins May 1 in Virginia, it is important for citizens across the Commonwealth to learn about and take the necessary precautions against Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness that poses a significant threat to many of our state’s most vulnerable population – pregnant women and the unborn. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has created a Zika website (http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/zika-virusupdate/) to be sure the most up-todate information is readily available to Virginians.
“With mosquito season upon us, prevention is the key to combating the threat of Zika virus,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Citizens across Virginia have the power to stop the spread of Zika whether they are at home, in their neighborhoods, or even when traveling abroad. We need everyone’s help to cut down mosquito populations and avoid mosquito bites as we move into summer.” Although Zika virus illness is usually mild, lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito, and severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms there is a direct link between Zika virus infection in pregnant women and birth defects. Sexual transmission has also been documented. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika virus. “Zika virus protection starts with the individual,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel. “It’s important for people to use insect repellent and eliminate standing water.
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Friday, April 29 Forecast 60° | 49° Saturday, April 30 Forecast 61° | 53° 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, and brand new electronic pull tab games. Find us on Facebook. (540) 636-7152. Must be 12 to play. No smoking. Sunday May 1 Forecast 73° | 58° Monday May 2 11am - 11:30am Dance Party. Bowman Library. Dance Party for Toddlers & Preschoolers! Toddlers, Preschoolers, and their grownups are
welcome to boogie down! 5pm - 6pm UFAC Meeting. Front Royal Administration Building, 102 E Main Street, Front Royal. The Urban Forestry Advisory Commission (UFAC) meets tonight. 5:30pm - 6:30pm Coloring Club. Bowman Library. Join us for coloring enchanting designs that feature hidden objects and fun mazes. Discover the magic! This program is designed for our tweens and teens, but is fun for the whole family. Coloring sheets and colored pencils are provided. You may bring your own coloring book. 5:30pm - 6:30pm Manga Art Club. Bowman Library. Bring your sketch book to create your manga drawings. Get tips from other artists and share your work. For tweens and teens. 6:30pm - 7:30pm Virginia529 College Savings Information Session. Handley Library. Learn how to save
for higher education during a college information session. In just one hour you will learn how to: prepay tuition; save for costs such as housing, meal plans and textbooks; take advantage of the Virginia College Savings state income tax deduction; and meet your savings goals. Presented by Virginia529 and sponsored by the Handley Library. Register at www. virginia529.com/infosessions. Tuesday May 3 10:30am - 11am Preschool Story Time. Clarke County Library. Hear great stories and fun with Mary! Clarke For ages 3 and up. 12:30pm - 1pm Tourism Tuesdays.
Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 29
95.3 - the River radio station. Hear the latest tourism-related news and events every Tuesday at 12:30! 2pm - 3pm Ambassador’s Club. Chamber Office. Wed May 4, 2016 8:30am - 9:30am Small Business Committee. Chamber Office.3:30pm - 4pm Stories with a Sheriff. Handley Library. Hear stories read by our very own Winchester Sheriffs! All ages are welcome! 12:30pm - 1pm Warren County Business on the River 95.3 4:15pm - 4:45pm Spanish with Angela. Bowman Library. Using games, songs, puppets and picture books
children and their parents will learn the Spanish language. 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, and brand new electronic pull tab games. Find us on Facebook. (540) 636-7152. Must be 12 to play. No smoking. 6:30pm - 7:30pm Tour. Handley Library. Staff members and volunteers will give tours of Handley Library, 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. 7pm - 8:30pm Historic Preservation Month Clermont. Handley Library. Bob Steig talks about Clermont Farm in Clarke County, Virginia to salute Historic Preservation Month. Sponsored by Friends of HRL. Thursday May 5 9am - 10am Tourism Committee. Chamber Office. 12pm - 1pm Books & Brown Bag. Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville. Bring your lunch and a friend to Barns of Rose Hill for a book discussion of The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Friday, May 6 10:30am - 11am Dance Party! Handley Library. Toddlers, Preschoolers, & their grown-ups are welcome to boogie down! 1:30pm - 2:30pm Education Committee. Chamber Office. See CALENDAR, 30
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Page 30 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Early May, 2016 CALENDAR, from 29 Saturday, May 7 9am - 12pm Book Drop-off Morning. Bowman Library. Brings your books, CDs and DVDs to donate to your library. Donations will be part of the Summer Used Book Sale at Bowman Library June 23 -25. Volunteers will be on site to assist. 9am - 2pm Mother’s Day Flower Sale. Stephens City UMC. 1pm - 2pm “Tea for Two” Tea Party! Handley Library. Dress up and bring your favorite adult for an afternoon tea party! Tea and light refreshments will be served. Bring your favorite doll or stuffed animal. Make a craft, learn the art of conversation, and practice proper etiquette. For ages 7-12years old. Registration is required and space is limited. Register by May 5th by calling (540) 662-9041 ext.16 or stop by the 2nd floor youth services desk at Handley Library. 3pm - 4pm “Tea for Two” Tea Party! See above. 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, and brand new electronic pull tab games. Find us on Facebook. (540) 636-7152. Must be 12 to play. No smoking. Sunday, May 8 Mother’s Day Monday, May 9 10:30am - 11am Children’s Book Week. Handley Library. It’s Children’s Book Week! Come to the Handley Library and listen to our favorite Mo Willems stories, featuring his Pigeon and Elephant & Piggie books. Make a craft and see a short film. Ages 3 and up. This event is FREE and open to the public. No registration required. 11am - 11:30am Dance Party. Bowman Library. Dance Party for Toddlers & Preschoolers! Toddlers, Preschoolers, and their grownups are welcome to boogie down! 6pm - 7pm Teen Advisory Board. Bowman Library. Open to Middle and High School students. Plan and present events, advise on library materials and tween and teen library events, assist with other library events and activities. 7pm - 8pm Council Meeting. County of Warren Government Center. 7pm - 8pm Council Work Session. Town Administration Building, 102 E. Main St. Tuesday, May 10 10:30am - 11am Preschool Story Time. Clarke County Library. Hear great stories and fun with Mary! Clarke For ages 3 and up. 12:30pm - 1pm Tourism Tuesdays. 95.3 - the River radio station. Hear the latest tourism-related news and events every Tuesday at 12:30! 1pm - 5pm Tapestry Committee. Handley Library. Tapestry Committee will meet to work on Shenandoah
Valley Tapestry Project. 7pm - 8pm BAR Meeting. Town Administration Building, Front Royal. Wed May 11, 2016 3:30pm - 5pm Chamber Board Meeting. Chamber Office.
Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com 4:15pm - 4:45pm Spanish with Angela. Bowman Library. Using games, songs, puppets and picture books children and their parents will learn the Spanish language. 4:30pm - 7:30pm Chess. Handley Library Open chess games. 1-on-1 instruction for new players. At 5:30
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Early May, 2016 • Warren & Frederick County Report • Page 31
Read full issues FREE on www.WarrenCountyVA.com & www.FrederickCounty.com PM a lecture is available on Chess Basics and Strategy. Families, adults, kids -- all ages and skill levels – are welcome to come and play. Bring your board or just yourself. This event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, visit Shenandoah Valley Chess Club. http://www. winchesterchess.com 6pm - 7:30pm Bull and Bear Club. Handley Library. Investment club meets in Benham Gallery. Free and open to the public. 6pm - 8pm Shenandoah Poetry Al-
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liance. Handley Library. Event for all poets. Sponsored by Friends of HRL. 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, and brand new electronic pull tab games. Find us on Facebook. (540) 636-7152. Must be 12 to play. No smoking.
Friday, May 13 10:30am - 11am Dance Party! Handley Library. Toddlers, Preschoolers, & their grown-ups are welcome to boogie down! Saturday, May 14 8am - 1pm Flea market/Yard Sale. Stephens City UMC. Vendors Needed – call (540) 869-2348. 1pm - 2:30pm Family Film. Bowman Library, 871 Tasker Road, Stephens City. Join us Saturdays at the
Bowman Library for a Family Picnic and Movie event. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to the show. Popcorn and lemonade will be served. The movie showing is free. May 14: Soccer Dog. 2pm - 4pm Winchester Frederick County Historical Society. Lecture co-sponsored with Winchester Frederick County Historical Society and Friends of HRL. 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, and brand new electronic pull tab games. Find us on Facebook. (540) 636-7152. Must be
12 to play. No smoking. Sunday, May 16 1pm – 5pm Youth Outdoor Day. Izaak Walton Park. 3364 Gooney Manor Loop, Browntown. Sponsored by the Warren County Chapter Izaak Walton League and Northern Shenandoah Valley Trout Unlimited. Free for everyone and open to the public! Activities for children from 3 to 15 years old. Fishing will start at 3:00 for those 15 and younger only. There will also be archery, nature walks, fly tying and casting, turkey calling, shooting sports, face painting, bird watching and identification. The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center will be open. There will be free hot dogs and drinks available. Please join us!
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Pet Adoptathon! April 30th- May 1st Come to the shelter and adopt a new furry friend. Adoption fees are waived for all pets, excluding puppies under 5 months. Adoption does not include the cost of spay or neuter. Piper: 5 year old spayed female Dutch Shepherd Mix. Piper does great with other dogs and cats, and is a very well mannered girl. Piper is a bit shy at first but once she is out of her kennel she is a total sweetheart! Stop by to visit with her today!
Diamond: 3 year old female Pit mix. Diamond is a very affectionate girl! She loves getting outside to play with her shelter doggy buddies, and would love a home with a doggy brother or sister she can play with! Stop by to visit with her today!
Jessie: 4 year old spayed female Great Dane. Jessie is a lovable and laid back girl, and her favorite thing to do is lounge around the house watching Sunday football with her loved ones! Stop by to visit with her today!
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Serving the area for 20 years! Sam Snead Realty • 540-635-9753
SamSneadRealty.com
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 • Early May, 2016
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