Local News
Reaching Out Now Triumphs with New Youth Center and Community Support
“Someone literally laughed at me when I said, ‘I believe that Reaching Out Now, the Town and the County can make this happen together.’ And they laughed. They said, ‘That never happens’.”
It happened.
As happy bingo winners petered out of the cafeteria doors of Skyline High School, where Reaching Out Now (RON) hosted a Mardi Gras Bingo Night on Tuesday, January 23, from 5 to 7 p.m., Samantha Barber, president of RON, opened her heart to reveal the long journey, fraught with obstacles, that has brought her organization to a point of success, incarnate in a Monday night town council meeting in which the Town voted in favor of appropriating funds in the amount of $25,000 to the RON driven, newly revitalized youth center, now known as the Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center.
A team of young volunteers prepares to serve spaghetti and meatballs as well as chicken alfredo from Leto’s Pizza. (L) to (R): Syre Norris, Trinity Diamond, Zamier Simmons, and Kamyia Dorsey.
With this triumph comes a reality check. Is this really happening, Barber wonders, even as she witnessed the enthusiasm of Mayor Lori Cockrell, who has publicly expressed her support for what RON is doing. The road leading up to the evening of January 22, when the council voted unanimously in favor of making a financial contribution to RON, is a road that Barber has walked prayerfully.
“I’ve journaled about this; we’ve prayed about this,” she said. Her faith is intimately interwoven with her work. She referenced Luke 12:48. “When someone has been given much, much would be required in return. And when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” She also referenced Ephesians 3:20, insofar as she has received abundantly, beyond all she could ask or think. “In my mind, this has come way early,” she said. “But my resolve is: we serve an on-time God.” She added, “We have a community school system and government system who are looking at us and counting on us. As they look at us, I promise to look to him, who sits high and looks low. My prayer: Father, continue to lead this journey, give me wisdom and guidance, and continue to bring support, volunteers, and financial resources. With you, Father, this will be successful.”
The Barber team, Joe and Samantha.
Because of the obstacles that RON has faced, one of which was the failure of the Town-proposed memorandum of agreement in a potential three-way dynamic between RON, the Town, and the county, it is still possible for Barber to feel overwhelmed by the possibilities that face her organization; but she says the lord has spoken into her heart: “Trust me day by day.” It has been a priority for the Town to establish that its financial contribution is voluntary and that while it may very well make similar contributions in the future, any contribution it makes will not be obligatory. But the point is, the Town is on board, and in Barber’s mind, there is a three-way.
RON Vice President Sina May collects tickets and donations at the front door.
Samantha Barber’s daughter, Kendallee, preps for bingo night with the assistance of Dawn Clark, Volunteer Coordinator.
She spoke warmly of County Administrator Edwin Daley and Deputy County Administrator Jane Meadows, who have both been “forthcoming” in her interactions with them. It has indeed been a journey. It began in April of 2023 and developed further in June when the county agreed to lease the old Santmyers building to RON. Of course, RON has many faces; in addition to developing leadership qualities in young people through the school system, they also have a history of delivering meals to those in need during the pandemic. Developing a youth center is an exciting new direction for RON, one that Barber did not necessarily expect. But she takes it in stride, along with all the necessary tasks that she and her team have undertaken to make this youth center a reality: ripping up the floors, tearing out the HVAC, remodeling the bathroom, removing asbestos, and so on.
: Two of the evening’s bingo winners, mother, and daughter, (L) to (R) Mia and Macehell Ross.
The reporter, Brenden McHugh, won a round himself! He now has ten dollars of credit to spend on Goodfellow clothing at Target.
What a blessing. The reporter is sent home with leftover spaghetti and meatballs.
Barber describes her organization as “growing up into purpose in front of everyone.” She has even entertained the idea of opening her own home to the youth for Friday night socials in order that they might have a safe place to gather until the building is ready. But the puzzle pieces seem to be in place, and she is hopeful.
Local News
Warren County Board of Supervisors Advocates for Teacher Raises in Upcoming Budget
The Warren County Board of Supervisors (WCBOS) has strongly supported prioritizing teacher raises in the Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The Board is advocating for a budget that accommodates a 3% raise for teachers, including step increases and hiring an additional agriculture teacher at Skyline High School.
John Stanmeyer, Shenandoah District Supervisor, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “I think we have found some great solutions that allow the School Board to provide their employees what is needed while also addressing the funding challenges we have faced throughout the County.”
Chery Cullers, the Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairperson, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about resolving the budget challenges. “I’m excited to see these funding challenges come to a close with priorities on public safety and teacher salaries as we resolve this upcoming budget season,” Cullers remarked.
The WCBOS has requested that the School Board prioritize these labor-related increases over any non-labor expenditures. This collaborative effort between the WCBOS and the WCPS School Board aims to finalize a balanced budget that addresses the needs of teachers and enhances the quality of education in Warren County.
As the budget planning continues, both boards are committed to working together to ensure that the final budget supports the community’s educational priorities and financial well-being.
Stay tuned to the Royal Examiner and the Warren County government website for more updates on the budget discussions and decisions.
Crime/Court
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 5-13-2024
Front Royal Police Department arrest report for the past 7 days:
Community Events
Ressie Jeffries Elementary School’s ‘Senior Walk’ Honors Alumni Poised to Take Their Next Step in Life
Shortly after noon, Wednesday, May 15, Ressie Jeffries Elementary School held its annual Senior Walk. Expected were graduates from both Skyline and Warren County High Schools, along with some from surrounding counties, including Sherando. We got word from staff at Ressie that, “The entire school Pre-K to 5th grades have been feverishly working to decorate the school as one final hoorah before these seniors walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.”
Seniors pose outside and inside as they prepare for the Senior Walk through Ressie Jeffries hallways and into the gym. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini
At the conclusion of the parade in the gymnasium area, some seniors were anticipated to participate in a final relay race to mark an official “Goodbye” to their childhood memories. Also invited to participate this year were former staff that taught, possibly some of the participating seniors, at Ressie.
The Ressie Jaguar mascot preps the Class of 2024 sign bearers, left Hudson Simmons, right Eli Wood. And here they come down the hall with this year’s seniors robed and being cheered on by future seniors lining the hallway.
Following the event we got this update from Ressie staffer Jamie Marion: “This was by far the BIGGEST Senior Walk we’ve had that included at least 50 graduates, along with the most parents we’ve ever had. Additionally, we had past staff members on video chat attending virtually. The positive comments, tears of joy, happiness, sadness, the reminiscing and all the cheering was phenomenal,” Marion observed, adding, “All-in-all it was a WONDERFUL day to be a Jaguar.”
Once a Ressie Jaguar, always a Ressie Jaguar – Where’d they go, some were wondering. And it was into the gym for some final post walk activities, planned and unplanned.
The Senior Class of 2024 readies for a rumored relay race, and below the Jaguar seems to have picked its relay team from three high schools judging from the caps and gowns.
Chamber News
Front Royal’s Phoenix Project Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Survivors
The Phoenix Project celebrated its 10th anniversary in a significant community event, marking a decade of vital contributions to combat domestic and sexual violence in Front Royal and Warren County. The celebration was graced by Niki Foster, the executive director of the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Bryon Biggs, Chamber President, and Front Royal Town Councilman Glenn Wood, who all congratulated and supported the organization.
The Phoenix Project, known for its dedicated service in providing hope and help to those affected by domestic and sexual violence, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the milestone. This event highlighted the organization’s decade-long service and highlighted the ongoing challenges in addressing these critical community issues.
Speakers, including Councilman Wood and Bryon Biggs, reflected on the organization’s impact and the persistent need for such services during the event. Biggs remarked on the unfortunate reality that the problem of violence has not diminished as hoped, underscoring the importance of the Phoenix Project’s work in the community.
Tammy Sharp, the outgoing Executive Director, and Avery Harper, the incoming Executive Director, shared their experiences and the organization’s achievements over the past ten years. Under their leadership, the Phoenix Project has responded to over 10,000 calls, provided over 3,000 nights of shelter, and reached more than 13,000 people through community education and outreach.
The celebration also included the announcement of significant donations from local organizations, with the Moose Lodge contributing $25,000 and the Massanutten Association of Realtors donating $500. These contributions will support the ongoing efforts to aid survivors and combat domestic and sexual violence in the community.
As the Phoenix Project looks to the future, its leaders and community supporters remain committed to deepening their impact and providing essential services to those in need. With strong community backing and a dedicated team at the helm, the Phoenix Project is poised to face the next decade’s challenges with renewed vigor and commitment.
For more information about the Phoenix Project and how to support its mission, please visit their website or contact their office directly.
Local News
Dominion Ridge Academy Celebrates Class of 2024 Achievements
Dominion Ridge Academy is thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of its Class of 2024, a group of students who have excelled academically and grown into outstanding leaders within the school community. The academy honors their hard work and dedication as these graduates prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives.
The Class of 2024 has collectively received over $370,000 in scholarship offers, a testament to their academic excellence and potential. These seniors have been accepted into various prestigious colleges and universities nationwide, including Bridgewater College, Christopher Newport University, and the University of Wyoming. This diverse range of higher education choices highlights the breadth of their interests and abilities.
Additionally, Dominion Ridge Academy takes pride in acknowledging those graduates who have chosen to pursue trades. This decision underscores the importance of skilled trades in today’s economy and reflects the academy’s commitment to supporting diverse career paths.
The academy draws inspiration from Jeremiah 29:11, reminding its students that they are destined for a hopeful future filled with opportunities. As these young adults embark on their new beginnings, the school community comes together to wish them success and fulfillment in all their endeavors.
Dominion Ridge Academy, located in Front Royal, Virginia, has always been dedicated to nurturing its students’ spiritual, moral, and intellectual development. The school embraces a holistic approach to education, integrating neuroeducation and social-emotional learning to meet the individual needs of each student.
The achievements of the Class of 2024 exemplify the academy’s mission to foster a sense of competence, confidence, and belonging among its students, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
For more information about Dominion Ridge Academy and its programs, don’t hesitate to contact the school at 540-635-6799 or visit their website at [Dominion Ridge Academy](http://www.dominionridgeacademy.com). Join us in congratulating the graduates as they move forward with courage and hope into the future.
Local News
Humane Society of Warren County Receives $10,000 Grant from Petco Love
The Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC) is thrilled to announce a significant boost to their animal welfare efforts with a $10,000 grant investment from Petco Love, a national nonprofit committed to improving the lives of pets and people in communities nationwide. This funding is part of Petco Love’s recent distribution of over $15 million in grants to support local organizations dedicated to saving animal lives.
Established in 1999, Petco Love has contributed $375 million to lifesaving activities and helped find homes for over 6.75 million pets through partnerships with Petco and thousands of organizations nationwide. The grant to HSWC is aimed at supporting the shelter’s efforts to care for and protect pets in Front Royal and Warren County, where the organization has been a beacon of hope for homeless and neglected animals.
“Our local investments are an integral part of our mission to ensure that no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Petco Love President Susanne Kogut. “We are committed to supporting the tireless efforts of organizations like the Humane Society of Warren County that share our vision and demonstrate a profound impact on the health and welfare of animals.”
The Humane Society of Warren County has a commendable track record, achieving a 96% save rate in 2023 and maintaining its status as a no-kill shelter. The grant will aid in providing essential care and improving the facilities that house numerous pets annually, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment while awaiting adoption.
“We are profoundly grateful for Petco Love’s support, which enables us to enhance our care and extend our services to more animals in need,” stated Kayla Wines, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Warren County. “This funding helps us continue our work and reinforces our initiatives to educate the public on important issues like vaccinations and population control.”
For more information on the Humane Society of Warren County and how to support their cause, visit www.humanesocietywarrencounty.com. To learn more about Petco Love and their lifesaving efforts, visit petcolove.org.
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