Local News
Intergalactic technology lands at this year’s Sami.Con library celebration
This table harkens back to the original Marvel and DC comic book-theme characters of the 2015 Sami.Con – Photos/Roger Bianchini
On Saturday, September 15, the fourth annual Samuels Public Library “Sami.Con” festival continued its theme of popular culture fantasy, sci-fi and wizardry with the “Fantastic Books – And Where to Find Them” takeoff on the Harry Potter offshoot hit movie “Fantastic Beasts – And Where To Find Them”.
Previous themes have tagged landmark and never-ending sequel series and movie engines from “Star Trek” with “Read Long and Prosper” for all you of Vulcan ancestry; to Star Wars-inspired “Discover the Force – of Your Library” for the Jedi in training; and the initial Marvel Comics superhero-themed “Discover the Power of Your Library Card”.
Costume tributes to, not only the current, but all previous themes were apparent in the costuming for the well-attended 2018 event.
The local Sami.Con takeoff on the national Comi.Con celebration of comic books impact on popular culture coincides with National Library Card Sign-Up Month – still in progress through the end of September.
‘Witch’ book were you looking for? A helpful library employee may be asking
The Bookmobile lands
Appropriately considering the technology-themed aspect of Sami.Con, a wizardly-attired Samuels Library Director Harold Hayes noted the presence at this year’s event of the Digital Bookmobile. The digital Bookmobile is a galactic emissary of Cleveland, Ohio-based “OverDrive” a subsidiary company of Tokyo-based Rakuten – how’s that for an intergalactic connection!
According to company officials in Cleveland base, Rakuten-OverDrive is the leading digital reading platform for over 40,000 libraries and schools worldwide, delivering the industry’s largest catalog of e-books, audio-books, magazines and other digital media.
The library director at your service, as always – this time Wizard Harold Hayes pointed us to the Digital Bookmobile …
“We want to get the word out – because many people are not aware we have this service through which you can upload e-books and audio-books through your phone or computer,” Hayes told this technological dinosaur.
“Huh,” the tech dinosaur replied.
However, a quick visit with the helpful “crew” of the Bookmobile situated strategically in the library landing zone, I mean parking lot, cleared things up – as much as things can be cleared up for someone still carrying what at best might be described as a semi-smart phone.
… which had just landed in the Library rocket pad adjacent to the parking lot
According to the literature available on the Bookmobile intergalactic vessel – at least it felt like the interior of an “Interstellar Overdrive” (with a nod to Pink Floyd) ship to this earthling – the “Libby” app enabling e-book and e-audio downloads is available “from your device’s app store”; part 2 – “Open the app and find your library … by name, city or zip code; part 3 – “Browse your library’s collection and borrow a title. When prompted sign in” – you’ll need your library card to complete this step; and part 4 – your borrowed titles appear on your “Shelf and download to the app automatically so you can read them when you’re offline.”
The entrance to the Cleveland, Ohio earth-based ship offering direct e- and audio-book downloads to your devices
And for the technology-impaired for whom the free “Libby” app is not compatible with your device – “Libby” is available for Android, iOS and Windows 10 devices – do not lose hope! “If you can’t get “Libby” on your device, you can try using the original OverDrive app – for more help, visit <help.overdrive.com>
And may the force of all those fantastic beasts from a galaxy far, far away be with you, prospering for all eternity.
The interior and exterior crew and passenger lounges aboard the Bookmobile – you can read wherever you are in the universe.
A Samuels shout out
Library officials acknowledged provision of the Lego Table pictured here, courtesy of the Shenandoah Discovery Museum in Winchester. Death Star Storm Troopers set up earth base camp at Legion Post 501 we were informed by sources.
First aid was offered to Muggles and all ‘Fantastic Beasts’ in need
There was a lot of action from one end to the other inside the Samuels Library Sami.Con home base
And those Death Star troopers are always a problem – here one appears to be checking for possible adversaries being created nearby on the Lego table.
A few of the other businesses and organizations library personnel said deserved a shout out are: Michaels of Front Royal who contributed supplies and staff to help attendees create wands and slime; Selah Theater who performed a Readers Theater from Beedle the Bard; Terry Fox with The Turning Point, who demonstrated making wooden wands and then gave them to attendees; Front Royal Brewing Company who made nonalcoholic butter beer for attendees; and Penguin Random House who donated many of the giveaways.
Funding for SamiCon comes from The Friends of Samuels Library.
“And that doesn’t even begin to cover the many volunteers and vendors, mostly local businesses who shared their time and talents. We were truly blessed to have so many different businesses and organizations come together to make this the most successful event to date with more than 3100 attendees as the final door count at the end of the day,” said Adult Reference Supervisor Kitti McKean.
He who would change the future – must READ, a lot …
See, it’s working already – our trooper seems to have been recruited to library security …
… allowing for more fun at Library Base One
And where there is an appreciation of reading, there is generally an appreciation of the arts …
‘No, don’t go that way’ one friend may be warning of a Death Star trooper encounter …
But it’s okay, even off-duty Death Star troopers like to read – at least scripts.
Susan, Connor, Mason and Kelly Clark have a blast at Sami.Con 2018! Kelly (right) won second place in ‘Ages 13 & Up Costume Contest’ and ‘Best Overall Villain’
Local News
Eastham Park Loop Enhanced with New Safety Measures for Pedestrians
As the athletic, recreational, and outdoor community expands in Front Royal, ensuring safe and accessible infrastructure remains a priority. Recognizing that the Eastham Park to Skyline High School to West Criser Road loop is a heavily trafficked recreational route, the Front Royal Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) sought ways to improve the loop’s safety.
The section of West Criser Road that completes this loop was identified as a critical area needing attention. With its narrow shoulder and reduced visibility along a curve, this stretch was particularly dangerous due to the high traffic speeds. The road is used recreationally and is a main pathway for students traveling to and from Skyline High and Middle Schools. Additionally, it’s a key part of a local 5K course hosted by Shenandoah Valley Runners.
Over the past two years, ACES collaborated with Front Royal’s Department of Public Works to improve this stretch of road. During a scheduled repaving project, the team widened the road to provide additional shoulder space and added a double-white line to highlight the new shoulder. Recognizing further improvements were needed, ACES partnered with the Rotary Club of Front Royal to fundraise for vertical delineators along the entire stretch. These vertical markers create a tangible barrier between the roadway and the pedestrian path, enhancing visibility and safety.
The response to the new delineators has been overwhelmingly positive. One longtime runner wrote, “I’ve always wanted to complete the Eastham Park Loop but would turn back at West Criser Road because of the high traffic and limited visibility. The new delineators encouraged me to run that stretch, and I completed the loop for the first time ever.”
With this recent success, ACES is now examining further pedestrian infrastructure improvements along West Criser Road between Route 340 and the back entrance of Skyline High School. The project was made possible through ongoing collaboration with the Department of Public Works, contributions from the Rotary Club of Front Royal, and generous support from over 15 community donors.
ACES remains dedicated to promoting safe and accessible outdoor activities in Front Royal. Visit their website to learn more about their efforts or attend a monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the back of Vibrissa.
Local News
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 4/28/2024
Front Royal Police Department’s arrest report for the past 7 days:
Local News
VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for May 6 – 10, 2024
The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.
*NEW* or *UPDATE* indicates a new or revised entry since last week’s report.
INTERSTATE 66
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for pavement marking installations, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday and Tuesday nights.
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 2, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
*NEW* Mile marker 8 to 7, westbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Mile marker 9 to 7, westbound – Overnight right lane closures at Shenandoah River bridge for utility work, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday night.
INTERSTATE 81
*UPDATE* Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for overhead sign repairs, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday night.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound –Overnight lane closures and traffic-lane shifts as needed, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through December 2024. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit: 55 miles an hour. Work is related to southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening, with estimated completion in late 2024.
PRIMARY ROADS
*NEW* Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Front Royal town limits and Route 647 (Dismal Hollow Road) for guardrail upgrades, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday (May 2) and Tuesday (May 7).
*NEW* Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Route 674 (Limeton Church Road) and Route 607 (Rocky Lane) for pipe replacement, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 7 – May 14.
SECONDARY ROADS
Route 658 (Rockland Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) and Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) for the construction of a bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway. Estimated completion December 2025.
Vegetation management may take place district-wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511 or at www.511Virginia.org.
Local News
VSP Investigating I-81 Dump Truck/Sheriff’s Vehicle Accident
The Virginia State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Shenandoah County. The crash occurred Friday, May 3, at 5:46 a.m. at the Route 646 overpass at the 292-mile maker of I-81.
A 2005 Kenworth dump truck was traveling north on I-81 when the driver accidentally engaged the dump bed, which raised it and caused it to collide with the bridge overpass. The collision caused the dump bed to detach from the truck, slide backward, and land on a northbound 2022 Ford Explorer, which was driven by a Frederick County Sheriff’s deputy.
The dump truck driver, Gaylon R. Miller, 71, of Toms Brook, Va., was not injured in the crash. He was wearing his seatbelt.
The sheriff’s deputy suffered minor injuries and was transported to Winchester Medical Center for treatment.
Miller was charged with reckless driving.
These photos indicate what a close call this deputy appears to have had. – Photos by Virginia State Police who authorize their publication.
(From a Release by the Virginia State Police)
Local News
WCSB Approves New LFK Principal; Accepts Scholarships for Baseball, Softball Seniors
The Warren County School Board unanimously approved the appointment of a new principal who will take over at Leslie Fox Keyser (LFK) Elementary School starting this summer and accepted baseball and softball scholarships being offered by the Front Royal Cardinals for four seniors attending Warren County Public Schools (WCPS).
Board chair Kristen Pence, vice chair Antoinette Funk, and board members Andrea Lo, Thomas McFadden, Jr., and Melanie Salins, during their regular meeting on Wednesday, May 1, voted 5-0 to have Jennifer Cameron appointed as the LFK principal effective July 1.
School Division Superintendent Christopher Ballenger (right), on May 1, introduced School Board members to Jennifer Cameron (left), the new 2024-2025 principal at Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary School.
“Ms. Cameron is an experienced educator and leader in Warren County,” said WCPS Superintendent Christopher Ballenger in recommending her appointment to the School Board.
Previously, Cameron has taught as a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher and has experience as a literacy coach who supported grade-level teachers in her school building, Ballenger said, adding that as an administrator, Cameron has served as the dean of students and as an assistant principal.
“During her years of service, Ms. Cameron was selected as the Rotary Teacher of the Year in 2008 and was the [WCPS] Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2015-2016,” he added.
As a leader, Ballenger also said that Cameron has been integral in transforming E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School and has served as the chair for the division’s Attendance Committee for the past two years.
“Ms. Cameron is a great fit for LFK, and I know that her skill set will continue to move LFK forward,” said the superintendent.
Following the board’s vote, Cameron told board members she was honored to accept the LFK principal position and said she’s excited to rejoin the Lil’ Cat family.
“Thank you for entrusting me with this opportunity to nurture young minds and to foster the continued excellence of LFK,” she said. “I look forward to working with you to continue the path to excellence at Warren County Public Schools. I’m truly humbled at this huge responsibility that you have entrusted to me, and I look forward to the coming school year and this new adventure that awaits me.”
In other action items, the School Board unanimously accepted four scholarships with gratitude from the Front Royal Cardinals and approved the donation of auditorium seating from E. Wilson Morrison (EWM) Elementary School.
Donna Settle, president of Front Royal Cardinals Baseball, a nonprofit organization that is part of the Valley Baseball League, said that as part of the group’s fundraising activities, the board will sponsor Little League for both girls and boys and will give back to the WCPS baseball and softball programs.
“This year, our board has voted to bring scholarships back to Warren County,” Settle told the board. “I know we’re a little late in the season, but we have enough money set aside for the scholarships for the 2024 student-athletes.”
There are four new $500 scholarship opportunities beginning with the Class of 2024 that are available for a Skyline baseball and softball senior who plans to continue their education and for a Warren County baseball and softball senior who plans to continue their education.
The School Board also voted 5-0 to permit two auditorium seats to be donated to Robert MacDougall, founding principal of Transform Development, a commercial landlord and developer based in the Shenandoah Valley.
Seating in the EWM auditorium, which is being renovated to provide an indoor facility for students and staff, has been removed and is set to go to auction. MacDougall offered a facility to store the auditorium seating until they could be auctioned.
With the School Board’s blessing, WCPS will now donate two seats to MacDougall, who will display them in the theater once its renovation is completed.
Regarding a request to have the Warren County Board of Supervisors (BOS) appropriate the fiscal year 2022 School Operating Fund Surplus, the School Board voted unanimously to table the item to a work session and FY2025 budget resolution.
Ballenger explained that the total fiscal year 2021-2022 school operating surplus is $973,098, and said it was being requested that the Warren County Board of Supervisors (BOS) appropriate $300,000 of the surplus to the School Transportation Fund that is held by the County and the remaining $673,098 to the School Capital Improvement Fund that is also held by the County.
The $300,000 designated for the Transportation Fund was originally included in the FY2025 Proposed School Operating Budget to purchase replacement buses and vehicle(s) but has since been removed contingent upon the funding appropriated to the Transportation Fund, he said.
Of the $673,098 requested for the County’s School Capital Improvement Fund, $40,000 was originally included in the FY2025 Proposed School Operating Budget to cover the repair/replacement of the chiller at Hilda J Barbour Elementary School and to upgrade the HVAC management systems at several schools. The remaining balance ($633,098) being requested for the Capital Improvement Fund would be requested at a future date for other capital priorities, such as the replacement of the tennis courts at the high schools.
As the budget process continues unfolding for both WCPS and the BOS, the School Board members agreed to work more on the item before taking action.
During the School Board’s community participation portion of its meeting, Leslie Mathews (above), a parent with two children attending Skyline Middle School, said that some of the School Board members are using the concerns expressed through emails by parents as “a crutch” for their own political motives. She called it a disgrace.
“I and we parents are only given three minutes a month [during School Board meetings] to get up here and express our concerns to you, or we’re told we can email you,” said Mathews. “But I no longer trust that method of emailing.”
Mathews, who last fall unsuccessfully challenged School Board incumbent Pence for the South River School Board seat, said “it’s such a disgrace for you as a public servant to go and encourage others to FOIA the concerns of parents who are not like-minded as yourself.
“So, therefore, our concerns are going public,” said Mathews, who didn’t name names. “If we want more positive in Warren County Public Schools, then we need to start at our leadership.”
Chamber News
Front Royal Welcomes CBM Team of Supreme Lending with Enthusiasm and Optimism
Front Royal, Virginia, celebrated a significant business merger that marks a promising future for local economic development. The CBM Team, a longstanding local business entity, has officially joined forces with Supreme Lending, expanding its reach and capacity to serve the community more effectively.
Nike Foster, Executive Director of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Lori Cockrell welcomed the CBM Team to our community. The event underscored a vibrant community spirit and the potential for economic growth. Byron Biggs, Chairman of the Chamber, highlighted the merger as a symbol of positive evolution in the local business landscape. It is now poised to extend its influence beyond Virginia.
Mayor Cockrell shared personal anecdotes, reflecting on the profound local ties and the exceptional character of the individuals involved, particularly noting the entrepreneurial spirit of Cory Michael, a former student of hers and now a regional manager for Team CBM. Her words painted a picture of a community that values deep personal connections and collective growth.
The merger promises substantial benefits to Front Royal, bringing enhanced services and opportunities for home ownership that were previously out of reach for many residents. This union is a merger of two companies and a fusion of cultures and aspirations, aiming to enrich the local community while maintaining the cherished CBM brand identity.
Attendees left the event with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future, confident in the continued prosperity and communal strength of Front Royal.
Thank You to our Local Business Participants:
