Local News
Barring a Change of Tone From Supervisors, a Change of Direction Looming in the SVGC Rezoning
Following a delay of two months (from Aug. 22 to Oct. 24) being granted out of three months he requested the public hearing on his rezoning request to facilitate development of 286 age-restricted over-55 housing units on a 104-acre portion of his 195-acre Shenandoah Valley Golf Club (SVGC) property in the Rockland area of Warren County’s Shenandoah District, we contacted golf club owner (SVGC’s 18 and Bowling Green’s 36 holes) Richard Runyon about the requested delay and what it implies on the status of his rezoning proposal.
A life-long county resident, as he has pointed out, as well as a Rockland area homeowner, Runyon told us that he perceived the tone of the August 15 board of supervisors meeting discussion of his requested delay as signaling a final closing of the municipal door in the face of his planned rezoning development.
“After watching the board of supervisors meeting and after I was given a gentleman’s word and a handshake, and to have that trust violated publicly, I’ve done all I can to do the right thing. So, after hearing that trust was violated by that individual board member and knowing that not at one time have our elected officials or staff expressed any of the benefits of this project, I’m done unless the board of supervisors contacts me and says, ‘Stay in it,'” Runyon told Royal Examiner.
“It should have been given a good look-at with both pros and cons looked at. And instead, they let a few people come in and try to make it all negative, put up a bunch of signs and not even listen to anything else and just scare people away,” said a SVGC staffer involved in the development process, who added, “We’ve gone to a lot of trouble to figure out any of the negative impacts and what is the best way forward. And they don’t want to listen to it; nobody wants to listen to it. They see a sign, and they think that’s it.”
As for one supervisor’s comment to him that they “didn’t want to hear any more” about his proposal, Runyon said, “I don’t want to sound bitter, but if you don’t want to hear it, resign. It’s your job as an elected official to hear ‘it’ when county business is brought to you!”
“This project is bigger than 40 or 50 signs,” Runyon says of what he believes has been a majority of county officials siding with the negative public reaction fueled by what he believes is some disinformation or exaggeration on actual impacts versus potential community and county-wide benefits regarding increased county tax revenues, public expenditures in the commercial sphere, and the addition of Bowling Green’s two 18-hole courses into Rockland Conservation Easements.
“I haven’t seen one in town, I haven’t seen one on (Route) 340, I haven’t seen one on Chester Gap,” Runyon said of the negative signage that greets you along Rockland and other nearby roads approaching the Shenandoah Valley clubhouse complex. “You go past the low-water bridge, you don’t see it, you go past the railroad tracks, you don’t see it — you don’t see it. And it affects 12 houses that I was going to take care of,” he noted. How, we asked. Runyon replied that he had planned to offer corresponding 75-foot stretches of his property to those neighbors to buffer with as they saw fit.
Runyon and his staffers produced a “Fiscal Impact Analysis” of the project prepared by Real Estate consultant S. Patz & Associates that predicted at build-out an annual net gain of nearly a million dollars, $983,190, to the county government. Of that amount, $783,220 was in tax gains on the home properties, with the expectation there would be no financial impact on public schools due to the age restriction of over 55 on the SVGC residential development. Another $199,970 was estimated in annual net gain from tax revenue from the planned quality restaurant in the commercial space section of the development proposal in the clubhouse and banquet facilities area of the club. It is a restaurant-anchored commercial space that would be available to all Rockland residents. And it is a restaurant-anchored commercial area which new age-restricted development residents were planned to be able to access, weather permitting and so inclined, by golf carts across the SVGC property without the use of public roads.
Regret and a new direction
“If I have one regret, it’s probably ignoring the advice I was given about going door-to-door and getting things they (neighbors) were fearful of happening cleared up. — ‘Well, this neighbor heard that, and that neighbor heard this and that.’ — That’s probably my only regret in this whole process. But I’m a transparent person, I’ve invited everybody to my door,” Runyon asserted of communications on his and his engineering contractor’s projections on the finances, transportation, water/sewer utilities, and other impacts and dynamics of the proposed project.
It must be noted that as opposed to those projections on his side, there are contrary projections voiced by the organized opposition and neighboring residences featuring signs stating, “Stop the Madness” or “Keep Rockland Agricultural,” though those signs almost exclusively are placed in existing residential yards.
“I don’t understand the houses with the signs saying ‘Keep it Rural’ — their whole thing’s not rural. You going to knock down your house to make it a field, so it’s rural?” the involved staffer asked of the irony of residential homeowners demanding a seeming blanket return to “rural” uses.
However, critics of his plan point out that those existing residences usually rest on at least or near an acre or more of land, as opposed to the more tightly packed homes presented in his plan.
An alternate plan
But rather than belabor the existing debate for a plan he sees as essentially a pre-public hearing-rejected by a majority of the county’s elected officials, we asked Runyon if he had an alternative game plan. He said he would take a short break before refocusing on a suggested path forward brought to him by North River District Supervisor Delores Oates. That path is exploring “Agra-tourism” for his property.
“It was suggested by Mrs. Oates that we aggressively go after Agra-tourism, basically by-right, which we currently do anyway,” Runyon explained, observing, “We’re a tourist destination, we have a wonderful membership and some great banqueting facilities. But it’s all Agra-tourism for the most part. So, in light of her suggestions, I’m going to aggressively pursue that in that it will allow me to increase my transient lodging to attract larger groups from Northern Virginia and D.C.”
Runyon said that while not his initial choice on diversifying the use of his property, if the door was going to be slammed in his face on what he still believes was a mutually beneficial plan for, not only the county as a whole but for existing Rockland residents as well, his choices have become limited. In perhaps a final pitch to resurrect his not-quite-dead horse, Runyon pointed to the planned Commercially-zoned aspect of his Agra-Residential rezoning, which would have brought not only a first-class dining establishment but also targeted pharmacy and other services that would have been available to all Rockland residents without mandating lengthier trips towards the Town of Front Royal to access such services.
We asked Runyon about his post “time-out” regrouping look into the Agra-tourism operations Oates suggested as an alternative to his Suburban Residential/Commercial rezoning plans he has spent considerable time and money developing. “It’s not something I wanted to do. But I have a family to take care of, and I also have a lot of employees to take care of. But I’ve seen the door shut on this practically since day one. I have had no cooperation since near the very beginning,” Runyon said. He said the last objective conversation he had with county staff was with recently resigned Deputy County Administrator Taryn Logan.
“I’ve spent a lot of money here (on this project), money I don’t have. So, I’ve got to regroup and,” here Runyon paused, searching for the right words, to which this reporter/editor offered, “see where it goes.” — “Yeah, essentially,” the career golf club manager/owner agreed.
And now, as Runyon awaits a call he doesn’t really expect to come telling him he has misjudged the supervisors’ negative judgment of his original proposal, we will all see “where it goes” from here.
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.
Local News
Congratulations to Warren County High School Seniors – Class of 2024
Royal Examiner presents the Warren County High School Class of 2024. Congratulations to these wonderful seniors on their hard work and deserved accomplishments! We wish you the best in your next big endeavors. Photos courtesy of Victor O’Neill Studios and Tolliver Studios, LLC.
If your Warren County senior is not listed, please send in their Name and Senior Picture to news@royalexaminer.com.
Local News
Fairfax Police Officer, Son of WC Deputy Jim Williams One of This Year’s Fairfax Valor Awards Recipients
At the Thursday, April 11 Fairfax County Valor Awards ceremony, Fairfax County Police Officer Cody Williams, son of Warren County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and Bailiff Jim Williams, and two colleagues were among the 2023 honorees. We asked proud father Jim about the incident late last year that led to his son and fellow officers’ recognition. This is what he told us:
“On December 25th, Christmas Day, at 9 p.m., members of the Fairfax County Police Department Reston District Station responded to a shot person call. According to his wife, the homeowner had accidentally shot himself while cleaning his handgun. Officers Cody Williams, Andrew Craven, and Anthony Galindo arrived on the scene to find the homeowner unresponsive. The gunshot wound was to the victim’s left calf, resulting in an extreme loss of blood. Williams and Craven applied two tourniquets, and Galindo performed CPR. The victim was transported to the local hospital. He was able to make a full recovery.”
We were also informed of comments by Fairfax Police Chief Kevin Davis, who made an analogy to his officers’ Christmas Day call and the 1947 Hollywood movie classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring Jimmy Stewart. As fans of that great and timeless film will recall, it had its own Christmas day event of a somewhat miraculous nature involving a Guardian Angel. And indeed, it will be “a Wonderful Life” for the injured man and his family moving forward due to the prompt actions of their “guardian angels” Officers Williams, Craven, and Galindo, among others at the scene.
We found this background on the Fairfax Valor Awards website:
“The Fairfax County Valor Awards recognize the remarkable achievements in service of our community’s dedicated first responders. Since 1979, members of our police, sheriff, fire and rescue, and public safety communications have been honored for exceeding the call of duty with their lifesaving acts. The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce is proud to host this prestigious event.” In attempting to get photos of the Christmas Day “guardian angels” from even sponsor the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, we were informed individual shots were not taken due to the number of recipients from the past year. This year, a total of 240 awards were presented, including 84 Lifesaving Awards, 131 Certificates of Valor, 22 Bronze Medals of Valor, and 3 Silver Medals of Valor.
Congratulations to Officers Williams, Craven and Galindo for a Christmas Day first response well done, and one that at least two Reston residents may remember as their very own Christmas miracle, circa 2023.
And thanks to our own WCSO Deputy Jim Williams for alerting us to this nearby Happy Ending Christmas story. And also a nod toward our own first responders in Warren County and the Town of Front Royal for all they do daily for us. You’re ALL Valor Award winners to us!!!
Community Events
Valley Chorale Announces Upcoming Spring Concerts in Middletown and Front Royal
The Valley Chorale presents “Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope”, a spring concert exploring aspirations of love, home, spirituality and compassion that unite and uplift us all. With styles ranging from light classical and sacred to vocal jazz, spirituals and pop, The Valley Chorale strives to capture the hopes that unite us.
The Valley Chorale is known throughout the Shenandoah Valley for innovation and excellence, with piano, cello and percussion accompaniment, and their concerts are often a heart-warming experience for all. They welcome babies and tots, so no need to hire a babysitter.
Tickets can be purchased on their website TheValleyChorale.org — $15 for age 21+ (free under age 21) or at the door for $17.
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
Belle Grove Plantation (Bank Barn), 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
First Baptist Church, 14 W. 1st Street, Front Royal, VA (Community Reception to follow)
For further information, visit the website: TheValleyChorale.org: follow them on Facebook; email them at TheValleyChorale@gmail.com or call at 540-635-4842.
(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)
Local News
Gifted and Exceptionally Motivated Former Students of Mountain Vista Governor’s School Inducted into Foundation Hall of Fame
On the evening of Saturday, April 27, beginning at 5 p.m. in the cafeteria at Warren County High School, the Mountain Vista Governor’s School Foundation hosted a donor reception followed by an induction of two former MVGS students into their hall of fame. In the names of those former students, two scholarships will be awarded in the amount of two hundred dollars each to students in need.
One of nineteen regional governor’s schools in Virginia, Mountain Vista Governor’s School for Math, Science, and Technology, is present at two locations, on Laurel Ridge Community College’s Warrenton campus and the Middletown campus. MVGS draws and actively seeks out gifted, exceptionally motivated students from the thirteen base schools it serves in Clarke, Frederick, Warren, Culpeper, Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Winchester. Splitting their time between their base schools and MVGS, these students, in Middletown or Warrenton, depending on the counties in which their base schools are located, are given a chance to take advanced courses, including ones in humanities that, if they opt for dual enrollment, may help them skip the first two years of college. Government funding allows MVGS to welcome students into its tuition-free program. But if the students desire dual enrollment in connection with Laurel, wherein they receive college credit for their courses, then tuition becomes necessary. Attendance at MVGS involves an application, and there is a limit to the number of student places that can be filled in during any given school year.
Saturday evening was a showcase of rising talent in the MVGS system, as well as testimonies to the caliber of its program as two former students who benefited from MVGS and have gone on to have brilliant careers were given the opportunity to speak about how much they value their educational history at the governor’s school and how it uniquely prepared them to excel. The Foundation, separate from the school itself, is concerned with fundraising on behalf of the school so that students can be supplied with the tools and other resources they need to receive their education. Because of those assets made accessible by the Foundation, the two students who spoke were effusive about what a great foundation they had for future success. The rigor they underwent prepared them to maximize the challenges ahead.
A good example of the type of excellence students are encouraged to achieve in the program is the artificial intelligence project undertaken by Tamara Otten, which was displayed at the event. Tamara will soon take her project to an international competition in Los Angeles. She is exploring the possibility that AI could be trained to detect filtered images. This has ramifications for mental health as young people would then be able to discern that many of the images that they are being bombarded with on the Internet are not genuine. Therefore, they should not compare themselves to those unrealistic standards. In Tamara’s mind, this is just the beginning.
The evening also featured an auction of student-created artwork and a bag raffle. The members of what was an intimate gathering went home with leftovers of Devin Smith’s culinary art. Smith is an expert chef known for his involvement with Reaching Out Now, another organization reaching young people, specifically in Warren County.
Local News
As Opening of Youth Center Draws Near, the Reaching Out Now Family Looks to the Past for Inspiration
As Samantha Barber and Toby Hire sat, side by side, holding hands on April 26 in a yet-to-be-furnished room of the Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center in Front Royal, Virginia, there was a very real sense of water, which is stopped by nothing. “Water is my serenity,” Samantha said in this conversation with the Royal Examiner. It maneuvers its way around any obstacle in its path, if not eroding the obstacle altogether, and that is precisely what the Reaching Out Now (RON) family, of which Samantha is the president, has done in its endeavor to provide Front Royal and the wider Warren County region with a youth center, opening soon, where students can come to play, relax, have fun, develop strong bonds of friendship, and explore what they want to do with their futures.
The youth center is necessary, and the stakes are life and death. The brilliant lives and tragic early departures of Harlee Hire and Nathan Jenkins, the first to suicide and the second to a boating accident, inform the RON family of their mission to reach young people. There is this awareness that life is incredibly fragile, and the only way to face it is through community. It is as simple as asking: “Are you okay?” That is precisely what RON intends to do through the youth center so that young people in Harlee’s position do not fall through the cracks.
Harlee loved water. And by all appearances, she could overcome any obstacle. Through tears, “She was a great friend,” her mother Toby said as Samantha gripped her hand. Harlee practiced radical encouragement. It was not uncommon to hear her yelling shameless compliments like: “Your butt is looking fine today!” And even in the early months of 2022, after her friend Nathan’s boating accident in January and before she attempted suicide on May 10 and officially passed on May 11 and the Honor Walk donation of her organs on May 13 at UVA, she clung tenaciously to life. “I am going to do this, Miss Sam,” she told Samantha at a fashion show RON was hosting. And she walked down the runway.
“It is a sacrificial gift,” Samantha said of the youth center. “Nathan would have loved this,” Susan Jenkins said, standing outside the Santmyers building in May of 2023, and as soon as she said it, it began to rain. Indeed, a little fall of rain can hardly hurt me now, to quote the musical production of Les Miserables. There is a very real sense that both Harlee and Nathan continue to live through the youth center as the RON family remembers them and strives to reach young people in their position. Especially Harlee’s. While it is impossible to predict an accident like the one that occurred for Nathan, Samantha, and Toby both feel strongly that intervention is possible in the case of young people who are struggling with mental health issues.
In fact, May will be Mental Health Awareness Month for RON as they host three different athletic events in memory of Harlee and Nathan through their Safe at Home program. On May 9, a varsity girls’ softball game will be held at Skyline High School at 6 p.m. They will host a community baseball day on May 11, between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Bing Crosby Stadium. And on May 25 at Skyline High School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., they will host a community softball day. In order to get tickets, go to reachingoutnow.org
There is no need to be perfect. Samantha is frank about the impact this trauma has had on her health. “You have rheumatoid arthritis,” a doctor told her. He explained that she had internalized so much psychological pain that it had a very real manifestation in her physical health. But this is just one more obstacle that can be overcome through the support of friends offering real, physical comfort. You can be broken, Toby said. It is okay. It is the broken kids that RON wants to reach. If you are in trouble at school, we understand, Samantha emphasized. If you have weed in your backpack, we understand. This is not a matter of selecting the crème de la crème of students who are already gifted and exceptionally motivated. It is a matter of reaching all the kids and helping them understand their potential.
In the unfurnished room at the youth center, a room named in honor of Nathan and intended to be a game room, the Nate (DAWG) Game Room, Samantha, and Toby agree wholeheartedly that there is nothing wrong with just playing games if you are not playing them alone. Toby said this is the most connected yet disconnected age. The goal of the youth center is to help young people connect authentically.