Local News
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center: a haven for injured wildlife – and education
Heather Sparks shows an Eastern Screech Owl – ALL PHOTOS/COURTESY DARA BAILEY DESIGN
What struck me as I entered the relatively new habitat of the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (BRWC) in Clarke County was the air of kindness that wafts through the quiet interior of the building which is a refuge for the injured and sick wild animals from our area of the Shenandoah Valley.
A scene from Summer Camp 2016
Hidden away on its leased 17 acres of grass and trees and immune to the traffic noise of nearby Route 50, this 21st century hospital for the creatures of the wild that make their homes among us, displays the essence of human kindness through its quietly efficient professional and volunteer staff, led now by a new executive director, and a veterinarian who arrived at the Center just one year ago.
A smiling Christopher Scott, the new executive who lives in Winchester, greeted me in the admissions area of the $1.5 million two-floor — ground and basement — building the day before the announcement of his appointment! Minutes later, through a glass partition, Dr. Jen Riley, DVM was pointed out to me. She was anesthetizing a hawk in a state-of-the-art operating theater.
Wildlife Center Executive Director Christopher Scott
Franny Crawford, director of development, was my knowledgeable guide. I was quickly introduced to certified wildlife rehabilitators Heather Sparks and Jennifer Herghoffer, then to Jessica Andersen who will obtain her certification this fall. And then to a plethora of interns and a bunch of permanent residents including Jefferson, a patrician bald eagle; Dopey, an eastern screech owl who won our staring contest; Ruffio, a baby grey squirrel who poked his nose out of his bed in welcome; Beeker, the striped skunk. Beeker was hunkered down in a cage with Andersen eating his lunch prepared in the center’s super-sized kitchen. “He really prefers stink bugs,” Jessica remarked, as she fondly stroked the animal’s head.
Above, baby squirrel feeding; below baby skunks doing the same.
These guys, and others including Slim, the black snake; Snow, an Arctic fox; Briar Rose, red tailed hawk; and the box turtle Quasimodo (not very communicative), are called the center’s “Wildlife Ambassadors,” the stars of education and program exhibits that Franny enjoys boosting. All have been treated for injuries but are those few that cannot again be out in the wild to fend for themselves.
Franny showed me a classroom where Berghoffer holds forth, usually during the “quiet” time – October through March – to school kids and university students. It also housed resident animals, like those in the outside cages, whose injuries were so grave that even after expert veterinary treatment they were not releasable.
Spring is when all hands are called on for their best efforts by veterinarian Riley. That’s when the unborns start to be born; when birds begin flying into cars; and the possums begin roaming the country roads and highways. One permanent resident is a peregrine falcon who collided with an airplane at Dulles.
Eastern Screech Owl in rehabilitation
While more than a thousand birds, animals, and reptiles are brought to the center each year, it’s the birds and possums that lead the injured lists. They fight a losing battle against automobiles and trucks; while a high percentage of small wildlife deaths and injuries come from a losing battle with their natural predators, including in developed areas, domesticated cats, who as their owners know, never really lose their hunting instinct.
Linda Goshen, chair of the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center board of directors, who lives in nearby Millwood, wrote in the organization’s most recent newsletter, “The Ridgeline,” about the approaching spring and the second full year in the new shelter:
“What a difference our new facility makes to the work of the BRWC as it moves through its first spring season caring for our region’s injured and orphaned native wildlife!
New Blue Ridge Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation facility
“The heightened activity that now fills our outdoor environment can bring humans and wildlife in closer contact. People are outside longer and wildlife parents are busy, often crossing roads, foraging to feed their young …” She drew attention to articles in the newsletter that would help us know what to do when we see, for example, an injured raptor, fox or racoon. For starters, call the BRWC hotline: (540) 837-9000. One of my neighbors should make a call to determine how to prevent possums making their homes beneath his Rockland house!
With all the wildlife babies pouring in at present, Goshen is publicizing an upcoming “”Baby Shower” at Long Branch Historic House and Farm in Millwood on Sunday, June 4, noon to – 3 p.m. For gift ideas (bird seed; dry cat and dog food; bleach are some suggestions) visit blueridgewildlifectr.org Take the kids and let them see the baby animals!
Baby Barn Owls and baby Red Foxes
The center is also embarked on a final major league push to raise the remaining $200,000 owing on the new building. I particularly noticed an impressive plaque bearing the names of major donors, and major, major, donors, on an interior wall.
Jessica Andersen captures an injured Red Fox
Goshen, along with executive director Scott and 10 board members, oversees an annual operating budget of approximately $400,000. BRWC’s stated mission is to “insure the future of our region’s wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, education and research.” A not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization that began in a small and old nearby house in 2001. The house served its purpose, but barely, for 15 years until sufficient funding came along to build the current hospital and hire the necessary staff. The board is a who’s who of committed members including Beatrice von Gontard of Warren County, vice chair; Hilary Davidson, secretary; Mike Morency, treasurer; Timothy Bates, Tricia Booker, Andy Ferrari, Susan Galbraith (hello, Susan!), Judy Landes, Russ McKelway, and Patricia Robinson.
Dr. Jennifer Riley, DVM, with a resident screech owl of which the author observed, ‘We tried to out stare each other. – He won!’ Below, Dr. Jen’s handiwork – pulling a broken turtle shell back together
Dr. Riley heads up the “team” – the worker bees – which consists of the aforementioned Heather Sparks, Rescue and Rehabilitation Manager; Jennifer Burghoffer, education manager; Jessica Andersen, rescue and rehabilitation associate; and Franny Crawford, director of development.
In addition to caring for and treating the animals, BRWC offers speakers for outside groups; a summer intern program (14 college students have signed up this year to work alongside rehabbers and the veterinarian; summer camps for kids 7 through 14; a future veterinarian “extern” program for college students who want to take a semester studying native wildlife. Also on the drawing boards is a wildlife walk.
Raptor Hill, home to Jefferson the American Bald Eagle, Briar Rose, the Red Tailed Hawk, and Lucy the Red Shouldered Hawk; Jefferson and Lucy are pictured below.
I was shown an “almost unique” circular flight cage that provides a “flight school” for raptors. Prior to release after successful veterinary treatment, the huge cage allows the big birds to fly in a safe enclosure prior to release with fully recovered flight muscles. Ultimately, this and other occupied cages will be surrounded by a viewing deck.
The BRWC receives no public money. It relies solely on foundation grants and individual gifts and revenue from two special events, the “Baby Shower” and a fall gala. The “Society of Wildlife Guardians” is a group of “leadership donors” who contribute $500 and up in operational support. “Wildlife Guardians” who contribute lesser amounts “are the backbone of the organization and contribute significant (money and goods) to the well being of the organization and support the BRWC’s educational programs,” Franny Crawford told me.
Rocket, the flying squirrel (he thinks he’s an eagle)
Chamber News
Melodies on Main: Community Cheers as Money Pit Recording Studio Opens Doors
The Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Bob Wilson and the Money Pit Recording Studio to the community in an April 24, 2024, ribbon-cutting ceremony. This marked a significant milestone in the local music scene with the grand opening of the Money Pit Recording Studio. The event was a festive gathering of community members, music enthusiasts, and industry professionals to support Bob Wilson, the studio’s founder. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a celebration of new beginnings and a nod to the vibrant potential the studio brings to the area.
Bob, a seasoned musician and producer, shared his journey from playing bass and fiddle in various bands to setting up his recording studio. The studio, aptly named ‘Money Pit’ as a playful nod to the financial whirlwinds often associated with musical pursuits, promises to be a haven for local talent and musicians from various genres. Bob’s story is one of passion fueled by decades of experience in the music industry, leading him to establish his own space where creativity meets technology finally.
During the ceremony, attendees were treated to a tour of the facility. Bob detailed a nine-month labor of love focused on creating a comfortable, high-quality recording environment. The studio boasts a blend of analog and digital technologies, adhering to Bob’s vision of offering a distinctive and efficient recording experience.
Money Pit Recording Studio is set up to cater to diverse musical styles and artists. Bob expressed his openness to working with all genres, from country to hip-hop, ensuring that every artist’s vision could be realized in his studio. His approach is hands-on, preferring the tactile feel of knobs and sliders to create the perfect sound over navigating through software menus.
The studio’s name, while humorous, underscores Bob’s commitment to providing exceptional quality without the pressure of the ticking clock that often plagues recording sessions. This philosophy will likely resonate with artists seeking a space that values perfection in their craft.
As the community left the opening event, the excitement was palpable, with many expressing eagerness to see how the Money Pit Recording Studio would evolve into a cornerstone of local music production. Bob’s journey from musician to studio owner is a powerful reminder of the music industry’s enduring spirit of creativity and dedication.
Local News
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: American Toad
Please remember to check your lawn before you mow!
Patient 24-683 recovering at BRWC. @BRWC 2024
This beautiful American toad was hit by a lawnmower on Saturday and suffered injuries to the right wrist and right hind leg.
Patient 24-683 at intake.
Unfortunately, due to the level of trauma, the right hind leg required amputation at the level of the knee, which was performed once the patient was stabilized.
This patient is still eligible for release once recovered and will do just fine in the wild, even with one less leg to hop on!
This time of year we see species of all kinds come into care with injuries inflicted by mowers and weedwhackers. Luckily, injuries like this are preventable in many cases.
Patient 24-683 recovering at BRWC. @BRWC 2024
Some people will sweep their lawn with a broom to flush out any animals that may be hiding (also a great way to find and protect a bunny nest). You can also enlist a child, partner, or friend to keep you company while you mow by walking a few feet ahead and checking for wildlife as they go!
Or, if you are looking for an alternative to a turf grass lawn, consider replacing some or all of it with native plants! Traditional lawns provide little functional space for wildlife, use excessive water, and often introduce fertilizers and pesticides that damage our environment.
Reducing the need to mow and creating beautiful and healthy habitat for native wildlife is a win-win!
Native pollinator garden at BRWC. @BRWC 2022-2023
Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.
Local News
Warren County Virginia Sheriff’s Office Rallies Support for Deputy Whose Home Was Severely Damaged by a Fire
In an urgent Facebook post on Monday, April 22, Sheriff Crystal Cline alerted the community to the plight of a deputy whose home was severely damaged by a fire that day.
“This morning, we were reminded of the unpredictable challenges that life can throw at us,” she wrote. “One of my deputies faced a heartbreaking tragedy when a fire severely damaged his home, resulting in the loss of everything he held dear, including his beloved pet.
“This deputy has lived his life on the frontlines—he served in the Army, then as a volunteer and professional firefighter, and now as a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office serving our community.
“Your support, whether through prayer, donations, or financial contributions, will help provide the immediate needs of shelter, clothing, and other essentials during this critical time. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (200 Skyline Vista Drive, Front Royal, VA) will be a drop-off location for any physical items or financial donations—ask for Jenn.
I appreciate your kindness, generosity, and support. We are more than a community; we are a FAMILY!”
Out of respect for the deputy, his identity was not revealed. Even so, the sheriff’s Facebook page has been inundated by people who want to help. Many types of donations are welcome, as the sheriff emphasized, and for those specifically wanting to make online financial contributions, a link is provided on the WCSO’s page. Michael Glavis of the WCSO has organized that site for raising funds, the “Sheriff Deputy House Fire Relief Fund.” Glavis considers the deputy a dear friend and work colleague. “He has given blood and sweat for others, and now I’m asking for everyone to give a little to help him and his family through the process of recovery,” Glavis said.
Local News
Illuminating Futures: Celebrating Achievements and Exploring Quantum Computing at ‘This is IT!’ Event
The “This Is IT!” club of Warren County, Virginia, marked another milestone as a hub for budding IT enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The club, which started in 2023, has quickly become a cornerstone for students interested in the ever-evolving world of information technology.
At the ‘This is IT!’ club gathering at the Samuels Public Library on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, students and community members came together to celebrate and learn. The club includes 9th to 12th-grade students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds and is aimed to ignite curiosity and reward academic excellence in information technology and quantum computing.
The ceremony kicked off with an introduction by Melissa Chapman, an instructor involved with the club. She set the stage for a night that was not only about recognition but also about expanding young minds. “Understanding the vocabulary of quantum computing is the first step towards mastery,” Chapman remarked, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge in this cutting-edge field.
The focal point of the evening was the guest lecture by Dr. Bruce Chesley, an aerospace engineer who adeptly connected the seemingly distant realms of space exploration and quantum computing. With palpable enthusiasm, Dr. Chesley described how quantum technologies could revolutionize our approach to exploring the cosmos. His talk made the complex topics accessible and entertaining, captivating the aspiring scientists in attendance.
Amidst the talks, the club took a moment to honor its bright young members through a scholarship awards ceremony. Scholarships were awarded to students who have shown exceptional prowess in STEM fields. These awards are a testament to the community’s support for its young learners and a major encouragement for them to pursue further education in technology. The winners were Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, and Uli Duke.
From left to right: Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, Uli Duke
The “This Is IT!” club continues to grow, driven by passion and enthusiasm for technology and innovation. Each meeting and event cements its role as a vital resource for Warren County’s youth, inspiring them to explore and excel in the field of information technology. As the club prepares for another exciting year, it remains a shining example of how community and education can come together to build a brighter future.
Local News
The Apple Blossom Coronation Legacy Continues for the Historical Event
For the first time in the history of the Shenandoah Apple Bossom Festival® three consecutive generations in a family will have served as Queen Shenandoah. Susan Ford Bales, Queen in 1975, and Tyne Vance Berlanga, Queen in 2001, will be accompanying Joy Elizabeth Berlanga as she assumes her role as Queen Shenandoah XCVII.
The Crowning Ceremony entertains from regal pomp and circumstance to joyful enthusiasm of Little Maids and Pages who are ever present to serve their Queen. The youthful court interchange historical and educational facts from the British Crown to learning about a United States President – to asking, “Who has the Crown?,” and with dancing. The Queen will be crowned at the memorable Coronation celebration under the direction of Elaine B. Aikens. The Ceremony to install the new sovereign is sponsored by Morgan Orthodontics, on Friday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m.at Handley High School. President Gerald Ford crowned Susan. Susan crowned Tyne, and Joy will be crowned by her mother and escorted by her grandmother.
Susan, Joy’s grandmother, is a Virginia native and now resides in Texas. She is the daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. Susan is the mother of two daughters, Tyne Berlanga and Heather Deavers, five grandchildren, Joy Elizabeth Berlanga, Cruz Vance Berlanga, Elizabeth Blanch Deavers, Jude Deavers, and Sullivan Bales, and three stepsons, Kevin, Matthew, and Andrew Bales.
Susan was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Holton Arms School and the University of Kansas, where she studied photojournalism. She is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. She is the author of two novels set in the Whie House, “Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery”, and its sequel, “Sharp Focus.”
Susan is the Ship’s Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which she officially christened on November 9, 2013. On April 8, 2016, in recognition of her service as the Ship’s Sponsor, she was named an Honorary Naval Aviator by the United States Navy, becoming only the 31st American to receive this distinction. And history was made with her selection – Susan is the first woman to be chosen as an Honorary Naval Aviator.
During her high school years, Susan lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her mother’s surgery for breast cancer in 1974. In 1984, she and her mother helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Susan subsequently served as national spokesperson for breast cancer awareness. Since the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Susan worked side by side with her mother on projects at the Center and was elected to the Center’s Board of Directors in 1992. She succeeded her mother as Chairman of the Board 2005-2010, and currently serves on the board of directors of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
In addition to her many charitable public service activities, Susan serves as Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy, Trustee, Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, and the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Children’s National Medical Center.
Tyne, mother of Joy, Queen-designate, resides in Frisco, TX with her husband Hector and two children, Joy and Cruz. She serves as a marketing manager for Western Son. With a passion for community involvement, Tyne sits on multiple school booster club boards for all her children’s activities.
On Tyne’s departure as Queen she reflected, “It was easy to be kind, gracious and humble Queen when surrounded by the people of Winchester. My five-day reign as Queen Shenandoah was an occasion that will have a special place in my heart. I have formed friendships and made memories that will hopefully stay with me for a long time to come. On Sunday morning I was doing an exit interview with one of the reporters and he asked me, “If l had a daughter would I let her be Queen?” My answer was immediately “Yes, if she’s lucky enough to be given this opportunity.” Now, Tyne eagerly anticipates returning to Winchester where Joy is set to embark on a remarkable journey, echoing Tyne’s own experiences from 23 years prior. It’s truly heartwarming to be able to share this moment with both her mother and daughter.
The Queen and her family will ride in the Hang 10 Firefighters’ Parade Friday evening at 5:30 and the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Queen-designate Joy and her family will be making appearances at Festival events during the weekend.
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.
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.
Courtesy Royal Examiner File Photo of The Valley Chorale during the Christmas season. Get ready for their spring concerts ‘Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope’ the first week of May.
(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)
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