Local News
Debate continues for Warren County School Board’s membership in VSBA
Despite assurances from leaders of the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) that the organization’s advocacy efforts are bipartisan, the Warren County School Board during its Wednesday, August 17 work session unanimously voted again to table action on whether to remain a VSBA member.
Following a motion to table three related VSBA items made by School Board member Melanie Salins, with a second by Board Vice Chair Ralph Rinaldi, the members voted 5-0 to wait until the board’s September 17 meeting to decide on VSBA membership for 2022-2023; to select a delegate and alternate delegate to the annual 2022 VSBA convention; and to renew the VSBA Policy Services Agreement for the upcoming school year.
Board members who voted along with Rinaldi and Salins included School Board Chair Kristen Pence and board members Antoinette Funk and Andrea Lo.
The vote followed a roughly 45-minute presentation from VSBA President Teddy Martin II, who is also a school board member from Henry County, Va., and VSBA President-Elect David Woodard, who has served on the Tazewell County (Va.) School Board since 2008.
Via Zoom, the VSBA leaders answered pre-submitted questions to provide clarity on any concerns the Warren County School Board has about remaining a member of VSBA. They also responded to questions presented during the board’s meeting.
The only board member who asked questions was Salins, the loudest voice on the board against the Warren County School Board remaining a VSBA member, claiming it is a partisan organization that should not receive money from Warren County, Va., taxpayers for its left-leaning political lobbying efforts. VSBA’s Martin explained, however, that the VSBA is divided into regions and each locality — or school board in the state — gets one vote when it comes to adopting new policies, for example.
“Each locality has the exact same amount of say whether it’s in Tazewell County or Fairfax County,” said Martin, who added that the VSBA has voted to oppose proposed policies from members of both political parties. “We work with both Democrats and Republicans in a bipartisan way,” he said.
Once the VSBA does adopt policies, school boards across the state then may choose to fully adopt the same policies in full or in part, amend them, or reject them, Woodard explained.
“We value one thing,” said Woodard, “we value every member of the VSBA. We realize a lot of times that there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach and answer that makes everybody happy all of the time. We don’t lean in one direction or the other.”
Woodard also said that even though the Warren County School Board has already paid its dues to be a VSBA member for 2022-2023, if the board decides that it no longer wants to be a member, “we’re not… trying to make you stay; we want you to stay but we’ll be happy to send that check back.”
“We’re not about forcing anybody to do anything,” added Martin.
Salins said she still has unanswered questions that aren’t being addressed by VSBA, some of which she said have come from parents of students in Warren County Public Schools (WCPS).
Martin said the VSBA would provide School Board members with answers as soon as possible. School Board Chair Kristen Pence — deciding that the board had taken up enough of the VSBA leaders’ time, and in an effort to move the work session forward after almost an hour and a half — said board members would submit any new or unanswered questions in writing to the VSBA.
Then, prior to the board’s vote on its three VSBA-related action agenda items, Pence asked if anyone in the audience wanted to speak about the items. More than a dozen people addressed the Warren County School Board’s membership in the VSBA. Members of the Warren County Board of Supervisors also attended the board’s meeting but did not speak.
One anti-VSBA-membership speaker, for example, said “it’s been proven that VSBA is partisan and pushes democratic policies” and Warren County therefore shouldn’t receive legal services from the VSBA because they are “slanted.” He also called the information provided by VSBA’s Martin and Woodard “propaganda.”
Bruce White, a Warren County resident since 2005 who moved to the area after retiring from working in special education in another state, said that during his years in education, he has found that state school boards associations “offer very valuable services” to their school board members and to their educators.
“I think you would be very hard pressed — especially given that the [WCPS] budget has not been fully funded at this point — to get the same benefits that are offered by VSBA… for the membership fee that you’re paying,” White told School Board members, referring to this year’s annual cost of $9,521.19. “So, I would encourage you to continue your membership with VSBA.”
Front Royal, Va., resident Mark Egger spoke against both the School Board retaining its VSBA membership and renewing its VSBA Policy Services Agreement, saying to board members “ya’all are too stupid to read the English” in whatever laws are enacted by the Virginia General Assembly and then decide how to abide by them rather than paying VSBA to provide advice. “I guess it’s rocket science; I’m not sure,” he said.
A South River District resident said the VSBA is not a lobbying group for liberal causes. “If they were a left-wing lobbying organization,” she said, “why would every school board in Virginia be a member? If the organization lobbies — and it does — it does so apolitically on behalf of public schools for educational programs that we believe in because their opinions are based on our input.”
(above) also pointed out — as he did during the School Board’s August 3 regular meeting when the board first voted to table action on the same VSBA-related items — that the VSBA provides school boards with numerous services, including:
• A strong lobbying and advocacy voice locally, statewide, and nationally;
• Publications, daily news, webinars, podcasts, virtual meetings and trainings, and regular updates about important education issues;
• High-quality conferences, webinars and meetings, including one of the largest annual education conventions in Virginia;
• School board development and training programs on a variety of topics;
• Access to policy services that meet the specific needs of school board members; and
• Professionals to assist with superintendent searches, communications and public relations, legal concerns, and other school board needs.
Pence said the option to hire an attorney to handle for the School Board what the VSBA provides would cost an estimated $50,000 for the first year. Salins countered that the VSBA could keep increasing its fees.
Additionally, Salins called the VSBA “a divisive group” that’s pitting community members against each other and the only way to heal is to leave the group. In making her motion to table the three VSBA-related action items, she said the board needs to “take its time on this and really explore other options.”
The vote to table the items means that the VSBA issues will be revisited again for potential action at the School Board’s September 21 meeting.
Chamber News
Melodies on Main: Community Cheers as Money Pit Recording Studio Opens Doors
Local News
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: American Toad
Please remember to check your lawn before you mow!
This beautiful American toad was hit by a lawnmower on Saturday and suffered injuries to the right wrist and right hind leg.
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.
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!
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.
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.
(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)