These are the events being presented by the Youth Services Department at Samuels Public Library during the month of February 2022.  More information about Samuels Library and the programs and services available can be found at www.samuelslibrary.net or by calling (540) 635-3153.

Winter Reading Club:  Warm blankets, relaxing by a fire with your favorite book while the winds howl outside… this year’s Winter Reading Club theme is Keep Calm and Cozy On!

As you read your favorite stories this winter, you will receive a prize each week. Pre-readers will listen to 5 books each week to earn their prize; readers and teens need to read one book each week to earn a prize.

Use Beanstack to log your books online, earn badges for books read and activities completed. You will also have access to themed guides for researching and enjoying topics of interest, write reviews to share with others, and see what other kids are reading this winter. Follow this link for more information on using Beanstack.

Our programs will be highlighting all cozy and comforting things. Come in the library or enjoy some of our virtual programs found on YouTube or Facebook.

Sign up starting January 3rd in person or online.

Tuesday, February 1^st

• 4:30PM Science Scouts. Come in on Tuesday afternoons for a time to explore the mysteries of the world through science!  In this weekly program, we will investigate a different STEM-related topic each week. Our theme for this week’s club is Dancing Candy Hearts. We will learn about floating and density! For ages 6-11.  Registration required.

Wednesday, February 2nd

• 10:15AM Toddler Story Time.  Bring your toddler to a potpourri of simple stories, fun songs, and a cute craft! Dogs: Man’s Best Friend will be the theme of our stories, songs and finger plays this week. Each child will receive a take-home craft kit.  For children up to 3 1/2 years of age. Registration required.
• 11:00AM Preschool Story Time.  Come in with your preschooler, aged 3 1/2 to five, for an enjoyable hour filled with amazing tales, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft! Dogs: Man’s Best Friend will be the theme of our stories, songs and finger plays this week. Each child will receive a take-home craft kit.  Registration required.

Saturday, February 5^th

• 2:00PM Art Therapy for Teens. During this session, we will learn how to make zines (short for magazine). Zines are mini DIY publications, often but not exclusively using comics or collages to convey a message. For ages 12-18. Registration required.

Monday, February 7th

• 11:00AM – Music & Movement for Babies & Toddlers. Join our relaxed and joyful time with our little ones as we incorporate music, beginning yoga, and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby. Registration required.

Tuesday, February 8^th

• 4:30PM Science Scouts. Come in on Tuesday afternoons for a time to explore the mysteries of the world through science!  In this weekly program, we will investigate a different STEM-related topic each week. Our theme for this week’s club is Moon Phases. For ages 6-11.  Registration required.
• 7:00PM Virtual Goodnight Sweetheart Storytime. Join Miss. Pattie for our special storytime in your jammies. Bring your favorite buddy and get cozy!

Wednesday, February 9^th

• 10:15 Toddler Story Time.  Bring your toddler to a potpourri of simple stories, fun songs, and a cute craft! Love will be the theme of our stories, songs, and craft!  For children up to 3 1/2 years of age. Registration required.
• 11:00 Preschool Story Time.  Come in with your preschooler, aged 3 1/2 to five, for an enjoyable hour filled with amazing tales, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft!  Love will be the theme of our stories, songs, and craft. Registration required.

Saturday, February 12^th

• 2:00PM Discuss This. Are you inspired by good books, articles, movies, and art? Do you write, draw, or enjoy playing music? If so, join us as we discuss books and share our creations. For ages 12-18. Registration required.

Monday, February 14th

• 11:00AM – Music & Movement for Babies & Toddlers. Join our relaxed and joyful time with our little ones as we incorporate music, beginning yoga, and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby. Registration required.

Tuesday, February 15th

• 4:30 Science Scouts.  Come in on Tuesday afternoons for a time to explore the mysteries of the world through science!  In this weekly program, we will investigate a different STEM-related topic each week. This week’s theme is Make Drawings Float! We will learn about chemistry and polymers. For ages 6-11.  Registration required. A virtual option is offered this week as well.

Saturday, February 19^th

• 2:00PM Hygge: Cozying Up in Winter. Learn about the Nordic art of “Hygge”, or finding ways to be cozy during the dark and cold parts of the year. We will be making decorative birch bark candle holders to add that special cozy glow on dark winter nights! Ages 6-11. Registration required.

Monday, February 21^st – Library closed for President’s Day.

Tuesday, February 22^nd

•  4:30 Science Scouts.  Come in on Tuesday afternoons for a time to explore the mysteries of the world through science!  In this weekly program, we will investigate a different STEM-related topic each week. This week’s theme is Invisible Ink! We will learn about chemical reactions. For ages 6-11.  Registration required. A virtual option is offered this week as well.

Wednesday, February 23^rd

• 10:15 Toddler Story Time.  Bring your toddler to a potpourri of simple stories, fun songs, and a cute craft! Trees will be the theme of our stories, songs, and craft!  For children up to 3 1/2 years of age. Registration required.
• 11:00 Preschool Story Time.  Come in with your preschooler, aged 3 1/2 to five, for an enjoyable hour filled with amazing tales, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft!  Trees will be the theme of our stories, songs, and craft. Registration required.
  

Saturday, February 26^th

• 2:00PM Crochet. Have you ever wanted to learn to crochet? Now is your chance! Hang out with other crafty kids and learn to crochet, or level up the skills you already have! For ages 10-18. Registration required.

Monday, February 28^th

• 11:00AM – Music & Movement for Babies & Toddlers. Join our relaxed and joyful time with our little ones as we incorporate music, beginning yoga, and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby. Registration required.

Share the News:

Special Report: Biden’s First Year

As we reach the one-year anniversary of one-party Democrat rule in Washington, D.C., we can see all-too clearly the disastrous results that it has brought for our Nation, for our economy, and for our families. During his inauguration speech, last January, President Biden said, “Politics need not be a raging fire destroying everything in its path.” However, that is exactly what has happened over the course of the last twelve months. The policies that have been pushed by this Administration, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, and Democrats across the country have culminated in crises on many fronts, the likes of which our Nation has not seen in decades.

On an economic front, rising costs are crushing blue-collar Americans. With inflation having risen every month since Joe Biden was sworn in, real wages have not only decreased, but folks are paying more for goods as they shop for the essentials. In fact, the Consumer Price Index increased by 7% from twelve months ago, marking the highest rate of inflation in 40-years. On top of this, the national average for a gallon of gas reached $3.28 last month, which means folks are paying 49.6% more than they did last year simply to commute to work. This surge in inflation has cost the average American family more than $3,500 this year, or nearly two paychecks – according to the Penn Wharton Budget Model.

Aside from the economic crisis, fueled by Democrats’ out-of-control spending, the Left’s policies over the past year have made our Nation inherently less safe. Since President Biden took office, more than 1.7 million illegal aliens have been encountered unlawfully crossing the border – the highest number in history. To make matters worse, Democrats reimplemented Catch and Release, and recent data shows that more than 47,000 illegal immigrants have failed to report to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, meaning the Department of Homeland Security is entirely unaware of where in the country these individuals are. This flood of illegal immigration has also brought record levels of drugs across our border, most worrisome of which is fentanyl. Under President Biden’s and the Democrats’ watch, more pounds of fentanyl entered the United States through our southern border in FY2021 than in the previous two years combined. This powerful drug is incredibly dangerous and is fueling the opioid epidemic, which is tearing families apart. Fentanyl overdoses have even become the leading cause of death this year for Americans ages 18 to 45. Coupled with the immigration crisis that threatens our citizens’ well-being and safety is the crime crisis. Stemming from the Democrats’ “Defund the Police” agenda, at least 16 major U.S. cities set new homicide records in 2021. Further, this anti-police attitude led to 346 members of law enforcement being shot in the line of duty last year, 63 of whom were killed. This is a tragedy, yet Democrats refuse to support law-and-order policies that would keep Americans safe.

However, illegal border crossings and the rising rates of violent crime are not the only threats to the physical health of this country’s citizens. Despite adamant pledges, Democrats took their eyes off of COVID. Rather than focus on defeating the virus and healing the economy, President Biden immediately launched into a radical “transformation” of America, beginning by ramming a partisan $1.9 trillion “COVID Stimulus” through Congress that ignored the need for crucial COVID tests and treatments (less than 10 percent of the bill was COVID related), paid people more to stay home than to work, and fueled inflation. Then, as vaccinations stalled and case numbers soared, he demanded a $5 trillion Build Back Better socialist spending bill that included trillions in new tax hikes on Main Street businesses and massive giveaways to the wealthy, big corporations, and special interests. If we truly want to bring this pandemic to an end, we must address the nationwide testing shortage to ensure that those who are positive know to stay home.

And while there are many more crises to mention, one glaring failure that must be noted is the Administration’s feckless foreign policy. President Biden surrendered Afghanistan to the Taliban, sat idly by as Israel was pummeled with rockets, failed to offer real support to our friends in Taiwan and Ukraine as they face threats from authoritarian regimes, and is currently negotiating a nuclear agreement with one of the most prominent state sponsors of terror – Iran. These actions have weakened the United States in the eyes of our allies and emboldened our enemies who wish to do us harm.

In one year of a unified Democrat government, our economy has failed, our border has been overrun, violent crime has surged, COVID has spread like wildfire, and our reputation of rooting out terror has been tarnished. Our Nation cannot afford continued Democrat “leadership.” Republicans are ready to govern and are eager to get this country back on track.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Congressman. If my office can ever be of assistance, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-5431.

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.

Share the News:

Harvest Missions Outreach Center’s Exodus program has been awarded the Rappahannock Electric Power of Change grant. Each month Rappahannock Electric members give to The Power of Change. These donations are invested back into Rappahannock Electric communities through grants to organizations that work towards improving REC communities.

Harvest Missions Outreach Center’s Exodus program is a faith-based intensive outpatient substance abuse recovery program. The program utilizes evidence-based curriculum in a faith-based setting to provide a comprehensive recovery program. The grant made it possible to expand their curriculum to include the Matrix Model for Criminal Justice Settings. The Matrix program, which is used by drug court programs across the country, is designed to meet the needs of law-involved clients who struggle with addiction to alcohol and other drugs. The program focuses on overcoming criminal thinking and strategies for successful recovery skills. With the implementation of the Matrix curriculum, the Exodus program will be able to provide services to those who are in the criminal justices system in Warren County.

To assure that finances are not a barrier to treatment, there is no fee for the Exodus program. The program is supported by grants, contributions from local churches and individual donations (Clients are asked to make a contribution of whatever they can afford, even if it is only $1.00).

Harvest Missions Outreach Center is located at the former United Methodist Church in Happy Creek (1652 Happy Creek Rd). To find out more about the program, visit harvestmissionscenter.org or call (540) 645-6450.

Share the News:

Element Risk Management has acquired Stoneburner-Carter Insurance, located in Front Royal, Virginia.

Stoneburner-Carter Insurance

Stoneburner-Carter Insurance was established in 1985 and is a three-generation family firm based in Warren County, Virginia, formerly at 11 Water Street, Front Royal, VA 22630. Stoneburner-Carter has served their clients well by putting them first and delivering first-rate customer service. For over 35 years, they have taken pride in knowing that the insurance they offer is the best for their clients’ families and businesses. Stoneburner-Carter has been committed to working with and protecting their community.

“Stoneburner-Carter has always treated their clients as friends and neighbors. That is a core value of Element Risk Management and we will continue to provide the personalized service that their clients are accustomed to. We look forward to them joining us at Element Risk Management,” said Dave Rivell, Partner at Element Risk.

Element Risk Management is an independent insurance agency based out of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Element provides personal, commercial, and specialty insurance, as well as risk management solutions. For more information, visit www.ElementRisk.com.

Share the News:

On January 22, 2022, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution cosponsored with the Shenandoah Christian Alliance to commemorate Peter Muhlenberg, the “Fighting Parson”.

Due to the cold weather, the event was held at two locations. The main group of compatriots conducted the commemoration at the Wayside Inn, Middletown, VA. Bishop Larry Johnson with compatriots Dale Carpenter and Dennis Parmerter, braved the weather to honor Muhlenberg at Woodstock. This was held in front of the old courthouse where a bust of the parson has been placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution at the location where Muhlenberg gathered troops to join the American Revolution. They were joined by Virginia State Sons of the American Revolution Chaplain, the Rev Eugene Thomas and his wife Amanda.

The combined color guard. Photos courtesy of Thomas “Chip” Daniel.

It was at this site where the Fighting Parson gathered recruits after delivering his final sermon. He ended his sermon with the quote from Ecclesiastes, “A time of war, and a time of peace”. He then declared, “And this is the time of war”. He removed his clerical robe, revealing a Colonel’s uniform and marched to the square to enlist men to join the cause.

At the Wayside Inn, a formal event was conducted, emceed by Chapter President Thomas “Chip” Daniel. Dale Corey presented a history of Muhlenberg’s military service. He served in the military throughout the war, participating in many of the most important battles, from Charleston in 1776 to Yorktown in 1781. In 1776 at Sullivan’s Island off Charleston, South Carolina, his troops were in reserve and committed late in the battle. Major General Charles Lee, the American commander, reported the Virginia troops were “brave to the last degree”.

On February 1, 1777, Muhlenberg was promoted to Brigadier General, then ordered to join Washington’s army in Philadelphia. He led his brigade at the Battle of Germantown, and from December 1777 to June 1778, he was with George Washington at Valley Forge. In 1780, he assumed command of all forces in Virginia.

On December 1, 1780, Major General Baron von Steuben was given command of the American forces in Virginia, becoming Muhlenberg’s superior. On April 24, 1781, the Virginia forces fought British troops outside of Petersburg. Although outnumbered, the Virginia militia held bravely for twenty-five minutes and retreated in perfect order. Their goal was not to stop the British, they just wanted to delay them. Von Steuben said “General Muhlenberg merits my particular acknowledgements for the good disposition which he made and the great gallantry with which he executed it”.

Colonel James Wood II compatriots.

At the Siege of Yorktown, Muhlenberg had command of a brigade of Continentals. His brigade led the American column, and his men were part of the rotation of mounting the trenches. After Yorktown, he remained in Virginia, recruiting and organizing troops to send to other armies. He was promoted to Major General on September 30, 1783.

Peter Muhlenberg was one of the many steady unsung heroes of the war, whose efforts contributed greatly in the fight for American Independence. After the war, Muhlenberg returned to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and entered politics. He eventually served in many positions at the local, state and national level. On October 1, 1807, his 61st birthday, Peter Muhlenberg died in Gray’s Ferry, Pennsylvania. A true American hero and patriot.

t the Wayside Inn event, Virginia State SAR President Jeff Thomas gave greetings with a brief history of Muhlenberg’s early life. He was followed by Virginia State Children of the American Revolution President Sara Cox and Virginia Society of Order of Founders and Patriots of America compatriot Richard Rattan.

Additional wreaths were presented by Patrick Moore, Colonel James Wood II; Paul Cox, Colonel Fielding Lewis; Leamon Duncan, Colonel William Grayson; Tom Hamill, Culpeper Minutemen; Forrest Crain, Fairfax Resolves, Ken Morris, George Mason and Ernie Coggins, George Washington chapters of the SAR.

At the square in Woodstock.

The color guard was comprised of Sean Carrigan (CJWII), Paul Christensen (CJWII), Dave Cook (FR), Forrest Crain (FR), Leamon Duncan CWG), Kelly Ford (CJWII), Doug Hall (CJWII), Tom Hamill (CMM), Charles Jameson (CMM), Erick Moore (CJWII), Patrick Moore (CJWII), Brett Osborn )CJWII), Dennis Parmerter (CJWII), Allan Phillips (CJWII), Will Reynolds (CJWII), Eric Robinson (CJWII), Marc Robinson (CJWII), Bill Schwetke (CMM) and Barry Schwoerer (CJWII).

Share the News: