Have you fallen in love with an older home? You may be tempted to seize the opportunity and skip an inspection, especially if there are several interested parties. Before taking on a mortgage, here are a few essential points to keep in mind.

Materials
Some materials that were popular in the past are now undesirable or even prohibited. For example, old paint is laden with asbestos and lead, which can infiltrate your drinking water. Therefore, you must find out if your dream home hides any unpleasant surprises.

Additionally, you may be saddled with inadequate electrical circuits or an insufficient number of power outlets. Moreover, energy efficiency wasn’t a priority in the past. Therefore, single-paned windows and poorly insulated walls are sure to drive up your heating bill.

Cost of renovations
Even if the home’s foundations and frame have survived well over the years, you may still be faced with costly renovations. For example, if you decide to knock down a wall and upgrade the insulation, you probably don’t want to close it off with bare drywall. Consequently, you must think through the additional expenses you may incur to preserve the home’s character.

Among the many aspects to consider is the insurability of the building. Before taking the plunge, take time to consult a broker and call a qualified inspector.

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Are you still deciding on accommodations for your summer vacation or weekend getaway? Here are six good reasons to choose camping.

1. It’s affordable. Camping is generally less expensive than other summer accommodations like cabins.

2. You can tailor your vacation to your preferences and comfort level. There are camping accommodations for everyone, from tents and motorhomes to yurts and treehouses. What’s more, it’s easy to find pet-friendly facilities.

3. You and your family can meet new people. Moreover, campgrounds are ideal for group vacations, so your friends can easily join in on the fun.

4. Campgrounds offer a variety of facilities like tennis courts, swimming pools, and game rooms. Some facilities organize thematic evenings and friendly tournaments to keep you entertained. There’s also typically a playground for children.

5. You and your family can improve your cooperation and communication skills because camping requires you to be organized and adaptable.

6. Spending time in nature is a great way to relax and recharge your batteries. You can also enjoy picnics, barbecues, campfires, and evenings under the stars. Depending on your location, you can take advantage of hiking trails and water sports.

Lastly, camping is an excellent last-minute getaway because you can often pick up a site without a reservation.

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Have you been instructed not to smoke for days or weeks before an upcoming surgery? This is for your own good and is intended to optimize your chances of a full recovery.

Toxic substances
Smokers’ surgical wounds don’t heal as well as those of non-smokers. According to the World Health Organization, the toxic substances found in cigarette smoke affect the body’s ability to heal and fight infections.

For instance, the nicotine in tobacco reduces blood circulation and limits available nutrients in the blood, which are essential for healing. It also hinders the production of collagen, which is essential for skin reconstruction. Moreover, carbon monoxide decreases the amount of oxygen that reaches the organs, impairing blood circulation and compromising wound healing. Finally, the hydrogen cyanide in the smoke also restricts the movement of oxygen throughout the body.

Additionally, smoking negatively impacts the movement of white blood cells, which help fight infection and disease. As a result, smokers have a weaker immune system than non-smokers, which increases their risk of developing an infection after surgery.

In short, quitting smoking can help you recover more quickly from surgery. If you need support and advice, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or pharmacist or consult online resources.

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These are the events being presented by the Youth Services Department at Samuels Public Library during the month of June 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.

Friday, June 3^rd

• 5:00PM – Cardinals Game @ Bing Crosby stadium.  Join Samuels Public Librarians Miss Michal and Miss Pat as we team up with the Front Royal Cardinals.   Learn about the Summer Reading Program and win prizes! Will you recognize us? We may look different.

Saturday, June 4^th

• 11:00 AM – 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Party.  Celebrate your latest achievements in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program! This is a private event; all attendees must be invited through the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

Monday, June 6^th

• Summer Reading Program begins for the whole family. Dive into an Ocean of Possibilities with our Summer Reading Program. Get your feet wet and read books of your choice to win prizes! Join us throughout the summer for an assortment of program celebrations which feature magic, pirates, water discoveries, and even a petting zoo! Registration required.
  • 10AM – 12PM – Spin the wheel and get prizes as you sign up!
  • 12PM – 2PM – 3D printer demonstrations!
  • 2PM – 4PM – Hand & Face Painting!
• 6:00 PM – Magic Show by Peter Wood, Collector of the Impossible. Wood’s incredible magic show includes a medley of mysterious magical objects that have been used in magic shows throughout history. He will use these wonderful devices, his “collection of the impossible” to delight and mystify children and adults alike! Children and teens will leave the show with a renewed interest in mechanical objects, history and…magic!

Tuesday, June 7th

• 3:30PM – Science Scouts. Come in on Tuesday afternoons 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 Springtime Pigments! For ages 6-11.  Registration required.

Wednesday, June 8^th

• 10:15AM – Toddler Story Time. Warren Reads Program in collaboration with Warren County Parks and Rec. Each month throughout the summer enjoy an important community member guest reading during story time. This month we will have a special guest from the Sheriff’s Office!  For children up to 3 1/2 years of age. Registration required.
• 11:00AM – Preschool Story Time. Warren Reads program in collaboration with Warren County Parks and Rec.  Each month throughout the summer enjoy an important community member guest reading during story time. This month we will have a special guest from the Sheriff’s Office!  For children aged 3 1/2 to 5. Registration required.

Friday, June 10^th

• 10:00 AM – Toddler Trails: Creek Critters at Burrell Brooks Park.  Meet the librarians of Samuels Library and the wonderful ladies of Parks and Rec at the shelter to explore the fascinating world of critters that live in and by the creek! Be sure to bring water shoes. Registration required. For ages 2-5 years old.

Saturday, June 11^th

• 11:00 AM – Storybook Walk at Eastham Park.  Join us as we celebrate the new Story Walk book, Nobody Likes a Goblin by beloved local author Ben Hatke! The author himself will be joining us for a reading as well as a talk on his “3 Secrets of Visual Storytelling“.  He will offer books for sale and a special book signing.

Monday, June 13^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.

Tuesday, June 14^th

• 3:30 – 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. Our theme for this week’s club is Programming a Maze! For ages 6-11.  Registration required.

Wednesday, June 15^th

• 10:15AM – Toddler Story Time.  Bring your toddler to a potpourri of simple stories, fun songs, and a cute craft! Animals will be the theme of our stories, songs, and craft, with a special guest, June Smalls!  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! Animals will be the theme of our stories, songs, and craft, with a special guest, June Smalls! Registration required.

Thursday, June 16^th

• 2:00 PM – Dance Program presented by Dancing by His Grace. School may be out, but reading is ALWAYS in! Join Dancing By His Grace Classical Ballet Ensemble for “Childhood Songs”. See a few storybook songs come to life, have a Q & A with the dancers, and make your own storybook ballet with the guidance of Artistic Director and Professional Ballet Teacher, Karen Eriksson-Lee, and Classical Ballet Teacher, Katya Stafira. Elementary age and up.

Friday, June 17^th

• 2:00 PM – Family Sing Along & Rounds. Join Ms. Rose in the garden as we learn to sing some old and new classic songs together! We’ll start with a brief singing tutorial, followed by some familiar songs. We’ll wrap things up with learning how to sing a few rounds! All ages are welcome. Children under 11 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. Registration preferred.

Saturday, June 18^th

• 11:00 AM – Family Hiking Program. Spending time on the trail offers a world of opportunity for family outings and vacations. Susan Tschirhart, a local hiking expert, will review tips and ideas to plan and implement hikes that engage and stimulate children’s interest in the natural world.  List of local family friendly trails and tips will be provided.
• 2:00 PM – 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. This is a group for those who wish to talk seriously about a variety of topics.  For ages 12-18. Registration required.

Tuesday, June 21^st

• 3:30PM – Science Scouts.  Come in on Tuesday afternoons 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 Kinetic Dough. For ages 6-11.  Registration required. A virtual option will be offered for this week on our Facebook & YouTube Pages.

Wednesday, June 22^nd

• 10:15AM – Toddler Story Time. Bring your toddler to a potpourri of simple stories, fun songs, and a cute craft! Learning about our neighbors, Canada and Mexico, will be the theme of our stories, songs, and craft!  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!  Learning about our neighbors, Canada and Mexico, will be the theme of our stories, songs, and craft. Registration required.

Thursday, June 23^rd

• 11:00AM – Dance Program.  Come explore Music and Movement with Dancing by His Grace Classical Ballet’s Artistic Director and Professional Ballet Teacher, Karen Eriksson-Lee, and Classical Ballet Teacher, Katya Stafira.  Sing, dance, explore musical instruments, and have fun putting them all together! Learn about Composer Camille Saint Saen and his beautiful “Carnival of the Animals” while dancing like the fish in the aquarium, or the swans on the lake, or maybe the elephant in the circus! Come one, come all, and have some fun! For ages 3 to 8 years old.

Friday, June 24^th

• 11:00AM – Pirates: Lost at Sea by Tale Wise. Set sail with us on a thrilling action-packed adventure about a crew of quirky pirates marooned on a desert island. With mutiny and high-tide looming, they must rescue their salty captain and find a way to repair their ship before all hope is lost… at sea!  Throughout the story, we’ll explore the incredible science behind clouds, physical and chemical changes, air pressure, and more! Volunteers from the audience will help us conduct several hands-on science experiments that ‘ARRR’ sure to amaze you! For the whole family!

Monday, June 27^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.

Tuesday, June 28^th

• 3:30PM – 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. This week’s theme is making a Sun Dial! For ages 6-11. Registration required. A virtual option will be offered on our Facebook & YouTube Pages.

Wednesday, June 29th

• 10:15AM Toddler Story Time. Bring your toddler to a potpourri of simple stories, fun songs, and a cute craft! Stars and the Moon will be the theme of our stories, songs, and craft!  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!  Stars and the Moon will be the theme of our stories, songs, and craft. Registration required.

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Claude A Stokes, Jr. Community Swimming Pool 2022 Opening:

Due to insufficient staffing, the Claude A Stokes, Jr. Community Swimming Pool is unable to open as scheduled on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 28, 2022 through Monday, May 30, 2022.  The pool is scheduled to open for its regular season, Monday, June 6, 2022. We will continue our efforts to obtain more staff and reevaluate the season opening prior to that date.

If you are interested in applying for a lifeguard position, please contact us at 540-635-1021 or visit www.warrencountyva.net/employment-opportunities to complete an application online.

Please continue to check the Warren County website and the Warren County Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page for any additional updates, as we will send out more information in June.

Warren County Splash Pad 2022 Opening:

The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department is delighted to announce the Warren County Splash Pad at Dr. Saul Seide Memorial Gardens Memorial Park will open for the 2022 season, on Saturday, May 28, 2022. Please review the rules and regulations posted at the site before using the Splash Pad.

The Splash Pad is located behind the Raymond E. Santmyers Youth Center at 200 East 8^th Street, in the Dr. Saul Seide Memorial Gardens Park.

The Splash Pad will be open for water fun from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily (weather permitting). Please check the Warren County website and the Warren County Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page for any additional updates.

For additional information please contact the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office at (540) 635-7750.

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