Every meeting of the Town Council has a scarlet thread weaving through a thicket of information. On Monday, April 22, at a regular meeting, starting at 7 p.m. in the Warren County Government Center on 220 North Commerce Avenue, the items threading the labyrinth were related to an out-of-town utility connection contract with the Catholic Diocese of Arlington for 0 Criser Road.

Town Council meets for regular meeting on the evening of April 22 at the Warren County Government Center.

Sensing what is coming next is an imprecise art in government and the status of the Diocese’s application, suffering much discussion throughout multiple work sessions of the council, lingered in a state of irresolution as it was unclear whether the church body would ultimately receive water and septic service from the town at their out-of-town location on West Criser Road, where they plan to develop a sanctuary as well as an auxiliary building to serve as a gymnasium. Still, on Monday night, to use Councilman Bruce Rappaport’s language, the issue reached the end of its road. Even if the council does not work out a boundary-line adjustment of Town corporate limits to include the parcel at 0 West Criser Road, even if the council cannot, therefore, require the applicant to build a sidewalk in accordance with the rules that would govern the development of a parcel within Town limits; and even if members of the council continue to disagree amongst themselves about the coulda, woulda, shoulda pertaining to the Diocese’ offer to offset the cost of a sidewalk, the Town can still extend service to the church body. And they did in a unanimous vote.

Jaden Matthiae, son of Michelle Matthiae and planning commissioner Brian Matthiae, receives a gift certificate from Mayor Lori Cockrell after he led the gathering in the pledge of allegiance.

Having placed 0 Criser Road on a list of areas outside of town that may receive service earlier in the evening in a unanimous vote, the council proceeded later, before the vote on approving the application, to submit for the record their varying views on whether a sidewalk could have been a part of the deal. A sidewalk on West Criser Road is something that all the members of the Town Council, as well as the town manager, desire passionately, as safety conditions are currently less than ideal for school children walking on that road. A parcel on that road might be developed in a way that would possibly increase pedestrian traffic, but this only serves to cement that desire; however, there are different opinions about methodology.

Before the meeting, there was an equipment display in the Government Center’s parking lot so the public could see their tax dollars at work. Above: Town Manager Joe Waltz tries out the Town’s brand-new rubber tire loader, valued at 212K, which will serve with snow removal and assist in water and septic maintenance. Below: Manager of Vehicle/Equipment Maintenance Donald McPaters stands beside a beauty, a brand-new asphalt roller valued at 74K.

The one hundred and twenty-some thousand dollars that the Diocese offered to the Town to offset the cost of a sidewalk could have, in Councilman Glenn Wood’s view, solved the problem. However, the Diocese did not conduct a study of what the sidewalk would ultimately cost, and according to the information available to Town staff, the ultimate cost, including all the engineering concerns, would be upwards of two million dollars. In her statement at the meeting, Councilwoman Amber Morris strongly underlined those engineering concerns, specifically the utilities that would have to be moved to make that sidewalk a reality. Town Manager Joe Waltz emphasized the inadequacy of one hundred twenty-some thousand dollars. It is his view that the real priority on West Criser Road is installing a sidewalk between Skyline Vista Drive and Route 340, where there is not even a bike lane to offset the safety concern.

Under public comments, Tom Sayre stands up to address the council on what he perceives to be a pressing need for fiscal transparency, referencing a case from 2022 in which funds were appropriated under circumstances that Town Attorney George Sonnett explained were confidential after Councilwoman Amber Morris interrupted Sayre’s comment to call a point of order. The subject was what she called “alleged conduct,” and in her view, it would be inappropriate for the council to engage in such a comment in the context of a regular meeting. Sonnett encouraged the council not to engage the comment. They did not.

The word on the street is that the gymnasium will precede the sanctuary at 0 Criser Road. The intersection of Luray Avenue and West Main Street is a place of force on Sunday mornings, with much vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic, where St. John the Baptist Church is located across from Maddox Funeral Home. A secondary chapel could relieve that traffic somewhat and the gymnasium could be a resource for the Catholic homeschool community. It certainly sounds like a good thing for everybody.

Click here to watch the Front Royal Town Council Meeting of April 22, 2024.

Front Royal Police Department’s arrest report for the past 7 days:

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, collaborative workspaces have become a beacon of innovation, productivity, and community. As companies strive to adapt to the changing needs of their workforce and the demands of the market, these dynamic environments offer a solution that fosters creativity, teamwork, and a sense of shared purpose. Here’s why saying “yes” to collaborative workspaces can be a game-changer for businesses and employees alike.

Boosted Productivity Through Shared Spaces

Collaborative workspaces are designed to break down the physical barriers that traditional office layouts often impose. By promoting an open and flexible environment, these spaces encourage spontaneous discussions, idea sharing, and cross-departmental collaboration. The result? A noticeable increase in productivity as employees feel more engaged and motivated to innovate.

Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

The essence of collaborative workspaces lies in their ability to bring people together. Gone are the days of working in isolation within the confines of a cubicle. Instead, these environments are built on the principle of shared spaces where interaction and cooperation are encouraged and integral to the work process. This setup naturally improves collaboration and communication among team members, leading to more cohesive and efficient workflows.

A Stronger Sense of Community and Belonging

One of the most significant benefits of collaborative workspaces is the sense of community they cultivate. Sharing a physical space allows employees to connect on a more personal level, fostering relationships that go beyond mere professional interactions. This sense of belonging not only enhances job satisfaction but also strengthens the company’s overall culture, making it a more attractive workplace.

Flexibility to Adapt and Innovate

Collaborative workspaces offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing companies to tailor the environment to the specific needs of their teams and projects. Whether it’s creating open spaces for brainstorming sessions, designing quiet zones for focused work, or setting up informal meeting areas, these workspaces can evolve to support various working styles and tasks. This adaptability is key in today’s fast-paced business world, where agility and responsiveness can make all the difference.

A New Paradigm for the Modern Workplace

As businesses navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, collaborative workspaces stand out as a powerful tool for fostering innovation, productivity, and a strong corporate culture. By embracing these environments, companies enhance their operational efficiency and create a more fulfilling and engaging workplace for their employees. The future of work is collaborative, and it’s time for businesses to embrace this shift and unlock the potential of their teams.

In an extraordinary leap forward for medical science, a team of researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has pioneered a gene therapy trial that promises a world of change for children born deaf. This clinical trial in China focused on children aged 1 to 7, all born completely deaf due to an inherited gene mutation.

Gene therapy, a revolutionary technique, works by inserting normal genes into cells to replace missing or defective ones. The deafness of the children in this trial was traced to a specific condition known as DFNB9, which was attributed to a mutation in the OTOF gene. This gene is crucial as it encodes otoferlin, a protein essential for transmitting sound to the inner ear. Without functional otoferlin, sound signals cannot reach the brain, resulting in total deafness. However, it’s important to note that this condition doesn’t cause any physical damage to the inner ear, making these children ideal candidates for gene therapy.

Five of the six children who underwent this pioneering treatment experienced significant improvements within 26 weeks. These children, who had lived in silence since birth, were suddenly able to understand and respond to speech and even recognize speech amidst noisy environments. Unfortunately, one child did not show any improvement, and researchers are still trying to understand why.

This trial not only opens new avenues for treating deafness but also kindles hope for advancements in gene therapy for various other conditions. The success observed in five out of six participants marks a significant milestone in medical science, showcasing the potential of gene therapy as a life-changing treatment for individuals with genetic disorders. As this research continues to evolve, it may pave the way for addressing other forms of deafness and potentially a myriad of genetic conditions affecting people around the globe.

In nutrition and dieting, protein is honored for its unparalleled ability to satisfy hunger and support muscle maintenance. This is a significant reason behind the popularity of high-protein, low-carb diets. Beyond merely quelling hunger, protein harbors a unique benefit for those on a weight loss journey: the preservation of muscle mass while shedding fat.

Researchers at the University of Illinois have illuminated the role of leucine, an amino acid found in protein, as a critical element in maintaining muscle integrity during weight loss. Leucine has been spotlighted for its muscle-preserving qualities, especially notable when overall calorie intake is reduced, making it a valuable ally in the construction of a lean, healthy physique.

For individuals aiming to harness the benefits of protein and leucine without the added animal fats found in meat, many low-fat, leucine-rich alternatives exist. These include:

• Firm Tofu: A 1/2 cup serving contains 1,511 mg of leucine.
• Low-fat Cottage Cheese: A 1/2 cup serving offers 1,440 mg of leucine.
• Fat-free Milk: 8 ounces provides 818 mg of leucine.
• Reduced-fat Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ounce comes with 670 mg of leucine.
• Reduced-fat Cheddar Cheese: 1 ounce includes 608 mg of leucine.
• Eggs: One hard-boiled or soft-boiled egg has 538 mg of leucine.
• Cooked Couscous: 1 cup provides 464 mg of leucine.

Incorporating these leucine-rich, low-fat protein sources into your diet can be a strategic move for those aiming to lose weight without sacrificing muscle. This approach not only aids in achieving a more toned and defined physique but also ensures that the body is receiving adequate nourishment to support overall health and well-being.

Adapting your diet to include a variety of these protein sources can offer a balanced and nutritious pathway towards weight loss. Proteins can also more effectively satisfy hunger than fats or carbohydrates and secure muscle mass for a stronger, healthier you.

You can find and register for all library events on our website, www.samuelslibrary.net.

The Library will be closed for Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th.

One-Time Events

Bird ID and Photography

Saturday, May 18th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

In person. We will meet at the Shenandoah River State Park visitor center to review bird identification and tips of photographing birds. After the meeting at the visitor center, we will explore habitats that birds frequent to observe them and photograph these flying wonders. Sturdy footwear is recommended. All types of cameras from smartphones to professional cameras and levels of photographers are welcomed. Note: State Park parking fees rules apply for attending this program. The Library has a limited number of LVA state park bags with passes. Availability is not guaranteed.

Ongoing Programs

What the Tech!

Every Tuesday from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

In person. Need help with technology? Come by the library’s Meeting Room B where we will be going over computers and other technology basics. Having trouble with your phone, tablet, laptop, or other device? Bring it in, and we’ll help!

Bad Romance

Wednesday, May 1st from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

First Wednesday of every month.

In person. Do you consider yourself a hopeless romantic?  Are bad romances a guilty pleasure of yours?  Can’t get enough puns? Can you quote every line from your favorite rom-com? Then you should join us for Bad Romance, where Samuels Public Library will have a themed discussion for the romance genre every month. Indulge us with your favorite romance books, movies, music or other media, and possibly discover a new treat in this awesome informal discussion! New members are always welcome!

Genealogy Club

Wednesday, May 8th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Second Wednesday of every month.

In person. Interested in your family’s history? Already done extensive research and want to be able to share your finds? Join our genealogy club where both novices and experts alike can come together and talk about different genealogy topics.

Books & Beyond

Thursday, May 9th from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM

Second Thursday of every month.

In person. Do you love books and sharing them as much as we do? Join us to delve into new worlds of conversation about new books at your community’s public library! The theme this month is Nature. Read anything relating to nature, animals, the outdoors, plants, etc!

Phoenix Project – Hope for New Beginnings

Tuesday, May 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Third Tuesday of every month.

In person. Serving all members of the Front Royal/Warren County community who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault. Phoenix Project Advocates are available to provide crisis intervention, supportive counseling, safety planning, information, education, and more. Their services are free, confidential, and trauma-informed. Hope. Help. Healing.