On Thursday, December 7, at 6 p.m. at Samuels Public Library in Front Royal, the library held its annual Holiday Writing Contest, rewarding young people’s talent at every grade level with first, second, and third place for each level, assigned by teachers and other volunteers from the community who served as judges.

A packed room revealed how important this event is to the community. Each child seemed to have his or her own support group present, as in many cases, cheers erupted from a specific part of the room when the announcement was made for the winner of a particular slot. All the winners, individually, walked bravely to the front of the room, where they stood with children’s librarian Michal Ashby, who recognized them, and sometimes read their contributions aloud in the case that they did not want to read it themselves. At the end of each child’s reading, Ashby distributed a prize and encouraged the audience to give applause once again as the winner returned to his or her seat.

Children’s librarian Michal Ashby presents awards to every grade level for Samuel Public Library’s annual Holiday Writing Contest. Royal Examiner Photos, credit Brenden McHugh.

The contributions demonstrated insight and maturity, due in part, perhaps, to the books the young people have been reading. The attendance of family and friends implies that the young people are not reading in isolation. Certain reoccurring themes were present in the stories these children told: the importance of family and friendship; the importance of leadership, often exercised by a child; the importance of home as a warm center that offers shelter from the beautiful but sometimes overwhelming elements; and the power inherent to receiving a gift. The stories were not unacquainted with conflict and war; but in each case that this darkness was acknowledged, the main character rises above that evil to bring the magic of Christmas to his or her community. Each story or poem was a testimony to the partnership between the library and parents, dedicated to nurturing the imaginations of tomorrow’s leaders. Looking at the structure, which is Samuels, this reporter was reminded of the words of Audrey Hepburn in the classic film War and Peace: “You’re like this house. You show your wounds, but you’re still standing.” Indeed, Samuels is still standing.

The holiday writing contest is one of Ashby’s favorite parts of the year. She looks forward to it, even during what has been a difficult year. “I’ve been doing it for eighteen years,” Ashby explained, “And it’s, in my opinion, one of the most heartwarming events we have throughout the entire year because the kids get so invested in their work, and they’re so proud of what they’ve done. And then the parents and the grandparents and the siblings, they’re rooting them on. So, it’s a time that I see their self-esteem raised. A lot of them share the most beautiful, heartwarming messages and if you actually listen to their stories and their poems, they really know the essence of what Christmas and Hannukah and all the winter holidays are about.”

Going on to speak about that evening specifically, Ashby said, “I was so touched by some of the poems and the stories.” Ashby hears in these award-winning pieces the indomitable spirit that overcomes differences and brings people together. “What touched me so much this year were the messages of peace and unity, and I think that’s what we need in this society.” She added, “It’s a wonderful way to bring in the winter holidays in the most positive way because you’re getting together two hundred people from the town, and it’s this community, and they’re all proud and joyous for their children, or their siblings, or their grandchildren, and to feel that positive energy is just exquisite.”

The evening ended with refreshments and winners posing for pictures in front of Samuels’ Christmas tree.

One of many winners, Grace Bailey of St. Edith Stein School for Girls secured second place in the eighth grade for her story “The Ball Danced on Snow.”

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Navigating the Holiday Home Sale: Tips for a Seasonal Success.

Selling your home during the holiday season might seem like a daunting task amidst the festive frenzy. However, with the right approach and a sprinkle of holiday magic, you can transform your home into an inviting haven for potential buyers. Here’s how to make your home stand out in the real estate market during the most wonderful time of the year.

1. Enhancing Curb Appeal: First impressions are crucial. Ensure your home’s exterior is well-maintained, with walkways clear of ice and snow. Tasteful holiday decorations can add a welcoming touch but keep it simple and elegant to appeal to a wide range of tastes.
2. Showcasing Winter Features: Utilize the winter season to highlight your home’s cozy features. A crackling fireplace, an efficient heating system, or a relaxing indoor spa can be major selling points, demonstrating the comfort and warmth your home offers during the colder months.
3. Creating a Warm Indoor Atmosphere: Inside, aim for a festive yet uncluttered look. Subtle fairy lights and a tastefully decorated Christmas tree can create a cozy and inviting environment. Remember, the key is elegance and simplicity to avoid overwhelming potential buyers.
4. Scheduling Wisely: With the holiday hustle and bustle, timing is everything. Coordinate with your real estate agent to schedule viewings at convenient times for buyers. Flexibility is essential during this busy season to accommodate the schedules of interested parties.

Selling your home during the holidays doesn’t have to be a challenge. You can attract potential buyers even amidst the holiday cheer by focusing on curb appeal, highlighting your home’s winter assets, creating a warm atmosphere, and strategically planning viewings. Remember, a local real estate agent can be invaluable in navigating the seasonal market and ensuring your home shines its brightest during the holidays.

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Easy and Festive DIY Ideas to Spruce Up Your Holiday Decor.

The holiday season is a time for creativity and warmth, and what better way to embrace this spirit than by crafting your own Christmas decorations? Making your own ornaments and decorations personalizes your holiday decor and brings a unique sense of joy and nostalgia to your celebrations. Here are three simple yet delightful DIY Christmas decoration ideas to try with your family.

1. Hand-Painted Wooden Ornaments: Start with plain wooden craft ornaments, available at any craft store, and gather some acrylic paints and brushes. Unleash your creativity by painting festive designs such as snowflakes, holly, reindeer, or Santa Claus. Add a personalized touch by inscribing your family members’ names on them. These ornaments can add a homemade charm to your Christmas tree or become cherished keepsakes.

2. Festive Mason Jar Lanterns: Transform ordinary Mason jars into enchanting lanterns. Coat the jars with glue and sprinkle glitter for a snowy effect. Insert small LED candles or string lights to create a warm, twinkling glow. These lanterns can beautify any space, from your mantle to your dining table, adding a cozy and inviting ambiance.

3. Felted Snowflake Garland: Craft a charming snowflake garland using white and light blue felt. Cut out snowflake shapes and stitch them together, embellishing them with silver beads or sequins for a bit of sparkle. This garland can be draped along banisters, walls, or doorways, adding a festive flair to your home.

DIY Christmas decorations are a fun and meaningful way to engage in the holiday spirit. They enhance your home’s festive atmosphere and offer a memorable crafting experience with your family. So, head to your local craft store, gather your supplies, and start creating your own holiday magic.

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December is an important month of the year where we focus on the holiday celebrations, take time to reflect on the past year, and look forward to beginning a new year. The Fauquier community has a great deal of holiday traditions every year from Feed Fauquier, Christmas Parades, Lights for Life, Angel Tree Donations, and more. This year the Fauquier Health team rallied together to support some of the local families in need as identified by the Salvation Army, located in the town of Warrenton.

According to one of our team members, “This has been an emotional and rewarding experience for us to participate in. We are so thankful to have played a part in this initiative.” Another team member shared, “We really got to see our hospital family come together to support the community we live in. Departments rallied together to help families in need with their wish lists like cribs, technological devices for their child’s education, clothing essentials, outdoor activities, and more.”

About Fauquier Health

Fauquier Health is a community health system dedicated to high-quality, patient-centered care in a unique environment that considers the multiple facets of healing and respects the individuality of each and every patient. Located at 500 Hospital Drive in Warrenton, VA, Fauquier Health serves the residents of Fauquier and several surrounding counties. It comprises: Fauquier Hospital, a fully accredited, 97-bed hospital; Fauquier Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, a 113-bed long-term care and rehabilitation facility; the Villa at Suffield Meadows, an assisted living facility; the Wound Health Center and a medically supervised Wellness Center offering health and wellness programs.  Fauquier Health also operates several physician’s offices, including primary care, general surgery, OB/GYN & Midwifery, and other sub-specialties. More information on Fauquier Health is available online at FauquierHealth.org or by calling 540-316-5000.

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Virginia is considering adding 12 more plants to its noxious weeds list, a compilation of species that are banned from use in the state because of the damage they provide to ecosystems.

On Thursday, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services held a public hearing on the proposed additions. No one spoke during it, but one comment was submitted via the state’s online regulatory Town Hall website from Chesapeake resident Rogard Ross, who said he “strongly agrees” with the additions.

“You should also add English Ivy, Japanese Stilt Grass, and Linden Viburnum,” wrote Ross.  “These are all terribly invasive plants in our local parks in Chesapeake, Virginia.”

Invasive plants have spread all over Virginia. Some groups say that needs to stop.

The public comment period is scheduled to end Friday, Dec. 8.

The plants proposed to be added to the list are:

• Two-horned trapa
• Garlic mustard
• Chinese yam
• Autumn olive
• Lesser celandine
• Bicolor lespedeza
• Amur honeysuckle.
• Japanese honeysuckle
• Common reed
• Kudzu
• Japanese knotweed
• Siberian elm

Two-horned trapa would be added as a “tier 2” noxious weed, a classification given to plants that can be suppressed or eradicated. The rest would be added as tier 3 noxious weeds, those that experts say can’t reasonably be wiped out.

A house in Dickenson County covered in Kudzu. (Sarah Vogelsong/Virginia Mercury)

Virginia also compiles an invasive plant species list that is used for informational purposes. There’s no restrictions for the vast majority of plants on that list if they are deemed “commercially viable.” But when the negative ecological impacts of an invasive plant are deemed to outweigh its economic benefits, officials can place it on the noxious weed list.

The state began the process of considering the latest additions in 2021. Larry Nichols, director of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Consumer Protection, said the species were recommended by the state Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee.

The 12 plants “are highly adaptable to their environment, are copious seed producers, and can overwhelm native plant species through rapid growth and spread, resulting in the displacement of the native, desirable plant species,” Nichols said. “Controlling these plants is costly and long term once they become established.”

Following the public comment period, the Board will vote on the regulation, and pending approval, it will continue through the review process.

This article was updated with information on the next steps for the regulation to be enacted.

by Charlie Paullin, Virginia Mercury

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sarah Vogelsong for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Follow Virginia Mercury on Facebook and Twitter.

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The Warren County School Board on Wednesday, December 6, unanimously voted to extend the contract length for a secondary truancy prevention officer from 10 months to 12 months and said goodbye to one of its own members, who is leaving at the end of the year.

School Board Chair Kristen Pence, Vice Chair Ralph Rinaldi, and board members Antoinette Funk, Andrea Lo, and Melanie Salins were present during the board’s final meeting of 2023.

Warren County School Board Vice Chair Ralph Rinaldi (above) says goodbye to his teammates.

The meeting was Rinaldi’s last as a School Board member as his term expires at the end of the year, and he decided against running for re-election.

“It’s been a great four years,” Pence told him. “I don’t think either of us could have known when we sat in our training in December of 2019 exactly what the four years were going to look like.”

Pence acknowledged Rinaldi’s passion for WCPS, the students, and the teachers. She also highlighted his work on the board’s Facilities Committee and his input on the renovation project at Leslie Fox Keyser (LFK) Elementary School.

“We’re all very appreciative of all of the work and dedication that you’ve done here,” said Pence, who presented him with a wall clock made by students at the Blue Ridge Technical Center and a brick of dedication from the LFK project.

Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) Superintendent Christopher Ballenger thanked Rinaldi for his efforts.

“I want to say thank you for your leadership,” the superintendent told Rinaldi. “I appreciate the wisdom you’ve been able to share and your dedication to students and to the schools of Warren County.”

Rinaldi told his colleagues he appreciated being part of a “good team.”

“It’s great to work with people who are on the same page,” he said. “And this board has been on the same page.”

While he admitted the board has faced some “rough spots,” Rinaldi said the School Board has achieved many goals and it’s been his pleasure to serve on it.

“Dr. Pence and I came on, and then COVID hit, and then we had to hire a superintendent,” he said. “I mean, we were really kind of slammed. So, I appreciate her leadership more than you know.”

Incoming replacement

Tom McFadden, Jr., elected to replace Rinaldi as the School Board member representing the Shenandoah District, spoke during the community participation portion of Wednesday’s meeting to introduce himself to the community and thank residents for their votes.

McFadden (above), the vice president of enrollment at Christendom College since 2014, has lived in Warren County for 23 years with his wife and 11 children. He noted that prior to his election in November, “there was a lot of chatter on social media about me — continues to this day — and what agenda I may hope to bring to the schools here in Warren County.”

McFadden said that while people didn’t ask him what his agenda was, they assumed certain things about him “due to my affiliation with the Catholic Church.”

“The fact that my children are homeschooled and I did not have any children enrolled in the school system, they wondered what agenda I might be trying to impose,” McFadden said. “I’m here to tell you that my only agenda is to provide a quality education opportunity for every student to achieve their highest academic learning potential, develop positive core values, reflective of our community, and enter higher education or the workforce, their choice, being well-prepared.”

The incoming board member said he also wants to help further the mission of WCPS by enhancing the community’s support of sports, increasing active parental involvement, and providing “clear, concise, and frequent communication.”

During the last few weeks, McFadden said he has met with WCPS principals and learned what they think the School Board can do to assist them with policies or what topics the board should be focused on.

“I’ve told each of them the same thing: my only agenda is to help them,” McFadden said. “I look forward to our working relationship over the next four years.”

The School Board also took several actions during its meeting, including unanimously approving the Secondary Truancy Prevention Officer position from a 10-months to a 12-month contract effective January 1, 2024, and scheduling its 2024 organizational meeting on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the Board Room of the Warren County Government Center.

To watch the December 6 School Board meeting in its entirety, go to: https://wcps.new.swagit.com/videos/283684#

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