The recent spotlight on the contents of juvenile books in the Samuels Public Library (SPL), including those containing pornography, has brought out a spate of letters to the editor, social media posts, and many speakers at the June 6 Warren County Board of Supervisors (BOS)meeting.

According to information that is on the SPL website, the BOS funded the library building, and the BOS provided 82% of the 2022 budget. To put it bluntly, there would be no SPL without the financial support of Warren County taxpayers. So, we may ask: Is SPL independent?

Clearly, it is not, despite being a private non-profit corporation with its own governing Board of Trustees and employees, as it receives most of its funding from the Warren County taxpayer.

Is SPL accountable to the taxpayer that pays its bills? Until last night’s BOS meeting, that may have been an open question. However, the rapidity with which this controversy bypassed the SPL Board of Trustees and ascended straight to the BOS indicates a universal understanding that it must be, even if it doesn’t seem to perceive it that way.

Despite utter reliance on public dollars, SPL’s governance has no taxpayer involvement. The real legal name of Samuels Public Library is actually Samuels Library, Inc. (SLI), and SPL is known as a dba: “doing business as.” SLI is a private corporation doing business as a public library. Furthermore, like private corporations everywhere, its trustees elect their own successors and hire their own director. There is no taxpayer involvement. Dwell on that. New members of SLI’s Board of Trustees are elected by … the existing members of its Board of Trustees.

Private corporations are, of course, entitled to manage their own affairs, generally speaking. But when the private corporation has an explicit charter to perform a public service, resides in a building paid for with public money, and it extends its hand to the BOS for a million dollars of public money every year, the insulating effect of this arrangement needs to be closely examined.

This presents a further problem when SLI’s Board of Trustees is an insular group with largely the same outlook and hires a simpatico Director. The representation that should accompany the taxation is largely obscured when taxpayer money is annually granted to the private non-profit SLI, wherein it operates the library “independently” without the need to be responsive to taxpayer input.

A once-per-year take-it-or-leave-it proposition from SLI for either shuttering the entire library or keeping it operating is grossly inadequate. The BOS needs finer-grained tools to be able to represent their taxpayer voters in matters concerning the library operation.

Fortunately, the present controversy has come before us just as the BOS happens to be in decision-making mode about SLI’s current budget proposal. SLI would be wise to consider a change of strategy. Rather than fostering a frenzied public outcry with hyperbole about book banning, censorship, religious fanaticism, and spreading fear of a library closure, SLI may consider adopting a stance commensurate with their open hand.

If SLI genuinely values all library patrons, it can make a good-faith effort to take the initiative and propose potential solutions. They can be working right now to help the BOS find a path to funding the library without violating a substantial number of constituents’ wishes not to acquire pornography aimed toward children. In the meantime, the BOS has to make a decision, and we can all hope they have the wherewithal to avoid SLI’s all-or-nothing trap and find a solution that keeps the library fully funded.

Richard Jamieson
Warren County

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In a proactive measure to improve the appeal of the local community and foster a clean and inviting environment, the Warren County Republican Committee recently embarked on a mission to revitalize a portion of Commerce Street (from South to Criser) and Short Street through a thorough cleaning initiative. This endeavor aimed to uplift the streetscape and prepare the area for an upcoming weekend festival, uniting community members in their dedication to creating a more vibrant and attractive Warren County.

Recognizing the pivotal role of cleanliness in shaping the overall experience for residents and visitors alike, the committee’s efforts were met with enthusiasm and appreciation from the community.

Their investment of time and energy was driven by the desire to inspire a sense of ownership and instill a lasting commitment among residents to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of their community long after the festival weekend.

Equipped with gloves, garbage bags, brooms, and dustpans, participants worked tirelessly to rid the streets of litter, debris, and any unsightly elements accumulated over time. Ensuring the safety of all involved, the committee distributed reflective vests and emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations during the clean-up process.

Thanks to all who help make our community vibrant and attractive.

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Front Royal Cardinals vs. Woodstock River Bandits, which was scheduled for June 8th, is rescheduled for June 12.

Starting at 6:45 pm on game night, the Royal Examiner will provide a live stream of all Front Royal Cardinals home games. This incredible opportunity allows fans to stay connected with the team, experience the thrill of the game, and cheer on their favorite players, all from the convenience of their devices.

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In this Town Talk, our publisher Mike McCool speaks with Tim O’Mara, Chef at Red Light Culinary Studio in Front Royal.

The Red Light Culinary Studio is a community-based, fully licensed commercial kitchen revolutionizing how people enjoy their meals. With a focus on freshness, quality, and convenience, this kitchen specializes in weekly meal programs featuring chef-prepared, fully-cooked entrees. Say goodbye to cooking dinner and let this kitchen take care of it for you.

To stay up to date with the latest menu launches, it is recommended to sign up for the kitchen’s E-mail list or follow them on Facebook. By doing so, customers will receive timely reminders when the order form, or menu, becomes available. The form is accessible every Wednesday starting at 5 pm and remains open until Sunday at 5 pm or until supplies sell out.

Renowned Chef Tim creates a total of five delicious meals each week. Two meals are prepared for pickup or delivery on Mondays, while three meals are prepared for pickup or delivery on Wednesdays. This careful arrangement ensures that customers receive meals of the utmost quality and freshness.

Preparing the meals is a breeze. Customers are advised to pre-heat their ovens to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and select the first delicious meal to enjoy. The kitchen recommends heating the meals for approximately 30 minutes, resulting in a perfect dining experience. Customers are encouraged to savor the meals within four days of delivery while properly refrigerating any leftovers to maintain maximum freshness.

The Red Light Culinary Studio is changing the way people approach mealtime. By offering chef-prepared, fully cooked entrees through their weekly meal programs, they provide a convenient solution for those seeking delicious and hassle-free dining experiences. Whether customers choose pickup or delivery, they can trust Chef Tim’s expertise to ensure the highest quality and freshness in every meal.

For more information or to sign up, visit their Facebook page or visit their website.

Town Talk is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will introduce you to local entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit leaders, and political figures who influence Warren County. Topics will be varied but hopefully interesting. If you have an idea, topic, or want to hear from someone in our community, let us know. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com

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Front Royal Women’s Resource Center announces the retirement of its cherished Executive Director, Barbara Way. After years of influential service, she’s leaving an indelible mark on the Center and the many lives it has transformed.

Barbara’s passionate and tireless service to the Front Royal Women’s Resource Center has been nothing short of transformative. Her leadership and dedication propelled the Center to new heights, enabling it to reach more local women and positively impact their lives.

One of Barbara’s key accomplishments includes the expansion of the Center’s scholarship endowments. These funds directly facilitate the annual ‘Dare To Dream’ grants, which achieved a record-breaking award of $12,000 this year. This notable increase in financial support for women pursuing their dreams is a testament to Barbara’s commitment and hard work.

Barbara’s departure is undoubtedly significant for the Front Royal Women’s Resource Center. Her relentless pursuit of the Center’s mission has left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire and guide the organization’s future endeavors.

While Barbara steps down from her official role, her influence remains woven into the fabric of the Front Royal Women’s Resource Center. We express our deepest gratitude for her years of devoted service and wish her all the best in her next chapter.

We invite donations to the Front Royal Women’s Resource Center to honor Barbara’s impactful work. These can be designated ‘In Honor of Barbara Way’ and will contribute to the ongoing support and empowerment of local women.

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As we embrace the summer season and enjoy the reopening of local swimming pools and beaches, it is paramount to revisit the fundamentals of water safety. While popular media often portrays drowning as a dramatic, thrashing struggle, the reality is far more insidious. The Journal of Safety Research highlights that drowning victims, regardless of age, rarely exhibit frantic movements or cries for help, making it crucial to recognize the subtle signs of distress in the water.

In this context, children aged four and under emerge as a particularly vulnerable group. Startlingly, according to the Divers Alert Network, in 10 percent of child drownings, an adult will be present and remain oblivious to the child’s dire situation. A drowning child may show no signs of struggle, merely sinking to the bottom of a pool with arms outstretched to the sides. It is estimated that around 750 children drown each year, with nearly half of these tragic incidents occurring within 25 yards of an adult.

Contrary to common perception, noisy swimmers are not typically in immediate peril. However, there exists a critical pre-drowning phase during which victims may have a brief opportunity to scream, wave, and reach for life-saving equipment. It is imperative to never disregard thrashing or splashing in the water, as it may serve as a distress signal.

Understanding the instinctive drowning response is paramount to recognizing a potential drowning situation. It exhibits five distinct qualities that can help identify those in danger:

1. Silence: Drowning victims are unable to call for help, as breathing becomes their primary focus.
2. Submergence: Their mouths sink below the surface and then resurface as they frantically try to inhale and exhale, leaving no time for verbal cries for assistance.
3. Arm Extension: Victims extend their arms to the sides, attempting to push down on the surface to raise their mouths out of the water. However, they lack the ability to wave for help.
4. Lack of Movement: Drowning victims cannot reach for rescue equipment or move toward a rescuer. They are unable to make voluntary movements.
5. Upright Body Posture: A drowning person’s body remains vertical, with no visible signs of kicking. They may struggle on the surface for 20 to 60 seconds before eventually submerging completely.

In boating scenarios, individuals in the water may appear to be treading water. To determine if they are in distress, the best course of action is to simply ask if they are okay. If they are unable to respond, it is a clear indication that they require immediate assistance. Experts emphasize that rescuers have a narrow window of around 30 seconds to reach individuals in distress.

Additional signs to watch for include a drowning person’s head positioned low with water at mouth level or tilted back with the mouth open. Their eyes may be closed, and hair could obstruct their vision. They may remain vertical in the water without using their legs or exhibit slow, futile attempts to swim without making progress. Some may try to roll over onto their backs. Silence in the water should always be regarded as a potential warning sign.

It is crucial to dispel the misconception that drowning victims exhibit obvious signs of distress. Recognizing the subtle indicators of drowning, such as the absence of vocalization, submerging mouths, outstretched arms, immobility, and upright body posture, is essential in ensuring water safety. By staying vigilant and educated about these often-overlooked signs, we can help prevent tragic water-related incidents and protect the lives of those around us.

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