Local News
Front Royal Women’s Resource Center celebrates 2021 Dare to Dream grant recipients
The Front Royal Women’s Resource Center (FRWRC) announced its 2021 Dare to Dream grant recipients and Elaine Bromfield Memorial Scholarship recipient during a Zoom No Breakfast Breakfast Award Ceremony. The FRWRC awarded a total of $10,100 in grant and scholarship money to 10 local women, all with goals and dreams to better their lives, the lives of their families and the lives of other women in the community.
“While we are disappointed that this is the second year we have not been able to hold our annual Dare To Dream Breakfast in person, we are thrilled to continue our flagship program by awarding 10 new grants to area women working hard to achieve their dreams,” said Joyce Jenkins-Wimmer, President of the FRWRC Board. “The pandemic over the past year has been especially hard on women, but as you can see from the grant award recipients this year, despite the hardships, women in Warren County continue to move forward with their dreams to make their lives better for themselves, their families and their community. We are thankful for our supporters who continue to make these impactful grants possible. ”
The 2021 Dare to Dream Grant Recipients
(YouTube video links for each of the award recipients are included in their bios when available.)
- Hannah Derflinger is currently a sophomore studying psychology at Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg. As a first-generation college student, she values her education and understands how it will help her achieve her goals. Hannah is passionate about helping women who have been victims of violence and children in the foster system. She is looking forward to being able to give back to her community. The FRWRC is pleased to award $1,000 to Hannah to assist with tuition costs and her dream. YouTube Link
- Diane Garber has had the dream to be a hairdresser since she was a little girl. As a single mom, Diane put her dream on hold until her youngest child started school. She is now attending beauty school and is looking forward to starting her career as a cosmetologist. She is putting in long hours to finish a 14-month program in under 12 months. Her future goals include becoming an instructor and teaching a class of her own and creating lots of beauty in Front Royal. The FRWRC is pleased to award $1,000 to Diane to assist with the cost of the cosmetology training.
- Brittnay Johnson has a special love for her community and knows it well. She has worked for years at a local daycare center and currently works as a special education assistant in an elementary school. She also works part time for the Warren County Parks and Recreation Department as COVID-19 allows. Brittnay wants to continue her own learning and to start a podcast. The podcast will help her share her stories and those of others in the community. She wants to provide information and helpful tips about community services as well as provide a forum to discuss current issues. The FRWRC is pleased to award $1,000 to Brittany to help with education and startup costs for the podcast. YouTube Link
- Viviane Knight is always learning and reflecting on her life vision. She describes “re-inventing” her career over the years from being a scientific researcher at a major pharmaceutical company to a quality assurance supervisor for a local plastics manufacturer. She was an owner/instructor of a Jazzercise Franchise and is currently a senior personal trainer at Fitness Evolution. She has also provided free fit-ness classes for women in a program she started in 2018. Wanting to challenge herself again, Viviane enrolled in the Kresser Institute ADAPT Functional Health Coach Training program. Her plan is to own her own business and serve others with a special passion for coaching women in the ‘silver season” of their lives. The FRWRC is pleased to award $1,000 to Viviane to help with tuition costs for her dream. YouTube Link
- Becky Lanham is a Front Royal native who, after volunteering with Ameri-Corp in California and establishing a career in Chicago, came back home with her husband and son. She started her own massage therapy business in 2012. Through her continuing education courses, she found a new passion for holistic women’s health care and abdominal therapy. She currently offers abdominal therapy, womb centered health coaching and birth doula services. Becki is furthering her education to become a certified Reproductive and Sexual Health Educator and a Fertility Awareness Educator. She wants to be able to better serve women and offer local group workshops and classes. Becki is also writing a book about the menstrual cycle for teen girls and young adults. The FRWRC is pleased to award $1,000 to Becky to help with tuition costs. YouTube Link
- Jillian Nemr is following her lifelong passion for science and a desire to help people as a doctor or nurse. She is on her way to achieving her dream as a nursing student at Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) while also working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Warren Memorial Hospital. As a Registered Nurse, Jillian wants to work in the emergency room or the ICU. She plans to never stop learning and improving her skills. In the future, she hopes to work with the nonprofit Doctors Without Borders and be able to give care and comfort to those greatly affected by a lack of health care. The FRWRC is pleased to award the $1,000 Linda Taylor Memorial Grant to Jillian to assist with tuition costs. The Linda Taylor Memorial Grant is named for one of the FRWRC’s outstanding members and supporters who was a nurse in our community. YouTube Link
- Jasmirah Roland‘s motto is “Tomorrow is a new day!” She is a single mom of two remarkable teen-age daughters who have inspired and motivated her to begin college again. Jasmirah is currently enrolled at LFCC in the Business Management Program while also pursuing her dream to become a successful writer. She is currently writing an autobiographical book in which she hopes to inspire women and help them understand their power to do anything they want. The FRWRC is pleased to award $1,000 to Jasmirah for the purchase of a computer and supplies to assist with her college work and her writing.
- Toni Sauder and her husband own and operate the Bad Ass Pickle business. They currently sell their many flavored pickles at local farmers’ markets and events. Toni would like to see their business be able to expand into small stores. With growth, Toni knows she will need to keep better records and she plans to take a class on small business ownership and an accounting class. She would like to get an iPad to use for their POS system. The FRWRC is pleased to award $600.00 to Toni towards the purchase of an iPad and the growth of her business. YouTube Link
- Jenny Statler grew up visiting Front Royal on weekends at her family farm. After managing a bar and starting a natural, biodynamic wine program in Manhattan, Jenny relocated to Front Royal, because of the COVID 19 pandemic, and is now following her dream to start a vineyard on her family farm. Using her work experience, extensive travel experience in the wine regions of Spain and Argentina, and her partnership with a business associate with nine years of experience in vineyard management and winery operations across the U.S., Jenny is aligning her creativity with growing a quality product for others to enjoy and to contribute to her community in Front Royal. She is currently writing local and federal grants to help get the vineyard off the ground. The FRWRC is pleased to award $1,000 to Jenny towards start-up costs for the vineyard. YouTube Link
- Sophie Eackles is currently a junior at George Mason University studying communication with a concentration in media production and criticism. She graduated with high honors from LFCC and was in the top of her class at Skyline High School. She achieved all these milestones while battling a chronic illness, ulcerated colitis, for 11 years. After having surgery in March of 2020, Sophie required an ostomy bag. She began sharing her recovery experience while still in the hospital on her Instagram account, The Stoma Life, with the goal of helping others through the process and showing an example of how they can live happily and fully with an ostomy bag. The FRWRC is happy to support Sophie’s continuing studies at GMU with The Elaine Bromfield Memorial Scholarship of $1,500, presented annually to an outstanding Warren County woman pursuing higher education. YouTube Link
About Front Royal Women’s Resource Center
The Front Royal Women’s Resource Center (FRWRC) is a 25-year-old non-profit organization, dedicated to providing a support network for women in the Warren County area through programs, information and education. Over the last two decades, FRWRC has provided networking opportunities, spotlighted women leaders in our community and awarded more than $133,000 in grants and scholarships to 178 Warren County women and girls to support education, and professional and personal enrichment opportunities. We empower women to change their world. Visit our website frwrc.org and follow us on Twitter @FRWRC.
Local News
Warren County Virginia Sheriff’s Office Rallies Support for Deputy Whose Home Was Severely Damaged by a Fire
In an urgent Facebook post on Monday, April 22, Sheriff Crystal Cline alerted the community to the plight of a deputy whose home was severely damaged by a fire that day.
“This morning, we were reminded of the unpredictable challenges that life can throw at us,” she wrote. “One of my deputies faced a heartbreaking tragedy when a fire severely damaged his home, resulting in the loss of everything he held dear, including his beloved pet.
“This deputy has lived his life on the frontlines—he served in the Army, then as a volunteer and professional firefighter, and now as a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office serving our community.
“Your support, whether through prayer, donations, or financial contributions, will help provide the immediate needs of shelter, clothing, and other essentials during this critical time. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (200 Skyline Vista Drive, Front Royal, VA) will be a drop-off location for any physical items or financial donations—ask for Jenn.
I appreciate your kindness, generosity, and support. We are more than a community; we are a FAMILY!”
Out of respect for the deputy, his identity was not revealed. Even so, the sheriff’s Facebook page has been inundated by people who want to help. Many types of donations are welcome, as the sheriff emphasized, and for those specifically wanting to make online financial contributions, a link is provided on the WCSO’s page. Michael Glavis of the WCSO has organized that site for raising funds, the “Sheriff Deputy House Fire Relief Fund.” Glavis considers the deputy a dear friend and work colleague. “He has given blood and sweat for others, and now I’m asking for everyone to give a little to help him and his family through the process of recovery,” Glavis said.
Local News
Illuminating Futures: Celebrating Achievements and Exploring Quantum Computing at ‘This is IT!’ Event
The “This Is IT!” club of Warren County, Virginia, marked another milestone as a hub for budding IT enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The club, which started in 2023, has quickly become a cornerstone for students interested in the ever-evolving world of information technology.
At the ‘This is IT!’ club gathering at the Samuels Public Library on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, students and community members came together to celebrate and learn. The club includes 9th to 12th-grade students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds and is aimed to ignite curiosity and reward academic excellence in information technology and quantum computing.
The ceremony kicked off with an introduction by Melissa Chapman, an instructor involved with the club. She set the stage for a night that was not only about recognition but also about expanding young minds. “Understanding the vocabulary of quantum computing is the first step towards mastery,” Chapman remarked, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge in this cutting-edge field.
The focal point of the evening was the guest lecture by Dr. Bruce Chesley, an aerospace engineer who adeptly connected the seemingly distant realms of space exploration and quantum computing. With palpable enthusiasm, Dr. Chesley described how quantum technologies could revolutionize our approach to exploring the cosmos. His talk made the complex topics accessible and entertaining, captivating the aspiring scientists in attendance.
Amidst the talks, the club took a moment to honor its bright young members through a scholarship awards ceremony. Scholarships were awarded to students who have shown exceptional prowess in STEM fields. These awards are a testament to the community’s support for its young learners and a major encouragement for them to pursue further education in technology. The winners were Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, and Uli Duke.
Local News
The Apple Blossom Coronation Legacy Continues for the Historical Event
For the first time in the history of the Shenandoah Apple Bossom Festival® three consecutive generations in a family will have served as Queen Shenandoah. Susan Ford Bales, Queen in 1975, and Tyne Vance Berlanga, Queen in 2001, will be accompanying Joy Elizabeth Berlanga as she assumes her role as Queen Shenandoah XCVII.
The Crowning Ceremony entertains from regal pomp and circumstance to joyful enthusiasm of Little Maids and Pages who are ever present to serve their Queen. The youthful court interchange historical and educational facts from the British Crown to learning about a United States President – to asking, “Who has the Crown?,” and with dancing. The Queen will be crowned at the memorable Coronation celebration under the direction of Elaine B. Aikens. The Ceremony to install the new sovereign is sponsored by Morgan Orthodontics, on Friday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m.at Handley High School. President Gerald Ford crowned Susan. Susan crowned Tyne, and Joy will be crowned by her mother and escorted by her grandmother.
Susan, Joy’s grandmother, is a Virginia native and now resides in Texas. She is the daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. Susan is the mother of two daughters, Tyne Berlanga and Heather Deavers, five grandchildren, Joy Elizabeth Berlanga, Cruz Vance Berlanga, Elizabeth Blanch Deavers, Jude Deavers, and Sullivan Bales, and three stepsons, Kevin, Matthew, and Andrew Bales.
Susan was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Holton Arms School and the University of Kansas, where she studied photojournalism. She is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. She is the author of two novels set in the Whie House, “Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery”, and its sequel, “Sharp Focus.”
Susan is the Ship’s Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which she officially christened on November 9, 2013. On April 8, 2016, in recognition of her service as the Ship’s Sponsor, she was named an Honorary Naval Aviator by the United States Navy, becoming only the 31st American to receive this distinction. And history was made with her selection – Susan is the first woman to be chosen as an Honorary Naval Aviator.
During her high school years, Susan lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her mother’s surgery for breast cancer in 1974. In 1984, she and her mother helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Susan subsequently served as national spokesperson for breast cancer awareness. Since the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Susan worked side by side with her mother on projects at the Center and was elected to the Center’s Board of Directors in 1992. She succeeded her mother as Chairman of the Board 2005-2010, and currently serves on the board of directors of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
In addition to her many charitable public service activities, Susan serves as Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy, Trustee, Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, and the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Children’s National Medical Center.
Tyne, mother of Joy, Queen-designate, resides in Frisco, TX with her husband Hector and two children, Joy and Cruz. She serves as a marketing manager for Western Son. With a passion for community involvement, Tyne sits on multiple school booster club boards for all her children’s activities.
On Tyne’s departure as Queen she reflected, “It was easy to be kind, gracious and humble Queen when surrounded by the people of Winchester. My five-day reign as Queen Shenandoah was an occasion that will have a special place in my heart. I have formed friendships and made memories that will hopefully stay with me for a long time to come. On Sunday morning I was doing an exit interview with one of the reporters and he asked me, “If l had a daughter would I let her be Queen?” My answer was immediately “Yes, if she’s lucky enough to be given this opportunity.” Now, Tyne eagerly anticipates returning to Winchester where Joy is set to embark on a remarkable journey, echoing Tyne’s own experiences from 23 years prior. It’s truly heartwarming to be able to share this moment with both her mother and daughter.
The Queen and her family will ride in the Hang 10 Firefighters’ Parade Friday evening at 5:30 and the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Queen-designate Joy and her family will be making appearances at Festival events during the weekend.
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.
Community Events
Valley Chorale Announces Upcoming Spring Concerts in Middletown and Front Royal
The Valley Chorale presents “Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope”, a spring concert exploring aspirations of love, home, spirituality and compassion that unite and uplift us all. With styles ranging from light classical and sacred to vocal jazz, spirituals and pop, The Valley Chorale strives to capture the hopes that unite us.
The Valley Chorale is known throughout the Shenandoah Valley for innovation and excellence, with piano, cello and percussion accompaniment, and their concerts are often a heart-warming experience for all. They welcome babies and tots, so no need to hire a babysitter.
Tickets can be purchased on their website TheValleyChorale.org — $15 for age 21+ (free under age 21) or at the door for $17.
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
Belle Grove Plantation (Bank Barn), 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
First Baptist Church, 14 W. 1st Street, Front Royal, VA (Community Reception to follow)
For further information, visit the website: TheValleyChorale.org: follow them on Facebook; email them at TheValleyChorale@gmail.com or call at 540-635-4842.
(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)
Local News
Warren Coalition Announces 2024 Video Contest Winners
Just before spring break, the Warren Coalition presented first-place prizes to four students for their submissions in the annual Health Video Contest. Jerry Buhl and Kenny Buhl, brothers who are both students at Warren County Middle School, won in the categories of Eating Healthy and Getting Enough Sleep, respectively. Caleb Rodman, a local homeschool student, was honored for his submission about Drinking Enough Water. Landon Marut of Front Royal Christian Academy took the top prize in the Exercise category. Each of the students received $125 in Amazon gift cards.
The contest was open to all middle school students, ages 11-14, in Warren County. Students could elect to submit a video about getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, drinking water, or maintaining healthy eating habits. The contest was held as part of the Warren Coalition’s WAHOO (Working to Achieve Healthy Outcomes and Opportunities) program, which is funded by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. Their videos will be used as healthy living ads throughout Warren County in the late spring/early summer.
Warren Coalition is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001. The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center. Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.
Local News
Warren County Habitat for Humanity Receives Major Grant to Support Housing and Community Revitalization
Warren County Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a substantial $235,466 grant from the Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant. This funding will enhance their ongoing efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and provide affordable housing, with a focus on the Osage Street project.
The grant, named in honor of Susan Dewey’s 25 years of dedication at Virginia Housing, underscores a commitment to eliminating substandard housing and promoting vibrant, healthy communities. It is part of a larger $1 million initiative aimed at supporting the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of single-family homes across the state.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity is among five affiliates chosen for this generous grant. The funds are expected to aid in covering construction costs and reducing loan expenses, making homeownership more accessible to families striving for better living conditions.
Debra Siksay, President of the local Habitat chapter, expressed her gratitude, stating, “This grant from Virginia Housing is a monumental support for our Osage Street project and other endeavors. It allows us to push forward with our neighborhood improvement plans and make a lasting impact in the community.”
The organization’s mission, deeply rooted in the values of community and hope, is to ensure that every family in Warren County has a decent, safe place to call home. The Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant will play a crucial role in bringing that vision to life by empowering families and fostering community development.
Residents interested in learning more about the Habitat for Humanity projects or wishing to contribute can visit the Warren County Habitat website at www.warrencountyhabitat.org or contact their office at 540-551-3232.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity continues to work tirelessly towards a world where everyone has a decent place to live, supported by community efforts and generous funding such as the Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant.