As Samantha Barber and Toby Hire sat, side by side, holding hands on April 26 in a yet-to-be-furnished room of the Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center in Front Royal, Virginia, there was a very real sense of water, which is stopped by nothing. “Water is my serenity,” Samantha said in this conversation with the Royal Examiner. It maneuvers its way around any obstacle in its path, if not eroding the obstacle altogether, and that is precisely what the Reaching Out Now (RON) family, of which Samantha is the president, has done in its endeavor to provide Front Royal and the wider Warren County region with a youth center, opening soon, where students can come to play, relax, have fun, develop strong bonds of friendship, and explore what they want to do with their futures.

Reaching Out Now president Samantha Barber sits down with close friend Toby Hire to tell the story of what inspires the youth center. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh.

The youth center is necessary, and the stakes are life and death. The brilliant lives and tragic early departures of Harlee Hire and Nathan Jenkins, the first to suicide and the second to a boating accident, inform the RON family of their mission to reach young people. There is this awareness that life is incredibly fragile, and the only way to face it is through community. It is as simple as asking: “Are you okay?” That is precisely what RON intends to do through the youth center so that young people in Harlee’s position do not fall through the cracks.

A stream runs by the youth center. As Barber says: “Water is my serenity.” Harlee Hire loved the water. And when Nathan Jenkins’ mother, Susan, blessed the youth center, it immediately began to rain.

Harlee loved water. And by all appearances, she could overcome any obstacle. Through tears, “She was a great friend,” her mother Toby said as Samantha gripped her hand. Harlee practiced radical encouragement. It was not uncommon to hear her yelling shameless compliments like: “Your butt is looking fine today!” And even in the early months of 2022, after her friend Nathan’s boating accident in January and before she attempted suicide on May 10 and officially passed on May 11 and the Honor Walk donation of her organs on May 13 at UVA, she clung tenaciously to life. “I am going to do this, Miss Sam,” she told Samantha at a fashion show RON was hosting. And she walked down the runway.

Above: Harlee Hire in 2022 at the first Safe at Home event, a week before she departed. Below: Nathan Jenkins, whose honor the Nate (DAWG) Game Room at the youth center will be named. Photos courtesy of Toby Hire and Susan Jenkins.

“It is a sacrificial gift,” Samantha said of the youth center. “Nathan would have loved this,” Susan Jenkins said, standing outside the Santmyers building in May of 2023, and as soon as she said it, it began to rain. Indeed, a little fall of rain can hardly hurt me now, to quote the musical production of Les Miserables. There is a very real sense that both Harlee and Nathan continue to live through the youth center as the RON family remembers them and strives to reach young people in their position. Especially Harlee’s. While it is impossible to predict an accident like the one that occurred for Nathan, Samantha, and Toby both feel strongly that intervention is possible in the case of young people who are struggling with mental health issues.

In fact, May will be Mental Health Awareness Month for RON as they host three different athletic events in memory of Harlee and Nathan through their Safe at Home program. On May 9, a varsity girls’ softball game will be held at Skyline High School at 6 p.m. They will host a community baseball day on May 11, between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Bing Crosby Stadium. And on May 25 at Skyline High School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., they will host a community softball day. In order to get tickets, go to reachingoutnow.org

There is no need to be perfect. Samantha is frank about the impact this trauma has had on her health. “You have rheumatoid arthritis,” a doctor told her. He explained that she had internalized so much psychological pain that it had a very real manifestation in her physical health. But this is just one more obstacle that can be overcome through the support of friends offering real, physical comfort. You can be broken, Toby said. It is okay. It is the broken kids that RON wants to reach. If you are in trouble at school, we understand, Samantha emphasized. If you have weed in your backpack, we understand. This is not a matter of selecting the crème de la crème of students who are already gifted and exceptionally motivated. It is a matter of reaching all the kids and helping them understand their potential.

In the unfurnished room at the youth center, a room named in honor of Nathan and intended to be a game room, the Nate (DAWG) Game Room, Samantha, and Toby agree wholeheartedly that there is nothing wrong with just playing games if you are not playing them alone. Toby said this is the most connected yet disconnected age. The goal of the youth center is to help young people connect authentically.

On Friday, April 26, the Front Royal Rotary sponsored a downtown Front Royal “Pub Crawl” featuring a Phony Ponies “horse race” ticket holders could bet on to add to the Rotary fundraiser, and a little reward for their knowledge of the relative prowess and breeding of the involved Phony Ponies. Or as one pre-race announcer informed the crowd, “We’ve got three stallions and two old mares in this race,” which was met by some boos from the filly-supporting contingent.

And it was one of those two filly mares that led the five-horse field across the finish line after three laps around the Gazebo in the in the Main Street Downs Raceway shortly after 7:30 p.m. — that was “Blazin’ Botox” (Warren County Sheriff Crystal Cline), followed in order by “Money for Nothing” (Front Royal Rotary President Ken Evans), “Closing Real Fast” (Front Royal Police Chief Kahle Magalis), “Bullseye” (Warren County Rotary President Michael Williams), and “The Old Gray Mare” or was that “Mayor” (Front Royal Mayor Lori Cockrell).

The Rotary Pub Crawl stops at the Buckle and Belle Boutique ‘Hat Bar’ in time to dress for the occasion, as in Kentucky Derby fancy hats. Why Kentucky Derby fancy hats? Well, it’s almost post time for the Phony Ponies, one of which is taking care of some pre-race unfinished business as you often see the real horses do on the way to the gate. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

It was a highly competitive race with some post finish line challenges offered by runner up Money for Nothing, whose jockey Evans noted an unapproved by the Racing Commission pre-race change into borrowed running shoes by the winner, as well as some out-of-my-lane territorial elbow-bumping by Blazing Botox to keep him in his 2nd place position. WAIT, do horses have elbows? I guess phony ones do.

Race fans grew anxious as post time approached. All five Phony Ponies are at the starting line. Might that inside post position drawn by Blazin’ Botox prove a difference maker in the long run? And they’re OFF and the cameras are popping.

Jockey Cockrell explained her disappointing 5th place finish, noting she had locked in behind Bullseye/Williams early in the running. However, it ended up being a bad spot to draft, as Bullseye appeared to be having an equipment break-down in front of her, as in a drooping “saddle” threatening that stallions stability and which she had to pull back from for caution’s sake.

On the more serious side, the second annual Talk Derby To Me Pub Crawl fundraiser was in support of Rotary International’s eradicate polio worldwide effort. More information about Rotary’s efforts to end polio can be found at this website: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/ending-polio

Involved and supporting downtown businesses included Vibrissa, the On Cue Sports Bar & Grill, Buckle & Belle Boutique, sponsor of the “Phony Ponies” race, C&C Frozen Treats, Pavemint Smoking Taphouse, Honey & Hops, Catamount Lounge, and Garcia & Gavino. Hope we didn’t miss anyone, and we’ll update as necessary if we did.

And in a late update, individual sponsoring of the Phony Ponies was provided by: Ken Evans, ReMax Reality sponsoring Evans on “Money For Nothing”; CSM Aesthetics sponsored “Blazin’ Botox” and jockey Cline; Clint Pierpoint, Next Home Reality Select sponsored “Closing Real Fast” with Chief Magalis on the saddle; Lori Cockrell for Mayor sponsored “The Old Grey Mare” with the mayor riding; and Shenandoah Valley Axe Throwing Co. sponsored the saddle-failing “Bullseye” with Williams keeping his stallion upright.

And if you missed the fun and excitement, here are a few more shots.

Jockeys try to get a handle on their situation during a warm-up lap. Wonder where that inside post position horse is? Uh oh, 3 racing laps around the Gazebo and there she is crossing that finish line in the lead, and it’s straight to the Winner’s Circle.

And a final look at this year’s Phony Ponies leader of the pack Blazing Botox, out of the WCSO stables. Second place Money for Nothing jockey Ken Evans gives a congratulatory nod to the winner, even with those late-acquired un-sanctioned shoes. And a final nod to the crowd from the winner.

In a significant advancement for heart care, UVA Health has proudly announced the completion of a comprehensive two-year renovation at its Prince William Medical Center. The hospital’s first cardiac catheterization lab, established in 2011, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology (EP) lab.

A state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology (EP) lab.

This renovation marks a pivotal upgrade in the facility’s capabilities, incorporating cutting-edge technology and equipment. The modernized lab is set to enhance the treatment of complex heart conditions and elevate the level of care for heart attack patients within the community.

Donna Staton, the Chief Operating Officer at UVA Health’s medical centers in Manassas, Haymarket, and Culpeper, emphasized the impact of the upgrades, stating, “We are thrilled to bring this state-of-the-art technology to patients right here at home, reducing the need to travel anywhere else in the region for this level of complex care.”

The newly introduced EP technology is a first for any cath lab across the UVA Health System, reflecting the organization’s commitment to pioneering patient care. The Prince William cath lab team has collaborated closely with electrophysiology staff from UVA Health University Medical Center to integrate and optimize these advancements.

Andrea Klosinski, director of emergency services, cath lab, and cardiopulmonary lab at Prince William Medical Center, shared her pride in the team’s effort and dedication. “The opportunity to offer expanded services in a more efficient, comfortable, best-in-class environment right here in Prince William County has inspired us—to learn, to grow, and to keep hope alive,” she remarked.

In addition to the renovated lab, a second cath lab was introduced in 2020 to cater to the increasing demand for heart and vascular services. This expansion ensured continuous service provision as the original lab was being upgraded.

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Hospital” for heart attack care. It also boasts the American Heart Association’s Stroke Gold Plus Award. BlueCross BlueShield has designated it as a center of distinction for knee and hip replacement.

With both cardiac cath labs now operational, UVA Health began welcoming patients to the renovated facility on April 25th, promising enhanced care capabilities and continued excellence in health services for the community.

These are the events being presented by the Youth Services Department at Samuels Public Library during the month of May 2024.  More information about Samuels Library and the programs and services available can be found at www.samuelslibrary.net or by calling (540) 635-3153.

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

 Wednesday, May 1

10:15 AM – Toddler Story Time.  Bring your toddler to a potpourri of simple stories, fun songs, and a cute craft on Bears. Siblings welcome. Registration is required.

11:00AM – Preschool Story Time.  Come for an enjoyable hour filled with Bear stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft. Registration required.

 Monday, May 6

11:00 AM – Music & Movement for Babies & Toddlers. Join our relaxed and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby. Registration is required.

Tuesday, May 7

10:30 AM – Homeschool Hub. For ages 6-11. Children will work together as they go through the scientific method, gathering data, and drawing conclusions.   The topic this week is Building Bridges. Registration is required.

Wednesday, May 8

10:15AM – Toddler Story Time.  Bring your toddler to a potpourri of simple stories, fun songs, and a cute craft about Trains! Siblings welcome. Registration is required.

11:00AM – Preschool Story Time. Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Train stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft! Registration is required.

Saturday, May 11

All Day – come find us at Family Fun Day and learn about our Summer Reading events!

Monday, May 13

11:00 AM – Music & Movement for Babies & Toddlers. Join our relaxed and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby. Registration is required.

Tuesday, May 14

4:30 PM – Science Scouts. For ages 6-11.  Children will investigate a different STEM-related topic bi-weekly. This week’s theme is Building Bridges. Registration is required.

Wednesday, May 15

10:15AM – Toddler Story Time.  Bring your toddler to a potpourri of simple stories, fun songs, and a cute craft about Green! Siblings welcome. Registration is required.

11:00AM – Preschool Story Time. Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Green stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft! Registration is required.

Saturday, May 18

11:00 AM – Unpacking the Garden with Wee Ones.  Join the Master Gardeners as they teach about preparing the garden for planting, doing a scavenger hunt and planting a sunflower. For ages 3-6, with a parent. Registration is required.

12:00 PM – Unpacking the Garden with Green Thumbs.  Join the Master Gardeners as they teach about preparing the garden for planting, doing a scavenger hunt and planting a sunflower.  For ages 6-11. Registration is required.

 Monday, May 20

11:00 AM – Music & Movement for Babies & Toddlers. Join our relaxed and joyful time with your little ones as we listen to music while learning some basic movements and multisensory activities designed to delight your baby. Registration is required.

Tuesday, May 21

10:30 AM – Homeschool Hub. For ages 6-11. Children will work together as they go through the scientific method, gathering data, and drawing conclusions.   The topic this week is Dissect a Flower. Registration is required.

Wednesday, May 22

10:15AM – Toddler Story Time.  Bring your toddler to a potpourri of simple stories, fun songs, and a cute craft about Gardening. Siblings welcome. Registration is required.

11:00 AM – Preschool Story Time.  Read With the Sheriff! This week we will have a special guest from the Sheriff’s office!  Come in for an enjoyable hour filled with Garden stories, exciting sing-alongs, finger plays, and a nifty craft! Registration is required.

Saturday, May 25

2:30 PM – Teens Connect.  For ages 12-18.  Join us for a Mystery Event!  Will it be games?  Will it be crafts?  Come find out!  Registration is required.

Monday, May 27

The Library will be closed for the holiday.

In the wake of the April 9, Part One Sentencing Hearing of former Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Jennifer McDonald, the website court calendar of the 10th Western District of Virginia has finally posted a date for Part Two of that hearing. That date is Wednesday, May 29, 2024, on the 10 a.m. docket in the Harrisonburg federal courthouse where McDonald was convicted of 30 criminal counts related to the FR-WC EDA “financial scandal” circa 2014 to 2018. Those who have followed that story since it began unraveling, including on these pages from the fall of 2016 to late 2018, will recall an estimated $26-million in EDA assets was moved to unauthorized or what is now believed to be fraudulently presented uses. Trial testimony indicated McDonald moving about $6.5 million to her personal use unauthorized by the then EDA Board of Directors.

As reported in our coverage of that April 9 hearing, Part Two will hear Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon’s rulings on a number of objections filed by both the prosecution and defense counsels to the precedence of evidence submitted by the other side in written summaries to the court leading up to the April 9th start of McDonald’s sentencing hearing. Also argued on April 9 were “Forfeiture” of defendant McDonald assets, “Restitution”, and “Special Conditions” being sought at sentencing from both the prosecution and defense. While Judge Dillon ruled on a number of these objections on April 9, she took some under advisement, seeking written support from both sides to their motions arguments.

The federal courthouse in Harrisonburg, where final pre-sentencing arguments will be heard on May 29. At that Part 2 hearing, a date will be set by Judge Dillon for Part 3, when Jennifer McDonald is expected to be sentenced from 6 to 22 years in prison on her jury convictions on 30 criminal counts related to the estimated $26-million EDA ‘financial scandal’ during her executive director leadership. Royal Examiner File Photos Roger Bianchini

In addition to those rulings, prosecution and defense counsel are expected to make final arguments in support of their sentencing proposals, and Judge Dillon will set a date for Part Three of the Sentencing Hearing. Part Three is when the 47-year-old McDonald is anticipated to find out the court’s ruling on arguments for relative leniency to prison sentencing guidelines, six years, by her legal team versus the prosecution’s high-end request. The prosecution is seeking a 22-year sentence with 24 months sought for an Aggravated Identity Theft conviction of McDonald regarding the use of Truc “Curt” Tran’s name in one involved “financial scandal” real estate transaction, tacked on to a total of 240 months (20 years) being sought on McDonald’s other 29 convictions on fraud and money laundering counts.

The Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Lori Cockrell welcomed Russell Lineburg of Progressive Automotive to their newly expanded location at 190 N Commerce Avenue in Front Royal. The event was marked by a joyous ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries, community members, and the enthusiastic team behind Progressive Automotive.

Russell, known for his dedication to quality automotive services, expressed his gratitude towards his family, employees, and loyal customers who have supported his journey. “It’s not just a growth of space,” he mentioned, “but a leap towards serving our community better with more efficiency and dedication.”

Mayor Cockrell commended Russell for investing in the community and creating a trusted service that citizens rely on. “It’s businesses like Progressive Automotive that create jobs and foster community spirit,” the Mayor said.

Progressive Automotive opened its doors in 2012 and has since outgrown its initial location due to its robust clientele and expanding service offerings. The new space features more service bays and advanced equipment, allowing for a wider range of automotive repairs and services, from oil changes to engine and transmission work.

During the event, Russell shared a glimpse into his business’s history and growth. “It was about taking a risk with what we had, and it’s paid off with hard work and community support,” he reflected.

The new location on Commerce Avenue is more spacious and accessible, promising easier entries and exits for customers. This move signifies an expansion and a commitment to being a cornerstone in the community for automotive care.

Russell’s vision extends beyond business growth. He is passionate about cultivating talent within the automotive industry. He constantly seeks to hire and train the next generation of technicians, ensuring that essential skills continue to thrive in the community.

As Progressive Automotive prepares for future growth, Russell and his team remain focused on delivering high-quality and customer-centric services and ensuring that every client receives the best care. The community is encouraged to visit the new location and enjoy the reliable service synonymous with Progressive Automotive.