Local News
Old Town Hall inspection – HAZMAT suits and into the darkness
On Friday morning, August 23, members of Town staff, Interim Mayor Matt Tederick and Councilman Chris Holloway ventured inside the old Town Hall on an inspection tour. As readers may recall, around 2014 the Town traded the then empty old Town Hall, circa 1935, for the also empty and deteriorating Afton Inn, circa 1868, in an effort to have the EDA market one of the town’s most prominent and oldest downtown buildings for renovation or redevelopment.
At the time, Tederick was one of the Town’s harshest critics of that effort. We wondered how he felt about the swap in retrospect, now that he was inside the town governmental apparatus, rather than outside it.
Arriving to photograph the tour at 9:30 a.m. just after the EDA Board of Directors had adjourned to what would be a nearly three-hour closed session we found our town officials clothed in semi or perhaps mini-HAZMAT protective clothing, including hard hats, ventilators and plastic covering of clothes and shoes.
Uh oh, what are we getting into …?
“You sure you don’t want a ventilator Tederick asked your intrepid reporter as we prepared to enter.
“Nah, this’ll be a quick in and out for me – few pictures, BANG, I’m gone,” I reasoned as the mid-summer rain began to fall at the back entrance.
Of course he didn’t tell me there was suspected mold inside until we were in the basement viewing standing water and oil around the furnace and an apparently recent paint job on possibly mold-entrenched walls.
“I’ll see you later, I’m outta here – could you point that flashlight this way,” I asked the mayor. However the mayor graciously led us up the stairs into the light, air and light rain.
As we made our way back to EDA headquarters not realizing we had another two hours to kill before the open session would be re-adjourned, we promised a call back for more details on the inspection.
And by mid-afternoon we were free to call Tederick for those details.
He told us the Town is permitted to ask for inspections periodically as part of the contract with owner Frank Barros, a Northern Virginia developer who purchased the Afton Inn around 2006-07 with some grandiose redevelopment plans that were derailed initially by council itself. That derailment came when the town’s elected officials of that era, in their infinite electoral wisdom decided to sue its own Board of Zoning Appeals for granting Barros an exemption to a long-standing, perhaps ancient, code stating that no building downtown can be built taller than the Warren County Courthouse.
Barros’ plan, which included an interior water fountain, would have raised the Afton building about 10 feet above the courthouse bell tower. Needless to say the Barros-Town re-developmental marriage went south after that; followed in short order by the housing-market crash of 2008.
Welcome to the future, and two floundering, still awaiting redevelopment buildings against the backdrop of the EDA financial scandal.
Tederick said council authorized the town attorney to send a letter to the owner requesting an inspection – “We sent them three dates, they picked the first one. They were accommodating; it’s not an adversarial situation. We want it in good condition and to help the owner get it occupied.”
Staff involved in the inspection included the town manager, town attorney, clerk of council, town engineer, public works director, and planning director, in addition to the mayor and Councilman Holloway, himself a builder by trade.
“It was my first time in since it closed,” Tederick said.
Council made the decision to abandoned town hall when its governmental apparatus outgrew the space constraints of the building constructed in the mid-1930s and if our memory serves us, initially utilized as a fire house.
“It was sad, there were very little improvements,” Tederick said in the wake of the inspection, adding, “Most distressing was the amount of water around the furnace. I would say the furnace is ruined. There was standing water and oil – and a strong odor of oil and mildew … and there appeared to be mold.”
“Does anyone know what mold smells like,” I may have asked earlier as I exited the building trying to blow any potential mold spores out of my nasal passages.
Tederick said his attention was drawn to the status of the building on June 8 while attending an event at a nearby Methodist Church and saw what he called a “commercial grade” hose pumping water out of the basement onto the ground outside.
That is what prompted the request for an inspection, Tederick said.
“I think it needs a fair amount of work to be occupied. With our commitment to downtown – we’re not excited at a plan to see it sit and let it deteriorate,” the interim mayor observed.
The Town is also taking an aggressive stance toward re-engaging movement on the Afton Inn, which stopped in the wake of the EDA civil suit listing “Afton Inn Embezzlements”, though not by the developer, but rather allegedly by the former EDA executive director.
That former EDA executive director coincidentally found herself back in jail about 3-1/2 hours after our conversation with Tederick about the situation involving the two buildings swapped to facilitate EDA overseen redevelopment of the older of the two, now owned by the EDA on behalf of the Town.
While considering reacquiring ownership of the Afton Inn outright from the EDA, the Town does not appear too interested in acquiring any debt for redevelopment work that occurred prior to the work stoppage on the Afton Inn in the wake of the March 26 filing of the EDA civil suit.
These are indeed strange times surrounding economic development and municipal oversight of it in Front Royal and Warren County – HAZMAT suits on order …
Chamber News
Melodies on Main: Community Cheers as Money Pit Recording Studio Opens Doors
Local News
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: American Toad
Please remember to check your lawn before you mow!
This beautiful American toad was hit by a lawnmower on Saturday and suffered injuries to the right wrist and right hind leg.
Unfortunately, due to the level of trauma, the right hind leg required amputation at the level of the knee, which was performed once the patient was stabilized.
This patient is still eligible for release once recovered and will do just fine in the wild, even with one less leg to hop on!
This time of year we see species of all kinds come into care with injuries inflicted by mowers and weedwhackers. Luckily, injuries like this are preventable in many cases.
Some people will sweep their lawn with a broom to flush out any animals that may be hiding (also a great way to find and protect a bunny nest). You can also enlist a child, partner, or friend to keep you company while you mow by walking a few feet ahead and checking for wildlife as they go!
Or, if you are looking for an alternative to a turf grass lawn, consider replacing some or all of it with native plants! Traditional lawns provide little functional space for wildlife, use excessive water, and often introduce fertilizers and pesticides that damage our environment.
Reducing the need to mow and creating beautiful and healthy habitat for native wildlife is a win-win!
Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.
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)