Local News
Town asked ‘permitted to do what’ along Happy Creek’s banks?
Over the past few weeks, Royal Examiner received a number of citizen inquiries about what appeared to be “clearcutting” work along the banks of Happy Creek between Commerce Avenue and Front Street. This stretch of the creek parallels the Royal Shenandoah Greenway from the Prospect Street Bridge to South Street in the Town of Front Royal.
In response to these inquiries, Royal Examiner attempted to contact the Town’s Public Works Director Robbie Boyer on Thursday, November 5. Information provided to Royal Examiner included two permits, one from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, dated October 7, 2020, generically addressed to a Town Post Office Box, and a second addressed to Boyer from the US Army Corps of Engineers, dated October 29, 2010, several days after the project was already underway.
The first permit stated, “Permittee is hereby authorized to clear vegetation and sediment accumulation and to restore (emphasis added) and stabilize 1,300 linear feet of Happy Creek between East Prospect and South Streets in the Town of Front Royal, Virginia, and Warren County. All activities authorized herein shall be accomplished in conformance with ‘the plans and drawings dated and revised August 25, 2020, which’ are attached and made a part of this permit.”
Jay Woodward, Environmental Engineer with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission confirmed in an email dated November 5, 2020, “Please keep in mind VMRC jurisdiction is limited to the submerged lands below the elevation of Ordinary High Water in Happy Creek itself, not the banks and floodplain above (emphasis added).”
A graphic from Town application submitted by consultant CHA to state agencies. Royal Examiner Photos by Roger Bianchini
The concern expressed to Royal Examiner by interested citizens was how “clearcutting” shrubs and small trees from a creek bank contribute to stabilizing that bank? It would certainly seem counter-intuitive that clearing established vegetation from Happy Creek’s banks would stabilize those banks.
While awaiting a call back from Boyer we gave Interim Town Manager Matt Tederick a try as 5 o’clock approached. After leaving a message we heard back from Tederick after business hours late Thursday afternoon. Tederick explained Boyer had been in meetings with him much of the afternoon. Tederick confirmed that Public Works was doing the Happy Creek stabilization and stormwater management project and urged patience from citizens alarmed by the initial appearance of the creek bank in the early stages of the project. He reiterated the plan not to remove trees with a trunk circumference greater than 4 inches and disputed the term “clearcutting” being applied to the work.
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“I understand the sentiment,” Tederick said of citizen concern over the project’s initial appearance. “But we got a DEQ Consent Order and obtained all the same permits and are following the same procedures we did on Eighth Street near Bing Crosby Stadium. We were asked to extend the work on Happy Creek to South Street. People are seeing the initial stage – it’s not clearcutting.”
Above, looking northeast on Nov. 5 from the Front St. side of Happy Creek toward the Prospect St. Bridge and Commerce Ave.; below, the view south from the same spot. No replanting of removed vegetation is planned and large rocks will replace that vegetation as part of a stormwater management plan.
But in addition to clearing fallen trees and other debris out of the creek bed, vegetation is being cleared above the water level to be replaced by “rip-rap” or large stones that will help address past flooding issues on East Main and Water Streets near the creek to the north of Prospect Street – “It will be beautiful,” Tederick assured us, though adding that no replanting was planned where vegetation has been removed.
A divergent opinion
Royal Examiner also spoke with someone we know to have expertise in such matters, local Tree Steward official, past Town Urban Forestry Commission member, and Urban Forester/Environmental Scientist David Means. Means was aware of the work and expressed the opinion that what was being done along Happy Creek’s banks in town did appear contrary to established creek or riverbank stabilization principals.
He cited recommendations from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ regarding riparian buffers, stating, “We recommend avoidance of (removing) as much established native vegetation, including trees, as possible as they provide streambank stabilization, stream shading, and leaf litter which are important aspects of aquatic habitat.”
Means also said that measurements taken at the work site indicated stumps from more than 100 trees exceeding a diameter of four inches. – “Trees up to 13 inches in diameter have been cut down, exposing the greenway to the noise and views of busy Commerce Avenue,” Means asserted, adding, “These include trees donated by individuals and organizations to commemorate Arbor Day and enabling the Town to qualify for ‘Tree City USA’ status.
Above, part of the bank in question prior to the mid-October start of flood management work. Below, picking up trees and brush after clearing work began in mid-October. Courtesy Photos Tree Stewards
Of earlier Town work on the creek Means observed, “Between 2007 and 2010, the Town received two state grants to meet these specifications, one for installation of rock structures to reduce the velocity of the water, limit erosion, and create trout habitat. Native trees and shrubs were planted as well to create the shade and cool waters required by trout. The second grant, from the Department of Forestry, underwrote removal of invasive species from the riparian buffer zone.”
As for the current work, Means said he reviewed the Town’s permits and application materials, finding several deficiencies. “The application lacked a site-specific erosion and sediment control plan, specifications for the proposed work, a tree preservation plan, and restoration plan. All the application says is that the work will be done, with no specifics on materials, or method of installation – the detail is missing. The permit addresses ‘Happy Creek Streambank and Channel Restoration’ but work in progress is geared toward stormwater management and flood control, in which case the plan should have included an engineer’s calculations based on two-and 10-year storm events, upstream impervious surfaces, flow and velocity calculations supporting the intended design.”
Recommendations from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources regarding riparian buffers appear to be ignored in the Town’s work and plans, most pointedly, “restoring original streambed and streambank contours, revegetating barren areas with native vegetation, and implementing strict erosion and sediment control measures. We recommend that instream work be designed and performed in a manner that minimizes impacts upon natural streamflow and movement of resident aquatic species … To minimize harm to the aquatic environment and its residents … We (VDWR) recommend adherence to erosion and sediment controls during ground disturbance. We recommend use of native species for all plantings. We recommend alternatives to the creation of a hardened shoreline as such areas can prohibit access to aquatic habitats along stream margins” (emphasis added)”.
However, by the interim town manager’s own admission, there is no planned replanting and a “hardened shoreline” is exactly the intended endgame.
Above, the view north, and below, south at result of previous work at Eighth St. Bridge along Happy Creek’s bank. There is dispute that this end result is what the Town has been permitted for by state agencies between Prospect St. and South St. along the Greenway path.
In providing rationale for the work, Tederick referenced flooding in the Water-East Main Street area in the late 1990s. Means believes the proposed design would possibly exacerbate flooding problems, increasing velocity and volume to impact property downstream, particularly at the creek’s intersection with East Main, Stonewall, and Prospect Streets. Noting more recent federal moves prohibiting most floodplain construction, Means questioned the wisdom of past permitting in the creek’s floodplain on Water Street and nearby.
Means held a Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Inspectors Certificate for nine years while employed by a design/build engineering company in Northern Virginia. Based on his observations of Happy Creek’s banks over a period of years, “Prior to this project, the banks appeared to be naturally stable, due to vegetation that actually reduced velocity and associated streambank erosion,” he reasoned.
Growing concern
On Friday, November 6, the Tree Stewards met with several interested parties to discuss concerns with the work. Invitees included the Urban Forestry Advisory Commission, Beautification of Front Royal Committee, Shenandoah Valley Alliance, and Appalachian Trail Community network. A joint letter of concern will be submitted to the Town, Means indicated.|
On the same day, Means met by phone with County Board of Supervisors Chairman Walt Mabe, who reported that County Building Official David Beahm had “shut the project down last Thursday, October 29.” However, Means documented crews continuing to cut trees down as recently as Wednesday, November 3.
According to Tederick, work began in mid-October, apparently between October 19 and 22. Contacted Friday, Tederick said he was unaware of any Stop Order on the project. He said that Beahm had contacted the Town regarding submission of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, which the town manager said had been submitted, and that work was continuing as planned.
We were unable to contact Beahm prior to the end of the workweek. Royal Examiner will continue to follow this developing story.
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.
From left to right: Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, Uli Duke
The “This Is IT!” club continues to grow, driven by passion and enthusiasm for technology and innovation. Each meeting and event cements its role as a vital resource for Warren County’s youth, inspiring them to explore and excel in the field of information technology. As the club prepares for another exciting year, it remains a shining example of how community and education can come together to build a brighter future.
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.
Courtesy Royal Examiner File Photo of The Valley Chorale during the Christmas season. Get ready for their spring concerts ‘Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope’ the first week of May.
(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.
Warren County Middle School principal Chris Johnson (left) and Warren Coalition Community Liaison Gabriel Lee (right) present the proud and exuberant Jerry (center left) and Kenny Buhl (center right) with their prizes. The brothers won for their videos about eating healthy and getting enough sleep, respectively.
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 Community Outreach Coordinator Celeste Brooks (on left) presents Caleb Rodman with a $125 Amazon gift card award for his video about drinking enough water.
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.
Warren Coalition Community Liaison Gabriel Lee (left) and Executive Director Christa Shifflett (right) present the “Exercise” category prize of $125 to Landon Marut.
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.
Local News
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Red Fox
A quick turnaround for this lucky fox!
Patient 24-426 recovering in a BRWC pre-release shelter. @BRWC 2024
As the only wildlife-dedicated hospital in the Northern Virginia area, we rely on a variety of other organizations to get orphaned, injured, and ill wildlife to us for treatment from various locations.
Big thank you to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington and their skilled officers for responding to a call about a fox in distress with a trap on his neck. Their quick thinking got this fox contained, the trap removed, and the fox transported to us for further evaluation and treatment.
Patient 24-426 at intake. @BRWC 2024
On intake, this fox was relatively quiet but required sedation to be fully examined. While there was initially blood seen on the fox’s paw, the only major injuries found were wounds on the neck caused by the trap. The blood was likely from the fox using his paw to scratch at the trap in an attempt to remove it.
Conibear trap removed from patient 24-426. @BRWC 2024
With a long-lasting antibiotic on board as well as pain medications, this fox bounced back quickly and was moved outside to a pre-release shelter for continued healing. He quickly began digging, eating, and acting appropriately towards staff.
A few good days of food and rest, this adult fox was cleared for release by our veterinary team! We are overjoyed we were able to get this beautiful guy back to the wild:
Thank you to ALL involved in this animal’s rescue, care, rehabilitation, and release. It truly takes a village and we’re so thankful to have an amazing community dedicated to the well-being of wildlife.
It’s important to note that trapping within Arlington is illegal – if you have any information on anyone setting illegal traps in Arlington, please contact the AWLA to report information!
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.
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