Town sold on ‘Reaching Out Now’ Santmyers Youth Center revitalization project – County next up

Following a work session opening discussion with representatives of youth, student, family support group “Reaching Out Now,” the Front Royal Town Council appears poised to buy into a request of involvement in a reopening of the Santmyers Youth Center as a youth-oriented Student Union/Community Center. However, with a Fiscal Year-2023/24 budget already approved, exactly where the initial two-year $25,000 annual cost of that “buy-in” will come from remains an issue to be solved.

But the overwhelming reaction of council and the mayor was that wherever it may be found, a $25,000 transfer to the opening year of funding to this project will be money well spent as a first step in resurrecting a proactive approach to youth and family community development. Those costs include covering the salary of one adult aid, furniture, electronics, and physical (pool, ping pong) gaming costs and retrofitting an open area into a “coffee campus environment run by the students.”

Samantha Barber addresses council and the mayor on the ‘Reaching Out Now’ proposal for a cooperative effort, including the town and county governments, to resurrect the Santmyers Youth Center to its intended use on behalf of youth and community development.

Reaching Out Now founder and President Samantha Barber took the lead in presenting the organization’s case and responding to questions on the qualifications of involved membership to achieve their desired goals. Barber’s responses, citing personal and professional connections at the federal level and Reaching Out Now’s established partnerships with regional educational and community organizations, appeared successful in assuring the town’s elected officials and staff of Reaching Out Now’s ability to coordinate and even lead this joint endeavor.

Reaching Out Now representatives will follow up the Monday, June 12, presentation to council, with a work session presentation tonight, Tuesday, June 13, to the Warren County Board of Supervisors. The County’s annual contribution is projected at $50,000 annually, involving covering ownership costs, including rent, maintenance, and utilities.

It was noted in reference material that the town government built the community’s first youth center over 40 years ago; well over 40 years it appears as the dedication plaque of the Santmyers Youth Center is dated March 3, 1967. The facility was turned over to the county government in 1997, along with the Bing Crosby Stadium youth recreational areas, as part of an effort to eliminate the double taxation of town citizens in support of county-wide services. Town citizens were then taxed by both the county and town governments for support of parks and rec, the public library, among other public services. However, the Santmyers Youth/Community Center is currently closed after being delegated to other uses, the agenda summary stated.

Of the Reaching Out Now “Mission”, its website observes that the organization supports community youth to “be the best version of themselves with preparedness to face the world with hope, purpose, and optimism,” adding, “We serve students and their families in need of support in the school system through engaged community partners and a volunteer network. Through our programs, we provide opportunities and new experiences for all involved to reach their full potential.”

Reaching Out Now founder and President Samantha Barber was joined by assistant Sima May at the podium as the discussion progressed.

On specific programs, the website adds of one: “The Reaching Out Now Educational and Family Outreach Program will work collaboratively with the public school system to develop new initiatives and empower students to recognize that their true potential extends beyond the classroom. Reaching Out Now will support the teachers in and outside the classroom through the initiatives that will help foster an ongoing positive learning environment in the classroom.”

Existing partners of Reaching Out Now include Shenandoah University, Warren County Public Schools, the Rotary Club of Warren County, the Retired Teachers Association, the Warren Coalition, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, the Elks Lodge, Blue Ridge Hospice, the Warren County Department of Social Services, Life Leadership 360 Program, the Navy Federal Credit Union, and churches Virginia Hills, New Hope Bible, and First Baptist. And it is hoped two more will be added soon, the Town of Front Royal and the County of Warren.

Other Business

In other business, council reviewed other items earmarked for upcoming meeting action items or public hearings. Those included:

1/ approval of procurement of speed cameras for several public school zones through Blue Line Solutions;

2/ revised information on the Saddle Crest rezoning application of 43.9 acres of property belonging to Tom and Carla Sayre for development of an R-1a property, including variables on potential issue of acquiring Right Of Way for access entrance/egress to an East-West Connector Road into town;

3/ a new unimproved alley vacating request at North Street Extended, south of the Intersection of North Street and Orchard Street;

4/ Urban Agriculture code adjustments regarding the keeping of Bees, Chickens and Rabbits, though chickens seemed to be the main animal targeted for possible code changes;

5+6/ receipt by FRPD of the Donation of Used Tasers from Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the receipt by FRPD of the Donation of Police Bicycles from Winchester Police Department; among others.

Following the open portion of the work session, council adjourned to Closed/Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, specifically the Town Attorney position.

See all items of discussion in the Town video, including the Reaching Out Now proposal that opened the 7 p.m. work session.