Local News
Traffic everywhere – SNP update observes leaf-season visitation influx
Front Royal and Warren County residents venturing out of their neighborhoods the weekend of November 2nd through the 4th may have noticed some “slight” traffic congestion on major thoroughfares heading toward and through Front Royal.
The culprit – we didn’t really need to tell you, did we? – was a combination of pleasantly warm, sunny and NOT raining weather, coupled with a rather late peak fall leaf-changing season in Shenandoah National Park (SNP).
The result according to Shenandoah National Park Superintendent Jennifer Flynn in a November 7 report to the Warren County Board of Supervisors was 6,000 cars entering the valued regional tourist attraction at its northern Front Royal entrance on Saturday and Sunday, November 3rd and 4th alone. Those 3,000 cars per weekend day traveling through Warren County and Front Royal to access the national park were part of 17,346 vehicles traveling through park entrance stations those two days.
“Are you sure it was only 6,000?” County Board Chair Tony Carter asked Flynn of the two-day local traffic count.
And for those of us who ventured a trip across town that weekend to try and access South Street food or shopping outlets, it seemed a valid question. – Because it appeared there might be a thousand cars backed up on and across the Route 55 East (John Marshall Highway/South Street) and South Commerce Avenue intersection at any given time. This intrepid driver gave up on Royal Avenue when the backup was at a standstill two-plus blocks from the East Main Street intersection traffic light.
That traffic equated to 8 to 9 cars per minute checking in at the park’s north entrance off Route 340 South during peak hours, Flynn observed. The first-weekend-of-November traffic jam was impacted by a perfect storm of circumstances, Flynn noted.
As alluded to above, those factors included an exceptionally late leaf-changing season due to myriad factors from an early-fall continuation of an exceptionally rainy spring and summer; and a beautifully warm, dry and sunny fall weekend to accompany the late peak leaf-turning that led to D.C. Metro area broadcasters trumpeting the first weekend of November as “the optimum time” for a visit west out I-66 to see nature in all its fall glory.
Park Director Flynn addressed this year’s weather’s impact on park visitation in her report to the county government:
“This has been a challenging weather year for Shenandoah and our area. As you know, it has not stopped raining for months. Our most recent rainfall measurement at Big Meadows was 81-inches through October. Our prior record rainfall was 76-inches in 2003 for the entire year; and our records at Big Meadows go back over 30 years,” Flynn said.
And while the wet year has meant fire dangers have been low – boy could California use some of our excess rain!!! – the impact on visitation has been negative.
“We are a weather dependent park as it relates to visitation,” Flynn observed, noting a 14% drop in visitors through September compared to 2017 when a total of 1.46-million visitors were counted for the year. Well, those 17,346 vehicles checking into Shenandoah National Park with mom, dad and the kids hopefully sparked a late-season comeback in those numbers.
And we grin and bear the fall leaf season traffic influx annually – even celebrate its coming with the tourist-welcoming Festival of the Leaves – because all that traffic also means some of those family-bearing cars are going to stop to shop, eat or even sleep locally, beefing up local business and municipal revenues.
“As much as these busy weekends challenge the patience of our neighbors, having a national park as a neighbor is a good thing,” Flynn reminded county leaders, adding, “Every year the National Park Service commissions a study of the economic impact that parks have in their surrounding communities:
a/ In 2017, visitors spent $95.8 million in surrounding communities;
b/ Their spending supported 1200 jobs in the local area; including 300 DNC jobs and 300 park jobs (for those of you wondering as did this reporter, Flynn explained to Royal Examiner that in this case DNC stands for park concessionaire Delaware North Corporation, not the Democratic National Committee).
Flynn lauded Front Royal and Warren County’s past working relationship with Shenandoah National Park. She pointed to both municipal governments’ participation in region-wide municipal opposition to an effort of the Trump administration to hike park fees to a level that would have made park access less affordable to many mid-to-lower income families for whom national parks have long been an affordable and easily accessible regional mini-vacation destination.
“Warren County has long understood the value of this relationship. Your county was vocal in the opposition to the proposal for a very large fee increase that could have reduced visitation to the park. A fee increase did go through, but it was only a $5 increase. I appreciate your commitment to helping protect access to Shenandoah National Park,” Flynn told county officials, adding, “Warren County has been a strong partner for the park in many areas: your county has been a strong advocate for park values; you have valued and protected park view sheds; and you have been proactive about developments like large scale solar by addressing these issues in the comprehensive plan. We appreciate your partnership and your support in protecting what makes our community so special.”
And as if to illustrate that appreciation, Flynn told the county supervisors of plans to upgrade the north entrance to Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive in a way that might help mitigate the seasonal traffic impact.
“We appreciate the close working relationship the Town of Front Royal, the county and the park have in managing the impacts to the community this traffic brings. This year we are beginning the planning to build a new entrance station at Front Royal and looking for design solutions for the congestion issues will be part of that project,” she said.
Other projects in the works for the coming year include: complete restoration of the public restrooms at Dickey Ridge; completed connector trail to the Front Royal Greenway; construction of public parking at Old Rag in Madison County in 2019; and release of a park app and 3-D imaging of visitors centers.
And while publication of this story is too late to do you any good on this one, Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11 was a fee-free entrance day for Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park.
Of fee-free days in the coming year, Flynn said, “We do not have the national fee free days for 2019 announced yet, but we do have our park-specific fee free day in June. The 3rd Saturday is always “park neighbor day” – for 2019 that will be June 15.”
“Write that date down, mom – I wanna get out of town and see what’s going on in the park for FREE the end of next spring!!!”
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)