March 16, 2023

Schools participate in national sandwich contest

By Tracy Leicher

Page News and Courier

LURAY, Va. — Page

County Public Schools (PCPS) Nutrition Services

has submitted a unique sandwich idea to a national culinary contest in the hopes of helping the division with unpaid meal charges.

The 2023 Spectacular Sandwich Throwdown is a contest and fundraiser organized by School Nutrition Industry Professionals (SNIP) - a national group focused on raising awareness to reduce or eliminate

unpaid meal charges incurred by school nutrition programs. PCPS’ entry, the Hot Pressed Cubano sandwich, is a savory pork, turkey, ham and cheese combo, topped with mustard and hot sauce for an extra kick. Created with low-sodium cuts of meat and light mayo, the USDA-compliant masterpiece is served warm on a whole-grain hot dog bun.

According to a recent press release, Page County Public Schools currently participates in the national Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows

high-poverty school divisions to offer free breakfast and lunch to students each day. However, PCPS still has more than $40,000 in unpaid meal charges from meals served prior to mid2020. Now through the end of March, students, parents and community members can visit the Spectacular Sandwich Throwdown page at snipthrowdown.org, and vote for their choice of best school cafeteria sandwich. Donations are accepted via

Rocke inspires others through art

By Taylor Alger Page News and Courier

LURAY, Va. – Throughout the last 20 years, the Page County community has had several artists join its midst, wanting to offer through crafts and beauty to our naturally beautiful landscapes. Today, art has become a huge part of this community.

Susan Rocke began as a “weekender” in Luray, offering her creations and creations made around the world at the Luray Farmers Market 25 years ago. Rocke shared that shes always “had a love for handmade things,” and receives great joy in providing these for others. “If you make 100,000 of the same thing, of course the price per unit is lower, but when you make something handmade, you are getting a one of a kind product. It requires a lot of talent and skill to make something homemade. Homemade products are done by a person, not by a machine, and so, yes, it’s going to cost more but it’s also more magical and special.”

Rocke, being originally from Illinois, began her journey through studying geography and anthropology in school. She traveled to various places including Mexico to study archaeology, Guatemala with her husband to work in the Peace Corps, and to Africa for some work as well. Rocke later began a career on Capitol Hill where she worked in Rural Economic Development. Soon after Rocke was diagnosed with

Lyme Disease, she became self employed and began her craft as an artist making window treatments. This creative process involved many other endeavors, and after 10-12 years of selling at the Luray farmers market, Rocke decided to open up a shop of her own, which she called Shenandoah Moon. “I began by just selling beads, and then I started selling my own handmade things, as well as fairtrade items and the work of other artists,” said Rocke. Rocke also offered classes to the community in making earrings and many other mo-

dalities of expression.

Though Rocke is on the search to sell her storefront today, she is still continuing to make her art and has picked up a new, unique craft that is becoming more and more sought after. Her new craft is taking on a new face under Shenandoah Valley Made, and Rocke is creating a product that is unique, not just to our community, but across the entire country.

Rocke utilizes copper or brass “blanks’ ‘, all different colors of oil paints, and tooth picks to create one of a kind earrings. “The hard thing is to get two of

these earrings to look the same. You could never duplicate one if you tried,” said Rocke. Rocke’s earrings take about 2 weeks to make, as the process takes about an hour to mix the paints, 25 minutes to get the colors and designs into the “blank” and then they need at least a week to dry. If you attempt to speed up the process by either drying in the sun or with a hair dryer, you end up with a disaster as a result.

Once dry, Rocke pours resin into the earrings

Luray Town Council Meeting Minutes

At their March 13, 2023 Council Meeting, the Luray Town Council reviewed the following issues and took the following actions.

Under the Roll Call item: All members except for Councilman Joey Sours

were present. Under Addition or Deletion from Agenda item: No action

Under the Consent Agenda Item: Town Council unanimously approved the minutes from the Febru-

ary 13th Regular Meeting, the February 11th Retreat Special Session, the February 28th Work Session, the accounts payable totaling 9 8,24 .12, and the financial for the period ending February 28, 2023.

Under the General Citizen Comments Agenda Item: No Speakers

Under the Council Response Agenda Item: No Response

By Tony Judnich For the Page News and Courier

MOUNT JACKSON

On

—

the windy and sunny first day of March, 78-year-old Fred Garber faced the future from a slope on his 163-acre farm. His voice competed with the sounds of power tools that rattled across a 23-acre, fairly rocky section of his land. Bordered by tall fences of woven wire, workers in hardhats and bright safety vests made progress on a solar project that, when completed, will feature nearly 10,000 panels.

The panels face east in the morning and west in the afternoon, rotating to follow the slow path of the sun. They’re expected to generate 6,989 megawatt-hours of clean, renewable energy annually, equivalent to the energy usage of 570 homes. “I’m convinced that climate change is a valid thing. I’m not responsible for the world, but I’m responsible for this,” Garber said of the solar-power facility taking shape on his farm. “And I’m responsible for doing what I can to see that my grandkids have the best possible life. My grandkids are appreciative of this.”

Shenandoah County officials also admire the nearly completed solar facility, which they say serves as a model for the types of solar projects they want to see in the county.

Garber’s farm stands southwest of Mount Jackson and west of Interstate 81. Bird Hill looms to the south. Even closer to his land is a more than 650-acre solar farm off of Turkey Knob Road.

Taylor Alger

Massanutten property owners question water and sewer motives

By Kellen Stepler

For the Page News and Courier

MASSANUTTEN —

The Massanutten Property Owners Association encouraged its owners to attend the upcoming meetings held by the Massanutten Public Service Corporation and ask the company to explain itself, as the county continues to try to take over the water and wastewater system on the Massanutten Mountain.

“Since [the Massanutten Public Service Corporation] has resisted the requested improvements and been unwilling to engage in any negotiations, a future decision on the County beginning condemnation proceedings is imminent,” said Daryl Borgquist, board president of the Massanutten Property Owners Association and Bradford Dyjak, the organization’s administrator, in a statement. “That’s why it’s disingenuous at best for [the Massanutten Public Service Corporation] to now schedule ‘Town Hall Meetings’ after the County’s actions and after decades of routine rate increases.”

The town hall meetings are scheduled for March 15 in the Stewart Room at the Massanetta Springs Conference Center and March 16 at 6 p.m. at the Massanutten Resort Conference Center.

Rockingham County offered the company a 2 .8 million bona fide offer to purchase the water and wastewater system on the Massanutten Mountain, which the company declined. The property owners association and Great Eastern Resort Corp. — the owners of Massanutten Resort — support the proposed acquisition.

The board of supervisors authorized county administrator Stephen King to make the offer which was based off a third-party appraisal. County officials have said they’d only proceed with the support of ratepayers on the mountain.

The company has stated repeatedly the system is not for sale and it will defend its right to do business. It has made investments to improve the system and will continue to do so, company representatives said.

Borgquist, a property owner, reiterated in an interview that only the people in the area of the Massanutten Water and Sewer Authority will pay for the cost and acquisition of the facility. Common issues homeowners have had with the company, Borgquist said, not only include

the high rates, but also water pressure and issues with leaks.

“As noted at the time, [the county’s intent to acquire] was ... crucial to provide future relief from constant rate increases, lack of proper investment into system improvements, repetitive water leaks and pressure issues,” the statement from the Massanutten Property Owners Association said.

Because a negotiated settlement is not expected, the board of supervisors will then consider authorizing staff to

file a condemnation petition in the circuit court.

The property owners association’s statement said regardless of the potential legal proceedings, “ratepayers still deserve answers to how service-related issues will be addressed, capital investments made in chronically under-funded and aging infrastructure, and why the only answer by [the Massanutten Public Service Corporation] is to repeatedly press for exorbitant rate increases.”

“While on the other hand, County-operated

systems are perfectly capable of providing superior service at a fraction of the cost and without the constant rate increases,” Massanutten Property Owners Association’s statement continued.

The statement said residents should ask why the company won’t resolve the matter and negotiate a fair market offer with the county and why the company is only now holding town hall meetings.

It also said to ask if the company is spending ratepayer funds on “this expensive misinfor-

mation PR campaign,” and if the company can promise no new rate increases for the next few years.

Other questions include why a comprehensive capital replacement plan hasn’t been presented to rate payers.

In a previous interview, company representatives said rates re ect what it costs to run the system.

The company’s legal counsel, Joe Conner, said Tuesday that the company will respond to the questions raised by the property owners’ association during the

meetings. The county offered an “unrealistically low amount,” Conner said, and ultimately the purchase price will be determined after a legal process.

He said the goals of the town hall meetings are to provide factual information regarding the system and the aws in the county’s analysis. The company also hopes individual homeowners in Massanutten will be allowed to vote on whether or not the property owners association should support the county’s effort to condemn the system.

Courtesy photo

Rockland prayer garden ‘oasis’ nearly finished

By Josette Keelor For the Page News and Courier

FRONT ROYAL — The prayer garden at Rockland Community Church is nearly complete, and organizers are looking forward to inviting the community for a dedication ceremony from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 29.

There, they expect between 500 and 600 attendees, including past ministers and other clergy, past church members and visitors from around the region.

“We’d love for people everywhere to come and see this,” said John Piazza, head deacon and chairman of the church’s board of deacons.

They want the garden to be “an oasis in the midst of the community,” said George McIntyre, chairman of the church board.

The prayer garden has been a two-year project in the making and has cost about $200,000, Piazza said. Members of the church’s Thursday night prayer group first discussed the idea, and Piazza’s late wife Sheron, who had a landscaping company, modeled the concept for the prayer garden on the couple’s backyard garden oasis in northern Warren County.

The garden, across the street from the church and two doors down from the fellowship hall, is in a field below the church pavilion where Piazza said they sometimes hold special services as well as events.

The main brick pathways of the garden form a cross and surround an 8-foot-by40-foot koi pond that features a life-size statue of Jesus appearing to walk on the rough waters produced by three small fountains.

Some of the 5,500 bricks are carved with dedications to loved ones, and Piazza said the church hopes to sell at least 1,000 more memorial bricks.

“There’s an incredible

story with every step you take around there, and it’s going to get even better,” he said. The additional engraved bricks will “continue the story,” he said.

Additionally, several small memorial gardens around the walkway will feature hydrangeas, while owering dogwoods and sunset maples are planned for the field around the garden.

White markers currently outline where 14 Stations of the Cross will find a home around the garden, each with a corresponding brick of donors who have sponsored each station.

There are also large planters to accompany benches where visitors can come and stay awhile.

“It’s a bit inspirational to just walk around and look at it,” said McIntyre. “There’s such a need and a want for reassurance in this world.”

Throughout the winter, he’s noticed visitors stopping by to view the progress of the garden and enjoy the peaceful location that makes use of the Blue Ridge mountain view.

For the dedication, they’ve booked opera singer Melissa Chavez to lead the hymn “In the Garden” and a youth choir to walk over from the church’s fellowship hall singing hymns that include “Down to the River to Pray.”

Refreshments will be available, and everyone is welcome to attend.

For a small church of

100 members and about 60 weekly attendees, the project has been a phenomenal effort, said Piazza. The nondenominational church, which combined a Methodist church and Baptist church several years ago, has 12 deacons who provide outreach. It recently hired on a new pastor, Rev. William Orndoff and also has an organist, Cindy Martin, as a backup ordained minister for when Orndoff is away.

“This parish is such a loving parish,” Piazza said. “When I walked through the door ten years ago, my life changed.”

Having come from the Catholic Church, he said he and his late wife were invited to visit Rockland one

day and never looked back.

“We just felt something, and we’ve never left,” he said. “There’s this spirit here that when people come, they really feel it.”

He hopes that’s something that visitors will also feel when they visit the garden.

“It really is a ‘Field of Dreams’ kind of thing that a tiny little church could do [a big project] like this,” he said.

“We’ve made an enormous amount of progress,” he said. “[But] wait ‘til you see the owers in there. It’s gonna be so pretty.”

For more information about the project or the church, call 540-635-8312 or visit https://tinyurl.com/ Rockland-Facebook.

Rich Cooley

John Piazza, a member of Rockland Community Church, sits on a bench outside the prayer garden near the intersection of Rockland and Fairground roads in Warren County. The garden was a vision of his church’s Thursday night prayer group. Piazza’s late wife designed the project.

North River boat launch is complete

By Kellen Stepler For the Page

News and Courier

MOUNT CRAWFORD

— Public access to the North River from Mount Crawford just got easier.

Mount Crawford town officials announced that the North River Boat Launch, located behind the town’s municipal building at 779 S. Main St., is complete after two-and-a-half years of construction and planning.

Town Manager Libby Clark said the project was completely funded through grants. The town was awarded $220,000 from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Support to Partners — Shenandoah River Watershed program. Clark

said the program’s purpose is to improve or create public access along the South River, the South Fork Shenandoah River, the North Fork Shenandoah River, the mainstem Shenandoah River or the river’s tributaries for the purposes described in the DuPont Waynesboro – South River/South Fork Shenandoah River/ Shenandoah River Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment.

The assessment, Clark said, was developed with public input to restore natural resources and services that were harmed by releases of mercury from the DuPont-Waynesboro site. It identified “recreational fishing access creation improvement” as a preferred project category to provide

Big Country 3yr

Male(N) Vacs. DSH

Big Country will croak his way into your heart with his cute, raspy meows!

At first glance, Country may look like a rough-and-tumble kind of guy and he certainly has some battle scars, but this big lug couldn’t be any sweeter! He’s so sweet, even the vet wanted to take him home!

Big Country

compensation for the injuries to recreational fishing and other possible projects included boating, bank fishing, and wading activities as well as swimming and wildlife viewing.

The town was also awarded a $50,000 tourism grant from Rockingham County in July to help complete the boat launch project, Clark said.

She said Valley Engineering, Bushong Contracting and Bridgestone Construction designed and completed the project.

A dedication ceremony will be held March 30 at the boat launch. Those who would like to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing the town at townofmountcrawford@gmail. com or by calling (540) 421-0856.

Izzy

Izzy 3yrs Female(S) Vacs. DSH Izzy is a loving housecat who had her world turned upside down. It has taken a few months for Izzy to come out of her shell in this environment, but since she was moved to our window room, she has been thriving and loves when people stop by to say ‘hello!’

Chance

Chance 4yr Male(N) Vacs. Pit mix This great, big lug is a great, big cuddle bug! When he’s not running around the yard with his favorite toys, he can be found right by your side! Despite his size and somewhat intimidating looks, this boy is the biggest baby you’ll ever meet!

Miles 1yr

Male(N) Vacs.

DSH Miles is the handsome chatterbox who always has something to tell you! He tends to startle if you move too quickly, but he loves attention. He always has to go say ‘hi’ to his friends, Hochie and Jasper!

Miles Annie

Do

suited for a home with a large yard.!

Becca 1yr Female(S) Vacs. DSH After she was abandoned in freezing weather on the day after Christmas, Becca was found hiding in the back of our truck. Becca has a sweet side and an independent side. Some days she wants to be sweet and snuggly and the next day she is perfectly content sitting in the window to watch the birds.

Jaxxs

Jaxxs 8yr

“Be kind to all pets and animals because they will be kind back to you.” – Wesley Porter

People who love animals have compassionate hearts!

“Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.” –Alfred A. Montapert

Male(N) Vacs. Pit mix Despite the gray hair, this boy is still full of energy and excitement! He loves to play and will even play fetch with you. Jaxxs could stand to learn some leash manners, but he’s quite food motivated, so training should be a breeze!

Chip 6mos Male(N) Vacs. DSH Chip and his brother Dale came in together after they were abandoned on someone’s property. Chip is the shyer one of the two, but he loves to be scratched on his cheeks and is so cute when he rolls around!

Dale 6mos Male(N) Vacs. DSH Dale is more confident than his brother Chip, but Dale is a little more subdued when it comes to expressing himself. Dale prefers to look at you lovingly while he purrs, while Chip prefers to roll around in a comedic style to get your attention!

Dale

Athena Becca

Photo by Daniel Lin

IThe town of Mount Crawford has completed a boat launch on the North River, located behind the town’s municipal building on Route 11.

2023 Recreational Trails Program grant round open

Projects to enhance existing land and water trails eligible

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will hold an open grant round for $1.4 million in Recreational Trails Program grants from March 16 through May 9. For the 2023 grant round, projects for new trail construction are not eligible, but maintenance, repair and amenity projects for existing land and water trails

will be considered. The Recreational Trails Program, or RTP, is a federal, matching reimbursement program established to construct and rehabilitate recreational trails and trail-related facilities. It is anticipated that projects for new trail construction will become eligible again in 2024. The RTP is an 80-20% matching reimbursement program. Requests must be for a minimum of $25,000 with a minimum total project cost of $31,250. Grantees must be able to fund

100% of their project while seeking periodic reimbursements.

Eligible applicants include: Counties, cities and towns; Park and recreation authorities; Tribal governments; State agencies; Federal agencies Nonprofit organizations with support from a governmental body Applications will be due via email no later than May 9 at 4 p.m.

A virtual informational session and application workshop will be held March 22 at 1 p.m. Visit this page for more information

and to register: dcr.virginia. gov/recreational-planning/ trailfnd. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. An updated program manual, application materials and applicant resources will be posted on the page by March 16.

Project sponsors with open RTP grants from previous grant rounds should review the manual to determine eligibility based on open project completion date. For more information,

email the DCR Recreation Grants Team at recreationgrants@dcr.virginia.gov.

Funding for the Recreational Trails Program is made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The program is administered by the Federal Highway Administration. Federal law under 23 U.S. Code section 206 mandates that 30% of available funding be used for motorized recreational trails, 30% be used for non-motorized recreational trails and 40% be used for multiple-use trails.

Warren County constitutional officers see high salaries

By Alex Bridges

For the Page News and Courier Warren County’s constitutional officers, elected by voters, are among the highest-paid officials in local government.

Each of Warren County’s five constitutional offices are up for election on Nov. 7. The Clerk of Court, who oversees the circuit court, serves an eight-year term. The Commissioner of the Revenue, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, the Sheriff and the Treasurer serve fouryear terms, unless elected or appointed to fill an unexpired term. The state constitution mandates that each

By Carl Quintrell For the Page News and Courier

STANLEY, Va. --

Temperatures for the month of February were above average.

The mean temperature for the month was 45.8 degrees. The 55-year average mean temperature for Feb -

city and county have the officers. The officers receive the following salaries, according to information provided by the county:

• Clerk of the Circuit Court Angela Moore, $133,471

• Commissioner of the Revenue Sherry Sours, $111,776

• Commonwealth Attorney John Bell, $138,433

• Sheriff Mark Butler, $119,220

• Treasurer Jamie Spiker, $106,452

Bell, Butler, Moore and Sours seek reelection to their respective offices. Spiker announced in January she would not run for reelection.

Bell and Butler

were elected to their first, four-year terms in 2019 and took office in January 2020.

Moore was elected in 2019 to serve the remaining four years of Daryl Funk’s term that expires Dec. 31. Funk left the office after the Virginia General Assembly elected him to a judgeship in the 26th Judicial Circuit.

Sours won a special election in 2013 to serve out the remaining two years of John Smedley’s term after he died. She was elected to four-year terms in 2015 and 2019. Constitutional officers’ salaries rank among the county’s highest-paid gov -

ernment employees.

Those with the highest salaries who are not constitutional officers include:

• County Administrator Edwin Daley, $171,150

• Deputy County Administrator Taryn Logan, $122,978

• Fire Chief John Bonzano II, $114,249

• Department of Social Services Director Jon Martz, $107,428

• Department of Public Works Director Michael Berry, $103,684

• Department of Parks and Recreation Director Daniel Lenz $103,684. The Virginia Compensation Board sets the salaries for constitutional officers and

the budgets for the offices, including the pay for certain staff members, based on the jurisdiction’s population. The local governing body also may include in its budget funding for each constitutional office in addition to the state allocation. The state board also decides when a constitutional officer and certain employees receive salary increases and by how much.

Compensation Board information shows it last approved an across-the-board salary increase for constitutional officers and their employees effective July 1, 2019, provided that the local governing body used

Temperatures in February were above average

ruary is 37.1 degrees. The average afternoon high temperature for the month was 56.3 degrees or 9.3 degrees above the 55-year average high temperature of 47.0 degrees. High temperatures for Feb -

ruary climbed into the 70’s on two days, the 60’s on 12 days,

the 50’s on six days, the 40’s on five days and only in the 30’s during three days of the month. The high for the month was 77 degrees on February 23rd.

The warmest February on record was in 1976, where the average afternoon high was 59.1 degrees. The coldest February on record was in 1979, where the average afternoon high was only 34.5 degrees.

The average daily low temperature for the month was 35.3 degrees or 8.0 degrees above the 55-year average low 27.3 degrees. Low temperatures for the month were down into the

teens on two days, the 20’s on seven days, the 30’s on nine days, the 40’s on six days and in the 50’s on four days during the month. The low for the month was 10 degrees on February 4th.

Snowfall for the month was 1.25 inches or 6.4 inches below the February average of 5.2 inches. Total snow for the winter of 2022-2023 is 1.75 inches. The 55-year average total winter snowfall is 23.0 inches.

Total rain and snow melt for the month was 2.99 inches, or 0.50 inch above the February average of 2.49 inches. The wettest Feb -

ruary was 1998 with 6.56 inches of rain and snow melt and the driest occurred in 1977 with only 0.37 inches of rain recorded.

The peak wind gust for the month was 46 mph on February 21th.

Records broken during February 2023:

• February 1st single day snowfall of 1.25 inches. Previous record of 0.75 inch in 2021.

•February 9th high temperature of 69 degrees. Previous record of 68 degrees in 2021.

• February 12th single day rainfall of 1.25 inches. Previous record of 0.95 inch (rain and snow melt)

the additional funds to support the increases. Constitutional offices do not receive salary increases every budget cycle. The Compensation Board funded salary increases almost every year from the late 1980s through 2007. Since then, offices would go without increases for years at a time.

However, when county employees received salary increases, such as the 5% provided in the previous two years, the budget included raises for the constitutional officers. The constitutional officers then received a higher salary than the amount covered by the Compensation Board.

in 1993.

•February 23rd maximum low temperature of 56 degrees. Previous record of 54 degrees in 2017.

•February 23rd high temperature of 77 degrees. Previous record of 75 degrees in 2017.

Other statistics for the month include.

•19 clear to partly cloudy days (16 avg.)

•Nine cloudy to mostly cloudy days (12 avg.)

• Two days with dew (one avg.)

• Seven days with frost (seven avg.)

• One day with fog (two avg.)

• Zero days with a thundershower (zero avg.)

Housing voucher waiting list opens with new lottery format

By Laura Ruby

For the Page News and Courier

Families in need of rental assistance in Shenandoah, Warren, and Page counties will have an opportunity to be added to the Virginia Housing Choice voucher waiting list by applying on March 22.

The Shenandoah County Department of Social Services (DSS) and Virginia Housing will open the voucher waiting list application window from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm that day, according to housing specialist Wayne Bladen. Applicants must meet income, citizenship, and residency guidelines and must apply online during the application window, said Bladen, whose position is funded jointly by DSS and Virginia Housing.

Bladen, who will be available during the application window to help families navigate the process, explained that Virginia Housing is implementing a lottery system for the waiting list.

“Basically we’re expecting to get so many applications that if everyone made it to the waiting list

Council

From Page A1

Under the Presentations agenda item: 1) Page One was not able to present at the meeting. 2) Jackie Elliott, Program Manager for the Luray Downtown Initiative, informed Council that they had no update this evening. 3) Patrick Embry, Owner of Valley Automation, spoke about his dispute of the Town’s award of the Water Treatment Plant SCADA system to Lord & Company on February 14, 2023.

Under the Public Hearings agenda item: 1) Town Council conducted a Public Hearing to receive citizen comments and to consider a request from Ramsey Inc. to rezone parcels 42A161-1 through 11, 13, and 14 which were recently boundary line adjusted into the Town limits as Low Density (R-1) Residential District zoned properties to High Density (R-3) Residential District.

Following the recommendation of denial by the Planning Commission at their February 15th meeting, Mr. Ramsey submitted a proffer statement limiting development

we wouldn’t get through that list for years,” he said, noting that the waiting list last opened in 2018 and, before that, in 2010.

“Rather than taking all of the names and being so long between [waiting list] openings, we’re hoping we can get through them quicker and open the lists more often.”

Virginia Housing will draw 150 applicants at random from all eligible applicants.

“They’ll take all of the pool of applications. They’ll select the 150 that go on the list. Then they’ll be separated by preference,” Bladen said. Getting top priority will be homeless families, followed by families with elderly or disabled members. Priority will also be given to families that live in the service area of Shenandoah, Warren and Page counties.

“The families at the top of the list are going to be the most in need,” he said, adding that the agency will then work from that list, contacting families as vouchers become available.

Voucher amounts vary by family based on income, disability status, number of family members and other

factors, and are paid directly to landlords. They can be redeemed with participating landlords and apartment complexes and it’s up to the families to find their rental once they are notified that they’ll receive a voucher.

“We have about 250 families that are [currently] ‘leased up’ in the three counties,” Bladen said. “We have about 175 elderly and disabled families and the rest of the families, or the vast majority of them, are single moms with children, which is another vulnerable group. It’s hard to maintain work when you’re a single mom with children so we’re able to maintain that group as well.”

In 2022, the program paid $1.723 million in rent payments, an average of $566 per payment per family, in Shenandoah, Warren and Page counties, Bladen said.

Bladen, who has been at DSS in Shenandoah County for six years, said that one thing participants appreciate about the program is that they have choices and are able to move as their circumstances change.

“It’s a good chance for

a family,” he said, noting that the program is geared toward long-term support. While the program does serve homeless families, Bladen said that there are other HUD programs designed to meet immediate and emergency housing needs.

The program is beneficial to landlords too, Bladen said, noting that the voucher guarantees that at least a portion of the rent will be paid. Recipients have been screened with background checks as part of the application process and, if finances fluctuate in the family through job loss or other circumstances, the payment amount can change, he said.

“It’s a good safety net for the landlord to know that we’ll help if the family needs it. Most landlords that get involved with the program are glad they did and wish they did earlier because it’s guaranteed money and another set of eyes on the families,” he said. Participants are incentivized to be good tenants because getting evicted means risking, and likely losing, their housing voucher, Bladen said.

The program, which currently includes about 100 landlords in the three counties, is always accepting new properties and landlords, Bladen said. Landlords must complete an application process and the property must pass a basic inspection, he said.

To apply to be added to the waiting list, visit virginiahousing.apply4housing.com. Applicants will receive a confirmation number once their application is submitted indicating the application was received but this does not guarantee placement on the waiting list. You can check to see if your application was chosen in the lottery starting at noon on March 24, by visiting virginiahousing. apply4housing.com/status. Applications will not be taken by phone, mail or in person. If the applicant is a person with a disability and they require accommodation in order to apply, they may contact Bladen at 540-459-6931 or email wayne.bladen@dss.virginia. gov.

For more information about the application process, visit www.virginiahousing.com.

of the thirteen lots to only single-family homes to alleviate concern for additional development.

Chris Ramsey spoke during the Public Hearing to confi rm that the rezoning is only to allow construction of homes on the existing lots which do not comply with R-1 District size regulations. Mr. Ramsey also confi rmed that he plans to pave Arthur Lane and 350’ of Ellis Drive adjacent to his subdivision.

Richard Sinclair of 320 Ellis Drive inquired if street lighting will be included on Arthur Lane. Mr. Ramsey stated that he had no plans for street lighting but the subdivision HOA could install as they are responsible for road maintenance.

The Town Council unanimously approved the rezoning of parcels 42A16-1-1 through 11, 13, and 14 for Section 2 of the Fairview Subdivision from Ramsey Inc. from R-1 District to R-3 District in conformance with the Proffer Statement, no new lots to be created, and paving within two years. Town Council conducted a Public Hear-

ing to receive citizen comments and to consider a request from Lanny Bailey for a Special Use Permit to operate a Bed & Breakfast Home at 16 Eden Road (Tax Map No. 42A13-A-19) in the Medium Density Residential (R-2) District. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the application with fi fteen conditions.

No citizens spoke at the Public Hearing.

The Town Council unanimously approved the Special Use Permit with the conditions as presented.

Town Council conducted a Public Hearing to receive citizen comments and to consider a request from Dwight and Angela Griffi th for a Special Use Permit to establish a three-unit apartment at 800 Massanutten Avenue (Tax Map No. 42Al2A-49A) in the Business (B-1) District.

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the application with conditions that off-street parking is required for six vehicles and signage shall be considered by separate permit applications. No citizens spoke at

the Public Hearing.

The Town Council unanimously approved the Special Use Permit with the conditions as presented.

Under the Action & Discussion agenda item:

Town Council unanimously approved the Proclamation of Recognition to recognize March 2023 as Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month.

Town Council unanimously approved the Proclamation of Recognition to recognize April 22, 2023 as Arbor Day in the Town of Luray with a celebration Town Council unanimously approved the recommendation of Leslie Currie to the Page County Board of Supervisors to be the Town’s representative on the Page County Economic Development Authority.

Town Council unanimously approved and authorize Racey Engineering to complete the second phase of the Hawksbill Greenway — Yagers Spring Extension Feasibility & Preliminary Engineering Study and complete a property survey and title examination in an amount

to exceed $32,000 with funding from the Hawksbill Greenwav Foundation.

Town Council unanimously approved tabling the consideration of the Dean Park Recreation Courts until the fall of 2023.

Town Council received information from the Daughters of the Stars Farmers Market representatives who plan to operate a farmers market at the Visitor’s Center/Train Depot on the third Saturday of each month from May through November.

Town Council discussed the Town tax rates for the FY 20232024 Budget and determined to maintain the current rates.

Under the Town Attorney’s Report agenda item: The Town Attorney did not provide any report.

Under the Council Comments agenda item: Council requested to discuss requests for ARPA funding from non-profi ts at their March Work Session.

Under the Mayor’s Announcements agenda item: Mayor Dofflemyer invited Gladys McNemar with the Hawksbill Greenway Foundation to

discuss and invite the public to the Grant Award Celebration at Ruffner Plaza at 4:00 pm on Thursday, March 16th. Mayor Dofflemyer also invited Council to the grand opening of Poppy’s Barber Shop on Thursday, March 23rd at 10:30 am.

Under the Closed Meeting agenda item: The Town Council conducted a Closed Meeting for the purposes of consultation with legal counsel regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice as authorized by Section 2.2-3711(A) (8) of the Code of Virginia. The subject matter is procurement issues.

Following the Closed Meeting, the Town Council unanimously approved rescinding the February 14th award of the Water Treatment Plan SCADA project to Lord and Company.

The March 13th Town Council Meeting can be viewed on the Town’s YouTube page. For more information about the March 13th Council Meeting, please contact the Town Manager at sburke@townofluray. com or (540) 743-5511.

Town

From Page A1

In late 2020, the county Board of Supervisors approved a special-use permit for the solar project on Garber’s land that’s now being completed by EDF Renewables Distributed Solutions.

As of Wednesday, about 75% of the project’s solar panel framework was done and about half of the total number of panels had been installed, Garber said.

EDF Renewables is under contract to complete the solar facility by the end of March, company Superintendent Larry Payne, whose office is in Columbia, Maryland, said at Garber’s farm on Wednesday.

Garber is leasing a total of 29 acres of his land for the facility, which extends between Walker and Georgetown roads. The project site stands adjacent to an existing Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative substation and will connect directly to the co-op’s local electric distribution system.

All of the power generated will go directly to Shenandoah County customers, who will pay a fixed price for the electricity throughout the solar facility’s 25-year contract.

In the long run, “We’re trying to leave this as natural as possible,” Garber said while showing visitors the portion of land the facility stands on.

He continues to use much of his farmland for hay production, raising beef cattle and growing corn. Once the solar project is finished, the 23 acres of fenced-in land it utilizes might be used by grazing sheep to maintain the grass below the panels.

Looking back, Garber said he learned a lot about solar projects when he served as a board member for the Shenandoah Valley and Old Dominion electric cooperatives.

In the previous couple of years, he said, he and his wife had been approached by 11 solar project developers – 10 from around the United States and one from Canada – mostly be -

Contest

From Page A1

the same page. Funds donated will be divided (based on votes) among participating divisions to assist with paying unpaid meal

Farmer Rocke

From Page A1

which then take about another week to completion. Each set holds about 6-7 colors of paint and a thoughtfully chosen Czech fire-polished, faceted crystal bead to compliment the paint colors. The earrings come in various shapes including long rectangles, wide rectangles, leaves, suns, owers, and more. Rocke is currently selling her products at The Mimslyn, Museum of the

cause of their farm’s proximity to the substation.

“I’ve been on this farm since ‘78, and it’s been there before that,” Garber said of the substation.

County Planning Commissioner Mark Dotson, who chaired the county’s now-disbanded Solar Ordinance Review Committee, said the nearly completed solar project on Garber’s farm in many ways illustrates the committee’s vision for a potentially revised county solar ordinance.

The project “embraces solar but does it in a responsible way,” Dotson said recently. For example, “It’s not using productive farmland or jeopardizing historical resources.”

charges.

SNIP, once a private Facebook group, began with the goal of bringing school professionals and industry partners together to focus on nutrition. Five years later, the

group boasts more than 4,000 members who network and share ideas to increase nutritional value and program success for the thousands of K-12 students served in schools every day.

The PCPS Hot Pressed Cubano sandwich is one of 23 division submissions nationwide, and the only submission from the state of Virginia. The PCPS Nutrition Services team will

debut the sandwich at their middle and high schools later this month.

To vote for the Hot Pressed Cubano sandwich, visit snipthrowdown.org and look for the Page County

Public Schools logo. Votes are limited to one per email address. At press time, PCPS “only” had 200 votes, so tell your friends, their friends and their friends. Vote for the PCPS sandwich!

Shenandoah Valley and a couple of other galleries.

As Rocke shared about her new and past designs, she held a sense of joy as she showed me each pair of earrings and various crafts that she had made throughout the years. We spoke about creativity and what it means to be an artist.

“People always say, “well I’m not creative,” well you are.. You just may not know it. Just because I can make a pair of earrings and make it so quickly,

doesn’t mean I haven’t taken several hours learning and many hundreds of hours perfecting it,” explained Rocke. “You don’t go out and skate and expect to skate like a figure skater. You don’t cook for the first time and expect to cook like a master chef. It takes time and practice.” Rocke continued, “Everybody’s creative. They just have to find a good teacher. A lot of times people think they can do that on the internet, that they can just use the internet

or Youtube.. A lot of things, you can. Sometimes though, you really need someone to be there and help you, to see what you’re doing and to be able to help you adjust your technique.”

Rocke is still very involved in the local art community. She was one of the founding members of the Page Valley Arts Council and hopes to continue to offer classes to the community, continuing to build and inspire the next generation of artists. She commends the

contributions of local artists and the culture that they have built around art in Page County. She shared her regret to lose our local art warehouse, which was a staple for creation and gathering within the community. Page County has art sprinkled in all throughout the community. From metal structures to murals, to pottery classes and jewelry offerings, this community works to inspire and evolve our artists. In the past 20 years that this has

taken place, Rocke has been a milestone in ensuring its growth. Though transitioning her business, Rocke is going to continue to create. She invites anyone who may be interested in learning more about her products, in taking classes, or taking interest in the Shenandoah Moon business to reach out for more information.

Visit her new website at www.ShenandoahValleyMade.Com or call 540-743-5810 to begin your journey as a Page County artist.

Photos by Rich Cooley

Fred Garber, 78, of Mount Jackson, stands outside a row of solar panels on his property that is part of a 29-acre solar project on his 163-acre farm west of Mount Jackson.

Garber walks beneath a row of panels that are under construction on his property.

Looking

50 Years Back

‘Read Across America’

On March 2, Elizabeth Kite, Stanley Elementary School’s librarian, organized a “Read Across America” event. She arranged for a variety of guest readers from the community to come share some of their favorite stories with the students. Always a favorite, this event is made possible by Mrs. Kite and the readers who volunteer their time to share their love of books with others.

communityEVENTS

Veteran banners on sale

The Town of Stanley is again selling banner sponsorships to honor area veterans and active-duty service members.

Banners are $79 and will be available for purchase March 1-31; checks should be made payable to the Town of Stanley Veteran Banners and can be mailed to Christi Bosley Baker, P.O. Box 190, Stanley, Va. 22851. For more information or to purchase a banner, contact her at 540742-9124.

Banners will be displayed in conjunction with Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Clogging performances

The Shenandoah Valley Cloggers will be performing at Skyline Resort for 2023 on a new night.

Performances are planned from 7:308:30 p.m. on Thursdays as follows: April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2 and Nov. 9.

Shows are free and open to the public.

Activities scheduled

The Rec Center, 630 W. Main St., Luray, offers a variety of activities each week.

The fitness program NWF is held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Yoga is scheduled from 4:30-6 p.m. on Thursdays.

For area youth, the 2G guide and grow program is held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays; “Looney For Legos” 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays; Youth Leadership from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Thursdays; and Mentorship from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Under the leadership of PACA and

Choices, crafts and activities are offered from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

For more information, contact the center at 540-660-0501.

The Rec is always in need of volunteers to help at the center. For more information, email Dmendez@livinglegacyluray.org.

Page Library programs

The Page Public Library in Luray has planned several activities for patrons over the next few months.

A series of gardening programs for young patrons are scheduled from 4-5 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, now through Oct. 16. Each “From Seed to Harvest” program will cover a different topic to introduce children and parents to the world of gardening.

‘Movies on Main’

The Page Theater in Luray will be offering free movies as part of “Movies on Main.” Free popcorn will also be provided for the first 2 people. Movies will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays as follows: April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 7 and Dec. 12.

Essay contest

Massanutten Regional Library is holding its 26th annual Robert B. and Gladys Hopkins Strickler Honored Teacher Essay Contest.

Students in grades K-12 who live in the service area are invited to submit an essay to honor a teacher who has made a difference in their life.

Winning essays receive cash prizes of $150 per student and are awarded at a special ceremony in April. One essay

among the winners will be selected as the “Honored Teacher of the Year,” earning that chosen teacher a $1,000 cash prize.

Entries are accepted now through March 17. The entry form is available at www.mrlib.org.

Workdays scheduled

A garden workday is planned from 9 a.m. - noon on Saturday, March 25, at all three Page County community gardens — in Stanley at 235 Medical Drive, in Luray at Page Memorial Hospital, and in Shenandoah at 505 Williams Avenue.

To volunteer or for more information, email pageallianceforcommunityaction@ gmail.com.

Comedy show

“Comedy Tonight 4,” a series of short skits featuring local residents, has been scheduled with performances on March 24-26 at Trackside Theater in Luray.

For more information, contact 540743-1099.

Trout Day, Egg Hunt

The Town of Stanley has planned a combined outdoor event for children 12 and younger on Saturday, April 1, at the Hawksbill Recreation Park.

Trout fishing, sponsored by the Stanley Police Department, is scheduled from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

An Easter Egg Hunt will get under way at noon, with face painting and other activities planned from noon - 3 p.m.

For more information, contact the Stanley Town Office at 40-778-34 4.

FROMTHE CHAMBER

• On Thursday, March 16, from 5:30-7 p.m. is Business After Hours at the American Legion Post 22. All members who attend are entered into the drawing for three great door prizes. You’ll also be able to enjoy tasty refreshments. This event is designed for Chamber members to meet and build relationships with other local business members. It is time to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Bring business cards for networking and to be entered in door prize raf es. To attend, contact events@luraypage.com or 540-743-3915.

• On Tuesday, March 28, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., is Women in Business – Building Business Relationships at The Valley Cork, 55 East Main St., Luray, for the luncheon. We’ll be featuring Nick Koger, Community Outreach Manager for the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund, who will be speaking on entrepreneurial support, funding, programs and potential mentors for your business. Lunch will cost $15 for Chamber members and $20 for potential members. If you wish to attend, please RSVP to events@ luraypage.com or 540-743-3915, by Friday, March 24th.

Featured Businesses

• The Luray Singing Tower, Northcott Drive, Luray, is home to a 47-Bell Taylor Carillon and was dedicated in 1937. They offer free performances in the spring, summer and fall. Learn more at http://www.luraysingingtower.com or luraytower@ gmail.com.

• McWhirter’s Scottish Oatcakes, Luray, is a local baker that offers tradition Scottish oatcakes. ou can find their oatcakes at local shops throughout the area, or they also offer wholesale options. Scottish Oatcakes are a healthier alternative to traditional cookies and sweets. Check them out at http://www.scottishoatcakes. com, mcwhirterssoc@gmail.com or call 410-610-1332.

For more information, contact the Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce at 18 Campbell St., Luray, www. luraypage.com or 540-743-3915.

Arts Gallery

The Arts and Artisans Fine Art Gallery, 4 East Main St., Luray, works of art by local, regional and national artists; paintings by Wes and Eileen Porter, Jean Moyer, Gary Saylor, K.C. Werner and others; pottery by Jim Lieb, Reese Miller and Cathie Miranda; sculptures by Lis Sabol and Victoria Britto; linocuts prints by Charmaine Shaw; jewelry by Susan Latta and Susan Rocke; and clothing by Bliss Ninja (Charleen Johnston); open noon - 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday; also by chance or appointment by calling 540-5784756, operated by the Page Valley Arts Council, a 501C3, non-profit, (now accepting donations).

The Warehouse Warehouse Art Gallery, 3054 U.S. Hwy. 211 West, Luray, in transition (opening in the near future), will feature art by local and regional artists; for information, call 540-742-3620 or e-mail lurayart@gmail.com.

artEVENTS reunions

• The Page County High School Class of 1963 will hold its 60-year reunion on Saturday, April 15, at the Stanley Fire Hall. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., with a buffet meal catered by the SVFD Auxiliary at 6 p.m. Cost is $18; checks should be made payable to the Class of 1963. Classmates planning to attend are asked to RSVP by April 3. To attend, contact Roger Hilliard at 540-778-2204 or Margie Frye at 540-246-8529.

cardSHOWERS

• Bobby J. Gray will celebrate his birthday on Saturday, March 18. Birthday greetings may be sent to him at: Skyview Springs, 30 MontVue Dr., Luray, Va. 22835.

groupMEETINGS

Sedwick Cemetery

“Thinking of you” greetings can be sent to veterans residing at local nursing homes. The list includes:

• At Skyview Springs (formerly MontVue), 30 MontVue Dr., Luray, Va. 22835 are: Howard Beahm,

The Sedwick Family Cemetery meeting is planned for 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, at Fletcher’s Chapel Church, Sedwick Rd., Luray.

All lot owners and caretakers are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact 540-478-4968.

Graves Chapel

The annual meeting of the Graves Chapel Cemetery Association will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, at the chapel.

The meeting is open to all lot owners and relatives of lot owners. Masks are optional.

City Elders

Page County City Elders meet from 6-8 p.m. on the first and third Mondays at the Kibler Library in Stanley.

The group’s focus is to support and enrich the moral needs of the community and individuals.

Anyone interested in joining the group, may contact Jim Printz at 703969-5115 or Larry Dickerson at 540271-3837.

Knitting group

A Knitting and Crocheting Circle meets from 1:30-3 p.m. on Mondays at the Page Public Library in Luray.

Army; and Roger Stead, Marines.

• At Hawksbill Assisted Living, 122 N. Hawksbill St., Luray are: David Honeycutt, Army; Garland Meadows, Navy; and Donna Rogers, Army.

All ages and levels of expertise are welcome.

For more information, contact 540434-4475, ext. 500.

Senior Center

The Page County Senior Center invites area seniors to join the center for lunch, crafts and other activities from 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

The center is located at 10 Second Street, Luray. For more information, contact the senior center manager at pagesc seniorsfirst.info or call 40743-1241.

Veterans Administration

Joanie Innes will begin service as the Veterans Administration representative for Page County.

Meetings will be held from noon - 3 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the American Legion Miller-Campbell-Baker Post 22, 106 Zerkel St., Luray. For more information, contact 804-801-7510 (cell) or 40-46 -6113 office .

Beekeeping club

The Page Valley Beekeepers Club will meet at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Luray Church of the Brethren, 119 High Street.

Photo correction: A VFW Auxiliary photograph printed in the March 9 edition of the Page News and Courier incorrectly named the organization. The full name should read Avis O. Comer VFW Post 8613 Auxiliary. The Courier regrets the error.

The club’s goal to educate people about honey bees and beekeeping. Visitors are welcome. For more information, contact 540-244-7036.

Post 22

Members of the American Legion Miller-Campbell-Baker Post 22 will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 27.

The Post meets on the fourth Monday, except December. For membership information, contact Rich Worrell at 540-843-2565, or Jim Fargo at 540-860-1945, or any Post 22 member.

AA meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous meets from 7-8 p.m. every Wednesday at the Kibler Library in Stanley. Those attending are asked to use the side entrance.

AA, NA and Al Anon meetings

Al Anon, AA and NA meetings are conducted Mondays through Sundays at 23 W. Main Street in Luray.

The schedule is as follows: Mondays, noon and 8 p.m. for AA; Tuesdays, noon AA and 7:30 p.m. NA; Wednesdays, noon AA and 6:30 p.m. Al Anon; Thursdays, noon AA and 8 p.m. NA; Fridays, 9 a.m. AA meeting for women, noon and 8 p.m. AA; Saturdays, noon NA and 7 p.m. AA; and on Sundays, 10 a.m. AA.

• Ida Grove Gospel Chapel, 135 Ida Hollow Rd., Luray, Sunday services at 11 a.m., as well as a drive-in service, where attendees can listen to the service from their vehicle on 106.3 FM. For more information, contact Pastor Pete Campbell at 540-7433045.

• Leake’s Chapel Church of the Brethren, Sunday worship 11 a.m. For more information, contact Pastor Keith Higgs at 540-271-2978 or the church office at 540-778-4151.

• Luray Church of the Brethren, Sunday services 9:45 a.m. For more information, contact the church at 743-5563 or email LurayBrethren@ gmail.com.

• Luray United Methodist Church, contemporary service 8:30 a.m. with traditional Sunday worship at 11 a.m.; Lenten Recital Series, noon March 16, free event featuring musicians from the church, everyone is welcome; traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal 5-7 p.m. March 17, free-will offering to benefit mission projects (call 540-743-6540).

• New Direction Community Church, 52 Cave St., Luray, Sunday worship 10 a.m. For more information, contact 540-843-2558 or 540-253-5296 (Belvoir Assembly).

• Page United Methodist Church, Luray, Sunday worship 11 a.m. For more information, contact the Rev. Laura Schultz at 301-748-9362.

• Rocky Branch Regular Baptist Church, 141 E. Rocky Branch Rd., Luray, Sunday worship at 11 a.m., everyone is welcome.

• St. George’s Episcopal Church, 3380 Pine Grove Rd., Stanley, indoor worship 11 a.m. Sundays, third Sunday is Holy Eucharist, all other Sundays are morning prayer. For more information, contact 540-560-9422.

• Shenandoah Pentecostal Church, Operation Christmas Child dinner and music benefit 5-7 p.m. March 18, cost is $10, $6 for ages 4-8, and free for ages 3 and younger, music by the Virginia Rain Bluegrass Band.

• Stanley New Hope Pentecostal Church, beginning April 2 the church will offer two morning worship services 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., evening service continues at 6 p.m.; Easter camp meetings “Pentecost Again” begins Easter Sunday, April 9, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Randy Miller, nightly services at 7 p.m. April 10-13, with guest speakers Evangelist Drew Gibbons, Dr. Ron Phillips, Pastor Brett Gardner and Bishop Tim Hill.

It is always wise to think before we talk and ask Good to guide our words. And it is important to look to the Lord for insight before we leap into the unknown. It is certainly critical to pray before we proceed with any plan. If we ever fear we are failing it’s time to fall on our knees and ask God to come to our rescue. Looking to the Lord for His directions will give us confidence that we are following His will for our lives and can then count on His presence. To make the right choice we must listen for God’s voice.

Not only is God interested in who we are but what we do. He is no more interested in the missionary than he is the mechanic. He is no more concerned for a preacher than He is a politician. We read in His Word that “God so loved the world” - and that means everyone on it! That assures us that He has a plan for every life and will reveal His plan to those who willingly search for it and carefully follow it.

But one plan does not fit all any more than one size fits all. He has a different plan for each of us and various methods to speak to us. For some it may be a sermon, for others a passage of Scripture. He may speak quietly during a moment of worship or boldly during a time of sickness.

We must always be alert for His voice. He constantly speaks to each of us and wants to lead us on the path He has designed for us.

As He was with the Israelites then so He is with us now: “He guided with a cloud by day and light from a fire all night.” His presence is constant.

In daylight or darkness, He waits to be our guide.

For information, contact 912-685-2222 or log on to www.TheSower.com.

RubyH.Good

RubyHelenGood,80,of Stanley,passedawayon Sunday,March5,2023.She wasbornonApril11,1942, inWolftownandwasa daughterofthelateElton BerryandVirginia McDanielBerry.

RubyworkedatWrangler for41years.OnJuly4, 1959,shemarriedAlvin Good,whosurvives. Survivinginadditiontoher

obituaries

Community Editor: community@pagenewspaper.com

Ann Uccello, First Female Mayor In Connecticut, Dies At 100

husbandareadaughter, ElaineWeakleyofStanley; asister,JoyceWrightof Shenandoah;abrother, Alfred“Sonny”Berryof Reva;twograndchildren; andfivegreatgrandchildren.Shewas precededindeathbythree sisters,LucilleLong,Margie WeaverandMaryShifflett; andtwobrothers,Charles “Buzz”WeaverandHermon WeaverJr.,OneSoninLaw George"Frank"Weakley.

Amemorialservicewillbe conductedat6p.m.on Tuesday,April11,atthe StanleySeventh-day AdventistChurchbyPastor EarlPainter,withvisitation onehourpriortotheservice, from5-6p.m.Memorial contributionsmaybemade toacharityofchoice.

EddieD.Anderson

Eddie"DeeDee"Anderson, 61,ofStanley,passedaway onMonday,March6,2023, atPageMemorialHospital. HewasbornonFeb.17, 1962,inPageCountyand wasasonofGailSours

Anderson-WyattofLuray andthelateHenryPettit.He wasraisedbyG.R. AndersonJr.ofLuray. OnJuly2,1994,Eddie

marriedKarenAnnette GriffithAnderson,who survives.Survivingin additiontohismotherand hiswifeareadaughter, FeliciaAndersonand companionAdamPriceof Stanley;foursisters,Teresa DodsonandCharliePettit, bothofLuray,Lori VanfossenofShenandoah, andSusannahHenryof Stanley;fourbrothers,G.R. AndersonIIIofLuray,and MattPettit,AdamPettitand EddiePettit,allofStanley; andtwograndchildren, Tannerand HayleePrice. Amemorialservicewillbe conductedat11a.m.on Saturday,March11,atthe RileyvilleBaptistChurchby theRev.DanEllis.

James(Jim)StanleyBaggette

James(Jim)Stanley Baggette,88,ofRileyville, Virginia,passedawayon

Wednesday,March8th, 2023.HewasbornonJune

4,1934,toRobertStanley BaggetteandMaryEllen KnightBaggetteinNorth Carolina.

Hemarriedtheloveofhis

life,JaniceCatherine ShafferonAugust30th, 1952.Theyhadfive

children,JamesRichard Baggette,LindaCatherine Robbins,JosephWayne Baggette,ChristineMarie Clements,andAnthony GlennBaggette. Heworkedasacarpenter buildingmanyhomesand churchesacrossVirginia. Whenheretiredfromthat, hebecameasecurityguard atLurayHospitalandLuray Caverns.Hewasalsothe “ringsecurity”guardathis granddaughter’swedding andplayedhisparttothe fullestmakingeveryone smile.Hewasanavid gardenerofvegetablesand flowers,withazaleasbeing hispassion.Afellowgrower of azaleasnamedoneafter himandcalledittheJim BaggetteAzalea.Hisfamily proudlygrowsthisplantin theirowngardens tothis day.Hisotherloveswere baseballandNascaraswell asfishingandhunting.His biggestlovebesideshiswife andfamilywerehisfourleggedfriends.Heloved horses,goats,dogs,cats,and rabbits.Forseveralyears,he raisedshowrabbitsandwon trophiesineverycategory he entered.Toseehim withoutadogbyhisside wasarareoccurrence.

Associated

Press HARTFORD, Conn.

— Antonina “Ann” Uccello, the first woman to be elected a mayor in Connecticut when she won an upset victory as a Republican in Hartford in 1967, has died. She was 100.

Uccello, who went on to serve in the Nixon, Ford and Carter administrations, died of natural causes Sunday night at a hospital in Hartford, said Jacqueline Gustafson, who is married to Uccello’s nephew, David Gustafson.

“She just had remarkable intellect, resiliency and determination,” Jacqueline Gustafson, of West Hartford, said in a phone interview Tuesday. “She was someone I greatly admired. ... Ann was always someone I could talk to.”

Tributes from state political leaders poured in Tuesday afternoon as word of Uccello’s passing began circulating.

“Ann Uccello was a trailblazer who was born and raised in Hartford and dedicated her career in public service to the city she loved,” Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement. “She had a remarkable spirit and energy, and she leaves a lasting legacy on

Connecticut’s capitol city.”

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, also a Democrat, said Uccello shattered glass ceilings in the Connecticut political arena, then served as one of the highest-ranking women in the Nixon administration — as consumer affairs director in the Department of Transportation. She continued to work at the Transportation Department under Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.

“I admired her ground breaking work as Mayor of Hartford,” Bysiewicz said in a statement. “She leaves a legacy that has and will continue to inspire generations of women to pursue careers in politics and public service.”

Uccello, who has a street named after her in Hartford, served on the city council from 1963 to 1967 after working as a high school history teacher and in management positions at the G. Fox department store. In a heavily Democratic city, she defeated incumbent Mayor George Kinsella in the 1967 election and was reelected two years later.

As mayor, she was best known for comforting city residents and helping to prevent

Jameswasagreatstoryteller whokepthischildrenand grandchildrenhowlingin laughter.Theywerenever surehowmuchwastrueand howmuchwashisvivid imagination.Inthelastfew years,hestartedwriting someofhisfamilystories andhetitledhisbook,“You Wouldn’tBelieveIt”Hewas rightthatthefamilydidn’t believeitall,but then severalyearsagohetookhis daughterandtwo granddaughtersonatourof someplaceshehadlived whenhewasachild.They realizedhis“talltales”were mostlytrue.Yes,hedidride ahorsetoschoolanddid havetocrossarivertoget there.Theysawfor themselvestheriverherode thehorseacrossandnoware firmbelievers.

Tosaythathewillbe misseddoesn’tbeginto coverourfeelings.The familyisthankfultheyhad himforsolongandthat thosestorieswillliveon.

Jamesissurvivedbyhis wifeJanice,hisfive children,16grandchildren, 13great-grandchildren,and manycousins,family,and friends.Hewasprecededin deathbyhisparents,his brothersRobertWayne BaggetteandCharles ArnoldBaggette,hissisterin-lawMary Francis RobertsonBaggette,and twograndchildrenHannah ElizabethClementsand AshleyWhite.

Hisservicewasheldon March11th,2023attheBig SpringMennoniteChurchin Luray,VA.Pallbearerswere DavidSchaffer,Cliff Clements,Cayden Clements,BuckHiggins, JosephBaggetteJr.,Robert WayneBaggetteJr,and SteveClaflin.Honorary pallbearerKevinNewman.

Inlieuofflowers,Janice askedthatdonationsbe madetoPageOne,42West MainSt.,Luray,VA22835.

DonaldLeeCampbell DonaldLeeCampbell,88of CelinaOhiowenttomeet JesusonMarch12023.

SonofthelateMarthaand LeeCampbellofStanley, Virginia.Heissurvivedby brother,RoyCampbellof Stanley,Virginia,his children;Ronald(Sharon) CampbellofStanley, Virginia,Dannie(Angela)

CampbellandVirginia (Terrone)Finley35 grandchildren,andmany greatgrandchildrenand severalstepChildren.Heis alsoprecededindeathby hisWifeJaneFriesbrother, WayneCampbell,son, RodneyCampbell, granddaughter,Faith Campbell.

VernonMcArthurBailey

VernonMcArthurBailey, 78,ofRileyville,passed awayonWednesday,March 1,2023.Hewasbornon Oct.17,1944,inLurayand wasasonofthelateTurner CharlesBaileyandMary MaeLansberryBailey.

Vernonworkedasa custodianforWarren CountyPublicSchoolfor33

years.OnSept.27,1966,he marriedPatriciaAnnMabe Bailey,whosurvives. Survivinginadditiontohis wifeareason,DavidBailey ofLuray;twodaughters, MelissaBaldwinof RileyvilleandAmieDillard ofPittsvilleVA;three sisters,PhyllisSoursof Luray,JeanetteCubbageof Stanley,andJamieCaveof Luray;andfour grandchildren,Blake Baldwin,GriffynDillard, HollyBaileyandTucker Dillard.Hewasprecededin deathbythreesisters,Joyce Fisher,NinaBurnsand SharonParlett;andthree brothers,AmosBailey, ArthurBaileyandTurner BaileyJr. Servicesareplannedfora laterdate.

Former Hartford Mayor Antonina “Ann” Uccello announces that she is seeking the Republican nomination for the 1st Congressional district seat left vacant by the death of Rep. William R. Cotte, on Dec. 7, 1981. Uccello, the first woman to be elected a mayor in Connecticut when she won an upset victory as a Republican in the capital city of Hartford in 1967, died on Sunday. She was 100.

riots after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, according to Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, where she was inducted in 1999. She

also worked to protect children from lead poisoning and helped create low- and moderate-income housing, according to the Hall of Fame.

Former Rep. Pat Schroeder, Pioneer For Women’s Rights, Dies

Associated Press WASHINGTON —

Former U.S. Rep. Pat Schroeder, a pioneer for women’s and family rights in Congress, has died. She was 82.

Schroeder’s former press secretary, Andrea Camp, said Schroeder suffered a stroke recently and died Monday night at a hospital in Celebration, Florida, the city where she had been residing in recent years.

Schroeder took on the powerful elite with her rapier wit and antics for 24 years, shaking up stodgy government institutions by forcing them to acknowledge that women had a role in government.

Her unorthodox methods cost her important committee posts, but Schroeder said she wasn’t willing to join

Happy Birthday in Heaven!

Though we miss you always

Each and every day

It seems to hit us even more

Because it is your birthday.

We send wishes to Heaven

Carried to you, upon a prayer

To the place where you are now

With sweet, tender love and care.

We miss you more and more!

In Memory of

Tammy Lee Cook Cubbage

April 16, 2000

Barbara Ellen Comer Cook

March 13, 2018

Love,

what she called “the good old boys’ club” just to score political points. Unafraid of embarrassing her congressional colleagues in public, she became an icon for the feminist movement.

President Joe Biden paid tribute in a statement Tuesday, saying: “On issue after issue, Pat stood up for basic fairness, sensible policy, and women’s equal humanity. The result was a legislative record that changed millions of women’s lives — and men’s lives — for the better.”

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, said, “Her courage and persistence leave behind an indelible legacy of progress and have inspired countless women in public service to follow in her footsteps.”

Howard Jenkins March 13, 1936-January 21, 2014

Compton cullings

An infant child of Frank Kemp’s died at the home of its parents at Rileyville last Monday. Our old friend, R.A. Fristoe, of Bentonville, was in this community last week. He was all smiles. It’s boy No. 2. We are glad to note the improvement in the condition of J.G. Yates, who has been sick for over two months.

John T. Sours and wife visited the family of Dr. Cullers at Bentonville this week.

Miss Lizzie Spitler spent last Saturday and Sunday with relatives in Luray.

The Good Templar’s Lodge at Rileyville continues to grow, notwithstanding the opposition to it.

Henry Beahm is dangerously ill at his home near Rileyville.

John Roberts is the happy father of a bouncing boy. Father and son doing well at present.

It is rumored that Judge Booton will be petitioned to order a local option election in Springfield District to restrain the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors.

John T. Sours will build a ne house on his farm near Compton, this summer. The lumber is being delivered on the ground.

Early Smelser (Uncle George) has moved his saw mill to Burner’s Bottom, where he will saw a large lot of lumber for W.J. Linaweaver, Levi Miller and others.

Pencilagraphs

A large quantity of lumber is being shipped from Stanley.

The gardeners have been busy during the past few days, the weather greatly favoring their operations.

There has been for the last month or more an unusual amount of sickness among the employees at the Tannery, though none we are glad to say has been

of a serious nature.

Mr. C.G. Koontz bought last week of the South Stanley Land and Improvement Co. a valuable lot of about onehalf acre with a wide front on the railroad at Stanley. This is the lot conveyed some years since to the aforesaid company by Philip Hutchinson.

Mr. Lafayette Ogden left Luray on his bicycle on the morning of Feb. 27 at 5 minutes after eight o’clock, reaching New Market — 14 miles distance — at exactly nine-o’clock. Taking everything into consideration — crossing the Massanutton Mountain, the Shenandoah River, Mill Creek and Smith’s Creek — this is a most extraordinary run — 14 miles in 55 minutes.

The “fire proof jail” was on fire again last Monday, the thick clouds of smoke that rolled out of the windows causing a stampede of the crowd at the Court House. But little damage was done.

Ida items

Mr. Frank Forrer and family spent last Sunday with his uncle, E.T. Brumback, Esq.

Mr. A.J. Miller lost a valuable cow last week.

A great many of our people have been attending the Kibler trial in Luray this week.

Owing to the protracted meeting at Mount Zion, the Dunkards did not have services at their church here last Sunday.

Mr. John M. Woodward has recently improved his premises by a new fence around the yard and by grading the yard.

Newton Hoak, Esq., is improving his property recently purchased of T.J. Price, Esq.

Mr. F.B. Forrer has a good out t now — new horse, new wagon, new harness.

Mr. John W. Richards is contemplating making improvements in his chair factory, at Ida, in the near future.

Archives Out of the Archives

Page from the Past

This photograph graced the front page of the March 22, 1973 edition of the Page News and Courier as residents questioned the change of season. “Helen Fox of the Page News and Courier staff wonders if spring is really here after she spells out the season’s name on a car window covered with an inch of snow Wednesday. The snow began falling early Wednesday, only hours after spring’s official calendar entry at 1:13 p.m. Tuesday … This week’s cold weather contrasted with springlike temperatures last week.”

50 years ago

“Little Miss Page”

Little Miss Regina Caviness, 8-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow W. Caviness of Shenandoah, was chosen to reign as “Little Miss Page County” in a beauty pageant Saturday night at the Shenandoah Community Center.

Regina competed with 26 other 5- to 8-year-olds in swimsuits and dresses. Her crown was donated by Judd’s Jewelry Store of Luray. First runner-up was 5-year-old Anissa Stanley, daughter of Mrs. Bonnie Stanley.

Kimberley Annette Lawrence, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Luther A. Lawrence of Luray, was second runner-up. Dawn Marie Taylor received the “Little Miss Swimsuit” title and Marsha Ann Merica was chosen “Miss Personality.”

Alarm mishap

The malfunctioning of the Luray re alarm button at the Page County Jail last Thursday caused

the prolonged sounding of the alarm when it was turned on for its regular noon test. The trouble was soon corrected, but not before a number of firemen had responded to the audible summons.

Koontz crowned A blue-eyed brunette was named Miss Stanley Honorary Fire Chief last Saturday night in the fth annual contest held at Page County High School. Miss Janet Koontz of Stanley, 16, daughter of Mrs. Aldine Cubbage and the late J.D. Koontz, was the winner. The ninth-grader at Page County High School topped the 26 other contestants and was sponsored by Leggett Department Store. First runner-up was 14-year-old ninth-grader Miss Donna Hilliards, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alger Hilliards of Stanley, sponsored by Mack Cubbage Construction Company. Miss Kathy Young, another 14-year-

old, was second runnerup in the contest. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Young of Stanley and her sponsor was Seekford’s Center Service.

Loses title

Luray ended its season with a 25-2 record. West Point also concluded play with but two losses in 27 games. The big difference in the two records (which appear identical) is that the Bulldogs lost their final contest while the Pointers chalked up a win. That big West Point victory came before a University Hall audience last Saturday afternoon. The Pointers captured the Group A state championship with a 70-63 decision over the Bulldogs. West Point’s win denied the Dogs a fourth state title in the past seven years.

Park cleanup

Shenandoah National Park roads and trails crews are hard at work in an effort to open Skyline Drive as quickly as possible and get developed areas cleaned up in time for each area’s scheduled seasonal opening date after a devastating winter. Winter snow and ice storms that covered the higher elevations of the park with 12 to16 inches of solid ice and snow created destruction throughout the park and left park personnel scrambling to unclear Skyline Drive and campgrounds in time for the summer tourist season. Fifty maintenance personnel that normally only work at the park during the summer had to be recalled to help out with the disaster. Park spokeswoman Lyn Rothgeb said the most significant damage in the park occurred in elevations over 2,000 feet. Ice building-up snapped or uprooted trees, limbs, and power and telephone poles throughout the park.

Surprise twister

A tiny twister — or at least a big gust of wind — damaged several properties Saturday about 10:30 a.m. when it blew through a section of U.S. Route 211 east of Luray. The gust picked up a utility building owned by Ronnie and Jack Frady and set it down a little ways away, and also tore off a section of the house on the property. The roof ended up in the Food Lion parking lot nearby. An adjacent property owner also suffered as a result of the wind gale. Lillian Fox’s carport caved in on a car underneath. The tempest also knocked a tree down across U.S. 211 and stopped traf c until it was removed.

“The Luray High School basketball team poses for a group photo in 1944. Team players include, left to right, Dick Fox, Leo Strickler Jr., Richard Barrett, Ted Harper and Kenny Nichols. Holding the ball at front and center is Leon Waters.”

SCHOOLhighlights

Math Buddies

At Luray Elementary School, fifthgraders partnered with third-graders in a math “Escape Room.” In order to “break out,” the math buddies had to solve various math skills including multiplication, word problems, geometry, fractions and much more.

Pottery Work

Geometry Designs —

By Easton Gaunt, MCCA first-grader, teacher Carolyn Palmer

Surgical Practice

Clinical medical students at the Page County Technical Center are learning about minor office surgical procedures, which includes surgical asepsis, wound healing, and methods of closure and bandaging.

Mrs. Vile’s geometry students at Luray High School have been working on projects to conclude their semester. Students are applying what they have learned in geometry to plan and create models of different sports playing fields and courts. The students began planning and sketching before construction to include different geometric principles in their projects, and are also working cooperatively together while learning about group dynamics.

Ceramic artist Cathie Miranda volunteered her time and equipment to teach Luray Middle School students wheelthrown pottery. Seventh and eighth grade artists had the opportunity to make a ceramic bowl with Mrs. Miranda, while other students worked with LMS art teacher, Mrs. Marcey, making hand-built pottery pieces of their choice.

We are offering on Tuesday through Thursday each week from 3pm-6pm 8 pieces of Fried Chicken for ONLY $5.98! You SAVE over $2.00 per 8 pieces!