March 2, 2023

Former Valley Health workers sue over vaccine mandate

By Alex Bridges For The Page News and Courier

Lawsuits by two former Valley Health employees claim the region’s largest medical services provider unfairly fired them in 2021, even after they sought religious exemptions from VH’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Lori Swartz and Doug-

Virginia Cooperative Extension offers water testing

Staff Report

Virginia Cooperative Extension is offering Northern Shenandoah Valley residents the opportunity to have their well, spring, or cistern water tested for common contaminants. The Drinking Water Testing Clinics give people with private water systems access to affordable water testing, help interpreting their water test results, and information about possible treatment options. Since public water systems are regulated and regularly tested, additional testing isn’t needed if homes are on town/city water or if your community has its own water system.

Sample analysis includes testing for bacteria, lead, copper, arsenic, iron, manganese, pH, hardness, sodium, sulfate, fluoride, and nitrate. The cost for sample analysis is $65 per sample kit. First-time participants or those who have an annual household income of $70,000 or less can test one sample for $20. Discounted kits are available as long as funding lasts.

The schedule for testing is as follows:

Week 1 (March 12-15, 2023) – Frederick County and Page County. Sample

Drop-Off is March 15th from 7-10 a.m. The registration deadline for Week 1 is Thursday, March 9th.

Week 2 (March 20-22, 2023) – Clarke County, Shenandoah County, and Warren County. Sample

Drop-Off is March 22nd from 7-10 a.m. The registration deadline for Week 2 is Thursday, March 16th.

You can participate in any county (even if it’s not your county of residence), but you must be able to pick up and drop off samples to that location.

The Northern Shenandoah Valley Extension Staff looks forward to serving you. In Page County, call 540-7785794.

las McDowell claim, in separate but similar lawsuits filed against Valley Health System in Warren County Circuit Court in November and December, that the region’s largest health care network discriminated against them by not granting exemptions from the employer’s vaccination mandate. Valley Health fired McDowell and Swartz — both of whom worked at Winchester

Medical Center — in September 2021 for refusing to receive the vaccine.

Front Royal attorney E. Scott Lloyd represents McDowell and Swartz. Lloyd, a former Front Royal town councilman, was a vocal supporter of health care professionals who opposed Valley Health’s vaccination mandates in 2021.

Valley Health attorneys have asked in responsive

pleadings that the court dismiss Swartz’ and McDowell’s lawsuits on the grounds that they failed to exhaust all administrative remedies and satisfy statutory prerequisites required before filing the complaint. Valley Health argues that the court should dismiss Swartz’ lawsuit because she filed the complaint Nov. 30, nine days after a statute of limitations expired. Valley Health

argues that the court should dismiss McDowell’s case because his complaint relies in part on a Virginia Human Rights Act definition of religion that did not exist at the time of his request for the exemption or his termination.

Judge Daryl Funk held a Wednesday hearing on defense motions to change the venue

Search and rescue stories from Shenandoah National Park

Editor’s Note: Transcript and photos provided courtesy of WMRA Public Radio, Harrisonburg.

When someone gets lost or has an accident in Shenandoah National Park, the rangers are the ones coordinating their rescue. WMRA’s Randi B. Hagi has the story – and listeners should be advised that it does include discussions of injury and death.

A cold, dense fog smothered Skyline Drive one day in late January, as I drove up to Big Meadows in the Shenandoah National Park to interview Chief Ranger

Ranger Megan Hoyt (forefront), assisted by Rangers Lili Flowers, Janelleen Holloway, Kevin Godfrey,

Board of Supervisors’ meeting minutes

The Page County Board of Supervisors’ Feb. 21, 2023 regular meeting included the following agenda items and actions:

Call To Order

Supervisors Allen Louderback (District 2); Mark Stroupe (District 3); Larry Foltz (District 4); Jeff

Vaughan (District 5); and Chairman Keith Weakley were present. Supervisor Keith Guzy (District 1) was not in attendance.

Adoption Of Agenda

Supervisors unanimously adopted the Feb. 21, 2023 agenda with an amendment that the consideration of an

opioid resolution be added to the agenda under presentations, proclamations and awards.

Public Hearings

Supervisors conducted a public hearing to consider budget amendments for new revenue and expenditures. The hearing drew

no speakers. Supervisors unanimously approved appropriation requests as presented. Appropriations include $105,467 in local funds; $3,483 in state funds; $52,240 in federal funds; $359,264 in general fund balance dollars; $564,674

Randi B. Hagi

Chief Ranger Cynthia Sirk-Fear (left) has been with the National Park Service for 24 years. Supervisory Ranger Kevin Moses marks 30 years in 2023.

and volunteers, prepares to hoist an injured hiker up a 170-foot cliff on Old Rag.

Contributed photo

Edward Lee Blosser, 79, Luray Perry Lyle Dodson, 64, Luray Margaret Maureen Miller, 83, Luray

Sue Ann Lough Nickels, 76, Shenandoah House Murriel Franklin Price, 85, Burke Marion Douglas Turner, 81, Shenandoah

Workers

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a Wednesday hearing on defense motions to change the venue for each lawsuit. The defense argued in support of the motion that Valley Health is located in Winchester, not Warren County. The plaintiffs objected to the motion to transfer the cases to Winchester Circuit Court, noting that Valley Health has medical offices in Warren County, roughly 24 miles from Valley Health’s main office in Winchester.

Funk ordered that the cases be transferred to Winchester Circuit Court.

Swartz, a certified nurse assistant, worked for Valley Health from 1999 until her September 2021 termination in the pulmonary/renal unit of Winchester Medi-

Search

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Cynthia Sirk-Fear and Supervisory Ranger Kevin Moses. [ambulance beeping]

We met in the ambulance bay, where Moses let the dispatchers know the vehicle had returned to the ranger station.

MOSES: Rescue Two is back in quarters.

DISPATCHER [over walkie-talkie]: 14:35.

He’s the park’s SAR coordinator. SAR stands for “search and rescue.” [fabric rustling]

MOSES: This is a good example of one of our technical rescue packs, and we carry a harness –a sit harness and a chest harness – and on those harnesses are all kinds of gadgets. [carabiners clinking] … The two big things we do are, we move up a rope and down a rope.

He said the main types of emergencies they respond to are people who are injured, ill, lost, or stranded. And many of those calls are preventable, to some degree.

Moses holds a harness and helmet from his technical rescue pack.

MOSES: Part of the preventable nature of some of these rescues is decision-making, and what we love to see our visitors do is some research.

That includes both researching the trail you plan to hike and knowing what equipment to take. The National Park Service has a list of “Ten Essentials,” which includes things such as first aid supplies, food, water, a physical map, and multiple light sources. Moses said he regularly runs into hikers with little more than their cell phones in the way of gear.

MOSES: They’re fun!

But they’re pretty hard hikes. There’s a lot of elevation change, creek crossings, that kind of stuff. … What if I trip?

What if I become injured?

What if I become a little bit disoriented, a little bit lost, and I am now hiking at nighttime?

Sirk-Fear said that rescues can be initiated in a couple different ways – sometimes the person in need calls 911 or flags

cal Center. Valley Health President and CEO Mark Nantz announced by email that all employees must be vaccinated for COVID-19 by Nov. 1, 2021, with the first of the two-dose regimen received by Oct. 1.

Employees could apply by Aug. 16 for a medical or religious exemption.

On Aug. 5, employees were alerted that the first-dose deadline moved up to Sept. 7. This memo reiterated the availability of exemptions.

Swartz filed a religious exemption request Aug. 10, stating in the request that COVID-19 testing and vaccines violated her religious beliefs.

“The body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and as such, should not be used for medical experimentation,” Swartz states in her application. “It is against

my faith to inject a DNA altering substance into my bloodstream; my Creator made me in His image.”

Swartz later referenced the use of aborted fetal cells in the development of all three vaccines available at the time, her complaint states. She says in her application that “it is against my belief to use recombinant RNA ... from aborted fetal cell line tissue because of the sanctity of life and the Law of the Old Testament.”

Swartz notes that she did not receive a religious exemption while many other employees did. She filed a complaint with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights on Sept. 16. The office advised in a Sept. 21 letter it had forwarded her complaint to the Equal

Employment Opportunity Commission. Valley Health terminated Swartz the next day. She received a notice of right to sue from the EEOC on Sept. 1, 2022, the complaint notes.

Swartz claims in her one-count complaint that Valley Health violated the Virginia Human Rights Act through religious discrimination by failing to accommodate her exemption and then firing her. Swartz seeks $150,000 in damages and requests a jury trial.

McDowell filed a similar lawsuit against Valley Health. McDowell, a registered nurse since 2008, worked at Winchester Medical Center from January 2021 in the Behavioral Health Unit until his September 24, 2021, termination. McDowell’s complaint states he had

a religious objection to taking the vaccine so he used the procedure for requesting an accommodation.

“Valley Health denied Mr. McDowell’s accommodation and then fired him, although it accommodated others with similar religious beliefs and identical work responsibilities,” his complaint states. Valley Health denied his first request, which he filed Aug. 10, and a revised accommodation Aug. 15, the complaint states.

McDowell states in his written request for an exemption: “Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I have made my best possible discernment of truth and have come to the conclusion that receiving the Covid-19 vaccine is not in agreement with my deepest and

most sincere religious beliefs and therefore request a religious exemption.”

McDowell notes that other employees received exemptions.

The complaint states that McDowell received a notice of right to sue from the EEOC on Sept. 13, 2022. McDowell also claims in his lawsuit that Valley Health violated the state human rights act by failing to grant him an accommodation religious exemption from the vaccine mandate. McDowell’s lawsuit also claims Valley Health violated the act through disparate treatment by treating him differently than other employees. McDowell seeks $350,000 in damages and requests a jury trial.

– Contact Alex Bridges at abridges@nvdaily.com

Woodstock 4:15-5:00

Thursday, March 16

someone down on the trail. Other times, a loved one who knows their itinerary will call to say they haven’t made it home.

Once the rangers have an idea of where a patient is –

SIRK-FEAR: The typical response then is to get that initial person as quickly as possible to the individual, so that we can confirm location, confirm the injury, just gather all of that data that we’re going to need to develop the plan.

One of their recent rescues took place on December 7th.

JARED GOODSON: I go hiking a lot, and I take videos on the edge of the cliffs for my girlfriend, just to get her heart racing and stuff.

Jared Goodson is a 21-year-old college student from Manassas, who came to hike Old Rag by himself that day.

GOODSON: And so I was taking a video, and my hat fell off onto a tree branch on the edge of the cliff, and … I lower myself down onto the tree branch … but once I got my hat, I turned around to the cliff edge, but I couldn’t reach the top anymore. … But then when I lowered myself to jump, the tree branch broke.

MOSES: … and he fell 170 feet! Which is kind of amazing, in the state of Virginia. … Well, there’s some doozies on Old Rag.

Goodson fell for a while, hit a rock ledge, rolled, kept falling, hit a number of small branches, and finally landed on the ground –miraculously, alive. He started conducting a full body check. His neck seemed okay. Then, he got to his left leg.

GOODSON: When you see a dislocated ankle, it’s really, really ugly, it’s really, really painful, so that kind of sent me into a panic. So then I started screaming for help for maybe 15 or 20 minutes, with no response.

He was able to drag himself until he got service on his Apple watch, and called 911. It still took about three hours before the first responders and other hikers were able to find him. Secured in a litter with some painkillers and sedatives working their magic, Goodson was hoisted back up the cliff with ropes, then carried down Old Rag by a team of about 20 rangers and volunteers.

An ambulance took him to the University of Virginia hospital, where he underwent surgery to put his ankle back in place.

GOODSON: A hundred-foot fall is supposed to be a non-survivable action, and I didn’t break a bone. I only dislocated my ankle. So, God was really with me that day.

The rangers explained

that not everyone is so lucky. A few years ago, four friends were out hiking, and left the trail to explore the top of a waterfall. One of them stepped on a wet patch of rock.

MOSES: He fell 82 feet … hitting ledges, and he landed face down in a three-foot pool of water. … One of his super-dedicated buddies, he saw it; he was horrified; he ran to the edge of the waterfall thinking he was going to help him, and he fell, too. The exact same path. The other two ran to the base of the waterfall and pulled their friends out of the water, but it was too late for one of them.

Falls are a relatively common accident in the park. In another incident, two young women were

taking selfies from the top of a waterfall when they fell.

SIRK-FEAR: They were both very severely injured. They ended up being hoisted out and they were both flown to the hospital, and if I recall, spent about 30 days in the hospital due to the severity of their injuries.

Thankfully, both survived.

MOSES: Those are the heroes on the other side of the microphone.

MOSES: That others may live, these guys will answer a call at 2 a.m.

As for Goodson, he’s on the road to recovery, albeit on crutches. But he says the experience changed him.

GOODSON: I’m more appreciative of every moment I’m in. Like, the bed feels softer at night, and my girlfriend’s

hair smells better in the morning. … If you see a first responder, just say “thank you,” or maybe do something nice for them. … They’re heroes. And please take care the next time you set out to enjoy this beautiful part of the world we live in.

WMRA is a public-radio formatted broadcast radio station in Harrisonburg, found at 90.7 on the radio dial (as well as online and via podcast). It is the NPR member station for the central Shenandoah Valley. WMRA Public Radio’s mission is to inform, connect, and engage communities through journalism, broadcasting, and outreach. Follow them on Facebook @WMRAPublicRadio. To support their efforts, visit www.wmra. org and click “contribute.”

Staff Report

As temperatures fall and food sources become less abundant, many bears in Virginia will enter a winter den. Other bears will greatly reduce their movements during but may remain active throughout the season. Black bears will den in a variety of places including brush piles, trees, debris piles, and occasionally under porches or unsecured crawl spaces.

Not all black bears den for the full winter season. Often, black bears that enter a winter den are females who will birth their cubs in the den or females with yearlings. Male black bears may

Be ‘den aware’ this winter

den, but generally do not stay in a den for the entire winter due to the lack of extreme cold weather and snow across much of Virginia.

Whether enjoying a hike, cutting firewood, clearing brush, hunting, or doing other activities, you may inadvertently stumble upon a black bear den.

A female black bear, particularly one who has had cubs, will likely remain at the den unless they feel pressured to leave. Here are a few tips to avoid disturbing a bear den and what to do should a female leave her den: Avoid hiking in dense brushy thickets. If you must work in

these areas, be mindful of brush piles, gullies with debris piles, or storm damage areas with thickets of limbs/ root balls.

Always maintain dogs on a leash.

To prevent a bear from denning under an occupied dwelling, ensure that crawl spaces, underpinnings and porches are closed and secured If you find a den on your property or while recreating, do not disturb it or approach the area.

If you inadvertently flush a female bear from a den, DO NOT approach the den. Take a GPS point of the location (or mark a nearby area with flagging) and leave the area immediately. Contact the Wild -

life Helpline (1-855571-9003) to report the den location.

Most often when left alone, the female will return to the den, although they may not return until night. Do not go back to the den area as additional disturbance may cause the bear to leave again and not return.

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Thank you PNC and story subjects

I really enjoyed reading the paper, with all the writers of yesteryears, 100 years ago, 50 years ago, and all the recent years, of days gone by.

The letter that Neil Porter wrote about his life and how he is a born-again Christian. Neil, I was one of your bus drivers of years ago, your brother, Patrick (Pooh Pot) his nickname. I hope he’s doing well. Praise the Lord for your turn around.

I also enjoyed the letter of Mr. Lloyd Tutt. It’s so good to remember good people. Also the letter on Mrs. Painter, remembering her as a wonderful teacher at Nauman School. Thank you.

Now this week [2.23.23], remembering country music in the county. Thanks to the people of the county for bringing these stories to us. Thank you.

Thanks to Sam Qui-

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in landfill construction fund balance dollars; and $168,154 in County CIP Fund balance dollars. The requests increase the County’s general fund budget by $3,483; the tourism fund by $100,000; the landfill construction fund by $1,090,575; the County CLP Fund by $6,984; and Page County Public Schools’ operating fund by $52,240.

Presentations, Proclamations And Awards

Cheryl Giggetts of CTA Consultants, LLC led a radio system project presentation following the County’s replacement of the emergency infrastructure last month. Giggetts gave an overview of the system’s four-channel design, which utilizes RF sites at Big Mountain, Tanners Ridge and Kibler Hill. Installation was officially completed in August 2022 before functional acceptance and coverage tests in September, followed by a 30-day operational test in November. The County in January went live with the new, $5.5 million emergency radio system, bolstering public safety and narrowing a service gap that formerly saw as much as 40 percent of the County without radio coverage. Coverage testing, Giggetts reported, shows that

nones for the articles he wrote in our paper, based on fi ghting the opioid epidemic in our state and county. How we should have more getting together with people in our community, out in the fresh air, maybe instead of staying on phones and tablets. These things are so habit forming. How he advises people to get a job and work to the best of their ability on that job. It’s important in life to work.

If you haven’t gotten the Page News and Courier this week, get one. It’s very newsworthy.

Joyce Doffl

Page County’s ongoing identify crisis

emyer Luray

Editor’s note: This wonderful letter was printed as written. Credit to Taylor Alger for the in-depth stories on Neil Porter and Sam Quinones. Credit to Deloris Judy for tirelessly poring through endless archive editions of the PNC to find the best stories (and photos) to share with the community.

“Who are we?” isn’t a question you expect the County’s Board of Supervisors to ask. But the minutes of an August 2018 meeting state that “After much discussion [of the draft Economic Development Plan] between the Board members, it was decided that the Board needs to meet with the EDA to define what we need and who we are, what incentives we can offer as well as what businesses we need to go after.” Those comments were the last recorded discussion on the subject of an economic development plan for the county.

Five years later, the county is in great financial shape, thanks to increases in real estate tax revenue. But efforts for economic growth are a hodgepodge of this and that There is no plan for economic development in the county. No plan to bring living-wage jobs to the county. No plan to attract businesses that pay

living wages. No plan to deal with the lack of affordable housing. Recent economic development efforts focus on tourism and agriculture that are likely to produce low paying jobs.

Meanwhile, public outcry focuses on the massive growth of the former Outlanders RV park and a permit application to discharge treated sewage into the Shenandoah River.

Before we see more random proposals, studies, and projects, the county needs to develop a plan to meet important objectives. The plan needs to focus on strategies to protect our natural resources, attract living-wage jobs and businesses, and develop affordable housing options.

Cathy Herbert Luray

Petition for river health

In the mid-January DEQ informational meeting on the discharge permit for the Luray RV

Resort. several questions were raised about the site location for the wastewater treatment plant: the FEMA floodplain; and any changing weather patterns which could impact siting. Below are insights pertinent to these two questions. Weather extremes— floods and dry spells—are impacting the river more.

More floods are occurring, and they are trending toward higher crests.

Between 1970-2020, the river crested twice above 26 ft. (1985, 26.72 ft., 1996/Hurricane Fran, 26.95 ft.) And, the number of floods has doubled from the previous fifty years.

Rainfall patterns are shifting. Some rainfall patterns are now shifting into “extreme precipitation events, ”a month’s worth of rain in 24-hours.” That happened recently in two neighboring states, Kentucky and Tennessee. That happened in Madison County, VA in the 1990’s.

Could these events happen here?

The proposed site for

the wastewater treatment plant sits on the edge of the FEMA floodplain. Is this an acceptable level of risk?

River health can be impacted by discharges of pollutants in low flow/ drought conditions. Since 1930 the top five lowest flow periods on the river here have occurred since 2012.

The Blue Water developers and operators for the Luray RV Resort have stated that they wish to be good neighbors. Installing a wastewater treatment plant instead of drain fields is preferable. Is there more the developer would be willing to do?

A group of citizens would like Blue Water to consider some changes to their business and site development plans. A petition is now circulating on the website www. Change.org/p/protect-ourriver.

I urge you to consider what is an acceptable level of risk. If you think more needs to be done, please sign the petition.

Lucia King Luray

the County’s new system increases mobile coverage to 98.6 percent and portable and portable light building coverage to 97.3 percent and 95.8 percent, respectively.

Page County Administrator Amity Moler presented radio system recognition awards to community partner and donor Rod Graves; Lynchburg-based public safety consulting firm CTA Consultants; Deputy Director of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham ECC Jim Junkins; Page County ECC Director Danielle Rhinehart; and Page County Radio Program Manager and former Page County Director of Emergency Services Woody Brown. Supervisors applauded the team members for their work to replace Page County’s emergency radio system — the result of a multi-year effort and cross-functional collaboration. Page’s new emergency infrastructure is part of a shared system with the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, making it Page’s largest-ever collaborative project with a second locality. The system boosts interoperability and performance for nearly a dozen Page County agencies, including the Page County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, town police and fire and rescue in Luray, Stanley and Shenandoah. Efforts are underway to expand the infrastruc-

ture to include Page County Public Schools by July.

Page County ECC Director Danielle Rhinehart gave special recognition to Page County Dispatcher Leslie Jenkins “for her effort in assisting to save a life” during a residential fire on Jan. 22, 2023. “Although this was a stressful situation, the dispatcher was able to take control of the call, relay information successfully to law enforcement and give clear instructions to the caller,” said Rhinehart. Supervisors, County staff and others in attendance during Monday night’s meeting recognized Jenkins with a standing ovation.

Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution to receive and complete the opioid settlement participation forms, a requirement to be party to the National Opioid Settlement with pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens and Walmart and opioid manufactures Teva Pharmaceuticals and Allergan to resolve claims involving their alleged roles in fomenting the country’s opioid crisis.

Page County Administrator Amity Moler told supervisors that a specific dollar amount to the County through the settlement nor a timeframe have been determined. In settlement agreements, the five companies agreed to collectively pay as

much as $20.1 billion to state and local governments across the U.S. For the settlements to take effect, a significant number of states as well as county and municipal governments nationwide must agree to the proposed terms of the settlement agreements.

Action Matters

Supervisors unanimously appointed Andrea Bieber of Northwestern Community Services to the Community Policy and Management Team for an unexpired term through June 30, 2024. Supervisors considered an appointment to a vacant seat on Northwestern Community Services Board for an unexpired term that will expire on Dec. 31, 2025 but took no action. Supervisors considered an appointment to the District 5 seat on the Social Services Board for a fouryear term, beginning immediately through June 30, 2026, but took no action.

Consent Agenda

Supervisors unanimously approved the consent agenda as follows: financial reports for the period of Jan. 1 through Jan. 31, 2023; accounts payable checks, payroll checks, payroll direct deposits and payroll tax-related electronic fund transfers totaling $4,119,029.86 for Jan-

uary 2023; the meeting minutes of Jan. 3, 2023 and Jan. 17, 2023; and three coyote claims totaling $150.

New Business Supervisor Stroupe proposed that the Board consider imposing a bag tax in Page County. The Disposable Plastic Bag Tax, if approved, would require retailers to collect a tax for each disposable plastic bag they provide to customers. Money raised by the tax goes to support environmental cleanup, litter and pollution mitigation, or environmental education efforts, or to provide reusable bags of SNAP and WIC benefits. According to State Code, any city or county in Virginia may impose a 5-cent tax on each disposable bag provided to shoppers in local grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies. A city or county must pass an ordinance to begin applying the tax. As of January 2023, 10 Virginia localities collect a disposable plastic bag tax.

Administrator’s Report

Page County Administrator Amity Moler reported that, based on preliminary fiscal 2024 budget meetings, a multi-million-dollar shortfall is projected, noting that many increased allocation requests are a result of rising fuel and food

costs, as well as inflation overall. The Page County Commissioner of the Revenue, said Moler, is working on updated revenue projections on real estate and personal property values, which are expected to increase in the coming fiscal year and help bridge the budget gap. Supervisors discussed the possibility of lowering the County’s contribution to staff health insurance costs and imposing a fire and rescue tax to help fund those agencies and their services in Page County. Chairman Weakly noted the possibility of pursuing legislative changes to increase the County’s tax revenue generated by visitor spending.

Supervisors’ Time

Supervisors thanked those in attendance as well as those recognized for their work to replace the County’s emergency radio system, noting that the “team effort” increases public safety for all in Page County, including residents and first responders.

The Page County Board of Supervisors meets at 7 pm.on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month, at 103 S. Court Street, Board Room, 2nd floor, Luray. For minutes from previous meetings and agendas for upcoming meetings, visit pagecounty.virginia.gov/ AgendaCenter.

Chance

Female(S) Vacs.

dilute calico coat! She’s super social and sweet! You can marvel at her soft fur while she sings you her sweet songs!

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. She may come off as a bit timid, but she’s sweet and adorable! Izzy would be much happier if she had a home of her own where she could be her secure, affectionate self again!

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!

Please contact the

Page County Animal Shelter for Low-Cost Spaying & Neutering!

Do

“The purity of a person’s heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals”

Come by today to see what amazing companions we really are!

Magnolia

Female(S)

Alfred

3yr

Vacs. Black & Tan Coonhound If the eyes are the window to the soul, Magnolia’s would show you how gentle and kind she is! She has a heart of pure gold and she’ll love you to the ends of the world, so long as you make sure to throw the squeaky toy!

–Anonymous

Miles Annie Izzy

Carmen 5mos

–

Magnolia

Area Briefs: Clarke County Boys Rally

To Regional Triumph

BERRYVILLE —

Trailing through two quarters, the top-seeded Clarke County boys’ basketball team outscored No. 8 Page County 17-4 in the third period to pull away to a 61-49 triumph in the quarterfinals of the Region 2B Tournament on Tuesday.

The Eagles (17-8) will host No. 4 Strasburg in the semifinals at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday with the winner clinching a state tournament berth and a spot in the regional title game at Shenandoah University on Saturday.

Clarke County trailed Page County 18-13 after one quarter and 32-30 at the half before taking control in the third quarter.

Clarke County leaders:

Tyler Sansom 17 points, 4 steals; Tanner Sipe 11 points, 6 rebounds; Will Booker 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks; Moses Day 9 points; Louie Marino 8 points; Nate Thompson 6 points.

Girls basketball:

Clarke Co. 50, Stuarts

Draft 16

BERRYVILLE — Topseeded Clarke County outscored No. 8 Stuarts

Draft 23-0 in the first quarter and cruised to a victory in the quarterfinals of the Region 2B tournament on Tuesday.

The Eagles (20-5) will host No. 5 Central in the semifinals at 6:30 p.m. on Friday with the winner clinching a state tournament berth and a spot in the regional title game at Shenandoah University on Saturday.

Clarke County led 36-9 at the half and 46-15 after three quarters.

Clarke County leaders:

Hailey Evans 22 points, 4 steals; Alainah McKavish 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists; Bailey Beard 7 points; Keira Rohrbach 6 rebounds.

Men’s basketball: Va.

Wesleyan 80, SU 52

VIRGINIA BEACH —

Seventh-seeded Virginia Wesleyan led from start to finish and ended No. 10 Shenandoah University’s season with a romp in the first round of the ODAC Tournament on Tuesday.

The Hornets were within 8-7 early, but the Marlins went on a 15-2 run to take control. Virginia Wesleyan led 43-29 at the half and SU never got closer than 12 points

sportsnews

Luray’s Burrill Continues To Improve Her Game At Roanoke

By John Breeden For The Page News

After leaving a remarkable legacy behind at Luray High School, college sophomore Brynlee Burrill has gone head-on into her new journey in her basketball career at Roanoke College.

The former Bulldogs standout has faced the ups and downs of what it takes to be a colle -

giate basketball player but feels she’s adjusted to it nicely.

“It’s definitely been a lot more challenging, but it’s also very rewarding,” Burrill said. “I never realized the level my game could reach.”

Burrill has played in 21 career games and

has been on a successful journey with the Maroons thus far, who are seeded sixth heading into the Old Dominion Athletic Conference tournament and will face thirdseeded Bridgewater on Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center.

Roanoke College was the school for Burrill because she didn’t want to go somewhere “super close” to home and liked the idea of playing in the ODAC.

“[They’re] familiar players that I’ve played against in high school,” Burrill said. “Roanoke just had really appealing facilities and coaches and players that I’ve really connected with.”

Since coming to Ro -

anoke, Burrill feels she’s gained more game IQ and become a more aggressive player — a different intensity than she played with in high school.

“My defensive game has changed completely,” Burrill said. “In high school, I didn’t think I was the best defender, but here, I will say I’m the

See BURRILL, Page A7

Page’s Williams Went Out Strong

By Cody Elliott For The Page News and Courier

SHENANDOAH —

It wasn’t the way Jacob Williams wanted it to end.

But there’s no doubt the 6-foot-3 senior can leave Page County proud.

After being told he should shoot more and coaches trying to instill confidence for several years,

the shooting guard erupted this season.

He served as a leader on and off the court for the Panthers, and he took over several games late and carried the team to victories.

That alone should be enough to put a smile on Williams’ face.

“My primary role is an offensive scorer,” Williams said. “My strength is shooting the ball off of good passes from my teammates.”

His jumper is smooth, and he has some solid handles, too.

But getting in the lane and making things happen is possible for Williams, too, and he showed off versatility in his offensive game.

That allowed his confidence to grow and for his career to finish strong.

“I’ve improved a lot as a player,” Williams said. “It was by getting shots up in the gym

and working outside of school on my game.”

Now that his senior season on the court is up, the Panthers standout will give it another try in another sport, as he said he hopes to suit up for the stories PCHS baseball program this spring on the diamond.

Other than that, Williams will be spending his time reflecting on hoops.

And after finally hitting his potential in his

final season on the court, the senior can walk out of the Page County hallways standing proud.

“My confidence has grown because of the trust put in my by my teammates and coaches,” Williams said. Contact Cody Elliott at 540-574-6284 or celliott@dnronline. com | Follow Cody on Twitter: @VTCody

Panthers Have Plenty Of Reason To Believe

By Cody Elliott For The Page News and Courier SHENANDOAH

— It’s been a roller coaster of a season for Page County.

The Panthers have displayed the ability to beat anyone on any given night.

They’ve also been prone to getting upset against weaker opponents at times. But such is life in the Bull Run District,

and as Page got set for postseason play, head coach E.J. Wyant and his players knew what it would take to win games.

“Playing for each other,” Wyant said. “Trusting and believing in each other, selflessness. heart, grit, determination, and effort. Execution. All those go into being consistent. At the end of the day, most of the time, the team the most consistent ends up winning.”

The Panthers closed the regular season with an overtime loss at the hands of East Rockingham and then fell in the opening round of the district tournament.

But entering the regional bracket against rival Luray on Tuesday, there was a reason for Page to believe it could get a win and possibly make a postseason run.

“I think we’ve grown in every facet of the game,” Wyant said.

“Offensively, we are playing smarter and being more patient than we were in November. We are moving the ball well and working to get the best shot possible. It’s not ‘my’ shot, it’s ‘our’ shot. Our offensive action has been more consistent as of late also. Defensively, we have been pretty solid night and night out. We strive

Page County’s Jacob Williams goes up for a shot over Luray defenders during Wednesday’s game.

and Courier

Burrill

Senior Khalil Named Top Player In Valley District

By Cody Elliott For The Page News and Courier

It wasn’t much of a shocker, but Spotswood wing Zoli Khalil has racked up another honor.

The 6-foot-1 versatile senior wing for the Trailblazers, a VCU signee, was named the Valley District Girls Basketball Player of the Year last week, the league announced.

Khalil, the defending Virginia High School League Class 3 Player of the Year, earned the honor for a second straight year after leading the league champions in scoring and rebounding despite facing double teams throughout a majority of the regular season. Trailblazers head coach Chris Dodson, meanwhile, was the league’s Coach of the Year.

Khalil was joined on the All-Valley District first team by teammates Madison Doss, a sophomore point guard, and Alana Taylor, a standout guard who has been electric. Other first-team honorees included Turner

Ashby’s Raevin Washington, a junior forward, Brynne Gerber, another junior forward, and Kendall Simmers, a speedy junior guard that led the league in steals and is one of the top softball talents in the area.

Broadway sophomore Wren Wheeler and senior Lily Gatesman were the other two first-team selections after guiding the Gobblers to their first regional playoff win since 2017.

The all-district second team consisted of Spotswood junior forward Molly Grefe, along with TA freshman standout Maisy Miller and junior guard Samantha Whetzel.

Also earning a second-team spot was Broadway juniors Maya Bacon and Lexi Dingus, BHS senior Lindsey Wimer and Rockbridge County’s low-post duo of Maddie Dahl, a junior multi-sport standout, and Lola Mulitalo, a freshman with a bright future.

Contact Cody Elliott at 540-574-6284 or celliott@ dnronline.com | Follow Cody on Twitter: @VTCody

Spotswood’s Sophomore Pacheco Earns Top Honor In Valley

By Cody Elliott

For The Page News and Courier

For the second straight year, a member of the Pacheco family has received a top honor

But this season, it’s sophomore point guard Camryn Pacheco —not his older brother, Carmelo, who is now starring at Fork Union Military Academy — earning the title of Valley District Boys Basketball Player of the Year, the league announced last week.

The 6-foot-3 standout has blossomed this season after a first-team all-district season a year ago as

a freshman, leading the Trailblazers in scoring but also showing off an allaround game this postseason that includes big numbers across the board.

Pacheco was joined on the first team for a second straight season by teammate Rayne Dean, a 6-foot-4 sophomore forward, and SHS guard Tyler Sprague, also a sophomore.

Other first-team selections included Harrisonburg senior Jadon Burgess, who will play in college next year, along with Broadway’s Tristan Yoder, a sharpshooting sophomore, and senior Caleb Barnes, and Rock-

bridge’s Brandon Mays and Milo Mulitalo

The all-district second team was also announced, featuring Harrisonburg’s brotherly duo of Tiberius and Latham Fields, both sophomores, along with Broadway’s Breylon Miller and Conner Michael, a senior and a junior, respectively at the forward spots.

Also earning second-team honors was Turner Ashby sophomore Beau Baylor, Spotswood juniors Jackson Li and Parker Webb and Rockbridge’s Henry Lambert.

Trailblazers head coach Chad Edwards was the league’s Coach of the Year.

From Page A6

best defender on the court.”

Burrill has been watching the games from the bench since recently breaking her nose in practice.

Burrill has focused on being a better teammate since getting injured. It’s a unique experience for her to watch from the sideline as she recovers.

From Page A6

to make our opponents work to get good shots. I believe we’ve also grown in our understanding of situational basketball.”

The Bull Run District was won by Clarke County this year but filled with parity.

Strasburg is a contender in Region 2B, along with Luray and a handful of others.

But the Panthers beat the Bulldogs in the regular season, proving that their postseason aspirations may have some merit despite an up-and-down year.

“We have all matured a lot as athletes throughout the season,” Page junior Faith Mason said. “We’ve been learning each player’s strong points and utilizing that on the court.”

Four seniors are on the Page roster — Alexis Frymyer, Montana Foltz, Jocelyne

“In high school, I did play the whole time,” Burrill said. “It’s definitely a different experience. I’ve definitely learned how to be a different type of teammate. I’m definitely more encouraging and I’ve just learned to be a better teammate out of all of it.”

Burrill played for the Bulldogs for all four years of high school and certainly left an impact — re -

cently having her LHS No. 10 jersey retired.

Burrill played under current Bulldogs head coach Joe Lucas. She took much of what she learned from Lucas into her collegiate career.

“All the stuff he taught me and how he helped develop my IQ has really helped me at the college level,” Burrill said.

Burrill feels she learned a lot about

the mental side of the game when she played at Luray and believes it’s made her into the player she is today.

“I definitely learned to play through adversity,” Burrill said. “I took on a really big leadership role, and I think that’s transferred into college.”

Burrill is looking forward to returning to court and trying to lead the Maroons to an ODAC title, and it’s ev -

ident what her role will be when she returns.

“My job is to drive to the basket, finish around it and play some good defense,” Burrill said.

Contact John Breeden at 540-574-6291 or jbreeden@dnronline. com. | Follow John on Twitter: @John_R_ Breeden

Rinker, and Lauren Hensley — and all have played a vital role.

But freshman Ali Purdham is a rising star for the Panthers, and other young pieces such as Mason, Bailee Gaskins, Adryn “Boo” Martin, Carter Umberger, and Taryn Eppard have given those inside the program a reason to be excited for several years to come.

“I believe there really is [a lot of excitement],” Martin said. “We have a lot of potential in our younger girls, and the resources and people willing to help take them to the next level. It will all come down to if they’re willing to put in the work.”

Leadership this season has come from a collective effort by the team players said.

Each day, situations vary, meaning different players step up and lead the way.

“There was never

just one person specifically,” Mason said. “Our team would have different players stepping up to help lead when we needed someone to fill those shoes.”

The highs and lows of the season can sometimes be too much to overcome in sports.

But despite struggling with consistency at times, Page County has stayed believing.

And whether it’s a magical Cinderella-type run this season or building a foundation for years to come, the Panthers can leave this season with their heads held high.

“We have to play as a team,” Martin said. “We have to show selflessness and play for one another, rather than ourselves. We have to display heart, grit, determination and effort. If we can do these things, I have no doubt we’ll be successful.”

From Page A6

over the final 20 minutes.

Burrill Triumph Panthers

Joshua Stephen had 17 points off the bench to lead the Hornets. Favion Roberts and Malik Jordan each had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Jordan Crump had 21 points and Amarion Wilson netted 18 for the Marlins (17-9) who advance to face second-seeded Hampden-Sydney (20-5) in the ODAC quarterfinals on Friday at the Salem Civic Center.

Nick Doyle finished 7-19 in his first season as coach of the Hornets.

Men’s lacrosse: Hood 13, SU 12 (OT)

FREDERICK, Md. — Hood rallied from a two-goal deficit with less than two minutes remaining and won in sudden-death overtime against Shenandoah University on Tuesday.

The Hornets (0-2) led 12-10 on Jack Green’s goal with 1:58 left. But Hood’s Robby Wiley scored a pair of goals with a man advantage to tie the score in regulation and the Blazers’ won on Owen McDermott’s goal in overtime.

Logan Clingerman led SU with four goals and an assist. Green added three goals and Tyler Held notched two. Zachary Heiderman notched five assists, while kepper Mark Isabelle had 11 saves. Wiley’s four goal led Hood (2-0).

— Compiled by Walt Moody

Spotswood’s Camryn Pacheco goes up for a shot over the Broadway defense.

Daniel Lin / For The Page News and Courier Spotswood’s Zoli Khalil tries to make the steal on Liberty’s Taniesha Brown.

Looking

50 Years Back

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, members of the Luray Garden Club enjoyed homemade goodies from Bijou’s Sweet Treats, as well as a presentation from member Mary Kate on composting. The club meeting also included a small assortment of horticulture specimens, plus submissions for this month’s exhibit featuring a “Mardi Gras” theme.

If you are a business that is looking for new employees, we invite you to set up a table for this year’s job fair. Attended by students from LHS, PCHS, Mt. Carmel, & LRCC, as well as the community, you will have the opportunity to meet potential employees. If you are interested in setting up a table, please contact Clancey at Clancey.arnold@luraypage.com or (540) 743-3915.

Business Seminar –Creating Content

Thursday, March 9th, 2:00-3:00 PM

Join Janet Michael from Java Media for a FREE webinar “Creating Your Content” on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 2:00– 3:00 PM via Zoom. The webinar is free, but registration is required. Janet will give an overview of the different types of content and what works best on which platforms. She will offer tips, ideas, and suggestions to create content for your specific business. Attendance is free but registration is REQUIRED. Register here: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/98c82b3c/E2xV77inh0KIRs-SpmUEZg?u=http:// bit.ly/3KgEQeX. This webinar is in partnership with the Luray/Page County Chamber of Commerce. Chamber membership is recommended but not required to attend. Janet Michael is the owner of Java Media, a social media and marketing firm, with over 20 years of experience developing successful marketing & advertising campaigns. Java Media provides social media training and workshops for small business owners as well as social media management, oversight & evaluation services. She produces podcasts for small business owners, non-profits, and local leaders. Janet also hosts a daily award-winning talk show, The Valley Today, on local radio station, The River 95.3FM.

Page County Restaurant Week

Sunday, March 12th-Saturday, March 18th

From March 12th - 18th is the perfect time to eat local in Page County. Page County is filled with lots of various restaurants that offer a variety of foods. Food is something everyone can connect over. Whether you like juicy burgers, cheesy nachos, a good cup of coffee, or something sweet, Page County has plenty of food for you to enjoy. With a variety of flavors to savor, we know you won’t

they have to offer. You’ll also be able to enjoy tasty refreshments. All members who attend is entered into the drawing for great door prizes, so bring business cards for networking and to be entered in the door prize raffles. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to events@luraypage.com or (540) 743-3915 by Tuesday, March 14th.

Tourism Tuesday Radio Show –Broad Porch Coffee Company

Thursday, January 19th, 8:00-9:30 AM Ryann Hodson, Co-Owner of Broad Porch Coffee Company, is joining Edison Emmons to share information on this neat little coffee shop. Listen in to The River 95.3 or https://theriver953.com/podcasts/the-valley-today/ to learn about what Broad Porch Coffee offers. To be a future guest on the Tourism Tuesday Radio Show, contact Edison at edison.emmons@luraypage.com.

Poppy’s Barber Shop Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Thursday, March 23rd, 10:30 AM

January is National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month. The Chamber is partnering with the Page County Sheriff’s Office to teach us the basics of self-defense. This women’s self-defense class, location TBD, teaches you how to defend yourself against common chokes, grabs, bear hugs, and other attacks, including fighting on the ground and when confronted by a weapon. We emphasize realistic scenarios and realistic defenses. Sponsored by Andersen Corporation, this class is FREE and designed to bring awareness to the need to learn self-defense and the reasons why. RSVP to events@luraypage.com or (540) 743-3915 by Monday, January 23rd.

Women in Business Lunch –Building Business Relationships

Tuesday, March

churchannouncements

• Bethlehem Christian Church, GRIT (Godliness, Responsibility, Integrity and Truth) free Men’s Conference March 18, starts at 10 a.m., with guest speakers, lunch provided. To RSVP, contact 540-244-1105 by March 10.

• Blue Ridge Pentecostal Church, Wednesday and Saturday services 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.; homecoming-reunion service 7 p.m. April 1, featuring music by David Cave and Joyful Noise.

• Compton Old Country Church of Jesus Christ, services at 7 p.m. Friday and at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

• Ida Grove Gospel Chapel, Luray, Sunday services at 11 a.m.

• Jollett Bible Mission, “Friday Night Music” 7 p.m. March 3 featuring The New Grass Associates, refreshments will be served.

• Leake’s Chapel Church of the Brethren, Sunday worship 11 a.m.

• Luray Church of the Brethren, Sunday services 9:45 a.m.

• Luray United Methodist Church, contemporary service 8:30 a.m., traditional worship 11 a.m.; free Lenten Recitals, 7 p.m. March 4 and noon March 16; traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal 5-7 p.m. March 17, free-will offering for mission projects (call 540-743-6540).

• New Direction Community Church, Luray, Sunday worship 10 a.m.

• Page United Methodist Church, Luray, Sunday worship 11 a.m.

• Riverview Independent Gospel Church, bluegrass night 6:30 p.m. March 5 featuring the Hurt Family.

• Rocky Branch Regular Baptist Church, Sunday worship at 11 a.m.

• St. George’s Episcopal Church, worship 11 a.m. Sundays.

• 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, 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.

Luray, VA

“Be careful what you wish for — it just might come true!” is a saying most of us have grown up with. It comes with no guarantee or assurance that what we ask for is what we will get. In fact, according to some, it may be the exact opposite and result in problems.

Wishing is imagining something in our minds that we want to come true — believing that our lives will be better or filled with happiness or joy or riches. It is wanting our lives to be more fulfilling or better or happier without our having to do anything or making any effort or changes.

But wishing is different from hoping — especially the hope that believers have in God. We can have unflinching and unwavering hope in God because He has done everything He has ever said He would do. There is no room for any doubt in Him or any of His promises. They are well documented and are a testimony to the fact that God is faithful and can be trusted to keep His Word.

God’s faithfulness, the psalmist reminds us, is so predictable that it has become “a law in Israel.” And this testimony of God’s faithfulness is to be passed on by fathers to their children so they put their hope in God and “never forget His deeds.”

God wants fathers to teach their children that hope does not come from politicians or policies. Nor does He want fathers to teach their children that they are to place their hope in acquiring wealth or worldly goods. And He does not want them to teach their children to place their hope in the knowledge or skills or talents they possess.

For information,

Marion D. Turner

Marion Douglas Turner, 81, of Shenandoah, died on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at his home.

He was born on Jan. 11, 1942, in Page County and was a son of the late Harry C. Turner and Pearl Frazier Turner.

Mr. Turner attended Page County High School and was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Oak Grove United Methodist Church and the Avis O. Comer VFW Post 8613 in Shenandoah. He retired from Avtex Fibers after 30 years of service and was an avid gardener and farmer.

On Oct. 24, 1964, he married Rhoda M. Gray Turner, who died on Nov. 23, 2011.

He is survived by two daughters, Penny Collier of Shenandoah, and Patricia “Patty” Lam of Elkton; a sister, Ruth Bankard of Charlottesville; four grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Jenkins; and two brothers, Harry C. Turner Jr. and Garland S. Turner. A funeral service was conducted on Friday, Feb. 24, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Shenandoah by Pastor Ellen H. Martin. Burial was in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Harrisonburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oak Grove United Methodist Church or the Avis O. Comer VFW Post 8613 in Shenandoah.

Condolences may be shared at www.kygers.com.

Perry L. Dodson

Perry Lyle Dodson, 64, of Luray, died on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at Skyview Springs Nursing and Rehab.

He was born on Aug. 24, 1958, in Luray and was a son of the late Perry Jacob Dodson and Barbara Ann Shenk Short.

Mr. Dodson was a carpenter by trade.

He is survived by a daughter, Amber Dawn Bowman of Virginia Beach; his stepfather, James Short; two sisters, Joan Knight and Trisha Wright, both of Luray; two brothers, Sammy Dodson of Luray, and Tony Dodson of Stanley; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.   A funeral service was conducted on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Antioch Independent Bible Church in Luray.

Obituary Guidelines

Paid Obituary

Edward L. Blosser

Edward Lee Blosser, 79, a resident of Luray, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

He was born on September 8, 1943, in Harrisonburg and was the son of the late Lee Roy and Gladys Elizabeth Spitzer Blosser.

On March 26, 1964 he married Jennifer Gilmer Blosser, who survives.

He is also survived by his sons, Joseph Edward Blosser of Luray, and Patrick David Blosser and wife Kimberly Painter Blosser of Stanley; three grandchildren, Samuel, Will and Luke Blosser.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Luray Volunteer Fire Department or to the Luray Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements.

Condolences and fond memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhomes.com

Paid Obituary

Margaret M. Miller

Margaret Maureen Miller, 83, of Luray, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023.  She was born on January 21, 1940, in Luray and was a daughter of the late Elzie Truston Williams and Effie Sours Williams.

Margaret worked in the advertising department at the Page News and Courier for 40 years, from which she retired. She was a lifelong member of the Morning Star Lutheran Church in Luray and served on several committees throughout the years.

On October 20, 1961, she married Eldon Lynwood Miller, who survives.

Murriel F. Price

Murriel Franklin Price, age 85, of Burke, Va., peacefully passed on February 13, 2023, at Heatherwood of Burke.

Murriel was born in Shenandoah, Va., to John Henry Price and Ruth Layne Price on November 17, 1937.

Upon graduating from Shenandoah High School, he earned an associate degree from Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music in 1958. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from James Madison University in 1960 and then a Master of Education in science education from the University of Virginia in 1965.

Murriel began his career in Fairfax County Public Schools as a chemistry teacher and science department chair at McLean High School. He was named assistant principal at McLean H.S. and had the privilege of opening Lake Braddock Secondary as associate principal. He was then promoted to principal at Herndon H.S. before returning to McLean H.S. as principal. Murriel was promoted once again in 1985 to Area III superintendent, where he provided leadership to 51 Fairfax County schools. He was awarded multiple honors and received recognition for his teaching and leadership over his 32-year career. Murriel lived a life of service, and his legacy lies in the countless lives he helped shape as an educator.

Murriel and his late wife, June, were married in 1990 in Fairfax, Va., and moved to Hilton Head Island, S.C., upon their retirements. During their 30-year marriage, Murriel and June traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and 46 countries. He took pride in sharing the many photo albums commemorating each trip. While living on Hilton Head Island, Murriel and June hosted many friends and family, played Bridge, learned ballroom dancing and enjoyed excursions on their boat. Murriel also enjoyed the Yacht Club and Fishing Club, while serving on various community and school improvement committees.

His love of learning continued into retirement, as he discovered his talent for carving and painting the birds that he loved to watch on Hilton Head. Murriel continued to quench his thirst for knowledge by reading about great historians and scientific discoveries.

Paid Obituary

Sue A. Nickels

Sue Ann Lough Nickels died peacefully at Shenandoah House, Augusta Medical Center, on February 23, 2023.

Born in Harrisonburg, Va., on September 19, 1946, Sue grew up in Franklin, W.Va., daughter of the late Helen Blanche Propst Lough and Walton Ward Lough.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Rebecca Bowman Lough of Franklin, W.Va., and their sons, Adam and Matthew (Ashley) Lough. Also left to mourn are Cameron Nickels of Staunton, Va., and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Following graduation from Franklin High School, Sue received degrees from Potomac State College, West Virginia University and James Madison University. Her noteworthy career, teaching Advanced Placement English and Journalism, spanned 30 years with tenure at Franklin High School in West Virginia, and Page County and Turner Ashby High Schools in Virginia. At FHS, she began the first chapter of the John M. Dice National Honor Society and in 2004 was named Teacher of the Year at Luray High School.

During graduate school years at James Madison University, Sue was a teaching assistant for the English Department and later became adjunct faculty. Most treasured teaching experiences were her years in Cairo, Egypt, at the Namer American College and Misr American College.

After teaching abroad she retired to Staunton, Va., and volunteered for the SPCA, Augusta Medical Center and Co Art. She also enjoyed teaching Life-Long Learning classes via JMU’s adult educational programs.

Sue was an enthusiastic adventurer, often enjoying the challenge of traveling alone, domestically and internationally. Cooking and entertaining were also sources of pleasure as were gardening, crafting, reading, and caring for her adored cats.

In honoring Sue’s wishes, her body has been cremated and a graveside service will be private at a later date.

Memorials and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com

In lieu of flowers, Sue’s wish was for charitable donations made to Shenandoah Valley Animal Services, 1001 Mt. Torrey Road, Lyndhurst, Va. 22952.

Surviving in addition to her husband are a daughter, Linda Lowry of Stanley; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Miller; five granddaughters, Kelsey, Melissa, Christina, Tiffany and Megan; and one great-granddaughter, Remi. She was preceded in death by a son, Gregory Allen Miller; and two sisters, Ruby A. Habron and Sarah Williams.

A funeral service was conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, at the Morning Star Lutheran Church by the Rev. Jeffrey D. Marble, with visitation one hour prior to the service, from 1-2 p.m. Burial was in the Morning Star Lutheran Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Morning Star Lutheran Church, 424 Valleyburg Rd., Luray, Va. 22835.

Murriel and June moved to the Colonnades in Charlottesville, Va., in December 2007 and Murriel continued to live there until he moved to Burke, Va., in 2021. Murriel stayed in touch with his aunts, uncles, cousins and relatives and enjoyed seeing them at the annual family reunions.

He was especially proud of his two grandchildren, Sydney and Cameron, and looked forward to their visits and hearing about their accomplishments.

We will miss our dad, grandfather, confidant and friend. His wealth of knowledge, experience and entertaining stories will forever live in our hearts.

Murriel was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Russell and Harold, and his wife of 30 years, June Price.

He is survived by his former wife, Phyllis Price; a daughter Sonja Hubbard and husband Barrett; a son, Scott Price and wife Terri; and two grandchildren, Sydney Hubbard and Cameron Price.

We will celebrate the life of Murriel Franklin Price on March 5, 2023, at 2 p.m. The service will be held at Kyger Funeral Home, 115 Nicholson Rd., Elkton, Va. 22827.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the loving and caring staff at Heatherwood, and to the caretakers who assisted Murriel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an educational scholarship of your choice. Condolences may be shared at www.kygers.com.

DEADLINE for community news and church announcements is noon on Fridays!

Submissions may be taken at the PN&C office or by e-mailing

Active at Alma

Mr. Julian Price killed seven ne hogs Saturday. We did not ascertain the exact weight.

We are glad to state that Mrs. Harry Martin is very much better at present, and her friends hope for a speedy recovery.

Mr. J.N. Shuler, who has been visiting his father for some time past, left last Thursday for Baltimore. From there

Mr. Shuler begins his usual spring tour to Florida, returning about the last of June.

Miss Brownie Seekford spent last Thursday with Miss Maggie Keyser, of Honeyville.

Mrs. Mattie Price is spending a part of this week with her sister, Mrs. Sallie Koontz, in order to attend a protracted meeting, held at the Baptist church near Stanley.

We have several cases of pneumonia in our neighborhood, which are keeping Dr. Finter busy.

Pencilagraphs

Wintry day this 2nd of March, 1898.

March came in like a lamb, and the next day it snowed.

The growing wheat is promising.

Pneumonia has been alarmingly prevalent for several weeks in many sections of the county.

Mr. Frank Blosser returned last Tuesday from a visit of several days to friends in Shenandoah County.

The many friends of the Rev. H.L. Quarles will be glad to hear that he is recovering from his recent severe illness.

An unusually large crowd was in attendance on county court last Monday. The Kibler trial is set for next Monday.

Mr. Isaac Skelton is enlarging and improving his storehouse in East End to accommodate his increasing trade.

Mr. B.F. Batman is making considerable addition to his storehouse, which will be used for his

millinery department.

Mr. John A. Brumback, of North Bend, this county, was over in Shenandoah several days of last week visiting relatives.

Our farmers, pro ting from the example of farmers in other sections, are turning their attention to lime as a fertilizer.

Luray churches are exceptionally blessed with good pastors — men of intelligence, piety, consecration and determined purpose to do good.

In all our travels we have met no more polite and accommodating conductors and employees than those of the Norfolk and Western R.R.

The 10-year-old daughter of Mr. John M. Good, who lives on Mr. A.C. Painter’s place, about three miles south of Luray, died last Sunday night a week ago from pneumonia.

Mr. John W. Rosson has purchased the interest of J.V. Jamison, Esq., in the kilns and holdings of the Luray Lime Co., and will soon remove to Hamburg, where these kilns are located.

Mr. F.G. Grove is pushing the sale of his patent folding umbrella. It’s a gem, and those who wouldn’t buy it in preference to all other haven’t sense enough to get in out of the wet.

No better lime is being burned in Virginia or elsewhere than that now being made by the Luray Lime Co. They have recently discovered and opened on their property a quarry of very superior limestone which analyses 99 percent of carbonate of lime.

Mr. Allen Chapman has accepted a position with Mr. V.H. Ford. Mr. Chapman’s training in the bank and in other stores has eminently tted him for the duties of his new position. He is a young man of fine character, unexceptional habits, and is going to succeed in life.

From March 1, 1973

“New Drive-In — Customers use the new two-bay drive-in facility at the Page Valley National Bank. The new system — Diebold’s Visual Auto Teller — uses a canister for transaction materials that is transmitted to the teller at a nearby walk-up window through an underground pneumatic tube. A lighted panel gives the customer instructions for the system’s simple operation.”

Page from the Past

School restoration

A remnant of education history — the old oneroom school — is being revived in Page County. The Page County Heritage Association is taking steps to restore and preserve one of the few remaining examples of the old-time building — the abandoned Massanutten School on Va. 615, west of Luray. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Jennings Jr. have agreed to donate the old building to the Association and arrangements to have it moved to Inn Lawn Park in Luray are under way. The last classes were held at Massanutten in 1937, according to Mr. Jennings.

Awards presented

Four outstanding young men and Luray Police Chief Harry S. Farrar were honored by the Luray Jaycees at their annual awards banquet last Saturday night at the Mimslyn Motor Inn. Named as “Outstanding

Young Man” of the Luray community was Larry Kibler, a Luray High School teacher who has been active in many youth and community affairs. Mark and Gary Bauserman of Luray were honored as “Outstanding Young Farmers” for their “exceptional progress in agriculture and contributions to the community.” Jack Maphis of Luray, one of the original Luray Jaycees and a longtime supporter of the organization, received a life membership in the Virginia Jaycees. The special award to Chief Farrar was presented for “his outstanding service to Page County, Luray and each individual in the community” during the nearly 40 years he has been in police work here.

Three arrested

Three Stanley area men were arrested last week and charged with a Wednesday break-in at

a Cubbage Hollow home, Page County Sheriff K.E. Kerkhoff reported. The three were arrested by Page deputies Thursday and charged. A rifle, shotgun and antique clock taken in the breakin were recovered, Sheriff Kerkhoff said.

Wins title

After a year’s absence the Luray Bulldogs have returned to the top of the heap. The Bulldogs defeated Madison Friday evening 69-57, in the finals of the Skyline District Tournament. Luray’s win unseated the Mountaineers as defending champions and coupled with the regular season title gave the Dogs a clean sweep. This marked the fifth time in the last seven seasons that Luray has won the tournament.

Changes in law

Attorney Robert Janney represented his client Gar eld Freeze Monday at the Page County Planning Commission meeting to ask the commission to consider rewording the county’s statute regarding campgrounds in the county. County law, Janney said, makes it impossible for his client to start a public campground unless he makes it a membershiponly club. The reason other campgrounds are allowed to exist without membership-only status is that they were grandfathered in and allowed to continue to operate when the county’s zoning ordinance was put into law on Oct. 1, 1989. Freeze wants to start a campground at the corner of U.S. Route 340 and Va. Route 726 across the road from the Newport boat landing.

Bus sinks

It’s not every day that a busload of elementary students gets a ride like the one they got last Thursday. As the last student got on the last bus in front of Luray Elementary, a strange thing happened — the right rear section of the bus began to go down. “One lady was standing on the other side of the bus and said ‘I think that bus just got a at tire,’” said Mason Lockridge, assistant superintendent of schools. “But then she realized that a flat tire doesn’t make the front end of the bus raise off the ground.” As it turned out, the bus was sitting on top of a sinkhole that no one suspected was there. It sank to the top of the tire, then stopped. A wrecker was called to pull the bus out of the hole, and after determining that no damage was done, the kids got back on and went home.

This photograph graced the front page of the March 1, 1973 edition of the Page News and Courier. “They’re not Mary’s lambs, but in the background is one of the last remaining of the old one-room schools that once dotted Page County’s landscape. The Massanutten School west of Luray is being donated to the Page County Heritage Association, which has plans to relocate it in Luray’s Inn Lawn Park and restore it to its original charm.”

Legal Notices

NOTICE

is hereby given that Daisy Sue Jones, trading as Daisy’s Country Cravings Market and Deli LLC

822 East Main St, Luray, VA 22835 County of Page, Virginia is applying to the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority for an ABC Off license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Daisy S. Jones, Owner

Date notice posted at establishment: Feb. 22, 2023

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-5523200.

Legal Notices

NOTICE

is hereby given that Jeremiah Peter Strunk trading as House Strunk Winemaking LLC 925 Boston Rd, Luray, VA 22835 County of Page, Virginia is applying to the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority for a Farm Winery Class A license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Jeremiah Strunk, Owner Date notice posted at establishment: Feb 22, 2023

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PAGE COUNTY ESTATE OF WANDA LEE SMITH, ET. AL, . Plaintiff vs. Case No. CL23-96

WILLIAM WAYNE SMITH, JR., ET AL., Defendants

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

TO: KIMBERLY SMITH, IF SHE BE LIVING, AND IF SHE IS DECEASED, THEN ALL OF HER HEIRS, DEVISEES AND SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS AND THEIR CREDITORS AND SPOUSE(S), AND ANY AND ALL PERSONS WHO HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE OR WHO MIGHT HAVE ANY INTEREST IN AND TO (A) THAT REAL ESTATE IN THE TOWN OF LURAY, PAGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA, IDENTIFIED AS LOT 21, BLOCK 1, OF THE SPRING VIEW SUBDIVISION, SECTION 3, FURTHER IDENTIFIED AS PAGE COUNTY TAX MAP NUMBER 42A6-121-21, WITH A PHYSICAL ADDRESS OF 13 SPRINGVIEW BLVD, LURAY, VA 22835, AND BEING THE SAME REAL ESTATE THAT WAS DEEDED TO WANDA L. SMITH AS TRUSTEE OF THE WANDA L. SMITH REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST AGREEMENT DATED JANUARY 23, 1997, IN DEED BOOK 552, AT PAGE 408; AND (B) THAT CERTAIN TRUST KNOWN AND IDENTIFIED AS THE WANDA L. SMITH REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST AGREEMENT DATED JANUARY 23, 1997, WHO ARE ALL MADE PARTIES DEFENDANT HERETO, BY THE GENERAL DESCRIPTION, PARTIES UNKNOWN

The object of this case is to confirm the revocation of the aforesaid Trust on or about June 7, 2021 and quiet title to the aforesaid real estate. An affidavit having been made that: Kimberly Smith, if she be living and if she is deceased, then all of her heirs, devisees and successors or assigns (and their creditors and spouses) and any and all persons who have or claim to have or who might have an interest in and to:

(A) the aforesaid real estate; and (B) the aforesaid Trust who are all made parties defendant hereto, by the general description, PARTIES UNKNOWN, whose names and post office addresses are unknown, are set out in the pleading as defendants by the general description of “Parties Unknown” who have or had an interest in the aforeasaid real estate and aforesaid trust that is the subject of this case, accordingly it is hereby ordered that each of said parties shall appear in this Court on or before the 29th day of March, 2023, and do whatever is necessary to protect their interests regarding the aforesaid real estate and aforesaid trust.

It is further ordered that this Order of Publication be published once a week for four (4) consecutive weeks in the Page News and Courier, a newspaper of general circulation in the County of Page.

ENTERED: C. Grayson Markowitz, Clerk by Patricia D. Temple, Deputy Clerk January 30, 2023

I ask for this: David M. Reed, Esquire

P.O. Box 766 Luray, Virginia 22835 540-743-5119

Counsel for the Plaintiffs

The Page County Senior Center in Luray crowned its Valentine royalty for the day, naming Sam Lewis as king and Shirley Griffith as queen. Students from Mount Carmel Christian Academy also visited and delivered cards for the seniors in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Legal Notices

Notice of Public Hearing

Page County Board of Supervisors

Zoning Ordinance Amendments

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 15.2-2204 of the Code of Virginia, as amended that the PAGE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS shall hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023, in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room, located in the County Government Building, 103 South Court Street, 2nd Floor, Luray, VA, to receive public comments and to consider the following amendments:

• In Chapter 125 (Zoning Ordinance), Article II (Word Usage and Definitions), Section 125-4 (Definitions):

ºAmend the current definition of “Guesthouse” and

ºStrike the current definition of “Confined Feeding Operation”.

• In Chapter 125 (Zoning Ordinance), Article IV (District Regulations), Section 125-11 (Residential):

ºAmend Section 125-11.C(5)by changing “Guest house” to “Guesthouse”.

• In Chapter 125 (Zoning Ordinance), Article V (Supplementary Regulations), Section 125-14 (Additional regulations for all districts): º Strike Section 125-14.C.

• In Chapter 125 (Zoning Ordinance), Article V (Supplementary Regulations), Section 125-30 (Storage buildings):

º Strike Section 125-30.

Legal Notices

TOWN OF STANLEY VEHICLE BIDS

The Town of Stanley is now accepting bids on the sale of the following:

1998 Ford Pickup

The vehicle will be sold “as is” with no warranties applied and can be seen at the Public Works Building located at 878 Marksville Road. Vehicles may be started but cannot be removed off property due to insurance requirements Arrangements for keys can be made at the Stanley Town Office during normal business hours. Deadline for bids is 4 p.m. on March 8. Please place bid in sealed envelope, marked Vehicle Bid, Attn. Terry A. Pettit, Town Manager. The Town of Stanley will reserve the right to refuse any or all bids.

TOWN OF LURAY

Notice of Public Hearings

Luray Town Council

Rezoning & Special Use Permit Requests

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to §15.2-2204 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, that Luray’s Town Council shall hold public hearings on March 13, 2023 at 7 p.m The public hearing shall be conducted in the Luray Town Council Chambers located at 45 East Main Street in the Town of Luray, Virginia. Public comment may also be submitted until 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2023 through any of the following means: Email: sburke@ townofluray.com; Mail: Luray Town Council, Attention: Steve Burke, Post Office Box 629, Luray, Virginia, 22835; Hand delivery: Place in the exterior DROP BOX in the alcove located at the front of the Town’s offices facing Main Street; or Phone: (540)743-5511. All comments will be read aloud at the hearings. These hearings will be live-streamed on the Town’s Facebook Live page. All normal Rules of Procedure will be followed.

The purpose of the hearings is to receive public comments and to consider the following:

• REZ 23-01

The applicant, Ramsey, Inc., has requested rezone thirteen lots from Low Density Residential (R-1) Zoning District to High Density Residential (R-3) Zoning District as specified in the approved Boundary Line Adjustment Agreement for the Fairview Subdivision – Section 2. The subject parcels are approximately 5.28 acres in total area. The subject parcels are identified as Page County Tax Maps as 42A16-1-1 through 11, 42A16-1-13, and 42A16-1-14.

• SUP 23-01

The applicant, Lanny Bailey, has requested a Special Use Permit to operate a Bed & Breakfast Home at 16 Eden Road in the Medium Density Residential (R-2) Zoning District. The subject dwelling is roughly 1,212 square feet with three bedrooms and is located on one parcel that is roughly 0.61 acres in area. The subject parcel is further identified on Page County Tax Maps as 42A13-A-19. A Special Use Permit is required to operate a Bed & Breakfast Home in the R-2 zoning district per Town Code Appendix A, Article IV, Sec. 402.2.d.

• SUP 23-02

The applicants, Dwight and Angela Griffith, have requested a Special Use Permit to establish an apartment house at 800 Massanutten Avenue in the Business (B-1) Zoning District. The subject structure is roughly 8,500 square feet with three units and is located on one parcel that is roughly 0.41 acres in area. The subject parcel is further identified on Page County Tax Maps as 42A12-A-49A. A Special Use Permit is required to establish an apartment house in the B-1 zoning district per Town Code Appendix A, Article IV, Sec. 406.2.a. Copies of the Special Use Permit and Rezoning applications and the Town’s zoning ordinance are available at the Town of Luray’s Office, 45 East Main Street, Luray, Virginia. These items may be viewed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, and may also be found online at the Town’s website www.townofluray.com. Questions may be directed to the Town by calling 540-743-5511, or by emailing sburke@ townofluray.com

• Multiple amendments throughout Chapter 125 (Zoning Ordinance), Article VI (Confined Feeding Operations), to include Section 125-32, Section 125-33, Section 125-34, Section 125-36, Section 125-37, Section 125-38, Section 125-39, Section 125-40, Section 125-41 and Section 125-42.

The full text of the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance may be reviewed in the Planning & Community Development Office, 103 South Court Street, Suite B, Luray, VA, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. They may also be reviewed on the County’s website at www.pagecounty.virginia.gov. NOTE: Hearing impaired individuals who need an interpreter must notify the Zoning Office at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing.

By: Tracy Clatterbuck, Zoning Administrator County of Page

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF PAGE

The County of Page, Virginia Plaintiff vs. Civil Case No. 22-753

The heirs and devisees of David Leo Breeden

Ronald F. Brockmeyer

Grace B. Nace

The heirs and devisees of Richard A. Breeden

Reginald Allen Breeden

The heirs and devisees of Garland Matthew Breeden

Clifford M. Breeden

The heirs and devisees of Delmer M. Breeden

Gary M. Breeden

Susan Andrews Dodson

The heirs and devisees of Brenda Lee Breeden

Mary Barnette

Deborah Taylor

Kenneth Biller, II

Donna Lee Gray

Page Memorial Hospital

Jormandy LLC

Pioneer Bank

Beneficial Financial I Inc.

Holtzman Oil Corporation

Vanderbilt Mortgage

Warren Memorial Hospital

Winchester Medical Center

Ford Motor Credit Company LLC

Skyline Lakes Propertyholders Assoc. Defendants

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to enforce the lien of the Plaintiff for delinquent taxes against certain real estate described as follows:

All that parcel of land in Page County, Virginia, being 3.10 acres, more or less, and designated as tax map number 101-A-9. standing in the name of David L. Breeden, pursuant to Section 58.1-3967 of the Code of Virginia.

And an affidavit having been filed that due diligence has been used to ascertain the names and location of all of his heirs, devisees and successors in title of David Leo Breeden, Richard A. Breeden, Garland Matthew Breeden, Delmer M. Breeden and Brenda Lee Breeden; that due diligence has been used to determine whether Grace B. Nace, Reginald Allen Breeden, and Clifford M. Breeden are living, or if deceased, to ascertain the names and location of all of their heirs, devisees and successors in title; that there are or may be other persons having an interest in the real estate forming the subject matter of this suit whose names and last post office addresses are unknown, namely, the unknown heirs, devisees and successors in title of David Leo Breeden, Richard A. Breeden, Garland Matthew Breeden, Delmer M. Breeden, Brenda Lee Breeden, Grace B. Nace, Reginald Allen Breeden and Clifford M. Breeden; that due diligence has been used to ascertain the location of Ronald F. Brockmeyer, whose last known post office address is 1332 E. Main St, Luray, VA 22835; that due diligence has been used to ascertain the location of Susan Andrews Dodson, whose last known post office address is 435 Gap Road, Front Royal, VA 22630; that due diligence has been used to ascertain the location of Mary Barnette, whose last known post office address is 1906 Tanners Ridge Rd, Stanley, VA 22851; that due diligence has been used to ascertain the location of Deborah Taylor, whose last known post office address is 738 Park Line Road, Stanley VA 22851; that due diligence has been used to ascertain the location of Kenneth Biller, II, whose last known post office address is P.O. Box 323, Stanley, VA 22851; and that due diligence has been used to ascertain the location of Donna Lee Gray, whose last known post office address is 1053 John Paul Jones Lane, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

It is ORDERED that this Order be published once a week for two successive weeks in the Page News and Courier and that the parties named herein appear on or before March 15, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court for the County of Page, Virginia, and do what may be necessary to protect their interests in this suit.

ENTER: This 17th day of February, 2023

Patricia D. Temple, Deputy Clerk

I ask for this: James W. Elliott, Attorney at Law PO Box 1410, 7100 U.S. Route 17 Yorktown, VA 23692 757-898-7000

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 540-742-9124. Banners will be displayed in conjunction with Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

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 4:306:30 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 information, contact 540-660-0501. The Rec is always in need of volunteers to help at the center. For 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.

An adult gardening program, with a planting workshop and winter sowing demo, is scheduled from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, hosted by Master Gardeners.

These programs are being held in conjunction with the “Seed Lending Library,” where patrons donate and exchange seeds. Donated seeds are provided free to library patrons with the ultimate goal that participants will grow plants to maturity, collect seeds and return these to the library for future distribution to others.

Job fair

A job fair/workshop event is planned from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, at Laurel Ridge Community College, 200 College Dr., Luray.

The event will include more than 30 employers from various industries in need of full-time, part-time and seasonal help, as well as internship opportunities.

Candidates of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend. Those

communitybenefits

Craft show, yard sale

New to this year’s Memorial Festival, hosted by the Town of Shenandoah, will be a craft show and yard sale on Saturday, May 27.

Spaces are available for $10 (10x20), with a $35 charge for food vendors. To register or for more information, contact Bobbi Jo Good at 540-810-6113 or email Brenda Haggett at efgva@yahoo.com.

food drive

Thanks to the success of the Page Public Library’s food drive for Luray’s Page One, the collection drive will continue.

The collection box for non-perishable food items will be available at the library at 100 Zerkel Street in Luray. Any donation would be greatly appreciated.

st. PatriCk’s meal

The Luray United Methodist Church has planned a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 17, at the church.

The meal will include corned beef, mashed potatoes and cabbage, roll and dessert. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit church mission projects.

Reservations are encouraged by calling 540-743-6540.

Playground benefit

Sponsored by Where Angels Play Foundation, a fundraiser is planned for Saturday, March 18, at the Stanley Volunteer Fire Department.

Starting at 11 a.m., the benefit will include raffles, a cake wheel and lollipop game. Tickets are $6 (one sheet) or $20 (four sheets). Drawings are planned for 3 p.m.

Basket Bingo begins at 5 p.m., with doors opening at 4 p.m. Presale tickets are $20; $25 at the door.

Contact Rhonda at 540-669-7046 for information or to donate items for the fun-

attending are asked to dress professionally and be prepared for interviews.

The workshop will also offer help with resumes and applications.

For more information or to ask questions, contact 540-743-3915 or email events@luraypage.com

‘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 25 people. Movies will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays as follows: March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 7 and Dec. 12.

farm Plan workshoP

The Page County Extension Office in Stanley is offering a four-week workshop titled “Developing a Whole Farm Plan.”

The goal of this workshop is to provide beginning and existing farmers with the planning, decision-making tools and support necessary to develop a sustainable farm or food business.

The class is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, at 215 West Main St., Suite C. This course is being taught by Elizabeth Baldwin, associate extension agent. The class will continue to meet for four consecutive weeks.

Attendance is necessary for all four sessions. Cost of the workshop is $40.

This fee includes a meal prior to each class and all needed materials.

Space is limited. Pre-registration and payment are required by March 10. Checks should be made payable to “Treasurer Virginia Tech.” There will be a $50 fee charged on any return checks. To register call 540-778-5794 or visit tinyurl. com/2023wholefarmplanning.

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.

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 540-778-3454.

Cruz-in fridays

The Town of Shenandoah has planned its 2023 schedule for Cruz-In Fridays on First Street.

Sponsored by the Shenandoah Heritage Center, Cruz-Ins are planned from 6-9 p.m. as follows: May 26, part of the Memorial Festival; June 9 (rain date June 16); July 7 (rain date July 14); Aug. 4 (rain date Aug 11); and Sept. 15 (rain date Sept. 22).

All makes, models and years are welcome; no registration fee required. The evening also includes door prizes and a 50/50 drawing. For more information, contact 540-742-1141.

members needed

The Twirling Medallions has opened its group to new members. For those interested in joining, practices are held from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Elkton Middle School gym.

The group is in need of twirlers, color guard members and drummers for the new year. Formed in 1970, the Twirling Medallions attend local parades and perform at numerous community events throughout the year.

For information, call Tina Hughes at 540-578-0511 or Melissa Stum at 540820-1930.

library aCtivities

The Shenandoah Community Library offers “Fantastic Family Fun” beginning at 11 a.m. every Tuesday, with free story time and crafts for children of all ages. The event is also held at 10 a.m. every Monday at the Page Public Library in Luray.

“Tremendous Toddlers” is held every Thursday from 10:30-11 a.m. at the Page Public Library. This activity is for 2-3 year olds and their caregivers. The story time includes nursery rhymes, songs and crafts designed to strengthen early literacy development.

library hours

The Kibler Library in Stanley is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, and from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Thursdays.

The “Time for Rhythm and Rhyme” children’s program is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday. Curbside service is available by calling ahead at 778-1605. For information, patrons may check out www. kiblerlibrary.org.

raffle fundraiser

draiser. Proceeds will be used for the Nick Winum playground, which will be built by the foundation.

dinner, musiC benefit

The Shenandoah Pentecostal Church, 300 Shenandoah Avenue, is holding a dinner and music benefit for Operation Christmas Child.

The benefit is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, with music by the Virginia Rain Bluegrass Band.

The meal will include hotdog, vegetable beef soup, dessert and drink. Cost is $10, $6 for ages 4-8, and free for ages 3 and younger.

blood drives

A Red Cross blood drive is scheduled at the American Legion Post 22 in Luray from noon - 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 23

Additional blood drives are scheduled from noon - 5 p.m. on April 12, May 25 and June 7.

All eligible donors, especially platelet donors and blood donors with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment.

Eligible donors can schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

Donors should have their Red Cross blood donor card, or another form of identification available.

PCso barbeCue

A “Back the Blue” barbecue fundraiser is planned from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 24, at the Luray Volunteer Fire Department.

The meal, which may be eaten at the fire hall or boxed to go, will include barbecue, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, dessert and drink.

Cost is $15, which will benefit the Page County Sheriff’s Office Foundation.

The Luray Volunteer Fire Department will hold a “Gun Party” fundraiser beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. Tickets for the event are $100 each, which includes a ribeye steak dinner, catered by The Valley Cork, along with two drinks.

A complete list of prizes will be posted by the fire department. Proceeds from the event benefit LVFD.

For more information, contact Ben Jenkins at 540-742-1362 or Ryan Gaunt at 540-742-1365, or email LFDGunParty@ gmail.com.

fishing tournament

The Stanley Volunteer Fire Department and Luray Boy Scout Troop 100 will hold a fishing tournament from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, along the Hawksbill Greenway, at the SVEC parking lot.

Early registration at a cost of $30 is set from March 1 through April 14; from April 15-29 registration is $40.

For registration information, contact the Stanley fire hall.

In case of high water, event will be rescheduled for May 6.

Proceeds will benefit both groups.

tax helP

TaxAide offers free tax preparation for low-and-moderate income taxpayers of all ages. All volunteers are certified by the IRS.

This year, TaxAide volunteers will be helping taxpayers prepare their taxes at the Luray Church of the Brethren, 11 Berrey Blvd.,Luray. To make an appointment, call 540-212-9460.

Taxpayers must bring ID and Social Security cards for every member of their family, as well as all tax information and forms for 2022. If schools are closed because of inclement weather, TaxAide services will also be closed.

• On Wednesday, March 8, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. is a job fair and workshop. Join us on Wednesday for our annual job fair, hosted at Laurel Ridge Community College, 200 College Dr., Luray. Looking for work or wanting to make a career change? Let us help you. Whether you’re interested in working for a startup or a large organization, or if you just need a refresher on how to build an eye-catching resume, we invite you to come out and join us for our job fair and workshop. You will have the opportunity to get help with job search assistance, resume building and review, application help, and get a chance to interact with 25+ companies and score a job for you. Bring multiple cover letters and resumes along with you.  If you are a business that is looking for new employees, we invite you to set up a table for this year’s job fair.

featured businesses

• Brenwood Cabin Rentals, 339 Log Cabin Drive, Stanley, is a local cabin rental business. They offer two furnished log cabins tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can learn more about their cozy cabins by visiting http:// www.brenwoodcabins.com or emailing brenwoodcabins1@ embarqmail.com.

• Caverns Country Club Resort, 910 T.C. Northcott Boulevard, Luray, is a local golf course. Owned and operated by Luray Caverns, this immaculate golf course offers golfers one of the best Mid-Atlantic golfing opportunities. Check them out by visiting https://luraycaverns.com/attractions/cavernscountry-club-resort, calling 540-743-7111, or emailing info@ luraycaverns.com.

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

card showers

• 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.

“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, 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.

reunion events

• The Luray High School Class of 1960 will meet for breakfast on Saturday, March 11, at 9:30 a.m. at Alexander’s (formerly InTown).

• 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 778-2204 or Margie Frye at 540-246-8529.

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!