Shenandoah National Park announces second phase of entrance fee increase
On January 1, 2017, Shenandoah National Park will implement the second phase of its plan to raise the entrance fees to the park. In 2014, the National Park Service conducted a study of the entrance fees charged throughout the National Park System, to bring consistency to fees being charged at parks of similar size and complexity. To solicit public input, Shenandoah National Park launched a civic engagement campaign which included a series of public meetings aimed at discussing the increase needed to bring the park’s fees into compliance with other similar parks in the nation.
During the public comment period, the park received over 240 formal comments through e-mails, letters and on-line comments, as well as, over 100 comments on the park’s Facebook page. While the majority of comments supported an increase, many people felt that the original proposal was too much of an increase to make all at once. To respond to public comments, the park modified the proposal to phase implementation of entrance fee increases beginning in 2015, and followed by a second and final increase on January 1, 2017.
The new entrance fees and schedule are as follows:
| Pass Type | Effective January 1, 2017 |
| Per Vehicle (1-7 days) | $25 |
| Per Person (1-7 days) | $10 |
| Motorcycle (1-7 days) | $20 |
| Shenandoah National Park Annual Pass | $50 |
“The fee program is critical to the park,” stated Jim Northup, Shenandoah National Park Superintendent. “Eighty percent of fees collected stay right here in the park and are put to work improving facilities and services important to visitors. Without this funding, park staff would have to forego these projects. The additional revenue from this increase will allow us to sustain this world-class park.”
Entrance fees have supported a wide range of projects that improve park conditions and visitor experience including, rehabilitating trails and trailhead signs, developing and installing exhibits in visitor centers, improving park water systems, rehabilitating wastewater treatment plants, providing ranger programs, improving ADA accessibility at Rapidan Camp and park comfort stations, and maintaining open vistas at park overlooks. Additional revenue raised by a fee increase may be used to rehabilitate/rebuild Front Royal Entrance Station for increased staff safety and improved access, restore wetlands in Big Meadows campground by removing a loop in and establishing replacement sites in a less sensitive area, as well as, restore backcountry stone structures, retaining walls, bridge structures, and huts.
Shenandoah National Park to begin night closures of Skyline Drive during hunting season
Park Superintendent Jim Northup announced that portions of the Skyline Drive, the famed mountain road through Shenandoah National Park, will be closed at night during hunting season. He noted that this is the thirty-sixth year that this closure has been undertaken and stressed its importance in reducing illegal hunting activity within the Park during the Commonwealth of Virginia’s hunting season outside the park.
Beginning Monday, November 14, 2016, and ending Sunday, January 8, 2016, the Skyline Drive between Front Royal (Mile 0 at U.S. Highway 340) and Thornton Gap (Mile 31 at U.S. Highway 211) and between Swift Run Gap (Mile 65 at U.S. Highway 33) and Rockfish Gap (Mile 105 at U.S. Highway 250) will be closed daily between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The central portion of the Drive, between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap, will remain open for overnight access to the Skyland Resort until that facility closes on November 27. Beginning Monday, November 28, 2015 and ending Sunday, January 8, 2016, the entire length of the Skyline Drive will be closed daily from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.
Superintendent Northup said, “Closing portions of the Skyline Drive enables rangers to concentrate patrols on problem areas and to increase contacts along the park boundary.”
Superintendent Northup also reminded the public that the park has a reward program to assist in combating illegal hunting in the park. “A reward will be paid to anyone who furnishes information which leads to the conviction of any person who hunts, transports, or attempts to transport illegally taken wildlife within the park,” said Northup. Anyone with information about such activities should call the park (toll free 1-800-732-0911; or 540-999-2227). The identity of persons furnishing information will be kept strictly confidential, and a person does not have to reveal his or her name.
Harrisonburg High cellist featured at fall youth symphony, children’s choir concert
The Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir and Shenandoah Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform a fall concert on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium.
The SVCC’s treble and concert choirs will sing a sample from their Christmas concert, including a 15th century German hymn, a traditional Jewish folk song and a festive spiritual. The treble choir members (29 total) and concert choristers (60) range in age from 9 to 18.
“A variety of styles and traditions was sought to provide a well-balanced music education for SVCC choristers and greater connection points within a diverse community,” says SVCC Executive Director Janet Hostetter. “These two quality music organizations are impacting the musical excellence in our community and well beyond.”
The orchestra has 42 members, ages ten to 17, who all join through audition. Each musician plays a different part of every piece, “so these students need to be very strong players,” says Program Director Sharon Miller.The orchestra will play a set including Vivaldi’s Cello Concerto in E Minor, featuring solo cellist Cecily Lawton. Lawton, a Harrisonburg High school senior, has been studying the cello for seven years, including instruction from EMU music faculty member Lisa Wright. Lawton has been an orchestra member for over four years, and was chosen as this season’s soloist by audition last May. She has been involved in a number of extra-curricular musical organizations, which include playing in the Harrisonburg High School Symphonic Band, volunteering for the Harrisonburg City School Strings program, and forming a string quartet with fellow orchestra players.
Maria Lorcas conducts the group, and will lead one of the two collaborative pieces between the orchestra and SVCC – Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and “God Bless Us Everyone” from Disney’s A Christmas Carol.
The concert is free, but a $7 donation is suggested “to benefit scholarship students of both organizations,” says Miller. “We are committed to having all qualified students able to participate, regardless of financial circumstances.”
Does the Blue Ridge Parkway close for the winter?
Visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway often ask when the Parkway closes for the winter. Even as many park facilities close seasonally, the Parkway motor road remains open. Temporary weather or maintenance related closures, though, often impact Parkway travel during the winter months.
In response to ever changing road conditions, National Park Service staff developed an online tool that allows visitors to monitor openings and closings along the historic, 469-mile route using an interactive, real time road map. The map allows visitor to zoom in on specific sections of the Parkway, provides up to the minute road closure information, and becomes an essential Parkway planning tool for park visitors, especially in the winter.
Winter weather can impact the Parkway for extended periods given a number of variables including the route’s north facing slopes, tunnels, high elevations, and limited sight distances. Limited snow and ice removal may take place, however the Parkway’s natural resource protection priorities limit the use of ice melting chemicals. Park rangers monitor conditions in affected areas and open the road as soon as safe travel can resume.
In the coming weeks and months, visitors may also experience closures in certain areas for annual maintenance involving boom axe operations. Both lanes of the Parkway will be closed to all activity (cars, bicycles, and hikers) during these closures to ensure the safety of the staff and visitors. This work requires using a large tractor with a cutting head on a long arm, or boom. Precise locations and dates for these closures are available on the Parkway’s website. In addition, affected sections will be noted on the real time map and regular updates related to this work will also be available on the Parkway’s social media sites.
Additional facility and winter activity information is available on the Parkway’s website at www.nps.gov/blri.
Thanksgiving pet travel tips
Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the busy holiday travel season. Time to start planning your holiday getaway – whether it be to the in-laws, Grandma’s, or somewhere in between!
Before you hit the road, it’s important to plan ahead for pet travel and always keep the best interests of your furry sidekick in mind. Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful and bonding experience or a not so pleasant one. It’s all a matter of proper planning and preparation.
Top tips to ensure your Thanksgiving getaway with your pet is a safe one:
1. No Heads Out the Window
Although many pets find that sticking their head out the window is the best part of the road trip, it’s not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris. This should go without saying, but NEVER travel with a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it is always dangerous.
2. Frequent Pit Stops
Always provide frequent bathroom and exercise breaks. Most travel service areas have designated areas for walking your pet. Be sure to stay in this area particularly when your pet needs a potty break, and of course, bring along a bag to pick up after your pet. When outside your vehicle, make sure that your pet is always on a leash and wearing a collar with a permanent and temporary travel identification tag.
3. Proper Hydration
During your pit stops be sure to provide your pet with some fresh water to wet their whistle. Occasionally traveling can upset your pet’s stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water.
4. Watch the Food Intake
It is recommended that you keep feeding to a minimum during travel. Be sure to feed them their regular pet food and resist the temptation to give them some of your fast food burger or fries (that never has a good ending!).
5. Don’t Leave Them Alone
Never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the temperature in your vehicle can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. In addition, an animal left alone in a vehicle is an open invitation to pet thieves.
6. Practice Restraint
Be sure that your pet is safely secured in your vehicle. Utilizing a pet safety harness, travel kennel, vehicle pet barrier, or pet car seat are the best ways to keep your pet safe. They not only protect your pet from injury, but they help by keeping them from distracting you as you drive.
A safety harness functions like a seatbelt. While most pets will not have a problem adjusting to it, you may want to let them wear the harness by itself a few times before using it in the vehicle.
If your pet prefers a travel kennel, be sure it is well ventilated and stabilized. Many pet parents prefer vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets. Vehicle pet barriers are best suited for SUVs.
Smaller pets are best suited for pet car seats. The car seat is secured in the back seat using a seat belt and your pet is secured in the car seat with a safety harness. In addition to its safety features, a pet car seat will prop up your smaller pet, allowing them to better look out the window.
No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet.
7. Safe and Comfortable
Whatever method you choose to properly restrain your pet in your vehicle, be sure to make their comfort a priority. Just as it’s important for your “seat” to be comfortable for your long road trip, your pet’s seat should be comfortable too. Typically their favorite blanket or travel bed will do the trick. There are also some safe and very cozy pet car seats available that your pet may find quite comfy.
Careful preparation is the key to ensuring that you and your pet have a happy and safe Thanksgiving getaway!
About TripsWithPets.com
TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities. TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com.
Veterans Day Recognition Concert at Valley Pike Farm Market
Valley Pike Farm Market will host a Veterans Day Recognition Concert featuring Little Walter and the Convictions on Friday, November 11th in the Granary, the Market’s exclusive event venue below the store. Music will take place from 6:30pm – 8:30pm and will highlight many of the band’s favorites along with patriot classics to pay tribute to our Nation’s Heroes.
Admission to the concert will be a $10 cover for the general public and includes one beer or wine of the patron’s choice. A Veteran’s discount will apply for all past and current service members and children ages 12 and under will be free.
The National Veterans Day theme for 2016 is “Courage – Honoring All Who Served” a slogan that as an organization Valley Pike fully supports. “Taking the time to thank and pay tribute to those who have served and currently serve to protect our freedoms is not day that should pass by unnoticed” states Yount.
For information about the Valley Pike Farm Market or the event, visit ValleyPikeFarmMarket.com.
About Valley Pike Farm Market
Located in Weyers Cave, Virginia Valley Pike Farm Market features different products from local producers throughout the Commonwealth. The Market is home to a deli, bulk foods store, sweets shop, the Rumor Mill Coffee Company, and an exclusive event venue.
Shenandoah Conservatory celebrates world-renowned composer John Corigliano
Shenandoah Conservatory celebrates Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Corigliano with two concerts in this year’s Pulitzer Prize Composer Festival on Nov. 11 and 12. The first concert begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, at Bright Box Theater (15 North Loudoun Street, Winchester, Virginia) and features Shenandoah Conservatory’s in-house new music group EDGE Ensemble. The second concert begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, in Armstrong Concert Hall on the campus of Shenandoah University and features Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Shenandoah Chorus.
A world-renowned American composer, John Corigliano has created one of the richest, most unusual, and most widely celebrated bodies of work of any composer over the last forty years, winning him the Pulitzer Prize, Grawemeyer Award, five Grammy Awards, and an Academy Award. During his time at Shenandoah Conservatory, the celebrated composer will conduct masterclasses for composition students, coach instrumental students and ensembles in advance of their performances, and participate in Q&A’s and meet-the-artist receptions.
“I’m simply thrilled that Shenandoah Conservatory students will have this opportunity to dig into John Corigliano’s music and do some work alongside him,” said Shenandoah Conservatory Dean Michael Stepniak, Ed.D. “He is virtually without equal among composers alive today. I’m always struck how he has been able to shape music which was simultaneously graceful and grounded in extraordinary form. John Corigliano’s music speaks with extraordinary power.”
Friday’s concert features three works by Corigliano: “Mr. Tambourine Man,” for amplified soprano and chamber group, “Stomp” for solo violin, and “Soliloquy” for clarinet and string quartet. The recipient of the fourth annual William Averitt Prize for Excellence in Composition is also to be announced Friday evening. Saturday’s concert features four works for large ensembles: “Fern Hill” for chorus and chamber orchestra, “Gazebo Dances” for orchestra, “Chiaroscuro” for two pianos tuned a quarter tone apart, and “Tarantella” from Symphony No. 1 for wind ensemble.
“John Corigliano is no less than a living legend, and the body of work he has created in the last fifty years delineates the limits of what is possible in both live concert music, and music for film,” said Director of Composition and Coordinator of New Music Jonathan Newman, M.M. “Our students, now exposed to his music, and soon to himself as a person, will be rewarded for their hard work with a unique and enriching experience.”
Tickets for each performance are $15 general admission, $13 senior citizens and $5 for military, students, and youth. Tickets and information are available at the Shenandoah Conservatory Box Office, (540) 665-4569, located in the lobby of Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre and online at conservatoryperforms.org.
For a full calendar of events at Shenandoah Conservatory, visit conservatoryperforms.org or on Facebook under Shenandoah Conservatory.
Mary Baldwin Theatre Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
F-U-N, fun. Definition: seeing the Mary Baldwin Theatre production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This 2005 Tony Award winning musical was conceived by Rebecca Feldman, written by Rachel Sheinkin with music and lyrics by William Finn as well as additional material by Jay Reiss. Directed by alumna Michelle Laurence, performances run Nov. 11-12, 16-19 at 7:30pm and Nov. 13, 20 at 2:00pm. Some viewer discretion is advised due to adult language.
Set at the titular 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee this musical comedy follows six elementary children as they compete for the chance to become a champion. The speller who wins this competition will go on to the long-dreamed-of next level in Washington, D.C. Over the course of the Bee each young speller grapples with their own skill, their families’ expectations, and what it really means to be a winner. Watch as anything can happen in this delightfully funny production when audience volunteers and improvisation make every performance truly unique.
Jesi Dunnivan and Christia Moore return to the Mary Baldwin stage as the organizers of this year’s Spelling Bee, Vice Principal Douglas Panch and Ms. Rona Peretti, respectively. The youngest competitor, Logainne SchwartzandGrubenniere is played by Myra Diehl. Alex Carther plays the timid, yet talented Olive Ostrovsky. The practically perfect Marcy Park is portrayed by newcomer, Mikayla Mattocks. Also new to the Mary Baldwin stage are Logan Davenport, Emil Ljubovic, Clay Renner and Bryan Pugh. Davenport portrays the imaginative Leaf Coneybear while Ljubovic takes on the role of last year’s Spelling Bee winner, Chip Tolentino. Renner plays the part of the slightest bit bizarre William Barfée and Pugh joins the adult characters as comfort counselor Mitch Mahoney. Completing the cast are Rachel Jensen, understudy for Logainne and Olive, and Vivian Ruiz, understudy for Marcy.
All shows will run in Fletcher Collins Theatre in Murphy Deming Fine Arts Center at Mary Baldwin University. Tickets are available by calling 540-887-7189 Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm, or online at www.marybaldwin.edu/arts/theatre. Single show tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for students, MBU faculty, and seniors.
Book, documentary video on history of Woodrow Wilson Hospital
For the past many months, Nancy Sorrells and Connie Doebele have poured through historical documents and pictures, and interviewed numerous individuals for a new book and documentary video.
On November 11 at 2:00 pm, in the Harold E. Watson Auditorium at the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center, they will officially release the fruits of their labor, entitled “Hope Reborn of War,” the story of a World War II military hospital, a world famous rehabilitation center, and a unique educational community in Fishersville, VA.
At the November 11 event, which is open to the public, community members will see Doebele’s documentary video for the first time and hear highlights from the new book by Sorrells. The WWRC Foundation will host a reception immediately following the presentation.
This project was supported by a generous grant from the Carroll and Grace “Patsy” Guynn Memorial Fund, one of several donor-advised funds at the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, to the Augusta County Historical Society. The collaboration of Sorrells and Doebele brought together their respective strengths as story tellers. Sorrells is well known and respected as a local historian and author. Doebele, a former C-SPAN Executive Producer and Staunton resident, presently documents personal stories nationwide for families through video.
The catalyst for this effort was the personal ties of the Guynn family to the Woodrow Wilson medical and training-educational complex, known affectionately then as “The Post” because of its WWII military origins, and their desire to capture the stories of veterans, doctors, nurses, patients, educators and others before that remarkable history is lost. Carroll and Patsy Guynn, career educators, lived on The Post with their three sons, Jack, Jimmy and Doug.
The Guynn brothers, who penned the Foreword to Sorrells’ book, noted that “The Post was and is so much more than a name or a place. It represents a rich and uniquely interwoven story about local, state, and national history and a singular community with a shared connection of struggles and blessings—and about hope reborn of the horrors of war and sacrifice that few of us can begin to fathom.”
After the Army closed the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Hospital at the end of World War II, representatives from Virginia’s Department of Education and Augusta County School Board submitted a plan for the use of the surplus hospital buildings to the War Assets Administration. This led to the creation of a unique campus that includes what is now known as the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center, Wilson Memorial High School, and Valley Career and Technical Center.
The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in our region. As it prepares to enter its 25th year of service to the community, the Foundation has grown to hold over $20 million in assets, from which it distributes over $1 million annually to the community through grants, scholarships, and awards.
Shenandoah Valley Art Center schedule for November 2016
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center, during the month of November, is exhibiting in the Cabell/Arehart Gallery the artwork of the Beverley Street Studio School. The exhibit demonstrates the diverse activities of the School, founded in January 1992.
It began with an educational mission when a group of artists recognized the potential of an art school offering a program for the study of still-life, figure, landscape, and art appreciation classes and workshops. Initially begun upstairs in the historic Crowle Building, the BSSS started an invitational gallery and biweekly model sessions for a small fee. Travel programs began for students to study in the Southwestern USA, Italy, and France.
In 1998, when street-level space became available, the BSSS members formed a cooperative and opened Beverly Street Galleries, composed of CoART Gallery and the School Gallery. In this exhibition, the School presents works by national and international faculty and students, as well as participants in other programs including travel study programs and model sessions. The school is currently operating out of the Stonewall Jackson School on Beverly Street in Staunton.
In the SVAC Members’ Gallery, member artists will interpret the theme of “Figures” with works selected by the artists from their preferred medium.
An opening will be held Saturday, November 5, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and the public is encouraged to come and meet the artists.
Want to study art? Come learn the art of making Ceramic Christmas Ornaments for package or tree decorations. This adult workshop will teach you simple hand-building and glazing techniques to make holiday relevant shapes. Taught by Lynn Hilton Conyers on Tuesdays, November 8 and 15, 6 – 8 p.m. in the SVAC Pottery Studio with all supplies included.
This two day class is a great introduction to the ancient art of ceramics! ($100) Don’t miss the Easy “One Brush” Watercolor Class taught by Joe Philips on Thursday, November 10, 1-4 p.m. at SVAC. Joe will work with everyone at all skill levels. Experience the “no secrets”, “easy to master” approach to watercolor painting. You will need only your palette, paints and brushes. Mats and paper are provided. ($55) Metalsmith, Karen Friedlander, presents Torch Fired Enamels on Thursday, November 17, 1-4 p.m. at SVAC. You will be painting with fire! Fusing enamels onto metal with a torch is an affordable and fun technique for students of entry level. All supplies included. Class size limited to 6 students!($55)
Are you a collector of Santa Clauses? The Felted Woodland Santa Workshop, taught by Karen Shapcott on Wednesday, November 30, 1-3p.m. at SVAC with supplies included, will teach you the art of wool felted sculptures. ($30) For the young artist, Shenandoah Valley Art Center offers, the ever popular Saturday Art for Kids, presenting a creative art experience for young artists. Designed as a program that expands upon art offered in school or as an art experience for the home schooled, the classes are taught by artists who are amazing with kids. All supplies and snacks included for children ages 6 – 10. Preregistration required. (November 5, 12, & 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.,$15 per class).
Looking for the unique and creative holiday gift? SVAC opens its new building at 416 W. Main Street for the 416 Holiday Market. Formatted like a farmer’s market, each artist will fill a space with their handcrafted artwork. This will be a fun and festive event to kick off holiday shopping. The first market will be November 3, 6-8 p.m., November 4 and 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to be followed by a second market on December 8, 6-8 p.m., December 9 and 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Open studio opportunities in the Virginia Ross Education Studio are available to printmakers and ceramic artists. Access to top of the line clay and printmaking equipment and space to work will be furnished for $60 per quarter. Apply on line at www.SVACart.com.
The art center is a retail alliance partner with the Artisan Center of Virginia. In the SVAC Gift Shop you can find the perfect creative gift in fiber, jewelry, wood, glass, pottery, and more by juried artisans from Virginia and SVAC member artists.
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center is located in downtown Waynesboro at 122 S. Wayne Avenue. Galleries are open to the public 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call (540) 949-7662 or visit www.svacart.com.