Lewis Moten

Warren County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Academy

September 2025 to November 2025

I am enrolled in a 10-week citizen program that meets for 2–3 hours each week to provide an inside look at law enforcement operations. The sessions include classroom instruction, demonstrations, and facility tours. As part of the course, I have already been certified in “Stop the Bleed.”

Topics covered so far include patrol operations, crime scene processing, domestic and sexual assault response, crisis intervention and mental health, first aid, criminal investigations, juvenile law, defensive tactics and use of force, officer survival, K-9 demonstrations, and a tour of the station. Upcoming sessions will address subjects such as community policing programs, dispatch and 911 ECC, court and jail operations, firearms demonstration, and other law-enforcement support functions.

In addition to the academy, I was also invited to the TRIAD Senior Expo where I met a few of my friends from the senior center, and learned quite a bit about different resources offered to our most experienced residents.

The citizens academy is designed to deepen public understanding of law enforcement behind the scenes, build trust, and strengthen community participation in public safety.

Christmas in July

July 2025

I made balloon animals and swords for children while dressed as a Hobo clown during the Christmas In July event. I also made teddy bears holding tulips.

Royal Examiner: Yule Be Sorry You Missed It: Christmas in July Dazzles Downtown

Archives Committee Member at Warren Heritage Society

August 2024 to Current

As part of the Leadership program at the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce in 2022, I visited the Warren Heritage Society and became a member. Since then, I’ve attended numerous events, including historical lectures, themed gatherings, and those hosted by local organizations. My research has frequently taken me to the Laura Virginia Hale Archives, where I’ve explored maps, newspapers, and artifacts from the past. It’s a privilege to experience history in such a tangible way. My town, once known as the “breadbasket of the Confederacy” due to its strategic location with access to ferries and railroads, was also the site of the first Civil War battle. I’ve gained a deep understanding of the town’s history and its post-war recovery. Other local historical topics I’ve explored include the Ivy Lodge, the Avtex Fibers Superfund site, the Civil Rights era, Randolph Macon Academy, Skyline Caverns, and the Thunderbird Archeological Site.

During my research, I discovered that both the Warren Heritage Society and Samuels Public Library possess newspaper volumes and microfilm that aren’t available online through the Virginia Chronicle. I’ve been working with these organizations and the Library of Virginia to digitize these materials, preserving them and making them accessible online for public search.

As a committee member, I am evaluating the current physical storage and software systems, identifying improvements to enhance the organization and retrieval of information both physically and digitally. Additionally, I’ve been collaborating on strategies to boost community involvement through themed historical events, aiming to draw more people to the organization.

Upon my continued efforts to digitize our collection, I workstation became available in January 2025 which is dedicated to digitization. I digitize old books containing minutes, photos, negatives, hand drawn maps, research notes, and more. In addition, I spend some time transcribing cursive handwriting with it’s unique flourishes and phrases from long ago to make information easier to search.

I also assist researchers that come in to find materials, sometimes volunteering to look through old newspapers for articles about specific topics, train to use the system to find information, or digitize materials for them to have an electronic copy.

Salvation Army Front Royal Corps Red Kettle Campaign

November 2023 to current

Captain Ann Hawk was one of my class mates in the Chamber of Commerce Leadership class. I not only attended her ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff in 2023, but also volunteered to ring the bell. The subsequent year, I was approached by another board member inviting me to join the board, but I regretfully had to decline due to scheduling conflicts with their daytime meetings.

Camping for Hunger

November 2023 to current

I drop off food at the Camping for Hunger bus each year, a vital initiative led by The River 95.3 FM to combat food insecurity in our community. Each year, the radio station sets up a bus at the Royal Plaza, where the team broadcasts live for an entire week, raising awareness and collecting food donations to support local food pantries like C-CAP (Congregational Community Action Project). The bus serves as both a drop-off point and a symbol of community spirit, inspiring residents and businesses alike to contribute. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together, and I am proud to play a small role in this meaningful effort each year.

Trustee at Large at Samuels Public Library

July 2023 to Current

I was unexpectedly invited to serve as a Trustee at Samuels Public Library in Front Royal. While honored by the opportunity, I felt a mix of surprise and apprehension, given the politically charged environment and my limited experience beyond my brief tenure on the BZA board, which rarely convened. However, as I stepped into the role, I was reassured to find familiar faces among the board members.

My first day as a trustee coincided with the height of a heated controversy over attempts to censor LGBTQ+ books. The meeting room was packed with local and national media, documenting the proceedings in front of a captivated audience. That same evening, a member of the county’s Board of Supervisors publicly called for the removal of myself and nearly all other trustees, leaving only one member exempt. It was a trial by fire, to say the least.

Despite the turbulent start, I relied on my analytical skills to meet the challenges head-on. I diligently reviewed board materials, actively participated in strategic planning and policy committees, and expanded my involvement beyond the library by attending Board of Supervisors meetings to better understand community sentiment. I also monitored media coverage and letters to the editor to stay attuned to public concerns.

As the library faced funding challenges, I joined numerous meetings to negotiate a new memorandum of understanding (MOA) with the county. These discussions provided valuable insights into why the library operates as a non-profit rather than being government-run or outsourced, primarily for financial benefits. I also gained a deeper understanding of the legal implications of censorship and how local, state, and grant funding are interconnected—a critical domino effect that shapes library operations.

I learned how non-profits supplement operational expenses not fully covered by the county while working to secure funding for critical needs like equipment, repairs, and book acquisitions—items often excluded from government budgets.

Amid these challenges, our director faced significant difficulties and ultimately resigned. As a member of the hiring committee tasked with finding her successor, I offered thoughtful input based on my assessment of the candidates. My focus was on selecting a leader who could strengthen community ties and guide the library toward a more sustainable future.

Once a new director was hired, I worked to integrate her into the community. I introduced her to local business leaders during a Chamber of Commerce after-hours event and invited her as a guest to the Front Royal Rotary Club, highlighting her potential contributions to our community.

In 2024, the Virginia Library Association honored Samuels Public Library with the prestigious Library of the Year award for its unwavering commitment to its mission, the defense of intellectual freedom, and its resilience in challenging times. Inspired by this recognition, I shifted my focus from simply attending meetings to actively contributing to the library’s impact.

Driven to improve digital literacy in the community, I began designing workshops for teens and adults to build valuable technical skills. These workshops aimed to cover topics such as Linux, programming with Scratch and Python, web development, introductory electrical engineering and robotics, artificial intelligence, networking, media streaming, and using a camera module with the Raspberry Pi. To further utilize the newly established makerspace funded by the Mellon grant.

In the beginning of 2025, I started attending the weekly workshops called What The Tech!, assisting people coming in with their computers and devices. I assist in troubleshooting problems or to get acquainted with computers and the Internet in general. There is no judgement regardless of what the issue is. We just help them solve a problem. These range from issues getting the sound to work, learning about email and it’s use to interact with people on the internet, and walking people through web-based training offered through the libraries website.

In addition I’ve assisted in the Studio 330 MakerSpace teaching individuals the process of using the 3D printer and encouraging them to walk through the steps while guiding them with instruction. I put together a program to teach small groups how to use Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop, GIMP, and Inkscape to create vector graphics (SVG Files) for a GlowForge laser cutter. Students learn how to put text on various paths, distort shapes, and prepare photographs for engraving. They are able to create puzzles in customizable shapes with the cuts of puzzle pieces generated for them using various websites.

While the budget for the Raspberry Pi workshops was proposed and I was actively exploring funding opportunities, unforeseen challenges arose that shifted my attention to research and data analysis. These circumstances temporarily delayed the progress of these initiatives, but my commitment to bringing these educational opportunities to the community remains steadfast.

Shortly after becoming Trustee at Large, the library faced renewed challenges from the Warren County Board of Supervisors. I conducted an in-depth review of the library’s financial history, analyzed data through Bibliostat, and filed FOIA requests with various government agencies. This research helped me develop a well-informed understanding of the library’s operations, identify reasons for statistical anomalies, and compare its performance to similar libraries. I compiled two detailed reports and wrote a letter to the editor of the Royal Examiner comparing my findings to the 2023 Library Debrief and Research report to inform the public of my findings prior to the public hearing on December 10 to form a new Warren County Library Board (WCLB). My current interaction with the WCLB is to simply attend the meetings and report back to the Trustees regarding the business that took place.

• Warren County Board of Supervisors: 2023 Library Debrief and Research
• Letter to the Editor: Protecting Our Library’s Legacy: A Call for Transparent, Data-Driven Decisions
• My report: Growth In Funding for Samuels Public Library
• My report: Efficiency of Samuels Public Library

Rotary Club of Front Royal

April 2023 to March 2024

During my time as an active member of the Rotary Club of Front Royal, I contributed my skills by managing the club’s website and actively participating in community events focused on supporting local causes and raising funds. My membership was sponsored by directors from the local Chamber of Commerce and Samuels Public Library. Among my volunteer efforts, I checked in participants for American Red Cross blood drives, joined street litter cleanup initiatives, fundraised for polio eradication, donated food, and helped pack Doc Smith Christmas baskets. I also sponsored a golf tournament, served as a witnessing official for a hole-in-one, handed out candy during the town’s “Spooky Saturday” event, and attended weekly meetings featuring speakers from local, state, and national organizations.

Being a Rotarian was an honor, but financial limitations ultimately made it challenging to continue. I hope to rejoin one of the local Rotary Clubs in the future, potentially as an individual member rather than through a business, ideally with more flexibility around weekly attendance requirements.

Sponsoring Library Lovers’ Month Day of Giving

February 2023

During a casual coffee break check-in organized by the Chamber of Commerce in November, I learned that the Director of the local Library was seeking sponsors for Library Lovers’ Month. Driven by my lifelong passion for libraries, I eagerly volunteered to match donations. As the initiative approached in February, I participated in several interviews, including a video feature with the Royal Examiner and a podcast segment on Janet Michael’s “The Valley Today,” which also aired on the local radio station, The River 95.3 WZRV. Additionally, I was invited to showcase my CitiCar and Corgi during filming sessions to garner further attention. Interestingly, the video featuring solely my dog received more views than the interviews featuring me.

Media Coverage:

• The Valley Today: Day of Giving at Samuels Public Library
• The River 95.3: Day of Giving at Samuels Public Library
• Royal Examiner: Town Talk: A conversation wit Michelle Ross and Lewie Moten – Samuels Public Library Day of Giving
• Royal Examiner YouTube: Town Talk: A conversion with Michelle Ross and Lewie Moten – Samuels Public Library Day of Giving
• Samuels Library: Lewie and Teddy Love Samuels Library
• Samuels Library: Day of Giving Thanks… from Teddy

Thanks to our collective efforts, we surpassed our fundraising goals. Subsequently, the children’s department underwent renovations, and I felt a deep sense of pride in contributing to this impactful transformation.

Mr. Moten came to the “Revitalize or Die” event that I attended that the Chamber of Commerce put on, and I stood up when the town was being crucified, and I said, “If you want to get involved, please come get involved.” and he has applied and said I will serve anywhere you need me to serve. – Amber Morris, Councilwoman, January 23, 2023 [02:33:02]

He is very emotional about doing good things for the community, and I was very impressed with him. H. Bruce Rappaport, Councilman, January 23, 2023 [02:33:02]

Town of Front Royal Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)

January 2023 to December 2023

The town’s planning commission nominated me for appointment to the board of zoning appeals. Subsequently, I received approval from the town council on January 23, 2023 [02:32:11]. I was appointed by a Circuit Court judge, formalizing my commitment with an oath administered at the clerk’s office. Seeking to enhance my knowledge and credentials, I completed the 44th Virginia Certified BZA Class and earned certification. Throughout a year of service on the board, I actively contributed to crucial zoning determinations impacting the community.

During the latest meeting, December 19, 2023, I was joined by the very person whose vacant seat I had filled, but he also stood up and resigned in the middle of it after a vote was cast. I was elected as vice president. However, I made the difficult decision to resign shortly afterward. I found the constraints of deciding on variances limited my ability to make decisions that truly served the community’s best interests.

Hope and Rest Temporary Shelter (HARTS)

December 2022 to Current

Displaying compassion for the homeless during the harsh winter months, I dedicated money, supplies, and time to volunteer at the Thermal Shelter of Front Royal, later renamed HARTS. It’s a non-denominational, low barrier, overnight shelter for homeless adult men and women. Though my involvement varied due to personal commitments, my commitment to aiding the vulnerable remained steadfast.

Warren County Senior Center

April 2022 to current

Throughout the year, I assist with meal preparation and have the privilege of serving our seniors at the Warren County Senior Center. It is heartwarming to see their anticipation and enjoyment during mealtime. The atmosphere is often lively; I make a point to visit different tables, sit and talk with residents, hear their stories, call bingo numbers, and share interesting facts to spark conversation. Quite often, one of the seniors will ask about a member of the Board of Supervisors, and I’ve reached out to encourage a supervisor to visit the center when possible.

I also organized a craft activity by bringing ceramic bowls from Explore Art & Clay for the seniors to paint for the Empty Soup Bowl event. They enjoyed it so much that I returned to provide additional time for them to finish their bowls.

The center frequently welcomes visits from town council members, county supervisors, the sheriff’s office, and other local officials. Holidays such as Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Easter are particularly special, and Christmas celebrations can get exuberant-but always in good spirits.

Out of concern for safety, I have spoken before the Board of Supervisors about hazardous conditions in the county-owned building that houses the senior center, particularly the flooring issues that pose a fall risk to elderly participants.

On one occasion, an emergency occurred when a senior needed immediate assistance. I was the only person nearby and helped prevent further injury while working with staff to maintain safety and dignity until paramedics arrived. I later received a thank-you card for my assistance.

Habitat for Humanity Heart to Home Gala

November 2022

Recognizing the importance of their cause, I decided to become a gold sponsor, offering diverse advertising opportunities for my company. Having engaged in conversations with the director on numerous occasions, I believed this sponsorship to be a meaningful way to contribute to her organization’s mission. Additionally, I donated a couple of boxes of full-sized candy bars to be distributed at a Halloween event, further demonstrating my support for their initiatives.

I’ve also helped them with their website to display an integrated calendar.

Little Free Library

November 2022

I assembled, painted, and maintained a Little Free Library in my neighborhood with a dog theme. I added solar powered lights to provide light at night. In addition I also created a Dog Library for local pet owners to take and leave dog treats, toys, and supplies. I later added an area for painted rocks that others could take or leave behind as well.

House of Hope Empty Supper Bowl

March 2022 to Current

Every year, the House of Hope hosts its Empty Supper Bowl event to raise funds, offering attendees the chance to acquire a bowl and enjoy a serving of soup. During a Leadership Class organized by the Chamber of Commerce, we had the opportunity to visit Explore Art & Clay – Paint Your Own Pottery & Clay Studio. It was there that I learned about their involvement in crafting the bowls for the event and the need for volunteers to paint them. In a delightful twist of fate, I discovered that the studio owner’s daughter pursued a similar major to mine (Industrial Design Technology) at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Since then, I’ve become a regular visitor to the studio, attending workshops and engaging in pottery painting. It seems serendipitous that many of the bowls feature Corgis, a breed close to my heart, prompting me to often select and purchase them for myself.

Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce

April 2022 to Current

During my research into establishing my small business, I discovered the invaluable support provided by the Chamber of Commerce to local businesses. Upon joining the chamber, I immediately began receiving assistance.

Coffee Break Check-In: Engaging in the weekly “Coffee Break” sessions, akin to Scrum Meetings in Agile Development, allowed me to provide updates on my business status. These gatherings served as platforms for the host to offer insights, resources, connections, and problem-solving strategies, while other members contributed their own support and recommendations.

Business Development Committee: Recognizing the importance of streamlining the process for new businesses, I joined the business development committee to share insights into the challenges of business inception and advocate for the creation of a roadmap to expedite the research process.

Community Revitalization: I became a premier level sponsor for the Civic Pride workshop, formally called “Revitalize or Die” for a guest speaker to come to our town. I met many local leaders in the workshop with a focus on improving our community.

Leadership Class: Participating in the Leadership Class proved immensely beneficial. Through visits to various non-profit organizations and governmental facilities at local, county, state, and federal levels, I gained direct access to community leaders and garnered invaluable insights. The program also fostered lasting friendships, leading to numerous opportunities.

Wine & Craft Festival: Volunteering at the Wine & Craft festival, I contributed by handling identification checks and ticket processing. In 2024, I took on the responsibility of facilitating online vendor applications, setting up a user-friendly platform on Wix.

Christmas Parade: Embracing the festive spirit, I actively participated in our town’s annual Christmas Parade. In 2022, I decorated my CitiCar with company branding and lights, accompanied by an Elf on the Shelf. Subsequently, I volunteered to assist with carriage rides in 2023, providing support to attendees and capturing memorable moments through photography. Following the parade, I offered feedback as one of the judges, compiling community-raised concerns and suggesting improvements for future events. In 2024, I was on the Christmas planning committee.

Membership Directory: Early in my membership, I addressed issues with the Chamber’s website, particularly enhancing the functionality and features of the membership directory. Utilizing my proficiency with the Wix platform, I optimized search capabilities, ensured responsiveness on mobile devices, and incorporated social media icons and company logos into search results.

Ribbon Cuttings: Recognizing the significance of showing support for fellow businesses, I actively attended ribbon-cutting ceremonies, contributing to the vibrant networking atmosphere. A few of the ribbon cuttings I’ve attended include Fitness Fuel, Penny Lane Hair Co, Primerica, Fleetwood Vintage, Play Favorites, Main Street Geek, Shenandoah Valley Axe Throwing Company, Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff, and Turning Leaf Realty Group.

Business After Hours: I seized networking opportunities by attending dinner events hosted by various businesses. Some events, such as free Christmas movie screenings at the local theater or well-appointed gatherings at hotels, proved particularly popular and facilitated meaningful connections.

Fireball Arcade

October 2020 to Current

With a passion for video games and vintage electronics, I frequently visit the Fireball Arcade. Among the array of classic games, my top pick is the pinball game called Gorgar, renowned as the first talking pinball game. (I have a passion for vintage speech synthesis)

As businesses began reopening in October 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic, I contributed funds to the Fireball Arcade’s GoFundMe campaign. The aim was to provide an hour of free arcade play to anyone interested, which proved immensely successful. This initiative prompted a shift in the arcade’s business model—replacing the traditional pay-per-play system with a flat rate for unlimited access to all games.

In April 2022, I lent a hand in locating individuals fluent in Korean to assist with translating the text inside the coin door of Dance Dance Revolution Extreme.

Then, in June 2022, when the owner of the Mortal Kombat II arcade cabinet put it up for sale, I seized the opportunity. Purchasing the cabinet for $1,500, I ensured its continued presence at the Fireball Arcade, where it remains available for patrons to enjoy at no extra cost.

Other Community Outreach Events

I also participate in numerous events throughout the year.

• Attending ceremonies such as 9/11, Bridge Dedication, Dogs of War Memorial
• Earth Day, conservation, and electric vehicles (Poolsville, Front Royal, etc)
• Handing out prizes for free to play games for the kids at the opening day of baseball on behalf of C & C Frozen Treats
• Front Royal Chocolate Crawl Facebook Group & QR Code Design