Non-profit seeks volunteers, planning fundraisers in August and October
By Grayson Banning
STANLEY — When people in Page County heard the name Shelby Jewell, the first thing they thought of was animals. Much of Jewell’s life was dedicated to the care of animals through her volunteer work as president of the county’s chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Since her death in March of 2024, Jewell has left a void in that tight-knit community and some bigs shoes to fill.
Now, as the new president of the Page County SPCA, Jessica Turner is trying to fill that void…and Shelby’s shoes.
“I just want to stress how much Shelby meant to me and the people of Page County. Her life’s work was dedicated to all animals, but she worked tirelessly here at home. I was blessed to have worked with her,” Turner told PVN. “She was a great influence in my life. I learned so much from her it’s unreal, things I never thought about until she opened my eyes. She has a mentor, a friend, and family (my work family). She was an extremely special person and one of a kind. There are no words to really describe how amazing she was.”
Turner first started her work with animals at the Page County Animal Shelter in 2005, where she first met Jewell. When Jewell served as president of the Page SPCA, she needed a secretary. So, Turner decided to join the cause and worked under Jewell for many years.
“She was an inspiration to me when I started working at the animal shelter,” Turner said. Jewell was a “force to be reckoned with. Her shoes cannot be filled… she was one of a kind and an amazing human being.”
Page County operates the animal shelter, and through the Page County Sheriff’s Office, manages animal control. However, the Page County SPCA is a non-profit organization fueled by volunteers. The local SPCA chapter was the first animal welfare organization founded in Page County. Turner’s goal is to maintain the organization’s integrity and continue the things Jewell built during her many years with the Page SPCA.
“Our goal is to be a resource dedicated to the health and well being of the animals of Page County. We want to be a voice against animal cruelty. We strive to educate the public about the importance of yearly vaccinations (such as rabies), flea- and tick-born illness prevention, and … the extreme importance of spaying and neutering,” Turner said. “If everyone did those things the number of homeless animals would be much lower, and it has many overall health benefits for the animals as well. Animal shelters everywhere would not be nearly as crowded.”
Turner says the local SPCA wants to get more involved with the community and expand its social media network. They have also been looking to implement a new Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) program. This program helps reduce the overpopulation of animals, such as feral cats. Turner’s looking to build a team of people to help with the program who have a little extra time on their hands.
“The more people you have, the bigger things you can do,” she said.
To help give the group more exposure and honor Jewell’s memory and decades of service, the Page County SPCA started the Shelby Good Jewell Legacy Scholarship, open to both Luray and Page County high school students. The scholarship awards $500 to individuals going into an animal-related field. Since there wasn’t anyone who applied from Luray High School, one recipient, Mackenzie Painter from Page County High School, was awarded $1000 on June 3, presented by Jewell’s niece Tonya Atwood.
A key goal for Turner is strengthening the group’s presence in the community. One way she hopes to accomplish that is by improving the local SPCA’s social media presence.
“I have noticed as time moves on and the community grows, a few people have said they didn’t know we have an SPCA organization. We definitely want to change that and for people to know we are here and they can reach out,” the new president said. “We are not a shelter, and we do not take in animals. We are, at this time, a small organization that is here to be a resource for helping.”
The Page County SPCA is finalizing its plans for two upcoming fundraisers in the next few months. On Thursday, Aug. 14, Hawksbill Brewing Company is hosting “Pints for the Cause,” where a share of every pint sold gets donated to the local SPCA. Another event will feature a Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Luray VFW.
Turner also wants to do a better job of educating people about the humane treatment of animals. The group has had discussions on potentially creating educational pamphlets in collaboration with Page County Animal Control. But the main mission of the group’s new president is finding new members and volunteers who can handle certain hands-on tasks and produce bigger fundraisers.
“If animals are your passion and you’re looking to lend a helping hand and have ideas you would like to share,” Turner said, “please feel free to reach out and become a part of this small group.”
If you are interested in volunteering with the Page County SPCA,
contact them via phone at (540)-333-7681
or e-mail: pagespca@gmail.com
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