June 22-23 marks the 2024 ARRL Field Day! This amateur radio event is both an open house for ham radio and a chance for the amateur community to unite and practice operating under unique conditions. Our publisher, Mike McCool, sat down with Greg Butler, the leader of Warren County EmComm, to learn more about this annual event. Greg shared insights into the importance and operations of their amateur radio activities.

“Today is Amateur Radio Field Day,” Greg explained. “It’s an event that encompasses all of North America, including Canada and the U.S. It’s always held on the fourth full weekend in June. The idea behind Field Day is to set up your station in a more austere environment than the comfort of your home and demonstrate to the public how you can serve the community by being able to set up a station quickly and operate.”

As Greg and Mike chatted, the air was filled with excitement as radio enthusiasts aimed to contact other stations across the U.S. “The goal today is to see where we can reach with our humble setup,” Greg said. “We’ve already contacted California and Colorado. Earlier, we heard a station in Croatia, though we couldn’t connect with them. Our primary focus is to serve Warren County and Front Royal. If emergency communications are degraded or destroyed, we can use our radios to communicate across the county and even down to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management in Richmond.”

Greg Butler, who many consider the leader of this group, describes himself more as a choreographer. “I coordinate our efforts for the county,” he said. “I am the primary liaison to the fire department, to whom we report.”

The group is an official county communicator team. “Every member has to be licensed by the FCC with an amateur radio license and express an interest in public service. They complete a formal application with the county fire department and undergo a fingerprint-based background check. We also take a class in criminal justice to ensure we can operate within the emergency operations center and dispatch areas where sensitive information is displayed.”

To ensure readiness, the team conducts weekly tests. “Every Wednesday morning, we test the emergency operations center radios to ensure they’re working properly. In the afternoon, we test the radio station at the hospital. Our portable station can be deployed anywhere the county needs us. We have a permanent antenna at Warren County Middle School, which can be used as a shelter during severe weather, and another at the Front Royal Police Station. We can be operational in about ten minutes.”

As they walked through the event, Greg introduced some team members. “This is Tom Blicharz, whose call sign is KR4DO, and Sam Cheshire, KQ4RIV. Today is a contest, so they’re trying to contact other stations nationwide. Sam logs each contact as proof.”

The organization has about 15 or 16 active members and is always looking for new recruits. “Not everyone is retired like me,” Greg noted. “If something happens at 2 PM on a Tuesday, we can activate two or three people immediately. We can figure out shift coverage if an emergency extends overnight.”

Mike inquired about the relevance of amateur radio in today’s world of cell phones. Greg explained, “Everyone has a cell phone until the system goes down. The cellular system relies on many towers. Weather, extended power outages, or major events can take them down. Amateur radio operates on specific frequencies that don’t rely on that infrastructure, allowing us to communicate when other systems fail.”

Greg highlighted the versatility of amateur radio equipment. “The FCC gives us segments of the radio spectrum, allowing us to communicate locally, regionally, or even globally, depending on atmospheric conditions and our goals.”

For those interested in joining, Greg advised, “We have a Facebook page called Warren County EmComm. People can message us there or contact the fire department, who can connect them with me. We’re always looking for new members, though we want to ensure they’re genuinely interested. There are plenty of amateur radio activities outside of emergency communications.”

Mike thanked Greg for his dedication and the team’s hard work. “Your crew looks intense, concentrating on making good contacts. It’s great to see such commitment.”

As the day progressed, the sun matched the warmth of the community spirit, with amateur radio enthusiasts demonstrating their vital role in emergency preparedness and communication.

Warren County EmComm Prepares for Emergencies with Annual Field Day

From noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, in the Gazebo-anchored Village Commons Park in Historic Downtown Front Royal, the Warren County community hosted its inaugural acknowledgement of the “Juneteenth” anniversary of implementation of the legal abolition of slavery in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas on June 19, 1865. We’ll let the website of the National Museum of African American History & Culture explain the impetus for Juneteenth:

The Gazebo was ground zero for special guest introductions and entertainment that punctuated the community’s first Juneteenth holiday celebration. Hopefully, we can collectively meet the challenge to “learn from the past for a better future.” Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

“On ‘Freedom’s Eve,’ or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States …

“But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as ‘Juneteenth,’ by the newly freed people in Texas …

“Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day. Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans,” the National Museum of African American History & Culture observes.

Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900 held in ‘East Woods’ on E. 24th Street in Austin, Texas. And 124 years later in Front Royal, Va. on June 19, 2024, in the early to mid-afternoon the crowd retreated under the shade of trees as temperatures hit the low to mid-90s. Public Domain Photo Credit thru National Museum of African American History & Culture from the Austin History Center

We contacted people involved in the 2024 “Juneteenth” anniversary here on why it is an important date to memorialize. We were initially alerted to a post by Warren County Democratic Committee Chair Kris Nelson on the importance of this date to all our histories, regardless of our racial or ethnic heritage:

“It’s not enough to be passive observers, we must actively engage with the history, struggles, and ongoing fight for justice that this day represents for the Black community. We must educate ourselves, confront our privileges, and amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized. Juneteenth demands our unity and commitment to building a world where freedom and equality are not just ideals but realities for all,” Nelson wrote.

‘Your voice, your vote’ is important whether you are a member of the Kris Nelson-led local political committee, its local counterpart which we did not see present, or of neither as a political independent. Below, the written voices of several Kilby women, including Betty Kilby Baldwin, back to camera, chatting with Woodstock visitor Peggy Pye, were available for interested readers.

We reached out to local event co-organizer Gene Kilby for a perspective on bringing this holiday into the local consciousness of all county citizens. “Slavery was one the darkest times in the U.S. for African-Americans. Our ancestors suffered extreme brutality for over 250 years. Suetta Freeman and myself as co-chairs on the Revitalization Committee for the Warren/Page NAACP realized that most counties around Warren County and Front Royal were having a celebration of this glorious occasion. We wanted our community also to be aware of the significance of this great moment in history. We formed an Event Committee and we met once a week for about two months to bring our 1st annual Juneteenth celebration to fruition. Education and communication brings about understanding. Together our community can be better,” Kilby asserted with an eye on a 2025 Juneteenth celebration number two here.

Co-organizer Suetta Freeman, left at microphone, got Juneteenth 2024 in Front Royal rolling with a series of introductions, including of MC Rev. Olric Wilkins, below blue shirt, who introduced Rev. Alfred Woods to lead the Opening Prayer.

For an additional photographic look at acknowledged guests, speakers, and live entertainment at the inaugural Juneteenth 2024 in Front Royal, Virginia, continue to scroll down.

Above, Stephanie Banks was recognized as tribute was paid to her dad, former Town Councilman and Mayor George Banks. Below, Ashley Taylor was introduced to speak to the history of Juneteenth.

Centenarian-plus 1 Pearl Jordan, left, was helped to the podium to begin acknowledments of local NAACP members who have contributed much to their community over sometimes difficult years.

Centarian-minus 2, Lillian Sloane continued those NAACP acknowledgments, as did …

Betty Roberts, and …

Charles Barbour.

Front Royal Mayor Lori Cockrell made Juneteenth an officially acknowledged community event.

The entertainment was kicked off by The Spiritual Harmonizers of Northern Virginia.

The Mount Vernon Baptist Church booth

The Women’s Resource Center

And I was assured ‘all were welcome’ – even your humble reporter with his camera.

And later in the day around 5 p.m. as the shade from the sun extended toward the gazebo stage area, Bobby G & The Heavies brought Northern Virginia’s top Rhythm & Blues act to the stage, and beyond as Bobby G began some R&B ‘preaching’ to the crowd, eventually drawing some of his band mates down for some guitar interaction.

Give the sax player some.

And we can’t wait to celebrate the end of slavery again, next Juneteenth!

We spoke to organizers of the third annual Gospel-Fest event held Saturday, June 15, at the Gazebo-anchored Village Commons Park at the intersection of East Main and Chester Streets in Historic Downtown Front Royal. The event, organized in support of Habitat for Humanity efforts on behalf of families struggling to maintain a livable home situation in this community, featured Gospel music performances by a number of area musical and church-based groups.

A full list of featured performers was supplied to us by event organizer Pastor Shannon Roman of The Embassy Deliverance & Worship Center, Front Royal, Va. Campus, they were: Mary and Wimpy Kenny, Band of Brothers, Voices of Grace, Meade Skelton, The Diamond Warriors, House of God Path to Heaven Worship Team, Heart of Worship Dancers, and Grace by Faith. Below band and choir shots were provided by organizers without IDs – But let’s just say you all know who you are and how great you all were on Saturday.

From the Gazebos stage, Gospel and spiritually oriented choirs and musicians expressed the spirit of unity of purpose in providing community assistance to families in need. While we don’t have IDs for the musical performers photos, you and the crowd, knows who you are and how GREAT you all were. A full list of performers is included in the story text. – Courtesy Photos Gospel-Fest organizers

Pastor Roman cited Virginia Housing as the event’s primary sponsor and added this observation about the impetus of the now annual Gospel-Fest: “This event was to showcase the Christianity in Habitat For Humanity and show people that we care about helping people to live safely and get affordable housing in our community. We thank the Lord for allowing us to have such a great event that didn’t only showcase singers but also brought churches together to serve one mission and that’s to glorify God for allowing us to come together to build in our community for families in need.

“It was an awesome event … the 4th year is in the works,” she enthused of a project she helped launch three years ago.

We also reached out to Habitat for Humanity, whose director Andrea Ross responded. “Warren County Habitat for Humanity would like to take the time to thank all of the vendors and churches that came out and showed their support. There was soul stirring music, dancing, delicious food and everyone had a good time.

Let’s have some fun – I think we already are!!! – Courtesy Photos Gospel-Fest organizers

“The kids got to get their faces painted, made slime, painted rocks and enjoyed the bounce house. We are grateful for the support of the community to be able to present what fun, faith and unity looks like. Events like the Gospel Fest allow us to remind our citizens publicly that we are a resource for affordable housing and home repairs for the residents of Warren County,” Ross observed, adding, “A special thank you to Virginia Housing as our premium sponsor, Premier Home and Lawn Care LLC for donating the bounce house, State Farm agencies of Bill Powers and Ellen Aders,” Ross added with a nod to all those others who contributed to the event. “We are excited to prepare for our 4th Annual Gospel Fest and we are looking forward to it getting bigger and better as it has every year.”

Event booths, starting with Habitat for Humanity’s Deborah Siksay chatting with neighboring business owner Jim Justice of the Chester St. Tavern, and on reflected the spiritual unity in joining together to provide community assistance to those in need. – Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

Sponsors included: Harvest Mission, Latter Day Saints, Luxor Detailing, Leaf Home, Laura’s Lemonade, Capture the Moment by Jenn, Artsifi Gems, Seniors First, Kim Roivas, Just Serve, Sewfanciful ETC, A Little of Heaven Catering, Merry Mountain Mama, EM Woodworking, Bad Dog Barbeque LLC, Signs and Designs by Laura, Grace Bible Fellowship, Warren County Democratic Committee, Romans Hair School Front Royal, Embassy Deliverance & Worship, Warren Coalition, Orchard Ministries International, Guts Media, Busy B Wood Art, Riverton United, Gonewestern Tack & Apparel.

The Front Royal Catholic community will sponsor the first of two “Catholic Nights” at Bing Crosby Stadium. The second game will be held on Friday, July 19th. Our Catholic neighbors have graciously invited us to join them as their guests on either or both evenings.

The Knights of Columbus, Christendom College, and the Lloyd Law Group sponsor the games.

Admission Details:

• An entire family will be admitted free by presenting a copy of the attached flyer (reproduced on a home computer or tear-off flyer below).
• The goal is to fill all 1,500 seats at the stadium.
• An entire family with a single flyer will be admitted at no cost.

These two games, sponsored annually by our friends, have always attracted a large crowd and provided a fun night for the entire family.

There’s something deeply American about watching the national game in a small community on a warm summer evening. The games feature college kids recruited from all over America, spending two months of their lives in a small town they may never visit again, trying to bring a championship to this small community.

Post-Game Fun:

• Kids get to run the bases after the game, which is always a big hit.

The Cardinals, our home team, are among the 12 teams in a college summer baseball league in the Shenandoah Valley, playing 44 games during June and July. They have won five games and are fighting hard for a playoff spot.

Contact Information:

• If anyone has questions about how to get an entire family into the game for free, tell them to call John Lundburg at 253-273-2951.

Go Cardinals!

Click here to download the flyer.

Are you looking for the full movie-going experience without having to wait in the long lines that often accompany that experience? Then look no further because Royal Cinemas movie theatre is the answer. Get the whole gang together and enjoy a movie! Reserved seating in all auditoriums.

Here is a list of this week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of Thursday, June 20: