Local News
Selah Theatre event, Art Saves Lives, was a success!
Local Performers Provide Proof that Art Saves Lives
Things got personal on Friday, June 23, at Selah Theatre in Front Royal, when local performers explained how art has saved their lives. Ranging in age from pre-teens to septuagenarians, the performers brought audience members to both tears and laughter at the Art Saves Lives show, which showcased the work of local writers, filmmakers, dancers, musicians, visuals artists, and actors.
La Tasha Do’Zia-Earley, the founder of Selah Theatre, and event organizers Heather Davis and Tammy Ruggiero kicked off the evening with a reminder about the critical role of the arts in every aspect of our lives and the importance of public funding for the arts.
Davis then introduced Colin Mason, the founder of local film company Mirandum Pictures, who pointed out that the Shenandoah Valley offers a wealth of interesting film locations and talent. Mason said there’s nowhere else he’d rather make film. He shared a compilation reel of the company’s 2016 work, which can be seen HERE.
Mason’s talk was followed by a presentation by Davette Leonard, a painter and calligrapher from Rappahannock County who displayed a painting of a magnolia blossom that was so new it was still wet. Leonard confessed to being an easily-distracted child who needed art to feel safe and accepted. Her luminous still life paintings can be seen online or in person at the Caulfield Gallery in Washington, Virginia.
Bass guitar player Rafe Ruggiero followed Leonard with an instrumental piece he wrote and an explanation of why he chose a career in music over a career in sports, even though he excelled in both. It was music, he said, that just felt right and also opened up a world of friendships and camaraderie. You can listen to his music HERE.
Poet Ed Zahniser of Shepherdstown read poems about what would happen if you removed the letters a, r, and t from certain words. Another poem about climate change ended with a clear warning that soon, “the poor may have nothing to eat but the rich.” Some of his poems can be read HERE.
Teen artist Laurence Fischer shared a painting he had made and read the poem that inspired the work. Noah Waggener, lead singer of the Daycare Swindlers, followed Fischer with three songs on acoustic guitar and a description of how music helped him as a child, teen, and adult, giving him a way to beat substance abuse. His hard-rocking roots punk music had the audience foot-stomping and cheering. You can listen to the Daycare Swindlers HERE.
After Waggener’s performance, Stephanie Parkinson, owner of the Front Royal Dance Studio, spoke about what dance has meant to her over the years and how happy it has made her. She then introduced two teen dancers, Katie Butler and Tyler Kensy, who captivated the audience with their graceful and emotional dancing. Read more about the Front Royal Dance Studio HERE.
Closing out the
first portion of the night, two teen actors from Selah Theatre spoke about how Selah has become an integral and crucial part of their lives. Kaelyn Speakman attested that Selah had indeed saved her life, giving her a much-needed outlet for her fears, hopes, dreams, and creativity. Katherine Sparger read a poem about the uplifting power of the dramatic arts. Learn more about Selah Theatre Project HERE.
After a short intermission, local poet, actor, and musician Rich Follett took the stage to introduce open mic performers. He also sang an original song and read a poem. His work can be found at http://richfollett.com/. Open mic performers shared original poems, songs, and essays, including a presentation in sign language about deaf culture. Sign language interpretation for the entire evening was provided by Amanda Dorsey and Genie Searcy, whose movements and expressions were works of art in and of themselves.
Every audience member also received a postcard to fill out in support of the arts and mail to a state or federal lawmaker. Information was also available about how the arts help individuals, students, and communities. Event organizers invited patrons to join United ShenValley Artists (USVA), an outreach of Selah Theatre Project that brings artists together to work for positive change. If interested in learning about upcoming events, joining the USVA, or helping with future art projects and performances, please email Heather Davis at heather@selahtheatreproject.org.
Thanks go to Jennifer Avery of Jenspirations, LLC for documenting the evening through photos and video.
About Selah Theatre
The mission of Selah Theatre Project is to empower, educate, and enlighten our community with theatrical opportunities that encourage conversations and have a positive impact. Each year, Selah reaches more than 650 children and families through main stage productions, arts education, and youth development programs. Selah Theatre Project produces original theatre productions and provides theatrical training and youth development through the Selah Youth Theatre Ensemble, in-school residencies, and after-school programs.
Local News
Marco Beach Breaks Track Record at Shenandoah Downs with a 1:51 4/5 Mile
Alexandra Goldin’s pacer Marco Beach not only wired the field in Sunday’s $8,000 feature at Shenandoah Downs, but he shattered the previous track record by two-fifths of a second when he crossed three lengths the best in 1:51 4/5. The track’s previous mark of 1:52 1/5 was authored by John’s Dream in 2016 — Shenandoah’s initial season — and was equaled earlier this meet by Aflame Hanover.
Eric Davis drove Goldin’s 8-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding and was one of four wins he had on the ten-race program. Marco Beach left from outside post five and maintained a 1½ length cushion on the front end through the first three-quarter panels, which were cut in:27 3/5, 56.0, and 1:23 4/5. Davis opened up by two at the top of the stretch and held off a rally by Cole Olsen’s Lyons Stealth, who finished second. Olsen’s Volley Ball Beach was third.
The victory was Marco Beach’s 26th lifetime score, pushing his career bankroll to $285,240. The pacer had previously won in 1:51 2 at Rosecroft in January and in 1:50 2/5, a lifetime best, at the Meadowlands last year.
Davis, who surged into third place in the driver standings behind Fern Paquet, Jr. and Corey Braden with a solid afternoon, also connected Sunday with Scott Woogen’s KJ Devil, P T Stables’s Make Some Waves and Spencer Goldin’s Lucky Streak, who won his third straight in Woodstock and fourth of the meet.
Week four competition in the U.S. Harness Drivers Club continued Saturday with a pair of races. Stacey McLenaghan, second in the overall trainer standings, maintained her lead in the Club standings with a win aboard her gelding pacer Etbauer, who prevailed for the second straight week. Reinsman Jack Mcneil took over second place in the Series with a win aboard Ben Mcneil’s I’ve Got Hootspa. Heading into action this Saturday, McLenaghan has 46 points, while McNeil is four back with 42. A series of checks will be presented to local non-profits this weekend because of the Series – where drivers donate their share of monies earned to charity.
Only two weekends remain in the Shenandoah Downs spring season. Action will continue on Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, with cards on both days at 1:05 PM. The Woodstock Oval will host Foiled Again’s 20th Birthday Party on Saturday. Join the celebration as harness racing’s richest horse turns 20 years old. Retired for six years now, the legendary son of Dragon Again bankrolled $7.6 million from a stellar career in which he won 109 races from 331 starts. Win number 104 came at Shenandoah Downs on September 29, 2018. Foiled Again will be on site, and fans can take their picture with the legend, sing Happy Birthday, and get a slice of birthday cake. Fans can also enjoy live music all afternoon with The Skillbillys. More details are at shenandoahdowns.com.
Local News
Phase II of Greening-Up Skyline High School’s Section of Greenway Complete
The Front Royal community can now enjoy 30 newly planted native trees along the greenway in front of Skyline High School. With spring in full bloom, it’s the perfect time for a walk or run while admiring the hard work of local volunteers.
Front Royal’s Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) recently completed Phase II of a multi-phase plan to enhance the Royal Shenandoah Greenway. This project focuses on “greening up” unused mowed spaces to create a more enjoyable recreational experience. Recognizing the high recreational use of the Eastham Park to Skyline High School to West Criser Road loop, ACES has worked tirelessly to convert open spaces into native canopies in front of Skyline High School.
Each year, ACES includes a student member who leads a project, and this year, Skyline High senior Christina Keresztesi oversaw the planting of 30 native trees, including Sycamores, Maples, and Redbuds. Christina managed the project from tree selection to volunteer recruitment and secured funding from the Front Royal Tree Stewards and the Beautification of Front Royal Committee. She organized everything precisely, ensuring the trees were planted under perfect weather conditions.
Christina, who will soon attend UVA, acknowledged how her ACES experience helped her get accepted into college: “Participating in community service projects and leading my own really helped me get accepted.”
These new trees offer much-needed shade for walkers and runners during the hotter months while making the greenway more beautiful for everyone. As volunteers planted the trees, passersby admired their work, offering congratulations and snapping photos.
The project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of the Front Royal Tree Stewards, the Beautification of Front Royal Committee, the Department of Public Works, and dedicated volunteers. ACES is proud to contribute to Front Royal’s commitment to its Tree City USA designation and to create safe outdoor opportunities for the community. To learn more about ACES, visit their website or attend a monthly meeting held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the back of Vibrissa.
Local News
Congratulations to Skyline High School Seniors – Class of 2024
Royal Examiner presents the Skyline High School Class of 2024. Congratulations to these wonderful seniors on their hard work and deserved accomplishments! We wish you the best in your next big endeavors. Photos courtesy of Victor O’Neill Studios and Tolliver Studios, LLC.
If your Skyline senior is not listed, please send in their Name and Senior Picture to news@royalexaminer.com.
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Local News
Eastham Park Loop Enhanced with New Safety Measures for Pedestrians
Local News
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 4/28/2024
Front Royal Police Department’s arrest report for the past 7 days:
Local News
VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for May 6 – 10, 2024
The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.
*NEW* or *UPDATE* indicates a new or revised entry since last week’s report.
INTERSTATE 66
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for pavement marking installations, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday and Tuesday nights.
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 2, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
*NEW* Mile marker 8 to 7, westbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Mile marker 9 to 7, westbound – Overnight right lane closures at Shenandoah River bridge for utility work, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday night.
INTERSTATE 81
*UPDATE* Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for overhead sign repairs, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday night.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound –Overnight lane closures and traffic-lane shifts as needed, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through December 2024. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit: 55 miles an hour. Work is related to southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening, with estimated completion in late 2024.
PRIMARY ROADS
*NEW* Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Front Royal town limits and Route 647 (Dismal Hollow Road) for guardrail upgrades, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday (May 2) and Tuesday (May 7).
*NEW* Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Route 674 (Limeton Church Road) and Route 607 (Rocky Lane) for pipe replacement, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 7 – May 14.
SECONDARY ROADS
Route 658 (Rockland Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) and Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) for the construction of a bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway. Estimated completion December 2025.
Vegetation management may take place district-wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511 or at www.511Virginia.org.