Community Events
Samuels Public Library Adult Programming events for July 15-31
It’s Showtime at Your Library!
Summer reading isn’t just for kids. Check out Samuels Public Library’s 2019 Adult Summer Reading Program from June 7th to August 10th. This summer we’re taking show and tell to a new level. Cool programs, movies, and prizes for grownups. There’s something for everyone this summer at Samuels Library! Register for the summer reading program, for an opportunity to win awesome prizes, online at www.samuelslibrary.net or at the adult reference desk. Record each book you read online or ask reference staff to record titles for you. You will receive one entry in our weekly drawing for every print, eBook and audio-book you record. You can also download free eBooks, magazines, videos and music on our website so don’t miss out!
English as a Second Language Discussion Group
Samuels Public Library invites you to come out and join us for our English as a Second language discussion group starting. This is a conversational English language class for adults whose primary language is not English. All skill levels are welcome. Practice speaking English in a welcoming, group atmosphere. This group meets every Tuesday & Thursday at 10:00 am
Front Royal Sewing Group
Samuels Public Library invites you to the Front Royal Sewing Group that meets every 2nd and 4th Monday at 10:30 A.M. ( July 8th, & 22nd) and every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6:00 P.M. (July 9th & 23rd). People with all levels of sewing skills from beginner to advanced. Bring your own sewing machine. There is a limited number of extra sewing machines available for people who give advance notice.
Crochet Group
Samuels Public Library invites you to come out and learn how to crochet or share your talents. The group will meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 10:00 A.M (July 11th & 24th). All ability levels welcome.
Astronomy Quest Series: Searching for Near Earth Asteroids
Join amateur astronomer Dane Toler Tuesday, July 16th at 6:20 P.M. for a program on close encounters of the asteroid kind. Discover how astronomers search for near earth asteroids and learn about asteroid impacts of the past.
SPL – Books & Beyond
Samuels Public Library invites you to come out and join us for our Books and Beyond Book Club on Wednesday, July 17th at 10 A.M. where Love, Life, and Elephants by Daphne Sheldrick will be discussed. This group meets the third Wednesday of the month.
Turn your trash into treasure!
FOSL hosts Allyson Ponn, Education & Program Support specialist with the Lord Fairfax Soil & Water Conservation District for a special craft workshop Wednesday, July 17th at 6:00 P.M. Learn how to make decorative items for the home using items normally discarded. An assortment of options and all materials will be provided.
Third Thursday Movie: A Star is Born
Join us at the library for a special showing of the 2018 award-winning romantic musical drama starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, Thursday, July 18th at 5:30 P.M. The film is a remake of the 1937 film, with the same title, about a hard-drinking musician who discovers and falls in love with a young singer. This is an adult program. Because this movie is rated R, children will not be permitted. Teens must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Showtime at your Library: Plant Based Cooking
Samuels Public Library invites you to come out and join us Saturday, July 20th at 2:00 P.M. for a fun cooking workshop designed to make even the pickiest eaters love healthy, plant-based cooking. Patrons will be able to try your hand at making Buddha bowls! Bowls filled with delicious veggies! Recipes and practical advice on adding healthy and inexpensive foods to your diet will also be provided. Patrons can register online or at the adult reference desk.
Playing with Clay: Ornaments for your garden
Join us at the library, Thursday, July 25th at 6:00 P.M. and create clay ornaments for your garden with Arline Link of the Kiln Doctor. Space is limited. Please register early to ensure your spot. This program is part of our Summer Reading Programming for adults. Arts & Crafts, Photography, Fishing and more. Mature children accompanied by a responsible adult caregiver are welcome.
Community Events
Reaching Out Now Kicks Off Safe At Home: Join Us in Raising Awareness for Mental Health
The week has finally arrived, and Reaching Out Now is thrilled to launch the Safe At Home event! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Chris Ballenger, Warren County Schools, and the Warren County Athletics Department (Mr. Cupp, Mr. Hall, and the varsity baseball and softball coaches) for joining us to promote mental health awareness and its impact on our community. We warmly invite you to be part of this important event.
Nationwide, individuals and organizations are raising awareness of the challenges faced by those living with mental health conditions. Learn more about these efforts at the National Council’s Mental Health Awareness Month page: National Council – Mental Health Awareness Month.
We’re advocating for expanded access to mental health and substance use care while highlighting the value of mental well-being. Here’s how you can get involved:
JOIN US:
- Bring your families
- Sign up to play in one of our alumni games
- Volunteer or share information on how to contribute
Helpful Links:
Event Tickets:
Volunteer Opportunities:
Alumni Games:
The weather looks perfect for baseball on the 11th, so bring your friends and family. Let’s raise our voices, support mental health awareness, and make a positive impact together.
See you at Safe At Home!
Community Events
Living Water Church Indoor Yard Sale and Bake Sale, VBS Starts June 1st
Community Events
Local Agencies Unite to Fund Emergency Shelter for Women and Children in Front Royal
Warren County agencies have come together for the second year to address the local need for an emergency shelter for women and children. While there is no shelter for them in the immediate area, Warren Coalition, Habitat for Humanity, Blue Ridge Housing Network, Phoenix Project, Warren County Department of Social Services, Bridge of Hope of Greater Warren, and the Hope and Rest Temporary Shelter (formerly the Thermal Shelter) are working together to build the fund that provides the women and children with emergency shelter in motels. The goal is to ensure that the families are safe while they look for long-term housing options.
The group will host a donation drive May 11th-18th. Donations of any amount will be accepted, but $5 donations will be awarded a “door prize” ticket, and $20 will receive five such tickets. During the Wine & Craft Festival on May 18th, door prizes of varying values will be given away. The group has gift certificates from The Apple House, The Vine & Leaf, Melania’s Gourmet, Martin’s, Sun Stoppers, On Cue, and C & C Frozen Treats. Additional prizes are being gathered through May 15th.
To make a monetary gift directly to the program, write a check to “Warren Coalition” and “Emergency Shelter” in the memo line. The check can be sent to Warren Coalition, PO Box 2058, Front Royal, VA 22630. Donations may also be made online at warrencoalition.org/support-the-coalition; select “Emergency Shelter for Women and Children” in the “Note” section.
Community Events
Samuels Public Library ‘British Invasion’ themed fundraiser a BIG Hit
Here is a photo and video feature of this year’s “A Taste for Books: British Invasion” themed fundraiser for Samuels Public Library at the library on Saturday evening, April 27. We wondered if the 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. or so “invasion” was as successful as it appeared to be, as well as fun for all involved. So, we reached out to management at the library for details. We heard back from Library Board of Trustees President Melody Hotek, who told us that while final numbers hadn’t yet been tabulated, “This was a stellar year in attendance, Table Hosts, and Silent Auction items, so I am anticipating that we will surpass our goal of $25,000.
“Over the next week, pictures will be posted and final numbers will be tallied, but on this Monday, the Library wants to say a great big Thank You! We are grateful for each and every contribution and the overwhelming support of our wonderful community. No way around it, “A Taste for Books” is always the best party in town!” Hotek enthused, rightfully so it would seem this past Saturday.
We also asked about the “British Invasion” theme’s origin. “Each year the theme is decided on by the committee made up of the Library managers and staff. British Invasion was our 11th year and my 7th year helping to coordinate the event. Next year’s theme will be “A Taste for Books: Movie Magic”.
But how could it be more magical than this year’s “British Invasion” which included references to Stonehenge, Harry Potter, and the historically long running Brit TV sci-fi series “Doctor Who” — not to mention the rather musically magical British Invasion of the rock & roll, pop music scene of the 1960s and ’70s?!? I guess time and a borrowed TARDIS from Dr. Who will tell.
The Library Trustees President also wanted to be sure to acknowledge all the Table Hosts, local business Sponsors, and awards winners. And we will accommodate that request, beginning with the Table Hosts of which Ms. Hotek observed, “Table Hosts provided all the wonderful appetizer ‘tastes’ for the guests and we are so grateful to them. This year we had a lot of new and returning organizations and businesses.”
Those Table Hosting businesses included, with acknowledgements as awarded: Garcia & Gavino, *Penny Lane Hair Co. – Best Table Decoration, Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, *Main Street Geek – Best Food Award, *ARC of Warren Co. – Best Costume, Warren County Retired Teachers, Randolph Macon Academy, *Warren County Heritage Society – Best Table Decoration, *Front Royal Warren Co Chamber of Commerce – Best Table Decoration, *Stone Branch Center for the Arts – Best Food Award, Warren-Front Royal Appalachian Trail Committee, *Beautification of Front Royal Committee – Best Food Award, *Front Royal Warren County Tree Stewards – Best Costume Award, Friends of Samuels Library (FOSL), Epilogue Bookstore, City of Winchester Pipes and Drums, additional food provided by Apple House & Ledo’s.
Separate Prizes were awarded to guests for Best Costume, Hotek observed, “Dressed as Monty Python characters were Jessica and Will Cahill, Diane Schmiedicke was ready for an Equestrian horse race and the Queen was represented by Mary Bennett.”
As to musical accompaniment, as noted in the opening caption the event’s grand opening was kicked off by two bagpipers from the City of Winchester Pipes and Drums group, Gene Schultz and John Taylor. And in one area of the building British Invasion band music was piped in and in the main section guests were treated to a string trio by Annabelle, Georgia and Kelby Grady.
Hotek also told us, “We are extremely grateful to Hot-Shots Photography for sponsoring and photographing the guests. This year our guests had their Royal Portrait taken and went home with a souvenir bordered by the British flag.
“Many other local businesses, wineries, theaters, and artists donated gift cards and items for the Silent Auction and game prize drawings making this a ‘Jolly Good’ evening all around. Fifteen of our guests went home with a grab bag worth between $40-60 for playing our British Icons game,” Hotek noted.
We will conclude this with a “Thank you” to Samuels Public Library and all of its supporting patrons and businesses for making this year’s fundraiser a memorable one.
Some more photos will follow this list of Sponsors, as noted by Hotek “vital to the success of the event.” Those sponsors include: First Bank, Target, Royal Examiner, Northern Virginia Daily, Mountain Home Bed & Breakfast, Front Royal Dental Care Dr. Frederick Broadhead and Dr. Daisy Broadhead, Mountain Laurel Montessori School, Total Wine & More, the Ambrose Family, and the Samuels Library Board members, past and present.
And let’s try to get those London and Liverpool accents right, along with all those in between. That shouldn’t be a problem for this trio, who don’t need to be in costume – three real Brits, from left, our own Malcolm Barr Sr., Susan O’Kelly, and Chris Laurence.
A knightly entrance approved by the crown no doubt; and some royal oversight at one of the food and other goodies tables. Uh oh, who smuggled that George Washington portrait in?!? Oh, it must be a ‘Wanted’ poster.
Community Events
36th Annual Virginia Wine & Craft Festival: A Day of Delight in Front Royal
On Saturday, May 18th, 2024, the streets of Front Royal will come alive with the vibrant and festive spirit of the 36th Annual Virginia Wine & Craft Festival. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Main and Chester Streets will transform into a bustling marketplace filled with the best Virginia offers in wine, crafts, and culinary delights.
The festival is a beloved tradition that showcases an array of Virginia’s finest wines, meads, and ciders. Attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in tastings that promise an unforgettable journey through the region’s renowned libations. This year’s event will also feature a new Kids Zone, ensuring that families enjoy a day filled with fun and engaging activities for all ages.
Artists and crafters from along the East Coast and local artisans and merchants will display their unique creations, ranging from handcrafted jewelry to bespoke ceramics. The array of goods will give festival-goers a perfect opportunity to find that special something, whether for themselves or as gifts.
No festival is complete without tantalizing food options; this year is no exception. From savory crab cake sandwiches to delicious shish kabobs, the food offerings will cater to every palate, ensuring no one goes hungry.
Live music will enhance the festival atmosphere, with performances by bands like A Thousand Faces, Bearded Harmony, and Back To Zero. Attendees should also stay alert for surprise performances and activities sprinkled throughout the event.
Tickets for the wine tasting are available for $30 in advance or $35 at the gate, with free general admission. They can be purchased online or at the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce office. The festival is a chance to enjoy the day and explore the broader attractions of Front Royal and Warren County, appealing to both leisure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The festival, presented by Discover Front Royal and Experience Warren County, is made possible thanks to local sponsors like Jennerations Hair Studio & Spa, Glo Fiber, Christine Binnix – McEnearney Associates, and Shotton Design.
For more information about the festival or to purchase tickets, visit the official website at www.wineandcraftfestival.com or contact the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce at 540-635-3185.
Community Events
Valley Chorale Announces Upcoming Spring Concerts in Middletown and Front Royal
The Valley Chorale presents “Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope”, a spring concert exploring aspirations of love, home, spirituality and compassion that unite and uplift us all. With styles ranging from light classical and sacred to vocal jazz, spirituals and pop, The Valley Chorale strives to capture the hopes that unite us.
The Valley Chorale is known throughout the Shenandoah Valley for innovation and excellence, with piano, cello and percussion accompaniment, and their concerts are often a heart-warming experience for all. They welcome babies and tots, so no need to hire a babysitter.
Tickets can be purchased on their website TheValleyChorale.org — $15 for age 21+ (free under age 21) or at the door for $17.
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
Belle Grove Plantation (Bank Barn), 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
First Baptist Church, 14 W. 1st Street, Front Royal, VA (Community Reception to follow)
For further information, visit the website: TheValleyChorale.org: follow them on Facebook; email them at TheValleyChorale@gmail.com or call at 540-635-4842.
(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)