Community Events
Coming to the Table video conversation and invitation to virtual gathering on Thursday, July 30
WHAT MATTERS Warren–The community is invited to watch the virtual healing discussion shared below and to attend the Coming to the Table (Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter) ZOOM virtual gathering on Thursday, 7/30, from 6:30pm-8:30pm. The group’s mission is to promote “truth, justice, healing and working together to create a just and truthful society that acknowledges and seeks to heal from the racial wounds of the past, from slavery and the many forms of racism it spawned.” CTTT encourages all to be willing to be uncomfortable, willing to learn and step out of comfort zones, to make time to become educated and to engage in healing as well as transforming conversations in a safe space.
This video is a thought provoking ZOOM discussion between Beth Medved Waller, Judith James and Ira Chaleff (co-chairs) as well as Sarah Downs, a Reaching Out Now Volunteer and Shenandoah University student. During the conversation, a powerful theory that “pain that is not transformed is transferred” and “hurt people hurt people” is presented as well as the concepts of forgiveness, inclusion, respect, honesty, transparency, compassion, reconciliation and using non-violence to bridge the divide through love and peace.
According to the CTTT Facebook page, “Our goal is to provide leadership, resources, and a supportive environment for all who wish to acknowledge and heal wound from racism that is rooted in the United States’ history of slavery and, unfortunately, is ongoing.
The essential element that is needed for us to do the work of healing is to have blacks, whites, and others well represented. Toward that end, PLEASE REACH OUT TO FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, FELLOW PARISHIONERS, STUDENTS AND CO-WORKERS – BLACK AND WHITE – AND EXTEND AN INVITATION TO THIS WORK. THE MORE DIVERSE OUR GROUP, THE RICHER WILL BE THE CONVERSATION” Learn more at comingtothetable.org/front-royal, and contact them at ctttfrontroyal@gmail.com or on Facebook to receive the ZOOM link and/or to sign up for their mailing list.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING MEETINGS–During the gatherings (in person or ZOOM), attendees do not need to speak but are encouraged to share, make connections, discuss history, brainstorm about paths to healing, express and challenge hard truths in a safe space without shame, listen thoughtfully and take action they feel called to take. As volunteer Sarah Downs shares, people don’t have to feel obligated to speak–healing is fostered when people who are hurt are heard.
WHAT MATTERS INITIATIVE
Are you or your group in need of a free video that could be created to help market your cause or event? Beth’s WHAT MATTERS Warren videos post on Facebook and YouTube.
Learn more Beth’s nonprofit, WHAT MATTERS, a 501 (c) (3), at www.whatmattersw2.com – check out the “Community” section to request a TOWN TIP or WHAT MATTERS WARREN BETHvid or contact her at 540-671-6145 or beth@whatmattersw2.com.
About WHAT MATTERS:
WHAT MATTERS is a 501(c)(3) that focuses on local and global outreach to help spread the word, support and raise funds for causes that matter (primarily through Facebook). WHAT MATTERS has ZERO overhead as 100% of the expenses are funded by Beth’s real estate business thanks to her clients and supporters. Every cent raised goes to the cause she’s promoting and most are matched by Beth. If you’d like to get involved or travel to Africa with her on a future trip to work with the children of Light up Life Foundations, please visit www.whatmattersw2.com.
Community Events
Warren County High School Graduation Ceremony – May 17, 2024 – Watch it LIVE on the Royal Examiner
Mark your calendars! Warren County High School’s graduation ceremony on May 17, 2024, will be broadcast live, allowing family and friends to partake in this milestone event from anywhere. The Royal Examiner is excited to provide live coverage of the ceremony, ensuring that no one misses out on celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024.
The broadcast starts at 6:55 p.m.
Make sure to share this page link with your family and friends so they can tune in and join the celebration. Whether near or far, everyone can witness the proud moment when Warren County High School’s seniors turn their tassels and step into their bright futures.
Congratulations to all the graduates and their families!
Community Events
Skyline High School Graduation Ceremony – May 16, 2024 – Watch it LIVE on the Royal Examiner
Mark your calendars! Skyline High School’s graduation ceremony on May 16, 2024, will be broadcast live, allowing family and friends to partake in this milestone event from anywhere. The Royal Examiner is excited to provide live coverage of the ceremony, ensuring that no one misses out on celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024.
The broadcast starts at 6:55 p.m.
Make sure to share this page link with your family and friends so they can tune in and join the celebration. Whether near or far, everyone can witness the proud moment when Skyline High School’s seniors turn their tassels and step into their bright futures.
Congratulations to all the graduates and their families!
Community Events
Ressie Jeffries Elementary School’s ‘Senior Walk’ Honors Alumni Poised to Take Their Next Step in Life
Shortly after noon, Wednesday, May 15, Ressie Jeffries Elementary School held its annual Senior Walk. Expected were graduates from both Skyline and Warren County High Schools, along with some from surrounding counties, including Sherando. We got word from staff at Ressie that, “The entire school Pre-K to 5th grades have been feverishly working to decorate the school as one final hoorah before these seniors walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.”
At the conclusion of the parade in the gymnasium area, some seniors were anticipated to participate in a final relay race to mark an official “Goodbye” to their childhood memories. Also invited to participate this year were former staff that taught, possibly some of the participating seniors, at Ressie.
Following the event we got this update from Ressie staffer Jamie Marion: “This was by far the BIGGEST Senior Walk we’ve had that included at least 50 graduates, along with the most parents we’ve ever had. Additionally, we had past staff members on video chat attending virtually. The positive comments, tears of joy, happiness, sadness, the reminiscing and all the cheering was phenomenal,” Marion observed, adding, “All-in-all it was a WONDERFUL day to be a Jaguar.”
Community Events
Experience the Splendor of Virginia’s Horse Country at the 65th Hunt Country Stable Tour
This Memorial Day Weekend, the Hunt Country Stable Tour invites equestrian enthusiasts and newcomers to explore over a dozen historic and private equine properties in Virginia’s picturesque horse country. Celebrating its 65th year, the tour resumes after a brief hiatus, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of horses and their trainers across various disciplines.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special hours at select venues, the self-driving tour will showcase notable farms like Kinross and Poplar Grange, where visitors can witness the training of eventing horses, jumpers, and steeplechase athletes against a backdrop of rolling hills.
A highlight for many will be the visit to Oak Spring Farm, once owned by Paul and Bunny Mellon, where internationally celebrated horses were bred. The tour also provides an opportunity to experience the historic Piedmont Fox Hounds, the oldest hunt in America, demonstrating traditional hunting calls and techniques at Trinity Church in Upperville.
Old Denton offers a unique perspective with demonstrations of mules excelling in disciplines from dressage to western reining. Polo enthusiasts can enjoy matches at Phipps Field, and early risers can catch a glimpse of racehorse training at the Middleburg Training Center.
The tour is not just about horses; historical estates like Stoke Farm and Welbourne Inn offer breathtaking vistas and engaging reenactments of their storied pasts. The Virginia Tech Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center will open its doors to those interested in equine health and nutrition, showcasing mares and foals in their care.
Other sites include the Salamander Resort, which highlights therapeutic riding programs, and The National Sporting Library & Museum, which offers tours of its rare books and art collection, enriching visitors’ understanding of country pursuits.
Tickets are priced at $40 per person, with free admission for children under ten, covering both days of the tour. All proceeds will benefit Trinity Ministries, supporting various organizations that improve the lives of people in need.
With the lush landscapes of Virginia as its backdrop, the Hunt Country Stable Tour celebrates the region’s equestrian heritage and its commitment to community and preservation. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the event’s official website at [Hunt Country Stable Tour](https://trinityupperville.org/hunt-country-stable-tour). Join us in experiencing the grandeur and tradition of Virginia’s horse country on a weekend filled with beauty, history, and equine excellence.