Community Events
Apple Blossom Sports Hall of Fame 2023 Inductees named
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is pleased to announce the 2023 Apple Blossom Sports Hall of Fame Inductees, Debby Sanders and James W. “Jim” Casey. Debby and the Casey family will be honored for their contribution to sports in the region at 8:00 a.m. during the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast on Saturday morning, May 6, 2023, in the Tolley Dental Zone at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Event Center, 1188 Ralph Shockey Drive. General admission tickets are $45 and VIP tickets are $125. Both are available at www.thebloom.com/events.
Debby Sanders
Debby retired from Frederick County Public Schools after 30 years as a Health and PE teacher, Department Chair, and Head Girls’ Basketball Coach.
She coached Millbrook High School girls’ basketball team from 2004-2013 with 84 consecutive wins. The team titles include the following: State Champions 2010, 2011, 2012; Regional Champions 2010, 2011, 2012; District Champions 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; Regional Runner-Up 2009; and State Semi-Finalists 2009.
She was named State Coach of the Year from 2010 through 2012; Regional Coach of the Year from 2009 to 2012; and District Coach of the Year in 1997 and from 2009 through 2013.
After coaching, Debby served as an assistant athletic director for one year and volunteered at numerous sporting events. She was inducted into the Millbrook Athletic Hall of Fame and started the Millbrook “Go Pink” Millbrook vs. Cancer annual events that help to raise money to support individuals and families in the community impacted by cancer.
James W. “Jim” Casey
A native of Boyce and 32-year employee of James Wood High School, James “Jim” William Casey died at the age of 92 on Jan. 8, 2023. He is remembered and missed by scores of people in the area as he is inducted into the 2023 Apple Blossom Sports Hall of Fame.
Casey is survived by two of his three children – James M. and his daughter Ann. His son, John Casey, noted blacksmith and manager of the family farm, died at age 61 this past March. Coach Casey is also survived by his brother Jerry. Jim’s wife Eleanor MacDonald died in 2005. She, with Jim, founded and operated one of West Virginia’s most successful thoroughbred and racing operations. The operation was first named for Eleanor, and then after her death, for their horse farm Taylor Mountain.
Jim graduated from Boyce Agricultural High School and the College of William and Mary where he ran track, played baseball, and was the varsity football manager. After two years in the military, Casey returned to begin his career at James Wood High School, where he was a teacher, coach, and athletic director.
Retired athletic director at Handley High School, Jimmy Omps, said of Casey, “I remember watching Casey run the cinder track at Handley, the 100-yard dash in close to 10 seconds. He was very intelligent; he knew the rules.”
Don Shirley, a retired principal at James Wood, agreed that his intelligence was a comfort to him and a sounding board. “He was good listener…I missed that greatly when he retired. He was one of the most loyal persons I can think of. He remembered everything, the kids, who did what in which game. Unbelievable!”
Former JWHS student Danny Hoopes recalled that Casey was a great strategy coach; he was not vocal, but he was a confident man. Hoopes, who Coach Casey nicknamed Hoops, Jr. greeted him that way for years. Why Hoops, Jr? Hoops was told to figure it out himself. Seems Hoops was the 1945 Kentucky Derby winner.
Casey’s son, a veterinarian like his grandfather, said, “He never really got upset about anything. He could take things in stride.”
The 1954-55 school year marked the beginning of Casey’s run of success as head coach in three sports. In baseball, he never had a losing record; his football winning record included a 10-0 season in 1964, but he was at his best with basketball. After James Wood High School hired Casey as head coach, he had a record of 132-29, winning eight District titles.
Casey’s post-educational career as horse owner and trainer featured more than 1,200 wins, including a record 35 West Virginia Breeders’ Classic victories as a trainer. Casey moved from Winchester to Charles Town, W.Va. in 2002 after acquiring 146 acres in Jefferson County.
Like his grandfather, he was generous. There is the Dr. Joseph M. Casey scholarship at Clarke County High given to a student pursuing a degree in science or veterinarian medicine. The generosity and encouragement Casey and his wife Eleanor left to future generations are scholarships named the JAMES & ELEANOR CASEY ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS which are awarded yearly at James Wood High School, Millbrook High School, Sherando High School, Clarke County High School, Washington High, and Jefferson High Schools. The scholarships are used by an athlete to further their education and playing a college sport is not a requirement.
As late as 2022 he won 24 races and was at the track every morning. On the morning of January 6, 2023 Casey fell at the track and suffered a broken leg. He won the race while in surgery and seemed to be on the mend when he died two days later. His wife Eleanor had died in similar circumstances, A loose horse caused her to fall and break her hip at age 74 in 2005.
His son, James M. Casey, told the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred journal, “He enjoyed it–the people, the horses, the races. He went to the track every day until the very end.” Casey’s racing resume records over 1,200 wins, his horse, No Love for Juba, a homebred horse, won the West Virginia Futurity on Jan. 8, the day of his death. Late in the Game, came in second.
Coach Casey’s son and daughter will accept their father’s induction into the 2023 Apple Blossom Sports Hall of Fame.
Join us at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast at the Tolley Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Event Center on Shenandoah University Campus on Saturday morning, May 6, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.
Community Events
Discover solutions for teeth clenching and grinding at free seminar with Dr. Zunka
Have you noticed yourself clenching and grinding your teeth more often lately? You’re not alone. The incidence of teeth clenching and grinding has skyrocketed by a staggering 400% since March 2020, according to recent data. To shed light on this concerning trend and offer practical solutions, Dr. Craig Zunka, a renowned dental expert, will be hosting a free seminar discussing the latest information on tooth clenching and grinding.
Taking place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 6:30 pm, the seminar will be held at Samuel’s Public Library located at 330 E. Criser Road in Front Royal. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the causes of teeth clenching and grinding, as well as discover effective strategies to alleviate this condition.
Dr. Zunka, a Diplomat of the American Board of Homeopathy in Dentistry, is a distinguished dental practitioner with extensive expertise in holistic dental care. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the Academy of Stress and Chronic Disease, he brings a comprehensive approach to addressing dental issues. His knowledge extends to cranial osteopathy, dental esthetics, and the impact of stress and anxiety on oral health.
During the seminar, Dr. Zunka will delve into various factors contributing to teeth clenching and grinding. It will be revealed that calcium deficiency can play a role, making it essential to maintain adequate calcium levels for optimal oral health. Additionally, tooth clenching and grinding can serve as potential symptom of Lyme disease, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive medical assessments. Inactivity and sedentary lifestyles have also been associated with increased instances of clenching and grinding. Furthermore, the profound influence of stress and anxiety as significant contributing factors will be highlighted.
In addition to providing valuable insights, Dr. Zunka’s seminar aims to equip attendees with actionable steps to mitigate teeth clenching and grinding. By understanding the underlying causes, individuals can implement effective measures to alleviate this condition and preserve their oral health.
To make the evening even more rewarding, the first 20 attendees will receive complimentary gift bags filled with oral health essentials. This gesture demonstrates Dr. Zunka’s commitment to supporting the community’s oral well-being.
For further information about the seminar or to reserve your spot, please contact Dr. Zunka’s office at (540)-635-3610. Additional details can be found on Dr. Zunka’s website at www.craigzunkadds.com or by visiting their Facebook page.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and take proactive steps toward addressing tooth clenching and grinding. Join Dr. Craig Zunka at Samuel’s Public Library on June 22nd and embark on your journey to improved oral health.
Contact: Dr. Craig Zunka’s Office Phone: (540)-635-3610 Website: www.craigzunkadds.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/craigzunkadds
Community Events
Harmony for Habitat: Warren County supports housing efforts with free gospel event
Front Royal, a hub of cultural diversity, is gearing up to welcome all for a day filled with melodious tunes and camaraderie on Saturday, June 10, 2023. This exciting event is being orchestrated by the Faith Relations Committee of the Warren County Habitat for Humanity.
Taking place from 11 am to 6 pm at the Main Street Gazebo in downtown Front Royal, this complimentary event promises a fusion of captivating vocal renditions and dance performances sure to leave audiences both entertained and inspired.
An impressive roster of local talents and ensembles from the wider region will take to the stage. The lineup includes “Voices of Zion,” hailing from Middleburg, “Dr. Diane Newman & Edified” from Manassas, and Front Royal’s very own “Servant’s Heart and Hands – LifePoint Outreach Team” and “A Heart of Worship Dance Ministry” from Embassy Deliverance & Worship Center. Also joining the musical spectacle are solo performers Donnie Carter, Meade Skelton, and David Clanagan from Love & Faithfulness Church.
Adding to the richness of the event, the “Unity Choir” from Rappahannock, “Rev. Gerald Patterson & the Voices of Triumph” from Washington, D.C., and “Mini Voices of Grace” from Stephens City will lend their voices to the choir. Front Royal’s own DJ, 3N1 Gospel Sound, will keep the day lively with an array of gospel melodies.
This gathering offers a splendid opportunity for community members to unite and relish their collective passion for gospel music and dance in a picturesque open-air locale. With an array of gifted groups and soloists on the schedule, participants can anticipate a spirited, engaging day filled with harmony, rhythmic expression, and communal connection.
Don’t let this opportunity to witness a spectacular exposition of passion and talent pass you by. Invite your companions, prepare a picnic, and join the Faith Relations Committee of the Warren County Habitat for Humanity for this joyous celebration of gospel music and dance at the Gazebo on Main Street in Front Royal.
Community Events
This week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of June 1st
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 1st:
• Thursday: 12:30, 3:45, 7:00
• Friday: 9:30, 1:05, 4:15, 7:35
• Sat-Wed: 1:05, 4:15, 7:35
Rated PG | Run Time: 2 hr 4 min
• Thursday: 2:50, 5:00, 8:00
• Friday: 1:00, 4:10, 7:30
• Sat-Wed: 1:00, 4:10, 7:30
Rated PG | Run Time: 2 hr 20 min
• Thursday: 12:50, 4:15, 7:30
• Friday: 1:10, 4:25, 7:45
• Sat-Wed: 1:10, 4:25, 7:45
Rated PG13 | Run Time: 2 hr 21 minn
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adult: $10
- Child (under 12): $7
- Military: $8
- Student (college): $8
- Senior: $8
- Matinees, All Seating: $7
- 3D: add $3
COMING SOON:
- “Elemental”
- “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1”
- “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
Community Events
Magic Carpet Ride to Agrabah: Italia Performing Arts presents ‘Aladdin’ this summer
Immerse yourself in the magic of Arabian nights as Italia Performing Arts transport audiences to the world of “Aladdin” in a much-anticipated dance adaptation of the traditional story. Set to take place at Skyline High School in Front Royal, the performance promises a splendid blend of music and dance that will captivate the young and the young at heart.
This dance adaptation, scheduled for Saturday, June 17th, 2023, will have two performances at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm, with music thoughtfully edited, compiled, and arranged by the esteemed Dr. Ryan Keebaugh. This unique presentation is sure to bring a new, dynamic perspective to the beloved tale of Aladdin, his magic lamp, and his enchanting adventures.
Reserved tickets are now on sale exclusively through SimpleTix, the official ticket agency for the show. Patrons are advised that tickets will not be available for purchase at the Italia studios or at the door on the day of the performance.
Pricing tiers have been set for different seating sections of the auditorium: Premium tickets for the front rows and center are priced at $40.00, with a discounted rate of $35.00 for viewers under 16. Regular tickets, set on the sides of the auditorium, are available for $30.00, with an under-16 rate of $25.00. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, seats at the back of the auditorium are offered at $20.00.
In the interests of respecting copyright rules, the organization has stated that there will be no recordings of this spectacular show.
The performances will be hosted at Skyline High School, located at 151 Skyline Vista Dr, Front Royal, VA 22630. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, visit the Italia Performing Arts website at https://italiapa.com/aladdin/ or call 540-504-7263.
Don’t miss this magical journey that will whisk you away to a land of enchantment, adventure, and dance. Secure your tickets now and let Italia Performing Arts show you a whole new world this summer!
Community Events
Front Royal-Warren County EDA gears up for its Open-Door Business Session: An opportunity to shape Warren County’s future
In an effort to foster regional economic growth, the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has announced its next Open-Door Business Session. The event is scheduled for Thursday, June 1, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Ave, Front Royal, VA 22630. This event is a part of the EDA’s continuous initiative to strengthen Warren County’s workforce development and enhance the economic prosperity of the region.
The two-hour session will be packed with presentations, open discussions, and plenty of networking opportunities. The main focus of the event will be the exploration of Warren County’s workforce development prospects, overcoming related challenges, and celebrating its successes in economic development. Participants will have a chance to engage in meaningful discussions and network with key players influencing Warren County’s economic landscape.
While pre-registration for the session is not compulsory, the organizers have encouraged interested parties to RSVP by Tuesday, May 30, ensuring they don’t miss out on this influential meeting. Those interested can register via the provided link.
The Front Royal-Warren County EDA is known for its commitment to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth. Hosting these Open-Door Business Sessions, they provide a platform where individuals, businesses, and community members can discuss and strategize on various economic development issues, paving the way for a more prosperous Warren County.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the local community, network with important stakeholders, and directly contribute to the future of Warren County’s economy.
For more information on the event and registration details, visit the REGISTRATION LINK.
Community Events
American Legion Community Band announces Memorial Day Concert in Front Royal
The American Legion Community Band has announced its next public performance, a Memorial Day Concert, taking place on May 29, 2023. The event will kick off at 7:00 pm at the gazebo on Main Street in Front Royal, Virginia. As per the band’s tradition, the concert is free, and everyone is welcome to enjoy the live music in the heart of the community.
The American Legion Community Band, a fixture of Front Royal since 1986, is renowned for its talented volunteer musicians from the local area. Under the baton of conductors Ed Richards, Ronald Dye, and Mark Malechek, the band offers a broad repertoire of music, from classical pieces to popular hits, marches to operatic overtures, and modern works specially composed for bands. Their performances always promise a delightful evening for audiences of all ages.
“We’re very excited to bring our music to the heart of Front Royal this Memorial Day,” said Ed Richards, one of the conductors. “Our band members always put their heart and soul into each performance, and we hope to offer a memorable experience for all who join us.”
The band’s Memorial Day Concert is part of its extensive performance season that runs from September through July each year. They grace stages both indoors and outdoors, ensuring that community members have ample opportunity to indulge in their versatile performances.
This dedicated group of musicians rehearses every Tuesday from 7:30 – 9:00 pm in the Fulton Fine Arts Complex band room at Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, Va. The doors are always open to new members who play an instrument and wish to contribute to the local music scene.
Sponsored by the Giles B. Cook Post #53 of the American Legion, the band continues to be a beacon of community spirit, emphasizing inclusivity and a shared love for music. This Memorial Day, they look forward to commemorating the holiday with a concert that speaks to the unity and resilience of the Front Royal community.
Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate Memorial Day, the American Legion Community Band’s upcoming concert is sure to offer a night of captivating performances. Mark your calendar for May 29, 2023, and come experience the joy of community music under the stars.
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