Community Events
‘Barks & Bags’ raises $50,000 for County Humane Society and Animal Shelter operations!
The local Humane Society hosted its 14th annual Barks & Bags event at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club on Friday, April 10, 2026. It was the Humane Society of Warren County’s biggest event of the year with more than 200 attendees.
Barks & Bags is a ladies’ dinner and handbag auction that raises life-saving and necessary funding for the animal shelter. The evening consists of a shared meal, silent auction, raffle baskets, games, a 50/50 raffle, and a live auction featuring designer handbags.
Two group shots of attendees of the Barks & Bags event. Looks like the food has been served and they’re getting ready to dig in. And what are they digging into? Eat your heart out if you missed it. Courtesy Photos HSWC & Executive Director Kayla Wines
Our 50/50 winner, Dr. Kristen Pence, graciously donated her winnings back to HSWC. It was a night filled with excitement, laughter, and community generosity that we love so much!
Our “Match Men” are paired with a handbag in the live auction and agree to match the donation for an even greater impact. These local businessmen helped us raise more than $5,000 at this event, and we can’t thank them enough. These generous match men include Bret Hrbek, George McIntyre, George Cline, Justin Appleton, Ken Evans, Mike Noble, Chuck Wymer, Nathan Patterson, and the late Lincoln Walker, who was adopted from HSWC.
I would like to thank our staff and volunteers, all who attended the event, and of course, our sponsors who make events like this possible. Our phenomenal list of sponsors includes Ellen Aders – State Farm, Jean’s Jewelers, Debbie’s Lighthouse, CSM Aesthetics, Bill Powers – State Farm, City National Bank, Blake & Co. Hair Spa, Reitano Vinyards, and Victoria’s Esthetics.
A thank you to sponsors of the 2026 event; and below a quartet of Society members mixing business with pleasure, Kayla, Laura, Krista, and Sara.
For more information about the Humane Society of Warren County, visit www.humanesocietywarrencounty.com.
(From a release by the Humane Society of Warren County through Executive Director Kayla Wines.)
This Week’s Showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of November 5th
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 11/2/2026
Front Royal Incumbents Lead Election Results as Warren County Rejects All Three Constitutional Amendments
Ever Wonder How Front Royal Runs? Citizens Academy Opens Applications for New Class
Mary Ann “Molly” Harrison (1939 – 2026)
Master Gardeners Invite Public to November 14 Symposium on Birds, Native Plants, and Healthy Gardens
Why Some Small Towns Become Destinations (and Others Don’t)
Israel: Through World War I
Virginia Report Reveals Major Gaps in Access to Career and Technical Education Courses, Credentials
You May Be Paying Too Much for Prescriptions: One Question at the Pharmacy Could Save You Money
Fay G. Ingles (1937 – 2026)
John McLane “Johnny” Cole (1943 – 2026)
Joyce Ellen Meadows Powell (1947 – 2026)
Oops All Berries Takes Spotlight in Virginia Breeders Fund “Day of Champions” Card at Shenandoah Downs
Lung Cancer Often Has No Early Warning Signs: UVA Health Expert Urges Virginians to Get Screened
Virginia Governor Pledges Overhaul of Outdated K-12 School Funding Formula
Explosive Spending, Ugly Ads and Courtroom Battles Set Stage for Tense Midterm Elections
Girl Scout Cookie Season Is Going to the Dogs in 2027
Rules for Me, But Not for Thee?
‘Medically Frail’ Medicaid Enrollees Won’t Have to Prove Their Inability to Work to Keep Coverage
Ask Stewart: Why Is Front Royal a Tree City USA?
A Fallen Tree in Washington, D.C., Becomes an Unlikely Memorial
Costumes, Candy and Community Spirit Fill Downtown Front Royal for Hometown Halloween
Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary School Students Celebrate Heroes Day at the End of Red Ribbon Week