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.

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.

Piped in by Gene Schultz and John Taylor of the Winchester Pipes and Drums group to begin a good-natured and often costumed ‘British Invasion’ culturally and musically. And let’s have a ‘JOLLY GOOD TIME’ as suggested at check-in. – Royal Examiner Still Photos Roger Bianchini

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.

For us sci-fi fans from the BBC classic ‘Dr. Who’, the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space) time-and-space machine disguised as a Bobby’s police call box – Don’t forget, it’s bigger on the inside than on the outside.

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.

Pictured from the Penny Lane Hair Co. winning food decoration table, Salon owner Mallory Deinert, Sue Laurence as The Beatle lyrically referenced ‘Walrus’, and Nichole Turpin, apparently as the real walrus in a human costume. Below are some of “British Music Invasion” Beatle/Liverpool-themed Penny Lane Salon decor with what we recall as a Yellow Submarine character reference in the third photo. Courtesy Photos Parson Brown

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.

Excitement began peaking as winners of silent auctions and other prizes were announced.

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.

Two ‘British Invasion’ fans sandwiched between posters for the musical variety to their right, and the ancient astronomical knowledge front as hinted at, at Stonehenge, pictured to their left. And speaking of ancient knowledge, there is Harry Potter sneaking into a food table display below, just in front of the Garcia & Gavino table snacks.

We followed this Colonially garbed couple into the deeper reaches of Samuels Public Library to see what other British Invasion fronts we could find, and we discovered another musical invasion option of a more classical nature provided by Annabelle, Georgia and Kelby Grady, one of whom appeared to be on break when we arrived. Seems there was a little something for everyone. And a final look at the winning food decoration table of the Penny Lane Hair Salon, well just because we like well-decorated food and The Beatles.

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.

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.

Courtesy Royal Examiner File Photo of The Valley Chorale during the Christmas season. Get ready for their spring concerts ‘Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope’ the first week of May.

(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)

It was a bitter-sweet evening for me at the Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC) annual “Barks and Bags” fundraiser that drew some 265 of Warren County’s womenfolk and a few gentlemen, including me, to what started as a luncheon group of several Rockland women a decade or more ago and grew to what it has become a sold-out dinner/live auction event featuring name brand (think Gucci) handbags and purses that sold for between $800 and $1,800 in lively bidding.

I was there, representing my late wife, Carol, along with her good friend Susan O’Kelly, thinking back to the days of the hats and relatively small luncheon gatherings with a feeling of pride over what Carol and Susan and many of their women’s group of friends helped launch. They wore fancy hats (I still have a closet full of them, any takers?!) at my suggestion to attract press photographers’ attention and the resulting publicity. With the principal help of Jean Plauger and former longtime HSWC president Ellen Aders, it worked!

Left to right are Canine Kennel Manager Danielle Scholtz, HSWC Executive Director Kayla Wines, and Wagner Shelter Manager Kristen Palmer. Below, we are told that’s just dessert next to a few stray raffle tickets. Courtesy Photos HSWC

The County Humane Society’s new, as of this year, Executive Director Kayla Wines supervised the introductions, the raffles, auctioneer Clint Pierpoint, and so on at the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club in Rockland, giving a shout-out to event sponsors Aders, Plauger, Blake Pierpoint, HSWC Board President Amanda Kindall, and retiring Treasurer Katrina Meade.

Some 40 of those present were named as live and silent auction donors, and 30 “table captains” were recognized by Wines, who described the event in six words: “It was our best year yet!” she proclaimed.

(The writer, former journalist Malcolm Barr Sr. of Rockland, is a past president of HSWC and a current supporter of the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter in Front Royal)