Community Events
Children’s activities at Samuels Public Library for the month of June
These are the events taking place in the Youth Services Department of Samuels Public Library during the month of June. Thank you for sharing this information. More information about Samuels Library and the programs and services available can be found at www.samuelslibrary.net or by calling (540) 635-3153.
Saturday, June 1
- 10:00 Books and Barks. Come to our extremely popular monthly program that gives developing readers the chance to read and relax with a trained therapy dog. For beginning readers and up. Choose a time slot at registration, which begins May 1.
- 2:00 Discuss This. Are you inspired by good books, articles, movies, and art? Do you write, draw, or enjoy playing music? If so, join us as we discuss books and share our creations. This is a group for those who wish to talk seriously about a variety of topics. This month, Join Monica Farrall, Educational Outreach Coordinator, as she takes a short, fun look at 4 major personality categories which have an animal likeness: the lion, the otter, the golden retriever, and the beaver. Each animal has different temperaments and characteristics which make it special and unique; just like each of us. Come learn how a better understanding of personalities can strengthen our relationships with family and friends. Refreshments will be provided. For ages 12 and up. Registration begins May 1.
Tuesday, June 4
- 11:00 Time for Baby. What do books, scarves, puppets, music and babies have in common? They are all part of Time for Baby. Join us as we use all of our senses to explore the world around us. This month our theme will be “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” Meet with your baby up to two years of age. Siblings welcome.
- 4:30 Science Scouts. Explore the mysteries of the world through science! In this weekly program, we will discuss and perform hands on investigations of STEM-related topics. Windmill STEM is the topic of this week’s investigations. For ages 6 – 11. Registration begins May 4.
Wednesday, June 5 and Thursday, June 6
- 10:15 Toddler Story time.
- 11:00 Preschool Story time.
Big, Bigger, Biggest! We’ll have stories that illustrate comparisons, poems, and a fun craft! Siblings welcome.
Friday, June 7
Join us for a fun day of celebration as we begin our annual Summer Reading Club! Sign up for Summer Reading Club and take part in these great activities:
- 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Buy a frozen treat from the C&C ice cream truck, featuring a new mystery flavor: It’s Showtime at Your Library!
- 10:00 -1:00 Get your face painted!
- 1:00 Local entertainer Kevin Owens will amaze children and adults with the variety and complexity of his balloon animal creations.
- 2:00 Larsen’s Amazing World of Reptiles. Children, teens, and adults will learn fun facts about reptiles, see them up close, and have a chance to hold or touch them.
Saturday, June 8
- 11:00 Aspiring Artists. Are you aged 7 and up? Do you enjoy art? If so, please join us for our children’s art class. Come create your own self-portrait in pastel! We will observe famous artists’ self-portraits such as Rembrandt, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Frida Kahlo and then draw our own original self-portraits. Registration begins May 8.
- 2:00 Game On! Sample games from our new video game collection and give us your recommendations for more titles at our Game On! program for teens! For ages 12-18. Registration begins May 8.
Tuesday, June 11
- 3:30 Science Scouts. Explore the mysteries of the world through science! In this weekly program, we will discuss and perform hands on investigations of STEM-related topics. This week, we’ll do some underwater explorations with our ocean zones theme! For ages 6 – 11. Registration begins May 11.
Wednesday, June 12 and Thursday, June 13
- 10:15 Toddler Story time.
- 11:00 Preschool Story time.
Trained animals and amazing tricks! It’s the circus! Join us for stories, songs, and a craft. Siblings welcome.
Wednesday, June 12
- 2:00 It’s Showtime at the Circus. Come enjoy “clowning around” and create your personal clown face, learn interesting circus fun facts, play games, and eat cotton candy! For ages 8-12. Registration begins May 12.
Friday, June 14
- 2:00 Wiggly Worms. Come on down and get your hands dirty! Pet some worms and then make a worm hotel for the library garden. Learn about the importance of worms to the health of the soil and farm crops. The worms will be our garden pets for the summer and will be fed every Monday and Friday at 2:00 P.M. Children are welcome to help. We thank Allyson Ponn of the Lord Fairfax Soil and Conservation District for making this program possible. Registration begins May 14. For ages 5 and up.
Monday, June 17
- 2:00 Monday Movie: The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. Love Legos? Come on in and watch The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. And if it inspires you to do some building, we’ll have some Legos on hand! For ages 5 and up. Registration begins May 17.
Tuesday, June 18
- 3:30 Science Scouts. Explore the mysteries of the world through science! In this weekly program, we will discuss and perform hands-on investigations of STEM-related topics. This week, we’ll learn about animal cells. For ages 6 – 11. Registration begins May 18.
Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 20
- 10:15 Toddler Story time.
- 11:00 Preschool Story time.
Let’s have some stories about squawky, gawky chickens! Come in for a fun craft and poems, too! Siblings welcome.
Wednesday, June 19
- 2:00 A Creative Space. Teens will learn about the more abstract side of art. In this class we’ll look at concepts and colors. What emotion does this artwork portray based on the predominant colors? How can simply applying a color over an image change the tone of it? For ages 12 and up. Registration begins May 19.
Saturday, June 22
- 11:00 Summer Fun! A Children’s Garden Program. Come create your own beautiful and original Garden Art Wind Chimes and enjoy homemade ice cream! Surprise flavors! For ages 6 and up. Registration begins May 22.
- 2:00 Chess and More. Meet other kids and teens who enjoy the challenge of a good chess or other board game. For ages 6 and up. Registration begins May 22.
Monday, June 24
- 2:00 Dragon Feathers Puppet Show. Dragon Feathers features a colorful, zany cast of talented dragons! They are silly, but never scary; foolish, but never frightening. Bring the whole family to this entertaining celebration of fun! Presented by Bob Brown Puppets.
Wednesday, June 26 and Thursday, June 27
- 10:15 Toddler Story time.
- 11:00 Preschool Story time.
What’s cooking? Come to story time for a taste of good books, songs, and a craft! Siblings welcome.
Friday, June 28
- 2:00 Song and Dance. It’s show time for children ages seven and up! Kids will get to dance to fun music, sing silly songs, learn a few easy rhythms, and dress up in crazy costumes. For ages 7 and up. Registration begins May 28.
Saturday, June 29
- 2:00 Dungeons & Dragons (Group B.) Hail and well met, Adventurers! A new program is taking place for teens 13+. Dungeons and Dragons is an interactive, imaginative game that stimulates the mind with critical thinking, problem solving, and quick wits. New to the game? No problem. Our Game Master is prepared to help all learn the game and provide an enjoyable experience for all. Space is limited, so join up while there’s still room on the list!
Community Events
Samuels Public Library Adult Programming Events for May
You can find and register for all library events on our website, www.samuelslibrary.net.
The Library will be closed for Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th.
One-Time Events
Bird ID and Photography
Saturday, May 18th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
In person. We will meet at the Shenandoah River State Park visitor center to review bird identification and tips of photographing birds. After the meeting at the visitor center, we will explore habitats that birds frequent to observe them and photograph these flying wonders. Sturdy footwear is recommended. All types of cameras from smartphones to professional cameras and levels of photographers are welcomed. Note: State Park parking fees rules apply for attending this program. The Library has a limited number of LVA state park bags with passes. Availability is not guaranteed.
Ongoing Programs
What the Tech!
Every Tuesday from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
In person. Need help with technology? Come by the library’s Meeting Room B where we will be going over computers and other technology basics. Having trouble with your phone, tablet, laptop, or other device? Bring it in, and we’ll help!
Bad Romance
Wednesday, May 1st from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
First Wednesday of every month.
In person. Do you consider yourself a hopeless romantic? Are bad romances a guilty pleasure of yours? Can’t get enough puns? Can you quote every line from your favorite rom-com? Then you should join us for Bad Romance, where Samuels Public Library will have a themed discussion for the romance genre every month. Indulge us with your favorite romance books, movies, music or other media, and possibly discover a new treat in this awesome informal discussion! New members are always welcome!
Genealogy Club
Wednesday, May 8th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Second Wednesday of every month.
In person. Interested in your family’s history? Already done extensive research and want to be able to share your finds? Join our genealogy club where both novices and experts alike can come together and talk about different genealogy topics.
Books & Beyond
Thursday, May 9th from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM
Second Thursday of every month.
In person. Do you love books and sharing them as much as we do? Join us to delve into new worlds of conversation about new books at your community’s public library! The theme this month is Nature. Read anything relating to nature, animals, the outdoors, plants, etc!
Phoenix Project – Hope for New Beginnings
Tuesday, May 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Third Tuesday of every month.
In person. Serving all members of the Front Royal/Warren County community who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault. Phoenix Project Advocates are available to provide crisis intervention, supportive counseling, safety planning, information, education, and more. Their services are free, confidential, and trauma-informed. Hope. Help. Healing.
Community Events
Earth Day Environmental Commitment Event Sees a Citizen Commitment to Tree Plantings
By whichever name you prefer: Earth, Lone Pine, or Tree Giveaway Day in Front Royal, Sunday, April 21, was a rousing success and then some! That is unless you got there much after 11 a.m. and were looking for one of those 450 native species trees being given away through a grant from the Department of Forestry. We’ll let Aces Committee supporting member Chris Rademacher, who was manning the tree distribution table when we arrived, explain:
“This was an awesome grant from the Department of Forestry. It was funded through their Virginia Trees for Clean Water Program. So, it was a $7,000 grant and we bought these trees and we’re giving them away to the community during our Front Royal Earth Day, Lone Pine Day Festival. And they’re all gone,” Rademacher observed shortly after 11 a.m. before we noted three lonely trees sitting somewhat obscured at some distance behind his table and over toward East Main Street.
Wait, what — nearly 450 trees distributed to citizens attending the festival gone in just over an hour into the 10 a.m. event scheduled to run to 3 p.m. If we recall correctly, 250 trees were given away at last year’s event.
“We had a line of about 45 people waiting for trees at 10 a.m. It was pretty intense. And so we had this really nice flow throughout, I guess it’s only been an hour — And what time is it, 11:20, so about an hour and 20 minutes and all of our trees are gone except for three,” Rademacher said of the steady run on the grant-enabled tree give-away.
And while all trees appeared to have been claimed by about 11:30 a.m. there were still nearly four hours left for informational booth visiting, mingling with friends old or newly made, grabbing a snack at healthy food table displays or a food vendor booth, not to mention getting to know some of the Heavenly Heart Petting Zoo animals before the 3 p.m. final stop would be called.
Of the Earth/Lone Pine Day event, we found this from an online search for Front Royal’s Earth Day event: “Whether you’ve been a part of previous events or are joining for the first time, kick off Spring with us and showcase your commitment to the environment! The event will connect you with diverse, nature-oriented conservation groups that showcase environmental stewardship at its best.”
So, in case you missed it, or just want to be reminded of all the fun you had by not missing it, enjoy this event photo run. And never forget, the earth we leave behind is a key portion of our generational legacy to all generations to come. Certainly something worth gathering to remember and recommit to annually.
Community Events
Front Royal Gears Up for 9th Annual Family Fun Day with a Focus on Community and Tradition
Front Royal is buzzing with excitement as the community prepares for the 9th Annual Family Fun Day, a cherished tradition that brings together families, local artisans, and performers to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend (May 11th) with flair and festivity. This year’s event promises a vibrant mix of activities, including a beloved local crawfish boil, bringing a taste of Louisiana to Virginia.
As the brainchild of local personalities William Huck (aka Crazy Wyllie) and his wife and partner Nina, Family Fun Day has grown from a simple gathering into a major community event. Now in its ninth year, the day is meticulously organized to foster community spirit and celebrate local culture. “Life is too short not to live it to the fullest,” says Crazy Wyllie, who is known for his energetic presence and deep community ties.
The festival kicks off with a parade featuring local groups and colorful floats, setting the stage for a day filled with music, dance, and family-oriented activities. Among the highlights are the crawfish boil, which sells out annually, and various workshops and demonstrations ranging from Frisbee golf to blacksmithing.
This year, approximately 55 vendors, most of whom are from Warren County, will showcase their crafts, contributing to the event’s local flavor. This focus on local talent is a pivot from past practices, aiming to promote community-based economic growth and celebrate regional artisans.
The entertainment lineup is as eclectic as it is exciting. It includes performances by the Jig and Jive Dance Studio and Music Mountain School, promising a day filled with dynamic entertainment. “I love to dance,” admits William, who also participates in the dance performances, adding a personal touch to the festivities.
Family Fun Day is more than just a celebration; it’s a philanthropic event that gives back to the community. Proceeds from the day are donated to local non-profits, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the local community that extends beyond a single day of fun.
“The stronger we are together, the stronger we are unstoppable,” William reflects on the community’s cohesion. This sentiment echoes through the event’s planning, emphasizing inclusivity and mutual support.
As Family Fun Day continues to grow, so does its impact on Front Royal. From revitalizing local traditions to fostering economic and cultural growth, the event is a cornerstone of community engagement. With each passing year, it weaves deeper into the fabric of local life, promising to be a source of joy and community pride for years to come.
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)
Community Events
World Renowned Budweiser Clydesdales to Appear in Winchester, VA
The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to participate in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday May 4th, 2024. Additionally, Virginia Eagle Distributing will be hosting a meet and greet at their local warehouse on Wednesday May 1st, 2024. The public is invited to get up close and personal with these gentle giants from 6-8pm. The warehouse is located at 3425 Valley Pike Winchester, VA 22602.
The Clydesdales’ appearance in Winchester is one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800’s. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show.
Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands – or six feet – at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white legs, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.
A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.
Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.
The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, MO. They also may be viewed at Warm Springs Ranch, the 300-plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located near Boonville, MO.
Community Events
SAR Commemorations Honoring the Revolutionary War Era
On April 13, 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution conducted two commemorations to honor events from the Revolutionary War era. The ceremonies were held at the Wayside Inn, Middletown, VA.
The first event was a commemoration of Patriots Day. On April 19, 1775, approximately 700 British Regulars were sent to Concord, via Lexington, looking for arms and ammunition, as well as leaders of the patriot cause. The intentions of the British were passed to Joseph Warren who dispatched Paul Revere and William Dawes to warn the countryside the “Regulars are Coming!” In response, the Minute Men grabbed their weapons and headed towards town.
When the British arrived in Lexington, they were met by 77 militiamen gathered on the town green, led by Captain John Parker. British Major John Pitcairn called to the militia to “Throw down your arms!” Captain Parker ordered his company to disperse. At some point, a shot rang out and the British fired, eight of the militia were killed with 10 wounded. The British then continued on to Concord. They were met by roughly 500 colonials with more on the way.
A British company of 220 men was sent to cover the Concord Bridge where they were met and outnumbered by the colonial Acton Company, led by Captain Isaac Davis. When Davis’ company came within range, the British opened fire, killing Davis and one other with four wounded. The British lost three killed and nine wounded. It was the battle at the North Bridge which is considered the “Shot heard round the world!”
The British formed the troops to begin a retreat to Boston. This began a rout of the royal forces as the colonials attacked from all sides along what is known as Battle Road. The British were pursued for 16 miles until they reached Charleston where they met with reinforcements and came within range of the British ships cannons. All total, there were 3,960 colonial militia involved against 1,500 British. The Americans suffered 93 casualties with the British losing 300. After a presentation on the battle, wreaths were presented to honor the event and a three round musket salute was fired.
After that event, a celebration to honor Thomas Jefferson’s 281st birthday. Jefferson was a true renaissance man. He was a politician, farmer, lawyer, scientist, architect, family man and prolific writer. He was the son of Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph, born April 2, 1743. In 1752, England moved from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar, which added 11 days, moving his birthday to April 13.
His father owned a plantation of 5,000 acres known as Shadwell, located in central Virginia. When Jefferson was 14, his father died and he inherited the plantation. In 1768, he cleared 250 square feet of land on top of a 868 foot mountain on the property and built a brick one room house with basement. This named Monticello. The house became the south portico of the mansion that was built over a 40 year period. In 1772, he married Martha Wayles Skelton, producing six children. Only two of the children reached adulthood. Martha died in 1782, he lost what he considered “the cherished companion of my life.”
Best known as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, he served in a multitude of public service offices, including as President, Vice President, first Secretary of State, Minister to France, Virginia Governor, Member of the House of Delegates and the House of Burgesses, covering almost five decades of public service. In 1774, he authored a draft for Virginia’s delegation to the First Continental Congress, “Summary View of the rights of British America.” In addition, he and James Madison combined to right the Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786. A prolific writer, he wrote over 19,000 letters during his lifetime and was an avid reader.
In 1815, he sold his 6,500 volume library to the United States which replaced the books lost when the British burned the National library during the War of 1812. During his Presidency, he was responsible for the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. This added 529 million acres of land to the United States. He was responsible for sending Meriweather Lewis and William Clark to explore the new territory and find a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean.
His final public service was the founding of the University of Virginia, securing it’s location, designing the buildings, planning the curriculum and serving as first rector. Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Ten days prior to his death, he wrote “All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man.” Jefferson wrote his own epitaph, designing the grave marker with the three accomplishments of which, he was most proud. The Declaration of American Independence, The Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia. He was not a gifted speaker, but a shy, voracious reader and gifted correspondent. He wrote “I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be that men may be trusted to govern themselves.” He spent his life insuring that the great experiment would continue. A man among men, a patriot and founding father.
Wreaths were presented in memory of Thomas Jefferson with a musket squad firing a three round salute. Wreaths and honors were presented by the Colonel James Wood II, General Daniel Morgan, Sgt Maj John Champe, and Fort Harrison SAR Chapters; Pack House Ford West Virginia DAR Chapter and the Order of Founders and Patriots of America.
SAR members participating included Brian Bayliss, Bryan Buck, Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Dale Corey, Chip Daniel, Kelly Ford, Doug Hall, Paul Parish, Marc Robinson, Jim Simmons and Richard Tyler. Color guard commanders were Allan Phillips from Colonel James Wood II and Barry Schwoerer from Sgt Maj John Champe. The DAR was represented by Michelle Phillips.