Local News
Updated: Enthusiasm high at Royal Family Bowling Center as 2nd Annual James W. Gifford Sr. Memorial Tournament gets underway
With the coming of Spring the weekend of March 19th to 21st also came the Second Annual James W. Gifford Sr. Memorial Bowling Tournament at Royal Family Bowling Center in the Town of Front Royal, Virginia. Co-sponsored by All Rev Apparel and brothers James W. Gifford Jr. and Don Mayland-Gifford, the 18-game Mega Qualifier open to professionals and amateurs alike, brought a guaranteed $2500 First Prize, among others, with it.
As the tournament got rolling as 7 p.m. approached Friday evening, All Rev Apparel proprietor and Tournament Director Shane Martin and wife Jacqueline took a moment to explain how the Lubbock, Texas-based sport and gaming jersey business couple ended up sponsoring and overseeing a bowling tournament two-thirds of the way across the country. The answer involves their co-sponsors, the sons of the Sacramento, California- based man the tournament memorializes.
“Essentially what it is, is that James Gifford (Jr.) is one of my staffers and Don Mayland (Gifford) is a staffer … they help sell my jerseys and promote my jerseys. I have staffers all over the country,” Shane explained, noting the common bond of professional bowling.
“I’m a professional bowler myself, and … James had asked me about sponsoring the tournament as All Rev Apparel. We put some figures together, some ideas together, came back and I put up $2500 for the first prize regardless of (the number of) entries.”
But with entries reportedly closed at the maximum number of 72, significantly above the first-year number of about 40 drawn after only two months of promotion, Martin’s prize-money investment seemed safely covered by the $120 early entry fee of which $75 goes into the prize fund, and the $150 after March 6 entry fee, taking the additional $30 into the prize vault as well. Prizes per entrants wearing an All Rev Apparel bowling jerseys at the tournament were noted, as was a promised $500 prize if any coveted 300 perfect games were rolled over the three-day event.
“So, essentially there’s $3,000 put up to enter this tournament. We have bowlers coming from all up and down the east coast … James Gifford’s brother, Don Mayland, he is here from Colorado,” Martin said, observing of the building momentum, “It’s going to be a great event – somebody’s walking away with $2500 – it’s definitely going to be exciting.”
Martin noted that there has been widespread social media promotion of the tournament over a six-month period leading up to the first weekend of Spring 2021 showdown at Front Royal’s Royal Family Bowling Center where the competition looked to be fierce as competitive balls began rolling. In fact, the Colorado-based son of the man for whom the tournament is named, which will have a Colorado site as part of the event next year, brought his competitive spirit, possibly inherited from dad, with him, looking to keep that first-place prize money in the family.
“I’m looking forward to taking first place,” Don replied when asked about his expectations for the weekend event. “That’s the confidence I have, the confidence I’m going to try and hold. But depending on what happens you never know what you’re going to bowl. It would be an honor to win my father’s tournament … He’ll definitely be up there watching us,” Don concluded of the James W. Gifford Sr. Memorial Tournament. “It’s taken a lot to get the thing done the way we wanted … It wasn’t this big,” Don said of the inaugural Front Royal event that drew 40, as noted above by co-sponsor Martin.
Earlier we spoke to Don’s brother, James Junior, about the genesis of the tournament. “My dad was a very avid bowler – and we have bowled at nationals together, me my brother and my dad. And my dad unfortunately passed away in 2009 unexpectedly. So, we took it upon ourselves to honor him every year. And this is the second year here in Virginia that we’ve had it,” Virginia Beach-based James Jr., who also has a seven-year connection to Front Royal, said of the tournament’s landing locally.
“So, like I said we traveled everywhere and we’re just trying to honor him. And I have a lot of support from bowlers who knew him, knew us, that are coming. And this year we have extended our invitation to people. We also have some PBA (Professional Bowlers Association) Hall of Famers who will be here this weekend – Danny Wiseman will be here out of Maryland … So, we do have a lot of caliber bowlers here from all over the country – Texas, Colorado, New Jersey, Delaware. We have officially filled this tournament, which is outstanding for us,” James said of what his brother cited as the maximum registration number of 72 for the live-streamed on YouTube event. “So, we’ve done a lot. And Rick Novak, the owner of the center here, has been 100% supportive to me. It’s kind of a big thing for us and my brother and I have tried to keep my father’s legacy going.
“We’re also doing a special recognition in honor of a very dear friend of ours who just passed away unexpectedly, Mo Pinnell – Greatest person you could ever find in the bowling industry,” James said of a man he called, “One of the smartest, the most fascinating ball designers that you could ever come across. And we are throwing all of his stuff in his honor.
“But we’re excited and we want to let everybody know what we’re doing, and trying to support Front Royal,” James concluded of bringing his father’s tournament here for a second consecutive year.
And Royal Examiner is honored to help him, his brother Don and All Rev Apparel co-sponsors Shane and Jacqueline Martin achieve that goal in memory of James W. Gifford Sr.
Here is a summary of the top placers in the tournament from the organizer/sponsors – The top five were:
- Samuel Anderson- Winner $2500
- Danny Wiseman- 2nd $1250
- Brian Cavey- 3rd $700
- Brian Wilson- 4th $500
- Marcus Bell- 5th $400
More detail on Samuel Anderson’s come-from-behind step ladder win over qualifying rounds leader and PBA Hall of Famer Danny Wiseman, with additional links, is available in our related story:
Samuel Anderson makes dramatic run to the James W. Gifford Sr. Memorial Tournament title
“It was an amazing tournament – Samuel Anderson ran the step ladder to win the $2500 first place,” co-sponsor Shane Martin observed.
Local News
Warren County Virginia Sheriff’s Office Rallies Support for Deputy Whose Home Was Severely Damaged by a Fire
In an urgent Facebook post on Monday, April 22, Sheriff Crystal Cline alerted the community to the plight of a deputy whose home was severely damaged by a fire that day.
“This morning, we were reminded of the unpredictable challenges that life can throw at us,” she wrote. “One of my deputies faced a heartbreaking tragedy when a fire severely damaged his home, resulting in the loss of everything he held dear, including his beloved pet.
“This deputy has lived his life on the frontlines—he served in the Army, then as a volunteer and professional firefighter, and now as a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office serving our community.
“Your support, whether through prayer, donations, or financial contributions, will help provide the immediate needs of shelter, clothing, and other essentials during this critical time. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (200 Skyline Vista Drive, Front Royal, VA) will be a drop-off location for any physical items or financial donations—ask for Jenn.
I appreciate your kindness, generosity, and support. We are more than a community; we are a FAMILY!”
Out of respect for the deputy, his identity was not revealed. Even so, the sheriff’s Facebook page has been inundated by people who want to help. Many types of donations are welcome, as the sheriff emphasized, and for those specifically wanting to make online financial contributions, a link is provided on the WCSO’s page. Michael Glavis of the WCSO has organized that site for raising funds, the “Sheriff Deputy House Fire Relief Fund.” Glavis considers the deputy a dear friend and work colleague. “He has given blood and sweat for others, and now I’m asking for everyone to give a little to help him and his family through the process of recovery,” Glavis said.
Local News
Illuminating Futures: Celebrating Achievements and Exploring Quantum Computing at ‘This is IT!’ Event
The “This Is IT!” club of Warren County, Virginia, marked another milestone as a hub for budding IT enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The club, which started in 2023, has quickly become a cornerstone for students interested in the ever-evolving world of information technology.
At the ‘This is IT!’ club gathering at the Samuels Public Library on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, students and community members came together to celebrate and learn. The club includes 9th to 12th-grade students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds and is aimed to ignite curiosity and reward academic excellence in information technology and quantum computing.
The ceremony kicked off with an introduction by Melissa Chapman, an instructor involved with the club. She set the stage for a night that was not only about recognition but also about expanding young minds. “Understanding the vocabulary of quantum computing is the first step towards mastery,” Chapman remarked, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge in this cutting-edge field.
The focal point of the evening was the guest lecture by Dr. Bruce Chesley, an aerospace engineer who adeptly connected the seemingly distant realms of space exploration and quantum computing. With palpable enthusiasm, Dr. Chesley described how quantum technologies could revolutionize our approach to exploring the cosmos. His talk made the complex topics accessible and entertaining, captivating the aspiring scientists in attendance.
Amidst the talks, the club took a moment to honor its bright young members through a scholarship awards ceremony. Scholarships were awarded to students who have shown exceptional prowess in STEM fields. These awards are a testament to the community’s support for its young learners and a major encouragement for them to pursue further education in technology. The winners were Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, and Uli Duke.
Local News
The Apple Blossom Coronation Legacy Continues for the Historical Event
For the first time in the history of the Shenandoah Apple Bossom Festival® three consecutive generations in a family will have served as Queen Shenandoah. Susan Ford Bales, Queen in 1975, and Tyne Vance Berlanga, Queen in 2001, will be accompanying Joy Elizabeth Berlanga as she assumes her role as Queen Shenandoah XCVII.
The Crowning Ceremony entertains from regal pomp and circumstance to joyful enthusiasm of Little Maids and Pages who are ever present to serve their Queen. The youthful court interchange historical and educational facts from the British Crown to learning about a United States President – to asking, “Who has the Crown?,” and with dancing. The Queen will be crowned at the memorable Coronation celebration under the direction of Elaine B. Aikens. The Ceremony to install the new sovereign is sponsored by Morgan Orthodontics, on Friday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m.at Handley High School. President Gerald Ford crowned Susan. Susan crowned Tyne, and Joy will be crowned by her mother and escorted by her grandmother.
Susan, Joy’s grandmother, is a Virginia native and now resides in Texas. She is the daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. Susan is the mother of two daughters, Tyne Berlanga and Heather Deavers, five grandchildren, Joy Elizabeth Berlanga, Cruz Vance Berlanga, Elizabeth Blanch Deavers, Jude Deavers, and Sullivan Bales, and three stepsons, Kevin, Matthew, and Andrew Bales.
Susan was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Holton Arms School and the University of Kansas, where she studied photojournalism. She is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. She is the author of two novels set in the Whie House, “Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery”, and its sequel, “Sharp Focus.”
Susan is the Ship’s Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which she officially christened on November 9, 2013. On April 8, 2016, in recognition of her service as the Ship’s Sponsor, she was named an Honorary Naval Aviator by the United States Navy, becoming only the 31st American to receive this distinction. And history was made with her selection – Susan is the first woman to be chosen as an Honorary Naval Aviator.
During her high school years, Susan lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her mother’s surgery for breast cancer in 1974. In 1984, she and her mother helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Susan subsequently served as national spokesperson for breast cancer awareness. Since the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Susan worked side by side with her mother on projects at the Center and was elected to the Center’s Board of Directors in 1992. She succeeded her mother as Chairman of the Board 2005-2010, and currently serves on the board of directors of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
In addition to her many charitable public service activities, Susan serves as Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy, Trustee, Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, and the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Children’s National Medical Center.
Tyne, mother of Joy, Queen-designate, resides in Frisco, TX with her husband Hector and two children, Joy and Cruz. She serves as a marketing manager for Western Son. With a passion for community involvement, Tyne sits on multiple school booster club boards for all her children’s activities.
On Tyne’s departure as Queen she reflected, “It was easy to be kind, gracious and humble Queen when surrounded by the people of Winchester. My five-day reign as Queen Shenandoah was an occasion that will have a special place in my heart. I have formed friendships and made memories that will hopefully stay with me for a long time to come. On Sunday morning I was doing an exit interview with one of the reporters and he asked me, “If l had a daughter would I let her be Queen?” My answer was immediately “Yes, if she’s lucky enough to be given this opportunity.” Now, Tyne eagerly anticipates returning to Winchester where Joy is set to embark on a remarkable journey, echoing Tyne’s own experiences from 23 years prior. It’s truly heartwarming to be able to share this moment with both her mother and daughter.
The Queen and her family will ride in the Hang 10 Firefighters’ Parade Friday evening at 5:30 and the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Queen-designate Joy and her family will be making appearances at Festival events during the weekend.
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.
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)
Local News
Warren Coalition Announces 2024 Video Contest Winners
Just before spring break, the Warren Coalition presented first-place prizes to four students for their submissions in the annual Health Video Contest. Jerry Buhl and Kenny Buhl, brothers who are both students at Warren County Middle School, won in the categories of Eating Healthy and Getting Enough Sleep, respectively. Caleb Rodman, a local homeschool student, was honored for his submission about Drinking Enough Water. Landon Marut of Front Royal Christian Academy took the top prize in the Exercise category. Each of the students received $125 in Amazon gift cards.
The contest was open to all middle school students, ages 11-14, in Warren County. Students could elect to submit a video about getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, drinking water, or maintaining healthy eating habits. The contest was held as part of the Warren Coalition’s WAHOO (Working to Achieve Healthy Outcomes and Opportunities) program, which is funded by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. Their videos will be used as healthy living ads throughout Warren County in the late spring/early summer.
Warren Coalition is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001. The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center. Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.
Local News
Warren County Habitat for Humanity Receives Major Grant to Support Housing and Community Revitalization
Warren County Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a substantial $235,466 grant from the Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant. This funding will enhance their ongoing efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and provide affordable housing, with a focus on the Osage Street project.
The grant, named in honor of Susan Dewey’s 25 years of dedication at Virginia Housing, underscores a commitment to eliminating substandard housing and promoting vibrant, healthy communities. It is part of a larger $1 million initiative aimed at supporting the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of single-family homes across the state.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity is among five affiliates chosen for this generous grant. The funds are expected to aid in covering construction costs and reducing loan expenses, making homeownership more accessible to families striving for better living conditions.
Debra Siksay, President of the local Habitat chapter, expressed her gratitude, stating, “This grant from Virginia Housing is a monumental support for our Osage Street project and other endeavors. It allows us to push forward with our neighborhood improvement plans and make a lasting impact in the community.”
The organization’s mission, deeply rooted in the values of community and hope, is to ensure that every family in Warren County has a decent, safe place to call home. The Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant will play a crucial role in bringing that vision to life by empowering families and fostering community development.
Residents interested in learning more about the Habitat for Humanity projects or wishing to contribute can visit the Warren County Habitat website at www.warrencountyhabitat.org or contact their office at 540-551-3232.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity continues to work tirelessly towards a world where everyone has a decent place to live, supported by community efforts and generous funding such as the Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant.