Thomas Charles Clark, Sr., 88, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center in Winchester, Virginia.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 29, at 1:00 p.m. in Prospect Hill Cemetery, with Sammy Campbell officiating.

Mr. Clark was born July 15, 1935, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, the son of the late Oscar H. Clark, Sr. and Hazel Clark.

He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1957, gaining the rank of Corporal. He was very proud of his service to our country. Mr. Clark played football for Warren County High School and, in 1953, went to the state championship game.

He retired as an aircraft fueler after 40 years from Allied Aviation at Reagan National and Dulles Airports. In his retirement, he enjoyed selling refurbished fishing rods, military items, and other collectibles at the Front Royal Flea Market.

Survivors include his children, Thomas Clark, Jr. (Donna) of Front Royal, Kathy Farrior of Stephens City, Elaine Collins of Asheboro, North Carolina, and Kent Garner (Pat) of Burlington, North Carolina; sister, Joyce Davis of Front Royal; grandchildren, Kyle Farrior, Holly Kennedy, Bryan and Jonathon Garner, Melodi Miller and Bradley Collins; and great-grandchildren, Jordan and Sarah Farrior, Isaiah, Faith, Jacey, Ava and Quest Garner, Clark, Canaan and Abigail Miller, and soon to arrive, Tucker Kennedy.

On September 18, 1959, he married “Bert” Clark, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Oscar H. Clark, Jr.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 29, from 12-1 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601.

Tazuye “Clara” Bishop entered eternal life on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 97. Her memory is carried on by her loving family and many friends.

Mrs. Bishop, also known as Granny, Clara, Clare, Mom, and Great-Granny, led a big life. She was born in 1926 in Elk Grove, CA. After WWII, she moved to Japan and met her husband of over 65 years, Willard Bishop. They traveled the world together, raised a family, and met many friends. Clara was a resolute and proud military wife who moved her family and managed a household while stationed in Austria, France, Alaska, and Virginia.

Clara had many interests. She was an amazing and talented seamstress, card player, and gardener. She was a huge sports enthusiast and, in her day, quite the basketball player. She loved her Church and Church Family from Front Royal United Methodist Church.  She had a wonderful sense of humor, enjoyed her friends immensely, and loved her family unconditionally.

She is survived by her children, Linda Leady (Steve), JoAnne Taylor, and James Bishop; her grandchildren, Patrick Leady (Jen), Laura Ferst (Anthony), and Jesse Bishop; and her great-grandchildren, Julia Leady, Stellarose Ferst, and Blake Ferst.

Clara is reunited with her husband, Willard Bishop, his brothers, her six siblings, and many other family and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Front Royal United Methodist Church, 1 W. Main St., Front Royal, with The Rev. Rachel Plemmons officiating. The family invites guests to visit one hour before the service. Following the service, a burial will occur in Culpeper National Cemetery, 305 U.S. Avenue, Culpeper, Virginia.

In place of flowers, please make donations to Blue Ridge Hospice or Front Royal United Methodist Church.

Following two decades in the Rotary Club of Front Royal, in which he became club president in the year 2019-2020, Bret Hrbek, on Monday, June 24, became the top Rotarian in the region.

His appointment as District Governor – head of all Rotary clubs in a two-state region, Virginia and Tennessee – came at a lavish dinner hosted at the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club attended by former district governors and Rotarians from various clubs in the area. Those included past district governor and court judge Ron Napier of Front Royal, who performed Hrbek’s installation.

In his introduction to his Rotary colleague, Napier said: “Having excelled as a club leader and club president, Bret envisioned a larger role in Rotary. He started to understand that community needs are not all local but exist worldwide.” Napier described Hrbek’s 2017 visit to India, his coordination of a water project for the needs of Uganda, a more recent visit to the Rotary International convention in Singapore coupled with later visits to Dubai and, again, Uganda.

Rotarian and retired judge Ron Napier traces Hrbek’s history with Rotary leading up to his Monday, June 24 installation as Governor of District 7570 as Hrbek listens to Napier’s right, along with his wife Jessica and incoming FR Rotary Club President Holly Rhodenhizer. Below, the supporting line has grown to include a string of supporting Rotarian officials. Ring that bell, Ron! Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

“Bret is teaching his next generation the importance of service,” Napier told a packed crowd of diners. He noted that in 2021, Hrbk received his district’s (7570) “Douglas A. Newton Excellence in Communications” award for elevating the Front Royal club’s weekly newsletter.

According to his lengthy (and impressive!) biography, Hrbek, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Front Royal for the past 24 years, has earned a plethora of community awards: among them, he won the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year” award in 2018; the Front Royal Methodist Church Service Candle (2014); the aforementioned excellence in communications award (2021); and the Ted Jones “Spirit of Caring” award (2019 and 2021).

Hrbek received his BA in Political Science and Economics from Virginia Tech and a Master’s in Financial Planning from Bentley University, Waltham, Massachusetts.

In his address, Hrbek said, “We live in a world where conflict and division are all too common, but we, as Rotarians, have the power to be agents of change. Through educational programs, peace fellowships, community-building projects, and so on, we can foster an environment where dialogue and understanding replace hostility and mistrust.”

The crowd, including family members front and center, rises to applaud Hrbek’s installation as District 7570 governor. Below, during his acceptance remarks, Hrbek looked hopefully toward a “peaceful” and “free” future in which Rotary International can help contribute to increasing “dialogue and understanding” in place of “hostility and mistrust” on the global stage. But that effort must always begin locally on the home and regional front; the new district governor reminded us. But there were lighter moments too, as outgoing officers were urged to open farewell gifts so all present could see what they found in there.

“Promoting peace doesn’t mean we have to solve global conflicts … peace starts at home. When it comes to peace, think globally but act locally,” he said. To his family – wife Jessica, children Noah, Annie, Hunter, and Luke, he said, “You are my ‘why,’ and I want to ensure we continue to live in a peaceful and free country.”

The writer and fellow Rotarian share a congratulatory moment with the incoming district governor before the official start of Hrbek’s installation as Rotary District 7570 governor. Below, a series of Rotary banners begins from the left, with the Rotary 4-way test, an important one to apply at all levels, as Hrbek would remind us during his acceptance comments.

Virginia farmers take note! Starting July 1, 2024, new regulations for farm-use vehicles will be enforced. These rules, enacted by Virginia lawmakers in 2023, require unregistered farm-use vehicles to display a DMV-issued permanent farm-use placard. The placard must be prominently displayed on panel trucks, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 7,500 pounds.

Details of the New Regulation

Key Requirements:

• Placard Purchase: Farm vehicle owners must buy a DMV-issued placard for $15. This placard is valid for the lifetime of the vehicle.
• Application Process: Owners must apply for a local DMV Select or full-service DMV location. The application must include information about the farm’s location, size, and commodities, along with signed statements confirming the vehicle’s exempt use and insurance coverage.
• Display of Placard: The placard must be displayed on the front and back of the vehicle starting July 1, 2024.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: A first violation will result in a fine of up to $250. Subsequent violations will also be fined $250 each.

Purpose of the New Rules

The new law ensures that farm use tags are used appropriately and that Virginia’s roads are safer. “As farm vehicles are key to agricultural productivity, it is important that Virginia farmers can continue to use them in their operations while preventing farm use tags from being used on other vehicles inappropriately,” said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie.

Conditions for Farm Use Vehicles

Eligible vehicles must meet specific criteria to qualify for the DMV-issued farm use placard:

• Agricultural Use: The vehicle must be used exclusively for agricultural or horticultural purposes on lands owned or leased by the vehicle’s owner and not operated on public highways except for specific purposes.
• Limited Highway Use: Vehicles can operate on highways for up to 75 miles to transport farm produce and livestock or to reach storage houses, packing plants, markets, or sawmills.
• Seasonal Use: Vehicles can be used seasonally for specific agricultural activities, including transporting produce, livestock, and essential supplies.
• Special Exemptions: Vehicles drawn by farm tractors and used for specific agricultural purposes, such as transporting unginned cotton, peanuts, or fertilizer, are also eligible.

Exemptions and Insurance Requirements

Certain farm vehicles are exempt from needing the DMV-issued placard:

• Vehicles Over 7,500 Pounds: Farm vehicles with a GVWR greater than 7,500 pounds are exempt.
• Specific Machinery: Vehicles with attached machinery for spraying plants or specific agricultural purposes are also exempt.

All unregistered farm-use vehicles must be insured under a general liability policy that includes personal injury and property damage liability insurance. Failure to provide proof of insurance within 30 days when requested by a law enforcement officer is a traffic infraction punishable by a $600 fine.

Encouragement from Authorities

DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey urged farmers to comply with the new regulations: “There is not much time left before enforcement begins, so we encourage farmers to bring their filled-out applications to their local DMV.” Similarly, VSP Superintendent Colonel Gary Settle highlighted the importance of the 12-month grace period, stating that it provided farmers ample time to familiarize themselves with the new requirements.

Conclusion

Virginia farmers must act now to ensure compliance with the new farm use vehicle regulations. By purchasing and displaying the DMV-issued farm use placard, farmers will adhere to the law and contribute to the safety and proper use of Virginia’s roads. For more information and to begin the application process, visit your local DMV Select or full-service DMV location.

Bel Air, a historic mansion in Front Royal, has been added to the Virginia Landmarks Register to recognize Virginia’s rich historical heritage. This property, built in 1795, stands as a testament to the architectural and historical evolution of the region. Initially constructed in the Federal style, Bel Air has witnessed numerous pivotal events and transformations, reflecting its storied past.

Bel Air Mansion. Photo by Maral Kalbain, 2023

Early History and Construction

Bel Air is located in Front Royal, Virginia, a once bustling center of economic and agricultural activity in the Shenandoah Valley. Captain Thomas Buck, one of Front Royal’s founders, constructed the mansion. The central brick portion of Bel Air was built around 1795, with earlier log wings predating it. According to family lore, these log wings were among the first structures on the property, signifying the Buck family’s early settlement in the area.

Captain Thomas Buck was a prominent figure in the region. Born in 1756, Buck served in various significant roles, including as a Lieutenant in the Virginia Militia, a Captain in the 8th Virginia Regiment during the American Revolution, and a trustee of Front Royal. Under Buck’s ownership, Bel Air evolved into a substantial estate, reflecting the prosperity and status of its inhabitants.

The Buck Family and the Civil War Era

Bel Air remained under the Buck family’s ownership for more than 125 years, during which it witnessed significant historical events, most notably during the Civil War. Lucy Rebecca Buck, a young resident at the time, chronicled her experiences during the war and the Union forces’ occupation of Bel Air in her diary. Her detailed accounts provide a vivid picture of life during the tumultuous period.

Bel Air’s significance is further underscored by its notable visitors during the Civil War, including Confederate spy Belle Boyd and Confederate General Robert E. Lee. General Lee’s visit to Bel Air is well-documented, with local folklore recounting how he enjoyed a glass of buttermilk on the front porch and interacted with the Buck family.

Architectural Evolution

In 1905, Bel Air was sold to the Downing family, marking the first time the property passed out of Buck’s hands. The new owners undertook significant renovations to the house, transforming it into a Classical Revival-style residence. Local builder Gustave A. Beyer spearheaded these renovations, which included removing the original log wings, adding a grand portico, and updating the interior layout and trim.

Despite these changes, Bel Air retains many of its original features. The mansion’s oldest segment, a five-bay, two-story brick structure, rests on a stone foundation. The 1905/1906 renovations added a monumental portico supported by stuccoed columns with Modern Ionic capitals. The house’s exterior walls were stuccoed, and the original multi-light windows were replaced with one-over-one wooden sash windows.

The interior of Bel Air combines elements of the Queen Anne and Classical Revival styles. The entrance hall features a grand staircase, a naturally finished paneled wainscot, and a Queen Anne-style mantel. The dining room, added during the 1905/1906 renovation, matches the hall’s trim, while the rear ell houses a pantry, kitchen, and additional living spaces. The second floor contains bedrooms with Queen Anne-style mantels, and the attic holds three rooms with original wide pine board flooring and hand-riven lath beneath the plaster.

Historical Significance

Bel Air’s inclusion in the Virginia Landmarks Register underscores its importance as one of the most significant residential properties in Front Royal. The property’s rich history, architectural evolution, and association with prominent historical figures make it a vital link to the past.

During its time, Bel Air has known only three sets of owners since the late eighteenth century, maintaining a direct familial connection to the original settlers. Its connections to historical developments and subsequent evolution make Bel Air a remarkable testament to the past. It vividly illustrates the transformation of early Federal-style brick dwellings through to the early twentieth century.

Archaeological Potential

The grounds surrounding Bel Air offer substantial archaeological potential. The area includes remnants of nineteenth-century domestic and agricultural outbuildings and sites of Civil War activity. The ruins of a stone chimney on the property could reveal insights into the estate’s early domestic arrangements, further enriching our understanding of Bel Air’s historical context.

Bel Air’s addition to the Virginia Landmarks Register celebrates its historical and architectural significance. The mansion not only represents a key part of Front Royal’s heritage but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Buck family and the broader historical narrative of the Shenandoah Valley. As a preserved piece of history, Bel Air offers a window into the past, inviting public interest and scholarly research into its storied legacy.

Bringing an electric vehicle (EV) home is exciting, but ensuring convenient and efficient charging requires the right home station. Here are seven factors to consider for the perfect fit:

1. Charging Speed

Consider your daily driving habits. A Level 2 charger (240V) offers faster charging speeds than a standard Level 1 charger. If you only drive short commutes, a Level 1 charger might suffice. However, if you regularly drive long distances or need to recharge quickly, a Level 2 charger could be more suitable.

2. Car Compatibility

Different EVs use different connectors. Ensure the station’s connector matches your car’s charging inlet for a seamless experience. Check your car’s user manual to confirm the type of connector needed. Most modern EVs use the J1772 connector, but it’s always best to verify.

3. Upgradability

Consider future-proofing your investment. Choose a station with adjustable charging power to upgrade your home’s electrical capacity later to accommodate faster-charging EVs. This can be particularly useful as new models with higher charging capabilities become available.

4. Smart Features

Many stations offer Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling remote monitoring and scheduled charging to optimize energy usage. Smart chargers can provide real-time data on energy consumption, allow you to set charging times when electricity rates are lower, and even integrate with smart home systems for added convenience.

5. Installation

Decide where to park and charge your car, ensuring the cable is long enough to reach the charging port. If you plan to install the charger outdoors, consider weatherproof options. Ensure the installation location is accessible and practical for daily use.

6. Safety and Reliability

Look for chargers with certifications from reputable organizations, such as UL or ETL. Choose weather-resistant units with built-in safety features like surge protection and grounding faults. These features ensure the charger operates safely and reliably, reducing the risk of electrical issues.

7. Rebates and Incentives

Check with your local utility company, government agency, or car manufacturer for potential rebates or incentives to significantly reduce the cost of purchasing and installing your home EV charging station. These programs can help make the initial investment more affordable and increase the overall value of your charging station.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right home EV charging station is an investment in convenience, efficiency, and the future of sustainable transportation. By considering factors like charging speed, car compatibility, upgradability, smart features, installation, safety, and available incentives, you can find a charger that meets your needs and enhances your EV ownership experience. Researching and selecting the best option will ensure that your EV is always ready to go when you are.