2nd annual Santa for Seniors Luncheon

221 N. Commerce Ave. | Front Royal
VA 22630
This Luncheon is free for registered seniors.
This event is to provide a holiday meal, fun & companionship to those seniors who may not have family to spend time with over the holidays. For only $10.00, a senior will have a turkey dinner and will receive a small gift. If you’d like to make a donation, register a senior or need more information, please contact Michelle Smeltzer, Warren County Community Liaison at 540-635-3430 ext. 3355
GAMES, GIFTS AND SANTA! Sponsored by Warren County Dept. of Social Services

The Cracked Acorn
The Cracked Acorn: Final Plans
221 N. Commerce Ave. | Front Royal
VA 22630
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. * (Romans 10:13)
I love insurance. Days may go by, but eventually, we get an advertisement from Mutual of Omaha, or it could be others, by the hundreds, in the vast regions of the USA.
Life insurance is misnamed; it should be called death insurance, but then who would want to buy it? I have never known an agent that would tell me I had enough. All the TV murder mysteries have lived on plots in that someone was “bumped off” so that the villain would reap millions from a Life Insurance policy.
I don’t think that now in this modern age, there is not one person ‘born of woman’ (Job 14:1) without insurance. You must be some kind of a nut if you dare venture out into the public without coverage or additional coverage or supplemental coverage that covers all other coverages just in case all those companies could go bankrupt.
Space here does not allow me to list all the insurance offerings in the real world. Many of us, I sincerely hope, will not need it all, but there is a warm and fuzzy feeling that comes from knowing that you would be covered in case a rock fell from the sky or someone slipped and fell in your driveway.
What about heavenly insurance?
I have heard this, also called ‘pie in the sky.’ Revelation 21:21 – And the street of that city was paved with pure gold.
If you are like me, I am leery about someone offering me ‘free’ products or services. Just give me your name and address, and good things will happen.
Yes! Good things may happen, and I pray there are many good things out there.
“*…saved.”, from what?, could be the answer to this week’s ACORN
Years ago, I presented a short sermon, “Lessons Learned. too late!”
This covered 3 basic points: 1) Eternity, the vast ocean of unlimited time, 2) The Plan, and 3) Judgement.
Our society does not like to remind us that one day we will be sent from here to eternity in the blink of an eye or heartbeat.
The Plan by God is that He has sent His Son, who has told us what we must do to be citizens of a great heavenly Kingdom.
There will be a judgment for all of us that have lived on the earth.
Assignment: Open any BIBLE, and it will point to our short life here; it will easily show the Plan, and to the quick point…it will show the results of what our life will mean in the Judgement.
Lawyer to the Judge. “I wish to appeal my client’s case on the basis of newly discovered evidence.” Judge: “And what is the nature of the new evidence?” Lawyer: “Judge, I discovered that my client still has $500 left.”
Community Events
Warren County to commemorate Revolutionary War hero Dr. Joseph Warren
221 N. Commerce Ave. | Front Royal
VA 22630
On June 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., Warren County will pause to remember one of its namesakes and a hero of the Revolutionary War, Dr. Joseph Warren. The county is set to host a commemorative event at the Administrative Building, reflecting on the contribution and sacrifice of this esteemed figure.
The ceremony will include a keynote speech by Larry Johnson, followed by wreath presentations and a musket salute. As a symbol of respect, the county flags will be lowered to half-staff following the salute. The event will begin indoors in the conference room and will then proceed outside for the musket salute.
Dr. Joseph Warren, a physician by profession, played a significant role in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. Known for his speeches that fostered a spirit of rebellion against British rule, Warren was also a key figure in organizing the intelligence network known as the Sons of Liberty. He died a martyr’s death in the Battle of Bunker Hill, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s journey towards independence.
Warren County, named in his honor, continues to celebrate his legacy and contribution to the American Revolutionary War. This commemorative event reflects the county’s commitment to remembering the figures who shaped its historical and cultural landscape.
The Warren County Administrative Building, located at 220 N. Commerce Avenue, Front Royal, VA 22630, is the venue for this respectful tribute. The event is a testament to Warren County’s rich history and enduring respect for its namesake.
Local News
Grand opening & ribbon cutting at Melissa Ichiuji Gallery on Main Street
221 N. Commerce Ave. | Front Royal
VA 22630
In the heart of Front Royal, a new creative hub is blossoming. Melissa Ichiuji, an artist who has captivated audiences worldwide with her bold and provocative works, has set up her studio gallery on Main Street, bringing her global artistic vision to the local community.
Nike Foster Cales of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce, along with Mayor Lori Cockrell and Board of Supervisor Walt Mabe, welcomed Melissa Ichiuji to the community. The artist’s studio gallery at 223 E. Main Street will be open to the public every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
In the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, Ichiuji found herself more drawn to nature and her local community. Having exhibited her art globally, this Front Royal-based artist felt the urge to concentrate her energies locally. The opening of her gallery embodies this mission, offering locals a taste of her bold, playful, and powerful sculptures and paintings.
Ichiuji’s work, frequently imbued with metaphors, sexual puns, and explorations of transcendence, psychological tension, and metamorphosis, has been exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries in Paris, Brussels, Munich, Berlin, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Her fearless creativity incorporates diverse materials like welded steel, ceramics, textiles, and found objects, thereby allowing her to express meaning through form, color, and texture.
The gallery serves as a platform for Ichiuji to showcase her works and provides an innovative hub for other creatives to share their passions and talents through exhibits, concerts, lectures, and classes. This new addition to Front Royal aims to foster a thriving community of creators.
With her studio gallery, Melissa Ichiuji invites the public to experience her artwork firsthand, offering private viewings by appointment for a more intimate and personalized experience. This new artistic hub is a welcome addition to Front Royal’s cultural scene, promising to be as captivating as the artwork it houses. For more information, visit the Melissa Ichiuji Studio Gallery website at www.melissaichiuji.com.
Livestream - FR Cardinals
Front Royal Cardinals vs. Strasburg Express – June 10th
221 N. Commerce Ave. | Front Royal
VA 22630
Saturday, June 10, 2023 – Front Royal Cardinals vs. Strasburg Express. All home games are live-streamed on the Royal Examiner, starting at 6:45 pm on game night.
Local News
NFL Veterans Early, Pierce, Moseley bring gridiron wisdom to Warren County Sheriff’s Football Camp
221 N. Commerce Ave. | Front Royal
VA 22630
Football’s enduring appeal and its ability to unite communities took center stage on June 10th, 2023, as the Warren County Sheriff’s Office hosted the third annual football camp. Free for all participants, this event underlined the office’s commitment to bolstering community relations and personal development through sport. The camaraderie was palpable at the DSS Complex football field, the chosen venue for this grand display of unity and athleticism.
As the day began, a sense of shared excitement was felt across Warren County. Sheriff Mark Butler, an ardent advocate for community integration, had teased the event in a Town Talk earlier. The camp aimed to engage local youth, ages 11 to 17, in a day of football-driven fun, skill-building, and mutual support. The spirit of community radiated from the DSS Complex field, flanked by eager participants and their families.

As Mark Mosley watches, Kurt Pierce thinks he can take on Kayla Sakyi, Running Back for the Washington Divas.

… and he’s down.
The event boasted an array of accomplished coaches, including Skyline HS Coach Chris Wigington, WCHS Coaches Josh Breeden, and Ben Werner, alongside Austin Butler, Josh Butler, Gage Steele, Michael Early, Kurk Pierce, and Mark Moseley. The seasoned mentors put their knowledge and experience at the disposal of the young participants, shaping the day into an exciting exploration of football skills and teamwork.
Adding to the day’s fervor was the presence of esteemed members from the DC Divas, a top-tier women’s professional football team based in Washington, D.C. Their participation lent a professional touch to the event and inspired the young footballers with their expertise and zeal.
The WCSO Football Camp was not just about perfecting the spiral throw or the 40-yard dash. Sheriff Mark Butler and his team were resolute in using the camp as a vessel to promote community bonds, a core element in ensuring a safe and thriving environment. The spirit of camaraderie echoed across the football field as the participants worked, learned, and celebrated together.
The day also featured a silent auction, a thoughtful initiative to raise funds for local charities. This initiative further underlined the camp’s commitment to the community, a testament to the Sheriff’s office’s dedication to strengthening Warren County beyond the boundaries of law enforcement.
Participants left with more than newly acquired football skills and community bonds. Each received a commemorative t-shirt, symbolizing their participation in this unity-building event, and enjoyed a delectable lunch provided by Will Bryant from So Mote it Beef BBQ.
The WCSO Football Camp is a testament to how law enforcement agencies can engage with their communities beyond their traditional roles. Sheriff Mark Butler and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office demonstrate their commitment to creating a more resilient, safe, and unified community by fostering youth development, promoting community spirit, and supporting local charities.
Livestream - FR Cardinals
Front Royal Cardinals vs. Charlottesville TomSox – June 11th
221 N. Commerce Ave. | Front Royal
VA 22630
Sunday, June 11, 2023 – Front Royal Cardinals vs. Charlottesville TomSox. All home games are live-streamed on the Royal Examiner, starting at 6:45 pm on game night.