Harp Magic with (Eli)zabeth Owens

212 E. Main St.
Front Royal VA 22630
Join Honey and Hops Brew Works for an evening of music magic featuring original songs & fresh covers by Harpist and Songwriter (Eli)zabeth Owens! Influences include Kate Bush, Bjork, Joanna Newsom, and Caroline Polacheck.
(Eli)zabeth Owens is multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer based in Richmond, Virginia using music & video as a vehicle for brave and vulnerable self-uncovering.
As a lover of magick with a background in classical piano, voice, guitar, Celtic harp and sound design, Owens uses these instruments as tools for deep inner work that translate to sparkling arrangements and stunning live performances. Playing with the languages of folk, romance, soundscape, avant-garde and glitch, their music results in a timeless yet cuttingly fresh brand of art rock unlike anything you’ll hear today. Conceptually, their work centers around unraveling ego patterns and harmful cultural myths, allowing love and compassion to blossom amidst painful overgrowth.

Obituaries
Chasity Renee Robinson (1975 – 2023)
212 E. Main St.
Front Royal VA 22630
Chasity Renee Robinson, 47, of Linden, Virginia, died June 3rd, 2023, in Warren Memorial Hospital in Front Royal.

Chasity Renee Robinson
A private Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at the Front Royal Fire Department on a TBD date.
Chasity was born October 1st, 1975, in Winchester, daughter of George N. Kerns, Sr. of Front Royal and the late Suzette Wyrene Huffman Neff. She was a preschool teacher for Primrose School of Haymarket.
She is survived by her father and step-mother, Robin G. Kerns (who helped raised her since she was two years old); her partner James W. Grayson of Linden; a son David William Nelson Smith of Front Royal; a daughter Linda Ann Smith Carter of Linden; six brothers and sisters Tshena Smith of Truman, Arkansas, George “JR” Kerns Jr. of Front Royal, Joel Lee Kerns of Front Royal, Elizabeth Marie Baer of Front Royal, Rachel Amaris Noser of Front Royal, and Tiffany Carlotta Carter of Stanley; two twin grandchildren who were her whole world, Reign Wick Smith and Rory Hazel Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews having spoiled them all.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Eleanor Wyrene Shaffer and Lewis John Huffman, and her paternal grandparents Maude Kerns and John W. Kerns, Sr. As well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a baby niece.
Chasity’s passion in life was helping to raise her siblings, children, grandchildren, and preschool children. She made it her life’s work to bring joy to the life of every one of her “children”. She overcame many hardships and was a real fighter. Her boisterous and one-of-a-kind voice will be especially remembered and missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to C-Cap, 400 Kendrick Lane, Front Royal, VA, or to Backpack Buddies c/o Front Royal Presbyterian Church, 115 Luray Ave., Front Royal, VA 22630.
Services are being handled by Maddox Funeral Home.
Local News
Front Royal Elk Lodge establishes scholarship fund for skilled trades
212 E. Main St.
Front Royal VA 22630
Front Royal Elk Lodge 2382 is making a significant investment in the future of the community by establishing a scholarship fund for the skilled trades. Recognizing the importance of providing opportunities for young men and women to gain assistance in learning a trade and entering the workforce, the lodge recently presented a check for $3,000.00 to Laurel Ridge Community College. This partnership marks the beginning of a long-term relationship aimed at benefiting the local community and its young workforce.

(L-r) Stan Willams, Jim Sheppard, Dr. Kim Blosser, Michael Kominek & Larry Baker
On May 30th, Jim Sheppard, the Exalted Ruler of Front Royal Elk Lodge, along with Michael Kominek (Loyal Knight) and Stan Williams (Lecturing Knight), presented the $3,000.00 check to Laurel Ridge Community College. The funds will be utilized to establish the first scholarship dedicated to supporting students pursuing skilled trades education.
The decision to focus on the skilled trades stems from a recognition within Front Royal Lodge 2382 that not all young individuals are destined for a traditional four-year college degree. The lodge understands the value and needs for skilled workers in the community and aims to provide assistance to those who choose to pursue a trade. By supporting students in gaining the necessary skills, the lodge hopes to help them enter the workforce and contribute to the local economy.
To foster a deeper understanding of the college and its programs, Elk Lodge representatives embarked on a tour of the Laurel Ridge Community College campus and facilities. Dr. Kim Blosser, President of Laurel Ridge Community College, Larry Baker, Corporate Training Manager, and Andrew Gyurisin, Foundation Development Manager, guided the representatives through the campus, showcasing the resources and opportunities available to students.
Front Royal Elk Lodge intends to establish a long-term relationship with Laurel Ridge Community College, working closely to identify and support students who show a passion for the skilled trades. Through this collaboration, the lodge aims to make a lasting impact on the community by empowering young individuals with the necessary skills and education to excel in their chosen trades.
State News
Silver Branch Brewing Company expands into Virginia with new facility in Fauquier County
212 E. Main St.
Front Royal VA 22630
Silver Branch Brewing Company, a renowned production brewery and taproom based in Silver Spring, Maryland, is making a significant move by investing $3 million to establish a new facility in Fauquier County, Virginia. The expansion aims to enhance the company’s production capabilities, broaden its range of beer offerings, and strengthen its presence in the region. The project, which successfully competed with Maryland, will generate 38 new jobs and contribute to the economic growth of Fauquier County.
Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed his excitement about Silver Branch Brewing Company’s expansion into Virginia, highlighting the state’s reputation in the food and beverage processing industry. Governor Youngkin emphasized the Commonwealth’s business advantages, industry resources, and strategic access to markets, which have contributed to its strong manufacturing growth across various regions.
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick welcomed Silver Branch Brewing Company to Virginia’s impressive food and beverage processing industry, underscoring its position as the second-largest manufacturing sector in the Commonwealth. Merrick emphasized the value and efficiency of Virginia’s robust logistics infrastructure, which enhances supply chain growth for companies. The state is committed to supporting the success of Silver Branch Brewing Company in Fauquier County.
Christian Layke, Co-Founder of Silver Branch Brewing Company, expressed excitement about joining Virginia’s vibrant craft beer community. With personal ties to the area, Layke and his co-founder, Brett Robison, are fulfilling a lifelong ambition of bringing their beer to the Commonwealth. They view beer not just as a beverage but as a social experience they call “Gemütlichkeit” (German for comfort), which is essential to their brewery’s ethos. Silver Branch Brewing Company is eager to welcome Virginians to their new tasting room in Old Town Warrenton and is actively seeking passionate beer lovers from Fauquier and surrounding counties to join their team.
Mayor Carter Nevill of Warrenton extended a warm welcome to Silver Branch Brewing Company, emphasizing the significance of having such a highly regarded regional brewer and restaurateur invest in the town. Mayor Nevill highlighted the thriving business community in Warrenton and the role that craft brewing plays in making Fauquier County a premier tourist destination. The addition of Silver Branch Brewing Company will complement the existing array of wonderful restaurants, craft breweries, cideries, and unique retail shops, ensuring the continued growth and success of the local economy.
Delegate Michael J. Webert expressed his support for Silver Branch Brewing Company’s choice to establish their facility in Fauquier County. He credited the efforts of House Republicans and Governor Youngkin in making Virginia a more business-friendly state. Delegate Webert expressed enthusiasm for the positive impact this investment will have on the hardworking individuals in his district and home county.
Silver Branch Brewing Company, founded by Christian Layke and Brett Robison in March 2019, has gained recognition for its exceptional beers inspired by European and American brewing traditions. The company’s location in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, has served as a hub for beer enthusiasts, and now their expansion into Virginia will further solidify their presence in the craft beer community.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership collaborated with Fauquier County to secure the project, offering support for job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). This program provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs, aiding in employee recruitment and training. VJIP, a state-funded business incentive, demonstrates Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for its citizens.
Livestream - FR Cardinals
Front Royal Cardinals vs. Winchester Royals – June 6th
212 E. Main St.
Front Royal VA 22630
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 – Front Royal Cardinals vs. Winchester Royals. All home games are live-streamed on the Royal Examiner, starting at 6:45 pm on game night.
Interesting Things to Know
Mastering the Art of Sandcastles: From child’s play to beachside architecture
212 E. Main St.
Front Royal VA 22630
Think back to your childhood summers. Did you ever yearn to rule a kingdom of sand, building majestic castles along the shore only for the sea to reclaim it? Maybe you want to relive those fond memories or entertain the young ones with this timeless beachside activity. Either way, here’s a foolproof guide to creating your own beachside castle, a masterpiece to catch the eye of every passerby.
First, let’s talk about tools. Pros use specialized tool kits, but guess what? You can put together a pretty competent set from everyday household items! All you’ll need is a shovel, a funnel, a putty knife, a butter knife, and a couple of 5-gallon buckets – one regular and one with the bottom cut out.
Picture this: A regal castle with two majestic towers, united by a ‘stone’ wall. Now, let’s make that vision a reality.
Start by building a sturdy platform for your sandy kingdom. Create six-inch segments of mounded and packed-down sand. Then, douse it with half a bucket of water. You’ve now laid the foundation!
For the towers, Justin Gordon, a professional sand sculptor, suggests a technique that’s less ‘build-up’ and more ‘shave-down.’ Begin by creating mounds of sand and then shave away thin layers until your towers emerge.
Next, take your bottomless bucket. Fill it a quarter full with sand, add half a bucket of water, and keep packing until it’s full. Position this towards one side of your platform. Gentle rotation will release your sand to form the body of your first tower. Crown this with a funnel filled with packed sand for a pointed roof. Shave the tower body so it angles downward from the roof. Repeat this for the second tower, and voila!
Now, build a wall between your towers. Carve ‘stone’ shapes into it to give it a true castle-like feel. For added flair, carve doors and windows into the castle walls.
Building a sandcastle is not just an activity; it’s a journey back in time, a chance to relive childhood wonder and create new memories. So, get out there and build your beachside kingdom. Who knows? You might just feel like royalty!
Real Estate
What’s a pre-purchase inspection?
212 E. Main St.
Front Royal VA 22630
Investing in a pre-purchase inspection is an essential step when buying a property. Here’s what it involves.
Why you should invest in an inspection
A pre-purchase inspection aims to identify any problems with the property you’re looking to buy. This information can help you negotiate a better sale price or even consider withdrawing your offer to purchase. In short, it tells you the exact condition and value of the home you’re bidding on.
What does an inspector do?
The inspector will examine the home’s condition, both inside and out. This includes the electricity, plumbing, foundation, heating system, siding, roofing, and ventilation. It’s important to note that a pre-purchase inspection cannot detect hidden defects but may point to signs of them.
Once complete, the inspector will send you a written report with their observations. The report will detail the condition of the inspected areas and indicate those that weren’t checked and why. The report may also recommend work, like replacing the home’s windows or roof.
To ensure you’re getting the facts and making the best decision, hire an experienced, trustworthy inspector.