Are you looking for the full movie-going experience without having to wait in the long lines that often accompany that experience? Then look no further because Royal Cinemas movie theatre is the answer. Get the whole gang together and enjoy a movie! We are continuing to practice “6 Foot Social Distancing” with 30% capacity reserved seating in all auditoriums.

Here is a list of this week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of Friday, January 29:

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Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adult: $9
• Child (under 12): $6
• Military: $7
• Student (college): $7
• Senior: $7
• Matinees, All Seating: $6

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COMING SOON:

• “Tom and Jerry”
• “Nobody”
• “Raya and the Last Dragon”
• “Chaos Walking”

A popcorn ceiling, also known as a stipple, stucco, or acoustic ceiling, is a type of textured ceiling that has a noise-dampening effect. It was a common feature in houses 50 years ago, and many homes still have them. Here’s what you should know about renovating them.

Patch
If your popcorn ceiling is stained or cracked, you can patch it. There are special products designed for this purpose that can be purchased in either an aerosol can or a container. These products are easy to spray or paint on.

Paint

As long as the ceiling is in good shape, it can be painted. Begin by removing all dust with a soft-bristle brush. Then, apply a stain-blocking ceiling primer. Once the primer is completely dry, use a thick nap roller or paint sprayer to apply the paint.

Remove
Removing a popcorn ceiling can be messy, dangerous, and time-consuming, but it isn’t difficult. If it’s painted, you’ll need to apply a specialized stripping product. It should be rolled or brushed on and given time to soften the ceiling material, which can then be scraped away with a trowel.

To simplify patching, painting, or removing your popcorn ceiling, hire an experienced contractor to complete the job.

Warning
Before renovating a popcorn ceiling, you need to determine if it contains asbestos. If it does, make sure to hire a professional asbestos remediation company to remove it.

Restrictions put in place during the pandemic make it challenging, if not impossible, to travel to most prime honeymoon destinations. And once you arrive, who knows what restaurants and attractions will be open. So, while white sandy beaches and European cafés may be out of reach, a romantic staycation should hardly be considered settling for second best.

All the comforts of home
First and foremost, you don’t have to worry about contracting the coronavirus if you choose to honeymoon from the comfort of your home. Additionally, you’ll avoid the hassle of preparing for a trip — no need to renew your passport, get vaccinated, convert your cash, or buy travel insurance. Plus, you won’t have to pack, and you can be sure that the bedding hasn’t been used by strangers.

Indulge in an array of luxuries

Under normal circumstances, a trip to Paris or Tahiti would set you back a few thousand dollars. Without airfare and hotel bookings eating up your budget, you may be able to afford one or more indulgences. For example, you could:

• Order all of your meals from restaurants and get them delivered right to your door.

• Splurge on a high-end sectional sofa, king-size bed, or home theater system.

• Surprise your partner with designer lingerie and drink only fine wines every night.

Honeymooning at home allows you to start your life as a married couple in the comfort and privacy of your own home while indulging in food, wine, and gifts.

Warren County Parks and Recreation Department is looking for several young sweethearts to help make Valentine’s cards that will be delivered to some of the elderly in our community. We will provide all the necessary supplies; we just need your help to make their Valentine’s Day a little bit brighter!

If you are interested, stop by the Warren County Community Center and pick up the “Valentine’s Card Goodie Bag” from Tuesday, January 26, 2021, through Monday, February 8, 2021. Cards will need to be returned to the Warren County Community Center by Thursday, February 11, 2021.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (evening and weekend hours may vary), at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@warrencountyva.net.

When it comes to Italian cuisine, there’s no shortage of dishes to warm your belly and lift your spirits on a dreary day. This pillowy gnocchi is no exception.

Start to finish: 2 hours 30 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes active)
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Gnocchi
• 4 russet potatoes, washed but not peeled

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Garnish
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

• A few fresh basil leaves

Sauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 can San Marzano tomatoes (28 ounces)

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 4 sprigs Italian parsley

• 4 sprigs of fresh oregano

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 4 sprigs fresh basil

• 1 onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Poke potatoes several times with a fork. Bake directly on the rack for an hour.

2. In the meantime, pour the oil into a deep pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the fresh herbs to the pan, and fry lightly for about 5 minutes. Remove the herbs and discard them. Lower the heat. Add the onions and cook without browning. Add the garlic, and cook for another minute. Salt and pepper to taste. Add the tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 45 minutes.

3. Remove the potatoes from the oven and peel them immediately (wear oven mitts to avoid burning yourself). Place the potatoes in a large bowl and purée them with a potato masher. Sprinkle with salt and let cool to room temperature.

4. Add the flour and egg to the bowl. Mix with your hands until the dough has a smooth texture, but don’t overwork it. Place the dough on a floured work surface and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Use your hands to roll out each piece into a long rope (about half an inch thick). Use a knife to cut the ropes into half-inch pieces.

5. Pour the cream into the sauce and mix well. Use a wooden spoon to break up any remaining chunks of tomato. Add seasoning as needed.

6. Cook the gnocchi in two batches in a large pot of salted water. Once they float to the surface, wait another 2 minutes before removing the gnocchi from the water and placing them in the sauce.

7. Mix the gnocchi and sauce well, then pour into a baking dish. Sprinkle the mixture with Parmesan cheese and set the oven to broil until the cheese is golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil.

For beautiful gnocchi worthy of a five-star restaurant or an Italian grandmother’s kitchen, use a fork or wooden gnocchi board to shape them.

These are the virtual events that are being hosted by the Youth Services Department at Samuels Public Library for the month of February.  Most events can be viewed from the Samuels Library Facebook page or YouTube channel.  More information about Samuels Library and the programs and services available can be found at www.samuelslibrary.net or call (540) 635-3153.

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Tales from the Far North Winter Reading Club continues.  Starry skies flickered with northern lights, igloos, crunchy snow, polar bears… let your imagination take you to a far-away land where families gather together to hear the old tales of wisdom and magic.  As you read your favorite stories this winter, you will receive a prize each week.  Winter Reading Club continues until March 5.

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Tuesday, February 2

• 4:30 Virtual 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.  We will use coins to help us investigate surface tension.  This program is intended for ages 6-11.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Wednesday, February 3

• 7:00 Goodnight, Sweetheart!  Virtual Pajama Story Time.  It’s time for bed!  Join Miss Pattie for some sweet bedtime stories.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Thursday, February 4

• 10:00 Virtual Story Time. During this story time, Miss Pattie will read books that are new at the library!  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Saturday, February 6

• 2:00 Minecraft Mashup.  Calling all teens! Do you enjoy Minecraft? Are you familiar with Discord? If so, join our very own Discord server, where Miss Sarah will be hosting survival Minecraft hangout time! You must have a version of Minecraft that is capable of joining servers and a Discord account (free to make!) in order to join.  If interested, please sign up online. Please contact Michal Ashby or Sarah May at Samuels Public Library at (540) 635-3153 or smay@samuelslibrary.net if you have any questions. Please be sure to provide your Minecraft username and email address when signing up.

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Tuesday, February 9

• 4:30 Virtual 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.  How does your heart actually work?  Find out during today’s club.  This program is intended for ages 6-11.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Wednesday, February 10

• 7:00 Goodnight, Sweetheart!  Virtual Pajama Story Time.  It’s time for bed!  Join Miss Pattie for some sweet bedtime stories.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Thursday, February 11

• 10:00 Virtual Story Time.  Be My Valentine will be the theme of this week’s stories.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Saturday, February 13

• 2:00 Virtual 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.  Sign up in advance to participate on a platform to be determined.  For ages 12-18.

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Tuesday, February 16

• 4:30 Virtual 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.  Using a cipher, we’ll do some decoding during today’s club, to find the answer to a riddle.  This program is intended for ages 6-11.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Wednesday, February 17

• 7:00 Goodnight, Sweetheart!  Virtual Pajama Story Time.  It’s time for bed!  Join Miss Pattie for some sweet bedtime stories.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Thursday, February 18

• 10:00 Virtual Story Time.  Lions, Tigers, and Bears!  On, my!  What an exciting story time we will have this week!  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Friday, February 19

• 4:30 Aurora Borealis. Have you ever seen the Northern Lights?  Learn how this amazing phenomenon occurs in the night sky.  Learn how to make your own aurora borealis during this fascinating program.  Intended for ages 6-11.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Saturday, February 20

• 2:00 Minecraft Mashup.  Calling all Minecrafters!  Are you familiar with Discord? If so, join our very own Discord server, where Miss Sarah will be hosting survival Minecraft hangout time! You must have a version of Minecraft that is capable of joining servers and a Discord account (free to make!) in order to join.  If interested, please sign up online. Please contact Michal Ashby or Sarah May at Samuels Public Library at (540) 635-3153 or smay@samuelslibrary.net if you have any questions. Please be sure to provide your Minecraft username and email address when signing up.  For ages 9-18.

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Monday, February 22

• 4:30 The Science of Snowflakes.  Snowflakes are beautiful and intricate.  How are they formed?  Discover the answer to that question, and explore the photography of Snowflake Bentley during this fascinating program.  This program is intended for ages 6-11.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Tuesday, February 23

• 4:30 Virtual 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.  We’ll learn more about potential and kinetic energy as we make a balloon car.  This program is intended for ages 6-11.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Wednesday, February 24

• 7:00 Goodnight, Sweetheart!  Virtual Pajama Story Time.  It’s time for bed!  Join Miss Pattie for some sweet bedtime stories.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Thursday, February 25

• 10:00 Virtual Story Time.  Happy Birthday, Mr. President will be the theme of our stories as we celebrate great men in our country’s history.  Watch on the Samuels Library Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

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Saturday, February 27

• 10:00 Virtual Books and Barks.  Join Finn and his owner Susan for a reverse Books and Barks session.  Enjoy a good book with a very friendly dog!  Children can watch on the Samuels Library Facebook page or YouTube channel.