A Tree-mendous Hike
11012 Edmonds Ln | Delaplane VA 20144
Picnic Area.
Explore the rich natural history of trees guided by a Virginia Master Naturalist. Discover the tips and tricks of basic tree identification and the tree-mendous roles trees play in our environment. Discover the traditional uses and folklore of these wooden wonders. This guided three-tenths of a mile gentle walk will meet at the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in the Picnic Area and will last approximately one hour.
For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalists, please visit virginiamasternaturalist.org.
The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self-guided walks daily for people of all ages and has adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. To learn more about this feature, visit dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#recreation.
Local News
Warren County High School DECA Team Shines at International Conference
11012 Edmonds Ln | Delaplane VA 20144
Warren County High School’s DECA team celebrated a significant achievement at the 2024 DECA International Career Development Conference held from April 26-30. Fifteen talented students represented the school across various competitive categories, demonstrating their skills in business and marketing.
The DECA team’s participation included impressive presentations in several competitions: Caden Monroe in Accounting Applications, Aiden Dunnet and Jonathan Panciera in Integrated Marketing Campaign-Product, Ella Martin and Sadie Patterson in School-Based Enterprises-Food Operations, Raymond Dingess and Marshall Barton in School-Based Enterprises-Retail Operations, and Sophia Logan, Breanna Taylor, and Ayaana Vasishta in Project Management-Sales Project.
Breanna Taylor, Sophia Logan, and Ayaana Vasishta,
Sophia Logan, Breanna Taylor, and Ayaana Vasishta distinguished themselves by placing in the Top 20 with their project “DECA Dogs,” presented at the Fall Festival of Leaves in October 2023. Their project showcased exceptional creativity and strategic acumen, securing their spot among the top contenders.
In addition to the competitions, students Nathalie Abrego, April Escobar, Makayla Harper, Erika Navarro, and Kiara Wiles participated in a two-day leadership academy, gaining invaluable skills and insights.
Sophia Logan shared her experience: “This DECA ICDC Conference was a major highlight of my DECA career. It was an opportunity to refine my skills and connect with fellow members, experience new cultures, and enjoy the beauty of California. I am immensely proud of our team’s top 20 placement and thankful for our advisors who supported us throughout this journey.”
Ayaana Vasishta added, “ICDC was an unforgettable experience, and placing in the top 20 nationally was truly exhilarating. Thanks to our community and advisors, we had the chance to showcase our talents on a national stage.”
The success of the WCHS DECA team at the conference is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the robust support from their school and community. Their achievements highlight the quality of the school’s DECA program and its commitment to fostering future business leaders.
Livestream - SMS
Warren County Celebrates High School Graduates with Inspirational Baccalaureate Service
11012 Edmonds Ln | Delaplane VA 20144
On May 13, 2024, the Front Royal/Warren County Ministerial Association hosted a baccalaureate service for graduating classes for Warren County and Skyline High Schools. The event was held at the Warren County High School auditorium, welcoming families, faculty, and community.
Captain Ann Hawk from the Salvation Army welcomed the attendees warmly. “We are here not only to celebrate your academic achievements but also to honor your journey and the promising paths you are about to take,” Captain Hawk remarked, setting a tone of communal support and encouragement.
Sarah Hardin and Emma Stelzl, representing Warren County High School and Skyline High School, respectively, led the audience in prayers. “We step forward into our futures, but let us also carry forward the spirit of community and the strength we’ve garnered through our years here together,” said Hardin during her invocation.
The ceremony featured a performance by the Skyline Singers, who sang “Hold Fast to Dreams.” The music added an emotional and uplifting element to the evening, echoing the themes of hope and perseverance.
Seniors Molly Sims and Kaitlyn Antonelli shared reflections on their high school experiences. Sims encouraged her classmates to “embrace the unknown with confidence,” while Antonelli emphasized the importance of community and resilience. “Every challenge and every success has prepared us for the next stages of our lives,” Antonelli noted.
Pastor Ingrid Chenoweth of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church delivered the keynote address, urging the graduates to remain curious and open-minded. “As you all venture out into the world, keep your hearts and minds open to the lessons life will offer you,” she advised.
The distribution of cords and a candle-lighting ceremony symbolized the transition of leadership and responsibility to the rising seniors. Pastor Rachel Plemmons commented, “This light represents not just knowledge but the warmth and brightness of the community spirit you embody.”
The service concluded with a prayer from Pastor Christy McMillin-Goodwin, who expressed hope for the graduates’ futures. “Carry forward the love and support you’ve felt here today as you go forth to make your mark on the world,” she said.
This baccalaureate service celebrated the achievements and potential of Warren County’s graduates, providing them with a heartfelt send-off filled with community blessings and high hopes for their future endeavors.
Video by Mark Williams, Royal Examiner/National Media Services, Inc.
Interesting Things to Know
From Foster Care to Fulfillment: The Inspiring Journey of Rob Henderson
11012 Edmonds Ln | Delaplane VA 20144
May is National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness about the challenges over 400,000 children in foster care systems across the United States face. Among these stories is that of Rob Henderson, whose new book “Troubled” details his remarkable transition from a turbulent childhood in foster care to achieving a Ph.D. in psychology from Cambridge University.
Henderson’s journey began in hardship. At just three years old, he experienced a painful separation from his addicted mother, marking the start of his uncertain life in foster care. His early years were filled with frequent moves between homes—some forgotten, some unforgettable. “I was moving foster homes every six months to a year or so. Day to day, I wouldn’t know whether I would be moved to a different home,” Henderson shared in an interview with Persuasion.com. This instability is a common thread in many foster care stories, where children often face abrupt changes due to shifts in foster family circumstances or reintegration efforts with biological families.
Despite the chaos, Henderson’s life took a positive turn when he was adopted at age six, although this stability was short-lived due to his adoptive parents’ subsequent divorce. The following years were marked by impulsivity and disengagement, challenges that Henderson later overcame with the structure and discipline provided by military service. As Henderson notes, the military understands the “latent impulsivity and stupidity in young people,” providing the rigorous environment he needed to harness his potential.
The turning point in Henderson’s life came with the support of the G.I. Bill, which financed his higher education, setting him on the path to academic and personal success. Today, Henderson’s story is not just one of overcoming adversity but also a testament to the profound impact of structured support systems for foster children.
As National Foster Care Month continues, Henderson’s narrative sheds light on the ongoing need for stable, nurturing foster homes and the critical support systems that can change the trajectories of young lives. His story is a call to action, reminding us of the potential within each child in foster care and the societal obligation to ensure that these children do not just survive but thrive.
Town Talk
Local Gymnast Emma Magee Triumphs at Regional Championships, Sets Sights on Olympic Dreams
11012 Edmonds Ln | Delaplane VA 20144
In a recent Town Talk in the Royal Examiner studio, our publisher, Mike McCool, introduces a special guest—11-year-old gymnastics prodigy Emma Magee, accompanied by her mother, Kendra. Emma, a beacon of youthful determination and talent, has just triumphed at the Level Region 7 gymnastics competition, securing her status as a regional vault and beam champion.
Emma’s journey into gymnastics began whimsically at a playground, her aptitude on the monkey bars catching her mother’s eye. This playful prowess evolved into a serious pursuit, with Emma embracing the rigor of gymnastics training, drawn to the floor exercises for their dynamic blend of dance, tumbling, and acrobatics. Her commitment is evident in her disciplined approach to training, where precision in jumps, tumbling, and maintaining boundaries on the floor are critical to her success.
The conversation shifts to the mental aspects of the sport, where Emma reveals that music and focused routines help her prepare for the intense concentration required in competitions. This mental fortitude was showcased at the recent regional meet, where Emma excelled individually and contributed to her team’s stellar performance across multiple states, earning them the nickname “The Mighty Seven.”
As the interview unfolds, it’s clear that Emma’s aspirations soar beyond the vaults and beams of regional competitions. With eyes set on the Olympic pathways, she navigates the challenges of balancing rigorous homeschooling with her training schedule, a testament to her dedication and the support from her family.
The session wraps up with reflections on the importance of physical activities and mental preparedness—lessons Emma is learning early in life, which will undoubtedly shape her future in and out of gymnastics. As she prepares for future national competitions, Emma Magee is a shining example of how passion, discipline, and family support intertwine to sculpt a young athlete’s journey toward greatness.
Town Talk is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will introduce you to local entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit leaders, and political figures who influence Warren County. Topics will be varied but hopefully interesting. Let us know if you have an idea topic or want to hear from someone in our community. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com
Local News
Blue Ridge Hospice Founder Helen Zebarth Honored at Berryville Ceremony
11012 Edmonds Ln | Delaplane VA 20144
Helen Zebarth of Winchester, founder of Blue Ridge Hospice some 45 years ago, was honored with the formation of the Helen Zebarth Legacy Society, consisting of 16 high-end contributors who will help ensure the future of Blue Ridge Hospice.
The Berryville ceremony of May 8 was attended by most all of the newly elected members of the society, featuring not only new members of the Legacy but staff and volunteers, including former hospice chaplain Susan O’Kelly, now a part-time hospice volunteer, who led off the ceremonial with an invocation followed immediately by welcoming remarks by hospice President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Parson.
Joining Helen and her husband Roger Zebarth as founding members of the Legacy Society were Steven Allen, Ewan and Maybell Campbell, Susan B. and Richard A. Casey, Dawn Draayer, hospice’s Director of Philanthropy, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Jenkins, Gary Lambert, Margaret M. Myer, Michael Ricketts, and Dr. Leonard Yang and Janet Yang. All received framed certificates denoting their Legacy Society membership.
Left to right, President and CEO of Blue Ridge Hospice Jason Parsons, Roger Zebarth and wife Helen, founder of Blue Ridge Hospice. Courtesy Photo Blue Ridge Hospice
Helen Zebarth said she brought the idea of establishing a hospice in the area from a stay in England in the 1970s while her husband, a U.S. Army veteran, was based in Europe. England, evidently, is where the hospice concept originated a half-century or more ago.
While paying tribute to Blue Ridge Hospice’s large band of volunteers, board Chair Richard Kennedy described Helen as “our shining star.” Helen said she decided at the time that on her return from the United Kingdom, “We need a hospice in Winchester.” And so, in 1974, the hospice opened there with 30 patients. By 2014, 10 years ago, Blue Ridge Hospice had tended to some 10,000 patients in “end of life care” — and the number kept climbing.
A group shot of Blue Ridge Hospice members and supporters attending the Berryville event on Wednesday, May 8.
Interesting Things to Know
Unlocking Laughter: The Power of Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids
11012 Edmonds Ln | Delaplane VA 20144
If you’re an uncle, aunt, or grandparent eager to connect with a young child, mastering the knock-knock joke is a must. Children, especially those around five, find immense joy in the simplicity and predictability of a well-delivered knock-knock joke. These jokes aren’t just about causing a burst of giggles; they’re key to engaging with children in a way that lights up their brains with joy and laughter.
A 2012 study sheds light on how humor activates similar regions in the brains of adults and children. While adults have more developed centers for humor, five-year-olds are just beginning to grasp the structure of stories and jokes, including a start, middle, and end. This developmental milestone makes knock-knock jokes an ideal form of humor for them, tapping into their newfound understanding and appreciation of sequence and surprise.
The journey into humor begins even earlier than five, tracing back to the first chuckles elicited by a game of peek-a-boo. Laughter and humor comprehension are not just about the momentary joy they bring; they are integral to the development of creativity, empathy, and resilience. Publications like The Globe and Mail have highlighted these benefits, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a sense of humor from a young age.
For those looking to become a favorite relative, here are a few knock-knock jokes guaranteed to delight:
- Knock, knock.
- Who’s there?
- Tank.
- Tank who?
- You’re welcome.
- Knock, knock.
- Who’s there?
- Howl.
- Howl who?
- Howl you know unless you open the door?
- Knock, knock.
- Who’s there?
- Boo.
- Boo who?
- Don’t cry, it’s just a joke!
These jokes are simple yet effective tools for creating moments of shared laughter and joy. They do more than entertain; they build connections, enhance understanding, and contribute to a child’s emotional and cognitive development. So next time you’re planning a visit to a young relative, arm yourself with a collection of knock-knock jokes. You’ll not only be the star of the hour but also play a role in fostering a lively sense of humor that carries lifelong benefits.
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