Andrew J. Fenady’s ‘Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus’ Hits the Stage This December.

The charm of old-time radio, where imaginations ran wild and stories came to life in the minds of listeners, is being rekindled in Middletown, VA. This holiday season, Selah Theatre Project, in collaboration with Laurel Ridge Community College, is set to enchant audiences with its latest production, “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.” The play, written by the celebrated Andrew J. Fenady, is a visual and auditory feast, an adaptation of the beloved 1897 editorial from the New York Sun.

In an era dominated by screens, this production harks back to the golden age of radio, offering a unique theatrical experience. It revolves around a heartwarming exchange where young Virginia, in her quest for truth, writes to the New York Sun asking about the existence of Santa Claus. This inquiry leads Ed Mitchell, the editor, to assign the task to Frank Church, a reporter grappling with personal struggles. Church’s profound response, affirming Santa’s existence, has since woven itself into the fabric of Christmas traditions worldwide.

With nineteen actors, both budding and experienced, the Selah Theatre Project’s rendition promises a blend of nostalgia and innovation. Audiences will be swept away to an era where radio reigned supreme, meeting an array of vivid characters including Virginia, Frank Church, and Santa Claus himself. The cast, under the skillful direction of LaTasha Do’zia, breathes life into this classic tale, ensuring a visual and auditory treat.

Selah Theatre Project, known for its commitment to quality community theatre, finds this production especially close to its heart. The play not only celebrates the Christmas spirit and the innocence of childhood but also stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Supported by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, this production is more than a play; it’s a community event, fostering the arts and bringing people together in the spirit of the holidays.

As the holiday season approaches, “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” offers a perfect opportunity for families and friends to gather and immerse themselves in a world of wonder and joy. Selah Theatre Project invites everyone to experience this enchanting production, which not only entertains but also supports the arts in the community. With performances scheduled from December 8-10 & 15-17 at the William H. McCoy Theatre, Laurel Ridge Community College, this is an event not to be missed. Tickets are available online, via phone, or at the door, promising a magical evening for all.

Tickets can be purchased at selahtheatreproject.org or call 540-684-5464 or at the door.

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Join us on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, when the Warren County High School Boy’s Basketball team takes on Luray High School. JV starts at 6 p.m., followed by Varsity. The pre-game action starts at 5:45 p.m.

Catch all the action right here on the Royal Examiner.

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There are certain days in our nation’s history that are simply more important than others. These days tend to be ones that have changed our nation for better or worse. These are turning point days and generation-defining dates.

For my generation, Gen X, that date is Sept. 11, 2001, as we were in high school or early 20s. It seems like everything in my memory is categorized as either pre or post 9/11. For my grandparents that day was Dec. 7, 1941; it was scarred into their memories and completely changed their lives forever. While my Baby Boomer parents have felt the effects of 9/11, the day from their youth that left a scar happened 60 years ago this month, for on that day the very popular President John Kennedy died, but even more importantly, so did our nation’s innocence.

On that tragic November day, Kennedy and his wife had been in Texas along with his V.P. Lyndon B. Johnson for a few days to kick off his southern campaign tour for reelection. Kennedy knew he had a fight in Texas as he had just recently proposed the Civil Rights Act. Kennedy had avoided getting too involved with Civil Rights earlier in his presidency because Southern Democrats had opposed it, and any support could break up the party. Yet after the 1963 March on Washington and the assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, Kennedy knew it was time to take up the fight. His goal on this southern tour was to try to hold the party together while trying to get support for his bill. Yet while in Texas he spent most of his time talking about the economy and military preparedness, topics much more comfortable for his southern audience.

After speaking in Fort Worth, the presidential party flew to Dallas and rode in multiple convertibles on their way to The Trade Mart. As they drove through Dealey Plaza around 12:30 p.m., shots rang out as they passed the Texas School Book Depository. President Kennedy was hit.

Before Kennedy was pronounced dead at 1 p.m. at Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas police arrested Book Depository employee Lee Harvey Oswald. Our nation came to a halt as word spread over the airwaves.

After his death his wife would refer to Kennedy’s presidency as Camelot, capturing the feeling of most of the nation. His good looks and charisma added to his leadership and strength had captivated America. Even today he is still considered one of the most popular presidents ever. In fact, when I poll students, he usually makes the top ten. While the loss of such a popular president was tragic, what was even more tragic was America’s loss of innocence which opened the door to civic mistrust and a lack of faith in our country.

President Johnson, who was sworn in aboard Air Force One just two hours after Kennedy was killed, ordered an investigation into the assassinations of both Kennedy and Oswald. Oswald was shot and killed by Dallas night club owner Jack Ruby a week after being charged for the Kennedy assassination. The Warren Commission, headed by Chief Justice Earl Warren, included two senators, two representatives, a former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and the former U.S. High Commissioner for Germany. During the investigation the American public believed the government’s story of the lone shooter, but after the commission released its findings, that all changed. While the more than 800-page report initially calmed most people’s fears, it did not completely remove them. While most Americans believed Oswald was the shooter, it was becoming a common perception that he had not acted alone.

The big change began in 1966 with the release of three separate independent investigations. First was Mark Lane’s Rush to Judgment that questioned the accuracy of the Warren Commission. Next was an investigation by New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison who saw a conspiracy and coverup in the shooting (the Bases for Oliver Stone’s JFK). Finally, Life Magazine released the Zapruder film which was an amateur video which called into question if Oswald acted alone. Americans became so consumed with the new reports that 20 years later when Newsweek took a poll, 74% of Americans did not trust the Warren Commission.

Kennedy’s assassination was a game-changer in our nation’s history. For the first time the majority of our nation did not believe the government. Before this, for the most part, Americans believed the government was telling them the truth, or if not, it was for a good reason. Now America had lost its innocence. If the government had lied about this, what else were they lying about? Our nation entered one of its darkest hours as our own government became the bad guy. The assassination was just the beginning of a long dark road.

Shortly after, came Vietnam War protest in the streets and antigovernment sentiments. The Watergate scandal and the presidential resignation of Richard Nixon made Americans more suspicious and less confident of their government. Events like the Iran hostages made it seem like maybe we were losing the Cold War if we could not even get our hostages out of a far less powerful country like Iran.

Fortunately, the 1980s did relieve some of the stress and brought back some faith in America once more. The problem is we did not come all the way back. Since the 1960s and ‘70s patriotism and American faith have fluctuated. Personally, I do not believe we will ever be as confident in our government as we were pre-1963. That door is closed. As a historian, I wonder if maybe we should have never completely trusted the government; they have never been completely truthful. But as an American, I am disheartened, for I long for the days when we felt our government was always on our side and looking out for our best interests.

James Finck, Ph.D. is a professor of history at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. He may be reached at HistoricallySpeaking1776@gmail.com.

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Tackling the Key Tasks for a Seamless Holiday Celebration.

With Christmas just three weeks away, the festive season is reaching its peak. This is the time to focus on finalizing preparations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday. From confirming guest attendance to choosing the perfect party outfit, the tasks this week are all about fine-tuning the details of your holiday celebration.

1. Finalize Guest Confirmations: Reach out to everyone you’ve invited to your Christmas gathering to confirm their attendance. This step is crucial for finalizing catering counts, seating arrangements, and other accommodations. It’s also an opportunity to answer any questions your guests might have and to communicate any important details about the event.

2. Choosing Your Festive Outfit: Your Christmas party is an occasion to dress up and enjoy the festivities in style. Visit local boutiques or formalwear rental outlets to find an outfit that makes you feel festive and fabulous. Whether you opt for a classic look or something more contemporary, remember that comfort is key to enjoying the night.

3. Curating the Perfect Party Playlist: Music sets the mood for any party. Spend some time creating playlists that complement each phase of your event. A softer, mellow playlist is ideal for cocktail hour and mealtime, while upbeat tunes are perfect for dancing and celebrating. Tailoring your music to the flow of the evening will enhance the overall experience for you and your guests.

4. Gift Wrapping: Dedicate some time to wrapping the presents you’ve so thoughtfully chosen. Creative and thoughtful wrapping can make your gifts even more special. Consider setting up a wrapping station with all the necessary materials – paper, ribbons, tags, and decorations – to make the process efficient and enjoyable.

As Christmas draws near, completing these tasks can significantly reduce last-minute stress, fully immersing yourself in the joy of the season. This week’s efforts in finalizing details, from guest confirmations to wrapping presents, pave the way for a festive and memorable holiday celebration.

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Arthur Raymond Maddox, 67, of Front Royal, died November 24, 2023, at the Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center in Winchester, Virginia.

Arthur Raymond Maddox

Mr. Maddox was born January 5, 1956, in Front Royal, Virginia, the son of Charles Raymond Maddox, Jr. and Elaine Barraclaugh. He was married to Sharon B. Maddox for over 45 years.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church, 11 W. 2nd Street, Front Royal, Virginia, with interment in Prospect Hill Cemetery followed by a reception at the Calvary Church Parish Hall.  The service will be conducted by The Reverend Valerie Hayes.

Arthur graduated from Warren County High School in 1974. He played trumpet in the marching and stage bands. Arthur played football and ran track, where he maintains the triple jump record for Warren County. Arthur graduated from Virginia Tech in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in biology.  He was a charter member of the Marching Virginians.  He obtained his Mortuary Science degree from Catonsville Community College in Catonsville, Maryland.

Arthur had been a Kiwanian, a Rotarian, and an Izaak Walton League of America member.  Arthur was baptized, confirmed, and married at Calvary Episcopal Church, where he sang in the choir and played bells.  He also served as a Junior and Senior Wardens and was a Trustee of the church.  Arthur sang with the Winchester Arts Chorale and the Blue Ridge Singers.  Arthur owned and operated Maddox Funeral Home, Inc. for over 40 years, being the fourth-generation family member in the funeral profession.

Along with his wife, he is survived by a son, Arthur Kyle Maddox (Sarah) of Front Royal; a daughter, Mary E. Maddox (Mitchell) of Front Royal; seven grandchildren, Simon and Thorin Maddox, Marcellus and Penelope Mathewson, and Emma, Audrey, and Tucker Veitenthal, all of Front Royal; two brothers, Charles Maddox (Martha) of Broadway, Virginia and William Maddox (Brenda) of Harrisonburg, Virginia; a sister-in-law, Leah Lowe (Dave) of Littleton, Colorado; nieces and nephews, Laura Jewell (Ethan) and Joseph Maddox, both of Harrisonburg, Perry Maddox (Nidhi) of Los Angeles, California, Anna Lowe of Raleigh, North Carolina, Haley Nichols (Tim) of Kansas City, Kansas, Captain Zachary Lowe, U.S. Army, (Kaylin) of El Paso, Texas; three great-nieces; and one aunt, Betty B. Leckie of Front Royal.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Maddox.

Pallbearers will be Howard Leach, Bruce Rappaport, Michael Spory, John Strickler, Wilson Troxell, and Alfred “Chip” White.

Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Maddox Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends at Maddox Funeral Home on Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The family wishes to express appreciation to Blue Ridge Hospice and the Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center in Winchester, Virginia.

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Personalize Your Holiday Giving with Creative, Handcrafted Presents.

As the festive season approaches, the quest for the perfect Christmas gifts begins. In an era where online shopping reigns supreme, handmade gifts offer a deeply personal touch. Creating a gift with your hands is an expression of creativity and a testament to the love and thought you put into each present.

Here are 15 heartwarming and creative handmade gift ideas that cater to a range of skills, from crafting to cooking, ensuring there’s something special for everyone on your list:

1. Knitted Accessories: Craft cozy knitted items like throws, scarves, or slippers – perfect for keeping your loved ones warm during the winter.
2. Homemade Alcohol: Brew your own gin, beer, or wine, adding a personal touch to a classic gift.
3. Handcrafted Jewelry: Design unique bracelets, rings, or necklaces, making a fashionable and memorable present.
4. Bath Bombs: Create soothing bath bombs for a relaxing spa experience at home.
5. Scented Candles: Make candles with delightful fragrances to add a cozy ambiance to any room.
6. Decorative Picture Frames: Craft personalized picture frames to preserve cherished memories.
7. Jams and Spreads: Prepare homemade jams or spreads, perfect for foodies.
8. Christmas Decorations: Create festive decorations like wreaths or baubles to add holiday cheer.
9. Tasty Marinades: Mix up flavorful marinades – a great gift for grilling enthusiasts.
10. Custom Spice Mixes: Blend your own spice mixes tailored to your recipient’s taste preferences.
11. Clay Pots: Fashion clay pots for plant lovers to showcase their greenery.
12. Potpourri: Blend a fragrant potpourri as a delightful sensory gift.
13. Fancy Soaps: Make artisanal soaps with unique scents and ingredients.
14. Homemade Body Care Products: Create creams or exfoliants for a luxury skincare touch.
15. Cork Drink Coasters: Craft stylish drink coasters from Cork for a practical and chic gift.

Handmade gifts are not just items; they are a showcase of time, effort, and personal attention. This Christmas, embrace the joy of making and giving something unique. These gifts will bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces and support local shops where you can buy all the necessary materials. Get creative, spread joy, and make this holiday season one to remember with your heartfelt creations.

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