A fellow lady employee had a severe hearing loss. When she got married and the children came along, she had to resort to an aid to hear the children at night in their bedroom. She was so adapted to silence that the least sound now kept her awake; she could hear all the noises of the household and of the neighborhood.

We live in a noisy and busy world. Places that promise peace and quiet are almost nonexistent. Out of the turmoil of “Why can’t we pray in the public schools” has come “the moment of silence.” I am all for it. But it cannot last since silence is defined by the absence of speech or an agreement not to speak. We are warned that this interferes with our country’s right to free speech. One poll brought out that it was “cool”, it brought into the school a sense of unity among the students, and that it was a good time to reflect on nice things. Those against the “moment” say that it is an open playing field to spread religion during the silence and to bring their own materials that could conflict with school policy. If prayer in any form is allowed on school grounds, then all persuasion groups must be allowed to pray in their own ways at some time during the day. We worship God but we find out that to some it is not the same God. What happened to ONE NATION UNDER ONE GOD?

Paul tried to reason with the Greeks on Mars Hill(Acts 17:22-31), drawing their attention to their noted “unknown God.” If I have fallen off my soapbox and can’t get up it is because the “moment of silence” is really a speeding bullet deflected into the public school system which should have stayed in our homes. If we had turned off the TVs and stereo systems and enjoyed the “silence” with our families this would never have become a national issue.

“To sit silently takes a lifetime to learn. It seems that only the old are able to sit next to one another and not say anything and still feel content. The young must break the silence. Silence is pure and holy. It draws people together because only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking. This is a great paradox.” from The Notebook

and I leave you with:

Hello darkness, my old friend
Narrow streets of cobblestone
‘Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of “silence”

I’ve come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of “silence”

In restless dreams, I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
‘Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of “silence” (1964 – Simon & Garfunkel)

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It was outdoor movie night on Snow Island, and the city was screening the premiere of The Distracted Santa Claus, a new animated film by a world-renowned local director. Families unfolded their camp chairs and gathered around heated lamps that were set up on the soccer field to keep everybody warm. With their chairs lined up, twins Orion and Capella wrapped themselves in the large blankets handed to them by their parents.

“Dad, can we please have some popcorn?” the little girl asked.

“And some hot chocolate?” her brother added.

“Good idea, kids. I’ll go get us some. Do you want anything, Audrey?” Patrick asked, turning to his wife.

“A coffee, please.”

“Hurry up, Dad, or you’ll miss the beginning,” Orion called out as his father headed toward the concession stand.

There was no need to worry, though. Patrick returned with their snacks long before the movie started. In fact, the screen still hadn’t turned on by the time the kids finished their popcorn.

“I wonder what’s taking so long,” Audrey said.

“Yes, this is odd,” Patrick said. “And people are starting to get impatient.”

“We could go see the technician and find out what’s going on,” Capella suggested.

“Yes, his hut is nearby,” Orion added. “I can see it from here.”

“Alright, but go straight there and don’t take any detours on the way back,” their mother instructed.

When they arrived at the hut, the two children knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Since the door was unlocked, they opened it. To their surprise, they saw David, the technician, snoring away in his chair instead of operating the projector.

The twins called out his name and shook him, first gently then more vigorously, but nothing worked. David was still asleep.

“He’s so tired that it’s impossible to wake him up,” Capella exclaimed. “But how else can we get the movie started?”

“Follow me,” her brother replied.

With his sister right on his heels, Orion headed toward the nearest family. He quickly explained that the technician was sound asleep in his chair.

“Poor David,” said the mother with a sigh. “I don’t know how he gets any rest taking care of four children under the age of 10 all by himself.”

“I’m pretty good with electronics,” chi¬med in the girl beside her. “Go back to your seats, I’ll take care of everything.”

“Thank you,” the twins replied in unison.

As the crowd began to grumble more and more, Orion and Capella returned to their seats and recounted the story to their parents.

“Let’s hope this teenager knows what she’s doing,” Patrick said.

At that moment, the screen finally lit up and the opening credits appeared. The audience burst into thunderous applause.

“It looks like it,” Capella enthused.

“Well done, kids,» Audrey said.

The much-anticipated film, both funny and heartwarming, was a hit. Thanks to the twins and their invaluable ally, the outdoor movie night was a success — despite a bit of a sleepy start!

As for David, who woke up just in time to see the final scene, he went home feeling more rested than he had in years.

THE END

By Johannie Dufour and Sarah Beauregard
Translated by Katya Teague

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Your bedroom closet is already full. Your fridge and cabinets don’t have a lot of room to spare, and neither do your storage closets. And it isn’t even Christmas yet — once the gifts, decorations, extra food, new holiday outfits, and all the other assorted stuff comes inside, you’ll be overwhelmed, just like you are every year.

If this sounds like you, consider giving yourself an early gift: A pre-Christmas de-clutter, to help you prioritize the items you value, make space for new things, and cut back on stress so you can enjoy the things that really matter.

* Check your stash of Christmas decorations. Separate the things you haven’t used in a few years and donate them to a thrift shop for other families to enjoy.

* Walk through the public areas of your house — living room, dining room, foyer, hallways — and pick out any decor items or small furniture that you don’t love anymore. If you’d rather see an empty space, chuck it.

* Declutter your furniture. Do you really need those worn-out throw pillows with all the coffee stains?

* Work with your kids to sort through old toys and get rid of the ones they don’t play with anymore. If they need a little motivation, explain that it’s so they have plenty of room for this year’s gifts.

* Hit the kitchen and be absolutely ruthless. Toss expired foods, old water bottles or cheap plastic cups, cookware that you never use, or that box of old dishes that you don’t have room for.

* Set priorities carefully for the rooms you’ll spend the most time in and accommodate the activities you’ve planned. The most important thing about the holidays is sharing them with the people we care about, so if you don’t have the time or energy to hit every room, don’t kick yourself. Do what you can, congratulate yourself for a job well done, and enjoy the things that truly matter.

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In this Town Talk, our publisher Mike McCool speaks with Ken Knesh, Principal at Warren County High School. On December 11, 2021, WCHS will be hosting a Holiday Craft and Vendor Bazaar from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The school is located at 155 Westminster Drive in Front Royal.

Come out and start your holiday shopping at this event and help support the parents ‘Cat Pack’ programs and the 35 local vendors. Free admission and parking.

Some vendors include Avery Hess, Apron Love, Betts & Coop Boutique, Cardshop Bakers, Chantill’s Cupboard, Collectively Emily, ColorStreet, Darling Daughters Crafts, Dot Dot Smile, Essential Bodywear, Facial Aloe’s, Farmasi, Freshie Start, Malena’s Closet, Mama Bears Canned Goods, Norwex, Pampered Chef, Paparazzi, Park Lane Jewelry, Peace Pillows, and Scentsy.

Find out more about this event and others on their Facebook page.

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. If you have an idea, topic, or want to hear from someone in our community, let us know. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com

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After many years of faithful government service, a long-time frontiersman and explorer are about to be unwilling to retire. The government has decided that they no longer want to provide a health plan and support the underwriters. Yes, once again it is costly to grow old and be around too long.

Of course, I am joking and really touching on the decade-plus aged Hubble telescope. It could have been in the cargo bay of the ill-fated Challenger but missed its ride into the heavens. Even after its launch in 1990, it required a refit of special lenses.

I recall in a Sunday school class that the teacher spent much of the hour trying to define where heaven is, up above or down below or all around us (for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12).

The Hubble telescope has opened up new vistas for those who are eager to date the universe and see distant stars, galaxies and postulate new theories about the worlds beyond our planet. In the past we have had to settle with puny efforts to see and guess at what is out there, now we can think of possible planet-like earth that we could eventually reach and find someone to greet with a “Howdy!” and “Have a nice day!”. The Hubble will leave us with lots of answers for which we yet have to find the questions. Its replacement (James Webb Space Telescope) is to be more powerful and will delight all those who want to find out why we are here and what will be our ultimate situation years and years from today.

What does all this add up to be: (from my vast warehouse of sometimes useful trivial anecdotes0

“There was a person blind from birth, who never could have ever thought of seeing…as told to him by others who could see, what it was like to SEE. Experimental processes by doctors suggested that his sight ‘might’ be restored. So, it happened and when the bandages were removed, he cried, “I can see!” What are you seeing, the doctors asked? “Shadows!” and tears flowed.

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon, and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psalm 8: 3-4

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. II Corinthians 5:1

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people. Revelation 21: 1-2

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If you love chocolate, here’s a little quiz to see how much you know about this popular treat.

Multiple choice
1. What’s the name of the tree that grows cocoa beans?
a) Cacao tree
b) Choco tree
c) Coco tree

2. What kind of fruit does this tree produce?
a) Cocoa beans
b) Cocoa-pods
c) Cocoa balls

3. Where is most of the cocoa in chocolate grown today?
a) South America
b) West Africa
c) Southeast Asia

True or false
4. White chocolate doesn’t contain any cocoa.
5. The Swiss invented cocoa powder.
6. The Germans created the first chocolate bar.

Answers
1. a) Cacao trees grow in tropical climates and can be harvested twice a year.
2. b) Cocoa-pods look like small footballs and can contain up to 40 cocoa beans.
3. b) Today, more than 70 percent of the world’s cocoa comes from the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and other West African countries.
4. True. It’s made of cocoa butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla.
5. False. It was a Dutchman named Coenraad Johannes van Houten. He patented the process of removing the butter from roasted cocoa beans in 1828.
6. False. It was three English brothers named Joseph, Richard, and Francis Fry. They discovered that it was possible to create molded chocolate by adding cocoa butter.

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