Fourth “Conversation of Hope” to be held September 24, 2019

After an inspiring August gathering, Conversation of Hope attendees grab their phones to save a date on their calendars for the next conversation.

The WHAT MATTERS community meeting space, “Open House: Meet in the Middle” (213 E. Main Street next to the Daily Grind) will again serve as a meeting place for community members seeking positivism in this time of controversy for our town and county. At 7pm on Tuesday, 9/24/19, Police Chief Kayle Magalis, Mayor Matt Tederick and Beth Medved Waller invite all to join them and other community leaders and citizens as we engage in another hour of positive reflections and hope. In the first “Conversation of Hope” held at “Open House” in June, the Chief shared a fitting quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”

• Facebook Event Link

During the first June gathering, dozens of community members gathered to share positive comments about moving forward and embracing the good qualities, people and vitality that Warren County has to offer. Here are some of the uplifting words filled with compassion shared during our brief time together during the June 7th “Conversation”:

…Tragedy doesn’t define our community; we have made it through other controversial times, the new police department is an example of the success of a dream 20+ years in the making, don’t feed the beast, negativity breeds negativity, buy local support local, this time shouldn’t change our opinion about what a blessing it is to live here, we must heal relationships with friends and the community because we are hurt and need to acknowledge our pain and rebuild, the term “keep it simple, stupid” can be used to find ways to work together, we must combat darkness with light and stay in the light, we need to be the people we are supposed to be no matter what, we will never stop all the negativity but love will lead us, people who have businesses and work here must be a part of the healing and rebuilding, be a part of the solution, people choose to move here for scenery, values and there are people who stay here for the same reason, this too shall pass, Front Royal is loved for the people, volunteering, service and beauty, shine a light on the great people here and count our blessings, go to prayer and good will prevail, this is a perfect storm for renewal and revival and to come together, a community that doesn’t hide from their faith survives—run to God and add prayer to meetings, lean on God, healing is best when focused on others and for others, be compassionate…

July’s “Conversation of Hope” was also inspiring as guests reminisced and shared hope for positive change in our community. Police Chief, Kahle Magalis, encouraged us to focus on the wellness of the community, not just the sickness, and suggested that the new hospital progress can remind us to do just that. He also said that he’s very pleased with the working relationship the FR Police Department and the WC Sheriff’s office have in trying to embrace collaboration and cooperation. It was discussed that some of our current issues are bringing things to light that need to be addressed and that dealing with those issues will have a positive impact. In addition, attendees spent much of the time reminiscing about favorite FR/WC memories from the old days of every weekend Skyline Drive traffic & picnics in the park, the Sesquicentennial pageant event in 1986, the Red Stock and Volleys that the hospital hosted, and our hope that another community-wide event could materialize (perhaps a canoe event). It was a heartwarming gathering!

In August we met and again had a fantastic turnout of positive-spirited neighbors. Attendees included a business owner who fell in love with the kind people of our community & and decided to make this her home and place to build her business after just one week of visiting the area years ago. Another participant was a five year resident who volunteers in the school and has started a nonprofit as well as an out of towner who attends church here and has a great love for the valley. Comments included positive feedback about the school system, about the giving & caring individuals in our community, a reference to George Jefferson’s “moving on up” (and encouragement to focus on the positive and move forward without delay by sharing concern but finding solutions and moving on), the acknowledgement that we have a strong sense of community that’s full of characters and memories and that we have so much potential and good energy. It was expressed that this is a good time to be forced to confront what we love and value and to picture the past and what’s good about the area. One guest said, “let it go if you can’t do anything about it.” The mayor expressed his strong desire to see the Afton Inn restored and George McIntyre discussed the LOVE sign series project he’s spearheading.

“This too shall pass” was again uttered as well as the fact that our community has so much to offer as a busy, active and unique area (full of outdoor assets and beauty) where people care about each other and don’t let tragedy define us. Niki Foster of the FR/WC Chamber of Commerce encouraged everyone to share the wonderful things we see and be louder than the ugly noise. Representatives of area clergy were in attendance and said they want to support and serve, especially in these times we are facing. Someone said we are passed the ugly and are on the verge of being beautiful again.

Please join us Tuesday, September 24th, at 7pm, to share and witness more encouraging conversations.

George McIntyre, Craig Laird and FRIBA also announce the next upcoming opportunity to meet to continue the “Save our Town” video series that began in May with a strong attendance. On September 26^th and October 24^th from 11:30-1pm, the Front Royal Independent Business Alliance will again host a free screening in the series featuring Becky McCray and Deb Brown from SaveYour.Town. The video series is held at the WHAT MATTERS Community Meeting Space, Open House: Meet in the Middle (213 E. Main St. & adjacent to the Daily Grind Coffee Shop).

“Too often, pessimists shoot down your ideas. But you have great ideas, a vision of what your town could be. How do you start making things happen? Learn the practical steps you can take to change attitudes, draw a crowd of supporters, improve the environment and create more connections, no matter what the pessimists say or do,” said McCray.

The video series is designed to show our community new ways to work together towards positive change. There is no charge to attend this screening and a lively discussion is planned to follow. The Apple House will provide brown bag lunches for $5 and complimentary coffee/tea/water is available at Open House. The gathering will begin at 11:30 and video will start promptly at noon. “Together we’ll work through the process to make your town more Idea Friendly. We’ll show you how to Gather Your Crowd, Make Connections and Take Small Steps. It all adds up to creating the kind of town you want to live in,” said Brown.

Learn more about Brown and McCray here.

*Please note that these gatherings will be ones of positivity, not negativity. Politics and current events will not be discussed—instead we will remind ourselves why we love our community and provide an opportunity to briefly join together those who care together in the spirit of hope…