It is Gearing Up to be a Special Birthday for a Special Friend and Animal Lover This Monday, March 10

While battling recent health issues, as his son Malcolm Junior recently noted in an email to TPT (Two Pint Tuesday) regulars, our long-time colleague Malcolm Barr Sr. and his son are inviting all of Malcolm Senior’s friends to celebrate his 92nd birthday on Monday, March 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Virginia Beer Museum.

As Malcolm Junior noted in his original invitation email, Beer Museum proprietor David Downes is opening the museum on a normal off day to host this special birthday acknoweldgment of a SPECIAL friend, colleague, and animal lover.

Birthday Malcolm with escort Diva, and below the party site at Front Royal’s Virginia Beer Museum, open this Monday for a SPECIAL birthday occasion. Royal Examiner File Photos Roger Bianchini

Here is the balance of Malcolm Junior’s original invitation notice, now being extended to any of Malcolm Senior’s friends who may not have been on that original email list:

“The VBM is kindly opening their doors on a day they would normally be closed and are taking care of the cake for dad. I would like to ask for 2 – 3 volunteers to make/buy some finger foods for people to snack on. This would be a big help to us.

“In lieu of presents, we are doing the same thing as his 90th birthday and asking for donations to the Humane Society of Warren County. Donations can be money, cat/dog food, toys, etc. Anything that’ll help out our furry little friends. Thank you and we are looking forward to seeing you all at his birthday!”

Malcolm Sr. watches as then WC Humane Society Wagner Shelter Director Meghan Bowers places the wreath for the 2021, Memorial Day weekend dedication of the War Dog Memorial Garden at the Wagner Shelter grounds sponsored by Malcolm Barr Sr.

And with birthday presents directed the local Humane Society’s way by Malcolm Senior, a lifelong animal lover and homeless animal advocate, including a stint as past president of the Warren County Humane Society Board of Directors, we were alerted to the Society’s acknowledgement of their gratitude and participation in the coming party:

“We are very pleased to let you know that the Warren County Humane Society has accepted our invitation to join Malcolm’s birthday party. They were honored to be invited because apparently like all of us – they love Malcolm.

“We let them know that his gift choice was donations for the Shelter, so they will be prepared to take with them whatever is donated,” Malcolm’s son observed with a little reminder that: “Again, they can always use food, blankets, towels (old), bowls, kitty litter, gift cards, etc. Anything for cats or dogs and sometimes horses! Cash or check doesn’t hurt either.”

Speaking of presents, we were also alerted to the initial response to the birthday snack preparation request that went a little above the requested “2-3 volunteers”: “Thank you for the responses everyone. Below are the people bringing snacks and what they’re bringing (some snacks specified, some to be a surprise):

“Mike and Patty – Tray of snacks; Doug and Regina – Snacks; Bill and Mary – Chips and Guac/salsa; Michael Williams – Chips and dip; Chris – Scotch Eggs; Betty and Steve – Little sandwiches; Susan – Assorted nuts (there’ll be enough of those there, walking around); Susanne – Snacks.”

Malcolm Sr., with Diva and Skip and Kathy Rogers, await the start of a Memorial Day service on the WC Courthouse lawn. After relocating here from D.C. where he had worked as Press Secretary to Hawaiian Senator Hiram Fong following his AP war correspondent assignment based in Hawaii during the Vietnam War era, Malcolm was instrumental in resurrecting local Memorial Day weekend events that had been lost to whatever municipal distractions had occurred before he arrived. Below, Malcolm with Sheriff Crystal Cline and Marine reservist Rob MacDougall, the latter who along with Skip Rogers, has taken over organizational efforts for Memorial Day and its other weekend dedication events.

And to accompany those tasty treats, the Malcolms noted that they are providing a present to attendees: “We will cover the cost of everyone’s drinks during those two hours, so look for drink tickets when you arrive.”

It looks like the stars are aligning for a very special party for a very special man on his 92nd birthday — HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Malcolm, we ALL love you!

Malcolm Junior with his uncle Neville going over documents transferring Neville’s purchased title as Lord of Stanton by Bridge to him. Don’t forget when you see Malcolm Jr. on Monday, to address him as “your Lordship” — Just kidding, your Lordship. Below, the British trio of Malcolm Sr., Susan O’Kelley, and Chris Laurence at a Samuels Public Library event last year.