Local News
Local couple works tirelessly to ensure needy kids get Christmas bikes
Bikes for Tikes is a labor of love for Shawn and Nikki LucasĀ
Shawn Lucas and son, Matthew, build a bike that will be donated to an area child for Christmas.
There are movers and shakers, and then, in a class by himself, there is Front Royal resident Shawn Lucas. He is a man with a mission, and this time of year, he is mostly a blur, as he handles a task-list that would make anyone but Santa Claus take two aspirin, followed by a nap.
While others were out Thursday evening getting a jump on Black Friday shopping bargains, Lucas and his wife, Nikki Lucas, were in āBikes for TikesĀ mode”, seeking deals on bikes, scooters and tricycles for less-fortunate children in the Ā Shenandoah Valley.
Bikes for Tikes, an effort the couple has undertaken together for the last three yearsāand which Shawn first began with a friend in 1999–aims to give brand new bikes to kids for Christmas. He said receiving a bike is a significant, life-savoring moment for a child, because it imparts a sense of freedom.
Some folks purchase bikes online and ship them to the Front Royal Moose prior to the Build Night.
āA bicycle is a kidās first taste of freedom, when they hop on that bike, pedal hard and feel the wind flow through their hair,ā Lucas said. āFreedom is an emotion worth dying for, whole countries are founded on it. And for a kid, a bicycle is that first taste of it.ā
In addition to having demanding jobs that often require national (and sometimes international) travel, this couple firmly believes in the āit takes a villageā paradigm when it comes to Bikes for Tikes.
This year, The Fresh Start ProjectĀ of Front Royal has agreed to collect monetary donations for Bikes for Tikes. What that means for donors is their donation is 100-percent tax-deductible. Donors simply need to designate that their donation is for the Bikes for Tikes program. The Lucasā work with the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots, donating the assembled bikes and scooters to the charity for distribution.
Elbow grease by volunteers pays off with a roomful of bikes that will be delivered to children through the Toys for Tots program
That way, Nikki says, they can devote their time to fundraising, shopping for bikes, getting together on BUILD DAY, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m. at the Front Royal Moose Lodge #829, 1340 John Marshall Highway in town.
HowĀ folks can help
She says there are a number of ways to help Bikes for Tikes:
- Donations can be made online at the website www.bikesfortikes.net.
- Donations can be made to The Fresh Start Project, marked ādesignated for Bikes for Tikes“
- A new bike can be donated and Ā delivered or shipped to the Front Royal Moose Lodge.
- Volunteer as a bike-builder or helper for Dec. 17 āBUILD DAYā.
- Prepared food donations needed to feed volunteers on Dec. 17 BUILD DAY.
- See www.bikesfortikes.net to more about the program and helping.
It is clear that these two are passionate about life, about helping others, and that they know how to have some fun along the way.
Shawn said, explaining the passion he and Nikki have for Bikes for Tikes, āWhat we are, is real and doing a real thing for kids in our communities.Ā It’s not feeding the hungry, and it’s not saving lives.Ā Those are very worthy causes, too.
Fact is, we’re making memories that kids will remember forever, and we think that’s a very worthy cause.Ā Your assistance in delivering a little joy this Christmas makes all the difference!ā
Regarding the passion with which some shoppers take to the stores on Black Friday, he joked, “Shoppers can wrestle for TVs all they want, but hands off our BIKES!!”
Shawn Lucas pauses at the end of a Build Night, surveying bikes that will delight children come Christmas morning
What’s next?
Looking ahead, Shawn and Nikki say they would like to make the program a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Ā Right now, however, they have bikes to buy and build–and they hope they can count on the kind and generous folks of the community to help.
Chamber News
Melodies on Main: Community Cheers as Money Pit Recording Studio Opens Doors
The Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Bob Wilson and the Money Pit Recording Studio to the community in an April 24, 2024, ribbon-cutting ceremony. This marked a significant milestone in the local music scene with the grand opening of the Money Pit Recording Studio. The event was a festive gathering of community members, music enthusiasts, and industry professionals to support Bob Wilson, the studio’s founder. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a celebration of new beginnings and a nod to the vibrant potential the studio brings to the area.
Bob, a seasoned musician and producer, shared his journey from playing bass and fiddle in various bands to setting up his recording studio. The studio, aptly named ‘Money Pit’ as a playful nod to the financial whirlwinds often associated with musical pursuits, promises to be a haven for local talent and musicians from various genres. Bob’s story is one of passion fueled by decades of experience in the music industry, leading him to establish his own space where creativity meets technology finally.
During the ceremony, attendees were treated to a tour of the facility. Bob detailed a nine-month labor of love focused on creating a comfortable, high-quality recording environment. The studio boasts a blend of analog and digital technologies, adhering to Bob’s vision of offering a distinctive and efficient recording experience.
Money Pit Recording Studio is set up to cater to diverse musical styles and artists. Bob expressed his openness to working with all genres, from country to hip-hop, ensuring that every artist’s vision could be realized in his studio. His approach is hands-on, preferring the tactile feel of knobs and sliders to create the perfect sound over navigating through software menus.
The studioās name, while humorous, underscores Bobās commitment to providing exceptional quality without the pressure of the ticking clock that often plagues recording sessions. This philosophy will likely resonate with artists seeking a space that values perfection in their craft.
As the community left the opening event, the excitement was palpable, with many expressing eagerness to see how the Money Pit Recording Studio would evolve into a cornerstone of local music production. Bobās journey from musician to studio owner is a powerful reminder of the music industry’s enduring spirit of creativity and dedication.
Local News
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: American Toad
Please remember to check your lawn before you mow!
Patient 24-683 recovering at BRWC. @BRWC 2024
This beautiful American toad was hit by a lawnmower on Saturday and suffered injuries to the right wrist and right hind leg.
Patient 24-683 at intake.
Unfortunately, due to the level of trauma, the right hind leg required amputation at the level of the knee, which was performed once the patient was stabilized.
This patient is still eligible for release once recovered and will do just fine in the wild, even with one less leg to hop on!
This time of year we see species of all kinds come into care with injuries inflicted by mowers and weedwhackers. Luckily, injuries like this are preventable in many cases.
Patient 24-683 recovering at BRWC. @BRWC 2024
Some people will sweep their lawn with a broom to flush out any animals that may be hiding (also a great way to find and protect a bunny nest). You can also enlist a child, partner, or friend to keep you company while you mow by walking a few feet ahead and checking for wildlife as they go!
Or, if you are looking for an alternative to a turf grass lawn, consider replacing some or all of it with native plants! Traditional lawns provide little functional space for wildlife, use excessive water, and often introduce fertilizers and pesticides that damage our environment.
Reducing the need to mow and creating beautiful and healthy habitat for native wildlife is a win-win!
Native pollinator garden at BRWC. @BRWC 2022-2023
Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.
Local News
Warren County Virginia Sheriffās Office Rallies Support for Deputy Whose Home Was Severely Damaged by a Fire
In an urgent Facebook post on Monday, April 22, Sheriff Crystal Cline alerted the community to the plight of a deputy whose home was severely damaged by a fire that day.
āThis morning, we were reminded of the unpredictable challenges that life can throw at us,ā she wrote. āOne of my deputies faced a heartbreaking tragedy when a fire severely damaged his home, resulting in the loss of everything he held dear, including his beloved pet.
āThis deputy has lived his life on the frontlinesāhe served in the Army, then as a volunteer and professional firefighter, and now as a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office serving our community.
āYour support, whether through prayer, donations, or financial contributions, will help provide the immediate needs of shelter, clothing, and other essentials during this critical time. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (200 Skyline Vista Drive, Front Royal, VA) will be a drop-off location for any physical items or financial donationsāask for Jenn.
I appreciate your kindness, generosity, and support. We are more than a community; we are a FAMILY!ā
Out of respect for the deputy, his identity was not revealed. Even so, the sheriffās Facebook page has been inundated by people who want to help. Many types of donations are welcome, as the sheriff emphasized, and for those specifically wanting to make online financial contributions, a link is provided on the WCSOās page. Michael Glavis of the WCSO has organized that site for raising funds, the āSheriff Deputy House Fire Relief Fund.ā Glavis considers the deputy a dear friend and work colleague. āHe has given blood and sweat for others, and now Iām asking for everyone to give a little to help him and his family through the process of recovery,ā Glavis said.
Local News
Illuminating Futures: Celebrating Achievements and Exploring Quantum Computing at ‘This is IT!’ Event
The “This Is IT!” club of Warren County, Virginia, marked another milestone as a hub for budding IT enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The club, which started in 2023, has quickly become a cornerstone for students interested in the ever-evolving world of information technology.
At the Ā ‘This is IT!’ club gathering at the Samuels Public Library on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, students and community members came together to celebrate and learn. The club includes 9th to 12th-grade students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds and is aimed to ignite curiosity and reward academic excellence in information technology and quantum computing.
The ceremony kicked off with an introduction by Melissa Chapman, an instructor involved with the club. She set the stage for a night that was not only about recognition but also about expanding young minds. āUnderstanding the vocabulary of quantum computing is the first step towards mastery,ā Chapman remarked, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge in this cutting-edge field.
The focal point of the evening was the guest lecture by Dr. Bruce Chesley, an aerospace engineer who adeptly connected the seemingly distant realms of space exploration and quantum computing. With palpable enthusiasm, Dr. Chesley described how quantum technologies could revolutionize our approach to exploring the cosmos. His talk made the complex topics accessible and entertaining, captivating the aspiring scientists in attendance.
Amidst the talks, the club took a moment to honor its bright young members through a scholarship awards ceremony. Scholarships were awardedĀ to students who have shown exceptional prowess in STEM fields. These awards are a testament to the communityās support for its young learners and a major encouragement for them to pursue further education in technology. The winners were Jude OāNeal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, and Uli Duke.
From left to right: Jude OāNeal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, Uli Duke
The “This Is IT!” club continues to grow, driven by passion and enthusiasm for technology and innovation. Each meeting and event cements its role as a vital resource for Warren County’s youth, inspiring them to explore and excel in the field of information technology. As the club prepares for another exciting year, it remains a shining example of how community and education can come together to build a brighter future.
Local News
The Apple Blossom Coronation Legacy Continues for the Historical Event
For the first time in the history of the Shenandoah Apple Bossom FestivalĀ® three consecutive generations in a family will have served as Queen Shenandoah. Susan Ford Bales, Queen in 1975, and Tyne Vance Berlanga, Queen in 2001, will be accompanying Joy Elizabeth Berlanga as she assumes her role as Queen Shenandoah XCVII.
The Crowning Ceremony entertains from regal pomp and circumstance to joyful enthusiasm of Little Maids and Pages who are ever present to serve their Queen.Ā The youthful court interchange historical and educational facts from the British Crown to learning about a United States President ā to asking, āWho has the Crown?,āĀ and with dancing. Ā The Queen will be crowned at the memorable Coronation celebration under the direction of Elaine B. Aikens.Ā The Ceremony to install the new sovereign is sponsored by Morgan Orthodontics, on Friday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m.at Handley High School. President Gerald Ford crowned Susan. Susan crowned Tyne, and Joy will be crowned by her mother and escorted by her grandmother.
Susan, Joyās grandmother, is a Virginia native and now resides in Texas. She is the daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford.Ā Susan is the mother of two daughters, Tyne Berlanga and Heather Deavers, five grandchildren, Joy Elizabeth Berlanga, Cruz Vance Berlanga, Elizabeth Blanch Deavers, Jude Deavers, and Sullivan Bales, and three stepsons, Kevin, Matthew, and Andrew Bales.
Susan was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Holton Arms School and the University of Kansas, where she studied photojournalism.Ā She is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree.Ā She is the author of two novels set in the Whie House, āDouble Exposure: A First Daughter Mysteryā, and its sequel, āSharp Focus.ā
Susan is the Shipās Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which she officially christened on November 9, 2013.Ā Ā On April 8, 2016, in recognition of her service as the Shipās Sponsor, she was named an Honorary Naval Aviator by the United States Navy, becoming only the 31st American to receive this distinction.Ā And history was made with her selection ā Susan is the first woman to be chosen as an Honorary Naval Aviator.
During her high school years, Susan lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her motherās surgery for breast cancer in 1974.Ā In 1984, she and her mother helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Susan subsequently served as national spokesperson for breast cancer awareness.Ā Since the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Susan worked side by side with her mother on projects at the Center and was elected to the Centerās Board of Directors in 1992.Ā She succeeded her mother as Chairman of the Board 2005-2010, and currently serves on the board of directors of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
In addition to her many charitable public service activities, Susan serves as Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy, Trustee, Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, and the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Childrenās National Medical Center.
Tyne, mother of Joy, Queen-designate, resides in Frisco, TX with her husband Hector and two children, Joy and Cruz.Ā She serves as a marketing manager for Western Son. With a passion for community involvement, Tyne sits on multiple school booster club boards for all her childrenās activities.
On Tyneās departure as Queen she reflected, āIt was easy to be kind, gracious and humble Queen when surrounded by the people of Winchester.Ā My five-day reign as Queen Shenandoah was an occasion that will have a special place in my heart. I have formed friendships and made memories that will hopefully stay with me for a long time to come. On Sunday morning I was doing an exit interview with one of the reporters and he asked me, “If l had a daughter would I let her be Queen?” My answer was immediately “Yes, if she’s lucky enough to be given this opportunity.” Ā Ā Now, Tyne eagerly anticipates returning to Winchester where Joy is set to embark on a remarkable journey, echoing Tyne’s own experiences from 23 years prior. Itās truly heartwarming to be able to share this moment with both her mother and daughter.
The Queen and her family will ride in the Hang 10 Firefightersā Parade Friday evening at 5:30 and the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Queen-designate Joy and her family will be making appearances at Festival events during the weekend.
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.
Community Events
Valley Chorale Announces Upcoming Spring Concerts in Middletown and Front Royal
The Valley Chorale presents āWishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hopeā, a spring concert exploring aspirations of love, home, spirituality and compassion that unite and uplift us all. With styles ranging from light classical and sacred to vocal jazz, spirituals and pop, The Valley Chorale strives to capture the hopes that unite us.
The Valley Chorale is known throughout the Shenandoah Valley for innovation and excellence, with piano, cello and percussion accompaniment, and their concerts are often a heart-warming experience for all. They welcome babies and tots, so no need to hire a babysitter.
Tickets can be purchased on their website TheValleyChorale.org — $15 for age 21+ (free under age 21) or at the door for $17.
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 3:00 ā 4:15 PM
Belle Grove Plantation (Bank Barn), 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3:00 ā 4:15 PM
First Baptist Church, 14 W. 1st Street, Front Royal, VA (Community Reception to follow)
For further information, visit the website: TheValleyChorale.org: follow them on Facebook; email them at TheValleyChorale@gmail.com or call at 540-635-4842.
Courtesy Royal Examiner File Photo of The Valley Chorale during the Christmas season. Get ready for their spring concerts ‘Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope’ the first week of May.
(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)
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