Kim Knorr, an experienced skydiver passionate about the skies, is celebrating a unique milestone at Skydive Front Royal. With a radiant smile and infectious enthusiasm, Kim is gearing up for her 666th jump, a number she humorously claims is her lucky charm.

“I’m trying to reach my thousandth jump to get my gold wings,” Kim explains. “Today is number 666, and I’m excited to dive into this jump under the beautiful blue sky.”

A Legacy in the Skies

Kim’s journey in skydiving started at a young age and quickly rose to prominence. “I began skydiving at 20 and was part of the first women’s U.S. parachute team for international competition in 1962,” she recalls. Her passion for the sport was sparked by a chance encounter at a drugstore where she overheard a conversation about skydiving. Intrigued, she asked to join, and the rest is history. “I made my first jump on January 13, 1959, and it was fantastic,” she says with a nostalgic smile.

Kim holds a Class 3-D Skydiving License, the highest level of certification in the sport. The skydiving D license, awarded by the United States Parachute Association (USPA), signifies a skydiver’s extensive skills and experience. To achieve this, Kim completed at least 500 jumps, including three hours of freefall time, and successfully passed the rigorous USPA D license exam.

The Joy of the Jump

As Kim ascends to 10,000 feet, she marvels at the breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys. “The mountains are magnificent up here,” she exclaims. The thrill of the freefall and the serene beauty of the landscape below make each jump an exhilarating experience. “It’s really fun, and at 10,000 feet, you’re not freezing cold like at higher altitudes,” she notes.

Upon landing, Kim’s excitement is palpable. “It was really fantastic, seeing the mountains and the valley,” she shares. The camaraderie and shared passion among skydivers at Skydive Pro Royal create a welcoming and supportive environment reminiscent of her early days in the sport. “This place reminds me of when I started – a small, friendly club without the rush and pressure of bigger operations,” Kim observes.

Tandem Jumps and Record-Breaking

Kim completed her 666th jump with tandem partners Alfredo Basile and Albert van Jaarsveld, adding to the thrill of the day. She managed to do three jumps, ending with 668 jumps on her record by the end of the day. Each jump brings her closer to her goal of 1,000 jumps to earn her gold wings.

Motivated by Family and Adventure

Kim’s dedication to skydiving is fueled by a desire to stay active and adventurous. “My children are grown, and my grandchildren are in their 20s. I didn’t want to sit at home and watch TV,” she explains. Instead, she channeled her energy into skydiving, setting her sights on completing a thousand jumps. “When I get old, I can write a book,” she laughs, “but for now, I want to keep jumping.”

Kim’s plans include achieving her gold wings and giving herself a special reward. “I want to jump over the pyramids in Egypt,” she reveals. Her adventurous spirit and determination are inspiring, as she shows no signs of slowing down. “I think I’ll still be jumping on my hundredth birthday,” she says with a twinkle in her eye.

Celebrating Milestones

For Kim, each jump is a celebration of life and adventure. As she continues to work towards her goal of a thousand jumps, she remains a beacon of inspiration for others.

Kim Knorr’s 666th jump at Skydive Front Royal is a personal achievement and a testament to her enduring passion for skydiving. Her journey is a reminder that age is just a number, and with the right mindset, the sky’s the limit.

Special thanks to Alfredo Basil from Skydive Front Royal for sharing the video footage from the jump.

Whether you’re looking to try skydiving yourself or give an incredible gift, get ready for the thrill of a lifetime with tandem skydiving! This unforgettable experience will have you safely attached to a highly experienced instructor with thousands of jumps and decades of expertise.

Skydive Front Royal and all our instructors are registered with the United States Parachute Association. To learn more, visit our website at www.skydivefrontroyal.com.

Green Hill Cemetery in Stephens City holds a piece of history that never quite came to be. Established in the 1880s, this five-acre, nondenominational cemetery was once part of the town commons, used for militia drills, and later as pasture for livestock. According to former Mayor Ray Ewing, who served from 1994 to 2010 and now acts as a Green Hill trustee, the cemetery’s original design centered around a proposed memorial for Colonel James Henry Drake, a Confederate hero from the Civil War.

Drake, a native of Stephens City (then Newtown), was intended to be reinterred at Green Hill, but plans fell through when his widow, Sarah Rosenberger, objected. Instead, Drake remains buried in the old Trinity Lutheran Church cemetery on Mulberry Street. His absence at Green Hill is marked by an empty space where a memorial and tall trees once stood. A black cast iron well water hand pump was placed there but was removed around 2000 due to concerns about soil contamination, leaving the spot vacant.

Colonel James Henry Drake’s grave marker in the old Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery on Mulberry Street in Stephens City, Virginia. Courtesy Rick Wilde.

But who was Colonel James H. Drake, and why was he almost honored with such a prominent gravesite? Born on June 9, 1822, Drake was a plasterer, mechanic, and militia officer before the war. When the Civil War began, he joined the Confederate States of America, serving in the First Virginia Cavalry. His leadership and bravery were quickly recognized. He rose from Commissary of Company A, Newtown Light Dragoons, to Colonel by May 1863.

Drake’s military career was marked by significant battles. He fought in the Seven Days Battles, Stuart’s ride around McClellan, Gainesville, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Kelly’s Ford, Chancellorsville, and Brandy Station. He commanded the First Virginia Cavalry at the Battle of Gettysburg, which was critical in protecting General Robert E. Lee’s retreat.

Tragically, Drake was mortally wounded on July 16, 1863, during a skirmish near Kearneysville, West Virginia. He was shot in the thigh, right breast, and right shoulder. Despite his severe injuries, his men managed to retrieve him from the battlefield. He died later that night and was buried with full military honors on July 18, 1863, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Jefferson County Camp, United Confederate Veterans Marker #2 sits a few feet off West Virginia Route 480. It commemorates Colonel James H. Drake of the 1st Virginia Cavalry, who fell mortally wounded during an engagement at Kearneysville, West Virginia. Courtesy Mark Gunderman.

Drake’s legacy lived on through his comrades’ and community’s dedication and respect. Major General J.E.B. Stuart mourned Drake’s death, noting that it deprived his regiment of a “brave and zealous leader” and the Confederacy of a “patriotic defender.” General Fitzhugh Lee praised Drake’s gallantry and devotion, emphasizing his readiness and bravery in facing danger.

The 1913 Gettysburg reunion, marking the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, included Colonel Drake on the roster of Virginia troops. His story was passed down through the generations, highlighting moments like when he reportedly saved young Milton Boyd Steele during the Gettysburg Campaign by keeping him away from the front lines. Steele, a wagon driver, survived the war and later enlisted with the First Virginia Cavalry.

In 1993, the Turner Ashby chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) held a grave marking ceremony for Drake at the Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery. About 100 people attended, including Drake’s great-granddaughters and local officials. The UDC provided a headstone for the grave that had been unmarked for 130 years.

Colonel Drake’s life and service left a lasting impression on Stephens City. Historian Linden “Butch” Fravel remarked that Drake is “the closest thing the town has to a Civil War hero.” Though his memorial at Green Hill Cemetery never materialized, his story remains a poignant chapter in the town’s history.

Reference: 1^st Virginia Cavalry, by Robert Driver, Jr., dated 1991, published by H. E. Howard, Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia, was essential in writing this article.

The Warren Heritage Society announced the appointment of Joe Petty as its new Executive Director.

Joe Petty brings experience and local knowledge to his new role. Raised in Warren County, he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from George Mason University and has over 15 years of experience in community development. His professional background includes serving as Vice President of Operations for the Crystal City Business Improvement District, where he worked on enhancing the area’s perception and fostering a sense of community. Petty has recently been involved with the Warren County Government in the Planning Department and Economic Development.

“I am excited for this new opportunity with an organization that provides an amazing asset for education and awareness of our community,” Petty said. “Being from Warren County, it is an honor to accept this new role, and I am looking forward to the new experience.”

Teresa Henry, President of the Board of Directors, expressed her enthusiasm for Petty’s appointment. “I am thrilled to welcome Joe Petty as our new Executive Director. With his deep roots in Warren County and extensive experience in community development, I am confident he will lead the Warren Heritage Society to new heights in preserving and celebrating our rich history.”

The Warren Heritage Society, established in 1971, is dedicated to preserving the history of Warren County and educating the public about its heritage. The society is located at 101 Chester Street, Front Royal, Virginia. For more information, visit warrenheritagesociety.org.

Virginia State Police are investigating a tragic two-vehicle crash that occurred late Friday night, resulting in a fatality and serious injuries. The crash occurred on May 17 at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway), two-tenths of a mile south of Coppermine Road.

According to the police report, a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling north on Route 340 when the driver failed to maneuver a curve, causing the vehicle to cross the double-solid yellow centerline. The Malibu collided head-on with a southbound 2011 Toyota Camry.

The driver of the Chevrolet, Cody A. Kanavel, 29, of Front Royal, VA, sustained life-threatening injuries in the collision. He was transported to Warren Memorial Hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Police confirmed that Kanavel was not wearing a seatbelt during the crash.

The driver of the Toyota, a 59-year-old man from Rileyville, VA, suffered serious injuries and was transported to INOVA Fairfax Hospital for treatment. Authorities reported that he was wearing a seatbelt.

The Virginia State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

In an emailed letter dated Friday, May 17, Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority (EDA, FR-WC EDA) Secretary Hayden Ashworth announced his resignation, effective immediately. Ashworth cited the workload associated with his employment as the reason for his decision:

“Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation as Secretary of the Board for the Front Royal Warren County Economic Development Authority, effective today, May 17, 2024.

“Due to the demands of my current work schedule in Washington DC, I am no longer able to dedicate the time and effort necessary to fully support the EDA in its important mission. This decision has not been easy, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for the past year I have served alongside this dedicated board.

“I am truly proud of the work we have accomplished together in creating opportunities for Warren County residents and fostering future economic growth. I have the utmost confidence that the EDA will continue its success in attracting new businesses and investments to our community.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I wish the EDA continued success in its endeavors,” Ashworth wrote to his fellow board members, county officials, including County Director of Economic Development Joe Petty, whose last day in that position was also Friday, May 17.

Hayden Ashworth, far left at December 2023 EDA Asset Committee meeting. Also pictured around the table from Ashworth’s left are John Stanmeyer, Joe Petty, Rob MacDougall, and Jorie Martin. Royal Examiner File Photos Roger Bianchini

Ashworth was appointed to the EDA Board of Directors on March 7, 2023. His term was to expire February 28, 2025. We asked current EDA Board Acting Chairman Jd Walter about Ashworth’s loss. “The EDA Board of Directors has really appreciated Hayden’s time as a member, and are disappointed that he is unable to continue serving. Hayden has been a integral part of our Asset Committee, which has done the lion’s share of the work over the last year getting contracts on the remaining EDA properties. He also served as our Secretary and has been a great contributor and valued voice in our discussions. But we understand that work commitments are a priority, and we hope that at some point in the future, he may be able to return to the board,” Walter responded.

In recent months, citing conflicting time commitments to his seasonally based Mountain Home Bed & Breakfast business, then EDA Board Chairman Scott Jenkins did not apply for reappointment to the EDA board when his term ended February 29. Treasurer Jim Wolfe has also left the board recently and Jorie Martin has announced her intention to resign, though has put that resignation on hold temporarily.

Hayden Ashworth, center right of table, joins former chairman Scott Jenkins, left head of table, Treasurer Jim Wolfe, center left of table, and County Director of Economic Development Joe Petty, near left back to camera, in leaving the County’s EDA mix in recent months. And Jorie Martin, partially obscured to Wolfe’s left, may also be leaving soon. Board of Supervisors Chair Cheryl Cullers, observing upper center, may need a scorecard soon to keep up with the EDA roster substitutions.

Readers may recall that when then-EDA Board Chairman Jeff Browne and member Greg Harold applied for reinstatement at the end of their terms in March of 2023 after helping guide the EDA through the immediate aftermath of the “financial scandal” of 2014-2018 (both were appointed in 2019), that the board of supervisors rejected their reinstatement requests. See related story (published April 5, 2023): “Did not seeing eye to eye with supervisors on property sales priorities lead to replacement of two longest-tenured EDA board members?”

Surgical technology students at Laurel Ridge Community College are set to benefit from cutting-edge training equipment thanks to the efforts of U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. The senators successfully secured $305,000 in funding to purchase LAPSIM® surgical simulators for the college’s Fauquier and Middletown campuses. This funding was part of a congressionally directed Labor-Health and Human Services-Education spending package.

Surgical technologists play a vital role in the operating room, where their responsibilities include preparing the surgical environment, readying patients for surgery, holding retractors, and cutting sutures. With the introduction of LAPSIM® surgical simulators, students will gain hands-on experience in these crucial tasks.

In 2023 and 2024, surgical technology graduates from Laurel Ridge had the opportunity to participate in mock surgeries, such as appendectomies, hysterectomies, and cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal), using simulators brought to the Fauquier Campus by a representative from Surgical Science for a demonstration in March 2023. This demonstration highlighted the benefits of the LAPSIM® simulators, which provide instant feedback and allow students to experience the surgical environment virtually.

Following the successful demonstration, Laurel Ridge applied for congressional funding to obtain these simulators. The college recently received confirmation that the funding has been approved.

“We’re glad to have helped secure this funding for Laurel Ridge Community College to train future surgical technologists and assistants,” said Senators Warner and Kaine in a joint statement. “This funding is an investment in Laurel Ridge and its students, as well as the greater health and wellbeing of our communities when we are grappling with health care provider shortages.”

Tina Putman, the director of the Surgical Technology program at Laurel Ridge, expressed her excitement about the new equipment. “These new simulators will provide our students with hands-on experience that was previously unavailable, significantly enhancing their training and preparation for real-world surgical environments,” she said.

The addition of the LAPSIM® surgical simulators marks a significant advancement for the Surgical Technology program at Laurel Ridge, offering students state-of-the-art training tools better to prepare them for their roles in the healthcare industry. This development benefits the students and aims to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare providers by ensuring that graduates are well-equipped with the necessary skills and experience.