Community Events
Shawquon Ruritan new and old-fashioned way of making apple butter
Photo collages are courtesy of Harry Newman.
The Shawquon Ruritan has served Stephens City and the south county area since 1956. Our members are dedicated to assessing the needs of the local community and providing volunteer services to make our neighborhoods a better place to live, work and prosper.
The club continues a history of providing college scholarships to local high school seniors. The club also supports fire and rescue and sheriff departments, cub scouts and boy’s scouts, youth organizations, Area 13 Special Olympics, Newtown Heritage Festival, victims of severe illness, homeless shelters and food pantries.
Traditional apple butter making
Fall always means apple butter, at least for many churches and civic organizations in the Shenandoah Valley. As for the Shawquon Ruritans in Stephen City, they are no exception. Here at the Shiley residence, beneath a bright blue sky and end of summer sunshine, the Ruritan Club gathers each year to prepare the season’s jars of homemade apple butter.
Marshall and Pam Shiley have been members of the Shawquon Ruritan Club in Stephens City since 2006. Marshall is a diesel mechanic who founded his own company, MS Heating and Air Conditioning, in 1986. He first learned traditional apple butter making at the family farm on Cedar Creek Grade in Frederick County. He and Pam had previously coordinated apple butter making at Refuge United Methodist Church in Stephens City and White Post United Methodist Church in Clarke County.
The selling of apple butter has become a major fundraiser for the club and Marshall has been making Shawquon Apple Butter for the last 12 years. Marshall uses golden delicious apples from the Loretta McDonald farm. Loretta is an active member of the Ruritan and donates the apples in support of the club’s annual fundraising effort. The apples are usually picked in late August just in time to be used for the annual Shawquon apple butter production during the first week of September.
Marshall informed me that Loretta delivers 42 bushels of golden delicious apples which are used to cook three 50 gallon kettles of apple butter. This year Loretta will have the apples picked and placed in three 14-bushel wooden bins about a day before apple butter production begins. The bins are loaded onto a trailer and driven to the Shiley residence.
Each 50-gallon kettle should produce 45 gallons of apple butter. Each kettle requires 14 bushels of apples which, after peeling and core removal, are trimmed down to nine bushels of snits. The cooking of 27 bushels of snits will take approximately 12 hours per kettle and eventually produce approximately 1,000 pint jars of Shawquon Apple Butter.
The antique apple peeler used in current production is a 1930 F. B. Pease, manufactured in Rochester, New York. Apples are manually placed in cups on the machine and the core is mechanically removed along with all seeds, skin and stems, leaving only the apple pulp which will become apple butter. Over the course of two days, 4,200 apples will be peeled, cored and segmented by the apple peeling machine.
Before making apple butter, Marshall adds lemon juice to the bucket of water that the apples fall into after peeling to keep the apples from turning dark. The lighter the apples the easier for the Ruritan chefs to quarter and slice. Ruritan members work to remove any residual core, seeds or skin from the apple pulp over a two day period. The working of the apples is referred to as a “schnitzen party” (slicing and dicing up the 27 snits of apples). The apple pulp is stored in a cool place until ready to cook.
Marshall always sets the kettle up the night before and makes sure it is on level ground. He butters the sides and bottom of the kettle and stirrers and throws the remaining butter (two sticks) in the kettle. Marshall does this the night before because it saves precious time and it is dark and visibility is poor in early morning. He covers the kettle with a tarp to prevent insects and any dust or debris from getting inside.
The apple butter production begins between 4 am and 5 am. The kettle is made of copper with a rounded bottom and no seams. It sits on legs about one foot above the ground, leaving enough room to fit a gas burner. Marshall prefers using gas versus firewood because if it rains, the kettle can be moved indoors. Marshall modified a 50-gallon copper kettle top to include a 1950’s era McCulloch two-man chainsaw motor-driven post hole digger transmission, which now has an electric motor installed instead of the old chainsaw. The electric motor drives, via belts, the transmission that turns kettle-conforming wooden paddles, thereby stirring the apple butter. The electric stirrer eliminates the need for volunteers to stir and stir and stir for hours, providing increased consistency.
Marshall created two home-made, specially-designed wooden stirrers with an oblong hole on the bottom to help keep the sugar and apple pulp circulating within the kettle. This blade-like utensil must be rounded to fit the bottom of the kettle and prevent burning. The foot of the stirrer must be as long as the kettle is deep to continuously scrape off pulp from the kettle’s sides.
He adds one gallon of fresh apple cider while Ruritan members drop apples from wooden crates until the 50-gallon kettle is full. From the beginning the gas fire keeps the heat even and constant. Ruritan members fill the kettle with raw apples and finish no later than 3 hours after startup. Apples cannot be added to the kettle afterwards, allowing all apples to be cooked equally.
The pulp is at boiling temperature until it reaches the right level of thickness. Marshall cooks for approximately three or more hours before adding sugar. This process will “cook down” the apples to remove much of the water contained in the apples.
After six and one half hours, when a little volcano bubble emerges, Marshall puts a tablespoon of cooked apples on a cold saucer, tilts it and visually determines if the water runs fast from the apples. If it does, the apple butter is not thick enough. It has to stop “weeping,” meaning that water should not separate from the pulp. This is called a water test. Marshall usually runs five to six tests per kettle.
When the water is determined to have been cooked out, Ruritan members under Marshall’s supervision gradually add sugar to each 50 gallon kettle. A medium size sauce pan and handle is used to gently shake the sugar into the kettle, so no clumping occurs. After around three hours of continuously adding sugar, the various tasters agree the apple pulp is sweetened to the right taste.
After the last of the sugar is added, Marshall cooks for at least two or more hours, then checks for consistency. As the kettle content gurgles and spurts, the pulp slowly turns a russet brown color. The sugar caramelizes, darkening the apple butter’s color.
Marshall says apple butter making is a taste-as-you-go process. When he and the tasters are satisfied with color and sweetness, he begins to add spice (only cinnamon) but just after he cuts off the gas heat. Marshall uses artificial oil of cinnamon because the real stuff is very expensive ($65 an ounce). Marshall procures the oil of cinnamon in 4 oz. bottles. The cinnamon is added to taste. “If it does not burn your tongue today, it won’t be right tomorrow,” Marshall said. Ruritan members now begin to continuously stir, using a special home-made six foot long paddle-like stirrer to ensure the cinnamon is absorbed throughout the apple butter. Marshall made the handle from hickory, however he crafted the paddle from walnut because it is a close-grained hardwood that does not bleed wood flavor into the apple butter. To keep the apple pulp constantly rotating, Marshall recommends this cadence for the stirrer on duty: “Twice around left and back through the middle, twice around right and back through the middle.” Marshall and his discriminating tasters sample again and again, adding more cinnamon as necessary, stirring continuously. The cinnamon adding stage takes less than one half hour.
Marshall knows when it is done by judging the apple pulp thickness and russet color. It takes years of experience to know “doneness” and there is no computer algorithm or kitchen gadget employed to determine doneness. It is all about sweetness, color and consistency.
Now the jarring process begins
The jars, lids and rings have been previously sterilized in commercial dish washers and repacked in their original boxes at the McDonald farm and at the Shiley residence. The commercial machines can wash 72 jars at one time and it takes 15 washes to deliver 1,080 jars that will be required if each kettle produces 45 gallons of apple butter. While the kettles of apple butter are cooking, the custom labels are positioned on the jars.
Once pronounced done, the apple butter is poured into Marshal’s home-made four-gallon jar filler. The finished apple butter at this point is extremely hot – almost at the boiling point, so experience and extreme caution is a requirement for Ruritans handling the jar filling process. A production line of Ruritan members support Marshall. When Marshall manually fills the pint jar he slides it over to a member who puts the sterilized lid on and then another member applies the ring. One can hear the popping of the lids as the apple butter cools and a vacuum occurs, sealing the jars. The assembly line continues as the jars are then packed 12 to a box and carried to the storage area.
October is National Apple Month and there is no better way to savor the sweet goodness of tasty apple butter throughout the winter months than by keeping several pint jars in the kitchen cupboard. Consider buying a few pints as Thanksgiving or Christmas gifts for friends and family.
How to buy Shawquon Apple Butter
Shawquon Apple Butter can be purchased for $5 a pint bottle or $60 a 12-bottle case. The apple butter can be bought from the following local stores: The Seven-Eleven in Middletown, Stephens City Barbershop, Gore’s Fresh Meats, Split Ends Hair Salon and White Oak Trading Post.
About Shawquon Ruritan
Shawquon Ruritan meet at the Stephens City United Methodist Church at 7:00 PM every third Thursday of each month. Come join us and become a member. We are dedicated to improving communities and building a better America through Fellowship, Goodwill and Community Service.
Community Events
Bethel Life Church Hosts Community Seder Meal
On April 28th, 2024, the Bethel Life Church invites community members to a special Seder Meal held at the Bethel Community Center in Front Royal, VA. This event is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. and offers an opportunity for great food and fellowship.
The Seder Meal is a tradition that commemorates the Passover, marking the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian slavery. It’s a time of reflection and community, filled with symbolic foods and stories that resonate with themes of freedom and renewal. The Bethel Life Church’s event is open to all, aiming to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to share in this meaningful experience.
Located at 49 Kendrick Ford Road, the Bethel Community Center provides the perfect setting for this gathering. The event promises to offer a taste of traditional foods and a chance to connect with others in the community. It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in experiencing a Seder and learning more about this significant historical and religious event.
For more information, visit the church’s website at www.bethellife.org or contact them directly at 540.635.1826. Whether you’re familiar with the Seder tradition or curious to experience it for the first time, Bethel Life Church welcomes you to join them for a day of remembrance, community, and celebration.
Community Events
“Wings and Wheels” Event Takes Flight at Front Royal-Warren County Airport
Front Royal-Warren County Airport is gearing up for its anticipated “Wings and Wheels” event, a community celebration that combines the thrill of aviation with the charm of classic cars. Scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., this event promises a day full of activities, showcasing aircraft and vintage automobiles, with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Julie van Jaarsveld and Sean Roe, from the airport team, shared insights into the day’s festivities, which will kick off with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Friends of Front Royal Airport at 8 a.m. The breakfast is an excellent opportunity for early risers to fuel up before diving into the day’s activities.
Visitors can expect to see a variety of aircraft displayed on the ramp, offering up-close photo opportunities and the chance to interact with pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Food vendors, including Buffalo Wild Wings and DonutNV, will be on-site to cater to culinary tastes, while the social highlight of the morning, a pancake breakfast, promises a delicious start to the festivities.
The event isn’t just about viewing planes; it includes a car show that awards prizes for the “farthest traveled” and “People’s Choice,” both for airplanes and cars. The local skydiving team will also perform demonstration jumps, adding an adrenaline-pumping element to the day. For those intrigued by skydiving, discounted tandem jumps will be available post-event, and raffles will offer chances to win skydives and discovery flights.
The “Wings and Wheels” isn’t merely a fun day out; it’s a showcase of the airport’s value to the community, often unrecognized. As Sean noted, the airport is a crucial hub for general aviation and plays a significant role in local tourism and the economy. The event aims to highlight these contributions and strengthen community ties through shared interests in aviation and automobiles.
Whether you’re an aviation aficionado, a car enthusiast, or just looking for a unique way to spend a Saturday, the “Wings and Wheels” event at Front Royal-Warren County Airport promises to deliver an engaging and educational experience for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to explore the wonders of flight and the beauty of classic cars in the scenic backdrop of Front Royal, happen on May 11, 2024.
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. Let us know if you have an idea topic or want to hear from someone in our community. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com
Community Events
Samuels Public Library Adult Programming Events for May
You can find and register for all library events on our website, www.samuelslibrary.net.
The Library will be closed for Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th.
One-Time Events
Bird ID and Photography
Saturday, May 18th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
In person. We will meet at the Shenandoah River State Park visitor center to review bird identification and tips of photographing birds. After the meeting at the visitor center, we will explore habitats that birds frequent to observe them and photograph these flying wonders. Sturdy footwear is recommended. All types of cameras from smartphones to professional cameras and levels of photographers are welcomed. Note: State Park parking fees rules apply for attending this program. The Library has a limited number of LVA state park bags with passes. Availability is not guaranteed.
Ongoing Programs
What the Tech!
Every Tuesday from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
In person. Need help with technology? Come by the library’s Meeting Room B where we will be going over computers and other technology basics. Having trouble with your phone, tablet, laptop, or other device? Bring it in, and we’ll help!
Bad Romance
Wednesday, May 1st from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
First Wednesday of every month.
In person. Do you consider yourself a hopeless romantic? Are bad romances a guilty pleasure of yours? Can’t get enough puns? Can you quote every line from your favorite rom-com? Then you should join us for Bad Romance, where Samuels Public Library will have a themed discussion for the romance genre every month. Indulge us with your favorite romance books, movies, music or other media, and possibly discover a new treat in this awesome informal discussion! New members are always welcome!
Genealogy Club
Wednesday, May 8th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Second Wednesday of every month.
In person. Interested in your family’s history? Already done extensive research and want to be able to share your finds? Join our genealogy club where both novices and experts alike can come together and talk about different genealogy topics.
Books & Beyond
Thursday, May 9th from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM
Second Thursday of every month.
In person. Do you love books and sharing them as much as we do? Join us to delve into new worlds of conversation about new books at your community’s public library! The theme this month is Nature. Read anything relating to nature, animals, the outdoors, plants, etc!
Phoenix Project – Hope for New Beginnings
Tuesday, May 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Third Tuesday of every month.
In person. Serving all members of the Front Royal/Warren County community who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault. Phoenix Project Advocates are available to provide crisis intervention, supportive counseling, safety planning, information, education, and more. Their services are free, confidential, and trauma-informed. Hope. Help. Healing.
Community Events
Earth Day Environmental Commitment Event Sees a Citizen Commitment to Tree Plantings
By whichever name you prefer: Earth, Lone Pine, or Tree Giveaway Day in Front Royal, Sunday, April 21, was a rousing success and then some! That is unless you got there much after 11 a.m. and were looking for one of those 450 native species trees being given away through a grant from the Department of Forestry. We’ll let Aces Committee supporting member Chris Rademacher, who was manning the tree distribution table when we arrived, explain:
“This was an awesome grant from the Department of Forestry. It was funded through their Virginia Trees for Clean Water Program. So, it was a $7,000 grant and we bought these trees and we’re giving them away to the community during our Front Royal Earth Day, Lone Pine Day Festival. And they’re all gone,” Rademacher observed shortly after 11 a.m. before we noted three lonely trees sitting somewhat obscured at some distance behind his table and over toward East Main Street.
Aces Committee member Chris Rademacher tells a citizen that available trees for giveaway are getting slim – you may have to take one helping advertise the ‘Native Tree Give-away’ table site. Below, Rademacher displays one of the final three trees available at 11:20 a.m. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini
Wait, what — nearly 450 trees distributed to citizens attending the festival gone in just over an hour into the 10 a.m. event scheduled to run to 3 p.m. If we recall correctly, 250 trees were given away at last year’s event.
“We had a line of about 45 people waiting for trees at 10 a.m. It was pretty intense. And so we had this really nice flow throughout, I guess it’s only been an hour — And what time is it, 11:20, so about an hour and 20 minutes and all of our trees are gone except for three,” Rademacher said of the steady run on the grant-enabled tree give-away.
And while all trees appeared to have been claimed by about 11:30 a.m. there were still nearly four hours left for informational booth visiting, mingling with friends old or newly made, grabbing a snack at healthy food table displays or a food vendor booth, not to mention getting to know some of the Heavenly Heart Petting Zoo animals before the 3 p.m. final stop would be called.
Four perspectives of the Heavenly Hearts Petting Zoo and Animal Awareness site. In 3rd shot WayLynn the Guinea Pig wonders if any of that bagged food is coming its way. Marigold, the brown and white sheep surrounded by children in final shot, is blind, but loving the attention.
Of the Earth/Lone Pine Day event, we found this from an online search for Front Royal’s Earth Day event: “Whether you’ve been a part of previous events or are joining for the first time, kick off Spring with us and showcase your commitment to the environment! The event will connect you with diverse, nature-oriented conservation groups that showcase environmental stewardship at its best.”
So, in case you missed it, or just want to be reminded of all the fun you had by not missing it, enjoy this event photo run. And never forget, the earth we leave behind is a key portion of our generational legacy to all generations to come. Certainly something worth gathering to remember and recommit to annually.
Four of the environmentally themed informational tents set up in the Village Commons Park in Historic Downtown Front Royal, Va.
Two early-arriving citizens with their tree takes – don’t lose those on the way home, and plant them with care.
The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center display; and below some information on the instructional magic distributed at the American Gourd Society table.
A dinosaur-kid standoff; and below the plant lady wanted to make it perfectly clear that she was with this representative of the Stone Branch Center for the Arts located not far away on E. Main St. in downtown Front Royal.
And a final look around the Earth/Lone Pine Day scene in downtown Front Royal.
Community Events
Front Royal Gears Up for 9th Annual Family Fun Day with a Focus on Community and Tradition
Front Royal is buzzing with excitement as the community prepares for the 9th Annual Family Fun Day, a cherished tradition that brings together families, local artisans, and performers to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend (May 11th) with flair and festivity. This year’s event promises a vibrant mix of activities, including a beloved local crawfish boil, bringing a taste of Louisiana to Virginia.
As the brainchild of local personalities William Huck (aka Crazy Wyllie) and his wife and partner Nina, Family Fun Day has grown from a simple gathering into a major community event. Now in its ninth year, the day is meticulously organized to foster community spirit and celebrate local culture. “Life is too short not to live it to the fullest,” says Crazy Wyllie, who is known for his energetic presence and deep community ties.
The festival kicks off with a parade featuring local groups and colorful floats, setting the stage for a day filled with music, dance, and family-oriented activities. Among the highlights are the crawfish boil, which sells out annually, and various workshops and demonstrations ranging from Frisbee golf to blacksmithing.
This year, approximately 55 vendors, most of whom are from Warren County, will showcase their crafts, contributing to the event’s local flavor. This focus on local talent is a pivot from past practices, aiming to promote community-based economic growth and celebrate regional artisans.
The entertainment lineup is as eclectic as it is exciting. It includes performances by the Jig and Jive Dance Studio and Music Mountain School, promising a day filled with dynamic entertainment. “I love to dance,” admits William, who also participates in the dance performances, adding a personal touch to the festivities.
Family Fun Day is more than just a celebration; it’s a philanthropic event that gives back to the community. Proceeds from the day are donated to local non-profits, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the local community that extends beyond a single day of fun.
“The stronger we are together, the stronger we are unstoppable,” William reflects on the community’s cohesion. This sentiment echoes through the event’s planning, emphasizing inclusivity and mutual support.
As Family Fun Day continues to grow, so does its impact on Front Royal. From revitalizing local traditions to fostering economic and cultural growth, the event is a cornerstone of community engagement. With each passing year, it weaves deeper into the fabric of local life, promising to be a source of joy and community pride for years to come.
Community Events
Valley Chorale Announces Upcoming Spring Concerts in Middletown and Front Royal
The Valley Chorale presents “Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope”, 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 – 4:15 PM
Belle Grove Plantation (Bank Barn), 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3:00 – 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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