Community Events
Sons of the American Revolution participate in two Memorial Day commemorations
On May 31, 2021, the Colonel James Wood II (CJWII) Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (VASSAR) participated in two Memorial Day Commemorations. Memorial Day is a celebrated as a remembrance to honor those who died while in the service of the United States. The practice of decorating the graves of soldiers is a very old custom that evolved into todays commemorative holiday. Southern women decorated the graves of soldiers before the Civil War’s end. Most of these celebrations were simple, somber occasions.
The CJWII color guard at National Cemetery, standing left to right: Brett Osborn, Will Reynolds, Marc Robinson, Allan Phillips, Charles Jameson, Kelly Ford, Bill Schwetke, Doug Hall and Rev Jim Simmons; kneeling left to right: Dale Corey, Eric Robinson, and Thomas “Chip” Daniel. Photos courtesy of Allan Phillips.
On June 1, 1861, John Quincy Marr was killed at the battle of Fairfax Courthouse. On June 3, in Warrenton, Virginia, his grave was decorated with flowers, which continued on an annual basis for several years after. Throughout the war, several States saw the decoration of graves. It was on May 5, 1868, when a day of remembrance was officially proclaimed. May 30th was designated for the purpose of strewing flowers or other decorations on the graves of comrades who died in defense of the country during the late rebellion. The date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle and was designated Decoration Day.
At the commemoration of the first Decoration Day in 1868, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1873, New York became the first state to officially recognize the holiday. By 1890, all of the northern states officially celebrated May 30th as Decoration Day. After World War I, the purpose of the day was changed to honor all Americans who died fighting in any war. All of the states then celebrated the holiday. It was in 1967 that the name was officially changed to Memorial Day. In June 1968, the Uniform Holiday Act was passed by Congress decreeing four holidays to be recognized on a specific Monday. Memorial Day was to be celebrated on the last Monday in May with the law taking effect in 1971.
The arch at Middletown Veterans Memorial with sentinels Allan Phillips and Eric Robinson.
The first event took place at National Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia. The CJWII Chapter cosponsored the event with the American Red Cross, the VFW Post 2123 and AmVets to honor all those buried at that cemetery. The CJWII color guard presented colors and led a procession of wreaths prior to firing a musket salute. Leslie Caliva of the ARC emceed the program with chaplain services provided by Rev Jim Simmons. Guest speaker was Anthony Barnes, Veterans and Military Affairs Manager from the Office of Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton.
The second event was held at Middletown Veterans Memorial Park. This event was emcee’d by Ray Steele with chaplain duties performed by Rev Clay Knick. The CJWII color guard presented the colors. The National Anthem was sung by Geovanni Rodriguez and remarks presented by Winsome Earle-Sears. Mayor Charles Harbaugh and Winsome presented a wreath to honor those who gave their lives in duty to the country. The VFW Post 2123 Honor Guard fired a three-volley salute with Taps played by Andrew Paul. Participating for CJWII were Dale Corey, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Kelly Ford, Doug Hall, Erick Moore, Brett Osborn, Allan Phillips, Will Reynolds, Eric Robinson and Marc Robinson. Dual members from the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter included Charles Jameson and Bill Schwetke.
The color guard retiring colors at Middletown Veterans Memorial, from left to right: Brett Osborn, Bill Schwetke, Dale Corey, Will Reynolds and Charles Jameson.
Community Events
Sons of the American Revolution conduct a ceremony to honor Dr. Joseph Warren
On June 11, 2021, the Colonel James Wood II (CJWII) Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution conducted a ceremony in cooperation with the Warren County Board of Supervisors to honor Dr. Joseph Warren, namesake of Warren County. This was conducted at the Warren County Government Center.
VASSAR Color Guard presenting the colors, from left to right: Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Dave Cook, Mike St. Jacques, Tom Reed, Sean Carrigan and Bill Schwetke. Photos courtesy of Matt Wendling.
Warren was born June 11, 1741, in Roxbury, Massachusetts. As a young man, he studied medicine at Harvard. While practicing medicine, he became involved in politics, becoming a leader in the revolutionary movement. He was a member of the “Sons of Liberty” and associated with John Hancock, Sam Adams and other leaders of the colonial protests. In 1774, he authored the song “Free America”, also called “A Song of Liberty”, a protest song meant to embolden the colonists in their quest for freedom. He was the Chairman of the Committee of Safety in Boston and a member of the first three provincial congresses held in Massachusetts.
Warren assisted in writing the “Suffolk Resolves” in answer to Britain’s “Intolerable Acts” (punitive laws passed by Parliament in 1774 to punish the colonists for their defiance in the Boston Tea Party protest) which were adopted in Massachusetts on September 9, 1774, and endorsed by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. On April 18, 1775, it was Warren who sent Paul Revere and William Dawes on their famous ride to warn the colonists in Lexington and Concord that British troops were marching to Concord to capture and destroy armaments that could be used in actions against the crown. He then fought against the British rear guards in the retreat to Boston.
On June 14, 1775, Warren was commissioned a Major General. However, at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17th, he chose to serve as a private soldier. During that battle, the British failed to reach their objective on the first two attempts. On the third, the colonists were running out of ammunition. Warren stayed with the rear guard to protect the retreat, during which he was killed when the British troops overtook the redoubt atop Breed’s Hill. It was due to his contributions to the birth of the country that 14 States have counties named for him, as well as 30 townships and 5 Navy ships.
The musket squad firing a salute, from left to right: Dave Cook, Sean Carrigan, Mike St. Jacques and Bill Schwetke.
The ceremony was emceed by the Rt Reverend Larry Johnson with colors being presented by the Virginia Society SAR Color Guard, led by Color Guard Commander Bill Schwetke. Presentations were made by Cheryl Cullers, Chair, Warren County Board of Supervisors, Rt Reverend Larry Johnson and Dale Corey of the CJWII Chapter. Rev Johnson was assisted by the Heritage Girls in his presentation of “The Forgotten Founding Father”. After a presentation of wreaths, the County flag was lowered to half mast by Sheriff Mark Butler as directed by General George Washington (portrayed by Dale Carpenter).
The ceremony ended with a musket salute fired to honor Joseph Warren by the Virginia Society Musket Squad. Members of the color guard included Dale Carpenter (CJWII), Sean Carrigan (CJWII), Dave Cook (Fairfax Resolves Chapter), Dale Corey (CJWII), Thomas “Chip” Daniel (CJWII), Fred Gill (CJWII) Rt Rev Larry Johnson (CJWII), Tom Reed (CJWII) Bill Schwetke (Culpeper Minutemen), Rev Jim Simmons (CJWII) and Mike St. Jacques (CJWII).
From left to right: Cheryl Cullers, Rev Jim Simmons and Rt Rev Larry Johnson.
Community Events
Hope Arising Festival continues today till 5 pm, Sunday 11 to 4pm. Great family fun.
The Hope Arising Festival continues today, Saturday June 12) till 5 p.m. and again tomorrow (Sunday June 13) till 4 p.m. Great family fun.
LIVE music – FREE Hot Dogs – Food Trucks – Obstacle Course – Petting Zoo – Amazing Grace the Mule – Magic Show – Face Painting – the microWave Project – Paint the “HOPE” sign …AND MORE!
This two-day event will be a fun-pack time to enjoy time with your family and friends. More information at hopearisingfestival.com .
Community Events
CFNSV to honor Valley Health System and Sinclair Medical Clinic at annual Community Stars event
The Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley (CFNSV) will honor two organizations and four individuals at their 2021 “An Evening with Our Community Stars” dinner on Thursday, August 26. The celebration will be held at Shenandoah Golf Club in Front Royal and hosted by Barry Lee of WINC radio. Proceeds from the evening’s festivities will support the CFNSV Annual Campaign.
Valley Health System and the Sinclair Health Clinic will be recognized for their roles as the cornerstones of our local health infrastructure. Our community’s positive response to the Covid 19 pandemic in our region was made possible by the presence of both organizations. The Foundation will also be honoring four individuals whose leadership has been essential to the growth of these organizations.
Dr. David Powers and Mark Merrill will be honored for their work at Valley Health System. Dr. Powers will be recognized posthumously for his dedicated work to the Winchester hospital as an Emergency Room Physician for 34 years. Mr. Merrill recently retired after leading Valley Health System for 11 years as its CEO.
The Sinclair Health Clinic delivers low cost, community-based health services to local individuals in need. Dr. Terry Sinclair will be honored as a founder and longtime Medical Director of the clinic. In 2017 the clinic’s Board of Directors voted to change the organization’s name to the Dr. Terry Sinclair Health Clinic. Dr. Shyama Rosenfeld will be feted for her service as the clinic’s current Medical Director. Under her leadership, the clinic served a record number of patients during the past year.
Tickets to the event are $75 and must be reserved in advance prior to July 30, 2021. More information and reservations are available at www.cfnsv.org.
Established in 2001, the Community Foundation has an endowment of more than $10.4 million and has returned more than $2 million to the community in grants and pass-through funds. The CFNSV has 132 named funds that support a wide range of charitable interests in the city of Winchester and the counties of Clarke, Frederick and Warren.
Community Events
Parks & Rec announces free ‘Lil Explorers’ program
Get a fun introduction to nature with hands-on activities. This program is designed for the adult caretakers to interact with the child for a total family experience. Kids should dress for exploring the outdoors (old clothes and closed toe shoes recommended).
This program will be held every other Wednesday beginning June 23, 2021, through August 4, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Gertrude E. Miller Community Park Shelter #2, located at 905 Stadium Drive, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
This program is intended for children four (4) to ten (10) years of age; parent or guardian must accompany child.
Pre-registration is recommended, but on-site registration will be accepted.
This program is FREE for all registered participants.
COVID-19 capacity and guidelines will be followed.
Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, VA 22630, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@warrencountyva.net.
Community Events
Schools Out for the Summer – but NOT Warren County Parks & Rec
School might be out for the summer, but that’s no reason to sit at home wondering what to do! Grab some friends and come join in on some fun activities such as pickup basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, or take some swings in our batting cage! There is a book nook and a game room set up with a variety of video games, ping pong, and a pool/air hockey table.
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department will be holding School’s Out For The Summer for those interested on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, June 21, 2021 through August 6, 2021, subject to change pending release of WCPS. School’s Out will run from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., at the Warren County Health and Human Services Complex Gym, located at 465 W. 15th Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
This program is open to anyone 7 to 15 years old; those attending must have a permission slip signed by a parent. Permission slips may be picked up at the door or in advance at the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
The cost is $10.00 per participant and $4.00 per food voucher (food voucher includes your choice of a slice of pizza or hotdog, drink, and chips). Weekly rate if pre-paid is $25.00 per participant and $10.00 per food voucher. A wrist band will be given so children can come in and out at no additional cost.
COVID-19 capacity and guidelines will be followed.
For more information about the program contact Tiffany Walker at (540) 635-1021 or via email at twalker@warrencountyva.net.
Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at (540) 635-1021 or via email wcccinfo@warrencountyva.net.
Community Events
This week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of June 11th
Are you looking for the full movie-going experience without having to wait in the long lines that often accompany that experience? Then look no further because Royal Cinemas movie theatre is the answer. Get the whole gang together and enjoy a movie! Reserved seating in all auditoriums.
Here is a list of this week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of Friday, June 11:
• Friday: 6:15 & 8:40
• Sat & Sun: 6:05 & 8:35
• Mon – Thurs: 8:30
Rated PG-13 | Run Time: 1 hour 40 min
• Friday: 6:00
• Sat & Sun: 3:45 & 6:10
• Mon – Thurs: 6:00
Rated PG | Run Time: 1 hour 27 min
• Friday: 8:25
• Sat & Sun: 3:00 & 8:25
• Mon – Thurs: 7:00
Rated PG-13 | Run Time: 2 hour 23 min
• Friday: 6:05 & 8:35
• Sat & Sun: 3:40, 6:00 & 8:40
• Mon – Thurs: 6:05 & 8:25
Rated PG | Run Time: 1 hour 30 min
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adult: $10
- Child (under 12): $7
- Military: $8
- Student (college): $8
- Senior: $8
- Matinees, All Seating: $7
COMING SOON:
- “Fast & Furious 9”
- “Boss Baby 2”
