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
This week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of October 7th
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, October 7:
• Friday: 6:50 & 9:20
• Saturday: 2:55, 5:30 & 8:00
• Sunday: 4:10 & 6:45
• Mon-Wed: 7:10
Rated PG | 1 Hour 46 Minutes
• Friday: 6:45 & 9:30
• Saturday: 2:45, 5:20 & 7:55
• Sunday: 4:05 & 6:40
• Mon-Wed: 7:05
• Thurs: 6:10 & 8:50
Rated R | 1 Hour 55 Minutes
• Friday: 6:40 & 9:15
• Saturday: 2:45, 5:20 & 8:00
• Sunday: 4:00 & 6:45
• Mon-Wed: 7:00
• Thurs: 6:05 & 8:45
Rated R | 2 Hours 10 Minutes
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adult: $10
- Child (under 12): $7
- Military: $8
- Student (college): $8
- Senior: $8
- Matinees, All Seating: $7
Film Club Showing Friday, October 18:
“The Terror” @ 7:30
Special Double-Feature of “Halloween” and “Halloween Ends” on Thursday 13th starting at 6:00 pm
COMING SOON:
- “Halloween Ends”
- “Black Adam”
- “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
- “The Fablemans”
Community Events
Samuels Public Library announces 44th Holiday Writing Contest
It’s that time of year again! Samuels Public Library is holding their 44th Holiday Writing Contest from October 3, 2022, through November 5, 2022, for children in grades K-12. There will be a reception for winners and their families in December. Entry forms and guidelines are available at the library.
Attention writers and artists! Submit your short story, poem or an illustration by November 5, 2022.
- Winners receive their work in a professionally published keepsake book
- First place winners will receive a certificate to the Royal Oak Bookstore
- A celebratory reception is held for all winners and their families
Community Events
Considerations for choosing wildlife ambassadors
Have you ever wondered how Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (BRWC) decides which patients to keep as educational wildlife ambassadors?
BRWC is home to 25 non-releasable wildlife ambassadors, many former patients whose injuries have prevented them from surviving in the wild. Jennifer Burghoffer, BRWC’s Education Manager, will be speaking about the rigorous process we go through to make sure that the wild animals on our Education Team are the best animals for the job!
Join us on Thursday, October 6th and meet many of our wildlife ambassadors in-person!
- BRWC Member – 50% Off Discount
- Use discount code MEM22BRWC at checkout
- REGISTER HERE
Space is limited and tickets may go fast—please sign up soon to reserve your seat!
This program is part of Blue Ridge Wildlife Center’s Fall Lecture Series.
Community Events
Subaru Loves Pets Month at the Winchester Area SPCA
October kicks off #subarulovespets month at the Winchester Area SPCA to help find loving homes for pets in need. This month, WASPCA will benefit from a $100 donation from CMA’s Subaru of Winchester for every pet adopted. Learn more at subaru.com/pets.
Stop by the adoption center at 111 Featherbed Lane in Winchester, VA, Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, and weekends by appointment to find the love of your life!
Community Events
Laurel Ridge hosted College Night at Fauquier Campus
Hundreds of high school students came to Laurel Ridge Community College’s Fauquier Campus Tuesday night for the return of College Night following a two-year hiatus brought on by the pandemic.
Students from high schools in Fauquier County, Rappahannock County and beyond were able to meet with representatives from more than 75 colleges and universities from around Virginia and the nation – including Laurel Ridge, of course – to learn about their programs, admission requirements, financial aid, scholarships and more.
“This is an exciting time in the lives of high schoolers, a time when they are figuring out what their next chapter will look like,” said Dr. Caroline Wood, associate vice president for student services and academic support at Laurel Ridge. “We are excited to be a key resource in their planning, and pride ourselves on being the college of choice for so many who are a part of this event.”
College Night is sponsored by the Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and Laurel Ridge has been a part of it for more than a decade.
Colleges and programs represented included Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing, Bridgewater College, Coastal Carolina University, Concord University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Institute of Technology, George Mason University, Hollins University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Johnson & Wales University, Mount St. Mary’s University, Ohio University, Regent University, Roanoke College, Seton University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, University of Kentucky, University of Virginia, Virginia State University and Virginia Tech.
“It was great to have this event back on campus,” said Laurel Ridge student life and engagement coordinator Chris Lambert. “Our four-year partners are always eager and excited to register for this event. Not only were we able to invite potential future students back to our campus, but we were also able to show off our new STEM and health professions building, Hazel Hall.”
College Night is part of a six to eight-week college transfer tour. It was on the Middletown Campus Wednesday afternoon and in the Apple Blossom Mall Wednesday evening.
Community Events
This week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of September 30th
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, September 30:
• Friday: 7:00 & 9:35
• Saturday: 3:00, 5:40 & 8:20
• Sunday: 4:10 & 7:25
• Mon-Thurs: 7:05
Rated PG-13 | 2 Hours 6 Minutes
• Friday: 7:05 & 9:45
• Saturday: 3:10, 5:40 & 8:10
• Sunday: 4:25 & 7:20
• Mon-Thurs: 7:20
Rated R | 1 Hour 55 Minutes
• Friday: 6:55 & 9:40
• Saturday: 3:05, 5:45 & 8:25
• Sunday: 4:15 & 7:15
• Mon-Thurs: 7:10
Rated R | 2 Hours 10 Minutes
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adult: $10
- Child (under 12): $7
- Military: $8
- Student (college): $8
- Senior: $8
- Matinees, All Seating: $7
Film Club Showing Tuesday, October 4:
“D.O.A.” @ 7:30
COMING SOON:
- “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile”
- “Halloween Ends”
- “Black Adam”
- “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
Thank You to our Local Business Participants:
