Community Events
Stephens City UMC Easter Egg Hunt likely to draw 2,000 at Newtown Commons
There will be a free community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 1 on the Newton Commons at 5165 Main Street in Stephens City from 12:30 to 3 PM. The Egg Hunt is being held by Stephens City UMC and will be accompanied by a United Women of Faith (UWF) Flower and Bake Sale from 11 to 3 PM. It is estimated about 1,000 folks attended the event in 2022, so the anticipation is an even larger event this year.
Easter Egg hunt for 4–6-year-olds was packed with frenzied children. The roped-off egg hunting areas will be double the size from last year to accommodate more children. Courtesy Marty Barley.
Pastor Bertina Westley invites the entire community to visit the Easter Egg Hunt on the Commons. “The Commons is located right in the middle of town,” said Pastor Westley. The location is perfect as it allows many people in the Stephens City area to conveniently walk with their families to the event and enjoy the festivities. Everyone in the community is welcome.
All participants, if they have not already preregistered, are requested to stop by one of the two registration tables. One registration table, located along Main Street, can be found by an inflatable Easter Bunny. The other registration table is under the picnic shelter pavilion next to another inflatable bunny. Please sign in to hunt for 4,000 plastic eggs filled with candy and prizes and grab an event map and church activity schedule. Parents are encouraged to bring their own bag or basket for their children to collect eggs.
L and R, Donna Steward (Lay Leader) and Pastor Bertina Westley pose with the Easter Bunny. EB will be available for photo opportunities at the Newtown Commons music stage. Courtesy Marty Barley.
Cathy Barley is the Missions Chair at Stephens City UMC. “As Chair, I am tasked with organizing our 2nd annual community Easter Egg Hunt. After last year’s stunning success, our church congregation has been actively aspiring to continue outreach to our Stephens City “neighbors” and what better way than to hold this event again on the Newtown Commons, right off Main Street. It takes several months of preparation, and the assistance of many, many church, civic, and student volunteers, but the results are well worth the effort. We are estimating about 1,000 to 2,000 adults and children will attend, weather permitting,” Barley said.
Stephens City UMC purchased 2,500 candy and prize filled plastic eggs from Sunny Bunny Easter Eggs in Springfield Missouri. The company provides meaningful employment to people with disabilities.
A group of Sherando High School Students are volunteering to help stuff 1,500 plastic eggs at Stephens City UMC. The church’s Caring Outreach ministry has also volunteered their time to assist with stuffing the Easter eggs.
Stephens City Mayor Mike Diaz will kick off each of the egg hunts beginning at 1 PM. The egg hunts are divided into four different age groups (from toddlers to age 12) at four different locations. Ages 0–3 egg hunt starts at 1 PM; ages 4–6 at 1:30 PM; ages 7–9 at 2 PM; and ages 10–12 at 2:30 PM. To accommodate more children, the roped-off egg hunting areas will be double the size from last year. There will be plenty of eggs stuffed with candy and surprises to be found by each child in attendance.
An Egg Freeze Hunt will challenge the 7 to 9-year-old children. When the music is playing, they can look for the eggs but as soon as the music stops, they must freeze! Mayor Diaz said that last year, this was his most favorite egg hunt.
For the oldest group of 10 to 12-year-old children, there will be a unique 15’ x 20’ 3-Dimensional “challenge maze,” constructed with steel fence posts, PVC tubing, rope, colorful string, hula hoops and pool noodles. Two bunny flags will fly on the 10’ high center posts. Last year the older kids began to gather around the maze an hour prior to the event to strategize in advance, determining how they can quickly move about the maze to accumulate the most eggs.
The 3-Dimensional “challenge maze” for 10–12-year-olds was a crowd favorite last year and is bigger and more complex this year. Courtesy Marty Barley.
The eggs are beautifully colored and enthusiastic children will enter the sport of hunting for them with a zest which none but children understand. Two eggs for each age group will contain a gold disk — the children who are lucky enough to find them will each receive a totally full Easter basket of assorted goodies as a bonus prize. Quite a large group of parents and grandparents will crowd the roped-off areas and the bright faces and merry laughter of the children should make for an enjoyable occasion.
The always popular and crowded face painting sites will be in the picnic shelter area of the Commons. We will have 3 to 4 face painting stations operating simultaneously. Sherando High School is again providing student volunteers who will support this activity as well as running the festival games to include Corn Hole, Bowling, Potato Sack Relay, Ring Toss, Bean Bag Toss, and Egg/Spoon Relay.
There will be a “take your own” Easter Bunny photo opportunity for all children from 1 to 3 PM on the Newtown Commons outdoor stage. Parents always look forward to watching their children interact with the Bunny at Easter.
Self-taught artist Michael Bulley (Balloon Man) will skillfully use his balloon artistry to create hundreds of free balloon animals for the kids. Children are always fascinated by the magic that comes from the timeless art of balloon twisting and balloon animals. “I feel I am in the right place doing what I should be doing at this time in my life,” Bulley said. Mr. Bulley is a member of the Disabled American Veterans Department of Virginia, Chapter 9, in Winchester.
Michael Bulley (Balloon Man) can craft about a dozen or so unique creations to include swords, giraffes, butterflies, bunnies, hummingbirds, turtles, hearts, balloon hats and bracelets. Courtesy Scott Saylor.
Lolo the Clown from Winchester, will be roaming the Commons amusing children with her antics in between egg hunts and participating in the festival games. Lolo is colorful, kind, silly, and entertaining and will make your children laugh.
Lolo the Clown from Winchester will be roaming the Commons entertaining children in between egg hunts and festive games. Courtesy Scott Saylor.
Stephens City Volunteer Fire and Rescue (SCVFR) will provide a Fire Truck on site. Children will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the much beloved Sparky the Fire Dog. The fire truck will blare its siren at precisely 1 PM to announce the start of the egg hunting activities. SCVFR provides outreach to the community, offering fire prevention awareness, educational material, and equipment displays to day care, elementary and middle schools, and church and civic groups.
Stephens City Volunteer Fire & Rescue (SCVFR) mascots, Sparky the Fire Dog, and Ember the Dalmatian. Engine 11 Pierce Arrow Velocity Custom Pumper, 2,000 GPM and 1,000 GWT, 6-person cab in the background. Courtesy SCVFR.
Tree of Crafts, (located at 5187 Main Street, Stephens City and opened last May), will be offering free craft projects during the egg hunt. Owner Amber Holmes will have a crafts tent and room for ten children to participate in custom made projects to include Easter salt dough ornaments. “Kids can paint an egg, bunny, or Easter basket with your favorite colors, let dry and take home with you that day! Come out and visit our exclusive workshop. Custom apparel, cups, tumblers, and décor. Learn how to make art from scratch,” said Holmes.
Tree of Crafts will offer a tent with free craft projects (Easter salt dough ornaments) for children during the egg hunt. Courtesy Amber Holmes.
Winchester native Chris Huntt Jr. will be playing music at the Commons pavilion from 1 – 3 PM. Chris is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter who performs western country, Americana, and bluegrass! You can find him on Facebook and YouTube at Chris Huntt Jr. Music.
Stephens City UMC’s United Women of Faith will sell a variety of market flower packs (Easter flowers, lilies, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths). “Proceeds from the flower and ‘grab and go’ bake sale will support mission projects,” UWF president Michele Hruska said. According to Hruska, UWF’s mission pledge supports programs and staff such as deaconesses, and missionaries who serve the United Methodist Church globally and nationally. “Stephens City UWF also supports local missions such as Congregational Community Action Project (CCAP) which provides a food pantry, clothing house, and financial assistance to ALICE families, and Bright Futures, a non-profit organization through Frederick County Public Schools that helps connect student needs with available resources in the community,” Hruska said.
The Town of Stephens City has graciously placed our event flyers in their newsletter mailings and made the flyer available to town residents at their office on Locust Street.
Stephens City police officers will be on hand to manage traffic control around the Commons and provide secure oversight. Say hello to them – they love visiting with and getting to know our local community!
A requested addition to the egg hunt for this year is there will be three food vendors on site at the Commons: Bam Bam’s Barbeque, Anthony’s Pizza of Stephens City, and Mattie’s Premium Soft Serve Frozen Custard! Some food vendors will be cash only, so please come prepared.
For more information about Stephens City UMC’s free community Easter Egg Hunt, or to pre-register for the event, please visit www.stephenscityumc.org.
Community Events
Discover solutions for teeth clenching and grinding at free seminar with Dr. Zunka
Have you noticed yourself clenching and grinding your teeth more often lately? You’re not alone. The incidence of teeth clenching and grinding has skyrocketed by a staggering 400% since March 2020, according to recent data. To shed light on this concerning trend and offer practical solutions, Dr. Craig Zunka, a renowned dental expert, will be hosting a free seminar discussing the latest information on tooth clenching and grinding.
Taking place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 6:30 pm, the seminar will be held at Samuel’s Public Library located at 330 E. Criser Road in Front Royal. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the causes of teeth clenching and grinding, as well as discover effective strategies to alleviate this condition.
Dr. Zunka, a Diplomat of the American Board of Homeopathy in Dentistry, is a distinguished dental practitioner with extensive expertise in holistic dental care. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the Academy of Stress and Chronic Disease, he brings a comprehensive approach to addressing dental issues. His knowledge extends to cranial osteopathy, dental esthetics, and the impact of stress and anxiety on oral health.
During the seminar, Dr. Zunka will delve into various factors contributing to teeth clenching and grinding. It will be revealed that calcium deficiency can play a role, making it essential to maintain adequate calcium levels for optimal oral health. Additionally, tooth clenching and grinding can serve as potential symptom of Lyme disease, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive medical assessments. Inactivity and sedentary lifestyles have also been associated with increased instances of clenching and grinding. Furthermore, the profound influence of stress and anxiety as significant contributing factors will be highlighted.
In addition to providing valuable insights, Dr. Zunka’s seminar aims to equip attendees with actionable steps to mitigate teeth clenching and grinding. By understanding the underlying causes, individuals can implement effective measures to alleviate this condition and preserve their oral health.
To make the evening even more rewarding, the first 20 attendees will receive complimentary gift bags filled with oral health essentials. This gesture demonstrates Dr. Zunka’s commitment to supporting the community’s oral well-being.
For further information about the seminar or to reserve your spot, please contact Dr. Zunka’s office at (540)-635-3610. Additional details can be found on Dr. Zunka’s website at www.craigzunkadds.com or by visiting their Facebook page.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and take proactive steps toward addressing tooth clenching and grinding. Join Dr. Craig Zunka at Samuel’s Public Library on June 22nd and embark on your journey to improved oral health.
Contact: Dr. Craig Zunka’s Office Phone: (540)-635-3610 Website: www.craigzunkadds.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/craigzunkadds
Community Events
Harmony for Habitat: Warren County supports housing efforts with free gospel event
Front Royal, a hub of cultural diversity, is gearing up to welcome all for a day filled with melodious tunes and camaraderie on Saturday, June 10, 2023. This exciting event is being orchestrated by the Faith Relations Committee of the Warren County Habitat for Humanity.
Taking place from 11 am to 6 pm at the Main Street Gazebo in downtown Front Royal, this complimentary event promises a fusion of captivating vocal renditions and dance performances sure to leave audiences both entertained and inspired.
An impressive roster of local talents and ensembles from the wider region will take to the stage. The lineup includes “Voices of Zion,” hailing from Middleburg, “Dr. Diane Newman & Edified” from Manassas, and Front Royal’s very own “Servant’s Heart and Hands – LifePoint Outreach Team” and “A Heart of Worship Dance Ministry” from Embassy Deliverance & Worship Center. Also joining the musical spectacle are solo performers Donnie Carter, Meade Skelton, and David Clanagan from Love & Faithfulness Church.
Adding to the richness of the event, the “Unity Choir” from Rappahannock, “Rev. Gerald Patterson & the Voices of Triumph” from Washington, D.C., and “Mini Voices of Grace” from Stephens City will lend their voices to the choir. Front Royal’s own DJ, 3N1 Gospel Sound, will keep the day lively with an array of gospel melodies.
This gathering offers a splendid opportunity for community members to unite and relish their collective passion for gospel music and dance in a picturesque open-air locale. With an array of gifted groups and soloists on the schedule, participants can anticipate a spirited, engaging day filled with harmony, rhythmic expression, and communal connection.
Don’t let this opportunity to witness a spectacular exposition of passion and talent pass you by. Invite your companions, prepare a picnic, and join the Faith Relations Committee of the Warren County Habitat for Humanity for this joyous celebration of gospel music and dance at the Gazebo on Main Street in Front Royal.
Community Events
This week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of June 1st
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 Thursday, June 1st:
• Thursday: 12:30, 3:45, 7:00
• Friday: 9:30, 1:05, 4:15, 7:35
• Sat-Wed: 1:05, 4:15, 7:35
Rated PG | Run Time: 2 hr 4 min
• Thursday: 2:50, 5:00, 8:00
• Friday: 1:00, 4:10, 7:30
• Sat-Wed: 1:00, 4:10, 7:30
Rated PG | Run Time: 2 hr 20 min
• Thursday: 12:50, 4:15, 7:30
• Friday: 1:10, 4:25, 7:45
• Sat-Wed: 1:10, 4:25, 7:45
Rated PG13 | Run Time: 2 hr 21 minn
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adult: $10
- Child (under 12): $7
- Military: $8
- Student (college): $8
- Senior: $8
- Matinees, All Seating: $7
- 3D: add $3
COMING SOON:
- “Elemental”
- “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1”
- “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
Community Events
Magic Carpet Ride to Agrabah: Italia Performing Arts presents ‘Aladdin’ this summer
Immerse yourself in the magic of Arabian nights as Italia Performing Arts transport audiences to the world of “Aladdin” in a much-anticipated dance adaptation of the traditional story. Set to take place at Skyline High School in Front Royal, the performance promises a splendid blend of music and dance that will captivate the young and the young at heart.
This dance adaptation, scheduled for Saturday, June 17th, 2023, will have two performances at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm, with music thoughtfully edited, compiled, and arranged by the esteemed Dr. Ryan Keebaugh. This unique presentation is sure to bring a new, dynamic perspective to the beloved tale of Aladdin, his magic lamp, and his enchanting adventures.
Reserved tickets are now on sale exclusively through SimpleTix, the official ticket agency for the show. Patrons are advised that tickets will not be available for purchase at the Italia studios or at the door on the day of the performance.
Pricing tiers have been set for different seating sections of the auditorium: Premium tickets for the front rows and center are priced at $40.00, with a discounted rate of $35.00 for viewers under 16. Regular tickets, set on the sides of the auditorium, are available for $30.00, with an under-16 rate of $25.00. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, seats at the back of the auditorium are offered at $20.00.
In the interests of respecting copyright rules, the organization has stated that there will be no recordings of this spectacular show.
The performances will be hosted at Skyline High School, located at 151 Skyline Vista Dr, Front Royal, VA 22630. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, visit the Italia Performing Arts website at https://italiapa.com/aladdin/ or call 540-504-7263.
Don’t miss this magical journey that will whisk you away to a land of enchantment, adventure, and dance. Secure your tickets now and let Italia Performing Arts show you a whole new world this summer!
Community Events
Front Royal-Warren County EDA gears up for its Open-Door Business Session: An opportunity to shape Warren County’s future
In an effort to foster regional economic growth, the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has announced its next Open-Door Business Session. The event is scheduled for Thursday, June 1, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Ave, Front Royal, VA 22630. This event is a part of the EDA’s continuous initiative to strengthen Warren County’s workforce development and enhance the economic prosperity of the region.
The two-hour session will be packed with presentations, open discussions, and plenty of networking opportunities. The main focus of the event will be the exploration of Warren County’s workforce development prospects, overcoming related challenges, and celebrating its successes in economic development. Participants will have a chance to engage in meaningful discussions and network with key players influencing Warren County’s economic landscape.
While pre-registration for the session is not compulsory, the organizers have encouraged interested parties to RSVP by Tuesday, May 30, ensuring they don’t miss out on this influential meeting. Those interested can register via the provided link.
The Front Royal-Warren County EDA is known for its commitment to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth. Hosting these Open-Door Business Sessions, they provide a platform where individuals, businesses, and community members can discuss and strategize on various economic development issues, paving the way for a more prosperous Warren County.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the local community, network with important stakeholders, and directly contribute to the future of Warren County’s economy.
For more information on the event and registration details, visit the REGISTRATION LINK.
Community Events
American Legion Community Band announces Memorial Day Concert in Front Royal
The American Legion Community Band has announced its next public performance, a Memorial Day Concert, taking place on May 29, 2023. The event will kick off at 7:00 pm at the gazebo on Main Street in Front Royal, Virginia. As per the band’s tradition, the concert is free, and everyone is welcome to enjoy the live music in the heart of the community.
The American Legion Community Band, a fixture of Front Royal since 1986, is renowned for its talented volunteer musicians from the local area. Under the baton of conductors Ed Richards, Ronald Dye, and Mark Malechek, the band offers a broad repertoire of music, from classical pieces to popular hits, marches to operatic overtures, and modern works specially composed for bands. Their performances always promise a delightful evening for audiences of all ages.
“We’re very excited to bring our music to the heart of Front Royal this Memorial Day,” said Ed Richards, one of the conductors. “Our band members always put their heart and soul into each performance, and we hope to offer a memorable experience for all who join us.”
The band’s Memorial Day Concert is part of its extensive performance season that runs from September through July each year. They grace stages both indoors and outdoors, ensuring that community members have ample opportunity to indulge in their versatile performances.
This dedicated group of musicians rehearses every Tuesday from 7:30 – 9:00 pm in the Fulton Fine Arts Complex band room at Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, Va. The doors are always open to new members who play an instrument and wish to contribute to the local music scene.
Sponsored by the Giles B. Cook Post #53 of the American Legion, the band continues to be a beacon of community spirit, emphasizing inclusivity and a shared love for music. This Memorial Day, they look forward to commemorating the holiday with a concert that speaks to the unity and resilience of the Front Royal community.
Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate Memorial Day, the American Legion Community Band’s upcoming concert is sure to offer a night of captivating performances. Mark your calendar for May 29, 2023, and come experience the joy of community music under the stars.
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