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.

The Christendom College rugby team, represented by players Dominic Di Falco, a senior from Amersham, Buckingham (England), John Kennedy, a senior from Cooperstown, and Coach Jim Conrad, shared insights into their tight-knit squad’s ethos and their unique blend of athleticism and camaraderie. Founded in 2006, the team has grown in size and spirit, accumulating several championship titles and becoming a pillar of Christendom College’s athletic program.

The team’s journey is a tale of persistence and strategic finesse, often resembling a chess match more than a mere physical showdown. Rugby at Christendom College is as much about mental strength as physical agility. According to Coach Jim, preparing for a rugby match involves careful coordination and mental training, ensuring all players are synchronized in their strategies and movements.

Dominic and John elaborated on their roles on the team, which vary dramatically between the 15-player games and the faster, 7-player matches. Their responsibilities shift from heavy physical engagement in scrums to rapid, strategic plays across the field. This flexibility in roles highlights the dynamic nature of rugby and the adaptability required of its players.

The Core of Christendom Rugby: Faith and Community

A central theme in Christendom College’s rugby program is its foundation in faith. Regular prayers and team masses are routine, fostering a strong community spirit and shared purpose. This spiritual base helps players find deeper meaning in their sport and maintains morale during challenging times.

The integration of faith and sport at Christendom College is a draw for many players, including international students like Dominic, who moved from England to join the team. This blend of cultural diversity and shared values creates a rich, supportive environment beyond the rugby field.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Championships

As the team prepares for their upcoming national championship games, their focus is razor-sharp. The tournament format, intense and demanding, will test their endurance and teamwork. Yet, with their rigorous preparation and unified strength, the Christendom College rugby team is a formidable contender on the national stage.

In discussing the future, Dominic and John see rugby as more than a game. It has taught them resilience and leadership—qualities they plan to carry into their future careers and personal lives. For Coach Jim, continuing to build the team’s legacy through recruitment and training is a priority, aiming to maintain their competitive edge and close-knit culture.

At Christendom College, rugby is more than just a sport; it is a journey of personal growth, a test of faith, and a celebration of community. As they head into another season, the team remains a symbol of what can be achieved when talent meets spirit and dedication.

In a recent Town Talk at the Royal Examiner, Adriana Stollard shared the poignant story of her daughter Abigail’s challenging journey into the world—a tale of faith, medical marvels, and a mother’s unwavering love, now encapsulated in her book, “Abigail’s Journey: “Family and Faith in Raising a Child with 22q Duplication.”  This narrative not only explores the complexities of her daughter’s medical condition but also reflects the deep personal growth and relentless hope that has defined Adriana’s life since Abigail’s birth.

Abigail’s story began unexpectedly joyful for Adriana and her husband, who had previously struggled with infertility. However, the pregnancy soon presented serious challenges. Early contractions and severe health warnings led to consultations with numerous specialists. Despite suggestions to consider abortion due to potential syndromes, Adriana’s faith led her to seek second opinions that eventually provided a glimmer of hope.

Adriana’s pregnancy complications escalated quickly, requiring her to be airlifted twice to UVA Hospital due to severe bleeding and imminent labor risks. These frightening experiences culminated in a precarious but successful delivery at 34 weeks. Abigail was born with a rare genetic condition known as 22q duplication syndrome, which manifested in significant physical complications, including a severely recessed jaw that affected her airway.

The resilience of both mother and child was tested through multiple surgeries and ongoing medical treatments. Abigail’s condition required innovative surgical techniques to reconstruct her jaw using a piece of her rib, a procedure that had never been performed on a child before. This medical journey was not just a fight for health but also a profound testament to the possibilities within pediatric care and genetic research.

The book Abigail’s Journey is more than a medical story; it is a narrative of overcoming dire medical prognoses and embracing life’s unpredictabilities with faith and courage. It chronicles the emotional and spiritual trials Adriana and her family faced, their moments of doubt, and their return to faith.

As Adriana discussed her book and shared her story, it was clear that she aimed to offer hope to others facing similar challenges. With upcoming book signings and discussions, she is determined to spread a message of resilience and hope to other families navigating the complexities of rare genetic disorders and the healthcare system.

Abigail’s Journey is not just a recount of medical events; it’s a mother’s affirmation of life, a family’s testament to surviving against the odds, and a community’s support system embodied in medical teams’ dedication. It serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of faith and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Click here to see her upcoming book signing.

The Samuels Public Library, under the leadership of its new Executive Director, Erin Rooney, has recently been endowed with a substantial $500,000 Mellon grant, earmarked to revolutionize its facilities and services over the next five years. This exciting development paves the way for significant enhancements to the library’s memory lab and the establishment of a cutting-edge maker space, offering community members unprecedented access to advanced technologies like 3D printers, laser cutters, and sewing machines.

Amidst growing demand for digitization of vintage media formats, such as 8mm film and vinyl records, the grant will bolster the library’s capacity to preserve these cherished analog memories. Rooney highlighted the urgency of digitizing at-risk formats to safeguard them from deterioration, thus ensuring their longevity for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

The introduction of a maker space within the library premises signifies a leap toward fostering creativity and innovation in the community. This initiative will facilitate personal and collaborative projects and encompass educational programs to enhance skill sets, ranging from crafts to technology.

A Taste for Books
In addition to technological advancements, the library is buzzing with anticipation for its annual fundraiser, “A Taste for Books.” Slated for April 27th, this year’s British Invasion theme promises an evening brimming with cultural enrichment. Attendees can look forward to exploring sections dedicated to British legends, lyrics, and literature, with decor and activities inspired by icons like The Beatles, Sherlock Holmes, and the magical world of Harry Potter.

This gala event not only serves as a testament to the library’s vibrant community spirit but also as a crucial fundraising endeavor. The proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction featuring unique items and artwork will directly support the library’s ongoing and future programs, including the expansion of the memory lab and maker space projects.

The Mellon grant and upcoming “A Taste for Books” event underscore the Samuels Public Library’s commitment to preserving the past while embracing the future. By fostering a space for technological innovation and cultural appreciation, the library continues to be a cornerstone of community engagement and learning.

Join us on April 27th to celebrate and support the enriching initiatives at the Samuels Public Library. Your participation contributes to a noble cause and promises an unforgettable journey through Britain’s storied legacy right in the heart of our community.

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

The story of the Christendom College women’s basketball team’s triumphant journey to their first national championship unfolds. With the national trophy as a testament to their victory, Coach Mary Minick detailed the dedication and unity that propelled their team to the pinnacle of USCAA Division II basketball. Their remarkable achievement at the championship in Petersburg, Virginia, wasn’t just a win but a historic moment for the college, solidifying its place in the annals of collegiate sports history.

Christendom College Women’s Basketball: National Champions. Christendom defeated Johnson & Wales Charlotte 76-65 in the USCAA DII National Championship in Petersburg, Virginia, bringing home the first women’s basketball National Title in school history. Photos courtesy of Christendom College.

The Christendom Crusaders, under the guidance of Coach Mary, embarked on a season filled with determination and a quest for excellence that saw them set a school record with a 23-5 regular-season performance. Their journey through the USCAA National Championship Tournament was nothing short of cinematic, with the team ranked seventh, defying odds by toppling the top seeds one after another, culminating in a decisive 76-65 victory over Johnson & Wales Charlotte. This series of upset victories demonstrated their resilience, strategic brilliance, and the immense talent within their ranks.

Catherine Thomas and Mary Pennefather emerged as central figures in this saga, leading the team in points per game and embodying the spirit and dedication required to achieve such a feat. Their performances, alongside their teammates, were a testament to the rigorous preparation and the collective effort that defined their season. The championship game was a showcase of their hard-earned prowess, with a balanced attack that saw contributions from across the roster, including standout performances from Regina Bonvissuto and Miranda Keller, who were instrumental in securing the win.

Mary Pennefather and Catherine Thomas — the leaders in the USCAA in points scored during the regular season — celebrate following the National Championship win.

This victory was about bringing home a trophy, laying a foundation for future success, and establishing Christendom College as a formidable presence in women’s basketball. It highlighted the importance of a cohesive team spirit, the pursuit of academic excellence, and the integration of faith in their journey, aspects that Coach Mary and her team emphasized as central to their identity. The support from the college community, the athletes’ dedication, and the coaching staff’s strategic acumen all converged to create a memorable championship run that will inspire future generations.

The team, led by head coach Mary Minick, fought hard all season to get to this moment: National Champions.

As the team looks ahead to next season, with the core of their championship team returning, the prospects are bright for the Crusaders. Their summer plans, focused on development and preparation, reflect a commitment to maintaining their championship caliber and striving for continued excellence. This story, rich with dedication, community support, and athletic achievement, is a compelling narrative of how belief, hard work, and unity can turn dreams into reality.

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

In a candid and enlightening interview at the Royal Examiner studios, Delegate Delores Oates, representative of Virginia’s 31st District, offered a glimpse into her political journey and the challenges and triumphs of serving in the Virginia State Legislature. With an air of humility and determination, Delores recounted the awe she felt walking into the historic State Capitol, a feeling that underscored the weight of her responsibilities.

Before her tenure as a delegate, she served a term on the Board of Supervisors—a role she embraced with vigor. Her decision to step into the legislative arena was a bold move that she navigated with grace and effectiveness.

Oates described the comprehensive and fast-paced orientation for new delegates, highlighting the transition from local governance to the state level’s complex legislative processes. She shed light on the collaborative and meticulous work behind drafting legislation, sharing her firsthand experience with a bill aimed at curbing youth vaping—an issue she identifies as a significant challenge in schools.

Her efforts to increase penalties for selling vapes to minors are a testament to her commitment to the well-being of her constituents and reflect her broader legislative agenda focused on health, education, and community development. Oates emphasized the importance of strategic thinking and patience in the legislative process, likening it to a game of chess rather than checkers.

Beyond her legislative endeavors, Oates is deeply committed to constituent service, working tirelessly to address their needs and concerns, from veterans’ affairs to education. She also expressed a genuine belief in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth, emphasizing the importance of exploring paths beyond traditional college education.

As Oates continues her service in the Virginia legislature, her dedication to the 31st District’s welfare and her strategic approach to governance signals a promising tenure. With a balanced blend of reverence for Virginia’s rich political heritage and a forward-looking vision, Delegate Delores Oates stands as a pillar of leadership and advocacy in the heart of Virginia politics.

For more information, visit her website at Delores Oates for Delegate (deloresfordelegate.com)

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