Community Events
Upcoming Parks and Recreation programs for Warren County
The County of Warren Parks and Recreation Department announces upcoming programs for Spring and Summer 2022. To see if any of these programs are eligible for online registration, visit their website at parksandrecreation.warrencountyva.net.
Karate Program
This program will encompass the usual stances, kicking, punching techniques, stretching, weight lifting (2 to 4 lbs.), and an overall history and review of martial arts. Sensei Drago emphasizes the attitude of working with each other, not at each other.
The program is held on Saturdays, May through August 2022, at the Front Royal Karate Club, 7 Kidd Lane, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. for those ages 5 to 16.
The cost of the program is $120.00 per participant for ten (10) consecutive classes. This program is ongoing and starts the first week you register.
Piano Lessons
A fun and inspiring approach to piano and the basics of music so you can learn to read music, play by ear, and be creative at the keyboard. Playing piano helps develop the life skills of discipline, goal-setting, and independent learning.
These lessons are for children and adults and will be held Monday through Thursday, class time and cost varies.
All classes are held at the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
For more information on available classes, fees, or to register, contact Barbara Stepp at barbara@skylinepiano.com or (540) 635-1919.
Mah Jongg “Players Club”
Players will enjoy several hands of Mah Jongg against skilled opponents.
This club meets on Tuesdays, May 3, 2022 through May 31, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Warren County Health and Human Services Complex Band Room, located at 465 W. 15th Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
The cost for the club is $8.00 per month prepaid or $3.00 per day drop-in at the door.
Players must bring their own league card.
For more information about the Mah Jongg “Players Club”, please contact Deb Jones at (540) 252-4252.
SWIMMING LESSONS
Session I
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department will be sponsoring Swimming Lessons for those 5 to 15 years of age. Lessons will be Monday through Friday, June 27, 2022 – July 1, 2022, at the Claude A. Stokes, Jr. Community Swimming Pool, located at 1000 Stadium Drive, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
- Level 1: Intro to Water Skills
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM, 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
*Limit 7 participants per time slot - Level 2: Fundamental Aquatics Skills
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
*Limit 5 participants per time slot - Level 3: Stroke Development
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
*Limit 5 participants per time slot - Level 4: Stroke Improvement
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM & 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
*Limit 5 participants per time slot - Level 5: Stroke Refinement
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM & 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
*Limit 3 participants per time slot - Level 6: Swimming Skill Proficiency
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM & 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
*Limit 3 participants per time slot
The cost is $35.00 per participant.
Registration will begin Monday, May 2, 2022 at 8:00 AM and will be taken until class is full or through Friday, June 24, 2022. Registration will only be accepted at the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630. Online registration is not available.
Optional Swim Level Testing will take place Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Claude A. Stokes, Jr. Community Swimming Pool.
NFL Youth Co-Ed Flag Football League
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department will be accepting registrations for its NFL Youth Co-Ed Flag Football League beginning May 2, 2022 through June 30, 2022. This league is sponsored and governed by the National Football League.
This league is for players who will attain the age of five (5) before August 1, 2022, and who will not attain the age of twelve (12) before August 1, 2022. Age divisions will be 5 – 6 years old, 6 – 8 years old, and 9 – 11 years old, if registration numbers allow.
Proof of age eligibility is required at time of registration; online registration is not available. The cost is $60.00 per child.
Practices will be held weekly through October 2022, and games will be played on Saturdays starting in August (subject to change).
Pick-Up Pickleball
Pickleball was created with one thing in mind: fun! It was designed to be easy to learn and play whether you are five, eighty-five, or somewhere in between. Pickleball is all the fun of tennis with none of the running. Playing on a badminton-sized court makes the game much more strategy based.
This program will be held on Wednesdays, May 4, 2022 through September 28, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Bing Crosby Tennis Courts, located at 50 Stadium Drive, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
This program is for those ages 55 years and up and is FREE to all participants.
For more information regarding pick-up pickleball, please email twalker@warrencountyva.net.
Archery
Starting in archery? The best place to learn how to shoot well is our Beginner Archery Class. We will cover the basics of proper archery form in a group setting while having fun.
Classes will be held on Thursdays, May 5, 2022, through May 26, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Warren County Health and Human Services Complex Track Area, located at 465 W. 15th Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
Classes are open to those 8-12 years old, and the cost for the session is $50.00 per participant.
A minimum of four (4) participants is needed to hold the class, with a maximum of twelve (12) participants.
Registration deadline is May 3, 2022.
Mom and Me in the Garden
Join Warren County Parks and Recreation and Samuels Public Library in celebration of MOM! Work together to create your very own indoor herb garden. Take a tour of the library garden and learn how to care for different plants. Each registered mom/child couple will get to plant and take home their very own herb garden in a jar.
This program will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2022, from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Samuels Public Library, located at 330 E. Criser Road, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
This program is FREE, but registration is required to participate. There is a maximum limit of twenty (20) mom/child couples for this event.
The deadline to register for this event is May 3, 2022.
Houston Astros vs Washington Nationals
Nationals Park, Washington D.C.
The bus will depart at 10:15 AM on Sunday, May 15, 2022 from the Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630. Game time is 1:05 PM.
The cost is $82.00 per reservation, which includes admission ticket and transportation. Seats are located in Section 115.
Tickets are limited to six (6) tickets per household with only 36 tickets available.
Women’s Awareness and Basic Self Defense
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department and Defensive Firearms of Virginia, LLC will be holding a Women’s Awareness and Basic Self Defense Class for those interested on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
This class is open to anyone 18 years of age or older. This class will teach you how to recognize danger and how to respond to threats with empty hand techniques and improvised weapons.
The cost is $30.00 per participant and is limited to 35 participants; pre-registration is required.
Registration deadline is May 19, 2022. For more information about the course, contact the instructor at DFV357@yahoo.com.
American Red Cross – First Aid & CPR/AED
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department will be offering an American Red Cross First Aid & CPR/AED class on Sunday, May 22, 2022. This class will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
The primary purpose of the American Red Cross First Aid & CPR/AED class is to help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies. This class will provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill person and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed. This class offers a choice of First Aid, CPR, and AED courses to meet the various training needs of a diverse audience.
The cost of this class is $90.00 per participant. Minimum of four (4) participants and a maximum of ten (10) participants must be registered prior to registration deadline of May 18, 2022 for class to be held, and pre-registration is required.
This course is for those sixteen (16) years of age or older. This is a community-based course, not a professional rescuer course.
Kings Dominion – Good Any Day Discount Tickets
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department is offering “Good Any Day” discount tickets for Paramount’s Kings Dominion. These tickets are valid any 2022 operating day except park rental days.
The cost is $40.00 per ticket for ages 3 and older and can be purchased at the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
To see if any of these programs are eligible for online registration, visit us on the web at parksandrecreation.warrencountyva.net
Registration information for any of these programs can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., evening and weekend hours may vary at (540) 635-1021.
Community Events
Sunday Worship in the park
Stephens City United Methodist Church (SCUMC) hosted a Sunday worship service on July 31st at Newtown Commons. Pastor Bertina Westley provided a sermon on Zephaniah 3:14-20, “God’s Great Compassion.”
The service took place at 10:00 am. The congregation brought lawn chairs to worship under the open summer sky with the Commons Stage substituting for the pulpit. “Our church is taking advantage of the Newtown Commons location to be able to reach out to people that are passing by on Main Street. We are in the process of building community at SCUMC,” Westley said. The folks in Stephens City were invited to share in this time of fellowship and prayer. 71 adults and children attended the morning service. “It is all about touching those who have left the church for some reason and also welcoming potential newcomers who may be seeking faith programs for their families,” Westley added.

Church-goers attend worship service held at the Stephens City Newtown Commons. Photos courtesy Marty Barley.
According to Westley, healthy worship comprises inspiring faith, building community, and connecting people to the congregation’s mission. As church attendance increases, there is an enhanced opportunity to spread God’s message and ensure people love and follow Jesus.
Deanna and Steve Morris began attending SCUMC services a few weeks ago and reside in Lake Frederick. They were referred to SCUMC by a neighbor who told them about the church’s many local ministries. “During the early service the congregation made us feel at home and Pastor Bertina presented the sermon in a very lively and interesting manner. We thought the outdoor combined service and picnic were a great way to have fellowship with the community and meet other church members,” said Deanna Morris.

Pastor Bertina Westley preaches from Commons Stage.
The service was followed by a picnic of hot dogs, chips, cookies, and ice cream under the Newtown Pavilion.
The Worship Team and United Methodist Men collaborated to provide an outdoor worship service and picnic for the congregation and welcomed any passerby to join in the church service.
Community Events
Upcoming Parks and Recreation programs for Warren County
The County of Warren Parks and Recreation Department announces upcoming programs for the month of August. To see if any of these programs are eligible for online registration, visit their website at parksandrecreation.warrencountyva.net.
Kings Dominion – Good Any Day Discount Tickets
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department is offering “Good Any Day” discount tickets for Paramount’s Kings Dominion. These tickets are valid any 2022 operating day except park rental days.
The cost is $40.00 per ticket for ages 3 and older and can be purchased at the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
Karate Program
This program will encompass the usual stances, kicking, punching techniques, stretching, weight lifting (2 to 4 lbs.), and an overall history and review of martial arts. Sensei Drago emphasizes the attitude of working with each other, not at each other.
The program is held on Saturdays, August through December 2022, at the Front Royal Karate Club, 7 Kidd Lane, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. for those ages 5 to 16.
The cost of the program is $120.00 per participant for ten (10) consecutive classes. This program is ongoing and starts the first week you register.
Walking Club
This club is geared towards providing participants with a safe environment to walk and stay active and healthy throughout the year. This program is “self-paced” to fit everyone’s life style.
Walking Club will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 2, 2022 through August 30, 2022, from
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the Raymond E. Santmyers Youth Center, located at 200 E 8th Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630. The Walking Club is a free-to-join, drop-in program for all ages. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Mah Jongg “Players Club”
Players will enjoy several hands of Mah Jongg against skilled opponents. Players must bring their own league card.
This club meets on Tuesdays, August 2, 2022 through August 30, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Warren County Health and Human Services Complex Band Room, located at 465 W. 15th Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
The cost for the club is $8.00 for the month prepaid or $3.00 per day drop-in at the door.
For more information about the Mah Jongg “Players Club”, please contact Deb Jones at (540) 252-4252.
Cardio Kickboxing
Cardio Kickboxing is a group fitness class that combines martial art techniques with fast-paced cardio. This high-energy workout challenges the beginner and elite athlete alike. Build stamina, improve coordination and flexibility, and burn calories as you build lean muscle with this fun and challenging workout.
Classes will be held on Thursdays, August 4, 2022 through August 25, 2022, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Warren County Health and Human Services Complex Band Room, located at 465 W. 15th Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Minimum of two (2) participants needed to hold the class, with a maximum of eight (8) participants.
The cost of the class is $12.00 per participant per class or $40.00 for the entire session.
This course requires gloves and wrist wraps for each participant. Participants must bring their own equipment or purchase equipment through Warren County Parks and Recreation for an additional $45.00 with two weeks’ notice.
Skyline and Warren County Middle Schools – Girls Basketball Camp
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with Skyline and Warren County Middle Schools, will be sponsoring a Girls Basketball Camp for girls in 6th – 8th grades.
This camp will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Warren County Middle School Gym, located at 522 Heritage Drive, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
The cost for the camp is $25.00; campers must bring their own lunch and a drink.
For more information, contact Luke Heeter at (540) 635-2194.
Skyline and Warren County Middle Schools – Cheerleading Camp
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with Warren County and Skyline Middle Schools, will be sponsoring a Cheerleading Camp for students in 6th – 8th grades.
This camp will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Skyline Middle School, located at 240 Luray Ave, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
The cost for the camp is $25.00; campers must bring their own lunch and drink to camp.
For more information contact Rio Coon at (540) 636-0909.
Toddlers n’ Trees – Toddler Trails
Sponsored by the Warren County Parks and Recreation Department and Samuels Public Library, we’ll be walking around our beautiful Rockland Park identifying popular trees while gathering leaves. After our nature walk, we will enjoy a nature-inspired story and use our leaves to make nature art (leaf rubbings).
This trail walk will be on Friday, August 12, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
This program is for boys and girls, ages 3 to 5 years. Child must be accompanied by an adult.
Toddlers n’ Trees will be held at Rockland Park Isopod Trail, located at 250 Rockland Park Court, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
This program is free to participants; pre-registration is strongly recommended.
This program is available for online registration at samuelslibrary.com/toddler-trails
Basic Pistol Shooting Class
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department and Defensive Firearms of Virginia, LLC will be holding a Basic Pistol Shooting Class on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
This class is open to anyone 10 years of age and older; those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This class deals with the basic knowledge, skill, and attitude necessary for owning and using a firearm safely. Through this class, the student will learn the following:
- Firearm parts and operation
- Ammunition
- Gun safety
- Virginia laws regarding firearms
- Shooting fundamentals
This class satisfies all requirements for a Virginia Concealed Carry Permit.
The cost for the class is $75.00 per participant, and the class is limited to 12 participants.
Pre-registration is required; registration deadline is April 21, 2022.
For more information about this class, please contact Rex King at DFV357@yahoo.com.
Community Events
This week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of August 5th
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, August 5:

• Thursday (Aug. 4th): 6:55
• Fri-Mon: 2:15, 5:10 & 8:00
• Tues-Thurs: 7:00
Rated R | 2 Hours 06 Minutes

• Fri-Mon: 2:35, 5:25 & 7:55
• Tues-Thurs: 7:20
Rated PG | 1 Hour 45 Minutes

• Fri-Mon: 2:30, 5:15 & 8:05
• Wed-Thurs: 7:10
Rated PG-13 | 2 Hours
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adult: $10
- Child (under 12): $7
- Military: $8
- Student (college): $8
- Senior: $8
- Matinees, All Seating: $7
COMING SOON:
- “Top Gun: Maverick”
- “Beast”
- “Barbarian”
- “Don’t Worry Darling”
Community Events
Winchester SPCA holding four-day pet adoption event
Thanks to the Petfinder Foundation and a Kia Pet Adoption Grant, the Winchester SPCA will be offering reduced adoption fees from Tuesday, August 9th, to Friday, August 12th, at the adoption center, located at 111 Featherbed Lane in Winchester, VA.
All adoptable pets have been neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped and look forward to meeting you between 10am and 5pm.
Approved adopters can adopt for just $22 during the four-day Kia Pet Adoption Event.
During the same timeframe, Parsons Kia, located at 2525 Valley Avenue, will be accepting donations of dry cat and dog food to benefit the Winchester SPCA.
Community Events
Pet Photo Calendar Contest to benefit Winchester SPCA
Show us how your pets light up your life by entering them into the Winchester SPCA Pets Light Up Our Lives Pet Photo Calendar Contest.
100% of proceeds benefit the Winchester SPCA’s Pets for Life program that works to keep loved pets in their homes and out of the overcrowded shelter system.
Deadline for the 2023 calendar is Monday, September 19th. One entry per pet, $20 per entry. For official contest rules and to enter, go to winchesterspca.org/events.
This fundraiser is made possible thanks to McDonalds – Nerangis Management.
Community Events
Book Signing: A Rebellious Woman by Claire J. Griffin at the Warren Heritage Society
On July 29th, the Warren Heritage Society hosted a book signing of A Rebellious Woman by Claire J. Griffin.

Claire J. Griffin
This event was held at the Belle Boyd Cottage on the Grounds of the Warren Heritage Society, 101 Chester Street in Front Royal.
Rebellious Woman is based on the life story of Belle Boyd (1844-1900), whose coming of age coincided with the opening shots of the Civil War. Debutante, a teenaged spy, seductress, actress, divorcee, cross-dresser, and self-promoter, carried a pistol and wasn’t afraid to use it. In a century when a woman was meant to be nothing more than a well-behaved wife and mother, Belle Boyd stands out as a scandalous woman of history, defying all the rules.
Kirkus Book of the Year author Claire Griffin has rowed competitively, traveled to seven continents, kayaked below the Antarctic Circle, camped in Africa, driven across the Sahara, eaten bugs, and been stung by scorpions two separate times. Claire has always said yes rather than no to adventure, which may be why she decided to write a novel about Belle Boyd, a scandalous woman of history who defied so many rules. Claire and her husband of forty-five years live in a beautiful little town on the coast of Connecticut.
The book is available on Amazon.