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  • Warren County Unplugged March 6-7

    Warren County Unplugged March 6-7

    Misunderstandings increase when people hide behind keyboards instead of gathering and talking face-to-face. The market has introduced toys with AI (artificial intelligence) toys that seek to provide children with emotional connections that should be coming from other human beings. Social media continues to feed us with divisive feeds, using algorithms that don’t care about truth, but only how long you stay on the platform.  Teens on social media excessively are exposed to more bullying and experience higher levels of anxiety and depression.  

    Sign Up to unplug and enter to win prizes

    Technology itself isn’t the enemy, but our dependence upon it and how it is used certainly can be. Warren County Unplugged, organized by Warren Coalition as part of the Global Day of Unplugging, is a chance for us all to take stock of where we are in relation to social media, AI, and screens in general. Now in its third year, Warren County Unplugged will take place from Friday, March 6th through Saturday, March 7th, sundown to sundown. Participants are encouraged to sign up to pledge a reduction in social media and/or screen use during the 24-hour period, in exchange for being entered into prize drawings. This year’s prizes already include gift cards from Downriver Canoe Company and Hibachi Fresh, the latter of which were donated by Our Community Co-op Marketing.  

    “Our dependence on screens, social media, and AI has a negative impact on our ability to relate to each other, our mental health, and overall wellbeing,” explained organizer Celeste Brooks, Community Outreach Coordinator of the Warren Coalition. “We encourage folks to completely unplug for the 24 hours of Warren County Unplugged, but each person sets their own goal, which can include a smaller timeframe or partial unplugging. For example, you might choose to turn off your phone and focus on your family during meals or get off of Facebook for the day.”

    View the full schedule of events

    From Friday evening to Saturday evening, local organizations and businesses are offering in-person activities, sales, and workshops to provide a distraction from the screens and make it easy to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors.  Warren Coalition, Warren County Parks & Recreation, Scouting America, and Young Life will host the “Youth Unplugged Party” for youth of all ages at the Health and Human Services Complex at 465 W 15th St on Friday evening, March 6th. There will be a 3-on-3 volleyball tournament, backyard games, crafts, bingo, archery, and more! Additional information will be released in the coming weeks. That same evening, Samuels Public Library is hosting a Scottish Céilidh, which is a Scottish dance fundraiser that would make a great “phone-free” date night.

    Various activities are already lined up for Saturday, March 7th. For the third year, Phoenix Project will encourage students to submit artwork during the week leading up to Warren County Unplugged, with an art show scheduled on the 7th. Jig ‘n’ Jive Dance Studio will kick off their annual Pot o’ Gold Scavenger Hunt that weekend. Habitat for Humanity plans to host a block party at the gazebo, weather permitting. Shenandoah River State Park will provide day passes that will be given away randomly at events throughout the weekend and also host two vernal pool explorations. Play Favorites, Explore Art & Clay, C & C Frozen Treats, and Down Home Comfort Bakery have all committed to hosting activities or sales, with details to be released soon. New to the events this year is On Cue’s Viva Unplugged, a fun, casino-style raffle fundraiser that will help support Warren County Unplugged!

    Learn more

    Warren Coalition is thankful to the businesses that have stepped up to sponsor this event: On Cue, Downriver Canoe Company, Angels Korner Daycare and Learning Center, Mountain Laurel Montessori School, and Bret Hrbek of Edward Jones. A few additional sponsors are still needed, to help offset the costs of promoting the 24-hour challenge, printing educational materials, and providing prizes for various contests and games. Sponsorships levels are $500, $250, or $100. Gift cards of $10 to $50 and kid-friendly prize items are also welcome!

    Businesses and organizations that would like to be a part of this effort in any way can contact Celeste Brooks at celeste@warrencoalition.org or 540-660-3367.

  • Warren Coalition Receives GDU Community Award

    Warren Coalition Receives GDU Community Award

    FRONT ROYAL, VA—In the midst of preparing for Celebrate Kids Day, Warren Coalition’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Celeste Brooks, received some fun news: she and the Warren Coalition had been selected to receive the Global Day of Unplugging’s “Community Award” in honor of their work on “Warren County Unplugged” this past March!

    “In 2025, in Front Royal, you helped create something rare: space for people to step away from screens, look each other in the eye, and feel the power of real connection,” the letter accompanying the award reads. “That’s no small thing. This certificate isn’t just paper. It’s a testament to your part in a growing movement to reclaim our time, attention, and presence — and to the difference that simple, human moments can make.”

    With over 40 businesses, agencies, and nonprofit organizations participating in some way, the Coalition’s second year of encouraging Warren County residents was considered a resounding success by Brooks and the rest of the committee. But they didn’t expect national recognition for their efforts.

    “We were just focused on creating the awareness,” Brooks said. “And obviously the more organizations we have engaged, the greater the awareness.”

    Heather Rollins was taking photos during the Youth Unplugged Party and caught Celeste Brooks darting around. The Youth Unplugged Party was an event geared towards kids K-12 and was part of Warren County Unplugged this past March.

    This isn’t the first time that the work of Brooks and the Coalition was noticed by the Global Day of Unplugging (GDU) staff. The GDU staff were so impressed with the social media work on the first event held in 2024, called “Warren County IRL (In Real Life),” that they named Warren County an honorary “Unplugged Village.” That first event had mixed attendance at events, but signed up over 100 people to forego screens for at least a few hours during the 24-hour challenge, thanks to Brooks and Michael Whitlow of Over 50 Media. This year, the Coalition teamed up with Warren County Parks & Recreation and Warren County Public Schools to provide a stronger emphasis on youth, sending out educational materials through the schools and online, and organizing a “Youth Unplugged Party.” It is estimated that over 800 people participated in events throughout the weekend, and nearly 250 signed up to “unplug” for at least a few hours.

    A blind-folded volunteer, Jason Neale, chases children with a foam sword. The children had rubber chickens strapped to their feet. The goal was to not get hit with the sword, but if the chickens didn’t give away the kids, their happy squeals and laughter did!

    “If we can get folks to think about their phone use, even for just one day, it can help them recognize unhealthy dependencies,” Brooks pointed out. “In many of the post-event surveys, people say they didn’t realize how much time they spend on their phones. Those who participate enjoy the break, even if they find it challenging.”

    The committee has already begun to plan for the 2026 event, which will be held March 6th-7th. If you would like to learn how your business or organization can participate, contact Celeste Brooks at celeste@warrencoalition.org or 540-660-3367.

    Warren Coalition, celebrating 30 years of service to Warren County, is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001.  The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center.  Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.

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  • 2025 Annual Awards and Larry M. Funk Award Recipients Announced

    On July 31, 2025, 26 Warren Coalition members, staff, and guests came together at the Warren County Community Center for the Coalition’s Annual Awards Luncheon. This annual event is held to honor outstanding members as well as the recipient of the 2025 Larry M. Funk Award for Outstanding Service to Children in Warren County.

    Showing up is critical for success—especially when an organization depends upon volunteers–and so each year, the Coalition recognizes those who have attended 80% (or more) of the meetings. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, Perfect Attendance recognition was awarded to Treasurer Kay Schroyer, while Attendance Awards were given to Secretary Holly Goode and Michelle Smeltzer.

    Executive Director Christa Shifflett presents Secretary Holly Goode with a pin, given in appreciation for Holly’s consistent presence at meetings.

    Some members go above and beyond their “official” volunteer service duties by assisting the Coalition with events, fundraising, etc. These members are awarded one to four stars each month for their above-and-beyond service. (For example, the treasurer does not receive stars for performing duties related to being the treasurer.) This year, only one point separated the top two Stars, with Kay Schroyer beating out runner-up Coalition President Nick Croft.

    Coalition President Nick Croft was recognized as the runner-up for the Member of the Year Award. He was beaten out by only one point by Treasurer Kay Schroyer.

    Once the member recognitions were announced, attention turned to the Larry M. Funk Award honoree: Harmony Hike. Nominated by Tiffany Halliday, Harmony is the co-founder of the Hike Kidz Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which launched its first initiative in November 2024. She devotes countless hours to the goals of the foundation, reaching Warren County children in need to ensure they have an equal opportunity to thrive. She has brought the community together to provide support directly to children and families that need it most.

    Harmony works tirelessly to launch community campaigns and initiatives that strengthen ties in our community by raising funds and providing for basic needs like clothes and other essentials. Hike Kidz Foundation is dedicated to providing these resources to McKinney-Vento and foster students who have unmet needs. She created a campaign that raised enough funds to provide hygiene and art enrichment items to over 130 local children. Last year, the foundation raised funds to sponsor 11 families at Christmas, providing funds, toys, and dinners.

    Harmony Hike of the Hike Kidz Foundation was the recipient of this year’s Larry M. Funk Award for Outstanding Service to Children in Warren County.

    According to Tiffany, the five words that describe Harmony are “devoted, passionate, reliable, driven, and leadership.” In her write-up, Tiffany said, “Harmony is driven to reach and help the local students in need to feel equal. To thrive. To feel more confident.”

    Upon being presented with the award, Harmony spoke a few words of thanks to the Coalition and recalled Larry Funk, who worked in the schools while she was a student. “He was active and jolly. Smiling from the inside. Always pleasant. Always present,” she recalled. She concluded her speech with a message: “Sometimes it’s not what you need from the world, it’s what the world needs form you. This is what Mr. Funk gave us and that was a community gift we all felt. A long-lasting impact of what it means to live fully and completely, doing all that you love, with all of your heart.”

    Each spring, nominations for the Larry M. Funk Award are open for about four to six weeks. Anyone in the community can nominate someone who serves the children of Warren County. Once the nomination period closes, a small committee made up of Coalition members and staff select four to five finalists, which are then given to Larry Funk’s wife Linda and their son William to make the final selection of the winner.

    Harmony received an engraved award and a $500 check, and her name will be added to the list of award recipients that is kept on a plaque in the Warren Coalition offices.

    Warren Coalition is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001.  The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center.  Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.

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  • 2025 Pool Party for Middle School Students

    As it does each year, Warren Coalition is kicking off the school year with a free pool party for Warren County students entering grades sixth through eight this fall! This annual event will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Claude A. Stokes Jr. Community Pool (1000 Stadium Drive, Front Royal). The Coalition is excited to welcome Young Life back to the Pool Party for some added activities and fun.

    Although admission to the pool party is free, the Coalition will accept donations of nonperishable food for those in need. This includes pasta, rice, cereal, meat or fish in pouches, and canned vegetables, meats, and fruits.

    Supervision is provided; parents are welcome to stay but are not required to do so. This event is open to all Warren County residents entering grades six through eight, whether they attend public or private school, or are homeschooled.  For more information, email wc@warrencoalition.org.

  • WARREN COALITION GETS CHEESY

    The Warren Coalition staff and Let’s Get Cheesy Committee faced their fair share of challenges leading up to their fundraiser, held on Friday June 6th at the North Warren Celebration Hall. During the week, unforeseen circumstances took the Coalition website down, but the staff cheerfully blamed cheese-seeking mice and borrowed the incredible block-built cat “Hobbes” from Play Favorites. Minor issues related to lighting and cooking were overcome fairly easily on Friday. But when Mother Nature brought a vicious storm through right before the event began, taking down a large tree that then blocked Rockland Court for over an hour—well, that challenge wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card.

    Executive Director Christa Shifflett studies the tree blocking the road.

    Fortunately, no one was hurt, and everything that needed to be in place for the event to happen was already at the fire hall. A few of the guests had even made it to the event before the tree came down. After waiting a while for the tree to be cleared, some ticket holders chose to give up and headed home or to a nearby restaurant to wait. However, most persevered, parking along the road and then traipsing around the tree (in the soaking wet grass) to the fire hall.

    The charcuterie table, created by Julia Laurent with cheese donated by Happy Creek Cheeses and Dusty’s Country Store, was a huge hit. Hobbes the cat from Play Favorites guarded the cheese from sneaky mice.

    Despite the soggy and potentially frustrating circumstances, the atmosphere was festive, and guests seemed delighted by the gorgeous charcuterie table, with cheeses from Happy Creek Cheeses and Dusty’s Country Store being guarded by Hobbes. Comfort food such as Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay biscuits, chicken and cheese empañadas from Garcia and Gavino, French mac and cheese from Savour by CRUSH, and lasagna from Anthony’s turned out to be the perfect menu for the wet, windy evening. The main course was rounded out by cheesy green bean casserole, seafood pizza, and Caesar salad provided by the Coalition. Cheesecake nachos from On Cue, cheesecake ice cream from C & C Frozen Treats, and cheesecake-filled strawberries graced the dessert table in turn. At the end of the night, after the votes were counted, the “Crowd Favorite” was the cheesecake ice cream from C& C Frozen Treats!

    Guests were asked to vote for their favorite cheesy dish of the night. The winner was cheesecake ice cream donated by C & C Frozen Treats. In this photo, owners William and Nina Huck pose with The Golden Cheese Award. 

    The guests, totaling 50 people, were encouraged to participate in crazy games, and while many preferred to watch rather than play, they all seemed to have a good time. One guest asserted that one of the games should come with a warning. “I laughed so hard I spit out my ice cream!” he complained good-naturedly.

    The festivities were enhanced by the cheesy tunes from DJ Harold Chunn, the comedic commentary provided by M.C. Pam Foster, and a fun cheesy photo booth provided by In the Moment Photo Booth.

    Among the many games played was “The Quiet Game.” Players wore shoe covers (provided by Aire Serv) with rubber chickens inside, and had to avoid being tagged by the blind-folded “Long John Silver” (played by Kevin Brooks), who relied heavily on guidance from DJ Harold Chunn. 

    Thanks to the combination of a 50/50 raffle, auctions, sponsorships and ticket sales, Executive Director Christa Shifflett announced the net profit was about $5,700.

    “Because this was a first-time event, we set our goal at $5,000, so we’re thrilled that we exceeded that,” she said. She added that the funds are going to the Coalition’s children’s programs: Project COURAGE, which equips kids to overcome trauma; HALO Read, the affiliate program of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library providing free books to kids aged 0-4; and various resilience-building events for youth and families.

    One of the games was a four-person competition to build a structure with blocks in under three minutes. The attendees cast their ballots for their favorite, with Kay Schroyer, second from left, taking home the prize of a $25 gift card from The Vine & Leaf.

    “We couldn’t have reached our goal without the support of many businesses and individuals,” Shifflett said. “We are thankful for each and every one of them.” Those sponsors and supporters included:

    “Rind Sponsors” ($500):
    Jen Avery of Crum Realty, Inc.
    Ellen Aders, State Farm Insurance
    Warren County Veterinary Clinic
    The Recovery Connection
    Struckmann, White & Wisely PC

    Wheel Sponsors ($250):
    Harmony Hike
    Auto Care Clinic, Inc.

    Slice Sponsors ($100):
    Charlie’s Auto Repair
    Red Light Culinary Studio

    Food Provided by:
    Anthony’s Pizza
    C & C Frozen Treats
    Dusty’s Country Store
    Garcia & Gavino
    Happy Creek Cheeses
    On Cue
    Red Lobster
    Savour by CRUSH

    In-Kind Donations/Auction Items:
    Aire Serv
    Krista Beahm
    Celeste & Kevin Brooks
    Crush Wine Bar
    Jeff Seese and Chelsey Foster (Chester Gap Cellars)
    Front Royal Wines
    Amanda and Whiticar Darvills (Fox Meadows Winery)
    Holly Goode
    Glen Manor Vineyards
    Debbie Grove
    Joyce Jenkins-Wimmer
    Denise Hackney
    Lori Howard
    In the Moment Photo Booth
    Tonia Meyer
    Randy & Megan Morgan (Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards)
    Our Community Co-op Marketing
    Lisa Parker
    John Delmare, Kelly Knight, and Teres Delmare (Rappahannock Cellars)
    Shelly Cook (Reitano Vineyards)
    Gary & Elaine Roland
    Shenandoah Caverns/American Celebration on Parade
    Melissa Simmons
    Skyline Caverns
    Kay Schroyer
    Christa Shifflett
    Michelle Smeltzer
    Stokes General Store
    Target Corporation
    The Vine & Leaf
    White Picket Fence

    A wrap-up meeting and follow-up survey to attendees confirmed: “Let’s Get Cheesy” will return in 2026!

    Warren Coalition Executive Director Christa Shifflett wore a cheesy costume to help set the tone for the evening, which was designed to provide light-hearted, engaging fun along with delicious food. 

    Warren Coalition is a 501(c)3 established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance misuse awareness to the community. It began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001.  The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center.  Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.

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