About Downtown Front Royal

Over the last year, quite a few changes have taken place with the DBA as well as the downtown. In April 2007, the DBA submitted an application on behalf of Front Royal to become a designated Virginia Main Street (VMS) community. As an affiliate of this program, the DBA received some services, but felt full designation would offer the greatest benefit. Only three communities are accepted every three years into the VMS program. Front Royal qualified 4th, just a few points outside of the target score for acceptance.

During the VMS application process it was discovered that the DBA would need to restructure itself from a 501(c)6, member-driven organization to a501(c)3 non profit, community development organization. Public charity status was granted to Downtown Front Royal, Inc. in November 2007. This means that all donations are fully tax deductible.

In conjunction with this new status, the purpose of Downtown Front Royal also changed. Rather than a business organization created to serve its members, DFR is a community-based organization, now focused on the heritage and culture of downtown as well as the prosperity of the businesses downtown. As such, you no longer have to be a member of DFR to participate in the many events and activities DFR sponsors; however, there are many benefits to becoming a member of this new organization. Click here for a look at our member benefits.

Click here to review a draft of our Program of Work that details our goals and mission for the downtown. We hope that you will support these tasks not just financially, but by volunteering your time and knowledge. If you are interested in volunteering, please also mark that in your application and return it with or without a donation.

Board of Directors

Herb Melrath, President
Owner, Main Street Daily Grind
msdailygrind@embarqmail.com 

Patti Baggarly, Secretary 
pattiatmain@embarqmail.com 

James Martin, Vice President
Senior Consultant, PRAMM Consulting
sansfacon@comcast.net 

Kathleen Pantano, Treasurer
Blue Ridge Opportunities
kpantano@yahoo.com

Rick Novak,
Owner -Royal Family Amusements
rnovak@embarqmail.com 

Kelley Miller
Owner, New Look Kitchen and Bath
Kelleymiller@newlookkitchenandbath.com 

Michelle O'Leary
Owner, D&B Chocolates
dbchocolates@yahoo.com

Larry Scislowicz
lars44@embarqmail.com

Bunny Johnson
Owner, Around Your Kitchen
aroundyourkitchen@live.com

DFR is currently looking for volunteers for our Home for the Holidays Committee, Design committee and Economic Development Committee. Please contact us, if you are interested in serving the community in any of these capacities.

We and welcome your comments and suggestions! Contact:

Brandy Rosser
Program Manager,
info@downtownfrontroyal.org