SHEPHERDSTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Saturday, Dec. 5: Families are encouraged to participate in Shepherdstown’s Christmas parade by meeting Shepherdstown Library’s Christy Hagerty at 10:15 a.m. on Church Street; the parade down German Street will begin at 11 a.m. Please call the Library at (304) 876-2783 or email Miss Christy at “mailto:splchild@martin.lib.wv.us”>splchild@martin.lib.wv.us if you would like to join her. There will be reindeer antlers for those willing to wear them, or feel free to wear your own elf or Santa hat!

The Library’s free programs for infants through age twelve will continue through Dec. 9, and then resume the week of Jan. 11.

Saturday, Dec. 12:Children four and older are invited to a special “Animals in Winter” program with stories and activities, at 11 a.m. in the Library’s Children’s Department. No registration is needed for programs in this monthly “Outdoors in the Library” series, which is sponsored by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS).

Saturday, Dec. 12: There will be a Special Election for the Jefferson County Board of Education’s Excess Levy. County residents who are registered to vote may do so from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For a sample ballot and frequently asked questions, go to boe.jeff.k12.wv.us/levy2015. For information on absentee ballots, early voting, and polling places, stop by the Library at 100 E. German Street, or call (304) 876-2783.

The Friends of the Shepherdstown Library (FOSL) Book Club will not meet in December.

CLOSED Thursday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Jan. 1: No fines will be charged for overdue items returned in our book drop while the Shepherdstown Library is closed! We will reopen on Friday, Jan. 2, at 10 a.m.

Borrow a Kindle Touch: There are three now available in the Children’s Department pre-loaded with Young Adult titles: classics, or new and popular books, or award-winners. There are nineteen Kindles you may borrow in the Adult Department. (Titles you select from our online catalog may be ‘delivered’ to your Kindle; please ask about our borrower requirements.)

ONGOING

Need to get your cat or dog spayed or neutered? Contact Spay Today, our area’s non-profit, reduced-price spay and neuter program. At the time of surgery, initial shots and tests can also be obtained at lower rates. Choose from MANY vets over a WIDE area! NEW vets added! Contact Spay Today: www.baacs.org or 304-728-8330.

Intermediate Bridge players are invited to join an informal group meeting every Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Chapel. All are welcome and walk-ins are encouraged. For more information, contact 304-876-6244.

The Shepherdstown Museum, at the corner of German and Princess streets, is open on weekends from April through October, on July 4, and during Christmas in Shepherdstown. Public hours are: Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Visits can be arranged at other times by calling 304-876-0910 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County is proud to announce their participation in the Dining for Dollars fundraiser at Glory Days Grill in Ranson which began Sept.1 and continues through Nov. 30. When you dine at Glory Days Grill in Ranson, the restaurant will contribute 10% of your total food purchases to the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County. Bring your neighbors, friends, and relatives, keep your copy of your guest check (not credit card receipt), and either mail it to: AWS P.O. Box 147, Charles Town, WV, 25414, place it in the collection box at Petco in Ranson, give to a board member, or drop it off at the shelter on Leetown Pike.

Today

The Kiwanis Club of Shepherdstown holds its annual chili and cornbread supper, part of the first night of Christmas in Shepherdstown. Patrons will enjoy more than a dozen varieties of homemade chili from 4 – 8 p.m. upstairs in the War Memorial Building.. The cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children 6-12, and younger kids free. Also on tap are baked goods, a raffle and Shepherdstown ornaments. Proceeds from the event benefit children and young people in the community.

Nov. 28

The Apollo Civic Theatre, 128 E. Martin Street, in Martinsburg, presents “Holiday Abracadabra” at 2p.m. Performers are Mario Orsini, The Magic Of David Wayne (David Bowers – current international President of the Society of American Magicians), Joe Santoro with Cindy Trout’s Goodtime Band and the Magic of Michael T. The show is emceed by Haywire (Johnny-O and Uncle Bean). Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Advanced tickets can be purchased my sending an email to mario@sinimagic.com. Tickets will be held at will call. Proceeds benefit the Apollo Civic Theatre.

Post Thanksgiving Dance at the Shepherdstown Fire Hall from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sponsored by BOH #42, this event features live entertainment by The Bad Boys of Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Gridloc Band, also featuring DJ Bronson. Donation is $15 in advance; $20 at the door. This is a BYOB and BYOF affair. Food will also be sold. Door prizes, a 50/50 and a raffle will also be held. For ticket info, contact Phil Adams at 304-262-3861 or 304-582-6755 or Johnny Johnson at 304-267-2588.

Nov. 29

New Street United Methodist Church invites everyone to a Christmas Sing-along in the Fellowship Hall at 3 p.m. Homemade refreshments will be served and gifts offered to all. Free to the public. Located on the corner of Church and New Streets. www.newstreetumc.com.

Dec. 5

Contra Dance Duggan Murphy calls lively contra dances to the fine music of Blackjack Grove, with Bethany Waickman on guitar, Glen Loper on mandolin and Julie Metcalf on fiddle at the Shepherdstown War Memorial Building. Beginners workshop at 7:30 p.m., dance starts at 8PM. All levels welcome, no partners needed. Please wear clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the floor. Potluck snacks at the break. Admission is $12 adults, $8 SMD members, $5 dancers under 12 years old. For information contact Becky at (304) 870-4118 or see the web page at www.smad.us . Annual Holiday Potluck dinner starts at 6 p.m.

The town’s parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 where local groups and clubs dress for the season and parade down German Street. The highlight of the parade for the youngsters is Santa’s arrival at the conclusion of the event.

Jefferson County’s Parks and Recreation will host Santa’s Polar Party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Community Center. For only $8, each child can make a toy in Santa’s Workshop. This toy-making event is sponsored by Home Depot. Another opportunity allows individual cookie decoration sponsored by Blakeley St. Bakery. Get a photo taken with Santa after the Jolly Old Elf arrives on the fire truck and officially lights the Christmas tree for the park. After Santa leaves to head back to the North Pole, guests are invited to continue the party with a free showing of The Polar Express in the center’s gymnasium from 8 to 10 p.m.

Dec. 6

The Jefferson County Community Choir “Holidays in Revue” Concert and Silent Auction to benefit the Washington High School Theatre Department will be at 3 p.m. at Washington High School in Charles Town. Admission, $5 donation.

Dec. 12

Ranson Parks and Recreation is joining forces with Pizza City and Harvest Pointe Church in hosting their annual Pizza Lunch with Santa on from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ranson Civic Center. A free event for those 10 and under, children can enjoy lunch with Santa, some craft and coloring stations and story times.

Jan 3

A Bingo Bash will be held at the Jefferson County Community center as a benefit for the upcoming July 4 fireworks celebration. Doors open at 12:30 and bingo starts at 2 p.m. Cost is $30 per person. Door prizes, tips and concessions available.