SHEPHERDSTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Friday, March 25: The FOSL Book Club will discuss Nikki Giovanni’s Chasing Utopia: a Hybrid at 4 p.m. in the Library.

Monday, March 28: The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will present “Float Your Boat” at 1:30 p.m. — in the Library’s Children’s Department and then outdoors — for ages 4 and older. Hear a story, make a raft out of natural materials, and then find out if it will float. No registration is needed. (This is the first in a series of six free ‘Passport to Nature’ programs presented by PVAS at public libraries through April 2. For more information, go to “http://www.potomacaudubon.org/Family-Events-Calendar”>www.potomacaudubon.org/Family-Events-Calendar.)

Free weekly story times for infants through age twelve: “Lap Babies” (birth to 18 months) meets Tuesdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m. “Time for Twos” is on Tuesdays from 11:15 to noon. Wednesdays from 11:15 to noon is the “Three to Fives” program. The “After School Program” for ages five and older is held Wednesdays from 4 to 4:45. Call 304-876-2783, email splchild@martin.lib.wv.us or visit the Shepherdstown Library at 100 E. German Street for more information.

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 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays .

The Washington Arts Gallery offers several upcoming events. They will begin with the Washington High School Art Club under direction of Sam Nelson from Thursday, March 31 to Sunday, April 3. Next, we have Claire Ayres showing from Thursday, April 7 to Sunday, April 10. Next, we have the Jefferson County Photography Club showing April 14 to April 17. Last, showing from April 21-24 we will welcome an art student from the Shepherd University Art Department, headed by Rhonda Smith. The Washington Street Artists Co Op is located at 108 N. George St in Downtown Charles Town. Please visit our website for up to date information at www.washingtonstartists.org.

Today

Shepherd University Program Board and Allies Gay-Straight Alliance will be co-sponsoring the 12h annual Shepherd University Drag Show benefit event at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Storer Ballroom. This year’s Hollywood-themed event, “A Red Carpet Affair,” will raise much needed funds to support Community Networks of Martinsburg, West Virginia. The show will feature award-winning performers who will be donating their talents to entertain and raise money for a great cause. There is no admission charge for this event and the entire community is welcome to attend. However, all are encouraged to donate at the event or to buy items at the silent auction. All proceeds will go directly to Community Networks.

The Bridge Gallery annual Drawing Exhibit opens from 6-8 p.m. featuring a variety of drawing techniques and materials. Artists include Michael Austin, Evan Boggess, Judy Bradshaw and many more.

Mar. 25-26

The Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County is having their annual Easter Flower Sale on Friday from 2-6 p.m. and Saturday, from 10 a.m. To 2 p.m. at Dominos Pizza in Shepherdstown. There will be a large variety of plants including: hyacinths, tulips, hydrangeas, mums, lilies, mini roses, hanging baskets and much more. AWS merchandise will be available also. Support this local animal shelter and enjoy some beautiful Easter flowers.

The Animal Welfare Society has been serving the community for over 60 years. The no-kill shelter is located on Old Leetown Pike just past the Jefferson County fairgrounds. For more information, to view pictures of some of the great pets that are ready for adoption or to learn more about other events, visit the AWS website at www.awsjc.org or call 304-725-0589.

Mar. 26

Author and artist reception from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Washington St. Shepherdstown WV. Author Vivian Snyder and artist Claudia Giannini will speak briefly about their work at 10. Snyder will speak about her book, Growing Up in Shepherdstown, West Virginia during the 40s, 50s and 60s. Books will be available for sale and signing. Giannini will speak about her mixed media exhibit, “Dharma Gates: Impressions of Japan.”

Mar. 29

The monthly meeting of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America will be at 7 p.m. at Kings Italian Restaurant in Falling Waters. Members are encouraged to come early to enjoy fellowship while enjoying a meal. Anyone of Italian heritage or has an interest in learning about the culture is welcome. For more information, please call 304-702-0419 or 304-264-8678.

Mar. 31

“The Best Civil War Story,” three unique 90-minute evenings of diary reading and music taken from five families in Jefferson County before, during and after the Civil War, will return by popular demand to the Black Box Arts Center, 113 S. Princess Street in Shepherdstown at 8 p.m. Thursday March 31, Friday (April 1), and Saturday (April 2). Admission is $7. The written experiences of the Lee, Boteler, Pendleton, Douglas, Strother, and Morgan families are shared each night chronologically in a woven narrative by Ardyth Gilbertson, Homer Speaker and Jim Surkamp, blended with fifty musical pieces from the era performed by Terry Tucker. Sound and lights will be by John Bloomquist. Doors open at 7:15. Parking is available nearby at Jefferson Security Bank and streets. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at info@blackboxartscenter.org

Apr. 2

Pancake Breakfast – All You Can Eat at New Street United Methodist Church, Corner of New and Church streets. Dining Hall in lower level. Serving times: 7 to 11 a.m. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, applesauce, juice/coffee/tea. Cost: Adults: $8; Children, 4-12: $5. Carry Out Available.

Apr. 1

There are still spaces open on the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum tour set for today. The group will leave in a 24-passenger bus at 7:45 a.m. to Bridgeport for lunch at Provence Market Cafe, a lovely French restaurant. After lunch, we will travel to Weston to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, also known as Weston Psychiatric Hospital which closed in 1998, for a 90-minute historic tour of all four floors. Afterwards, we will travel back to Shepherdstown. Cost is $109; $99 for Lifelong Learning members. Transportation, tour ticket and lunch is included. Call to reserve your space.

Apr. 7

From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library will be hosting a lecture by Doug Estepp about the West Virginia Mine Wars, a turbulent, violent and complex era in the WV coal fields and in American labor history. Light refreshments will be served. Please stop by or call 304-535-2301 to reserve your seat.

Apr. 8

Members of the community are invited to join friends and neighbors 10:30 a.m. for coffee and conversation to learn about the history and benefits of Shepherdstown Area Independent Living (SAIL), a non-profit, member-supported organization. Our mission is to help each other remain active, connected, and independent in our own homes and communities as long as possible. If you are interested in meeting members, becoming a member or just attending this gathering in a member’s home, call 304-870-7245 or contact SAIL at info@shepherdstownSAIL.org. You may visit our website at www.shepherdstownSAIL.org

Apr. 19

Join the Shepherdstown Community Club for dinner in the War Memorial Building and a report from delegate Stephen Skinner about the recently concluded legislative session in Charleston. The three course dinner ($20) starts at 6:30 p.m. featuring a Mexican themed menu of beef & chicken fajitas, refried beans, Spanish rice and dessert. Bring your questions. Program runs from 8-9 p.m. RSVP preferred, by email to Toni Milbourne ttpams@comcast.net, or by phone 304-702-3026.

Apr. 22

Shepherd University seniors Erika Burgoyne-Hongell and Kathryn N. Lamana will be the featured artists during a gallery showing from 4 to 8 p.m. April 22 at the War Memorial Building, 102 E. German St. Opening reception begins at 4 p.m., followed by a gallery talk at 5 p.m. Lamana’s series, “To Breathe Life Into,” can be viewed at kathrynlamanaphotography.weebly.com. Burgoyne-Hongell’s series, “Anima Finis,” can be viewed at erikaaart.squarespace.com.

Apr. 23

The Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter (EPAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will host its annual Jazz Brunch and Silent Auction at 11 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, 301 Foxcroft Avenue, Martinsburg and will feature the Howard Burns Quartet. EPAC will honor two deserving high school seniors with a $1,000 scholarship award and two deserving high school seniors with a $500 book scholarship award. The chapter will also present honors to members and groups in the community who have distinguished themselves through service to programs in the Eastern Panhandle. Tickets are $35, and proceeds from the ticket sales and Silent Auction will fund the chapter’s scholarship awards and other public service projects. To purchase a ticket, contact Doris Griffin (304-263-1625), Carolyn Togans (304-725-4735) or Cheryl Roberts (304-876-2277). For donations or sponsorships for the souvenir booklet and/or event, contact Tamara Togans at ttogans@gmail.com.

May 1

The Jefferson County Community Choir is seeking singers for their spring concert to be held at St. James Catholic Church in Charles Town. Rehearsals are Tuesdays 7-9 p.m. March and April in the social hall of St. James Catholic Church. There is a $20 membership dues fee; no audition necessary. Any questions call Judy Pharr at 304-876-0639.