Volunteer training

Good Shepherd Caregivers will hold a volunteer training workshop Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Zion Episcopal Church Parish House, 221 E. Washington St., Charles Town.

Volunteers with Good Shepherd Caregivers provide non-medical, neighborly assistance to elderly and/or disabled residents of Jefferson County. Services include transportation to medical appointments, helping with errands, light yard or house work, simple chores, visiting, and reassurance calls. Volunteers also help at our office.

To learn more, call (304) 876-1639.

Grants awarded

The Arts and Humanities Alliance of Jefferson County has awarded a $2,000 grant to the By Golly Theater Troupe organized by Shepherdstown artist Lisa Lafferty for the writing, production and performance of original, community-developed children’s stage plays, including instruction to children. AHA has also awarded a $2,000 grant to the Friends of Happy Retreat to prepare a business plan to use Happy Retreat as a community cultural center.

The By Golly Theater Troupe, which includes both children and adults in acting and production roles, plans to produce one or two plays for children per year, with some performances possibly in county schools. The troupe’s most recent production, “Fish Tales,” was staged Aug. 22 at The Folly near Shepherdstown.

Happy Retreat is the home in Charles Town built by town founder Charles Washington, youngest brother of Pres. George Washington. A group of local preservation-minded citizens has formed the Friends of Happy Retreat, a non-profit organization dedicated to acquiring, preserving and utilizing the property for public benefit.