SHEPHERDSTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Dozens of children’s holiday books in celebration of Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and the Solstice will be on display through Dec. 22. From traditional songs and stories, to ideas for Earth-friendly crafts and handmade gifts, every family will be sure to find plenty to bring home. For holiday trips, consider borrowing audio books on CD or MP3, as well as DVDs and magazines. The last day to stock up is Thursday, Dec. 22, when we will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Found some overdue books? Just return them in the book drop while the Shepherdstown Library is CLOSED: Friday, Dec. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 1, and there will be no overdue fines charged! The library will reopen on Monday, Jan. 2 at 10 a.m. Happy holidays!

Registration for the library’s popular programs for infants though age twelve will be from Jan. 9 through 14, and programs will begin the week of Jan. 16. For more information, please call the library at 304-876-2783 or email “mailto:splchild@martin.lib.wv.us”>splchild@martin.lib.wv.us.

ONGOING

Spay Today, a local reduced-cost spay and neuter program offers NEW locations in Culpeper, Va., and in Mineral and Hardy counties in West Virginia. For more info and more vets visit www.baacs.org or 304-728-8330. Gift vouchers are available for Christmas.

Beginning and intermediate Bridge players are invited to join an informal group meeting every Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church. All are welcome and walk-ins are encouraged. For more information, contact 876-2661 or 876-0751.

Saturdays in December from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Source, 108 S. Princess St., an oil consultant, Brenda Robinette, will be there to answer questions and samples essential oils. Come by and join the fun!

Spiritual Care Services at West Virginia University Hospitals-East Jefferson Memorial Hospital is a ministry of healing that provides emotional and spiritual support to patients, their families, hospital staff and volunteers. As part of this program, Jefferson Memorial Hospital has also established a Spiritual Worship Service every Sunday at 1 p.m. This service is held in the chapel, located on the first floor, and is provided by the volunteer chaplains. The service is open to patients, visitors, family members, staff and the community. For more about the hospital’s Spiritual Care Services or becoming a volunteer chaplain associate contact Fernandez-Anderson at 304-728-1707 or email afernandez-anderson@jeffmem.com.

TODAY

Local Charles Town Civil War author Bob O’Connor will be appearing to sign his new book “A House Divided Against Itself” at Four Season’s Books, 116 W. German St., Shepherdstown from 5 to 7 p.m. For information on the book signing please call Four Season’s Books at 304-876-3486.

CHARLES TOWN The Washington Street Artists’ Coop will present Men’s Shopping Night from 5 to 7 p.m.. Visit the Washington Street Gallery, 235 W. Washington St., to find a unique gift for those on your list. Free beer and pretzels for those who shop. Visit wstreetgallery.com for more information.

TODAY, DEC. 23 and JAN. 6

Stress Defense for the Holidays, 7-8:30 p.m., Free Event

Acupuncturists Michelle DeStefano and Herb Clark and guided relaxation facilitator Bob Cronin will offer four free combination acupuncture and guided relaxation sessions at Harmony as their gift to the community. Participants are fully clothed and invited to stretch out comfortably on yoga mats with bolsters and blankets on the studio floor. Acupuncture needles (painless and noninvasive) will be placed in specific body areas to achieve specific results. On Dec. 23, the needles will be placed in and around the ears for cleansing body, mind and spirit; on Dec. 16 and Jan. 6, one needle will be placed in each foot, each hand, and one on the head to promote spiritual oneness. Once the needles are in place participants will enjoy the experience of “yoga nidra,” a guided meditation that reduces tension and anxiety. More information at ssyoga.org.

DEC. 17

Shepherdstown’s Holiday Marketplace will be held at the Entler Hotel from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handmade items from local crafters will include: fresh wreathes and greens; clothing and accessories for children and adults; baked goods and candies; pottery; birdhouses; painting; photography; journals and much more.

DEC. 18

Get into the mood of joyous celebration with some time travel into the past with National Heritage Fellow and “living legend,” singer Flory Jagoda, accompanied by Trio Sefardi with Howard Bass on lute, Tina Chancey on viola da gamba and Susan Gaita on guitar and accompanying vocals, in an afternoon concert, beginning at 4 p.m. The concert will be held in the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, on the corner of King and Washington streets. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for SMaD members and $8 for children and students, for more info call 304) 263-2531, email Joanie at updf@earthlink.net, or see the web page at smad.us.

From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. a group of local Shepherdstown musicians will conduct their “Winter Muse Concert” and caroling for all ages at the Blue Moon Cafe. There will be no cover charge. The basket will be passed for donations to begin raising funds to construct a permanent band shell at Morgan’s Grove Park. The musicians include Lisa Lafferty, Terry Tucker, Ardyth Gilbertson, Chelsea McBee, Kathleen, Susan DelaneyShobe, Betty Jo and Gena Rockwell, Laura First, Bela Jannotta, Elsa and Joe Jenkins as well as Muse Men of the Season: Sam Jannotta, Don Oehser, Scott Rockwell and Butch Sanders.

DEC. 21

Winter Solstice Eve Concert, 6-7 p.m.

Join musicians Laura First, Don Oehser, Susan Spangler and Andrea Hines (of Moonstruck) for an evening of chanting and soft performed pieces of the season. Participants can sit in chairs or on yogi mats or blankets. The event is free, but all donations will be gratefully accepted and given to a local charity in need. Harmony Healing Arts Center, 211 E. New Street. www.harmonyhealingarts.org.

DEC. 22

Crystal Bowl Concerts Free Concerts (noon)

Ann Craig performs an extraordinary “sound meditation” using seven quartz crystal bowls that fill the Harmony studio with an energetic yet peaceful vibration that soothes and aligns mind, body and soul. Participants can sit in chairs or lie on mats. Donations gratefully accepted. More information at ssyoga.org.

DEC. 24

Christmas Eve Morning Yoga, 910 a.m.,

As a holiday gift offering to all our Harmony friends and neighbors, join Terry Lindsay for a free Christmas Eve morning yoga class at Harmony Healing Arts Center, 211 E. New St. in Shepherdstown. The class is open to all levels and will be a flowing, meditative practice that will fill you with the Christmas spirit.

DEC. 26

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Shepherdstown Fire Hall from 2 to 7 p.m. To be eligible to donate, you must be 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements and be in reasonably good health. A person can give every 56 days. All blood types are needed, but especially O negative and O positive. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate. Sign up on-line at www.redcrossblood.org.