he Friends of Shepherdstown Library Annual Book Sale returns May 13-15, 2022. This annual event features thousands of books for sale at the War Memorial Building in Shepherdstown. Read the Full Story >>
Community
Housing Construction Grows In Jefferson County
When The Observer looked at Jefferson County home construction trends in May of 2021, the County’s Office of Impact Fees reported that 149 residential building permits had been issued countywide during the first three months of 2021. The numbers for the full year were even more impressive, as numbers for single family and townhouse construction were double the annual rate seen in the past decade. Read the Full Story >>
Museum Tells Stories of Families Persevering
Nick Powers, Curator of Collections at The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, describes the museum’s newest exhibition — Contributions: African Americans in the Shenandoah Valley — as a living exhibition. “We’re hoping people will reach out with stories and objects that can help us tell this story. We think of African American history as Shenandoah Valley history and both as American history. We’ve been collecting these objects, but this is the first time we’ve had a space dedicated to telling these stories.” Read the Full Story >>
CASA-EP Advocates for the Kids
CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates – grew out of an idea developed by Seattle judge David Soukup in 1977 to appoint volunteers to advocate for the children in the neglect and abuse cases he was presiding over in his courtroom. Today, there are now more than 90,000 CASA volunteers nationwide, including local volunteers at CASA of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP). Read the Full Story >>
Soul Food Farm Has Plans to Grow
rips with her students. In early 2021, when she heard the Prillaman family had plans to sell the farm and move to New Hampshire, Carley-Peña reached out to express an interest. “It really fell together,” she said, “there was an immediate connection. Read the Full Story >>
The Foundations of Local Community
A last look at the current Hill Top House in Harpers Ferry before construction work began in late January 2022. Swan Hill Top, the development company, says that the activity of the early stages of the project may not be very visible as workers clean up and deconstruct the interior of the building to salvage Read the Full Story >>
Preserving the Past, Enriching the Future
The Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission first met on March 18, 1974. From that first meeting through today, their goals continue to focus on heritage education, historic resource development, and research, in addition to preserving the county’s invaluable historic resources. Read the Full Story >>
Berkeley Arts Council Shows
There's plenty going on at Berkley Art Works right now. The Berkeley Arts Council’s Annual Members’ Exhibit runs through February 19 and the council is also calling for artists for its 12th Annual Art & Earth Juried Art Exhibit which will be on display this April and May. Read the Full Story >>
Local Business Features Local Painter
Diana Suttenfield will be exhibiting paintings at Specialty Business Supplies, 111 South Princess St, Shepherdstown, starting January 14. Open Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Info about the artist at DianaSuttenfield.com. Read the Full Story >>
A Trails Less Traveled Hike — February 26
From John Brown to W.E.B. DuBois, Harpers Ferry has been a prominent stage for American history. Join this upcoming guided hike to see this history up close. Read the Full Story >>
Gift Cards & Holiday Cheer At Jefferson Security Bank
Jefferson Security Bank invited community participation in its Holiday Bear Fair and selected several entrants to receive gift cards from local merchants. Read the Full Story >>
Helping People Get Back on Their Feet
Jefferson County Community Ministries is more than a food pantry. The organization helps clients find their path to stability with a strategic offering of services. Read the Full Story >>
Women on the Ball at Shepherd University
Shepherd University’s athletic teams certainly have been working hard during the school’s 150th anniversary year. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson Virtual Academy Offers Online Options
al Academy is part of Jefferson County Schools’ commitment to offer education options to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of a diverse student population. Read the Full Story >>
Homeschool As An Option For Students In The Eastern Panhandle
While there are many motivations for why parents and children choose to school at home, a preference for hands-on learning and outdoor activities seems to be a common reason for choosing this option. Read the Full Story >>