Need a last-minute gift or a sweet way to start the New Year? Local honey, beeswax candles, and more are available from Shade’s Farm! “Curt’s products are great, and his attention to quality service is excellent and appreciated,” said a satisfied holiday customer. See the local retailer listings on the Facebook page or order online Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown
The Pandemic is Here & Now
Dr. Terrence Reidy shares thoughts and observations about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as his advice for reducing risk while the vaccine rollout begins. Read the Full Story >>
Stocking the Shelves
When The Observer spoke with Greg Petersen of the Jefferson County Community Ministries (JCCM) for our July 2020 issue, the Food Pantry operated by JCCM in downtown Charles Town was in the early days of navigating the pandemic and the staff was anticipating a sharp increase in demand. We recently touched base with John Cloyd, Greg’s colleague at JCCM to see what they experienced over the summer and what they expect this winter. Read the Full Story >>
Counting on the Well Water
After the WV Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a notice on November 5, 2020 that it was authorizing the Rockwool stone wool insulation manufacturing facility in Ranson to operate under a general water pollution control permit, the Jefferson County Foundation noted that the source water protection area map submitted as part of the facility’s application process marked only 4 drinking water wells within the one mile buffer zone. Read the Full Story >>
The Holiday Bear Art Hunt Begins!
Join The Observer and participate in this fun and free holiday activity! The Holiday Bear Art Hunt is brought to the community by The Observer with the support of Jefferson Security Bank. Read the Full Story >>
Organizing Allies in WV
With the COVID-19 pandemic dominating the news, it’s easy for other public health issues to drop out of sight. Shepherdstown-based Community Education Group (CEG) is pointedly focused on West Virginia’s ongoing substance-use disorder epidemic. Read the Full Story >>
Holiday Stollens at the Shepherdstown Sweet Shop
Our signature specialty, Holiday Stollen, dates back to 14th-century Germany. We make our stollen entirely by hand in small batches. Our unique recipe uses rum-soaked raisins, dates, and pecans added to a dough of sweet butter and specially spiced flour. The mix is cut into rough loaves, hand-shaped, and wrapped around a marzipan center, then Read the Full Story >>
Shop Local at the Shepherdstown Farmers Market
Shop local vendors for local produce, apples, plants, flowers, breads & baked goods, cheeses, yogurt, grass-fed beef, eggs, chicken, pork, local honey, beeswax candles, body care, bulbs, mushrooms, salsas & dips, maple syrup, vinegars, teas, spices and so much more! As the holidays approach, you’ll be wowed and delighted with the variety of gift-able offerings Read the Full Story >>
New Gallery Location for Local Artist Kimo Williams
“KimoPics” Gallery opens on Veterans Day 2020 in a new location, 129 East German St. in Shepherdstown. The exhibit, “Counties of The Potomac River – Series One”, features images by Vietnam Veteran photographer/composer Kimo Williams. The “Counties of The Potomac River” series is inspired by Kimo’s observation of the Potomac and how its banks meld Read the Full Story >>
Elegant Fashion at Honor D Fine Shoes and Hats
Stop by Honor D Fine Shoes & Hats today. Ladies shoes featuring the brands Vaneli, Bernardo, and FrenchSole. Hats for the whole family: Harris Tweed caps, Brixton, and Eric Javits fine headwear. Hand knitted baby hats and booties. Interesting costume and vintage jewelry. Authorized dealer of Claire Burke room scent and potpourri. Hours: Wed-Sun 10:30-5:30 Read the Full Story >>
Handmade Gifts at Shepherdstown Community Club Ho-Ho Holiday Market
The Shepherdstown Community Club hosts local and regional artists, artisans and designers for a charming shopping experience at the War Memorial Building in historic downtown Shepherdstown. Discover handmade artful items, including fine art, pottery, wood, stained and fused glass, home & garden decor, specialty foods, jewelry, wearables and accessories. The vendor selection will each weekend. Read the Full Story >>
Historic Shepherdstown’s 2020 Holiday Ornament On Sale Now
Shop now for Historic Shepherdstown 6th in a series of Holiday Ornaments. This year features the Shepherdstown Opera House. The ornaments can be purchased in the HSC office by calling 304-876-0910 to make an appointment or they can be purchased on their website. Read the Full Story >>
Support the Shepherdstown Library – Buy A Chance to Win a Bottle of Pappy Van Winkle
Shepherdstown Liquors is honoring the memory of Mohsen Sadeghzadeh and continuing a tradition of offering a rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Straight Bourbon Whiskey in a holiday raffle with all proceeds to support the Shepherdstown Public Library. This 20 year-old bottle is valued at over $2,000. Tickets available until drawing to be held at Read the Full Story >>
Thomas Shepherd Inn Reopens
In the spring of 2020, Bryan and Cathy were pondering the implications of the unfolding pandemic, and Cathy’s employer decided her days as a salesperson on the road were at an end. A friend called to tell them that the Thomas Shepherd Inn was coming on the market. Then another friend called. And another. They arranged to visit the property on the day it was first open for showing. Standing in the back yard after walking through, they had already decided to make an offer. Read the Full Story >>
Music Performance Transposed for COVID-19
The Music School at Shepherd University makes a point to be a highly personalized experience for its students. In contrast to many programs at larger institutions, Shepherd is focused on undergraduates and emphasizes the opportunities for its students to study directly with faculty. Unfortunately, the very adjectives that one would use to describe music programs in general and Shepherd’s program specifically — intimate, group, performance, together — also describe the activities the health department advises against during the pandemic health crisis. Read the Full Story >>