When the Governor issued the stay-at-home order closing restaurants and retail shops in March 2020, the organizers of Charles Town Now (CTN) moved quickly to implement a curbside takeout and gift card program. One year later CTN noted the anniversary with the slogan “One Year, Still Here.” The group’s plucky attitude helped earn Charles Town a second place award nationally in the American Express “Order In, Help Out Innovation Challenge. Read the Full Story >>
COVID-19
Crafting Art in COVID — JUL 22 to AUG 1
The “Creating Art in COVID” exhibit at Evolve Shepherdstown this month will document the pandemic from the perspective of ten artists. Read the Full Story >>
Over The Mountain Studio Tour Takes A New Path
The conversation that would lead to the creation of Over The Mountain Studio Tour started at a kitchen table, recalls Anne Bowers, an original member. “We were a few artists looking for a way to represent ourselves beyond just going to shows. Read the Full Story >>
Can They Do That? Questions About COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. With many public and private entities requiring a COVID-19 vaccination, any concerns about the vaccine go beyond evaluating the personal health and risk choices into questions of law. Take a quick look into the most likely answers to the following questions about the legality of vaccine requirements. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Library Gets a New Website
The Shepherdstown Library website has a new look and a new address. Read the Full Story >>
Unlocking Options for Renters & Landlords in the Pandemic
Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit last spring, landlords and tenants have struggled to address challenges created by economic losses. Governmental responses include restrictions on evictions to curtail homelessness. Read the Full Story >>
Volunteers Boost Efforts to Vaccinate Community
“We could not do this without these volunteers,” says Dr. Terrence Reidy, a sentiment echoed by everyone else working with the Jefferson County Health Department to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Ranson Civic Center. Read the Full Story >>
Feb 5 — Shepherd University Music Virtual Concert
The Shepherd University Music Salon Series presents a free virtual concert showcasing School of Music faculty. Read the Full Story >>
Transportation Hub for the Eastern Panhandle
The question to ask is, “do you want to take advantage of economic development opportunities?” said Shane Farthing, Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Martinsburg. He suggested that if the city did not have a train station and “we did a study on how to improve the economy, we’d ask how great it would be to have a train station. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize the good things you already have. Read the Full Story >>
Tracking the Train in West Virginia’s 2021 Budget Debates
The pandemic has strained the MTA’s workforce and put a dent in ridership and revenue. Discussions about West Virginia’s rail funding for the next fiscal year (from July 2021) will begin when the state Legislature receives the Governor’s budget proposal in early February. Read the Full Story >>
Perspectives On America In 2020
The Observer asked Eileen Berger, owner of Just Lookin’ Gallery, to recommend some artists who have been addressing the issues that have riveted our collective attention over the past year. Read the Full Story >>
CATF Shares Highlights of New Theater Online
The discussion and development of new theater goes on, even if the stages are dark. With the continued presence of COVID-19, the theater community continues to create and explore new avenues for sharing and collaborating online — offering the public glimpses into the process that would normally not be so visible. The Contemporary American Theater Read the Full Story >>
The Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority Rides Out The Pandemic
Elaine Bartoldson, Director of the Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA), describes EPTA’s mission as “providing service for the workforce, individuals who have no other way to get around.” She summarized her perspective on the value of EPTA, saying, “without public transportation, things will stop for the people who use it." Read the Full Story >>
Talking Across Time & Space
Adam Booth credits a course he took with Rachael Meads in the Appalachian Studies department at Shepherd University for starting him on the path to becoming a professional storyteller, a passion he has pursued as a career for the past fifteen years. Read the Full Story >>
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 >>
