Latest Events in Shepherdstown(September Updated)

The upcoming Crystal Good Discussion and Book Signing event at Shepherdstown Book Festival is an opportunity to witness the talent of Crystal Good, a renowned poet and member of the Affrilachian Poets. Crystal Good's work not only showcases her artistic abilities but also serves as a powerful rebuttal against the erasure of African American identity in the Appalachian region. As an Irene McKinney Scholar and the author of Valley Girl, her poetry resonates with readers on a profound level. Moreover, Crystal Good is the CEO and founder of Mixxed Media, a government relations consulting firm that specializes in leveraging social and media engagement strategies for mission-driven organizations. Not only does Crystal hold the rather unconventional but significant title of Social Media Senator for the Digital District of West Virginia, she also actively promotes digital and political literacy through her platform. Additionally, Crystal Good's contribution to the literary world extends to being the founder and publisher of Black by God, a monthly newspaper that celebrates the essence of African American culture in West Virginia. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in Crystal Good's artistry and insights. Join us at Christ Reformed Church in Shepherdstown on September 16, 2023, for an enriching and thought-provoking experience. This event is free of charge, making it accessible to all.

The Shepherdstown Book Festival is thrilled to announce that they will be hosting a special event featuring Heather Crosby, a renowned recipe developer, menu and product consultant, and educator. This exciting event will include a book discussion and signing with Heather Crosby, who is an expert in plant-based, gluten-free cuisine that caters to all eaters. As the founder of the Good Food Cooking School and the author of YumUniverse and Pantry to Plate, Heather Crosby has established herself as a leading authority in the world of healthy and delicious food. Heather Crosby's book, YumUniverse: Infinite Possibilities for a Gluten-Free, Plant-Powerful, Whole-Food Lifestyle, offers a comprehensive collection of over 150 mouthwatering recipes that are free from meat, dairy, gluten, and soy. Whether you are a committed meat-eater or a devoted vegan, this book provides a step-by-step guide to incorporating more wholesome, plant-based foods into your daily routine. It not only serves as a cookbook, but also as a valuable resource for building long-lasting, health-promoting habits. Attendees of this event can expect to discover a wide range of delectable recipes, including Fig & Caramelized Onion Tart, Almond-Cardamom Cream Chia Pudding with Fresh Berries, Mexican Unfried Ice Cream, and Chocolate & Salted Caramel Stack Cake. Heather Crosby's expertise and personal experience with transitioning to a plant-based diet make her advice invaluable for anyone looking to embrace a whole-food approach to eating. Join us at the Black Box Youth Playhouse in Shepherdstown on September 16, 2023, for this captivating discussion and book signing event. Admission is free, so don't miss the opportunity to embark on a long-term wellness adventure filled with delicious, healthy, plant-inspired cuisine.

The Shepherdstown Book Festival is pleased to announce that Matthew Cappucci, an esteemed on-air meteorologist at FOX 5 DC in Washington D.C., will be joining us for a captivating discussion and book signing event. This event, centered around Cappucci's new book Looking Up, is a must-attend for weather enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the wonders of the sky above. In addition to his role at FOX 5 DC, Cappucci is a valued member of the Capitol Weather Gang on WAMU/NPR. His expertise extends beyond television, as he also contributes content for the renowned MyRadar app and publishes insightful articles in the Washington Post on a daily basis. Cappucci's wealth of knowledge has led to regular appearances on esteemed news outlets such as NPR, BBC News, DW News, and Sky News Arabia. Recognized for his exceptional talents, Cappucci was recently honored with the prestigious title of FLASH 2023 National Weatherperson of the Year. Despite his busy schedule, he remains committed to sharing his insights as an educational consultant. The Matthew Cappucci Book Discussion & Signing event will take place on September 16, 2023, at the Station At Shepherdstown in Shepherdstown, WV. Admission to this event is free, offering a wonderful opportunity to engage with the author and gain deeper insights into the world of meteorology. Don't miss this chance to be a part of an enlightening and inspiring evening.

The Shepherdstown Book Festival is thrilled to announce an upcoming event featuring Forrest Pritchard, a seventh-generation farmer and renowned New York Times bestselling author. This event, a book discussion and signing, presents a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with Pritchard's captivating work and gain insights into his extraordinary journey. Holding both a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Geology from the College of William & Mary, Pritchard's expertise spans beyond his deep agricultural roots. Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley on his grandparents' diverse farm, he developed a profound connection to the land. After college, he made the bold decision to take over the family farm, primarily focused on growing GMO corn and soybeans. However, a devastating realization came on harvest day when his efforts yielded a meager paycheck of $18.16. Determined to change the course of his farming practices, Pritchard transitioned to organic and sustainable production. He dedicated himself to raising free-range cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens on pasture at his farm, Smith Meadows. Decades later, Smith Meadows stands as one of the oldest “grass finished” operations in the country, proudly selling its produce at leading farmers’ markets in the Washington DC area. Pritchard's compelling journey is chronicled in his 2013 book, Gaining Ground: A Story of Farmers’ Markets, Local Food, and Saving the Family Farm, which captivated readers and earned recognition as a top read by Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, and NPR’s The Splendid Table. The book also claimed a coveted spot on the New York Times Bestseller list. Following this success, Pritchard released Growing Tomorrow in 2015, offering readers an exclusive glimpse into the lives of 18 sustainable farmers from across the nation. This book was recognized as a finalist for independent cookbook of the year. Pritchard's latest publication, Start Your Farm, co-written with Ellen Polishuk, serves as a comprehensive handbook for individuals transitioning to economically viable sustainable agriculture. With this invaluable resource, aspiring farmers can embark on their own agricultural journey, guided by Pritchard's wealth of knowledge and practical advice. Don't miss the opportunity to attend Forrest Pritchard's book discussion and signing at the Shepherdstown Book Festival. Mark your calendars for September 16, 2023, and join us at Christ Reformed Church located at 304 East German Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. Admission is free, making this event accessible to all who wish to be inspired by Pritchard's remarkable story.

Join Jeff Zentner at the Black Box Youth Playhouse in Shepherdstown for an engaging and enlightening event. Jeff Zentner, the acclaimed author of The Serpent King and In the Wild Light, will be discussing and reading from his captivating books. This is a unique opportunity to meet the author and have your books signed. Copies will be available for purchase from Four Seasons Books. Jeff Zentner's literary accomplishments are truly remarkable, with his works receiving numerous accolades, including the prestigious New York Times Notable Books recognition. In addition, he has been the recipient of the ALA's William C. Morris Award, the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award (twice), the Muriel Becker Award, and the International Literacy Association Award. His books have also been long-listed for the Carnegie Medal and have been translated into fifteen languages. Don't miss this chance to hear from a gifted writer who has made a significant impact in the literary world. Jeff Zentner's event is scheduled for September 16, 2023, and admission is free.

Join us for an exciting evening with author Andie Burke as she discusses her latest novel, Fall for Him. This charming romantic comedy dives into the chaotic lives of Dylan Gallagher and Derek Chang, two neighbors whose tumultuous relationship is filled with humor, misunderstandings, and unexpected chemistry. About the Book: Dylan Gallagher’s life took a hilarious yet disastrous turn when he moved into his new home, accidentally caused a flood, and fell through the floor onto his neighbor Derek Chang’s bed. Despite Dylan’s attempts to break the ice with a poorly timed “It’s Raining Men” joke, Derek isn’t amused. With Dylan’s mishap resulting in an expensive plumbing issue for Derek, and an unwelcome HOA tyrant sniffing around, the situation couldn’t be more complicated. In an attempt to make amends, Dylan offers to repair the damage himself, all the while hiding his growing crush on Derek. As the two share close quarters in Derek’s one-bedroom apartment, sparks fly and their animosity starts to melt away. Despite their differences and the chaos surrounding them, Dylan and Derek discover that maybe their lives crumbling was exactly what they needed to fix what truly matters. Event Highlights: Author Talk: Hear Andie Burke share insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind In Fall for Him, and the creation of her endearing characters. Q&A Session: Have your burning questions answered by Andie in an interactive discussion about the book, its themes, and her journey as an author. Book Signing: Get your copy of In Fall for Him signed by Andie Burke and take the opportunity to chat with her one-on-one. Don’t miss out on this chance to meet Andie Burke and delve into a story filled with humor, romance, and the journey of fixing what’s broken. Bring a friend, enjoy the discussion, and grab a signed copy of the book! Information Source: Four Seasons Books | eventbrite

Immerse yourself in the chilling world of Andrew Joseph White’s latest young adult horror novel, “Compound Fracture.” This spine-tingling event will captivate fans of horror and thrillers, bringing the haunting Appalachian setting of the book to life. Author Talk & Reading: Andrew Joseph White reads from Compound Fracture & discusses his inspiration for writing Appalachian horror and the themes explored in the novel. Discussion about the unique elements of Appalachian horror, the portrayal of queer and trans characters in horror fiction, and the impact of horror on young adult readers. Book Signing and Meet & Greet Information Source: Four Seasons Books | eventbrite

Join Lesley for a story time, brief Q&A, and book signing, as she joins the Shepherdstown Book Festival as a featured author! Books will be available for purchase at the end. Attendees can also bring previously purchased books for Lesley to sign.Free and open to the public. Lesley Younge is an educator and writer from Silver Spring, Maryland. She debuted as an author in 2023 with two books for young people. Nearer My Freedom (co-authored with her mentor Monica Edinger) is an award winning YA verse novel remix of British abolitionist Olaudah Equiano’s seminal autobiography. A-Train Allen, her first picture book, was the inaugural Own Voices, Own Stories Grand Prize Winner awarded by Sleeping Bear Press. Lesley is a fellow of Hurston/Wright Foundation and Anaphora Literary Arts. Her poetry and short stories have appeared in Spoken Black Girl Magazine, West Trade Review, Midnight & Indigo, The Plentitudes, and Full Bleed. Information Source: Shepherdstown Book Festival | eventbrite

Stay tuned for the upcoming details on the highly anticipated Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy: Limited Edition Book Release Party. This exclusive event will take place in Shepherdstown at Four Seasons Books, located at 114 West German Street, on October 1, 2024. The ticket price for this exciting event is set at $15. Join fellow fans and enthusiasts to celebrate the release of this special edition book in a unique setting. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of dragons and adventure. Mark your calendars and don't miss out on this extraordinary literary event.

Girls With Slingshots: 20th Anniversary Signing with Danielle Corsetto Come celebrate the 20th anniversary of the beloved webcomic Girls With Slingshots with creator Danielle Corsetto! Join us for a special in-person signing event at Four Seasons Books. Meet Danielle, get your comics signed, and maybe even snag some exclusive merchandise. Don't miss this chance to meet the woman behind the comic that has captured hearts for two decades! Information Source: Four Seasons Books | eventbrite

Come learn the art of block printing at our workshop - get creative and make your own unique prints with artist, Emmakate Sprenkle. You will learn the basics of linoleum block printing and be able to walk away with a print or two. Supplies will be provided. Due to the nature of this class with handling sharp carvers, we have restricted the age of attendees to 16+. Information Source: Skull City Studio | eventbrite

Join us for the launch of the Eastern Panhandle Community Read with Mariah Blake , award-winning journalist and author of They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals. Presented by Four Seasons Books in partnership with the Jefferson County Foundation, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, and the American Conservation Film Festival Join us for a powerful evening of environmental storytelling, investigative journalism, and community conversation as we welcome award-winning journalist Mariah Blake in conversation with acclaimed author and historian Andrea Pitzer . Together, they will discuss Blake’s urgent and revelatory new book, They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals —the centerpiece of our inaugural Eastern Panhandle Community Read . Blake’s deeply reported exposé uncovers the decades-long corporate cover-up of toxic “forever chemicals,” and the small-town resistance that sparked one of the most powerful grassroots environmental movements since Silent Spring . Her reporting hits close to home for West Virginians still reeling from water contamination battles like the Mountain Pure bottling plant fight in Jefferson County. In conversation with Andrea Pitzer—author of Icebound and One Long Night —the evening will explore themes of environmental injustice, public health, and the power of local action in the face of systemic failure. Pitzer brings her own expertise in chronicling survival, resistance, and the human capacity for resilience through history. Event Format: Moderated conversation between Mariah Blake & Andrea Pitzer Audience Q&A session Book signing to follow This event launches a Summer Book Club series beginning in July , with monthly discussions hosted at Four Seasons Books and community libraries. Additional programming throughout the year will explore themes from the book through film screenings, environmental panels, and school partnerships. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to connect with two brilliant minds at the intersection of journalism, justice, and community storytelling. Information Source: Four Seasons Books | eventbrite

Schedule for the Day Boatnical Marketplace opens - 9:30 am Opening Circle - 10 - 10:30 am Session One - 10:30 - noon *Potluck Community Lunch 12:00 - 1:00 - bring your own cup, plate and utensils, and labeled dish to share. Please join us even if you brought your own lunch. GARDEN PAVILION. Session Two - 1 - 2:30 pm Session Three - 2:30- 4pm Marketplace & Free Thyme - 4 - 4:30 Session Four - 4:30 - 6 pm Dances of Universal Peace / Kathy Palmer / 6-7 pm _________________________________________________________ Session One - 10:30- noon Herbal Tea Tasting / Kayde fen Deardorff / Bell Tent Sip into the world of tea tasting with Kayde. Learn how to use your senses and intuition to gather information about a plant. One of the most powerful tools we have is our own body and we can learn how to listen deeply to the ways herbs affect us. You will leave this class with a better understanding of how to gather your own information about plants and a glimpse into the science of organoleptics. Introduction to Curanderismo: a folk healing tradition from Latin America/ Mercedes Esrevez / Garden Pavilion Curanderismo is the ancient practice of diagnosing energetic imbalances in our emotional, spiritual and physical bodies, and restoring health through different modalities, such as massage, prayer, and herbalism. In this class we will focus on the herbal aspect of Curanderismo, learning about the various ways to prepare plants and herbs for ritual use to treat physical and energetic imbalances - the four elements are used alongside plants. We will learn about the different types of “Limpias” (sweeps of the body using fresh herbal bundles for energetic cleansing) and when/how to use them. We will also prepare Agua de Florida, a floral water made by macerating fresh and dried botanicals, traditionally used to purify, protect and uplift through topical use and each participant will prepare their own Agua de Florida to take home. Session Two - 1-2:30 Unifying Mind & Body - Herbal Allies for Psycho-Spiritual Integration / Serda Ozbenian and Sarah Richards/ Bell Tent As we navigate radical changes and challenges in the world, the connection between our mind and body can be easily disrupted and our nervous systems often dysregulated. This class explores five potent plant allies that support nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, and embodied awareness. We will discuss their physiological and energetic actions, followed by a guided meditation with one of the plants to deepen personal attunement. Through this practice, we aim to cultivate presence, balance, and integration. Join us for an experiential journey into the healing and unifying power of plant medicine. Healing through the Vibration of Water, Sound and Acupuncture/ Brooke Hartley & Jamie Wick / Bell Tent In this workshop we will work together to create a healing flower essence from the flowers and other plants of the local land that we will be on, and discuss the power of our intentions, vibrations and frequency to create powerful medicine. Collectively we will create a “Shenandoah Valley Herbal Gathering” Flower essence through the use of intention, our words, the vibration of music and the rich energy created by group acupuncture. We will offer acupuncture to the group as we also play medicine music through the use of singing bowls, the harmonium and other instruments. We will close with some seasonal medicine music songs and everyone in the group will take home a small bottle of the healing essence that we create together. Session Three- 2:30- 4:00 Alchemy, Aging, and Sage Flower Essence / Elizabeth Bake r / Garden Pavilion People today are seeking healing that supports their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Because plants possess chemistry, intelligence, and consciousness, they have the ability to heal us on each of these levels. In this class we will explore spiritual alchemy and aging as a natural alchemical distillation process. You will learn how sage flower essence is a companion to help us experience the maturation process, glean wisdom and insight from life experience, and acquire wisdom to heal. Botanical Dyeing and Eco Printing / Meaghan Thompson / Garden Pavilion In this hands-on workshop we will work with plants to create beautiful hand dyed and eco printed fabrics. We will explore the various types of fabrics that work well with natural dyes, various methods (mordants) of prepping fabric for dyeing, different plants that can be grown or harvested, and some various techniques to transfer dyes and prints from the plants to the fabric. Participants will have the chance to put to action what they have learned and craft their own botanical dyed creations to take home with them. This is a fun workshop for all ages. $5 material fee for participants with cash or Venmo to Meaghan. Marketplace and Free Thyme - 4 - 4:30 Session Four - 4:30 - 6 pm Plant Walk - Plant Families & Pattern Recognition / Kayde fen Deardorff / Herb Gardens This plant walk will emphasize the importance of pattern recognition in plant identification. Learning plant families can be really useful, especially when we are travelling or in an ecosystem we aren't familiar with. We will practice some exercises to help us see, hear, smell, and sense more in our living ecosystems. We will also talk about tending and reciprocity as core principles when gathering plants from the wild (and from our gardens). Chill Out / Sandy Thomas / Bell Tent An underlying factor in many illnesses, physical and mental, is inflammation that is strongly exacerbated by stress. There are herbs, many that we can grow locally, for teas to lessen stress. We'll discuss and sample local herbs for tea and explore simple activities to enhance well-being. Closing Circle and Dances of Universal Peace - 6-7 pm / Sacred Circle Information Source: Hillary Banachowski | eventbrite

Join us at Four Seasons Books for a magical evening celebrating the release of The Enchanted Greenhouse by New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst , in conversation with debut author and illustrator Venessa Vida Kelley ( When the Tides Held the Moon ). Where: Four Seasons Books, 114 W German St, Shepherdstown, WV When: Wednesday, July 16 Time: 6:00 PM Step into a world of enchanted gardens, sentient roses, and love that blooms unexpectedly. Sarah’s newest cozy fantasy features a lonely librarian, a grumpy gardener, and a magical island of greenhouses struggling to survive. Venessa Vida Kelley’s When the Tides Held the Moon is a gorgeously illustrated queer historical romantasy set in 1911 Coney Island. Think: The Shape of Water meets The Greatest Showman with mermen, sideshows, and found family. What to Expect: Cozy author conversation & Q&A Book signing Light refreshments inspired by the novel Optional preorder perks & signed books Admission: This event is free to attend, but preordering The Enchanted Greenhouse & When the Tides Held the Moon is highly encouraged to guarantee your copy Information Source: Four Seasons Books | eventbrite

Join bestselling historian Scott Ellsworth for an unforgettable evening at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education, as he discusses Midnight on the Potomac — his riveting new history of the final year of the Civil War, the Lincoln assassination, and the fragile rebirth of America. Presented in partnership with the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War at Shepherd University & the Center for Appalachian Studies at Shepherd University , this event invites readers, history lovers, and community members to reflect on the challenges of rebuilding a divided nation — then and now. A book signing will follow the discussion. Books available for purchase through Four Seasons Books. This event is open to the public. Book + Admission tickets are encouraged. A portion of designated ticket sales will directly benefit the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War at Shepherd University. Reserve your ticket today! Information Source: Four Seasons Books | eventbrite

Obsidian Hearts is an exclusive Dark Romance Book Club, run by Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown, WV. This book club provides a sanctuary for readers who delve into the intricate and intense realms of dark romance. Our community understands the importance of trigger warnings, ensuring a considerate and supportive environment. Join Obsidian Hearts for an immersive journey into the depths of dark romance. Book Club members receive 10% off featured monthly picks - Mention book club at time of purchase. Information Source: Four Seasons Books | eventbrite