Vigils, Donations, and Looking Forward To Legislative Session

Published about 1 month ago • 8 min read

Observer Weekly

December 11, 2025

Jefferson County, WV news & events

We’ve attended many holiday events and community gatherings this week. What we’re seeing around the county is a lot of festivity and a lot of generosity. The weather may be a bit cold, but there are a lot of warm hearts around here.

— Steve Pearson

Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.

If you value local journalism, become a paid member.

Candlelight Vigil Shows Support For Neighbors

Yesterday approximately 170 people attended a candlelight vigil in front of the courthouse in downtown Charles Town in response to recent reports of law enforcement actions affecting the local immigrant community. The vigil was organized by Indivisible of Jefferson County WV.

According to Doc McCluskey, one of the event organizers, the vigil was “the most respectful way we could think of to show support for the members of our community who are fearful of being targeted and terrorized by the federal government.”

One of the vigil participants, Kerstin (last name withheld), offered her own story to explain why she joined the vigil and wanted to let neighbors know that the community cares about them and welcomes them. “I came here from Germany with my parents in 1953 when I was 8. I remember playing in bombed out buildings [in Hamburg] and getting food from soup kitchens. My parents wanted a better life for themselves and for me. We came on the SS Italia and landed at Ellis Island. I remember being confused and afraid, but also happy about being here.”

A message from West Virginia American Water

At West Virginia American Water, we're more than your water provider–we're your neighbors. We're proud to invest in the communities we serve because we live here too. From upgrading infrastructure to protecting local water sources, every drop we deliver reflects our commitment to safety, reliability and a better future.

>>>Learn more…​

Charles Town Rotary Raises $100,000 For Local Groups

The Rotary Club of Charlestown gathered at the Corner Connection on December 10 to celebrate the holidays and distribute donations to more than twenty local charities.

2025 was a banner year for the Rotary club, which raised over $100,000 during its recent Christmas for Charities Gala.

The club has held the gala since 2009 and has raised over $650,000 from the event over the past 16 years. “The generosity we’ve seen this year is truly overwhelming,” said Ann Smith, 2025-26 president of the Rotary Club of Charles Town. “Thanks to our incredible and generous sponsors, donors, and attendees, the Club has achieved a record-breaking year, allowing us to have an even greater impact on the nonprofits and families in our community.”

This week’s luncheon event showcased the club’s generosity and offered an opportunity for these community organizations and charities to highlight how the funding from Rotary donations will help their efforts. In addition to thanking Rotary as they received their checks, many of these organizations also highlighted opportunities for volunteers to assist with their work (you can click on the links to learn more about each organization):

​>>>Photo gallery at ObserverWV.com…​

A message from Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle

Shepherdstown Pedal and Paddle is a full service bike, kayak, and canoe shop providing sales, services, and rentals to locals and visitors since 2007. Conveniently located on West German Street in the heart of downtown Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

​>>>Learn more…​

State Delegates Say They Want To Focus On Economic Issues

The Republican caucus of the West Virginia House of Delegates has signaled that it intends to focus on the state’s economy during the upcoming 2026 legislative session.

House Speaker Roger Hanshaw announced on December 9 that his focus will be on “economic development and the education that builds it for the state.”

The announcement was welcomed by some in the minority party. Delegate Kayla Young, the House Democratic Minority Leader, said “I’m personally excited to see the majority focus on something other than social issues for the first time in a very long time” according to reporting by Caity Coyne of West Virginia Watch.

Hanshaw called out several specific programs:

  • Workforce-ready education programs
  • Pay raises for teachers and service personnel
  • A program to reimburse training costs for businesses that upskill their workers (ReCharge WV)
  • Benefit portability
  • A performance-based, flexible tax credit to encourage major investment and job creation (Mountaineer Flex)
  • Rules to fast track upgrades to the electric grid infrastructure
  • Establishing a statewide nonprofit to drive a cohesive strategy for site development, partnerships and business growth
  • Exempting construction materials from the state sales tax
  • Programs to add funding for roads and site readiness projects managed by local economic development authorities

The 2026 legislative session is scheduled to start on January 14. Delegates will begin pre-filing legislation this week that will provide details on these proposals. The Senate Republican caucus has not announced its legislative priorities for the session.

​The Observer will be tracking the upcoming legislative session to provide reports and analysis of the issues that affect Jefferson County.

A message from Southern States

Come on over to Southern States in Ranson WV this Saturday 10-2 for Santa & Friends plus food from our own Independent Fire Company! Best food around! Also face painting, prizes and giveaways and more!

​>>>Learn more..​.

Quick Updates

Visit ObserverWV.com for news about other upcoming government and community meetings.

Arts, Culture & Community Events

Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:

Lindsay Guild paintings & prints — Exhibition of paintings and prints with an opening reception. Skull City Studio, 105 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Dec 5–Wednesday, Dec 31. Opening reception Friday, Dec 5, 4 pm. $ Tickets & Info...​

A Christmas Carol — Live production of Dickens’ classic. Old Opera House, 204 N George St, Charles Town. Friday, Dec 5 – Sunday, Dec 14, times vary. $ Tickets & Info…​

Santa’s Polar Party — Kid’s holiday event with activities indoors at the Jefferson County Community Center at Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Lane, Kearneysville. Friday, Dec 12, 5:30 pm and Saturday, Dec 12, 10:00 am. $. Tickets & Info...​

A Very Peregrine Christmas Spectacular — Holiday performance by Roving Peregrine Theatre. Black Box Arts Center, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Dec 12–Sunday, Dec 21. $ Tickets & Info...​

Sip & Screen at the Opera House — A surreal and spooky holiday favorite film screening. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Dec 12, 7 pm. Free. Info...​

Olde Tyme Christmas in Bolivar & Harpers Ferry — Two-day holiday celebration with historic tours, music, and festive events. Bolivar & Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Dec 13–Sunday, Dec 14. Free. Info...​

Look at Frosty Go – Handmade Craft Show — Holiday craft show featuring local artisans. Independent Fire Company, 200 West 2nd Ave, Ranson. Saturday, Dec 13, 9 am - 3 pm. Free. Info...​

Mildred's Merry Market at Happy Retreat — Holiday market featuring crafts, gifts, and refreshments. Happy Retreat, 600 Mordington Ave, Charles Town. Saturday, Dec 13, 10 am - 3 pm. Free. Info...​

Merry Makers Market at the Roundhouse — Juried Holiday market with local artisans. The Roundhouse, 100 East Liberty St, Martinsburg. Saturday, Dec 13, 11 am - 4 pm. Free. Info...​

Holiday Tea — Community Club hosts a festive tea event with live music, soup, sweet treats, and a visit from Santa. Shepherdstown Community Club, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 13, noon - 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info...​

Tuba Christmas — All tuba and euphonium players welcome to join this popular event (pre-show rehearsal at 10:30 am in Reynolds Hall). McMurran Lawn, corner of King and German Streets, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 13, 1 - 2 pm. Free. Info...​

Sacred Spaces of the Season — Church tours and open houses across Jefferson County. Multiple locations. Saturday, Dec 13, 3 - 7 pm. Free. ​Info...​

Harpers Ferry & Bolivar Christmas Parade — Holiday parade with tree lighting to follow at Bolivar Children’s Park. Along Washington Street, Bolivar & Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Dec 13, 4 pm. Free. Info...​

Hot Cocoa Contest — Annual hot cocoa tasting event with downtown merchants along Washington Street in Charles Town. Saturday, Dec 13, 6 - 7 pm. Free. Info...​

Yuletide Book Exchange — Annual holiday cookie and book exchange event. Four Seasons Books, 114 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 13, 7 pm. Free. Info...​

Charles Town Baptist Christmas Concert — Holiday concert by Charles Town Baptist Church choir, 222 South Mildred St, Charles Town. Saturday, Dec 13, 7 pm. Free. Info...​

Renatum Chamber Choir Concert — Holiday choral concert presented by Renatum, West Virginia's newest professional chamber choir. Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, 100 West Washington St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 13, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info...​

Holiday Hoopla — Holiday markers market at Skull City Studio, 105 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Dec 14, 11 am - 4 pm. Free. Info...​

Brunch With Santa — Holiday brunch event with Santa at the American Legion, 225 West Washington St, Charles Town. Sunday, Dec 14, 11 am - 2 pm. $ Tickets & Info...​

Jazz at Happy Retreat — Swinging Christmas classics with The Robert Sykes Trio and vocalist Karen Gray. Happy Retreat, 600 Mordington Ave, Charles Town. Sunday, Dec 14, 2 pm. $ Tickets & Info...​

Shepherd Community Big Band Concert — Holiday concert featuring university-based ensembles. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Dec 14, 2 pm. $ Tickets & Info...​

Sip & Screen at the Opera House — A family-friendly Christmas comedy. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Dec 14, 3 pm. Free. Info...​

Holiday Book Exchange — Bring a wrapped book for this annual white elephant exchange. Fuzzy Dog Books, 201 East Washington St, Charles Town. Sunday, Dec 14, 3 pm. Free. Info...​

A Christmas Service of Joy — Holiday concert featuring carols and organ music. Charles Town Presbyterian Church, 220 East Washington St, Charles Town. Sunday, Dec 14, 3 pm. Free. Info...​

Christian Lopez Charity Jam — Benefit concert for Children’s Home Society of West Virginia. Bring a toy for free admission. Bavarian Inn, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, Dec 17, 8 pm (doors 6:30 pm). Free. Info...​

Youth Maker's Market — Afterschool market featuring creations of local youth. War Memorial Building, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, Dec 18, 4 pm. Free. Info...​

Ho Ho Holiday Classic — Nostalgic holiday favorite film screening for all ages. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, Dec 18, 7 pm. Free. Info...​

Tell us about your event — email Explore@ObserverWV.com.

Community Spotlight — Toys For Tots

Toys For Tots Collection Deadline Is December 15

Toys For Tots collects new, unwrapped toys for distribution to children in need this holiday season. All donations are distributed to local families. You can also make cash donations online to support the program.

You can drop off unwrapped toys at the main distribution location (179 E Burr Blvd, Suite L, Kearneysville, WV 25430) or at the Toys For Tots collection boxes at locations around Jefferson County (click for list of locations).

Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.

If you value local journalism, become a paid member.

​Advertise with The Observer and reach the most engaged residents in Jefferson County.

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