by Lisa Schauer

Isaias, a major category 3 hurricane, hit Florida on Friday, October 9, its remnants carrying wind and heavy rain across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Sunday, October 11.

Yet on Saturday, October 10 Berkeley Springs’ 51^st annual Apple Butter Festival shined.

Organizers estimated a crowd of 20,000 people attended, based on the number of parade spectators.

At 9 a.m. sharp, the…

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The shuttle service is not available Friday evening for the WV Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden Kickoff Party.

Free parking for the shuttle service is available on Saturday and Sunday at:

Route #1: Senior Life Services of Morgan County & Warm Springs Middle School

Route #2: Gat Creek, the U.S. 522 Ballfield Complex & Coolfont Resort

Both routes will bring you right downtown, with pickup and drop-off at the corner of Fairfax Street and Mercer Street, just steps from the festival.

Shuttles are fully accessible and will stay in constant motion throughout the day. They don’t run on a set timetable, just as traffic allows.

The post Free shuttle to run during the festival appeared first on Morgan Messenger.

The weekend begins Friday evening with the West Virginia Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden Kickoff Party and continues through Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday, the festival kicks off with the morning Apple Butter Festival Parade at 9 a.m., led by this year’s Morganite Community Award recipients, honored for their outstanding contributions to Morgan County.

Entries will begin at the Berkeley Springs High School and parade through town to the historical Berkeley Springs train depot.

Afterwards, the festival officially opens in Berkeley Springs State Park and surrounding streets.

More than 200 new and returning artists and craftspeople will fill the streets of historic downtown with everything from traditional Appalachian crafts and fine art to handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodworking, home décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts. The experience extends beyond the festival streets into Berkeley Springs’ galleries, shops, and the Ice House art center.

This year’s festival introduces several exciting additions, including the first-ever Apple Butter Festival Trail 5K at Cacapon Resort State Park on Sunday morning. Runners will wind through scenic mountain trails before heading into town to enjoy the festival.

Families can enjoy the new Family Fun Zone, where kids and grown-ups alike can challenge each other to oversized games, hula hoop and jump rope contests, and other activities designed to bring everyone together for fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition before heading back out to explore the festival.

While there are exciting new experiences to discover, the heart of the Apple Butter Festival remains unchanged. Volunteers from the Greenwood Community Center will once again spend the weekend stirring apple butter over open fires in the giant copper kettles that have become the festival’s most iconic image, filling downtown with the unmistakable aroma of fresh apple butter that welcomes visitors each October.

Despite a late spring frost that significantly impacted this year’s apple crop, partners throughout the community came together to keep one of the festival’s most beloved traditions alive.

Crowd favorites include the Beard & Mustache Contest, Hog Calling, Egg Toss, Baking Contest, and a raffle for the beautiful handcrafted Apple Butter Festival Quilt.

Live music fills the festival all weekend long, with performances ranging from bluegrass and gospel to rock, country, and classic favorites. Saturday’s Main Stage features West Virginia rockabilly favorite Ryan Cain & the Ables, followed by Hillbilly Biscuits, whose energetic blend of bluegrass, country, and mountain music is sure to keep toes tapping all afternoon. Sunday begins with the uplifting Southern gospel of Hymns for Him before longtime festival favorites The Flashbacks return with the oldies, classics, and vintage rock ‘n’ roll that have made them a crowd favorite year after year.

The Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden features performances by Mark Cullinane, Rusted Blue, Circa Blue, and Saturday night headliner Cazhmiere, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most in-demand Top 40 dance bands. Combined with West Virginia craft beverages, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to cap off a day at the festival.

Today, the Apple Butter Festival is one of West Virginia’s largest and longest-running fall festivals, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Berkeley Springs each October.

One of the festival’s biggest attractions is the variety of food. From two food courts to vendors throughout downtown and the Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden, visitors will find everything from smoky BBQ, handcrafted flatbread pizza, giant turkey legs, blooming onions, funnel cakes, apple dumplings, Amish donuts, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and fresh-cut fries to Greek, Thai, Jamaican, and other international favorites.

New this year, visitors can even enjoy authentic poutine alongside all the classic festival treats.

Admission to the Apple Butter Festival is free. Free shuttle service from designated parking areas makes getting to the festival easy, while additional parking is available in lots operated by civic organizations throughout downtown.

Hosted by the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, the Apple Butter Festival is made possible through the support of hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, community organizations, and local businesses who come together each year to welcome visitors from near and far.

For the complete festival schedule, parking information, shuttle locations, and additional event details, visit BerkeleySpringsChamber.com, follow Apple Butter Festival WV on Facebook, or call the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce at 304-258-3738.

The post It’s Apple Butter time! 51st Annual festival returns to the streets of Berkeley Springs this weekend appeared first on Morgan Messenger.

From the southern end of Morgan County to its northern part, in chairs, churches, studios, parks, and on trails, modern yoga is making a connection with residents and visitors.

Some people seek yoga for relief from stiffness, aches and pains, while others are in search of enlightenment or longevity.

All such gifts can be found in the 5,000-year-old tradition of yoga, which translates from Sanskrit, humankind’s oldest continuously used language, from the root word “yug,” which means to yoke or harness.

The act of “yoking” referred to the linking up of one’s lower consciousness with a higher one.

Over time, the word yoga has also been translated as “union” to refer not only the union between lower and high consciousness, but the union between mind and body.

Physical benefits of yoga include improved strength, balance, flexibility and circulation.

Mindfulness, or the vigilant practice of watching the mind and its activities, is a skill gained through yoga.

Regrets over the past or worries about the future can’t creep in when you’re fully focused on the present.

By paying attention to your breath and letting go of previous attachments and expectations, you can gain control over the perilous constructs of your mind through a sequence of postures in yoga class.

As in any endeavor, comparison is a waste of energy, and a destroyer of self-esteem. Start slowly, do what you can, and appreciate the moment.

Since you can’t become someone else, you might as well focus on becoming the best version of yourself.

Above all, consistency in yoga practice produces the best results for improving mind and body.

When choosing a yoga instructor, find someone who you admire in the way they move through the world, and think twice if anyone asks you to join a certain religion. Yoga is a philosophy, not a theology.

Mind-body connection

“When we think stressful thoughts, our body releases stress chemicals, like cortisol and adrenaline. This can have a negative impact on the physical body, especially if it is prolonged. When we think good or positive thoughts, our body releases chemical messengers of serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine. These messengers help to reduce stress, ease pain and create lasting feelings of happiness and well-being,” said local yoga instructor Laura Falcon in an email.

Falcon teaches flow yoga, or “vinyasa,” in classes held at the Ice House and Berkeley Springs State Park, in rotation with other instructors and as weather allows.

Weekend yoga classes are free, sponsored by Travel Berkeley Springs on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m.

Falcon’s classes are mixed level, and each one is different.

Vinyasa, or “connecting movement,” is an ancient form of yoga rediscovered when its original scripts were found written on old palm leaves in India during the 1930s, redefining yoga for a modern age.

Often called flow yoga, or power yoga, popularized in the 1990s, vinyasa yoga connects movement from one posture to the next, focusing on breathing and alignment.

Falcon also volunteers to teach chair yoga at Morgan County Senior Center in Berkeley Springs on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Chair yoga classes at the senior center are free and there is no age restriction. There is some paperwork to fill out for liability reasons.

Nature, therapy and yoga

In southern Morgan County, Erin Harris-Smith, owner of Twilight Holistic Healing, teaches traditional yoga classes and offers yoga nature hikes for all ages and abilities.

Practicing yoga in nature combines the mind-body benefits of yoga with the restorative effects of being outdoors, creating a powerful synergy for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Smith is also a licensed mental health counselor specializing in trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy, play and art therapy, talk therapy, and the integration of nature into counseling sessions through hiking and hands-on interactions with her family’s farm animals.

Her traditional yoga classes and chair yoga classes are held at Union Chapel United Methodist Church on Valley Road the second Saturday of each month.

Chair yoga begins at 10 a.m. and traditional yoga starts at 11 a.m.  Each class is $5 and drop-ins are welcomed.

Anyone who would like more information, or to register for the next yoga and hiking event can find Twilight Holistic Healing on social media.

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Leader Dottie O’Toole met Veteran Beyner back on October 23, 2023, while in the Wheeling area awarding a Quilt of Valor to another veteran. Striking up a conversation at the local Dollar General Store, Beyner stated that he didn’t know what a Quilt of Valor was and he had never heard of or ever received one.

When O’Toole returned home, she nominated Beyner for his Quilt of Valor through NAMS, the Nomination and Award Management System for the National Quilts of Valor Foundation. After several years and several attempts by the Quilts of Valor Foundation to award Beyner his quilt, Dottie O’Toole decided to travel to Chester, West Virigina to award this quilt.

The Mountain Mama Quilters consist of 17 members, who all play an active role in the creation of these special civilian awards to our veterans who have been touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Quilters include Dottie O’Toole, Joann Best, Gail Chilcote, Denise Cline, Dolores Fitzgerald, Jenny Garrison, Portia Lyall, Pam Mann, Karen McCusker, Lynn Mulder, Darlene Narango, Pat Narango, June Nepper, Karen Price-Ridenour, Cheryl Rink, Mary Roach and Bonnie Weber.

The group is celebrating 10 years of quilt making since its beginning in 2016. The awarding of the quilt of Valor to Mr. Beyner is a major milestone for the group, marking 500 quilts awarded to veterans.

Albert Beyner served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War in the United States Navy from 1974 to 1978.

Each quilt made and presented comes with this message:

“The Quilts of Valor® Foundation wishes to recognize you for your service to our nation. We consider it our privilege to do so. Though we may never know the extent of your sacrifice to protect and defend the United States of America, we award you this Quilt of Valor® as an expression of gratitude from a grateful nation. Thank you Veteran (name) for your service.”

Veterans and active service members can be nominated for a Quilt of Valor. The Mountain Mama Quilters awards quilts in the Berkely Springs and surrounding areas. The group also travels to award quilts in special cases where there are no active groups in other areas.

Nominate a veteran or active service member by picking up a nomination form at the American Legion and other locations around Berkeley Springs. Nominations can also be made online at QOVF.org.

The post Local Mountain Mama Quilters award Quilt of Valor # 500 appeared first on Morgan Messenger.

Cakes, cookies, breads, muffins, pastries, apple dumplings and plenty of creations that don’t fit neatly into any category are all welcome when the Baking Contest returns Saturday, October 10 as part of the 51st Annual Apple Butter Festival.

Whether it’s a treasured family recipe passed down through generations or something entirely new, the only real requirement is that apples have a starring role.

The contest is presented by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, with Blue Ridge and the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle working together to organize and run the event.

Both organizations put in plenty of work behind the scenes to make the contest happen, from collecting entries and coordinating judging to getting all those delicious creations ready for their next stop after the winners are chosen.

Entries will be judged in seven categories: breads, muffins and rolls; cakes; cookies; pies, pastries and apple dumplings; miscellaneous; sugar-free; and youth (grade 8 and below).

Contestants may enter as many times as they like, so there’s no need to choose between Grandma’s apple pie and that new recipe you’ve been perfecting.

Entries must be delivered to Blue Ridge Community and Technical College at the Pines Opportunity Center, 109 War Memorial Drive in Berkeley Springs, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 10. Judging begins at 12:15 p.m. and no entries will be accepted after 11 a.m. Winners will be recognized and ribbons awarded at 2 p.m. on the Apple Butter Festival Main Stage.

And the story doesn’t end when the ribbons are awarded.

Following judging, the entries are donated to the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle. They sell the baked goods during the festival, turning all those pies, cakes, cookies and apple-filled creations into a fundraiser supporting programs for area youth.

“Some of the best recipes are the ones with a story behind them, the ones written on an old recipe card or learned by standing beside someone in the kitchen,” said Happy Rone, Executive Director of the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. “We love seeing those traditions carried on, along with all the wonderfully creative things people dream up. And knowing every entry goes on to help the Boys & Girls Club makes the whole contest even sweeter.”

Entry forms and complete contest rules are available at berkeleyspringschamber.com, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, or the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce office.

The 51st Annual Apple Butter Festival takes place October 9-11.

For more information, call the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce at 304-258-3738, visit berkeleyspringschamber.com, or follow Apple Butter Festival WV on Facebook.

The post Apple Butter Festival to host Baking Contest once again appeared first on Morgan Messenger.

All events are free and open to the public, with activities taking place on Shepherd University’s campus, along King Street, and at venues throughout historic Shepherdstown.

“For 30 years the Appalachian Heritage Festival has celebrated our region’s cultural identity and the living traditions of Appalachia,” said Rachael Meads, the event’s founding director, Shepherd’s director…

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Honored this year were Rob Ford (Apple Butter Festival Volunteer of the Year), Mark Winiarski (Employee of the Year), Matt Pennington (Community Service Award), Dave Fink (Community Hero, not pictured), the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center (Nonprofit of the Year), Roy’s Service Center (Business of the Year).

Betty Hovermale and Cindy Hovermale were presented with the highest award – the Morganite Award. That distinction recognizes an extraordinary and sustained contribution to Morgan County’s community life.

The Hovermale’s were recognized for promoting community causes, helping individuals in need, operating a key business in downtown Berkeley Springs while leveraging that business to be a tool of generosity, encouragement and dignity for all.

“The annual Community Awards recognize the people and organizations whose kindness, generosity, and service help make Morgan County a better place to live, work, and call home,” said Chamber Executive Director Jules Happy Rone.

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Whether you’ve marched with us for decades or this will be your very first Apple Butter Festival Parade, every entry must register online each year. Participation is completely FREE, but space is limited to 75 entries, so don’t wait too long!

This year’s theme, “Stirring Through the Centuries!”, celebrates an incredible milestone year as we honor both the 250th Anniversary of the United States and the 250th Anniversary of the Town of Bath. Whether your inspiration comes from colonial America, your favorite decade, the future, or anything in between, we hope you’ll help us celebrate the people, places, and moments that have shaped our community through the centuries.

Marching bands, antique cars, fire departments, floats, dance groups, scouts, businesses, community organizations… if you can march, roll, ride, wave, or perform, we’d love to have you join us!

Every year, thousands of spectators line the streets of Berkeley Springs to celebrate the people, organizations, and traditions that make our community so special. Whether your entry is elaborate or simple, serious or whimsical, we’d love to see your creativity on display.

Ready to join us? Register today at BerkeleySpringsChamber.com.

We can’t wait to see how you bring “Stirring Through the Centuries!” to life!

To learn more about the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce or the 51st Annual Apple Butter Festival, call (304) 258-3738, visit www.BerkeleySpringsChamber.com, or follow Apple Butter Festival, WV on Facebook and the Chamber on Facebook and Instagram.

The post Apple Butter Festival parade registration now open appeared first on Morgan Messenger.

The Empty Bowls fundraiser will be held on Friday, September 18 from 5-7 p.m. the American Legion Post 60 in Berkeley Springs.

Attendees receive an artist’s bowl and a light dinner of soup, drink and roll for their entry donation.

Dinner is a selection of soups made and donated by local restaurants who support the Morgan County Starting Points Mealtime Kitchen effort.

Soups will be made and donated by Betty Lou’s Garage Café, Charlotte’s Cafe, Country Inn, Creekside Provisions + Supplies, Proof on Washington, Ravenwood and Tony’s Butcher Block. Dinner will be served by volunteers from the Berkeley Springs High School  chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

During the evening event, attendees can bid on donated gifts, trips, furniture, artwork and themed baskets during a silent auction.

Select donations will be sold at a live auction portion of the event, including highly-anticipated baked good creations.

Folks can also enter 50/50 drawings and will be entered to win door prizes with their admission donation.

Empty Bowls is the main fundraising event for Starting Points Mealtime Kitchen program, which serves free hot meals three evenings per week at the Senior Life Services building north of Berkeley Springs. Local volunteers and Starting Points staff prepare and deliver the meals in a drive-through format on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 106 Sand Mine Road.

During 2025, the Meal Time Community Kitchen served 21,356 hot, freshly-made meals to community members. On average, staff and volunteers provide 100 meals at every Meal Time, three days per week. In 2025, that number added up to 410 meals per week.

Food for the meals comes through a variety of sources – delivered food from Mountaineer Food Bank, donations from local farms and food producers, and purchased ingredients.

The idea behind the kitchen is simple – to meet the basic needs of individuals and families on their journey to building self-sufficiency and strong futures. There is no application process to get meals and they are available to all.

Starting Points is in its 27^th year of serving Morgan County families, providing material support for babies and young children, offering safe family activities to connect caregivers and children, offering classes on a variety of family topics from Healthy Grandfamilies to Cheap Eats and more. Starting Points operates two offices – the main location is located within the Berkeley Springs Senior Center building and the other is in downtown Paw Paw.

Starting Points can be reached by calling 304-258-5600 or emailing amorris@starting-points.org.

Donations to the Meal Time Kitchen or other Starting Points programs can be made by mail to 106 Sand Mine Road, Suite 6, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. 25411 or online through https://www.starting-points.org under the “Ways to Support” tab.

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