Hear y’all, hear y’all—it’s a bye week for the Scout crew as we gather with family, friends, and community; close on first houses (congrats and welcome to Woodburn, Lesley!); do yard work; and try and enjoy a little sunshine (between storms) and get some much needed rest. We hope you and yours are taking care, too.
Just a reminder that early voting has started in Morgantown’s municipal elections. You can cast your vote now through April 26th, Monday - Thursday from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Historic Depot Building (185 Garrett Street) behind the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater. Alternatively, you can vote on election day, April 29th (but why wait?!).
Some quick tidbits for the week ahead:
The city has hired a new city manager, Jamie Miller.
This upcoming Saturday, 4/26, is one giant party downtown. It’s Indie Bookstore Day at Monkey Wrench Books, the downtown farmer’s market is back, the Mon River Trails Conservancy’s spring Handmade Market is happening, and the Cupcake and Craft Beer Fest will be popping. Don’t try and tell me downtown Morgantown doesn’t rule.
The Morgantown Public Library is developing a facilities plan and needs your input! Check out this post for the several ways you can participate in-person and online (we love the interactivity!).
WVU senior and Monkey Wrench Books bookseller extraordinaire Faith King is debuting an original play, “Dead & Gone,” this week (4/24 - 27) at the WVU Canady Creative Arts Center. I invite you to join me in supporting her work!
Arthurdale Heritage is hosting four Appalachian literary stars for a night of readings and book signings this evening (4/21) starting at 6:30 p.m. Join Neema Avashia, Robert Gipe, Ann Pancake, and Glenn Taylor for “At Home in the Appalachian Literary Universe.” Free with a suggested $10 donation. More info here.
Huge congratulations to Scout friend Sophie Slaughter, just named a Truman Scholar! You inspire us all to love more deeply and fight harder, Sophie—you are a gift to West Virginia and we can’t wait to see how you continue to make your mark on our community and the world. We are humbled and proud to struggle alongside you!
That’s all from the Scout for now—we’ll be back next week with our regular programming and a special post-election rundown. As always, feel free to drop commentary and/or any events we missed in the comments.
Cheers to renewal,
Lindsey