9th annual New Voice Play Festival This weekend at the Old Opera House

The Old Opera House Theatre Company is proud to announce the winners of the 9th Annual New Voice Play Festival. This year over 65 playwrights from across the country entered their new one-act plays into the festival and this years winners include:

Golden Curtain Award: Drinks with Charlesby Jim Gordon, E. Norwalk, CTDirected by Shannon PotterFeaturing: Meaghan Barry, Winky Francis, Cari Ann Hupke, and Dan Rice
This darkly humorous play might have been taken directly from the headlines of your local newspaper; but of course the names have been changed to protect the innocent and guilty alike. When an investment banker is invited to the home of a client, to meet with her and discuss her investing in his newest venture, the tables are turned and the client and her friends get their satisfaction, while the banker gets his just desserts.

Silver Stage Award: The Enlightenment of Mrs.Cartwellby Daniel Damiano, Atoria, NYDirected by Heather RagerFeaturing: Christine Brewer, Ed Conn, Elizabeth Egan, and Kiersten HarrisThis lighthearted romp revolves around four delightful busybodies in 18th Century England. When one of the ladies overhears what she things is a biting insult directed at her, she becomes outraged; only later to find out that one needs to be careful what one hears while eavesdropping on an innocent conversation. Wonderful roles for women with a sense of humor and elegance.

Spotlight Award: Objects of Valueby Joan Dunayer, Champaign, ILDirected by Liam PotterFeaturing: Chelsea Clark, Ashley Elizabeth Kidder, and Nader Bouberhan Set in 1940's Europe, two young Jewish women are forced to work as appraisers for the Nazi regime. Before their enslavement, one was a doctoral student in art history and the other the owner of a jewelry store. They must appraise the valuables (jewelry, artwork, etc.) that the Nazis have confiscated from their Jewish neighbors. In this bleak environment their discussions move between art, beauty, and humanity as they attempt to find meaning in their former lives and a reason to go on living.

Spotlight Award: Portrait of a Mannequinby Carl L. Williams, Houston, TXDirected by Andy KiserFeaturing: Betsy Crutcher, Kiersten Harris, and John-Michael Rolnick When a young painter's wife learns that her husband has made two major sales, her excitement is tempered when she learns only one of the two paintings is of her, the other is of her close friend posing partially nude. How does her husband view her, as the cold image in his painting or as his loving wife? Miscommunication and insecurities abound in this comedy.

Don't miss this chance to see the world-premier of four original one-act plays on a single evening...The new voice festival is June 26 and 27 curtain time is 8 p.m. and Sunday June 28Th at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for Adults and $8 dollars for students/Children. To reserve a seat or to get more information call the Old Opera House at (304) 728-7979.

Table Gambling not a dead issue


Many voters in Jefferson County are still opposed to table gaming. A measure to allow table gaming at the Charles Town races and Slots passed in a special session of the legislature earlier this month one of the members who voted in favor of the bill was John Doyle, Democrat, a house of Delegates member who represents District 57. At a public meeting to discuss the issues that the State legislator took up the session the subject of Table gaming in Jefferson County was raised. Doyle said “It’s time for county voters to endorse table gaming at the track.”
Doyle says that he changed his mind after legislators approved a bill that would increase the amount of revenue that would come to Jefferson County as well as other counties who have gambling.
Five communities in Jefferson County would also receive increased shares from gaming profits. In 2007 a vote was taken to allow table games at the Charles Town Racing and slots and the referendum was defeated soundly thanks to a group of citizens who formed a group called. Citizens agents table gaming in Jefferson County. In 2007 Delegate Doyle urged the voters to vote agents the measure because it was a bad deal for Jefferson County. As of this writing there has been no date set for a vote on the Table game issue.

Downturn in national economy could be problem for Charles Town


At a regular scheduled Monday night Charles Town Council meeting the city manager Gary Rawlings told the Council members that a prolonged downturn in the over all economy could result in a large reduction of business and the occupational tax in Charles Town. “If we don't do something, we could be looking at like a $300,000 reduction in B&O taxes," Rawlings told those assembled.
The City Manager asked the Council members to work out the effects that a downturn in the city finances would have and to come up with a plan to try and steady the city assets in the coming years.
Rawlings ask the finance committee to look at ways to lower taxes for the down town business district. "It's not an issue you have to get into right away ... but I would like the finance committee to start looking at this," he said
A vote was taken, and by a unanimous vote the City Council who agreed with the City Manager that the matter should be referred to the Finance Committee.
Rawlings said that there was a lot of work that needed to be done “Hopefully, as we go along, I would like the council to consider doing something in the downtown area and relieving some of the taxes there," He said.
Mayor Peggy Smith who has just been re-elected to another turn hopes that a B& O tax credit would spur growth in the downtown area. She ask that the proposal be referred to the city’s ordinance committee. The Mayor said. “Tax credits had previously been offered to businesses along U.S. 340 to relocate, but so far nothing has come of it.” Smith believes that this area has the lowest B&O tax in all of West Virginia.

Quick and Healthy Breakfast Ideas


(NAPSI)-If you're looking for simple ways to add a burst of nutrition to your family's breakfasts, it could pay to get the facts on flax.
Flax is an oil-rich seed brimming with healthful omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein. Research to date indicates that approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of milled or ground flaxseed daily may provide adequate supplementation of omega-3's. You can buy whole flaxseed-which has a nutty flavor when roasted-in stores and then use a coffee grinder or food processor at home to grind the seed and help release its nutritional value. From there, flax can be sprinkled into orange juice, on cereal or spread with peanut butter to provide a quick nutritional boost. It's also great for baking.
For instance, muffins made with flaxseed can be served warm immediately after baking for a family weekend meal, or cooled and stored in the freezer and then thawed in the microwave for a healthful breakfast on the go.
Try these satisfying Golden Grain Muffins, full of whole grains, fiber and sweet dried fruit.
Golden Grain Muffins
1 cup quick-cooking oats
½ cup natural bran
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. cinnamon
1 cup buttermilk*
½ cup honey
1 whole egg
1 egg white, beaten
¼ cup canola oil
1 cup whole wheat flour
¾ cup ground flaxseed
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
½ cup golden raisins, chopped
Preheat oven to 375° F. In a large bowl, combine oats, bran, salt, cinnamon and buttermilk. Mix well and let stand 15 minutes. Add honey, egg mixture and oil. Mix well.
In another bowl, combine flour, ground flaxseed, baking powder and baking soda. Add to oat mixture and stir just until moistened. Stir in raisins. Spray muffin tins with a nonstick cooking spray. Using a 1/3 cup measure, scoop batter into tins. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes. Remove muffins from tins and place on rack to cool. Yield: 12.
*Buttermilk substitute: 1 cup plain yogurt or 1 Tbsp. lemon juice or vinegar, plus enough milk to equal 1 cup. Let stand 5 minutes.
For more information and recipes using flax, visit http://www.ameriflax.com/.
Golden Grain Muffins are made with healthful flaxseed and are bursting with taste.