Vaginas are Coming to Shepherdstown!

The Vagina Monologues are coming to Shepherdstown this March, thanks to directors Elizabeth Barker, Katy Cousino, and Mindy Sizemore.

Scheduled for the first weekend of March, the girls have been working tirelessly with Shepherd University to raise awareness of women's rights. Thus far, there have been two bake sales – one in October, the second this past January--both of which have helped the girls establish a solid foundation for the event.

Future events that will continue to raise the student body's awareness will involve a poetry reading at the Blue Moon this Tuesday, February 22, hosted by Sigma Tau Delta and Katy Cousino. Beginning at 6 P.M., the reading will be "geared towards women writers and involve poems that evoke women's strengths and individuality," director Elizabeth Barker said. The event is open to anyone who wants to read poetry, for an admission of five dollars.

Next, on Friday, February 25, the Blue Moon will host the Clam Jam, a musical performance assembled by Ashley Hoffman. The girl bands Chick Salad, Witchgrass, and Chelsea McBee will feature the event. Doors open at 9:00 P.M., and the show starts at 9:30 P.M. This event will also charge an admission of five dollars.

Tuesday, March 1, "China Blue" will play at the Shepherdstown Opera House on German Street at 8 P.M. for free. This love story isn't necessarily meant to deliver a specific message in the name of the Vagina Monologues, but it will be hosted by the directors as another way to reach out to the student body and increase awareness. Although the show is free, donations will be gladly accepted.

Next, the event made largely popular by the ladies of Shepherd University, the Vagina Monologues clothing swap will take place Wednesday, March 2. From 8 A.M. until 2 P.M. The directors will collect clothing donations at the Cumberland Center. Starting at 5 P.M., the swap will take place in the Storer Ballroom on the third floor of the Student Center. A five dollar entrance fee will be charged, and participants are encouraged to bring their own bags.

Finally, the Vagina Monologues are set to begin Friday, March 4 at Reynolds Hall. The doors will open at 7 P.M. and the show will start at 8 P.M. Saturday night's show will be commence at the same times, but Saturday nights show will feature a silent art auction provided by the directors and cast of the show. The last show will take place Sunday, the 6th, with the doors opening at 1, doors opening at noon.

Most importantly, ever penny generated from this plethora of events will go to the Woman and Girls of Haiti. The 2011 V-Day Spotlight Campaign as chosen to sponsor the Women and Girls of Haiti because not only has their country experienced utter catastrophe over the past years, but its women are victims to extreme sexual violence. The V-Day Spotlight Campaign is a mission to confront sexual violence through art, awareness, safety, and legal action. The remaining funds will go to the Shenandoah Women's Center, a domestic violence and sexual assault center that is dedicated to the prevention and rehabilitation of its victims.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Barker at ebarke01@shepherd.edu. She will help anyone who is interested in more information, making donations, and further event details. Get involved! These events are crucial to all members of our community, and that's a fact.