The 2013 Common Ground International Book Fest Features a Climate Change or Chaos Theme at Shepherd University on Saturday, March 2nd from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Charles Town, WV, February 19, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Quality of life concepts and equipping the “next generation” and families with proven success strategies has always been the focus of learning through interaction with various featured authors and seminars highlighted during the Common Ground International Book Fest held annually at Shepherd University Wellness Center. Dr. Pamela Ellis, event organizer and President of Books Motivate Foundation and Harambee Conference observed, “This year’s theme, 'Climate Change or Chaos' can be viewed from either an environmental or psychological, human consciousness perspective. Love of the earth, love of community, and love for ourselves originates in various philosophical and faith-based traditions. We are excited about so many phenomenal speakers who are traveling great distances to share their knowledge and insight during this event.”

Following the welcome at 9:00 AM, will be a musical performance by Mrs. Cristal Saxon, gospel recording artist, with the dance ministry of Elder Jeans Bonds from Baltimore, MD. An opening "Author Perspectives Panel" at 9:45 AM will feature Rev. Tamara Swan Mason, Rev. Kevin Johnson, Joy Turner, and Dr. Steven Haymon. All author panelists will share their views on how people achieve successful outcomes as individuals, in families, and in educational, and career settings.

A keynote leadership seminar entitled, "Solar Lunar Power: Inner Journey" led by David Levine, Geostellar, CEO and Howard Teich, Co-Founder of Quadrix Partners will begin at 10:30 AM. Geostellar, Inc. will also host a free dinner presentation entitled, "Twilight: Where Solar and Lunar Power Come Together" at the Inn of Charles Town from 5 to 8 PM. Space is limited. RSVP required at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5470355982#

Friends of Shepherdstown Library will provide a book excerpt reading at 12 Noon. "Common Ground AHA Student Essay Award" winners with entries in a to-be-released book publication, Climate Controversy 2013 will be recognized.

Beth Wheatley, director of government relations at the Nature Conservancy of West Virginia will be the keynote-featured speaker at 12:30 PM. She received the "Special Places Guardian of the Year" award of the WV Land Trust in 2012.

Dr. Laurie Helgoe, accomplished seminar speaker, consultant, and author of "Introvert Power" and "The Anxiety Answer Book" will lead a 2:00 PM Seminar entitled, "Get it Published, Not Self-Published." Dr. Helgoe will personally assist participants to write the perfect book proposal to obtain a literary agent.

A host of featured authors including Dr. Helen Bond, G. Alfred Palmer, Pam Mintz, and Nanette Buchanan will conduct book signings during the event, which ends at 4:30 PM.

The book fest is a family-friendly event, which is free of charge through sponsorships by community-based supporters. Sponsors include the Arts and Humanities Alliance of Jefferson County, Asbury United Methodist Church in Shepherdstown, Bank of Charles Town, Books Motivate Foundation, City National Bank of Martinsburg, Geostellar, Inc., Harambee Conference, LLC., Shepherd University Foundation, St. Barnabas House Church, and Zion Episcopal Church.