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Top and Current
Source : (remove) : The Herald-Dispatch
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Brenda Lucas: Community news for Saturday, Aug. 9

Brenda Lucas: Community News for Saturday, Aug. 9

In this edition of community news, compiled by Brenda Lucas, a variety of local happenings, achievements, and announcements from the Tri-State area take center stage, highlighting the vibrant spirit of residents in Huntington, West Virginia, and surrounding communities. The column serves as a heartfelt roundup of personal milestones, educational accomplishments, charitable efforts, and upcoming events, fostering a sense of connection among readers.

Starting with educational honors, several local students have been recognized for their academic excellence. For instance, recent graduates from Marshall University include a list of standout individuals who earned degrees in fields ranging from business administration to nursing. Among them, Sarah Thompson of Huntington received her bachelor's in education with honors, while Jacob Ellis from Barboursville completed his master's in environmental science. High school achievements are also spotlighted, with Cabell Midland High School announcing its latest scholarship recipients. Emily Carter, a senior, was awarded a $5,000 merit scholarship from the West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program, which she plans to use toward her studies in biology at West Virginia University. Additionally, the column notes that several area students made the dean's list at various colleges, including Ohio University and Ashland Community and Technical College, underscoring the region's commitment to higher education.

Community service and volunteerism are prominent themes, with shoutouts to local organizations making a difference. The Huntington Area Food Bank recently held a successful drive, collecting over 2,000 pounds of non-perishable items thanks to the efforts of volunteers from the First Baptist Church. Organizer Linda Jenkins praised the community's generosity, noting that the donations will help feed families in need throughout Cabell County. In a similar vein, the American Red Cross chapter in Huntington is gearing up for its annual blood drive, scheduled for August 15 at the downtown YMCA. The event aims to address the ongoing blood shortage, and residents are encouraged to participate, with incentives like free T-shirts for donors.

Birthdays and anniversaries add a personal touch to the column, celebrating life's joyful moments. Notable birthdays include that of longtime resident Martha Greene, who turned 90 on August 5. A gathering of family and friends at her home in Ona featured cake, music, and reminiscences of her years as a schoolteacher in the Cabell County system. On the anniversary front, Bob and Diane Miller of Huntington marked their 50th wedding anniversary with a family reunion at Ritter Park. The couple, married in 1974, shared stories of their life together, including raising three children and traveling across the U.S. Other milestones mentioned include the 25th anniversary of Tom and Lisa Hargrove from Ceredo, who celebrated with a romantic dinner cruise on the Ohio River.

The column also delves into reunions and social gatherings, which are a staple of community bonding. The Huntington High School Class of 1984 is planning its 40th reunion for September 20 at the Heritage Farm Museum and Village. Organizers are seeking classmates to join in an evening of nostalgia, complete with a buffet dinner, live music from the era, and a slideshow of old photos. Similarly, the Wayne County Genealogy Society announced its monthly meeting on August 12 at the Wayne Public Library, where members will discuss tracing family histories using online resources. Attendees are invited to bring their own ancestry questions for a group workshop.

Health and wellness initiatives receive attention as well, with updates on local programs promoting active lifestyles. The Marshall Recreation Center is launching a new senior fitness class starting August 10, designed for those over 65 to improve mobility and strength through low-impact exercises. Instructor Karen Fields emphasized the importance of staying active, especially post-pandemic, and noted that the class is free for university affiliates. In related news, the Cabell-Huntington Hospital hosted a free health fair last weekend, offering screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Over 200 attendees participated, and hospital spokesperson Dr. Michael Reynolds highlighted the event's role in preventive care, particularly for underserved populations in the area.

Cultural and entertainment events round out the column, keeping readers informed about fun local happenings. The Huntington Museum of Art is featuring a new exhibit titled "Appalachian Visions," showcasing works by regional artists through September. Admission is free on Sundays, encouraging families to explore the collection. Music lovers will appreciate the announcement of the Summer Concert Series at Harris Riverfront Park, with the next performance on August 16 featuring local bluegrass band The River Ramblers. The free event promises picnic-friendly vibes and is part of the city's effort to revitalize downtown spaces.

Charitable fundraisers and support networks are woven throughout, demonstrating the area's philanthropic heart. A benefit spaghetti dinner is set for August 11 at the VFW Post in Kenova to raise funds for veteran John Harlan, who is battling cancer. Tickets are $10, and all proceeds will go toward his medical expenses. The column also mentions the ongoing efforts of the Lily's Place organization, which supports infants affected by neonatal abstinence syndrome. A recent donation drive collected baby supplies, and executive director Rebecca Crowder expressed gratitude for the community's continued support.

In the realm of business and professional achievements, several locals have been promoted or recognized in their fields. For example, real estate agent Mark Stevens of Huntington was named "Realtor of the Year" by the West Virginia Association of Realtors for his outstanding sales record and community involvement. In the medical sector, nurse practitioner Anna Lopez at St. Mary's Medical Center received the Daisy Award for extraordinary nursing, nominated by grateful patients for her compassionate care.

The column wraps up with miscellaneous announcements, including lost and found items, pet adoptions from the Tri-State Animal Shelter, and calls for submissions to future editions. Readers are reminded to send their news items to Brenda Lucas via email or mail, ensuring that no milestone goes unnoticed. This compilation not only informs but also celebrates the everyday heroes and joyful occasions that make the Tri-State community special, encouraging ongoing participation and connection among its members.

(Word count: 928)

Read the Full The Herald-Dispatch Article at:
[ https://www.herald-dispatch.com/features_entertainment/brenda-lucas-community-news-for-saturday-aug-9/article_007419b4-f3a0-4ce6-9e19-93bead268351.html ]