Briefs for Friday Feb. 9

Feb. 9—Concord celebrates Founders' Day

ATHENS — The community is invited to join Concord University faculty, staff, and students as we celebrate Founders' Day on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. in the Anderson Family Theatre of the Alexander Fine Arts Center. The university will celebrate 152 years of service to the region and beyond.

President Kendra Boggess will present the Presidential Excellence Awards, recognition of faculty, staff, auxiliary staff and students who have clearly demonstrated dedication to Concord University and the surrounding community. Guests are invited to enjoy refreshments following the presentation.

This year's keynote speaker is Brandon Hicks. Hicks is a 2017 graduate of Concord University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management. He has used his courses of study as a foundation for the family of businesses he has developed and manages today. While attending Concord University, Hicks also pursued his West Virginia Real Estate Salesperson license. Today, he also holds licensures in Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina. In addition to real estate, Hicks founded and manages a luxury travel agency Hicks & Co. Travel which includes Crown to Castle Travel, Adventure Awaits Travel, and Roam + Port Travel brands.

Hicks was born and raised in Princeton and said he is ardent about seeing the area succeed. He has been heavily involved in marketing the area to new citizens and facilitating their moves to the area. He is a fervent advocate for the child abuse epidemic that plagues the nation and has previously served as a board member for many non-profit and faith-based organizations to lend his time, voice, and resources to that cause, university officials said.

Concord University was founded in 1872 as a state Normal School to prepare teachers. Since its inception, Concord has expanded offerings, educating decades of business leaders, medical professionals, social servants, and liberal arts enthusiasts.

Wytheville hospital salutes leaders

WYTHEVILLE, Va. — On March 20 at Wythe County Community Hospital there will be a National Quality Leader Designation Event. The program begins at 1 p.m. Wythe County Community Hospital has earned esteemed designation as a Lifepoint Health National Quality Leader for creating a culture of safety and achieving high standards of quality care, performance improvement and patient engagement.

The Lifepoint National Quality Program is a structured process for ensuring consistent, high standards of quality and patient safety. It is how the hospital continuously work to improve patient care, enhance safety and satisfaction and exceed standards and expectations, organizers said.

People planning to attend are asked to send an RSVP to Sarah Bailey at sarah.bailey1@lpnt.net

Healthy Heart Fair set Beckley ARH

BECKLEY — In recognition of American Heart Month, Beckley ARH Cardiology Associates will offer a Healthy Heart Fair Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 at Beckley ARH Medical Mall.

The two-day event will offer free services including EKGs, lipid panels, blood pressure and glucose checks and stroke assessments.

Results for all screenings will be available immediately, and members of the ARH cardiology team will be on-site if needed.

Natalie Sargent, clinic head nurse for Beckley ARH Hospital, said the fair is designed to not only raise awareness about the risk of heart disease, but also to reduce barriers that might discourage people from receiving medical care.

"People might not get checked because they don't have insurance and they're worried about how to pay," she said. "So, we're offering everything free of charge, all in one place to make it easier. This way they can get checked and know how they're doing and if they need further care."

In addition to the screenings, participants will also receive tips for healthy eating and living and smoking cessation. Additionally, anyone interested can receive instruction on performing hands-on CPR.

"It's important to know in case of an emergency either out in the community or in your own home," Sargent said of CPR.

There are no age, health or financial requirements for the walk-in-only event, as Sargent says the only goal is to promote heart health in one of the nation's unhealthiest regions.

"We're (West Virginia) first highest in the nation in the prevalence of heart attack and coronary artery disease and the seventh in the prevalence of stroke," she says. "So, it's important for us to offer help and information."

The Beckley ARH Cardiology Associates Healthy Heart Fair will be Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fasting is recommended for best results.

Beckley ARH Medical Mall is located at 1256 N. Eisenhower Drive in Cranberry Creek Shopping Center close to Sam's Club.

For more information, call 304-254-2656.

West Virginia Hive hosting "Coffee Talks" on Feb. 15

BECKLEY — West Virginia Hive's first "Coffee Talks" networking session of the new year will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at Fruits of Labor Pizzeria & Coffee Shop, 313 Neville St. in Beckley.

The public is encouraged to attend this free event, but registration is required.

The event, being held during National Entrepreneurship Week, offers a chance to learn from two successful, local entrepreneurs — Brianna Duckworth, founder and CEO of Go Duck Media, and Ebony Murrell-Smith, owner of OnPath Graphics — through an informal interview session with Judy Moore, executive director of the WV Hive and deputy director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority. This session will focus on learning about creating buzz about your business through social media content and website design.

Moore said, "Our Coffee Talks sessions are now in their third year and offer a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs, business and co owners, and community leaders to network, learn from, and exchange ideas with one another in an informal gathering.

This session will also include a discussion around barriers to capital access to allow us to learn about and understand more deeply the associated struggles."

To register, Google WV Hive Coffee Talks: Beckley, WV.

— West Virginia Press Association

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com