Briefs for Thursday March 7

Mar. 7—Substance Abuse and Hep-C Program at Bluefield State University

BLUEFIELD — A program focused on substance abuse in West Virginia, its impact, and strategies for prevention and intervention will take place on March 11 starting 1 p.m. in the Hebert Gallery/Harris-Jefferson Student Center at Bluefield State University.

Cheryl Belcher MSN, FNP and a BSU RN-to-BSN faculty member, will present the program, which has been approved by the WV Board of Professional Nurses to provide 2.4 contact hours for RNs. The program is open to the public as well.

"I will cover topics about the prevalence of substance abuse in West Virginia, including opioids, marijuana, and stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamines," Belcher said. "The economic impact and health consequences of substance abuse will be examined, as well as the stigma and barriers that are associated with it. How communities and the state of West Virginia are addressing substance abuse and hepatitis C will also be reviewed."

Belcher will also address the relationship between IV drugs and hepatitis C, who should be tested, transmission, vulnerable populations, health consequences and treatment.

Megan Hicks, a peer recovery support specialist with WV Collegiate Recovery Network, will conclude the presentation and provide educational resources for attendees.

Concord hosts luncheon for students with GPA of 4.0

Concord Students who earned a 4.0 GPA in Fall 2023 were invited to a celebration luncheon in the State Room on Feb 28. President Kendra Boggess welcomed the group and expressed the pride she has in their accomplishments. Sharing stories from her own journey, she told the students to keep their options open, continue to work hard, and do what makes them happy.

The 4.0 luncheon, hosted by the Center for Academic and Career Development (CACD) is an annual event to champion Concord's best scholars. Attendees were treated to a special meal, door prizes, and certificates of achievement for their outstanding academic performance.

Students honored included: Taylor Albers, Sophia Chugha, Rachel Clay, Nicole Cochran, Kaylie Nelson-Dick, Piper Dougton, Taylor Eversole, Brooklyn Gibson, Emily Johnson, Haley Lawrence, Jenna-Kay Nash, Erin O'Sullivan, Emma Ring, Sahar Saramani, Noah Stanley, Santana Strickland, Lauren Thomas, Andrew Trump, Sydney Tucker, CaSara Vanover, Owen Vogelsong, Jamison Wall, Molly Weiner, Colin Wiley, Amberlie Wilson, David Young.

2024 Congressional Art Competition in Ninth District announced

The 2024 Congressional Art Competition in Ninth District of Southwest Virginia is now accepting submissions from high school students.

"Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors the Congressional Art Competition for high school students," said U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va. "It's a great opportunity to see the artistic talents of Southwest Virginia students, one of whom will have the chance to have his or her work displayed in the Capitol. Last year, Katelyn Wheatley of Carroll County High School won the Congressional Art Competition in Virginia's Ninth Congressional District. Her artwork is entitled 'Highland Ponies.'"

"The theme for this year's contest is 'Landmarks of Virginia's Ninth District.' I look forward to seeing how the young artists of the Ninth District will use their talents in exploration of this theme," Griffith said.

Interested students must submit a photograph of their original artwork to either the Christiansburg or Abingdon district office by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 15 for consideration. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed student information release form, which is available by contacting a Ninth District office or visiting https://morgangriffith.house.gov.

The winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year. In addition, the second and third place selections will be on display in one of the Ninth District offices.

To read the complete listing of rules and guidelines or download the Student Release Form for the Congressional Art Competition, please visit https://morgangriffith.house.gov. Faculty or students with any additional questions about the competition may contact Josh Hess at (540) 381-5671 or by email at josh.hess@mail.house.gov.

Read Aloud WV of Mercer County presents: Leap Into Science

PRINCETON — Kids in Mercer County are preparing to explore the wonders of Wind and Weather during Leap Into Science on Tuesday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. Families can look forward to a whirlwind of experiments exploring the mysteries of wind and weather, according to an event press release.

The event is scheduled to be held at the Seminar Center located at the back of MCTEC on 1397 Stafford Drive in Princeton. The program is sponsored by Read Aloud WV of Mercer County, Inc, Mercer County Board of Education, Craft Memorial Library and the Princeton Public Library.

Supplies are limited, and families need to be registered to take part. To register, contact Craft Memorial Library at 304-325-3943, Princeton Public Library at 304-487-5045 or visit the libraries' websites. Each child between the ages of 3 and 5 requires a separate form. If you have any questions, feel free to email mercerreadaloud@gmail.com or reach out to the libraries for further details.

Read Aloud WV of Mercer County is a non-profit (501c3) organization that aims to introduce children to the joy of reading through various programs at home and school, fostering a lifelong love for learning and enhancing West Virginia's educational foundation. For more details, contact 304-325-3943 or email mercerreadaloud@gmail.com.

Craft Memorial Library is situated at 600 Commerce Street, Bluefield, WV 24701. Princeton Public Library is located at 920 Mercer Street, Princeton, WV 24740.

Explore Princeton's website at https://princetonlibrarywv.com.

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com