ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥

BLUEGRASS: Mountaineer Opry hosts a bluegrass concert featuring Blue Debut Bluegrass at 7 p.m. Friday, June 13, at Cabell County 4-H Camp and Conference Center. Admission is $15 and $5 ages 12 and younger. Concessions are available.

NUMBER 2: Jozlend Tucker, Huntington native receiving a Master of Science in Public Health from Marshall University earlier this year, is the second to graduate as a direct result of Wellpoint West VirginiaÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s $1 million investment in building the stateÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s future health care workforce through a grant to Marshall University. She is also an MPH graduate assistant, contributing to programmatic activities within the department and enriching educational experience. Congratulations on being a grant recipient to aid in future studies.

IN FASHION: Project Hope for Women and Children, directed by Kathleen Maynard, MA, LPC, hosts the second Hope Blooms fundraiser at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at Marshall Health Network Arena, grand ballroom. The book-themed event, “A Chapter in My Story,” features a brunch and family fashion show. Tickets are $125. Proceeds support the costs associated with housing, utilities and essential amenities at the facility. For tickets, visit , or Sara Schultz-Britt of MHN Foundations, Sara.Schultz-Britt@mhnetwork.org or 304-781-4444.

THE 30TH: The 30th Distinguished Drinko Fellow, the John Deaver Drinko Academy for American Political Institutions and Civic Culture, was named in early May at Marshall University. Congratulations Christopher M. White, Marshall University history professor originally from California, for being a recipient of the highest faculty honor bestowed by the university, for which the Fellows receive a stipend and financial and clerical support from the academy for two years. More than 170 faculty, staff, administrators and community members attended the 2025 Drinko Symposium in Huntington, whereby Montserrat Miller, Drinko Academy executive director, presented the award.

LIVE MUSIC: The 9th Street Live Summer Concert Series, hosted by Kindred Communications, continues Friday, June 13, at 303 9th St. Featured are Massing and Sockdolager. Admission is free. Food trucks are available.

PRAYERS: Following a fall at his home a few days ago, Ray Vance, long-time pastor at GuyandotteÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Fifth Avenue Freewill Baptist Church, was hospitalized after suffering broken ribs and bones in feet. After a couple rough days, heÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s more alert. In fact, it was told he told jokes and sang to the hospital staff. Ray has been special to my family for a long while and know he is one of the greatest gospel singers of all time. Prayers that this faithful pastor has minimal pain from the upcoming treatments and other issues brought on by this unexpected fall.

CONCERT: HeinerÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Dutch Miller Automotive Group iHeart Summer Concert Series has kicked off the season. This week at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at Pullman Square, music is provided by The Might Fine. Admission is free. Other sponsors include Armstrong, Community Trust Bank, Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery, CJ Hughes and K&B Pest Control.

40? Is it true that Carolyn Byrd Williamson has a daughter turning 50 years young Wednesday, June 11? Michelle Yvonne Byrd Shafer, a Huntington East High School Class of 1985 graduate, began working in the mother-baby unit at Cabell Huntington Hospital in July 1994, before her present position as scheduling coordinator with the hospitalÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s float pool department. HereÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s praying for a happy one filled with surprises and continuation of GodÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s many blessings.

IN MEMORY: Carter Taylor Seaton, the woman with many talents including authoring several books and winning several awards, is remembered in a celebration of life from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 15, at Huntington Museum of Art. Carter passed away December 23, 2024, at age 83. Those attending are asked to share stories, cherished memories and fun events remembering her. A retrospective exhibit of her art, paintings and books are featured. Reservations are accepted by contacting Dorothy Ann, 304-638-8046.

TODAYÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™S BIRTHDAYS: Cassie Clatworthy hits the big 5-0, Patti Shaver, Elsie Pruett, Robert Young, Sharon Gross, Betty Sargent, Zoe May, Fran Howard, Jeff Townsend leaves the 50s behind for number 60, Cory Maynard is closer to 50 at 47, Christopher Keith Evans and twin sister, Brianna Rose Evans, turn 22, Wanda Clark, Jesse Logan Hawks still in the 20s at 28, Stephanie Esque turns 42, Clay Maddox, Aimee Carr, Colton Davis, Mike Folio, Greta Huggins, Gabriel Marinich.

TODAYÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™S ANNIVERSARIES: Clyde and Dee Mount, Jeff and Lisa Riley, Roger and Tracy Waugh, Bill and Somer Hollaway, Mark and Donna Landin.

CHUCKLE: The man arrived promptly at 9:30 a.m. for his appointment with the doctor. An hour and a half later, he finally saw the doctor. Afterward, the doctor gave him this advice: Avoid sitting for a long time. The patient grumbled, ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThe only time I do that is when I come here for an appointment.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�