🌱 WVU-P Ross Foundation Donation + Large-Scale Point Park Mural

Hey, friends! It's me, Callie Cook, your host of the Parkersburg Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Variably cloudy and humid. High: 87 Low: 62.
• Saturday: An afternoon t-storm; humid. High: 87 Low: 67.

Here are the top three stories today in Parkersburg:

1. The Ross Foundation has made a historic $10 million donation to West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVU-P) to establish the WVU Parkersburg Technology Center. The funds will be used to purchase and renovate parts of the former Ohio Valley University campus, with a focus on creating a technology-based incubation center and supporting degree programs in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, and mechanical engineering. The gift is the largest ever received by WVU-P and will have a transformative impact on the college and the region's technology sector. (Weirton Daily)
2. Nichole Westfall, a muralist from West Virginia, is completing a large-scale mural at Point Park. The mural has been in progress for almost a year and consists of painted parachute cloth pieces that have been glued together by Westfall and the community. Westfall is grateful for the opportunity to work on such a significant project and appreciates the positive reception from the community, expressing her love for this type of work. She believes that despite the challenges, there is always a reason to pursue meaningful endeavors. (WTAP)
3. David Price began his first day as Executive Director of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (SSAC) with a commute from Charleston to Parkersburg. As he adjusts to his new role, Price is focused on preparing for the upcoming high school athletics season, conducting training sessions for principals, coaches, and officials across the state. He is also addressing the implementation and implications of House Bill 2820, which allows students to transfer schools without losing athletic eligibility and planning to reclassify sports divisions in the future. (WV MetroNews)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Parkersburg:

Friday, July 7

• Point Park Concerts On The River At Point Park (8:00 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• Concert: Kenny G At Peoples Bank Theatre, Marietta (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Calling all car enthusiasts! On Jul. 15 the Appalachian Auto Show will take place at West Virginia Motor Speedway down the road in Mineral Wells. (AARP)
• Camp Vaudeville, a summer apprenticeship program focused on theatre arts, specifically in the style of Vaudeville will begin on Jul. 10. The camp is open to children who have completed second grade up to ninth grade, with classes divided by experience and age. The camp will run through Jul. 15 with daily classes and a final vaudeville show on Saturday evening. The cost of the camp is $175 per child and includes all expenses, including a field trip. (Visit Parkersburg)
• Cinderella will be visiting the nearby Vienna Public Library on Tuesday, Jul. 11 at 2:00 p.m.! Come meet Cinderella while dancing, participating in interactive storytelling and crafts. (Little Glass Slipper WV)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. I'll catch up with you soon with a new update!

— Callie Cook

About me: Callie Cook is a Texas-based freelance writer and content creator with a degree in Sustainable Design, Landscape Design and Agribusiness from West Virginia University.