James Dufford

Jim was born and raised in Butler, Pa and attended the Virginia Military Institute, graduating in May 1990 . Upon graduating, Jim received a commission in the United States Navy and trained as a helicopter pilot. Jim's Navy career spanned 20 years during which time he conducted operations in support of various missions throughout the U.S., Europe, West Africa and the Persian Gulf. He completed his Naval career as Commander, serving on several Navy staffs.   

After Jim's retirement from the Navy in June 2010 he was hired by Science Applications International Corporation. Jim and his wife, Mary Spatafore, live with their three children  in Bridgeport.

Stephanie Hayhurst-Hall

 Stephanie was born and raised in West Virginia. She graduated from Ritchie County High School and attended Marshall University. She received a Bachelor's degree in Education and continued her education at West Virginia University.   After working in the inner city schools in Raliegh, N.C, Stephanie returned to WV in 2003, working with non-profit organizations until 2005 and as Human Resources Manager for Simonton Windows. In 2008 she opened her own business, Stephanie Hayhurst-Hall State Farm Agency. 

Stephanie has served on  boards of non-profit organizations over the years in both Ritchie and Harrison Counties.  Stephanie also is involved in various community service programs and organizations and volunteers her time at local schools, encouraging young people to pursue their dreams and continue their education. 

 Stephanie is married to Jason Hall and has a three year old son, Carson. 

Brian Jarvis

 Brian  is a local attorney and President of The Exponent Telegram.  He is a Harrison County native and graduated from Robert C. Byrd High School in 2001.  Brian attended  Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 2005.  

After graduating, Brian returned to West Virginia to attend the West Virginia University College of Law focusing on business law and taxation.  While there he participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.  He also was a member of the West Virginia Law Review, acting as its Business Editor. 

After graduating  in 2008, Brian worked for Jackson Kelly PLLC in Clarksburg in the business, tax, and estate planning departments. In the fall of 2009, Brian enrolled in the University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law's Master of Laws in Taxation program. Upon graduation in 2010 Brian returned to Jackson Kelly PLLC with his wife, Rachel.  He remained at Jackson Kelly PLLC until the beginning of 2012, when he decided to focus his attention on The Exponent Telegram.

Greg Heffner

 M. Gregory Hefner is Manager, External Affairs for FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy operates locally as Mon Power and serves over 386,000 customers in West Virginia. Greg is a graduate of West Virginia University with a BS in Business Administration and holds an MBA degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He serves as a director for the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Mid Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee. Greg is a member of Simpson Creek Baptist Church and lives in Bridgeport with his wife, Tammy.

During the Annual Dinner the "United Way Pig" made its rounds  during dinner, as it does every year. This year it was filled in memory of our good friend, Mike Kozakewich who started the tradition of passing the pig to jumpstart the new campaign. The pig was  returned with $473 dollars in donations. Thanks to everyone who contributed in Mike's memory.

Welcome and Farewell

At the Annual Dinner ,the President's gavel was passed from outgoing president,  Tim Whalen to  president-elect, Nancy Stinard. Our deepest thanks goes to Tim for his two years of service as the President of the United Way. Welcome to Nancy Stinard and thank you for your willingness to serve.

  Our Generous Contributors

Vsit the United Way's website to see the United Way's corporate and leadership contributors for the 2012 campaign.

  http://unitedwayhcwv.org/corporate.html

June 20th is National Day of Action. This is the opportunity to give back to the many agencies that provide support and services to the community. Many corporations and individuals will come out on June 20 to volunteer their time with United Way and community agencies providing gardening, painting, repairs and cleaning. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the people working  at these agencies, to learn more about programs and services inour community and to make a difference.

For more information and to sign up for this event call the United Way office at 304-624-6337.

AGENCY SPOTLIGHT 

Tina Fowler and Harriet Sutton of Hope, Inc.

Hope, Inc. is a private, non-profit United Way agency that provides shelter and private supportive services for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence and their families. Professional staff and trained advocates provide information, make referrals, discuss alternatives and provide emotional support.

HOPE, Inc. offers a 24 hour hotline, advocacy, emergency shelter, supportive services, professional counseling and group counseling for those victims of assault and domestic violence.

In addition they also offer community outreach and education. They have educators who visit area middle schools who are providing programs in healthy dating relationships, assault and conflict resolution.  Hope also provides children's programs that address bullying, conflict resolution and teasing. Hope feels that early education is the first line of defense against being the victims or the perpetrators of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Hope feels it is important to educate the community about the far reaching effects of domestic violence and sexual assault.

• One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence.
• Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their partner or children
• Every seven minutes a call is placed to a domestic violence hotline nationwide.
• Domestic violence includes emotional, psychological and physical abuse.
• Domestic violence includes child abuse, family violence and elder abuse and they are all against the law.
• Only 26% to 32% of rapes are ever reported to the police.
• Approximately 2/3 of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone known by the victim.
• One in three women has been the victim of sexual assault.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Hope, Inc. has many community events planned during the month of April. For more information on these events or to volunteer with Hope, Inc. contact Tina Fowler at 304-624-9835

Mark Your Calendar

April 12 - Buffalo Wild Wings - 5 - 8 pm

April 20 - NCYL Art Auction

May 19 - Bocce Ball Tournament - Shinnston

June 20 - United Way Day of Action

When you purchase a Kroger Cares Card through the United Way, United Way receives 5% of every dollar loaded on the card. Win-Win! Your Kroger Cares Card, for an initial purchase of $5, will start with an account balance of $5.

To support the United Way of Harrison County on an ongoing basis, reload money onto your card and then use your card each time you buy groceries at Kroger. Kroger will donate 5% .  For more information about Kroger Cares, call the United Way office at 304-624-6337.