Meet this week's City Face Mike Hess. 

 

How long have you lived in Bridgeport? If not a lifelong resident, tell me what brought you here.

Other than college in Morgantown and a year in Kanawha City, I have lived in Bridgeport my whole life.

 

Are you married, have kids? Tell me about your family.

I’ve been married to Beth for 25 years and we have three kids: Harrison, age 20; Madison, age 19 and Allison who will be 18 in May.

 

What about pets?

We have two dogs, Ginger and Rylee.

 

Where do you work and what do you do there?

I am a family medicine physician who is getting ready to start a practice in Grafton at Pinewood Medical Center.  I am in my 23rd year of medical practice.

 

What are your hobbies/favorite past times?

I have been a musician since about age 10, mainly guitar, piano and drums/timpani.  I also enjoy hiking and fly fishing. My wife and I have been to 23 National Parks to hike.

 

Favorite Bridgeport spot?

My favorite spot in town is my backyard.  We are really close to the schools and the City Park which we enjoy almost daily.

 

What do you like about Bridgeport? Why is this a good place to live, raise a family?

Bridgeport is really special to me because people really care about their town; neighbors helping neighbors and staying involved in every aspect of the town. School events, churches, city hall and community celebrations are always packed with participants.  We can’t leave our doors unlocked like we used to, but it is still a safe place to raise a family. 

 

What is your favorite West Virginia spot outside of Bridgeport?

I really feel at home at Seneca Rocks and especially the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River.  So many great childhood and adult memories with my wife and kids — hard to beat.

 

What about your favorite places outside of West Virginia?

My top three National Parks have to be Yellowstone, Glacier and Yosemite.....don't make me pick just one!

 

What are your favorite foods, restaurants, color, music, other favorites?

I like all the old restaurants like Twin Oaks, Oliverio’s and the Wonder Bar, but a lot of new restaurants are in my wheelhouse as well.

 

It’s hard to pick a favorite genre of music. I like all music that is done well - and is interesting to listen to and challenging to perform.

 

What is your best childhood memory?

I have too many great childhood memories to list, but would have to include playing music and football, fishing and making house calls with Dad.

 

Interesting fact about you/anything you would like to add?

I am proud of my wife and kids and love them dearly, and I am proud to be a West Virginian.

 

Editor's Note: Mike is founder of the Children's Instrument Recycle Program, "CHIRP," which collects used band instruments for repair and restoration. Those instruments are then distributed free of charge to fifth through eighth graders in need throughout several West Virginia counties.