This week's Bridgeport City Face is Dr. Mike Hess. Meet him here:

 

Thanks, Mike, for being this week’s City Face! How long have you lived in Bridgeport?

Outside of a year in Charleston and 7 years in Morgantown, I’ve lived in Bridgeport my whole life

 

Introduce us to your family …

My wife Beth and son Harrison, daughters Madison and Allison. Beth and I celebrated 27 years marriage in May. The kids are all WVU students living in Morgantown

 

Rylee is our 100# mix rescue dog-what a bark!

 

Tell us what you do for a living…

I’m a physician employed by UHC and see patients at Pinewood Medical Center in Grafton, WV

 

What are your hobbies and pastimes?

I have been a musician since age 6 and play guitar, piano and bass on a regular basis. I had a bicycle wreck last November and am recovering, but hopefully back to playing drums for the BHS Alumni Band this fall as well as Timpani for the Shinnston Community Band around Christmas. I love riding my bike, hiking and fishing too!

 

What is your favorite spot in Bridgeport?

It’s hard to pick one single favorite spot in Bridgeport, but I would have to say the City Park and trail. We have the best Parks and Recs organization and with the addition of the Rec Complex and The Bridge Indoor Center, it’s hard to beat.

 

What do you love about Bridgeport?

Family first. This is the singular aspect since I was a kid and I see it in parents’ eyes today-even the parents I’ve never met!!

 

Favorite Bridgeport memory? Boy, I really miss the Fireman’s Fair.  I love the fact that the Light Up Night and other events that close downtown are so well attended.  Those generate feelings you can’t get just anywhere. 

 

Favorite WV spot (s)?  That’s a tossup between Canaan Valley and North Fork of the South Branch.  I’ve been known to drop all weekend responsibilities and head there on a whim — and have had plenty of vacations to both places. 

 

What about your favorite place outside of West Virginia?

Beth and I and the kids have been to 27 National Parks. Yellowstone, Glacier and Yosemite are my top 3 for the wildlife and the mountains.  We’ve had some great hikes there too!

Favorite foods? Parkette for the best steak hoagies ever. I still get a chocolate shake in the metal container so cold, there is frost on the sides. I love it. 

 

Favorite color?

Midnight blue/dark blue

 

Favorite music/genre?

I’ve been a rock fan for too long to count, but enjoy all genres - especially if it’s well written music - with or without lyrics. 

 

What’s your best childhood memory?  

The anticipation of Dad coming home from the hospital after making rounds and it’s now time to open the Christmas presents.  Literally, noses pressed to the windows. 

 

What’s something important to you?

It’s that time in my life to give back to others; that which was so freely given to me. We collect used band instruments and refurbish them and give them to kids who want to be in band but don’t have the means. Check out the Children’s Instrument Recycle Program at chirpwv.com. I also run a foundation that provides scholarships to young Family Physicians to keep them in WV.  You can learn more at fmfwv.org.

 

What’s a little-known fact about you? 

When I was younger and in shape, I could pull myself up a pole and make myself horizontal — the “vertical pole trick”— was fun at the time. Those were great times!!

 

Mike Hess is pictured with his wife Beth and kids Harrison, Madison and Allison. Also pictured just above (left) is Jacob Ralston.