This week's Bridgeport City Face is Melinda Webster. Learn more about her by reading the interview below.
How long have you lived in Bridgeport?
I have lived in Bridgeport my entire life, 48 years. My parents moved here in 1977, while my dad did his residency at UHC in Clarksburg. Then they decided to stay because they loved the town and my dad began his private practice.
What are your best memories here?
I have many great memories of this town. Growing up, the neighborhoods were safe, friendly, and our neighbors were like family. Newton Street was home to me. I remember walking down the hill to the Dairy Queen to get ice cream and going to the civic center to the library, which used to be in the upper floor, to check out books to read. I remember hearing the trains go through town every day and the fire departments siren go off when there was an emergency. As a child, we would go to the Hill’s store parking lot to watch fireworks every fourth of July. I also remember walking down the hill with my parents to watch the Christmas parades each year, which was held at night back then. There are so many wonderful memories I have, that I could be here all day to tell the stories.
Tell us a little about you, where you went to school, etc.
I am a 1996 graduate of Bridgeport High School and an avid gardener and beekeeper. My family and my children are my greatest accomplishment and the largest part of who I am and my heart.
Are you married? Tell us about your family.
I have been happily married to my husband, David Webster, for 24 years. He is a 1995 graduate of WI High school. He works for WVU Medicine as a Physician’s Assistant at the Orthopaedic department at UHC. We met at the young age of 19 and never looked back. We have five children, Gavin, Gracie, Aiden, Cullen, and Sara. Our oldest three all graduated from Bridgeport High School and our two youngest are currently in their Junior and Senior years of homeschool. Gavin works at the FBI and volunteers at the Stonewood Fire department. Gracie graduated from Platinum Academy, is a board-certified cosmetologist, works at Ulta Beauty and is in the process of opening her own business here in Bridgeport on Main Street. Aiden is currently attending Pierpont’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program and is working his way through college at Chick fil A. Cullen is in his senior year of homeschool, attending his second year at UTC for welding, and works at McFly’s Outdoor Sporting goods. Sara is in her junior year of homeschool and enjoys keeping in touch with her friends and planning for her future endeavors. We enjoy camping, hunting, trips to the mountains and time on my sister’s farm. We are a close-knit family and enjoy any excuse to get together and have fun. We camp a lot and have spent many years enjoying making memories with our kids. It gave us time to just be together without the interference of cell phones and technology. I love our big family and I always say that it’s like organized chaos but I couldn’t imagine it any other way.
What do you love most about Bridgeport?
One thing I love the most about this city is its ability to change but keep it’s quaint, small-town feel. This town has grown exponentially since my childhood but has still managed to maintain its charm. Neighbors know each other (at least in our neighborhood) There’s always a friendly wave or someone willing to help, if needed. I love the support this town shows for our kids, our safety, and community.
What are your hobbies and pastimes?
I have many hobbies, but the ones that I love most are beekeeping and gardening. It brings me a sense of peace and joy. There’s something satisfying about working hard at something and reaping its rewards. It’s a lot of work, but I have learned a lot and enjoy teaching my kids and others about it.
My hobbies blend with my passions. I have been a beekeeper since 2018. Many years before I was able to actually have honeybees, I always had a fascination with them. So, when I had the opportunity to keep honeybees, I jumped at the chance. I have learned the benefits of those busy creatures and appreciate what they do for me, my family’s health, and my gardens. I also enjoy the fact that I can share this passion with my husband and dad too! Along with beekeeping, I am passionate about a more natural approach to health. So, I do a lot of research on herbs, natural medicine, and how they coincide with how well our bodies are able to heal. It’s fascinating! We have had our fair share of illnesses and it makes me feel good when I know that I can help the ones I love feel better.
What is your favorite color?
Although I love many colors, my favorite color is periwinkle. It’s a beautiful purplish-blue color. It’s calming and beautiful on flowers. I have all my bee hives painted in this color because honeybees are naturally attracted to this color.
What do you like to watch on TV?
I enjoy watching Yellowstone, but when I’m unable to watch it, I enjoy watching British shows like The Crown, Downton Abbey, and Bridgerton. I also enjoy a good comedy, like Tyler Perry’s Madea movies.
What music do you listen to?
I do enjoy listening to KLOVE and good country music, but I also enjoy music by P!NK and a few classic rock bands. I love music, so it’s hard to nail down just one!
What are your favorite foods?
I like all kinds of foods. I enjoy good seafood, Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, sushi, pork and sauerkraut, or a good steak and potatoes, and fresh fruits and vegies.
Do you like to travel? Where have you been or where would you like to go?
I would love to travel, but with a family as large as ours, traveling only got as far as the beach. But I would love to see Ireland, Scotland, and Germany one day.
What is something interesting about you?
An interesting fact about me, I am the daughter of Sid and Marlene Jackson. I’m the oldest of four, but the shortest and smallest. I find solace in praying and reading my Bible. I truly believe that prayer changes things and its one of the best tools that I use when life gets overwhelming. I love being around people but often keep to myself. I’m known as “Mama Webster” to many of my kids’ friends who visit my home often. I always wanted to be a mom, even as a little girl. I’m a mama to two angel babies. I’m known as Aunt Mimi to my nieces and nephews. I believe that you get what you give and to ALWAYS pay it forward when God blesses you!
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