City Faces in Different Places
By Julie Perine on September 08, 2019 from City Faces
This week’s City Face is a musician, an adventure seeker and loves a weekly pizza party with her neighbors. Meet 2006 Bridgeport High School graduate Sarah Rolland VanKirk.
How long have you lived in Bridgeport? If not a lifelong resident, tell me what brought you here.
I was born in Clarksburg, but my parents/grandparents have always lived in Bridgeport. I started attending Simpson Elementary in the 3rd grade. I moved to Bridgeport when I was 17 and have lived here ever since.
Are you married, have kids? Tell me about your family.
I have been married to my husband, Josh, for seven years. We have four extraordinary children, one who is a foster child. Ezra is 11 years old and is in 6th grade at Bridgeport Middle School. Connor is 5 and is in kindergarten at Johnson Elementary, Kayleah-Jane is 3 and attends Miss Lucy’s Preschool and our foster son is 16 and a sophomore at Bridgeport High School.
What about pets?
We have one dog, Bruno, who just turned a year old. He is a red-tick coon hound mix. He is Connor’s best friend. Bruno also has a K-9 best friend, Hermione, our neighbor's dog.
Where do you work and what do you do there?
I work for MSES Consultants, Inc; Corrosion Products Division. I am the Office Manager and contact for the clients of our division.
What are your hobbies/favorite past times?
I really enjoy music! I started singing when I could talk, and picked up guitar at age 15. I was also a member of the BHS band. I started playing flute in elementary school. I also picked up mellophone in high school and played that during marching season. Additionally, I have been involved in rock climbing competitions and speed skating competitions. My husband and I are avid cavers (spelunking). We go on multiple trips each year to explore various caves in WV.
I have been exposed to many fun things, thanks to my dad. I started rock climbing in elementary school and "free climbed" - without ropes or harnesses - to the top of Humphreys, head of Seneca, when I was 8.
Favorite Bridgeport spot?
Hinkle and Deagan Lakes
What do you like about Bridgeport … why is this a good place to live?
The community here is amazing! Particularly, I think I live in the best neighborhood in town. We enjoy a weekly pizza/fire night with our neighbors. Everyone is always so helpful, when needed. I couldn’t ask for a better place to raise our children.
One – or more – of your favorite memories of something that took place in Bridgeport ...
Friday Night Football is always a favorite in Bridgeport! I live close enough that I can hear the fans cheering from my house, if I can’t make it to the game. I also love the parades and extra activities that are put on for the community.
What is your favorite WV spot outside of Bridgeport?
Seneca Rocks
How about your favorite place outside of WV?
Deep Creek, Maryland
What are some of your favorite things? Food/restaurant? Favorite color? Music genre/artist?
Julios in Glen Elk is my favorite restaurant. My favorite color is teal. My favorite music artist is Amy Lee, but I listen to all genres of music. I grew up listening to Pink Floyd, The Eagles, even some Lyle Lovett, and Simon and Garfunkel. I really can’t pin down a favorite genre.
What is your best childhood memory?
Hitting waffle balls with golf clubs in my grandma’s backyard and my grandma teaching me to dance in the kitchen. When I was really little, I would stand on top of her feet as she made up different rhythms and we would dance.
Interesting fact about you and/or something you would like to add…
I am the Secretary of the Harrison County Republican Club. I really enjoy being active in local/state politics, and networking with many of our elected officials. I love being a part of helping our community, and thinking of ways to make it even better.
