City Faces in Different Places
By Julie Perine on February 21, 2021 from City Faces
This week's City Face is Whitney (Jackson) Chapman. Whitney grew up in Bridgeport and now lives in Johnstown. She is a familiar face in the city, especially at Bridgeport United Methodist Church, where she works as a preschool teacher. Learn all about her here:
Are you married, have kids? Tell me about your family.
I have been married to Jared for 10 ½ years, and we knew each other from attending Bridgeport High School and through mutual friends. After high school we then reconnected many years later, when I was working as a paramedic and he was a professional fire fighter. I always tell people that we three kids with us who are 9, 6 almost 7, and 8 months old, and a sweet angel baby. We live on my husband’s family farm with a lot to keep us busy. Our two older kids love the outdoors and jump at the chance to help go out with their dad and uncle to check feeders and cattle.
What about pets?
Our inside pets are two dogs and a cat. Every once in a while, you might catch baby chicks inside to keep them warm, or the occasional baby calf when they are born during extremely cold temperatures. Outside we have our horse and my sister's horse, and our flock of chickens. The chickens are the kids' favorite animal to take care of, and they have named each one. They come when they are called and will follow you around. Of course, living on a farm, you tend to acquire quite a few animals, so I’m sure our menagerie will continue to grow.
Where do you work and what do you do there?
I am the Assistant Teacher for the Early Learners Three-year-old class at Bridgeport United Methodist Church Preschool. 2019-2020 was my first year and I absolutely love it and everyone I work with. I think the little ones have had a greater impact on my life than I ever expected.
What are your hobbies/favorite past times?
Our chickens have become my biggest hobby within the past year. I am constantly learning and loving being able to teach my kids along the way. I am always looking for a DIY project to do in or around our house and have a growing list of things for this spring and summer. I also really enjoy baking, mainly designing and making cakes for my kid’s birthdays. All of the women in my family are amazing bakers, so I hope I have inherited that gene.
Favorite Bridgeport spot?
I actually have two favorite spots. One is Hinkle and Deegan Lakes, because it is always so beautiful and quiet. The other place is my parents' house. Even though I have my own house now, their place will always immediately feel like home.
What do you like about Bridgeport?
I love the closeness of the community and how involved everyone is. They go above and beyond and will always rally together to help someone in need. A short drive through town to see all of the wonderful lights during Christmas or seeing all of the families outside together on a warm summer night, and anyone can see why Bridgeport is an amazing place.
One – or more – of your favorite memories of something that tookplace in Bridgeport ...
One of my favorite memories was the concert in the park. I think it was one of the first ones they had and it was like the whole town came. Getting to share that with my family was something I will never forget. The best part was sitting on the football field as they let off fireworks overhead. Definitely a great hometown memory.
What is your favorite WV spot outside of Bridgeport?
A favorite spot outside of Bridgeport would be anywhere with water and a view. I enjoy going to Tygart Lake, Valley 
Falls, or Stonewall. It is just peaceful and not a lot of chaos going on. It gives me a chance to stop and relax for a little while.
Falls, or Stonewall. It is just peaceful and not a lot of chaos going on. It gives me a chance to stop and relax for a little while.
How about your favorite place outside of WV?
I would say have to say the Outer Banks or North Myrtle during the summer. I haven’t been in many years, but I loved beach trips with family.
What are some of your favorite things?
It’s not really a thing, but if you ask anyone close to me, they will know how much I love being a mom and value my family so much. I also love Target trips, breakfasts with some of my amazing mom friends, and a really good cup of coffee. hahaha
Food/restaurant?
Meagher’s Irish Pub and El Rey. They are both owned by wonderful local families and our got to places. Though every once in a while, I do like to have sushi.
Favorite color?
Any variation of blue
Music genre/artist?
I mainly listen to The Message on Sirius on my car, but I do listen to some country. My favorite group is For King and Country. The best is getting the hear my kiddos sing their favorite songs.
What is your best childhood memory?
I was just talking to my sister the other day about this. In the summer we would ride our bikes from our house to the Dairy Mart (where MVB Bank is now) to get a slushie and sweets. Then we would bike back home. No matter how tired we were when we got back, it was always worth it.
Interesting fact about you and/or something you would like to add…
I absolutely love doing photography, because you can always look back on a picture and remember how you felt in that exact moment as if time stood still. Also, anyone who knows me knows how much my faith means to me. If it weren’t for my deep-rooted faith and trust in the Lord, I would not be where I am today.
