Appalachian Outreach is hosting the Appalachian Community Breakfast on Feb. 15, 8–9:30 a.m. building 2, room 2334. During this breakfast, guests can enjoy a large variety of breakfast foods, including sausage, biscuits and gravy, fruit bowls, and lots more. Along with the country breakfast, students will learn about current events in the Appalachian community and connect with other students.
Robert Martin from the American Cancer Society will attend the breakfast as a guest speaker. He is coming to share information about current research that focuses on people from the Appalachian heritage within southwest Ohio. They will be conducting a free colorectal screening. Participants will receive a $25 gift card.
Other topics discussed during breakfast will be the efforts of Southwest Ohio to improve the lives of people in Appalachian communities and how guests can help. Also, plans to celebrate Appalachian Heritage Week, Apr. 10-14, will be revealed. After these discussions, the floor will be open to the community to share any information or concerns. Then, it is time to connect.
“After all the formal business is complete, we just visit and enjoy each other,” said Nora Stanger, coordinator of Appalachian Outreach. “Although this is a time to discuss current events, it is also a time for students to learn more about their heritage.”
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“The other things that we hope to discuss at this breakfast are the efforts that are happening in southwest Ohio to encourage the buildup, to promote the efforts that are taking place to improve the lives of people within Appalachian communities, and ways that we can support them,” she said.
According to Stanger, other events this semester are Appalachian Heritage Week. April 10-14. We are going to do photo displays, crafts, and other activities. We will have our Appalachian Music Festival on that Thursday night.
“We want to serve our students,” said Stanger. “So many students from our heritage don’t have a solid connection to what I call “back home.”
This event allows students to connect with others in the Appalachian community and become connected to their heritage. They can hear about the experiences and history of other people in the community. They will gain a better understanding of where they came from. Connecting Appalachian students to their community is not the only purpose of this breakfast; it also connects students of all backgrounds.
As an Academic Advisor, Stanger understands the struggle a lot of students face trying to make friends at a community college. This breakfast provides students with an opportunity to connect with peers in an easy-going environment.
“If you feel like you would love to be with regular people, and not worry about being evaluated, like in your classes, come to the breakfast,” said Stanger. “With us, we’re not evaluating anybody, we’re just taking care of each other.”
Visitors are welcome to walk in for just five minutes to grab a piece of bacon or to stay the entire time. This event is not limited to only students of Appalachian descent, everyone is welcome. If you plan to attend, RSVP here. Contact Nora Stanger for more information.
Marissa Collier
Repoter