ATHENS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Concord Charlie did not see his shadow, and the region should expect an early spring, according to the CU prognosticator.
The news was welcomed this snowy morning by faculty, staff, students, alumni, and guests gathered in 1872 Room to enjoy Concord University’s annual Groundhog Day breakfast buffet, hear Charlie’s eagerly anticipated seasonal forecast, and to honor Delnora Reed Acuff ‘96, this year’s Grand Groundhog Watcher. The event was relocated and rescheduled to accommodate inclement weather that persisted on campus, but the event was full of smiles and an air of gratitude.
Delnora was born into a legendary folk music bloodline. Her great-grandfather, Henry Reed, helped craft mountain music’s history, and his fiddle tunes are saved in the Library of Congress to preserve the treasures.
The Princeton, WV, native and Concord alum never knew a time when these rich, mountain tunes didn’t flow through her as sure as her love of home, family, and the faith that shaped her life. Knowing she was destined for a career in Music City, she completed a full communication arts degree in 2 ½ years and headed for Nashville days after claiming her diploma.
There, she’s building a career on a unique blend of country, folk, Americana, bluegrass, and inspiration. Delnora has racked up awards such as “New Artist of the Year,” “Inspirational Song of the Year,” and more at the Inspirational Country Music Awards. Last July, she brought home Music Video of the Year with “Man at the Well” at the International Country Gospel Music Association, with the video featuring footage from the acclaimed faith-based series “The Chosen.”
The Concord Charlie tradition originated in 1978 by the late Professor R.T. “Tom” Hill. As chairman of both the geography department and the Appalachian Studies program at Concord, Hill started the Groundhog Day Breakfast to celebrate a bit of Appalachian heritage and highlight the program.
This year, the event helped support the Concord University Gap Fund, which supports students facing financial emergencies that might leave them at risk of dropping out.
Delnora called the event “positivity with purpose,” as she performed her song “Thankful” and encouraged the audience members to sing along.
She said she was thankful to be back on her campus among friends and family members, remembering the place where she learned who she was as an adult, outside of her parents’ guidance, remembering the teachers who taught her how to assert herself in a positive, respectful way, while still staying true to the beliefs that shaped her.
“You cannot possibly be thankful and negative at the same time,” she said, explaining that she preferred to honor the “giver of her gifts.”
CU President Bethany Meighen closed the event with a brief message, telling the audience that she, too, was thankful — for the community of Mountain Lions that rallied during the recent snowstorm recovery to support the breakfast that morning, to support the launch of the new PA program and cohort, to cheer on new athletic programming, and to rally around every CU student.
If you were unable to attend but would still like to reserve your commemorative Concord Charlie t-shirt, call (304) 384-6067. While supplies last, sales will continue for only $15 each.
