Larry Belcher's guest appearances

Larry Belcher

The WV Podcast -West Virginia's Podcast

Jennifer Garner

Bill Richardson

Pearl S. Buck

Lawrence Kasdan

George Brett

Woody Williams

Homer Hickam

Booker T. Washington

Brock Davisson

Tonya Kouns-Holbrook

Jimmy Dickens

OwlTail

On Episode 15 of The WV Podcast, We have some Christmas memories contributed by Larry Belcher, owner of the "All Of Us West Virginians" group on Facebook, and we talk about a few traditions of our own. ---------------------------- Welcome to The WV Podcast, West Virginia's Podcast. This show features the great state of West Virginia and stories of the amazing people who make it such a wonderful place to live. Your hosts are Jeff &amp; Dee Holbrook. Let's tear down the negative hillbilly stereotype that has been assigned to us by the national media. Let's tell our own story. Maker Of The Rain, our theme music, was composed and performed by Tonya Kouns Holbrook, a lifelong West Virginia resident. ------------------------------ Merry Christmas! We hope you have a Wonderful Holiday Season.Larry Belcher is the owner of the Facebook group "All of us West Virginians". He posted some Christmas memories of when he grew up, and we asked if we could include them in this special Christmas episode of The WV Podcast. Thanks Larry for allowing this to be read on the show.--------------A note from Larry--This was the way it was in the 1950's coal camp up Lynco Holler near Oceana in Wyoming County. The camp is long gone. Every single word of this piece is the absolute truth. My father then my brother then my mother all passed away leaving Sharlene Belcher Cook and her lovely family and I. We had to move on. We had no idea how hard we had it, or dad and mom mostly. As resilient as I like to think I am, I wonder if I could have pulled all that off. As some of you know I have been very very ill for some time and just now getting back on my feet. I have put writing this off for years and years although I can't remember a Christmas that sis and I didn't talk about those ice cold linoleum floors. So this is not only a gift to her, but she and I believe in sharing. I think today they call it paying it forward and I love the concept. I hope you enjoy, those of you who know all so well what I am talking about. Thank you and Merry Christmas. If you have any questions about life growing up in the coal camp drop a line. Share if you wish, just mention your group as you do. --------------------------The Pantry is Full by Larry Belcher, 12/2014 Non-FictionThe pantry is full. fruit, nuts, candy, even pop. Although ice clings to the inside of some of the windows in our coal camp home, it’s a special time. There is a glow from the Warm Morning stove mounted in the middle of the living room and a slight smell of the burning coal, but there is a tree and the scent cloaks any hint of the smoldering ashes. The pine resin leaves a trail throughout the house. The fresh cut tree is decorated with glass ornaments with an angel looking over us from atop the tree. It will take dad probably a year to pay the company store for all this, not counting the other surprises. Dad loved Christmas. Dad loved his family.Of course mom did too as she prepared for what was about to take place. The old wood/coal cook stove, no running water inside our house, truly a labor of love as she stirred Grandma’s recipe for what she called custard. A once a year mix between eggnog, pudding and richer by far than I would ever be. Ham, turkey, cakes,pies, cookies all prepared on the Warm Morning stove. We didn’t know growing up we were dirt poor but we were richer than the coal company owners this time of year. We just didn’t have any cash.There were three of us. I, the middle child, a younger brother and older sister slept in the same room, same bed, under the same quilts. It was so cold inside and out especially when the fire in the stove went out which thanks to dad didn’t happen often. Everything was magical. The smiles stamped on our faces and the anticipation probably made us feel, well a lot like kids. It’s almost time! Oh those tangerines are so good and the walnuts, oh my! Yellow cake with candy type of chocolate icing! We were ready. It’s time to go to bed but who can sleep? Not us, but if we don’t Santa won’t show up! So we force ourselves, and as silly as it might be having sugar plums dance in our head and we didn’t even know what sugar plums were!Suddenly awaken by scuffling in the living room, daring not to get up. We close our eyes and wait, wait, wait! It’s only 5 in the morning and dad is stoking the Warm Morning. Wait, wait, wait! Now we get the “Come on” nod now that dad’s got the living room warmed up. And the first thing we see is the tree twinkling with the old tube looking lights. Our feet hit the floor and suddenly we can’t move and it’s as if we can’t breathe! That linoleum floor is so, so, so cold but it will not stop us from making the few steps from the bedroom to the living room.My oh, my oh my … just look at this! My first guitar, Lone Ranger and of course cowboy outfits complete with six shooter cap guns. Tina, sis’s doll, a jeep, a Chevy, drums and toys as far as my five year old eyes could see! It’s all just lying in the floor between the tree and the Warm Morning. My oh my, oh my and it’s all ours! Sis and brother don’t think we will be causing much of a fuss with each other today eh ? I can feel today what that felt like, not poor today. Poor dad, working in 24 inch high coal, for another year to pay Santa his due. Ah, now what do we hear? Mom had sneaked away for a little while and she is calling us to the kitchen, we can play later.Wait a minute, what is that ? Ham, eggs, biscuits, gravy and milk! We eat it down. Biscuits and gravy is still today my favorite food. Ok mom tricked us, she put something in the food cause we are getting very, very sleepy. It couldn’t have been the anticipation of the “big eyes” at night could it ? Ok back to our wonderland. Ok we gotta take a nap. Not because we want to or anyone told us to. Our eyes just quit working. We nod off listening to Silent Night, the First Noel and all, those beautiful mournful Christmas songs soulfully flowing from the old 33 1/3rd records.A short nap, but now it’s time for some down home play time. I love you dad, mom and brother, whom I hope are celebrating in Heaven and Sis, we might be miles apart but you will forever be in my heart! I love you all! Merry Christmas from the past, the present and the future. The Pantry remains full. ------------------------------------------------------One of our cherished family traditions, as the family gathered for Christmas was my father, Floyde Holbrook, reading the Christmas Story from the Bible. He turned 81 last week, and I wish we could hear him read it on Christmas again, but we are separated, living in various states. I would like to read Luke Chapter 2, verses 1 through 20 in honor of my father and mother and the way they raised us all. I hope my parents, who have been married 55 years will have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year. We could never thank you both enough. 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.-----------------------------------------------------Find Links to subscribe to The WV Podcast at wvpodcast.com. Instead of the normal ending for the show, just let us wish you all a Happy and meaningful Christmas and bright and wonderful New Year.-----------------------------------------------------New Short Links to subscribe to the show! http://holbrooknewmedia.com/iTunes http://holbrooknewmedia.com/androidhttp://holbrooknewmedia.com/stitcher We just started a YouTube Page! http://holbrooknewmedia.com/youtube ------------------------------------------------------- If you are shopping at Amazon, use this link to get there: http://holbrooknewmedia.com/amazon Shop as normal, and by referring you to them, we get a small commission to help with expenses of media hosting, equipment, and travel associated with the show. It costs you nothing extra! http://holbrooknewmedia.com/amazon ------------------------------------------------------- Thanks so much for listening to The WV Podcast, West Virginia's podcast. Come to wvpodcast.com and let us know what you think of the show. On the website there are links to subscribe. You can also email your comments and suggestions to feedback@wvpodcast.com http://holbrooknewmedia.com/itunes Let's Tell Our Own Story.

On Episode 15 of The WV Podcast, We have some Christmas memories contributed by Larry Belcher, owner of the "All Of Us West Virginians" group on Facebook, and we talk about a few traditions of our own. ---------------------------- Welcome to <a href="http://wvpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The WV Podcast</a>, West Virginia's Podcast. This show features the great state of West Virginia and stories of the amazing people who make it such a wonderful place to live. Your hosts are Jeff &amp; Dee Holbrook. Let's tear down the negative hillbilly stereotype that has been assigned to us by the national media. Let's tell our own story. Maker Of The Rain, our theme music, was composed and performed by Tonya Kouns Holbrook, a lifelong West Virginia resident. ------------------------------ Merry Christmas! We hope you have a Wonderful Holiday Season.Larry Belcher is the owner of the Facebook group "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/602694456486155/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All of us West Virginians</a>". He posted some Christmas memories of when he grew up, and we asked if we could include them in this special Christmas episode of <a href="http://wvpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The WV Podcast</a>. Thanks Larry for allowing this to be read on the show.--------------A note from Larry--This was the way it was in the 1950's coal camp up Lynco Holler near Oceana in Wyoming County. The camp is long gone. Every single word of this piece is the absolute truth. My father then my brother then my mother all passed away leaving Sharlene Belcher Cook and her lovely family and I. We had to move on. We had no idea how hard we had it, or dad and mom mostly. As resilient as I like to think I am, I wonder if I could have pulled all that off. As some of you know I have been very very ill for some time and just now getting back on my feet. I have put writing this off for years and years although I can't remember a Christmas that sis and I didn't talk about those ice cold linoleum floors. So this is not only a gift to her, but she and I believe in sharing. I think today they call it paying it forward and I love the concept. I hope you enjoy, those of you who know all so well what I am talking about. Thank you and Merry Christmas. If you have any questions about life growing up in the coal camp drop a line. Share if you wish, just mention your group as you do. --------------------------The Pantry is Full by Larry Belcher, 12/2014 Non-FictionThe pantry is full. fruit, nuts, candy, even pop. Although ice clings to the inside of some of the windows in our coal camp home, it’s a special time. There is a glow from the Warm Morning stove mounted in the middle of the living room and a slight smell of the burning coal, but there is a tree and the scent cloaks any hint of the smoldering ashes. The pine resin leaves a trail throughout the house. The fresh cut tree is decorated with glass ornaments with an angel looking over us from atop the tree. It will take dad probably a year to pay the company store for all this, not counting the other surprises. Dad loved Christmas. Dad loved his family.Of course mom did too as she prepared for what was about to take place. The old wood/coal cook stove, no running water inside our house, truly a labor of love as she stirred Grandma’s recipe for what she called custard. A once a year mix between eggnog, pudding and richer by far than I would ever be. Ham, turkey, cakes,pies, cookies all prepared on the Warm Morning stove. We didn’t know growing up we were dirt poor but we were richer than the coal company owners this time of year. We just didn’t have any cash.There were three of us. I, the middle child, a younger brother and older sister slept in the same room, same bed, under the same quilts. It was so cold inside and out especially when the fire in the stove went out which thanks to dad didn’t happen often. Everything was magical. The smiles stamped on our faces and the anticipation probably made us feel, well a lot like kids. It’s almost time! Oh those tangerines are so good and the walnuts, oh my! Yellow cake with candy type of chocolate icing! We were ready. It’s time to go to bed but who can sleep? Not us, but if we don’t Santa won’t show up! So we force ourselves, and as silly as it might be having sugar plums dance in our head and we didn’t even know what sugar plums were!Suddenly awaken by scuffling in the living room, daring not to get up. We close our eyes and wait, wait, wait! It’s only 5 in the morning and dad is stoking the Warm Morning. Wait, wait, wait! Now we get the “Come on” nod now that dad’s got the living room warmed up. And the first thing we see is the tree twinkling with the old tube looking lights. Our feet hit the floor and suddenly we can’t move and it’s as if we can’t breathe! That linoleum floor is so, so, so cold but it will not stop us from making the few steps from the bedroom to the living <a href="http://room.My" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">room.My</a> oh, my oh my … just look at this! My first guitar, Lone Ranger and of course cowboy outfits complete with six shooter cap guns. Tina, sis’s doll, a jeep, a Chevy, drums and toys as far as my five year old eyes could see! It’s all just lying in the floor between the tree and the Warm Morning. My oh my, oh my and it’s all ours! Sis and brother don’t think we will be causing much of a fuss with each other today eh ? I can feel today what that felt like, not poor today. Poor dad, working in 24 inch high coal, for another year to pay Santa his due. Ah, now what do we hear? Mom had sneaked away for a little while and she is calling us to the kitchen, we can play later.Wait a minute, what is that ? Ham, eggs, biscuits, gravy and milk! We eat it down. Biscuits and gravy is still today my favorite food. Ok mom tricked us, she put something in the food cause we are getting very, very sleepy. It couldn’t have been the anticipation of the “big eyes” at night could it ? Ok back to our wonderland. Ok we gotta take a nap. Not because we want to or anyone told us to. Our eyes just quit working. We nod off listening to Silent Night, the First Noel and all, those beautiful mournful Christmas songs soulfully flowing from the old 33 1/3rd records.A short nap, but now it’s time for some down home play time. I love you dad, mom and brother, whom I hope are celebrating in Heaven and Sis, we might be miles apart but you will forever be in my heart! I love you all! Merry Christmas from the past, the present and the future. The Pantry remains full. ------------------------------------------------------One of our cherished family traditions, as the family gathered for Christmas was my father, Floyde Holbrook, reading the Christmas Story from the Bible. He turned 81 last week, and I wish we could hear him read it on Christmas again, but we are separated, living in various states. I would like to read Luke Chapter 2, verses 1 through 20 in honor of my father and mother and the way they raised us all. I hope my parents, who have been married 55 years will have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year. We could never thank you both enough. 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.-----------------------------------------------------Find Links to subscribe to The WV Podcast at <a href="http://wvpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wvpodcast.com</a>. Instead of the normal ending for the show, just let us wish you all a Happy and meaningful Christmas and bright and wonderful New Year.-----------------------------------------------------New Short Links to subscribe to the show! <a href="http://holbrooknewmedia.com/iTunes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://holbrooknewmedia.com/iTunes </a><a href="http://holbrooknewmedia.com/android" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://holbrooknewmedia.com/android</a><a href="http://holbrooknewmedia.com/stitcher" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://holbrooknewmedia.com/stitcher</a> We just started a YouTube Page! <a href="http://holbrooknewmedia.com/youtube" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://holbrooknewmedia.com/youtube</a> ------------------------------------------------------- If you are shopping at Amazon, use this link to get there: <a href="http://holbrooknewmedia.com/amazon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://holbrooknewmedia.com/amazon</a> Shop as normal, and by referring you to them, we get a small commission to help with expenses of media hosting, equipment, and travel associated with the show. It costs you nothing extra! <a href="http://holbrooknewmedia.com/amazon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://holbrooknewmedia.com/amazon</a> ------------------------------------------------------- Thanks so much for listening to <a href="http://wvpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The WV Podcast</a>, West Virginia's podcast. Come to <a href="http://wvpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wvpodcast.com</a> and let us know what you think of the show. On the website there are links to subscribe. You can also email your comments and suggestions to feedback@wvpodcast.com <a href="http://holbrooknewmedia.com/itunes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://holbrooknewmedia.com/itunes</a> Let's Tell Our Own Story.

Larry Belcher Christmas Memories and A Few Of Our Own -WVP015

On Episode 7 of the WV Podcast, our famous West Virginian is Mary Lou Retton, and Jeff is having a conversation with Larry Belcher about his childhood growing up near Oceana, WV. Larry also attended Marshall University and was housed in the same dorm as many of the Marshall Football Team who were lost in the horrible plane crash on November 14, 1970. Larry is the owner of the "All of Us West Virginans" group on Facebook.   This episode is sponsored by Skylight Media in Vienna, West Virginia.     Welcome to the WV Podcast, West Virginia's Podcast. This show features the great state of West Virginia and stories of the amazing people who make it such a wonderful place to live. Your hosts are Jeff &amp; Dee Holbrook. Let's tear down the negative hillbilly stereotype that has been assigned to us by the national media. Let's tell our own story.   Maker Of The Rain, our theme music, was composed and performed by Tonya Kouns Holbrook --------------------------------------------------------     Jeff was interviewed by Joel Hiscutt on the travel podcast, "Look Like A Local". It is a show that interviews a local resident of a town to find out what local restaurants, attractions and hidden gems are available so a tourist who visits will look like a local resident, knowing exactly where to go and what to do. Great concept for a show! http://bit.ly/charlestonwv1 http://bit.ly/charlestonwv2   Jeff was also part of The Podcasters Roundtable Round 56. It's a roundtable discussion with Ray Ortega, Daniel J. Lewis and Dave Jackson, and then including 2 or 3 other podcasters for discussion of various topics of podcasting. This time Jeff was joined by Lex Starwalker who does gaming based podcasting. --------------------------------------------------------   Skylight Media is a team of photographers, videographers, audio engineers and editors dedicated to making high quality media products at an affordable price. Based in Vienna, WV, we provide photography and videography services for events, weddings, reunions, concerts and more. We love what we do and we want you to love it too! We will accomplish this by providing a pleasant experience and a product you will be happy with and proud to share!   Skylight Media 3201 13th ave Vienna, wv 26105 304-916-0146    Look for their page on Facebook!   The Website:  http://www.skylightmedia.com/   https://www.facebook.com/SkylightMediaWV All of the contact info will be available on wvpodcast.com. Look for Episode 7.     ---------------------------------------------------------   Mary Lou Retton (born January 24, 1968) is a retired American gymnast. At the 1984 Summer Olympics, she was the first American to win a gold medal in the individual all-around competition, as well as two silver medals and two bronze medals. Her performance made her one of the most popular athletes in the United States.   That year she was named:   -Sports Illustrated Sportswoman of the Year -Associated Press Female Amateur Athlete of the Year -Women’s Sports Foundation Athlete of the Year and received the -American Academy of Achievement Award   Other competitive victories included being the only woman to win three American Cups (1983 -85), the only American to win Japan’s prestigious Chunichi Cup (1983), two U.S. Gymnastics Federation American Classics (1983 84), and the All Around title at both the 1984 National Championships and Olympic Trials. After Mary Lou retired from competitive gymnastics in 1986, she attended the University of Texas at Austin.   Retton was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, of Italian heritage (her family's original surname was "Rotunda"). Her father, Ronnie, operated a coal-industry transportation equipment business. She attended Fairmont Senior High School, but graduated through correspondence courses. [3] She competed in the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles, California during her sophomore year of high school.[4] In 1997, Retton was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.[ She was the first female athlete to be featured on the front of a Wheaties cereal box, and General Mills reported an increase in sales as a result.   Her web site is marylouretton.com.   -------------------------------------------------------- Larry Belcher Interview: Childhood near Oceana, WV, and his experience being a Marshall Student and band member at the time of the devastating plane crash. ------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------   There is a new menu item on our website titled Partner Sites. If you select it, you will find links to websites we have a close relationship with, such as the All of Us West Virginians Facebook group. The mission of this group is the same as ours, to provide information and promotion of the Great State of West Virginia, and stories of the wonderful people who are connected with it. Next time you are on Facebook, check out the All of Us West Virginians page!   -------------------------------------------------------

On Episode 7 of the<a href="http://wvpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> WV Podcast</a>, our famous West Virginian is Mary Lou Retton, and Jeff is having a conversation with Larry Belcher about his childhood growing up near Oceana, WV. Larry also attended Marshall University and was housed in the same dorm as many of the Marshall Football Team who were lost in the horrible plane crash on November 14, 1970. Larry is the owner of the "All of Us West Virginans" group on Facebook. This episode is sponsored by Skylight Media in Vienna, West Virginia. Welcome to the WV Podcast, West Virginia's Podcast. This show features the great state of West Virginia and stories of the amazing people who make it such a wonderful place to live. Your hosts are Jeff &amp; Dee Holbrook. Let's tear down the negative hillbilly stereotype that has been assigned to us by the national media. Let's tell our own story. Maker Of The Rain, our theme music, was composed and performed by Tonya Kouns Holbrook -------------------------------------------------------- Jeff was interviewed by Joel Hiscutt on the travel podcast, "Look Like A Local". It is a show that interviews a local resident of a town to find out what local restaurants, attractions and hidden gems are available so a tourist who visits will look like a local resident, knowing exactly where to go and what to do. Great concept for a show! <a href="http://bit.ly/charlestonwv1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/charlestonwv1</a> <a href="http://bit.ly/charlestonwv2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/charlestonwv2</a> Jeff was also part of <a href="http://holbrooknewmedia.com/2015/08/27/jeff-was-on-podcasters-roundtable-round-56/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Podcasters Roundtable Round 56</a>. It's a roundtable discussion with Ray Ortega, Daniel J. Lewis and Dave Jackson, and then including 2 or 3 other podcasters for discussion of various topics of podcasting. This time Jeff was joined by Lex Starwalker who does gaming based podcasting. -------------------------------------------------------- Skylight Media is a team of photographers, videographers, audio engineers and editors dedicated to making high quality media products at an affordable price. Based in Vienna, WV, we provide photography and videography services for events, weddings, reunions, concerts and more. We love what we do and we want you to love it too! We will accomplish this by providing a pleasant experience and a product you will be happy with and proud to share! Skylight Media 3201 13th ave Vienna, wv 26105 304-916-0146  Look for their page on Facebook! The Website:  <a href="http://www.skylightmedia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.skylightmedia.com/</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SkylightMediaWV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/SkylightMediaWV</a> All of the contact info will be available on <a href="http://wvpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wvpodcast.com</a>. Look for Episode 7. --------------------------------------------------------- Mary Lou Retton (born January 24, 1968) is a retired American gymnast. At the 1984 Summer Olympics, she was the first American to win a gold medal in the individual all-around competition, as well as two silver medals and two bronze medals. Her performance made her one of the most popular athletes in the United States. That year she was named: -Sports Illustrated Sportswoman of the Year -Associated Press Female Amateur Athlete of the Year -Women’s Sports Foundation Athlete of the Year and received the -American Academy of Achievement Award Other competitive victories included being the only woman to win three American Cups (1983 -85), the only American to win Japan’s prestigious Chunichi Cup (1983), two U.S. Gymnastics Federation American Classics (1983 84), and the All Around title at both the 1984 National Championships and Olympic Trials. After Mary Lou retired from competitive gymnastics in 1986, she attended the University of Texas at Austin. Retton was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, of Italian heritage (her family's original surname was "Rotunda"). Her father, Ronnie, operated a coal-industry transportation equipment business. She attended Fairmont Senior High School, but graduated through correspondence courses. [3] She competed in the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles, California during her sophomore year of high school.[4] In 1997, Retton was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.[ She was the first female athlete to be featured on the front of a Wheaties cereal box, and General Mills reported an increase in sales as a result. Her web site is <a href="http://marylouretton.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">marylouretton.com</a>. -------------------------------------------------------- Larry Belcher Interview: Childhood near Oceana, WV, and his experience being a Marshall Student and band member at the time of the devastating plane crash. ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------- There is a new menu item on our website titled Partner Sites. If you select it, you will find links to websites we have a close relationship with, such as the All of Us West Virginians Facebook group. The mission of this group is the same as ours, to provide information and promotion of the Great State of West Virginia, and stories of the wonderful people who are connected with it. Next time you are on Facebook, check out the All of Us West Virginians page! -------------------------------------------------------

Mary Lou Retton & Larry Belcher's Childhood Near Oceana, WV, and the Marshall Plane Crash