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Square dance calling — the spoken instructions said over the music — makes participation easy. But there are other aspects — like the prevalence of gendered language such as “ladies and gents” — that can make square dancing an unwelcoming or confusing space. One group of friends in the Appalachian square dance scene are taking action to make the tradition more welcoming for all participants.
New Documentary Honoring The Legacy Of Woody Williams To Premiere This Weekend
Woody Williams: An Extraordinary Life of Service premieres Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. on WVPB TV and online.Jan Kunicki/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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Updated on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.
Watch Saturday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m. on WVPB
CHARLESTON,WV: To commemorate Veterans Day in West Virginia, West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) proudly releases a new documentary about the life of Medal of Honor recipient, Woody Williams titled, Woody Williams: An Extraordinary Life of Service. The show will air Saturday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m. on WVPB. You can also watch the program on WVPB Passport and our YouTube channel.
The front of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Charleston, West Virginia.The back of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Charleston, West Virginia.
Photos courtesy of Jan Kunicki/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
The documentary chronicles the life of Hershel ‘Woody” Williams, America’s last living World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. William’s life was dedicated to God, family, country and perhaps above all, service. In 2022, Williams passed at the age of 98, and would lie in honor at both the West Virginia State Capitol and the US Capitol.
“Woody Williams: An Extraordinary Life of Service has been a great project for our video production team and showcases their talent in telling West Virginia’s story,” commented Interim Executive Director Eddie Isom. “We hope everyone learns about Mr. Williams’ commitment to his community that went way beyond his military service. We hope this hour-long documentary is an inspiration to others.”
The documentary shares how Williams at the age of 85, formed the Woody Williams Foundation, dedicated to honoring and helping Gold Star Families. Through the work of the foundation, there are now Gold Star Families Monuments in every state.
You can watch and stream this and other award-winning shows online at wvpublic.org, on our YouTube channel, or by downloading the WVPB app. It’s free and available in the Apple App Store or via Google Play – just search for West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Kara Vance, a physical education teacher for both Alum Creek Elementary and Kenna Elementary in Kanawha County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting's Above and Beyond Award for October, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.
The West Virginia Public Broadcasting Foundation, Inc. has received one of 60 grants recently announced by Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. (YCF).
This week on Inside Appalachia, we pick up a little light reading at the Johnson City Zine Fest. And… Grab your dancing shoes and learn about a movement to make square dance calling more inclusive. Also, the perils of playing the spoons.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) is now live streaming on Hulu + Live TV, one of the nation’s largest streaming services for live television with more than 4.5 million subscribers. Hulu + Live TV’s subscribers will now have access to inspiring and educational content created by the WVPB production team, along with PBS favorites.