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The Resort at Glade Springs - Golf
Unlimited Golf Package - Three Courses
Available March 25 through December 5, 2012. Includes overnight deluxe accommodations, breakfast, unlimited golf, including cart rental (up to 54 holes) on the Cobb, Stonehaven and Woodhaven Courses. Package also includes range balls, and club cleaning and storage and unlimited tennis on the outdoor courts. Read More
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The Resort at Glade Springs - Spa
Winter Relief Spa Package
Available midweek through March 31, 2012 and November 1 - December 21, 2012. Winter Relief Spa Package includes three days and two nights accommodations, breakfast and 50% off all spa services. Read More
Spa Getaway Package
Available midweek April 1 -October 31, 2012. Spa Getaway Package includes three days and two nights accommodations, breakfast and 50% off all spa services. Read More
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The Resort at Glade Springs - Family
Pre-Pay and Save Promotion
Available December 9, 2011 - March 24, 2012. Save up to 44% off regular rates by pre-paying for the reservation. Promotion does NOT include ski lift tickets. Read More
Spring Break Package
Available April 9 - 27, 2012. Includes overnight deluxe accommodations and breakfast. Up to 2 children 12 and under, if staying in the same room with adults, stay and eat breakfast free. Read More
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The Resort at Glade Springs - Seasonal
There are currently no special offers available.
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The Resort at Glade Springs - Military Rates
Military Rate
Available January 1 - March 24, 2012. 50% discount from our normal rates. Rates start at $39.00 per person, per night. Read More
Military Rate
Available March 25 - December 25, 2012. 25% discount from our normal rates. Rates start at $45.00 per person, per night. Read More
Military Rate for Memorial Day
50% discount off normal room rates for all past and present members of the US Military. Rates start at $53.50 per person, per night. Read More
Military Rate for Veteran's Day
50% discount off normal room rates for all past and present members of the US Military. Rates start at $39.00 per person, per night. Read More
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The Resort at Glade Springs - Calendar of Events
Murder Mystery Weekend
February 03, 2012 - February 04, 2012. Are you looking for a weekend of excitement, entertainment, and mystery? Join us for Glade Springs first ever Murder Mystery Weekend! Friday, February 3rd It is the 10th reunion of the Class of 1952 from Eisenhower University... One twin is murdered and it is up to the audience to detect who is guilty of this crime! Break out your poodle skirts, 45's and DAs because rock and roll is here to stay as we shake rattle and roll the night away with dancing, music, comedy and murder! Saturday, February 4th Film critic and gossip columnist Louella Novella turns up dead, and the reaction of the premier attendees is of joy, not despair. Flappers, gangsters, bootleg whiskey and a very discrete speakeasy called "Big Vinny's", is roaring with the fun and fantasy that was the 20's! Read More
Winterfest
February 03, 2012 - February 05, 2012. Enjoy resort wide activities and discounts only during Winterfest dates! Read More
Winterfest
February 10, 2012 - February 12, 2012. Enjoy resort wide activities and discounts only during Winterfest dates! Read More
Winterfest
February 17, 2012 - February 19, 2012. Enjoy resort wide activities and discounts only during Winterfest dates! Read More
Easter Brunch
April 08, 2012. Join us for our annual Easter Celebration Buffet. The Easter Bunny stops here every year for the young ones and is planning a bigger egg hunt for 2012. Read More
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The Resort at Glade Springs - Press Releases
THE RESORT AT GLADE SPRINGS OFFERS INCREDIBLE SKI SPECIAL
The Resort at Glade Springs is offering a valuable savings for skiing enthusiasts and those ready to enjoy all of the outdoor excitement at Winterplace Ski Resort. Read More
THE RESORT AT GLADE SPRINGS HIRES RENEE JINKINS
Daniels, WV - January 12, 2012 – The Resort at Glade Springs, one of Southern West Virginia’s largest all purpose, four-season resorts, announced today that Renee L. Jinkins has been hired as a regional sales manager. This new position was created to expand the resort’s business and sales offerings to corporations and businesses. Ms. Jinkins, who will be based in Raleigh, NC, brings more than eight years of dedicated experience in identifying and attracting new clients to significant hotel locations. Her prior experience includes serving as senior sales manager for the corporate and association market for the Sheraton Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC for Richfield Hospitality, senior corporate sales manager for The Westin Lombard, Lombard, IL for Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and sales manager for Hyatt Lisle, Lisle, IL for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. Her experience includes success in attracting business within the corporate, association and government markets. “Renee’s broad experience and success as a senior sales manager, coupled with her wide range of exceptional relationships within the field, gives her broad perspective on opportunities to attract groups, corporations and association business to The Resort at Glade Springs and Southern West Virginia,” said Elmer Coppoolse, CEO of EMCO Hospitality. We are very excited that Renee is joining our sales team and look forward to expanding our client base through her efforts.” Ms. Jinkins received her Bachelor of Arts in English degree from the University of Missouri. Her professional affiliations include membership in the Society of Government Meeting Professionals; Illinois Society of Association Executives; Meeting Professionals International; and Meeting Professionals International Chicago Area Chapter. About The Resort at Glade Springs: The Resort at Glade Springs is a full service destination resort offering travelers a memorable mountain escape where they can enjoy a variety of accommodations, meeting facilities, outdoor adventures and recreational options while decompressing and being themselves. Its’ ideal Southern West Virginia setting provides the total package of outdoor mountain fun, world class golf, ski, equestrian, tennis and spa services that offers great value and surpasses expectations. The Resort at Glade Springs is owned by Jim Justice, who also owns the fabled Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. www.gladesprings.com Read More
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT BLACK KNIGHT COUNTRY CLUB HAS MOVED TO THE RESORT AT GLADE SPRINGS
Daniels, WV (January 10, 2012) – The weekly Sunday Brunch formerly offered at Black Knight Country Club is now offered in The Rotunda at The Resort at Glade Springs. Prepared by Chef Bill Wolfe, brunch will be offered in The Rotunda at the Inn from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The sumptuous brunch includes an omelet and waffle station and a full complement of traditional breakfast favorites. Luncheon items will include seasonal offerings prepared by the chef and a variety of side dishes to delight any palate. The brunch includes a variety of fresh juices, coffee and a selection of teas. Mimosas, champagne cocktails and wine are offered at an additional charge. The cost of the brunch is $17.50 per person exclusive of tax and gratuities. Reservations for parties of less than eight do not require reservations. Black Knight Country Club, acquired by Jim Justice last year, is now operated by The Resort at Glade Springs and has closed for renovations taking place over the winter. The Resort at Glade Springs is located on Route 19 five miles south of Beaver. For more information please visit www.gladesprings.com or call 304-763-2000. ##### About The Resort at Glade Springs: The Resort at Glade Springs is a full service destination resort offering travelers a memorable mountain escape where they can enjoy a variety of accommodations, meeting facilities, outdoor adventures and recreational options while decompressing and being themselves. Its’ ideal Southern West Virginia setting provides the total package of outdoor mountain fun, world class golf, ski, equestrian, tennis and spa services that offers great value and surpasses expectations. The Resort at Glade Springs is owned by Jim Justice, who also owns the fabled Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. Read More
ROMANTIC VALENTINE’S DINNER AT THE RESORT AT GLADE SPRINGS INCLUDES A COMPLIMENTARY GUEST ROOM
Daniels, WV (January 6, 2012) – The Resort at Glade Springs is offering a complimentary guest room to accompany a romantic dinner for two at Glade’s Grill on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2012. Space is limited so make your reservation early. The four course candlelit dinner will feature presentation of a red rose to each table. The cost of the dinner is $59.99 per person excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be placed by calling 304-763-2000. Guest room check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is 11:00 a.m. Early check-in or late check- out times can be arranged for an additional fee. Spa Orange at the resort is offering a special on couples massages and a Valentine’s Package consisting of a massage, pedicure and an express manicure. The spa specials or a Spa Orange gift certificate make an ideal gift for that someone special. For more information on Spa Orange gift certificates and appointments call 304-763-0877. The Resort at Glade Springs is located on Route 19 five miles south of Beaver. For more information please visit www.gladesprings.com or call 304-763-2000. About The Resort at Glade Springs: The Resort at Glade Springs is a full service destination resort offering travelers a memorable mountain escape where they can enjoy a variety of accommodations, meeting facilities, outdoor adventures and recreational options while decompressing and being themselves. Its’ ideal Southern West Virginia setting provides the total package of outdoor mountain fun, world class golf, ski, equestrian, tennis and spa services that offers great value and surpasses expectations. The Resort at Glade Springs is owned by Jim Justice, who also owns the fabled Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. ##### Valentine’s Dinner Menu First Course (Choice of) Oysters on the Half Shell Horseradish Crème Fraiche, Mandarin Orange, Tobasco Vinaigrette OR Baked Brie Puff Pastry, Raspberry Coulis, Candied Pecans OR Sundried Cherry Risotto Parmesan Asiago, Cream, Black Truffle Second Course (Choice of) Caesar Salad Romaine Hearts, Garlic Croutons, Parmesan OR Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tartlets Crostini, Garlic, Cilantro, Olive Oil OR Mint and Cucumber Ceviche Dijon Mustard, Goat Cheese Teardrop Tomatoes, Greek Yogurt Third Course (Choice of) Veal Osso Bucco OR Chicken Rollatini Asparagus Bundle wrapped In red pepper with Polenta Timbale Port Wine Reduction Fourth Course (Choice of) Stuffed Strawberries Vanilla Cheesecake Milk Chocolate, Candied Hazelnuts OR Cannoli Sweetened Ricotta, Chocolate Chips, Red Raspberry Reduction Read More
The Resort at Glade Springs presents a murder mystery weekend featuring two murder mystery dinners.
On February 3 and February 4, 2012, The Resort at Glade Springs will offer a Murder Mystery Weekend featuring two murder mystery dinner events. On February 3, 2012 the dinner mystery will feature an exciting plot taking place in 1962. It is the 10th reunion of the Class of 1952 from Eisenhower University. The plot focuses on the murder of one twin brother on the occasion of the anniversary and includes a detailed cast of characters whose lives have been intertwined with secrets and betrayals. It is up to the audience to detect who is guilty of this crime. Dinner guests are encouraged to dress from the era of 1962 as the evening will rock and roll with an evening of dancing, musical comedy and murder. The following evening, February 4, 2012 will find the audience at “The St. Valentine’s Massacre” the occasion of the screening of a silent film in 1927. An elaborate cast of characters, including well known husband and wife film stars, Valentino Giuliana and Lacy LaRue headline the cast. Film critic and gossip columnist Louella Novella turns up dead and the reaction of the premiere attendees is of joy, not despair. Flappers, gangsters, bootleg whiskey and a very discrete speakeasy called "Big Vinny's", is roaring with the fun and fantasy that was the 1920’s. Rudolph Valentino may be dead, but Valentino Giuliani is not, at least not yet. Attendees are encouraged to dress from the era. Reservations are available to attend one or both of the mystery dinners. A five-course dinner will be served during the mystery presentation. The cost of dinner per person for one night is $75 and for both events the cost per person is $120. This amount includes tax and gratuity. Tickets are available for persons age 16 and older. Rooms at the resort are available for one or both evenings and rates start from $155 per person, per night. For guests wishing to book spa appointments, it is recommended to book in advance of arrival. The Resort at Glade Springs offers a Kids Night Out from 6-10 pm for ages 4-12 on both Friday and Saturday night at our Camp Glade Facility which includes dinner and kid friendly activities. The event is from 7-10pm. For more information please visit www.gladesprings.com or call 855-486-2148. ##### About The Resort at Glade Springs: The Resort at Glade Springs, in Southern West Virginia, is a full service all-season destination resort offering travelers a memorable mountain escape where they can enjoy a variety of accommodations, meeting facilities, outdoor adventures and recreational options while decompressing and being themselves. Its’ ideal Southern West Virginia setting provides the total package of outdoor mountain fun, world class golf, ski, equestrian, tennis and spa services that offers great value and surpasses expectations. Read More
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The Resort at Glade Springs - Glade Springs News
Glade Springs expands "Fright Nights" for 2011
DANIELS — The Resort at Glade Springs is making another attempt to “scare the yell out of” Halloween thrill-seekers for a worthy cause with its second annual “Fright Nights” celebration Oct. 21 - 30. Back by popular demand, this year’s amped-up schedule of activities features a scarier-than-last “Terror on the Gorge” haunted trail, with a selection of tamer activities, like family-friendly hayrides, a “haunted” horse-drawn carriage ride, an authentic magic and illusion show and ghoulish grub. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to support United Way of Southern West Virginia. “We are really excited about this year’s event and the trail. It’s bigger, scarier and more of a thrill,” states Glade Springs Creative Director Ashley Davis. As screams echo along the dusky trail, hayrides will traverse the wooded resort grounds, showcasing spooked-out home exteriors, the culmination of a community-wide decorating contest. Friday, Oct. 28th, designated “College Night,” caters to everyone, but offers all college students presenting school IDs $5 off individual haunted trail passes. Also featured Friday is “The Jason Bishop Show,” a palooza of prestidigitation, set to amaze audiences for $25 per person for advanced purchase ticket-holders only. From 4 - 6 p.m. Oct. 30, the resort hosts a “no-scare” Trick or Treat down the trail, one parents and children can experience minus spooks and screams— just a few “friendly” monsters handing out treats. “We are most excited to continue our Fright Nights events and look forward to thrilling as many people as possible!” said Mary Jo Klein, spokesperson for the resort. “Fright Nights was so popular last year that we look forward to building new elements into the event every year. It is a pleasure to be able to entertain our guests and know that a portion of the proceeds benefits the local United Way.” The resort encourages guests to fuel up before activities with an early dinner at Bunkers Sports Bar or Small Talk Café, while seasonal menu items featuring lighter, themed fare will be made available near the entrance to the haunted trail. Guests should wear weather-appropriate gear and closed-toe shoes or boots for walking. Access to the haunted trail is $15 per person; Halloween hayrides and carriage rides are $5 per person, with a special “fast track” pass available for an additional $10. Tickets will be sold on site at Small Talk Café from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. $1 of each ticket will be donated to the United Way of Southern West Virginia, Inc. For more information, please call The Resort at Glade Springs at 304-763-2000, or visit www.gladesprings.com — or “like” frightnightswv on Facebook for updates and chances to win free tickets and giveaways. By: Lisa Shrewsberry Lifestyles Editor The Register Herald Read More
Relax and Ride
Nature lovers, horse enthusiasts, romantics or those just looking to decompress after a long week can find solace and relaxation with the Equestrian Center at The Resort at Glade Springs. “The fall foliage is beginning to appear, especially in the next few weeks. What a great time to go on a trail ride or a carriage ride,” said Mike James, director of golf and recreation. With the scent of fall in the air, it’s a great time to take advantage of the resort’s expansive 4,100 acres, he said. The Equestrian Center has a variety of riding and terrain options open to the public, from hand-led horse rides for children, trail rides and riding lessons to carriage rides. Many people took advantage of winter sleigh rides; carriage rides offer the same romantic experience under a colorful tree canopy, James explained. “Our lessons are a lot of fun for kids and adults, any age, anyone interested in learning to ride a horse,” he said. Riders of all levels can take off on the Silver Spur Trails for 30 to 90 minutes of a guided trail ride. For a two-hour ride, visitors can head down the Sunset Trail. The marked trails meander along mountain streams and hills, offering great vantage points to see the fall colors. Equestrian Manager Cindy Tabor describes the center as a “family-oriented place to come and hang out.” “It’s drama- and stress-free, and kids are always welcome,” she said. The Equestrian Center is also allowing the pubic to board horses on a select basis. Tabor said board includes a full, 12-by-12-foot stall with matted floors, a free choice of hay in the field or in the stall, and daily turnout. Boarders can also purchase a number of upgrades, she said. Boarders can use the trail system, the round pin and a large arena, added James. For more information on boarding a horse, contact Tabor at 304-763-5200, and to learn more about activities offered through the Equestrian Center, call 866-562-8054 or visit www.gladesprings.com. Also, The Resort at Glade Springs looks forward to another Fright Night to benefit United Way. Haunted carriage rides are available at this event to be held Oct. 21-23 and 28-30. By: Sarah Plummer Register-Herald Reporter Read More
Attendees may join cast in murder mystery
DANIELS — The Resort at Glade Springs is preparing a blood red-carpet evening of mystery, murder, mayhem, secrets, scandal and sensation. Imagine just leaving the Oscars and attending a formal after-party dinner only to discover there’s been a murder, and you have to solve it. Glade Springs Murder Mystery Dinner Theater will give attendees the chance to feel like stars, detectives and, for some, suspects Sept. 3. Creative Director Ashley Davis explained guests will walk the red carpet while paparazzi snap pictures. Once settled, guests will receive a fantastic four-course meal with a choice between filet mignon or chicken breast as the entree. In between courses, she said, guests must use their detective skills to figure out “who done it.” Some guests may be cast as suspects without knowing it, so those planning to attend should be prepared for anything, she said. “The evening is going to be a lot of fun. It’s a comedy with mystery, and if you buy a ticket to the event, you might just become a part of it,” Davis said. The event is for ages 16 and up, but those who purchase Murder Mystery Packages will receive a complimentary Kid’s Night Out for up to two children ages 4 to 12, she said. The package, starting at $150 per person, also includes one night’s accommodation Sept. 3, breakfast and a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater ticket. Semi-formal dress is suggested. For reservations or for more information, contact The Resort at Glade Springs at 866-853-5728. By: Sarah Plummer Register-Herald Reporter Read More
Hickam's 'living the dream' message captured in musical
— It’s the epic tale of an American venture that verges on parable: the sons of West Virginia coal miners who turn their trajectories skyward, spurred by Sputnik to build homemade rockets and launch themselves out of a quaint but collapsing way of life. The boyhood story of Homer Hickam Jr. — celebrated in the motion picture “October Sky” — is now recounted in “Rocket Boys — The Musical,” which premiered this weekend in Raleigh County. Theatre West Virginia launched the maiden musical production Friday evening to a packed audience at Cliffside Amphitheatre in Grandview Park overlooking the New River Gorge. It’s the story of Hickam, who grew up in Coalwood in McDowell County in the 1950s. His fascination and talent for building model rockets ultimately led him out of the Appalachian coalfields to a career as an aerospace engineer at NASA. The highly touted musical, already the winner in the Academy for Musical Theatre’s “Search for New Musicals” competition, began Friday and will continue through Sept. 4, except for Monday evening when no performance is scheduled. Prior to the musical’s debut, some 300 people gathered at The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels to welcome Hickam and three other famous rocket boys at the Pre-Show World Premier Dinner and Reception. Hickam availed himself to a throng of well-wishers and patrons eager to get an autographed copy of his best-selling novel “Rocket Boys.” “The event served as an opportunity for the audience to meet the real-life Rocket Boys and some performers from the musical in advance of the show,” explained TWV’s marketing director Kandace Clay. “We wanted to give people a chance to speak to Hickam and his boyhood companions and some of the cast members before attending the performance.” Hickam and other Rocket Boys Roy Lee Cooke, Jimmy O’Dell Carroll and Billy Rose were greeted at the hour-long reception at the resort. Another of the original Coalwood group, Quentin Wilson of Texas, was unable to attend the reception. --- How did the musical come about and wind up making its debut in Raleigh County? Hickam explained that a few years ago he was sent a proposed stage play and some music on a CD, but said he almost dismissed the idea. “I had been approached before by several other playwrights, and I felt I didn’t have time to get involved in another lengthy project,” he recalled of the proposal. “I started to throw it away but just decided at the last moment to put the CD in and listen to it for a moment. And, lo and behold, I was absolutely blown away by their talent and what they had done.” Talks currently are under way for a Broadway production, but first the musical will be presented to audiences in other U.S. locations. Carl Anthony Tramon is co-author of the musical. He collaborated with his brother and sister-composer/lyricist Dan Tramon and Diana Belkowski. Carl Tramon also plays the lead character, Sonny. He says it’s a compelling story of triumph despite incredible obstacles. He also lauded Hickam for his incredibly illustrative and flowery language and flair for creating humor. The story of “Rocket Boys,” meanwhile, particularly the way Hickam wrote it, really is the story of family. “It’s the story of this little town and the people of that little town who lived in very hard economic times during the national recession of the 1950s,” the writer said, adding: “We’re very happy that the show made its introduction at Grandview, located in the heart of the coalfields. When you think about it, Coalwood is just a few miles down the road in McDowell County, and this is the first audience to see the show. If it pleases audiences here, we think it’ll work elsewhere.” The acclaimed author also noted that the Grandview debut was the first time the directors and producers were able to view the show in its entirety with costumes, props and stage sets. As for the show itself, the musical is a lively and lyrical production that deals primarily with Hickam’s boyhood gang of friends and their inventive, adventurous exploits set around Christmas 1959. Like Hickam’s first memoir, which was made into a successful movie, it is a study of the town of Coalwood and how a fast-moving world affects a small community resistant to change and the plight of an introspective teenage boy in its midst. The musical conveys experience and a reminiscent tone, while at the same time sounding so full of youthful exuberance that viewers will be certain they hear the voice of the teenage adventurer himself. The theater performance also captures the tricky teenage years in Coalwood, where the faces of coal dust-caked miners represent dreams denied. Even so, Hickam’s character “Sonny” beats the odds by launching a make-shift rocket a mile into the sky, an exploit that makes his efforts seem poignantly heroic. --- Hickam, now 68, left Coalwood some 40 years ago to build rockets for the Army and NASA. Not bad for a miner’s son from an Appalachian coal town. Still, even now, the modest and plain-spoken former NASA aerospace engineer sounds stunned when he describes his literary accomplishments. “I feel like I’ll wake up one day and it’ll all have been a dream,” he said. The success of “Rocket Boys” is just the icing on the cake for Hickam. Writing itself is the real reward and true payoff. His autobiographical novel “Rocket Boys: A Memoir” was a No. 1 New York Times best-seller. The work is studied in many American and international school systems, and was the basis for the popular Hollywood film “October Sky.” But being an aerospace engineer was a big step for a kid from a mining town, and being a writer seems like an even bigger step for Hickam. How did it happen? “When I was in the third grade, my teacher told me that someday I would make my living as a writer,” the author recalled of his creative genesis in elementary school. “I wrote stories, and the teacher loved them. She’d make copies and distribute them all over the school.” After returning from Vietnam in 1968, Hickam got the urge to write about his war experiences. Later, in the 1970s the veteran scuba instructor published works on wrecks off North Carolina’s coast. Even while designing rocket systems and training astronauts for the Army Missile Command and NASA during his 17-year career as an aerospace engineer, Hickam managed to carve out some valuable time for his writing. “If you love to do something, you just do it,” he said. “I’d get up at 5 a.m. every morning and work for a couple of hours or so before I’d go off to work. Then when I came home, I would usually work for two or three more hours.” --- Again, Hickam stressed that it was the music that caused him to think twice about collaborating with directors and producers on the new stage musical. “When ‘Rocket Boys’ came out and was a best-seller and they made the movie, I had playwrights come down from New York but I didn’t have time for it. Then I got this package in the mail: a different art form with lovely music, and I thought let’s try to make this happen; it’s been a five-year project, the first show is still in the works, and this will be the first time we have had the props and sets and the costumes to see how it really works.” He added, “This is a test audience, and we hope to learn a lot during the course of the week. This is the process of Broadway shows; we’ll probably go to Dallas, and Chicago and San Diego and L.A., and every time we’ll learn something new; it’s great, though, that our first show is going to be in a big outdoor theater. If it works here, it will work anywhere.” Is there anything in the musical that reminds Hickam of his boyhood? “The basic thread of this tale is that it is a father and son story. It’s the story of a son who is doing whatever he can to gain the love of a distant father, and that strikes the chord with a lot of us, especially those of us who had fathers who came out of the World War II generation or the post-World War II generation. “They were fathers who went out to work and put a roof over your head ,and it was up to the moms to provide the hugs and the attention. That is the strongest thread running through the story and throughout the musical. That’s why I like this story so much; it’s about a boy who is trying to get his father to pay attention to him.” How does Hickam account for the undercurrent of humility that is evident in his literary work? “Everyone in Coalwood and McDowell County always taught their kids not to get puffed up, so we don’t know how to get puffed up. If you got puffed up, you were going to get smacked down.” Hickam explained that he is surprised at how many letters and e-mails he receives each month from readers who claim to have gained a measure of inspiration from his work. “We get letters from people from around the world who say they were inspired by this or that story in the book,” the author said. “I guess they figure that if someone can do it from McDowell County in West Virginia, they should be able to get out and make something of themselves … They feel that they can do it too. I didn’t write the book for that purpose, but I am proud of that, and I am glad that readers do take inspiration from it.” Is there anyone who comes to mind who took particular inspiration from his book? “I was at the Air Force Academy a few months ago, and I had a dozen freshmen come up to me and say that the reason they were there was because of the Rocket Boys. I didn’t know if they were bragging or complaining…” What advice would he give to youngsters today? “I try to tell kids to find their passion, something that turns the crank — whether it’s wanting to be a NASCAR mechanic or just a good father; sometimes it’s hard to find out what your passion in life is, but that is what it takes…” What questions is he frequently asked while he is on the speaking circuit? “What most people really want to know is about my family. What happened to my dad and my mom? Do you and your brother still get along? Family-oriented questions like that, and I really appreciate those questions…” Oddly enough, a few decades after rockets flew over Coalwood, the town’s mine closed. But by then Homer Hickam Jr. was a NASA engineer. And yet, his memoir honoring both earthbound miners and their sons who gazed into space is required reading for many high school and junior high age students. It’s a timeless theme of a young man in search of his father’s attention. That theme is essential, in many ways, for Hickam in understanding the American Dream. By: John Blankenship for The Register-Herald Read More
Triathlon slated for Saturday
Triathlon enthusiasts from West Virginia and many surrounding states will once again converge on The Resort at Glade Springs Saturday for the Charlie Williamson Memorial Triathlon. The USA Triathlon-sanctioned event, which features a swim, bike race and run, will get under way at 9 a.m. It’s the fourth year for the triathlon, which honors the memory of one of its original planners. Dr. Williamson died tragically in a bicycle-car accident while training for the event. Action begins with a 750-meter swim in Glade’s Chatham Lake. Competitors will finish the triangular course, leave the water and sprint 10 yards to their bicycles. The 12-mile bike course is a loop around the resort, featuring some steep climbs with beautiful views of the area. Intersections will be protected by police and volunteers. The bike portion will end near the golf clubhouse. The triathlon concludes with a 5K run that is a one-lap loop. The course is fairly level with no major hills. There are aid stations located every 1 1/2 miles. Entry fees are $80 for individual participants and $110 for relay teams. Online registration has closed, but on-site registration is available Friday and Saturday. Non-USAT registrants must pay an additional $10 fee. The triathlon is limited to 200 competitors, who must be at least 10 years of age. All participants must complete the race in under three hours. David Williams, of Durham, N.C., is the two-time defending champion. He completed last year’s race with a time of 1:07.9. Williams bounced back from a stress fracture in his femur, a broken scapula and a torn labrum in his hip to compete in three major triathlons this year, including Ironman Austria last month. Glenville State College student Krystle Bailey was last year’s overall women’s winner. She had finished second in 2009. A separate 5K run will be held at noon at Glade. The Register Herald Read More
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