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["Joanna Gusta (November 13, 1931-March 9, 2020) was a Wheeling, WV native and elder in Wheelings Greek community. She was an alumni of Bethany College a member of St. John, The Divine Greek Orthodox Church. In this interview, she speaks about her memories of the Greek community in Wheeling, and the Wheeling immigrant community in general. Her obituary is pasted below. Joanna Gusta, 88, resident of Wheeling, WV, passed away Monday, March 9, 2020 at Good Shepherd Nursing Home.She was born in Wheeling on November 13, 1931, daughter of the late Gero and Helen Papazoglou Gusta George. After her fathers passing, Joanna and her mother resided with the John Anast family in Wheeling until Mrs. Gustas marriage to Mike George.Joanna was a graduate of Bethany College and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, Theta Chapter. She retired in 1988 with 30 years of service with the WV Department of Occupation working in the Employment Security and Unemployment Compensation Department. Prior to her employment with the State of WV, Joanna was employed at Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company in the Export Department. She was a member of St. John, The Divine Greek Orthodox Church where she was a longtime member and former director of the church choir and was a volunteer for church activities. She was a member of the Wheeling Civic Garden Center and a volunteer for the tax preparation group at the Ohio County Library. Most of all, Joanna was a beloved neighbor and friend.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Mike George. Surviving are two cousins, Rev. and Mrs. Stephan Knight of Santee, CA and Desi Gallmeister of Los Gatos, CA."]

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["Maria Kayafas has been the Greek dance instructor at the St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Wheeling for 25 years. She grew up in Kent, Ohio. In this interview, she talks about her family background and heritage, her experience as a Greek dancer and dance instructor, and the community at St. John the Divine."]
["Maria Kayafas has been the Greek dance instructor at the St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Wheeling for 25 years. She grew up in Kent, Ohio. In this interview, she talks about her family background and heritage, her experience as a Greek dancer and dance instructor, and the community at St. John the Divine. Learn more about the Wheeling Grecian Fest: http://www.grecianfest.com/"]
["Pam Makricosta (b. September 1, 1953, Steubenville, OH) is a lifelong resident of Weirton, WV and librarian at Mary H. Weir public library. Her parents were immigrants of Greek descent. Makricosta has hosted a Greek language radio show out of Steubenville, OH for over 43 years."]
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery.  Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation.  Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened.  Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant.   I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved.  I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices.  Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother.  My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos.  It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef.  I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete.  We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here.  I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here.  If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask.                                                             ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery.  Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation.  Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened.  Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant.   I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved.  I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices.  Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother.  My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos.  It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef.  I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete.  We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here.  I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here.  If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask.                                                             ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery.  Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation.  Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened.  Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant.   I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved.  I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices.  Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother.  My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos.  It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef.  I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete.  We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here.  I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here.  If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask.                                                             ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery.  Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation.  Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened.  Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant.   I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved.  I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices.  Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother.  My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos.  It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef.  I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete.  We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here.  I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here.  If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask.                                                             ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery.  Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation.  Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened.  Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant.   I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved.  I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices.  Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother.  My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos.  It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef.  I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete.  We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here.  I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here.  If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask.                                                             ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]