Flagpole Dedication

By Trina Barber
Monday, Sept. 19, Student Government organized a new flagpole dedication ceremony on the front lawn.

Dr. Marie Foster Gnage, West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s president, spoke about the history of flagpoles. The Army provided the Color Guard.

“The dedication ceremony was to dedicate the new flagpoles and to kick off the beginning of Troops Week,” said Student Government Vice President Christina Clancey.

Constitution Day

By Erika Westbrook
West Virginia University at Parkersburg held ceremonies on Sept. 19 in the Multipurpose Room, in observance of the first Constitution Day, a national holiday that attempts to increase Constitutional knowledge to students.

Readers Theater, directed by theater instructor Carson Soelburg, began the day’s events with a performance of the Preamble of the Constitution. Following the presentation was a debate regarding the Patriot Act, conducted by speech instructor Barbara Harris. Audience members were given the chance to express their views.

Ron Atkinson, chair of Social Sciences, presented “The Uniqueness of the Constitution,” in which he spoke of exceptional facts about the “oldest functioning constitution.”

Recognition was then given to the local law enforcement and correctional officers that were visiting the campus. Members of the audience questioned the officers on national and local security against terrorists. Also during their visit, officers were given the chance to promote issues such as new child car-seat laws, domestic violence and the Lifesaver Program. Officers also supported the Criminal Justice Organization, which was selling bracelets to raise money to support law enforcement.

At 2:30 p.m., Readers Theater once again performed, followed by a presentation by professional storyteller Tim Dillinger, who closed the ceremonies with a presentation on aspects of the Constitution.

“We are the proudest country of all and have deserved that right,” stated Dillinger.

Constitution Day has been created in response to a law passed by Constitution buff Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) in December 2004 by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislation requires that all educational institutions that receive federal funds provide educational programs relating to the United States Constitution on Sept. 17 of each year. This date was chosen due to the fact that the delegations to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time on September 17, 1787, to sign the U.S. Constitution and presented it to the American public.

Byrd, who is known to carry a copy of the Constitution in his pocket, stated, “Some events define and shape history. . . moving the world into a new path. On September 17, 1787, just such an event occurred when the United States Constitution was signed.”

Constitution Essay Contest

Vivian Carr has won first-place prize in "My Life and the U.S. Constitution," the Constitution essay contest coordinated by Rob Anderson of the WVUP History Department. Kimberly Shinn won second prize, and Scott Chichester third prize. All winning essays are on display in the Multipurpose Room.

Students wrote a 300-word essay on the impact on their lives of a Constitutional Amendment.

Selected faculty members chose the winners, and the prize for first place was a $25 gift certificate to the campus bookstore.    

Poor Abandoned in Hurricane

Opinion
By Katie Deem
Hurricane Katrina has laid open the harsh reality of being poor in the United States. The issue of poverty lingers in the wake of this natural disaster. Since Bush’s appointment to office, poverty has dropped off the nation’s priority list. The deprived appear faceless and nameless because our government does not acknowledge them.

Historically, African Americans have been shut out politically and deprived economically. A white upper class government that intends to stay upper class relies upon the systematic suppression of poor blacks and whites. Though Bush has appointed many African-Americans to high offices, giving the appearance of large minority representation, none readily address the dilemma of being African-American in this country. They do not acknowledge the poverty and alienation that grips black communities.

We live in a country that refuses to identify with the poor, and to acknowledge they exist. The underprivileged want the same opportunities, the same treatment offered to citizens with money. Most white Americans, even poor whites refuse to see the hardships of African-Americans. We can’t see the differences in treatment, in aid, and attention. The millions of poor left stranded in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina prove this. Social programs for black communities to aid the impoverished are downsized. Activist groups lose their spark and become hopeless when the numbers of those in need grow.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 16 percent of Louisiana residents live in poverty. This percentage is among the highest in the country. Nearly percent live without health insurance. And most of these residents are black. According to an article by the Associated Press “census data shows that the residents in the three dozen hardest-hit neighborhoods in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama also were disproportionately minority and had incomes $10,000 below the national average.”

Though many have rushed to the aid of hurricane victims, showing the altruistic nature of Americans in times of crisis, few social services exist to aid impoverished Southerners in times of peace. We have abandoned welfare recipients, poor people, and single mothers. Jonathan Alter from Newsweek quotes Senator Barak Obama as he spoke on the floor of the Senate "I hope we realize that the people of New Orleans weren't just abandoned during the hurricane, they were abandoned long ago-to murder and mayhem in the streets, to substandard schools, to dilapidated housing, to inadequate health care, to a pervasive sense of hopelessness."

Washington’s delayed response shocked the nation. It moved U.S. citizens to a greater understanding of where the capital’s interests lie. In relation to Hurricane Katrina, those concerns are not in the poor of America, the condition of African American communities, or a balance of resources between economic classes. In relation to our country as a whole, those concerns are not in single mothers, the poor of Appalachia or of the inner city, or the communities of the working class and minority groups.

Yet in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, America’s best and worst shines through. While thousands live without food or drinking water, without a home, or even a place to go, others rush to their aid. We have much to improve upon, and yet a great deal for which to be proud. African Americans have risen up out of crisis yet again. They have displayed their ability to adapt and persevere, to thrive and stand strong whether acknowledged or not.

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Voice Your Opinion

If you would like to voice your opinion about a topic, whether it be on campus or off, or you would like to address a letter to the editor, please bring all stories to Room 102A or e-mail the Chronicle staff at wvupchronicle@mywebguide.us.

Elect a Freshman

By Betsy Curry
Freshmen elections are upon us again. Student Government will be electing two freshmen senators. Candidates in the freshmen elections are Angel Buchanan, Daniel Dafo, William Leek, Jason Lindville, Joey Mowrey, Kris Rollyson, and Diana Williams.

Those elected will serve on the Student Government Association Senate. The Student Senate will be responsible for and have the authority to elect from the ranks of the Senate a Student Pro-Tempore to serve as Parliamentarian; appropriate funds to all agencies of the SGA and to such other activities compatible with the general welfare of the appointments made by the majority vote; override a presidential veto by a two-thirds vote of the entire Senate; approve, by majority, presidential appointments to the various campus committees; and request a report from any member of the executive branch of the SGA concerning any matter for which said person is responsible upon concurrence of a majority of senators present at a regular meeting.

Freshmen senators also have the authority to expel an executive officer (according to the bylaws of the SGA constitution), as well as to appoint officers previously approved by the Senate, or a senator of the SGA upon concurrence of a two-thirds vote of the entire Senate; approve all rules governing student elections; require reports from all organizations receiving appropriations from the SGA; review and approve applications for new student organizations; engage in legitimate enterprise for the purpose of gaining revenue for the maintenance of the SGA; establish subordinate offices and committees of the Senate as deemed appropriate; call a special meeting if deemed necessary; serve on at least one SGA committee.

Elections will begin with campaigning Monday, Sept. 19. Campaigning will last all week long. Campaigning on election days must be kept 50 feet away from the polls. Candidates can campaign with, but are not limited to, signs, buttons, and banners. All campaigning must be done in good taste and approved first by the SGA.

Voting will take place Sept. 26 and 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. The polls are located in the hall between the Children’s Room and the library. Any student enrolled at West Virginia University at Parkersburg is eligible to vote. Please vote only once. All students are encouraged to take place in the voting process.

9/11 Remembered

By Robert Walling
The fourth annual September 11, 2001 memorial service was held at the Main Entrance hallway at noon Monday, Sept. 12. “We think it’s important for the campus to take time to remember 9/11,” expressed Executive Director Connie Dziagwa

The ceremony began when President Dr. Marie Foster Gnage gave a few comments. A brief moment of silence was followed by a choir singing God Bless America, organized by Dr. H. G. Young III. To end the observance, the Campus Bell was rung by student government Vice President Christina Clancy.

Throughout the rest of the day, a book listing the names of the many victims of all three attacks was at the Main Entrance. A video documentary was also played through the school’s closed circuit televisions.

Smokers Banished From Doorways

By Devon Nuckles
As of October 1, any student attending West Virginia University at Parkersburg will have to be at least 15 feet away from any entrance or window if he/she desires to smoke. This is due to the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department Clean Indoor Air Regulation passed on July 26.

Any person who violates these regulations can be found guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction can be fined no less than $200 and no more than $1,000, according to a bulletin distributed by the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department.

However, some smokers may be relieved to know that Dave White, WVUP’s Assistant Director of Facilities and Grounds, is looking into smoking shelters for the campus grounds. The shelters resemble a bus shelter, enclosed in glass with air vents, and a possible sliding door.

For more information, you can contact the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department at 211 Sixth Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101, or by phone: (304) 485-7374.

Nonsmokers Die Every day

Opinion
By Devon Nuckles
At 10:30 a.m. I’m heading down the interstate from Ripley towards West Virginia University at Parkersburg, not because I’m happy to be going to class but because I’ll finally get to the bottom of this Clean Indoor Air Regulation that has many fine young smokers upset. So here I am going 90 down the interstate with the Tool CD “Undertow” playing over my speakers.

When I finally arrive at WVUP at 11 a.m. I’m an hour and a half early for class, a first in Devon Nuckles history. Once my class for the day was over, I head back to my car (the Maroon Monster), grab my pocket notebook and my tape recorder, and get to work.

On the day before I did this field report, I had had to do a story on just the facts, like the journalist that I am. And, with facts being facts, I found out that this new regulation is the work of the crazed but often necessary Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department. Talking to Al Collins, the police officer at WVUP, I found out that this issue is beyond the control of Dr. Gnage, WVUP’s president. However I was not content about this whole matter at hand here.

So today I come across my first interview. Her name was Tabitha, who agreed with the nonsmoking entrance but thought that being 15 feet away is a little ridiculous. When I asked her if she had any closing statements she said, “It’s just stupid.” Ok, yes, Tabitha was a smoker, so I thought I would look for nonsmokers. I head off to the lobby.

There in the lobby I find a nice guy named Matt, a nonsmoker. Ha! Matt was sitting in a chair, dressed in black with what appeared to be an Iron Maiden T-shirt, and long black hair. When I asked him about the new policy he thought it was “a little ridiculous” as well. “I don’t understand the point in that as long as you’re outside,” said Matt.

After my nice little conversation with Matt I headed over to a group of gentlemen nonsmokers who asked to remain anonymous. I asked them what they thought of this whole thing. “If you’re outside I don’t see the difference in 15 feet or five feet really,” one said. “If you don’t want to be around smoke, don’t go around it,” the other said. They both agreed that this is a “power trip” for nonsmokers to see how far they can push smokers. “We live in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” the other replied, “There are worse things in the air besides cigarette smoke."

As time went on I interviewed several people, smokers and nonsmokers alike. They all had something different to say. However, they all agreed that 15 feet was a little absurd. I did come across two girls sitting outside who were for the new regulation, however. They, like many nonsmokers, felt that smoking is a disgusting habit. They also felt that they should not have to be around smoke as well. Hoping to challenge their viewpoint, I told them that smokers and nonsmokers alike were against the regulation but their opinion did not change. Then I told them that smokers agreed on the no-smoking entrance. They still stood in their ways. Knowing that there was no convincing them of anything I politely said, “Thank you for your time,” and went on my way. However, it may be of some interest to you that these two fine young ladies were sitting right next to an outdoor ashtray. How can they complain about smokers and sit right next to an ashtray?

About ready to call it quits for the day, I head down the first floor hall where the offices are and come across two other girls. I explained the new regulation to them and asked them what they thought. The girl who spoke to me, a nonsmoker who wished to be anonymous as well, offered this statement: “It’s getting a little extreme, you know, with smokers. They’re not nice people if they don’t get their cigarettes.” While I was speaking with her I noticed that she had an orange RAZE button on her backpack. Even a girl supporting an anti-tobacco organization thought the new regulation was unnecessary.

Having my fill for the day I go back to the Maroon Monster and head home. On my way home I start thinking about everything that was said today. Smokers and nonsmokers alike thought that 15 feet was somewhat unreasonable and both sides were able to agree on no-smoking entrances. However, nonsmokers, the ones like the two girls sitting next to an ashtray, have this strange mindset going on where they think they are better because they don’t smoke. They have this eternal-life fantasy where as long as they don’t inhale smoke they will live forever.

Allow me to POP that bubble right there and say, “Nonsmokers die every day!” If you don’t want to be around smoke, move away from the ashtray and quit complaining about our nasty habit. Yes, I know it’s gross, yes I know it smells nasty to you, but we are not making you be around it. That’s your choice. So if you‘ll excuse me, I’d just like to enjoy my cig.

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New Nursing Requirements

By Ashleigh McCune
There are new requirements for the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Nursing Program this year. Four factors are now involved in the application process.

The Nursing Department has increased the required ACT composite score to a minimum of 19, according to Cheryl Robinson, Associate Professor of Nursing. The department is now also evaluating students’ overall cumulative GPA and prescriptive grades, called RX, which are core courses. The core courses are English 101, Psychology 101, Sociology 101 and Chemistry 111. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.5. The last factor is the Pre-Nursing Exam, which is given to those students who meet the previous requirements and is given in February.

“Students all have an equal chance and need to make themselves as marketable as possible,” said Robinson. If you are interested in the Nursing Program, talk to an advisor in the Nursing Department, Room 2332, or call 424-8300.

Technology Division

By John Hickey
The Technology Division of West Virginia University at Parkersburg has new programs, new faculty members and a new chairman.

Paul Milhoan, new chairman, said the division is offering this year a new Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology, which will operate at the PRT Vocational-Technical Center in St. Marys, WV. Prior to this year, he said, because local West Virginia training was not available, West Virginia students attending Washington State Community College’s automotive technician program in Marietta were granted Ohio in-state tuition rates under a reciprocity agreement. But with the new WVUP program now in place, West Virginia students enrolling in the Washington State program would pay a tuition rate twice WVUP's. So the new WVUP/PRT automotive training program is more accessible for most West Virginia students, and much less expensive.

Dr. David Thompson has joined the Technical Division faculty as an Instructor of Engineering-Electronics. This fall he is teaching ELEC105, Direct Current Circuits; ELEC127, Analog Circuits II; ELEC220, Industrial Instrumentation I; and ELEC222, Digital Logic Circuits.

Thompson has studied an extraordinary variety of circuits in his career. Early on as a young musician, to understand the electronics of synthesized sound, he enrolled in WVUP’s Associate in Applied Science program in Engineering-Electronics Technology. He subsequently repaired instruments, became an industrial electrician, a project engineering coordinator, and a control systems analyst and designer. He returned to obtain a West Virginia University Regent’s Bachelor of Arts, earned a Masters in Psychology at Marshall University and then a Ph.D. in Psychology from Columbus University, focusing on perception, information processing, and cross-modal neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form neural connections in one mode of perception, like hearing, to synthesize information serving another mode of perception, like sight. So his study of the circuitry involved in information processing has taken him from keyboard repair to the neural circuitry of the brain.

He continues to make music. He and faculty member Mark Bruce join four other musicians to form “Too Far Gone,” a group which employs acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, four-part harmonies with two male and two female voices, and Thompson’s keyboards.

He also enjoys restoring and maintaining automobiles (his favorites are German ), motorcycling, carpentry, and babysitting his 4-year-old nephew, Toby.

Thompson’s office hours, at CCAT, are Mondays 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Tuesdays 12:30-2 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:30-noon; and Mondays through Thursdays 9-9:30 a.m. Thompson can be reached at dave.thompson@mail.wvu.edu and by phone at (304) 424-8251.

Tom Lemon has joined the Technical Division as Instructor of Maintenance Technologies and Coordinator of WVUP’s Industrial Maintenance program and of the new Multi-Craft Technician program. This fall he is teaching IM121 / MTEC130, on bearings and lubrication; M223 / MTEC232, Wood Technology, on power saws, jointers, sanders, routers, wood joints, gluing, and finishes; IM233 / MTEC136, on pumps and seals; IM234 / MTEC132, on fluid mechanics and hydraulics; and MTEC140, Pipefitting.

Lemon joins WVUP after twenty years in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a Master Instructor Flight Chief, training dozens of the Air Force Crew Chiefs who now keep our aircraft flying around the world. He brings to WVUP an expectation of a high level of professionalism, coming from an arena where an understanding of materials and technologies and a firm grasp of design and maintenance principles are essential for the survival of airborne equipment and human beings.

He related a story that brought this home. On an Air Force base where Lemon was Flight Chief of a Field Training Detachment, an E-6 Lead Technician was called in at 5 a.m. to work on a giant C-17 transport. The sergeant had not been trained by Lemon and had not been trained on this particular aircraft, but his E-6 rank gave him the credentials to do maintenance on the C-17, whose problem was that a hydraulic “spoiler,” one of twelve four-foot-high panels that rise from the wing during landings to act as a speed-brake, was stuck in the up position. The spoiler had not retracted into its well to be ready for the next flight. The sergeant climbed into the well and disconnected the electrical line energizing the hydraulic equipment. It was a fatal mistake. The sergeant’s credentials as Lead Technician had not required the training that would have told him to work on the spoiler from under the wing, and would have saved his life. He had not been trained in the basic principle that electrically powered equipment on aircraft is designed to mechanically return to flight position on power loss.

The victim of poor training in this case was the mechanic, but it often is a business or individual man, woman or child who suffers loss of time or money or even loss of life when maintenance is poorly done. Lemon aims to train technicians to understand what they’re working on and to know industry standards, so that not only individual jobs are done well, but a consistent maintenance regime is achieved.

Lemon’s office hours, at Room 0112, are Mondays 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays 12-3 p.m. Lemon can be reached at tom.lemon@mail.wvu.edu and by phone at (304) 424-8394.

Business and Economics Online

By Erika Westbrook
The Business and Economics Division is in the process of planning its Spring 2006 course schedule, which will include traditional, alternative and online courses. The division currently offers classes on Saturday and would like to continue doing so in upcoming semesters.

In addition to the schedule, a proposal for an Entrepreneurship Certificate has been completed. The undergraduate certificate would require the following courses: Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Managing and Marketing the Small Business, Entrepreneurship Financing, and Information and Accounting for New Ventures.

“The division is very excited about the new proposal, and believes that through these new programs can further expand service to West Virginia University at Parkersburg,” says Sy Sakarat, chair of the Business Division.

The curricular will be available to students upon completion. More information can be obtained in Room 1018.
  
  

Academic Advising Center

By Ashleigh McCune
The Academic Advising Center is under the new direction of Jeff Holland this year. The Academic Advisors are Rose Beebe, David Lancaster, Nelson Ortiz and Jeremy Starkey.

Priority registration starts Oct. 31 and open registration starts Nov. 7. Academic Advising will be moving to the former Learning Center soon. The Advising Center is also starting some new projects.

The One Stop Shop is a new program that the Advising Center has started this school year. The One Stop Shop will enable an incoming student to be admitted, tested, advised and registered all in one day. “The One Stop Shop should provide new students with a convenient, friendly and helpful process to start their academic road to success in college,” said Dr. Dotty Muir, Dean of Students.

The director of the first year experience, Emmanuel Ogwued, will spend 40 percent of his time recruiting and working college fairs throughout southeastern Ohio, according to Muir.

Through the Articulation Agreement with Washington State Community College, WVUP will be able to offer in-state tuition to various Ohio residents who have attended community colleges in Ohio, not just those who have attended Washington State.

Ogwued and Violet Mosser, WVUP recruiter, have already logged mileage visiting high schools in Ohio and West Virginia, according to Muir.

All returning and continuing students at the WVUP will be able to register online for the first time for the spring semester 2006.

During the spring of 2005, the Records Office piloted online registration with several campus departments. Students should keep their eye out for future information regarding how they too may utilize online registration for their spring course selection.

Get Credit

By Betsy Curry
The Testing Center offers a variety of tests, including Accuplacer, the CLEP exam, ACT and exams for licenses.

Accuplacer is a placement test for incoming freshmen, who must take Accuplacer if they did not receive the required score on their ACT for math, English and reading. Students should try to make an appointment to take the test, but it’s not mandatory. “The tests are easy and painless,” describes Cheryl Bedell, administer of Accuplacer, “The test only takes an hour and half, tops.” Accuplacer is an excellent resource to make sure incoming freshmen are placed in the appropriate classes for a better learning experience.

College Level Examination Program, better known as CLEP exams, are offered to students who are transferring from other colleges to West Virginia University at Parkersburg. CLEP exams help students who have taken courses at other colleges that are not accepted by WVUP’s record office.  

The ACT center also offers exams for licenses. These exams are offered twice a week. Students are encouraged to come and take the exams instead of having to retake a course to receive credit. In the student handbook offered at the Testing Center, there is a list of the tests available, with the score you must receive in order to get credit for a course.

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Ultimate Road Trip

By Erika Westbrook
West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s First Year Experience program will be hosting The Ultimate Road Trip: Campus2Career, a free presentation for first-year college students, on Wednesday, September 28, from 11 a.m. to noon. The presentation will take place in the Multipurpose Room and is open to all students.

The program emphasizes the importance of academics; time management; setting goals; and maximizing opportunities both in college and in future careers.

“Currently, only 75 percent of college freshmen progress to their sophomore year,” says J.R. Cifani, Vice President of Making It Count. “Couple that with the fact that only 50 percent of students entering college will graduate within five years, and the importance of the program becomes very clear. We are providing students with a map to realize their goals and ambitions.”

The program will be addressing issues such as successfully managing transition to college; managing your time; tips for getting good grades; the power of work experience and internships; meaningful extracurricular involvement; and the importance of starting NOW.

The Ultimate Road Trip presentation will be delivered to 350,000 students on campuses across the nation this fall. According to Cifani, 99 percent of students attending the presentation last year would recommend it to their peers.

More information on the program can be obtained in the Academic Advising Center in Room 1213.

Sigma Omega's Journey

By Jasmine Delane
During the weekend of Sept. 16, 17 and 18 the Sigma Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa attended a regional leadership conference with 48 other colleges in the Virginia region. It was held in Charleston and hosted by the University of Charleston. West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega planned, organized and carried it out.

Friday evening all of the chapters put on skits. Sigma Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa did their skit on Orange County Choppers, while others did Peanuts, Friends and Ozzy and the Osbournes.

On Saturday afternoon, all of the groups went to Coonskin Park to do a Model Chapter exercise. The participants compared Lewis and Clark’s journey to each Phi Theta Kappa chapter’s journey towards becoming a Five Star chapter.

Following a picnic dinner, Andy Ridenhour, executive director of Mountain Stage, gave a presentation on leadership, recounting the beginnings of Mountain Stage.

On Oct. 2, Phi Theta Kappa will be participating in a Heart Walk starting at Parkersburg High School at 2 p.m. On Oct. 7, Phi Theta Kappa will be participating in Adopt-A-Highway, meeting at 9 a.m. in the new Journalism Lab, Room 102A in the basement.

Off-Campus Housing

By Ashleigh McCune
The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Student Services’ staff has produced an Off-Campus Housing brochure for all students if they are interested. The brochure includes a list of rental housing units in the greater Parkersburg area. The names of the 29 housing complexes, total units, low-income and handicapped-accessible information are all listed inside the brochure.

Additional information is available by contacting the WVUP Student Services staff at 424-8209.

P’ansori

By Trina Barber
West Virginia University at Parkersburg opened its Fall Humanities program Tuesday, September 13, with a lecture/demonstration by Dr. Chan Park entitled “Korean Traditional Music Today: P’ansori.”



P’ansori is a traditional Korean music form which combines storytelling, singing and drumming.

During the 19th Century, P’ansori performances were patronized by aristocrats. Most of the performers were uneducated and recruited the help of scholars to revamp the musical’s narratives. The P’ansori tradition continued into the 20th Century when performers took the initiative to continue the programs. Today’s P’ansori is mixed with Western drama, storytelling in English and traditional Korean songs which resemble the sound of Native American chants.

Park began her experimentation in 1974 when a friend asked her to perform P’ansori with her.

“It just felt right. It suited my voice,” she stated. “When I found P’ansori, it was mine.”

Park attended graduate school with WVUP Humanities Division Chair, Dr. Nancy Nanney. Currently Park is an associate professor of Korean language, literature and performance studies at Ohio State University.

American Sampler Craft Show

By Betsy Curry
The 17th annual American Sampler Craft Show will be held in the Multipurpose Room Nov 18 and 19. Set-up time will be Nov 17 from 4 to 8 p.m.

The Craft Show was originally started by Mary Lott, but Pat Mollohan has been chairperson of the event for several years.

Along with The American Sampler Craft Show will be presented a bake sale, hot dog sale, White Elephant sale, craft-item raffle and a quilt raffle. Sandi Smith will coordinate the bake sale.

All crafts will be in the Multipurpose Room. The bake sale and hot dog sale will be held in the hallways in front of the library, along with a variety of other vendors.

The White Elephant sale will be set up in the cafeteria. Carol St. Peter will be coordinating the sale and Doris Tustin assisting.

The craft show will include a variety of things such as purses, jewelry, woodcrafts, Christmas centerpieces, candles and small wooden tables.

The American Sampler Craft Show is one of the biggest fundraising events for the Staff Council. Everyone is encouraged to participate, or at least drop by the Sampler.

If you can donate any items or time to assist for the bake sale, please contact Sandi Smith in the Records Office, Room 1110. Any donations are more than welcome for the White Elephant sale. Contact Carol St. Peters in Room 1214.

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Appalachian Heritage Day

By Erika Westbrook
The third annual Appalachian Heritage Day will return to West Virginia University at Parkersburg on Thursday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. The event is free and open to the public.

Displays, discussions and performances will be among the scheduled events that salute the area’s Appalachian culture. There will also be demonstrations throughout the day; such as candle-making, soap-making, blacksmithing, basket-making, spinning, weaving, quilting, apple butter-making and traditional Appalachian music.

Activities will also be held on the front lawn of the campus. Those events include horseshoes, skillet throwing, sack races and an old fashioned pie-eating contest.

A bonfire with ghost stories performed by local author and Ghost Tour founder Susan Sheppard will conclude the day, and is scheduled at 7 p.m.  

“We have featured activities that celebrate the Appalachian diversity that enriches our experiences in the unique culture of our region,” noted Gregg Busch, Instructor of Sociology, whose “Appalachia and Rural Life” class coordinates the day.

Funding for the event is made possible through the Social Justice Committee. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Gregg Busch at 424-8000 ext. 8409.

Wild West Virginia

By Ashleigh McCune
With summer coming to an end and fall beginning comes a whole new list of activities and places to go around our state. Here are a few ideas that may make this fall season a lot more fun.

White water rafting season lasts until October. Rafting companies offer programs, special trips and discounts. West Virginia Day and Bridge Day are coming up in October, so there will be discounts and special festivities for those days. The New River Gorge has their famous bridge for celebrating bridge day. For more information visit: www.wvwhitewater.com.

Maybe you feel like some exercise, want to explore the woods, or just love biking. West Virginia has its nationally recognized Hatfield-McCoy Trails. The trails are in the mountains of Appalachia in southern West Virginia. There are different forms of transportation to choose from, whether it is ATV, dirt bike, a horse, a mountain bike or just hiking. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails have become known as “Almost Heaven.” For more information visit: www.bicyclewv.com.

Halloween is approaching and one of the scariest places to visit in our state is the Moundsville Penitentiary. The prison was built during the Civil War era and remained opened until 1995. Prison tours are available until November from Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit: www.wvpentours.com.

These are just a few of the endless activities and events that our state has to offer, so take advantage of them. For more ideas visit: www.westvirginia.com.

Sudoku Book Craze

By Rachel Nowery
The bookstore is now carrying the “new craze out this summer,” says Michele McVey, manager of the Campus Bookstore. This new craze is an assortment of books called Sudoku. These books are similar to a Rubik’s Cube except in crossword puzzle form.  

“No math skills really are required. The books are fun and are very addictive,” says McVey.

The bookstore is also carrying 2006 calendars and Jansport hooded sweatshirts that say “Parkersburg West Virginia” on the front for $29.99.

“For more information on the Sudoku books as well as other offers going on, please stop by the Campus Bookstore and just ask,” says McVey.

West Virginia Book Festival

Organizers of the West Virginia Book Festival are seeking exhibitors, vendors and volunteers to participate in the event.

The festival will be held October 22 and 23 at the Charleston Civic Center. The event is being presented by the Kanawha County Public Library System, The Library Foundation of Kanawha County, the West Virginia Humanities Council, the Charleston Gazette and the Charleston Daily Mail.

One major component of the event is the Festival Marketplace, where festivalgoers may shop for books and other merchandise at the booths of regional publishers, booksellers, sponsors and other vendors. As part of the exhibitor package, all vendors will be listed in the official festival program, which will be distributed to more than 96,000 subscribers of the Charleston Newspapers.

Volunteers will help in a variety of ways including set-up, take-down, assisting authors and presenters, and assisting with the book sale, Festival Marketplace, children’s programs, crafts, information tables and merchandise sales.

The festival will offer something for all age groups. More than 30 authors will attend and participate in book signings, reading, workshops and panel discussions. Activities for children include special programs, musicians, a storybook character parade, crafts and more. The Kanawha County Public Library system’s annual used-book sale will be held on Saturday. Admission to the festival is free.

Exhibitor contracts and volunteer applications are available online at www.wvhumanities.org. Visit the website or call 304-343-4646 for more information.

Fall Book Sale

Jasmine Delane
The Reading Association of West Virginia University at Parkersburg will have many events throughout the fall. On Oct. 3 - 4, a Fall Book Sale will be held on campus. This will be going on from 10 a.m. in front of the library. The proceeds will benefit local schoolchildren and support Alpha Chi initiations.

On Oct. 19, a second book sale will be held at the Jackson County Campus. The time is currently unknown but will be posted soon.

Oct. 22 a West Virginia Reading Association Seminar will be held in Huntington. This costs $15 for a pre-service teacher. Forms for this trip must be turned in before Oct. 1.

On Nov. 9, there will be an initiation for Alpha Chi at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8-10 the Reading Association will be holding a conference at the Greenbrier. If you would like information on any of these events, see Martha McGovern in Room 1208 or call 424-8493.

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SGA Events

Fright Night
Oct. 15 from 8 to11 p.m.

Food Drive
November (Date to be announced)

Angel Tree
December (Date to be announced)

Hurricane Katrina Relief
This will be an ongoing project. Please donate loose change to the relief effort.

Valentine’s Day Date Auction
February (Date to be announced)

Battle of the Bands
Sponsored by Student Government Association and 103.1 The Bear; (Date to be announced)

Arbor Day
Second Friday in April: Adopt and plant a tree.

Tatoos on Old People

By Jasmine Delane
Tattoos are becoming more and more popular during this day and age. In the past, many people thought that tattoos were evil, but now they are pretty much accepted. They are known for artwork and self-expression and many other things.

There are some disadvantages to tattoos though. They are permanent, so you need to make sure the one you choose is something you want for the rest of your life. Another disadvantage is that when you get older and your skin starts to age, they might not look the same as they used to.

I myself have four tattoos, and I believe that people know that when they get them, it’s just a chance everyone is willing to take. All in all I believe tattoos are here to stay and will be a trend for a very long time.

Festival of Hope

Erika Westerbrook
Preparations have begun for the upcoming Festival of Hope, which will take place Nov. 3 in the Multipurpose Room. The all-day event is sponsored by the Criminal Justice Organization, with help from the Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa.

During the festival, hair donations will be accepted for Wigs for Kids, an organization that provides custom-made hairpieces for children who have lost their hair as a result of medical treatments, health conditions or burn accidents.

A minimum of 12 inches of hair is required. Donors arrange their clean, dry locks into a secure ponytail, which is then cut. One ponytail makes up only one-tenth of a finished hairpiece.

A meeting to discuss plans for the festival is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27 at 1 p.m. in the Criminal Justice Lab.

Heart Walk Set for Oct. 2

By Erika Westbrook
The Health and Wellness Center is encouraging students to join the Heart Walk, the American Heart Association’s signature fund-raising event, on Sunday, October 2 at Parkersburg High School. Registration opens at 1:30 p.m. and walking begins at 2 p.m. Music, food and health monitoring will continue until 5:30 p.m.

Proceeds raised from the event will fund lifesaving research and public and professional education programs, with 75 percent used in the local affiliate area. The Wood/Washington Heart Walk raised $64,800 in 2004.

Heart disease, stroke and blood vessel diseases are America’s number one killer. More than 930,000 lives a year are claimed by cardiovascular disease. That is a life every 34 seconds, or two out of every five deaths.

The Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living. It is also a great way to honor those who have beat cardiovascular disease. Survivors are honored at the event with special red caps.

“Since I have been on campus, I have had students with cardiovascular disease, so this has touched me both professionally and personally,” stated Charlene McNultry, R.N., campus nurse. She also stated that she wishes to make the community aware of cardiovascular disease.

“I would like to see West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s students, faculty and staff show the community their support in helping raise funds and promoting physical activity,” McNultry said.

The Health Center is currently selling bracelets for $3 each to raise funds for the walk. They also are raffling off items such as a Lee Middleton doll, a recipe basket, an Avon product basket, an Americana wreath and much more. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

More information about Heart Walk or the American Heart Association can be obtained in the Health Center, in Room 1203, or by visiting www.heartwalk.kintera.org.

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WVU Tames Terriers!

By Heath Bloxton
The West Virginia Mountaineers opened their home schedule Saturday, September 10, with a win over the Wofford Terriers 35-7 in front of a crowd of over 54,000 people at Milan Puskar Stadium.

Once again, the Mountaineer defense stood solid allowing a total of 154 yards, which made the Mountaineers the number one defense in the nation in yards allowed per game! Standing out defensively for the Mountaineers were juniors Eric Wicks and Craig Wilson. Wicks recorded a big interception for the defense and Wilson recovered a fumble due to a Wicks sack!

The offense improved from the Syracuse game, as starting quarterback Adam Bednarik completed all six of his passes for 90 yards and ran six times for 22 yards. Surprisingly, it was freshman quarterback Pat White who shined in the win against the Terriers! White ran for 107 yards and scored a touchdown on a 48-yard run. White also threw 10 passes, completing six of them for 82 yards. The Mountaineer offense finished the day with 511 total yards and committed no turnovers! The win gave the Mountaineers a 2-0 record!

Local NFL Teams Perform Well

By Dylan Webster
Week two in the NFL brought good fortunes to all three area teams. Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh all posted impressive wins. While the season is still in its infancy, there is still some call for optimism for all three of these teams.

After a week one loss, the Browns rebounded with a solid win over the Packers, in Green Bay. Aside from overcoming the hostile confines of Lambau Field, they also handed rookie coach Romeo Crennel his first victory. Things may be looking up in Cleveland.

The Bengals continue to impress. After posting a week one victory, Cincy put an absolute thumping on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday to gain a share of the AFC North division lead. Although in only the beginning of his second season as a starter, Quarterback Carson Palmer is beginning to show the tools that made him the first overall pick two years. Coach Marvin Lewis has seemingly implemented a winning attitude in the most inept franchise of the 90’s. This looks to more of a trend than a fluke.

In the steel city, talk of Ben Roethlisberger having a sophomore slump has all but died. While there surely will be ups and downs, so far we have only witnessed the up side. After a sound defeat against the Tennessee Titans in week one, the Steelers traveled to Houston and administered the same type of domination.

The AFC North could well be decided by the head-to-head meetings between the Bengals and Steelers, and that would provide some long awaited drama between these regional rivals. As for the Browns, while they are not yet ready to contend, the light at the end of the tunnel may finally not be a train.

Top Five NFL Quarterbacks

By Dylan Webster
Three of the NFL’s top-five rated quarterbacks have nowhere to go but down. Down for this group however, may be more than enough to go all the way to Superbowl XL. This year, fans must view the level of success for Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb and Ben Roethlisberger with a little perspective.

Last season Manning threw for 4,557 yards and completed over two-thirds of his passes. More amazing was his NFL-record 49 touchdowns passing. While the Colts’ star is likely to put up big numbers again, it is very unlikely he will toss 45-plus scores this year. One setback is the loss of veteran tight end Marcus Pollard via free agency. Pollard provided Manning with a big, sure-handed target in the red zone and was athletic enough to exploit the middle of the field against two-deep coverage. The second factor is a need to run more, allowing their defense to rest. The Achilles’ heel for the Colts has been their “soft” defense, but slowing the tempo may enable them to become more physical. It is safe to expect 500-1000 less yards and likely 10 fewer touchdowns, which should be plenty.

Eagles signal caller Donovan McNabb slides easily into this category. McNabb posted career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. There is no doubt that he benefited from last year’s addition of Pro Bowl receiver Terrell Owens, but no such signings were made in this off-season and the Eagle pass-catching corps is very thin. After finally earning a trip to the Superbowl last season, Philadelphia spent the pre-season cutting virtually all other experienced receivers from their roster. Apart from Owens, only the dinosaur-armed Todd Pinkston remained from the Superbowl team. To make things worse T.O. held out, would not speak to McNabb, and generally was himself during which time Pinkston was lost for the season due to injury. As of game one, Eagle receivers other than Owens had a combined 24 NFL receptions. All this having been said, they still possess a great defense, solid coaching, and, most important, they play in the NFC. Good luck, Donovan.

This leaves us with Roethlisberger, the man who can do nothing but fall. After guiding his Steelers to a 15-1 record and remaining undefeated during the regular season as a starter, one can be absolutely sure of one thing: He will lose. There will always be naysayers, but realistically Big Ben could lead Pittsburgh to 11 or 12 wins this year and still be a far better quarterback. The Steelers’ running game looks stronger than ever this season with the emergence of Willie Parker, but it is the loss of the 6’5 wide-out Plaxico Burress that might have the largest impact on Roethlisberger. In any event, the second year QB’s season can probably be summed up by saying he will lose more and get better at the same time.

Steelers' Willie Parker!

By Heath Bloxton
The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off the 2005 season Sunday September 11, with a dominating 34-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The game was filled with many surprises as the Steelers’ defense played exceptionally well and the offense was led by a small but quick running back, Willie Parker!

It is not a name Steelers’ fans have been hearing the last few years, but injuries to Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis forced Coach Bill Cowher to use his third-string running back. Willie Parker was expected to be the “fill-in” until the other backs were healthy. Parker did more than just fill-in, as he rushed for 161 yards, not to mention a phenomenal touchdown that helped the Steelers prevail to an opening day victory!

Parker, who was a college backup at the University of North Carolina, set a Pittsburgh Steelers record for most rushing yards on opening day. Those are pretty good numbers for a guy who was looking to “ride the bench” for the 2005 season.

Cowher said that Parker did exactly what he was supposed to do, and that was to run between the tackles. Not only did Parker run between the tackles, he broke through tackles left and right. Maybe now Parker will get the credit he deserves from his former and current coaches. The Titans were “schooled” by the Steelers and the teacher was Willie Parker!
  

Nascar Chase for the Cup: Update

By Dylan Webster
Nextel Cup’s “Chase for the Championship” kicked off this weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway. Ryan Newman drove his Alltel Dodge to victory lane in a race filled with caution flags and temper tantrums.

While Newman picked up his first win in a year, and the first of the “Chase for the Championship,” most of the drama was supplied by drivers not involved in the chase. Michael Waltrip, Brian Vickers, and Kasey Kahne were all docked 25 points for their on- the-track behavior.

Not to be outdone, Robby Gordon walked out on the track during the caution to heave his helmet at Waltrip, who had caused his wreck. And Gordon was not done: When the TV crew caught up with him the driver proceeded to make some unsavory remarks of the four-letter variety that earned him a 50 point penalty.

NASCAR has stated that these actions will not be tolerated, but one must question their true intent. With all four drivers receiving penalization already out of contention for the cup, the punishment seems a bit toothless. It is a sure bet, however, that the first time one of these drivers wipes out a championship contender that the penalty will fit the crime.

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Project Lifesaver

By Erika Westbrook
Project Lifesaver, a program now being used by the Wood County Sheriff Department, assists families and caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down’s syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and other related disabilities that may tend to cause individuals to wonder away and become confused or lost.

The program relies on proven tracking technology, combined with specially trained search-and-rescue teams, to return wandering adults and children to their loved ones. Each wristband emits a unique pulse carrier-wave radio-frequency tracking signal. When a participant is reported missing, a specially trained search-and-rescue team from the Sheriff’s Office responds to the wanderer’s area with the mobile locator tracking system. In areas where this system has been used, search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes, which can mean the difference between life and death. The national average rescue time using Lifesaver is under 30 minutes.

Before Project Lifesaver, the only option available to locate these individuals was to conduct an extensive, costly and potential lengthy search that often involved hundreds of personnel from law enforcement agencies, fire departments and rescue squads. These searches could take up to several days or even weeks.

Project Lifesaver was established in April 1999 as an initiative of the 43rd Virginia Search and Rescue Company of the Chesapeake, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office, and is built on the work of the Stokes County (NC) Mountain Rescue program, which pioneered the use of special equipment and procedures to locate lost and wandering patients with mental disorders.

The Arc of Wood County is serving as the lead agency for program administration and fiscal matters. For more information, or to contribute to the program, please contact The Arc at 422-3151, ext. 107.

Library Access

By Robert Walling and John Hickey
The Foundation Center database, which has information on more than half a million available financial grants and scholarships in the sciences, the arts and the humanities, is now accessible from the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Library, which has acquired the sole license to the database in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Wireless Internet access is now available on campus in the WVUP Library and in the Student Lounge, said Dan Williamson, Director of Computer Services.

Williamson also said that some students are running into problems using off-campus access to some of the WVUP Library’s databases. Some students have been unable to get off-campus access to Lexis-Nexis, the Encyclopedia Britannica Online, American National Biography, Ebrary, and Oxford Reference Online. Access has been unimpeded to the WVUP Library catalog, the EbscoHost periodical database, the New York Times, the ACLS History E-Book Project, the Naxos Music Library (use "wvup" for both username and password), NetLibrary, and the Association for Computing Machinery’s Online Books Program.

Williamson says that Computer Services is working to analyze the problem. He speculates that the problem may be in the interface between WVU’s servers and particular Internet service providers. He wants to identify which ISPs are being used when access is blocked.

Dan Williamson can be contacted at dan.williamson@mail.wvu.edu, at (304) 424-8000, ext. 436, or in his office, Room 1202.