Metaphysical Fair Oct. 29-30

By Betsy Curry
If you are interested in learning more about hypnosis, channeling, meditation and other paranormal events, be sure to check out West Virginia’s largest metaphysical fair at West Virginia University at Parkersburg Oct. 29 and 30.

The Self-Health and Awareness Expo provides more than 45 workshops during the Halloween weekend. The workshops feature topics such as past lives, hypnosis, near-death experiences, channeling, aromatherapy, meditation, communicating with nature, communicating with animals, Feng Shui, angels and fairies, alternative health care, acupuncture, breath work, dreams, Tai Chi, and many more paranormal phenomena.

Phil McClung, professor of psychology, and Jim Beichler, professor of physics, will present workshops at the expo. Beichler is the world’s first credentialed paraphysicist. He explores innovative science that supports the idea of life after death. Beichler’s workshop, “Understanding Death,” discusses the white light, the tunnel, the past life and much more dealing with the thought of life after death. McClung’s workshop, titled “Understand Dreams,” provides us with the interpretation of dreams. When we sleep, our subconscious often presents us with important information through our dreams. Other workshops include a psychic reading, which will bring mini-messages from people and spirits on the other side. Fred Kennedy, a Native American often referred to as Medicine Man, will present a workshop based on his life experiences. Kennedy has spent his entire life passing on knowledge of his culture and traditions to those interested in sovereignty and the ways of traditional life.

The Expo provides us with a chance to observe speakers such as Tapas Fleming, Grandmother Mechi, Rosemary Guiley and many more.

Tapas Fleming, founder of the Tapas Acupuncture Technique, is the leading force in the up-and-coming field of energy psychology. TAT is a proven simple and effective technique that delivers inner peace, relaxation, vibrant health and empowerment in minutes. Many thousands of people use TAT worldwide. It removes traumatic stress without re-living the trauma, ends negativity, and much more. TAT has brought comfort to disaster victims, war veterans and grieving family members. Fleming healed herself of cancer with TAT.

Grandmother Mechi, founder of Kolaimni, will also be speaking at the Expo. Kolaimni, channeled through Mechi Garza, a Choctaw-Cherokee Medicine Woman, means “connecting with the light.” Kolaimni is a healing form based on natural physical law. It works on the electro-magnetic covering that surrounds the body. The Kolaimnist’s hands are held about an inch above the body so that the recipient’s own vibrations are aligned and synchronized. Grandmother Mechi will talk about Kolaimni and give a demonstration. After the demonstration, everyone will be able to feel the surge of energy as it flows from your own hands. Healing is a creative process that is a part of nature. We all have the natural ability to heal ourselves and to help others.

Be sure to check out all the workshops and speakers. There are many special events occurring during the evening including a Spiritualist Trumpet Circle and Table Tipping.

The Exhibit Hall opens the doors at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Workshops begin at 10 a.m. Cost is $8, although some events have an additional charge as listed in the program guide or on the web site www.selfhealthandawarenesscenter.com. A $2-off coupon is available by stopping at Mystic Dragon Books at 6250 Grand Central Avenue in Vienna. Call them at (304) 295-8997.

The Biased View Since Darwin

Letter to the Editor
Until Darwin, humans were thought to be rational animals created in the image and likeness of God.

Since Darwin, another view has prevailed, that humans are at the end of the evolutionary chain and consequently possess the same powers as other animals but in a greater degree.

On the surface, this view seems correct. Birds build nests. Humans build buildings. Yet, from one generation to another, a given species of bird builds the nest of the previous generation. Humans, on the other hand, build by different means, by different methods, and in a different manner from one generation to another. Humans are artists. Animals are not.

Again, this same view claims that animals are problem-solvers. It is true that animals can solve problems if a biological need exists and the elements are present to the senses. This overlooks the fact that humans solve problems without a biological urgency and without the elements present to the senses.

Humans can do this because they can think abstractly and communicate abstract thought. No animal can do this. Humans possess reason, free will, and abstract thought. So humans differ from other animals in kind, not degree. This is the difference. This difference makes a difference. The West Virginia Department of Education would be shortsighted to teach one biased view and ignore the true characteristics of mankind.

Dr. Lewis Rutherford
Professor of Speech

Change Clocks and Batteries Oct. 30

By Betsy Curry
Smoke detectors nearly double the chances of surviving a fire, yet more than 50 percent of the smoke detectors in American homes have dead batteries.

Already the day to change over from daylight-saving time, Oct. 30 has been designated by the International Association of Fire Chiefs as the day to "Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries." People are encouraged to select this easy-to-remember date to change smoke-detector batteries.

More than 5,800 fire departments are participating nationwide in the campaign for fire safety.

This Oct. 30 do not forget to set your clocks back an hour and put new batteries in every smoke detector in your home.

Children’s Room Trick or Treat

By Rachel Nowery
The Children’s Room Trick or Treat will be on Wednesday Oct. 26 at approximately 10 a.m. The children, dressed in their best costumes (which will be provided by the Children’s Room), will be visiting offices for teachers and students to give them treats.

Please call Ext. 311 or e-mail Tina Taylor to let them know if your room or office would enjoy receiving a visit by the children. Please plan for 24 children, and “candy givers” are encouraged to stay away from treats such as jawbreakers, balloons and hard candies. The Children’s Room thanks students and faculty for the support.

Mock Crime Scene to Be Staged

By Erika Westbrook
Criminal Justice students will take part in a mock body search and crime scene during the ninth annual West Virginia Criminal Justice Educators Association’s conference, hosted by West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

The search will take place behind the school on Friday, Nov. 11 at 4 p.m. During the event, Criminal Justice students will work with local law enforcement officials and fire departments to experience hands-on job training. The search and crime scene will also include an arrest and bail hearing, which concludes part one of a three-part job training program coordinated by criminal justice students. A briefing session will continue the program later in the year, and a mock trial will take place in the spring.

Eastwood Fire Department; members of the Fire Investigation Team (FIT); members of the Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT); and detectives and deputies from the Wood County Sheriff’s Department are among the many helping with the program.

More information on the mock scene or the WVCJEA conference can be obtained in the Criminal Justice Lab, Room 131A.

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A Prayer for Souls in Paupers' Field

By John Hickey
All Hallows Eve, whose name has shortened over the centuries to “Halloween,” has a special significance for our campus because of the graveyard by our campus with 219 unmarked graves.

The graveyard is Wood County’s “paupers' field,” the burial place for the bodies of those who die indigent or unknown. Burials have taken place here in the last few months, and the field has been a graveyard for 200 years. It was the graveyard for the County Poor Farm which occupied this campus from 1877, and before that was the burial place for the Kincheloe family, who settled this place in 1798.

The Kincheloe family are remembered with well-marked graves, but there are more than 200 uninscribed white crosses in our little graveyard marking the burial places of folks whose names are unremembered by any living soul.

The beginning of November has for a very long time and for many cultures been a time to remember those who have died. The Church in Europe celebrated All Hallowed Souls Day on Nov. 1 from the eighth century. Catholics, Anglicans, Episcopalians and Lutherans still celebrate All Saints Day and/or All Souls Day at the beginning of November. In Mexico, the first days of November are Los Dias de los Muertos, the Days of the Dead. The prehistoric Celts, who took the solstices and equinoxes as the midpoints of the seasons, met the onset of winter's chill, and the fear of death it brings, with intentional, reverent communion with the dead at Samhain, the astronomical midpoint between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice.

“Hallow e’en” (“Hallows even” from “Hallows evening”) has beginnings in the all-night vigils kept before All Hallowed Souls Day in medieval Europe. The vigils of communion with the dead were, from the eighth century, held in churches, part of the religious ceremonies of the holy day, but the vigils over the years became wild and eventually were exiled from the churches to the streets.

Visiting the graves of relatives, we will perhaps say a prayer in the direction of the unvisited, forgotten graves, the ones with weeds instead of flowers. The purpose of All Souls Day is to go beyond the random prayer and the shiver of fear, and to focus the community in a prayer for all souls, whether they are remembered by relatives or not.

Our campus is unusual in having a paupers' field, with many names lost to the past, in the daily sight of young students whose future is ahead of them (as Yogi Berra used to say). There is opportunity for us to deepen ourselves if we can recognize our communion with the forgotten.

So on All Hallowed Souls Day, Tuesday, Nov. 1, let us say a prayer for the souls whose earthly remains lie under the unmarked white crosses on the little hill next to our parking lot. The prayer is more for us than for them, and we need it.

Red Hat Ramblin'

By Katie Deem
Every year on the anniversary of my birth, my mother dons a red hat and purple regalia. This is her ceremonial dress, essential in honoring her daughter’s life. She calls our family and we get dolled up—I in pink and lavender, and my grandmother, cousin, two aunts, and mother in red and purple. We are devoted members of the Red Hat Society.

The Red Hat Society began when Sue Ellen Cooper in Tucson, Ariz., decided to offer her friend Linda Murphy a birthday gift of a vintage red hat and a copy of the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph. She eventually gave the same gift to several of her other friends. They soon realized they were a group with a very particular identity, sort of a “Red Hat Society,” and they decided to go out in their red hats, with “purple dresses which didn’t go,” to reflect the ambition of the poem.

The idea soon spread across the country. Women of all ages celebrated being women, and commemorated and honored one another with red hats for ladies fifty and over and pink hats for those younger. They kicked up their heels, went out for dinner and drinks. Women enjoyed themselves and were not ashamed.

The Society represents the opposition to the sentiment that “Men age; women rot.” In one fell swoop, women in the later years of their life began to agree that they were worth more than what this culture felt they were. Women in all stages of life expressed themselves as vibrant, caring, fun and passionate about life. They took back their right to be themselves. In effect, this culture no longer expects older women to be the stern, wise old crone, but rather we allow them to be whoever they are—shy or outspoken, joyful or serious. They can be all this and more, together.

Through www.redhatsociety.com, women can find chapters near them or create a chapter of their own. Chapters can be family or friends, young or old, but every member must be a woman—men are not allowed. Women can join as an individual member of the virtual chapter entitled Ruby RedHat’s Ramblers. Membership to any chapter is free (unless the chapter itself institutes dues), but a program entitled Purple Perks is $18 annually and offers members such benefits as 10 percent off Red Hat Society Store sales, 20 percent discount off Amtrak rail fares, and discounts for national and regional events. However, membership to the Perks is optional. Some other more specific discounts exist. The Web site also offers Red Hat Society merchandise, the magazine, and news and announcements of upcoming events in the United States.

Canada has now also officially acknowledged and registered the trademark of the Red Hat Society. This makes the Society an international group.

Since my mother joined The Red Hat Society, she is delighted with life. Though hardship comes, she knows her femaleness makes her strong. She has found confidence in recognizing her experiences as a woman. She knows that being a woman shapes every aspect of her life, and that femininity is worth commemorating.

Think Pink

By Rachel Nowery
With finals approaching quickly, stop by the Campus Bookstore and stock up on needed supplies for those late-night studies. Get anything from paper and pencils to note cards and floppy disks at the bookstore. If you have any questions, please see Michele McVey, Bookstore manager, for more details.

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the bookstore has on display a number of pink items to purchase. Items for sale include Pink Lemonade Green Tea, a new commemorative Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, pink ribbon T-shirts, Revlon lipsticks and glosses in shades of pink, and even plain and peanut pink M&M’s. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated by the vendors to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in the fight against breast cancer.

Yoplait Caps Fight Cancer

By Jasmine Delane
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Sigma Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa will be collecting pink caps from Yoplait Yogurt and other Yoplait products. Every cap donated means 10 cents towards the Susan K. Gorman Breast Cancer Foundation. Collection envelopes have been placed around campus for these clean pink caps. You may also put them in the campus mail addressed to Dottie or Paul Bibbee or Dianne Davis at The Jackson County Center. Caps will be collected until Nov. 15.

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'Death and the Maiden' Oct. 27-30

By John Hickey and Robert Walling
"Death and the Maiden," at the College Theatre Oct. 28, 29 and 30, brings us face to face with dilemmas of human experience that we hope to never face in person.

The play involves three characters. Gerardo Escobar is a lawyer investigating the human rights abuses of Chile's previous fascist regime, though the official government policy is to grant general pardon to all of those who committed these abuses. Gerardo's wife Paulina, a victim of the rape and torture that were rampant during Augusto Pinochet Ugarte's regime, has kept her troubled past from her husband. Dr. Robert Miranda is eating dinner with Paulina and her family when she recognizes his voice as the voice of the man who kidnapped her during the period of Chile's political turmoil.

The author, Chilean political exile Ariel Dorfman says, "I would be content if the people who did terrible things to me and those I love came to ask forgiveness, to say I will never do this to you again, I am really sorry this happened. But until that happens, I demand they be brought to justice, and the justice I seek has to do with the truth.

“How can there be like real peace and reconciliation without this repentance? In Chile, neither the generals nor the entrepreneurs are repentant. Truth commissions can move a moral process, but morality cannot be decreed. Literature and art can contain that pain so even those who hate me can read what I say and understand something about themselves. In Death and the Maiden, the human rights violations on stage are the ones my heroine, whom I love dearly, does to this doctor, who may or may not be innocent. I am questioning ourselves. I don't see the enemies of human rights question themselves"
(www.amnesty.org.uk/journal_july97/carlos.html).

The questions the play arouses in us can find expression at a special free performance and discussion with the cast and director of the production, on Oct. 27, for West Virginia at Parkersburg students.

"Please be advised that 'Death and the Maiden' addresses adult themes and contains very strong adult language," stated Director Carson Soelberg. Parents are not encouraged to bring young children to the show.

Tickets for the 28th, 29th, and 30th can be purchased at the Business Office or at the door on each night of performance.

Downloading Music - Hot

By Robert Walling
Downloading music online has become an ethical dilemma since the creation of Napster in 1998. The upstart service allowed computer users to access and download from a vast selection of MP3s (digitally compressed audio files) at no cost to them. Recording artists, however, paid a price when their fans chose to illegally download their music instead of paying for their CDs. Legal or not, MP3s are quickly becoming a popular, convenient medium for people to listen to their favorite music.

The government and the recording industry have responded by allowing a legal maneuver through the switch to this developing new format. The federal government has begun strict enforcement of illegal online MP3 services. Napster, in its original form, no longer exists. Many copycat sites - Limewire, Aimster, Macster - have popped up, although some have had short life spans.

In 2002, Apple Computer founder Steve Jobs released iTunes, a legal online music provider. The service currently charges listeners 99 cents per selection or entire albums for approximately $10. Entire audio books are also available to be downloaded.

iTunes pays record companies for the rights to distribute their property online, unlike other services that share files from multiple users. This gives people an ethical, legal and easy way for people to download music instead of driving to a music store and buying the CD.

But what is the point of downloading music if it is no longer free? Simple: It is convenient, cheaper than buying CDs, and customizable.

Portable MP3 players, such as Apple’s iPod or the Dell DJ, provide a way for your entire song library to fit into your pocket. The devices are small digital storage units. They use a spinning magnetic disk (similar to a computer’s hard drive), or solid random access memory (similar to a Nintendo Game Boy game cartridge). Magnetic-based players are larger, but provide great amounts of storage - the largest of which is Apple’s 60 gigabyte or 15,000-song iPod. Smaller RAM-based machines carry about one or one-half gigabyte of storage. Although they have less capacity, they are both cheaper and smaller than their hard-drive-sized counterparts are.

CDs today can be priced from around $12 to $20, depending on where one shops. However, Apple’s iTunes service charges only $10 for an entire album to be downloaded to a personal computer. Once the songs are on the computer, they can be transferred to an MP3 player; all the albums can be inside an object the size of a deck of cards.

But what if a band records an album with only one good song? (Imagine that happening?) iTunes allows the purchase of individual tracks from the album for under a dollar. Not only does the service allow you to customize what goes into your own playlists, but it also opens the doors to a greater variety of music - not just the songs you hear played everyday on MTV or the radio. This gives record companies more information on what people actually want to listen to, so that they will not mass-produce a product and advertise it on radio stations. People can tell the industry what is popular by browsing through what looks interesting, and then buying what they like. An online music store, such as iTunes, can keep track of these statistics to get a better idea of changes and trends in different types of music; it tells the industry exactly what is preferred.

Downloading Music - Cold

By Devon Nuckles
Aldous Huxley once said, “After silence, that which comes nearest comes to expressing the inexpressible is music.” If this is the case then perhaps music is the foundation in which we base our very lives on.

Ever since the beginning of humanity, we have used some sort of music to express ourselves. Whether it is the spirit of the hunt or perhaps the loss of a loved one, we have used music to express our current emotions. For the longest time, music was handed down generation to generation, until the written language developed. Great composers such as Mozart or Beethoven were able to write down their works so they could be stored in the archives of history.

This was the case until 1857 when the first record player was invented, the phonograph. This changed the face of music forever. Over time, more musicians were recognized and recording technology greatly improved. Society moved from vinyl records to CDs.

With new technology, especially with the Internet, the downloading of music swept across the globe. Many artists and record labels were in an outrage. Due to their outrage, file sharing has become closely monitored.

Today, file sharing appears to have stopped and legal downloads of music have increased in number. This may be due to software such as Apple’s iToons, where one can download a song for 99 cents.

However, one may ask, “Does downloading lessen the quality of music?” At one point in time, buying a new record was an experience. You would open up the case, examine the album art, and perhaps study the lyrics. The artwork would help enhance the mood that an artist was trying to create with the record. However, with downloaded MP3s one is missing this experience. It is very lackluster and bland to see only the song title on your screen.

Let us not forget an album’s sentimental value. Everyone has their favorite records with their favorite songs. It is such a wonderful and refreshing feeling to be able to pull your favorite album off the shelf, feel its texture in your hands, and place it in your CD or record player. Maybe you are doing this because you are having a bad day or because you are having a great day that you wish to enhance with music. Whatever the reason, it is great to have your favorite albums on a shelf in your room or house.

Therefore, downloading may be more convenient but it also cheapens the experience. What good is it if you just have a collection of songs that you got off the Internet? Where is the artistic experience? Where is the emotional value? Besides, how can we continue the tradition of passing down music with MP3s?

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Appalachian Heritage Day

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Appalachian Traditions Celebrated

By Erika Westbrook
Appalachian Heritage Day returned to campus for a third annual year on Oct. 13, providing a unique way of celebrating the Appalachian culture. Many students, including fourth graders from local elementary schools, participated in saluting the area’s culture.

In addition to displays, discussions and performances, there were a variety of demonstrations, such as soap making, weaving, blacksmithing and apple-butter making.

Martha McGoskey, a weaving teacher who has been inducted in the Mountain State Arts and Crafts Fair Hall of Fame, showed her weaving skills which she has obtained from nearly 55 years of experience. Dressed in a 19th Century costume, she spoke with students about the history of weaving.

“There is no record of the very first weaver, but we know that it was being done during biblical times,” said McGoskey.

Beth Ann Weber, a self-taught soap maker of four years, demonstrated the art of soap making as she described the differences between a quick-setting and slow-setting soap. She also displayed a variety of handmade soap balls, lip balm, liniments, herbal salves and lotions.

Performances were given by the West Virginia Mountain Pride Cloggers, who showed a variety of barn dancing and clogging in the theater, and by Mike Morningstar, who played music in the lunchroom.

Handmade instruments, animal traps and furs, art sketches, books, photographs, turkey calls and woodwork were among the many displayed items that participants could enjoy.

The event also gave programs such as Habitat for Humanity, Planned Parenthood, WIC, Faith Link, The Family Crisis Intervention Center, and Disability Services of WVUP a chance to discuss their programs.

Skillet throwing, hay rides, apple-butter making and a blacksmithing demonstration were among the activities held outdoors. Rock climbing was also made available by the U.S. Army.

A bonfire with ghost stories performed by local author and Ghost Tour founder Susan Sheppard concluded the events.

Blacksmiths Awe Schoolchildren

By John Hickey
Schoolchildren’s “oohs” and “aahs” greeted hammer blows on glowing metal as local blacksmiths Ted Banning and Jeff McCrady shaped steel bars into delicate leaves of metal. The children, from several Wood County elementary schools, were further delighted when their teachers were called up to strike veins into the glowing leaves.

Banning has done metalsmithing for 25 years, he said, and now does work as Avatar Metalworking. McCrady has apprenticed with Banning for three years, and is part of Appalachian Ironworks. Both are part of the Appalachian Blacksmith Association, which has a Web presence at http://www.appaltree.net.

The men fed air into their small coal-fired forge with an electric motor, and quenched hot bars with a bucket of water. They said that the coal they used, from West Virginia’s anthracite “Sewell Vein,” is prized by blacksmiths from as far away as Australia for the properties it imparts to the wrought steel.

McCrady pointed out the features of the anvil, noting that the horn, widening from its point, is used by ferriers to shape horseshoes of various sizes. He and Banning said, though, that they do not do ferrier work, preferring to concentrate in other areas, which for Banning includes Medieval and Renaissance craftsmanship. He displayed a full set of body armor he had recently crafted for the October Renaissance-style wedding of Mark Bibbee, the son of Paul and Dottie Bibbee, who teach at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

George Lamb's Guitars

By Robert Walling
Former West Virginia University at Parkersburg professor Dr. George Lamb returned to campus Thursday, Oct. 13, to display his skill in guitar making. The display was part of the 2005 Appalachian Heritage Day festivities.

Dr. Lamb retired in 2005 after teaching history for 29 years. After 40 years of building furniture, he felt that he needed something lighter and more challenging to create - something he could build while sitting down. His love of music lead him to choose building acoustic guitars.

Since he started building them four years ago, he has sold approximately 10 guitars to both professional and amateur players. Asking prices for his work run between $800 and $1,000.

The six models on display Thursday were all acoustic hollow-bodied guitars. Among them were two standard six-steel-string models, a twelve-string, and a nylon-string classical model. A unique steel-stringed model with a wider fret-board and more space between the strings was also shown.

As I played the unique model, the broader fret-board allowed me to pluck the strings with my fingers more easily than with traditional steel-string instruments, like a nylon guitar with the higher volume of steel strings. Dr. Lamb said the model was made for a fingerpicked blues style of music.

Every model was inlaid with the initials of their creator: “G.L.”

Morningstar Sang at Noon

By Dylan Webster
Among the many performances and presentations for Appalachian Heritage Day was a concert by local musician Mike Morningstar. Morningstar played a blend of traditionally arranged folk songs, original compositions, and standards such as Bob Dylan’s “She Belongs to Me.”

Joining Morningstar onstage was longtime cohort Rick Roberts. The two played a variety of stringed Appalachian instruments including banjos, mandolins and alternately tuned guitars. Those interested in this brand of music will be happy to know that these two also have recorded a CD entitled “Reunion.” It is available at Gallagher Music and other local music stores.

Dulcimer Display

By Devon Nuckles
Mike Mollohan was on campus for Heritage Day demonstrating the Appalachian Dulcimer, a hollow wood instrument played on the lap consisting of four strings plucked in the same fashion as a guitar. The Appalachian Dulcimer is the only original instrument other than the banjo to come from the Appalachian area.

Mollohan, a blind craftsmen, who has been in woodworking for four years, was given an old dulcimer by a friend of his and took an interest in the instrument shortly after. “It was a junker,” said Mollohan, “but I fell in love with it.” Today Mollohan builds his own dulcimers.

“I played the guitar sometime before I got into the dulcimer,” he stated, “so I know how to play it some.” Mollohan occasionally plays for schools, churches and anyone interested in the music.

For anyone interested in learning how to play the dulcimer, or any instrument, Mollohan offers this sound advice: “Just dive in.”

Local Poet Explains 'WHY'

By Katie Deem
West Virginia author Lisa M. Sheldon promoted her collection of poetry, “Mommy, WHY?” on Appalachian Heritage Day. Lisa previously resided in Swansboro, North Carolina, but found herself wanting out of the urban locality. She and her family wanted a more rustic life. They subsequently settled in Calhoun County, West Virginia. Sheldon at present attends West Virginia University at Parkersburg, and is working on her Regents Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in psychology.

“Mommy, WHY?” is her first published work, though she has had poems published in separate works in North Carolina and West Virginia.

In “Mommy, WHY?” Sheldon explains to children why things in nature exist. She explains how insects, butterflies and flowers work together naturally for a purpose. She combines elements of faith and the presence of God within her poetry, as well. The collection contains illustrations by Julie Snider, a friend of Sheldon’s, who is also from West Virginia. The illustrations show the likeness of an insect, a hummingbird drinking from a flower, a butterfly resting on a petal – all meant to show the reader the beauty and importance of nature.

Her children and their inquisitiveness inspired this collection of poetry. She expresses that “no better time is shared than when you curl up with a book and your child.” She revels in the familial and rural qualities of Appalachian culture, the “concentration on the natural world” and love for children. She says, “Things are more real here.” She values the “faith in God” found here in West Virginia. Her poetry conveys these Appalachian values.

Sheldon’s collection of poetry is available for $6 a copy. She can be contacted at cgwgtoday@yahoo.com.

Traditional Games

By Heath Bloxton
Games for Appalachian Heritage Day drew several Wood County elementary schools to the campus front lawn. These students visited to celebrate our Appalachian heritage and learn the games that were played before the days of video games and electronics.

Included in these fun activities were games such as horseshoes, a skillet throw, hay-bale tossing, and a sack race. The young children participated in these games throughout the morning and into the afternoon.

This was the third year of Appalachian Heritage Day. Instructor of Sociology and Chairman of Appalachian Heritage Day Gregg Busch said that the reason these games were part of the activities was because they were an important factor in teaching the children about our Appalachian heritage. Gregg also said that the day would not have been possible without the assistance of the Education Department and Social Justice.

Couple Shares Tradition

By Ashleigh McCune
Bob Stanley and his wife Alice came to make apple butter on Appalachian Heritage Day.

Bob Stanley has been making apple butter for 59 years; he started making it when he was only ten years old. He grew up watching his grandparents make it.

The Stanleys used to buy the apples and peel them to make the apple butter, but now they use applesauce because it helps speed up the process. They cooked a 30-gallon bucket of apple butter and the school sold jars. They started at 8:30 a.m. and cooked it through the afternoon. According to Stanley, it depends on the consistency to tell when the apple butter is done. The apple butter has to be stirred at all times so it will not burn to the bottom of the pan.

“We enjoyed coming. We love kids of all ages and there are awfully nice people here, especially the students,” said Stanley.

They have a daughter, Mary Beth, whose husband Gregg Busch is Assistant Professor of Sociology here. Busch was the one who invited the Stanleys to Appalachian Heritage Day.

Quilting Patterns Bring Comfort

By Betsy Curry
Quilting was one of the events offered at Appalachian Heritage Day. Nadine Hoffman and Sue Byrd were available to answer questions about quilting and provide the chance to view beautiful quilts.

One quilt Hoffman brought was the Prayer Quilt. The quilt shows many squares each with a heart and a different prayer. She wrote a prayer for people that are close to her, such as her friends and family. When someone is sick in the hospital the quilt provides comfort. Another quilt, Trip around the World, made by Byrd, has more than 24 different patterns and over two thousand blocks.

WVUP student Sarah Lough started quilting two years ago with her grandma, Nadine Hoffman. She provided one of her quilts, originally made for a 4-H project, for show during Heritage Day.

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Morgantown Magic

By Heath Bloxton
The West Virginia Mountaineers stunned the Louisville Cardinals Saturday, October 15, by defeating the Cardinals in three overtimes 46-44.

With a sold-out crowd in Morgantown, the Mountaineers had hoped to get off to a quick start. However, it was Louisville who caught fire and took a 17-0 lead into halftime.

The Mountaineers got on the board on their first drive of the second half, as Steve Slaton ran the ball in for a touchdown, putting the Mountaineers down by 10. The Cardinals quickly answered as running back Michael Bush ran the ball in for another Louisville touchdown making the score 24-7.

Disappointed and upset Mountaineer fans began heading for the exits as all hope seemed to be lost. However, these fans would miss one of the biggest comebacks in West Virginia history.

The Mountaineers turned to freshman quarterback Pat White to lead them down the field. White rose to the occasion and converted a fourth and 10 play and moved the ball into scoring position. It was Steve Slaton again who ran into the end zone again to trim the Louisville lead to 10, 24-14.

West Virginia knew that with little time left, they had to kick an onside kick. Freshman kicker Pat McAfee "pooched" the ball into the air and the Mountaineers came up with the football.

West Virginia drove again, but the drive was stalled on a penalty and the Mountaineers had to settle for a field goal making the score 24-17.

The Mountaineer defense stopped Louisville on three straight plays and forced the Cardinals to punt the ball with less than three minutes to go of the game.

West Virginia once again took the ball inside Louisville territory, but faced a fourth-and-one dilemma. The Mountaineers turned to Pat White to bail them out and Pat again converted the fourth-down try. Seconds later, Steve Slaton scored from the one-yard line and the Mountaineers tied the football game, sending it into overtime.

The Cardinals and Mountaineers exchanged touchdowns in the first two overtimes. West Virginia took the ball first in the third overtime. Steve Slaton scored his sixth touchdown of the game giving West Virginia a 44-38 lead. The Mountaineers lined up for the two-point conversion try (required in 3 overtimes). Pat White rolled out of the pocket and fired the ball into the hands of receiver Dorell Jalloh giving West Virginia a 46-38 lead. Louisville had to score a touchdown and convert the two-point try.

Louisville answered with a touchdown by Michael Bush and lined up to go for two. Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm took the ball and began running up the middle. Mountaineer safety Eric Wicks nailed Brohm just short of the end zone giving the Mountaineers a 46-44 victory.

West Virginia fans celebrated by singing "Country Roads" as Louisville fans sat in amazement.

Heath's Top 5 All-time NFL QBs

By Heath Bloxton
Ranking the top NFL quarterbacks of all time is not an easy task. However, below I have ranked my top five and have listed reasons for their rankings."

Joe Montana- I choose Montana as the best quarterback of all time because he won four Super Bowls along with three NFL MVP awards. He also had 40,551 total yards in his career and had a passer rating of 92.3.

John Elway- Elway is my choice for number two because he is second in all-time total offensive yards in NFL history with 59,006. He is also third in touchdowns with 417 and has two Super Bowl rings.

Joe Namath- Namath gets my pick for third because he was the first quarterback to pass for over 4,000 yards in a season. He also has 27,663 career-passing yards and 173 career-passing touchdowns.

Johnny Unitas- Unitas takes fourth place because has two NFL crowns and compiled 40,239 passing yards in his career. He also threw 290 touchdown passes and went 26 straight games throwing for 300 yards.

Terry Bradshaw- Bradshaw compiled 27,879 passing yards and 212 passing touchdowns. He also rushed for 2,257 yards and had 32 rushing touchdowns. Next to his yardage are four Super Bowl rings.

Dylan's Top 5 All-time NFL QBs

By Dylan Webster
Not long after the forward pass was introduced to the NFL, fans began to debate who was the best. The position has always required intelligence, athletic ability and leadership. Along with these qualities, and likely the most important, is the "intangible" characteristic: being a Winner. Scouts cannot judge it at the combine. Nor does it show up in IQ tests or hair color. Being a Winner is truly intangible, and of the utmost importance. This having been said, let the debating rage on.

Joe Montana - Epitomizes the intangibles. Critics said he possessed a weak arm and was undersized. Four Super Bowls and several all-time records later he is generally accepted as the all-time best.

John Elway - Leads all QB's in career wins. He led his Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances and two victories.

Terry Bradshaw - While posting rather ordinary career numbers, Bradshaw possessed a cannon arm and the ability to shine on the NFL's largest stage. Matched only by Montana with four Super Bowl victories.

Troy Aikman - Statistically very similar to Bradshaw. However, he owns three title rings of his own. He did what was asked of him, and was smart enough to keep handing the ball to Emmit Smith.

Bret Favre - Has only one Super Bowl win, but still plays with the look of a ten year old child in his eyes. He also will likely own many of Dan Marino's records. Along with being a winner, he has been a joy to watch.

Dan Marino owns most of the career passing records, but never won a title. Others deserving special mention are Johnny Unitas and Bart Starr. Both were proven winners without gaudy numbers.

This is merely one person's opinion, and that is why the topic is so much fun to debate.

Jim Tracy to Manage Pirates

By Heath Bloxton
Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Jim Tracy was named manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday, Oct. 11, at a press conference in Pittsburgh. Tracy, 49 years old, has signed a three-year deal through 2008 to manage the rebuilding Pirates.

After five successful seasons with the Dodgers, Tracy was not given a contract to sign with Los Angeles and the Pirates felt Tracy could be a possibility for the empty job in Pittsburgh. Following several meetings with Pirates General Manager, Dave Littlefield, the Pirates decided that Tracy was the right man for the job.

However, one question remains: Can Tracy bring the Pirates to the winning side for the first time in 13 years? Well, Tracy believes the Pirates can win because the core of young talent in the organization is well coached. He stated that the young players in Pittsburgh remind him of the successful players he had in Los Angeles. He has also said he is looking forward to making these players better and can’t wait for the challenges he and the club will face in the future.

Tracy grew up in Hamilton, Ohio, and played baseball for Marietta College. He was 422-371 with the Dodgers, and hopes to have the same success in Pittsburgh.

Tracy will replace Lloyd McClendon, who was fired Sept. 6 after several disappointing seasons.

Penguins Retool

By Robert Walling
After missing the playoffs every year since the 2001-2002 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins are once again making a run at the Stanley Cup. One year before the NHL lockout caused the cancellation of the 2004-2005 season, the Penguins finished at the bottom in both standings and attendance. After the lockout led to a decrease in fan interest, NHL officials adopted new rule changes designed to ease passing and increase scoring. The struggling franchise has dug into their wallet to sign veteran players with a history of scoring goals.

Creating hype for both Penguin fans and the NHL is the rookie prospect and number one 2005 draft pick, Sidney Crosby. The young player’s success in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League attracted a dozen media outlets from Canada and the U.S. to cover his first day at Penguins training camp. “He is one of those three or four players people have been talking about since he was 14 and rightfully so,” said Pittsburgh Coach Eddie Olczyk. Crosby has already filmed promotional ads for NBC’s new coverage of the NHL. His signing has also encouraged a number of high-profile free agents to sign with the Pens.

Making the move from the cross-state rival Philadelphia Flyers are John LeClair and Mark Recchi. Both players have scored more than 400 goals during their long careers while Recchi has tallied up 728 career assists. Combined, both players give the Pens 24 years of postseason experience.

Also making the move to Pittsburgh is former Los Angeles forward Zigmund Palffy. “Ziggy” has led his team in scoring three out of the past five seasons, and scored 16 goals and 25 assists despite missing 67 games.

Helping on the defensive side is former Washington Capital and Boston Bruin Sergei Gonchar. Earning a spot in the All-Star Game during the past four seasons, Gonchar has also scored more points than any other defenseman since the 2000-2001 campaign.

Fans have responded to this newly improved Penguin team. Season ticket sales are up, while front row seats to the Oct. 8 home opener against the Boston Bruins are selling for approximately $450 a piece on eBay.

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Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

Work at the Polls Election Day

Secretary of State Betty Ireland has teamed up with West Virginia’s community and technical colleges to offer a new opportunity to its students and to help alleviate a shortage of poll workers on Election Day.

The Sigma Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa will be sponsoring the one-hour training at 11 a.m. on Nov. 15 in Room 0102A.

Expecting future poll-worker shortages due to an aging West Virginia population, the Secretary of State’s office will work with each community and technical college to recruit, encourage and train students to become poll workers.

The training will address election procedures, the responsibilities of handling ballots, and the resolution of common problems at the polls. It will not replace the training county clerks do for poll workers at election time.

“One of the goals for my administration has always been to have a well-educated staff in order to provide the best customer service to our citizens,” said Secretary Ireland. “Our customers are those who vote, and they deserve the best service we can provide.”

Students who choose to become poll workers will complete the full poll-worker training course with their county clerk and, if selected, will be paid for their service on Election Day. “This is a great way for students to serve their community and make some money at the same time,” said Ireland.

Domestic Violence

By Jasmine Delane
Domestic violence is a recurring problem throughout the world. Since 1989, domestic-violence complaints to law enforcers have increased by 400 percent. Every 15 seconds a woman is beaten, raped or killed by someone and nearly two out of three female victims were related to or knew their attacker. The majority of victims of domestic violence are said to be women, while mostly men are the perpetrators. Domestic violence is a huge problem, and if you or someone you know needs help, please contact the 24-hour Abuse/Rape Hotline at 428-2333.

Health Fair a Success

By Jasmine Delane
The Health Fair, which was held on Oct. 12, brought health awareness to the students of West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Individuals who attended were able to receive free glucose tests, STD tests, and even got condoms to help promote safe sex.

If an individual wanted to, they could even give blood to help save lives. There were nursing booths from different area hospitals and West Virginia colleges, and even a display with pig lungs that showed the difference between healthy lungs and a smoker’s lungs. Many people got their eyes tested and even got their blood pressure taken. It was a great time to learn how to better your health.

Wigs for Kids

By Erika Westbrook
Hair donations are still being sought for the Festival of Hope, which will be Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.

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 due to medical treatment, health conditions, or burn accidents. The cost to make one wig is $1500, and takes 10-12 people each donating at least 10 inches of hair. Volunteers who donate their hair during the event will receive a professional cut and style, and a massage.

The Criminal Justice Organization, which is sponsoring the event, will also be selling raffle tickets to raise money for the cause. Items to be raffled include a necklace from Buttermore’s Jewelers; a 24 karat gold-trimmed butterfly from Fenton’s; dinner for two at the Outback Steakhouse; free movie rentals from Movie Gallery; a backpack from the Workingman’s Store; gift certificates; gift baskets; and more.

Cancer awareness booths, a cake-decorating contest and a bake sale are planned for the event. All proceeds will go to Wigs for Kids.

Information about making a donation, or volunteering for the festival, can be obtained in the Criminal Justice Lab, Room 131A, or by e-mailing Joe Morgan, president of CJO, at joemorgancjo@yahoo.com.

Heart Walk

By Jasmine Delane
The American Heart Walk at Parkersburg High School proved to be a great success. The fundraiser was held on Oct. 2 and over 125 students participated. West Virginia University at Parkersburg raised around $3000, and the Heart Walk raised a total of $37,000 - $39,000. The event raised quite a lot of money for a great cause.

Quilts for Katrina's Kids

By Jasmine Delane
The Sigma Omega Chapter of Phi Theta is collecting quilts for Katrina Victims, especially the children. If you can donate a good, used or new, clean quilt or blanket for the young hurricane victims, please contact Dottie Bibbee in Room 0102D or call 424-8247. You may also leave them in boxes located around the college. The blankets and quilts will be taken to Arlington, Virginia, in November.

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Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

Corporate/Community Education

By Jessica Milhoan
The BIDS (Business, Industry and Development Services) Center has changed its name to The Center for Corporate and Community Education.

David Bell, coordinator of the Center, says they are now in the process of looking into an additional communication program. This could mean a non-credit language course for the campus.

Bell has ideas for other courses such as becoming familiar with software and enrichment classes. Bell says he is willing to listen to people concerning their ideas about the college and even possible business opportunities. The Center wants to learn what people would be interested in and work with presenters who have their own material to help them get started. The Center’s motto is, “Any time, Any place, Any pace.”

New Degrees Offered

By Robert Walling
More undergraduate and graduate degrees are to be offered next semester by the Extended Learning office. The programs contain some courses that are only available online, while some can be taken at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Some majors, such as Physical Education, Teacher Education, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Coaching Education, and Sports Management, require some trips to Morgantown. This is because these degrees are given by West Virginia University’s main Morgantown campus, not WVUP.

The three undergraduate degrees available this winter are a Regents Bachelor of Arts, Nursing (RN or BSN), and Multidisciplinary Studies. The Regents’ degree offers an emphasis on either business or psychology. A student must complete 36 hours of general education or core courses, 52 hours of elective courses of 100 level or higher and 40 hours of courses at a 300 or 400 level. Unlike the offered degrees, the Regents B.A. will be presented directly from WVUP.

In addition to the courses offered for college credit, more classes are being added that do not count towards a degree. These include Genealogy, Cost Engineering, Rock Guitar, Webmaster, Paralegal Studies, and Project Management, all of which are available online.

Certificates such as those for teaching and substitute teaching will be offered, along with financial aid assistance.

Information on all of these programs is available via Dave Winger at Room 1026A, or online at www.elearn.wvu.edu.

The Regents Bachelor of Arts

The Regents Bachelor of Arts/Board of Governors office is now located in the Caperton Center. Students should call 424-8321 to schedule advising appointments. Jackson County Center RBA/BOG students can schedule appointments by e-mail (debra.kafer@mail.wvu.edu) or by contacting a JCC staff member.

Spring Humanities Courses

Robert Walling
This spring, the Humanities Division offers a wide choice of special courses. In the Journalism Department, Emmanuel Ogwude will provide students hands-on experience in the basic techniques of producing video documentaries. Paul Bibbee will offer Advanced Photography with an emphasis on Digital Photography. He will also be offering a new course in the Principles of Advertising.

In the Theatre Department, Carson Soelberg will reveal secrets of the stage in his Introduction to Technical Theatre; students will also have a chance to create their own dramas in Soelberg’s special Playwriting course.

In the English department, Emily Lamb will offer Shakespeare II, enabling students to encounter the timeless Bard online. Dr. Nancy Nanney’s new Commonwealth Literature course features fiction, poetry and drama by renowned modern writers from Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and Canada. The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of sovereign states which have a historical connection to the British Empire.

In the English Department, Bibbee will explore the world of Popular Culture and Maggie Berdine will treat Film As Art.

In the Speech Department, Barbara Harris will facilitate Human Communication and Rational Decisions.

Students are encouraged to speak to the respective instructors about these exciting Humanities choices.

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

West Virginia University at Parkersburg students interested in social work can now obtain a BSW degree through a 2+2 program offered jointly through WVUP and West Virginia State University. The two institutions finalized an agreement last spring. There are nine students currently enrolled in the program.

Registration for next semester will begin in October. Interested students should contact Gregory Busch, Instructor of Sociology, in Room 1025 for more information. Students can also call Dr. Brenda Wamsley, Chair of the Department of Social Work, WVSU, at 304-766-5240, or e-mail wamsleyb@wvstateu.edu for individual consultation, transcript analysis, and advising.

Dr. Wamsley will be happy to schedule an appointment to meet with any student who would like information about the joint program. She is on the WVUP campus each Wednesday this semester to teach an evening social work class. “I am very excited to be part of the WVUP/WVSU joint program. I know there are many students here in Parkersburg and the surrounding area that would make wonderful social workers, and the need in our society for trained help professionals has never been greater,” Dr. Wamsley stated in a recent interview.

Social workers find careers in a variety of fields, including child welfare, youth services, mental health, substance abuse, disabilities, domestic violence, health care, and aging.

Pre-Admission Nursing Test Prep

By Ashleigh McCune
The Nursing Department is selling a preparation test book for the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Pre-Admission Nursing Test. Students in the program who meet the requirements to take the test will receive a letter in the mail in January.

The book is $28, which is a discounted price. Any student who is interested can purchase the book in the Health Sciences Division Office in Room 2332.

Priority Pre-registration

By Ashleigh McCune
Students are reminded that they need to pick up the Registration Information Sheet that provides their Priority Pre-registration Time.

To find out more about online registration go to www.wvup.edu. OLSIS registration instructions are available at www.wvup.edu/registrar/index.html.
Priority Pre-registration starts on Oct. 31. You have from 8 a.m. on your assigned date to the end of registration in January to register for the spring semester.

Volunteer to Tutor

By Dylan Webster
The Learning Center is in need of volunteer tutors for the following courses: Statistics, Microbiology, History 101, Astronomy, American Literature 241 and 242, Physical Science 112, and Music Appreciation. All who are interested in volunteering should contact the Learning Center for more information.

The Learning Center is located in Room 0404 and provides tutoring for a variety of courses. Anyone in need of help should drop in and inquire about times and availability of tutoring sessions.