Andes Manta Folk Group Feb. 3

By Jessica Milhoan
The Distinguished Performance Series presents Andes Manta on Friday, Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. in the College Activities Center. The performers of Andes Manta, four brothers from Ecuador, attempt to forge a cultural understanding between the peoples of their homeland and North America by presenting a festival of Incan culture featuring over 35 traditional instruments, such as the panpipe.

These brothers learned their traditional folk music as it has been learned for thousands of years, passed from father to son, brother to brother. In their performance the musicians explain and demonstrate each instrument, and proceed to captivate the audience with a virtuoso performance. The performers have dazzled audiences with their music in places such as Carnegie Hall and the Smithsonian Institution.

Andes Manta will also present a workshop for making panpipes at the Parkersburg Art Center on Feb. 4. For more information on this workshop, please call 485-3859.

The cost for admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Students may purchase advance tickets for themselves and a guest for $2 each in the Business Office.

The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Academic Affairs, Student Activities, and Social Justice Program all provided financial assistance and funding for this performance. For tickets by mail, call (304) 424-8223, e-mail tammy.harper@mail.wvu.edu or write Performing Arts Tickets, 300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, WV 26104. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to speak with someone at the time of ticket purchase or call 424-8337 TTD for accommodations.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Speech

By John Hickey
The power of forgiveness, in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., was Charles W. Fox’s theme when the media consultant and educator spoke Jan.19 at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

In the oral history of Fox’s family, the story has been passed down that Fox’s great-great-grandmother Mary, a slave owned by the family of George Washington, was a “brood woman” who hid her babies to prevent them from being sold, and who was whipped to death by her masters for refusing to work in the fields. After emancipation, the family history relates, one of Mary’s hidden babies, John Fox, who when grown had become involved in the Underground Railroad, returned as a free man to his mother’s former masters, reconciled with them, and formed a successful partnership with them, in an astonishing act of forgiveness and wisdom.

Charles Fox was appointed by Bill Clinton in 1993 to head the U.S. Information Agency’s Worldnet Television and Film Service. At the time of Fox’s appointment, President Clinton stood with Fox, a great-great-grandson of a slave owned by the brother of George Washington, for a photograph in the White House. In the background hangs a painting of George Washington. That photograph, Fox said, like the story of his great-grandfather John Fox returning as a free man to partner with his former masters, crystallizes for him a sense of reconciliation and reunion, a sense of having come “full circle,” which, Fox says, has been a recurring theme in his life and in the history of his family.

The key to reconciliation is forgiveness, Fox says. He recounted moments from his own life as well as from the history of his family which, sometimes miraculously, brought home the lesson of forgiveness. “You must forgive,” he said, “to get off the wheel” of anger and estrangement which blocks you from reconciliation with yourself and from reunion with others.

Fox’s forthcoming Reunion: Dreams, Codes, and Memories, he promises, will tell the full story of his family’s history, which is entwined with the story of the African-American odyssey in America, as well as the story of his personal journeys in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, researching slavery and seeking “reconnection with ancestors” as a way a finding the reunion he seeks.

In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Fox’s appearance was sponsored by WVUP’s Social Justice program. The President’s Office for Social Justice, at www.wvup.edu/president/office_of_social_justice.htm, says, “West Virginia University at Parkersburg is committed to fostering an educational system that values the development of human potential, cultural and ethnic diversity and understanding; that provides for the preparation of students for a full and meaningful participation in a changing world and that promotes equitable and fair treatment in every aspect of campus life and employment for all persons, regarding of race, ethnic background, gender, age, religion, veteran status or disability.”

Post Office Raises Stamp Price

By Diana Williams
In a recent move by the United States Postal Service, individuals will now be shelling out two more cents for your “two cents.” Regular first-class postage stamps increased from 37 cents to 39 cents as of Jan. 8. There are two issues, the Lady Liberty and U.S. Flag; and the two-cent stamp, which features Navajo jewelry. The stamps are available in books of 20, coils of 100, and coils of 3,000 for businesses and postal vending machines.

Other postal increases include a three-cent rise for a one-ounce letter to Canada or Mexico, making the price 63 cents. Foreign mail also increases from 80 to 84 cents. Priority mail takes a big hike, increasing twenty cents totaling $4.05.

The Postal Service requested the increase in fees last April, but it did not go into effect on Jan. 8. On their official website, they cite the reason for the hike as being a need to make a $3.1 billion escrow payment required by Congress. However, rumors are circulating on news stations and websites that part of the increase was due to the increasing rise in gas prices.

The last increase was in June 2002. Another increase is expected within a year, according to the official U.S.P.S. website. Therefore, save those pennies in your car’s drink cup, you will need them if you want to mail any letters!

Dismantling Public Education

To the Editor:
The Report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education, entitled “’A Nation at Risk,” told Congress that American prosperity, security and civility are in jeopardy because the educational foundations of our society are being eroded. Our concern, the report said, “goes well beyond matters such as industry and commerce. It includes the intellectual, moral, and spiritual strength of our people.... Our society and its educational institutions seem to have lost sight of the basic purposes of schooling”

Ample evidence was provided to support this claim. The writers of the report concluded: “If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on America the mediocre educational performance that exists today, we might well have viewed it as an act of war.”

The report made no mention of the causes of this dismantling of public education. It did not explain that intervention by the federal government in local education is the primary cause of this “unthinking, unilateral, education disarmament.” It did not mention that the U.S. Supreme Court assisted in this effort with a number of rulings regarding the “separation of church and state.”

In addition to the federal government and the Supreme Court, colleges and universities have also assisted in the educational dismantlement of public education. One college president stated: “The campus turmoil of the sixties brought the exchange of a curriculum of connected principles for a smorgasbord of disconnected courses and programs. The educational consequence of this decentralization is an educated populace who have turned inward and have become disenchanted with academia, morals, and politics.”

This is a far cry from Cardinal Newman’s definition of the educated person as “’one committed to reason, a gentleman, a person who knows a good person when he sees one.” The educated person, said Newman, has a “’cultivated intellect and brings power and grace to every work and occupation which he/she undertakes.”

By 1995, the federal government willingly admitted that public education had been completely dismantled from top to bottom. The government offered the School to Work Program (STWP) as a solution. The STWP was the system used by the Communists in the old Soviet Union. The present offer is “No Child Left Behind.” Remember that education is within the jurisdiction of the state, not the federal government. It should remain so!

What should we do? We should take back local control of the public schools! The Supreme Court should repeal all laws based upon the phrase “separation of church and state.”

“Colleges and universities should be compelled to offer a coordinated curriculum that frees the mind for intelligent action, draws out the elements of our common humanity, cultivates the intellect, and disciplines the mind for correctness in thinking,” said Robert Hutchins, the former president of the University of Chicago.

We cannot long endure the present disconnection of spiritual, moral, and intellectual principles from public education and remain civilized human beings!


Dr. Lewis Rutherford
Professor of Speech

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‘Brokeback Mountain’ Wins Globes

By Rachel Nowery
The 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards was broadcasted on Jan.16.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association awards the Golden Globes to honor achievements in film and television during the calendar year. Millions of viewers worldwide tuned into NBC’s live broadcast of this annual event.

Some feature films that won Globes were the controversial gay cowboy film “Brokeback Mountain” starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhall, which won four Golden Globes and the Johnny and June Cash film, “Walk the Line.” This film starred Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix and won three Globes, including best actor in a musical or comedy, best actress in a musical or comedy, and best musical or comedy film.

The Golden Globes is also the award show for television as well as movies. Television shows that won globes were Grey’s Anatomy, Lost, Commander in Chief, Desperate Housewives, House, and The Office.

Also, every year a special award is given to an outstanding actor over the course of the years. It is the Cecil B. DeMille award and this year it was awarded to Anthony Hopkins. Previous winners include a wide range of actors such a Robin Williams, Al Pacino, Harrison Ford, Michael Douglas, Audrey Hepburn and many more dating back to the 1950s.

In December of 2005 when the Hollywood Foreign Press Association opened its doors for nominations in the required categories, over 300 nominations were submitted. To have been selected to be in the final nominations (which narrowed down to 125 nominees) and even win an award is a great achievement and it is every actor’s dream to stand behind the podium and say, “I would like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press…”

Keeping Your Money

By Katie Deem
Picture it: It’s Thursday, the day before you get paid. Money is tight. It has been for two weeks. You’re barely able to pay the water bill, let alone your cell phone bill or credit cards. The phone rings, and he, the bane of your existence, needs to borrow twenty dollars again. What’s a girl to do? You’re young; you’re hip, independent and fearless, but this situation always seems to trip you up.

You have options here, though you may not feel it. If you can first keep a cap on your temper and not go off, you can graciously ask him where his own paycheck has gone. If he has no job, ask why he can’t get off his dead butt and find employment. Most likely he will offer some ridiculous excuse about how he let his “boy” or his “bud” borrow twenty bucks to take out his “woman.” You, being the intelligent woman that you are, know this is bull.

Your first task is to figure out why he needs it. You may have to break out some fancy moves and maneuver the truth out of him. Ask penetrating questions. Be polite, but firm. The hope in this inquisition is that you can force him to admit he doesn’t really need the money.

Remember, he believes you’re a pushover. You’re so generous to him, he’s nicknamed you Money Bags. That’s why he called you in the first place. His mom’s refused. His sister isn’t even an option anymore. His brother’s in another state. You are his best friend, and unfortunately, you answered his phone call.

Let’s get back to your options. You can tell him the truth if you so wish. He may be unrelenting in his quest to bum money, depending upon how much he really needs it. You can tell him you have no money. You may choose to leave out the fact that you get paid tomorrow, but this is at your discretion. You may feel guilty after you refuse him. But consider that you may have taught him a lesson about your financial situation. He needs to know you’re on a budget. Besides, it’s your money because you earned it, and no one else gets to lay their grubby hands on it.

You also have the option of giving him the money. He may or may not spend it the way he has sworn he would, but at least he’ll be out of your hair. Even though you’re strapped for cash, you have given to the needy, and there is some satisfaction in that. You’ve been there for your friend when he was in need. You may, however, begin to regret this decision given the fact that you need money yourself. But remember that you get paid tomorrow, and you can always stop by BioLife to sell some plasma.

If you keep your money, know that you have fulfilled the independent woman’s obligation to take care of herself. Feel secure in that. You can’t take care of anyone else unless your needs are met first. If you do offer him the money, set up a repayment plan. Draft a contract if larger amounts of money are involved. Make sure he understands you need the money back. Most importantly, take pride in your generosity, Money Bags, and don’t regret it later. Whatever you give out comes back to you.

Bulgaria Project Raises Money

By Anthony Sellers
“Faculty As You’ve Never Seen Them Before” was held on Jan. 24, by the Bulgaria Project Committee. The concert raised money to bring faculty from the University of Rousse, the college’s partner school located in Bulgaria.

The West Virginia University of Parkersburg Committee was formed in 2001 by Emily Lamb, but did not grow until 2002, when they received funds from the Fulbright Grant to send twelve staff members from WVUP to Bulgaria for one month.

Concert performers included the Helium Singers, headed by professor Maggie Berdine, instructor Chase Brady, Director of Theatre Carson Soelberg, and the area ensemble Too Far Gone, which includes two WVUP faculty members.

Although it was a concert featuring musical groups, those who attended were also entertained with some comedy.

The Helium Singers kicked off the afternoon performing two songs. “Retirement” was the group’s last performance, and included the well-known “I Will Survive,” as a model for the rhythm of the song.

Dr. Joe Badgley served as Master of Ceremony, and unexpectedly displayed his skills, playing two spoons against his leg, before bringing Carson Soelberg up to perform.

Soelberg used paper signs to say what was on his mind instead of words. He then did a silent performance with words on signs followed by a grand rendition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” on an electrical keyboard.

The next to perform was Chase Brady. He showcased songs from his new CD Coyote Heart, which was on sale to help raise money for the committee.

Soelberg performed again with his silent paper, followed by his humorous song about Velveeta cheese, to the tune of “Maria,” a song from the popular musical West Side Story.

After a short intermission, the feature ensemble Too Far Gone performed. The group includes WVUP instructors Dave Thompson and Mark Bruce.

Overall, the event raised over $1,400, enough to bring another instructor from Rousse to Parkersburg. Right now, the Bulgaria Project Committee has enough money to bring a total of three instructors to Parkersburg.

Brady’s CD Coyote Heart, is on sale in the Teaching Innovations Center across from the Academic Dean’s office for $10 each. All proceeds will benefit the WVUP Bulgaria Project.

‘Come Back to Your Roots’

By Anthony Sellers
In the West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s 45th year of existence, the Alumni Association hopes to focus more on the accomplishments of former students.

Paul Daugherty, head of alumni affairs, noted that a number of graduates have become quite successful in their respective fields, whether they stayed in the area or moved to a larger city.

Daugherty plans to promote the theme “Come Back to Your Roots” for the graduates of WVUP. Alumni include the graduates from before 1989, when the school was known as Parkersburg Community College.

Daughtery hopes to reunite alumni with the faculty as well as departments from which they graduated. He believes this institution focuses on the people of the area, which is why he would like the alumni to be more involved.

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Fight Heart Disease By Wearing Red

By Katy Full
Twenty years ago the first Friday in February was named the “National Wear Red Day.” On this occasion, women of every age and race donned numerous layers of red, bonded by the goal of raising heart disease awareness. Unfortunately, many individuals did not, and continue not to know that heart disease is the number one killer in women.

Sometimes developing in teen years, due to smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity, heart disease is a gradually escalating illness, taking the lives of one in every three women. Disappointingly, even with such high numbers many women are still oblivious to the disease. In fact, it was recorded that more women fear cancer than heart disease, when in all actuality heart disease kills six times as many women as all cancers put together. “It is estimated that 700,000 Americans are expected to have a heart attack per year.”

With these unsettling statistics in mind, women pulled together in 2004 and formed the “Go Red for Women” movement. An organization through the American Heart Association, this movement was made as a promise to all females that they have the power to reduce risks of heart disease and live a long, healthy life. With a red dress pin as the symbol, more than 5,000 women nationwide have joined the group online, at www.americanheart.org, and received the pin of awareness.

Now, twenty years since the “National Wear Red Day” was introduced, and only two years following the “Go Red for Women” movement, both men and women alike are invited to slip on something red and show support Friday, Feb. 3, for the women still fighting this disease.

Fast Track Health Training

By Anthony Sellers
Classes for the Fast Track Health Insurance Customer Service Certificate started on Jan. 23. The classes are being held from 6 - 9 p.m. five days a week. The last day of classes is April 21.

Students in the Fast Track Program, offered on the main campus at West Virginia University at Parkersburg for the first time, will be given hands-on training in 90 calendar days or less to expand opportunities for employment in job areas that are in demand in the area.

Upon completion of the class, students will be awarded an Undergraduate Certificate from WVUP and Fast Track Certificate, which will list the skills learned in the class training. The courses taken through the program can also help a student receive the college’s Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Technology

Program coordinator Michelle Wilson hopes to be able to add to the list of programs offered, which already includes Real Estate and Medical Office Assistant as well as the Health Insurance Customer Service Certificate.

Real estate classes are ongoing. Contact Mary Beth Bush or Becky Ash in the Center for Corporate and Community Education building for more information.

Financial Aid deadline March 1

By Chris Carez
The deadline for applying for financial aid for the 2006-2007 school year is rapidly approaching. The deadline is March 1. The Financial Aid Office encourages students to apply online. If students decide to apply online, they must first get their PIN from www.pin.ed.gov. Then proceed to www.fafsa.ed.gov to apply for financial aid. For more detailed instructions go to the Financial Aid Office, Room 1207, and pick up an instruction sheet.

Students who missed picking up their financial aid checks in the Multipurpose Room can pick them up until Feb. 2. The checks will be in the Business Office on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. If the checks are not picked up by Feb. 2, they will be sent back. Contact the Business Office for more information, either in Office 1112, or by phone at 424-8233.

Health and Wellness Assoc. Helps

By Tom Freeland
Some students might not have heard of it, but the Student Health and Wellness Association is a very active group. They create programs on the college campus for cessation of smoking and responsible use of alcohol. Their mission is “to provide effective education that will motivate students to maintain or adopt behaviors to improve health, prevent disease, and assist in achieving their academic goals.” The faction promotes fitness and encourages wellness, too. Health is more than preventing illness; it includes physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and social well-being.

Many new projects are coming in the future for the SHWA. There will be a walking program commencing on Feb. 6. Walking is a great way to get into shape. Furthermore, it has been proven to relieve stress on the body.

Walking requires deep breathing which, in turn, helps your cardiovascular system.

Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women in West Virginia.

The statewide Cardiovasular Awareness Day is observed on Feb. 14. Everyone is encouraged to wear red to support the effort. Students can find more information about this special day at www. americanheart.org. If students are interested in joining the SHWA, please see Charlene McNulty, the school nurse in the Health and Wellness Center, located near the records office.

Nurse McNulty said, “We need students to become involved in the SHWA so we can plan more educational and wellness activities for the campus community.”

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High hopes for WVU FB in '06

By Heath Bloxton
Less than a month after West Virginia’s Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia, Mountaineer coaches, players and fans are already looking forward to next season. The Mountaineers are returning most of their starters from the 2005-2006 team. More notably, offensive speedsters Pat White and Steve Slaton are coming back after a phenomenal freshman season and will look to turn the Mountaineers into an offensive powerhouse.

The Mountaineers defensive backfield will have to be rebuilt, but several top recruits have already committed to playing for the Mountaineers next season. With Mike Lorello and Jahmile Addae leaving for graduation, the secondary will also lose its senior leadership. However, as in last season, young talent will be called upon to lead the corner and safety positions.

The linebacker positions will remain strong, as they will be returning Kevin McLee and Jay Henry. The defensive line will return two of their starters, but will lose Ernest Hunter due to graduation.

West Virginia is returning most of their offensive line including second-team All American center Dan Mozes. Mozes changed to center from the guard position, due to the lack of players at the position. Mozes did not disappoint as he powered the offense to become one of the nation’s top running teams.

Also returning is fan favorite Owen Schmitt, who transferred to WVU from a junior college to play the fullback position. Owen powered through defenses with his intelligent and athletic running ability. Look for Schmitt to make a big-power impact in an offense that will be looked at from a speed standpoint.

The Mountaineers have already been predicted to start the 2006-2007 season in the top three in the nation. Some experts have even said the Mountaineers will be the number one team in college football.

Only time will tell whether the Mountaineers will be able to repeat a BCS appearance. If they live up to expectations, then Mountaineer fans can count on another exciting season of West Virginia University football.

Steelers Hope To Win Super Bowl

By Heath Bloxton
The Pittsburgh Steelers captured the 2006 AFC Championship Jan. 23, beating the Denver Broncos 34-17 at Mile High Stadium. The win marked the first time since 1995 that the Steelers will be playing in the Super Bowl. Prior to the Championship game, Bettis gave an emotional speech to the team, asking his fellow players to “Please take me home.”

This year’s Super Bowl will be played in the “Motor City,” Detroit, Mich., which happens to be the hometown of longtime Steelers running back Jerome “The Bus” Bettis. Bettis made comments earlier in the season that this could very possibly be his final year in the NFL. Several Steelers players have said that they would love to send Bettis home with a Super Bowl Championship because he has earned it.

The 13-year “Bus ride” has been a long and windy road for Bettis. He was drafted out of the University of Notre Dame in the first round as a fullback by the Rams. However, after three rough seasons, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers where his legacy would be made as a halfback.

Bettis rushed his way through the record books, using his size and quick feet. He is currently fifth on the all-time NFL rushing list. Despite this great accomplishment, Bettis has never before been to the Super Bowl.

Some might call the 2005-2006 Pittsburgh Steelers a team of destiny. The Steelers were the lowest seed in the AFC entering the playoffs. However, they overcame all obstacles by defeating three teams on the road and earned a trip to the Super Bowl.

The Steelers will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. The Steelers franchise is looking for their fifth Super Bowl win, giving the fans reason to shout “One for the thumb!”

The Steelers and their followers very well could be seeing the “final Bus ride” in the Super Bowl. One question remains: Is there enough gas in the tank to ride “the Bus” to victory one last time?

City Grapplers Seek More Success

By Delano Farley
When it comes to high school wrestling skills, the city of Parkersburg has been blessed. Whether it is crowning an individual state champion or a championship team, Parkersburg has had a continuing streak of success in the brute sport over the years.

For the last seven years in high school Class AAA wrestling, West Virginia’s championship trophy has remained in the city of Parkersburg. Either Parkersburg High or Parkersburg South High School has taken home the top prize. These two high school wrestling programs have also kept the state trophy in Parkersburg for 17 of the last 18 years dating back to 1988.

However, the team championship trophy may not be guaranteed for the schools in Parkersburg this year. With the rebirth of Wheeling Park High School’s wrestling program, the top team prize may leave Parkersburg for only the second time in 19 years.

The West Virginia Wrestling Coaches Association and wvmat.com currently list Parkersburg South in second place and Parkersburg at fourth in the Class AAA wrestling poll. Wheeling Park is the No. 1 wrestling team in Class AAA. With all three teams competing inside the same region for state tournament berths, it is possible that the wrestlers could cancel each other out and allow a school from a different region to capitalize and win the state wrestling title. The most likely threats in this situation would be East Fairmont and Huntington high schools, as they are the top teams outside Parkersburg’s region.

Looking at individual championships, it would appear that Parkersburg is in good position to crown another champion. In total, the city of Parkersburg has 197 state individual wrestling champions dating back to 1948 when the state began keeping records on the sport. The Big Reds have crowned 134 individual champions in that 58-year span, while the Patriots wrestling program has crowned 63 individual state champions since their doors opened 38 years ago in 1967.

What is even more astonishing is the fact that the individual champion at the Class AAA State Tournament has been from the city of Parkersburg for the last 33 years.

Big East Hoops Tourney Sold Out

By Delano Farley
It does not come as a surprise that Commissioner Michael Tranghese has announced that the Big East Men’s Basketball Conference Championship, presented by Aeropostale at Madison Square Garden March 8-11, is sold out.

The Big East Conference currently boasts seven top-25 teams in the two national polls for men’s college basketball. Villanova, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Louisville, West Virginia, Syracuse, and Cincinnati all currently hold top rankings in the AP and ESPN/USA Today polls. It marks the first time in league history that seven conference members have been rated in the top 25 at the same time. It seems fitting for a conference that has captured five men’s basketball championships and 25 national championships in six different sports.

The Big East Championship has been a permanent contest in New York, hosting its annual basketball championship event at Madison Square Garden for 24 years dating back to 1983. It is currently the longest consecutive college basketball postseason tournament held in the same location annually.

Aeropostal, a specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories for young men and women, has been partners with the Big East Conference since 2001 and is also the sponsor of the Women’s Big East Basketball Championship.

The best 12 teams in the conference advance to the championship event, with the top four teams receiving a first-round bye in the nationally televised tournament. The Big East Championship is the only college basketball tournament which has every one of its games broadcast by ESPN or ESPN2 before a national viewing audience.

The event’s sellout marks the first time in the history of the league that all tickets for the annual postseason basketball championship were purchased in advance, negating the sale of tickets to the general public at Madison Square Garden.

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Miner Tragedy In West Virginia

By Betsy Curry
Tragedy struck West Virginia on Jan. 2, and forced our state to be in the national lime light for the first time since most of us can remember. The Sago mine explosion is still under state and federal investigation, according to various websites. Initial indication concluded that lightning was the cause of the 6:30 a.m. explosion which trapped 13 miners under ground.

I first learned of the miner entrapment in the early afternoon of January 2. As an avid internet user I stumbled upon the headline teaser on MSN.com stating “13 miners trapped in West Virginia,” from pure curiosity I clicked on the story. From then on I was hooked to CNN with the live coverage of the Sago Mine rescue.

The disaster was first reported on CNN Live Today at approximately 11:41 a.m Jan. 2 according to CNN online. Reporters clamored to the tiny town of Tallmansville which is located in Upshur County, in hopes to be the first to break the nation wide story. Anderson Cooper and Geraldo Rivera were amongst the hundreds of reporters located near the Sago Baptist church, which held the family and friends of the miners. Reporters found it difficult to interview or receive any information from the family members. The family and friends of Terry Helms, was one of the few that willingly spoke with CNN on various occasions.

CNN correspondents spoke with Helms’s son Nick Helms about his father. Nick stated “He worked so hard so I wouldn’t have to set foot in a coal mine,” The Helms family was very cooperative with CNN reporters answering various questions about the miners and how the other families were dealing with this tragic event.

Eleven hours after the explosion that not only collapsed the mine but was also heard around the small community, a team of five rescue workers proceeded into the mine on foot. The first report of workers descending into the mine was broadcasted on CNN Live. The rescue was held off because according to mine officials the carbon monoxide level was too dangerous. The rescue was a long and enduring process. By midday on Jan. 3 the rescue of the 13 miners was creeping upon 24 hours.

According to CNN Online the family and friends of the 13 miners spent the night at the Sago Baptist Church, which is located only a few minutes from the Sago mine. During the night prayers and hope filled the church as they awaited any word from the mine officials. At daybreak the outcome of the rescue seemed grim.

“According to mine
officials the carbon monoxide level inside the mine was three
times the safe limit.”

As family and friends prepared for the most logical outcome, the first real news made its way to the tiny church, at 8 p.m., according to CNN and numerous other websites, one miner was found dead at an abandon cart which carries miners into the mine each day.
Around 11:45 p.m. nationwide CNN viewers were told live by various people that 12 miners had been found alive. CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper spoke with a teary eyed friend of Terry Helms as he rushed down from the mine stating “12 are alive, we got 12” Almost simultaneously with the news the bells of the Sago Baptist Church rang out celebrating what many remarked as a miracle. Governor Joe Manchin was accredited for calling out “Miracles do happen in West Virginia.” According to CNN who derived their information from family and friends of the trapped miners the 12 miners would ascend from the mine and come directly to the church and be reunited with their loved ones.

All that was left to do now for reporters was to wait for the miners. Viewers as well as family members were lead to believe it would be a short wait. Camera crews captured family and friends hugging and rejoicing on the steps of the church as they also waited for the miners to appear. During this time the nation was left to listen to many family members being interviewed about the “miracle news.” Anderson Cooper sought out family members of the 12 miners, but one particular interview is still etched in my mind. Lynette Roby and her two children spoke with Cooper about the joy in their hearts for the safe rescue of the 12 miners. Roby was just a neighbor who lived near the mine.

Minutes turned into hours as the family and friends still stood outside the church awaiting the arrival of their miner. At 1:20 a.m. the first ambulance appeared at the top of the hill, instead of driving to the church it took a right and proceeded in the direction of St. Joseph Hospital in nearby Buckhannon according to the live report on Anderson Cooper 360. Still, little was known and I as well as the nation continued to wait.

At 3 a.m. Lynette Roby and her two children literally invaded Anderson Cooper live on air. Roby stated that the initial word that 12 miners were alive was false. In actuality there was one alive and 12 dead and the survivor had already been transported
to the hospital. It was clear by observation that Cooper along with everyone else watching was stunned. He continued to ask various questions about where she heard the news from and when. During the interview faint yelling and screaming could be heard. Cooper later confirmed the noise was coming from the church where the family and friends were being told now, after three hours, that the 12 miners were dead.

The lone survivor of the devastating mine disaster was Randal McCloy Jr. who remains in critical condition at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Devastation has crimpled not only the hearts of the 12 miner’s family and friends, but a nation in whole has been in mourning. As the last of the miners were laid to rest on Jan. 10 their memories has yet to be forgotten. We must remember the words of Governor Manchin, “Miracles do happen in West Virginia,” for Randal McCloy continues to fight for recovery.

West Virginia: Born Of Rebellion

By Chris Carez and Betsy Curry
West Virginia University at Parkersburg is playing host to BORN OF REBELLION: West Virginia Statehood exhibit. Professor Bob Cordell acquired the exhibit, it and will remain until the end of January.

The traveling exhibit covers the controversial issue of whether West Virginia should be a state. The issue is whether Virginia gave its consent, which the US Constitution requires before it allows the division of a state. There have been many debates on this issue, including a recent C-Span debate.

Controversy arose between Western and Eastern Virginia for many reasons. Plantation life was the most talked about debate. Western land favored small-scale farming and many opposed slavery or were uninterested in it. The political issue came about as population grew in the west. Western Virginians felt they were provided unequal representation in the Virginia Legislature.

The debatable issues brought about two state constitutional conventions, yet both were unsuccessful. A Wheeling newspaper was quoted as stating western counties should break away from Virginia, “peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must!”

The Civil War brought more tension within the state of Virginia. The Western Virginian’s opted to remain loyal to the north as the Eastern Virginians joined the Southern states in 1861. Westerners came together to establish a Reorganized Government of Virginia with Wheeling residing as the capitol. The Union army gained control of present day West Virginia early in the war. Early claim on the land gave westerners the initiative to secede from the state. With the east joining with Southern States, statehood sentiment grew rapidly. In 1861, Western Virginians voted for separation from Virginia.

West Virginia was established as a state in June 20, 1863. In 1861, the Wheeling Convention voted to include 44 northern and western counties. Seven eastern counties were given the chance to vote. All but Frederick County, Virginia voted to become part of West Virginia.

The display shows a large quantity of information regarding West Virginia and its admittance to the Union, including what influence President Abraham Lincoln had in West Virginia becoming a state.

Viewers have the opportunity to vote on the constitutionality of the state. The exhibit is located on the first floor next to the student lounge.

Local Bands Bring Music

By Laura DiBetta
Parkersburg does not seem like a “happening” place for young adults. The majority of them either work or go to school. Their free time is spent at home bored or at some bar that has a karaoke night, and karaoke nights can get old fast.

Now, there is something to do. Parkersburg’s local music scene is growing more and more. More bands are being formed and more local concerts are happening.

A big reason for the rock shows in town is an organization called Project Active Media. Project Active Media is an independent record label based out of Marietta. Many shows are put on by this organization. At least twenty bands are signed to this indie label. The local concerts let the public know of these bands such as Privates, To Kill or Cure, and Homes.

Not only local bands play at these shows. Bands on tour make stops in Parkersburg because of Project Active Media being able to bring bands into the area. Many bands from both Pennsylvania and Ohio have been in Parkersburg.

There are a couple local shows coming up. Feb.4 in Belpre, Ohio featuring the bands Mental Pain, Riot of Words, The Privates, The Slackers, Young Hollywood, and Tainted Progeny. The show is at a new venue in the area at 214 Stone Road behind Food n’ More. The show starts at 6 p.m. and it is five dollars at the door.

Don’t Break Anything Fest started last summer, bringing local bands together for music fans. The fest was an immediate success. The next Don’t Break Anything Fest in on March 5. It will feature bands Privates (Marietta, OH), The Red Oranges (Shephardstown, WV), Leonardo Leonardo (Vienna, WV), Homes (Marietta, OH), Kid Gib (Ontario, Canada), The Colour Scheme (Columbus, OH.) Other bands may be introduced before the show.

Information on more local shows can be found on www.projectactivemedia.com and www.myspace.com.

Marietta Coll. Faculty Shows Art

By Patrick Garvey
The latest art exhibit in 2005 at the Hermann Fine Arts Center on the Marietta College campus showcased faculty artwork.

The first colorful canvas that caught my eye was the impressive size of Beth Nash’s Autumn Flower; it radiated a familiar palette. I could not help but compare the composition to the likes of abstract expressionist Willem DeKooning, with the subject’s head tilted slightly displaying her pure eyes; reminiscence of an artist’s typical interpretation of a Virgin Mary. The underlying conte-pastel mix (called “sauce”) with splashes of vibrant acrylic earthly hues over the parameter gives the piece a unique feel and breaks up the space. The other works by her are mostly portraits, many bare of color and free flowing nude visual renderings.

Another outstanding artist represented was Jolene Powell. She generally produces magical landscapes. Take Silent Sunset for instance. It is a 50” by 30”oil on canvas blazing with swirling oranges for the dominant upper thirds, embodying the softly violent, blossoming sky. On the bottom foreground there are slender sheaths of green grass helping to frame the atmosphere, usually a duck refuge, a secret backwater forming a stagnant pool or flat scenery with circles playing into the trees and underbrush. Powell surprised me with two small, silver gelatin pinhole photographs. Creek Trail is mysterious with its shady nooks and fading edges. The stream leads the viewer up a tight, almost claustrophobic unforeseen bend.

For Ron Wright’s Untitled #3, the canvas screams! It is unattached and representative of a primitive stained glass window, visually communicating a very active hand and mind. All of his creations are similar in the spontaneity of execution.

Christina Ullman’s digital illustrations are crisp and ornate. Cerus is triple framed with hovering flower arrangements spotlighting the face of a dolled up mannequin. Layering is a big part of this artist. Like any digital artist, Ullman heavily relies on the unlimited possibilities of the program used. There are creative aspects pleasing to the eye and the medium. Tapping with fingers is a good example of detaching yourself from the act of moving with the art. There were two commissioned pieces promoting education mixed into the lot. Although flat, Joseph Cornell’s collage ridden, shadowy boxes come to mind.

Jack Beauchamp was the three dimensional artist of the group. He displayed exceptional stoneware. Most pieces were raku fired with a copper luster. Browns and tans dominated his palette.

This exhibit allowed the community to view what the art instructors had been working on over the past two years while displaying a wide diversity of work. The exhibit lasted until December 9.

Upcoming exhibits include Unearthing the Form, paintings by Todd McGill and Ara Tanajian. It runs from January 28 to February 24. The Annual Student Show opens on March 3 and continues through April 7. Gallery Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Hermann Fine Arts Center is located at 215 Fifth Street, Marietta, Ohio. Each gallery showing is free and open to the public.Exhibits are located on the third floor. For more information call (740) 376-4696.

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Plus-Size Women Beautiful

By Katie Deem
Beauty is undoubtedly an American obsession. Those lucky enough to be labeled “beautiful” or “glamorous” fit into the beauty margin. They enjoy wide acceptance as representatives of the ideal American beauty. However, a new woman has arrived, and declared herself beautiful despite common conceptions.

The presence of plus-size women in the media has revolutionized the way we define beauty. Larger women are now on television, runways, on the street, and in school. Beautiful women are no longer only thin, but now also voluptuous, curvy, and full.


Lane Bryant, Catherine’s, Fashion Bug, and Torrid clothing advertisements feature plus-size women, generally sizes 14w-20w. They present fashion in a variety that until recently was not readily available to larger women. Clothing could only be found in specialty shops and catalogs, and the fashion offered was generally unattractive and unfeminine. Designers seemed to assume larger women were uninterested in appearing feminine, or perhaps unable to. It seemed being larger was something shameful and shopping should be secret, kept from the mass of “normal-size” women. Now larger women can shop at the mall shamelessly next to women of all different sizes.

Beautiful women like Christian Schmidt, a young star of the Canadian television series Degrassi; Barbara Brickner, working plus-size model for over ten years; Mo’Nique, actress and comedian; and Queen Latifah, actress, appear at the forefront of this pioneering effort. Their very presence attempts to break down size barriers that keep women from realizing their full potential and worth. They are creating a world in which women of every size can coexist, and often times befriend one another.

Even at WVUP, plus-size women are numerous. By taking pride in themselves in small, everyday ways, even they are revising the status quo.

Women interested in plus-size modeling or finding out more about women in this industry can visit www.plusmodels.com for more information.

St. Valentine Sacrificed All

By Katy Full
Year after year men and women exchange gifts of “love” all for the sake of Valentine’s Day. Recognized nationwide as the day of romance, this February holiday is shrouded in mystery. For instance, from where does the name “Valentine” transpire?

Many legends are mentioned, however, one of the more acknowledged tales is of St. Valentine, a young priest serving during the third century in Rome. About this time the emperor, Claudius II, decided that single men made much better soldiers than the younger married males. He then wrote the law that young men, coincidentally his potential soldiers, could not be married. Valentine realized the injustice behind this declaration and continued to secretly perform the marriages. When Claudius II became aware of Valentine’s actions he ordered that Valentine be put to death. Therefore, Valentine put his job and his life on the line, all in the name of love.

Another widely accepted story is the life of a different St. Valentine. Valentine was a young man serving his time in prison. While completing his sentence, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter, who visited him on numerous occasions. Before his death he allegedly wrote her a letter, signing it “From your Valentine,” an expression frequently used today.

Although the truth behind Valentines Day legends is cloudy, both stories emphasize the sensitivity and heroic nature of St. Valentine.

As a result, St. Valentine is, and will continue to be, the ultimate figure of romance.

All information can be viewed at www.historychannel.com.

WV Symphony Orchestra-Pburg

By Betsy Curry
Blennerhassett School is proud to present the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra-Parkersburg in a concert titled Rphsody in Blue. Sponsors of the event include St. Joseph’s Hospital, West Virginia Commission on the Arts and the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.

The Orchestra has been newly renamed the WVSO-P. It was first established in March 1988 as the “Mid-Ohio Valley Symphony Society.” The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is completely certified. Most if not all of the members hold an advanced degree in music. It is not uncommon for the Orchestra to perform regularly with the Cincinnati Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra.


Grant Cooper is the Artistic Director & Conductor. Cooper was granted the position in March 2001. It wasn’t until July 1, 2001 when he officially became the ninth conductor in WVSO’s history.

The Blennerhassett performance includes a piano soloist by Andrew Russo. Also included in the concert is artists; Alexander Borodin with Polovtsian Dances, George Gershwin and Rhapsody in Blue and Antonin Dvorak in Symphony No. 9 in E minor.

Rhapsody in Blue will be in performance Sunday, February 12 at 3 p.m. Adult tickets are priced at $15 while students are $8. The concert is at the Blennerhassett School Auditorium. For more information regarded tickets or directions call 485-4200, or visit their website at www.wvsop.org.

WVUP Tower Gets Face-Lift

By John Hickey

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is getting a new face. A new colorful “glass curtain wall” will this year become the architectural facade of WVUP’s three-story classroom tower. A $2.9 million stabilization and renovation project is underway, which will install the new facade while fixing the foundation problems that for years have been literally pulling the building apart.

Wayne Riley, director of purchasing and the project coordinator, says that about six years ago WVUP faculty and staff started to notice cracks in the concrete blocks that form the walls of the classroom tower, which had been built in 1975. The cracks appeared in several locations in the tower and over time became, in some places, several inches wide and almost six feet long.

PSI, an engineering consulting firm, was called in, Riley said, to take core samples of the building’s foundation soil, which was found to be substandard and deemed the cause of the problem. Burgess and Niple, an architectural and engineering firm, designed a solution to stabilize the building and provide the new facade, and Jendoco Construction has been awarded the $2.5 million contract to carry out the design. Jendoco began work in December and are, Riley says, ahead of schedule.

The brick facade of the three-story stair tower, on which the school name is now displayed, will be torn off the building. (The stair tower has slowly been tearing itself off the building for years, as Riley showed the Chronicle.) The long glass curtain wall will be mounted in its place, with the school name displayed above it, once the rest of building is stabilized.

The classroom tower will be bolted into a massive support system which will take the building’s weight off the existing substandard foundation soil, transferring the weight out to three new steel-and-concrete structures each anchored thirty-five feet deep into the earth.

Riley said the choice of this unusual solution was partly motivated by the fact that building the support structures outside the building would cause relatively little disruption to the school, in comparison to a contemplated alternative plan to build supports down through the interior of the building.

Some disruption has of course occurred. The East Entrance has been blocked off. Alternate space has had to be found for some classes and the faculty lounge has been closed. The road from the lower parking lot to the upper parking lot is blocked to vehicles, and no one can currently be dropped off at the main entrance. The bus from Parkersburg, which had dropped off passengers at the main entrance, now stops instead at the Activity Center.

WVUP’s contract with Jendoco specifies that “time is of the essence,” meaning that Jendoco has a contractual obligation not only to do the work according to specifications, but to complete the work by an agreed-on time, in this case Dec. 14, 2006. If the work were to get behind schedule, as many construction jobs do, Jendoco would owe WVUP a thousand dollars per day for every day past Dec. 14 that the job was unfinished. Riley says Jendoco expects to complete the work well ahead of schedule.

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'Walk For Spring'

By Jasmine Delane
Come by the Multipurpose Room on Feb. 6 or stop by the Health and Wellness Center, Room 1203, to sign up for a team in the “Walk into Spring” event. This is a walking challenge between students and faculty to see who can walk the most into the spring.

The Health and Wellness Center would also like everyone to know that student involvement is very much needed in the Health and Wellness Center. Any individual may also stop by and join the Student Health and Wellness Committee.

Kimes WVUP Scholarship Cord.

By Katy Full
With the help of a federal grant, Chris Kimes has been hired as West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s first Scholarship Coordinator.

Kimes is currently working on his masters degree in higher education administration, has been teaching Student Development classes for WVUP.

Kimes will be administering all the WVUP scholarships, will be traveling to high schools throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley to help students who desire to study abroad.

Kimes is located in Office 1213 for scholarship questions.

Study Abroad Offers Trip

By Chris Carez
The Study Abroad program is once again offering a unique travel venue. Professor Gregg Busch is taking faculty, staff, students, and any community members who wish to take part in a “Trip of a Lifetime.” This incredible excursion will take its participants to four of the greatest cities in the world.

The trip begins in New York City, where participants will need their walking shoes. The group is planning to visit many historical sites and popular venues. Following this wonderful stay in the Big Apple, the group will take an overnight flight to London, England. From there, they will take the high-speed Eurostar train and travel beneath the English Channel and arrive in Paris, France. Once that exciting leg of the journey is complete, the group will take a bus to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. This is the last stop in this unforgettable experience.

The trip itself is priced with students in mind. Some events during the trip are optional and are priced separately. It is recommended that tour participants take part in these events. The Financial Aid Office is offering scholarship for students wishing to travel abroad. Applications can be obtained in the Financial Aid Office. Students must have sophomore status to be eligible for the scholarships.

An informational meeting will take place at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 24, in Room 1317. There will also be a brown bag lunch Feb. 7 from noon – 1 p.m. in Room 2536. March 1 is the deadline for registration and payment.

Student Activities Planned

By Rachel Nowery and John Hickey
Tom Yencha, Director of Student Activities, encourages students to get involved in the many organized and unorganized activities on campus and to use West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s excellent free facilities. “You can’t beat the price,” he says.

The weight room and basketball court are open for all students Mondays through Thursdays 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Fridays 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Intramural basketball begins Jan. 31. Five-on-five games will be scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday, beginning at 1 p.m.

Arena-flag football starts Feb. 6, with five-on-five games starting at 1 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.

On Feb. 2 at 1 p.m., the Madden 2006 Tourney takes place. First prize is a PS2 Playstation, and second prize is the Madden 2006 game. There is a $2 entry fee, and you must be a WVUP student to win prizes.

A bowling club is forming to compete against Ohio Valley University, Marietta College, and Washington State Community College. An intercollegiate league is also forming which will bowl at Emerson Lanes on Thursdays at 9 p.m. Four-person teams will bowl starting Jan. 25.

There will be a Date Auction on Feb. 8 and a Comedy Club on Feb. 11. The Comedy club will have a diverse range of students and should be entertaining for all who come.

All students who are interested are welcome to get involved and also to come and support these events.

To sign up or to get information call Yencha’s office at 424-8309 or stop by Room 1535A.

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PTK Brings USA Today

By John Hickey
Phi Theta Kappa, seeking to encourage literate, civilized citizenship, is sponsoring this spring, for the third year, the All USA Today College Readership Program.

The purpose of the program is twofold. Along with the goal of promoting an informed citizenry on campus, the program is an experiment in sharing and promoting a civilized use of a free resource.

Fifty copies of the national newspaper USA Today are delivered daily to campus Monday through Thursday to the white bin in the Student Activities Center. Phi Theta Kappa encourages students and faculty to share the newspapers and to read and return the papers to the bin so that others can also read it.

Room Renovated To Aid Teachers

By Brian Ash
Room 1325 is undergoing renovation, and it will become the Center for Teaching Excellence. According to Cindy Kelley, Chairperson of Education Division the renovation was made possible by a $120,000 grant. This grant was received from the Benedum Foundation and West Virginia Secretary of Education and the Arts.

The grant will be used to support professional development school initiatives across the schools of West Virginia. There will be resource materials for math, science, history, reading, English, and physical education. The Education Division will be using SMART Technology in Room 1325 to help public school teachers in training and to help elementary teacher candidates. This will be a springboard for teacher candidates preparing to enter the public school system by giving them the needed training and tools to practice teaching in public schools.

The Education Division wants to start a program in Early Childhood Education, and they would be able to certify teachers through this new program to teach pre-school. This opens up more opportunities on campus for teachers. The goal is to offer it sometime next year.

Last Day For Fin. Aid In Bookstore

By Rachel Nowery
If there is anyone who will be receiving third-party financial aid (WIA, TAA, VOC, REHAB, etc.) they have until Jan. 31 to charge books and supplies from the Campus Bookstore. Please see Michelle McVey, the bookstore manager, for more details.

Refunds week is over. The only refunds that will be given are on books for classes that are dropped within 30 days of the start of classes. Students must have a drop slip and the original receipt of the book to receive a refund on these books.

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Tutors Needed For Learning Center

By Jasmine Delane
The Learning Center would like to welcome all students back this spring semester. During the semester the Learning Center has new hours that may be subject to change, now the hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., if later times are needed they must be by appointment.

The Learning Center also needs tutors for the following subjects: Acct 201-202, Phil 170, and Biol 200. If anyone is interested in becoming a tutor or would like more information about the Learning Center, they can stop by room 0404 in the basement or call Janice McCue at 424-8278.

Tobacco Grant Helps Classes

By Jasmine Delane
West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Health and Wellness Center nurse, Charlene McNulty, RN, applied for and received a $5000 grant from the West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention. The site coordinator for Tobacco Prevention Programs is Carrie Brainard and WVUP’s coordinator is student Jamie Barton. The grant the center received is being used to find tobacco education events and cessation classes. Anyone interested in these cessation classes should contact the Health and Wellness Center by calling 424-8205 or stopping by Room 1203 in the main hallway.

Also, congratulations to Jim Haines, Hope Ash, Ed Crisp, and Debbie Defibaugh, the graduates of the first smoking cessation class.

‘The Vagina Monologues’

By Katie Deem
The Theatre Department presents The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler on Feb. 17 and 18 in the College Theatre at 8 p.m. The all-female cast presents telltale anecdotes illuminating the ins and outs of owning and managing the female anatomy. Each narrative in the play reveals the point of view of a woman or several women interviewed by the author Eve Ensler.

This is the first time the Monologues have been presented at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Barbara Harris will direct the play, and Carson Soelberg will produce. Soelberg predicts that the Monologues may be handed over to a student director next year if the department chooses to present them again. The student director will need to have taken the directing class offered by the Theatre Department.

Until the Monologues were first published in 1996, many women chose not to refer to “down there.” The feminist movement liberated women. They finally grasped the freedom to talk about female experiences. Yet, the vagina remained a hushed mystery until women of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries began to explore the specifics of their anatomy. They analyzed the vagina, discovered how it functions, and how that functioning affects our lives.

In the play, women unleash the truth and declare that managing a vagina is no easy task. Women are frank about what they like and dislike about their vaginas, how it feels when their boundaries are violated, and what truly entices them. Producer Carson Soelberg “hopes people will feel uncomfortable and start to talk about it.”

In what will most definitely be an unforgettable evening, women will let their hair down and enjoy a night reserved especially to pay a tribute to womanhood. Perhaps men can learn the “fairer sex” does not necessarily don all pink-lace panties and white petticoats.

The Theatre Department may also present a third performance of The Vagina Monologues on Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. This performance, however, is tentative, but further information will be posted. For any more information, please contact Barbara “Buffy” Harris at 424-8229 or in Room. 0113.