September 17, 1998

Walk for Awareness

Now again you may be asking yourself, “What relevance does this have for me? I don’t commit evil or acts of violence, I don’t encounter them, so what can I possibly do to stop them?” But we do witness and commit acts of violence all the time and we have become so accustomed to them that we can’t even identify them for what they are. When we cut off someone at a stop sign or when we are rude to an overworked, underpaid restaurant worker or sales clerk, we have committed an act of violence against that person’s dignity. When we ignore, mock, or cast out that “different” person in our dorm, when we mark someone as the “nerd” or “dweeb” or whatever the current derogatory term may be, we have committed a small murder of the soul. Everything we do or say that ratchets up the level of incivility and anger in our vicinity, any pain that we carelessly inflict upon others, is indeed an act of violence, one that is very much within our power to end.

There are other times when the acts of violence around us are more overt and not of our own making, however. When we see the parent who is yelling at a child, shaking it, and dragging it through the supermarket, do we stop to intervene, perhaps by offering some soothing words and assistance to the overwrought parent, or do we follow the social guideline that tells us it is none of our business, hurry past, and become quietly complicit in that act of violence? A year or so ago, in a McDonald’s, I saw a woman approach a father who was screaming at his young son and handling him roughly. She gently urged the father to get himself another cup of coffee and offered to sit with the boy while he did so. Instead of turning his rage against her, as I thought he might, the man calmed down and told her that he and his wife had just separated, that this was his first weekend as a single parent, and that he was taking out his pain unfairly on his child. I saw then how the power of one probably altered the course of three lives. When we know that a roommate or friend is involved in an abusive relationship, either as a victim or abuser, do we intervene or do we remain silent? I would guess that some of us have had abused friends whom we should have tried to rescue by offering advice and shelter or calling in authorities. I would also guess that some of us have been friends with abusers whom we could have stopped by condemning their actions or warning their potential victims. Yet we did nothing, sometimes understandably if not admirably out of fear for our own safety, but more often, and more shamefully, in fear of breaking the friendship, of being considered foolish, or worse yet, uncool. We can all admire the courage of an Oscar Schindler or a Leigh Cooper Wallace, people who have reacted bravely at times of life-threatening danger. Too often, however, we overlook or even scorn that “courage of one,” the one who stands against the violence we ourselves carelessly condone, participate in, and have come to view as commonplace.

Here are some thoughts on the topic that I have stolen from the Sunday bulletin of the Quaker meeting my husband attends: “May you be blessed with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you will work for justice, equity, and peace. And may you be blessed with the foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done.” George Fox founded the Quaker movement in England in the 1650s, a time of great turmoil and civil war. One of his followers asked him, “When will God put an end to all this hatred and bloodshed?” George Fox answered, “He is waiting for thee to begin.” I don’t know when, if ever, we can put an end to violence in the world, in our country, in Boone, or in our own hearts, but tonight, in this place, let us begin.

University Writing Center

 Monday through Thursday:  8:30 - 4:30
 Friday:    8:30 - 1:00
 
 

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center is pleased to announce that representatives from Wachovia Corporation, Branch Banking & Trust Company (BB&T), and Hughes Supply will be on campus conducting practice interviews on September 18, 23, and 24. This is a great opportunity to practice your interviewing skills with recruiters and establish some valuable company contacts. This opportunity is open to all majors, but you must be registered with the Career Development Center’s 1stPlace to participate.

Presidents’ Meeting

Campus Safety

 Mountaineer Escort Usage

Yoga Classes

Semester or Year Abroad

Counseling Center

Below are brief descriptions of the groups that will be offered at the center this fall.  Groups meet weekly and are generally limited to 6-8 people.  To arrange to participate in a group or for more information, contact the Counseling and Psychological Services Center at 262-3180.

Understanding Self and Others
Tuesday, 3:30 - 5; Wednesday, 4 - 5:30; Thursday, 3:30 - 5
Members explore patterns of relating to self and others with the aim of developing greater understanding and acceptance of themselves and others.  Presenting issues vary widely from depression, anxiety, issues of family conflict or abuse, etc.  Students who want to resolve specific concerns as well as those seeking personal growth are welcome.

Understanding Self and Others - For Women
Monday, 4 - 5:30
Same as the above, for those who want the support of an all female group.

Attention Deficit Disorder Support Group
Tuesday, 3:30 - 5
This group is for students diagnosed with ADD.  Issues to be explored may include strategies for coping with ADD in class and in relationships, medication problems, study, organizational strategies, and staying on track.

Accepting Self - Body and All
Thursday, 3:30 - 5
This group is for students with concerns about their body image and negative feelings about self.  Individuals who are engaging in or recovering from bulimia or anorexia are welcome.  The group will include information, education, support, and counseling activities that address eating disorders, negative body image, and low self esteem.

Gay Male Support Group
Tuesday, 5:30 - 7
This group is an opportunity for male students who are gay as well as those who are questioning their sexual orientation to come together.  Issues to be explored may include sexuality, relationships, homophobia, coming out, plus any other areas of interest or concern.

Lesbian Support Group
Wednesday, 12 - 1:30
Similar to the above, for females

A Waist is a Terrible Thing to Mind
Sept. 8 - Oct. 13, Tuesday, 5 - 6:15
This group is offered to students who are struggling to maintain a healthy weight.  Group participants will discuss ways in which thoughts, feelings, and actions can sabotage attempts to maintain a healthy weight.  The group will meet Wednesdays from 5 until 6:15 p.m. in the Wellness Center (2nd. Floor, Annas Student Services Bldg).  The group will begin September 9 and will run until Fall Break.  Call the Wellness Center at 262-3148 for a screening appointment.  Leader:  Kit Olson.

Warm Chicken Approach to Smoking Cessation
Nov. 4 - Nov. 18, Wednesday, 5 - 6:15
If you have tried "cold turkey" and found it just didn't work for you, try the "warm chicken" approach.  This group will be offered to students during the month of November, the Great American Smokeout month.  For smokers considering quitting, and for quitters wanting support and reinforcement for their efforts, this group will look at a variety of approaches to quitting and roadblocks participants encounter in their efforts.  The group will meet Wednesdays from 5 until 6 pm in the Wellness Center (2nd. Floor, Annas Student Services Bldg).  Call the Wellness Center at 262-3148 to sign up for the group.  Leader: Kit Olson.

Alcohol & Drug Recovery Support Group
Date & Time: TBA
This group is for students who have experienced problems and/or dependency from alcohol or drug abuse, and seek to maintain a healthy, sober lifestyle.  Members will have opportunities to discuss mutual concerns, needs and experiences in a supportive environment.  A screening interview with the group leader is required.  Contact Dale Kirkley in the Wellness Center for further information at 262-3148.

Therapeutic Weekend for Self Enhancement
Friday, Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m. - Sunday, Oct. 25, 5:00 p.m.
This group will be a 20 hour intensive therapeutic experience for those who are committed to enhancing knowledge and acceptance of self, improving styles of relating to self and others, and overcoming problems or blocks that limit personal potential.

For more information, contact the Counseling and Psychological Services Center at 262-3180.
 

Leadership 101

Leadership 101, a series of workshops designed for club and organization members at Appalachian State University, provides the basics for making the organization more effective and participants better leaders. Students are welcome to participate in the entire series, or just the workshops that are of personal interest. Every student who attends at least eight of the twelve workshops will graduate with special recognition. Graduates of Leadership 101 will have their participation added to their Student Development Record (the co-curricular transcript).

If you would like further information about Leadership 101, contact the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, second floor, Plemmons Student Union, or call 262-6252.

Club Leadership Conference

The conference is designed to prepare all student leaders for the challenges that lie ahead as Appalachian State University enters its second century of educating leaders for service in work in the local, regional, national, and global communities.

Registration materials are available in the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, second floor, Plemmons Student Union. Deadline for registration is Friday, September 25. Open registration will be held the day of the conference on a space-available basis. The registration fee for the conference is $5, to be collected at the time of registration. The fee offsets the cost of lunch and conference materials.
 
 

Sexual Harassment Teleconference

Because Appalachian State University is committed to ensuring the fair and equitable treatment of all those who work and study here, the Equity Office brings this teleconference to you as proactive, on-going sexual harassment training. It is designed to offer administrators and supervisors of faculty, staff, and students the information they need to take quick and appropriate steps to remedy sexual harassment and to protect the rights of everyone involved.

As an introduction to the meeting, David Larry, ASU attorney, will speak about specific issues relating to sexual harassment on the university campus. He will also be available to answer questions. The program will begin at 1:45 p.m. in the Grandfather Mountain Ballroom in Plemmons Student Union. If you have questions regarding the event, please contact Linda Robinson at robinsonlk@appstate.edu or call 262-2144.

Peer Career

Career Counseling: The Peer Career Center is open for students to stop by and work on making good career decisions. No appointments are required. Hours are:

 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 Wednesday   10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
 Friday    10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Outreach Programs: The Peer Career Staff is also available to present programs to your classes, organizations, teams, or residence halls. Various programs and activities are available to assist in learning about oneself, the world of work, and decision-making. Call 262-2029 for more information.

Appalachian House

Blood Drive

Also, Health Promotion is in need of volunteers to help with signing donors in and manning the canteen. You may volunteer for one or two hour slots beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at approximately 3:30 p.m. Please call 262-6314 if you can help us out.

Women’s Center

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A Novel Experience

The ballroom at the University’s Broyhill Inn and Conference Center will become a booklover’s paradise as university library advisory board members and other volunteers decorate the tables illustrating such favorites as “The Cat in the Hat,” “Grapes of Wrath,” “Great Expectations” and “Around the World in 80 days.” Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and most attractive tables.

A silent auction will feature a variety of items, including golf packages, gift certificates, books and home furnishings.

The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception, followed by dinner at 7:15 p.m. Cost of the evening is $50 per person. The deadline for reservations is September 4.

If interested in decorating a table, call Bettie Bond at 264-4275. For more information on the auction or to make a reservation, call Patty Wheeler at 262-4973.

Crafts Workshops

Lucy Hamilton will teach the beginning pottery class. Classes meet Wednesdays from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. beginning September 16 for nine weeks. Registration is $105, which includes 25 pounds of clay, glaze materials and firing fees. Class size is limited to 12 participants.

Eric Reichard teaches an advanced pottery workshop beginning September 14 for five consecutive Mondays. The workshop meets from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Cost is $125 and includes 50 pounds of clay, glaze materials, firing fees and an open lab. The workshop is limited to six participants.

The jewelry workshop, taught by Jeff Church, meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. beginning September 15. The workshop ends November 10 and is limited to nine students. Cost is $140 and includes all materials required. Church will also lead an advanced jewelry workshop which meets Tuesdays from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. September 15 - November 10. Class size is limited to four participants.

All workshops will be held in Kerr Scott Hall. For more information, call 262-3045.
 
 

Calendar of Events (September 17-30)

 

Zohara Bod and Rosemart Horowitz (Dept. of English): Two Generations Reflect on the Holocaust  5:15 P.M., Broyhill Inn.

APPS Concerts:  Comedian Michael Alien  9:00 p.m., Legends.  $2 in advance, $3 at the door.

ASU Women’s Soccer vs. Morehead State  5:30 p.m., Kidd Brewer Stadium. 

ASU Volleyball vs. Davidson  7:00 p.m., Varsity Gym.

National Association of Teacher of Singing Conference 8:00 p.m., Broyhill Music Center

APPS Films:  The Big Lebowski  9:00 p.m., I.G. Greer.  Admission $1

APPS Club Shows:  Cosmic Bowling and Retro Dance  9:00 p.m., Bowling Alley and Alpine Lounge, Student Union

(Sept. 19-38) Persecution and Resistance in Austria:  1938-1945 Multicultural Center.  A Photo-documentary.  262-3121.

ASU Volleyball vs. High Point  1:00 p.m., Greensboro, NC. 

ASU Men’s Soccer vs. Elon  1:00 p.m., Kidd Brewer Stadium. 

ASU Volleyball vs. UNCW  3:00 p.m., Greensboro, NC. 

Appalachian Young People's Theatre:  Cindarella  2:00 p.m., Greer Arena Theatre.  Adults $4,  Children/students $2

National Association of Teachers of Singing Conference 8:00 p.m., Broyhill Music Center

APPS Films:  The Big Lebowski 9:00 p.m., I.G. Greer Admission $1

APP Heritage:  Fiddlers Convention  2:00 p.m., Duck Pond Field.  Rain location Legens.

ASU Volleyball at Wake Forest  2:00 p.m. 

Visiting Writers Series: Reception for the Visiting Writers Series  2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Gideon Ridge Inn,  Blowing Rock. Call 262-2871 to receive an invitation.

Appalachian Young People's Theatre:  Cindarella  2:00 p.m., Greer Arena Theatre.  Adults $4,  Children/students $2

APPS Films:  The Big Lebowski 9:00 p.m., I.G. Greer Admission $1

ASU Volleyball vs. UNCG  7:00 p.m., Varisty Gym.

International Film Festival:  Europa, Europa  7:00 p.m., Linville Falls Room, Student Union.

Faculty Recital:  Allen Kindt and Rodney Reynerson, Duo Pianists  8:00 p.m., Broyhill Music Center

The King Bees--Unplugged  8:00 p.m., Tradewinds.

ASU Men’s Soccer at Virginia Tech  4:00 p.m. 

ASU Women’s Soccer vs. Elon  7:30 p.m., Kidd Brewer Stadium. 

WASU LoveTalk  9:00 p.m., Tradewinds.

Visiting Writers Series:  Poets Nikky Finney and Kyle Thompson  7:30 p.m., Linville Falls Room,  Plemmons Student Union.

Guest Recital:  Jae Sinnett Jazz Trio  8:00 p.m., Broyhill Music Center

APPS Stage Shows:  Band The Breakfast Club  9:00 p.m., Legends

APPS Special Events:  Laserstorm  10:00 p.m., Roan Mountain Room, Student Union

ASU Women’s Soccer at Davidson  4:00 p.m.

Graduate Recital:  Anne Bouchelle, Bassoon  8:00 p.m., Broyhill Music Center

APPS CCA:  DJ Party  9:00 p.m., Legends

ASU Football vs. The Citadel  1:00 p.m., Kidd Brewer Stadium. 

ASU Men’s Soccer at UNCG  7:00 p.m. 

APP Heritage:  Contra Dance  8:00 p.m., Legends

ASU Field Hockey vs. Davis & Elkins  11:00 a.m., Kidd Brewer Stadium. 

Symphony Orchestra  2:00 p.m., Broyhill Music Center. 

ASU Field Hockey vs. Davidson  7:30 p.m., Kidd Brewer Stadium. 

The Wombats  8:00 p.m., Tradewinds.

ASU Men’s Soccer at Winthrop  7:00 p.m. 

ASU Women’s Soccer vs. UNCG  7:30 p.m.

E-mail The Appalachian Online at theapp@conrad.appstate.edu