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Congratulations to Lynn Varcak,  Employee of the Month — October 2004.   Lynn is the secretary in the Registrar's Office.

Story Index

***New Announcements***
Photo Feature: More Scenes From Venice
Photo Feature: Night Storm on Lake
Two One-act Operas at Stone Center Oct. 28-31
Stephenson Hall Weight Room
JSU Flexible Spending Plan Enrollment Meetings Nov. 1-2

***Recent Announcements***
VPASA Quarterly Report to Trustees
HR Memo - JSU's Flexible Benefit Plan
Trustees Pass 4% Pay Raise
Photo Feature: Artistic Scenes
Photo Feature: Mayfield Lane, Jacksonville
Photo Feature: Venice, Italy
Photo Feature: Oregon Snow
JSU Planetarium is Focal Point of October Academe Meeting
Former Pro Baseball Player and Best-selling Author Wants to Give Back
Photo Feature: Views from Oregon
Photo Feature: Orange Beach Scenes
Photo Feature: How to Shoot Lightning
Photo Feature: Owls
Photo Feature: Cleburne Co. Scenes
Photo Feature: In High Cotton
Photo Feature: Gulf Sunsets
Photo Feature: Hawk
Photo Feature: Sanibel Island Sunsets
President's Quarterly Report to Trustees
Scholarship Applications Available Online
JSU Ups Ante with New Weight Center
"Alcohol Awareness Week" at JSU
Wellness Center Offers Cholesterol Screenings
Photo Feature: New River Gorge, West Virginia
Photo Feature: Storms, Sunsets & More
Photo Feature: Storm Off Sanibel Island
SGA Homecoming Activities Underway
Payment of I-901 Fee for International Students
Sissy Spence is JSU's Major Gifts Officer
Parking Decals
Zeta Tau Alpha Campaign for Breast Cancer Research
Flu Shots Cancelled
Feature Photo: Sunset at Panama City Beach
Christmas Trip Offered By Alumni Office
Dr. Browder's Gift For Those Who Love Democracy
Employee Newsletter Online
Jax Cash Survey
UPD Announces New Parking Appeal Procedures
UPD Vehicle Registration/Parking Decals Reminder
SGA Posts New E-mail Address
Capital Campaign Update
JSU's 2004-05 Drama Season Tickets on Sale
New Jobs for JSU Students
Christmas 2004 Spectacular Tour Sponsored by JSU Alumni Office
Fast Job and Personal Skills Training
Art Exhibition featuring Artist Lee Manners Oct. 5-27
Human Resources Offers Writing Skills Workshop Oct. 26
McClellan's Fall Festival Oct. 26
Lunar Eclipse Viewing/Space Shows at Planetarium Oct. 27
Student Council for Exceptional Children Meeting Oct. 27
NAACP Coffee House Oct. 27
Author Barbara Moss to Speak Oct. 28
Spooky Stories Told Under the Stars Oct. 29 & 30
JSUCO Concerto and Aria Competition Nov. 3
Alumni Awards To Be Presented During Homecoming Nov. 6
Jacksonville Brass Quintet to Perform at Museum Nov. 7
Kappa Delta Pi Induction Nov. 7
Alabama Honor Strings Festival Nov. 18-21
JSU University/Community Orchestra Fall Concert Nov. 19
Alabama Honor Strings Concert Nov. 21
Stacy Ellett is Dr. Meehan's Radio Guest This Week



Stephenson Hall Weight Room

The Recreational Sports Department is happy to announce the purchase of new Cybex Weight Equipment. However, the weight room will be closed for a week for the transition of moving out the old equipment, replacing the carpet and installing the new equipment. We appreciate your patience. The weight room will close Monday, October 25 at 4:00 p.m. We hope to have the new equipment in place and ready to reopen by Monday, November 1.

VPASA Quarterly Report to Trustees

Dr. Becky Turner, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, delivered her quarterly report to the Board of Trustees Monday, 18 October, 2004. Dr. Turner's report is cited here. MORE >>>

HR Memo - JSU's Flexible Benefit Plan

Once per year you may enroll in or modify your election in JSU's Flexible Benefit Plan. As you know, this plan will allow PEEHIP insurance premiums and payroll deductions for medical reimbursement of certain health care expenses and dependent care benefits to be paid with pretax dollars. By doing this, you may save federal, state, and FICA tax on your premium payments, medical reimbursement, and/or dependent care deductions. MORE >>>

Former Pro Baseball Player and Best-selling Author Wants to Give Back

Dr. Elrod is a best-selling author, has a contract on another book, and is enjoying life to its fullest. He received a baseball scholarship to the University of Alabama and later played on two professional baseball teams. Something within him then, which he now believes was God, led him back to the classroom. MORE >>>

Jacksonville Brass Quintet to Perform at Museum Nov. 7

JSU's resident faculty brass ensemble, the Jacksonville Brass Quintet, will perform at the Anniston Museum of Natural History on Sunday, November 7 at 3 p.m. as a part of the 20th Anniversary season of Music at the Museum. The group consists of Dr. John Merriman and Dr. Chip Crotts, trumpets, Mr. Jeff Soloman, horn, Dr. Jim Roberts, trombone, and Mr. Chris Hosmer, tuba. They will present music ranging from the 17th century to the 20th centuries including both transcribed and original works. MORE >>>

McClellan's Fall Festival Oct. 26

Enjoy a relaxing night of blue grass, jazz, and free barbecue at McClellan's Fall Festival on Tuesday, 26 October in the Buckner Arts and Exhibit Center. The blue grass music and free barbecue begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, followed by special speakers, such as Alabama's Randy Owen, Senator Richard Shelby, and more. Then, kick back and relax with Jacksonville State University's Jazz Band. MORE >>>

Trustees Pass 4% Pay Raise

We are pleased to announce that the board of trustees approved a 4% salary increase for university faculty and staff hired prior to July 1, 2004. The increase will be effective as of October 1, 2004 and will therefore be reflected in the November 1 paycheck for monthly employees. For bi-weekly employees, the raise will be reflected in the October 26 paycheck, which will include a “catch-up” from October 1. Employees hired on or after July 1 are not eligible unless their current rate of pay falls below the minimum for their range or step. In such cases, individual’s pay will be brought up to the minimum of the range.

JSU Planetarium is Focal Point of October Academe Meeting

Academe will hold its October meeting at the JSU planetarium in Martin Hall at 3:15 p.m. on October 25. Meet Drs. Kelly Gregg and Laura Weinkauf in the lobby of Martin before proceeding to the planetarium, where they will demonstrate the features of this "extremely sophisticated system, the best of its kind the the region." MORE >>>

Nominations for Emeriti Status Due Oct. 24

The Faculty Honors Committee is currently accepting nominations of individuals for Emeriti status. Nominations are due October 24. Please contact Cathy Rose at 782-5284 or email at crose@jsu.edu if you would like more information.

Human Resources Offers Writing Skills Workshop

The JSU Human Resources Office presents a workshop, "Perfect Writing for the Professional World." The two-hour session will be led by Gena Christopher and is designed for anyone wishing to sharpen their writing skills. This session will be held on Tuesday, October 26 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Houston Cole Library Room 1101C. To register, call Human Resources at 5007.

President's Quarterly Report to Trustees

President Meehan delivered his quarterly report to the Board of Trustees Monday, 18 October, 2004. Dr. Meehan's report is cited here. MORE >>>

Scholarship Applications Available Online

Scholarship applications and listings are now available online at www.jsu.edu or in the Financial Aid Office. The absolute deadline for applying for scholarships is February 1, 2005. For more information contact Vickie Adams, Financial Aid, Ext. 8399 or at vadams@jsu.edu.

Wellness Center Offers Cholesterol Screenings

The Wellness Center is continuing to offer Cholesterol Screenings (Lipid Profiles) to all JSU Faculty, Staff, their dependents and Retirees on Tuesdays during the Fall Semester. All screenings are conducted in the Wellness Center (204 A Pete Mathews Coliseum). The screening is quick and easy and requires approximately 5 minutes of your time. MORE >>>

"Alcohol Awareness Week" at JSU

"It's A Friend Thing. Please Don't Drink and Drive." The Office of Counseling and Career Services, along with the JSU Peer Educators, will be sponsoring "Alcohol Awareness Week" at JSU. Many activities are planned during this week of October 18 - 22 beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 2:00 p.m. daily, including Pledge Cards, surveys, Fatal Vision Goggles and washing windshields. For more information contact Fred Mays, Counseling and Career Services, at 782-5475 or at fmays@jsu.edu.

Two One-act Operas at Stone Center Oct. 28-31

Two one-act operas staged by the David L. Walters Department of Music at Jacksonville State University will be shown during the same evening on four consecutive dates at the end of this month. The performances of The Telephone and A Question of Taste take place at Stone Center on the following dates and times: Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 29 at 8 p.m., Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31 at 2:30 p.m. Cost: $5 for students, $8 for adults. Call 782-5876 Mon.-Fri. from 2-5 p.m. for information. MORE >>>

SGA Homecoming Activities Underway

SGA'S homecoming activities include:

• Homecoming Pageant - Oct. 21, 7:00 p.m. in Leone Cole Auditorium
• Homecoming Court Elections - Oct. 28, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in TMB Auditorium
• Homecoming Queen Elections - Nov. 4, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in TMB Auditorium
• J-Day Activities - Nov. 4, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at TMB Lawn
• Bonfire/Queen Announcements - Nov. 4, 8:00 p.m. in Paul Carpenter Field
• Karaoke in the Cafe - Nov. 5, 11:30 a.m. in Jack Hopper Dining Hall
• Homecoming Parade - Nov. 6, 1:00 p.m. down Pelham Road
• JSU vs. Samford Homecoming Game - Nov. 6, 4:00 p.m. at Paul Snow Stadium

Student Council for Exceptional Children Meeting Oct. 27

The Student Council for Exceptional Children will meet on October 27, in Room 310 at the Ramona Wood Building at 4:30 p.m. They plan to discuss their ARC Halloween Project. For more information contact Sue Hoppe, Curriculum & Instruction, at 782-5399 or at shoppe@jsu.edu.

Payment of I-901 Fee for International Students

Beginning on September 1, 2004, a payment fee went into effect for all applicants seeking an F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1, or M-3 visa. This is referred to as the I-901 Fee and is used to transmit the fee for the F, M, and J nonimmigrant reporting system authorized by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996, Public Law 104 - 208, Subtitle D, Section 641. MORE >>>

Sissy Spence is JSU's Major Gifts Officer

Sissy Spence of Jacksonville has been named Jacksonville State University's new major gifts officer, who is responsible for the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts for the Division of Institutional Advancement. MORE >>>

Parking Decals

If you purchased your parking decal online and have not yet received it, please come by UPD between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. except during the weekend. Please ask for Mrs. Bobbie Gaddy and she will assist with your request.  You can also contact UPD at 782-5050.  For more information about vehicle registration, please visit the UPD Web site at police.jsu.edu.

Lunar Eclipse Viewing/Space Shows at Planetarium Oct. 27

Join JSU astronomers Dr. Laura Weinkauf and Dr. Kelly Gregg on the roof of Martin Hall to view an amazing lunar eclipse through the giant telescope on October 27. During the phasing, planetarium shows will be offered on the half hour to answer the question: "Besides the moon, what else is up in the sky tonight?"  MORE >>>

Spooky Stories Told Under the Stars Oct. 29 & 30

Shiver with delight as you realize that phantoms and spooks hover just overhead on the JSU Planetarium screen while you listen to spine-tingling true ghost tales collected from reliable sources in Calhoun County. Join Renee Morrison as the zany adventurer "Dr. Darling" for an evening of spooky stories brought to life in JSU's world class digistar dome screen planetarium.  MORE >>>

Zeta Tau Alpha Campaign for Breast Cancer Research

Zeta Tau Alpha and Yoplait are teaming up in an effort to raise 2.1 million dollars for breast cancer research. For every yogurt lid, 10 cents will go to help find a cure for breast cancer. A box for the lids will be placed on the 2nd floor of TMB. Lids will be collected now through the end of December.

Flu Shots Cancelled

Flu shots scheduled by the Office of Human Resources through PEEHIP and Alabama Public Health have been cancelled due to a shut-down of vaccine production by the UK company Chiron . The JSU Student Health Center and the Nursing Clinic shipments have also been cancelled. If any of these departments receive vaccines at a later date you will be notified.

NAACP Coffee House Oct. 27

The NAACP Coffee House will convene at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 at the Gamecock Center. Admission is $2 in at advance or $4 at the door. Purchase tickets in the Multicultural Services Office, 401 Montgomery Building. For more information contact Mr. David Zeigler at
dzeigler@jsu.edu.

Christmas Trip Offered By Alumni Office

The Alumni Office is sponsoring a trip to Dollywood and the Biltmore Estate December 10-14, which will include holiday activities and shows. Transportation will be included.   For more information, call Ext. 5404 or send questions to nturner@jsu.edu.

Dr. Browder's Gift For Those Who Love Democracy

Thanks to the Internet and former Congressman Glen Browder's continuing interest in American democracy, teachers and students throughout the world can access a new, free study guide analyzing important changes taking place in contemporary America. Dr. Browder's gift to high school and college level readers, Study Guide for “The Future of American Democracy,” is available at no cost to educators and interested individuals and may be downloaded at www.futureofamericandemocracy.org . MORE >>>

Employee Newsletter Online

The October edition of the JSU Report was published online today at www.jsu.edu/news/july_dec2004/JSUreport-fall04.pdf.

Jax Cash Survey

The Student Government Association is conducting a student survey about Jax Cash. Students are asked to go to sga.jsu.edu and complete the form.

UPD Announces New Parking Appeal Procedures

The University Police Department now accepts parking citation appeals online at police.jsu.edu. The parking appeal form can be located at police.jsu.edu/parkingappeal.html.   Once the parking appeal form is successfully completed, it will be submitted to the parking service division at UPD.  Once the appeal is processed, an e-mail confirmation will be generated that will contain the status of the appeal.  If the appeal is accepted the confirmation e-mail will also reflect the court date, time, and location of the next appeals court.  MORE >>>

Kappa Delta Pi Induction Nov. 7

Induction for Kappa Delta Pi, an educational honor society, will be on Sunday, November 7, 2004 at the Baptist Campus Ministries Building beginning at 2:00 p.m. If you have completed or are currently enrolled in 3 educational courses and have a 3.5 GPA or higher, then you meet the eligibility requirements for KDP. We would love for you to join us. For more information contact Jessica Bentley (email: jsu2924b@student-mail.jsu.edu) or Dr. Uline, Educational Resources, ext. 5853. Applications will be available in the Ramona Wood Building as soon as possible or via email. Applications are due by October 29th. KDP wishes you a great year and best of luck with school! Go Gamecocks!

University/Community Orchestra Fall Concert November 19

The Jacksonville State University/Community Orchestra will perform its Fall Concert on Friday, November 19, at 7 p.m. in the Performance Center of Mason Hall. The concert, which is a part of the Alabama Honor Strings Festival sponsored by the Walters Department of Music and the Alabama State Chapter of the American String Teachers' Association, will feature the music of Beethoven, Mozart, and Weber.   MORE >>>

Alabama Honor Strings Festival November 18-21

The David Walters Department of Music and the Alabama Chapter of the American String Teachers' Association will host the Alabama Honor Strings Festival and the Alabama ASTA Solo and Ensemble Contest on November 18-21, 2004. The events will take place in Mason Hall on the JSU campus. String students and teachers from throughout the state of Alabama will be on campus during these days.   MORE >>>

SGA Posts New E-mail Address

The Student Government Association now has their own E-mail address "sga@jsu.edu." All JSU Students and Faculty and Staff are encouraged to utilize this addition to the SGA. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns about anything related to benefiting Jacksonville State University's Campus Community, please feel free to share your ideas and opinions. For more information contact Emily Williams, SGA President, at Ext. 5491 or sga@jsu.edu.

UPD Vehicle Registration/Parking Decals Reminder

The University Police would like to remind all students that decals are available online at police.jsu.edu. Vehicle registration is mandatory for faculty, staff, and students.

Capital Campaign Update

At President Meehan’s universitywide meeting held on August 30, faculty and staff were challenged to support the Capital Campaign with 100% participation.  Today we are happy to announce that the campaign office has received more than 113 pledges and one-time gifts totaling more than $198,500.   This is obviously a wonderful start to the campaign.   MORE >>>

Art Exhibition featuring Artist Lee Manners Opens Oct. 5

The next scheduled exhibit in the JSU art gallery will feature the great work of one of our own former art professors and department head, Lee Manners, Professor emeritus. His work has been sold and shown in many areas throughout the south. The opening reception for this exhibition will be held on October 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hammond Hall Art Gallery. For more information contact Gary Gee, Art Department, Ext. 5735.

JSU's 2004-05 Drama Season Tickets on Sale

Season passes are are on sale for Jacksonville State University's 2004-05 drama season. Five family-friendly shows are scheduled. They are Shakespeare's As You Like It; Ibsen's A Doll's House; a musical by Holmes, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which is based on an unfinished novel by Charles Dickens; a new play, Heroes by Muschell, winner of the 2004 Southern Playwright's Competition; and a comic fantasy, On the Verge, or the Geography of Yearning.  A season pass includes one ticket to each of the above plays.  Cost of the passes are as follows:  Adults, $34.00; senior citizens and JSU personnel, $29.00; students and military, $24.00.  Passes may be purchased by calling 256-782-5648.  Mastercard, Visa, and Discover are accepted.

Author Barbara Moss to Speak Oct. 28

Former Jacksonville State University student Barbara Robinette Moss will be among three authors speaking at the Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County's Accent on the Authors series luncheon on 28 October, which will launch the book tour for Ms. Moss's latest book Fierce. Ms. Moss' previous book, a memoir called Change Me into Zeus's Daughter, won several state and national awards, including the 2002 Alabama Author Award. The book told of her childhood in Anniston and of struggling with poverty and a facial abnormality. Fierce chronicles her life as a single mother trying to establish her career in art and overcome an emotionally painful past. MORE >>>

JSUCO Concerto and Aria Competition Nov. 3

The Jacksonville State University/Community Orchestra is pleased to announce the third annual JSUCO Concerto and Aria Competition, open to students ages 12-25 who reside in Northeast Alabama. Registered students of JSU shall be considered residents of Northeast Alabama. Auditions will be held on the campus of Jacksonville State University on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2004, from 6-9 p.m. in the Performance Center of Mason Hall. MORE >>>

Fast Job and Personal Skills Training

When you need to acquire skills quickly without earning a college degree, Jacksonville State University’s Department of Continuing Education may be able to help. JSU’s personal enrichment classes, professional development workshops, and certificate programs provide a fast way to learn new skills. And people who don’t have time to come to class can take certain courses online. MORE >>>

New Jobs for JSU Students

Ten JSU students were recently hired into Fall co-op positions with Choice Fabricators, Inc. Two students are from the College of Business and eight are from the College of Technology. Job opportunities will range from Human Resources to Robotics and Quality Control. Choice Fabricators was established in Attalla, AL in 1981 and has grown to over 300 employees. They remain a privately owned company with customers that include Emerson Electric, General Electric, Maytag, and Whirlpool. For more information about this company or other co-op opportunities that are available, please contact JSU Career Placement Services: Sarah Aultman, JSU Cooperative Education Coordinator, 256-782-5482, 105 Bibb Graves, Sarah Aultman.

Montana Rockies Rail Tour Sponsored by JSU Alumni Office

The Alumni Office is offering the Montana Rockies rail tour — three days’ travel on board a steam locomotive during a fall foliage trip 9 – 15 October 2004. The package includes a welcome orientation, six nights' lodging, travel on the train — including daily onboard lunch, guides and narrators, continental breakfasts and non-alcoholic beverages. Photo opportunities will include the historic Livingston Depot Center; Cody, Wyoming; Buffalo Bill Historical Center; and Yellowstone National Park with lunch at Old Faithful Inn. The price per person depends on accommodations: double–$1950, single–$2350. Price includes the excursion and round-trip airfare from Atlanta, Georgia. An immediate deposit of $300 (per person) is required to hold space and secure reservation. The final payment is due in August. For more information, contact the Alumni Office at extension 5404.

Christmas Tour Arranged by Alumni Office

This 2004 Christmas Spectacular Tour includes a Music Road Hotel stay December 10-12, Dollywood with its Holiday Feast Buffet, Christmas in the Smokies Show, Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs Show, Dolly's Christmas Chapel, Heartsong show, Twas the Night Before Christmas Show, Parade of Lights, O' Holly Night Show, Carole of the Trees, Victorian Melodies Show, Appalachian Christmas Show, Indoor Christmas European Market, Old World Arts Crafts & Ornaments, Holiday breads and pastries; Outlet shopping; dinner at Old Mill Restaurant; Louise Mandrell Theatre Show. The tour also includes a Biltmore Inn stay December 12-14 at the Biltmore Estate December 12-14, including buffet dinner, Candlelight Christmas Evening Tour; breakfast buffets; exploring the Biltmore Estate and House and several optional tours available for purchase at the Biltmore. The price per person is $750 which includes transportation by motorcoach from JSU and includes the above highlights except optional tours at Biltmore Hotel. A deposit of $200 per person is due by August 1 to secure your reservation. For more information please contact the Alumni Office at Extension 5404.

President Meehan's Radio Show

Former Jacksonville State University Student Stacy Ellett talks about her personal victory with weight control. Tune in here or go to president.jsu.edu.

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Pagemaster: Carol Winsor

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