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Shelby Stephenson is serving as the Eastern N.C. Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet this spring 2005. He is currently mentoring three students whose work he chose in preparation for "Walking into April," a poetry day to help celebrate April as National Poetry Month.

The event will take place April 9 at Barton College. Stephenson will moderate and read his poems. Poets Al Maginnes and Cathy Smith-Bowers will read as will Dr. Stephenson’s students. The students are Kimberly Hockaday of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., winner in the college category,; Heidi Martin of Whiteville, N.C., middle school winner; Sarah Servie of Kitty Hawk, N.C., high school winner.

Dr. Stephenson also will appear at public libraries in the students’ hometowns this spring.

The Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet is selected by a committee of writers and poets. The program is sponsored by the North Carolina Poetry Society and the North Carolina Center for the Book, a division of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.

Ken Brandt scanned the skies for Fourth Friday

Ken Brandt (Chemistry and Physics) and Johnny Horne of Fayetteville set up a telescope outside the Arts Center in downtown Fayetteville to show Saturn and Jupiter during the Fourth Friday
Activities on March 25.

Besides teaching astronomy at UNCP, Brandt is director of the Robeson County Planetarium.

They set up a C-11 scope with video set-up in the rear of the chess park right beside the Arts Center on Hay Street from 7 - 10 p.m. The crowd looked at the image from the scope on a video monitor.

Brandt and Horne started with Saturn, which was near the zenith. When the moon cleared downtown buildings, they swung over to it. Jupiter rides just below the moon, so they wrapped up with Jupiter.

The Arts Council folks asked the astronomers to dress in 1905 clothing that night since the event honored the 100th anniversary of the Fayetteville Public Works Commission. They borrowed period clothing from Cape Fear Regional Theater for the evening.

Dr. Parnell co-authors for international journal

Dr. John Parnell (Business) co-authored a paper, entitled “Measuring performance in competitive strategy research,” that will appear in a forthcoming issue of International Journal of Management and Decision Making.

Dr. Long presents at reading conference

Dr. Emily Long (Education) presented a session at North Carolina Reading Association's annual conference in Winston-Salem, N.C., on March 10. The title of her session was “Using Rubrics Will Save Your Sanity!”

Ralph Steeds’ work in international show

Professor Ralph Steeds (Art) had two works juried into an international competition.
Entitled "House of Humour and Satire," the exhibit was in Gabrovo, Bulgaria. Works were selected from 2,549 entries and 64 countries.

His works included "Smiles," a lithograph and "Me and my dog spot," a five-color lithograph.

Robison published in international ceramics journal

Professor Stephen Robison (Art) had an article published in the March 2005 edition of Ceramics Art and Perception, an international ceramics magazine out of Australia. It is his third successful submission to the magazine.

Janette Hopper’s drawings in online exhibit

Upstream People Gallery has accepted the charcoal drawings by Janette K. Hopper (Art), entitled “Everyone Follows this Path,” “The Leoni Family,” “Mass Grave Markers,” “Leaning on Each Other” and “The Great and The Small,” in their juried competition for the 7th annual Judeo-Christian International Juried Online Art Exhibition.

The works were selected from over 450 works submitted. The exhibit will open April 1 at www.upstreampeoplegallery.com. The exhibit will be on view until April 1, 2006. It will be featured one month and then on archive for the rest of that year.

Dr. Crandall presents paper in Chicago

Dr. Rick Crandall (Business) presented a paper at the Midwest Business Administration Association Meeting on March 18 in Chicago, Ill. The paper, entitled “A Critical Reflection on our use of Cyberspace: Towards a Post-Modern Ethic of Internet use,” was co-authored with Dr. John Parnell (Business).

Dr. Crandall said: “The value of the Internet to management researchers and educators is clear. It provides countless resources to support research agendas and new approaches to teaching and learning. Students can also benefit immensely from online access to information.”

“However, another side of the Internet phenomena that warrants consideration are the changes that occur within ourselves when we use this amazing resource,” he said. “With any new technology, there are opportunities and caveats to be noted, and the Internet is no different. The question we wish to ponder in this paper is simple: How has the use of the Internet affected us as management scholars and professors? In addition, what caveats should be considered as we incorporate this technology into our research and teaching efforts?”

Dr. Reising conducts workshop on composition

Dr. Robert Reising (English) conducted a three-hour workshop in Fayetteville, N.C., on March 14, for high school English teachers with the Cumberland County Schools. His topic was "Practical Strategies for Teaching Ideation, Fluency, and Syntax in High School Composition."

Murray, Opitz conduct workshop on AIDS/HIV

Drs. Ottis Murray (Sociology) and Peggy Opitz (Nursing, retired) conducted an organizational, self-assessment workshop as part of the Regional Native American Capacity Building Summit, sponsored by Robeson Health Care Corporation. The summit involved approximately 100 individuals representing groups and agencies involved in HIV prevention and other health related issues. The summit was held March 9 at the James B. Chavis Center.

A Minority AIDS Initiative special project grant written by Dr. Murray was recently funded for $98,797. Over the next 15 months, this grant will enable the Borderbelt AIDS Resource Team to identify minority HIV-positive individuals and link them to appropriate medical services.

Murray addresses DAR chapter, presents paper

Dr. Ottis Murray (Sociology) addressed the Col. Thomas Robeson DAR meeting on March 16. The topic of his talk was the “Healing Lodge: An American Indian Health Initiative.” Dr. Murray is a program evaluator for the Special Projects of National Significance project, which is one of the programs operated by the Healing Lodge. The Lodge, located in Pembroke, is an entity of the Native American Interfaith Ministry.

Dr. Murray will participate as a presenter and presided at a conference at the upcoming Southern Sociological Society’s 68th annual meeting in Charlotte, N.C. He recently submitted two abstracts for upcoming conferences; one for the American Evaluation Association’s “Crossing Borders, Crossing Boundaries,” a joint conference with the Canadian Evaluation Society, which will be held in October. The second abstract is for American Public Health Association’s 133rd annual meeting in November.

Stratil’s works selected for Raleigh Fine Arts Exhibition

Sandy Stratil (College Opportunity Program) had two paintings selected for inclusion in the 27th annual Raleigh Fine Arts Exhibition. Curator Douglas Fogle of the Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis, Minn., chose 74 works from 59 artists from the 236 entries submitted. The work is hanging at the Frankie G. Weems Gallery of the Gaddy-Hamrick Art Center at Meredith College through April 3. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays and 2 - 5 p.m. on weekends.

Stratil also exhibited in the “Moore Art by Moore Artists” show, which was a part of the Fourth Friday celebration in Fayetteville, N.C., on March 25. Six artists from Moore County displayed work at the Olde Town Gallery on Maxwell Street in Downtown Fayetteville.

She recently did a “Noon Muse” presentation and taught a workshop on “Collaging Out of the Box” at the Artists’ League of the Sandhills in Aberdeen, N.C.

Music Department trio performed in Moore County

Timothy Altman, Jonathan and Beth Maisonpierre (Music) performed a concert March 20 at the West End (N.C.) Presbyterian Church. It was part of the Memorial Concert Series at the Moore County church.

The program included works by Turrin, Schubert, Dvorak, Weazen and Russell as well as some hymns by James Curnow for Altman on trumpet with piano accompaniment.

Birthdays, April 1 - 15
Larry Arnold
Mohammad Ashraf
Jason Atkinson
Cora Bullard
Rikki Cockrell
Annie Coleman
Vibrina Coronado
Susan Cummings
Swannee Dickson
Arthur Herns
Leonard Holmes
Dalsray Jacobs
Roger Ladd
Jonathan Lewis
Howard Ling
Priscilla Maynor
Shannon Maynor
Larry McCallum
Christel Parker
Brian Phillips
Cynthia Saylor
Nancy Starnes
Darbie Strickland
Barbara Synowiez
Carolyn Thompson
Felicia Turner
Donna White

New Hires

Crystal Locklear – Housekeeper, Physical Plant
Carla Jones – Housekeeper, Physical Plant
Patricia Locklear - Administrative Assistant, Chancellor’s office
Louis Locklear – Housekeeper, Housing
Alford Lindsey – Housekeeper, Housing
Monika Lowry - Accounting Technician, Bookstore
Melissa Oxendine - Office Assistant, Admissions
Loria Huggins - Office Assistant, Continuing Education
Amanda Gengler – Coordinator for First Year Programs, Advisement and Retention

Promotion

Myran Gerald Hunt - General Utility Worker, Physical Plant

Reclassification

Alan Prevatte - Computing Consultant III, UCIS

Weddings

Dena Council (Student Accounts) and Jeff Bolles (Athletics) were married on March 6, 2005 at Centerville Baptist Church in Lumberton, N.C.

Deaths

George Truman Sr., father of Dr. Bill Truman (Mathematics), passed away in March. Condolences may be sent to Dr. Truman and his wife, Janice, at P.O. Box 322, Tar Heel, N.C., 28392.

On March 16, Dena (Council) Bolles' (Student Accounts) grandfather, Ken Council, passed away.

Paramont Carowinds Fun Club cards available

Human Resources received a limited number of 2005 Carowinds Fun Club membership cards that are good for $20 off on admissions on holidays, $12 off on e-tickets, $10 off on Sunday through Saturday. Discounts on general admission are for ages 7 –54. Each Fun Club card is good for up to six admissions. Visit www.carowinds.com for operating dates, times and show schedules. The park opened March 19.

Please contact the Office of Human Resources at extension 6565 or e-mail donna.strickland@uncp.edu for a membership card.

Frequently asked questions regarding drug provider Medco

Question. When does Medco replace Caremark/AdvancePCS as the pharmacy benefit manager and when do I need to start using the new ID card?
Answer. Medco replaces Caremark/AdvancePCS effective April 1, 2005. Members should begin using their new ID card April 1, 2005. The new ID card will serve as the medical and prescription drug card. The ID cards are being sent from the Claims Processor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, in a separate mailing than the Medco Welcome Package.

Q. Whom do I contact if I have questions concerning the Welcome Packet received from Medco?
A. Members should contact Medco Customer Service at 1-800-336-5933 for any questions they may have concerning the Welcome Packet. The customer service number for Medco is also located on the back of the new ID card.

Q. When will Medco’s Web site be available to State Health Plan Members?
A. Members may register on the Web site April 1, 2005.

Q. If my Drug is not listed on the Preferred Drug List is it covered?
A. The Preferred Drug List included in the Welcome Packet is a partial list only. Members should contact Medco Customer Service at 1-800-336-5933 to inquire about a specific drug. When using a drug on the preferred drug list the co-payment will be $10 for generic, $25 for a brand without generic or $35 for a brand with generic for a 34-day supply. If a member chooses to use a drug not on the preferred drug list, the co-payment will be $40 for each 34-day supply.

Q. Will I be able to use my current pharmacy with Medco? Am I required to use mail order thru Medco?
A. All major retail pharmacies participate with Medco as well as the majority of independent/local pharmacies. Members may call Medco customer service at 1-800-336-5933 to inquire about a specific pharmacy. Members do not have to use mail order, this is a convenience offered to members only if they wish to use it.

Q. Do I need to complete the Health and Medication Questionnaire?
A. No, members are not required to complete the form. However the information on the form does help Medco protect against potentially harmful drug interactions and is meant to be an added safety benefit to our members.

State employee discount on lawn service

The Office of State Personnel is pleased to announce a 10 percent discount off the annual cost of Scott’s Lawn Service program.

As an added benefit, retired employees are included in the program. All that’s required is to request a personal lawn report. There is no need to be home. The report will be left at the front door. Please call 1-888-872-6887, visit www.scottslawnservice.com or www.ncemployee.scottslawnservice.com. The next step is to review and discuss the report with a Scott’s Lawn Service representative. Last, following sign-up for an annual program, there is a savings of 10 percent off the quoted price.

This is an exclusive offer for the State of North Carolina employees and retirees.

State employee discount on cell phone service

Sprint extended a new wireless discount offer to all North Carolina state employees through the N.C. Office of State Personnel. State employees are eligible for 15 percent off the regular monthly rates for Sprint PCS wireless services.

For information, please visit the N.C. Office of State Personnel Website: www.osp.state.nc.us/divinfo/E-Discounts/sprint.htm.