Wednesday, November 28, 2007

202 MTSU BRASS PLAYERS PRESENT HOLIDAY CONCERT DEC. 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 28, 2007
CONTACT: Tim Musselman, 615-898-2493

MTSU BRASS PLAYERS PRESENT HOLIDAY CONCERT DEC. 6

(MURFREESBORO)—“'Twas the Brass Before Christmas,” a holiday concert featuring various brass groups formed by MTSU students, will take place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in the T. Earl Hinton Hall of the Wright Music Building on the MTSU campus.
David Loucky, professor of trombone and euphonium at MTSU, said
Loucky says the concert itself opens with some rousing selections by the MTSU Trumpet Ensemble and tevening’sthe evening’s program will feature traditional, festive brass works and one medley of Christmas carols.
The concert also will include the participation of several brass quintets, horn quartets and a horn choir, as well as a low-brass ensemble composed of trombones and euphoniums.
"'Twas the Brass Before Christmas’ has traditionally been the title of MTSU’s brass ensembles’ concert before holidays," Loucky said. "This year, over 50 MTSU music school students will combine to form brass groups of various shapes and sizes. These ensembles have been rehearsing and performing throughout the semester; this concert places all of them on the same program."
Along with Loucky, MTSU trumpet professor Michael Arndt, adjunct professor Dan Whaley and Angela DeBoer, newly appointed horn professor, have conducted or coached these groups in preparation for the holiday concert.
“I always enjoy working with our brass faculty and students to organize this event,” Loucky commented. “It is a festive way to celebrate the end of the term, and it represents the culmination of a semester of some very hard work.”
The concert is free and open to the public.
Holiday concertgoers can anticipate a musical program that’s “guaranteed to put any grinch in a jolly mood," Loucky added, smiling.
For more information on this and other events in the MTSU School of Music, please visit www.mtsumusic.com or call 615-898-2493.



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201 MTSU LIBRARY PREPARES TO SING “THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 28, 2007
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

MTSU LIBRARY PREPARES TO SING “THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES”
Contributions Sought for Accessible Digital Archive of University Heritage

(MURFREESBORO) – Officials at the James E. Walker Library at MTSU are embarking on a program to convert the heirlooms of the university’s storied past into accessible digital images in preparation for the school’s centennial in 2011 and beyond.
The librarians and students who will work on the MTSU Memory Project seek to collect photographs, correspondence, memorabilia and other items from the campus community and the community at large.
“I think our first priority will be the lower-hanging fruit, the photographs, documents,” Ken Middleton, associate professor at the Walker Library, says. “But I’m hoping as the centennial comes closer that we can include some audio from oral history interviews, for instance, and I’m hoping that some video, some old home movies, will come up from private collections.”
Key categories of special interest to the archivists include the founding of the institution, World War I, women’s suffrage, the Great Depression and the New Deal era, World War II and the G.I. Bill, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and women’s issues, including Title IX, the June Anderson Women’s Center and the Women’s Studies Program.
The Memory Project is an outgrowth of the statewide Volunteer Voices Project, a consortial endeavor supported by a $1.8 million grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. With a $5,000 allocation from the MTSU Foundation, project managers will pay a graduate assistant to be a liaison to the campus for the solicitation of materials.
“We are devoting a small percentage of each of four librarians’ time to the project, … and we will also be diverting a little bit of student worker funds to have some additional student help,” says Mayo Taylor, Team Leader for Access Services at the library.
The point person on all things cyberspace will be Fagdéba Bakoyéma, whose experience setting up digital libraries in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and work as a digital imaging specialist with the Indiana University Digital Library Program will serve the project well.
“I will be working with everybody, helping make decisions on what to select, especially the technical aspect of it, which is determining specifications of images and digital objects and how to have them displayed correctly,” Bakoyéma says. Using ContentDM software, Bakoyéma will establish a Web site that will be accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. A searchable data base geared toward key words will put users in touch with images of the artifacts they seek.
Taylor notes that ContentDM allows copyright status to be set item-by-item, and that each contributor of materials will be able to specify the wording for a statement about reproduction rights.
“Most of what we get from the university is going to be copyright-free because it’s public property,” Taylor says. “So there is no problem with displaying a low-resolution image, but campus departments will be able to decide about access to high-resolution copies.”
The Albert Gore Sr. Research Center, the university’s major repository of historical information and artifacts, will be a substantial part of the Memory Project.
“Dr. [Lisa] Pruitt (Gore Center director) has been very cooperative, and we do know that they have a lot of material over there,” Taylor says. “Exactly what we’ll be able to bring over and get digitized, we’re not sure.”
However, the archivists are not content to look in every nook and cranny of the campus itself. If it’s in an attic, a piano bench, or a living room bookshelf, the librarians want to make a digital image of it and preserve it for all time to come.
For more information, contact Middleton at 615-898-8524 or kmiddlet@mtsu.edu or Taylor at 615-898-5605 or mtaylor@mtsu.edu. Information also is available at http://library.mtsu.edu/digitalprojects.

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200 STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES UNION COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 27, 2007
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947

STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES UNION COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
143-Year-Old Cox Farm Becomes County’s Newest Designated Century Farm

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.)—The Cox Farm in Union County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms Program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the MTSU campus.
Abraham Davis Cox, a private in B Company of the 1st Tennessee Infantry, purchased a small farm of 50 acres in November 1864, even though the Civil War was in progress. After the war, he became the community’s blacksmith—a trade and skill he learned while serving as a Confederate solider.
Married to Mary Heath Hurst Cox, Abraham and his wife were the parents of Malinda, Ellen, Maggie, Daniel Boone and James. The family raised corn, cattle, hogs, horses, chickens and garden vegetables. In 1888, Abraham established the Cox Family cemetery.
The second generation to own the farm was Daniel Boone Cox, who served in the Spanish American War for four years and worked for the government for 12 years. He was stationed in numerous places around the world, including India, China and the Philippines. After returning to Tennessee, he had $2,000 in $20 gold pieces that he used to buy a mare, a mule, a new wagon, new plows and other tools. Daniel married Laura King Cox; they had three children, Benjamin, Clawd and Jim. Under his ownership, the farm produced potatoes, onions, tobacco, cattle, horses, mules, corn and hay. Additonally, Daniel is credited with introducing the first nectarines, brought from a California nursery, to Union County.
In 1954, Daniel’s son, Clawd C. Cox, acquired the farm. Along with wife Tishey, they mainly grew hay. Eventually, Clawd’s brother, Benjamin, became the fourth owner. Benjamin and wife Sallie had 12 children—Joe, James, Linda, Bill, Della, Lillian, J. Will, Jess, Jack, Maggie, Robert and Ronnie.
In 1972, Katie Cox, the widow of Robert, obtained the property, and today, the farm is home to four generation, including Katie, son Kimball and wife Robin, grandson Jimmy and his wife, Melissa, and their children, Jaiden and Jennah.
Kimball and Jimmie produce cattle, tobacco and hay. Katie writes that the current four generations now living on the family farm are “proud to honor the past four generations” who have lived on the Cox Century Farm.
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a
metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.




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ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owners, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.

199 STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES SUMNER COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 27, 2007
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947

STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES SUMNER COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
101-Year-Old Bentley Farm Becomes County’s 24th Designated Century Farm

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.)—The Bentley Farm in Sumner County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms Program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the MTSU campus.
Located 12 miles east of Gallatin at Belotes Bend, the Bentley Farm was established in June 1906 by William J. Bentley. The Bentley family, report the current owners, trace their Tennessee roots back to James Bentley, a Revolutionary War veteran, who came to Tennessee in 1796 and settled in Sumner County. Members of those early generations rest in the Bentley Cemetery on the farm.
William J. Bentley, wife Vincie and daughter Susie farmed two tracts totaling more than 200 acres and raised cattle, goats, corn, tobacco and wheat. During the 1950s, nearly 20 acres was lost to farming because of the flooding of the Cumberland River and the development of the adjoining Wildlife Management Area. Also in the 1950s, the Columbia Gulf Natural Gas Pipeline was routed through the property.
After William passed away in 1951, the farm passed to Susie. She married John Lee Swaney in 1952 and for 20 years the couple traveled and lived throughout the world while John served as an officer in the United States Navy. Susie and John had one child, Vincie Louise, who was raised in Honolulu and Virginia Beach, Va.
Vincie said she fondly recalls returning to the Sumner County farm on many occasions to visit friends and family. In 1971, the Swaneys retired to the Bentley Farm. In 1972, Vincie Swaney married Danny Barber and they had two sons, Charles Russell and William Troy.
In 1998, Vincie Swaney Barber, the granddaughter of the founders, became the owner of the land. In ownership with his mother is Charles Russell “Rusty” Barber, who manages the farm. He works part of the land and rents other acreage for hay and crop rotation.
Currently, the farm maintains four green houses and contains 20 acres of landscaping vegetation. In addition, hay, soybeans, corn and tobacco are produced. Moreover, Vincie said that the farm in the bend of the river has been the “location of many Boy Scout camping events the 4-H lamb program and one country-music video.”
Hankins said the Bentley Farm is the 24th Century Farm to be certified in Sumner County.
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a
metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.




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ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owners, or to obtain jpegs for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.

198 STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES GREENE COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 27, 2007
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947

STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES GREENE COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
150-Year-Old Still Hollow Farm Becomes County’s 44th Designated Century Farm

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.)—The Still Hollow Farm in Greene County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms Program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the MTSU campus.
The Allen family of Greene County traces its history back to Robert Allen, who moved to the area from Pennsylvania in 1786. His son, Daniel, was a contemporary and friend of Andrew Johnson, Greeneville tailor and alderman. However, it was Daniel’s son, James Allen Sr., who established a farm of 560 acres about nine miles southwest of Greeneville in 1857 and it remains in the family today.
According to the family’s records, founder James attended nearby Tusculum Academy and was involved in local politics. He first married Laura Brown, who died in 1878, and then wed Mollie Birdwell. He was the father of James Jr., Alice and Sarah Louisa. The Allens raised beef cattle, corn, wheat, horses and hogs
James Allen Jr. acquired the property in 1885. He served in the Tennessee General Assembly from 1903 to 1907 and from 1923 to 1925. The family reports that James was instrumental in introducing a bill to appropriate money for making improvements on and helping to preserve the tailor shop of his father’s friend, former President Andrew Johnson. In addition to politics, James helped drive a team of oxen and a covered wagon that hauled an organ to Greeneville from South Carolina.
As noted in the book, Greeneville: A One Hundred Year Portrait, the organ was installed in the St. James Episcopal Church and remains the oldest organ in the state of Tennessee. Parts of the covered wagon that carried the organ are still preserved in the farm’s granary.
Married to Elizabeth Jay Birdwell, sister of Mollie, James Jr. and his wife had no children, but they reared her nephew, George Leo Birdwell Sr., and her two nieces, Elizabeth and Louise Birdwell.
In 1934, Louise Birdwell, who married Otis Harrison, became the next generation to own the farm. Tobacco became the major cash crop for the Harrisons who raised corn, wheat, hogs and beef cattle. Then, in 1952, the
great nephew of the founder, George Leo Birdwell Sr., obtained the property. George married Julia Gladys Russell and they had five children—George Jr., Johnny, Luke , Jay and Lois.
While George continued to raise tobacco, corn, wheat and beef cattle on the land, he added a dairy business to the farm. Beginning in 1928, George developed several milk routes, hauling his patrons’ milk as well as his own to Greeneville and the Pet Milk Company, the local bottling and distributing company. George is said to have taken great pride in his dairy business, and in 1953, he expressed his thoughts in the Pet Milk Company’s newsletter, “Pet Dairy Chats.”
In the newsletter, George was quoted as follows: “Selling milk has meant a better standard of living for our family, better furnishings for our home and more good equipment on the farm. Dairying helps to keep good tenants, and milk cows have improved our land greatly.”
The family remembers that as the dairy business grew, the milk routes became additional jobs for the Birdwell sons.
In 1973, the great-great-nephew and the current owner of the farm, Jay D. Birdwell, obtained the land. Today, Jay and wife Ann Birdwell, their son, George Birdwell, and their niece, Amanda Kilday, all of whom live on the farm with their families, work the farm. Currently, the farm produces sweet corn, fresh-water prawns, cattle and tobacco.
Hankins said family history records that when founder James Allen Sr. began building the first covered Allen’s Bridge across the Nolichuckey River in 1862, he also began building his own farmhouse using the same hand-cut stones for the foundation that were used for the bridge supports.
The house “is central to the identity and pride of our farm,” noted the current owners, Jay and Ann, in their Century Farm application.
Over the years, the farm’s generations have preserved the original glass windowpanes at the front entrance, original picture molding, ceiling paper and working oil light fixtures. In addition to the house, the property has a herringbone-patterned brick walkway. The family reported that when the bricks were fired on site for the house, the walks were also built.
A log barn and smokehouse, also dating to the first half of the 19th century, are also part of the historic landscape. The granary that was built in 1860 is presently being used as The Farmers Wife gift shop.
Hankins said the Still Hollow Farm is the 44th Tennessee Century Farm to be certified in Greene County.
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a
metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.



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ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owners, or to obtain jpegs for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.

197 STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES CHEATHAM COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 27, 2007
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947

STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES CHEATHAM COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
140-Year-Old Johnson Farm Becomes County’s Latest Designated Century Farm

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.)— The Johnson Farm in Cheatham County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms Program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the MTSU campus.
In 1867, John W. Johnson founded a 130-acre farm near Ashland City, where he and his family raised tobacco, corn, hay, cattle and hogs. Married to Harriette Stringfellow, the couple was parents to Lucy Ellen, Mary Ann, Ada Elizabeth, William, Hiram, Hardy, Nancy and John T.
In 1884, the founder’s son, Hardy Johnson, became the second generation to own the farm. During his ownership, the farm supported crops including corn, tobacco, hay and sweet potatoes, as well as an apple orchard. They also raised hogs and cattle. Hardy and wife Bettie Judd had six children—Earl, Lucile Johnson Hagewood, Lorelle Johnson Duke, Mildred Johnson Radford, Allea and Carl.
The widow of Earl Johnson, Myrtle Ruth Johnson, inherited the land in 1949. Today, Ruth lives on the farm with her daughter, Juanita Taylor, and her grandson, Terrill Taylor, along with Terrill’s wife, Susan, and their children. Ruth’s granddaughter, Pam, and her husband, Hal Bryant, along with son Will, also live on the property.
Currently, the farm produces corn, hay, pumpkins, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and cattle. The farm is managed by the family and worked by Juanita and Terrill Taylor.
Additionally, according to CHP records, the farm still has many historic buildings, including the original farmhouse that was built by Hardy Johnson in 1913, a tobacco barn built in the 1930s, a smokehouse built in 1913, and a large potato house dating from the 1920s.
Current owner Ruth Johnson advises that the acreage was once “Riverview Farm” in the early 1900s, but today the land that has been owned by Johnsons for 140 years goes by the family’s name.
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a
metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee.
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“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.




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ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owners, or to obtain jpegs for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.

196 ‘PAGANINI OF THE STEEL PAN’ LIAM TEAGUE PERFORMS DEC.2 AT MTSU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 27, 2007
CONTACT: Tim Musselman, 615-898-2493

‘PAGANINI OF THE STEEL PAN’ LIAM TEAGUE PERFORMS DEC.2 AT MTSU
Public Concert Also Features Performance by Local Youth Group Steel Deboro

(MUFREESBORO)–Liam Teague, a steel-pan (drum) virtuoso, will perform in a public concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, in the T. Earl Hinton Hall of the Wright Music Building on the MTSU campus.
Hailed as the “Paganini of the Steel Pan,” Teague is recognized as a prodigy in his native Trinidad. A three-time winner of the National Solo Pan Competition, Teague currently serves as assistant professor of music and co-director of the Northern Illinois University Steel Band, the same institution where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music.
Lalo Davila, associate professor of percussion at MTSU, said Teague’s playing as soloist with a symphony orchestra has led to performances in Europe, Asia, North America and the Caribbean.
“Finally, after so many years, we can have a world-renown, steel-pan virtuoso here at MTSU,” Davila said. “I’ve seen him perform and have performed with him; other ensembles and the audience will be amazed by his ‘hands like lightning.’”
In addition to Teague’s performance, the Dec. 2 concert also will feature Steel Deboro, a youth group from John Pittard Elementary School, which will be under the musical direction of German Baratto.
General admission for this concert is $5.
For more information on this and other events in the music school at MTSU, please call 615-898-2493 or visit www.mtsumusic.com.


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• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To secure a jpeg for editorial use, please e-mail your request to Tim Musselman in the music school at tmusselm@mtsu.edu.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

194 MTSU WILL BE CLOSED NOV. 22-24 FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Release date: Nov. 20, 2007


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919



MTSU WILL BE CLOSED NOV. 22-24 FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY


(MURFREESBORO) — MTSU will be closed Nov. 22-24 for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, university officials announced. No classes will be held and all offices will be closed as students, faculty, staff and administrators celebrate the holiday with families and friends.
On Monday, Nov. 26, all fall semester classes will resume at their scheduled times and offices will be open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Several dining facilities will remain open during the holiday break. These include:
• Thanksgiving dinner being served in the Scarlett Commons Clubhouse from 2 until 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 22;
• McCallie Dining Hall in the Corlew high-rise dorm will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 23-25);
• Cyber Café open from 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, until 2 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26.
All other dining facilities will be closed during the holiday weekend. Regular hours will resume Monday, Nov. 26.
The James E. Walker Library will close at 10 p.m. Nov. 21 for the holidays. It will be open from 1 p.m. to midnight Nov. 25.
In the event of an emergency on campus, people should call the MTSU Police Department at 615-898-2424.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.

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193 CONCERT BY MTSU ORCHESTRAS, PHILHARMONIA PROMISES ‘SLEIGH RIDE’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 19, 2007
CONTACT: Tim Musselman, 615-898-2493

CONCERT BY MTSU ORCHESTRAS, PHILHARMONIA PROMISES ‘SLEIGH RIDE’
Free & Open Dec. 1 Concert Performance Features Violinist Andrea

(MUFREESBORO)—The MTSU Symphony Orchestra, MTSU Chamber Orchestra and MTSU Philharmonia will present a Dec. 1 concert beginning at 8 p.m. that will include the holiday favorite, Sleigh Ride, in the T. Earl Hinton Hall of the Wright Music Building on the university’s campus.
Also featured at this performance will be violinist Andrea Dawson in the second movement of Rimsky-Korsakov’s orchestral masterpiece titled Scheherazade.
"Dawson's supremely beautiful tone and phrasing are perfectly matched to the demands of the magical and lush solo violin melodies of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade," said Carol Nies, music director of the MTSU Symphony.
The orchestra will also present works by Mozart, Ravel, Handel, Dvorak and M. L. Daniels. The season favorite, Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride, will conclude the concert.
This concert’s featured artist, Dawson, joined the MTSU music faculty as assistant professor of violin in August. Before moving to Tennessee in 2007, she served as assistant professor of music at the University of Texas-Pan American and associate concertmaster of the Valley Symphony Orchestra in South Texas.
Dawson received her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the Eastman School of Music, where she was awarded the coveted Performer’s Certificate.
Nies, director, has served as a cover conductor and conducting assistant for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, as well as the associate conductor and assistant conductor of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. She received a doctorate in orchestral conducting from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and a professional studies diploma in Orchestral Conducting from the Mannes College of Music, ads well as a master’s degree in music in double bass from the Yale School of Music and a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Miami.
This concert is free and open to the public.
For more information on this and other events in the music school at MTSU, please call 615-898-2493 or visit www.mtsumusic.com.


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• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To secure a jpeg for editorial use, please e-mail your request to Tim Musselman in the music school at tmusselm@mtsu.edu.

192 CLAIBORNE COUNTY FARM JOINS RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 19, 2007
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947

CLAIBORNE COUNTY FARM JOINS RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS
100-Year-Old Nelson Campbell Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions

(MURFREESBORO)—The Nelson Campbell Farm in Claiborne County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the MTSU campus.
In 1907, Nelson Campbell founded an 80-acre farm located north of Tazewell. Married to Martha Lewis, the couple had 12 children. On the farm they raised tobacco, corn, wheat, hay, dairy cattle, hogs and horses.
The next generation to own the farm was the founder’s son, Barton Campbell, who acquired the land in 1921. During his ownership, the farm produced tobacco, corn, hay and cattle. Married to Maggie Hargraves Campbell, they had two children, Billy and Lillian.
Billy Campbell, grandson of the founders, acquired the property in 1993. Billy and wife Eleanor Johnson Campbell and their son, Barry Shane, currently own and live on the 40-acre farm, where the original barn and corncrib remain in use. The family grew tobacco until 2006, but now raise hay and cattle.
Hankins said the Nelson Campbell Farm is the 31st Tennessee Century Farm to be certified in Claiborne County.
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a
metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owners, or to obtain jpegs for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.

191 THE HERITAGE CENTER SPONSORS OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING NOV. 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 19, 2007
CONTACT: Melissa Zimmerman, 615-217-8013, or mzimmerm@mtsu.edu

THE HERITAGE CENTER SPONSORS OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING NOV. 30
‘Warm, White Winter Welcome’ Theme of Public Reception, Civil War Exhibit Highlights Event

(MURFREESBORO)–The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County will honor its successful community partnership and commemorate its official grand opening with a “Warm, White Winter Welcome” public reception 3-5 p.m. Nov. 30.
Located at 225 West College St., the center’s staff will kick off the free and open event with a 3 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony that also celebrates the completion of The Heritage Center’s main exhibit gallery, The Time that Changed Everything.
“Main Street Murfreesboro is committed to enhancing our historic downtown as the center of our community,” said Richard Gabel, executive director of Main Street: Murfreesboro/Rutherford County Inc. “The partnership with The Heritage Center is a perfect example of that commitment. Together, we are working to treasure the history that helped fashion Murfreesboro, to enjoy the unique community we have and to ensure the future through preservation and education.”
Melissa Zimmerman, who serves as a heritage programming specialist for the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, said the Nov. 30 reception represents a wonderful opportunity to introduce the community to The Time that Changed Everything, the center’s permanent exhibit that highlights Rutherford County’s compelling and enduring Civil War and Reconstruction stories and legacies.
“Since we moved into the building a year ago, we’ve been working like gangbusters to put together several temporary exhibits as well as our walking tour of the square,” she said. “And this grand opening and the completion of our new Civil War exhibit … is a significant milestone for The Heritage Center.”
The Time that Changed Everything exhibit, Zimmerman added, “will help the Heritage Center to set the stage for visitors to explore our local stories throughout the county.”
Missouri native Julie Lenger, who is a graduate student enrolled in MTSU’s history program, was one of two student designers of the permanent display.
“The Civil War exhibit is more elaborate than previous Heritage Center exhibits, both in scope and style,” she said. “This exhibit includes 13 interpretive panels that explain the events of the war in Rutherford County and includes period maps, photographs and drawings.
“Three immersive elements invite visitors to linger and further explore individuals’ experiences during the Civil War and following decade,” Lenger explained. “The exhibit directs visitors’ attention to the actual sites of the war and encourages them to explore the landscapes, where major Civil War figures and ordinary men and women experienced the war.” During the upcoming “Warm, White Winter Welcome” reception, visitors are encouraged “to join us and discover our exhibits, tours and other information that’s being offered daily here at The Heritage Center,” Zimmerman said.
As part of the Friday afternoon “Warm, White Winter Welcome,” center staff will provide informal exhibit tours and information about the center programs, as well as share details about future improvements, including plans to renovate the building’s exterior in 2008.
In addition, the Nov. 30 reception—which will offer visitors light refreshments amid the center’s winter-themed surroundings—will showcase the new Main Street: Murfreesboro/Rutherford County offices.
Kathleen Herzog, event coordinator for Main Street: Murfreesboro/Rutherford County Inc., a nonprofit corporation that encourages the preservation of the city’s historic downtown business district, said the months of planning and work that went into the center’s interior design and recreation has been time and energy well spent.
“It's hard to imagine that we started with a space that was a restaurant and ended up with a beautiful gallery, offices for Main Street and two large functional meeting spaces,” she said. “During this project, I met dozens and dozens of people who worked cheerfully and with great generosity to make our dream a reality.
“People from the private sector contributed time, talent and treasure to our Heritage Center,” she continued, “and the City of Murfreesboro's assistance was beyond measure. … The word ‘partnership’ is a reality here at The Heritage Center.”
Moreover, noted Herzog, “Without the guidance and vision of MTSU's Deborah Belcher and her design expertise, we could not have managed.”
An associate professor in the university’s interior design program, Belcher was instrumental in the center’s interior redesign.
“This opportunity to volunteer for Main Street Revitalization and the Center for Historic Preservation was a pleasure,” Belcher remarked. “ The renovation of an existing structure, the variety of needs of both groups and the developing partnership to create The Heritage Center was a melding of a common vision brought together through design. … And our ‘Warm, White Winter Welcome’ will be a celebration of what we have accomplished and the changes still to come.”
In addition to The Time that Changed Everything exhibit, the “Warm, White Winter Welcome” will offer visitors additional exhibits to view, including Entering the Modern Era: Murfreesboro’s Jazz Age, which explores how the town and county were transformed during the early 20th century—a time of expansion, growing urban sophistication and depression-era hardship—and From the Nation’s Capital to Neighborhood Classrooms: Rutherford County Women Past and Present, an exhibit that highlights 10 significant local women and their contributions from the mid-19th century to the present day. Other recent exhibits showcase Uncle Dave Macon Days and Murfreesboro architecture.
A joint venture between the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, Main Street: Murfreesboro/Rutherford County, the City of Murfreesboro and the Center for Historic Preservation, The Heritage Center provides visitors with a downtown orientation experience through exhibits, public programs and guided tours of the downtown square.
Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each Monday through Friday, group tours and tours of the town square may be arranged in advance by calling 615-217-8013.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA—To secure a jpeg for editorial use of the center’s Civil War exhibit being installed, please e-mail your request to Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at lrollins@mtsu.edu or call 615-898-2919.

189 DEATH THREAT MADE AGAINST MTSU STUDENT

DEATH THREAT MADE AGAINST MTSU STUDENT

Nov. 16, 2007

CONTACT: Tom Tozer at 615-898-5131; 615-542-0444

MURFREESBORO—The Federal Bureau of Investigation has informed MTSU officials of a potential death threat that has been made against a student living in Monohan Hall. University officials have taken immediate actions to protect the student and to maintain safety on campus.
“We take this situation very seriously and will utilize all our resources to maintain order and safety on this campus,” said President Sidney A. McPhee.
The student, whose identity is being withheld pending further investigation, has been relocated to an off-campus site, the residence hall has been provided with additional security and controlled access, officials are meeting with dorm residents and student supervisory personnel to apprise them of the situation. While this threat was made against one specific student, MTSU police are asking that all campus residents remain vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious behavior by calling 898-2424.

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188 MTSU FRESHMAN FOUND DEAD OF APPARENT NATURAL CAUSES

MTSU FRESHMAN FOUND DEAD OF APPARENT NATURAL CAUSES

Nov. 12, 2007

CONTACT: News and Public Affairs, 615-898-2919
Murfreesboro City Police, communications, 615-893-1311

MURFREESBORO—The body of MTSU freshman Jeremy Beatty, 28, of Mt. Juliet, was discovered at approximately 10:30 p.m. Sunday evening in his 6th-floor room in Cummings Hall. Officials say Beatty, a diabetic, apparently died of natural causes. Residence hall personnel were asked to conduct a welfare check on Beatty after he did not answer the door. After unlocking his door and entering, housing officials immediately called 9-1-1.
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187 STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES SMITH COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 14, 2007
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947

STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES SMITH COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
151-Year-Old Lancaster/O’Fallon Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.)—The Lancaster/O’Fallon Farm in Smith County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the MTSU campus.
Just west of Lancaster lies the Lancaster/O’Fallon Farm that was founded in 1856 by Michael Lancaster. On 1,240 acres, Michael, wife Roxana and their five children raised corn, tobacco, cattle, pigs and vegetables. Michael also built many of the buildings including the farmhouse, a smokehouse, a blacksmith shop, chicken houses and a wash house.
In August 1916, the founder’s son, Thomas Lancaster, known as “Rainer Tom,” acquired the property. Married to Tennie Washer Lancaster, the couple was parents to Ara, Michael, Sallie, Marvin and Lillie. The family raised cattle, pigs, mules, corn, hay and tobacco. In 1939, Thomas’s son, Michael became the third generation to own the farm.
During World War II, training maneuvers took place in the area. According to the family’s reports, one of the army trucks was too heavy for a nearby bridge and fell through. The soldiers camped on the farm while they constructed a new bridge. The family remembers that Beulah, Michael’s wife, provided the both sweet and buttermilk to the soldiers who bivouacked on the farm.
In January1964 the land was deeded to Michael and Beulah’s daughter, Cleora, who was married to Herny Woodard. Cleora was active in the community. She was in the Home Demonstration Club of Lancaster and a reporter for the Carthage Courier for 53 years.
In 1991, the great-great-grandchildren of the founder, Elva Hart and her brother, William “Billy” Woodard, became the owners of the farm. Today, Billy and Elva manage the property that mainly produces hay.
Elva is a member of the Farm Bureau and remembers many of the stories handed down to her. She also advises that the Lancaster Hill Church of God was built on this farm as was a mop-and-broom factory. The farmhouse and a barn, as well as a cemetery established by the founders, are reminders of the long tenure of this family in Smith County.
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.




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ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owners, or to obtain jpegs for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.

186 STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES CHESTER COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 14, 2007
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947

STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES CHESTER COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
114 -Year-Old F & W Farm Becomes County’s 7th Designated Century Farm

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.)—The F & W Farm in Chester County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the MTSU campus.
Located in the Enville community, the F & W Farm was founded in 1893 by John G. Anderson. Married to Cansady Catherine Findley, they had two children, Dossie Benton Anderson and Orpha Anderson. On 214 acres, the family raised cotton, corn, cattle and hogs.
In 1921, Dossie “D. B.” Benton became the second owner of the farm. He and his wife, Hallie Ross Anderson, were the parents of Maerene, who acquired the land in 1984. Married to L. C. Weatherington, Donna was their only child. During this time, the farm produced cotton, corn, beans, cattle and hogs.
In 1994, Donna became the fourth-generation owner. Married to Robert Michael Frank, they had two children, Robert Michael II and Tabbitha Jane. The family raised cotton, corn, beans and cattle.
In 2005, the great-great-grandson of the founder, Robert Michael Frank II, became the owner and manager of the land. He lives on his family’s farm and the primary products grown today are cattle, corn and beans.
F & W Farm is the seventh Chester County farm to be certified as a Century Farm, Hankins said.
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a
metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owners, or to obtain jpegs for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.

185 STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES HAMBLEN COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 13, 2007
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947

STATEWIDE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES HAMBLEN COUNTY FARM FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
101-Year-Old Baker Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.)—The Baker Farm in Hamblen County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the MTSU campus.
Located near Russellville, this piece of land is where part of Lt. Gen. James Longstreet’s Confederate army camped during the winter of 1863 to guard Cain’s Mill and Three Springs Road. Also running across this property is evidence of an ancient animal trail called Taylor’s Trace that was used by early explorers and settlers coming into what is now Hamblen County. It is on this land that the Baker Farm was established in 1906, according to the family’s records.
George A. Cope and his wife, Mary Davidson, and their two daughters, Alice Elizabeth and Mary Ethel, raised cattle, sheep, corn, hogs and chickens on 144 acres. Mary Ethel, married to Howell Baker, acquired the property in 1958. With their three children, Joana, Robert and Larry, the Bakers produced cattle, hay, poultry and hogs.
In 1985, the grandson of the founder, Larry Baker, inherited the property. Today, he continues to own and work the land. Currently, the farm mainly produces beef cattle. The founders and other members of the Baker family are buried in the Bethesda Cemetery.
Hankins said the Baker Farm is the 20th Hamblen County farm to be certified as a Century Farm.
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a
metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owners, or to obtain jpegs for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.

184 NOV. 19 BRINGS STONES RIVER CHAMBER PLAYERS TO CONCERT STAGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 13, 2007
CONTACT: Tim Musselman, 615-898-2493


NOV. 19 BRINGS STONES RIVER CHAMBER PLAYERS TO CONCERT STAGE
‘Winter Delights’ Title and Theme of Upcoming Music Program Selections

(MURFREESBORO)—The Stones River Chamber Players (SRCP), artists in residence at MTSU, will present a program of music titled Winter Delights at 7:30 p.m. Nov.19 in the T. Earl Hinton Hall of the Wright Music Building on the MTSU campus in a free and open concert.
“The program consists of a blend of chamber works from Renaissance to modern times,” said Todd Waldecker, co-director of the SRCP. “The music is full of beautiful melodies that are very pleasing to the ear.”
The works that will be performed in the concert include Frank Martin’s Trois chants de noel, Anthony Holborne’s A Suite of Renaissance Dances, selections from J. S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Gunter Möll’s Transition Man and Georg Philipp Telemann’s Quartet in d minor from Tafelmusik II.
Now in their 19th year, the SRCP's many players divide into multiple configurations to present an exciting variety of chamber music.
This concert will feature Christine Isley-Farmer (soprano), Deanna Little (flute), Leopoldo Erice (piano), Bill Yelverton (guitar), Michael Arndt and Jeff Bailey (trumpet), David Loucky (trombone), Angela DeBoer (horn), Gilbert Long (tuba), Andrea Dawson (violin), Maya Stone (bassoon), Xiao-Fan Zhang (cello) and Angela Tipps (organ).
For more information on this and other events in the music school at MTSU, please call 615-898-2493 or visit www.mtsumusic.com.




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• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To secure a jpeg for editorial use, please e-mail your request to Tim Musselman in the music school at tmusselm@mtsu.edu.

Monday, November 12, 2007

183 WORLD-CLASS SAX PLAYER GREG OSBY HEADLINES JAZZ ARTIST SERIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 9, 2007
CONTACT: Tim Musselman, 615-898-2493

WORLD-CLASS SAX PLAYER GREG OSBY HEADLINES JAZZ ARTIST SERIES
Guest Artist Will Also Serves 4-Day Residency at MTSU, Perform with Music Faculty

(MURFREESBORO)—The 2007-2008 MTSU Jazz Artist Series will get the first of two 2007 concerts under way at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, with world-class saxophonist Greg Osby, who will perform in the T. Earl Hinton Hall of the Wright Music Building (WMB) on the MTSU campus.
Don Aliquo, coordinator of jazz studies at MTSU, said Osby also will take up residence at MTSU on Nov. 12 -16, where he will oversee workshops for students, from improvisation and jazz history to composition and more. During the four-day visit, he will work closely with student ensembles in addition to his two concert performances.
"(Osby) is truly one the most original and cutting-edge voices in jazz today,” Aliquo said. “We are very excited about his willingness to spend the entire week sharing his vast knowledge and creative approach to the art form with the MTSU community.”
During the Nov. 15 Jazz Artist Series concert, Osby will perform his original compositions alongside members of the MTSU jazz faculty, including Aliquo (saxophone), Jamey Simmons (trumpet), Jim Ferguson (bass), Pat Coil (piano) and Tom Giampietro (drums).
In addition, Osby will perform in a free and open second concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, with various student ensembles, including the MTSU Graduate Studies Combo.
“This is truly a unique opportunity for our students and showcases our entire jazz department.” Aliquo said.
Osby is well known throughout the international contemporary jazz community as an innovative saxophonist, composer, producer and educator. He has recorded more than 15 albums as a leader and enjoyed important artistic associations with some the music’s most innovative musicians, including Andrew Hill, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Coleman, Jim Hall, and Jason Moran.
The Osby residency events, all of which are open to the public, will begin Monday, Nov. 12, with a jazz seminar/master class from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Room 173 of the WMB; a jazz improvisation seminar 4:30-6 p.m. in the Saunders Fine Arts Building’s (SFA) Room 101; and a jazz combo coaching at 7:15 p.m. in SFA Room 101.
On Tuesday, Nov. 13, Osby will present a jazz history lecture from 1 to 2:25 p.m. in SFA’s Room 208. On Wednesday, Nov. 14, the public is invited to the jazz pedagogy seminar from 10:20 to 11:15 a.m. in Room 208 of SFA; a jazz seminar/master class 3-4:30 p.m. in the WMB’s Room 173; and a jazz arranging/composition workshop from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in SFA’s Room 308.
Thursday, Nov. 15, Osby will offer jazz combo coaching at 4:20 pm in SFA’s Room 101 before performing in the Jazz Artist Series concert at 7:30 p.m.
•TICKETS: Jazz Artist Series tickets, $15 per person and free for MTSU students, faculty and staff, will be available at the door. For more information regarding Osby’s workshops, please call 615-904-0821. For more information on other events in the music school at MTSU, please call 615-898-2493 or visit http://www.mtsumusic.com/.




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• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To secure a jpeg for editorial use, please e-mail your request to Tim Musselman in the music school at tmusselm@mtsu.edu.

182 FRIST CENTER EXHIBIT SHOWCASES WORKS BY MTSU STUDENT ARTISTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 9, 2007
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919, or lrollins@mtsu.edu

FRIST CENTER EXHIBIT SHOWCASES WORKS BY MTSU STUDENT ARTISTS

(MURFREESBORO)—The Frist Center for the Visual Arts will feature “Mid-State Art Majors,” an aptly titled exhibit that will include works by eight MTSU art students, beginning Nov. 16 through Dec. 31 at the Nashville venue.
“I’ve been here four years and there’s never been a show put together like this,” said Erin Anfinson, MTSU assistant professor of art and liaison for the exhibit. “They came to us with the opportunity, and we were thrilled.”
Regarding the opportunity for students to show their art at the Frist Center, Anfinson said center staff had the time and space between exhibits and decided to show students’ work. Art professors nominated MTSU students to be featured in the exhibit, and then a panel of faculty chose students to represent each of the concentrations of the art department—namely, printmaking, paintings, ceramics, sculpture and graphic design.
Dale Meier, an art education major at MTSU, is among the local students whose work is featured at the center. Meier’s piece is an Italian etching.
“I think it is awesome to get my name out there,” said Meier, who participates in the National Art Education Association and plans to teach art at the high-school level upon graduation.
“I definitely plan on doing art in my free time as well as teaching,” he said. “My passion is teaching, but I love art as well.”
The show’s opening, which is a free event, will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Frist, 919 Broadway, in Nashville.
The exhibit also will showcase the work of MTSU students Rachel Bonham, Beth Copley, Danny Greene, Dale Meir, Brandon Morgan, Caitlin Roston, Michelle Smalley and Sarah Sullivan.
The exhibit also will include works by students from Appalachian Center for the Crafts/Tennessee Tech University, Belmont University, Austin Peay State University, Fisk University, Lipscomb University, Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University and Watkins College of Art.
HOURS: The Frist is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 1-5:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $6.50 for college students and $8.50 for adults. Also, anyone who brings a canned-food item for Second Harvest Food Bank on Mondays through Dec. 31 will receive free admission to the Frist.
For more information about the exhibit, including driving directions, please visit the center’s online site at http://www.fristcenter.org/.

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•ATTENTION, MEDIA—If the aforementioned information is published as a story, please give byline credit to MTSU mass communication student *Danielle Harrell.
To request jpeg images of some of the student artwork on display, please e-mail your request to Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU at lrollins@mtsu.edu.

180 AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM NOW BROADCASTING IN WINCHESTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 12, 2007
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Affairs, 615-494-8857

AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM NOW BROADCASTING IN WINCHESTER
Cable Channel 6 Now Features ‘Middle Tennessee Record’ Show Each Month

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.)—“Middle Tennessee Record” (MTR), an award-winning, half-hour program produced by the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU, will be broadcast on Winchester's FCHS/EGTV "RebelVision" at 7 p.m. Nov. 13-14 and Nov. 17 and at 7 p.m. Dec. 17-18 and Dec. 22.
The video magazine-formatted program’s November edition will feature
stories about music’s healing power for some who’ve been devastated by Hurricane Katrina, as well as Pop Geers, “who’s probably the most famous Tennessee sports figure you’ve never heard of,” said John Lynch, MTR’s producer and creator.
In addition to its regular program segments, including the A-List, which will feature a standout MTSU athlete this month, the November MTR program also will include news of how Jewish and Muslim students break bread together to mark the convergence of two religious holidays; discuss November’s designation as National Epilepsy Awareness Month and offer tips on recognizing the condition; mark the passing of a most distinguished alumnus and community leader; and check in with local economy experts.
“We work very diligently to bring our views current news about the people, places and faces who make a difference in our community,” Lynch said. “The people of middle Tennessee are people worth knowing, and MTR brings them in focus.”
For more information about MTR, or to view past editions online, please access http://www.mtsunews.com/ and click on the Middle Tennessee Record TV Program link.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For more information about “Middle Tennessee Record,” or to request an interview with its creator or secure an MTR logo for editorial use, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-2919 or via e-mail at lrollins@mtsu.edu.

179 MTSU’s CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON EARNS JOURNALISM SCHOLARHIP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 7, 2007
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Affairs, 615-494-8857

MTSU’s CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON EARNS JOURNALISM SCHOLARHIP
Los Angeles Native-MTSU Football Player First Male and African American Recipient

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.)—Christopher Jevon Johnson of Murfreesboro recently was chosen as the 2007-08 recipient of the Lisa L. Rollins Journalism Scholarship at MTSU.
A senior majoring in electronic media/radio-television, Johnson is the first male and the first African American to receive the $500 award, which is presented annually by the School of Journalism’s scholarship committee to an outstanding MTSU student majoring in news-editorial, magazine, electronic media, public relations or media design/graphics.
A native of Los Angeles, Johnson attended Loyola High School, where he lettered in football and track and was named to the all-Sierra league during his senior year after grabbing 25 passes for 425 yards and five touchdowns.
Johnson, 21, transferred to MTSU from Tennessee State University in 2006. He currently is a member of MTSU’s Blue Raider football team, where he serves as a wide receiver and on special teams.
Regarding his receipt of the award, Johnson said, “I am proud and grateful to have been the first male chosen for this scholarship. … It is truly a blessing, because I am an out of state student and (funding college study) has really been a struggle. This scholarship helped me out so much.”
Rollins, who serves as part-time journalism professor at MTSU and as director of special media projects, established the scholarship in 2004 to assist journalism majors who excelled academically but demonstrated financial need.
“I am thrilled that Chris is the scholarship designee for this award,” Rollins said. “Although I have yet to meet him face to face, I have spoken with him by phone and e-mail, seen his application materials, and believe him to be an exceptional young man. I am so proud to have him represent this scholarship and honored he applied for it.”
Johnson said he hopes to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication during the fall 2008 semester and pursue a career in sports broadcasting.
Johnson is the son of Barbara Pitts and Jimmy Johnson, both of Los Angeles.
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• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To secure a jpeg of Johnson for editorial use, please e-mail your request to the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU at lrollins@mtsu.edu.

178 MTSU MUSIC FACULTY TRIO SET FOR NOV. 12 RECITAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 7, 2007
CONTACT: Tim Musselman, 615-898-2493


MTSU MUSIC FACULTY TRIO SET FOR NOV. 12 RECITAL
Public Encouraged to Attend Free and Open Performance

(MURFREESBORO)—An MTSU faculty trio featuring Christine Isley-Farmer (soprano), Deanna Little (flute) and Leopoldo Erice (piano) will perform a recital at 8 p.m. Nov. 12 in the T. Earl Hinton Hall of the Wright Music Building on the MTSU campus.
The recital will feature music from such artists as Gaetano Donizetti, Frank Martin, Don Draganski, Camille Saint-Saens, Leo Delibes, Hugo Wolf and Jeanne E. Schaffer.
“The program is designed to give the audience a varied listening experience with exchanges between trio and duet pairings,” said Isley-Farmer, MTSU professor of voice.
Little is an assistant professor of flute and new faculty member Erice is an assistant professor of collaborative piano for MTSU’s music school.
This concert is free and open to the public.
For more information on this and other events in the music school at MTSU, please call 615-898-2493 or visit http://www.mtsumusic.com/.




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• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To secure a jpeg for editorial use, please e-mail your request to Tim Musselman in the music school at tmusselm@mtsu.edu.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

176 FALL DANCE CONCERT FEATURES TRADITIONAL, CONTEMPORARY STYLES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 6, 2006
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919

FALL DANCE CONCERT FEATURES TRADITIONAL, CONTEMPORARY STYLES
Cast of 40 Set to Bring Innovative & Classical Choreography to Life, Says Dance Director

(MURFREESBORO)—MTSU Dance Theatre’s 40-member cast will bring new life to the stage through innovative and classical choreography in its Fall Dance Concert, which will be presented at 7:30 p.m. daily Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 in the Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building’s Tucker Theatre.
Each year, MTSU brings a number of guest artists who present a variety of dance styles, and this year’s concert will feature “Crossing Ground” choreographed by Michelle Ikle, a specialist in jazz who works with Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and the Travis D. Gatling-choreographed “Freedom Riders,” which is a celebration of individuals who had the courage to take stand about racial issues in the ‘60s. Additionally, the concert will deliver a contemporary ballet using classical jazz music choreographed by Thomas Shoemaker.
“MTSU’s guest artists match those of larger universities or more established programs,” remarked Kim Nofsinger, director of dance for MTSU. “Exposure to the artists provides students with a variety of insights and experiences within dance.”
Nofsinger said the fall dance event demonstrates the growth and development of the dance program and its ability to celebrate traditional dance forms and integrate contemporary ones.
“For example,” he explained, “‘Snowball’s Chance’ is a lighthearted romp poking fun at formalism and contemporary proms, while ‘Holding Patterns’ is an intense dance using seven bodies exploring intimacy in times of crisis.”
The upcoming concert also will feature student-created works, including “Pink Elephant,” a number choreographed by MTSU senior Kaleena DeVar, whose selection will again be presented at the American College Dance Festival in Florida this spring.
“Range and quality of performance and choreography has also heightened and clearly demonstrates mastery for both advanced and novice students,” Nofsinger said, regarding the accomplishments of the program’s students.
• TICKET INFO: Tickets for the Fall Dance Concert may be purchased at the door on the evening of the performance. Ticket prices range from $5 to $10. MTSU students will be admitted free with a valid university ID.
For more information, please call (615) 494-8810 or visit the department’s Web site at www.mtsu.edu/~theatre.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA—For editorial needs, including interview requests with performers or faculty, photo requests or to obtain review tickets, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU at 615-898-291 or via e-mail at lrollins@mtsu.edu.

175 MTSU SETS DEC. 1 DEADLINE FOR 2008-09 MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Release date: Nov. 6, 2007


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
Office of Financial Aid contact: Bonnie McCarty, 615-898-2830
Office of Admissions contact: Tracy Prater, 615-898-5280


MTSU SETS DEC. 1 DEADLINE FOR 2008-09 MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS


(MURFREESBORO) — Prospective and returning MTSU students seeking merit scholarships and awards for the 2008-09 academic year must submit all their information by the priority deadline of Saturday, Dec. 1, Tracy Prater, associate director in the Office of Admissions, said recently.
Prospective students should submit an admission application, official ACT or SAT test scores and an official transcript to the admissions office, said Prater, who added that information mailed with a Dec. 1 postmark will meet the deadline. After Feb. 15, 2008, additional scholarships and awards may be given pending available funds.
Merit scholarships and awards include Freshman Merit Scholarships, National Merit Achievement Finalist, Valedictorians and Salutatorians, and Chancellor, Presidential, Buchanan Fellowship, Academic Service, Provost and Raider scholarships.
MTSU Foundation Scholarships also have a Dec. 1 deadline.
Transfer applicants must submit official college transcripts. The scholarship deadline for transfer applicants is Feb. 1, 2008.
The School of Music awards scholarships on a competitive basis to music and nonmusic majors. These will be awarded in 2008 after auditions are held on Jan. 25, Feb. 16 and Feb. 29. Students can register for auditions by visiting mtsu.edu/~music online.
Students applying for Army ROTC merit scholarships (4-, 3½-, 3-, 2½- and 2-year scholarships) must submit applications by Nov. 15.
The deadline to apply for DREAM (Diverse Representation and Educational Access at MTSU) Scholarships is March 15, 2008.
Other scholarships may have a deadline other than Dec. 1.
For more information, call admissions at 615-898-2111, financial aid at 615-898-2830 or visit the admissions Web page at mtsu.edu/~admissn.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.

174 “SPONTANEOUS BLEEDING” NEXT MTSU WOMEN’S STUDIES LECTURE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 5, 2007
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

“SPONTANEOUS BLEEDING” NEXT MTSU WOMEN’S STUDIES LECTURE MTSU Professor Examines Female Eroticism from Diversity of Perspectives

(MURFREESBORO) – Cindy Rehm, assistant professor of art at MTSU, will present “Spontaneous Bleeding: The Performative Video Works of Cindy Rehm,” the latest lecture in the Fall 2007 Women’s Studies Research Series, at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in Room 100 of MTSU’s James Union Building. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Rehm will present and discuss a selection of her video works, which explore female identity, eroticism and hysteria.
“The works express visceral manifestations of female desire through private acts of ritual,” Rehm says. “The images oscillate between the beautiful and the grotesque and aim to diversify the erotic possibilities of the female body.” For more information on the Women’s Studies Research Series, contact Dr. Jane Marcellus at 615-898-5282 or jmarcell@mtsu.edu, or contact the Women’s Studies office at 615-898-5910 or womenstu@mtsu.edu.

173 ADULT LEARNERS TO CELEBRATE THEIR HARD WORK AT MTSU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 5, 2007
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Dr. Carol Ann Baily, 615-898-5989

ADULT LEARNERS TO CELEBRATE THEIR HARD WORK AT MTSU
Nontraditional Student Week, Nov. 5-9, Recognizes Adult College Students

(MURFREESBORO) – MTSU will celebrate Nontraditional Student Week Nov. 5-9 with various activities designed to highlight adult learners, including an open house, receptions for students, informational opportunities and a major dinner.
On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Older Wiser Learners (OWLs) will sponsor a Faculty and Staff Open House in the Off-Campus Student Services Office, Room 320 of the Keathley University Center (KUC). That evening, from 4-6 p.m., students enrolled in evening classes are welcome to stop by the office for a cup of hot cider and special nontraditional student gifts.
On Wednesday, Nov. 7, OWLs will set up a table in front of the KUC grill from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to provide more information about the services available for nontraditional students at MTSU.
OWLs will hold its annual Nontraditional Week Dinner in the Tom H. Jackson Building (formerly the Alumni Center) for adult learners and their families from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8. OWLs will provide turkey and dressing. Participants are encouraged to bring salads, vegetables, beverages or desserts.
New members of Pinnacle Honor Society, a group developed specifically for nontraditional students, will be initiated following the dinner. December graduates will be honored, and the Pinnacle Award of Achievement will be presented.
For more information about Nontraditional Student Week, contact Dr. Carol Ann Baily at 615-898-5989 or at cabaily@mtsu.edu.

172 TRAGEDY OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING TO BE EXPLAINED AT MTSU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 5, 2007
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Catharine Broemel, 615-336-1058

TRAGEDY OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING TO BE EXPLAINED AT MTSU
Major Issue of Wheeling and Dealing in People for Profit, Labor, Sexual Gratification

(MURFREESBORO) – Americans for Informed Democracy and the American Democracy Project will sponsor a panel on the issue of human trafficking from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, in the State Farm Lecture Hall on the MTSU Campus.
The scheduled speakers are Collette Berku, founder of Free for Life Ministries; Amber Beckham, former MTSU student and a Network of Emergency Trafficking Services (NETS) coordinator for World Relief; and Theresa Flores, a survivor of human trafficking.
The U.S. Department of State’s annual “Trafficking in Persons” report defines human trafficking as "(a) sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age; or (b) the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery."
According to the International Labor Organization, a United Nations agency, the number of people in bonded labor, forced labor, child labor and sexual servitude at any given time could total as many as 12.3 million people.
The American Democracy Project Web site describes the program as “an initiative of 219 AASCU (American Association of State Colleges and Universities) campuses that seeks to create an intellectual and experiential understanding of civic engagement for undergraduates enrolled at institutions that are members of AASCU.”
Americans for Informed Democracy is “a non-partisan organization that brings the world home to the next generation of leaders through educational seminars, leadership summits, town hall meetings, opinion pieces, and global videoconferences,” states its Web site.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Catharine Broemel, president of Americans for Informed Democracy, at 615-336-1058 or crb3f@mtsu.edu.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

171 HOLOCAUST DENIAL IN THE MIDDLE EAST FOCUS OF MTSU LECTURE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 31, 2007
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Dr. Allen Hibbard, 615-494-8809

HOLOCAUST DENIAL IN THE MIDDLE EAST FOCUS OF MTSU LECTURE
Guest Speaker to Address Arab Collaboration with, Opposition to Murders of Jews

(MURFREESBORO) – Dr. Robert Satloff, executive director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, will speak at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building at MTSU.
Satloff’s lecture is titled “Countering Holocaust Denial in the Middle East: A New Approach.” This event is part of the eighth biennial MTSU Holocaust Studies Conference.
A leading expert on Arab and Islamic politics as well as U.S. Middle East policy, Satloff recently was interviewed on National Public Radio and “The News Hour with Jim Lehrer” on PBS about his groundbreaking book Among the Righteous: Lost Stories of the Holocaust’s Long Reach into Arab Lands.
The book presents stories of Arabs who risked their lives to save Jews during World War II, as well as stories of those who collaborated with the Nazis. These stories, Satloff writes, offer “people of goodwill among each community—Arab and Jewish—a way to look through the lens of one of the most powerful narratives in history and see each other differently.”
Satloff’s appearance is co-sponsored by MTSU’s Middle East Center. For more information, contact Dr. Allen Hibbard, director of the center and professor of English, at 615-494-8809 or ahibbard@mtsu.edu.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For a color jpeg photo of Dr. Robert Satloff, contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.

170 NEW LOCAL THEATRE GROUP TO RIDE A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 31, 2007
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Dr. Elyce Helford, 615-898-5910

NEW LOCAL THEATRE GROUP TO RIDE A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Center Players, Including MTSU Personnel, Celebrate Tennessee Williams’ Classic

(MURFREESBORO) – The Center Players will perform their inaugural presentation, A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, Thursday through Sunday Nov. 8-11 and Thursday through Saturday Nov. 15-17 at the Murfreesboro/Rutherford County Center for the Arts, 110 West College Street in Murfreesboro.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Williams’ classic Southern Gothic tale of lust, mendacity, repression and insanity. It tells the tale of fading Southern belle Blanche DuBois’ visit to her sister, Stella, and Blanche’s encounter with Stella’s crude, in-your-face husband, Stanley Kowalski.
Blanche will be portrayed by Dr. Elyce Helford, director of Women’s Studies and professor of English at MTSU. Helford admits playing this character will give her a chance to stretch her acting talent.
“It is so different from my outspoken, northern, Chicago, Jewish, feminist background,” Helford says.
Helford says she sees Blanche as a woman who is so invested in the standards of being a Southern belle, dealing with people indirectly instead of being honest and forthright, that she can not make progress in her life.
“I see her as somebody who’s very trapped, and that’s the way I play her,” Helford says. “She’s not evil, but she’s frustrated.”
Other people with MTSU connections who are involved in the production include director Donna Seage, an alumna with a master’s degree in education and theatre instructor at Siegel High School; Todd Seage, a former employee who portrays Stanley; Malinda Morgan, stage manager and undergraduate student; E. Roy Lee, an alumnus who portrays Steve and serves as assistant director; and Jesse Canady, a student who is assisting with publicity.
On the first night of Streetcar, about 30 minutes prior to the Nov. 8 performance, Dr. Robert Bray, an MTSU English professor and Tennessee Williams scholar, will deliver a talk titled “Laying the Tracks for His Streetcar: The Evolution of a Great American Play.” This discussion of Williams and his Pulitzer Prize-winning work will be videotaped and will be available for viewing in the lobby of the theatre on other evenings.
“As Williams developed an outline for Streetcar, he considered setting it in places as diverse as Chicago and Macon, Ga., but eventually settled on New Orleans, which he called his ‘spiritual home,” Bray says. “The drama’s conclusion was particularly troublesome for the author to write, and I have discovered a version of the play with a happy ending.”
Bray says the discussion will focus on how the play evolved to its present form and will consider the 1951 film adaptation, for which Vivien Leigh (Blanche), Kim Hunter (Stella), and Karl Malden (Mitch) won Academy Awards and in which Marlon Brando delivered his iconic performance as Stanley.
The Center Players, the newest of many local theatre groups, is “invested in doing a combination of family favorites and other more thought-provoking productions,” says Helford.
“The group features a number of people who have been involved in local community theatre,” Helford notes.
However, she points out, Center Players is an open group that also invites people who have no theatre experience to participate both onstage and backstage.
“The idea is to get as many people in the community as possible in theatre at the Center for the Arts,” Helford says.
She stresses that no participant in Streetcar will be paid. All proceeds will go directly to the center.
“The goal there is to make it as high-functioning as possible and to deliver the best quality theatre possible so that people will buy season tickets, and they will see community theatre as something that is very positive and effective in the Murfreesboro area,” Helford says.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. For more information, contact the Murfreesboro/Rutherford County Center for the Arts at 615-904-ARTS (2787) or http://www.boroarts.org. To learn more about the Center Players, go to their MySpace page at http://www.myspace/centerplayers or send an e-mail to centerplayers@comcast.net.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For photos of the Center Players as their characters in A Streetcar Named Desire, contact Gina Logue in the MTSU Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.

169 MTSU MASTERS OF MEDIATION CAPTURE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 31, 2007
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

MTSU MASTERS OF MEDIATION CAPTURE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Students Apply Techniques of Amelioration to Resolve “Disputes” Between Parties

(MURFREESBORO) – Middle Tennessee State University’s mediation team members are celebrating their new status as the 2007 National Intercollegiate Mediation Champions following their performance at an Oct. 26-27 tournament at the John Marshall School of Law in Chicago.
MTSU defeated a field of 32 teams including Boston University (second place), the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (third place), and the University of Toledo (fourth place).
The goal in mock mediation is the resolution of legal disputes outside the parameters of a courtroom trial. Competition in mock mediation helps students hone their public speaking skills, critical and analytical thinking and peacemaking talents.
Sarah Farthing of Jefferson City and Ryan Richards of Sweetwater were awarded All-American honors as mediators. Farthing was selected by her teammates to represent the school in the championship round because she had the highest individual mediation scores of the group in regular competition.
Other members of the national champion mediation team are: Edward Alsobrook (Murfreesboro); Pete Frech (Murfreesboro); Logan Grant (Chattanooga); Aleece McKnight (Memphis); Kristin Pegram (La Vergne); Candes Prewitt (Antioch); Loren Sanderson (Jacksonville, N.C.); Carlissa Shaw (Memphis); Jerry Strait (Woodbury); Courtney Williams (Memphis); and Clay Wood (Nashville).
Dr. Clyde Willis, a professor of political science, is the director of the student mediation program, including the intercollegiate competition. He says MTSU has placed teams in the championship round in six of the last eight years. The national title marks the second time MTSU has won the round; the previous time was in 2000.
The National Intercollegiate Mediation Tournament was co-sponsored by the International Academy of Dispute Resolution and the American Mock Trial Association. The MTSU team is funded by the College of Liberal Arts and from Student Activity Fees.
By contrast with mock mediation, mock trial contests give students basic facts about a case intended for adjudication in a pretend courtroom. Contenders portray prosecuting and defense attorneys and witnesses as they try to convince the judges of the superiority of their respective positions.
In mock trial contests this semester, Lani Lester (Memphis) won a witness award at an invitational tournament at St. Louis University on October 13-14. At an invitational tournament at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) on October 27-28, an MTSU team captured the “Spirit of AMTA (American Mock Trial Association) Award” for good sportsmanship.
Also at EKU, Rachel Harmon (Spencer) and Stella Mitchell (Sparta) won witness awards. Nichole Roehrich (Murfreesboro) was awarded a best attorney honor at an invitational tournament on October 27-28 at Ohio State University. Mock trial teams are coached by Dr. John R. Vile, Professor Patrick Chinnery, attorney Brandi Snow Bozarth, and Jamie Bowers Kidd; Chinnery, Bozarth and Kidd are alumni of MTSU’s undergraduate mock trial program.


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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For a color jpeg photo of the 2007 National Intercollegiate Mediation Championship team from MTSU, contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.

168 SALUTE TO ARMED FORCES NOV. 10 EVENTS WILL INCLUDE HONORING ALUMNUS MILLER

Release date: Oct. 30, 2007


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
Department of Military Science contact: Maj. Chuck Giles, 615-898-2470

SALUTE TO ARMED FORCES NOV. 10 EVENTS WILL INCLUDE HONORING ALUMNUS MILLER


(MURFREESBORO) — Alumnus Ira Bradford “Brad” Miller Sr. of Murfreesboro will be presented the Joe Nunley Award during the 26th annual Salute to Armed Forces football game and activities Saturday, Nov. 10, event organizers said recently.
Miller (B.S. ’50), who served the state of Tennessee as a lobbyist and retired as executive vice president of the Tennessee Road Builders Association, will be the 18th recipient of the Nunley Award, said Maj. Chuck Giles, professor of military science at MTSU.
Miller is a World War II veteran of the Pacific Theater, serving there from 1945 to ’46, Giles said, adding that a committee, which includes past Nunley Award winners, selects each year’s honoree. Miller and his wife, June (B.S. ’51), have four children.
The Salute to Armed Forces, which has been called Salute to Veterans in past years, will be held in conjunction with 2007 Homecoming activities. This year’s homecoming theme is “A Red, White and Blue Raider Salute,” said Mark Murphy, the ’07 Student Government Association homecoming director.
Salute to Armed Forces activities Nov. 10 will include:
• 8:30 a.m. – Veterans Memorial Service and groundbreaking for a permanent “living memorial” veterans’ plaza, Tom H. Jackson Building;
• 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Salute to Armed Forces Picnic, Kennon Hall of Fame;
• 2:30 p.m. – MTSU vs. Louisiana-Lafayette football game.
The picnic is free for all active-duty military, reservists, veterans and families. The Nunley Award will be presented during the picnic.
Air Force C-130 airplanes will fly above Floyd Stadium just after the national anthem before the kickoff, Giles said.
Videos of alumni stationed overseas, primarily Iraq and Afghanistan, will be shown on the new video board during breaks in the game (end of the first quarter, timeouts, halftime, etc., Giles said.
During halftime, as the MTSU Band of Blue will perform theme songs for the various branches of the military, veterans and current military personnel will make their way across the field, Giles added.
“The Tennessee Army National Guard will have a number of military vehicles around the stadium and tailgating areas,” Giles said, who added that a helicopter, which will land earlier in the day, is expected to be located in the grassy area next to the tennis courts near Middle Tennessee Boulevard and Greenland Drive.
The Tennessee Army National Guard Band will perform in the Homecoming Parade and picnic, Giles said. The parade will begin on Maney Avenue, follow East Main Street, turn left onto Middle Tennessee Boulevard and proceed to Greenland Drive.
For more information, contact Giles at 615-898-2470, Harriet Howard at 615-355-0746 or John Furgess at 615-646-0044.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.

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Media welcomed.

167 MTSU HOMECOMING WILL FEATURE 'A RED, WHITE & BLUE RAIDER SALUTE’ NOV. 10

Release date: Oct. 30, 2007

News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
Office of Alumni Relations contact: Michelle Stepp, 615-898-2922
SGA contact: Mark Murphy, homecoming director, 615-898-2464

MTSU HOMECOMING WILL FEATURE 'A RED, WHITE & BLUE RAIDER SALUTE’ NOV. 10


(MURFREESBORO) — Students, alumni and veterans groups continue to work feverishly in preparation for “A Red, White and Blue Raider Salute” – the theme for MTSU’s 2007 homecoming activities.
The theme is a tie-in for the combined homecoming and Salute to Armed Forces, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, at various venues on and off campus.
There will be events before and after the 2:30 p.m. Sun Belt Conference football game between the Blue Raiders and visiting Louisiana-Lafayette. All alumni, friends of the university and fans of the Blue Raiders are invited to attend homecoming.
“Rather than having two separate celebrations, we decided to tie everything together and just make it one huge event,” said Mark Murphy, the Student Government Association’s homecoming director. “We will be honoring our nation’s men and women who have or are currently serving in the United States military.
“Each student group has a patriotic or military theme to base their floats on for the parade as well as other events.”
Months of planning will culminate with the homecoming week festivities, which will include the annual parade, Mixer on Middle Parade-Watching Party, veterans and armed forces picnic and memorial service, golf tournament, game-day tailgating, reunions (Golden Raider, Band of Blue, cheerleader, homecoming queen, fraternities and sororities), Chili Cook-Off, Tent City and more.
“We hope all faculty and staff will join us for the most family-friendly homecoming to date,” said Michelle Stepp, Office of Alumni Relations associate director. “Everyone should experience campus on homecoming day! There’s an excitement in the air of friends both old and new coming back to campus to share in the fun.
“Everything is bigger than ever this year. The parade is bigger, the tailgating is more fun and family friendly than ever and our event, the Mixer on Middle Parade-Watching Party, will grow to more than 500 people this year. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a great atmosphere and, more importantly, to honor our armed forces.”
Dr. Bob Womack, alumnus (B.S. ’48) and professor of education in the Office of Educational Leadership, will serve as parade grand marshal. A past recipient of the Salute to Armed Forces Joe Nunley Award, Womack is in his 50th year of teaching the philosophy and history of education at MTSU.
Baby Raiders (and their parents) are encouraged to walk in the parade, which will begin on Maney Avenue, turn onto East Main Street, turn again onto Middle Tennessee Boulevard and end at Greenland Drive.
There likely will be strong competition again in both the Chili Cook-Off Nov. 9 and Tailgate Contest starting at noon Nov. 10.
Murfreesboro native Chris Young, a former MTSU student who was the 2006 Nashville Star winner and an RCA recording artist, will sing the national anthem.
MTSU will pay tribute to veterans and current members of the armed forces before and during the game. This will include video board messages from alumni soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan throughout the game.
The alumni relations staff is excited about its second Mixer on Middle Parade-Watching Party, with breakfast and drinks ($10 beverage band) for all ages.
MT athletics will be collecting Toys for Tots. Fans’ new toy donations will be collected at the gate, said Brad Smith, assistant marketing director/group sales.
For more alumni-related information, call 1-800-533-6878 or visit mtalumni.com. For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
For more SGA-related information, call Murphy at 615-898-2464 or visit mtsu.edu/~sga/homecoming.
For football game tickets, call 1-888-YES-MTSU (937-6878).
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Student Government Association-related homecoming events

Monday, Nov. 5 – 25-cent -25 cent refill cups in the KUC
Tuesday, Nov. 6 – Swap Day at KUC
Wednesday, Nov. 7 – Horse Shoe Competition, 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 9 – Chili Cook-Off, 5:30 p.m., Soccer Complex
NPHC Step Show, 7:30 p.m., Murphy Center
Saturday, Nov. 10
10 a.m. – Homecoming Parade
Noon – Tailgate competition
12:30 p.m. – Raider Walk
2:30 p.m. – MTSU vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, Floyd Stadium homecoming events

MTSU National Alumni Association-related homecoming events

Week of Nov. 5-10 – T-shirt Swap, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Alumni House
Friday, Nov. 9
11 a.m. – Homecoming Golf Tournament, Old Fort Golf Course;
4:30 p.m. – Golden Raider Reunion, Kennon Hall of Fame (salutes Class of ’57);
5:30-7:30 p.m. – Chili Cook-Off, Murphy Center parking lot;
6 p.m. – Phi Chi Alumnae Reunion, Marinas on the Square Italian Restaurant (for information, contact Melissa Bosi (bosi2@gmail.com) or call 404-406-1566;
7:30 p.m. – Alumni Band Concert, T. Earl Hinton Music Hall in Wright Music Building;
7:30 p.m. – NPHC Step Show, Murphy Center;
8-11 p.m. – African American Alumni Council Scholarship Benefit, hosted by Darrell and Gloria Freeman, $25 per person (advance reservations required, call 615-898-2922 to confirm, deadline is Nov. 7), Valerie Avent (vavent@mtsu.edu) or call 615-898-2718 for more information.

Saturday, Nov. 10
8:30 a.m. – Veterans Memorial Service and groundbreaking for a permanent “living memorial” veterans’ plaza, Tom H. Jackson Building (for more information, contact Robyn Kilpatrick at 615-898-5223 or e-mail rkilpatr@mtsu.edu;
9 a.m. – Mixer on Middle Parade-Watching Party, MTSU Alumni House;
10 a.m. – Annual Homecoming Parade, which begins on Maney Avenue, follows East Main Street, turns onto Middle Tennessee Boulevard and ends on Greenland Drive (Baby Raiders encouraged to participate);
11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Salute to Armed Forces Picnic, Kennon Hall of Fame (features presentation of Joe Nunley Award to Brad Miller);
11:30 a.m. – Iota Tau Alumni Reception, Fairview Building (for information, e-mail dlp2r@mtsu.edu or call 615-556-1110;
Noon – Tent City, Walnut Grove (participating colleges include graduate studies, liberal arts, business, honors, basic and applied sciences, education and behavioral science and mass communication);
Noon – Tailgate contest, Walnut Grove and Greenland Drive tailgating areas, with lunch provided by ARAMARK;
12:30 p.m. – Raider Walk, Blue Horseshoe in Walnut Grove;
2:30 p.m. – MTSU vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, Floyd Stadium;
9 p.m. – Al Wilkerson Scholarship Dance, Doubletree Hotel (for information, call 615-898-2718 or e-mail vavent@mtsu.edu;
Other activities include Alumni Band Day, Varsity Club Reception (e-mail Jim Simpson at jsimpson@mtsu.edu) and Alumni Homecoming Queen and Cheerleader reunions.
For more information, visit mtalumni.com or call 1-800-533-6878.
Source: Office of Alumni Relations.

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Media welcomed.

Editor’s note: 2006 Homecoming file photos are available. To get, call 615-898-2919.