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July 23, 2003 News Releases
Released 7/22/03, 7/21/03 & 7/18/03


UTAH STATE NEWS RELEASES FOR 07-22-03


UTAH STATE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING HIRES ASSOCIATE DEAN

LOGAN — Christine Hailey was named associate dean for the Utah State University College of Engineering this July. A licensed professional engineer, Hailey comes to Utah State with experience in industry and academia.

Hailey most recently served as the department head of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Tyler. Hailey worked with the faculty at UT Tyler to develop its new mechanical engineering program and also worked to strengthen the research program in the department. She said she understands the demands placed on faculty time while supporting an educational mission of a university.

"While I was at UT Tyler, faculty were able to secure funding from NASA and NSF, in addition to supporting our primary mission of undergraduate education," said Hailey.

College of Engineering Dean Scott Hinton said Hailey will be an asset to the college. Hailey will have the responsibility to lead the college's new engineering education initiative and to strengthen the college’s research infrastructure.

"I would like to establish a stronger research culture in the college that is complemented by a strong educational component," said Hailey.

Hailey will work with Hinton and fellow Associate Dean Wynn Walker to improve the research conducted in their college. Because of experience working in academia as well as experience working in the private sector, particularly at Sandia National Laboratories, Hailey understands how organizations with strong research cultures operate. At Sandia, Hailey worked as department manager of the parachute technology and unsteady aerodynamics department, working on several research projects including one to develop a technology transfer program that allowed weapons parachutes to be useful in civilian applications. Other projects at the lab included working closely with NASA on the redesign of the Space Shuttle Orbiter parachute system.

As associate dean, Hailey will also work to develop an exciting freshmen experience for students just entering the college.

"We would like to attract the best and brightest students in Utah and the region to our college and then retain them in our programs," said Hailey.

Hailey earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics from Colorado State University and a master's and doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma.

"Dr. Hailey's background includes both industrial and academic leadership experience," said Hinton. "This is an ideal mix to help move the College of Engineering into next century."

For more information on the Utah State College of Engineering, visit http://www.engineering.usu.edu/.

July 22, 2003
Contact: Christine Hailey, 435-797-3332, Scott Hinton, 435-797-2775
Writer: Maren Cartwright, (435) 797-1355


BOOK EXAMINES NATIVE AMERICAN TRADITIONS

LOGAN — Utah State University professor Barre Toelken got his start as a folklorist when he was adopted by a Navajo family at age nineteen. He was a lost uranium prospector who came down with pneumonia in their canyon.
Now he's written a book that repays his debt to the Navajo culture and those who saved his life, "bodily, spiritually, culturally and professionally."

The Anguish of Snails, published by Utah State University Press, examines Native American visual arts, dance, stories and songs, humor and thought patterns.

"Toelken's book is the culmination of a lifetime spent working and living with American Indians and studying their traditions," said editor John Alley. "His study of Native American folklore in the West demonstrates what can be gleaned from Indian traditions by Natives and non-Natives alike.

"Toelken considers popular distortions of Indian beliefs and demystifies many traditions by showing how they can be comprehended within their cultural contexts," Alley said. "He also considers why some aspects of Native American life are not meant to be understood by or shared with outsiders. He emphasizes how much can be learned through sensitivity to and awareness of cultural values."

Barre Toelken is the author or editor of numerous books and articles on folklore and related topics, including The Dynamics of Folklore, Morning Dew and Roses: Nuance, Metaphor, and Meaning in Folksongs and (with Larry Evers) Native American Oral Traditions: Collaboration and Interpretation. He is the author of the journal Western Folklore and professor of English at Utah State University.

For more information on The Anguish of Snails, call Brooke Bigelow at Utah State University Press, 1-800-239-9974.

July 22, 2003
Writer: Nadene Steinhoff, nadene.steinhoff@usu.edu, 435-797-1429
Contact: John Alley, john.alley@usu.edu, (435) 797-1642

 

UTAH STATE NEWS RELEASES FOR 07-21-03


FIGHTING ANIMAL DISEASE AT THE NEW CENTRAL UTAH LABORATORY

NEPHI — The new Central Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory opened its doors following a July 21 open house. The Nephi facility serves livestock producers, veterinarians and animal owners in the central and southern parts of the state. The laboratory, a branch facility of the state diagnostic laboratory in Logan, is a cooperative venture of the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah State University and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

The new 5,000 square foot facility replaces the branch diagnostic lab in Provo which has aided veterinarians and livestock owners since 1979. The new laboratory will provide a wider array of tests than its predecessor, and houses a powerful lift to unload large animals. The lobby doubles as a conference room for continuing education seminars. In addition to a new building, two new staff members — an office assistant and a serologist/microbiologist — will be available to better serve clients.

"We appreciate the efforts of the legislators who have helped to move this project forward," said UAES Director Paul Rasmussen. "The lab is very important to farmers and ranchers in the central and southern parts of the state and their legislators have been very effective helping us to meet their needs."

Jane Kelly, veterinarian and diagnostician currently at the Provo lab, will continue to work with animal owners at the Nephi lab, and both the Logan and Nephi locations will be under the direction of Thomas Baldwin. In recent years the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory staff has performed more than 37,900 diagnostic tests annually. The services are vital to the economic strength of the state's animal industry as scientists diagnose diseases, discover toxins and provide proof of animal health prior to their being sold or transported across state lines. In addition, technicians at the laboratories are on the front lines of defense against diseases such as West Nile virus and chronic wasting disease and aid veterinarians in diagnosing maladies in companion animals.

"The better our labs are the better our diagnostic services will be, whether we are working with pets or food animals," said State Veterinarian Mike Marshall. "We have great cooperation in the state between people in agriculture, public health and wildlife management, and we are dedicated to safe food, safe people and controlling the spread of disease."

July 21, 2003
Writer: Lynnette Harris, (435) 797-2189, [lynnette@agx.usu.edu]
Contacts: Tom Baldwin, (435) 797-1883
Paul Rasmussen, (435) 797-2207


ALL ABOARD FOR THE OLRC'S 2003 SEASON FINAL STOP

LOGAN — The Old Lyric Repertory Company's 2003 summer comes to a close with the run of production number five, The Last Train to Nibroc by Arlene Hutton. The romantic comedy marks the end of the season Aug. 6–9 at the Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan (28 W. Center).

Ticket information is available by calling the Smith Spectrum Ticket Office at (435) 797-0305. Tickets are also available on the Web at www.usu.edu/lyric.
The Caine Lyric box office is open one hour prior to curtain on performance nights and noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets purchased at the theatre box office are for that date's performance only. For general inquiries call (435) 797-1500.

Set in the American South during WWII, the play includes three scenes in which Raleigh, a sincere young man with a sly sense of humor, and May, a feisty, altruistic young woman, seem to be at cross purposes but are actually moving toward one another. On a train from Los Angeles to Corbin, Ky., May thinks she and Raleigh are strangers, even though they come from the same small Kentucky area.

May's father is a landowner, while Raleigh's is a sharecropper. May also wants to become a missionary and is disappointed by every man she meets. Raleigh is good-humored and indulgent, with no ties to classifications of society. The tale is about a hesitant, chaste and improbable romance that forms over three separate meetings.

The added play is a change from the normal four productions of the OLRC season, but the company wanted to give something a little extra this summer, said co-director Colin Johnson. Besides the number change, The Last Train to Nibroc also adds a twist to visiting actor Amy Tribbey's role in the company.

"When Amy was hired and joined the company this summer, it was a deciding factor to stage this production," Johnson said. "Amy has performed The Last Train to Nibroc a number of times, with great success."

That's not all — in addition to her acting experience with the piece as the main character, Tribbey is teaming with Johnson (who is also the director of this summer’s Forever Plaid) as a co-director for the OLRC production.

"As an actress performing in a two-person show I anticipate a certain amount of difficulty in directing while also on stage," Tribbey said. "But this is Nibroc. I know this show intimately, and delight in it — it's one of the best roles I have had the opportunity and great fortune to play. I imagine we may get tied up at times during rehearsal, as I will most likely have to stop the action entirely in order to give a note — I won’t have the ability to watch and take notes at the same time. I expect this may try Mr. Zeller's patience, but I know him to be a very generous and gracious actor, so I am sure he will forge on. He knows what he’s in for stepping into this role, as I have done it before without him, that certainly being one of the positives. I am so looking forward to doing this show with him, and bringing a whole new life to it. Patrick is going to be
wonderful in this role."

Tribbey's acting partner in the two-character piece, Patrick Zeller, said he is pleased to be working with OLRC this summer. This production of Nibroc marks his first appearance west of the Mississippi. His recent stage credits include Andrew in I Hate Hamlet at the Penobscot Theatre/Maine Shakespeare Festival in Bangor, Maine, and Evan in As Bees in Honey Drown with the Stoneham Theatre Company in Boston, Mass.

Zeller received a bachelor of fine arts degree in acting from Emerson College and has continued his classical training with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Mass. Commercial credits include spots with Nike and Sam Adams. Other recent projects include the feature film A Totally Minor Motion Picture with Jet Pack Productions and a year-long documentary piece exploring the rising culture of fear in America with the Present Tense Theater Project. Zeller resides in New York City where he continues to pursue his career in theatre, television and film.

Tribbey said she hopes audience members who see Nibroc will see themselves in the character of Raleigh and May.

"I so adore this show and am very happy to be doing it in Logan," she said. "In the past and in every venue people love this play — the characters are so charming and funny and quirky and lovely."

The Last Train to Nibroc has been staged by regional theatre groups across the country, with the best-known productions taking place at the 78th S. Theatre Lab and the Douglas Fairbanks Theatre in New York during 1999.

Hutton's play was a finalist for the Francesca's Primus Prize.

July 21, 2003
Contact: Jeremy Gordon (435) 797-1500
Colin Johnson (435) 797-3046



ALUMNI BAND OFFERS SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR LAST CONCERT OF THE SEASON

LOGAN — Utah State University's alumni band presents a program of youthful and upbeat musical selections for the last concert of the summer on Sunday, July 27.

"The band will play selections by John Williams from the hit movie Harry Potter," said Nicholas Morrison, director of the band. "Band members are hoping that this will be particularly pleasing to the many younger concert-goers who come to the performance."

The concert also features a performance by Craig Jessop, Utah State University alumnus and musical director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Jessop will sing with the band from The Fantasticks, a medley of hit tunes from the musical of the same title.

"This is a special occasion for the band and for me," said Morrison. "I am honored that Craig would agree to sing while I am conducting."

Other concert highlights include musical selections such as Strike Up the Band by Gershwin and Suite of Old American Dances by Bennett. An alumni and student flute ensemble is included in the program.

The head of the Utah State music department, Bruce Saperston, will make the official dedication of the band room as the "Max F. Dalby Rehearsal Hall" as part of the program.

The concert is in the Kent Concert Hall at 7 p.m. Admission is free and children are invited.

"We'd like to extend a thanks to our very supportive audiences throughout the summer," said Morrison. "We'd also like to remind permanent residents of Logan that the Utah State University bands maintain an active schedule throughout the year."

July 21, 2003
Contact: Nicholas Morrison (435) 797-3506, Nicholas.Morrison@usu.edu Writer: Jody Long (435) 797-1350

 

WHY DOES THE BIRCH TREE WEEP? MAYBE IT'S OUR CLIMATE

LOGAN — The European weeping birch tree is commonly found in North America. It is a graceful tree with a weeping habit and beautiful white bark, said Jerry Goodspeed, Utah State University Extension horticulturist. Its leaves provide a soft rustle as the wind drifts through the tree.

"The only problem with this tree is it doesn't seem to like Utah," he said. "It doesn't actually hate the state, it just has issues with our climate."

This European native is accustomed to growing in a somewhat acidic soil where the weather is wet and mild, Goodspeed explained. The fact that it doesn't care for Utah's growing conditions doesn't mean that it can't be planted here. In fact, a few of these choice trees have grown in our area for years, have adjusted to our lifestyle and even seem to thrive. However, there are also many that look sick and miserable or have even died.

Several things are causing problems for these beautiful trees, he said. Along with the low humidity, Utah's drought conditions have stressed and weakened them, making them more vulnerable to insects like the bronze birch borer.

"Although the European weeping birch is the one most commonly planted, other birches grow in our area and seem to be a little less touchy about their growing conditions," Goodspeed noted. "There is even one that is native to our canyons.

"The water birch (Betula occidentalis) is a nice, small tree which grows in our canyons close to streams and other moist locations. This tree, which is normally found growing in multi-stemmed clumps, reaches a height of around 20 feet, with an equal spread. The bark is red to copper in color, and like all birches, has light colored, horizontal lenticle scars which create an attractive pattern on the darker colored bark."

A tree that looks similar to the water birch is the river or red birch (Betula nigra). This tree also has a wonderful red- to light-brown bark with attractive lenticles. It looks great when grown in clumps as a multi-stem trunk and can reach heights of 30 to 40 feet, he noted.

The red bark on both the river and water birch peel as the tree matures. Both trees prefer a well-drained, moist soil but tolerate heavier, wet soils. They can grow in partial shade, Goodspeed said.

"As a general rule, a birch with red or cinnamon-brown bark is slightly more tolerant of our climate and growing conditions than the white bark species," he said. "However, with proper care and maintenance, it is possible for a white barked birch to survive in our area and look good in the landscape."

One of the more popular white-barked birch trees is the paper or canoe birch (Betula papyrifera). This tree’s name is derived from its white bark that peels off like paper as the tree matures. It is a large birch ranging in height from 40 to 60 feet tall. It has the same climatic concerns as the European weeping birch, but may be a little more resistant to the bronze birch borer, Goodspeed said.

Another very attractive tree is the crimson frost birch (B. X Crimson Frost). This newer selection is just gaining popularity. One distinctive characteristic is its purple to red colored leaves in the summer, which turn crimson to yellow in the fall. The bark is antique white to cinnamon colored. Its susceptibility to borers is still being questioned, but preliminary reports suggest is has some resistance, he noted.

The whitespire birch (B. platyphylla japonica Whitespire) is also supposed to be bronze birch borer resistant, said Goodspeed. This birch has white bark, an attractive shape and nice fall color. It can grow up to 40 feet tall and appears to be better adapted to our harsh weather conditions.

"One problem for some birch trees is that stink bugs like to gather on the leaves," said Goodspeed. "These mean-spirited insects then drop onto an unsuspecting gardener or visitor and present them with a somewhat odoriferous gift. Although these insects are not harmful to the tree, they can make a real stink if the tree is by a patio or deck. A registered insecticide may help the situation."

Regardless of which birch tree is chosen, remember that drought conditions can be very hard on them. Birches that are stressed due to trunk damage, insufficient water, abuse or neglect are more prone to a bronze birch borer invasion or other problems. To increase their ability to withstand our climatic conditions, water them deep and keep lawn mowers and weed eaters away from their trunk. Plant birch trees in a protected area if possible, and give them plenty of care. If treated properly, they can live for many years in our climate, and even learn to like it here in our arid state, Goodspeed concluded.

July 21, 2003
Writer: Julene Reese, 435-797-1363
Contact: Jerry Goodspeed, 801-392-8908

 

UTAH STATE NEWS RELEASES FOR 07-18-03


AG PROF NAMED TO POSITION WITH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE

LOGAN — Lynn M. Dudley, professor in the department of plants, soils and biometeorology, was recently elected president-elect of the Pacific Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS-PD). AAAS is the world's largest scientific society, serving 10 million individuals in more than 130 countries. The society advances science and innovation throughout the world, and publishes the prestigious journal, "Science."

Dudley is co-author of a book published by AAAS-PD, which addresses the problem of toxic levels of selenium, arsenic, uranium, nitrates and pesticides in Western irrigation systems. The problem was first noticed in the mid-1980s when elevated selenium levels caused reproduction problems among waterfowl at a wildlife refuge in the San Joaquin Valley. The book focuses, in part, on ways to reduce toxics using irrigation engineering, physics and geochemistry.

The research was funded by the President's Initiative on Water Quality.
Utah State University can look forward to having the AAAS-PD meet on its campus next summer when Dudley assumes the presidency. The Pacific Division encompasses California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Montana west of the Continental Divide.

July 18, 2003
Writer: Nadene Steinhoff, nadene.Steinhoff@usu.edu, (435) 797-1429
Contact: Lynn M. Dudley, ldud@mendel.usu.edu, (435) 797-2184


FIREWISE LANDSCAPING

LOGAN — Fire danger is reaching its peak and homeowners whose land borders undeveloped land should take extra precautions to protect their property from wild fires.

A landscape that gives a building the best chance for surviving a wildfire is one that provides a defensible space, said Michael Kuhns, Utah State University Extension forestry specialist. Fires need fuel, oxygen and heat to burn. Defensible space landscapes are low in fuel, keeping the fire far enough away that firefighters have a chance to defend the building. To construct a defensible space:

1. Cut tall grass near structures. A fire in dry grass burns quickly and is very difficult to control.

2. Remove excess brush and small trees from at least 30 feet around buildings. Dense brush burns quickly and can provide a "ladder" for low flames to reach up into larger trees. Widely spaced trees and shrubs can be left in the landscape for shade and esthetics.

3. On larger lots, maintain a fuel break of lowgrowing plants 30 to 70 feet out from buildings. Such fuel breaks act as a buffer between the manicured landscape near the home and the adjacent wild land.

4. Rake up leaves and twigs. Remove plant litter (dead leaves, twigs, etc.) that accumulates under trees and shrubs to reduce fuel loads.

5. Tree litter that accumulates on roofs and in gutters should also be removed regularly. Large amounts of litter can accumulate on lower branches of trees and shrubs and should be removed. Removal of heavy litter accumulations in adjacent wild land areas also should be done if possible. Removed litter should be placed in an approved landfill. It should not be piled on the property or in adjacent woodlands.

6. Prune tree branches. Prune branches up to ten to 20 feet above the ground on large trees to prevent low fires from reaching the tree crowns.

7. Thin dense tree groups. Though grouping trees is normally a good landscaping technique, in fire-prone areas it can be hazardous. Thinning these groups will slow the spread of fire.

8. Remove firewood and other combustible materials from around buildings. Firewood should be stored on the outside edge of your defensible space.

9. Make sure firefighters can reach all parts of your property. Place fences, trees, retaining walls, etc., so that they don't restrict firefighting equipment access.

10. Choose landscape plants that are less flammable. All plants will burn if a fire is severe enough. Some plants are more fire-prone than others, however. Conifers, such as pines and spruces, tend to be fairly flammable, while many broadleaved trees are fairly fire resistant.

11. Cooperate with neighbors to provide large defensible spaces. A 30-footwide clear space around a home may not be adequate in a severe fire, especially if neighboring properties have not been welldesigned or maintained. Neighbors should cooperate to reduce fire risk by having good defensible spaces that join one another.

12. Check your landscape monthly. Maintenance is a never-ending task. Inspect landscapes regularly and attend to problem situations before they become serious hazards.

Though a 30-foot wide defensible space around a home is generally adequate, maintain the additional fuel break at 30 to 70 feet if possible, Kuhns said. Houses located high on steep slopes will need wider clear spaces to protect against fires burning uphill. Local wind conditions may also warrant wider cleared areas. These techniques will not guarantee complete fire safety. However, firewise landscaping can greatly increase a home's chances of survival if a fire occurs.

July 18, 2003
Writer: Dennis Hinkamp 435-797-1392, dennish@ext.usu.edu
Contact: Mike Kuhns 435-797-4056, mikek@ext.usu.edu


HEAR AWARD-WINNING PIANISTS AND SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIPS

LOGAN — The Cool Classic Summer Concert Series has been a tradition at Utah State University for a number of seasons. The series features the talents of young pianists, many who have captured important competition titles, and proceeds support piano scholarships at Utah State. This year's concerts are July 30, 31 and Aug. 1

All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and are presented in room 214 of the Chase Fine Arts Center. Free parking is available in the lot directly west of the building after 4 p.m. Concert tickets are available at the door. Admission is $5 per concert, or $10 for a series pass to all three concerts.

This year's Cool Classics Summer Concert Series offers three sizzling evening programs showcasing young prize-winning pianists and piano masterworks of Bach, Barber, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Greig, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Ravel, St. Saens and more, said Brooke Reynolds, series coordinator this year and Youth Conservatory coordinator in the department of music at Utah State.
Each concert provides a different theme, Reynolds said.

On Wednesday, July 30, "Young Pianists" is the theme of the evening. All performers are under age 18 — and each exhibits extraordinary musicianship and performance ability, Reynolds said.

Three of the evening's performers — John Sargeant (13), Bronwyn Tarboton (13) and Brandon Lee (17) — have performed with the Utah Symphony Orhcestra in the "Salute to Youth" concerts. Others on the evening's roster have won top prizes in piano competitions in both Utah and Idaho.

Thursday, July 31, is "College Night" and features Utah State University piano majors. "Under the direction of professor Gary Amano, the piano program at Utah State has gained an international reputation," Reynolds said. "One of the performers of this second concert, Aram Arakelyan, came to study at Utah State from Armenia."

Other performers for this concert, though Utah natives, have traveled across the country winning national competitions, Reynolds continued.

The Friday, Aug. 1, concert features an entire evening of piano classics by the Coombs family under the banner of the "Coombs Family Pianists."

The Coombs family has been a favorite in the Cool Classics for many years. This summer features returning pianists, Hilary and Jonathan, currently studying at The Juilliard School in New York, who will be joined by their younger siblings Zachary and Natalie.

" This concert is certain to be a memorable, musical experience," Reynolds concluded.

Funds collected from ticket sales benefit the USU Piano Scholarship Fund. For additional information please call (435) 797-3018.

July 18, 2003
Contact: Brooke Reynolds (435) 797-3018


THE PLAIDS MAY NOT BE AT THE CAINE LYRIC FOREVER, BUT AN ENCORE PERFORMANCE GIVES THEM ONE MORE NIGHT

LOGAN — The Old Lyric Repertory is bringing back the boys in plaid for one encore performance of the heavenly sent "Forever Plaid" Tuesday, July 29, at the Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan (28 West Center).

The musical comedy seems to be an instant hit, according to local theatre reviewer Bruce Ackerman, who said: "The fabulous foursome (and supporting company) of the Lyric’s 'Forever Plaid' not only touch perfection, but grab it by the handfuls and sling it around the walls of the tiny jewel box theater all night long. If this show gets any better over time, as it is likely to do, watch out.

"These Plaids may find themselves at heaven's gate sooner than they expect! It deserves no less than four perfect claps out of four on the applause meter."

The encore performance of the production also has an added bonus. The OLRC is giving the night something special, a curtain raiser prior to music and mayhem. The company's fifth production, "The Last Train to Nibroc" by Arlene Hutton, will serve as a warmup to the evening — the first act of "Nibroc" begins the evening followed by a 15-minute intermission before the boys in plaid take center stage.

The preview of "The Last Train to Nibroc" serves as an enticer for the additional production the OLRC is taking on this summer, said Colin Johnson, OLRC executive producing director. The fifth play runs in its entirety Aug. 6 through Aug. 9.

Ticket prices remain the same ($10-$15) for the night, and OLRC merchandise prices are discounted for the event. For ticket information contact the Smith Spectrum Ticket Office at (435) 797-0305 or visit the OLRC Web site at www.usu.edu/lyric. For general inquiries call (435) 797-1500. The Caine Lyric Box Office is open at 7 p.m. for the evening.

After seeing the first act of "The Last Train to Nibroc," Johnson encourages patrons to return for the complete production — the production adds the finishing touches to the OLRC's season Aug. 6 through 9, he concluded.

July 18, 2003
Contact: Jeremy Gordon

 

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