TUESDAY 12/14/10

Published for faculty and staff by the Luther College Public Information office • Copy deadline: Friday, 3 p.m., 75-word limit • Phone: (563) 387-1865 • Email: <tuesday>

Note: All campus telephone numbers are in the 563 area code, all campus email addresses end in @luther.edu • ©2010

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Merry Christmas faculty and staff

The faculty/staff Christmas party will be held Thursday, Dec. 16, from 4-6:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Join us for great hors d' oeuvres and holiday sweets. Cash bar will be available. Even though the RSVP deadline has passed, we can still accommodate those who call Catering before 5 p.m. today (Tuesday) at 387-1463. We've had a large number of no-shows in the past few years, so if your plans change—even at the last minute—call Catering to cancel. This courtesy helps Luther's budget. Thank you.

December staff gathering

This month's staff meeting is a Christmas party. Join Santa and his amazing elves Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. in Peace Dining Room. All are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the local food pantry. Monetary gifts will be donated to the Free Clinic.

COLLEGE OPERATIONS

December is open enrollment month

December is open enrollment month for Luther’s health plan. Contact HR for form to make changes such as:
1. Add/change health care coverage.
2. Change preferred provider organization: Midland’s Choice which includes Mayo System or Gundersen Lutheran Network.
3. Change deductible plan: Option 1 or 2.
4. Add/drop dental coverage. Dental rates will increase to $26.46/month for single coverage and $69.10/month for family coverage.

Bubble Wellness initiative

Bubble begins Jan. 3. Join your colleagues living in the Luther Bubble and play our January Wellness initiative. This game involves an hour of exercise a day as you move your markers around the game board. The game is played similar to Trouble and you need to sign up in teams of four. For more information, please contact Vicky Jaeger at <jaegervi>.

Holiday hours

Dahl Centennial Union/Welcome Center
Thursday, Dec. 16: 7 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Friday-Wednesday, Dec. 17-22: 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 23-25: Closed
Sunday-Wednesday, Dec. 26-29: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 30-Jan. 1: Closed

Cafeteria
Thursday, Dec. 16: Breakfast: 7-9:15 a.m.
Lunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner: Closed
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 17-Jan. 1: Closed
Sunday, Jan. 2: Breakfast: Closed
Lunch: Closed
Dinner: 5-7 p.m.

Oneota Market
Thursday-Friday, Dec. 16-17: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 18-19: Closed
Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 20-21: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 22: 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 23-26: Closed
Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 27-28: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 29: 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 30-Jan. 1: Closed

Marty's CyberCafe
Saturday-Wednesday, Dec. 11-15: 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 16: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 17-Jan. 2: Closed

Book Shop
Thursday-Friday, Dec. 16-17: 8:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 18-19: Closed
Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 20-22: 8:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 23-26: Closed
Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 27-29: 8:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 30-Jan. 1: Closed

Mail Center/SPO
Thursday-Friday, Dec. 16-17: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 18-19: Closed
Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 20-22: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 23-26: Closed
Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 27-29: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 30-Jan. 1: Closed

Legends Center
Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 13-14: Regular hours
Wednesday, Dec. 15: 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Thursday-Friday, Dec. 16-17: 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 18-19: Closed
Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 20-22: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thurs-Monday, Dec. 23-27: Closed
Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec. 28-29: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 30-Jan. 2: Closed
Monday, Jan. 3: Resume regular hours

Easy button to add calendars

To view or add on-campus calendars to your Google Calendar, go to http://lis.luther.edu/node/2774. Several Luther calendars are listed, such as the Regents Center hours, College Ministries events, the academic calendar, Preus Library hours, and much more.

Reimbursement plans deadlines

Employees wishing to participate in the 2011 Health Care Reimbursement and/or Dependent/Child Care Reimbursement Plans need to turn in forms to Human Resources in Main 25 by Monday, Dec. 20. Call Roy, 387-1189 or Marsha, 387-1134, with questions.

Dollars deducted from 2010 paychecks may be used for service through March 15, 2011. Claim forms for 2010 dollars must be submitted to Midwest Group Benefits by March 31, 2011.

Ugly sweater contest at the Book Shop

Think you have the ugliest Christmas sweater? Drop off your sweater at the Luther Book Shop Friday, Dec. 17, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Five finalists will be notified to model their sweater at 3 p.m. Sweater entrants-keep your Book Shop cash register receipts from purchases made between Dec. 13 - Dec. 17. Prizewinners will be reimbursed the retail value of those purchases: first place up to $50 value; second, $30 value; and third, $20 value. Any staff/faculty member or spouse is invited to enter.

Take your break at the Luther Book Shop

Stop by the Book Shop Friday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. to sip some hot chocolate and watch the judging of the Ugliest Christmas Sweater Contest. See faculty/staff finalists walk the runway. Come join the fun.

Health Care Council Executive Summary

Nov. 16: 2010-11 health insurance expenses were reviewed. 2011-12 claims and budget expectations were discussed. The budget preparation process was explained to the council.  Current and future use of the Health Care Reserve account was discussed.  Discussion on the claims appeals process continued. A committee will meet to recommend changes.

Oct. 18: The quarterly report for the period ending Sept. 30 was reviewed. As of Sept. 30, 2010, there was a 15.5 percent increase in claims for the period ending Sept. 30, 2009. A historical record of health care premiums going back to 1994 was reviewed. The coverage for wisdom teeth was discussed. Discussion will continue at future meetings. The current claims appeal process was reviewed. This may be found in the plan document and summary plan description.  Discussion will continue at the next meeting.

More Apps for Norse Apps

There will be changes to our Norse Apps account infrastructure effective Jan. 5 that will allow access to other Google services beyond the core suite of messaging and collaboration apps. Norse Apps users who currently use these other applications with their @luther.edu email address can either rename their other account prior to Jan. 5 or can transition their account beginning Jan. 5. For more information, see http://lis.luther.edu/learn/norseapps.

Reminder: Farwell locked during break

Just a reminder to faculty and staff who use the Farwell elevator that Farwell Hall will be closed starting 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. The hall will reopen Sunday, Jan. 2 at 10 a.m. Faculty and staff may use the student lot behind Larsen Hall during the break period. All other parking regulations remain in place.

Reminder from HR

Reminder: sign up for W-2s online. There is still time to sign up for this option. It is easy to do. For instructions and more information, go to hr.luther.edu. Go to Forms for Faculty and Staff: Employment Forms: W2 2010 Options. The electronic option is the sustainable option.

23rd annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum

Nearly 100 people have already registered for the March 4-5 Nobel Peace Prize Forum. Register early to get your first choice workshops. Luther's Forum will be the last one to be held on one of the sponsoring college campuses. In 2012 it will move permanently to the Twin Cities and Luther will bus participants to the event.  Go to http://www2.luther.edu/peaceprize/ for information. 

'Show Your NORSE' video contest

Luther alumni and students are invited to produce and enter a video in the "Show Your NORSE" video contest. Entries must be submitted by Jan. 1. Contest videos must be no more than 60 seconds in length and must "Show Your NORSE" spirit with a fun and creative display of the official Luther logos. For more information visit the Luther College Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Decorah-IA/Luther-College/23841092164.

Mental Health First Aid

MHFA is a 12-hour training course designed to educate laypeople on key skills needed to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis. Certified MHFA instructors Stu Johnston and Pam Torresdal will offer a course for faculty and staff on Jan. 7, 10, 12 and 14, 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. each day. Participants must attend all 12 hours. Class size: 15-25. No cost. To register, email Pam <torrespa>.

Holiday processing for flex checks

Schedule for processing flexible spending account checks over Christmas: Claims received at Midwest Group Benefits by noon Monday, Dec. 20 will be processed Tuesday, Dec. 21, with direct deposits made Thursday, Dec. 23.

Wellness check-up reminder

Reminder to employees and spouses on the Luther College health care plan. The Wellness check-up form is due by Dec. 31 to Human Resources. You can access the form on the hr.luther.edu website. Failure to turn this in will result in a $25 monthly premium increase. Thank you if you have turned in the form. Contact Greg with questions at <lonningr> or 387-2075.

Flu vaccine available

Health Service is still offering flu vaccines to students, staff and faculty as well as staff/faculty spouses. Stop by Health Service Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

EVENTS

No services on campus Dec. 14-Jan. 1

Tuesday, Dec. 14-Saturday, Jan. 1: No worship services
Sunday, Jan. 2: Worship resumes with 9:30 p.m. Focus
Monday, Jan. 3: Chapel resumes

Midwest Black History Conference

Luther will host the eighth annual Midwest Black History Conference Feb. 16-17, featuring outstanding workshops, presentations and entertainment as part of an Edward Duke Ellington Symposium.

One of the country's best-known Black History college events, the conference will feature workshops, receptions and performances as part of the conference theme.

For more information regarding the Midwest Black History Conference, call 387-1014 or visit the Diversity Center website at http://www.diversity.luther.edu.

Art department 75th anniversary

The Luther art department will observe its 75th anniversary as part of Luther's Sesquicentennial celebration that begins January 2011.

As part of the art department's 75th anniversary celebration, Luther will host a faculty exhibit Jan. 7-Feb. 10 in the Kristin Wigley-Fleming Gallery in the Center for the Arts.

A gallery reception will be held Monday, Feb. 7 from 5-6 p.m. The exhibit and the reception are open to the public with no charge for admission.

ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS

An article written by Beth Lynch and colleagues, "Charocal signatures defined by multivariate analysis of charcoal records from 10 lakes in northwest Wisconsin (USA)," appears in the most recent issue of the journal, Quaternary Research. Eleven students at Luther were involved in the research project, which was funded by the National Science Foundation.

Rachel Faldet's essay, "A Message in Instant Mashed Potatoes and Sauerkraut," appears in Wapsipinicon Almanac, Number 17. She was a guest on Iowa Public Radio's "The Exchange" in connection with her co-edited book, "From My Perspective: Essays About Disability." The grant-funded anthology, the outcome of writing workshops she led at The Spectrum Network, received an "exemplary" commendation for disability advocacy by the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Elizabeth Steding's article "The Role of the Outsider in Katja Lange-Müller's Die Letzten and Böse Schafe" appears in the Fall 2010 edition of the Rocky Mountain Review.

Du Huang recently served as an adjudicator for the 2010 Piano Concerto Competition of the Southeast Minnesota Youth Orchestra, which was held in Rochester, Minn.

SPORTS RESULTS/SCHEDULE

Women's basketball lost to Coe Dec. 8, 57-58. Katie Etter '12 and Sam Jewell '11 led the team with 13 points each, followed by Bethany VanSloten '11 with 11.

Men's basketball defeated Coe, 90-79. Four players tallied double digits for the Norse, Dane Larson '12 with 21, Jacy Dillahunty '11 with 18, Tyler Wedemeier '13 with 15 and John Androus '14 with 13. The Norse also defeated Northwestern Dec. 10, 82-71. Larson scored a career high 28 points; Androus scored a career high 17.

Wrestling (no. 22) lost to no. 2 La Crosse Dec. 9, 9-38. Scoring for the Norse were Garrett Bonte '14 with a fall, and Daniel Mendoza '14 with a decision.

Men's and women's swimming and diving defeated St. Mary's Dec. 10; men's score 79-36, women's score 143-63. The Norse took first in all but two events.

Soccer player Dani Meirick '12 was named third team All-North Region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America for the second time. Meirick had five goals and two assists for a total of 12 points this season, and was named first team all-conference.

Football player Kyle McGivney '12 was named to the American Football Coaches Association DIII All-America Team. McGivney led the nation in total tackles, setting the NCAA III single season record with 198 for an average of 19.8 per game.

Home events this week:

Basketball hosts Crown Dec. 18: women at 2 p.m., men at 4 p.m.

MISCELLANEOUS

Orville Running art still available

Orville Running woodcuts and etchings are still available. If you missed the show, email Marjorie to see them, <whartonm>.

Jack Kent Cooke scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers a scholarship of up to $50,000 for graduate study in the performing or visual arts or creative writing. Candidates must be nominated by Luther so applications are due Jan. 31 for evaluation by our Honors Committee. Information about the foundation and the scholarship at www.jkcf.org. Campus contact: Terry Sparkes, Union 262E.

McElroy Fellowships

Graduating seniors intending to pursue a Ph.D. in any field may apply for a McElroy Fellowship which grants a $30,000 stipend over a three-year period. Luther may nominate only one candidate, but only 10 colleges may submit nominees for the two annual awards. Contact Terry Sparkes, 387-2165 or <sparkete> for further information and application materials. Applications due Jan. 31.

Winneshiek Energy District assistance

Thinking about how to make your home less drafty and more energy-efficient? The newly established Winneshiek Energy District can help you make wise decisions and save you up to $2,000 on improvements to your home. We also offer a direct install program, and the opportunity to purchase LOCAL emissions reductions for your family or as a gift. Visit http://energydistrict.org, or contact Joel Zook, 382-4207 or [email protected], to learn more.

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

Wanted: Weekly or bi-weekly cleaning jobs. Have references. Minimum of three hours. Call 382-6022 and leave message.

Snow removal available: Luther student snow removal service, I have plowed driveways in Decorah and Des Moines for four years and I would like to do yours. Flat rate of $10 for Luther faculty and staff, and $15 for non-Luther clients. I’m fully licensed, insured and have an excellent reputation for client satisfaction. Cleared by 7 a.m. or it’s free. Contracts and on-call services are available. Tell your friends. Contact Erik, (515) 205-0791 or <erik>. 

For sale: Homemade peanut brittle, made-to-order from family recipe. Comes in seasonal packaging-perfect to give as gifts-or to treat yourself. Contact Julie, 387-1865 or <shocju01> to order or for more information.

Wanted: Weekly or bi-weekly cleaning jobs. Have references. Minimum of three hours. Call 382-6022 and leave message.

For sale: Christmas trees-cut your own. Nothing says Christmas like going to the country to cut your own tree. Oneota Slopes-Andy Johnson and Emily Young Johnson and their three girls, also the elder generation Pat and Paul-welcomes you weekends (weekdays self-serve). Visit www.oneotaslopes.org or call Andy, 380-6648, for more information.

For sale: 18-cubic-foot Sears Kenmore freezer. Purchased new, downsizing, best offer. Call 387-1564 or <huinda01>.

House sitter available: Jaci Wilkinson, Decorah native and junior at Luther is available for housesitting and animal care over the holidays. She'll be around the whole holiday season. She has transportation. Contact Jaci at <wilkja03> or 379-2525.

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Sustainability tip

Tips for a sustainable holiday season:

Give socially conscious gifts. Shop fair trade online at several stores including Global Exchange Fair Trade Online Store, Ten Thousand Villages Fair Trade Online Store, Grounds for Change Fair Trade Coffee, Tea & Chocolate and the Fair World Gallery.

Put your money to work helping others and the planet. Instead of buying a physical gift:

• Adopt a gorilla, giraffe or elephant in a loved one's name,
• Give a flock of chicks, a pig or llama to families living in subsistence communities,
• Adopt an acre of a rainforest.

See if you can find or create holiday decorations that are made from natural materials, will last from year-to-year and provide a unique holiday feel.

Stuff stockings with nuts and fruit instead of plastic do-dads. Most of them end up in the wastebasket before Christmas day is over and last 700 years in a landfill.

For more ideas and information on adopting animals, acres of rainforest, etc., visit the AASHE website at: http://www.aashe.org/blog/13-tips-sustainable-holiday-season.

And finally…

Love is action. It's clear, it's kind, it's effortless, and it's irresistible.                                                 -Bryron Katie