School Matinee Performances announced

Luther College's School Matinee Performances for the 2015-16 season feature four theater performances: "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler," "Letters Home," "The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in 'Family Matters, The Musical'" and "Skippyjon Jones, Snow What (and The Seven Chihuahuas)." The varied performances offer age-appropriate entertainment for youth ages two to 18.

Area schools have seating priority for school matinees; community members are welcome as space is available. Performances take place in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall and each show is approximately one hour in length.

OFS closes out end of year

The college's fiscal year ended May 31. The Office for Financial Services reminds all faculty and staff that supplies, materials, etc., must have been received by May 31 to be expensed to a FY 14-15 budget.

Additionally, all outstanding travel expense reports, credit card reports, original invoices (no faxed copies), supporting purchase orders/purchase permits, or account adjustments should be sent to OFS immediately to be included in FY 14-15 budget. Items for deposit that were in Luther's possession by May 31 should be brought to OFS immediately. Thank you for helping OFS close the year in a timely manner.

Making the most of new features in KATIE

New KATIE features are coming in August 2015. Want to know more about making the most of these new features for classes? Here is that chance! KATIE Summer Faculty Workshops are scheduled for June 16 and Aug. 20. For details and to sign up, visit https://www2.luther.edu/lis/events/.

Copies of summer reading available 

Copies of the 2015 summer reading, "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez, are still available free of charge at the Book Shop for faculty and staff who will not be receiving the book as part of their work with first-year students. The Paideia Governing Board and the Office of the Dean invite you to join in conversation with the first-year class. It is a story about family, responsibility, hope and regret; told by an array of characters from Central and South America.

Change in policy regarding funeral receptions

It has been the practice at Luther to help with food for funerals in the event of an employee death, the death of an employee spouse or dependent child, or the death of an emeriti faculty member or retiree. 

It has become difficult to offer this gift equitably because many former employees move away from Decorah. In response, the college is changing its practice and will in the future assist with funeral receptions in the event of the death of a current employee or the death of a current employee's spouse or dependent child.  

The new policy is the following: In the event of an employee death or the death of an employee's spouse or dependent child, Luther College will provide a $500 support gift to the family to help cover food and hospitality costs for the funeral or memorial service. This policy includes Sodexo and Ricoh employees who currently work at Luther College.

EVENTS

Chapel

Chapel will resume when the fall class schedule begins.

See the College Ministries webpage for the full chapel schedule, along with information on Sunday worship, Holden Evening Prayer and other worship opportunities.

The basics of risotto

Do you love risotto? Have you heard that it can be tricky to make? Join Kristen Underwood as she helps to demystify risotto. She will demonstrate a basic risotto recipe and discuss the many delicious ways it can be dressed up with the addition of seasonal vegetables. The class will be noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, in Valders 379. All faculty, staff and students are welcome. Registration is required.

Slow and low: African peanut stew

Connecting the dots between our busy lifestyles and our search for good food, the Green Iowa AmeriCorps team brings slow cooking to the Luther College classroom. Join us for a lunch hour recipe demonstration and learn the many merits of slow cooking, from easy preparation to lower energy usage to increased local food consumption. Each class participant will receive in-class samples, recipes and informational handouts. Class will be noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, in Valders 379. Registration required.

Farewell for Ben Wilbur

Ben Wilbur has accepted an information technology analyst and programmer position with Mayo Clinic in Rochester starting June 29. The Luther community is invited to help us thank Ben for his innovation and contributions to the Software Development team and wish him continued success in his new position at a reception from 2:30-4 p.m. Thursday, June 18, in Adams lounge, outside of Admissions.

Patchwork Green farm tour and potluck

This tour is highly recommended for anyone who has a CSA share through Patchwork Green Farm. During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to explore Patchwork Green Farm, learn about their growing practices and ask questions. Please bring a dish to pass, your own serviceware and perhaps chairs or a blanket to sit on. The event is Thursday, June 18, with the tour at 5:30 p.m. and potluck to follow. Registration is required; contact Miranda Gumpert for more information, <gumpmi01>.

Preview Day June 19

Luther College will host a Preview Day for rising high school juniors and seniors Friday, June 19, giving students the opportunity to see the quality of life on campus, discover the academic excellence of Luther students, and explore everything else Luther has to offer. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. To register for the June 19 Luther College Preview Day go to www.luther.edu/admissions/visit. 

Strawberry picking at Wolds 

Strawberry picking is a fun summer activity for anyone who enjoys eating these delicious fruits while they are in the peak of their season. Stock up on strawberries now to enjoy them throughout the rest of the year. Vans will be available for transport, but participants are also welcome to drive themselves out to the farm to meet the group there. The event is from 4:45-7 p.m. Friday, June 19. Registration is required; contact Miranda Gumpert for more information, <gumpmi01>.

Sweet and savory crepes 

Have you ever wondered how to make crepes? This class will teach you how. Join Nikolay Suvorov for a demonstration on how to make great crepes. Both sweet and savory variations will be available for sampling. The class is from noon-1 p.m. Monday, June 22, in Valders 379. Registration is required; contact Miranda Gumpert for more information, <gumpmi01>. 

'Kernels of the Past' art exhibit

Luther College and Decorah's Seed Savers Exchange are pleased to present "Kernels of the Past: Portraits of Heirloom and Historic Maize Varieties," a sample of David Cavagnaro's garden photography on display during the majority of the summer in Preus Library on the Luther campus.

The exhibit, on loan from the Roy J. Carver Co-Lab Collection at Iowa State University, is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Beginning July 8 at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Union, Kristin Swanson will lead a book discussion while walking around Luther's campus. The book, "Shakespeare Saved my Life," is available at no cost in the Bookstore. The group will meet at 9:30 a.m. four times, July 8, 15, 22 and 29, to walk for approximately 30 minutes and discuss the assigned readings. RSVP to Kristin Swanson <swansokr> by July 1.

COMMUNITY

Celebrations this week

Birthdays

June 16: Anne-Marine Feat, Michael Reiter
June 17: Adam Forsyth
June 18: Jonathon Struve, Kristin Swanson
June 20: Barb Bohach, Perry Halse
June 21: Dave Mitchell
June 22: Mary Lewis, Wade Shilts