Meeting Wrap-Up

Just a little wrap-up of things discussed in our meeting this afternoon. We had only 9 in attendance. For those who came -- Thank you! For those who didn't -- Hope to see you next month!

- STD Convention
The annual Sigma Tau Convention is March 17-20 in St. Louis, Missouri. For those interested, the deadline for early registration is February 21st. The cost is $70, which does not include transportation or lodging. We had a few members who were interested, and we can talk to the powers that be to see if there is any financial support available for those wishing to attend. The registration link is: www.englishconvention.org. If you don't register by the 21st, your cost will go up to $85. Unfortunately I will be unable to attend, as my family will be headed out of town on the 20th. The theme for this year's convention is "Storytellers." Please reply or talk to Dr. Wilson if you are interested in going this year. I hear it's great fun!

- STD Internship
There is an STD sponsored PAID summer internship with Penguin Group (USA) in New York, NY. The deadline to apply is February 28th. The recipient will work 28 hours per week and will be paid $7.25/hour. In addition, STD will provide an additional $1,500 stipend to assist with travel and housing expenses. This would be a great opportunity for both the recipient and our school. Go to www.english.org/sigmatd/awards/internships/penguin.shtml for more information and to apply.

- WV Writers Contest and Convention
The WV Writers Inc. is hosting a contest for all ages. Winners will receive a cash prize and publication. For more information go to http://www.wvwriters.org. The deadline to apply is March 15th. Late submissions will be taken, but it will cost you a little more for your submission.
In addition, the same group is sponsoring a WV Writers Covention June 11-13 at Cedar Lakes in Ripley. There are two professors from WVSU who are going to be presenters this year: Daniel Boyd, a filmmaker, screenwriter, and film professor here at State, and Denise Giardina, author of several books, and my old Fiction Workshop instructor! Other presenters include: Lee Maynard, Brad Barkley, Christine Witthohn, Peter Lynch, Dr. Michael Kane, Cheryl Ware, Belinda Anderson, Jimmie Carl Harris, Rhonda White, Rob Merritt, William Bitner, Dana Wildsmith, Sandy Tritt, and Pam Hanson. Get more info at www.WVWriters.org.

- FerrMar Productions Contest
WV Division of Culture and History has posted information regarding a Photo, Poetry, Illustrations, and Short Story Contest by Ferr-Mar Productions. Click on the news link at www.wvculture.org for more information. I don't see a deadline for submissions (the cost is $5 and could result in publication). Check out the site for more info.

- "Inspiration Vacation"
Last semester, several STD/EC/LIT students went to Moundsville State Prison to experience the "Dungeon of Horrors." There has been some interest from professors and students alike in returning for one of the ghost tours or night tours at the same location. We've discussed making a possible weekend trip this semester to go to the Prison, as well as the "Palace of Gold" and the Grave Creek Mound and Archaeological Complex (info available on wvculture.org website). To see more info on the Palace of Gold go to www.palaceofgold.com and check out the amazing pictures of the site. All of these places are relatively close to each other. If there is enough interest, we could arrange a weekend trip up there and experience what the area has to offer. There may even be some cool bookstores to check out (I have to admit, I look for these on every trip I go on!). Let me know ASAP if you might be interested and we'll discuss dates/times/etc.

- Community Service Projects
We discussed several options for a community service project for this semester. Edna proposed talking with several high schools in the state about "sponsoring" a student, or having them shadow us for a day during classes, the cafeteria, etc. We also discussed possible book drives and read-aloud projects with the Child Development Center, or speaking with our neighbors in Fairmont who are part of the National English Honor Society that is sponsored by STD. If you have other possible service projects, let us know!

Finally, for anyone interested, WVSU Day at the Legislature is on February 23rd. I'll be unavailable that day, but if anyone wants to go down to the Capitol and pass out STD/EC/LIT literature or experience any of the activities down there on behalf of our clubs, let me know and I'll put you in touch with the guy who leads the Student Organizations Committee.

One last thing. The deadline for the Essay contest this semester will likely be on April 6th and the English Majors Luncheon will be held on April 20th. (Thanks for the info from Dr. Alderman)

That's all! If you have any questions, email me at ehupp@wvstateu.edu!
Esther, STD Prezzz