News Briefs

News briefs

MLK Day event

DePauw University will host a Martin Luther King Day Convocation from noon-4 p.m. Monday in Lilly Center.

The event will feature Lee MunWah of StirFry Seminars, who will present the workshop "An Unfinished Conversation." Participants will view a short film and then dialogue together in small groups.

StirFry seminars operates from the philosophy which states: "Individuals need to interact and to learn from each other. We believe alliances can be built when people engage in open and honest dialogue. "

Everyone is encouraged to participate in the program. The DePauw program follows the community MLK Day celebration, set for 10 a.m. Monday at Gobin United Methodist Church.

Spaghetti dinner Friday at GHS

The Greencastle High School cafeteria staff will be hosting a spaghetti supper before the Greencastle vs. South Putnam girls and boys varsity basketball game on Friday, Jan. 12.

The meal will be $5 for adults and $3.50 for children 10 and younger, with extra items available.

Profits from this supper will go toward professional development activities for the cafeteria staff. Serving will be from 4:30-7 p.m.

Former AG Ashcroft at Wabash March 15

Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft will speak on the Wabash College campus at 7 p.m., March 15 in the Chapel.

Ashcroft served under President George W. Bush from 2001-05. He previously was governor of Missouri (1985-93) and represented the state as a U.S. Senator (1995-2001). His appearance is being sponsored by The Wabash Commentary, Wabash's conservative journal of news and opinion.

His lecture will deal with the current state of homeland security and his tenure as the country's chief legal officer.

During Ashcroft's Senate career, he focused his effort on combating illegal drugs, improving education, and protecting the rights of those who fall victim to crime. He was a co-sponsor of the re-authorization of the Violence against Women Act.

During his time as Attorney General he was a key supporter of the controversial Patriot Act, which was passed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"During his tenure as Attorney General, Ashcroft focused the Justice Department squarely on the detection and prosecution of terrorists," The Commentary editor wrote in a press release announcing Ashcroft's visit. "He also led the Department to strengthen a number of other areas, including among them the enforcement of drug laws, the punishment of violent crimes, tackling gun crimes, and various white collar crimes."

Since leaving public office, Ashcroft has served as a Distinguished Professor in the schools of Law and Government at Regent University.

Enrichment program fundraiser on Feb. 2

The Summer Enrichment Program is having its annual fundraiser, "A Mid-Winter's Night Music," from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 at Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Simpson St., Greencastle.

Chef Bill Culler is preparing a dinner extraordinaire with enchanting harp music by Harriet Moore. Following the meal, there will be a special program in the sanctuary featuring music performed by Claude Cymerman, Eric Edberg and Allison Edberg; songs by members of the Covered Bridge Country Chorus; readings by Joe Heithaus and Andrea Sununu; and a dance performance by students of Deb Grammel's Dance Art Academy.

Tickets are $25 per person, with $10 to benefit the Summer Enrichment Program. They may be purchased in the church office.