Voice Shorts

Missing UWRF student found in Michigan
A UW-River Falls freshman that had been reported missing by his parents was found in a Michigan train station near the Canadian border.
David J. Duffy, 18, was found Nov. 1 at an Amtrak station in Port Huron Mich.
Duffy was reported missing by his parents on Oct. 30. He had last been seen at 11:45 a.m. Oct. 30, at his parents’ home in Hastings Minn. His mother, Cheryl Duffy, was the last person to see David Duffy and noticed that he left his identification and cell phone at home. Cheryl Duffy contacted Johnson Hall RA Nathan King, at approximately 9:15 p.m. Oct. 30 to check up on her son who was unaccounted for, according to a report from UWRF Public Safety.
The following day, David Duffy’s father, John Duffy, and brother, Darin Duffy, were allowed access to David’s room in Johnson Hall to see if there were any leads to David’s whereabouts. John Duffy found David’s library card, social fee card and various UWRF business cards in the trash can in his son’s room. It was also noted that his closet was nearly empty and his profile had been deleted from his dorm computer.

Veteran’s Service Office honors Veterans
Sponsored by the UW-River Falls Veterans’ Service Office, American Legion Post 121, current and former UWRF student veterans. All are invited to the Annual Veterans Day observance. The event will be held at 11:00 a.m. Nov. 12 on the North Hall Lawn, near the flagpole to honor American veterans on campus, in the community and around the world. The ceremony will include an invocation, a flag-raising ceremony, a ceremonial rifle volley and the sounding of “Taps.”

Wyman Series explores race relations
Few people are willing to tackle the tough and often touchy issue of race relationships and racism in a public talk. At 8 p.m. Nov. 14 speaker, artist and author Damali Ayo will be speaking at UW-River Falls. Damali reached wide-ranging audiences with How to Rent a Negro, her book on contemporary race relations. Using examples from real life, Damali shows how to improve our handling of race with practical solutions for how to create healthier, more productive racial interactions. Her straightforward and engaging style will open minds and generate dialogue. Damali’s talk, “I Can Fix It,” is inspired by a survey of 2,000 people who were asked what five things individuals could do to end racism. The book is currently in development to be made into a film. The event is going to be held in the North Hall Auditorium and is open to the public with admission of $5 for adults and $3 for children age 18 and under. Children aged 5 and under are admitted free of charge. Students are free with ID. This event is part of UWRF Wyman Series, which is sponsored by its Student Entertainment and Arts Committee and the Diversity Awareness Committee.

Discussion goes beyond Big Bang Theory
While it is the most widely accepted contemporary theory for the origin of the universe, the “big bang theory” does not quite answer all the questions that have been posed about the construction of the cosmos.
The next viewing session and lecture at the UW-River Falls Observatory will feature this topic at 7:30 p.m. on the first clear night of Nov. 12-15. This stargazing session’s discussion is presented by Rellen Hardtke, an assistant professor of physics at UWRF, as she lectures on “Origin of the Universe: The Big Bang Theory Isn’t the Whole Story.” After a half-hour talk, participants can take in a viewing of the new to crescent moon, as well as Mars. The event will be held in room 271 of Centennial Science Hall, and viewing sessions take place on the outdoor third floor deck of the building.
Observatory sessions are free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome to attend. Viewers can expect to see a selection of deep sky objects, such as galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Those interested in attending can call 715-425-3560 for more information on that the latest updates on the clarity of the sky each night or visit www.uwrf.edu/physics, under the Observatory link.

Local string band to play barn dances
The popular local string band the Rush River Ramblers will play the “Second Saturday” barn dances from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Nov. 10, in the Academy Gym at the old Meyer Middle School at Fremont and West Maple Streets in River Falls. The barn dances feature a variety of old-time styles, from reels and round dances to full-fledged square dances. No prior experience is necessary, because each dance includes instruction. Partners are optional. All ages are welcome. The Rush River Ramblers, a favorite in River Falls for the past two seasons of the Second Saturday barn dances, will be accompanied by an expert caller who will lead participants through the dance steps. Future dances in the 2007-08 season are:  Lulu Gals, Jan. 12; Barn Cats, Feb. 9; Rush River Ramblers, March 15; and Poor Benny, April 12. All dances will be held on the second Saturday of the month, except for March, which is on the third Saturday. The barn dance is a joint project of River Falls Community Arts Base, River Falls Parks and Recreation and Whole Earth Grocery. Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for 12 and under. Inexpensive refreshments are available at the dance.

Silent auction held to benefit food shelf
On Nov. 10 the Women of the Moose are holding a Spaghetti Dinner to benefit the River Falls Food Shelf. The dinner will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be raffles and a Silent Action. There will be family oriented music provided by Dean Benoy. There will be Spaghetti, a salad, desert and beverages. A $5 donation will be accepted at the door. All proceeds will go to the food shelf this evening. The River Falls Moose Family Center is located at 620 North Clark Street, on the corner of Clark and Division St.