Stories this week at Wake Forest

STUDENTS WILL VOLUNTEER IN CALCUTTA

Two Winston-Salem residents (Greg Frey and Michael Hogge) will be among 11 Wake Forest students spending Christmas Day in Calcutta. The group will travel to Calcutta to volunteer at three homes for the poor established by Mother Teresa in India. From Dec. 12-30, the students will fill in for long-term volunteers at the Khalighat Home for the Dying and Destitute; Prem Dan, a home for the mentally and physically handicapped; and the Shishu Bhavan orphanage. To arrange an interview before the students depart, call the News Service.

KWANZAA CELEBRATES FAMILY, COMMUNITY AND CULTURE

Kwanzaa, celebrated Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, is a unique African-American celebration that focuses on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. “Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas,” said Willie Pearson Jr., professor of sociology at Wake Forest University. “It is a time of re-affirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture.” Call the News Service to interview Pearson about Kwanzaa.

THE END OF THE WORLD AND OTHER MILLENNIUM FEARS

Ken Hoglund, professor of religion, can address “apocalyptic fears and visions of the millennium,” such as why some people may be afraid the world is going to end. Hoglund, an expert on ancient Jerusalem, the near East and how calendars were established in the ancient world, can also explain why the year 2000 is not actually the start of the new millennium.

WISE MEN ARE SHROUDED IN MYSTERY

What the Bible leaves out about the birth of Jesus, tradition fills in the gaps, right down to the wise men. “There are many traditional beliefs about the wisemen that are not entirely clear,” said Fred Horton, Albritton Professor of the Bible at Wake Forest. For instance, the number of magi at Jesus’ birth is unclear. “Tradition says three, the Bible, however, doesn’t give us a definite number,” said Horton. “Three is often the assumed number because three gifts are mentioned, but there could have been a whole army to visit.” Horton added, “What is clear is that they had come from foreign lands in a day when long-distance travel was not easy.” To interview Horton, call the News Service.

STRIKE STRESS FROM YOUR HOLIDAY LIST

Holidays are a time of joy, good cheer and optimistic hopes for a new year, but many people experience seasonal stress. “Holiday blues can be caused by many factors, including unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization and the inability to be with one’s family,” said Mariann Schubert, director of the counseling center at Wake Forest. Schubert said it’s important to have manageable expectations for the holidays, so you won’t stress yourself trying to make it the best holiday ever. Also, find time for yourself rather than spending every moment providing activities for your family and friends. If money is your source of stress, enjoy free holiday activities, such as driving around to look at holiday decorations. And make time for yourself. Call the News Service to arrange an interview with Schubert about holiday stress.

PRESERVING YOUR WAISTLINE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Having an established exercise and diet program can help ward off weight gain during the holidays. “Having healthy habits and routines in life can help us from backsliding,” said Gary Miller, a Wake Forest assistant professor of health and exercise science who specializes in nutrition. By maintaining your routine, you’re more likely to maintain your weight, he said. For other tips from Miller, call the News Service to arrange an interview.

EDUCATIONAL GIFTS FOR CHILDREN

With a little help from university faculty and staff, the News Service has compiled some educational gift ideas.

• Paul Anderson, an associate professor of physics, suggests stocking stuffers that encourage thinking skills, such as small magnifying glasses, simple calculators, and measuring tapes. Children might also enjoy bug-collecting boxes and magnets.
• Leah McCoy, an associate education professor, put educational software at the top of her list. McCoy said children in grades K-3 might enjoy interactive storybooks, such as those by Living Books. “The Cat in the Hat” and other stories come alive through sight and sound by clicking on the book’s text and illustrations. The software helps children develop reading skills and an interest in computers. Older children can choose books in other languages, such as Spanish and French.
• Beverly Hancock, curator of interpretation at the university’s Museum of Anthropology, encourages parents to choose gifts from other cultures, such as Chinese sister dolls, Oaxan woodcarvings, handcrafted Southwestern jewelry and daisy chain necklaces from Mozambique. These gifts and others from Indonesia, China, India, Africa and the American Southwest are available at the museum.
• Mary Lynn Redmond, an associate education professor, suggests software, books, videos and music to help children learn another language. The “Bookswithoutborders” series offers videos and supporting materials for learning a second language. The series also includes popular movies in other languages, such as “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” in French and a “Bug’s Life” in Spanish. Software programs vary from multimedia programs featuring audio and video to programs with games, words and phrases.