John Lyden’s essay, “Apocalyptic Determinism and Star Wars” has just been published in "Culture, Identities, and Technology in the Star Wars Films: Essays on the Two Trilogies," eds. Carl Silvio and Tony M. Vinci (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co., 2007). Dr. Lyden’s essay compares the ways in which the two Star Wars trilogies make use of apocalyptic themes in different ways and so suggests an increasingly deterministic worldview in contemporary American culture and politics.

A chili supper fundraiser will be held for Zane Williams on Friday, March 2, from 5-7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Blair. Zane is the 21⁄2 year-old son of Dana alumni, Brett and Jennifer Williams. Zane was born with Spina Bifida and has undergone 30 surgeries and/or hospital procedures since his birth and will continue to require medical and nursing care. Since Zane is confined to a wheelchair, the family is now faced with the expense of providing an accessible home for him. Please join us in helping raise funds to support this family. For more information, contact Jane Heinrich at 426-9573.

Dana College Theater presents the wonderful off-Broadway musical "Violet," opening Friday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. and running for five additional performances: March 3 at 7:30 p.m., March 4 at 6:30 p.m., March 9 at 7:30 p.m., March 10 at 7:30 p.m. and March 11 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 each and seats are not reserved. To reserve tickets (but not seats) call Sandy Sonderup at 426-7255. Dana College employees may receive up to four free tickets. Free tickets must be picked up from Sandy in advance. Free tickets will not be available at the door. For additional information call Dr. Paul Schneider at 426-7249.

This show takes place in 1964 and centers on a young woman, Violet, who bears a facial scar from a childhood accident. She boards a bus from her small mountain town in rural North Carolina and heads towards Tulsa, where she hopes to be healed by a TV preacher. Along the way, the young lady meets two soldiers, one white and one black. The three learn many life lessons from each other during their journey. Violet also recalls her relationship with her father (whom she blames for the accident) and other childhood memories that have shaped the young lady into the somewhat hardened, yet hopeful person that she is. In the end, Violet receives an emotional and spiritual healing far more important than the physical transformation she sought. Violet is the work of Jeanine Tesori (music) and Brain Crawley (lyrics and book). The music consists of many soaring melodies full of passion and color. Tesori incorporates various song styles such as gospel, 60s pop, country, and blues, all of which are appropriate to the time period, and the result is a funny, rich and powerful musical score.

The theme for the 2007 Henry Doorly Zoo membership drive is “Learn to Explore. Explore to Learn.” The Wild Kingdom Pavilion, after 20 years in its current form, is being transformed into the Mutual of Omaha Exploration Station, a state of the art center for interactive education and entertainment.

A household membership is available for $68 during the drive ($75 after April 1). This is a one household pass that cannot be shared with other households.

Membership benefits include:
Unlimited zoo admission for two adults and dependent children or grandchildren ages 20 and under from one household
Discounted admission to more than 100 zoos throughout North America
Discounted admission to the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari
Discounted admissions to the Lozier Theater
Admission to the annual Member’s Day
Reduced rate on children’s classes
Quarterly Zoo Prints Newsletter

If you’re interested in purchasing a zoo membership by March 31, please send Jill Clark your check made out to the Henry Doorly Zoo.