Many of us are familiar with the story of Rumpelstiltskin: a strange little man helps a beautiful miller's daughter spin straw into gold for a greedy king. The Brothers Grimm tale is a classic example of transforming waste material into a valuable commodity. This is precisely the goal that Dr. Steven Verhey, Central Washington University biology professor, has for central Washington's mint oil industry.

Working with Quincy Farm Chemicals (QFC), an agricultural supply company in Quincy, Wash., Verhey proposed and received "The Rumpelstiltskin Project: Adding Value to Agricultural and Biosolid Wastes" from the Washington Technology Center. The $35,676, nine-month grant is aimed at taking a waste product - mint residue - and turning it into a product that can be sold - compost.

"I see this as an opportunity for CWU to provide expertise to try and solve local environmental problems, which is part of our mission," Verhey said.

Central Washington is the third largest mint-producing region in the country. Washington state produces approximately 25 percent of U.S. mint oils, at a total value of more than $33 million.

The extraction of mint oil produces large quantities of waste plant material, which is a potential source of high-quality compost. However, central Washington's mint waste is currently virtually unused, resulting in a growing waste disposal problem.

"For every pound of mint oil produced, about 500 pounds of compostable waste is produced," Verhey said. "We're talking about a volume of potential waste material of well over 100,000 cubic yards that's out there waiting for a solution."

Traditionally, growers have two approaches for dealing with the waste: they store it in piles or spread it over fields. A serious problem with the first strategy is the tendency for the waste material to spontaneously combust.

"Mint waste fires were fairly common until the Department of Ecology got really serious about enforcing the regulations after one grower's waste pile caught fire," Verhey said. "Smoke from the fire obscured a local highway and caused a multiple car accident and a fatality."

The problem with the strategy of spreading mint waste on fields is that as the material decomposes, it pulls nitrogen from the soil instead of making it available for plants.

"With compost, you allow that decomposition to happen first and then put it into the soil," Verhey said. "This makes the nitrogen available in a slow release format so the plants have access to it over a long period of time."

Compost, an alternative to chemical fertilizers, is becoming increasingly important to production agriculture. It offers benefits beyond the nutrients; as a result, high-quality compost is difficult to find and is also sought after by gardeners and landscapers.

Verhey hopes to turn mint waste into a high-quality compost product that can be sold by his industry partner under the grant, Quincy Farm Chemicals.

Along with a collaborator from Washington State University, compost expert Lynne Carpenter-Boggs, Verhey and QFC will be working to: analyze the local mint feedstocks for composting potential; develop recipes likely to produce high-quality compost; and produce and test the compost for fertilizer use.

"Our industry partner, Quincy Farm Chemicals, was visionary enough to see this waste as potential resource," Verhey said. "It's a perfect partnership. Quincy is interested in the business side, but isn't equipped to do the scientific recipe development side of the project. So we complement each other really well."

The Washington Technology Center is interested in creating jobs and economic development in central Washington, according to Verhey.

Under the grant, Verhey projects that in three years, from 8 to 12 direct and indirect jobs could be created as a result of the Rumpelstiltskin Project. His five-year projection is as many as 20 to 28 new jobs for the economy.

Divorce, terrorism, death, the influence of television and insecurity are among the problems that children face today. Everyday family life is full of stresses and pressures. Parents, teachers and child-care providers are looking for ideas about how to respond to children's anger and bolster their self-control.

In response to this need, Central Washington University's College of Education and Professional Studies and the university store are bringing Hedda Sharapan, associate producer for the children's show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," to Ellensburg for two presentations on Wednesday, April 14.

"What we can learn about life from Mister Rogers," will be the topic of a 2 p.m. address in the Samuelson Union Building Ballroom. The address, focusing on how the children's television program put human development theory into everyday language, is designed specifically for future teachers, psychologists, sociologists, media professionals, musicians, attorneys and parents.

Then, at 7 p.m. in the Ellensburg High School Little Theatre, Sharapan will make a second presentation on "Children's Anger and Learning about Life from Mister Rogers," which will provide strategies and activities for the home, child-care setting and classroom. While the focus is young children, the messages will apply to all ages.

Sharapan interest in children's television led her to WQED TV in Pittsburgh, the city's Public Broadcasting Station, and to Fred Rogers. When Mister Rogers' Neighborhood went on-the-air in 1966, Sharapan joined the staff, serving as assistant director, assistant producer and, finally, associate producer.

She received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University. At Rogers' suggestion, Sharapan also pursued a master's degree in child development, which she received in 1967.

She now presents keynote speeches and workshops nationwide for professional meetings, parenting organizations, business and religious organizations on a variety of topics, including communicating with children, managing angry feelings and developing self control, helping children who are dealing with death or divorce, understanding the influence of television, and inclusion of children with special needs.

Sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, the CWU Center for Teaching and Learning, College of Education and Professional Studies, university store, faculty senate, Phi Delta Kappa honor society and Ellensburg School District Education Foundation, both presentations are free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the Ellensburg School District Education Foundation.

For more information, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1975, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.

Central Washington University's Mathematics Modeling Team received the first Ben Fusaro Award, which recognizes a team for an especially creative approach to the Mathematical Competition in Modeling (MCM) problem. The award is named for the founding director of the MCM event. MIT also received an award this year. Each team will receive a plaque and will be announced in the UMAP Journal. Central's team members are Seth MILLER, Dustin MIXON and Jonathan PICKETT, and the advisor is Stuart BOERSMA. The MCM, an international competition in February, required a team of students to work on an applied mathematical problem. They had 96 hours to research the given problem, devise a reasonable mathematical model to help answer the question, and to create a well-written paper describing their solution and final recommendations. This year's assignment was: PROBLEM A: Are Fingerprints Unique? It is a commonplace belief that the thumbprint of every human who has ever lived is different. Develop and analyze a model that will allow you to assess the probability that this is true. Compare the odds (that you found in this problem) of misidentification by fingerprint evidence against the odds of misidentification by DNA evidence.

Central Washington University's multimedia technology and instructional support department won two awards in the 22nd Annual CASE District VIII Juried Awards Competition. Central's "Sounds of American English," which won a silver award, was created by Chris SMART, Olga ENGBRING, Jane CHINN, Loretta GRAY, Enrique PILLEUX and Michael SMITH. The CD was developed for the department of English in response to their needs of support when teaching linguistics. Host Michael Smith, a CWU professor of theatre arts, provides the viewer with an interactive guided tour through an immense production of approximately 240 exercises, QuickTime videos, motion graphics, visual animations and IPA testing exercises. Central's "Your Backyard," created by Chris Smart, won a bronze award. The seven-minute educational video, created for the Cle Elum Ranger District, features students as they echo the concern of the U.S. Forest Service with regard to the inappropriate use of off-road vehicles. It emphasizes the environmental damage that occurs each year to fish, soil, water, vegetation and wildlife habitat.

Vijay SINGH, Music, performed and adjudicated at the Boise State University Jazz Festival and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival during February. His CWU Vocal Jazz 1 Ensemble was selected to perform March 3 at the prestigious American Choral Directors Association Northwest Regional convention in Boise, Idaho, where they performed for more than 600 music educators from the six-state region. Vocal Jazz 1 was rewarded with an instant standing ovation upon completion of their program, in which they featured compositions from CWU alumni, directors, and current students. Singh also performed with Male Ensemble Northwest during the convention, and presented an interest session on vocal jazz concepts. He will guest conduct the Rhode Island All-State Honors Jazz Choir from March 23-25 in Providence.

Steve WAGNER, Biological Sciences, and his students presented aspects of their research concerning the conservation biology of environmentally sensitive Northwest amphibians at the upcoming Northwest Science Association Annual meeting on campus (March 24-27). Undergraduate Lindy MULLEN's work was highlighted in a poster presentation "Comparisons of temperature effects on oxygen respiration in temperature sensitive amphibians: implications for conservation management." In a related study, graduate student Lyn DEHEN discussed "Adaptation to temperature stress in Torrent salamanders: expression of heat shock proteins (Hsp70)." Graduating senior Katherine CAUBLE presented a poster concerning "The effects of herbicide on amphibian larvae metamorphosis (Rana cascadae)." Further, amphibians are often threatened by synergistic interactions of different environmental stressors, therefore, undergraduate sophomore Niki PAULK will discuss the "Interaction of glyphosate and malathion on mortality and development in Cascades Frogs (Rana cascadae). Jennifer RIPPLINGER, a recent master's graduate in biology, presented a poster investigating genetic differences in tree frogs: "Phylogeography of northern populations of the Pacific Tree frog, Hyla regilla." Finally, CWU alumnus Jeff CHARBONNEAU discussed a collaborative project between Zillah High School, where he teaches, and Dr. Wagner's lab in a talk titled "Project CROAK: population dynamics of amphibians in Zillah, WA."

CWU NAMES STUDENT EMPLOYEE OF YEAR

In connection with student employment month in Washington state in April, Irina P. Lyamin has been named Central Washington University's 2004 Student Employee of the Year.

A 2001 graduate of Day Star Christian Academy, Lyamin, now a junior at CWU, has worked in the office of the Asia University America Program (AUAP) since the fall of 2002 as a student office assistant.

Lyamin was born in Narva, Estonia. Her family immigrated to the U.S. about 14 years ago, first settling in Quilcene, Wash., then moving to Moses Lake about seven years ago.

The daughter of Paul and Nadia Lyamin, she was nominated for the award by three AUAP staff members: Cynthia Green, AUAP director; Patty Schell, senior secretary; and, Nicki Kukar, student services coordinator; and Nancy Vogel, international student advisor for the office of international studies and programs.

"She embraces everyone -- student and staff -- alike," Vogel says. "Her personal integrity demands not only perfection in her work ethic, but an enjoyment of helping all. She is skilled, quick to grasp and accomplish any project. It is, however, her sensitivity, both to excellence and to others, that makes her special."

Lyamin's nomination has been forwarded to the Washington State Association of Student Employment Administrators (WSASEA) for its 2004 Student Employee of the Year Competition.

WSASEA will announce the state winner at its spring conference in May. In addition to well-deserved recognition, the winner will receive a certificate and a $100 U.S. Savings Bond.

CWU EMPLOYEES

Civil Service new hires: Connie Bennett, Custodian, Facilities Management.

Civil Service job changes: Lareta "Joy" Chrismer, Custodian, Health, Human Performance and Recreation.

CWU JOB OPENINGS

Searches are under way for the following positions. You can access the CWU home page (www.cwu.edu/~hr/jobs) or the Job Line at (509) 963-1562.

Faculty:
Accounting, Assistant/Associate Professor, Ellensburg, Jay Forsyth, 363-3340;
Accounting, Assistant/Associate Professor, Lynnwood, Mike Ruble, 425-640-1574, ext. 3893;
Biology or Chemical Education, Assistant Professor, Martha Kurtz, 963-1422;
Business Administration, non-tenure track, Tinja Wyman, wymant@cwu.edu;
Cornerstone and GEAR UP Mathematics Coordinator, Trish Swanson, 963-2103;
Earth Science Education, Assistant Professor, Martha Kurtz, 963-1422;
Electronics Engineering Technology, Assistant Professor, westside, 963-1756;
Food Science and Nutrition, Assistant Professor/Dietetic Internship Director, David Gee, 963-2766;
Information Technology, Assistant/Associate Professor, Catherine Bertelson, 963-2611;
Law and Justice, Assistant Professor, Barbara Demory, 963-3208;
Mathematics, Assistant Professor, W.D. Curtis, 963-2103;
Middle School Specialist, Curriculum and Supervision, Tina Clark, 963-1465;
Mycologist, Assistant/Associate Professor, Holly Pinkart, 963-2710;
Orchestral Activities, Director, Peter Gries, 963-1216;
Political Science, Visiting Assistant Professor, non-tenure track, 963-2408;
Professional Field Supervisor, Curriculum and Supervision, Tina Clark, 963-1465;
Psychology, School Counseling, Assistant Professor, one-year assignment, Warren Street, 963-2381;
Sociology, Assistant Professor, Laura Appleton, 963-2344;
Special Education, Assistant Professor, non-tenure track, Velma Henry, 963-1357;
University Math Center, Director, Stuart Boersma, boersmas@cwu.edu.

Exempt:
Assistant Director, University Housing and New Student Programs, Karen Koontz, 963-2735;
Counseling/Clinical Psychologist, Marcia Eckert, 963-1885;
Development Officers, Kim Thomas, 963-2762;
Recruiter, CAMP and HEP, Veronica Coates, 963-1729;
Residence Hall Coordinator, Karen Koontz, 963-2735.

Civil Service:
Program Assistant, April 12;
Program Manager A, March 31;
Warehouse Worker I, April 12.

Temporary:
Instructors, High School Equivalency Program (Ellensburg and Yakima);
Medical Technician;
Registered Nurse;
Tutors (in Yakima).

MONDAY, MARCH 29
Retirement Reception: for Sandy Hoffman, 3-5 p.m., Grupe Center

TUESDAY, MARCH 30
Spring quarter begins
Baseball: CWU vs. Whitman, noon, 3 p.m., CWU baseball field
Retirement Reception: for Terry Niles, 2:30-4 p.m., Kamola Hall Suite
Retirement Reception: for Caroline Onstot, 3:30-5 p.m., Barge 302

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31
Faculty Recital: Diane Thueson Reich, voice, 8 p.m., Tower Theatre

THURSDAY, APRIL 1
Open Forum: discussion of the 2005-07 Operating Budget Request, 2005-07 Capital Request and the 2004-05 Operating Budget, 10 a.m. to noon, Grupe Center, campus community is invited

SATURDAY, APRIL 3
Faculty Recital: James Durkee, guitar, 7 p.m., Hertz Auditorium

SUNDAY, APRIL 4
Baseball: CWU vs. University of Puget Sound, noon, 3 p.m., CWU baseball field

TUESDAY, APRIL 6
Art Exhibit: "Seven Portfolios of Photographs," Mathew Brady, Barbara Crane, Brett Weston, Paul Strand, Annu Palakunnathu Matthew and Dan Powell, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, noon to 3 p.m. weekends, Spurgeon Gallery in Randall Hall, through April 30
Faculty Recital: Joe Koski, low brass, 7 p.m., Hertz Auditorium

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7
Faculty Recital: Mark Babbitt, trombone, 8 p.m., Hertz Auditorium

THURSDAY, APRIL 8
Teleconference: "Rethinking Retention," 10 a.m. to noon, location TBA, 963-2735
Workshop: "Coming Out as an Ally," what it means to be an ally of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, 4 p.m., SUB Club Central

FRIDAY, APRIL 9
Recital: guest trombonist, name and time TBA, Hertz Auditorium

SATURDAY, APRIL 10
Baseball: CWU vs. Western Oregon, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., CWU baseball field

SUNDAY, APRIL 11
Baseball: CWU vs. Western Oregon, noon, 3 p.m., CWU baseball field

TUESDAY, APRIL 13
Faculty Speakers' Series: "The Tonto Apaches Return to the Rim: Caste and Class in a Western Region," by Daniel Herman, CWU History Department, 4 p.m., Science Building 142, presented by the College of Arts and Humanities
Concert: CWU Chamber Choir, Durufle', 8 p.m., Hertz Auditorium

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14
Presentation: "Children's Anger and Learning About Life From Mister Rogers," by Hedda Sharapan, associate producer with "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," 2 p.m., SUB Ballroom
Meeting: CWU Faculty Senate, 3:10 p.m., Barge 412
Presentation: by Hedda Sharapan, associate producer of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood," 7 p.m., Ellensburg High School Little Theatre
Concert: CWU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, 8 p.m., Hertz Auditorium

SATURDAY, APRIL 17
Track and Field: Spike Arlt Invitational, 11 a.m., Tomlinson Field
Baseball: CWU vs. St. Martin's, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., CWU baseball field

SUNDAY, APRIL 18
Baseball: CWU vs. St. Martin's, noon, 3 p.m., CWU baseball field
Faculty Recital: Margret Gries, 3 p.m., Hertz Auditorium

TUESDAY, APRIL 20
Baseball: CWU vs. Lewis-Clark State, 3 p.m., CWU baseball field
Concert: Kittitas Valley Youth Orchestra Concert, 6:30 p.m., Hertz Auditorium

THURSDAY, APRIL 22
Career Quest: Job and Internship Fair, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., SUB, followed by a recruiters' reception from 3 to 5 p.m. in Sue Lombard
Softball: CWU vs. Western Oregon, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., CWU softball field

FRIDAY, APRIL 23
Music Competition: state solo and ensemble, all day, Hertz Hall, through April 24
Theatre: "Bird Woman, The Story of Sacagawea," by Ric Averill, directed by guest artist Tricia Bellah, 7 p.m., McConnell Auditorium, $5

SATURDAY, APRIL 24
Workshop: 4th annual Physical Education Activity Kaleidoscope, for teachers of physical education and health education, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., CWU Ellensburg campus, 800-720-4503
Softball: CWU vs. St. Martin's, noon, 2 p.m., CWU softball field
Theatre: "Bird Woman, The Story of Sacagawea," 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., McConnell Auditorium, $5

SUNDAY, APRIL 25
Theatre: "Bird Woman, The Story of Sacagawea," 1 p.m., McConnell Auditorium, $5
Scholarship Reception: Building Bridges, honors alumni, faculty and friends whose gifts have helped provide scholarships and academic enrichment funds that enhance the educational experience for CWU students, 2 p.m., SUB Ballroom

MONDAY, APRIL 26
Softball: CWU vs. Simon Fraser, 3 p.m., CWU softball field

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28
Faculty Recital: John Michel performs "Bach Cello Suites" (part I), time TBA, Hertz Auditorium

THURSDAY, APRIL 29
Teleconference: "Campus Activities-Creating Intentional Connections for Student Learning," 10 a.m. to noon, location TBA, 963-2735
Softball: CWU vs. Humboldt State, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., CWU softball field

FRIDAY, APRIL 30
Leadership Conference: "Rewrite the Rules, Women and Men in the Mix," communication and leadership styles, diversity among the genders and life's balance, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., SUB, $20 fee includes breakfast, lunch, T-shirt and session materials, 963-1524
Softball: CWU vs. Humboldt State, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., CWU softball field
Baseball: CWU vs. Northwest Nazarene, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., CWU baseball field