Hey Folks!

Stay Home at Western Weekend is here!  Go to http://stayhome.wcu.edu/ for the calendar of events tonight and tomorrow.

Earlier this week, I received some email at vc-notes@wcu.edu from several students.  Thanks to all of you that wrote and keep those questions and emails coming.  Taking some inspiration from the Strongbad video podcasts, I’ll answer the email:

JT wrote in response to last Note’s statement that everyone should come to the game to support the Football Team:

“What about the "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band? They haven't been ranked 2nd in the Nation the past two years for NOTHING!!!!!!!”

JT is absolutely right!  Come out and support the Marching Band’s performance.  In fact, don’t wait for half-time!  Get into the stadium early and enjoy the pre-game show.  I know that many students had to wait in that long line to get into the game last time, so please come on in early and avoid missing the First Quarter.

Kristen wrote, “I just wanted to say that the UC Lawn movies are absolutely wonderful!”  And John wanted to know if the movie tomorrow night could be shown on the UC Lawn.  Unfortunately, the vendor we use for those movies wasn’t available, but we’ll be having more UC Lawn movies in the weeks to come.

Dawn wrote to ask if there are any options this Weekend for student to attend events and legally consume alcohol:

“I read your note about the 'Stay at Western Weekend' idea and I like it. I live up here so my weekends are all Western weekends, and I often encourage others to do so because it helps build the community we like so much at WCU. I will ask my friends to come out with me and enjoy the events, but first I have a question. I was wondering if your weekend plans for us include an opportunity for 21+ aged students to purchase/bring alcoholic beverages or what the restrictions were?”

Dawn, as always the University must uphold North Carolina state laws and the policies of the University system, so the options for activities where alcohol can be consumed are really limited.  So I have to answer, “No, not really.”  We don’t have any programs this weekend that allow alcohol consumption.  Some students who are at least 21 years old will no doubt enjoy a beverage at tomorrow’s tailgating, and don’t forget that Club Illusions in the UC has comedians, bands, etc. and allows BYOB alcohol consumption.  So check out the UC’s schedule for Club Illusions for upcoming events.  And please remember…  If you are going to consume alcohol, drink responsibly!

Finally, Michelle wrote in to ask about a rumor:

“My friends heard that the University was planning to cancel the football game due to a gasoline shortage.  Is that true?”

Nope – Rumor busted!  Tomorrow’s game is on!  If you were driving around last night then you probably saw the cars lined up at local gas stations.  I think there have been a bunch of cell-phone and email rumors about a gas shortage caused by the hurricane.  I think folks are just getting a little bit carried away given the coverage of Hurricane Ike.  That said, maybe tomorrow while we enjoy our day, let’s keep the folks affected by the hurricane in our thoughts and prayers.

That’s it for now!  I hope everyone enjoys this “Stay Home at Western Weekend!” Email those questions, comments and suggestions to: vc-notes@wcu.edu  Go Cats!

Be safe out there!  - Sam