Alumnus to premiere his film on campus

Alumnus to premierehis film on campus
HIRAM -- Hiram College alumnus Jonathan Estrin '69, writer of the teleplay "The Water Is Wide," which he adapted from a Pat Conroy novel of the same title, will return to campus with Jan Parkinson, vice president of development and marketing for Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, to host the premiere of the television movie that will be broadcast by CBS on Jan. 29 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The movie is about Conroy's experience as a teacher in 1969 on an island located off the coast of South Carolina. The island residents were predominantly black and illiterate, and Conroy was an unconventional, but enthusiastic, young schoolteacher. Estrin's teleplay explores what makes a good teacher and why one is important to a community.
Estrin is the executive vice president of the American Film Institute.
The public is invited to attend the premiere of "The Water Is Wide" in Hayden Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 18. A question/answer session with Estrin and Parkinson will follow, as well as a reception. On Jan. 19, at 12:30 p.m., Estrin will speak in the Kennedy Center Ballroom. The title of his presentation, to which the public is also invited, is: "From Hiram to Hollywood: The making of a writer/producer/director.
Singer-songwiter Yoderto appear in concert
CANTON -- Billed as a "songmaker-singer," Pittsburgh-based Brad Yoder will appear in concert at Malone College at 7 and 9 p.m. Jan. 19 in Bennett Lounge of the Randall Campus Center, located on the campus at 515 25th St. N.W.
The 7-8:30 p.m. concert is geared for children and families, while the 9-10:30 p.m. concert will offer Brad's college fare that is fast growing in popularity across the country.
There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted with all proceeds going to benefit Mennonite Disaster Service's Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Even those who don't believe they are familiar with Yoder's work may still be -- his music has appeared on such programs as CBS's hit series, "NUMB3RS," and "Dawson's Creek" (now aired on TBS), as well as NPR's popular "Car Talk" program.
Burke dance schoolmakes strong showing
YOUNGSTOWN -- Thirty members of the Burke School of Irish Dance qualified for and participated in the Mid America Oireachtas Nov. 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus.
The dancers earned the right to attend the Oireachtas by competing during a full year of feis competitions in various cities throughout the country. At each feis, the dancers are graded individually by professional judges. The dancers who achieved top placement throughout the year then go onto the Oireachtas.
More than 2,600 dancers from the Midwest took part in the competition during the Thanksgiving weekend. The Oireachtas is a prestigious regional event with the top 10 dancers in each age group qualifying to compete at the paramount Irish Dance venue in Ireland.
The 2006 World Championship of Irish Dance Competition will be held April 9-16 at The Waterfront Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Traveling to Northern Ireland for the World Championship of Irish Dance from the Burke School of Irish Dance will be Caitlin Murphy and Lauren Kepley. Caitlin will be making her 9th appearance and Lauren will be competing for a third time.
The Burke School of Irish Dance was well represented at this year's Oireachtas. Dancers on the ceili team, which placed in the competition, were: Emily Jepsen, Moira Lumsden, Stephany Midgal, Julie Warren, Brooke Migdal, Bridget Sweeney, Mara Wilson and Ainsley McDonald-Boyer.
Hoyt releases scheduleof winter classes
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts has released its 2006 winter class schedule.
For a full listing of classes, visit the Hoyt online at www.hoytartcenter.org or call (724) 652- 2882. For questions regarding ACT 48 credit, curriculum, or tours, contact Kate Burke, Program Director at ext. 13, or hoytprograms@hoyartcenter.org.
Normal business hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Quote/unquote
"As a performer, I'm truly honored to be hosting the show. Although, as an avid watcher of the Oscars, I can't help but be a little disappointed with the choice. It appears to be another sad attempt to smoke out Billy Crystal." -- Jon Stewart, who will host this year's Oscars.
"I was making myself sick." -- Lindsay Lohan, saying she has battled bulimia.