Virginia Commonwealth University News Service winter closing advisory and story offerings

By Anne Buckley and Pamela DiSalvo Lepley

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 7, 2004) – Virginia Commonwealth University will be closed Dec. 22, 2004, through Jan. 2, 2005, for the winter holiday break. Media are advised that University News Services will be available for emergencies only during this time.

All enterprise reporting should be handled before the closing date. The 24-hour, on-call pager number for genuine news emergencies is (804) 759-7675. In the meantime, some holiday story ideas and contact information are attached for your consideration.

SANTA CLAUS THROUGH THE AGES -- What's the story behind Santa Claus? How did this red-suited symbol for merry holiday festivity and commercial activity come about? Dr. Cliff Edwards, professor in religious studies at VCU, can talk about Santa Claus' image over time and the ways various cultures have celebrated his character. Dr. Edwards also will lecture on this topic on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Pace Center for Campus and Community Ministry, 700 W. Franklin St. For more information, contact Malorie Janis at 827-0891.

HOLIDAY TOXINS -- The Virginia Poison Center, part of the VCU Medical Center's Department of Emergency Medicine, has certified poison specialists available to discuss common household items that make the holidays more festive but can be toxic if accidentally ingested. Some threats are easily recognizable, like holly and mistletoe, but others, like prescription drugs left unsecured by visiting relatives, are less obvious.

The center's Evelyn Waring, RN, CSPI, education coordinator, and director, Ruddy Rose, Pharm. D, are available for interviews. Contact Michael Ford, 827-0889.

HOW THE GRUDGE STOLE CHRISTMAS -- Everett Worthington, Ph.D., is chair of VCU's Department of Psychology and director of the non-profit "A Campaign for Forgiveness Research," an organization dedicated to facilitating research for personal health, harmonious relationships and peace among nations. He serves with honorary co-chairs Archbishop Desmond Tutu, psychiatrist Robert Coles and Ruby Bridges Hall. As a leader in the scientific study of forgiveness and reconciliation, Worthington has published more than 100 scientific articles or chapters and 13 books and has edited three books on forgiveness, relationship enrichment and religious values in the marriage and family. Worthington is available to discuss how forgiveness can enhance the holiday experience. Contact Mike Frontiero, 828-1231.

WHO NEEDS REINDEER? -- VCU LifeEvac, the VCU Medical Center's critical care air-transport service, will give Santa a lift to the hospital on Christmas morning. LifeEvac will fly around the hospital before landing on the helipad and delivering Santa, the flight crew and a bag of new toys for VCU pediatric patients. In years past, this occurred at 8 a.m. The launch time in 2004 will be determined. Santa and the flight crew visit with patients and deliver new toys.

VCU LifeEvac provides 24-hour service to VCU Medical Center, the area's only Level 1 Trauma Center. Contact Michael Ford, 827-0889.

VCU EXPERTS CAN SPEAK TO GLOBAL TRADITIONS -- VCU's students, faculty and staff come from all over the world and observe a variety of cultural traditions that may or may not coincide with the Christian celebration of Christmas. Experts in religion and culture from VCU's School of World Studies can offer insights on other cultures and their holidays, observances and traditions. Contact Malorie Janis, 827-0891.