International Education Week
Appalachian State University is hosting “International Education Week” from Nov. 16 to Nov. 21.

The theme for this year’s International Education Week at Appalachian State University is “Sowing Seeds of Prosperity and Peace.” It includes discussion panels, forums, films and an international fair, with a full roster of on-campus events.

The week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.

The events are organized by the Office of International Education and Development. A complete schedule is at www.international.appstate.edu/events/iew.php.


Postal service delivers public hearing
The U.S Postal Service is holding a “town hall” meeting about the study to consolidate mail-processing operations, including a possible move of the Hickory processing center to Greensboro.

Postal service workers in the region say the proposed move would cut almost 40 jobs and would affect 82 cities and 11 counties in the “286” prefix area. Nationwide consolidations are under review as part of cost-cutting measures by the U.S. Postal Service.

“We believe this move could delay mail for the citizens and businesses in our area,” said Joshua McCroan, one of the plant workers opposing the consolidation. “Our plant won nine awards in 2008 and seven more in 2009 for being not only efficient, but for being the most efficient in the nation out of 412 plants.” 

A postal service spokesperson said consolidations would only be made if there was no affect on service and delivery times. The meeting is at the Hickory Arts & Sciences Center, 243 North 3rd Street NE, Hickory, at 6 p.m. on Nov. 19.
— Scott Nicholson