April 4, 2000

Foreign Accent Modification Training Offered
Heavily accented speech can interfere with communication. In health care, a physician's communication regarding patient care or prescription instructions may be vital. Impeded communication may also detract during medical rounds or public speaking.

Tou Ger Xiong, a Hmong comedian, storyteller and rapper, has the crowd wave their arms in the air as he raps at the Student Union Ballroom, on March 28.

Renata Cora, right, and Pina Patel, both juniors, wrap daffodils for sale at the Co-op. More than $15,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society was raised this year at UConn -- another new record for the University and one of the highest sales figures in New England.

Many foreign-born speakers learn English in their country of origin or in English as a Second Language classes in the United States. Such classes teach English vocabulary and grammar, but often don't focus on pronunciation.

Speech-Language Pathology, in the Department of Rehabilitation Services at the Health Center, now offers foreign accent modification training. Accent therapy helps foreign-born speakers learn to pronounce English sounds with more precision and less accent. The 13-week program is offered individually or in small groups of up to three people.

To learn more about the training at the Health Center, call (860) 679-3233.

The Department of Communication Sciences' Speech and Hearing Clinic at the Storrs campus also offers an accent modification program for members of the University community and others to improve their pronunciation. The fee for this service varies according to the needs of the client.

To make an appointment at the clinic, located in the David C. Phillips Building on Bolton Road, call (860) 486-2629.

Community School of the Arts Announces Spring Events
Throughout April and early spring the University's Community School of the Arts will offer learning and performance opportunities for students of all ages at the Depot Campus in Storrs.

Auditions for Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance"
Vocal auditions for lead roles in the summer production of the "The Pirates of Penzance" will take place on Sunday, April 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Depot Campus. All are welcome. The fully staged production of this operetta will take place in the von der Mehden Recital Hall on Saturday, Aug. 19.

Spring Vacation Workshops for Kids, April 17-20
Half-day and whole-day workshops on pottery, painting, sculpture and "natural" arts, and others will be offered for children during April vacation. There will also be half-day music camps for instrumentalists in grades 6-8 during that week. Space is limited.

Broadway Musical Performance Class
Registrations are now being accepted for Showcase 2000, a performance class for teens and adults featuring the best in American songs from Broadway musical. Students of all ability levels are welcome. Under the direction of Susan Quigley-Duggan, large and small ensembles will perform favorites from Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rogers and Hart, Jerome Kern and more.

Spring Arts Classes
A variety of six-week arts classes for children and adults begin in April: offerings include Painting and Drawing, Fun With Clay, Wheelthrowing, Theater Skills, Video Arts, Guitar, Voice and Piano.

Fundraisers, April 3-May 12
The Community School of the Arts will host two spring fundraisers at Tolland Cottage on the Depot Campus. The Silent Auction begins April 3 and ends April 27; the Easter/Mother's Day Sale opens April 14 and runs daily through May 12.

For more information on upcoming programs, directions, or a free catalog, call (860) 486-1073 or check the Web: http://www.ce.uconn.edu/csa.html

Nutmeg Grille Announces Specials for Month of April
The Nutmeg Grille is offering the following specials during April:

• Come to lunch before noon on a Tuesday or Wednesday and receive a 10 percent discount;
  
  
• Bring eight people or more and receive a complimentary entree, beverage and dessert;
  
  
• Come with three friends and one entree will be complimentary;
  
  
• Come to lunch on your birthday and receive a complimentary dessert.
  
  

If using one of these specials, please tell your server when ordering. One special per visit, please.