Features this week...

TSU student visits 'The Land of Make Believe'

President-elect Bradsher halps financial aid program

Millions of young adults affected by heart disease

SIFE team wins its first competition in Atlanta

TSU student visits 'The Land of Make Believe'

Whitney McHugh, Staff Reporter

Children across America grow up watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. Art Williams, a senior vocal music education major, has continued to watch over the years. In April, Art got the chance to meet Mr. Rogers when he was invited to the studio to watch the show being taped.

"I grew up with his program, and it just kind of stuck," said Williams. "My goal in life is to have a children's television program. Perhaps that's part of the reason I continued to watch even as I grew older because I never outgrew the values he taught."

Williams became interested in not only Mr. Rogers but also the Neighborhood's music.

"When I became a junior in high school, that's when my interest kicked in, in the man who played for his program," he said. ÒHis name was Johnny Costa.Ó

Costa, a jazz pianist, began playing for the program in 1965.

ÒMr. Costa was offered jobs through the years and declined and turned them down because he saw the importance and the good of the Neighborhood and wanted to stay there with it,Ó he said. ÒHe improvised so none of the music was ever the same.

ÒI was really fascinated by the way he played because he is the best piano player IÕve ever heard. HeÕs just phenomenal.Ó

Williams wrote to Rogers, in 1991, asking if the music was available the way Costa played it. Rogers wrote back saying the music was available but only in simplified arrangements, said Williams.

ÒMr. Rogers did include some music, but it still wasnÕt the way he plays,Ó said Williams. ÒHis fingers just move too quickly. I decided that the only way I would ever be able to play like him would be to write the music out.Ó

Williams carefully transcribed CostaÕs music from a recording. He then wrote to Costa asking him to critique the music.

Costa wrote back: ÒI think itÕs quite remarkable how youÕve been able to put down the neighborhood song almost exactly as I play it...I hope you will study music if not for your lifeÕs worth at least for a sideline because you conception and your ear is right on the mark. IÕve made a few notes on the music just for clarity, but other than that, I canÕt find a thing wrong with it.Ó

Williams had the music, corrected with a red pen, and the letter framed. It hangs in his apartment.

Johnny Costa died last October at 74. Williams said he was crushed by the news but he continued to listen and transcribe his music. He had dreamed of meeting Costa.

After reading CostaÕs obituary articles, Williams realized that there was a cd of his that he didnÕt have. He called to order the cd and the man, Len Meledandri, who answered the phone was CostaÕs assistant on the Neighborhood program, said Williams.

Williams said he knew it was more than a coincidence because the week before, he called and left a message on the manÕs machine.

ÒHe returned my phone call that weekend, and we were out of town,Ó he said. ÒI was calling him back again, and before I called that day, I prayed that this gentleman would have time and be willing to tell me what it was like knowing and working with Johnny Costa because I had so hoped of meeting him and seeing him play in person.

ÒAnd as soon as I said the prayer, I picked up the phone and he answered and said ÔThis is Len, how may I help you?Õ I said IÕm Art Willams and made him remember who I was. He said ÔOh, yes I recognized your warm voice immediately.Õ Then I knew my prayer had been answered.Ó

They talked for 45 minutes, said Williams. He said Meledandri talked with him about working with Costa and also about the Neighborhood program. Williams told Meledandri that he would love to meet Rogers and see how the Neighborhood comes together.

Meledandri called Williams again in March and learned Williams had transcribed some of CostaÕs music and also played the piano. He asked Williams to send anything he wished to share about Costa and the Neighborhood.

ÒSo I sent a tape showing things in my apartment: the traffic light, model of Mr. RogersÕ house, posters, articles and the celesta (piano-like instrument), which my uncle and I built because I couldnÕt find one to buy that was affordable. I did that to let them know that I had more than a casual interest in his work.

ÒLen shared the information with Mr. Rogers and called, in March, to tell me that I had an invitation to the studio on April 10.

ÒLen made me know when the invitation was offered that it would just be for one day,Ó he said. ÒThat may not be enough to warrant you coming up here, he said, but please know how rare that is and that youÕre the only person that will be allowed to stay the whole day.Ó

Williams flew up the Sunday before and attended a press conference at the Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh. The conference was held to announce that the Mellon Jazz Festival would be dedicated to Costa this year. He met CostaÕs sister, daughter and her husband, his son and his wife. Williams was also able to meet some members of the Neighborhood cast.

Lennie told Williams he could visit the studio on Tuesday or Thursday. Williams chose to go on Tuesday.

Williams got to the studio early Tuesday morning before rehearsals began.

They invite children with special needs to the studio between 9-10 a.m. before taping begins, said Williams.

ÒThere was one young man there who was disabled and Mr. Rogers really spent time with him,Ó said Williams. ÒThe good thing I can say is that heÕs just like he is on television. HeÕs just as gracious, considerate, kind and personable.

ÒHe walked over and rehearsed a song they were going to be taping that morning and came over and greeted the lady and little girl that were seated beside me. He kneeled down to talk to the little girl and had Henrietta Pussycat on his hand. He stood up greeted the mother and looked at me and said ÔGood morning,Õ and I said ÔGood morning Mr. Rogers, how are you?Õ He said ÔGood Morning and welcomeÕ and moved on.

ÒWell I was content that he knew I was there and recognized me because I was on the video tape. The producer called for a rehearsal, and Mr. Rogers walked behind the castle to put Queen Sara on his hand. He came back from out behind the castle and put his hand over his eyes and said ÔArt Williams, I didnÕt know that was you. I thought you were that little girlÕs father. Thank you so much for coming. Please feel free to stay back here behind the castle with us today or out in the studio. Wherever you choose because youÕre our special guest today.ÕÓ

Later that day, Williams got the chance to talk with Rogers in the studio.

ÒI sat down and said ÔWhat a wonderful day weÕve had today,ÕÓ he said. ÒI thanked him for all that he had meant in my life.Ó

Rogers asked Williams about his plans for the future. He told Rogers that he wanted to have his own childrenÕs show.

ÒI told him I would like to work in childrenÕs television because I see that heÕs able to reach a much greater audience through television than you could in a classroom setting,Ó he said. ÒI said of course theyÕre both important. He rolled his eyes and said they certainly are. He paused and said ÔArt, please donÕt underestimate the power of narrow casting.Õ He was comparing narrow casting (one on one) to broadcasting. He said ÔThereÕs no way I could ever know the needs of all the people who watch the Neighborhood. All I can do is try to produce something good and trust that the Holy Spirit will do the rest.ÕÓ

After they finished taping the show on Tuesday, Rogers asked Williams to play the piano, he said. He played on the Steinway grand piano that Costa had used.

ÒAs I sat down at the piano, I said ÔPlease know how honored I feel to sit here,ÕÓ he said. ÒMr. Rogers stood back and I started playing the entrance to his program and hit the very top note where he would come in the door. He started singing, ÔItÕs a beautiful day in this neighborhood.Õ I was so thrilled because I had dreamed of the day I could accompany him singing.Ó

Then Williams asked Rogers to show him some special plaques in his office. One plaque in Hebrew stated, ÒI am my BelovedÕs and He is mine.Ó The other was a quote from ÒThe Little PrinceÓ, ÒWhat is essential is invisible to the eye.Ó

Rogers invited Williams to come back on Thursday.

ÒOne time they paged me,Ó he said. ÒI was down in the art department visiting the places that make the props, the little houses that you see, and they paged me, ÔAlabama Art to Studio A, Alabama Art to Studio A.ÕÓ

He said he went to studio A and Rogers wanted him to play again.

Later that day, they made copies of some of WilliamsÕ transcriptions.

ÒI told Mr. Rogers that I wanted him to have the originals because it was my way of giving him back his friend, he said. And he said ÔBless your heart.Õ All I asked was for one copy.

ÒItÕs been a great loss for them for Mr. Costa to have passed away because so much wasnÕt written down. He provided the music heard throughout the show.

Rogers autographed two books for Williams. Inside one he wrote out the music for the words ÒPlease WonÕt You Be My Neighbor.Ó

Rogers gave him a hug as he left and asked Williams to please keep in touch.

ÒMr. Rogers messages have an appeal and timelessness that are applicable to any age,Ó he said. ÒAnd I think thatÕs started to catch on now and people are realizing it. The fact that itÕs been on the air as long as it has says a lot to prove that. I really feel that what he says is important because itÕs true. Even if adults donÕt take the opportunity to watch it themselves, they see the need for their children to.Ó

Williams said much of the memorablia from the trip will be on display at the Troy City Library during the month of June.

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President-elect Bradsher helps financial aid program

Tracy Lee, Staff Reporter

Troy State UniversityÕs Director of Veteran Services is reaching new heights with his new position as the president-elect of the Alabama Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

James Bradsher, director of Veteran Services and assistant director for Student Financial Aid, said the group is made up of financial aid administrators from all colleges and universities in Alabama.

ÒWe have three things that we strive to do in the organization,Ó said Bradsher. ÒWe make sure we are educated on the latest financial aid laws. The state and federal government change the laws nearly every year. We also try to make sure we apply for the right kind of money for our students, and we want to make sure our students qualify for the type of aid they are applying for.Ó

The group also provides training for the new financial aid officers.

ÒI have been involved in the training program for the last five years with the state,Ó he said.

Some of the other programs the group works on are better financial aid office procedures and new innovative methods to make the application process easier.

Bradsher said the group was formed about 25 years ago because financial aid administrators needed a common ground. It helps the financial aid administrators have a central opinion and assist one another.

ÒThe organization also recommends appropriate changes to state legislature and to congress,Ó he said.

Some of the changes were a satisfactory progress standing which requires students to keep a C average in school, Bradsher said.

They also suggested the state incentive program, he said. This program allows states to receive matching funds from the federal government.

BradsherÕs term lasts for three years. Each year he will take on different responsibilities.

He will be the chair of the program committee the first year, he said. In this position, he will do the preparation work for the two state meetings that will be held in the fall and in the spring.

Part of BradsherÕs requirements will be to invite the guest speakers and make all of the physical arrangements, which include hotel reservations.

During BradsherÕs second year in office, he will serve as the associationÕs president. He will be the official representative of the association in Alabama.

Bradsher will be responsible for all of the speaking engagements that the organization will be part of.

He will also conduct general business during this year. Bradsher said he will work on the finances and all of the legal matters. He will also preside over all of the meetings and board functions.

During his third year, he will serve as AlabamaÕs representative to the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Executive Board.

Brasher is currently trying to introduce a new computer system where students will receive a financial credit against their bill, he said. Then students will receive a refund for the extra money.

Bradsher received his bachelorÕs and masterÕs from TSU.

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Millions of young adults affected by heart disease

Jennifer Jones, Special to the Trop

Do you have a broken heart?

Well, you might and not even know it. Many college students and young adults are affected by some type of heart disease or malfunction.

The normal heart is a strong, muscular pump a little larger than a fist.

But it has a very important job.

It pumps blood continuously through the circulatory system. Each day the average heart "beats" 100,000 times and pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood. In a 70-year life-time, an average human heart beats more than 2.5 million times.

But more than 600,000 young adults in the United States have an abnormality of the cardiovascular system. Among them, 440,000 have a cardiac malformation and an estimated 160,000 have a disturbance of cardiac rhythm or conduction, the American Heart Association reported.

One common heart problem among young adults is mitral valve prolapse.

"The psychological aspect was the most difficult part of this health problem," said Amanda Werner, a 21-year-old student with a severe case of this heart malfunction.

The mitral valve is the heart valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. It has two flaps. When the flow of blood is misdirected between the flaps, mitral valve prolapse occurs.

Werner was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse at 12 years old. She has been treated with a medication, Propranolol, ever since, she said. She would pass-out when physically exerting herself, and her hands quivered frequently, she said.

Werner was misdiagnosed several times, she said. Her father is also affected by this problem, but not as severely, she said. Therefore, she was finally diagnosed and can control the malfunction with medication daily, she said.

"I would advise students to have check-ups and do not take physical abnormalities lightly," she said.

Another major problem is arteriosclerosis, also known as, hardening of the arteries.

Nearly half of the approximately 80 million Americans younger than the age of 21 will ultimately die of complications of atherosclerosis , such as, coronary artery disease and strokes, states the AHA.

"Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease that usually starts to show during early adolescence or adulthood," said Dr. Edward J. Planz, a cardiovascular surgeon.

It is characterized by deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin in the inner lining of an artery.

The result is called plaque. Plaque may partially or totally block the blood's flow through an artery.

Two things that can happen where plaque occurs are bleeding into the plaque and formation of a blood clot on the plaque's surface.

If a blood clot occurs and blocks the entire artery, a heart attack or stroke may result, said Planz.

Cardiac arrest is reversible in most victims if it's treated within a few minutes.

With surgery as a corrective procedure, and cardiac rehabilitation, survival rates are increasing daily. Another common problem, Arrythmia is characterized by a heart beating irregularly, states the American Medical Association.

"I characterize it as a minor inconvenience," said Becky Snellgrove, a 23-year-old marketing representative for HB&G in Troy with arrhythmias. "But its one that I do not take lightly."

In a 24-hour period about one-fifth of healthy adults are likely to have mild, multiple arrhythmias, states the AMA.

These cases are usually due to excitement or stress. When the heart beats extremely rapid or slow, it becomes dangerous for the individual, states the AMA.

"I was diagnosed with Bradycardia", said Snellgrove. "My heart rate is too slow."

This condition caused heavy fatigue when she was younger, she said.

"I was on medication for years, but now I keep my condition checked with tests twice a year,"she said.

Medication increases the automatic firing rate of cardiac pacemaker tissue and improves the transmission of impulses.

Even though the heart can be the heartiest organ, the health of the heart is vital to functioning, said Planz.

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SIFE team wins its first competition in Atlanta

Tracy Lee, Staff Reporter

A competition in Atlanta saw something it did not expect, a first-runner up win by the Troy State University 1996-97 Students in Free Enterprise team.

The groups first year in existence brought an unexpected victory over teams who have completed for several years, said Pamela Monk, SIFE president.

"Our division was with six other schools," she said. "We had to give an oral and visual presentation of what the group has done. It wa judged by several CEO's from various companies that support SIFE."

Along with the first-runner up victory, they also received the Rookie of the Year award, Monk said. The two other TSU students who participated in the competition were Maria Colon and Sidney Reese.

The group started on TSU's campus several years ago, but disappeared after the first year. It started back up fall quarter with the help of Barry Uze, director of the Center for Economic Education, and Dr. Jack Kirkland, associate professor of marketing, management and economics.

According to SIFE's first annual report, the main goal for the organization this year was to show every man, woman and child within our reach that the American impact on future generations of Americans and through their educational endeavors, build tomorrow's business leaders.

The organization performs service projects to help teach people about free enterprise, said Monk. One of the ways students publicized their group was by setting up information tables in the Adams Center during fall quarter, Monk said.

They held a slogan competition and chose the one that best described the groups ideas, said Monk. The winning slogan was "Lifting as we climb."

Some of the activities they performed as their educational programs included: a free enterprise news letter, Make Checks Payable to U.S. Government, created a TSU SIFE Web Page, Strike the Debt/Spare the Future bowling tournament, TSU SIFE slogan contest, Voter Taxis, Troy State electronic bulletin board, the Debt-Mobile, the Free Enterprise/National Debt information display, Free Enterprise teacher workshops, "Floppies for Kiddies," public service announcements, Free Enterprise film fest and the More You Learn, the More You Earn.

The "Floppies for Kiddies" was a program the group did by saving old disks that were sent to them in the mail from organizations such as America Online. The disks were donated to the "Floppies for Kiddies" program, said Monk.

"After the program received the disks, they were reformatted and given to the children in elementary schools," she said.

Another project the group did was related to the national debt. They brought a car on campus worth $19,000, Monk said.

"The car represented each persons part of the national debt," she said. "People are able to relate to that more when they can see exactly what their part is."

The organization is open to all students, she said.

"It does not matter what major or classification the student is," Monk said. "All they have to do is express an interest in the group and contact myself, Barry Uze, or Dr. Jack Kirkland."

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