The PEI Urban Red Fox Research Project needs Islanders to keep reporting their sightings of red foxes to upei.ca/redfox. Each reported sighting helps us better understand our red fox population, and how it interacts with humans on Prince Edward Island.

Since the launch of upei.ca/redfox in the fall of 2012, Islanders have reported more than 1600 sightings of red foxes. With this valuable data, the research team has discovered areas of high red fox activity in urban areas and has identified possible den sites for further research. More data would allow the PEI Urban Fox Research Team to discover even more about this species, including possible public health concerns.

It takes just a few minutes. If you spot a red fox on Prince Edward Island, visit upei.ca/redfox. Fill out the simple form, and you've made an important contribution to UPEI research.

To report a sighting by mail, request a form by calling 566-0602.

For Information:
Dave Atkinson, Research Communications
(902) 620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca

The UPEI Men's Hockey Panthers will soon have a new face in the lineup with the addition of right-winger Nick Czinder from West Bloomfield, Michigan.

At 6'5" and 235lb, Czinder says his game is at its best when he is using his size and strength to create traffic in front of the net, as well as being strong on the puck along the boards in both ends of the rink.

'The strength of my game is being hard on pucks, working down low on the cycle and creating offensive chances by working hard,' said Czinder, who scored 13 goals last year in the OHL while splitting time between Kitchener and Peterborough. He had 15 goals with the Windsor Spitfires in 2011-12. Czinder finished last season in the East Coast Hockey League with San Francisco.

UPEI Head Coach Forbes MacPherson says he has been was working for a number of months recruiting Czinder and having him enrolled at the University is welcome news for the future of the men's hockey program.

'Nick plays with a high competitive level, plays in the tough areas, will wear down opponents and be a presence in front of the net,' says MacPherson. 'The game he plays will be a great complement to our team's style of play.'

As the power forward has been recovering from injury, MacPherson says he wants to wait until Czinder is fully ready to go before inserting him into the lineup.

'This isn't an easy league to just jump into, so we want to have Nick in game shape and fully ready to go before we put him into uniform,' MacPherson says. 'From what we have seen in practice, we like how he skates and moves the puck. He will be a welcome addition to the lineup.'

Czinder says he is impressed with the high quality of hockey in the Atlantic Conference and he is adapting well to life on Canada's east coast. He says he is adjusting to the routine of being a student while getting back into game shape, but he says the weather is taking some getting used to.

'I've seen more snow in my first week here then I am accustomed to, but everyone has been very friendly and welcoming which has made the transition much easier.'

UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman praised the addition of Czinder to the UPEI family. 'I would like to welcome Nick to the University of Prince Edward Island. I know he will be a great addition to our men's hockey program and to our friendly Island campus,' says Schurman.

For information:
Ron Annear
UPEI Athletics & Recreation
(902) 566-0991
annear@upei.ca

The German Olympic women's hockey program announced today that UPEI defensemen Anja Weisser has been selected to Team Germany's roster for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The Games will take place February 7-23.

The fourth-year UPEI business student from Kaufbeuren, Germany is no stranger to international competition, as she has represented her home country at two U-18 and two senior world championships.

Weisser was thrilled to learn she was chosen to compete at the Olympics. 'I am thankful that all of my hard work has paid off in such a big way. I look forward to competing in Sochi, and hope to make my country and UPEI proud,' she said.

'As the Head Coach of the UPEI program, there are certain times that stand out as highlights for the players, the program, and the school, and this is certainly one of those times,' said UPEI women's hockey coach Bruce Donaldson on Weisser's news. 'Anja has been an amazing addition and we are so proud to say we have had the opportunity to have her on our team for the past four years. The entire Panther community wishes her all the best, and takes great pleasure in calling her our very own Olympian.'

'Anja is a great example of the quality of student-athletes that choose to wear the Panther green. On behalf of the Panther family, our fans, partners, donors, and alumni, we salute Anja and wish her great success at the Olympic Games,' said UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman.

Congratulations, Anja, and all the best at the Olympics! Go Panthers Go!

For information:
Ron Annear
UPEI Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca

The following was distributed by Prince Edward Island 2014 Inc. on Wednesday, January 15, 2014:

Two conferences coming to PEI in 2014 will benefit from a PEI 2014 Fund grant. The 2014 Heritage Canada Annual National Conference and Guardians of Confederation: Leaders of Tomorrow - a special segment of the 2014 Conference on Teaching Canada's History being hosted by the University of Prince Edward Island, have received large grants.

'We are honoured to be hosting such prestigious conferences in Prince Edward Island in 2014 as we mark the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference,' says Minister of Tourism and Culture, Robert Henderson. 'The goals of these conferences align perfectly with the guiding principles of PEI 2014 as we honour the past, celebrate the present and plan a bold tomorrow.'

The Heritage Canada Foundation's annual national conference is the largest heritage conservation conference in Canada, attracting 300-350 delegates. The conference is being held in Charlottetown in October 2014 and will be a signature national event highlighting PEI and Canadian heritage, and making special reference to the delegates of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference and PEI's place in Confederation. The conference will be comprised of tours and workshops in Charlottetown and rural PEI, keynote speakers, and special events like the Heritage Canada Foundation's national awards ceremony.

'Holding our conference in the Birthplace of Confederation during this important anniversary year is quite fitting,' says Executive Director of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation, David Keenlyside. 'This will be a very rewarding conference that, among other things, will discuss the connection between heritage and economic renewal and environmental sustainability, and foster collaboration between heritage and non-heritage groups.'

In November 2014, the University of Prince Edward Island will host the conference portion of its Guardians of Confederation - Leaders of Tomorrow project. Organizers will select a diverse contingent of high school students from across Canada early in 2014 to participate in a unique opportunity to become the 'Guardians of Confederation.' Paired with UPEI student mentors, participants will gather online in the lead-up to the in-person conference in order to re-contextualize the world of 1864 and questions surrounding confederation. This project coincides with UPEI hosting the Conference on Teaching Canada's History in partnership with the Association for Canadian Studies (ACS).

'The University of Prince Edward Island had a vision to bring together high school students from across the country to explore where Canada is today and what we will look like in another 150 years. We are extremely pleased that PEI 2014 is investing in our idea to develop Guardians of Confederation in this group of young leaders,' said UPEI Coordinator of Canadian Studies Sharon Myers, chair of the Guardians of Confederation Organizing Committee. 'We are looking forward to the legacies that the lead-up work and the conference itself will create throughout Canada and UPEI is excited to host these Guardians in the birthplace of Confederation.'

In 2014, Canadians will mark the 150th anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the historic 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to Confederation. PEI 2014 Inc. is facilitating the planning, promotion and implementation of the Sesquicentennial celebrations. The PEI 2014 celebrations are made possible through generous support from the Government of Canada, Government of Prince Edward Island, and the City of Charlottetown. The year-long and province-wide PEI 2014 program of events will honour the past, celebrate the present and plan a bold tomorrow.

At the next Graduate Research on Tap, join two UPEI graduate students for discussions about education and the environment. The event begins at 7 pm, Tuesday, January 21 in the Wave in the W. A. Murphy Student Centre at UPEI.

The first discussion will be led by Laura Phalen, an MSc student in Biology. The title of her discussion is "Do the oil sands make fish sick?"
Gabriela Arias de Sanchez, a PhD student in Education, will lead the second discussion, entitled "Cracking the math code: how we talk numbers with young children."

Sound interesting? Join us!

Graduate Research on Tap is a series of public discussions with UPEI graduate student researchers. Presented by the UPEI Student Union, the UPEI Graduate Student Association, and the Vice-President Research and Graduate Studies.

For information:
Dave Atkinson, Research Communications, UPEI
(902)620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca

Laura Simms, award-winning performer, writer, and educator, advocating storytelling as compassionate action for personal and community transformation, will highlight the 2014 International Development Week at UPEI. This year's theme is 'International Storytelling.'

Simms received the Brimstone Award for Engaged Storytelling, the CHOICE award for best story collection, and Sesame Street's SUNNY DAYS award for her work with children worldwide. She is the mother of Ishmael Beah, former child solider from Sierra Leone, and author of 'A Long Way Gone,' an international best seller.

Simms' lecture entitled 'Healing through Story,' will take place, on Thursday, February 6 at 4:30 pm in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium (Room 242), Don and Marion McDougall Hall, with a reception and book signing to follow in Schurman Market Square. Tickets can be purchased for $20.

To purchase tickets and to view a full schedule of events for UPEI's International Development Week, visit upei.ca/idw

The Public Health Agency of Canada advises how to protect yourself and others from the flu:

· Get your annual flu shot
· Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water
· Keep your hands away from your face
· Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand
· If you get sick, stay home until your symptoms are gone
· Keep common surface areas clean and disinfected

The UPEI Student Health Centre has now completed distributing its supply of the flu shot, but for a list of available PEI Flu Shot Clinics, visit: www.healthpei.ca/fluclinics

For more information, visit www.fightflu.ca.

UPEI Athletics and Recreation announced the UPEI Panther Athletes of the Week for the week of January 13-19. UPEI Athletics and Recreation showcase these talented athletes to recognize their hard work and dedication to their respective sports throughout the season. UPEI Athletes of the Week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who: Darcy Zinck, Women's Basketball; and Wayne Savage, Men's Hockey

What: UPEI Panther Athletes of the Week

When: Week of January 13-19

Why: Darcy Zinck, a third-year arts student and women's basketball player from Halifax, Nova Scotia, led the Panthers offensively while providing excellent defense and leadership. The 5'8' point guard scored 15 points, including shooting five for seven from beyond the 3-point arc, collected three rebounds, and had four assists in the Panthers 62-60 loss to Acadia on Friday. On Saturday, the team rebounded for a 58-50 win over Acadia, with Zinck producing 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

Wayne Savage, a fourth-year arts student and men's hockey player from St. Thomas, Ontario, provided outstanding goaltending on the weekend backstopping the Panthers to two important road wins. On Friday, the Panthers won 3-0 over StFX, with Savage recording the shutout in a 34-save performance, and was selected first star of the game. On Saturday, the Panthers defeated Saint Mary's 3-2, with Savage stopping 38 of 40 shots, and assisting the game-winning goal by sending Chris Desousa on a breakaway.

Zinck and Savage will be recognized at this week's UPEI Athletes of the Week Celebration on Thursday, January 23 at 12:45 pm in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre's McMillan Hall. All are welcome.

Wayne Savage, Men's Hockey

For information:
Ron Annear
UPEI Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca

The annual UPEI music department performance competition finals concert will be held on Thursday, January 23 at UPEI's Dr. Steel Recital Hall at 7:30 pm.

The students chosen from the preliminary round include: Rebecca Apps, third-year voice major, performing music by Weinzweig, Floyd, and Somers; Jillian Clow, third-year voice major, performing music by Samuel Barber; Nadine Haddad, fourth-year voice major, performing cabaret songs by William Bolcom; Evan Hammell, third-year trombone major, performing a sonatina by Halsey Stevens; Melissa MacKenzie, second-year voice major, performing works by Adam Guettel and Leonard Bernstein; and, Lucas MacPhail, third-year saxophone major, performing Wings by Joan Tower.

Apps, originally from St. Catharines, Ontario, is a vocal performance major under the direction of Sung Ha Shin-Bouey. She is a graduate of the music theatre-performance program at St. Lawrence College in Brockville, Ontario. She is a member of the UPEI Concert Choir, as well as the UPEI Chamber Ensemble. She was a featured soloist in the UPEI Concert Choir's rendition of Bach's Christmas Oratorio this past year. In 2013, Apps represented PEI in the CFMTA Voice Competition in Halifax, has been a participant of the Kiwanis Music Festival for several years, and was a finalist in the UPEI Performance Competition in 2013.

Clow is a mezzo-soprano and was a cast member in the Confederation Centre of the Arts Young Company production of Les Feux Follets in 2012. She has also performed with the UPEI Concert Choir as a featured soloist in works such as Vivaldi's Gloria and Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Under the direction of Sung Ha Shin Bouey, Jillian hopes to be accepted into the University of Toronto following her graduation in 2015 to earn a master of music in opera.

Haddad is in her final year and is very fortunate to have studied the past four years under the direction of Sung Ha Shin-Bouey. She has also participated in the Kiwanis Music Festival and placed third at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) in 2012 at the University of Moncton. In 2013, she was also a finalist in the Music Performance Competition. This year, Haddad is excited to be performing some of her favorite cabaret songs.

Hammell is a bass trombone major under the direction of Dr. Gregory Irvine, with previous instruction from Bob Nicholson and Steve Giddings. A native of Charlottetown, Hammell is currently the bass trombonist for the UPEI Wind Symphony, the UPEI Jazz Ensemble, the UPEI Brass Quintet, and the Prince Edward Island Regiment Band, and is also a member of the UPEI Percussion Ensemble and UPEI Concert Choir. After graduating from UPEI, he intends to pursue graduate studies in composing and arranging.

Second-year voice major MacKenzie is currently studying vocal performance under the direction of Sung Ha Shin-Bouey, piano with Dr. Frances Gray, and is pursuing a theatre studies minor at UPEI. Recent theatre work includes Good Golly Miss Molly (Molly/Alex, Feast Dinner Theatres, Summer 2013) and Beauty and the Beast (Belle, Fandango Musical Players, Christmas 2012). Melissa was the recipient of the 2013 Junior Rose Bowl from the Queens County Music Festival, as well as the Indian River Performance Award (2013) and various provincial music festival titles in voice, musical theatre, and piano throughout the years.

MacPhail, a native of Warren Grove, PEI, is studying saxophone performance with Kevin MacLean. He is currently the principal alto saxophonist for the UPEI Wind Symphony and a member of the UPEI Jazz Ensemble. This past summer he competed at the FCMF National Competition at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

Judges for this year's competition are well-known PEI educators and musicians: Leo Marchildon, Jennifer Gillis, Kirk White, Alexandra Gallant, and Doug Millington.

Tickets are $15 adults, $10 for students and seniors, and are available at the door, or in advance by calling 566-0507 or by emailing music@upei.ca

UPEI student group, the Mindfulness Club, will host an introductory session on transcendental meditation on Friday, January 24 at 7:30 pm in Main Building's Faculty Lounge. The session will be led by Peter Cameron, certified transcendental meditation instructor with over 40 years of teaching experience in Atlantic Canada. Cameron will present some of the research that verifies the many subjective benefits of practicing this meditation technique, including improved quality of life and grade point average through stress reduction.

The Mindfulness Club was created to provide a space for those interested in calming their minds and reducing stress and anxiety levels. The demands of modern life have accelerated our lifestyles and this burdens our minds and bodies to the point of exhaustion. The group's weekly gatherings are an opportunity to share positive and effective coping techniques, and offers members a space to participate in practices that foster a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

All are welcome to attend.

For more information on the event, or the Mindfulness Club, please contact Derrick Biso at dbiso@upei.ca