Topeka author to speak at KU

A Topeka author will speak today as part of an annual series sponsored by the University Honors program at Kansas University.

Thomas Averill, a writer-in-residence and English professor at Washburn University, will give two lectures today at Nunemaker Hall.

His first talk, at 12:30 p.m., will focus on his career development since he graduated from KU in 1971 and 1974. His second talk, at 4:30 p.m., is titled “Why Kansas, of All Places?” and will focus on his writing.

Averill has written seven books and has received several awards, including the Governor’s Arts Award in Creative Writing in 1993.

The lectures are free and open to the public. Averill’s appearance is part of an annual series that brings University Honors alumni back to the KU campus.

Watkins museum sets ‘Sweet Exchange’

Officials at the Watkins Community Museum of History hope to deck the museum’s halls with piles of treats as part of a community “Sweet Exchange” this month.

The free event is set for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the museum, 1047 Mass.

Organizers invite people to bring their favorite candies, cakes or other sweet treats to share with others in what is being described as an “old-time holiday celebration.” Participants will be invited to sing carols, swap recipes and share holiday memories.

The museum will have its “Holiday Presents of 150 Years” display available for viewing, and Miss Lizzie’s Gifts, the museum gift shop, also will be open for business.

For more information, call the museum at 841-4109.

Longtime administrator at Free State to retire

An assistant principal at Free State High School is retiring, officials said Friday.

Charles Parks, an administrator in the Lawrence district since 1971, said he would step down at the end of the 2003-2004 academic year.

“It’s been fun,” he said. “It’s been rewarding for me to work with some of the best kids in Kansas.”

Parks worked at Lawrence High School from 1971 to 1997, moving to Free State High School when it opened.

“We were fortunate to have him join our staff when the school opened,” said Joe Snyder, Free State’s principal.

Snyder said Parks helped with the transition to a second high school because he knew so many of the former LHS students.

Parks was a physical education teacher in Wichita for six years before coming to Lawrence.

The district will begin a search for his replacement. Free State has an enrollment of 1,200 students.