University of Oregon Campus Operations is presenting a "UO Furniture Purchasing Expo" on Monday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the EMU Fir Room. All faculty and staff are invited to attend, and refreshments will be provided.

An upcoming nine-week course promises to teach participants how to diminish stress and pain while improving physical and mental health. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. in 1979, is used in schools, hospitals and other institutional facilities worldwide. Kabat-Zinn’s eight-week MBSR curriculum has been completed by more than 19,000 people since its creation. As a pilot program, the course will be offered free of charge to approximately 35 individuals. It is geared for UO faculty and staff but is open to everyone.

The University of Oregon's food studies research group and various other disciplines on campus are presenting several food-related discussions this spring – from the cultural politics of dietary health to the visual components of food. The "Food in the Field Research Interest Group" events are being organized under the UO's Center for the Study of Women in Society.

From the mountainous Caucuses region of Georgia in Eastern Europe, a tradition of song in three-part harmony, dancing and winemaking – suppressed during the Soviet era – has re-emerged with vigor. The cultural revival is due in part to Georgia’s independence as a nation and to members of the Zedashe Ensemble, who will be at the UO this week for the World Music Series, giving vocal workshops and a public performance at 8 p.m. Friday, April 19, in UO’s Beall Hall.

The investiture of University of Oregon President Michael Gottfredson may still be nearly six weeks away, but some deadlines are fast approaching for those wishing to attend and/or participate in the May 30 event. RSVPs should be made by May 10 for those who plan on attending the 2 p.m. event at Matthew Knight Arena and a reception that will follow at the Ford Alumni Center. The entire community is invited.