ZUMBA

STARTING TODAY!

8:30-9:30pm

Aggie Village Community Center

$3/class or

Punch Card (10 times) $30 or

 Punch Card (20 times) $50

Regular Schedule:

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30-9:30pm

Saturdays 8:30-9:30am

Instructor: Lara Hunsaker

New "Community Classes" Page

THE NEW

COMMUNITY CLASSES PAGE

IS FILLED WITH INFORMATION

ON ALL THE EXCITING CLASSES THAT 

MASA IS OFFERING THIS FALL!

C H E C K   I T   O U T !

August 2011 MASA Gram

If you would like to receive the monthly stairwell calendar via email each month then please send an email to masa.aac@gmail.com

The Aggies Think, Care, Act
award goes to

Officer Kent Harris!

Thank you for helping with MASA’s area campout and for your dedicated service to our 

families that exceeds your job responsibilities.

In short, THANK YOU for making a difference in your community!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! 

Parking Updates

• Parking will be enforcing lots continuously this year. There will be no grace period during the first few weeks of school. Most permits expire August 15, so make sure you get a new permit as soon as possible! 
• All visitors must purchase a permit when parking on campus, Monday-Friday. The permits are $1 per day and can be purchased in the MASA office. The permits are valid for 24 hours (10am-10am). Visitors parking on campus over the weekends may get a free permit from the Parking office. 
• Visitors can park for free on Saturdays and Sundays, but they must have a permit.  Complimentary permits are available in the MASA office and the Parking office.
• West Townhouses: This is the first year that residents can buy two THW permits. Residents can buy a yellow permit for their second vehicle if they wish.
• AV permits in the Townhouses: Residents with AV permits CANNOT park in the Townhouse lots. If you are transferring from Aggie Village to the Townhouses, you must exchange your AV permit at the Parking Office within one week of moving. During that week, you will be provided a temporary permit to use in the Townhouse by the family leasing office.
• AV permit holders can continue to park at the west end of the Mobile Home Park through the month of August. Any cars without permits will be ticketed.
• Moving Trucks, Trailers, and Pods
• Moving trucks, such as U-Hauls, must have valid day permits for each day they occupy a parking space (including weekends). 
• Trailers cannot be parked in any lots. Any resident wishing to use a trailer for moving must bring the trailer on campus the day of the move and secure a sidewalk parking permit from the MASA Office. 
• Pods can be placed in one car space in the resident’s designated lot.
• Residents must purchase a loading permit from the Parking Office ($5 per 
• Residents must exchange their current parking permit for a yellow permit so they do not take up multiple spaces in non-yellow lots.  Resident will get their original permit back after the pods are removed.

FACILITIES UPDATES

Facilities will be spraying for sand wasps, weeds, and spiders August 15-18. They will start in Aggie Village, proceed to West Stadium Villa, and end in the Townhouses.

FIRE MARSHAL CORNER It is critical to have a Home Fire Escape Plan for you and your family.  During a house fire adults tend to panic and children get scared.  With a Home Fire Escape Plan your family will be prepared and know how to get to safety. Include the following when planning your own

 Home Fire Escape Plan:

• Draw a map of your home. Show all doors and windows.
• Visit each room. Find two ways out.
• All windows and doors should open easily. You should be able to use them to get outside.
• Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Push the test button to make sure each alarm is working.
• Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in front of your home.
• Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street.
• Talk about your plan with everyone in your home.
• Learn the emergency phone number for your fire department.
• Practice your home fire escape drill! (Plan twice a year, making the drill as realistic as possible).
• Put your home fire escape plan up on the wall so everyone can see it.
• Grown-Ups: Children don’t always awake when the smoke alarm sounds. Know what your child will do before a fire occurs.  

  For more information go to nfpa.org.

  
  

Did you know...

According to an NFPA survey, less than one-fourth of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.

Almost three-quarters of Americans do have an escape plan; however, less than half actually practiced it.

One-third of Americans households who made and estimate they thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out!

Country singer Trace Adkins lost his home June 6, 2011 to fire, but his three young daughters were saved by following fire safety tips they learned at school.  His three young daughters and their dog were inside the home with their nanny when the fire started.  “They ran to their safe place like we practiced, in the front yard at a big tree," Rhonda Adkins said. "And it worked. You know, fire safety is so important, and today we used it.  I tied the yellow ribbon around the tree to go to," she said. "It stayed there for about a month. Trace kept going, 'When you gonna take that ribbon down?' and I'm like, 'You know, I might need it one day.'" Adkins said she never really expected it to be needed. "But we did what those firefighters told us and we practiced it today," she said. "It saved my kids' lives.”  With her daughters, their nanny and the family dog safe, Adkins said it was easy for her to be calm and thankful despite the loss of her home. "Please, everybody, practice fire safety.”

Hello MASA!

I hope you all have had a great summer so far! Can you believe it is already August? All the MASA staff is feeling it! August is a super busy month for all of Residence Life staff. 

All RAs undergo extensive training throughout the month of August.  So, please be patient with your RA! During August the expectations for all RAs are a little bit different.  Except for the week of August 14-20, RAs will continue to provide availability hours.  These hours will be posted on your RA's door.  They will also continue to do area walk-throughs each week to address any concerns.  

RAs will be deferring all New Resident Orientations and programming until after August 29.  

If you have questions and you cannot reach your RA then please contact the MASA office at 797-3275 or usumasastaff@gmail.com.

The MASA office will be maintaining regular office hours throughout August:

Monday-Friday 10am-9pm

Saturday 12pm-9pm

Sunday 5pm-9pm

We also wanted to remind you that your 2010-2011 parking permit expires on August 15.  Please go to the parking office to purchase a new permit before this date to avoid ticketing as the Parking office will continue to enforce all parking lots.  

For all of our single students who live in Aggie Village 7-9, 28, and 30:

Cleaning inspections are taking place on August 15!! You MUST schedule a time for your cleaning inspection by visiting:

http://www2.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=august_15

  Inspection times are available on a first come first served basis.  So, sign up TODAY to reserve the time that works best for you!

You will all be receiving your MASA Gram by the end of the week.  Please review it for important information and updates.  

Have a great week!

MASA

LADIES' NIGHT - Canceled!

Ladies' Night Out 

CANCELED!

Sorry for the inconvenience.  

We found out that the time listed for the movie is wrong on the internet. The actual showing is 9:30pm which we think will deter attendance. We are cancelling this week’s ladies’ night and will regroup for August 4.  We will make it up to you all! Thanks!

UPCOMING EVENTS!

MASA POOL PARTY!

Thursday, July 14^th

Dinner 5:30-6:30pm

(MASA Field)

Swimming 7:30-9:30pm

(Logan Aquatic Center

451 South 500 West)

Be advised that Logan Aquatic Center will NOT allow anyone in before 7:30 p.m.

Children under three years old OR children who are not toilet trained MUST wear a swim diaper AND rubber pants!

The MASA Office will have some swim diapers and rubber pants available for purchase

MASA YARD SALE

Saturday, July 16^th

8:00am to noon

Aggie Village

Along 1200 East

Residents are responsible for their own items, pricing, and change!

Set-up before 7:30 a.m. is NOT permitted!

WATER WEDNESDAY!

Wednesday, July 20^th

2:30pm-5:00pm

Aggie Village Field

FUN Inflatable WATERSLIDE!

JULY MASA GRAM

Hey Kids!

We have new books in the MASA Office. You can check out up to five books a week for five days at a time. To celebrate these new books, the MASA Office is sponsoring a SUMMER READING PROGRAM! All children of any age are invited to participate. The program will start Monday, July 11 and will run five weeks until Monday, August 15. PRIZES will be given out each week!

If you want to participate, bring your parents to the MASA Office to sign up.  We will give you the program requirements and a reading chart so you can keep track of how much you read each day.  Your parents, or a trusted adult, will sign your chart each day so you can pick up your weekly prize! If you read every day for the five week program, we have a BONUS PRIZE for you! We can’t tell you what it is just yet…but you will definitely want to qualify for it!

If you have any questions, please contact the MASA office or ask your RA.  We look forward to seeing you!

Dear MASA Residents,

I hope you are enjoying the summer!  July is typically a slow month in MASA since many residents have travel plans. However, we know a lot of you are still around, and we have planned several events for the month so you can escape the heat of your apartments. Make sure you mark your calendars with our pool party, garage sale, and splashy Saturday!

I have designated specific office hours where I will keep my door open and residents are welcome to visit with their questions and concerns. My job requires a significant number of meetings across campus, and I cannot always be available when the MASA office is open. If my office hours do not match your schedule, you are always welcome to contact me for an appointment. I’m willing to come in mornings, evenings, and weekends!

My resident visiting hours are:

               

Mondays and Wednesdays: 2-5pm

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10am-1pm

Fridays: By appointment

On a final note, the MASA Area Government (AG) is hosting its opening social on July 7 at 6pm on the Aggie Village quad. Area Government is your voice on campus. If you want to see more programs, changes to our policies, or improvements in customer service, I strongly recommend that you join AG. AG members represent MASA’s needs and act as advocates for resident issues. They are also given a budget for planning area-wide activities. AG is a great way to meet other residents and gain leadership experience. If you hope to apply for the RA job, I give priority placement to AG members.

I do my best to respond to resident concerns and requests. However, we have almost six-hundred units and over a thousand residents in MASA. Sometimes it is difficult to determine which concerns affect a majority of residents, or which requests should be given priority in terms of money and staffing. I would like to see Area Government play a pivotal role in assessing and meeting resident needs. If I cannot immediately address your feedback, please know that I will be directing you to Area Government for help.

Thank you for living on campus!      

Shannon Jolley

797-3263

shannon.jolley@usu.edu

A Note from the Fire Marshal

For a reasonable amount of time around the fourth of July, residents are permitted to use fireworks at an approved location, and can only use fireworks that do not leave the ground, and do not report with a bang. The approved location is in the Romney Stadium parking lot to the west of the stadium. Please use an area that is 50 feet from any vehicles, combustibles, etc. There are no other permitted areas on the USU campus.

Please clean up afterwards!

A Message from IT:

We know that some residents are unhappy with the recent changes to our cable television line-up. Specifically, we lost most of our international channels with the transition to a different provider. We have signed a contract for three years (until 2014) but we chose a provider who is flexible. If you want to see a specific channel reinstated, please contact Kaitlyn Allen with Area Government at usu.rha@aggiemail.usu.edu. She will ask you to help assess how many residents want the same channel reinstated.

FACILITIES’ CORNER

We have had several power outages in the Townhouses. These outages are being caused by someone purposely turning off the breakers. We are working on solutions to better secure the breakers. If anyone is caught turning off the breakers, he or she will be charged for any damage caused.

Residents can reserve picnic tables, grills, and fire pits through their Resident Assistants. These items must be requested at least one week in advance so the Facilities office can make arrangements for delivery and pick-up. If residents use a grill or fire pit, an RA must be present at all times. Fire pits can only be used for charcoal briquettes since open flames are not allowed on campus. There is no charge for renting these items, but please keep them clean!

Our staff members often need to use their University trucks or carts to transport materials and complete work orders. We do our best to park large vehicles at the end of buildings while parking our carts (sometimes called “mules”) on the grass. Sometimes our on-call staff members need to park their vehicles in the parking lots. We try to use low-demand spaces whenever possible. If you have any concerns, please contact Courtney Balls at 797-3020.

The MASA Office now has a second dolly for residents to check out. We have named this dolly Bertha. She is happy to join Mr. Sass (the name of the other dolly; obviously, we have some time on our hands in the office).

The Aggies Think, Care, Act award goes to

Ali Salha!

Congratulations! Thank you for making a difference in your community!

JUNE MASA GRAM

Dear MASA Residents,

I want to thank everyone for doing their best to comply with our updated Housing policies. I am updating the MASA Handbook and will have it posted online by the time the July MASA Gram goes out. I appreciate your patience and support.

Our area is a great place to live but there is still room for improvement. I have had residents come to me with suggestions for increasing our community gardens, replacing our playground equipment, and improving our parking lots. I am actively pursuing solutions to all of these issues and appreciate any help or ideas you have to offer.

One issue the MASA staff continues to address is resident communication. There is a lot of information to be dispersed on a university campus. We know that residents dislike finding multiple fliers on their doors. At the same time, some residents do not feel comfortable sharing their emails.  My staff has come up with a few ways to meet you in the middle. First, we will be posting a monthly events calendar in your stairwells or on your mailboxes so you can see upcoming activities at a glance. Second, we hope to increase our use of the MASA Blog at http://usumasa.blogspot.com/. Third, some RAs are creating distribution lists for their area so items like the monthly MASA Gram can be sent electronically. If you prefer electronic communication, please contact your RA with your email address.

Thank you for living on campus!

Shannon Jolley

797-3263
shannon.jolley@usu.edu

FIRE MARSHAL’S CORNER

The USU Fire Marshal’s Office has been asked by MASA to address a concern with the use of aluminum foil on stove tops. 

The International Fire Code does not provide a code which specifically prohibits the use of aluminum foil on your stove tops.  Recently, however, we have had a fire due to the fact that the aluminum foil on the stove was allowed to accumulate a large amount of grease and oil.  This event is a concern and illustrates the fire hazard associated with the practice of using aluminum foil on stove tops.  

The USU Fire Marshal’s Office does not recommend the use of aluminum foil on your stove tops.   If you choose to use aluminum foil, we suggest that you change the aluminum foil often, in order to limit the amount of grease and oil build up and to help eliminate the risk of fire. Never put aluminum foil on the stove vents or burners which could cause other fire risks. 

One risk associated with grease fires is, when ignited, the fire can spread rapidly. If you have grease build up on your stove, counter, or walls around the stove, once ignited it has the potential to spread creating a larger fire. 

It is good practice to clean your stove and the areas surrounding the stove after cooking.  If you do have a grease fire, never try to extinguish the fire with water.  Placing water on the fire will cause the fire to react violently. The use of water could also potentially push the fire and aid in spreading the fire. 

In the case of a fire that is in a pot or pan, you can smother the fire by putting the lid on the pot.  If the fire is on your stove top, or too hot to put a lid on, you will want to use your fire extinguisher. In any case your fire extinguisher is your best choice in extinguishing the fire. 

When it comes to grease fires, prevention is always the safest practice. Have a fun and safe summer!

Ben Berezay

Update: Residents may use their large propane tanks for up to five hours as long as they are used at least 10 feet away from the building and NOT stored on porches or balconies (must be removed to off-campus storage)!

Update: Five pound propane tanks can be found at C-A-L Ranch Stores.

Announcements

    Toddler Time will be held on Fridays from 3-4pm in the Aggie Village Community Center.

    The MASA Office will be introducing a brand new library later in the month.

    Cloverbuds Preschool is looking for gently used toys. If you have some you would like to donate contact the MASA Office

    at 797-3275.

    Translators needed! Contact Shannon Jolley at 797-3263if you are fluent in any language and would like to assist the MASA

    Office.

    Solicitors have been seen around Aggie Village lately.  If you see any solicitors going door to door then please contact USU

    police immediately at 797-1939.

    Check out the new stairwell calendar. New calendars will be posted each month in your stairwell so you know exactly what i

    is going on throughout the month! This will help minimize the number of fliers posted on your door.  The only door fliers

    that you will receive are MASA Grams, letters approved by the Director, notifications from maintenance, and

    safety/cleaning inspection letters.

    MASA does not currently have a donation drop-off center.  Residents are responsible for taking any usable items to a

    donation center in town. Large, unusable items may be set next to (not in front of) the dumpsters on Saturdays, Sundays, or

    Monday mornings (before 8am) ONLY!

New MASA RAs! Welcome Jimmy and Ying Lu in Aggie Village 7-9 and Ian and Jocelyn James in Aggie Village 37-39.

Resident Questions



Resident Question: Bike racks in the Townhouses are not currently offered because it is difficult to find central locations that would not be on lawns.

Resident Question: RAs will NOT be checking under BBQ covers! Residents assume risk for any damage that may result from improper storage of propane tanks.

Resident Question: Short-term storage of cardboard boxes on porches/balconies while moving is permitted for up to 72 hours. We cannot allow longer than 72 hours as cardboard is a fire hazard.

Better Homes & Families Class

When: Tuesdays 5 – 6:30pm

Where: Extension Center Classroom (Aggie Village Community Center)

Come and learn about cooking, crafts, photography, Home décor and couponing for FREE!

Classes will be taught by Stephanie Hyde and Melinda Lyon

Everyone is welcome

The Aggies Think, Care, Act award goes to Jordan and Yvette Tait! Congratulations! Thank you for making a difference in your community!

LADIES' NIGHT OUT WILL BE HELD TONIGHT AT 8PM IN AGGIE VILLAGE APT 13A!

We will be making smoothies and having a recipe exchange so bring your favorite recipe!

CHOCOLATE WILL BE PROVIDED AS PROMISED!

No children please!

Summer Extension Class Update

Extension is offering THREE new summer classes:

TODDLER TIME

Fridays 3-4pm

EVENING BETTER HOMES & FAMILIES
Tuesdays 5-6pm
LADIES' NIGHT OUT

1ST & 3RD Thursday 8-9pm

Doodle Art Alley - Fine Arts Academy has been cancelled.  It will resume in the Fall!

SUMMER EXTENSION CLASSES

The USU Extension Center Classroom is located in the same building as the Aggie Village Laundromat, 1150 East 1125 North.  Enter through the Northwest door.  If you would like to share with others, we invite you to consider teaching a class.  Please contact Theresa if interested in teaching a class.  If you are interested in any of the following classes, please contact the individual teacher.  Call Theresa Christensen at 797-3277 for more information regarding classes.

ADULT CLASSES:

COOKING BETTER FOR LESS Are you tired of trying to think of what to cook for dinner?  Come and learn new recipes and money saving tips for your family. 

When: Tuesdays, 11:00-12:30 – starting on May 3^rd

Cost: Free; Playroom available for kids

Contact: Theresa Christensen at 797-3277

BETTER HOMES AND FAMILIES A class that will cover any topics requested.  Come learn about finances, canning, parenting, etc.

When: Thursdays, 11:15-12:45 – starting May 19^th

Cost: Free; Playroom available for kids

Contact: Theresa Christensen at 797-3277

SEWING Do you have a stash of unfinished sewing projects lying around your home? Come finish them.  Would you like to learn to sew?  Come and learn.  Beginning and Advanced sewers welcome.

When:  Wednesdays, 11:00-3:00 – starting May 18^th

Cost:  Participants provide own materials; Playroom available for kids

Contact: Theresa Christensen at 797-3277

EVENING COOKING, BETTER HOMES & FAMILIES CLASS This class will cover cooking ideas, crafts, photography, etc.  Come learn and share ideas with each other.

When:  Tuesday EVENINGS, 5-6:30 pm

Cost:  Free; Playroom available for kids

Contact:  Stephanie Hyde 435-890-3260

ZUMBA Party yourself into SHAPE.  The Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie-burning, dance fitness-party.  Feel the music and let loose.

When: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30 pm

             Thursdays, 5-6 pm

Cost:  $3/class or $25/month

Contact:  Adrienne Bangerter @ 435-215-3000

LADIES NIGHT OUT Come enjoy a kid-free environment where chocolate is a requirement! You’ll get a break from everyday life while developing new skills and friendships.

When: 1^st & 3^rd Thursdays of the month, 8:00-9:00pm – starting May 19^th

Cost: Any talents you would like to share!

Contact: Hillaree Childs at hillaree.childs@gmail.com

CHILDREN’S CLASSES:

PLAY For children 5-8.  A summer camp program for kids, to be actively involved in Learning and growing. Each week will be a new theme for your child to learn, grow and interact with other children their age.

When:  Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9-11 am Registration: Now-May 29^th; Camp begins May 30^th

Cost:  $30/month, register in MASA office

Contact: Stephanie Hyde at 435-890-3260

CLOVERBUDS PRESCHOOL For children ages 3½ -4½ .  We will explore and learn about many different topics, Parents are welcome to participate.  We are starting a waiting list for fall semester.

When:  Mondays, 1-3pm – starting May 16^th

Cost: $45 for the semester.

Contact: Theresa Christensen at 797-3277

DANCE (PRE-BALLET/CREATIVE DANCE) Dancers will be exploring creative movement, shapes, levels, locomotors and much more as they become familiar with expression through dance!

When: Wednesdays, 4-5pm – May 18^th – Aug 11^th (Ages 4-5)

          Thursdays, 10- 10:45am – May 19^th – Aug 12^th (Ages 3-4)

Cost: $33 per semester for Wed. class and $30 for Thur. class

Contact: Kiersten Lewis at 890-3282

DOODLE ART ALLEY – FINE ARTS ACADEMY Take your child’s creativity for a ride by exploring the magic of Fine Arts, sculpture, painting, photography and much more – will be introduced and experimented with in this fun filled class. For kids ages 3-6.

When:  Thursdays, 1:45 or 3:00pm – starting June 16^th

Cost:  $35 per semester

Contact: Samantha Snyder at 797-6526 samtsnyder@gmail.com