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(03/23/16 8:50pm)
On March 26, 1970, Campus writer Micheline Fedyck reported on the first ‘significant’ protest in Middlebury College’s history. During this week some 46 years ago, students gathered outside of Proctor and marched into town protesting the U.S. draft lottery for the Vietnam War that called on men born between 1944 and 1950.
As anti-draft demonstrations were held throughout the nation, some 250 Middlebury College students congregated on a sunlit Proctor terrace to organize the first significant protest in Middlebury’s history involving student entrance into the downtown area.
[Senior student Gary] Rowland stated: “I cannot cooperate in any form with the draft, or allow the draft to drive me away from the country I was born in and a country I wish to serve.”
With posters uplifted and leaflets in hand, the restless draft protesters headed down the hill toward the Municipal Building, home of the one-room local draft office.
Protesters peacefully proceeded toward the destination, offering leaflets to curious onlookers along the way. Chants of ‘Hell no! We won’t go!’ and ‘One-two-three-four, stop the draft and end the war!’ heralded their arrival in advance.
Enthusiasm carried some of the participants up onto the base of the town war memorial. From there a decision to ‘liberate Middlebury Union High School’ was proclaimed. The crowd responded with a cheer of approval and the march proceeded down the center of Route 7.
A small delegation of students had visited the high school earlier in the week, and had talked with Assistant Principal Bert Laris. He had informed them that the distribution of leaflets and the posting of unapproved announcements were not allowed at the school.
Milling around the building and in the inner courtyard chanting ‘Join us, join us,’ students soon discovered an open door. They walked through the corridors of the public school singing ‘All we are saying is give peace a chance.’
Responses to this entry varied. Some teachers invited protesters to enter classrooms in order to explain and discuss their actions. Others hastily locked doors and drew shades.
Tired, but still smiling and buoyed by the enthusiasm of the crowd, protesters embarked upon the last stretch back to campus.
(03/09/16 10:58pm)
By Grace Levin
This week’s Good Ol’ Campus column reaches back into the college archives to March 1888 with the school publication The Undergraduate. The publication, founded in 1875, consisted of town bulletins, personal announcements, literature and poetry and op-eds.
The paper begins with an introduction to Middlebury:
The College is finely located in the midst of a beautiful park in the village of Middlebury, Vermont. The locality is healthful, and the College offers the advantage of thorough instruction at a moderate cost.
The Undergraduate’s news bulletin shares stories from nearby colleges, such as the fearful baseball game that erupted at Chattanooga. Town events include the spread of measles and a winter blockade, while Sporting and Plunder announce the possible invention of a baseball pitching machine.
College Notes
At Cornell University they teach the Persian Language.
The Trustees of Amherst have recommended that the number of students be limited to three hundred.
A student of Chattanooga University, Tennessee, was killed by the umpire of a bass-ball game, recently, for disputing his decision.
Rev. Byron Sunderland ’38 has President Cleveland as a regular member of his audience.
Town and Campus
There have been several deaths in town from measles.
Several students were detained out of town by the snow blockade.
Junior exhibition occurs March 20, followed by the usual hop.
A pleasant drive whist [a popular card trick game in the 19th century] party was given by Mrs. Farnsworth recently.
Sporting and Plunder
A prominent sporting man has invented a machine which he intends to use as a base ball pitcher.
Several enthusiastic yachtsmen are about to petition the faculty for a course in navigation.
At Lafaette the memorial services on Washington’s birthday were graced with a grand rush between the Freshman and Sophomores. After a struggle lasting nearly an hour, the Freshmen, covered with the mud of victory, retired with patriotic (?) shouts of ‘first in war’ etc.
Editorial
One of our esteemed exchanges — The Dartmouth — to whose opinions we would pay most humble deference, criticizes our policy of admitting to the literary department of our paper what it is pleased to characterize as ‘A fiery political tirade’….
We would not be understood as approving of political mud-slinging, much less of arguments ad hominem, but we are far from being convinced that a lively — yes, ‘fiery’ — debate on these questions can result in injury to any one, or that it is in any sense out of place in the literary columns of a college paper.
In an impassioned letter to the editor, one student questions student motivation on campus regarding studies in the spirit of the liberal arts.
To the Editor of The Undergraduate:
I cannot help looking forward to the day when the low ambition that studies for ‘marks’ only shall have passed away; when culture, not ‘honors’ when refinement not ‘high standing’ when broad humanity, not prizes, when, in short the desire for a liberal education, not the greed for the petty precedence of the class-room, shall inspire every true student with a thirst for the waters of the true Helicon, whose sources lie in our libraries…Let us then, lay aside all baser motives, and lead our lives consecrate to the holy priesthood of the serene, eternal Goddess of Wisdom. Libramator.
(01/21/16 1:14am)
As campaign season rolls around, this column decided to look back at the talk on campus during the famous 1960 election between Kennedy and Nixon. Such issues of concern were Kennedy’s Catholicism, his plans for a welfare state and the newfound presidential television debate.
The March 31, 1960 article reported on polling results showing the faculty’s strong support for Kennedy but a divide between student independents.
“Kennedy Beats Nixon Among Independents As Faculty Strongly Opposes Republican”
By Edward S. Rothchild
Overall results of the presidential preference poll conducted last month by the Middlebury Political Council showed that … the first choice of 99 Democrats is Senator John Kennedy, while the 330 Republicans pick Vice President Richard Nixon. Kennedy beats Nixon as the favorite … among independents. This last figure is largely due to the violently anti-Nixon sentiments expressed by the faculty and administration personnel who replied. Limiting the results to students, Nixon beats Kennedy by a very slim margin among Independents.
On April 28, 1960, a columnist addressed the impact of Kennedy’s religion on his ability to be an effective president.
By Guest Columnist, assistant to the chaplain, F. Dale Branum
A storm of controversy has recently arisen as to whether a Roman Catholic (John F. Kennedy) can or should be elected president. In spite of the fact that all candidates have stated that religious affiliation should not be considered at all by the voter, it is a question that should be given careful thought by every citizen. It cannot be simply ignored ... I see no reason why Kennedy’s Catholicism should be counted for or against him. Indeed, if elected, it is likely that Kennedy will be more resistant to Catholic pressure than a non-Catholic.
But now we come to the question: Can a Catholic be elected? There is no intrinsic reason why he could not, but the prospect is doubtful … His religious affiliation should not affect the votes – but it will.
The November 3, 1960 issue reported on a mock presidential debate on campus, the national television debate and plans for the actual election night.
“Nixon Victorious in Mock Election”
A mock presidential election, conducted by the Middlebury Political Council last Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. showed Nixon to be victorious by a 216-118 margin.
Donald Rubin ’61, president of the Young Republicans commented on the outcome of the poll: “This victory indicates the independent thinking and optimistic outlook of college youth who will not tolerate the welfarism inherent in Kennedy’s program.”
“Nixon-Kennedy Debates Leave Three Questions Unanswered”
By Gordon Henderson
The future of a TV debate must remain very much in doubt. Much will depend on who is elected next Tuesday, on what effect the ‘political analyists’ decide the debates had on the election’s outcome and finally on how much public demand there is for this type of thing in 1964.
Also, Nixon’s performance on the fourth debate undoubtedly solidified hatred of the Vice President always latent in the hearts of many Democrats. The Vice President’s statements may have been welcomed by Republicans, but may they not have done him great harm in the end by driving Democrats into the Kennedy-Democrats’ arms?
“Election Night”
Proctor Hall’s lounge will remain open until 2 a.m. Tuesday night, according to Lyn Hinman, social director. Coffee and donuts will be served from 11 a.m. until 2 for late election – return watchers.
(04/22/15 4:56pm)
The Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT), the nonprofit organization dedicated to the maintenance of open land around Middlebury, initiated a conversation with the College about the continual preservation of the Sabourin Farm property. The 108 acres of land currently owned by the College contains a half-mile portion of the Trail Around Middlebury (TAM).
The Sabourin property is located along Route 7 near the southern end of the Battell Woods. MALT and Middlebury’s Parks and Recreation Department have discussed the potential purchase of the land to ensure the TAM’s longevity. MALT officials fear for the future of the public trail if the College should someday choose to put the property on the market and a private party decides to develop.
“MALT has had an interest in this property because of the Trail Around Middlebury. We believe that keeping that corridor open and undeveloped would be good for the town,” Carl Robinson, MALT’s executive director, told the Addison County Independent.
The Parks and Recreations Committee have also proposed the creation of new functional town spaces on the Sabourin land.
“The Parks & Recreation Committee is excited and anxious to realize new recreational opportunities while conserving an important piece of Middlebury’s open space in addition to more entrances and experiences of the Battell Woods,” Middlebury Parks and Recreation Director, Terri Arnold, and President of the Parks and Recreation Committee, Greg Boglioli, wrote to the Middlebury Select Board.
A popular proposal is the creation of a local dog park.
“This would allow an opportunity for all dogs to be off-leash, to run and play with no threat from cars,” town member Jane Steele told the Addison County Independent.
David Donahue, Special Assistant to President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz, wrote an email response to the Addison Independent about the Sabourin property.
“At this point, [Middlebury College] has had no formal proposal. We have had various groups approach us about this piece of land during the past year with a variety of ideas of what might be possible. When I was approached, I suggested they consult with the town planner as part of any process to develop a proposal. We are not looking to sell the land but we would consider serious proposals,” Donahue wrote.
The Sabourin acreage is not the first parcel of College-owned land MALT has shown interest in acquiring. In fact, on September 13, MALT purchased 103 acres in Weybridge from the College to protect the habitat of birds, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and other animals.
As a nonprofit, MALT relies heavily on donations and volunteers. Its main work is in the upkeep of the TAM.
“We have no paid maintenance staff, and our volunteers come from a broad spectrum. Many of them are Middlebury College students,” Katie Reylley, MALT office manager, told the Middlebury Campus in a previous interview.
The 16-mile TAM loop, which runs through the towns of Middlebury, Weybridge, Cornwall, and New Haven, provides a popular running route for students and town residents alike.
“I really enjoy running or walking on the TAM, because it’s an easy way to escape and get out in nature for a couple of hours. The TAM is an excellent resource for community members and college students, because it’s so convenient,” Emily Robinson ’18.5 said.
Born and raised in Weybridge, Robinson grew up running the TAM with her family. She supports the creation of new recreational opportunities for the town.
“I think it would be a really great incubator space for people with common interests to come together and conserve something that is very important to the community and town of Middlebury,” Robinson said.
(04/08/15 11:50pm)
Spring thaw marks the start of maple syrup season in Vermont. Across the state, trees will be tapped, sap will be boiled, and pancakes will be doused in fresh syrup to mark the beginning of spring.
Vermont is known as the maple capital of America with 1500 sugarhouses producing 40 percent of the nation’s maple syrup, according to the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association.
“Vermont is able to produce a high quantity of syrup due to the high concentration of sugar maples in the area,” farmer Ben Freund from Open View Farm said.
Located in New Haven, Open View Farm produces maple syrup on a 180-acre plot with 1400 maple trees.
“I started out with one tree in my grandma’s backyard, and it grew from there,” Freund said.
Freund boils maple sap in a wood cabin located behind his barn.
“This is a pretty small operation. Some days you’re not able to see because it gets so steamy [from the boiling]. If it’s warmer out, it will be raining in here, because of all the condensation” Freund told the group.
After tapping the trees and collecting the sap, Freund uses a reverse osmosis system to remove water from the sap and increase the sugar concentration.
“The reverse osmosis happens in the shop. We have a little room in there that is heated so the sap can’t freeze. One day we hope to have everything in one building,” Freund said, pointing to the smaller structure.
Freund then boils the sap in an evaporator to remove more water. Metal pans sit atop an arch or firebox, and the wood fueled fire evaporates water from the bubbling sap to create sweet concentrated syrup.
“The concentrate will be running at 10 percent sugar content [when put into the evaporator]. Some big commercial producers will concentrate up to 18 percent to 22 percent, which is great on fuel because the concentrate spends less time on the arch, but you lose flavor,” Freund said.
The evaporator finally reaches a temperature around 220 °F creating a syrup with about 66 percent sugar content and a very steamy room. “The significance of the temperature is the density of the syrup,” Freund explained.
The outside temperature also plays a role in the maple sugaring process. The optimal temperature is between 20° F to 40°F, making March and April the best time of year for sugarhouses. During this time of year, the nights are cool and the days are warm, making the optimal conditions for sap to run from the trees.
“The cold weather creates pressure, but the thaw allows the sap to run,” Freund said, talking about the ideal temperature conditions.
To celebrate the season, the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association sponsored the statewide Maple Open House Weekend from March 28 to 29. Sugarhouses across Vermont opened to the public for tours and syrup tastings.
“Sugar makers register and get their sugar houses posted. People can come, see what’s going on, and have some syrup,” Freund said of this annual weekend event.
A successful syrup season is no guarantee, as sugar makers must face the challenges of changing weather year to year. Due to the cold front that has dominated Vermont’s winter and early spring, many sugar makers have gotten a late start.
Fred Boyden from Boyden Farm in Cambridge Vermont told the Burlington Free Press, “This year has definitely been a little different; we’ve only sugared a couple times since the beginning of the season.”
Despite the difficulties and variability of the trade, maple syrup remains a staple of Vermont culture and continues to be a growing industry.
“We are seeing people tapping a sugarbush who have never sugared before,” Matt Gordon, executive director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association said in a press release. Many people who may not rely on maple sugaring for their income choose to tap a sugarbush (a group of sugar maple trees) for their own use.
When Freund had fully boiled and filtered the sap, warm maple syrup was ready for the tasting and a sugary sweet steam billowed out of the cabin into April’s fresh spring air.
(03/12/15 12:10am)
On February 9, a mobile app created by a collaboration of students at the College won third place in the (Em)Powering Grid Resilience Competition. The student-led initiative designed the app ReGrid to create a direct connection between utility companies and their customers as a way to diminish environmental consequences in microgrid development.
Last fall, Isaac Baker ’14.5 discovered the competition when researching for his J-term class on the microgrid. Baker brought the competition to the awareness of Sunday Night Group, and a team was formed composed of students from an array of disciplines and years.
“I’ve always been very interested in broad banner sustainability, but energy is something that is very tangible that affects all of us in our daily lives. That was attractive to me,” Lindsay Warne ’15 said. “It was a way to actually apply this knowledge and really grapple with the messiness of what energy sustainability looks like.”
The twelve members of the Middlebury team set to answer Spark Clean Energy’s prompt, which asked eighteen universities to use technology to build a more environmentally stable grid.
“The prompt itself was so vague. It was this awesome, slightly terrifying creative problem solving process. A lot of the time we had to say what are we actually doing, what is the real problem here, which is exciting but also challenging. We got really interested in this idea of resiliency and grid electrical strategies,” Warne said.
The team designed the app ReGrid, which creates an aggregate interface for microgrid customers to control their electricity usage. ReGrid enables customers to view their utility bill, report power outages, and participate in load reduction savings day under a demand response program. The app allows customers to save money and be more energy efficient, while benefiting the utility companies by stabilizing the microgrid through customer usage. Members of the team including Zach Berzolla ’18 spent three weeks developing the idea.
“We put [the app] together piece by piece. We built this massive flow chart of how we wanted to design the app, which took up the whole whiteboard,” Berzolla said.
“We pulled pieces from what we knew existed. For example, with outage reporting we thought it could be a little bit like Waze.”
Once the students developed the idea, they worked on Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to design the interface and submit ReGrid to the competition. For freshman students like Emma Ronai-Durning ’18, the competition was a great way to get involved in a team project.
“I’ve been sort of brought up as an environmentalist, but I hadn’t done anything active till I got [to the College]. [The competition] was a good way to participate in a hands-on project,” Ronai-Durning said. “It was fun to work with a group that was super motivated. There was a lot of energy. People wanted to get things done. It was cool to see a project from start to finish.”
After the team submitted their project, Spark Clean Energy interviewed the team including Berzolla about their design.
“They grilled us, asking what about costs, what about the backend, how is this going to get crunched in, how are the utilities going to see this, and what kind of infrastructure do we need. It was intense,” Berzolla said.
Baker and Forrest Carroll ’15 presented ReGrid at the 2015 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit in Washington, D.C to a panel of microgird industry representatives.
“Everyone wanted it to be fair, so deciding who was going to present was a little hard. No one wants to be exclusive. We wanted everyone to participate,” Ronai-Durning said.
The undergraduate Middlebury team won third place behind graduate teams from the University of Southern California and Cornell. Spark Clean Energy now owns the rights to the ReGrid app.
“The ideas is that [Spark Clean Energy] will incorporate the information into their business model, but in terms of this going further on campus, not so much,” Warne said. “It was sort of a tangential project into the broader micro grid.”
The ReGrid team won a cash prize, which in the future will be put towards other environmental projects on campus.
“In terms of how this fits into things at Middlebury, we see it as a broader move within the Environmental Studies program towards experiential learning opportunities and how that relates to liberal arts. This was a completely student-run initiative and was sort of the tip of the iceberg of what value student-led projects can bring to the university,” Warne said.
Nan Jenks-Jay, Dean Of Environmental Affairs, agreed with Warne in a press release on Feb. 5: “Today we cannot begin to predict the environmental solutions a group of smart and motivated Middlebury students will design when left to their own devices, creativity, and collaboration – the ReGrid app is a perfect example!”