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(04/17/02 12:00am)
Author: Andrea Gissing Although this year's warmest recorded winter in the history of Vermont brought a relatively quick end to the winter sports season, it did allow maple sugar producers statewide to begin their harvests in mid-February. This early onset to the maple syrup season was two weeks ahead of schedule, and for some sugarers, the earliest start on record. According to Larry Myott, University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Maple Specialist, a normal sugaring year statewide will yield about 450,000 gallons of maple syrup. Last year's crop produced only 275,000 gallons. This was due to the heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that both inhibited sap flow and increased the difficulty of collecting the sap. George Cook, a maple specialist at UVM, said that the water needed in the sap making process could not penetrate the frozen ground and reach the roots of the trees. The snow also kept the trees cold, preventing the sap from running. Myott predicted that with the increasing number of people sugaring and the producers adding to their number of taps, Vermont should be able to make 500,000 gallons this year. Sugarers statewide agree that the syrup produced this year has been of high quality. Lots of golden-colored fancy and medium amber syrups were made early in the season, and with rising temperatures, producers in the final part of the season are now making darker syrups. The sugaring season for 2002 is drawing to a close as evening temperatures have been rising steadily. For the sap to run during the day, temperatures must drop below freezing and preferably be near 20 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours overnight. Buds starting to appear on trees are the signs that the season is coming to an end. Sap from budding trees produces bitter tasting syrup. The sap from those trees is also very pungent, making it difficult for sugarers to handle.The overall opinion about the season is a positive one. "We're just ecstatic about this year," said Steve Glabach, Dummerston maple producer. "I would say the southern end of the state has done very well ... just excellent, excellent syrup this year. We're tremendously happy." Sugarer Peter Purinton of Huntington agreed. "I think generally speaking most people are generally happy. They're happy to get a decent crop of syrup," Purinton said. The state of Vermont is the largest maple syrup producer in the United States. There are around 2,000 maple sugarers statewide. The syrup, which retails for $30 to $35 a gallon, represents $13 million of the state's revenue.Dakin Farms, in Ferrisburgh, is one of the many producers of maple syrup in the state. Its owner, Sam Cutting III, was honored for maple industry service on Jan. 29. Governor Howard Dean presented him with the Summer Hill Williams Award at the Vermont Farm Show. The leaders of the Vermont Maple Sugar Maker's Association and the Vermont Maple Industry Council gave him the award to recognize the achievements made in his lifetime and the contributions he has made to the maple syrup industry. Cutting has been working in the maple industry for more than 40 years. To celebrate the completion of the first harvest of the season, the 36th annual Vermont Maple Festival will begin in St. Albans on April 26. The festival, which will run through April 28, is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors. The largest maple syrup contest in the world is held at the festival and it will decide who produced the best maple syrup in Vermont this season.
(04/10/02 12:00am)
Author: Mandy Walker Planning a Day HikeRight now we are entering mud season, which means don't plan on hiking if you are scared of getting dirty. Wear rugged shoes. For a short day hike, low-top hiking boots or trail runners that you don't mind getting wet are the best choice. If it's been raining recently, wear water resistant or leather hiking boots so you are not afraid to walk THROUGH the mud. Gaiters, though fashionably questionable, might be a good idea to keep the mud and debris out of your shoes and socks. Make sure you bring at least one liter of water with you and drink at least one before you even start hiking. In a small backpack bring an extra windproof layer, a warm layer, shades and a couple snacks that make you happy like a granola bar with peanut butter or personalized trial mix compliments of the Proctor cereal bar. As the weather warms up, I'd also throw a towel in the car in case you spot a seductive water hole on your way back to campus. The Middlebury Mountain Club (MMC) is a great resource for all outdoor aficionados. From hiking guides to gaiters, from sleeping bags to stoves — if you need it, we got it. So come to the MMC gear hours in the attic of Adirondack House 7 to 8 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Also check out the MMC board in the mailroom or the Web site (www.middlebury.edu/~MMC) for overnight trips, canoeing adventures and guide seminars that go out every weekend this spring. Mud Season The fifth season in Vermont is mud season. Rain and melting snow at higher elevations keeps many of Vermont's hiking trails wet and muddy throughout the springtime. Hikers pummel the saturated soils, causing irreversible erosion and damage to the surrounding ecosystem. The Green Mountain Club (GMC), Green Mountain National Forest and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation ask that outdoor enthusiasts take precautions and exercise good judgment when choosing hiking routes between the sugaring season and Memorial Day Weekend. Due to the sensitive alpine vegetation on the summits of Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield, the state of Vermont closes these trails from mid-April to Memorial Day.Here are some guidelines for hiking during mud season compiled by the GMC.First, if the trail is so muddy that you need to walk on the vegetation beside it, turn back and find an alternate route. The GMC also advises hikers to remain in the lower elevation hardwood forest (unless muddy!) and avoid the conifer forests at higher elevations.Finally, they suggest hiking THROUGH the mud, not around it!Peregrine FalconsPeregrine falcons became extinct from Vermont and eastern North America in the 1960s, mainly due to the chemical DDT. Since then they have been reintroduced to the areas and are experiencing an astonishing come back. Still, there are many factors that threaten peregrine falcons. These include the encroachment of development, direct human disturbance, environmental contamination, predation and increasing variability in temperature, precipitation and weather events. When hiking in the spring and early summer, take note of the trails closed due to peregrine nesting and obey all instructions. These awesome raptors have been known to nest in areas surrounding both Snake Mountain and Rattlesnake Cliffs.A Side Note to SeniorsThe following hikes give one an amazing perspective of the landscape that has been your home for the past four years. All three of the preceding day hikes are musts before May 26. So get together a group of friends, pack a picnic and your camera and get out there one last time!LOCAL HIKESSnake Mountain, 3.6 miles round trip, mellow hike Snake Mountain is a great hike if you only have a couple free hours. It is a fairly short, mellow hike but offers a spectacular view of the Champlain Valley and the Adirondacks. The summit of Snake Mountain is a fantastic place to picnic, watch the sunset or star gaze. It's also an outstanding hike under a full moon!Directions: Take Route 125 West to Route 22A, drive north for 4.5 miles to Wilmarth Road. Turn right and continue to end and junction with Mountain Road. Turn left and parking area will appear shortly on left. The trail begins on the opposite side of the street near a small red shed across from a white farmhouse. Approximately 10 minute drive from campus. Rattlesnake Cliffs and Silver Lake, 4.8 miles round trip, mellow hikeThis is another superb hike for busy Middlebury students who can't manage being away from the GIS lab or thesis cubby for more than a few hours. Follow the Rattlesnake Cliffs Trail from the parking lot. From the summit, you can view the Green Mountains to the south and the Adirondacks to the west. On your way down try the Aunt Jenny Trail, which will lead you to the Falls of Lana. This is a great hike as the temperature begins to heat up — both the Falls of Lana and Lake Dunmore are super swimming sites. Directions: Drive south on Route 7 and turn left onto Route 53. Follow Route 53 to the parking lot on the left, 0.4 miles past Branbury State Park (Lake Dunmore). Approximately 15 minute drive from campus.Mount Abraham, 5.2 miles round trip, rugged hikeThis is personally my favorite hike in the entire Green Mountains. Not only does it offer an amazing 360-degree view from its peak at 4,006 feet, but it also offers a diverse and unique ecosystem. Following the Long Trail North from the parking lot, the hike begins in the familiar hardwood forest and slowly transitions into the spruce and fir tree forest, which then shifts into a fragile rocky alpine environment. The rare alpine vegetation on Mt. Abe's summit is extremely fragile so be careful to only walk on designated areas. On a clear day, the White Mountains of New Hampshire can be seen to the east, Mt. Mansfield and Camels Hump to the north, Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks to the west and the chain of the southern Green Mountains to the south. Apparently you can also see Bicentennial Hall in the Champlain Valley below.Directions: Drive north on Route 7 out of Middlebury. After 8 miles, turn right onto Route 17. Follow Route 17 all the way into the town of Bristol. Just after you pass the construction of the new bridge, turn right onto Lincoln Gap Road. Follow this road all the way to the top of Lincoln Gap. There is a parking lot at the top of the gap. Follow the Long Trail North to Mt. Abe. Approximately 35 minute drive from campus. Sources consulted: www.greenmountainclub.org, www.nwf.org/northernforest/peregrine.html Compiled by Mandy Walker '02.5
(03/20/02 12:00am)
Author: Nicha Rakpanichmanee West Point Confronts 'War' on 200th AnniversaryWest Point Military Academy marked its bicentennial on March 16, with a few graduates already dead in Afghanistan. Four of its senior faculty members have joined the planning staff at Afghanistan, and a new course on terrorism was introduced since Sept. 11. The cadets also practice one new drill: developing diplomatic skills by answering mock reporters' questions. Founded by Thomas Jefferson, West Point has undergone many reforms, most notably minority recruitment of the past several decades, the admittance of women in 1976 and the more recent liberalization of its curriculum to include courses like art history and Eastern philosophy. African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans make up 25 percent of the cadet corps while women compose 17 percent. Aside from the 30-course requirement for a Bachelor of Science degree, cadets can enroll in 12 electives.The war on terrorism since Sept. 11 has transformed many cadets' visions, as this year's graduates plan to disperse to strategic countries like South Korea and Afghanistan. Director of Admissions Col. Michael Jones cited an increase of prospective students. After his son, a West Point graduate of '96, piloted amongst Afghan mountains last week, Jones said, "I know how my parents felt when I was in Vietnam now."Many cadets noted, however, that unlike the Vietnam era, the American public views West Point with esteem.Source: The New York TimesCornell President Leaves Campus-Wide LegacyPresident Hunter Rawlings III of Cornell University announced last Friday that he would resign come June 30, 2003. A classicist, he expressed strong interest in teaching and writing after seven years at Cornell and seven previous years as University of Iowa's president.Under Rawlings, Cornell led a group of about 30 other prominent universities — like Yale, Stanford and Columbia — to establish a uniform financial aid assessment of family need. He instituted the University's need-blind admissions policy. Rowlings also led Cornell through a doubling of endowments to $2.9 billion and an increase in selectiveness from 34 to 27 percent.Rowlings also spearheaded the reform of Cornell's residential geography by distributing student housing more evenly beyond the cluster of Greek houses and off-campus apartments. The University's north campus, once occupied mostly by minority students, now houses the brand-new $65 million complex of first-year "living-learning communities." Cornell has also invested $200 million to increase on-campus housing for sophomores and juniors by building five new residential colleges, the first of which should begin next year.Rawlings has also devoted much energy and resources to Cornell's academic programs, linking the University's biological sciences to its medical school in New York City. Additionally, he convinced the University to create a branch of the medical college in Qatar.Rawlings has been credited for markedly increasing the diversity of the University's administration, though not as much in its student body or faculty. From one female vice president upon his arrival, there are now six women of eight vice presidents, three women of 10 deans and a lesbian as the College Provost.Source: The New York TimesBrown to Rid First-Years of Work StudyBrown University will give financial aid without work-study to first-year students, beginning with the class of 2006. Administrators said they hope to ease students' transitions into college life by relieving employment stress. Yet some students are skeptical of the "no work" policy, citing pocket-book expenses which are often maintained through work-study yet unaccounted for in financial aid evaluations. Showing firm commitment to the change, the administration has refuted that work will still be available. These on- and off-campus employment opportunities, however, are subjected to federal and state taxes.Some Brown student labor groups, instead, advocate raising the University's minimum wage up to par with those of other Ivy League schools. Harvard and Princeton University workers, for instance, make approximately $9 an hour. Brown workers start at $6.40.Forty-three percent of the University's students are currently under financial aid. Last year, Brown reformed its policy on student wages to increase them at a rate proportional to budget increases. With pressure from Princeton's recent all-grant financial aid policy and from other Ivy League schools, Brown administrators hope to increase competitiveness through the increased student wages and more grant dollars. Source: Brown Daily Herald
(03/06/02 12:00am)
Author: Claire Bourne The Class of 2002 arrived at Middlebury College four years ago in the midst of the dot-com boom. The prospect of finding a desirable job was favorable, and seniors had the upper hand in the recruiting process. Graduates with bachelor's degrees in engineering and computer science boasted up to 12 job offers, while liberal arts majors stepped right into positions at Internet companies and consulting and financial firms, The New York Times reported on Feb. 22. Furthermore, The Times continued, 22 year-olds fresh out of college were signing bonuses of $10,000 or more.Today, the Class of 2002 faces the tightest job market the nation has seen in a decade. The number of on-campus recruiters to visit the College's Career Services Office (CSO) this year has plummeted. In comparison to last year's class, 50 percent fewer job-hunting seniors will successfully obtain employment by the end of the academic year, Executive Director of Career Services Jaye Roseborough said. Moreover, The Times article estimated a 20 to 25 percent reduction in jobs available to students with bachelor's degrees.Seniors are not concerned anymore with securing a dream job. They are worried about not finding a job, period. Confronted with dwindling vacancies in many sectors traditionally open to Middlebury graduates, some members of the Class of 2002 have decided to avoid the job market altogether. That is, at least for the moment. The Prospect of Law SchoolCharles A. Dana Professor of Political Science Murray Dry said he had never seen so many Middlebury students interested in pursuing post-graduate law studies. "I have been advising more students about law school this year than ever before," he commented.In the fall, Dry conducted three preparatory courses for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), the first such classes ever offered by the College. Whereas Dry had advised "one or two" students about law school in previous years, the LSAT prep program attracted 25 seniors.He attributed the significant increase in interest to both the current economic downturn and the lack of job opportunities in higher education. "When the economy is weak, students stay in school," he explained. Lee Rowland '02, who participated in one of Dry's fall semester courses, said she would have applied to law school regardless of the state of the job market. She added, however, that she now considered the weak economy "another good reason to go."On the other hand, Kevin King '02 and Jonathan Shapira '02, both of whom planned to enter law school next fall, said that the sagging economy prompted them to put off graduate studies for a couple of years."I think the poor job market encouraged me to look into graduate school options but then discouraged me from applying to law school because it seems like so many other people are applying to law school this year," Shapira elucidated. Consequently, Shapira will attend the London School of Economics to earn a M.A. in History of International Relations.King had already submitted applications to more than six institutions when he "decided time off was the right thing" for him. He said that the destabilized economy initially influenced his decision to apply to law school. "Now, I'd say that the 'down' economy has made applying to law school a lot harder, given that many ex-dot-com employees who went directly from undergraduate [studies] to the workforce are now applying," he explained. According to the Law School Admission Council, applications to law school nationwide were up 25.2 percent over last year's figure as of Jan. 26.King will reapply for the 2003-2004 academic-year "when things look a little better in terms of the volume of applicants." Graduate School Versus Real World Experience"Our concern around law school is that a lot of people apply and go for the wrong reasons," Roseborough affirmed. "They go because they don't know what else to do, or because they believe the entire job market is closed to them." For students who do not intend to pursue a career in law or a related field, she continued, "graduate school is not the panacea that I think people are looking for."Associate Director of Recruiting and Senior Year Programs Donald Kjelleren explained, "Some students think they should sit out the bad economy by defaulting to graduate school. To think that you have to wait for the entire world to shift so that you can get one desirable offer is an extremely self-limiting assumption at best."What students "most need to do to obtain employment," Roseborough continued, is to conduct an effective job search. "Education is a wonderful thing," she said, "but past a certain point, what an employer wants to see is somebody who has done something. I'm not sure that any general graduate program would boost one's chances [of employment] later on." Once out of law school, a student will encounter the same competitive job market — their own classmates and graduates from the three years they had been in law school — he or she could be tackling now, she added. Dry, too, expressed concern about students applying to law school to ride out the weak economy. "I wouldn't recommend that students go to law school just because they can't get a job," he said. "If their reasons [for applying] are sound, most Middlebury students can get into an accredited school."Shapira explained that waiting two or three years before submitting law school applications would allow him time to gain "more perspective and experience."In addition to stressing the importance of learning how to effectively network with employers, both Roseborough and Kjelleren cited post-graduate internships as a viable option for those looking to break into the job market. The Times article also noted that such temporary positions were gaining in popularity.King, for instance, said that he planned to work on Gov. Bob Taft's (R-Ohio) re-election campaign over the summer and then "likely continue on with that administration" in the fall.
(02/20/02 12:00am)
Author: Alison Hertel Playing Scrabble, taking a walk, reading a book, playing the guitar — these do not sound like the activities of a volunteer, but for many Middlebury students they are. Those are just some of the things that students do when they volunteer at Project Independence, one of the many community organizations where students spend their time helping local residents and the elderly. Project Independence is an adult day center founded in 1981 that serves approximately 160 participants per year and approximately 40 people on a daily basis. The center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. As the name implies, Project Independence promotes independent living and personal freedom. Program Coordinator Eric Covey said, "No one lives here. The center serves people who have lost some degree of independence or who are at risk of losing more independence." According to Covey, the center tries to "provide a rich and varied environment" that is "the next best thing to being at home." The center serves meals and organizes activities for the participants. Over the course of a year approximately 30 or 40 Middlebury students volunteer at Project Independence, helping with a variety of services. Volunteers participate and lead games like cards, chess and cribbage. In addition they assist with social activities, including bingo, shuffleboard, music and comedy performances and taking walks. Volunteer Jeanette Lam '04 said, "A lot of Middlebury kids go there." Covey added, "We love having people of a different age. They give a different perspective and add diversity and enthusiasm." Project Independence welcomes new volunteers.Lam has been a volunteer at Project Independence since last spring when she found herself with some free time. Lam met with Jennifer Diggins, volunteer coordinator of the program, to look over a variety of volunteering options and determined that Project Independence was the right fit. Lam does not have a car and needed to volunteer somewhere within walking distance, and Project Independence is conveniently located in the white house next to the Middlebury Inn. She now volunteers once a week for two and a half hours. Lam plays games with the participants, including checkers and scrabble, listens to music, runs exercises and organizes shuffleboard and bingo. "Shuffleboard is huge," she said.Lam has been able to make personal relationships with many of the people involved with Project Independence. She mentioned Stella, who she watches knit, and Marshall, a former teacher and Project Independence volunteer who now has Parkinson's disease.Project Independence has been a part of service learning programs with some Middlebury classes. Assistant Professor of Biology David Parfitt, a neuroscientist, tries to incorporate service learning into his classes.Several years ago he taught a Winter Term class on Multiple Sclerosis (MS), teaming up with the local MS Society to do fundraisers and help with the MS Walk. Parfitt teaches several classes that deal with neurological disorders and believes that it is important for students to learn "how disorders impact people and families." He said, "There's more students can learn than just the underlying biology." In addition to Project Independence, his students have been involved with Evergreen House, a vocationally oriented club for people with mental illnesses, and people with MS in the community. Christine Gould '04, a coordinator of the Volunteer Services Organization (VSO), visited Evergreen House over Winter Term. "A couple students, psychology majors and VSO members visited with me, and we met all the members. The student body's involvement with Evergreen has dropped over the past year, and we are working to rekindle it with individual student volunteers and a monthly visit to cook lunch for the members," Gould said.In addition to offering volunteer opportunities, Project Independence is also a work-study site. Sarain Lay '02 began working at Project Independence during her sophomore year and currently works about five hours per week. She said, "I'd been working with the elderly for a long time on a one-on-one volunteer basis."Then she found out that Project Independence was being offered as a work-study position. She explained, "They provide great care and keep people out of the nursing homes." Lay told the story of a blind, elderly woman in her mid eighties who lived with her older sister and came to the center every day. Volunteers and staff members took half hour shifts sitting with her, keeping her out of the nursing home for as long as possible. Lay said, "They've given me a lot of responsibility because I've asked for it." In addition to her work with Project Independence, Lay volunteers at Women Helping Battered Women in Burlington on Wednesday mornings, helping with office work. For students interested in helping battered women, Addison County WomenSafe, Inc., located in Middlebury, is a nonprofit domestic violence and sexual assault program that needs volunteers.Said Gould, "It is easy to get involved — contact VSO or check out the VSO Web site. They are always looking for groups and individuals to volunteer."
(02/20/02 12:00am)
Author: Crystal Belle As I walked through the heavy brown doors of Brooklyn's Prospect Heights High School on Jan. 2, the first day of my Winter Term internship at the school, I immediately noticed the gray metal detectors placed there to ensure student safety.Although many people who have never attended a New York City public school see the metal detectors as prison-like, for many students it provides an added sense of security. I, for one, feel safer in a high school with metal detectors than one without them. After clearing the security check, I made my way up to the office of Dr. Deborah Isom, the administrator who I would be working with. My goal was to gain experience in a school that lacked resources and to understand the politics that led to such inequality within the system. Entering this environment, I did not feel like an outsider. I am the product of a public school education, and frankly, I am proud of it. Dr. Isom was a tall African-American woman, with caramel skin and almond-shaped eyes. Her aura simply grabbed me by the heart, and pulled me into her administrative zone. "Are you ready for Prospect Heights?" she said it in a caring yet challenging voice, as I looked at her with eager, anxious eyes, replying: "Of course!"We agreed that I would sit in on classes and help teach for the first half of the month, and then work one-on-one with Dr. Isom dealing with administrative issues. I was excited to be working with someone who not only held a degree from the Middlebury Language School, but also from Boston College and numerous international schools. She is also a college professor in Brooklyn. Even before my experience began, I admired this woman.I worked with several classes on a daily basis, observing the lessons and occasionally helping to teach. I also assisted Dr. Isom with administrative chores. Although I enjoyed working in the classroom very much, it was hard for me accept that many of the teachers were not actually teaching. Some stood in front of the classroom without any form of lesson plan, talking about their personal lives. It seemed as if teaching was a task for these teachers, something from which they could not escape. When I looked into some of the teachers' eyes, I didn't see a hint of interest or desire to teach. However, there were also teachers who helped their students in everyway possible, staying after school for tutoring sessions and listening to students' concerns. The devoted teachers were more than just instructors; they were mentors. This mixture of teachers made Prospect Heights High School like a maze. I felt trapped between a world of public school paradise and a world of public school hell.Working at Prospect Heights High School for one month opened my eyes to a side of public school I had never seen before. This was more a political game of equity and equality, instead of a learning institution where the students came first. Although some teachers cared, an overwhelming number of the teachers neglected to prepare their students for college. I eventually realized that many of these teachers' anger stems from a lack of pay and resources. Even though public education is free, that does not justify corrupted institutions where learning is secondary. From this internship experience I learned that I want to help to change the New York City educational system into a system of equity. As it stands now, the system more closely resembles an educational jail where the students are the prisoners.
(01/30/02 12:00am)
Author: Nicha Rakpanichmanee "We did not save the world," said Brittany Gill '02. Yet 15 Middlebury College students joined about 2,500 protesters from around the world in November 2001 on the streets of Ottawa, Canada. They marched, chanted and even danced for global causes like social justice and environmental responsibility. The target of their discontent included international economic institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Group of 20 (G20). This latter group is composed of the Group of 7 (G7) most industrialized nations, Russia and a geographically diverse selection of 12 other "systemically important countries," as stated by the G7 in 1999, such as Argentina, China and Saudi Arabia.From November 16 to 18, protesters joined the 2001 summit of economic policy makers from G20, the IMF's International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) and the World Bank's Development Committee (DC). Protesters and conference attendees were separated by the building's concrete walls as well as the more active wall of Ottawa police, German shepherds, tear gas guns and cold water blasts. "We didn't stop the meetings," continued Gill. "We didn't talk to any of the representatives. We didn't even get into the building." Many things did not happen at the Canadian capital last November. But last Monday in Bicentennial Hall 220, some students shared what they were able to accomplishWhat drove them to Ottawa?Allison Barker '04, president of The Progressives, asserted that such institutions as the World Bank and the IMF are "financially motivated" and "undemocratic." She cited the appointed — not elected — delegates, the "vague" meeting minutes which do not contain specific speeches and the absence of videotaping in conference rooms. "This lack of transparency does not make [the representatives] responsible to us," she said. Accompanying World Bank or IMF loans to needy nations are Structural Adjustment Plans (SAPs). "They basically tell governments how to run their countries," continued Barker. "[SAPs] take away the individuality of each country. They promote only economic growth, ignore environmental and social impacts [and] cause countries to cut social spending." "[Loans and development projects] provide minimal benefits to the host country," Barker added. "The social and environmental costs are high. And countries end up paying off only interest, not their debts."Barker organized Middlebury students to protest at Ottawa because "there were so many people who could not be there." She explained, "Most people who are [adversely] affected live in impoverished areas, mostly in third-world countries, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. These meetings take place in industrial countries, in the Northern Hemisphere, where people are not affected."If they did not save the world,what did protesters do?Between the motivational speeches and marches around Ottawa, "we created solidarity among the people that came, built networks and raised awareness," said Gill. In addition to Middlebury students, numerous other schools and activist organizations attended the streets outside the G20, IMFC and DC meetings. In comparison to the over 50,000 crowd at Quebec City earlier in 2001, the Ottawa protest was small. This was due to the last minute announcement after Sept. 11, moving the meeting's location from New York City to Ottawa. Organizers of the protest had three weeks to prepare.Still, the list included students from University of Vermont, Carleton College and University of Ottawa. A nonprofit group called Food Not Bombs fed the protesters. There was also a group providing free legal service. Barker noted a man from Bolivia, who went to protest the privatization of water in his village. "Suddenly, you go from a group of 15 Middlebury students to a group of a few thousand people," added Barker. "It just fuels your passion.""We built a trust with each other," said Gill. "We realized we were here for the same purpose, for social justice."Between police barricades, protesters marched with signs, wrote on sidewalks with chalk and sang slogans like "We're not violent, how about you?" and "Revolution will be coming."Few people acted violently at Ottawa. The police employed few of their weapons. In comparison to previous demonstrations in Seattle and Quebec City, the 50 confirmed arrests in November 2001 rated the Ottawa event rather peaceful. Among the 50 arrested, one was a Middlebury student, who wished to remain anonymous. The student was detained "under investigation" for almost 16 hours in the basement of a courtroom without means of communication. According to the student, the police asked "Where are you from?" The student answered Vermont, and the police said, "Oh, an American! You're coming with us." The student was released at 4:30 a.m. the next morning with no charges. "It was obviously an attempt to diminish the number of protesters," this student commented."[The student] was unjustly detained, arrested for being a 'potential troublemaker'," said Gill. "That strengthened my reason for having gone." Two months later, what did they achieve?"After being anti-this, anti-that, it was nice to gather positive ideas," said Barker. "We [protesters] bounced ideas off each other, and we agreed that we wanted a movement based on grassroots [support], local people in control of local resources. And our basic goals are decent wages, healthcare and respect for the environment."Barker acknowledged that these goals are "definitely idealistic." However, she noted that "they are value goals, not concrete goals. From that, we need to make more concrete steps. I don't think what we've been doing was for nothing.""Making the World Bank and IMF more transparent, this is an incredibly laudable goal," said Assistant Professor of Economics Jon Isham. He compared these non-violent protests to those of the Civil Rights movement and called them both "very heroic" and "steps in the right direction." However, from Isham's three-year experience working with the World Bank, he commented that the employees of such institutions are "as dedicated to saving lives and lessening poverty as the protesters." He joined the World Bank after being in the Peace Corps and obtaining a masters degree in social change and development.While backing the protesters' fight to push such institutions to achieve higher ideals, Isham noted that the World Bank has made significant improvement in making its institution more transparent. He made reference to the World Bank office and library, which are open to the public, and project documents, some of which are, for the first time, obtainable and free. "Whether it can go far enough is the question," he said.Reform...from without or within? About a month after attending the Ottawa protest, Matt Longo '04.5 wrote a letter to Congressman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) about the Fast Track Trade Authority Bill H.R. 3005. This bill sends presidential trade negotiations to Congress without the possibility of amendments. Consequently, room for negotiation is limited. Barker notes the difficulty of placing social and environmental provisions on such international trade agreements."This allows multinational corporations and organizations like the IMF and World Bank to exploit resources in developing countries," said Longo. "If trade laws don't make businesses accountable for their actions, ultimately the powerless will be harmed the most."Sanders replied to Longo's letter in an e-mail explaining his vote against the bill. The Fast Track Bill passed in the House, however, by a vote of 215-214."Both
protesters and politicians like Sanders are fighting for the same cause," continued Longo. "People probably take Sanders more seriously than protesters; this is my way of supporting the cause. I can't make any bills, but I can talk to people, let them know that things need to be changed."Just as the power to influence the Fast Track Bill lies within congressmen's hands, World Bank reforms can only arise from World Bank employee initiatives. "I think that change won't happen unless it's from within the system," said Gill. Isham noted two other institutions with the power to reform international economic institutions like the World Bank and the IMF: national governments and the press. "We assume that these governments, the receiver of loans, care," said Isham. "But it's true in the United States too. We have our own version of political corruption.""The press is also accountable," added Isham. "Why aren't we hearing more about the lack of education, lack of literacy around the world? It's true that people want to hear about Gary Condit. But 1.5 billion people live on two dollars a day or less. That to me seems to be news."Gill mentioned a newspaper article covering the Ottawa protest, which attributed the small crowd of protesters to "cold weather." She said, "It wasn't about cold weather. There was not enough time to plan for a protest, especially one of this magnitude." Nevertheless, Gill is optimistic about their influence last November as protesters. Perhaps that is why approximately 10 Middlebury students are driving to New York City this weekend to protest against the World Economic Forum. "[The delegates] could hear us through the building," said Gill. "They could see us in the newspapers, whether it's fair or biased coverage. They do have to be careful where they step."
(01/16/02 12:00am)
Author: Devin ZarkowskyStaff Writer Listening to our southern New England neighbors plan ski trips to Vermont usually involves words like "Okemo," "Killington," "Stratton" and sometimes "Mad River Glen." Infrequently, if ever, does such a list include the Middlebury Snow Bowl."We're a feeder area, not a destination," said Snow Bowl Area Manager Peter Mackey. Unlike certain megaresorts that dominate the landscape, the Snow Bowl demures, secreting exquisitely manicured slopes some 15 miles to Middlebury's east, past Bread Loaf on 760 acres willed in the early 20th Century by regional figurehead and outdoorsman Joseph Battell.Battell's extensive landholdings stemmed from an intense connection with turn-of-the-century Vermont's unadulterated wilderness. Local historians recount with some humor his unwillingness to allow automobiles to pass through the Middlebury mountain access route. As he controlled the road and the surrounding forest, only horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians received travelling permission. "Knowing his love of Vermont mountains and his fellow humans," said Dr. Stewart Ross during the 1955 Winter Carnival Poma lift dedication ceremony, "I am sure, if he could see the pleasure and happiness this and future generations are going to enjoy, he would be most pleased."Beginning 1916 as a new frontier for Middlebury College Outing Club members, skiing the mountains beyond East Middlebury proved far more engaging than fleeting runs down the College's Chapel Hill. The Outing Club, founded in 1916, fostered nascent interest in what was an imported activity known as "alpin skidåkning" in Swedish. A men's winter sports team appeared in winter 1932-1933, likely inspired by the 1932 Lake Placid Winter Olympics; individuals who had been competing in Winter Carnivals as early as 1921 were now formally supported. The College sponsored its own event, one year after establishing the team. Soon-to-be archrival Dartmouth roundly trounced Middlebury during the first Winter Carnival meet, 37 to 6.5. The 1935 carnival included women. Female competitors from Mount Holyoke and Jackson Colleges skiied down Chipman Hill during the festivities. Skiing gradually acquired adherents among female students and was acknowledged as a minor sport in 1936. The first women's team formed in 1939.Along with a 30-meter ski jump, the Chipman Hill development featured two trails, the Haedes Express and the Haedes Freight. The "Skiing in the East" pamphlet published in 1939 in efforts to catalog "the best trails and how to get there" rated both trails "intermediate"; their steepest grade was 22 degrees. Recognizing increased interest, the College decided to facilitate constructing a training ground for the ski team. Additional efforts completely refurbished Chipman Hill's aging jumping facilities; this structure is still on display, but reachable only by intrepid bushwhacking along Chipman Hill's eastern side. Hubbard recalled blazing trees for removal with Beach Blye in 1932 while following behind J. J. Fritz, the man he credited with broaching the Snow Bowl concept. "Fritz was a federal employee at White Mountain National Park in Gorham, NH," recounted Hubbard. "Middlebury encouraged him to come and manage the newly ceded Battell property. He was used to skiing Tuckerman's Ravine and suggested constructing the Snow Bowl." To do so required altering a clause in Battell's will. In line with Battell's love for Vermont's wilds, he donated his land contingent upon the promise that it remain undeveloped; this was to be a pristine place that hikers, hunters and other outdoors people might enjoy. Fritz was convinced that skiing preserved the will's spirit and successfully pursued permission to break the will's condition in local court. Preceded by only Stowe and Suicide Six, the Middlebury Snow Bowl is Vermont's third-oldest establishment specifically devoted to alpine sports.By 1939, sufficient trail clearing allowed the now annual Winter Carnival outdoor events to shift eleven miles southeast from Chipman Hill to the current Snow Bowl location near Bread Loaf. A log cabin built with trees removed from the mountain served lunches. Recuperating skiers might have peered out either cabin window to watch their fellows navigating three trails.Nowadays skiers tend not to concern themselves with what was a major detail in 1939: how to scale the mountain. Until 1940, ascents were by foot only. Tired skiers, probably those found primarily recuperating in the long cabin, clamored for a mechanical solution and found it in 1940 with the first rope tow's completion; no longer would effortless schussing be interrupted with arduous laden hikes. Mr. Hubbard remembers a trustee's son "…unfortunately paralyzed by a congenital illness. He offered to run the engine connected to the rope tow and would step on the gas when someone wanted to come up the hill. On crowded days he ran it nearly non-stop."Middlebury skiing rose to international prominence when women's team captain Becky Fraser became the first to compete in a Winter Olympiad, in 1948 at St. Moritz, Switzerland. Her success contributed to that of the team, as Middlebury won the National Championship held in Sun Valley, Idaho that same year. Numerous athletes in both the Alpine and Nordic disciplines followed Fraser's path to success on the United States National Ski Team.Support mustered during Dr. Samuel Stratton's term as Middlebury College President is largely responsible for early Snow Bowl expansions. The New York Times reporter Frank Elkins quoted a Stratton surrounded by board-footed students on Jan. 26, 1946 lauding the ski-conscious campus. "Middlebury is very much interested in skiing, and the authorities are doing more and more each year in improving the facilities….Middlebury is a historic college, a small college and an outdoor college, and we're taking fullest advantage of our natural facilities." Stratton, himself an avid skier, directed the Snow Bowl's most pronounced growth to date between 1946 and 1962. Akin to an extended property, the area sported a haphazard, sometimes unkempt exterior. Most noticeable was the C. V. Starr Shelter. The College began replacing the aging and inadequate cabin in 1956, but was unable to complete the new building until 1962 due to insufficient funds.During the mid-1940's, sometime after fitting a similar emplacement to a Lake Placid Olympic slope, Godfrey Dewey himself designed a fifty meter jump that appeared on the Snow Bowl's northern face. Alongside a 15-meter practice frame, this facility distinguished Middlebury's as the collegiate level's finest. An unfortunate accident involving a Lake Placid jumper, who sued Middlebury College and won, resulted in all colleges and universities eliminating the event from official competitions. Skyrocketing liability insurance costs forced their dismantling in 1980.An anonymous gift totaling $26,690 enabled the college to finally enclose the exposed fireplace with a structure that still serves as the Snow Bowl ticketing center, administrative offices and base lodge. Amenities listed in a 1956 press release comprise "heated toilets with running water and even electric hand driers and warmers for the comfort of the skiers using the area." Lift and tow rates were $3.50 for an all day pass, $2.50 for a half-day or thirty-five cents per ride.The Snow Bowl solidified a relationship with local residents by sponsoring Addison County youth teams beginning in 1957. An existing organization, the Middlebury College Snow Bowl Club, administered Christmas vacation time trials in efforts to organize groups to compete in the newly-formed Mid-Vermont Junior Skiing Council, a body seeking to formalize high school youth races held at the Snow Bowl since 1951. Middlebury College alumus Joseph Jones, a Rutland resident and former U.S. Ski Team member, proved instrumental in creating the Council. Freque
nt 5 a.m. on-mountain training sessions instilled an overriding sense of community echoed by current and former team parents, especially when concerning welcomed carpooling opportunities."Poma" now evokes instant skier recognition, being the dominant lift manufacturer in the world. A fledgling company in 1954, few Poma products existed in North America. Middlebury College became the first United States Poma customer, uprooting the Worth Mountain rope tow to install a lift. Two others followed in 1963 and 1965, the Battell and Ski School Poma lifts, respectively.Though supported largely by the College through its first years, the Middlebury Snow Bowl is now self-sufficient. Mackey notes that season ticket sales provide the economic base with single pass sales completing the budget's balance. The College did underwrite capital projects, like installing the chairlifts in 1969, 1985 and 1988 that currently service the area. President Armstrong authorized an interest-free $225,000 loan for the first, stipulating only that it be repaid in ten years.Aside from the five trails added later in 1969, the Snow Bowl survives buyouts and mergers all too common in current Vermont skiing politics in a state similar to that realized after the sixties growth spurt; increasingly cut-throat economics virtually evaporated comparably-sized, town-oriented areas during the 1970s.Mackey reflects on one particularly unfortunate winter. "The 1979-1980 year exemplified the need for snowmaking. We didn't open until February. We had guys hired here that we needed to keep busy, so we decided to cut a new trail. We also did some logging for the College, thinning out a pine plantation near the Bread Loaf campus. Ironically enough, that same year an Army unit had scheduled winter maneuvers for the area. Their idea was to ski backcountry and do snowshoeing while using the Snow Bowl as a base. Well, that never happened and they actually ended up helping our guys stack wood." Despite a precipitously few thirty-five open days, sturdy relations with the College and community assured staff jobs.Former area manager and the first paid ski patrolman Howard Kelton described the Snow Bowl as Addison County's best babysitter. "It's truly a family ski area: when you drop your kids off, you know they will be taken care of. If they need money or a ride home, someone will donate or offer.""Unlike Europe, the skiing is unpretentious," commented Professor Bettina Matthias. "The family-oriented, fifties-style atmosphere is much more pleasant; there are also no out of control 'Pistensäue'," which translates to "trail pigs"."Winter Carnival GS [Giant Slalom] races are the best," intones an ebullient Jeff Byers, professor of organic chemistry at Middlebury College. "I love watching the racers catch air at the top of the course. The Allen trail is second to none in the East when it gets all moguly towards the end of the season. To boot, the lodge offers the cheapest food of any ski area in New England."Often, residents characterize Middlebury College as "the town's college," though recent history has skewed said distinction. Truly, however, does this pastoral diversion humbly maintain its title, "the town's mountain." Mackey succinctly encapsulates the intrinsic union between community and College, "We don't want resort crowds. We are here to serve skiers in the immediate area and we do that well."function openSlideShow(){ window.open(slideshowpath + 15, 'selectUser', config='height=275,width=200,scrollbars=No,resizable=Yes');} Alumni of Color Weekend Slideshow
(10/31/01 12:00am)
Author: Matt Klein Staff Writer College students often find themselves nearly broke, sick of cafeteria food and annoyed by the inadequate kitchens in dormitories. At least in Gifford, where I live, there are several two-burner electric ranges on each floor. An oven would be nice, but I can live without one. Cooking does not need to be a time consuming or expensive activity. Simple food is usually better and generally takes very little time to prepare. Some recipes, admittedly, will take a while to prepare, but the results are always well worth the effort. It seems that whenever I have an exam or large paper due, I find myself preparing elaborate meals for friends and starting my work around midnight. Cooking is as therapeutic for me as running, drinking or high-speed driving is for others. Anyone can waste time, but few can waste time productively. Preparing a fantastic meal for or with a significant other always earns extra points. Who wouldn't be thrilled to feast on awesome food in great company? There is a certain energy created between two people as they create a meal that is more powerful and satisfying than an elaborate meal served in a restaurant.That said, I have put some of my improvised recipes into more concrete form. Each is easy to prepare and involves no more than 20 minutes of active time to make. I feel strongly that cooking should not be an exact science, so I've provided only approximate measurements. Use the recipes as a jumping off point and experiment with different ingredients.Browned Penne with Caramelized Red Onions, Mushrooms, Spinach & Pine Nuts-2 medium red onions, finely chopped-1/2 pound mushrooms (regu-lar button mushrooms are fine, but any mix will do)-Garlic (lots of it)-1 or 2 heads of fresh spinach, well cleaned and stems removed-1/2 pound of penne (any pasta will work)-White wine or beer (Otter Creek pale ale works well)-1 to 2 cups of pine nuts-Rosemary-Salt and pepper-Olive oil-Optional: Goat cheese or French feta cheeseBefore beginning, brown the pine nuts over medium heat in the pan you plan to use for the sauce, stirring enough to prevent burning. No oil is necessary here — the nuts will brown in their own oils. An anonymous friend of mine tried to brown pine nuts over full heat and an evacuation of New Dorms ensued. You have been warned.Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. In the pan used for the pine nuts, sauté the onions over high heat until translucent, then lower to medium and allow the onions to caramelize. This should take about 20 minutes; be sure to stir occasionally so the onions on the bottom do not burn. They will cook down to a concentrated, sweet, dark mixture. Turn the heat back up to maximum and add the garlic, two cups of white wine or beer, garlic, spinach and mushrooms. Cover the pan if you can, and allow the mushrooms and spinach to steam a bit. You don't want the liquid to completely evaporate. Season with salt and pepper and chopped rosemary. The sauce is done at this pointWhen the pasta is done, drain well and toss with a little olive oil and brown the pasta over high heat — this gives a very different texture and taste, but is completely optional. You can do this in the same pot used for cooking the pasta or in different pan.The whole process takes no longer than 30 minutes, and depending on the amount of pasta you make, can be stretched enough to feed four people. After plating the pasta and sauce, sprinkle generously with pine nuts and goat cheese.Approximate cost: $15-20; serves up to four. Active time: 30 minutes.Pasta with Eggs & Bacon-1/2 pound linguine-2 eggs-1/2 cup whole milk-4 to 6 strips bacon, chopped.-Salt and pepper-Parmesan cheeseBring a pot of salted water to a boil. Beat the eggs with the milk. After the pasta is cooked, drain and immediately stir in egg mixture. The heat from the pasta will cook the egg, but stir until the eggs are completely cooked to avoid chunks. Toss in the bacon and season with salt and pepper as necessary. Finish with parmesan cheese. This is delicious, takes no more than 15 minutes to prepare and can be made for a few dollars using ingredients from Proctor. Be creative with the salad bar: red onion, peppers, cheeses and other veggies will all work well with this dish. Approximate Cost: $2-4; serves two. Active time: 10-15 minutes.Guacamole That Doesn't Suck-4 soft-ripe avocados, peeled and pit removed.-Juice of 1/2 lime and 1/2 lemon-1 tablespoon or so each of Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce (get them from Proctor)-1 bunch cilantro, cleaned well and chopped-1/2 jalapeño, chopped (be careful with the seeds)-2 cloves garlic, chopped-Salt and pepperProctor's guacamole comes in little sealed plastic containers and is old and yucky. To make great guacamole that won't last more than an hour, just smush all the ingredients together. Approximate cost: $8; serves four. Active time: five minutes.Barbecued Pork Tenderloin (or Tofu) Tacos-2 red onions, chopped-2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder-2 tablespoons cumin-1 teaspoon cinnamon-2 cups apple cider or juice-1 jalapeño-4 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped-Maple syrup-1 cube of unsweetened chocolate-3 cups ketchup-1 pork tenderloin, cut into one inch cubes-Taco shells-Salt and pepper-White wine-Olive oil-Cheddar cheese for garnishIn a very hot pan, burn the onions and garlic with a little olive oil until they cook down to about half their original size and deglaze them with white wine, beer or chicken stock (water works too but as a last resort). Add cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, jalapeño, maple syrup, unsweetened chocolate, salt and pepper, lime juice, water and ketchup. Add cubes of tenderloin and simmer, covered, for 90 minutes or until meat is tender. Season accordingly. Serve in taco shells with sour cream, fresh salsa, Guacamole That Doesn't Suck (above) and fresh cilantro leftover from the guacamole. Seared tofu can be substituted for the pork. It can be added after the sauce has been reduced to a thick mixture and should be served immediately. Approximate cost: $20; serves four to six. Active time: 20 minutes. Total time: 90 minutes. Simple Focaccia (oven required)Dough:-1 envelope active dry yeast-3/4 cup warm (not hot) water-1 teaspoon each salt and sugar-2 cups all-purpose flourTopping:-Olive oil-Any combination of dried herbs from Proctor-Parmesan cheesePreheat oven to 500 degrees. To assemble the dough, combine warm water with sugar, salt and yeast; stir until yeast is dissolved and let stand 10 minutes or until foamy. When the mixture is ready, it will be cloudy and foamy on top. Combine this with the flour until a soft dough forms. Use a little flour on the counter and knead for a minute or so and transfer to an oiled bowl to rise. This will take around one hour. Once it has doubled in size knead the dough for a minute or two on a floured surface and sprinkle generously with dried herbs and parmesan cheese. Bake for about 10 minutes or until
cheese is browned and bubbling. Approximate cost: $2 using Proctor ingredients. Active time: 25 minutes. Total time: 85 minutes. Matt Klein '04.5 hails from Millbrook, N.Y. and worked as a chef last fall for Main Course Restaurant in New Paltz, N.Y. He can often be found on Friday nights in the Chåteau kitchen cooking up a storm with Dolci.
