For many students, there are two weeks which compete for the “Worst Time of the Year” title – the week of midterms in January and the week of final exams in June. It is the time of year when high school students are stretched to their highest extent, are constantly working under an enormous amount of stress and sleepless nights are taken for granted. Ironically, this is the time when academic performance is expected to be at the highest.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Mount Abraham Music Department’s 2008 Winter Concert by Yuki D.
On December 16, Mount Abraham Union High School’s Music Department had their annual Winter Concert.
The High School Concert Band, Sweet Transition, High School Jazz Ensemble, and High School Performing Chorus all performed winter themed songs for the surrounding community.
Members of the Music Department decorated the lobby and stage beautifully, with tinsel, twinkle lights, poinsettias, snowflakes, and spray painted stars.
First to perform was the Concert Band. To start their program, they played a season-appropriate, upbeat song, “Winter Holiday.” They then proceeded to play a slow song, “Abide with Me” and a moving, grand piece, “Choral and Shaker Dance II.”
Next was the a cappela group, Sweet Transition. All members were whimsically dressed, with Santa hats, tutus, matching scarves, and ski goggles.
The first song they performed was the “Carol of the Bells,” a typically Christmas-time song. Next, the group sang, “And So It Goes,” by Billy Joel, with solos by Gloria Kamencik and Ryan Conant. Then, they sang, “Everything” by Michael Buble. Choral teacher, Megan LaRose, and junior Shanna Gebo arranged this song, and it featured wonderful solos by Maren Granstrom and Jon Martin, acting in love. Sweet Transitions last song of the evening was “Can Can” from the Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld. This was a very fun piece with lively choreography by Mt. Abe alumna Christi Kroll, including fake bass plucking and a kick-line.
Third in the program was the Jazz Ensemble. Instrumental music teacher, Matt Tatro, introduced them, saying that they had worked on a variety of music which requires a lot of effort and skill.
The first song they played was a mellow piece, “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.” This featured a solo by Dan Thompson on the trombone. Following that, the vocalist, Hannah Miller, came up to perform “Stormy Weather.” Next was “Moanin,’” a contemporary jazz piece featuring intentional chaos and an overall intense atmosphere. Teacher Matt Tatro on the baritone saxophone and Toby Salas on tenor saxophone were both featured with solos. The piece was very well done, and the audience thoroughly excited. For the final piece, “Orange Colored Sky,” Hannah Miller sang again, portraying her bright self in an upbeat song.
The last to perform was the Performing Chorus. They began their first song, “Winds of Change,” by singing in a round while walking up the rows and onto the stage. Next was “The Sleigh (A la Rousse),” a cheerful and lively song. Then, they performed “Longer,” a piece from the seventies. When they started to learn this song, tons of stories came back from parents, saying that “Longer” was their wedding song. Megan LaRose dedicated the piece to those in love. The piece started with solos from Morgan Doane and Nathan L'Heureux. For their fourth piece, the chorus performed Mozart’s “Lacrymosa (from the Requiem).” This was a beautiful piece, featuring sophomore Ellen Vitercik on the violin. The final piece of the night was the famous “Hallelujah Chorus (from the Messiah).” Any alumni in the audience were welcomed up to the stage, most of which were highly involved in the music department.
It was an enjoyable concert, and each of the four ensembles played wonderfully. This was a practice performance for a competition the department is going to in April in Annapolis, Maryland. There they will be able to work on something that will provide to the larger community.
The next concert for the department is the Pops Concert, a themed concert featuring snacks and a silent auction. This will be happening on March 12th.
The High School Concert Band, Sweet Transition, High School Jazz Ensemble, and High School Performing Chorus all performed winter themed songs for the surrounding community.
Members of the Music Department decorated the lobby and stage beautifully, with tinsel, twinkle lights, poinsettias, snowflakes, and spray painted stars.
First to perform was the Concert Band. To start their program, they played a season-appropriate, upbeat song, “Winter Holiday.” They then proceeded to play a slow song, “Abide with Me” and a moving, grand piece, “Choral and Shaker Dance II.”
Next was the a cappela group, Sweet Transition. All members were whimsically dressed, with Santa hats, tutus, matching scarves, and ski goggles.
The first song they performed was the “Carol of the Bells,” a typically Christmas-time song. Next, the group sang, “And So It Goes,” by Billy Joel, with solos by Gloria Kamencik and Ryan Conant. Then, they sang, “Everything” by Michael Buble. Choral teacher, Megan LaRose, and junior Shanna Gebo arranged this song, and it featured wonderful solos by Maren Granstrom and Jon Martin, acting in love. Sweet Transitions last song of the evening was “Can Can” from the Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld. This was a very fun piece with lively choreography by Mt. Abe alumna Christi Kroll, including fake bass plucking and a kick-line.
Third in the program was the Jazz Ensemble. Instrumental music teacher, Matt Tatro, introduced them, saying that they had worked on a variety of music which requires a lot of effort and skill.
The first song they played was a mellow piece, “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.” This featured a solo by Dan Thompson on the trombone. Following that, the vocalist, Hannah Miller, came up to perform “Stormy Weather.” Next was “Moanin,’” a contemporary jazz piece featuring intentional chaos and an overall intense atmosphere. Teacher Matt Tatro on the baritone saxophone and Toby Salas on tenor saxophone were both featured with solos. The piece was very well done, and the audience thoroughly excited. For the final piece, “Orange Colored Sky,” Hannah Miller sang again, portraying her bright self in an upbeat song.
The last to perform was the Performing Chorus. They began their first song, “Winds of Change,” by singing in a round while walking up the rows and onto the stage. Next was “The Sleigh (A la Rousse),” a cheerful and lively song. Then, they performed “Longer,” a piece from the seventies. When they started to learn this song, tons of stories came back from parents, saying that “Longer” was their wedding song. Megan LaRose dedicated the piece to those in love. The piece started with solos from Morgan Doane and Nathan L'Heureux. For their fourth piece, the chorus performed Mozart’s “Lacrymosa (from the Requiem).” This was a beautiful piece, featuring sophomore Ellen Vitercik on the violin. The final piece of the night was the famous “Hallelujah Chorus (from the Messiah).” Any alumni in the audience were welcomed up to the stage, most of which were highly involved in the music department.
It was an enjoyable concert, and each of the four ensembles played wonderfully. This was a practice performance for a competition the department is going to in April in Annapolis, Maryland. There they will be able to work on something that will provide to the larger community.
The next concert for the department is the Pops Concert, a themed concert featuring snacks and a silent auction. This will be happening on March 12th.
What Happened to the Passion? by Ethan M.
I don’t know if there is anything else in this world that I enjoy more than music. It is the one thing in this world that can completely turn things around. It’s something that we can connect with, something that we can channel all our emotions into. It can mean many different things to different people, but the one thing that is true for us all is that it is one of the strongest defining points of who we are. Music is one true form of expression and human passion; the hardships and reality of life, poetry straight from the heart. So it’s not surprising how we can connect with these songs and the lyrics. That is real music.
But today, we are seeing the meaning fade. More and more young musicians are throwing away the actual music, for an image. Everybody wants to be a rock star; I mean doesn’t being rich and famous appeal to you? That image is constantly burned into this generation of teenage minds. The image is becoming more powerful that the meaning and we see more and more teens conforming to these MTV labels. Everyone has their own taste in music; you just need to find it. When you can really connect with a song and the words mean more than just ink on a piece of paper; that is real. We don’t need to dress a certain way to fit in with the crowd.
When it began, for those who don't know
It didn't matter how you looked or what you wore to a show
Dress codes, F*** NO! we didn't care
About the brand of your jeans and all that s*** in your hair
But now the biggest part is all about the image and not the art
Fashion before passion!
And at nights, it makes me mad that I should have to ask:
What happened to the passion? (passion!)
What the reason for screaming?
What happened the music and the message that I love?
What happened to the hard work? (hard work!)
And why does everybody look the same?
But today, we are seeing the meaning fade. More and more young musicians are throwing away the actual music, for an image. Everybody wants to be a rock star; I mean doesn’t being rich and famous appeal to you? That image is constantly burned into this generation of teenage minds. The image is becoming more powerful that the meaning and we see more and more teens conforming to these MTV labels. Everyone has their own taste in music; you just need to find it. When you can really connect with a song and the words mean more than just ink on a piece of paper; that is real. We don’t need to dress a certain way to fit in with the crowd.
When it began, for those who don't know
It didn't matter how you looked or what you wore to a show
Dress codes, F*** NO! we didn't care
About the brand of your jeans and all that s*** in your hair
But now the biggest part is all about the image and not the art
Fashion before passion!
And at nights, it makes me mad that I should have to ask:
What happened to the passion? (passion!)
What the reason for screaming?
What happened the music and the message that I love?
What happened to the hard work? (hard work!)
And why does everybody look the same?
What happened the music and the message that I love?
-H2O
This song pretty much defines all I’m trying to get across. We constantly see teenagers falling into this conformity, adopting something that’s not themselves for the happiness and acceptance of others. It’s something that’s happening way too often, our youth are not being true to themselves or anyone else and they lose themselves completely as a unique individual. We need to understand that we can be whatever we want to be, but these images have become so strong that everyone is afraid of being different, afraid of saying what they really feel, of expressing true emotion. Well I say stand up and show us who you really are.
This song pretty much defines all I’m trying to get across. We constantly see teenagers falling into this conformity, adopting something that’s not themselves for the happiness and acceptance of others. It’s something that’s happening way too often, our youth are not being true to themselves or anyone else and they lose themselves completely as a unique individual. We need to understand that we can be whatever we want to be, but these images have become so strong that everyone is afraid of being different, afraid of saying what they really feel, of expressing true emotion. Well I say stand up and show us who you really are.
Bolton Trips by Patrick H.
There is always a great amount of anticipation when ski and riding season
starts, but nothing is comparable to the first night of the Bolton trips. Students hear skiers and riders excitedly raving about the near future ski trip. They are counting down the weeks, then the days, the hours, the minutes and then the last few seconds before they hop on the bus, bearing either skis or board. No matter what they have clasped in their hands, a Burton board, twin tips, or even teles, they still wear the same crazy excited smile. It has been like this for several trips over the years, but this time the Boltoneers are especially eager. The park rats, glade gladiators, and cruiser crusaders alike have been starved of these trips. Last year’s trip did not happen, and the year before was not much more pleasant than Alcatraz.
Even after paying the high prices it costs to shred the mountain, the bus always left almost two hours early on some nights, due to the will of the chaperones. We were able to have a few good nights that year, but with the follow up of having no trips at all the next year was too much. We tried desperately all year to get the trips rolling, but no such luck.
This year however, will be the greatest Bolton session of all time. A great chaperone, David Gratton, has stepped forth and has sworn to be fair and let us board and ski until the lifts are unmoving and the lights shut off. We have a great group this year and the conditions are already of high quality.
starts, but nothing is comparable to the first night of the Bolton trips. Students hear skiers and riders excitedly raving about the near future ski trip. They are counting down the weeks, then the days, the hours, the minutes and then the last few seconds before they hop on the bus, bearing either skis or board. No matter what they have clasped in their hands, a Burton board, twin tips, or even teles, they still wear the same crazy excited smile. It has been like this for several trips over the years, but this time the Boltoneers are especially eager. The park rats, glade gladiators, and cruiser crusaders alike have been starved of these trips. Last year’s trip did not happen, and the year before was not much more pleasant than Alcatraz.
Even after paying the high prices it costs to shred the mountain, the bus always left almost two hours early on some nights, due to the will of the chaperones. We were able to have a few good nights that year, but with the follow up of having no trips at all the next year was too much. We tried desperately all year to get the trips rolling, but no such luck.
This year however, will be the greatest Bolton session of all time. A great chaperone, David Gratton, has stepped forth and has sworn to be fair and let us board and ski until the lifts are unmoving and the lights shut off. We have a great group this year and the conditions are already of high quality.
Fighting for an Education by Yuki D.
I recently attended a program on Thursday January 8, at Lawrence Memorial Library for its One World Library Project about growing up in Afghanistan and the struggle to find education. The presenter was Shabana Basij-Rasikh, an Afghani Middlebury College student. During a time when women were not allowed to receive an education, Shabana fought against the Taliban rule by attending a “secret school.” Every day she would go to an older woman’s house acting as family and be taught all of her subjects. Shabana risked her life from ages six to eleven, ages where American children are frivolously playing and studying insignificant subjects.
After the United States overthrew the Taliban in 2002, Shabana was able to attended public schools. At age sixteen, she received a scholarship to study in the United States, where she spent her senior year in Wisconsin. Now, she is studying Women’s and Gender Studies and Middle Eastern Studies at Middlebury College. Shabana has managed to become a sophomore at a very prestigious liberal arts college at the age of only 18! That is even the age of some seniors here at Mount Abraham.
Ever since she began her studies at Middlebury, Shabana has been intent on giving back to her home Afghanistan. No matter where she goes and even if the reign of the Taliban was so horrific, Shabana insisted that Afghanistan would be her home no matter what. Last summer, she received money from the Davis Peace Project to drill wells in villages near her home. While in Wisconsin, Shabana was also able to help build a school in her home village. Now she is focused on getting enough money to open the first all-girls high school in her area of the country.
Shabana hopes to become a politician in the future, helping her home country. She believes that education is the answer to the women’s rights in her country. If they had only learned how to make money for themselves, they could become successful, independent women. She hopes that in the future even more girls from her country will choose to become educated and to fend for themselves.
This young woman’s talk about the value of her education made me reexamine how much I appreciate the ability to study freely in my own country. Not only does our society encourage children to go to school, they force it upon us. Personally, I think that I take my education for granted. I always complain about school, so hearing these stories about these children, girls especially, who fought and risked their lives in order to go to school made me appreciate my education and ability to attend school even more.
I wish that everyone who goes to school in the United States could hear what Shabana has to say. Everyone would think their education, and maybe they would take it more seriously. We should all make the best of our educations, even though it may be difficult, on a day to day basis. We have what many around the world fight for everyday, and if we all made the best of it, maybe we could help spread our good fortune.
After the United States overthrew the Taliban in 2002, Shabana was able to attended public schools. At age sixteen, she received a scholarship to study in the United States, where she spent her senior year in Wisconsin. Now, she is studying Women’s and Gender Studies and Middle Eastern Studies at Middlebury College. Shabana has managed to become a sophomore at a very prestigious liberal arts college at the age of only 18! That is even the age of some seniors here at Mount Abraham.
Ever since she began her studies at Middlebury, Shabana has been intent on giving back to her home Afghanistan. No matter where she goes and even if the reign of the Taliban was so horrific, Shabana insisted that Afghanistan would be her home no matter what. Last summer, she received money from the Davis Peace Project to drill wells in villages near her home. While in Wisconsin, Shabana was also able to help build a school in her home village. Now she is focused on getting enough money to open the first all-girls high school in her area of the country.
Shabana hopes to become a politician in the future, helping her home country. She believes that education is the answer to the women’s rights in her country. If they had only learned how to make money for themselves, they could become successful, independent women. She hopes that in the future even more girls from her country will choose to become educated and to fend for themselves.
This young woman’s talk about the value of her education made me reexamine how much I appreciate the ability to study freely in my own country. Not only does our society encourage children to go to school, they force it upon us. Personally, I think that I take my education for granted. I always complain about school, so hearing these stories about these children, girls especially, who fought and risked their lives in order to go to school made me appreciate my education and ability to attend school even more.
I wish that everyone who goes to school in the United States could hear what Shabana has to say. Everyone would think their education, and maybe they would take it more seriously. We should all make the best of our educations, even though it may be difficult, on a day to day basis. We have what many around the world fight for everyday, and if we all made the best of it, maybe we could help spread our good fortune.
Nobody Cares by Erica S.
Public bathrooms are always a discussion of squalor. I’ve heard of people who flush the toilet with their foot or with tissue wrapped around their hands, or coating the seat with a wazoo of toilet paper or whatever. But the thing that baffles me the most is this: who takes the time out of their day to actually go and write on the bathroom wall?
I can name countless times when going to a public restroom in a place like the mall and seeing weird writing, such as: “Cherie was here” or “MJ [hearts] TV”. Those, I don’t have as much a problem with, but I am astounded at the amount of inappropriate writings on the wall in our own bathrooms.
First, I’m proud that you feel you need to announce your sexuality to the world by putting it on a public wall, BUT if you don’t put your name on it, it doesn’t count as coming out. It doesn’t make anyone proud to go to our school when you do things like this.
Second, for those of us who are REALLY proud of their sexuality, do we need to know what you’ve done? Again, it doesn’t make me proud; it makes me want to drop kick you over the sand pit.
The funny thing about the writing is the fact that it is over the new painting in the bathrooms. People didn’t get the hint that they were trying to cover up the nastiness the first time? And the bathroom closest to the cafeteria, several people worked very hard on beautifying that bathroom and people go on and destroy it with their “I’m Bi” or “So and so’s a fatty.” It’s a shame that something so primitive has become such a problem. At least the jellyfish are still in tact.
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with some administrators about this problem. Surely I am not the only one who notices.
Now, I’m always worried that whenever I use a public bathroom I will be subjected to endure the hatred and stupidity that is written on those walls. There are few stalls left in the girl’s bathrooms that have nothing on them, I hope it stays that way, but I don’t know how long that will last.
Often times I thought about what I would write if I ever had to write on the bathroom wall. So I figured something out after a discussion with a friend: “Long ago in a far away kingdom, nobody cared. The forest was filled with exotic animals and plants, nobody cared. There were beautiful people living in this kingdom, nobody cared. Wondrous and amazing things happened to these people, nobody cared. They were very rich and lived long and fulfilling lives, nobody cared. The end.” What is the message of the story?
Anyone even thinking about desecrating our bathroom walls, I have a news flash for you, “nobody cares.”
I can name countless times when going to a public restroom in a place like the mall and seeing weird writing, such as: “Cherie was here” or “MJ [hearts] TV”. Those, I don’t have as much a problem with, but I am astounded at the amount of inappropriate writings on the wall in our own bathrooms.
First, I’m proud that you feel you need to announce your sexuality to the world by putting it on a public wall, BUT if you don’t put your name on it, it doesn’t count as coming out. It doesn’t make anyone proud to go to our school when you do things like this.
Second, for those of us who are REALLY proud of their sexuality, do we need to know what you’ve done? Again, it doesn’t make me proud; it makes me want to drop kick you over the sand pit.
The funny thing about the writing is the fact that it is over the new painting in the bathrooms. People didn’t get the hint that they were trying to cover up the nastiness the first time? And the bathroom closest to the cafeteria, several people worked very hard on beautifying that bathroom and people go on and destroy it with their “I’m Bi” or “So and so’s a fatty.” It’s a shame that something so primitive has become such a problem. At least the jellyfish are still in tact.
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with some administrators about this problem. Surely I am not the only one who notices.
Now, I’m always worried that whenever I use a public bathroom I will be subjected to endure the hatred and stupidity that is written on those walls. There are few stalls left in the girl’s bathrooms that have nothing on them, I hope it stays that way, but I don’t know how long that will last.
Often times I thought about what I would write if I ever had to write on the bathroom wall. So I figured something out after a discussion with a friend: “Long ago in a far away kingdom, nobody cared. The forest was filled with exotic animals and plants, nobody cared. There were beautiful people living in this kingdom, nobody cared. Wondrous and amazing things happened to these people, nobody cared. They were very rich and lived long and fulfilling lives, nobody cared. The end.” What is the message of the story?
Anyone even thinking about desecrating our bathroom walls, I have a news flash for you, “nobody cares.”
Rally for Sustainability! An Environmental Column by Yuki D.
Energy dependence is a problem that has been left by the politicians and people of the current generation to the world’s next generation, our youth, to solve. This was the main reason behind the Vermont Sustainable Heating Initiative powered Rally for Sustainability on Friday, December 5. Over thirty high school and college students from Mount Abraham Union High School, Montpelier High School, and the University of Vermont showed up in Montpelier to support the student’s hopes for a sustainable future.
The evening started with poster and t-shirt making in Montpelier High School’s library. For t-shirts, there were mottos like, “Sustainable is Attainable,” “I’ll Make You Hot” (with a picture of a pellet stove), “It’s Electric!” (with an electric car), and “Local Food Tastes Better.” It was obvious that the rowdy UVM students definitely brought of energy to the event.
Carrying their posters and dressed in their new “green” t-shirts, the students marched from the high school to the steps of the capital building. All the while, the participants braved through the cold, shouting sustainability chants and pumping their arms to have cars honk their horns. Overall, it was a fun, yet freezing, walk to the statehouse. Since it was dark out, there was not much of a crowd outside. Nevertheless, the students started to dance to techno music provided by some of the students.
Around six-fifteen, the students moved to inside the statehouse for a question and answer session with some state legislators. These politicians were Representative Dave Sharpe, representing the Addison-4 District; Representative Tony Klein, representing East Montpelier and Middlesex; and newly voted Representative Kesha Ram, representing Chittenden 3-4. Representative Ram just graduated from UVM where she was Student Body President. She is very excited to be serving for the youth of Vermont.
The next hour or so was taken up by questions from the students about environmental issues like the relicensing of Vermont Yankee, agricultural run-off, the readiness of Vermont for alternative energy, the future of wind energy, the toxicity of everyday plastics, and the possibility of changing the culture surrounded around the democratic process.
All three of the politicians answered the questions thoroughly, although sometimes getting off topic. Most of the topics came down to finances, the raising of certain taxes, and the youth taking power and changing the way the Vermont government thinks about environmental policies. Representative Sharpe mentioned Mount Abraham’s own Vermont Sustainable Heating Initiative as a group of individuals working to change the view of high school and college students.
All three representatives were absolutely towards alternative energy in Vermont, but unfortunately, they believe that the state is not going to get anywhere without an executive official to support wind, biomass, solar, and hydroelectricity.
Representative Ram ended the night with telling students to speak up and stay connected to people, not just electronically, but face to face. Also, she encouraged students to run for office if they want their voices to be heard.
Overall, it was a great night, filled with techno dancing, sustainability, marching, attention, t-shirts, and hopes for the future of Vermont.
The evening started with poster and t-shirt making in Montpelier High School’s library. For t-shirts, there were mottos like, “Sustainable is Attainable,” “I’ll Make You Hot” (with a picture of a pellet stove), “It’s Electric!” (with an electric car), and “Local Food Tastes Better.” It was obvious that the rowdy UVM students definitely brought of energy to the event.
Carrying their posters and dressed in their new “green” t-shirts, the students marched from the high school to the steps of the capital building. All the while, the participants braved through the cold, shouting sustainability chants and pumping their arms to have cars honk their horns. Overall, it was a fun, yet freezing, walk to the statehouse. Since it was dark out, there was not much of a crowd outside. Nevertheless, the students started to dance to techno music provided by some of the students.
Around six-fifteen, the students moved to inside the statehouse for a question and answer session with some state legislators. These politicians were Representative Dave Sharpe, representing the Addison-4 District; Representative Tony Klein, representing East Montpelier and Middlesex; and newly voted Representative Kesha Ram, representing Chittenden 3-4. Representative Ram just graduated from UVM where she was Student Body President. She is very excited to be serving for the youth of Vermont.
The next hour or so was taken up by questions from the students about environmental issues like the relicensing of Vermont Yankee, agricultural run-off, the readiness of Vermont for alternative energy, the future of wind energy, the toxicity of everyday plastics, and the possibility of changing the culture surrounded around the democratic process.
All three of the politicians answered the questions thoroughly, although sometimes getting off topic. Most of the topics came down to finances, the raising of certain taxes, and the youth taking power and changing the way the Vermont government thinks about environmental policies. Representative Sharpe mentioned Mount Abraham’s own Vermont Sustainable Heating Initiative as a group of individuals working to change the view of high school and college students.
All three representatives were absolutely towards alternative energy in Vermont, but unfortunately, they believe that the state is not going to get anywhere without an executive official to support wind, biomass, solar, and hydroelectricity.
Representative Ram ended the night with telling students to speak up and stay connected to people, not just electronically, but face to face. Also, she encouraged students to run for office if they want their voices to be heard.
Overall, it was a great night, filled with techno dancing, sustainability, marching, attention, t-shirts, and hopes for the future of Vermont.
Interview with Greg Clark by CJ J.
Interview with Greg Clark
When tasked with finding someone to interview, my mind immediately jumped to Mr. (Greg) Clark. I knew he had been teaching for a fairly long time, and he is often regarded as one of the funniest and most easy going teachers in the school. He is also on the state senate, leaving Mt. Abe every second semester to attend the conferences. He’s totally unpredictable which I thought would make for a fairly interesting interview. Here’s the result.
CJ: How long have you been teaching?
GC: I’ve been teaching for 15 years but I’ve been learning for 60.
CJ: Have you taught anywhere else?
GC: VUHS. I was there for a mere 3 years, and then I came to Mt. Abe.
CJ: Not only have you been a teacher for 15 years, you are also on the state senate. Were those always your life goals? Or did you have other plans when you were younger?
GC: I wanted to be the president of the United States, but I thought it would be a good idea to get a real job before I did that, so I decided to be a teacher until I got elected.
CJ: What college did you go to?
GC: Johnson State.
CJ: What are some of your fondest memories of Johnson State?
GC: “Dog’s Head.” I’m not going to tell you what that is [laughs]. I liked the dining hall that was built when I was there, and playing soccer.
CJ: Is “Dog’s Head” something you think inappropriate for a school interview?
CG: I just think it’s more interesting for people to wonder what it is without actually knowing. I will say, though, that is not an actual dog head.
CJ: What are some of your fondest childhood memories?
GC: Well, I’m not ‘fond’ of it per say, but when I was young I let one of my neighbors horses out of its pen and left it to roam free. It ended up wandering into the road and it was killed by an oncoming car. The neighbor’s daughter was very sad. I tried to lie, but eventually I admitted I had let it out. I learned an early lesson about lying.
CJ: Any happy memories?
GC: I liked my first day at school; my first girlfriend. She was a beauty. She thought I was a real dreamboat.
CJ: How much longer do you plan on teaching?
GC: Until I become governor or until Mr. Desorda kicks me out, whichever comes first. When Mr. Desorda starts easing me out I’ll know.
CJ: You are very good friends with your colleague Mr. Brewer. How long have you known him or been friends with him?
GC: I met Mr. Brewer when I first came to Mt. Abe fourteen years ago because he was a full time science teacher. We immediately became friends and we’ve stayed that way ever since.
CJ: What do you like most about teaching?
GC: Absolutely nothing. I hate it. [Laughs] Honestly, what I really enjoy the most is sharing stories of our country’s past with the nice students of Mt. Abe.
CJ: What do you find most valuable in life?
GC: I think the good upbringing I had from my parents… the friends I had when I was young, and the good relationships I’ve built with my students and colleagues over the past fourteen years.
Whether leading from the state house or the front of the classroom, Mr. Clark is a laid-back and funny guy, but if you’re paying attention, he has some wise words to share.
When tasked with finding someone to interview, my mind immediately jumped to Mr. (Greg) Clark. I knew he had been teaching for a fairly long time, and he is often regarded as one of the funniest and most easy going teachers in the school. He is also on the state senate, leaving Mt. Abe every second semester to attend the conferences. He’s totally unpredictable which I thought would make for a fairly interesting interview. Here’s the result.
CJ: How long have you been teaching?
GC: I’ve been teaching for 15 years but I’ve been learning for 60.
CJ: Have you taught anywhere else?
GC: VUHS. I was there for a mere 3 years, and then I came to Mt. Abe.
CJ: Not only have you been a teacher for 15 years, you are also on the state senate. Were those always your life goals? Or did you have other plans when you were younger?
GC: I wanted to be the president of the United States, but I thought it would be a good idea to get a real job before I did that, so I decided to be a teacher until I got elected.
CJ: What college did you go to?
GC: Johnson State.
CJ: What are some of your fondest memories of Johnson State?
GC: “Dog’s Head.” I’m not going to tell you what that is [laughs]. I liked the dining hall that was built when I was there, and playing soccer.
CJ: Is “Dog’s Head” something you think inappropriate for a school interview?
CG: I just think it’s more interesting for people to wonder what it is without actually knowing. I will say, though, that is not an actual dog head.
CJ: What are some of your fondest childhood memories?
GC: Well, I’m not ‘fond’ of it per say, but when I was young I let one of my neighbors horses out of its pen and left it to roam free. It ended up wandering into the road and it was killed by an oncoming car. The neighbor’s daughter was very sad. I tried to lie, but eventually I admitted I had let it out. I learned an early lesson about lying.
CJ: Any happy memories?
GC: I liked my first day at school; my first girlfriend. She was a beauty. She thought I was a real dreamboat.
CJ: How much longer do you plan on teaching?
GC: Until I become governor or until Mr. Desorda kicks me out, whichever comes first. When Mr. Desorda starts easing me out I’ll know.
CJ: You are very good friends with your colleague Mr. Brewer. How long have you known him or been friends with him?
GC: I met Mr. Brewer when I first came to Mt. Abe fourteen years ago because he was a full time science teacher. We immediately became friends and we’ve stayed that way ever since.
CJ: What do you like most about teaching?
GC: Absolutely nothing. I hate it. [Laughs] Honestly, what I really enjoy the most is sharing stories of our country’s past with the nice students of Mt. Abe.
CJ: What do you find most valuable in life?
GC: I think the good upbringing I had from my parents… the friends I had when I was young, and the good relationships I’ve built with my students and colleagues over the past fourteen years.
Whether leading from the state house or the front of the classroom, Mr. Clark is a laid-back and funny guy, but if you’re paying attention, he has some wise words to share.
Cell Phone Ban: Response by Alex K.
Due to unnecessary complaints about my other opinion article published in the last issue of The Bird’s Eye View about The Cell Phone Ban at Mount Abraham, here are some revisions. Thomas Shearer, an active member of the Admin Team and the Middle School "Behavior Specialist,” told me the reasons for having it. The team's main concern for having a cell phone ban was because allowing cell phone use during the school day does not support our school’s mission. According to the team, cell phone use allowed for apparent bullying and does not promote an active learning environment. Nancy Yannett, the Dean of students for grades 10 through 12, says that last year every advisory should have gotten a sheet of paper explaining the new policy; I personally did not get one of these sheets and was not aware of the explanation. Nancy said "I personally looked at every paper handed back and answered each question from the advisories." The question and answers were then printed in the parent-student newsletter.
I did not see this in the newsletter and I did not get the sheet explaining it in advisory. Everyone that I have spoken to, my friends and acquaintances, have told me that they did not really know why we have the cell phone ban in our school and that it was never really explained to them in reason. I still believe that Cell Phones should be allowed during certain times during the school day: possibly during a free block or lunch break. But I do understand that the administration does not want to keep track of all of the kids that could not be in a free period but are really in a class, who is going to keep track of them? The students should be responsible enough to not use them when they shouldn't, but that's not the case and we all know it.
I did not see this in the newsletter and I did not get the sheet explaining it in advisory. Everyone that I have spoken to, my friends and acquaintances, have told me that they did not really know why we have the cell phone ban in our school and that it was never really explained to them in reason. I still believe that Cell Phones should be allowed during certain times during the school day: possibly during a free block or lunch break. But I do understand that the administration does not want to keep track of all of the kids that could not be in a free period but are really in a class, who is going to keep track of them? The students should be responsible enough to not use them when they shouldn't, but that's not the case and we all know it.
Monkton Recycling Center by Erica S.
Most Saturday mornings, teenagers will wake up at around 11 or so and spend their day free of school. This is not the case for the Monkton Maples.
Every other Saturday, these teenagers spend three hours from 9 to 12 supervising and running the Monkton Recycling Center. The students are hard to miss with their brand new fabulous orange vests for easy identification. They help the townspeople with their recycling, making sure that not too many unwanted recycling items go in their two Cassella bins, corrugated cardboard separate.
Most of the time, the students don’t face any trouble with the townspeople who are polite and friendly with the volunteers. But there are few other times where there have been problems. “Sometimes, when you tell people not to recycle something, they do it anyway. Other times, they get hostile.” said one volunteer, “I don’t think they understand that we don’t get paid to spend our Saturday telling them what NOT to recycle.”
In the Bin
Monkton is a member of the Addison County Solid Waste District. Don Maglienti, the ADCWD spokesman says “Every town manages its own recycling, which is paid for either through that individual town's taxes, or at time of drop-off by that town's residents. As such, the Town of Monkton would need a special arrangement with Bristol (or with any other town) to accept recycling from [Monkton] residents, and Bristol would likely require some form of payment from Monkton. Bristol is not a member town in our District, either, but that isn't really relevant, since Monkton would have to work out a deal with any town, District member or not. The Solid Waste District doesn't get involved too much with individual town recycling arrangements, other than promoting recycling in general.”
One common phrase used at the center has been the motto for the Addison County Solid Waste Department’s policy on plastic. “No film, no foam” meaning, that plastic bags and styrofoam cannot be recycled. Although plastics numbered one through seven are now acceptable for recycling, just because it has a number on it, does not mean that it can be recycled.
Common mix-ups between the Chittenden Solid Waste District rules and the Addison’s are plenty cause for confusion. One incident at the recycling center involved the disposal of 5-gallon pails. At the Monkton Recycling Center, they are not acceptable in Addison, although they are listed on the CSWD sheet as being ok. Anywhere else that accommodates them asks that they should be pretty clean, however, and not full of paint residues or dried spackle, etc.
The Monkton center also asks that feed bags for animals not be thrown in the bins, as well as anything encrusted with food or dirt. The recycling should be clean, otherwise the town pays for it.
Where it Goes
The recycling that is put in the Monkton bins goes to the Chittenden Solid Waste District's Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). At MRF, large loads of recyclables are sorted and prepared for market. Recently, there has been a switch from separating bottles and cans from paper and plastic, to All-in-One recycling, and new equipment at MRF has also been accommodated for the switch. The new equipment mechanically separates bottles and cans from mixed paper. After the initial sort, workers manually separate the recyclables (except for glass, which is crushed to create aggregate for use in a variety of local civil engineering applications) into different material types that are then compacted into bales and shipped to market where they are made into recycled products.
Every other Saturday, these teenagers spend three hours from 9 to 12 supervising and running the Monkton Recycling Center. The students are hard to miss with their brand new fabulous orange vests for easy identification. They help the townspeople with their recycling, making sure that not too many unwanted recycling items go in their two Cassella bins, corrugated cardboard separate.
Most of the time, the students don’t face any trouble with the townspeople who are polite and friendly with the volunteers. But there are few other times where there have been problems. “Sometimes, when you tell people not to recycle something, they do it anyway. Other times, they get hostile.” said one volunteer, “I don’t think they understand that we don’t get paid to spend our Saturday telling them what NOT to recycle.”
In the Bin
Monkton is a member of the Addison County Solid Waste District. Don Maglienti, the ADCWD spokesman says “Every town manages its own recycling, which is paid for either through that individual town's taxes, or at time of drop-off by that town's residents. As such, the Town of Monkton would need a special arrangement with Bristol (or with any other town) to accept recycling from [Monkton] residents, and Bristol would likely require some form of payment from Monkton. Bristol is not a member town in our District, either, but that isn't really relevant, since Monkton would have to work out a deal with any town, District member or not. The Solid Waste District doesn't get involved too much with individual town recycling arrangements, other than promoting recycling in general.”
One common phrase used at the center has been the motto for the Addison County Solid Waste Department’s policy on plastic. “No film, no foam” meaning, that plastic bags and styrofoam cannot be recycled. Although plastics numbered one through seven are now acceptable for recycling, just because it has a number on it, does not mean that it can be recycled.
Common mix-ups between the Chittenden Solid Waste District rules and the Addison’s are plenty cause for confusion. One incident at the recycling center involved the disposal of 5-gallon pails. At the Monkton Recycling Center, they are not acceptable in Addison, although they are listed on the CSWD sheet as being ok. Anywhere else that accommodates them asks that they should be pretty clean, however, and not full of paint residues or dried spackle, etc.
The Monkton center also asks that feed bags for animals not be thrown in the bins, as well as anything encrusted with food or dirt. The recycling should be clean, otherwise the town pays for it.
Where it Goes
The recycling that is put in the Monkton bins goes to the Chittenden Solid Waste District's Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). At MRF, large loads of recyclables are sorted and prepared for market. Recently, there has been a switch from separating bottles and cans from paper and plastic, to All-in-One recycling, and new equipment at MRF has also been accommodated for the switch. The new equipment mechanically separates bottles and cans from mixed paper. After the initial sort, workers manually separate the recyclables (except for glass, which is crushed to create aggregate for use in a variety of local civil engineering applications) into different material types that are then compacted into bales and shipped to market where they are made into recycled products.
Team Spirit at Mt. Abe by Maren G.
You can always tell when it’s game day at Mt. Abe; just look around the halls at how people are dressed. Are there some interesting outfits? It’s probably “team spirit” or dressing up as part of a sports team, a popular way to get pumped up for a game. It can range from wearing formal dresses to camouflage to just a team jersey.
What are some of the players’ favorite outfits? “80s!”said senior soccer player Molly Eaton enthusiastically. “Hm… I really liked Boy Day,” said Sierra Urich, a senior on the varsity field hockey team. Boy Day, at the end of September, certainly was fun. Each member of the field hockey team dresses up like a “boy,” from gangta to geek.
That is just one example of the many creative outfits created over the years. Some recent ones have been “shiny day,” “gypsies,” “kilts and high socks,” “pirates,” and more. Sometimes it just means wearing mismatched or clashing clothes, but whatever the team decides to do, it’s a great way of bringing the players together.
“It bonds people,” Molly and Sierra agreed. “You talk about the game all day.”
Team spirit seems to be a female phenomenon. It’s rare to see guys wearing anything as a team, though jerseys or shirts and ties are occasionally worn.
There are ways for non-athletes to get involved. About once a year, there is a school wide “spirit week” when everyone comes to school wearing a theme, such as school colors.
What are some of the players’ favorite outfits? “80s!”said senior soccer player Molly Eaton enthusiastically. “Hm… I really liked Boy Day,” said Sierra Urich, a senior on the varsity field hockey team. Boy Day, at the end of September, certainly was fun. Each member of the field hockey team dresses up like a “boy,” from gangta to geek.
That is just one example of the many creative outfits created over the years. Some recent ones have been “shiny day,” “gypsies,” “kilts and high socks,” “pirates,” and more. Sometimes it just means wearing mismatched or clashing clothes, but whatever the team decides to do, it’s a great way of bringing the players together.
“It bonds people,” Molly and Sierra agreed. “You talk about the game all day.”
Team spirit seems to be a female phenomenon. It’s rare to see guys wearing anything as a team, though jerseys or shirts and ties are occasionally worn.
There are ways for non-athletes to get involved. About once a year, there is a school wide “spirit week” when everyone comes to school wearing a theme, such as school colors.
Age of Legality: Community Project by Ethan M.
Scott Beckwith’s 11-12 Age of Legality class has taken on a Family in need for this Holiday Season. In the beginning of the year the class devoted their time to researching poverty issues in Vermont and raising money to help out a local family.
Through fundraisers like “Fall Fest 4 Families” and the Halloween Candy Bags, Mr. Beckwith’s class has raised over $500 dollars to donate to a struggling family this winter. The class, through The Addison County Community Action Group (ACCAG), has adopted a family to shop for everything on their wish-list.
Throughout the semester the class has taken an in depth look at poverty in Addison county and Vermont. Each student has drafted a letter addressing the poverty issue in Vermont that will be mailed to a newspaper editor or public official.
With the semester winding down, the class is scheduled to make a trip to Burlington on Friday, December 19 to see what kind of dent they can make in the list and give back to the community.
Through fundraisers like “Fall Fest 4 Families” and the Halloween Candy Bags, Mr. Beckwith’s class has raised over $500 dollars to donate to a struggling family this winter. The class, through The Addison County Community Action Group (ACCAG), has adopted a family to shop for everything on their wish-list.
Throughout the semester the class has taken an in depth look at poverty in Addison county and Vermont. Each student has drafted a letter addressing the poverty issue in Vermont that will be mailed to a newspaper editor or public official.
With the semester winding down, the class is scheduled to make a trip to Burlington on Friday, December 19 to see what kind of dent they can make in the list and give back to the community.
Cult Films by Ellen V.
The knowledge and following of cult films in out generation seems to be a dying art. A cult film is a film that often failed in the box office but has a small, rabid following even years after its opening. Though many may be duds to varying personal opinions, one finds one they like, it will likely become a movie one will watch many times afterwards. This is a review of some of the best in cult film history.
The Big Lebowski, made in 1998, is a movie about Jeffery Lebowki (Jeff Bridges); self titled “The Dude”. Living in Los Angeles, he is mistaken for another Lebowski, this one a millionaire. Two thugs, thinking he’s the millionaire Lebowski, urinate on his rug because they think he owes them money. After confronting the millionaire Lebowski, the Dude gets pulled into a one-time job for a great deal of money. With help from his friend Walter (John Goodman), he gets too far into the job for his own good. The Dude, high in almost every scene and swearing every other word, somehow figures out this mystery almost impossible for a rookie to conceive.
Five Deadly Venoms is a ‘70s Chinese movie dubbed over in English. A dying kung-fu teacher asks his last student to track down his five former pupils. He taught each pupil a unique form of kung-fu, The Centipede, Snake, Scorpion, Lizard, and Toad. His last student knows a little of both. The teacher wants this man to figure out which former students are good, and which are evil, whom the final student must kill. The beauty of this film is in the kung-fu moves; it is easy to tell that the kung-fu fighters are not actually touching each other and there is a cracking sound very much like clapping at each blow.
Harold and Maude (1971) is about teenaged Harold who likes to scare his mother be performing very elaborate suicides for his mother. When attending a funeral for a man he did not know – he does this quite often – he meets seventy-nine-year-old Maude. They become friends and very soon they fall in love. If you can get over the weirdness of this situation, the extreme cuteness of this movie shines through.
Mocumentary This is Spinal Tap, tracks the sad, sad attempt at an American comeback tour by British heavy metal band Spinal Tap. This monumental movie is widely viewed as the funniest movie of all time. The forerunner of famous movies such as Best in Show, this movie exceeds all like it in every way. An absolute must see.
Finally, the legendary Rocky Horror Picture Show. There is no other movie like this one. Brad and Janet are newly wed at the beginning of this film. When driving in the rain, they get caught with a flat. Looking for to use the phone, they stumble upon transvestite Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s castle. Death, lust, and the making of a man follow, accompanied by a wide variety of unforgettable songs. The first time, the viewer may be unable to get over the undeniable weirdness of this movie. But if given another chance, it will be seen as unbelievably brilliant.
The Big Lebowski, made in 1998, is a movie about Jeffery Lebowki (Jeff Bridges); self titled “The Dude”. Living in Los Angeles, he is mistaken for another Lebowski, this one a millionaire. Two thugs, thinking he’s the millionaire Lebowski, urinate on his rug because they think he owes them money. After confronting the millionaire Lebowski, the Dude gets pulled into a one-time job for a great deal of money. With help from his friend Walter (John Goodman), he gets too far into the job for his own good. The Dude, high in almost every scene and swearing every other word, somehow figures out this mystery almost impossible for a rookie to conceive.
Five Deadly Venoms is a ‘70s Chinese movie dubbed over in English. A dying kung-fu teacher asks his last student to track down his five former pupils. He taught each pupil a unique form of kung-fu, The Centipede, Snake, Scorpion, Lizard, and Toad. His last student knows a little of both. The teacher wants this man to figure out which former students are good, and which are evil, whom the final student must kill. The beauty of this film is in the kung-fu moves; it is easy to tell that the kung-fu fighters are not actually touching each other and there is a cracking sound very much like clapping at each blow.
Harold and Maude (1971) is about teenaged Harold who likes to scare his mother be performing very elaborate suicides for his mother. When attending a funeral for a man he did not know – he does this quite often – he meets seventy-nine-year-old Maude. They become friends and very soon they fall in love. If you can get over the weirdness of this situation, the extreme cuteness of this movie shines through.
Mocumentary This is Spinal Tap, tracks the sad, sad attempt at an American comeback tour by British heavy metal band Spinal Tap. This monumental movie is widely viewed as the funniest movie of all time. The forerunner of famous movies such as Best in Show, this movie exceeds all like it in every way. An absolute must see.
Finally, the legendary Rocky Horror Picture Show. There is no other movie like this one. Brad and Janet are newly wed at the beginning of this film. When driving in the rain, they get caught with a flat. Looking for to use the phone, they stumble upon transvestite Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s castle. Death, lust, and the making of a man follow, accompanied by a wide variety of unforgettable songs. The first time, the viewer may be unable to get over the undeniable weirdness of this movie. But if given another chance, it will be seen as unbelievably brilliant.
Rock for Uganda 2 by Patrick H. and Ethan M.
Over $700 was raised at the beneficial concert, Rock for Uganda 2.
The money was raised for the Invisible Children movement, a group whose mission is to bring attention to and change the quality of life of war-affected children in northern Uganda. They have been terrorized by the LRA, a dangerous rebellion group opposing Uganda government, since the late 80’s.
Four local bands played at the event located at Holly Hall: Nate L’heureux, Burritos for Breakfast, Rush Angel, and Busted Brix.
There was an incredible amount of crowd involvement, especially when Rush Angel played “Kids in America”, originally sung by Kim Wilde, an English pop singer, and covered by several other bands, from the Jonas Brothers to Lens in Digimon: The Movie.
All bands agreed that each band had a good set, and Erin Castles-Brown of Burritos for Breakfast explained in a short interview that they “played the best set they have ever played.”
Rush Angel played three new originals: “F*** Alarm Clocks,” “Girls with Boyfriends S**k,” and “Confusion.”
A Bristol resident complained about the noise level in the later hours.
There were several food and drink items that added to the lump of cash the bands graciously handed over to Invisible Children.
The money was raised for the Invisible Children movement, a group whose mission is to bring attention to and change the quality of life of war-affected children in northern Uganda. They have been terrorized by the LRA, a dangerous rebellion group opposing Uganda government, since the late 80’s.
Four local bands played at the event located at Holly Hall: Nate L’heureux, Burritos for Breakfast, Rush Angel, and Busted Brix.
There was an incredible amount of crowd involvement, especially when Rush Angel played “Kids in America”, originally sung by Kim Wilde, an English pop singer, and covered by several other bands, from the Jonas Brothers to Lens in Digimon: The Movie.
All bands agreed that each band had a good set, and Erin Castles-Brown of Burritos for Breakfast explained in a short interview that they “played the best set they have ever played.”
Rush Angel played three new originals: “F*** Alarm Clocks,” “Girls with Boyfriends S**k,” and “Confusion.”
A Bristol resident complained about the noise level in the later hours.
There were several food and drink items that added to the lump of cash the bands graciously handed over to Invisible Children.
Vermont Sustainable Heating Initiative Profile by Yuki D.
Sustainability is a growing issue in Vermonters’ minds as we gear towards heating season. No one really wants to pay over three dollars on a gallon of heating oil. Luckily some high school and college students have the answer. The Vermont Sustainable Heating Initiative (VSHI) supports the use of locally grown and produced biomass (grass, wood, natural fibers) pellets as a way to affordably heat your home. This could help to sustain Vermont’s heating industry and keep people’s money in the country. VSHI believes that assorted prairie grass to make such pellets could be grown on the approximate 100,000 acres of underutilized agricultural land in Vermont.
In the middle of January 2008, a seed for VSHI was planted at the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont Winter Weekend. A weeklong program with a focus on attacking global climate change from different areas: youth activism, engineering, arts, and mind, body, spirit. It started in the engineering group when leader Tom Tailer suggested a project. Then, it spread like a virus. By the end of the weekend, the group had rounded up over 100 teenagers from about 26 high schools from around the state.
After a few meetings and many logistics to work out, VSHI planned a rally in mid-February of 2008. On that day, the fifty high school students marched from Montpelier High School to the Vermont Statehouse. The night began with a short speech from Mount Abraham Union High School student and VSHI board chair, Jessie-Ruth Corkins. It proceeded with techno dancing on the courthouse steps. The date happened to correspond with an oil hearing hosted by the House Natural Resources and Energy committee. There, the well prepared group astounded politicians and alternative fuel specialists with their vast knowledge and clever strategizing.
This lead to more presentations and tons of contacts from around the world to today, as VSHI has grown and networked like crazy to get support from all sectors of society. Currently, the group has started their own pilot project, formed in order to show that there is a market for pellets in Vermont. Hopefully this will lead to Vermont produced grass pellets. In the pilot project, VSHI is teaming up with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Interested LIHEAP applicants in the five town area had the chance to fill out a program application. Then, their home was checked to see if it was possible to put a stove in. As money rolled into VSHI’s account, they purchased wood burning pellet stoves from Home Depot. With the assistance of an experienced professional, VSHI members have already installed three stoves and two others ready to go in.
To fund such a project, VSHI has established a carbon offset program. For $12, one ton of the carbon you have admitted is offset. Unlike other carbon offset programs, VSHI’s is completely transparent, meaning all of your money goes straight to the pilot program. For more information, visit their website www.sustainableheatingvt.org or talk to Tom Tailer at Mount Abraham Union High School.
Any way you decide in supporting our sustainable future, whether through buying carbon offsets, joining VSHI, or just buying a pellet stove yourself, what you are doing is helping. Anything people can do will help make sure our earth is healthy forever. VSHI is helping this feat by finding a renewable and better to keep your house heated this winter. As prominent VSHI member Courtney Devoid said, “We are giving people hope that they will be able to stay warm in the immediate future and for many years to come.”
In the middle of January 2008, a seed for VSHI was planted at the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont Winter Weekend. A weeklong program with a focus on attacking global climate change from different areas: youth activism, engineering, arts, and mind, body, spirit. It started in the engineering group when leader Tom Tailer suggested a project. Then, it spread like a virus. By the end of the weekend, the group had rounded up over 100 teenagers from about 26 high schools from around the state.
After a few meetings and many logistics to work out, VSHI planned a rally in mid-February of 2008. On that day, the fifty high school students marched from Montpelier High School to the Vermont Statehouse. The night began with a short speech from Mount Abraham Union High School student and VSHI board chair, Jessie-Ruth Corkins. It proceeded with techno dancing on the courthouse steps. The date happened to correspond with an oil hearing hosted by the House Natural Resources and Energy committee. There, the well prepared group astounded politicians and alternative fuel specialists with their vast knowledge and clever strategizing.
This lead to more presentations and tons of contacts from around the world to today, as VSHI has grown and networked like crazy to get support from all sectors of society. Currently, the group has started their own pilot project, formed in order to show that there is a market for pellets in Vermont. Hopefully this will lead to Vermont produced grass pellets. In the pilot project, VSHI is teaming up with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Interested LIHEAP applicants in the five town area had the chance to fill out a program application. Then, their home was checked to see if it was possible to put a stove in. As money rolled into VSHI’s account, they purchased wood burning pellet stoves from Home Depot. With the assistance of an experienced professional, VSHI members have already installed three stoves and two others ready to go in.
To fund such a project, VSHI has established a carbon offset program. For $12, one ton of the carbon you have admitted is offset. Unlike other carbon offset programs, VSHI’s is completely transparent, meaning all of your money goes straight to the pilot program. For more information, visit their website www.sustainableheatingvt.org or talk to Tom Tailer at Mount Abraham Union High School.
Any way you decide in supporting our sustainable future, whether through buying carbon offsets, joining VSHI, or just buying a pellet stove yourself, what you are doing is helping. Anything people can do will help make sure our earth is healthy forever. VSHI is helping this feat by finding a renewable and better to keep your house heated this winter. As prominent VSHI member Courtney Devoid said, “We are giving people hope that they will be able to stay warm in the immediate future and for many years to come.”
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