M A G A Z I N E V) h UPHILL/DOWNHILL Z 1 4 U COLLEGE STREET s Clara Yu is inaugurated; the classs of 2006 graduates; and nine things h you must do if you visit Middlebury in the summer. tu 22 a GAME TIME U Did Barry Bonds use steroids? Will he—or anyone else—hit 756 home runs? Economics professor Paul Sommers turns to statistics for the answers. 24 STUDENT SCENE Explore an anglers paradise with Middlebury’s fly-fishing club. 26 ACADEMIC MATTERS With arsenic leaching into groundwater in parts of Vermont, Middlebury researchers are attempting to figure out why. 28 OLD CHAPEL In May, the College adopted a new mission statement. President Ronald D. Liebowitz explains what it means. CLASS ACTION 50 PURSUITS Economist Ross Eisenbrey ’74 believes the American working class is under siege. And he wants to do something about it. 52 BOOK MARKS The summer reading season is in full swing, and we have a number of suggestions for you to consider, including the hit second novel from T Cooper ’94. V) 32 17 THINGS EVERY ALUM SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BREAD LOAF With its distinctive yellow buildings and its rich history, Middlebui-y s Bread Loaf campus—and the School of English— is a College fixture. If you are to be considered a well-informed alum, there are at least 17 things you should know about the storied program. 36 WHO'S HUNGRY? Its summertime, the perfect season to think about food. It turns out a number of Midd alums are doing just that— year-round. 1 )ig in. 44 THE STARS ARE BRIGHTLY SHINING There’s plenty of dark humor in the winning entry of the fourth annual Fiction Contest, as a young woman confi'onts loss and faith at the holiday 2 VIEWFINDER 3 LETTERS 12 CONTRIBUTORS 30 NORTHERN EXPOSURE 54 CLASS NOTES 86 CLASSIFIEDS 88 ROAD TAKEN Cni'cr ilhistmikm hy I hmy HliSf CÀ^iiifiiis plioioyniph hy I Inset illuslnttion hy IHtih i2i An i V I E W F I N D E R Middlebury B u z z B u z z M A G A Z I N E Summer 2006 Time to declare war on the mosquitoes. Volume 80, Nu.miser 3 And now we have a battle plan. Editor Matt Jennings T here is a lot to love about summertime in Vermont . Designer Daylight that stretches past 9 P.M. Weeklong stints of sunny, warm days Pamela Fogg and crisp, cool evenings. Lazy weekend afternoons, reading in the ham­ mock or swimming in a local pond or stream. Evenings communing at the Assistant Editor Regan Eberhart creemee stand or lounging on a picnic blanket, listening to the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. Production Coordinator You want to embrace it aU, hold it tight, and squirrel away some of that positive Catherine Walsh energy for those gray early winter days, when it gets dark at 4 pm. Embrace every­ Production Designer thing, that is, except another Vermont summer specialty, at least around these parts: the Carey Bass ’99 mosquito. Those you want to squash. Repeatedly. Interim Alumni Editor Mosquitoes have gotten so bad in areas of the Champlain Valley that the state has Sara Marshall instituted a couple of mosquito control districts—the 13LSG district that encompasses Brandon, Leicester, Salisbury, and Goshen; and the Lemon Fair district, which consists Editor At Lorge Dotty McCarty of Bridport and Cornwall. To date, both districts have used a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis, an insecticidal bacterium, that targets mosquito larvae; BLSG also uses Editorial Assistant pyrethroids, a synthetic pesticide, on adult mosquitoes. Jason Siegel ’06 Results have been mixed. Certainly, the mosquito population in the two districts Editorial Ollice has lessened due to the controls, but are the efforts of the two districts as comprehen­ Meeker House sive and effective as they can be? And how to move forward? Middlebury College These were among the many mosquito-control issues discussed in a darkened, Middlebury,VT 05753 cool Bi HaU classroom in May during the colloquium presentations for the environ­ Phone: 802-443-5670 mental studies senior seminar. Each fall and spring, senior ES majors participate in a E-mail : middmag@middlebtiry. edu service-learning project that involves readings, discussions, and collaborative research Online: on a local or regional environmental issue. This spring, the students focused on local www.middleburymagazine.org pest-control issues and alternatives (relating not only to mosquitoes but farming as well), and at the colloquium they presented both their findings and potential Advertising Sales Office Smart Communication, Inc. solutions. P.O. Box 283,Vergennes,VT 05491 For instance, the students penned a Vermont Farmer’s Guide to Finding, Writing, and Phone: 802-877-2262 Applying for Grants, and they compiled fact sheets for local farmers touting organic E-mail : infoCçyGetSmart VT. com alternatives to pesticides in conventional farming, both of which were really interest­ ing. But I wanted to hear about plans for the mosquitoes. Other College Offices With the poise of a seasoned professional, Rebecca Cushing ’06 outlined the (all area code 802) work of the Mosquito Control Group, which included aerial photos of both districts, College Information: 443-5000 ground surveys of the Lemon Fair district, and GPS mapping of select breeding Alumni Office: 443-5183 grounds. The fieldwork, in turn, informed a series of fact sheets that outlined mosquito AdniLssions: 443-3000 V — - - habitat and life-cycle analysis; proposed alternative, H B i. £ __ B 1| nonsynthetic methods of control; and recommended The views presented are not necessarily those of the editors or the official policies of the College. B j Ml household control strategies that could impact the ■ ■' districts. Middlebury College of Middlebury,VT 05753, IB j^ ^ “This is a great service to the community,” publishes Middiclnir)’ Mn^aziitc (ISSN 0745-2454) four times a year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. ^ jU, j I declared Tom Vanacore, the self-described “bug guy © 2006 Middlebury College Publications. from Lemon Fair,” at the conclusion of the presenta­ XlMk'biiry Magazine is printed at The Lane Press tion. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but this is a in South Burlington,VT. Nonprofit standard mail postage paid at Middlebur^tVT, and at additional great start, the perfect foundation.” mailing offices (USPS 964-820). So here’s hoping for future summers of bug-free PC7STMASTEI5: Send address changes to evenings, when it’s still light after 9 KM., and a crowd Middlehiiry Magazine, Middlebury College, Middleburs', VT 05753. Printed in U.S.A. is forming at the local creemee stand. -^I] Pholograph of Mall Jennings hy Bob Handehnan M lD D L tB U H Y M A(;AZINE _ L E T T E R S Awestruck Kaki . Lindhoi .m’s story aisout Jon CoiTiN ’67 struck a chord as I read it— riding the bus home with the 94th Army Band. Our left turn at the Ayer, Massachusetts,Town Hall had given me a view of a yoting trumpet player who had just rejoined our reserve band after a tour in Iraq. He’d volunteered to drive for the 167th Transportation Company. He extended his tour to join his buddies in the 3rd 11) Band, with whom he’d served in Kosovo. Some time into his tour, he received an Article 15 for refusing to play Taps for one more dead soldier. 1 won’t forget the way his hand trembled, as his fellow soldier blew Taps, surrounded by a thin crowd of l3oy Scouts, Girl Scouts, veterans, and politicians. As one of those who found refuge in the Army Reserves back in 1970,1 now find myself in awe of the idealism and professionalism of young soldiers today. 1 salute Coffin for his service to the brave work that Coffin and others provide for STRIKING A CHORD men and women ot the Vermont those returning soldiers.The tragedies of Karl Lindholm's profile of National Guard—and Lindholm, too, for the Iraq War are manifold and to be Vermont National Guard sharing his experiences with his mourned, even here in Vermont. psychologist Jon Coffin '67 Middlebury students. Diwid Brautigmn ’6g resonated -with a number of Jim Woochi’ortli ’6g Hmiliiigton, Vemuvit readers—including t-wo w■ ho Wethersfield, Comiectiait were shaped by the Vietnam Coming Full Circle War. Tragedies of War Reading “Stop the Presses !” in the 1 WAS MOVUD HY KaRI. LiNDIIOI.m’s PRO- spring 2006 issue revived tond memories HU'; of psychologist Jon Coffin ’67 (“The of the Middlebury Catnpus newsroom of Mind ofThe Warrior,” spring 2006) and the 1930s. Some things never change. We, staff members. In our upper-class years, the role Coffiin plays in depressurizing and too, worked in cramped quarters, battled some of us watched grades tumble cushioning the return from war of relentless deadlines, and had a lot of fun. because we were spending more time at Vermont’s National Guard soldiers. A few things were ditferent then. We the Campus than on our studies. My con­ As a conscientious objector caught up didn’t have Dunkin’ Donuts. Computers, solation prize in 1937 came when I land­ in the political resistance to the Vietnam cell phones, and pizza were not around, ed a job on a small-town daily after War, my experience ot that war was per­ and we lacked the luxury and conven­ pounding the pavement for three months haps at odds with Coffin’s. However, in ience of the Hepburn basement. Our during the Depression. It wasn’t my conversations with (among others) my workplace was the second floor of the old Middlebury diploma that impressed the closest high school friend, whose diver­ Middlebury Reyiisler building, downtown editor. It was a single copy ot the gent path was through West Point and on the main drag. When the presses rolled Middlebury Campus. He looked it over many years in the Army Reserves, 1 came on the ground floor, the building shook, briefly and said, “You're hired.” to ditferentiate the combat soldier, often and we were happily deluded into think­ Walter Mears ’56 of the Associated tragically placed in horrific life or death ing we were working on a big-city daily. Press said in the article that the Campus situations, from the civilian decisionmak­ Coffee, of sorts, was available across the was his “journalism school.” As managing ers, who.se political choices consigned street at a diner called, for unknown rea­ editor, one of my jobs was teaching the others to that fate. sons, the "Dog Cart.” basics of newspaper writing to freshmen As a teacher who has worked in many C)ne of our perks was something tryouts, and indeed I felt like a professor, contexts with individuals confronting called “Ci!i)i/)i(.< cuts,” which allowed us to especially since the College itself offered substance abuse and emotional trauma, 1 skip daily chapel.This proved to be a only one course in creative writing. We appreciate the important and necessary powerful incentive when recruiting new used to say that a regular journalism I’ <. H ,\ r H V M I ( .S I It. > l> M I S C -\I .M 1 K 2 0 0 0 11 0 1 0 11 11 1 11 Miitdlebury College MONTEREY IN S TITU TE Board of Trustees MONTEREY INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES President Ronald D. Liebowitz an affiliate of Middlebuiy College Monterey, CA, LISA Fellows Pamela Tanner Boll ’78 Paula Carr Cummings ’82 YOUR EXPANDING James S. Davis ’66, P'o8 opportunities... William Delahunt ’63, P’97 Donald M. Elliman. jr. '67 Frederick M. Fritz ’68, P’95, P’97, P’oo Richard S. Fuld, jr. P’03, P'07 Nancy CofFrin Furlong ’75. P’02, P’04 Robert C. Graham, jr. ’63 Beverly L. Hamilton Betty Ashbury jones, M.A. ’86 James R. Keyes ’71 William H. KiefFer III '64 Roxanne McCormick Leighton ’67 Patrick L. McConathy P’04, P’05, P’o6 Stephen McDonald Michael C. Obel-Omia ’88 Kimberly Collins Parizeau ’79 Steven B. Peterson ’88 Elisabeth B. Robert ’78 Felix G. Rohatyn ’49 David A. Salem ’78 Jed A. Smith ’88 John Spencer P’88, P’94 Karen A. Stolley ’77 Deborah G. Thomas ’75 John R.Tormondsen ’82 James EdwardVirtue ’82 Marna C. Whittington P’99 MONTEREY INSTITUTE MASTER'S DEGREES Linda Foster Whitton ’80, P’05, P’o8 Kendrick R. Wilson III P’oi, P’03 MBA International Business MA Teaching a Foreign Language MA International Policy Studies MA Translation Emeriti James I. Armstrong MA International Environmental Policy MA Translation/Localization Mary Williams Brackett ’36 MA International Trade Policy Management Dort A. Cameron III ’67, P’92, P’95, P’oo, P’05 Allan R. Dragone, Sr. ’50, P’78, P’80, P’83, P’86 MPA International Management Translation & Interpretation Churchill G. Franklin ’71, P’02, P’05, P’07 MA Teaching English to Speakers of Conference Interpretation Claire Waterhouse Gargalli ’64 Other Languages (TESOL) [/fsit us online at www.miis.edu Willard T Jackson ’51 John M. McCardell, Jr. C. Irving Meeker ’50, P’78 Jonathan O’Herron P’Si. P’88 Patricia Judah Palmer '57, P’89, P’92 Return to Middlebury.... Milton V. Peterson ’58, P'84. P’86. P’88 W. Kyle Prescott '49. P’73, P’76, P’77 Raymond J. Saulnier ’29 Seeking Executive Director David E.Thompson ’49, P’72. P'75, P'77 for business organization representing over 600 members Robert P.Youngman '64, P’87, P’90 Officers of the Corporation Send cover letter and resume to: Frederick M. Fritz ’68, P'95. P’97. P’oo, Chair Ronald D. Liebowitz, President Addison County Chamber of Commerce James S. Davis ’66, Vice Chair 2 Court Street, Middlebuiy, VT 05753 Betty Ashbury Jones, M.A. '86, Vice Chair T. 802-388-7951, 800-733-8376 Betsy Mitchell Etchells ’75, Secretary d r F. Robert Huth, Jr..Treasurer [email protected] M iddlebury M a c; a z 1 n e Introducing Middlebury’s Marble Works Residences Middlebiiry’vS premier downtown residences. Spacious 1, 2. and 3 bedroom homes with Otter Creek Falls and Adirondack views. Secure underground parking and elevator service. The natural setting includes conserved river frontage. MARBLE WORKS rhe charm of the historic waterfront, the simplicity of living downtown. RESIDENCES Ingrid Punderson Jackson Real Estate 802-388-4242 • www.marbleworksresidences.com PS '-‘■'■AA;. L E T T E R S school “taught you how to write, but not Community Spinnin* raiy,” it is the writer’s stuck-in-the-si.\ties what to write about,” whereas at Thank you for the update on WRMC visions of student indoctrination disguised Middlebury you had the best of both (“What’s Spinnin’ at WRMC,” spring as legitimate course descriptions. worlds. 2006). I know the station has grown by Obviously the writer feels that she For more than a century, the Campus leaps and bounds since 1 left just a few was too hip for 1968 Middlebury and that has produced leaders in the field of com­ years ago, yet WRMC has managed to the College has not quite caught up munication. Our little group included maintain its unique character and dedica­ today. At least in 1968, however, the Jack Steele ’36, later a White House cor­ tion to community service and edifica­ author made an attempt at objectivity by respondent who earned a Pulitzer for his tion. In Red Lion Broadcasting v. FCC, 395 admitting there were several sides to the paper; Everett Allen ’38, who wrote the U.S. 367 (1969), the Supreme Court char­ Vietnam issue. classic hurricane book, A Wind to Shake acterized radio broadcasters as community Conversely, her versions of“contem- the World; and W.C. “Bill” Heinz ’37, the “fiduciaries.”WRMC appears to be living porary” course descriptions are nothing war correspondent who became one of up to that lofty goal. Keep on spinnin’, but shrill, shopworn dogma. They would America’s best sporLswriters. WRMC. have no legitimate educational purpose. The Campus started me on a wonder­ Zachary ManganeUo ’oj They merely demonize the writer’s hatred ful ride in journalism, public relations, South Royalton, Vermont of people and politics of the moment and magazine editing, and professional fund­ seek to provoke fear and anger by claim­ raising. Now, at 89,1 work with an enthu­ The writer was general manager ofWRjVIC in ing a presumptive theft of rights and enti­ siastic bunch of senior volunteers, putting 2002-200j. tlements. Little more can be gleaned other out an 80-page tabloid that is read (we than an implied lionization of the manip­ hope) by 15,000 adult-community resi­ Slop Preoching ulative and illogical style of long since dis­ dents. We work in cramped quarters, bat­ The letter “Still Lacking after 39 credited Marxist/Leninist/Maoist/rants tle relentless deadlines, and have a lot of Years ” (Letters, spring 2006) preaches and slogans. fun. 1 have come ftiU circle. that the College has not lived up to its Contrast the letter’s subjective tone Marshall Sewell ’37 duty to teach “Contemporary issues.” If with a review of the College’s current Whiting, New Jersey anything fails to qualify as “contempo- course descriptions. They are detailed. T he co lo rs o f a u tu m n ON THE LAKE. A n u n d isc o v e r e d DELIGHT. Stay tk ree ni gkts an d tke fonrtk is on us. Once you’re kere, you’ll want to stay anotker day offer valiti September 4tli - October 22, 2006 é o r FOLIAGE a IT: AF 'OOY T ^ h e SM iddlebury ‘dnn AZ ' OA . BASIN HARBOR CLUB FOOD • DRINK • LODGING .A .-M : O > o) ti . 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They clearly describe the challenges that are expected to be met and contain considerable “response to social issues” without preaching.The only challenge a student would have with the letter writers pro­ Assoc^"^ posed courses would be how to regurgi­ Stay With Us tate a minimum amount of expected www.vermontinns.com one-sided propaganda so as to ensure an easy A. Serving the greater Middleburj’ area While I am sure Middlebury has something of a soft spot for aging 1960s- Here’s your invitation to style mantras, a college that prides itself in experience the sites, sounds and teaching critical thought must never seri­ petite that define this region. ously consider courses described or I Over 100 sites to visit instructed in this manner simply because some remnant from the New Lefts glory along scenic roads. days has decreed otherwise. Randy Houser ’j4 To obtain your copy of the Mary's Restaurant Charleston, South Carolina Mid Vennont I leritage Guide contact: Farm Fresh Dining Unwise Choice The Addison County ( 'haniber ofConiincree Lodgings • Weddings Given the College ’s commitments to 2 Court Street. Middlebury, VT 0.S753 INTERNATIONAL STUDIES and civic 800-733-8376, 802-388-7951 engagement, as well as its location in Bristol (888) 424-2432 rural Vermont, the choice of Ann vvww.midvcrmont.com www.innatbaldwincreek.com Veneman as commencement speaker would have seemed an inspired one: she was raised on a “family farm in a small rural community” and became the first woman to serve as secretary of agricul­ Our excitement is not " ture before her most recent appointment only in creating beautiful, as executive director of UNICEF. (It wooded home-sites, but in should be said, however, that the “small rural community’’ vvas outside Modesto, forever conserving the California, an agribusiness hub whose familyf arm and its 150 current population exceeds 200,000, and acres of openf ields. that the patriarch of the “family farm” " represented Stanislaus in the California — Peter Foote ’80 Assembly and later served as an undersec­ retary in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Nixon.) • Secluded residential building sites After some reflection, however, we tucked in the woods became concerned that the choice was • Roads, utilities and septic system inconsistent with the values of the in place College and with the values of most • Off Route 125 — minutes from Vermonters. Those who applaud the Middlebuiy College College’s efforts to support local tarms, for example, would find her long associa­ tion with agribusiness and genetically Foote Farm modified foods troubling, to say the least. Between her tenure as deputy' secretary Building Sites for Classic Vermont Homes of agriculture in the first President Bush’s www.footefarm.net • 866-849-3872 administration and her appointment as secretarv of the California Food and M I 1) 1) 1 L B U R Y M .-1 C / I N E