To and from the editors
Last updated May 11, 2001
"KNUCKLE-DRAGGER" RESPONDS
Now, I'm just another knuckle-dragger, so please bear with me. I read
with interest the article by Sut Jhally and Jackson Katz regarding an
article in Men's Health on the best colleges for men ["Heads up, knuckle-draggers,"
in "Big Trouble, Little Pond," Winter 2001]. I had read part of the Men's
Health article, not for the reason intended by the author, but rather
to see if I could glean some information on colleges where my daughters
should not go. I only read a little, and don't remember a great deal of
it (we knuckle-draggers can't remember much beyond our favorite beer and
best bimbo), but as I dimly recall the article was more anecdotal than
informative and of little value to anyone seriously seeking an appropriate
college.
I was more disturbed by Jhally and Katz's
response. The strong points they made to rebut the Men's Health article
were undermined by name calling, odd logic and other behavior more suited
to the traditional male chauvinist than to the enlightened males they
purport to be.
Even the most ardent adherents of the "boys-will-be-boys"
philosophy are beyond name-calling by the time they get out of high school.
Yet the authors engage in this time-honored, if infantile device, repeatedly.
They refer to the "the knuckle draggers" at Men's Health (and this one
paragraph after saying "Watch out when Ôthe' appears before any group
description Ñ you know crude stereotyping is about to occur."); they refer
to women who do not adhere exactly to their way of thinking as "babes
and bimbos"; they call the writer/editor at Men's Health liars because
they do not follow the same statistics as the authors. As respected professional
academicians, the authors surely know that everyone believes and cites
the statistics that support their argument, while conveniently ignoring
statistics that undermine their argument. Is this lying? Perhaps it's
misguided, but we all do it, most of us presumably in good faith.
I also don't understand the logic of their
first paragraph (again, this may be due to my own knuckle-headedness)
in which they accuse Men's Health of Orwellian doublespeak because they
say UMass, "a campus where women had recently been terrorized by what
appeared to be a serial rapist" was a bad college for men. It seems to
me that by their own argument, a campus where women are terrorized and
raped is a bad place for anyone, men or women. So why is Men's Health
being condemned? Isn't this what Jhally and Katz are saying also?
Finally, Jhally and Katz decide that because
Men's Health deals exclusively (according to them) with heterosexual relationships,
it is homophobic. This is a logical leap of the worst kind. The absence
of support or endorsement of a position does not automatically mean hatred
of it. I drive a Japanese car. By Jhally and Katz's definition, I'm anti-American.
Unfortunately, the many good points that
Jhally and Katz make in their article will be dismissed by the very people
they should be trying to convince. Those already in agreement will nod
in assent, but is the point of such debate merely to preach to the converted?
I'd rather think that such debate is intended to move us all toward a
more enlightened vision of the nature of our relationships with other
human beings. As with statistics, we generally hear what we want to hear
and disregard the rest. By giving their opponents such easy means to dismiss
their argument, Jhally and Katz have done little more than call names.
And that seems to be an occupation better suited to knuckle-draggers and
bimbos.
Dennis Harrod
Cazenovia, New York
BAND NEEDS HOME
Last March I had the opportunity to chaperone two students
to the Massachusetts All-state Music Educators Conference/Festival. What
occurred to me at the festival was how simply amazing it was to have so
many UMass Amherst alumni represented at the festival, most of whom had
or have connections with the UMass Marching Band.
It strikes me as shameful for a program
as wonderful as the UMMB to be in the unfortunate circumstance of not
having a home. No place to adequately store equipment, uniforms, music.
No place for members to join in camaraderie. No place for the band to
exist off of the practice or show field.
Such a strong ambassador for the university
deserves better treatment from the current administration! The band is
now housed in the condemned university apartments, having been thrown
out of Old Chapel (its former home) due to repairs. Many letters have
been written by alumni asking why these events have transpired without
adequate foresight (or indeed without redress! Ñ the band is still homeless!)
From my own days at the university, I remember
always finishing practice or a show with "the mantra": EYES WITH PRIDE!
I am sorry to say that with the lack of response to our questions posed
to the administration, my eyes now are downcast for the lack of respect
we have been shown.
Please support the band in its time of
need! Empty promises of a new building will not help the current band.
Do not turn these ambassadors away. They need a home and they need it
now!
Gary Hyman '92
Norton
ESSAY RESONATES AT MEN'S
RESOURCE CENTER
THANKS TO SUT JHALLY and Jackson Katz for directly tackling the issues
of violence and masculinity in their recent article [Big
Trouble, Little Pond, Winter 2001]. Their challenge to us all to "offer
more resources to these [non-violent] men — the majority — in
order to help them intervene in male culture in a productive fashion"
is particularly meaningful to us at the Men's Resource Center of Western
Massachusetts.
For the past 18 years we have been developing
these resources and programs for the communities and campuses of our region.
Our close collaboration with the Everywoman's Center has demonstrated
what is possible when men and women work together as allies to change
a culture of violence that hurts us all. Our magazine, Voice Male, stands
in sharp contrast to publications like Men's Health that Sut Jhally and
Jackson Katz so aptly critique as perpetuating damaging myths and stereotypes
about men.
We agree with
Jhally and Katz that "men have a special responsibility to do this work."
And it is helpful when we can offer real models in our own community of
organizations that are effectively doing "the hard educational work of
providing boys and young men [and adults] with the inspiration and tools
to become "better men." For more information about the Men's Resource
Center of Western Massachusetts or our magazine please contact us at www.mrc-wma.com
or (413) 253-9987.
Steven Botkin '88G
Amherst
MORE ON WHERE
WE'RE AT
WHERE DID YOU GET that awful map of Massachusetts
on the inside back cover? ["Ever wonder where we all live? Winter 2001.]
As a former resident of Barnstable County, I can tell you that the elbow
of the Cape is growing, not shrinking. Where is Monomoy Island?
Bruce Baker '76
Falls Church, Virginia
The map in our winter circulation ad was meant to be conceptual, not geographically accurate, but we'd feel the same as Bruce Baker if we noticed the elision of a cherished locale. Monomoy Island, which we understand to be uninhabited and to which in any case we address no magazines, goes the way of the Quabbin Reservoir in this stock silhouette.
I WAS INTRIGUED BY the inside back cover
page detailing where all the UMass Magazines go.It figures that a preponderance
of UMass alumni — especially those who still have dew behind their
ears instead of a lot of hair growing out of those orifices — hang
out in the Northeast. And it also figures that many of those of an age
where they're put out to pasture seek sunny pastures.
But, although
the demographics indicated on the page show 3,792 mags being circulated
to Florida, for me to be included under that heading is partially misleading.
More descriptive of my baliwick is the skimpy sampling of 179 souls located
in Alabama. For this clime is almost the center — both geographically
and culturally — of the "Redneck Riviera," made famous by that maven
of sun and fun, Jimmy Buffett. When people say, "Oh, you live in Florida,"
they infer proximity to Disney World, the Tampa Bay Bucs or Miami Beach.
We have to immediately dispel their error with the disclaimer, "Actually,
this is ÔLower Alabama' — and Chicago is closer than Miami!"
Anyway, the demographics on the page define
why there's no UMass alumni club anywhere within anything short of "take
a vacation" reach of my abode. But maybe the 179 from Alabama, the 69
in Mississippi, the 192 in Louisiana — and me — could set up
our own chapter. And meet in Biloxi once or twice a year for golf and
gambling! It's a thought.
Ted Raymond '59
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
REMEMBERING DAVID
LIEDERMAN
ONE OF THE MOST UNHERALDED graduates of the university died at age 65
in January 2001. David Liederman '57 passed away from pancreatic cancer
at his home in New York City. David was one of the outstanding child welfare
advocates in the country. He headed the child Welfare League of the United
States for many years and was a recognized leader in social welfare policy
in Washington and across America. In Massachusetts, David was a state
representative, the first director of the Massachusetts Office for children,
and Chief Secretary to Governor Michael Dukakis.
Everyone who knew Dave found him to be a
kind, humane, yet passionate pioneer in the field of human services. As
a social worker he understood the needs of children, the disenfranchised,
and the poor. He had amazing empathy for all who needed help.
There were tributes to David in the Washington
Post, The New York Times, as well as in the Boston Globe.
He was a very special person and the Alumnus
should have many kind words for this famous alumnus - husband, father,
grandfather and wonderful friend to so many.
Elaine Siegel Marks '56
Alexandria, Virginia
RAPE OR REGRETS?
I AGREE THAT RAPE is a terrible thing. Men of conscience
need to be
aware that it happens and take an active role in working to prevent it.
I sincerely doubt, however, that the majority of men give either overt
or tacit approval to any violence against women, whether it be rape or
"mere" beatings.
What bothers me
most is the attitude exemplified by the woman quoted in the article as
saying, " . . . I was not even fully aware that I had been raped
either time until much later." This does not sound like rape. It
sounds like a woman who lacked either the maturity or self-possession
to say "no" and had a sexual experience that she later regretted.
Whether this poor judgment on her part speaks of ignorance or alcohol
is immaterial to the fact that poor judgment is not a crime, nor is it
indicative of the criminal guilt of another party. It is simply a mistake
from which one hopes the girl has learned better. Yes, the male partner
probably took some advantage here. But he would have been wholly unsuccessful
if the woman hadn't aided and abetted him at every turn. If he is guilty
of rape, she is his equally responsible accomplice.
My wife, earlier
in her life, was raped. To this day she bears the scarsof that attack,
including a bite mark. That's rape, real rape, and in her own words, "To
equate violent rape with a one-night stand later regretted is to trivialize
the depths of depravity of a true rapist, and far worse in my mind, suggests
a woman who realizes the next day she made a mistake suffers to a comparable
degree with a woman who is forcibly restrained and violated. I've been
in both situations, and I assure you that there IS no comparison."
I agree with my wife. Classifying morning-after regrets as rape dilutes
the horror that rape really is.
Life is full of choices,
and inevitably you will regret some of them. Take the regret for the lesson
it is on your road toward maturity and, we dare hope, self-confidence,
and self-esteem. Learn it and move on.
David Hunt '00
Sandusky, Ohio
POULTRY DAYS
THE WINTER ISSUE OF YOUR MAGAZINE
brings back a number of memories of the Mass. College of Agriculture!
Inside
the back cover there is the illustration showing the various counties
for the state. Back in those early days there was a nice building, west
of the pond and quite close to the library. It provided a social area
for students and visitors, including an area in the basement used for
bowling. There were a number of rooms on the second floor, some of which
were later listed for and used by people who came to Amherst seeking help
and information, usually dealing with agricultural problems, from the
different counties.
When
I returned one time (the late 1940's?) someone wanted to use a restroom.
When they were located and found as “women” and “men,”
the large room between them was listed as Middlesex!
In
an earlier issue of your magazine there were statements that indicated
the entire state was now considered to be suburban areas. Thus, in effect,
agriculture was no longer of any importance. My interests were in agriculture,
stimulated strongly by 4H club activities that, in my case, concentrated
on chickens. A member of the faculty (Nodine) did a lot to help such 4H
clubs, that included meetings each spring in Amherst. This led me to attend
the Agricultural College — class of 1934. I noticed in the earlier
issue that effort was being made to advance 4H clubs — something
I strongly approve.
At my high school graduation
in 1929, I was permitted to present an essay that I prepared: “Agriculture
as a Profession.” In it I listed Professor Rice at Cornell “who
is considered by his fellowmen to be the most valuable man in the poultry
world.” I joined the poultry department staff [at Cornell] in 1935,
but as at many other agricultural colleges, the support by research, extension
service, and teaching related to the poultry industry stopped – in
our case in 1991. Thus I have found it difficult to support such colleges.
I did keep
in some contact with Fred Jeffrey '34, who was a grad student at
Massachusetts Agricultural College and later joined their poultry department,
soon to take over control of the Stockbridge School. He prepared an excellent
book – Bantam Chickens (1974).
It
would sure be nice to return to those wonderful days when agriculture
involved many families!
Randall
K. Cole '34
Ithaca, New York
FINDS HOPE IN “BIG TROUBLE”
THANK YOU FOR PUBLISHING "Big
Trouble, Little Pond." It is rare to find such truthful, poignant
pieces written by men today. I, like so many others, was a victim of rape
at UMass. I walked around in fear in the fall of 1999, like every other
student on campus, thinking that someone was going to jump out of the
bushes at me. I know now that I shouldn't have been so worried about stranger-rape.
It doesn't have to be a stranger to be rape, for me it was one of my best
friend's neighbors. This piece shows the other side of sexual violence,
which happens in dorm rooms, at parties, and everywhere throughout the
UMass community. It gives me hope to see articles like this, and to know
that there are men who do care. You have done a wonderful service by printing
this article, and reaching so many people. Thank you.
Name withheld by request
Amherst
“MEN WHO ‘GET IT'”
THANKS SO VERY MUCH for the article “Big
Trouble, Little Pond” by Sut Jhally and Jackson Katz, and especially
for their reply to the editors of Men's Health. The issues
they raised concern me as a UMass alumna, woman, mother, educator, and
member of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays),
an organization dedicated to advancing respect and celebration of the
diversity of sexual orientation and gender expression. It was deeply gratifying
to read an enlightened, cogent and sensitive article by two men who obviously
“get it” — enough to challenge still-pervasive cultural
views of “masculinity” and to be voices for changes which will
benefit all of us.
Judith A. Nardacci '65
Lee
OUR SHARP-EYED READERS, I & II
SORRY TO REPORT A GOOF in the Winter 2001 issue. On page 39 [“Time
Capsule Memories – 40s, 50s, 60s”] there is a picture of a snow
sculpture captioned “UMass Winter Carnival, 1950s style.” That
is a picture of a 1948 Pi Phi snow sculpture. All the students pictured
graduated in the 40s. Maybe the snow sculptures continued into the 50s,
but the caption is incorrect. I am positive of this because one of the
students pictured was my roommate at Pi Phi and she graduated with me
in 1948.
Edith D. Klein '48
Frederick, Maryland
YOU'VE PROBABLY RECEIVED a gazillion messages regarding
this, but I had to send mine anyway. On page 47 of the Winter 2000 issue,
the picture of the car and several girls with skis is definitely not from
1938. I believe it's of the classes of '56 and '57. I believe the girl
standing in front of the car is JoAnn Donahue ('57) who was in the Ski
Club. The one in the back is probably Bette Johnson (57'). Others could
be Jane Donahue, Lois Bain, Judy Dinsmore, Nancy Cole, Peggy Stewart,
and Meredith Fernald. It'll be interesting to see if you hear from any
of these people.
Jan (Nichols) Krueger '57
OUR GREAT RESOURCE
MY STUDENTS IN GENDER AND COMMUNICATION here at Arizona State are probably
tired of all of the articles and films by Sut Jhally and Jackson Katz
that I make them read or watch. Professor Jhally, in my opinion, does
more to curb the backlash against feminism than any other writer of whom
I am aware. UMass has a great resource in him.
Sara DeTurk '92G
Tempe, Arizona
STILL GROWING UP ABSURD
FROM ITS CATCHY BUDDHA COVER to Linda Cahillane's memorable closing
essay, your Winter 2001 issue was superb. A plethora of snippets from
alumnae also rekindled that beloved campus feeling — like walking
home after classes with a crimson sunset swirling off to the west.
Kudos too, to Sut Jhally and Jackson Katz
'82 for their provocative “Big
Trouble, Little Pond.” Their obvious concern and insight about
the rash of rapes and violence against women and men at UMass Amherst
and the country-at-large was truly impressive. Missing, however, was an
acknowledgement of the swelling economic divide afflicting the country
and its wrenching impact on young people.
Like the authors, I believe the “mainstream
media” is culpable in fostering the excesses alluded to — but
they're also tapping into a pre-existing condition. That condition
is the seething cauldron where hopelessness and disenfranchisement meet.
Until greater resources are devoted to this silent pandemic, asking youth
to rethink their definitions of gender will be an endeavor restricted
to society's “haves.” The author Paul Goodman explored
many such socioeconomic issues in his classic Growing Up Absurd. Though
almost 40 years old, alas, it's still germane.
R. Jay Allain '73
West Yarmouth
KENTUCKIANS, WE OWE YOU
IN THE WINTER 2001 EDITION of UMass, I found the back
page ad, titled "Every wondered where we all live?" quite interesting.
NONE of us live in Kentucky? I find that hard to believe since I live
there and thought we also had two alumni clubs in this state. One was
located in Louisville and I believe the other was in the Cincinnati/Northern
Kentucky area. My children thought it was interesting that I must be the
only UMass alum in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I agree.
Cynthia Brenner Ellsworth '77
Danville, Kentucky
Cynthia Ellsworth is right — there are 220 alumni on record in Kentucky. How we lost that line of type we don't know, but we do apologize.
MALE BONDING
KUDOS TO SUT JHALLY and Jackson Katz [“Big
Trouble, Little Pond,” Winter 2001] for once again saying what
needs to be said over and over, until this culture changes. As a UMass
alumnus, rape crisis and domestic violence educator, and spokesperson
for the National Organization for Men Against Sexism (www.nomas.org),
I feel that men commit most violence against women, but do very little
to work against it.
When I was an undergraduate at Hampshire
College, I had the philosophy that if a woman didn't want to kiss me,
I'd try to kiss her really well so that she'd "melt" in my arms.
I was confronted by women on my disrespectful behavior, but didn't want
to hear it — I got defensive and claimed I was the victim, of being
talked about wrongly. As men, we need to get past this kind of defensiveness,
whether about our own behavior or that of our gender, and work towards
solutions, either through the alumni group mentioned at the end of the
article, or through nomas.org.
I am proud to be in the same movement as
these two eloquent men — thanks, Sut and Jackson!
Ben Zeman '92
Framingham
The writer is a community educator for Women's Protective Services in Framingham.
LETTERS RE LETTERS
RE: "OFFENDED by Fund-Raiser" [Exchange, Winter 2001]: Regarding
Robert Ruplenas' letter: Perhaps there are those, such as Mr. Ruplenas,
who don't consider an upper management position at MTV an admirable one.
Not all of us are out saving the world, as Mr. Ruplenas must be, but many
of us find such a holier-than-thou attitude — to paraphrase Mr. Ruplenas
— "something less than admirable."
Kenneth Kie '96
Worth, Illinois
RE “HERE'S PEAS in Your Eye” [Exchange,
Winter 2001]: Doesn't anyone realize that Don Glickstein has impugned
the ethics and integrity of Professor Ken Samonds by implying that since
his research was funded by the canned food industry, Samonds would improperly
design and twist the results to suit the sponsors?
Daniel Rosenfield '53
McLean, Virginia
COVER RECALLS RECENT TRIP
I JUST RECEIVED your Winter 2001 magazine — as
usual, a great job! The “Buddha Gate” cover caught my attention
right away: We literally just returned from a month in Asia. Those who
know me know that I'm married to a lovely Filipina, and we travel to Asia
often, mostly to the Philippines, but sometimes to Japan, Singapore, Hong
Kong and Korea. We have two sons; Jerrel Christopher will be three years
old in April, and Brent Elbridge just turned eight months old. The flights
to Asia are typically 24 hours or more long, and the boys were really
good, travelling.
I also belong to a political group in the
Philippines, and we had predicted that there would be a coup on or about
January 24th. As events unfolded, the actual coup took place a few days
earlier, due to the masses of people who gathered at the EDSA Shrine.
There were several hundred thousand, perhaps up to a million people gathered
there, to rally for the ouster of Joseph Estrada as the president of the
Philippines. Fortunately, General Reyes, head of the Philippines Armed
Forces, switched his allegiance to the then vice-president and incoming
president, or there could have been serious bloodshed. The petite Filipina
who succeeded Erap (Estrada) in the presidential line is herself the daughter
of a former president. The first night in Malacanang, the presidential
palace, she and her husband slept in her old room where she slept as a
young lady when her father was president. It was really exciting to be
there as part of such a significant change in the government, and to witness
Democracy in Action.
We toured some of the islands of the Visayas,
namely Cebu and Leyte. I had previously obtained permission to tour the
huge Geothermal Project (650 megawatts) outside of Ormoc City. It is a
thought-provoking experience to stand on a "dormant" volcano,
with steam emerging from the ground all around — reminds one that
the Philippines are of volcanic origin. Actually, the company there had
been drilling on Mt. Pinatubo six months before its eruption, the largest
eruption in the world of the last century. The steam was found to be much
too acidic, and they gave up the project. Today, there are still canyons
through the volcanic ash hundreds, if not thousands of feet deep. When
the seasonal rains come, much of the volcanic ash is washed down as Lahar,
which has the consistency of very wet cement. When the Lahar reaches a
bend in a river, the Lahar has a tendency to keep going in a straight
line, and many villages have been buried, with a large loss of life.
We stayed in a very lovely oceanside resort
in Ormoc City, in Leyte, which has a beautiful wrap-around pool, with
all the palm trees, tropical fruit and so on. The sunsets are unbelievable
and the food a wonder. A resort such as this typically costs about $30,
U.S., a day. At this time, the peso exchange rate was over 50 to a dollar.
My wife comes from Pangasinan, a province about 125 miles north of Manila.
We stayed there some of the time, and also spent time up in the mountains,
in Baguio, which is the summer capital of the Philippines. The weather
in the dry season (as it has been for a few months and will be for a few
more months) is typically in the 90s with relatively high humidity. In
the high mountains, the temperature drops to the 70s and below, but it
can get warm on a sunny day. One is literally up in the clouds there.
My wife, Digna, graduated from the University of Baguio with a degree
in business management. I sometimes kid her about whether she ever expected
to end up married to a scientist! Our almost-three-year-old discovered
swimming pools, and we nearly had to bring one home on the plane with
us! My wife's brother lives next door to the parents home, and he has
a five-year old daughter. She's smaller than Jerrel (27 pounds vs 40 for
our son), and they couldn't talk to each other, but every morning the
two of them would go off, hand-in-hand for the day. I have some great
pictures!
Actually, we have now passed 42 albums of
our tours. I can't express deeply enough what a great difference it makes
to have someone along who speaks the local language! Digna speaks several
languages, and she not only can purchase things much cheaper that an obvious
foreigner (me) can, but she finds all the hidden vacation and tourist
spots that often go unseen by the average tourist, gets directions readily,
and seems to always be invited to come share lunch or dinner with total
strangers.
I'm still working full time as senior scientist
for Pierce & Stevens Corp and SIA Adhesives, Seabrook, New Hampshire;
we're the largest privately owned adhesive company in the world. I obviously
have a passion for travel and exploration, and I'll close before the semester
ends for you! Thanks again for a great magazine. There is a famous Taoist
temple in Cebu City that is world renowned for its size and beauty. I'm
sure John Simpson (“Buddha Gate,” Winter, 2001) would enjoy
tossing the bamboo sticks and spinning a prayer wheel there.
With all best wishes to UMass and my fellow
alumni,
Harold Garey '60
Methuen
102 DALMATIANS WOULD BE 100 TOO MANY IN CARY,
NC
IN A POORLY DOCUMENTED MEETING in 1964, The Town Council
of Cary, North Carolina, decided that no one should have more than two
dogs. Time has erased any reasoning, but whatever the logic was, it no
longer makes sense. I have began a ONE-WOMEN CRUSADE to overturn the archiac
law.
Whether a dog is being a nuisance is the
issue, not whether you have more than two. There are 47 laws on the books
in Cary that can address any dog related violation. The law is seldom
inforced. I have two dogs of my own and I also keep fosters until I can
find responsible owners. I have taken my crusade to the Town Council in
December only to be buried. Out of the Top 10 Cities (by population) in
North Carolina, Cary is number seven and the only one with dog limits.
Two states have had limit laws adjudicated due to the unconstitutionality
of the law. I need your support and would very much appreciate an opportunity
to be interviewed to stop illegal legislation from becoming a norm.
Cary prides itself on appearance. I live
in a $400,000 house and do not want my house to look any less than the
one next door, but it is not for a self-serving, intrusive, political
reason called CONTROL.
Irresponsible pet ownership is a multifaceted
problem, and the only hope of ending it lies with us. Some in out society
feel that, as long as the basic needs are met, animals rights end. That
is one reason why we have so many neglected, abandoned and abused animals.
For every dog that is rescued, another is euthanized. It is time to decide
that limit law legislation cannot be tolerated, that rescue-fostering
is the way to go. Limit laws prevent responsible pet owners from providing
the love and attention that irresponsible pet owners neglect to give.
Rescue groups and foster homes are definitely making a difference.
It is time to insist that animals that share
this earth with us will be
treated with kindness, respect and dignity.
Jennifer Tierney '98
Morrisville, North Carolina
IN PRAISE OF LAND TRUSTS
AS AN ALUMNUS I RECEIVE YOUR PUBLICATION and have enjoyed
reading many fascinating articles on other alums and on a variety of university
related issues. I think it would be interesting to see more features about
alums working in the natural sciences — biologists, science teachers,
ecologists, environmental educators, etc. There is so much emphasis right
now on global environmental issues it might be nice to see how UMass alums
are working to help — specifically at the local level in their communities.
A great story right here in the Connecticut
River valley really starts with the experience that each student has at
UMass. Here they find the intellectual stimulation of the Five-College
community while surrounded by the beautiful agricultural fields of the
Connecticut River floodplain, the forested wonder of the Holyoke Range
and Berkshires beyond . . . from the Norwottuck Rail trail and Mount Sugarloaf,
to hundreds of small conservation areas — for hiking, camping, running,
and biking. This valley is a very special place! Many students come here
in part because of the beauty of the area.
But this place that so many alums have come
to cherish, is changing. With the economy booming, commercial and residential
development is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Many natural features
of our valley are at risk of being developed! Time is definitely running
out! Many areas are already slated for development.
What can be done to save some of the special
places? Enter volunteer, not-for-profit land trusts. These small, grassroots
organizations are sprouting up all over the valley. All around the country
for that matter. Here in the valley we have the Kestrel Trust, Valley
Land Fund, Deerfield Land Trust, Hilltown Land Trust, Franklin Land Trust,
and the list goes on. All of these groups are out there raising funds
to save land throughout the region. They work with private landowners,
governmental agencies (both state and federal), towns, colleges, in collaborative
ways to protect open space for people and critters. Resource values include:
open space, scenic landscapes, water supplies, endangered species, agricultural
lands, hiking and camping areas and the list goes on!
The trusts also work directly with UMass
faculty and staff. In the last year alone I have worked with faculty,
staff, and students in natural resources conservation, botany, and UMass
Extension. UMass has played a key role in protecting critical lands by
providing technical assistance, mapping resources, and outreach education.
It is really a great partnership!
Alums like myself (with many others of course) are working together with
UMass folks to plan for the future of the valley and to protect land from
development. We are making a difference right here in western Massachusetts.
David Ziomek '85 '89G
Amherst
The writer is project manager of the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls.
CARPINO'S CONTRIBUTION
I AM A 1989 DOCTORAL UMASS chemistry graduate. I enjoyed reading the article
“The Phoenix's Progress” about the evolving UMass chemistry
department. The article made my Sunday morning reading period very rewarding.
Seeing the names of familiar people and reading about new directions and
the people involved in them was pleasantly informative.
I was nevertheless disappointed not to see
the name of my thesis advisor, Professor Louis A. Carpino, whose monumental
work has been so essential in the development of this chemistry department.
Including the contributions of Professor Louis A. Carpino is certainly
relevant to a description of the intellectual dynamics that occur there.
If you ever print another article about
this department in the future, I hope you will devote some space to this
unpretentiously eminent personage.
Fatemeh Nowshad '89G
Saugerties, New York
