By Lani Duke
GMC helps develop innovative study tour
POULTNEY—Green Mountain prof Philip Ackerman-Leist has spent the current academic year working with sustainable agricultural leaders at other Vermont colleges and the Vermont Council on Rural Development to create the first Vermont food systems study tour. The tour, worth three credits, takes undergraduate and graduate students across the state with the intent of inspiring young leaders and changing “the way we think about, cultivate, and leverage food systems.”
Herpetology students drove more than 16 hours to take part in a survey of reptiles and amphibians in the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina, led by Natural Resources Management prof Valorie Titus and Dr. Kenneth Mulder.
Biology prof Jim Graves recently took part in the 2015 native plants symposium, “Cultivating the Future of Native Plants: Conservation and Design.” This was the first national symposium organized by the Native Plants Section of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). He was both speaker and panelist on the “Defining Native” panel.
Castleton College joins 360 Proof
CASTLETON—Castleton College took the initiative to become the first member of the North Atlantic Conference of 360 Proof. Sponsored by the NCAA, 360 Proof strives to educate students in reducing alcohol consumption among student athletes. On March 13, the school’s winter athletes took part in a survey of alcohol use. It asked about the general frequency of alcohol consumption, individual alcohol consumption in and out of season, and purpose behind their alcohol consumption, whether celebratory, coping, or some other reason. One side effect of the program is that faculty members are aware of the athletic department’s interest in the overall wellbeing of students beyond mere performance, according to the Associate Dean of Athletics Deanna Tyson.
United Church of Benson to celebrate 225th birthday
BENSON—Benson folks are looking for old photos and memorabilia associated with the Congregational church in town as they get ready for its 225th anniversary celebration. There has been good response to earlier requests, but the more they get, the more there will be to share. Please call Karen Barber at 537-3155 for more info. Another committee is asking for recipes. And the church is open for a family portrait photo session on April 8 (appointment required). Call Betsy Miller, 537-3490.
CONGRATULATIONS
to LiHigh School 12th grader Thano for being accepted to the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) program in Sweden. He will volunteer at a small farm in Gnesta, about an hour from Stockholm, taking part in a variety of farm chores while receiving free room and board as well as time off to explore the Swedish countryside. LiHigh is an independent middle and high school in Poultney.
to Bill Hieber and Michelle Scott on opening the Depot Cafe & Bake Shop at 266 Main St., Castleton, alongside the Amtrak station. In addition to the deli and bakery, the couple also offer catering services. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
