OPINION Page 6

The MountGreylock Greylock RHS Williamstown, Mass Echo January 31, 2020 MIAA Moves Forward with Tourney Redesign 1 in 650: By JACKIE WELLS The MIAA (Massachusetts Interscho- proposal to pass. tatives from Pioneer Valley, but that will lastic Athletic Association) is in the final This change comes along with redistrict- go down a single couple to represent both An Interview stages of a proposal that would eliminate ing. Berkshire County and Pioneer Valley regions as a result of the district changes. regional sectional tournaments in favor of now together make up District 1. Mount Under the TMC’s statewide tournament with Emi a statewide postseason tournament design, Greylock Athletic Director and MIAA proposal, it would be a local level decision allowing teams from the same area of the Board of Directors Vice President Lindsey up to the principles and athletic directors state or league to play for the champion- von Holtz clarified that the redistricting of District 1 to determine whether or not to Soza-Foias ship. Under this proposal, Mount Greylock does not affect the league at this point, al- hold a Western MA championship in each athletes would no longer face a postseason though it could in the future based on the sport. This championship would have to By LUCY MCWEENY Western MA tournament. competitiveness of each league. happen before the postseason, with results The tournament change proposal came “If we’re able to have a competitive counting toward qualification in the state from the MIAA’s Tournament Manage- league in Berkshire country, we’ll keep a tournament, shortening the regular season ment Committee (TMC) and is now head- competitive league in Berkshire County,” as a result. ed for a special assembly on February 28, von Holtz said. The logistics of a self organized tour- 2020. Present at the special assembly will What it does affect is the number of nament are unclear, including whether this be a representative from each MIAA mem- Westen MA representatives to the board. local decision would be made yearly or on ber school. It will take a simple majority Currently there are two representatives vote from the school representatives for the from Berkshire county and two represen- Continued on Page 5. When Waxes Burn and Snow Melts At the intersection of skiing, health, and

climate: chemicals, Photo courtesy of Max Rhie shrinking seasons, Senior Emi Soza-Foias spends much of his time in the wilderness with a camera, try- ardent activists, less ing to capture the perfect shot. The Echo ardent leaders sat down with him to talk about it. Echo: When and how did your interest See page 4. in nature photography begin? A skier trudges through the ice at a league race. Photo courtesy of Rob Mathews. Soza-Foias: I’ve always had a love for wildlife and animals since I was a little kid. I would always pet dogs, cats, any- thing I could find. I think when I really got Greylock Consid- Mental Health at Greylock into photography was about two years ago, and it was just my brother and I going out ers Adopting By MOLLY SULLIVAN to take pictures. Eventually he stopped, 31 percent of teenagers face anxiety. they’re struggling with anxiety. That seems but I kept going. When I first saw a horse MassCore That’s one in every three high schoolers. like that’s been a concern,” Jones said. He and took a picture of that, I was just like At Mount Greylock, teachers have noticed is hoping to set up a lunchtime group that “Wow.” I got hooked on wildlife photogra- By MACKENZIE SHEEHY students struggling with anxiety and other is accessible to everyone, during which he phy from there. mental health disorders. would “help support those students and For years, Mount Greylock has of- The Echo talked to Emily Leitt, health develop some skills to help them manage E: What is your favorite animal to pho- fered a wide variety of rigorous cours- teacher, Peer Team leader, and Wellness anxiety when it arises.” tograph and why? es to prepare students for a wide array Committee member. She said that there are Jones stressed the significance of the S: Probably deer. They’re everywhere and of post-high school goals. However, positive and negative components of social disorder: “The importance of mental health they’re a bigger mammal, which I really the current Program of Study differs and emotional health, and that she sees a is mental health impacts everything; stu- like. slightly from the state’s recommended lot of students struggling with stress and dents, individuals, people’s functioning guidelines to prepare students appro- anxiety through her health classes and Peer within...school, family life, communi- E: If you had the chance to photograph priately for college and the workforce. Team. ty life. If we are talking primarily about any animal in the world, what would you MassCore, a state-created guideline The Wellness Committee is a collection school, if you’re having mental health con- choose? for high schools, provides recommended of teachers and members of the community cerns or anxiety, it’s going to affect your S: Probably a polar bear. I think that would guidelines for graduation requirements that who meet to talk about vast issues in the school work, which then is going to im- be an awesome species to photograph. set students up for the best possible chance different components of health and work pact your future goals and your ability to at getting into their college of choice or to resolve mental health issues. “It’s this achieve those future goals.” E: Where do you like to go to get the best entering the workforce well prepared. On whole group of people that are address- Leitt discussed the “Wellness Wheel,” photographs? Thursday, January 9, the School Commit- ing social-emotional health, and talking which includes the eight components of S: Around here, there’s a little spot by my tee considered adopting MassCore as a about ways to implement more programs health that are taught in her class. house, like a twenty minute walk. It’s defi- baseline for the 2021-22 Program of Study. and strategies for our students to deal with “There’s all sorts of studies and re- nitely my favorite place to go to photo- “Essentially what it does is it lays that,” Leitt said. search that show that mental health can graph wildlife because animals are usually out a framework for graduation require- Alison Pardalis, the social worker at impact your physical health. It can impact there year round, except in the wintertime. ments,” Principal Mary MacDonald Mount Greylock during the 2018-19 how you’re feeling each day, so I think that It’s a pond and a forest, so I can really pho- said. “They are not distinctly differ- school year, had to leave, leaving much it’s definitely just as important as any other tograph any kind of wildlife there. My fa- ent from what we recommend at Mount disappointment with the students. Many component of health.” vorite spot in the whole country, for where Greylock, but not what we require.” students created close knit relationships According to childmind.org, research- I photograph, is definitely this little pre- The MassCore guidelines that differ from with “Mrs. P.” When students arrived back ers believe brain changes in teenage years serve in Arizona. It’s called the Riparian Mount Greylock’s current Program of from the 2019-20 December break, Keith increase the vulnerability to depression, Preserve and there’s always species there Study would require students to pass four Jones, the new social worker, had arrived. anxiety, and other mental health disorders. to photograph, which is awesome. years of math, three years of a lab science, The Echo sat down with Jones to ask about Josie DeChaine, a sophomore at Mount and to take one year of an art-based elec what he’s noticed so far regarding mental Greylock, has experienced severe anxiety E: Is there a specific photograph you are health at MG. Continued on Page 3. “I’ve noticed a lot of students seem like Continued on Page 3. Continued on Page 3.

INSIDE GREYLOCK’S GOVERNMENT KOREAN GARDEN Maddy Art explains the roles of the different bodies. TWIN ADVICE Gabe Gerry writes about a gem See Page 4. Clara McWeeny concludes the in North Adams. series. See Page 7. DOCTOR BROWN: STUDENTS REACT See Page 8. Students outside Echo staff weigh in on this month’s presentation.

See Page 6. The Greylock Echo January 31, 2020

Page 2 NEWS SEE Fund Awards $20,629 in Grants By SAVILLE KEYES and EMMA SANDSTROM This year, fourteen grants totaling that happen.” Seeing as the entire school such as stationary, placards, lanyards and a the student’s understanding of dance: “As $20,629 have been approved for new pro- has access to the library, she believes 600 website. In the club’s request form, mem- this ballet was choreographed on these grams, materials, and more. students will be impacted by her changes. bers explain that, “We are looking to host dancers specifically, students will have Eric Despard received a grant to orga- Mr. Moors received a grant for a visiting around 60 delegates/students from schools the chance to gain insightful perspective nize a MGRS Guitar and Ukulele Program artist, Nandi Plunkett (MG ‘07), to offer in the region to engage in a day of debate of the development of the ballet as well as for seventh and eighth graders at Mount musical workshops for grades 7-12 during and civil discourse about important issues increase their understanding of dance as Greylock. In his SEE Fund grant request the school day and give an evening perfor- affecting the world today.” an artistic medium.” It encourages a dia- description, Despard said, “Students will mance in late January. Based on Plunkett’s The seventh grade team sought a grant logue as well, evident in the question and learn the essential skills of music literacy commendable experience as a profession- for a continuation of their orientation. answer session that will follow a 15 minute while playing and performing music from al touring artist, Moors believes music They hope to continue funding activities to excerpt performance of Rockwell In Our a wide variety of musical styles and genres. students participating in her workshop help make the seventh graders feel more Time. The guitars and ukuleles will be a staple “would benefit from her descriptions and comfortable during their transition from Eva Myers received a grant to buy new of an enrichment program for seventh and demonstrations of her own music perfor- elementary to middle school. books for the Mount Greylock Book Club, eighth grade students. High school stu- mance and production experiences.” Due Miriam Bakija received a grant for buy a group of seventh through ninth graders dents could access the instruments through to the many ways she is capable of helping ing oil paints for the visual arts program. that meets once a week in school. clubs or directed study requests.” He esti- all styles of student musicians, Moors be- She expressed the need for five new sets Ms. Mendel received two grants, one mates that the program will impact about lieves this workshop could impact approx- of Grumbacher oil paints because they al- for a job shadowing program and one for 80-100 kids. imately 250 students. low students to work on bigger canvasses hot glass. She looks to offer job shadowing Additionally, math teacher Mr. Thistle Four Mount Greylock seniors, Grace over a longer period of time, unlike acryl- to ten business students in each grade. On received a grant for new calculus books for Sanchez, Cassidy Kiernan, Julia Jammalo ic paints. She believes “This will further February 2, each student can choose an oc- his students, grades nine through twelve. and Saville Keyes, requested and received artistic education at Greylock and set stu- cupation and shadow a professional for the However, this book isn’t just any regular a grant to start their Senior Book Group. dents up for a bright future.” day. For her hot glass grant, Mendel plans textbook: Mr. Thistle has been working Their goals for this book group are “to visit Mr. Price received a grant for a CS50 on working with around thirty students in on writing his own book “to simplify and local nursing homes once a month to read lecture for his eleventh and twelfth grade grades eleven and twelve to work with hot make clear the complex concepts of Cal- and discuss books.” They have already students. He wanted bring the students to glass. One group will work on torch pull- culus and will be used as a supplement communicated with the activities coordi- a lecture at Harvard University on October ing and making glass beads, another group to help MG students prepare for the AP nator at Sweetwood and she has expressed 7th to help explain and create connections will watch a documentary of the history of Calculus exam in MA,” and would like to significant interest. Using the money they with the difficult topics that the students glass and the third group will make glass have his book professionally copied for his have received, the students will decide on learn in class. paperweights. AP students. He estimates it will impact a crowd-pleaser to start with and purchase Mr. Welch and Kelly Turner of the Senior Marley Briggs was awarded a about 120 students. thirty copies of the book for the members Albany Berkshire Ballet received a grant grant for new flooring in the auditorium as Librarian, Mrs. Barrett, has received a of their group to enjoy. They hope to pro- to offer students in grades 7-12 taking well as new props for productions of the grant for her “Help on the Shelf” Library vide the residents with comradery and Advanced Studio Art, Portfolio Art, and winter musical. display and equipment. Her main goal is brighten their day in any way possible. Painting attendance to the “Rockwell in On the evening of Thursday, March to purchase the materials required to in- The Mount Greylock Model UN club Our Time Lecture and Performance.” They 12th, the SEE Fund will be hosting the crease the aesthetic appeal of the library received a grant towards hosting their first believe the interactive activity “is designed second annual SEE Fund Trivia Contest. and “to help maximize student enjoyment ever Model United Nations conference. to spur thoughtful reflection on the Four Student teams will have a chance to win and utilization of the library. We believe They plan on using their granted money Freedoms.” The program will begin with prizes and make use of deep stores of ar- that creating an appealing library learn- as a start-up fund to cover the basic costs an assembly and discussions, but will tran- cane knowledge. Sign-up will begin after ing environment is a vital step in making in preparation for the one-day conference, sition to the more artistic side to increase February break. n Robotics Sportlight: News in Brief Kicks Off By CHARLIE MCWEENY Brandi Gill By LIVIA MORALES Phase I Update High School team. Over 30 students at- By JULIA BUTLER tended the meeting. Early January brought with it the kickoff event for the Mechanical Mounties, Grey- Senior Brandi Gill has been a member of Years after Williams College gift- lock’s Robotics Team, and the official start the ski team since seventh grade. She be- ed Mount Greylock five million dollars, Student Government Elections of the season which entails the construc- gan skiing long before then, though. ground has been broken on an adminis- Gill began skiing in Vermont when she The Mount Greylock Student Govern- tion of a new robot from scratch. Senior trative building behind the school to host Kayo Rosse said that “the event went well was seven with the Bill Koch program, district offices that will be the first phys- ment is in the process of holding special which offers opportunities for young peo- elections for a number of positions. A rep- and we did as planned.” ical proof of these funds. After assessing Despite a low seeding, Dan Louis, the ple to participate in the sport. Skiing be- needs not covered by the state in the new resentative and an alternate will be elected came an activity that Gill got into with her to attend Student Government Day in Bos- club leader, emphasised the success of the school building, administrators identified event regarding the integration of new family. improvements to fields and office space ton, held in the Massachusetts State House. “We went skiing two days a week, Tues- Juniors and Seniors are eligible to attend. members and. for a regional staff as uses for the fund. In “We accomplished our goal of becoming days and Thursdays. We would listen to the meantime, Superintendent Kimberley Elections are also being held for a Junior recorded books on the way up,” she said. class seat on the Student Council and a an alliance captain and showing new mem- Grady and district personnel have worked bers what competition was like,” Louis “We went through all of the Lord of the out of portable trailers behind the school high school Representative on the School Rings.” Gill said that although “jumping Council. said. He also highlighted the importance of building. The 2.5 million dollar build- teaching strategic thinking and increasing into something new is scary” she “loved it ing will will also limited storage space student’s awareness surrounding skills in from the get-go.” and public restrooms. While the founda- Auditorium Light Board science and technology. In seventh grade, Gill took her skiing tion, plumbing, and electricity and being career to the high school circuit. For the After months of working with a faulty “We design mechanisms to fit the rules worked on behind the school, the structure and the game and then program the robot,” first two years, she remained a part of Bill itself will be built offsite. Construction is and potentially dangerous lightboard, the Koch in addition to being on the team so Mount Greylock auditorium has a new “in- junior Anthony Welch said. This year, expected to be completed in August. the challenge is called “The Infinite Re- she could involve herself in both programs. dustry standard lightboard,” as band teach- Even before seventh grade, Gill hopped in er Lyndon Moors described. The original charge.” With various methods of obtain- School Committee Update ing points, teams must program robots to on a few early morning practices at Jiminy lightboard was included in the contract for Peak. the new auditorium, but required a high pick up balls from the floor, launch them During their January ninth meeting, the into an elevated target, and eventually exe- The ski community that Gill has become Mount Greylock Regional School District level of expertise to operate and would a part of is “very hardworking” and has plunge the auditorium into darkness when cute what looks like a pull-up. School Committee approved the use of up “Imagine you had a sports team but played a large role in shaping the person to 110,000 dollars for a prefabricated steel turned on. In a letter obtained by The Echo, she is today, she said. ‘62 Center Operations Manager Nathaniel didn’t know what sport you were going building on a concrete foundation to house to perform,” Louis said, explaining that “They push me to become a better ath- waxing space for the school’s nordic ski Wiessner, who had been brought in to help lete and a better person,” she said. “They fix the lightboard, described “significant teams must be prepared for anything. team and storage space for grounds equip- Seeing a surge of new faces in their push me to be better because of who they ment. Originally considered as part of the issues with aspects of the lighting installa- are and how they approach the sport. Our tion” with regard to “safety, functionality, fourth season running, the team’s expan- Phase I project out of the Williams capital sion features a splattering of grades. Se- coaches place a huge emphasis on sports- gift, waxing and storage space were cut out and support.” “Mount Greylock Regional manship and conducting ourselves well.” High School has been thoroughly mistreat- nior Brandon Fahlenkamp said that “this of the plan to save costs. The building will year we have about fifteen students, dou- Gill said she values the challenge of be paid for out of the district’s operating ed by Lehigh. From safety issues to miss- what can be a grueling sport. ing functionality to woefully inadequate bling our team from last year, which is budget. At the same meeting, School Coun- pretty awesome.” “Skiing as a sport is brutal, so it’s defi- cils from Williamstown, Lanesborugh, and support, MGRHS deserves better from the nitely taught me a grit that I would not have trust they have put into the company not to The team stressed the importance of Mount Greylock presented visions for the testing for potential deficiencies or break- learned otherwise,” she said. “Skiing gives districts 2021 budget. Top among Mount mention the significant financial expendi- me a chance to enjoy the outdoors when ture.” Marleigh Briggs, a senior at Mount downs prior to competitions, a valuable Greylock’s priorities were an increase in lesson they have learned over the years. most other people aren’t outside.” staffing in the performing arts department Greylock, said the lighting system “didn’t Gill also has advice for those who think work” and described a “ghost light” that “This year, the main difference is that and funds to support social and emotional we’re working on prototypes, which is they may be interested in skiing. health programming. was “always on.” Briggs also applied for, “Go for it, but don’t give up,” she said. and received, a SEE Fund Grant for a floor a way to test different mechanisms and ideas further before they go on the robot,” “Skiing is a hard sport to get good at. It cover in the auditorium, meant to cover the takes time.” She also advises performing blonde flooring at the front of the stage that Fahlenkamp said. Football Interest Two competitions, one in Woodstock, all kinds of training, from arms to core to limited use. The cover has not yet been in- legs, explaining that skiing is a full-body stalled. The new light board, however, has Connecticut and the other in Springfield, Athletic Director Lindsey Von Holtz Massachusetts decide whether the team sport and that “everything helps.” held a meeting for students interested in already been put to good use in the Eagles Although Gill participates in other community concert. n will attend the district championship, the participating in football for the 2020 sea- team’s ultimate goal. Last year, a mere six sports, skiing is her favorite. son. For the 2019 season, Mount Greylock points separated the Mechanical Mounties “Skiing just makes me happy. It’s what did not have the numbers to field a full Get more quick news on our website - I love.” n greylockecho.mgrhs.org from going on, a narrative they’d like to team, and students played with the Drury rewrite this season. n

The Greylock Echo January 31, 2020

NEWS&FEATURES Page 3 AP Course Debate Continues School Weighs By LEO ROSSITER As part of Mount Greylock’s continuing of the AP Calculus final test, saying that unclear if any changes will be made. If so, MassCore study of social and emotional health and “there’s a point when it’s like a marathon, they would likely not take place until the after a number of students raised concerns two maybe two and a half hours into an year after next. Principal Mary MacDonald Option over the stress of APs and the rigidity of exam and you kind of hit a wall.” has been working with the School Council, the curriculum, a number of forums have Despite this, Thistle also had good things the Student Council and the AP teachers Continued from page 1. been held to discuss the role of AP classes to say about the test. Even if his class was to examine the current AP program. From at Mount Greylock. Several changes have no longer offered as an AP, he said he conversations with students she cited re- tive. However, the most drastic change been suggested, among them a cap on the would “probably still use old exams,” al- duced “flexibility” and increased stress and would be in the foreign language depart- number of APs a student could take at once, beit less often. Thistle has come around workload as problems stemming from APs. ment, where students would have to pass optional AP exams, and even removing from an earlier view that the test should be MacDonald mentioned “keeping some two years of the same foreign language. them entirely from the course offerings. mandatory. He says that he would be more APs and rethinking the other ones,” or, “This would be the most challenging At a recent Student Council meeting, where than open to students deciding “at the end going further, considering what would guideline to meet,” Principal MacDonald all students were invited and encouraged to if it’s something they want to do.” happen if “we got rid of APs,” as poten- said, “and would require us to think cre- come, the strengths, weaknesses, and po- Jeffrey Welch, speaking about his AP tial changes. She described it as an ongo- atively about scheduling and what courses tential changes to how APs are offered at History courses, said that, although he ing conversation with “lots of perspectives we want to offer.” the school were identified and compiled. would like to spend more time on the “so being gathered.” Addressing when poten- If Mount Greylock chooses to adopt the One criticism of the current system, voiced what of history” than he is currently able tial changes might come into effect, she state standards, there will be quite a few by several attendees, was that students in the fast-paced AP history courses, they said, “this is not a decision we can make obstacles in the way. The guidelines would take AP classes more because of pressures do serve a useful purpose. He applauds the for next year,” because more opinions and be implemented for next year’s incoming from parents, peers, and the college appli- AP program for giving students “a very information are needed. MacDonald con- freshman class, the current eighth grad- cation process than from a genuine interest in-depth, comprehensive context for all firmed that she would make the final de- ers. Rising sophomores would be pushed in the course. future study of history.” Welch said this termination on developing the program of to meet the requirements, but wouldn’t be At the meeting, students also identi- was important for students who take his- studies, but clarified that she “never does it penalized for an inability to do so. Rising fied a number of benefits that AP courses tory classes in college as those are gener- in isolation.” juniors and seniors would be exempt from provide; they offer a way for students to ally quite narrowly focused and having a MacDonald said she did not imagine the requirements. Therefore, it would take be challenged at the higher levels of the good general knowledge provides a helpful “us getting rid of the AP program as a a few years to fully integrate the program disciplines, which helps prepare them for background. whole,” because of the benefits it brings, across all grades in the high school. Also, college, not merely gain admission. Char- In the science department, Faith Manary but that changing certain AP courses which MassCore guidelines have the potential to lotte Rauscher, vice president of Student said that following the AP curriculum might better follow their own curriculum take away some of the flexibility in elec- Council, said the meeting was a good start holds her and her students to a “pretty high is, to her, more realistic. MacDonald also tive classes and in the schedules of stu- and she hoped things like it will “help us standard,” and that removing that influ- addressed the question of capping the num- dents who take one or more academic sup- get closer to a program that students are ence would change the way she taught her ber of AP classes that a student may take. port classes. happy with.” advanced chemistry class but she didn’t She said doing so would “definitely require The foreign language department, in- In interviews with The Echo, teachers know “if it would change for the better.” going to the school committee” because cluding Spanish teacher Amy Kirby, is of AP courses also weighed in on poten- All three of the teachers mentioned the cost it is a change in educational policy, but very excited about the potential new for- tial changes, speaking to insights on APs of the tests as a problem and wished that which would not be required, for example, eign language requirement. that did not come up at the Student Council taking higher-level courses did not incur a simply to remove the AP designation from “By learning a second language, we meeting. Robert Thistle, a calculus teach- financial burden. advanced English. n remove the emphasis from the individual er at Mount Greylock, critiqued the length Despite all of the discussion, it remains person and local context to take into con- sideration the wider social, political, and cultural context,” Kirby said. “Students studying a second language are given the opportunity to think about how we give 1 in 650: Emi Soza-Foias meaning and value to words.” Continued from Page 1. photos, but I also use it to inspire myself pretty far away, so it wasn’t the best. But I She also said that she’d like to see and motivate myself to get better photos, think I spent forty-eight hours in one week students start to learn a second language as most proud of? go out more, and stay out longer. out in the wintertime in the mornings, and early as elementary school so that teachers S: Probably my photograph of a bobcat any time it snowed. may go further in depth with their students because I’ve always wanted to photograph E: What equipment do you use to photo- once they reach the high school level. She a bobcat. Not only did I get the species, graph the animals? E: How do you manage to balance your and the other foreign language teachers but I also got the good lighting, and it was S: So I have a big lense; it’s a two-hundred schoolwork and sports with photogra- hope that the new guideline would foster during fall so I got some really nice colors - five-hundred millimeter lense so I can get phy? a greater love of language in Mount Grey- behind it as well. pretty close, although I still have to physi- S: That’s a great question. I only play lock students. cally move myself to get closer a lot of the soccer, and that’s usually during Fall and Students had mixed reviews on the im- E: Have you ever entered a photograph time. And then I have a pretty good camera Spring, and a lot of time that’s the best plementation of MassCore. The idea of a of yours in a contest? that I can crop even more if I need to. time for wildlife, so it is really difficult. language requirement was enticing to stu- S: I have. The only contest that I’ve actu- Schoolwork I’ve been able to do in school, dents, as it allows them to dive deeper and ally somewhat won was for a high school E: What do you find is the best part so even homework I usually find times in immerse themselves in a language. scholarship program. I got to go to T e n - about nature photography? school to actually do it, but then sports “A greater language requirement would nessee with nine other students, which was S: Honestly the tranquility. Just going out eat up a good portion of the time I can go allow us as students to be better prepared really great. into nature by yourself and just having take pictures. On the weekends I’ll usually for the real world in which we might be re- your thoughts, and then finding that con- have a couple hours in the morning where quired to use a different language,” sopho- E: How does photographing animals dif- nection with wildlife; that they actually I can go take pictures since I usually have more Alayna Schwarzer said. fer from photographing people? trust you out there with them, which is re- practice around 10:00(am) on Sunday. So I Many students also like the idea of S: Wildlife is a lot more difficult because ally amazing. have a good chunk of that nice light in the being required to take an art class as a you never know if you’ll see them [the morning to go take pictures both days, and relaxing break in the day, but some are animals] or not, whereas people you have E: What is the most difficult part? that’s usually when I do it. concerned about the lack of flexibility in them there and you just have to worry S: Probably just finding the animals, hon- schedules. about getting good lighting. With wildlife, estly. Especially the bigger bears, bobcats, E: As a senior, do you have any plans for “For a lot of people, art is a nice way even if the light is good, you only have an and owls. I’ve always wanted to photo- after high school? to get a break in your day,” freshman Annie hour of that good light, and they probably graph an owl, but finding them is just so S: In college I’m hoping to do zoology or Art said, “but I also think with some sched- won’t even be in that one hour. You really difficult, and a lot of times they’re super anything to do with animal behavior and ules it may be hard to fit that in.” just have to just spend a lot more time with skittish so you really have to play the wait- that kind of stuff, or possibly environmen- In the coming weeks, the School them. ing game. tal sciences, so my photography will keep Committee will look to gather more infor- going, which is awesome. mation on the pros and cons of implement- E: You have a lot of nature photographs E: What is the greatest length you have ing the guidelines through their academic on your Instagram. Could you describe gone to, to photograph an animal? E: So are you looking to have a career sub-committee. They are hoping to gather what role social media has played in this S: It was a deer with snow on its face, and relating to photography or nature? as much information as possible in order interest? I still haven’t gotten the picture. I have one S: Not necessarily photography, but defi- to come to the best decision in time for the S: Really I use social media to share my picture, but it’s not high quality, and it’s nitely to nature. n next school year. n Mental Health at Greylock Continued from Page 1. to take a really stressful test,” Schwarzer prises all PE and health teachers at Grey- with it on your own, it seems overwhelm- said. “There’s nothing really there to help lock, meet to discuss the ways they are ing and often times people shut down.” over the past couple years. She expressed them.” teaching strategies for dealing with so- “I would say utilize the people that we the struggle of the disorder and the few re- When asked about the resources avail- cial-emotional health issues. Coach Jordan have in place,” Leitt said. “They’re very sources available. able to students, DeChaine said that there teaches a social-emotional health class. knowledgeable. If you don’t know any of “I think a lot of my friends have had are not enough steps being taken. Annie Art, a freshman, expressed a socie- them, find a trusted adult in the building. anxiety. I don’t know about diagnosed anx- “I know the Peer Team is trying to do tal norm where people can be dismissive The adult may not be able to give you iety, but I feel like a lot of people suffer the [stress relief programs], which I think about the matter. the specific help or the strategies that you from feeling anxiety,” DeChaine said. is a step closer, but it’s still not enough.” “I think there’s a stigma around anxiety need, but they might be able to set you up Alayna Schwarzer, another sophomore, DeChaine is referring to “Wellness where, if you say you have anxiety, some with the right resources to do so.” emphasized how students can be passive Wednesdays,” activities during Directed people don’t really believe you, but then if “It doesn’t just have to be me,” Jones with these types of feelings. Schwarzer Study run by Peer Team and members of you actually have it, it can be hard to get said. “It could be another guidance coun- said that during midterms and finals, some the Mount Greylock staff in which students the resources you need to get through it.” selor, a teacher, anyone you feel comfort- students say that those underlying feelings can relieve anxiety. On January 15, Coach According to Jones and Leitt, if you have able with. It could be a parent, it could be are just stress when, in reality, they could Gill led a guided meditation in the gym, a mental health disorder, the first step is to a coach, but I think the first step is always be severe anxiety. and a couple months ago, Peer Team con- recognize it and reach out for help. asking for help if you are willing to reach “There’s not really anything in access ducted relaxing coloring in the library. “You need support to work through out for it.” n to students in those times when you have The Wellness Department, which com- that,” Jones said. “If you’re trying to deal The Greylock Echo January 31, 2020

Page 4 IN-DEPTH When Waxes Burn and Snow Melts In the Berkshires and Abroad, a Struggle Between Sport, Nature and Health By OWEN TUCKER-SMITH Berkshire Nordic Slush Fest ously.” ance, which has grown to represent nearly Isaac of the National Ski Areas Association For the Berkshire League, this threat 100 athletes. said. “There are so many members of Con- Berkshire Nordic Ski League direc- means an inconsistent race schedule and “POW has done a really great job of gress whose constituents rely on outdoor tor Joe Miller dubbed January 11’s race a competitions scheduled just days in ad- bringing together athletes who have the recreation for a vibrant local economy, to “Nordic Slush Fest” before it even hap- vance. None of the team’s races this season common experience of ‘oh god, some- put food on their tables, or for their men- pened. When the athletes arrived at the have occurred at their scheduled locations, thing’s going on,’” said Simi Hamilton, tal and physical health. Our members and course Saturday morning, they found a and one has already had to be canceled. three-time Olympic cross-country skier our industry are directly impacted by the field of grass where the previous week’s “We’ve always had the ups and downs, and member of the alliance. “It offers us effects of climate change. It makes sense start had been. A slew of last minute course but it’s a lot more severe now,” Lenox a platform to share our experiences and to band together to underscore the critical changes had spectators trudging through a coach Joe Bazanno said. “Through the share what we see throughout the year.” need for climate-smart policies at the fed- mile of ice to arrive at the 2-kilometer loop course of the year, week by week we don’t While some organizations focus on en- eral level.” that had just enough powder to support the know what we’re doing.” couraging environment-friendly personal The goals of the Partnership center some 200 skiers in the league. In an informal, small-scale survey of practices, Protect Our Winters’ efforts cen- around a rapid drop in carbon emissions “We have less snow than we used to,” around 20 members of the Greylock ski ter around broader changes in government and a transition to clean energy. In May, Greylock ski coach Hilary Greene said. team, all but one mentioned that they have policy and regulations. They make frequent the new group traveled to Washington to “People begin to question why we’re even noticed unreliable weather patterns over visits to politicians’ offices. When Presi- push for a price on carbon. They are orga- doing this, if we aren’t able to ski.” the course of their years on the team, with dent Donald Trump invited Olympic ath- nizing another trip, Isaac said. For Greene, the community is looking respondents mentioning that “there’s no letes to the White House, Maddie Phaneuf at a new sport. snow anymore” and that “the league used was instead representing the organization An Uphill Battle “Your sport that you know of as being to never have to cancel races, but now it’s on Capitol Hill, talking to officials for the cross-country skiing, where you go into the completely normal.” second time in her young career. But next to an array of athletes and bus- mountains and go for kilometers and kilo- As an athlete who wants her sport to nesses determined to fight climate change meters, becomes reduced to skiing around On the World Tour survive, Phaneuf said she wants to see po- is an array of obstacles, including the Inter- a 1-k track,” she said. “You start to lose litical change. national Olympic Committee and the Inter- numbers.” Andy Newell has skied at the Olym- “No matter how many U.S. citizens national Ski Federation (FIS). Research from the Climate Impact Lab pics four times, giving him his fair share make our carbon footprint smaller, it’s not “FIS leadership is incompetent,” Olym- predicts a significant drop in the number of of snow. But he’s also watched the glaciers going to change the effects climate change pian Noah Hoffman said. “President Gi- skiable days over the course of the centu- he’s trained on melt before his eyes. is having on our planet that much,” Phaneuf an-Franco Casper needs to leave. FIS is ry. In a study titled “America’s Shrinking When Olympic biathlete Maddie Phaneuf said. “We need a systematic change. We responsible for the health and well-being Ski Season,” authors Kelly McCusker and traveled to the Italian Alps to race, she ex- need to be voting for people who are going of all the skiing sports globally, and they Hannah Hess predicted as much as 80 per- pected to see powder. She found grass. to advocate for climate action.” are underperforming.” cent drops in the length of the season by Noah Hoffman raced at Davos, Swit- Ski resorts and organizations are also Casper, who has now entered a third decade late-century for some popular ski resorts if zerland, on a course that had thrived with trying to hold onto their businesses as the of leading the organization, got widespread carbon emissions continue to rise. Oregon’s natural snow in the 1970s. He skied on “a dollars trickle away. In a 2018 study, Pro- criticism in February when he referred to Mt. Bachelor, where the U.S. Cross-Coun- ribbon of snow” through the woods. fessor Elizabeth Burakowski identified “so-called” climate change. try Ski team trains every year, may see a 23 Sam Shaheen’s memories of endless a strong positive correlation between a “He’s just an old school Swiss guy who week season turn to 12 weeks. snow in middle school disappeared as he year’s number of days with skiable condi- chain-smokes cigarettes and has no idea The research includes two projections: skied in a college league full of “artificial tions and amount of skier visits. Because what’s going on outside of his little bub- one for a continued rise in emissions, and stuff.” the ski industry accounts for an annual $20 ble,” Andy Newell said. one for the controlled emissions outlined in But Gian-Franco Casper, president of billion, a year with little snow can cost The International Ski Federation did not the Paris Climate Accords. the International Ski Federation, hasn’t over 17,000 jobs and a billion dollars, the respond to multiple interview requests. The rapid changes occur under McCusk- expressed much concern. “We still have study found. Newell also said the International Olym- er and Hess’ “high emissions scenario.” snow, and sometimes even a lot,” he said. Last January, the National Ski Areas pic Committee has made concerning deci- The low emissions scenario projects a less The story for many professional ski- Association, the Outdoor Industries Asso- sions, notably in their choices of Olympic but still significant decline in the length of ers is the same. The snowy winters they ciation and Snowsports Industries America venues. the ski season. For Mt. Bachelor, it’s a 26 experienced as younger athletes are faint responded to this threat with the creation “The fact that the Olympics were held in percent drop, compared to almost 50 per- memories. The culprit is climate change, of the Outdoor Business Climate Partner- Sochi seemed like a bonehead idea to me,” cent under high emissions. and the responses range from activism to ship. The Partnership represents industry he said. “The IOC was so concerned with “It’s useful to look at two different sce- indifferency. businesses, including resorts and retailers, making big dollars and forming deals with narios,” Hess said, “to engage people in the Those fighting back against McCusker in the political arena. Together, the three Putin and the Russian government and exercise of imagining what the world could and Hess’ high emissions scenario include organizations account for 7.6 million jobs. satisfying all these different international look like if we got serious about meeting Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit political “When you speak as the collective voice sponsors that they agreed to hold an Olym our climate goals, versus what the world action group advocating green legislation. of an $887 billion industry, it gives your looks like if we don’t take the threat seri- The organization includes an athletic alli- message that much more power,” Adrienne Continued on Page 8. There’s a Council and a Committee? The Echo’s Guide to Mt. Greylock Government By MADDY ART As you hear about changes and poten- “We create a comprehensive list of things nature of members’ positions attracts stu- “I think you have to be very healthy and tial changes to the school--including the that we think could benefit the school and dents dedicated to helping their communi- positive. And you also have to reach out to discussions of AP classes and MassCore community members,” Shepard said. “And ties. the community. And I think that is import- standards included in this very issue--you then we kind of tidy it up and that’s brought “You’re really only getting kids who ant to having a strong class.” might be wondering where the final deci- in front of the higher committee.” actually want to do it and are committed to sions are made. School Council, Student doing it,” he said. Everyone brings a good School Committee Council, Class Officers, and School Com- Student Council perspective to every meeting.” mittee are all bodies of elected representa- School Committee is a body of seven tives who make decisions about our school. Student Council is a body of elected stu- Class Officers elected representatives, four from William- The Echo sought to clarify the distinctions dents in grades nine through twelve. Five stown and three from Lanesborough, who between the structures and functions of students from each grade are elected each Each grade in high school elects four serve as the legal agents of the school dis- these groups. spring, making an organization of twenty students to serve as class officers--one as trict and set policy for the district. School students. Student Council is designed to be President, one as Vice President, one as Committee hires and evaluates the Super- School Council a bridge between students and administra- Treasurer and one as Secretary. The prima- intendent, and then works with her to the tion. Frequently, Student Council serves as ry purpose of the class officers is to raise extent that Superintendent Grady takes the The Mount Greylock School Council is the vessel through which the administra- enough money for their grade to have a steps necessary to take the school in the an organization of students, parents, teach- tion gauges student opinion and assesses successful prom, class trip and graduation, direction that the School Committee has ers and community members dedicated student perspective. Every Student Coun- but the officers also serve as the face of established. to identifying the needs of the school and cil meeting is open to all students. the class and facilitate class bonding. As Charlie McWeeny serves as the student adopting goals in line with those needs and Senior Toby Foehl is Student Council part of their fundraising, class officers are representative from Student Council to the statewide standards. School Council ad- President and has been a member for all in charge of collecting class dues, the fees School Committee, acting as a liaison be- ditionally formulates the school improve- four years of high school. This year, he has that students pay in order to participate in tween the School Committee and the stu- ment plan and reviews the budget. The led the Council as they have hosted a corn- their senior week activities. Traditionally, dent body as a whole. school councils of each school in the dis- hole tournament fundraiser, bought lawn the President and Vice President plan and Chair Dan Caplinger has been a part of trict--Williamstown Elementary School, games to be used at lunches beginning in manage operations, while the Treasurer the full district’s School Committee since Lanesborough Elementary School, and the spring and discussed the merits of AP keeps track of finances and the Secretary the district, and thus the School Committee Mount Greylock--remain separate entities classes at Mount Greylock. Over his time is in charge of organization and records. was regionalized in 2018. Prior to that, Ca- after regionalization, but all report to the on Student Council, Foehl has seen a more Class officers work with their grade’s Class plinger was a member of the Williamstown district’s one School Committee. Mem- active relationship develop between stu- Advisor, a faculty member who oversees Elementary School Committee. Caplinger bers’ seats are up for election every two dents and administrators. and assists with the class’s fundraising op- cited this regionalization as one of the most years. “I think Miss McDonald comes to us a erations. crucial acts of School Committee over the Senior Lucy Shepard has been on School lot more for our perspective on things,” he Junior Alex Wilson the president for past few years. Council since her sophomore year. Recent- said. “Kim Grady came to talk to us once the class of 2021. Beyond the fundraising, “More and more, we’re starting to see ly, she said, the Council has been discuss- this year. that was the first time that has Wilson views the role as a crucial leader- how the three schools working even more ing Mount Greylock’s adoption of Mass- happened since I was here.” ship position in the class. closely together can have a benefit for all Core standards and the role of AP classes Foehl is optimistic about the Council’s “I think it’s important to be a leader, to of our kids from pre K all the way through at Mount Greylock. role in the school and feels that the elected be a classmate and to be a friend,” he said. high school graduation,” he said. n The Greylock Echo January 31, 2020 SPORTS Page 5 MIAA Considers Eliminating Sectional Tournament Continued from Page 1. a guaranteed travel to another Western MA good run this year, but it seems like it’s tak- the number for total students. Von Holtz site, the game could be held in Martha’s ing away from the Western part of the state. explained the MIAA shifted to this system some other timeline. Either way, as no Vineyard. With already tight school bud- That’s my two cents right now, although I because “some people will not fit in one of longer an MIAA event, western mass tour- gets, costly bus rides could strain many will admit I don’t know everything about those categories.” As a result of this, the naments would be likely to lose some of Western MA schools. it yet.” boys’ and girls’ teams at a school will al- the attention and excitement surrounding Mountie baseball player Jack Gitterman Mount Greylock boys’ soccer coach ways be in the same division. them. also expressed concerns over the long bus Blair Dils pointed to the benefits of the The Mount Greylock girls’ lacrosse While local decisions are full of ambi- rides, remembering that athletes at Mount new statewide divisions. “I like the set up,” team is one that understands the frustration guity, district to district, sport to sport and Greylock are also students. “The travel Dils said. “I think it establishes a more of playing a schedule without a postseason year to year, von Holtz praised the TMC’s time and late nights may be an issue,” Git- competitive balance because if you look Western MA. Player Carolyn Jones point- plan for its consistency: “I like the consis- terman said, “If the game is on a Thursday at it, Mount Greylcok in particular had ed out that “technically the girls’ lacrosse tency of it. Every single sport and section night, teams may not get back home until been going up against schools that are two, team has been the best Western Mass team of the MIAA would be doing the same extremely late and this isn’t even account- sometimes even three times bigger than for the past two years but have never won thing. The MIAA was getting a lot of com- ing for time spent doing homework. I do we are in division III. To create five divi- the title because it is western/central.” plaints about the inconsistencies within like the idea of possibly playing teams on sions we’ll be in the middle of the pack, in “Schools play like-sized schools,” the tournaments. For example, in the West we the other side of the state but I feel as if terms of school size, in division 5. I’m all MIAA further listed on a powerpoint of might play three games to get to a sectional there are many issues that need to be ad- for leveling the playing field, and I think the benefits. Jones questioned the value of while in the east they might have played dressed before the MIAA makes a deci- it will actually probably benefit Greylock, this statement for the Mount Greylock girls six games to get to that same point, so it sion.” and we might see more state titles from our lacrosse team. “It’s really hard to compete wasn’t fair for teams meeting at the same Travel may also hurt local papers. Mo- teams.” with the central teams where lacrosse is level.” ran commented that, “from a media per- In September, when the Echo sat down more popular,” Jones said. “They just have Von Holtz also brought up that in the spective, our focus as a small paper is HS with Dils to discuss the teams goals for more highly competitive clubs and more past seeding was done differently from sports. With sectional tournaments, there the 2019 season, Dils said that, “for us access to places to play off season. While sport to sport across the state. Separate but are times where I can have a reporter plus they’re always the same, in order we we playing teams our own size might help to connected to the tournament changes is photographer get to two tournament games try to qualify for the tournament, and then a degree, there are still schools like Brom- the introduction of a new seeding system. in one day because of proximity and time. we hope to win our northern division in field who don’t have a ton of kids but are The MIAA will now pay MAXpreps to do That opportunity will diminish. We’re not Berkshire County, and then we hope to win really into lacrosse and have the resources the seeding. Von Holtz said that one of the alone.” Western Mass, and then a state title.” to be incredibly good.” benefits of this system is that team sports “There are definitely both sides,” von Embracing winning Westen MA as a The MIAA’s support for the plan on the will be able to see their seed each week. Holtz said. “The hard part is going to be long time goal for the team, 2019 co-cap- basis that it brings the state together and She said this feature will add an element travel. But it’s not a guaranteed travel. The tain Finn Welch felt that “there is some- allows ADs to meet ADs from other parts of excitement and will draw more crowds better part is that if we are doing well and thing special about a regional tournament of the state has drawn criticism from those to games. we’re having a successful season, if we like Western Mass. It has become a sign of who point out that ADs meet ADs at MIAA Others have expressed concern over make it to a state championship, we’re pride and a goal for teams.” meetings, and that we should be thinking moving to one seeding and qualifying competing against someone that’s the same As a baseball player, Oscar Low ex- about the student-athletes first. method for all teams. Mike Moran, Daily size.” pressed the same fond sentiment for the Thistle said that “this is an Eastern Hampshire Gazette Sports Editor, brought For boys’ basketball, the 17 team West- Western MA pool. “It’s sad to think that Mass driven thing, from the idea that up that the Walker seeding system won’t ern MA pool will shift to a 70 team state- a team can no longer win a Western Mass smaller pools in Western Mass meant that work in a statewide setting because there wide pool. Coach Robert Thistle expressed championship,” Low said, “I understand Western Mass teams had an advantage in isn’t enough crossover. “I have a hard time concerns on how the change will affect wholly why they are making this change getting to state championships.” believing that a statewide tournament will his ability to scout teams. “Historically, I and agree that it speeds the process up. I And ultimately, the overwhelming num- be seeded in a way that is fair” Moran scout all the teams. Now I don’t know the also like the idea of playing new teams and ber of schools in the Boston area and struc- tweeted, “no amount of number crunching lay of the land, I don’t know how compet- traveling across the state to compete. One ture of the MIAA will mean it will be a can accurately seed teams from across the itive some of the schools are, I know it’s thing, though, and especially for baseball, decision up to the Eastern half of the state. state when a small percentage of them ac- aligned with school size. But my gut reac- is that this new system all but eliminates Even if every Western and Central MA tually play each other.” tion is there’s no way I’ll be able to scout the county/Western Mass rivalries that school was to vote against the measure, the As the MIAA is in the midst of a fi- 70 teams.” are super fun to play in — for example, eastern schools would still easily pass the nancial crisis, according to The Boston Thistle also pointed to the rich history we look forward to playing Taconic every proposal with the majority needed. Globe’s article “‘The hard part is, there’s of the Western MA tournament and driv- year. The tournament will become less per- “I will admit there are many things at no crystal ball’: MIAA facing its worst fi- ing motivation it brings to their season. sonal.” the MIAA that are Eastern Mass driven be- nancial crunch,” some have criticized the “There’s something important about try- One of the benefits of a Statewide Tour- cause the number of schools,” von Holtz plan for paying a third party for seeding. ing to win Western Mass and winning this nament highlighted by the MIAA is that it said. “This one, our voice has been heard Another financial burden of the new challenging title that hasn’t happened here, “addresses gender equity issues.” This re- and they’ve changed many things based on system falls on the school districts. All for boys basketball, since 1969,” Thistle fers to the change in how ADs submit en- the feedback that we have given.” the way through sectional finals the high- said. “We made it to the finals in 2017 for rollment numbers. Rather than submitting Still, it’s hard not to wonder if West- er seed will host, meaning that if Mount the first time in 50 years. That was a great a number for boys and another number for ern mass interests will ever have their own Greylock is not the higher seed, rather than accomplishment and we’re hoping for a girls in the school, the AD will submit only place on the state playing field.n

Winter Sports in Brief The Greylock Echo By AVA HOWARD The Greylock Echo is the student newspa- Note: Records are as of when the Echo by thirty points. They were also successful The team had a slow start and senior per of Mt. Greylock Regional High School went to print, which is significantly earlier in their second race, placing 4 athletes in captain Ciera Schwarzer said, “it started in Williamstown, Mass. While the Echo than publication. Most records will be sev- the top ten. off a little awkward, just because of the age posts most content online, print editions eral games behind. “I think with the way the first two races groups, but now we are coming together are published periodically. Any Mt. Grey- have gone and the dynamic we have seen as a team.” With improved team devel- lock student is welcome to join the Echo Girls’ Nordic in practice, it looks to me like we will only opment, they have successfully won both staff. get better from here,” Klompus said. their recent games against Monument and The girls’ nordic ski team has emerged Southwick. Freshman Molly Sullivan is a Greylock Echo Editorial Staff victorious from their first two races of the Boys’ Basketball member of both the JV and Varsity teams. Editor-in-Chief: Owen Tucker-Smith season. The defending state champs had “We’ve had a couple players step up and Managing Editor: Clara McWeeny their season opener in early January at “Speaking on behalf of all coaches, take on leadership roles, which has been Associate Editor: Maddy Art Notchview Reservation, where they dom- players, and captains, I think we have re- good to see,” Sullivan said. News Editor: Charlie McWeeny inated with 13 points. Junior and race win- ally good chemistry--no drama and a tru- The start of the season has been a learn- Features Editor: Laura Dupuis ner Jackie Wells said that “we had a very ly hardworking group,” said varsity boys’ ing experience for the Mounties, and now Opinion Editor: Saville Keyes strong showing at the first race and a lot of basketball coach Bob Thistle. The Mount that they are working harder as a team, Advisor: Peter Niemeyer people on the team are beginning to step Greylock Boys’ Basketball team finished Schwarzer believes they will only improve. up--it’s a strong pack.” The next weekend, their tenth game with a record of 7-5. De- “Our highs are really high and our lows Mt. Greylock Regional High School they competed again at Notchview, facing spite a tough loss against Drury, the team are really low,” Schwarzer said. “We’ve 1781 Cold Spring Road record high January temperatures and risky has clinched wins against all other teams seen us at our best and now that we are ful- Williamstown, Mass, 01267, USA conditions. The Mounties finished with 15 they have played in Berkshire County, ly getting into the swing of things we can points and 6 MG girls in the top ten. including shut-outs of both Lee and Mc- try to reach our full potential.” Questions? Comments? News tips? The team is supposed to compete every Cann. However, Coach Thistle is pushing Please contact: Saturday from now on, however, depend- the team beyond the county and said that Wrestling [email protected] ing on snow and weather conditions, it can “we worked in the off season to get some be unpredictable. harder games which I think will help to This year, the Mount Greylock wres- make the team better.” tling team is a co-op team, with partici- Visit our website! Boys’ Nordic Though it is a team goal to make West- pants from other Northern Berkshire high greylockecho.mghrs.org ern Mass this year (as it is every year) the schools. “It doesn’t really change that Similar to the girl’s team, boys’ skiing team trying to not look too far in the fu- much,” said captain Jack Rosier, “given Join the Echo is also returning strong. Having lost se- ture, and keeping their focus on upcoming everyone who is there is all there for the niors, the team is adjusting to the new dy- contests. same reason.” All students in grades 7-12 welcome. namic. Sophomore Simon Klompus, said, So far the team has had six meets, and Email [email protected] “we lost a lot of seniors, who were great Girls’ Basketball the growing size andinterest in the wres- if interested. leaders. They’re kinda big shoes to fill for tling team from Mount Greylock students, everyone, but the current seniors and up- It’s about halfway through the basket- as well as the outcome of the meets, fore- Letters Policy perclassmen are doing a good job.” Teague ball season and the girls’ varsity record is shadows an optimistic outlook on the rest Murphy added that “practices and games 5-6. The team is coached by John Jacob- of the season. Please send all letters to the editor to are definitely a good environment for all be and because of low numbers, is open to “As a whole, the team is a lot better than [email protected]. team members” grades 8-12. The team is working to adapt it was last year and the season is looking n Include full name and grade. The Echo The boys filled the first five spots for to the new dynamic and the more the sea- good for us,” Rosier said. wil not publish anonymous letters. their season opener at Notchview and won son progresses, the better the bonds are be- by a long shot, leading second place Lenox coming. The Greylock Echo January 31, 2020

Page 6 OPINION Doctor Brown: Students React By THE EDITORIAL BOARD We’ve heard you guys talking about Adolph Brown’s presentation over the past few weeks. We’ve heard enthusiasm, frustration, and thorough, meaningful discourse. That’s why we made the conscious decision to scrap our editorial and defer to you. Below is a loose collection of unfiltered reactions from students in virtually all grades. Our editorial opinion: keep caring so much. Guest Columns By ANNIE ART ‘23 By JIMMY BRANNAN ‘20 I am writing today in response to the that, in our community, we do our best not The school wasted an uncomfortable warded with a ring pop. assembly we had Thursday with the speak- to label and alienate people based on what amount of money on Dr. Brown’s assembly Other participants who were on stage for er Adolph Brown. Although he was funny, they are wearing. He also said not to be the that should have been invested elsewhere. much less time, doing much easier tasks, the performance made me uncomfortable type of person who went for “apples on the Dr. Brown’s spiel definitely had some were rewarded monetarily. Also that Ma- and wishing I was elsewhere. ground,” then continued to say those “ap- points of value, but it was overshadowed teo’s reward was a crumpled up $20 that Dr. From the beginning, Doctor Brown’s ples” were the ones that he and his friends intensely by off-color jokes, cringe-worthy Brown has crushed, stepped on, smudged, performance felt awkward. He called out had passed around and taken many “bites” actions, and misogynistic lines and behav- and kicked has its own implications. people who were not paying their whole out of. Shaming women for their sexual ior. Overall, I think this speaks to the effec- attention to him by saying he loved them. past is not okay. If a woman has been with His apple metaphor (which he incor- tiveness of motivational speakers entirely. This was a weird choice of words to ad- multiple people, that is her business and has rectly called a simile) was truly disgusting. Dr. Brown did have some good points but dress a group of teenagers, but it only got no place in a school assembly. Moreover, it That women are considered low hanging they were only revealed after a deep-dive worse. At one point, while calling out was made clear my intelligence was arous- fruit and easy is very gross. There was no analysis done by an entire class. someone, Doctor Brown said, “I love you, ing for the young men in my class. This consideration for a girl’s perspective. Dr. Brown’s good points, such as “stay but not in a prison sort of way.” This was disgusts me. My academic achievements There are girls who enjoy having sex and true to yourself” and “don’t judge a book alluding to prison rape. Rape jokes are nev- are not for pleasing men. Doctor Brown that is entirely their choice. Just because by its cover” were told in a very round- er okay. Making those types of comments started moaning while telling us how his they enjoy sex doesn’t mean that they are about, counterintuitive, backwards way in front of an entire school is completely crush would answer all the questions in the low-hanging fruit (rotten apples, as Dr. and were almost entirely mute when com- inappropriate. class they shared. This is an inappropriate Brown put it) or that they’re less intelli- pared to his more uncomfortable, misogy- When Doctor thing to do in gent. Wearing tight pants doesn’t affect nistic, off-color comments and actions. Brown called for an assembly intelligence either. Dr. Brown’s statement I firmly believe that everything Dr. Brown a female volun- for middle and that you don’t want an apple with a lot of said and wanted to get across could’ve been teer, Charlotte, high school- bite marks, or in other words, a girl who said much more easily (and more effec- an unsuspecting I felt that my sole ers who spend has had a lot of partners, is inherently tively) with a poster in the hallway. If the teenager, went all day raising counterintuitive to his “don’t judge a book school wants to have motivational speak- up. He acted out their hands to by its cover” message. ers, invite people from the county who are how he met and purpose was to answer ques- His statements on being a sapiosexual actually working on important things. In- fell in love with tions. Talking was also rather uncomfortable. Dr. Brown vite somebody who’s working on the opi- his wife, with please men. about how he mimicking having an orgasm when de- oid crisis in Berkshire County or someone Charlotte play- found it arous- scribing how his wife answered biology who works on affordable housing or a rep- ing the role of ing when a questions was absolutely inappropriate for resentative from Habitat for Humanity or his wife. This woman is try- a high school audience, let alone a mid- any one who is actually doing something was very odd, because a full-grown man ing to get ahead in her education sends the dle-school audience. It also further pro- productive for the Berkshires. The assem- was approaching a girl and telling her wrong message to girls who are all in the moted the idea of female sexualization, bly was truly a testament to how genuinely how he found her brain attractive and how process of their education. My stomach sexualizing a girl’s intellect. out of touch Kim Grady actually is. much he loved her. He also made a reli- flips while just thinking about this part of There were strong themes of heteronor- If the school wants to actually do some- gious comment, saying the only thing he the presentation. mativity spliced throughout the assembly. thing with motivational and informative loved more than his wife was God. This From my understanding, the intended Dr. Brown’s speech was very much, “guys speaking, spending thousands of dollars on should not have been said due to the ab- message of Doctor Brown’s assembly was if you want to get a girl” and “girls, if you a “motivational” speaker is not the thing to sence of religion in public schools, a rule not to judge a book by its cover, but the want a guy to notice you.” do. Instead, take that money and invest it enforced to make sure everyone feels wel- messages he actually conveyed were that The prison rape joke was completely out in the Greylock Talks program. Strengthen come, and because of the fact that he was changing yourself to impress women is of place. Saying, “I love you, but not in the it, maybe even providing the opportunity still addressing this comment to a high completely okay, that a woman’s only job prison sort of love,” is absolutely inappro- for further school assemblies that hold ac- schooler who was not educated on what is to get noticed by a man, and that you priate. Dr. Brown is an adult man joking tual relevance to Mount Greylock. Instead she had agreed to. I understand that he was should not be one of the bad apples on about a prison-style rape between him and of having 25 minutes to talk quickly about showing us what happened between him the ground. The presentation had a strong an underage student. one topic, maybe expand that into having and his wife, but nonetheless, it made me theme that guys are supposed to be trying This trend continued when he proceeded 90 minutes to actually present a topic. and many others extremely uncomfortable. to get girls and that girls’ jobs are trying to to propose to a requested-female volunteer. The assembly has a whole just left me At the end of that segment, I felt that my be “gotten” by guys. Although they were He could’ve easily told the story of how he with a bad taste and bad memories. I think sole purpose was to please men. I was told hidden between jokes and dancing, sexist met his wife without a volunteer, standing it was a waste of money and that the stu- that my pants cannot be too tight, because and heteronormative comments were still creepily close to an underage, uncomfort- dent body would be arguably better off then I would be a “bad apple” instead of evident throughout the assembly. Those able participant. The participant was on if the assembly didn’t happen in the first being higher on the tree. I like to believe remarks have no place at Mount Greylock. stage for almost half an hour and was re- place.

Anonymous Nima Darafshi ‘20 It was wildly inappropriate to direct a prison rape joke at a student, first off. Second, It encouraged understanding of respect towards other people while also helping teach the slut shaming and sexism were ridiculously blatant--when he talked about women as students their importance of self worth. I think the most memorable thing from his pre- apples, and attempted to teach kids that “fallen women,” i.e. women who have casual sentation was that “Education did not save me. Educators did.” sex, are to be avoided and are apples that fallen to the ground, I couldn’t believe what I He could have dived deeper into the topic of growing up different. I think he sort of was hearing. Especially with that disgusting comment about he and all his friends “tak- generalized the idea of acceptance, but I don’t blame him because he is speaking to a ing a bite.” And don’t get me started on using a teenage girl to reenact your relationship school with an overwhelming white and middle class population. with your wife when you could have easily done the bit without it, and the mention of I think with our student population, it is difficult to understand everyone’s differences the antiquated practice of asking a father for his daughter’s hand (as if she were proper- because lots of students of all backgrounds put on a facade when at school. ty). Additionally, he spent almost the entire talk reinforcing negative stereotypes about Dr. Brown’s point was executed perfectly. African-Americans (for example, correlating saggy pants or braids to lower worth.) That money could serve the school in innumerably better ways. Anonymous I didn’t really get his overall point. There were a few jokes he made that to me seemed Max Rhie ‘20 quite inappropriate, specifically the ‘I love you, but not in a prison way’ and when he I thought that some of the points he made were overly blunt and needed a little more mentioned being aroused by intelligent people. Also, looking on his website, the de- attention to nuance. But, his messages were heartfelt, passionate and genuine, and ev- scription on one of the shirts he sells, to me, seems pretty sexist. eryone in the gym felt that--this is probably the most important thing a speaker can do, Description on a shirt with a man climbing up an apple tree reads: “Doc pos- anyways. And I found his ability to engage the audience and simultaneously encourage itively uses the simile of ‘Girls are like apples on trees, the best ones are on the top of enthusiasm and thoughtfulness to be very impressive and inspiring. the tree.’ (Makes an ideal gift from school administrators to young ladies who forget to Eva Myers ‘20 appropriately cover the 4 B’s - Br@*^t, Back, B*#t, & Belly (sic)). If “real talk” was encouraged more by teachers and students, we could have more of an Kiersten Simpson ‘23 open conversation about our community and diversity. We could have less speakers and It all felt very heteronormative. I felt like all of the relationship advice mainly pertained more open forums for students to speak up about their own situations and our commu- to male/female relationships. nity. The whole sapio-sexual bit opened up with ‘people are calling themselves a lot of things George Munemo ‘24 these days,’ which felt like he was degrading the LGBTQ+ community. Also, liking I thought it was kind of weird. I think the message he was trying to send is good but he intelligent people is a preference, not a sexuality. didn’t deliver the message well. I liked the dancing parts but that didn’t really have to Along a similar line, the thing he said that was along the lines of “I can love do with the message. I think he was too focused on entertaining the crowd so he didn’t you...and not in a prison way” also just felt weird. If I remember correctly, he was do the best job. speaking to a sophomore in high school. The ‘Share the apple’ quote felt very degrading. Even if he finished with ‘if the Elena Caplinger ‘23 apple is willing to be shared!’ it still felt like a cheap joke. While I did, admittedly, think parts of his presentation were funny with good messages The ‘I’m going to only love God as much as I love you’ line didn’t really feel necessary, attached, the commentary treating women as apples, that are supposed to be “bitten” for as he does not know the religious background of the school. the enjoyment of men, made me very uncomfortable and tainted the rest of his perfor- Overall, I felt like he was trying to be edgy and it didn’t land at all. mance. The Greylock Echo January 31, 2020

ARTS&LIVING Page 7 At Korean Garden, Little Women, Sushi is King Big Impact By GABE GERRY By MADDY ART Hiding in the shadows of the MCLA’s four “base” options available (salmon, Since Greta Gerwig’s recent film ad- be fulfilled. Jo wants to be the independent dorms lies the restaurant Korean Garden. beef-chicken, tofu, and pork), there are aptation of Little Women came out I have and steely feminist, but she is also vulnera- A block or two behind the North Adams choices for everyone. Best of all, like most seen it in theaters three times, and if you’ve ble and emotional. She longs to be allowed Movieplex, the restaurant is removed from of the items served at Korean Garden, it is had a conversation with me since I first saw to be simultaneously angry, and tender, the traffic and congestion of the downtown affordable — just $13. it, you’ve probably heard me talk about it. and loved, and Gerwig allows it. Gerwig’s MASS MoCA area. Although it is nice Another favorite at Korean Garden is This movie is a work of art on its own, tell- characters, even more so than Alcott’s, are to be away from the hustle and bustle, its bulgogi: translated to “fire meat” in Kore- ing a familiar, poignant and emotional sto- nuanced. subpar location causes it to lose many pro- an, the house’s “special sauce” elevates it ry through beautiful shots, smart dialogue, Because we see all of this messiness spective patrons. to another level. With choices of salmon, and remarkable acting. But more than that, come to life in a fresh and modern way Armed with the knowledge and under- pork, or beef, the bulgogi comes with a Gerwig gives audiences dynamic, compli- on screen, audiences not only feel that the standing of owning and running a restau- plethora of steamed veggies. Just like the bi cated, and human women and female rela- characters in front of them are real, but also rant, Yong and Jenny Pae opened Korean bim bap, the bulgogi is a large portion--big tionships that fundamentally redefine what that the young women in the 1860s were Garden in early 2016. They had previous- enough for two--that is equally as cheap, it means to be a little woman. messy, too. ly been a part of a small Korean eatery in meaning that every budget will leave with Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women was This phenomenon extends to and rede- Boston. Since it opened, Korean Garden a full stomach. And as far as bulgogis go, published in the fines the very con- has been a hotspot with locals due to the look no farther than Korean Garden, be- late 1860s. I often cept of femininity. low prices and delicious meals. MCLA stu- cause you are not going to find one as good find that in litera- The March dents, who just have to cross the street for anywhere else in the Berkshires. ture published that sisters consider a quick meal, are also quick to flock to the The reason to venture out to North long ago--or films themselves ladies, storefront. Adams for Korean and Japanese food is set that long ago-- When men are but to them, an Upon first glance, Korean Garden looks the sushi, and there is no shortage of that the characters of- acting “club for a bit unassuming. The simplicity of the at Korean Garden. There are about twen- ten come across as ladies” can mean beige outside continues inside with a plain ty different types of maki rolls, in addition aloof and unrelat- the gatekeepers, dressing up like interior consisting of a long sushi bar and to five other sushi from the bar. There is able. The dialogue men and mak- a series of tables lined up against the wall. a maki for everyone. From the Boston and emotions feel women’s stories ing lots of noise. Larger tables can be found at the back of themed Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics makis tempered, and I find Many girls today the restaurant. As you enter you are greet- to a crunch and even a chicken crunch, ev- myself asking, “did grew up playing in ed by a Maneki-Neko (literally meaning eryone will find one to love. The MCLA they actually talk are not always a similarly rowdy beckoning cat) and small bamboo plants. roll with surprisingly fresh spicy salmon like that?” Little fashion, at least Adorning the walls are photos of sushi next and avocado was superior to the deep- Women was one of in some capacity, to posters advertising Budweiser, and a TV fried Williams roll. Both rolls consisted the first books I felt told. and seeing that behind the sushi bar has an Arkansas State of six pieces that were priced at $8 and truly proud to read, girls taking up football game on with the volume muted. $9, respectively. The sushi chef at the bar and I remember try- space is not new is Luckily, more was invested in the food seemed to be continually churning out per- ing to relate and see powerful. than in the decor. fect rolls. The Paes have sushi down, and it myself in each of the March sisters. In Ger- Gerwig’s adaptation is framed with a Although named Korean Garden, the reigns supreme at Korean Garden. wig’s adaptation, though, relating required vignette of Jo selling her writing: first restaurant also proudly serves Japanese Perhaps the dark horse of the night was no effort. Meg (Emma Watson), Jo (Sao- just stories, but eventually the book Little cuisine. The menu is about half Japanese the Udon. Five varieties of the noodle soup irse Ronan), Beth (Eliza Scanlan), Amy Women itself. When the male publisher delights like udon and maki and half Kore- would satisfy eaters of all types: su-udon, (Florence Pugh), and their mother, Marmie reads her manuscript, he rejects it as bor- an classics like bulgogi and kimchi. shrimp tempura udon, vegetable udon (in (Laura Dern), are women you know--your ing until his daughters find it and urge him Almost immediately after sitting down vegetable broth as well), seafood udon, mom, your sister, you. to publish it--both factual to Alcott’s story we were greeted by Jenny, our server, who and udon noodles in a spicy Korean broth The Marches are messy. They wres- and a valuable reminder that when men are came bearing a wide smile and five free with both vegetables and seafood. The tle and throw pillows on Christmas morn- the gatekeepers, women’s stories are not starters. This is the Korean Garden equiv- vegetable udon was nearly perfect, with an ing. When Marmie asks them to give their always told. alent to the pre-appetizer bread and butter authentic yet basic broth and an array and breakfasts to a poor family nearby, they Once he does decide to publish, is in- traditionally served at other restaurants. fresh vegetables that all came together in feel conflicted. They want things that other censed that Jo remained unmarried in the There was seasoned broccoli, cucumbers, one great dish. It is such a stripped down girls have, even when they are impracti- first draft. So Gerwig’s Jo revises, essen- beans and tempura fried sweet potato, all staple that should find its way onto your cal. And while trading limes in the style of tially writing Alcott’s Jo into marriage so of which were delicious and a well-appre- table at Korean Garden. Amy and her classmates may not be all the the book would be published, resolving the ciated bonus. Jenny did an amazing job and served rage at Mount Greylock, every teenager incongruity in Alcott’s novel between Jo’s After discreetly looking around at everything with a big infectious smile. Her can understand the often ridiculous pain of defining distaste for marriage and her ulti- neighboring tables, bi bim bap, a typical and Yong’s experience can be seen in the wanting material status symbols that others mate fate as a married woman. “Marriage,” Korean rice dish, seemed to be the most way they efficiently run the restaurant, and have and you do not. Gerwig’s Jo remarks, “has always been an popular order. Ordering bi bim bap is they have done a great job over the past Jo March, the second oldest sister, de- economic proposition for women, even in somewhat like ordering fajitas at a Mexi- years at creating a perfect little spot. With fines herself by her fierce independence, fiction.” can restaurant. It comes in a sizzling, over- forgiving prices across the board and a di- her passionate feminism, and her writing. With this delicate maneuver, Gerwig sized, stone bowl and is clearly fresh out verse and delicious menu, put Korean Gar- She is smart, obstinate, and convinced that has allowed Jo to remain true to herself as of the kitchen. Aside from presentation, den on your list of places you must go. n her will can solve any problem. Jo proj- a character by not actually marrying and to the bi bim bap itself was delicious. With ects strength, through and through, and Alcott’s novel, by writing herself into mar- she works to maintain that projection. She riage. And even while Jo is changing her spends the movie asserting that she will fate in writing, she is advocating for her never get married and cuts off and sells her pay and ownership of her book. It doesn’t High School, Eagles Bands hair for money for Marmie to visit her fa- get much more “Jo” than that. ther in a display of her lack of interest in If old portrayals of women depicted Collaborate in Evening Concert looks. them as prim, proper, and focused on a After Jo cuts her hair, once she is alone, husband, that’s because that’s what the By JOHN SKAVLEM she weeps. Despite her belief that women men in charge of such portrayals wanted The high school band collaborated with comments from some of the Eagles people should not be focused on looks, she wants to see, not because that’s how the women local Eagles band this month for an eve- who say I go into teacher mode.” to feel pretty. And after Jo tells Marmie that were or felt. Gerwig gives space for these ning performance open to members of the Jenkins had worked with Moors while she is sick of the expectations that women portrayals--thankfully, because we know community. Festivities kicked off with they directed the Drury and Mount Grey- will care only about marriage, she confess- that they do occupy a space in our world- three pieces played by the High School lock bands, respectively. es that she is incredibly lonely. Despite her -while still showing that women in the insistence that more than her heart’s needs 1860s were no less dynamic and complex Band, before the Eagles Band stepped in Organizing the collaboration posed lo- n and played their three pieces, one of which gistical challenges for both bands. are fulfilled, she wants her heart’s needs to than women now. was accompanied by a slideshow dedi- “We only had one rehearsal together, cated to those who have served and given only one hour,” Jenkins said. The Eagles their lives for our nation. band only had two of their own rehears- After each band performed separately, als for the performance, as many of the they shared the stage and played together, members come from their day jobs to Record the news through pictures with members ranging in age from four- meet, making rehearsals more difficult to teen to ninety-four. organize than simply a high school extra- and words. “The janitors initially believed we would curricular, Jenkins said. “We avoided all not have enough room on the stage,” band trainwrecks, which is always the goal for director Lyndon Moors said. us,” he said. The Eagles band can be traced back to “This is the largest group to collaborate the year 1936 and “is the oldest continuing with us,” Moors said. “We have had small- performance ensemble in the Berkshires,” er ensembles of Mount Greylock alumni, according to their website. A previous but this was the only time we have had Join the Echo Today. mayor of Pittsfield declared it “the official two full concert bands on stage at the same band of the city.” The Eagles perform vari- time.” ous concerts throughout the year, including When asked about the most important a holiday concert and a Williams College contribution the Eagles members brought alumni concert. to the younger members of the Greylock Eagles Band conductor Carl Jenkins Band, Moors said that “it shows them that [email protected] was already in familiar territory working they have a lifetime opportunity to partic- with high schoolers. ipate in music. You can do this for your “I did high school band work for 36 entire life and appreciate good music and years in North Adams,” he said. “I still get play well.” n The Greylock Echo January 31, 2020

Page 8 ETC. Twin Advice: Twice as Nice By CLARA MCWEENY Charlie will be leaving Greylock this makes when he’s realized he’s misplaced, times. Consider yourself warned. No. Every single morning, without fail, semester and attending SEGL, a policy say, his permit. It’s pretty funny (and ac- he sleeps through his alarm. No one else school in Washington, DC. Because he’s curate). Here’s how it usually goes down: 2. He never gets up when his sleeps through it, of course, meaning that really who we want as an elected offi- it’s 7:13 pm, exactly 4 minutes before we Lucy and I spend the first 15 minutes of cial--if all you care about is planes and run- HAVE to leave for the bus. Charlie can’t alarm goes off. Ever. our morning listening to a sound that will ning and the occasional Chobani yogurt. find his laptop. He swears he left it on the When my alarm goes off in the morning, literally haunt me for the rest of my life. Not to worry, he’ll be back to school next I’d like to say that in DC he’ll change, and fall (ugh), but his absence will leave a hole actually will jump out of bed, but I’d be in The Echo staff, and has made me realize lying. He will 100% sleep through at least that doing twin advice alone might be im- one Supreme Court session. It’s possible possible. And also wouldn’t make a ton of that you’ll have to nudge (shove?) him sense. Sad, but I will not miss the weekly awake. Enjoy the alarm. (I think it’s called fights we get in about what to fight about Illuminate?) in twin advice. I will also not miss his re- ally loud chewing at 6:30 in the morning. 3. It’s possible I will miss him. Or his weird obsession with planes. Guys, I know we joke, but it’s gotten out of con- Just a little bit though. trol. Wow. I guess there’s a lot I won’t miss Surprise! Admittedly, this is a bit off about him. Is this going to be the best se- brand for the Twin Advice(TM) franchise. mester of my life? But, as someone who’s But recently I’ve been told we need to get lived with him for 16 years (make that 17. friendlier--as if that was possible. Whoops. Time in the womb definitely counts), I’ve Still trying to master this whole kindness pretty much memorized his weird habits, thing. But, really, anyone who happens to midnight snacks, and generally all the re- have Charlie as a roommate for the next ally annoying things he does. So, readers, four months should consider themselves this segment isn’t as much advice to a defi- lucky. He is annoying and mean and pre- nitely not fictional student at Greylock, as tentious but he is also my best friend. I it usually is, but some tips for his soon-to- can’t imagine going through the last 16 be roommates in DC: years of life without him, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things he does in DC. 1. He will blame you for every- I also can’t wait for his run for House, his Senate campaign, and finally, his Presiden- thing he loses. And he loses a lot dining room table last night. So, the only of things. I roll over, hit snooze, and then fall back tial candidacy (although I think being pres- logical explanation for this occurrence is into a half-sleep type thing (NREM-1? ident of United might come first). Some- that Nico must have stolen it. Yelling en- Tom?) until I absolutely have to wake up. times, being a twin really is twice as nice. A daily occurence in the McWeeny sues. Until his laptop is found, usually by household is Charlie running around, Charlie, on the other hand, does not hit his Lucy (the only even-tempered one), in his snooze button. And that’s not to say that he Sincerely, screaming about whatever object he has backpack. Where he swore he checked five n lost. Ask Nico to imitate the sound he just springs out of bed, ready for the day. Clara When Snow Melts and Waxes Burn Continued from Page 4. PFOA allowed under a new threshold set Bazzano said he questioned some of the Skiers also appeared to be concerned to take effect this summer. information used to decide. about the health impact, saying that “it is pic venue in a new area where they had In a 2019 report, Food and Water Watch “In Norway, only U16 is using fluoro,” good to lower risky health factors” and to literally clear cut national forests to put said that “these chemicals are forever,” he said. “Everybody above U16 is using noting that “without proper ventilation in alpine ski areas, and they had to divert referring to PFOAs and similar substanc- fluoro. That’s kind of information we got kids can be exposed to toxic fumes.” waterways to put in Olympic villages. So es. The acid stays in the environment, and afterwards. We’ve been using Low Fluoros But other skiers noted the complexity of much environmental destruction, just for doesn’t leave. for 30 years. We just didn’t see health is- the situation. the sake of making a few dollars for their “These substances continue to persist sues right away; we didn’t see it as an is- “I definitely support the decision, but sponsors.” in the environment and in our bodies even sue. Health issues have been reported for it does raise some issues in the sport,” one Ski activists also face another, less direct after a partial phase-out of their produc- wax techs on the world tour, but I think said. “It makes it far easier to cheat the sys- obstacle: Skiing isn’t always green. For tion in the United States,” the report read. they’re in a different element than we are.” tem now by using the better wax that has high school and college skiers, races often “They’re resistant to even the most ad- “In my mind, that was ridiculous,” been banned because there is no way to ac- mean long drives, especially when teams vanced water treatment technologies.” Greene said, referring to such dissent at tually regulate what people are putting on must make the trek to resorts that can make Fluorinated waxes -- a broader category, the meeting. “We don’t know everything, their skis.” their own snow. Plane rides to World Cup the fastest of which include PFOA -- have we’re still learning about them. Just inhal- races and water-based snowmaking make endured criticism from coaches, scien- ing the particulates is really bad for peo- Moving Forward for a sport that isn’t always environmen- tists, and officials for years, especially for ple.” tally friendly. their health and environmental footprints. Greene said concern over the ban also Bakija said she is expecting the ski com- “Cutting carbon footprint is something Bloomberg’s Will Donahue wrote of the originated from financial reasons--that a munity to do more in the future to reduce people try to pay attention to, but it’s also sport’s “Dirty Little Fluorinated Secret,” coach had already bought fluorinated wax- skiers’ environmental footprint and keep something that I haven’t seen that active of describing fluoros as an addiction. The es for the season. the sport safe. an effort for in the ski community,” former EPA has been investigating the substances, Senior captain Miriam Bakija said that “We’re going in the right direction in Bowdoin skier Sam Shaheen said. “We’re and has categorized the waxes as in vio- avoiding the ban for financial reasons terms of banning fluorinated waxes,” she a sport whose fate is tied to climate change, lation with US toxic chemical legislation. would be “really stupid.” said, “but there are definitely more steps. but we’re also dependent upon carbon.” Leagues across the world have set bans. “In the long run, regardless of whether Do World Cup skiers need fifteen pairs of Greylock senior captain Miriam Bakija Vermont has set a ban, said Greene. So you’ve bought them already, everybody’s skis? Not really. Do we really need even noted that skiers may have a hand in cli- has New York. So has the Massachusetts going to be saving money by not using CH waxes? Probably not. As long as the mate change while bearing much less of its state team qualifier. The European Union these super expensive fluorinated waxes,” playing field is level, it’s still going to be consequences than others. is banning the import, sale, and production she said. a good sport. You don’t lose what’s great “It’s a bummer that we can’t ski,” Bakija of PFOAs in 2020 and fluorocarbons, the Green noted that eliminating fluorinated about skiing when you lose the waxes.” said. “But it’s going to be a bigger bummer acid’s close sibling, two years later. waxes can level the playing field financial- Survey respondents shared similar sen- as more and more people in developing Early this winter, the International Ski ly. timents, noting that they “really have never countries die because of the climate crisis.” Federation (FIS) announced a ban on the “It should be a concern,” she said, “be- seen that great of a difference,” and there- Shaheen brought up another element of waxes for competitions starting in the cause it shouldn’t be that the skiers with the fore that there’s no reason not to move for- skiers’ role in the environment, frequently 2020-2021 season. most money get to be the fastest on skis.” ward with the bans. discussed quietly -- the long, carbon-back- And 41 days after the pros voted to “Some people and teams can’t afford Beyond waxes, Newell said the ski com- boned molecules stretched out by as many de-fluorinate, the Berkshire Nordic Ski to buy fluorinated waxes,” Bakija said. munity should do several things to ensure as eight Fluorine atoms. Or, in less, chemi- League followed suit. “And in a sport in which so much of your a future for the sport. Less infrastructure cal terms, the fluoros. “It seemed to us like a no-brainer,” race depends on the equipment you have, should be built, and large events like the Greene said. “Why would we ever contin- it’s nice to level the playing field in some upcoming Beijing Olympics should move Waxed On, Never Waxed Off ue to use it?” way.” toward carbon-neutrality, he said. Greene said once league coaches start- In the end, the league voted to ban the But he’s also looking to see a change in Nearly a decade ago, a team of Swed- ed hearing about the bans in Europe and use of all fluorinated products from racing. the culture of the sport. ish researchers at Orebro University gained access to more information regard- According to the new rules, skiers must “We need to breathe some new blood tracked eight world cup wax technicians’ ing environmental and health concerns of wax as a team with NF (non-fluoro) and into these organizations,” he said. “There’s blood levels of Perfluorooctanoic acid (or fluorinated waxes, they met to discuss. their skis must be stored overnight in a going to be an insurgence of younger ath- PFOA -- a chemical found in some of the Greene and fellow Greylock coach Hiram consolidated location. letes who are much more socially con- fastest ski waxes). An unexposed, or con- Greene pushed for a Berkshire League ban. Fifty percent of respondents to the scious and mentally conscious than the trol, group was found to have on average “Coach [Hiram] Greene said that even if Echo’s survey said they strongly support- ones before them. I have no doubt that the 2.7 nanograms of PFOA per milligram of the league doesn’t ban them, Mt. Grey- ed the league’s ban on fluorinated waxes. changes will happen over time.” blood. The wax techs boasted a number lock’s not using them,” Greene said. Only one respondent reported they strong- Greene said she hopes skiers at the high over 40 times larger -- 112. Also at the meeting was Bazzano, who ly disapproved of the decision. Reason- school and professional level will set good Just this month, another group of Swed- said the ban was a frantic decision. ing largely captured the sentiment of the examples. ish scientists identified eleven waxes still “I was the antagonist,” Bazzano said. coaches who voted on the ban. “When you reach the highest level of containing significant levels of PFOA. “The decision was made quickly. I feel that “If there are ways to help the environ- your sport, you have a responsibility to be Researchers involved said the wax manu- it was made without all the facts. It was ment then we should support that,” one a role model and activist,” she said. “We facturers had claimed that they had moved more like ‘it’s a good idea, let’s just do it.’ respondent said. “Communities all over don’t just want good skiers. We want good on from PFOAs, but the waxes tested con- I just didn’t feel like that was a decision to should do their best to not contribute to the people.” n tained up to 1,200 times the amount of make that quickly.” climate crisis,” another noted.