Mr. Blumenthal and Mr. Kadour:
This type of dialogue is exactly what we hope to facilitate as Vice 
President and President of the Student Government Association.We feel 
that it is important to hear all sides of issues that concern our 
campus and UVM community, this issue is certainly one of them.  The 
idea of an athletic facility is one that has been discussed within 
Student Government and that discussion continues.  However, one thing 
that both of you may want to consider is the idea of a new Student 
Center, which could serve as a recreational and a social center of the 
campus.  Also, as Mr.Kadour pointed out, academics are and must be our 
first priority.  We must work all considerations, including an 
athletic facility aroiund the priority of academics.  Thank you for 
giving us your input, and we look forward to hearing more ideas in the 
future.
Sincerely,
Jessica Cooke and Colin Moffett   

On Tue, 5 Mar 1996, Ric K. Kadour wrote:

> 
> Are you kidding? In my four years here at UVM I've seen money flow out of 
> Academic programs. I've seen requests for very good improvements truned 
> down because of money. I've heard falculty complain that UVM is not 
> hiring quality professors because of lack of funds. And you want more 
> money for cardio-vascular equipment?
> 
> My feeling is that if you want to learn go to a university, if you want 
> to exercise go to a health club. Furthermore, I know from personal 
> experience that an outside club is going to treat you better, have newer 
> equipment, and play better music (Mine does). You will also find people 
> there who are knowledgable.
> 
> I think the University should move away from this notion that it has to 
> be everything to the student. I think we need to go back to a core. When 
> UVM can offer an Ivy league academic program, when it can properly fund 
> the staff and programs which deal with the challenges of our changing 
> society, then we can build multi-million dollar recreational facilities. 
> Until then, buy a BIG pass, ride your bike.
>  
> 
> Sincerely,
> Ric Kasini Kadour
> 
> PS. I highly recommend the Body Garage in Miller's Landmark off Church 
> Street. Best gym in town.
> 
> On Tue, 5 Mar 1996 [log in to unmask] wrote:
> 
> > When will the students, faculty, and staff support a recreational facility
> > that includes cardiovascular equipment?  Every school around us is growing.
> > UNH's new Recreational Complex, UMASS and the Mullin's Center, and many
> > others are making moves to attract those individuals looking for an
> > eductaion and a healthy environment.  What new attractions does the
> > University of Vermont offer?  Taco Bell?   
> > 
> > Since I have been here almost two years, students, faculty, and staff have
> > moaned and groaned about not having certain recreational opportunities
> > available to them on a daily basis. I tried to draw attention and start some
> > dialogue in a recent Cynic article concerning the congestion in Patrick
> > Gymnasium.  No one seems to want to speak up, they only want to complain.  I
> > am more than willing to work with you folks on ideas, but you all need to
> > show an interest.
> > 
> > During the spring and summer of 1995, a feasibility study was conducted to
> > determine the cost of a new fieldhouse and a renovation of the existing
> > track into a Recreational Center.  Granted, the cost was more than expected,
> > but the issue seems to have died.  
> > 
> > Thoughts have turned to the current facilities.  A proposal has been
> > presented which would turn the area housing the staging and chairs (i.e.,
> > the old weight room) into a cardiovascular room.  The major question is
> > where does the staging go -staging that is used maybe 3 - 4 times a year?
> > 
> > We here at Recreational Sports understand the frustrations that many of  you
> > have expressed.  You are not alone, yet we are alone in striving for what
> > would be very beneficially to the UVM Campus.  (Being in the health field,
> > my opinion may be bias.) 
> > 
> >  I guess I turn to the SGA office to determine what direction the students
> > desire.  I know we can not have everything, but it would be nice if the
> > students of this university did not have to pay additional membership fees
> > to outside health clubs to obtain their healthy lifestyle goals.
> > 
> > If you wish to make a comment, please feel free to do so by either email or
> > phone (656-4483).
> > 
> > The opinions expressed are those of the authors only!
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Harvey Blumenthal
> > Recreational Sports Director
> > University of Vermont
> > 219 Patrick Gymnasium
> > 656-4483
> > 
> > Vermont Hockey
> > 1996 ECAC Conference Champions
> > 
> > UMASS Alum
> > #2 Ranked Basketball Team in the Nation
> > 
> > Purdue Alum
> > 3 straight Big 10 Titles
> > 
> > Boston Red Sox Fan
> > No Title in 78 years - WOW!
> > 
> > 
> > 
>