When I first chose Italian on my course selection, it was for nothing more than to check off graduation requirements. However, spending these 3 years being taught by Prof has been the most fun experience of high school, and I am genuinely excited to learn even more about Italy and its culture. We can’t let the admins rob us of such a special experience!
I’m deeply disappointed by the behavior of this nonprofit employee, who has treated members of our community with clear disrespect and disregard. In a role meant to serve and uplift those facing hardship, compassion and grace should be non-negotiable. I support any necessary actions taken to address this misconduct—no one seeking help should be made to feel like they don’t matter.
The half pipe at Okemo has been a staple and hallmark for training for myself and athletes I coach or have coached. The Tbar and the pipe together allows for such a quick reload for training and progression. The community it is built for, be it snowboard or freeski is extensive past the local Okemo area. This halfpipe has made many legends and should continue to be allowed to make many more.
Removing the pipe but adding bubble chairs isn’t the answer. Kids wanna progress and I grew up seeing first backflips and flairs out of that pipe to which athletes were created. It has more memories and special moments for anyone that has used it than the entire mountain does. Don’t put profits before people.
The Okemo halfpipe has been cornerstone of Okemo mountain for over 20 years. It has provided joy for parents, grandparents and children alike. It has provided training opportunities for many young athletes, many of whom have become Olympic medalists and world class athletes. It will be devastating to the mountain and our community if we lose this half pipe. It is also not only Okemo Mountain that will suffer. Many local businesses rely on the revenue brought in by the half pipe. Athletes from around the east coast travel to Okemo to train and compete because we were the only half pipe on the east coast.
My most vivid childhood memories were created while hiking that pipe! Another generation deserves the same opportunity to create community and friendship like I had.
For twenty years i volunteered in the Ludlow elementary school on-snow snowboard ( and ski) program. When Okemo opened the mountain to snowboarders and Ludlow elementary began its first snowboard winter, I was the first and only adult volunteer instructor. I watched many kids become adept and grow into high school competitors. The halfpipe became a rite of passage for nearly every snowboarder. Even i in my late middle age had a blast on those steep sides, falling.
Okemo needs the halfpipe!!