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Moving mountains
Greater AV诊所 escaped the February 1 bomb cyclone expected to bring heavy snow, hurricane-force winds, and coastal flooding, but AV诊所 College, like the rest of the area, is still digging out following the city鈥檚 eighth snowiest storm on record, which dropped nearly two feet of winter鈥檚 confetti on January 25-26.
The University closed on January 26 and classes were canceled for the first time since 2018, but while students enjoyed the day off, the University鈥檚 snow removal team was hard at work clearing slush-choked sidewalks and slippery roads, exacerbated by nasty wind chills.
The late January storm was part of a far-reaching weather system that delivered heavy snow, bone-chilling temperatures, and icy conditions from Texas to Maine. Though the precipitation eventually tapered off after two days, the bitter cold lingered through the first week of February.
According to Associate Director of Landscape Services Scott H. McCoy, between 500-540 loads of snow鈥攖ransported in 10-wheeler dump trucks (each holding between 10 to 15 tons apiece) over a four-night span during and after the storm鈥攚ere unloaded at 300 Hammond Pond Parkway, the BC-owned property located south of the Main Campus.聽 A 60-foot mountain of densely packed snowflakes now towers over the area, and it may take until May for the hill to fully melt.
鈥淲e have a core team of 32 employees, and anywhere from 50-100 custodial staff, plus contractors, so the entire snow removal crew may total as many as 175-200 people,鈥� said McCoy, noting that the entire BC campus totals over 400 acres, which is more than 300 football fields. 鈥淭he work never stops until all the roadways, sidewalks, and stairs are cleared.聽 It can be grueling; we make every effort to make sure our workers are fed, rested, and dry, but some of the folks stayed on campus, sleeping on cots wherever they could find a space.聽 It鈥檚 a very dedicated group.鈥�
The BC Police Department provides critical assistance during snowstorms, explained McCoy, not only by assigning details to all large snow removal vehicles to ensure public safety, but stationing officers at each campus to safeguard the community.
鈥淥ur entire focus is safety,鈥� said Deputy Chief Kevin Buckley. 聽鈥淚deally, we can prevent storm-related injuries through intervention, but when they do occur, we can respond quickly by having officers nearby.鈥�
Members of the Facilities Services staff paused for a photo during their snow removal operations at 300 Hammond Pond Parkway.
Storm preparation and advance planning are crucial for all campus departments impacted by both severe weather and transport-inhibiting snowfall, but Dining Services often requires an extra dose.
鈥淲e spring into planning mode and start our prep several days out, as soon as it becomes clear that there may be a significant snow event,鈥� said Associate Director of Restaurant Operations Rebecca Rogan. 鈥淲e anticipate that food deliveries can be delayed or simply not make it, so we develop a plan to consolidate our supplies if necessary.鈥�
Associate Director of Food and Beverage Frank Bailey underscored that the team understands that campus is students鈥� home away from home and feeding them during these storms is crucial both for their nourishment and their emotional well-being.
鈥淲e need to nurture their bodies just as the faculty nurtures their minds,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e simply cannot run out of food and water."
Rogan echoed that theme, noting that the dining halls are important gathering places during times of duress.
鈥淭hey are always very busy during closures, so our goal was to keep as many options available as possible, including our markets and late-night programs, which were mostly kept open both days of the storm due to our student workforce,鈥� she said.
But while students can return to their dorms, the Dining Services staff members鈥攊ncluding approximately 80 front-line employees, 30 managers, and 50 student employees鈥攁re often landlocked, since traveling to and from their homes may be hazardous or, in the case of public transportation, delayed or completely shut down.
鈥淲e have some 鈥榮leepovers鈥� during storms with employees sleeping on cots in quiet spaces,鈥� explained Bailey. 鈥淲e understand that our team makes significant sacrifices, and it can be very tough on their families, but their ongoing commitment is truly reflective of the BC culture. Through careful planning, creative problem solving, and an all-hands-on-deck spirit, we deliver on our promise, despite the conditions.鈥�
Dining Services鈥� efforts to be present for the students during storms are regularly acknowledged by the undergraduates, noted Rogan.
鈥淪tudents are often very complimentary,鈥� she said. 聽鈥淲e frequently get a lot of 鈥榯hanks鈥� for being open and providing a comfortable place for them, which is very satisfying. Our employees literally brave the storm to ensure that food, care, and community never miss a beat. Their pride in serving our students turns even the toughest days into moments of teamwork and joy.鈥�