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DUKE UNIVERSITY Ninety-Ninth Year, issue 85
Opinion Al-Bulushi doesn't want to talk about sex
DURHAM, N.C.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27,2004
WWW.CHRONICLE.DUKE.EDU
Classes canceled again as employees brave ice Emily Almas THE CHRONICLE
by
The four-wheel drive van pulled up in front of Miranda Hunter’s home Monday morning, like it did for Monte Tatum, Curtis Payne and a host ofothers. While the streets around their neighborhoods remained eerily quiet as the asphalt lay covered with a slippery mix of snow and ice, the uniformed workers climbed into the vehicle and began their morning commute. These essential staffers had a job to do, and one that could not wait, according to their bosses—the University’s students needed dining services. When inclement weather hits the University, a conference room labeled “022” in the basement of the West Duke building becomes alive. There are walkie-talkies to be doled out, managers to confer.with and hotlines to be set up. The “snow desk,” as it is referred to, is responsible for organizing Auxiliary Services’ efforts at ensuring that when the weather goes haywire, the University’s fundamental services remain constant and calm. Classes were canceled for both Monday and Tuesday, but a legion of the University’s dining and auxiliary employees were and will continue to be at their regular posts, fixing breakfasts at Alpine Bagels or replacing a lost DukeCard. Perilous road conditions are on the tip of every supervisor’s tongue—a concern for each and every employee. ‘We always provide the best we can for our employees,” said Tammy Hope, manager of the Cambridge Inn and a 20-year University employee. “In the winter storms that means transportation.” Business Manager for the DukeCard Office Roger Poff agreed. ‘Transportation of our employees in bad weather is our biggest problem,” he said. “We have to be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.” Preparedness is the key to ensure that things work smoothly. Director of Planning for Auxiliary Services David Majestic and Human Resources Manager for Auxiliary Services Richard Lee lead the pack in 022. Everyone already SEE EMPLOYEES ON PAGE 7
ANTHONY CROSS/THE CHRONICLE
A snow plow works to clear snow and iceoff the Durham Freeway.
Treacherous roads keep many home by
Josh Nimocks
THE CHRONICLE
and The Associated Press Durham and the Triangle lay under a blanket of snow Monday morning that left classes canceled at the major universities in the area and city government offices closed. The National Weather Service had predicted up to a quarter-inch of ice would lie on top of the several inches of snow by the end of Monday. The thaw was not expected to begin until noon Tuesday, when temperatures will finally rise above freezing. Gov. Mike Easley declared a state of emergency, allowing him to activate the National Guard. Two teams of 25
soldiers each were put on immediate standby while others were put on alert. “We’re ready to assist in the rescue of stranded motorists, emergency evacuation and transportation, search and rescue operations and auxiliary power generation,” said Lt. Col. Barney Barnhill. Easley warned motorists to stay off the roads Monday, after road conditions Sunday caused four traffic fatalities. The Highway Patrol had received 3,000 calls for help as of Monday afternoon since the snow started Sunday morning. Chief of the Durham Fire Department Otis Cooper
Merchants on Points Emily Almas THE CHRONICLE
by
ANTHONY CROSS/THE CHRONICLE
Carl Rist, a Durham resident, cross-country skies down Main Street near Brightleaf Square.
While much of the University and the local Durham area stayed off the roads Sunday amid below-freezing temperatures, snow and ice, the school’s Merchant on Points food delivery program recorded the largest single-day sales in its history. “We had a record day with over $14,000 in sales with our Merchants on Points program,” said Jim Wulforst, director of dining services. Cinelli’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, which is currendy in its first year of delivery contract with the MOP program, sold over $5,700 worth offood to University students Sunday, an alltime high for the eatery.
“We did that amount of business with only four drivers,” said Gaitano Cinelli, the restaurant’s owner. “We only took orders for five hours yesterday but we had a surge of phone calls, begging us to deliver.” Cinelli cited employees’ concerns about using their personal vehicles to make deliveries in hazardous road conditions as a primary reason for the limited delivery availability. Cinelli’s orders were delivered by businessowned vehicles which are equipped with gas-heated ovens. Nearly 90 percent of Cinelli’s total business Sunday was through MOP as few frequented the Main Street establishment during its limited hours. “We’re going to go as long as the
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weather permits us [Monday],” Cinelli said. Domino’s Pizza also recorded an excellent day for food delivery sales through MOP. Manager Mack MeDougald said the restaurant delivered around 350 orders to University students on points, although he was unable to report sales figures because of security concerns. The franchise was only open until 8 p.m. because of the inclement weather. “We had an incredibly good day [Sunday],” McDougald said. “One of our main problems wasn’t the weather but finding the students once we got to Duke.” SEE POINTS ON PAGE 7