The Alternative Winter Break Program, which will be in its fifth year at UVM this January, is in the process of planning a second trip to the city of Oaxaca, in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Choosing dates, planning an agenda, and organizing fundraising are all well underway. Despite a common destination, this VIA trip is not affiliated with the study abroad academic program next semester.

The AWB group of fourteen will enjoy a little mid-winter sun from January 3rd to the 11th, 2006.

Group members are in the process of determining where their efforts will be most appreciated through the grassroots organization Community Links but anticipate working with a women’s shelter and a sustainable agriculture program.

There are also plans to incorporate that service theme into a weekend project in the Burlington area as well, most likely at the Intervale, in order to ensure both a local and global understanding of the issue.

To raise money for the trip, the group is accepting donations and working on a benefit concert in town.

Keep your eyes open for more information, as well as for the grilled cheese stand outside the library.

The table will be open Monday through Thursday, 11:30-1:30 until the end of the semester.

Though supplies vary based on donations, it usually boasts artisan Klingers’ bread, various cheeses, tomatoes, onions, hot peppers, and garlic. Sandwiches sell for $2.00, and with a cup of hot tomato soup to break the chill before class, $3.00.

All proceeds will help make the trip to Oaxaca possible; the AWB group is looking forward to the opportunities that await them there and recommend a particularly delicious cold-weather lunch, available nowhere on campus but outside the library!