Vol. 13 Issue 1 by Backdrop Magazine

FALL 2019

GET

backdrop magazine

JAcKED Pg. 38

FOUNDING

FUR PEACE RANCH

Pg. 40

Mulling over

MILLIGAN P. 20

Contact Alecia Moquin 740.592.5262 or 740.591.6498 alecia@diversifiedproperties.net

Letter from the Editor

Ally Lanasa | Editor-in-Chief backdropmag@gmail.com

Three years ago, I walked into my first Backdrop meeting after contemplating for months what area of journalism I wanted to pursue. I vividly remember then Editor-in-Chief Kaitlyn Pacheco standing at the front of the classroom with confidence and authority. Amid the crowd of new faces, I sat sheepishly in the corner, absorbing information about the magazine’s different departments. At first it was a quiet, flickering light but soon a fire stirred in me: a determination to be in her shoes my senior year. Each day of working shifts at my part-time job, completing coursework, studying style guides and meeting rigid deadlines gave me doubts about my ability to manage an entire publication staff. However, I had compassionate leaders who encouraged me to fulfill my dreams as I plan to do for each Backdropper during the 2019-20 academic year. The Backdrop staff is dedicated to covering the latest health, food and entertainment news. Throughout the summer, writers researched, interviewed sources and outlined articles. Upon our return to Athens, photographers have been busy capturing scenes as designers crafted layouts. The storytelling in Issue 1 exquisitely chronicles life in Athens for temporary and permanent residents. Web Editor Eleanor Bishop learned about a female-run music managing business for local house shows. The co-founders strive to bring diverse, inexpensive concerts to backyards in Athens (pg. 38). Managing Editor Grace Dearing reveals the university’s initiatives for further sustainable practices. She talked to Jessica Dalzell, a member of Athens City Environment and Sustainability Commission that provides advice for appropriate measures for climate change (pg. 12). Staff writer Samantha Webne dives into this season’s most popular fashion trends and offers tips for pieces that can withstand time (pg. 44). These stories, and many more, serve as a glimpse of the countless opportunities to engage with others in the community. What Athens may lack in size, it does not lack in stories to be explored. As editor-in-chief of Backdrop, I have the privilege of working with the talented members of each department from the early stages at weekly meetings to the late nights of production. It is truly an honor to lead such a conscientious staff, who works to serve both the Ohio University and Athens communities. I hope you enjoy our first issue. I express my gratitude to all those who made it possible.

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backdrop | Fall 2019

FALL 2019 » VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1

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backdrop magazine

CONTENTS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ALLY LANASA MANAGING EDITOR GRACE DEARING ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR MICHAELA FATH WEB EDITOR ELEANOR BISHOP ASSISTANT WEB EDITOR NORA MCKEOWN COPY CHIEF AVERY KREEMER ASSISTANT COPY CHIEF JULIE CIOTOLA ASSOCIATE EDITORS RACHAEL BEARDSLEY, JESSICA DEYO, ALEXIS MCCURDY, LILLI SHER WRITERS ELENA GOLUBOVICH, ANNELIE GOINS, SAMANTHA GOOD, ABIGAIL MULLIGAN, CORINNE RIVERS, MORGAN SPEHAR, SAMANTHA WEBNE

FEATURES

REVISITING MILLIGAN

Backdrop reexplores the life of Billy Milligan, an infamous patient at The Ridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

BECOMING THE 110

The Marching 110 is widely known for its synchronicity on the field, but this close-knit bond is present even after the final touchdown.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

PUBLISHER CLAIRE MCGEE CREATIVE DIRECTOR KAITLIN HENEGHAN ART DIRECTORS JESSICA COORS & ASHLEY LAFLIN DESIGNERS KALEIGH BOWEN, LAINEY DOUGLAS, MACEY ELDER, MADDIE KNOSTMAN, KATEY KRUBACK, ANDREA MATTHEWS, MORGAN MEYER, SAMANTHA MUSLOVSKI, ABBY SUMMERS, MEGAN SYER PHOTO EDITOR MAX CATALANO PHOTOGRAPHERS JACOB DURBIN, ANDREW JOHNSON, CONNOR KUREK, MORGAN MEYER, WES TEMPLE MARKETING DIRECTOR RYLIE MILLER SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR SARAH TODACK

Q&A

SILVER-WEAR

Cricket Jones repurposes antique jewelry to create bold accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

THE DROP AU NATUREL

Sugaree Scrubs offers natural skincare products to promote healthy cosmetic routines . . . . . . . . . 8

RUFF TIMES Staff at local animal shelters advise students about the long-term investment of pets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

ENVIRONMENT

Want to advertise Interested in in Backdrop? working with us?

Send an email to backdropadvertising@gmail.com to get started.

Stop by one of our weekly meetings at 8 p.m. Tuesdays in Schoonover 450.

TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF

OU and Athens are making conscious efforts to promote sustainable living. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

FOOD & RECIPE

WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME SEE "BECOMING

Gigi’s Country Kitchen has become a staple in the Southeast Ohio community . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

THE 110" PAGE 26

GLOBAL EATS Cover illustration by Andrea Matthews

Spice up your next meal with this traditional Jewish dish from North Africa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

The Marching 110 spends countless hours perfecting their technique to achieve precise turns and formations. Photo by Andrew Johnson.

backdrop | Fall 2019

INFOGRAPHIC

BACKDROP’S DECLASSIFIED COLLEGE SURVIVAL GUIDE

Successfully adjust to campus life with tips from Backdrop.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

PHOTO STORY

PRACTICING INCLUSION

A local yoga instructor brings zen and inclusion to Passion Works Studio.. . . . . . . 30

FALL 2019 » VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1

CALENDAR

ON THE BRICKS

Welcome fall with these events happening in Athens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

HEALTH

THE BURNING TRUTH

Long or frequent exposure to UVA and UVB rays can be harmful to skin. Learn the most effective means of protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE PARTY

JAcKD Up gives independent artists the opportunity to connect with fans of the DIY music scene in Athens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

PEACE, SOUL & ROCK ’N’ ROLL

Owners of Fur Peace Ranch utilize decades of music industry experience to train aspiring guitarists.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

VOICES

BACKDROP GOT ME HERE Two Backdroppers reflect on their summer internships .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

STYLE AUTUMNAL THREADS Despite ever-changing style trends, these basic pieces remain timeless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

EXHIBIT A Junior Wes Temple showcases photos from Sells

Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

PHOTO HUNT Spot the five differences between these photos

at the Athens Pride Parade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

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Q&A

Silver-wear Cricket Jones recycles ornate spoons to create antique-inspired jewelry in Athens BY MORGAN SPEHAR | PHOTOS BY JACOB DURBIN

n an eclectic workshop full of complicated machinery, Cricket Jones decapitates cutlery, taking the bowls off spoons and the tines off forks. The remaining trunks are sanded and smoothed out on a commercial buffing machine, before being inserted into a large press that assists Jones as she hammers them into their final shape: a ring. Jones, an Ohio University alumna, sells her intricate jewelry at regional locations and events, such as Court Street Coffee, Ohio Brew Week, Boogie on the Bricks and a mix of stores and outdoor markets in Columbus.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE JEWELRY OUT OF SILVERWARE? I started Cricket’s Corner [in Court Street Coffee], and I sold jewelry, photo frames and some clothes and various things. I had to buy rings to sell at Cricket’s Corner. I took them out of the box, and I said to the baristas, ‘Well, I could make ‘em better than this!’ So, that night I was in my workshop, and I saw a spoon that was bent and I said, ‘Wow! That’s almost a ring.’ I banged and I tugged a little bit, and I made a ring. I took it in the next day and I said, ‘See, I told you I could make it better than they could!’ … They couldn’t believe it.

HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS? With the rings I sold at Court Street Coffee, that’s where I started eight years ago. I helped the owner, Deb Fulks, get started because I had experience in the coffee industry, and I made most of the tables there. There was a blank spot on the wall and I said, ‘You need something to fill this, something to sell,’ and she said “Well, Cricket, you got a lot of things. Why don’t you sell your things here?” So, I started Cricket’s Corner.

HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DID YOU HAVE WITH SPOON RINGS BEFORE YOU STARTED DOING THIS? I thought I was the first person on Earth who had made a spoon ring. I thought it was so unique. Then someone said, “Hey, spoon rings are really in again!” And I was like ‘Again?’... I found out that spoon rings trace back to England when servants got married to each other and they had no money,

backdrop | Spring 2019

Cricket Jones has high standards when looking for antique spoons, using mostly classic design silverware and souvenir spoons.

so they would sneak a piece of silverware out of their bosses’ drawers, and they would make it into a ring.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GOOD SPOON? I’ll use classic design silverware and souvenir spoons mostly. Silverware has gone through a period and the artwork on these antique pieces of silverware is often very, very unique and intricate and the subject matter is very wide.

WHAT MAKES YOUR SPOON RINGS UNIQUE? A ring you see everyday would not impress me, so I have to find an object that’s spectacular. I hunt for these really unique spoons, and most other spoon ring makers go, ‘Oh here’s a box of silverware. That’ll do.’ I walk around yard sales, antique malls, flea markets-every possible place where I could look to find the most unique pieces. It takes me a lot longer to hunt for a unique object than to make the ring.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JEWELRY BUSINESS? The jewelry brought me together with other people. It’s a kind of spiritual experience, not just to make money. I do it to extend art and make this kind of art become more popular and to help these spoons last as beautiful objects. b

Contact Information Cricket Jones Facebook: @JewleryByCricketJones Phone Number (text): 740-590-4546

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THE DROP

Au Naturel An OU student’s handmade skincare line offers a healthy alternative to beauty routines. BY JESSICA DEYO | PHOTO PROVIDED BY CYDNEY CARPENTER

ydney Carpenter a junior at Ohio University, worked for years to help find a safe, sustainable acne solution after her sister had no luck with brand name products. Carpenter began researching skin-care ingredients and realized that many of the most common additives can yield an undesired result, and all-natural ingredients come at a high price. Carpenter spent months conducting extensive research. Over winter break, she developed recipes in her kitchen. “I was experimenting with it more seriously than just making stuff in a bowl for myself in my kitchen,” she says. “I was kind of keeping it a secret, thinking about turning it into a business.” Instead of settling for a cheap alternative, or breaking the bank, Carpenter decided to take matters into her own hands. Keeping her values and goals in mind, she experimented with different organic ingredients until she perfected what would become Sugaree Scrubs, her organic and sustainable bodycare business. Carpenter’s colorful products typically feature coconut oil, raw shea butter and aloe juice. After a year of crafting mixtures, she began selling her products in early 2019. She makes face masks, sugar and salt scrubs, face creams, body butter and much more, all catered to the individual. Though she has a standard way of making products, she can always change ingredients to aid a variety of skin types. “If one person comes to me and they have really oily skin and another person comes and they have really dry skin, I’m not going to sell them the same product,” she says. “It’s not going to work; it’s not going to have the same effect.”

backdrop | Fall 2019

In addition to being customizable, Carpenter’s products are completely organic. She says consumers should be able to find all of her ingredients in their kitchen cupboard. “My idea is that anything that is in my jar, you should be able to eat,” she says. “That doesn’t mean it’s going to taste good, but you should be able to.” Carpenter pledged to use all-organic products after realizing that common skin-care ingredients like food coloring may contain traces of gasoline, or that common skin-care oils can have adverse effects. Instead, she prefers using ingredients like aloe vera, Vitamin E and coconut oil, which doesn’t clog pores the way that other oils can, she says. Noting how many small plastic bottles are thrown

“

away each year, Carpenter sought out ingredients, packaging and other items, like bamboo spoons, that are sustainable. Her products are packaged in glass jars, so consumers can reuse the jars for refills. Carpenter purchases her materials in bulk and finds other uses for empty containers. Additionally, she mails her products anywhere within the U.S. using all-paper or recycled shipping materials. Carpenter plans to implement an incentive for consumers who save the shipping boxes and send them back for refills. For Carpenter, the positive effects her skin-care products had on her sister inspired her to help as many people as possible. She continued to research drugstore labels. “I started learning more about tricks that big businesses would use, and I became more aware of what’s actually in my skin-care,” Carpenter recalls. “I was like, ‘Wait a second, half of these things that are told to be used for moisturizers have ingredients that are known to dry out your skin.” Originally, she didn’t plan to sell her products, but she was motivated by encouraging friends and family and a passion for teaching people about skin-care. When starting her business, Carpenter aimed to offer affordable products for college students like herself. Carpenter admits to having trouble balancing her business with a full course load and an on-campus

job but made the changes she deemed necessary, including quitting her job, to dedicate enough time to Sugaree Scrubs. “If I put in as much as I can, that’s what I’m going to get out of it,” Carpenter says. “You’ve got to work for what you want, so I just had to crack down.” Friends, family and students have been a strong support system for Sugaree Scrubs, Carpenter says. When the work is overbearing, her relatives help relieve some stress. Her mom dedicated a spare room in their house for the business, and her dad offered to learn how to make products to help when her workload is heavy. “It doesn’t feel real, I don’t feel deserving of it,” she says. “I feel like I’m too young or something, but I’ve had so many people just rave about it and it just warms my heart.” Carpenter hopes to use her ambition to send a message to young women that age and circumstance should not factor into an aspiring business or idea. “If you have an idea, run with it. Don’t let people tell you that you should wait until the time is right; the time is never going to be right,” Carpenter says. “We love to see small businesses, we love to see young girls in these girl boss modes. We want to see it. If you have these aspirations just go for it because you’ve got one life, just do it.” b

ROSE BODY SCRUB Sugar

Coconut Oil

If you have an idea, run with it. Don’t let people tell you that you should wait until the time is right; the time is never going to be right.”

Vitamin E Oil

CYDNEY CARPENTER FOUNDER OF SUGAREE SCRUBS

Dried Rose Petals

Avocado Oil Aloe Vera Juice Rose Essential Oils

Plant Based Coloring 9

THE DROP

RUFF TIMES Staff at animal shelters in Athens carefully select prospective pet owners in efforts to reduce strays. BY SAMANTHA GOOD | ILLUSTRATION BY MEGAN SYER

hey trudge for miles a day, their feet bleeding from salted roads while they desperately search for shelter from the cold. No one will take them in, at least not with their matted fur that may denote fleas. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) puts the number of abandoned animals in the U.S. at 3.5 million dogs and 3.4 million cats every year, a fraction of which are from Athens. From Ohio University’s campus to the outskirts of Athens County, abandoned animals wander in search of stability. According the the Athens County Dog Shelter staff, they have picked up 321 abandoned dogs this year. “I am very surprised at the amount of dogs we get in the shelter daily,” says manager Heather Norman. “We do not adopt a dog out every day, but we do get in strays daily.” A few of those Athens strays previously lived in the comforts of homes with owners they trusted to care for them. Now, those animals face challenges like struggling to find adequate shelter, fighting disease and defending themselves from predators. After relying on humans for survival for years, cats and dogs are ill-prepared to face such circumstances. Once an animal is separated from its mother to be sold to a petless family, it misses an opportunity to learn survival instincts.

backdrop | Fall 2019

Instead, it has food served in a silver dish placed at its feet two to three times a day and the comfort of a plush bed for an afternoon nap. As a result of domestication, animals are not equipped to fight for shelter and food. There are also smaller characteristics that change through breeding, such as how loud a dog barks or the length of an animal’s coat—such changes are the difference between life and death for an animal thrown on the streets. Pet abandonment is an issue across the world, and college campuses are no exception. Students that adopt pets should be aware of the sacrifice it requires, says Karen McGuire, a board member and adoption facilitator at the Athens County Humane Society. “[For] a student in particular, you’re looking at a 20-ish year commitment,” she says. “Really think about it, and if it doesn’t fit for you, volunteer. There are cats and dogs in shelters that need attention, so you don’t have to own a pet to have contact with an animal that needs love.” Far too often, people come to realize that owning a pet is an extensive commitment and costs a considerable amount of money. In a chart estimating the cost of pet ownership, the ASPCA found that for an average, medium-sized dog, the total cost for the first year of ownership averages $1,779. Considering the sum includes medical bills, the cost of spaying and neutering and frequent food purchases, it may seem like an affordable investment, but for college students on a budget, $1,779 is several months of rent. To control the population of strays, shelters encourage pet owners to spay and neuter their pets. The Rascal Mobile Clinic is a great resource for those with small budgets and has reduced prices for neutering cats and dogs, says Norman. Students often relocate for work or study abroad, leaving

their pets behind. As a result, animals who thought they found their forever home end up back at the shelter or in a box on the side of the highway. Nonprofit organizations like the Athens County Humane Society and Friends of the Shelter work tirelessly to provide healthcare for sick, injured and abandoned cats and dogs. They take in hundreds of stray animals every year and work with shelters and Petsmart to find suitable forever homes. Student organizations like Paws For A Cause and Bobcats of the Shelter Dogs also give opportunities for students to fundraise, play with and help find homes for strays in Athens shelters. McGuire advises students to make necessary preparations before welcoming a new pet home, so that those animals do not end up abandoned. At the humane society, she says the staff always checks that prospective pet owners are providing suitable homes. “When we adopt and screen, one of the main questions is ‘Are you allowed to have a cat?’” she says. “And we call the landlord to see how long they are going to live there, and we ask ‘What are you going to do this summer when you go home?’ That becomes a big issue because if you don’t do a good adoption, the cat’s going to come back to the program anyway.” Dorms on OU’s campus require cats and dogs to be registered as emotional support animals before they can move in with

“

their student. The first step before registering an animal is to have a doctor give an assessment and then provide a note saying the animal is meant for emotional support. University Courtyard Apartments allows a maximum of two pets per apartment with a $350 deposit and an extra $25 monthly rent. It also has a number of prohibited breeds, such as pit bulls, rottweilers, Great Danes and others. Some apartments, such as River Park Apartments ($250 deposit per pet; $25 added to monthly payments), River Gate ($300 deposit per pet; $35 added to monthly payments) and the Summit ($250 deposit per pet; $25 added to monthly payments), limit pets by their weight and by how many are allowed in each unit. All pet requirements and fees are included on their websites as well. Even if a student has found pet friendly housing at OU, they should be sure to make arrangements to house pets over breaks and after graduation. “I also do all the postings for the lost and found, and I would say there is probably an up-tick in found cats toward the end of the semester,” McGuire says. As fun as the idea of having a furry friend at college may sound, students should consider local neighborhood strays and be knowledgeable about their budget and time before committing to a pet. b

There are cats and dogs in shelters that need attention, so you don’t have to own a pet to have contact with an animal that needs love.” KAREN MCGUIRE BOARD MEMBER AND ADOPTION FACILITATOR AT THEATHENS COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY CAMPUS

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ENVIRONMENT

The OU and Athens communities continue to implement a variety of initiatives to reduce negative effects on climate change. BY GRACE DEARING | ILLUSTRATION BY LAINEY DOUGLAS

n just a few months, green vegetation will begin to flourish on the rooftop of Ohio University’s Schoonover Center for Communication. Kim Thompson, an assistant professor in OU’s Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, has worked closely with the Office of Sustainability, university planner and several colleges across campus to implement OU’s first green roof used for research and education. The goal is to aid in decreasing the negative effects of climate change and increase sustainability awareness in Athens. “This is not an opinion issue, this is a fact,” Thompson says. “[Climate change is] going to affect everybody and it’s going to affect some people more than others.” Schoonover’s green roof will reduce greenhouse gases by holding carbon in the form of plant tissues. The vegetation will also slow down rainwater runoff to prevent flooding as well as protect the rooftop, expanding its lifespan and decreasing waste. Climate change and the appropriate response to it has been a longstanding debate across the globe. In 2016, the U.S. and many other countries signed the Paris Agreement, a treaty to collectively strengthen the response to climate change that has now been signed by 174 countries. In response to President Trump’s vow to cease America’s participation in the agreement, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Climate Action Now Act, designed to keep the U.S. in the Paris Agreement.

backdrop | Fall 2019

Jessica Dalzell, a member of the Athens Environment and Sustainability Commission, says national strides mean nothing if the desire to live sustainably is not also encouraged within small communities. “Affecting climate change is definitely important from a grassroots level,” Dalzell says. “Getting groups of people, wherever they live, to acknowledge that it’s an issue and start making changes in their daily lives is when people start becoming aware of climate change.” In 2005, OU hired the first sustainability staff member. Two years later, then-President Roderick McDavis signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). OU was the first university in Ohio to sign the ACUPCC, committing to implement institutional initiatives and follow specific reporting guidelines. Since 2012, OU’s net emissions decreased by 30 percent and direct emissions and emissions from purchased electricity have decreased by 50 percent, as reported by the Office of Sustainability. In comparison to other universities, OU is significantly ahead in terms of campus sustainability engagement, says Elaine Goetz, the director of the Office of Sustainability. It’s important, Dalzell notes, to recognize that sustainability is a multi-dimensional topic which includes three pillars: finance, environment and quality of life. In order to truly achieve sustainable living, community members must have equal access to a successful life that is financially doable for

the future and ensures the planet is able to continue running, as it is now, for future generations. “We’re always trying to push forward. It’s really critical that we have participation from the students, in particular,” Goetz says. “A lot of people don’t even understand that sustainability is a triple bottom line concept, it’s not just about the environment.” For example, if someone chooses to ride a bike to class rather than driving, they are nurturing a sustainable lifestyle from all three aspects. The physical exercise of riding a bike promotes their quality of life, cuts down on financial costs of gas and reduces the carbon emissions put out into the environment. Five years ago, OU’s campus joined the push for decreasing landfill waste by co-locating recycling bins with trash bins, says Goetz. The campus also worked with the Athens-Hocking Recycling Center (AHRC) to single-stream waste and eliminate the need for individuals to separate their recycling, thus making the concept of recycling even easier. The city of Athens joined the effort by creating a pilot program that allowed for compost materials to be picked up curbside, like any regular trash bin. The AHRC then turns those materials (food scraps, napkins, etc.) into soil. Dalzell believes that that is one of the simplest lifestyle changes someone can make to improve sustainability. “You’re already making an effort to throw all that stuff away, so it’s not really much more energy to put out,” she says. Additionally, four Athens city buildings have pledged to

of OU’s total net emmisons have been reduced

of climate scientists agree man-made pollution is warming our climate

work toward zero waste. The goal is to decrease the amount of waste going to landfills by increasing awareness of recycling bins within those buildings. A national open letter titled “We Are Still In” recognizes the impact that small communities can have on climate change and calls upon leaders at all levels to support the Paris Agreement. OU President Duane Nellis signed the letter in June 2017. “Any time people see the community taking action, that is just going to help us in the future,” Thompson says. “Those little steps will make a difference in people’s commitment.” Students have the opportunity to get involved with Thompson’s green roof and the Climate and Sustainability Ambassadors Program. Ambassadors will work both on campus and in the community to advocate for the Office of Sustainability. But, Dalzell says, it’s even easier than that for students to contribute to the sustainability efforts in Athens. Simple changes like switching to LED light bulbs or shopping for secondhand clothes or using reusable bags can have a big impact. Though OU’s campus and the Athens community have made great strides within recent years to reduce its negative effects on climate change, Thompson, Dalzell and Goetz all agree that there is always progress to be made. “Eventually, our living habits and our shopping habits [will] start to change when we start to consciously make an effort to be more sustainable and more environmentally friendly,” Dalzell says. “[In turn], that reduces our effect on climate change.” b

countries have signed The Paris Agreement www.backdropmagazine.com

FOOD

Where Everybody

Name

Knows Your

Restaurant owner Travis Brand (right) and his girlfriend Marilyn Richards (left), pose in front of Gigi’s Country Kitchen.

Gigi’s Country Kitchen serves up brunch favorites, great service and a cozy atmosphere. BY ABIGAIL MULLIGAN | PHOTOS BY CONNOR KUREK

vegetable and egg white omelette with swiss, an English muffin on the side and a black coffee— that’s what frequent visitor Gregory Stonerock orders at Gigi’s Country Kitchen. Stonerock sits at the counter shortly after greeting a group of his friends seated around an assembly of tables that have been pushed together. Stonerock enjoys the tight-knit circle and feels at home whenever he steps foot inside the restaurant. Though a recent move forced Stonerock to go from a regular to a semi-regular, he says he always stops into Gigi’s whenever he comes to town. “It’s nice to have a place like this where I can walk in and recognize a good number of people,” he says. Located in The Plains, just six miles north of Athens, Gigi’s is the perfect morning hangout for both regulars like Stonerock and university students. The local spot is named after owner Travis Brand’s grandmother, whose portrait adorns the restaurant’s wall, reminding customers of the restaurant’s familial foundation. On display in the restaurant is Brand’s 2018 “Citizen of the Year” award, a testament to his dedication to the community. Brand also contributes to the Wounded Warrior Project, a service organization that benefits injured veterans through mental and physical wellness activities. The walls are also riddled with community emblems, including Louisiana State University décor that pays homage to Athens native Joe Burrow. Burrow, the current starting quarterback for the LSU football team, frequented Gigi’s. The staff came to expect Burrow’s regular order of western omelet with a double side of hashbrowns every time he walked in the door. A part of the restaurant’s lore now, Burrow is still fondly remembered within Gigi’s. His achievements have become a gem of pride within

backdrop | Spring 2019

“

Gigi’s Country Kitchen provides local newspapers at the kitchen’s counter where customers can be served every morning.

It’s nice to have a place like this where I can walk in and recognize a good number of people.” GREGORY STONEROCK SEMI-REGULAR

the Athens community, says Athens resident and Gigi’s customer Jack Sweeney. One last eye-catching wall decoration is a sign that states Gigi’s is “The Home of The Billy Earl.” Billy Earl isn’t a celebrity, he’s just an oft-visiting customer with a unique affinity for hamburgers topped with onions and fried potatoes and making signs. “Billy Earl is one of our regulars,” says waitress Jessica Cooksey. “He’s crazier than hell...He’s the only one that gets it, really.” Cooksey, an Albany native, seems to know everyone who walks through the door, greeting customers with a hot coffee and sometimes knowing their entire order before they sit down. Sometimes she takes a break between exchanges to enjoy her own favorite breakfast, a ham and cheese omelet. Cooksey says she values each community member that has claimed Gigi’s as their morning gathering place. “It’s like a movie,” she says. “We all know each other by name and I have a good number of [customers’] orders known by memory.” Although Gigi’s and Ohio University are a mere six miles away from one another, many students may be unaware of the country kitchen. With affordable breakfast favorites and

an expansive lunch menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads, Gigi’s has recently been featured in the Athens News as an entrant for the best places to eat around town. Even though its popularity is growing, its small-town, community feel hasn’t wavered. While to many that pass through, Gigi’s is just another mom-and-pop restaurant with affordable meals, to the community it’s much more. Anyone who regularly walks into Gigi’s will tell you the country kitchen is a perfect example that home is the people you’re surrounded by, not a physical location. b

Customers wait for their food just before the restaurant’s lunch rush.

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RECIPE

GL BAL EATS Check out Backdrop’s take on a flavorful staple of the international Jewish community. BY LILLI SHER | PHOTO BY MORGAN MEYER

t’s a common saying in Israel that there’s no such thing as Israeli food, since the Jewish population of Israel comes from all over the world. Shakshuka first became popular among Tunisian Jews, who adapted the recipe of a popular Ottoman tomato stew to make it “pareve,” or made without meat or dairy. When North African Jews emigrated to Israel, they brought shakshuka with them. b

Shakshuka Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 2

Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion 1 cup chopped red bell pepper 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons minced garlic 3 cups chopped fresh or canned tomatoes 1 can plain tomato sauce 1 can tomato paste 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped—add more for garnish 4 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, reduce or omit if sensitive to spice Freshly ground black pepper Crusty bread or pita for serving

Directions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

backdrop | Fall 2019

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the chopped red pepper, onion and garlic. Once cooked, add the tomato paste, sauce and tomatoes. Season with black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, cumin, salt and parsley. Cook the stew until it becomes thickened (about 10 to 15 minutes). Using a spatula, form pockets in the stew for the eggs.

6. 7. 8.

Crack the eggs one at a time into the stew. Lower the heat and cover the mixture. Remove from heat when the egg whites are opaque and the yolks are a bit risen. The eggs should jiggle slightly if you move the pan, and they will continue to cook from residual heat. 9. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra pepper if desired. 10. Serve warm with crusty bread or pita. www.backdropmagazine.com

INFOGRAPHIC

Backdrop’s Declassified

College Survival Guide

Even though the first few weeks of the semester are finished, it can take several months before students settle into a routine. For those struggling to acclimate to a busy schedule, try these tips for a productive, healthy and confident school year.

Go Abroad Taking a semester to live and study abroad is often the highlight of the college

BY JULIE CIOTOLA | ILLUSTRATIONS BY KAITLIN HENEGHAN AND LAINEY DOUGLAS

Academics Academic services are essential resources for all students, from those years into their majors to those still undecided. Ohio University’s Academic Achievement Center is on the second floor of Alden Library and has a handful of targeted tutoring including:

and patience. Visit the Walter International Education Center at 15 Park Place for more information about the initial steps to study abroad. This center also assists international students at OU. Services include:

Math and Science Center

Education abroad programs, international and domestic Support for the international community Information about international programs sponsored by other universities, international organizations and private agencies

Study Skills Tutoring Supplemental Instruction (SI) Student Writing Center

Career Development

Exercise Staying active is important for mental and physical well-being, but not everyone wants to use Charles J. Ping Student Recreation Center. For those looking

The Career and Leadership Development Center (CLDC) in Baker 533 has

for different styles of exercise, there are plenty of wellness opportunities off

professionals eager to inform students about full-time jobs or semester-long

campus. Workout alternatives include:

internships. The CLDC is staffed with seasoned employees who can navigate the waters of career searching, which is often a task looming over the excitement of senior year. Relieve some stress with services like:

experience, but working through the logistics of international travel requires time

Career Coaching

Hike or jog at Strouds Run State Park, 11661 State Park Rd. Yoga classes at Athens Yoga, 77 ½ E. State St. Planet Fitness, 973 E State St Yoga and wellness coaching at Bodhi Tree, 8950 Lavelle Rd.

Mock Interviews Career Workshops and Courses Resume Review

FEATURE

REVISITING

Milligan Decades later, a former caretaker offers insight about the notorious Billy Milligan’s stay at The Ridges. BY RACHAEL BEARDSLEY ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANDREA MATTHEWS PHOTOS PROVIDED BY OHIO UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ARCHIVES

lthough more than 40 years have passed, Dr. David Malawista still remembers caring for one of The Ridges’ most infamous patients. He remembers the chaos of media attention that often got in the way of treatments. He remembers the wild hospital environment, full of people seeking fame and attention rather than caring for the mentally ill. And, he remembers the man who was at the center of it all. Billy Milligan isn’t someone you forget. In December 1978, people across the state were focused on the Athens Mental Health Center. Its newest patient, William “Billy” Milligan, had recently made history as the first person to successfully use multiple personality disorder as an insanity defense. As soon as his trial ended, he was taken to Athens and settled down for the night in a small room overlooking Ohio University. Milligan, a man some people saw as soft-spoken, frightened and abused, had just been tried for raping three women at Ohio State University. Though Milligan had committed the crimes, he was sent to a mental health facility rather than a prison when his severe mental illness became apparent. Milligan was diagnosed with multiple personalities, a condition now called dissociative identity disorder. Many people were sympathetic to his condition, but the outrageous claims were causing others to question if he was fooling everyone, especially his doctors in Athens. “A group of the staff [at the Athens Mental Health Center] was sort of pro-multiple personalities, and some of us remained skeptics throughout the whole thing,” said Malawista, senior staff psychologist at the hospital

during the time Milligan was treated. “I think he was putting a lot of it on. Billy was smart, he was a bright guy, which made him more difficult to deal with and more dangerous.” Milligan’s transfer to the Athens Mental Health Center came with many added difficulties. Journalists wrote scathing articles criticizing the ruling in the case, and many accused Milligan’s attending physician, Dr. David Caul, of giving him special treatment. Community members were concerned for their safety, and Milligan’s erratic behavior—arguing between his different personalities, resisting treatment and trying to sue his doctors and lawyers— escalated the tension. And, in the middle of it all was an OU professor. Daniel Keyes, who taught creative writing at OU, began to visit Milligan regularly. He was interviewing Milligan for a book he planned to write about Milligan's life. Keyes, who had already been nationally recognized for his book Flowers for Algernon, was looking for his next big story. “Having someone like Daniel Keyes come in, and so often, was very out of the ordinary,” Malawista says. Keyes interviewed Milligan over the course of many weeks, and he witnessed Milligan’s transformation as his doctors coaxed him into “fusing” his many personalities. The fused Milligan claimed to have “almost total recall” of all his memories. This allowed Keyes to create a vivid biography of Milligan’s life. Keyes soon discovered the long, chaotic path that led Milligan to Athens. Milligan’s life was filled with instances of tragedy, abuse and criminal activity. Milligan said one of his stepfathers emotionally, physically

The fountain was installed in front of the main Administration Building in 1907. The grounds were known for their beautiful landscaping.

backdrop | Fall 2019

www.backdropmagazine.com

FEATURE treated another patient with multiple personalities, to observe Milligan and give her diagnosis. Wilbur concurred with Milligan’s previous diagnosis, as she too believed he had multiple personalities. Based on those findings, a judge ruled that Milligan was incompetent to stand trial. He was transferred to Harding Hospital in Worthington, Ohio, for treatment. Not all of the hospital staff believed Milligan’s diagnosis, and they reported that he threatened them with the appearance of his violent personality, known as Ragen, to get more privileges. After seven months at Harding Hospital, Milligan was found competent to stand trial and was transferred back to the Franklin County Jail. Doctors thought Milligan’s 10 known personalities had been fused together. Days before the trial, however, Milligan revealed the treatment had not been successful and he was still living with multiple personalities.

A judge agreed that Milligan needed further treatment rather than jail time. People committed to the mental health system by Ohio courts were often sent to Lima State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, a place notorious for rough treatment and poor care. Milligan’s doctors and lawyers feared he would be worse off in Lima, so they began to look for an alternative hospital. They then found Caul at the Athens Mental Health Center. As the medical director of the hospital, Caul had treated other multiple personality patients, but never one like Milligan. The media attention surrounding his treatment was unusual. At every turn, Caul was accused of being too lenient on a man who raped three women. Caul, however, was never quiet about his intentions. “If he comes to Athens, I want to be able to treat him in the

Arthur

The Athens State Hospital, previously run as the Athens Lunatic Asylum, was in continuous use as a mental health facility for over a century. The 53,000 square-foot Administration Building (shown above), was built according to the Kirkbride Plan, which emphasized natural light, interior airflow and restful environments.

and sexually abused him during his adolescence, a claim his mother and brother supported. Current understanding of dissociative identity disorder states the illness often arises after severe childhood trauma, like those Milligan described to Keyes. Malawista says it is a coping mechanism to deal with the pain. “The notion is, there is something going on in this person’s life … that is so psychologically untenable, I can’t look at it; I can’t think about it; I can’t deal with it,” Malawista says. “So I literally split off a piece of my personality and develop a piece of my personality to manage that particular element of my life.” As Milligan grew up, his mental health problems manifested in startling ways. Keyes writes that Milligan frequently “lost time” as he switched between personalities, waking up at home, in the middle of class or in a different state with no idea how he got there.

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Milligan spent time in Columbus State Hospital and was discharged to outpatient care for being disruptive. After being expelled from high school for his involvement in a bomb threat, he joined the Navy, but was discharged for erratic and unruly behavior. In 1972, Milligan spent time in a Zanesville detention camp for teenage boys after being convicted of rape, though he said it was a false accusation. After he was released, he claimed he worked as a security guard for a drug dealer. He was arrested again in 1975 for robbing a drugstore in Lancaster, Ohio, and paroled in 1977. Six months later, he was arrested in Columbus after being identified in a photo lineup as the Ohio State rapist. Milligan’s attorneys referred him to court-appointed psychologists after noticing his strange behavior. They even invited Dr. Cornelia Wilbur, known for having

Samuel

Adalena

David

Billy Milligan claimed to have 24 distinct personalities of varying gender, age and ethnicity.

Christene www.backdropmagazine.com

“

FEATURE

Billy was smart, he was a bright guy, which made him more difficult to deal with and more dangerous.” DR. DAVID MALAWISTA ATHENS MENTAL HEALTH CENTER FORMER SENIOR STAFF PSYCHOLOGIST

same manner that I’ve treated other multiples, in an open—and the most therapeutic—setting we have,” Caul is quoted in Keyes’ book. “And if I can’t do that, don’t send him.” The open setting at the Athens Mental Health Center involved freedom to roam within the hospital and, as treatment progressed, freedom to walk on the hospital grounds and to visit the town unsupervised. Many community members were uncomfortable with Milligan having such privileges, especially considering his proximity to the OU campus. Caul even trained him on what to do if people harassed him in town, but Milligan reported that the people he met, including many OU students, treated him with respect and sympathy. Milligan was full of more surprises. During the first weeks of treatment, he revealed to Caul that he had more than his 10 known personalities. In reality, Milligan claimed to have 24 distinct personalities of varying gender, age and ethnicity. Arthur, for example, was the personality that dominated in safe spaces, where he often directed the others in a haughty British accent. Ragen dominated in dangerous places, knew martial arts, and often spoke in a thick Slavic accent. Other personalities included Tommy, an escape artist who once escaped a straightjacket in prison, and David, one of the child alter egos that came out whenever Milligan was in pain.

backdrop | Fall 2019

It was clear to Caul and the rest of his team that Milligan would be a difficult case. His severe illness combined with media attention made it difficult for doctors to create a stable environment at the hospital. It was almost impossible for Milligan to make progress in his recovery. “It was a zoo around multiple personalities at the time,” Malawista says. “It was clear the bright spotlight was on Billy.” Milligan seemed to create many barriers to his own treatment. Malawista says Milligan was involved in drug distribution in the hospital and took advantage of vulnerable female patients. He also had an affair with one of the nurses, who later left the hospital. “Billy was a very difficult individual on a good day,” Malawista says. “He was very manipulative. He was engaged in really problematic behavior regularly on the ward.” Milligan also received special privileges that led many to question Caul’s motives. Milligan regularly painted and sold artwork—work which Malawista describes as “mediocre”—to the public for thousands of dollars. While other patients were only allowed to keep a small amount of money on the ward, Milligan kept all the money he earned; he even bought a car. “No other patient was allowed to walk around with more than $20,” Malawista says. “All other money had

to be in our financial office. Billy would walk around with wads of cash.” As Caul became focused on Milligan, staff began to demand he spend equal time with his other patients. But Caul was interested in creating a multiple personality clinic with Milligan as his star patient. He wanted to bring more attention to the hospital and to himself. “I think he saw an opportunity to be famous and to be portrayed in a movie and to have considerable stature,” Malawista says. When Milligan was first transferred to the Athens Mental Health Center, there was conflict over who would get the rights to his story for a movie or book adaptation. Milligan chose to work with Keyes in part because Caul endorsed him—the two were friends. Malawista says that Keyes might have hoped to capture some of Milligan’s spotlight. “It became a business transaction,” Malawista says. “[Keyes] was looking at Billy’s case, and after [his last book], he was not a prolific writer of hits, and he saw Billy as star quality.” Eventually, the media scrutiny caused Caul to remove many of the freedoms he had given Milligan, and Milligan went into a downward spiral. His outbursts became too much for the Athens hospital, and he was transferred to Lima. He stayed in state custody, bouncing between different hospitals. He returned to Athens once more and was involved in a shooting at the house of a hospital staff member. In 1986, he escaped from the Central Ohio Psychiatric Hospital and was on the run for several months before his arrest in Miami. He was discharged in 1988 and released from all state supervision in 1991. “After he left the hospital and everybody sort of washed their hands of him, he kept getting into trouble in various locations and then dropped off the radar,” Malawista says. Though Caul succeeded in fusing Milligan’s personalities in Athens, Milligan never amounted to much. He agreed to pay back the costs of his stays in Ohio hospitals, an amount that totaled about $450,000. He never paid the full amount and filed for bankruptcy while living in California. Eventually, he moved back to Ohio. “Billy is integrated, he’s healed, or whatever, so what does he do?” Malawista says. “He does nothing with his life other than get in trouble down the line.” Milligan died of cancer in an Ohio nursing home in 2014. He was 59. Keyes also died in 2014, six months before Milligan. Caul died over 25 years earlier. Most of the key figures in this story

are gone, yet many people haven’t forgotten Milligan. But, the key question surrounding Milligan was never answered. Was he truly an abused and ill man or did he trick his doctors in order to avoid jail time? “There was a lot of stuff swirling around Billy, and not just Billy, but the notion of multiple personalities,” Malawista says. “Everyone was looking for it, everybody wanted a patient who was multiple personality.” Malawista says there was and still is debate about whether multiple personalities are real. It is, in his opinion, a very rare diagnosis. “The notion that you have multiple personalities works better for me if there are [fewer personalities],” he says. “Why do you need all of these fragmented pieces? A couple I understand, but once you get beyond three, four, five? I don’t know.” Malawista says he confronted Caul about Milligan’s behavior one day, and Caul dismissed him, saying Malawista didn’t believe in multiple personalities. “I said OK, let’s grant that he’s a multiple personality, but as you’re integrating these personalities more and more, what we see is an antisocial, and we’re back to, ‘Here’s a guy that committed multiple rapes,’” he says. “[Milligan] was very good at drawing people in and then using them, which is a hallmark of psychopaths.” Gail Fisher, a formerOU graduate student and part-time photojournalist for the Athens Messenger at the time, had the opportunity to photograph Milligan during an interview organized by Caul. She says she didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary, though Caul claimed he had persuaded Milligan to switch personalities for the journalists. “I spent such a short time with him that I wanted to see some kind of physical change, … but I don’t remember that happening except for maybe a difference in his pitch of voice at some point,” Fisher says. “I remember him being dour, very somber, gloomy. I remember leaving the situation feeling I had not captured anything beyond an expressionless person sitting in a darkened room.” Milligan is painted in an extremely sympathetic light in Keyes’ book “The Minds of Billy Milligan.” It helped create Milligan’s public image as a tortured and abused soul. But some who were directly involved in his treatment, like Malawista, never completely bought into the image. “He was treated really differently, and I think to the detriment of accurately seeing what was going on with him,” Malawista says. b www.backdropmagazine.com

FEATURE

BECOMING THE

With high energy and creative marching techniques, the Marching 110’s traditions create a sense of unity. BY JESSICA DEYO | PHOTOS BY ANDREW JOHNSON ILLUSTRATION BY KALEIGH BOWEN

enior Sophia Medvid, the field commander for Ohio University’s Marching 110, recalls the intimidating atmosphere of Rookie Week in her freshman year. Rookie Week, a weeklong training seminar acts as an introduction to the spirit of the 110 and prepares students to compete for a spot on the field. New members receive training during Rookie Week, and it’s also a chance for them to get to know some of the band’s biggest rituals. During the week, new members

backdrop | Fall 2019

have one day to themselves before playing together with returning members, who are known as “old men.” As cheers roar and people haphazardly jump and bounce, new members are immediately thrown in to the energy of the 110. Eager first-year students passionately as yell cheers back and forth to returning members. Energy surges when returning members, with horns hidden behind their backs, close the chant by playing OU’s fight song “Stand Up and Cheer” to new members.

“Stand Up and Cheer” is one of the most prominent songs for the 110 and is blended into many of their traditions, such as chanting the well-known lyrics before a meal or as the buses arrive back on campus from an event. Each year, new members arrive at training camp, bags and instruments in hand, ready to show their skills on the field. Medvid arrived late to her first Rookie Week because she was wrapping up commitments with her Drum Corps International group, Spirit of Atlanta, a nationally recognized touring ensemble. Medvid was exposed to competition immediately upon her arrival. “We have alternates on the field, so when I got there everyone was saying, ‘Oh, you’ll have to be an alternate because you showed up late,”’ Medvid recalls. But the first week jitters and competitive nature among first-year students soon transformed into the bond that Medvid has grown so fond of, a culture she loves. Senior Zak Inak was exposed to a similar atmosphere and remembers bringing as much intensity to the field as possible in an attempt to give the best impression of himself to returning members. Inak says that the fun of being in the 110 has remained constant over his four years as a member. Although competition to earn a spot on the field is wildly fierce, earning that spot entails the need for unity, Inak says. In order to create the abstract and picturesque formations on the field, each member of the band must march to the same beat with uniformed, sharp movements from head to toe. After new members have a chance to hear the band, they take to the field like any other practice. That is the first opportunity, however, for new and returning members to march together. Standing on either side of the field, the band will be at a standstill position until hearing the cues from the field commander. The field commander will give commands, such as “mark time eight” or “forward eight,” with band members showing off their fundamentals, like keeping their legs elevated and perfecting sharp turns, until the two halves of the band have seamlessly merged into one. 110 Director Richard Suk says the event is one students look forward to throughout Rookie Week. “Once they stop, they will all be intermeshed and then I say, ‘From now on, we are no longer rehearsing as freshmen and old men, we are rehearsing as the Marching 110,’” he says. The merging of the block is a long-standing tradition, says Marc Zirille, a former trumpet player in the 110 under the direction of Suk. Marc, who met his wife Angela while in the 110 together, fondly recalls his memories from the late ’90s — from showing off fundamentals to coming together as one band. “The field commander would yell out these commands and we would kind of bark at each other from across the field,” Marc says. “It was kind of intimidating and kind of fun all at the same time, but you knew at the end of that rehearsal that

you were one band, so it was kind of cool.” Another tradition that has been carried on with the help of both the students and the directors are the leather and wool jackets members sport around campus. Each pin and patch has been telling a story for decades. Incoming first-year members receive their jackets midway through training. At first, the jacket reps an iridescent white sleeve, impossible not to notice. To allow for the new members to blend in with the band, Medvid describes a “right of passage,” which involves dirtying the jacket, also known as conditioning. “It’s kind of a unifying experience because that’s the point where you’re no longer a freshman and everyone else is old men, everyone

“

There was just a place for everybody, and you didn’t get judged for what group you were in because you were still in the band.” ANGELA ZIRILLE FORMER MARCHING 110 MEMBER is now one band,” she says. Marc, who is currently the Johnstown High School band director, in Central Ohio, describes the importance of the jacket. For him, he remembers his jacket being dragged across the dirt by his squad leader, and he found comfort in knowing he would no longer stand out as a freshman. Marc also mentioned that beside dirtying the jacket, it is tradition to leave a cigarette burn on the Ohio patch that is stitched on the jacket. “The burn should be close to where your hometown is,” he says. Suk takes the tradition behind the jackets further by incorporating pins, which started after the band’s first Macy’s Day Parade performance in 2000. Pins are given for notable events of a particular season or for academic merit. Not only do the members line up in excitement to get their pins, it is also a great way to remember what each previous member of the band has done, Suk says. The 110’s bond is just as strong off the field. Angela, who like Marc, went on to work with the Johnstown School System as the middle school band director, had the opportunity to watch the band come together from

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FEATURE

On a sweltering September day, Marching 110 members put down their instruments to practice their dance routine.

Director Richard Suk has been leading the Marching 110 for more than 20 years.

a different perspective during her time with the 110 from 1999 to 2000. Decades ago, students could not move into their assigned dorms until the school year was ready to begin. Angela remembers the returning student leaders showing up at the dorms, ready to help other members move in to their temporary room. “I just remember parents being dumbfounded that they weren’t lifting a box or luggage, so it was very much like ‘Hey, we’re a family,’’’ Angela says. “I remember not thinking that college marching band would be like that.”

backdrop | Fall 2019

Marc also remembers traditions that took place off the field, like Clam Fest. This massive band-only party comes together for a night of socializing, taking time to get to know each other in a stress free environment alongside the savory aroma of a cookout. Inak adds that students can pay for clams and other foods, or simply go to socialize. For the Zirilles, that event was memorable because regardless of who you were, you were accepted. “There was just a place for everybody, and you didn’t get judged for which group you were in because you were still in the band,” Angela says. “You’re in the Bible study group and you're in the Monday night football group and that’s okay. When we’re on the field together, we’re the 110.” As the years have progressed, the members of the 110 continue to make an effort to create a memorable experience for each other. One tradition Inak has routinely participated in is Lake Day, which he describes as a day spent on the beach as a sort of welcome gathering for band members to get to know each other. Traditions like those are what contribute to the unity of the band, he says. Suk is also fond of the efforts each section makes to get to know each other. For example, the trombone section hosts a spaghetti dinner and the percussion section gathers for a chili night.Those events are independently organized by students, who make the effort to get to know each other on their own. Suk has also worked to maintain a “big and little” system to help new members assimilate as easily as possible and

give them someone to look up to, ensuring the passion and energy is passed on. Members get their bigs and littles after Rookie Week, with the announcement made to the entire band in a celebratory manner. Members have even extended the tradition with cousins, aunts and an entire family tree, Suk says. Inak says the time spent engaging with littles is valuable, as many underclassmen must focus on earning a spot on the field. Together, bigs and littles work on marching, playing and memorizing music in order to be the best on game day. While the 110 is known to bring energy to any game or event, homecoming holds a special place in the hearts of many alumni and current band members. For the annual event, the band kicks their energy up a notch, Suk says, in hopes of impressing past members who come back for the show. Reflecting on homecoming week, Angela recognizes many things have changed in her life as a teacher, but the spirit of the 110 has not. She appreciates returning for homecoming and seeing how the traditions put forth by the band members can become something largely impactful. “You’re part of the 110, and these traditions are to make you feel like you’re a part of the team while you’re there,” Angela says. “But to realize that you’re a part of something huge, that 75-year-old man was in the band and he played ‘Ain't Been Good’ and he got a jacket, just like whoever else was in the band—that being a part of something larger than yourself, I think that’s what’s so important about those traditions.” Marc shares a similar view to Angela, which he describes as a “proud papa” moment. For him, he looks forward to seeing the students he taught in the past, especially when running out during halftime to play a few tunes by his students’ side. While he is fond of the traditions his class created on and off the field, he appreciates that those rituals may change. Change recently struck with an end to what has been a long line of male field commanders when Medvid was named OU’s first female field commander in the spring. A field commander is responsible for ensuring the band is marching with the same unified technique and keeping the band in the know, she says. While she knew she was always a strong candidate, she admits to feeling concerned because there had not been a female commander in the past. Suk has seriously considered appointing female field commanders in years past, but says he would not choose a field commander based on gender, but on excellence. To the directors, it comes down to who will be best with the whistle. While the Zirilles agree that Suk would have chosen a female field commander if the opportunity arose, they also feel that it may not have been accepted. Angela believes that over the years, the stereotype of a male simply yelling out commands has changed to a comprehensive position that includes more than being a figurehead. Although Medvid already broke the streak of male field

Tubists in the Marching 110 memorize popular songs for their game day performance.

commanders, she intends to keep traditions, such as the dirtying of the varsity jackets. She would, however, like to see more engaging opportunities between new members and returning members. By establishing strong relationships and lasting friendships, Medvid plans to aid in the legacy of the 110. “The number one thing that leads to a successful organization in any instance is having a strong brotherhood and a unified goal that you all work for, so that’s definitely a goal of mine, to have everyone on the same page and everyone respect each other and love the person next to them,” Medvid says. “That’s how you get to where you want to be—and that’s not just teaching you how to be a good marcher, that’s teaching you how to be a good person.” b

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PHOTO STORY

Practicing

3030

Inclusion BY MAX CATALANO

backdrop| |Spring Fall 2017 backdrop 2019

Erin Pfahlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adaptive yoga class focuses on slowing down, being present and feeling connected with yourself. It is especially accommodating to members of Passion Works and their various disabilities. www.backdropmagazine.com 3131 www.backdropmagazine.com

PHOTO STORY

ABOVE Pfahler practices for a class on adaptive yoga in her home. On the floor are her notes about two of the seven Chakras; they each relate to specific parts of the human body and are incorporated into her teachings.

LEFT

n Sept. 4, at 10 a.m., Erin Pfahler started her weekly adaptive yoga class at Passion Works Studio. Similar to the mission of Passion Works, Pfahler’s class is focused on inclusion and is dedicated to working with people who have disabilities. Trained at Bella Vita Yoga School in North Carolina, Pfahler brings the practice of slow movements and the theme of being present and connecting with yourself to Passion Works, Athens Yoga and Bhodi Tree Studios. Pfahler believes yoga should be available to anyone, regardless of their physical capabilities, and wants to show that the practice can take on many diverse forms. b

backdrop | Fall 2019

ABOVE Erin Pfahler practices yoga in her home. Pfahler is a yoga instructor at Passion Works, Athens Yoga and Bhodi Tree Studio. She practices her techniques before every class.

Pfahler assists Stacy Strickmaker with a pose at Passion Works. An important part of her poses is to improve one’s “prana” or energy force by aligning the body and allowing more circulation of blood.

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CALENDAR

OONN TTH THE HHEE From fundraisers to homecoming celebrations, this semester is full of opportunities to engage in the community. 13th Annual Battle of the Blitz OCTOBER 5, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. Charles J. Ping Student Recreation Center hosts an annual tournament that matches up Ohio University students and Athens residents against Ohio State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Buckeye Blitz, a co-ed wheelchair rugby team. To compete, register your team of four to six for $20 per person. The tournament is free to spectate, though donations are encouraged.

Harvest Celebration OCTOBER 10, 5:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. Community Food Initiatives hosts a fundraising event at the Dairy Barn Arts Center. The event features exhibitions, interactive art, music and catering by Pork and Pickles. Proceeds will go toward supporting healthy food options and enhancing food security in the area.

Ohio University Homecoming Weekend OCTOBER 7 - OCTOBER 12 OU will welcome alumni back to campus with dozens of events for a week-long celebration highlighted by a Saturday morning parade and a football game against the Northern Illinois Huskies.

backdrop | Fall 2019

BY AVERY KREEMER, JULIE CIOTOLA AND MICHAELA FATH

NEDA & NAMI walks OCTOBER 19 National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) are both hosting walks to raise awareness for eating disorders and reduce the stigma around mental health issues, respectively. The NEDA walk will start at Nelson Commons at 10 a.m., and the NAMI walk will start by the courthouse on Court Street at 11 a.m.

Jersey Boys OCTOBER 21, 7:30 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. The national tour of 2005 Broadway show "Jersey Boys" makes a stop at OUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Memorial Auditorium. Student tickets are $25 a piece and can be purchased online.

backdrop MAGAZINE

Dads Weekend NOVEMBER 1 - NOVEMBER 3 Invite your dad to campus for a weekend of bonding on the bricks. On Saturday, take him on a tour of your home away from home, practice your swing at the campus driving range and view the stars during telescope night at the University Observatory.

SCAN THIS CODE TO VIEW OUR NEW WEBSITE! To get involved with our publication, contact backdropmag@gmail.com.

HEALTH

The Burning

TRUTH

HOW TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER • Seek shade and avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if you’re sunburnt. • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, with at least SPF 15, once a day. • Avoid UV tanning beds. • See a dermatologist once a year. • Perform regular self examinations once a month.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the SPF on sunscreen extends the amount of time it can protect your skin from UVB rays. For example, SPF 15 would multiply the protection time to 15 times longer than unprotected skin. A higher SPF allows the skin to be protected for a longer period of time.

Sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from harsh UVA and UVB rays, but it shouldn’t be the only line of defense. BY CORINNE RIVERS | ILLUSTRATED BY JESSICA COORS

he thought of sunscreen is reminiscent of long summer days at the beach or kayaking at Strouds Run and basking in the sun for hours on end. However, such luxury also brings risks. Studies show that many Americans are in danger of developing skin cancer. Most commonly caused by excessive exposure to natural and artificial UV light, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. People with blond or red hair, skin that is susceptible to sunburn, a history of excessive sun exposure and skin cancer or a weakened immune system are at the greatest risk. Although it is most known to apply sunscreen on sunny days, your skin is better protected if conscious measures are taken daily. b

CHECK YOURSELF FOR SKIN CANCER Inspect your scalp using a blow dryer to expose skin.

Inspect arms and torso. Don’t forget to check under your arms.

HOW COMMON IS SKIN CANCER? Facts courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology

Americans are living with melanoma, a common type of skin cancer.

Scan your upper and lower back; use two mirrors to examine all angles. Check the palms and backs of your hands, between the fingers and under the fingernails.

More than

1 MILLION

Examine your face — especially your nose, lips, mouth and ears.

Check your legs, from thighs to feet. Look underneath toenails and between toes.

An estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

backdrop | Fall 2019

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HOUSE

ENTERTAINMENT

PARTY

Two college students have established a successful music management business for independent artists. BY ELEANOR BISHOP | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JANE KARDOTZKE

t doesn’t seem possible for this many people to fit into one living room. Students are packed up against the front door of this crumbling Athens rental property, crammed into the corner and shoved next to the coats hanging on the wall. They stand on top of the leather couch that has been pushed against the wide front windows. The air is hot and thick with the smell of deodorant and cologne, doing little to mask the undercurrent of pot and sweat. The door opens every few minutes, releasing a much-needed burst of cool night air as another group snakes into the crowd. All attention is focused on the back of the room where, obscured by a sea of heads, a band performs. The thud of drums and strums of an electric guitar reverberate from tapestry-covered walls. It’s closing out its set with some covers —Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” and 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up”— the perfect, belt-at-the-top-of-your-lungs kind of songs. They seem to be working; people sing and dance so hard the floorboards bounce as if they’re hiding springs. Later in the night, as the next act sets up their equipment, a woman enters the room holding an orange plastic jack-o’-lantern above her head. She’s tall with long brown hair that hangs wildly around her shoulders. There’s something beyond her height that makes her rise above the crowd, something magnetic Guitarist of Somewhere In Athens excites the crowd with his performance at a local house show.

backdrop | Fall 2019

about her broad, easy smile. With a casual efficiency, Jane Kardotzke works her way across the room, greeting friends and introducing herself to new faces, offering hugs all around. Gradually, her pumpkin is filled with crumpled dollar bills: donations to pay for beer or gas for the bands that have come to play from out of town. Persuading broke college kids to pay for a free concert might seem like a difficult task—but Kardotzke has a knack for it. “I’ve found the best result is literally looking people in the eyes and being like, ‘Hey dude, this is for these artists who are literally pouring their hearts out to you, and this means so much to me and all these people who make this happen,’” she says. Kardotzke is a senior at Ohio University studying music production with a minor in marketing. She has been working since last year to grow JAcKD UP, an independent artist collective she founded to organize and promote free concerts for OU students. The name JAcKD UP comes from a combination of Kardotzke’s initials: JAK, and the initials of her friend and business partner Jennifer Kash: JCK. As the only full-time members of JAcKD UP, Kardotzke and Kash work together to book bands, find venues, provide equipment, promote shows to ensure these events run smoothly. They have managed more than 12 concerts and festivals in the last six months. “A big part of our brand is recognizing that DIY [holds] a very prominent space in the music industry,” Kardotzke says. “I think that creating an infrastructure for DIY is going to be the next big disrupter.” House shows have long been a staple of the DIY, or do-ityourself, music scene: concerts in unconventional venues put on without the backing of the music industry, typically featuring new, unsigned artists playing for cheap or free for exposure. College towns are the perfect places to cultivate fan bases. Freak Mythology, a funk-rock band based in Cincinnati, has reaped the benefits of performing at Athens house shows. “Athens is interesting because it’s a college town out in the boonies, so 90 percent of the people that live there aren’t really from there,” says Ryan Shepard, guitarist of Freak Mythology.

Kardotzke (left) and Kash at a house show they organized last semester.

“If you build a following in Athens, you secretly have a following in Pittsburgh.” The low-budget, unofficial nature of a DIY concert affords a level of intimacy between the audience and performer that is hard to find elsewhere. Kash and Kardtozke talk about being able to feed off of the energy of the band as well as other members of the audience through what they call “collective consciousness.” “What makes DIY so special is that you have that close, right-in-your-face living room feel,” Kash says. “There’s so much interaction that goes with it, [like] being able to approach the band. [It’s] just normal, human-to-human interaction.” When she was a freshman at OU, Kardotzke thought she was going to become a guidance counselor. Although she’s always loved music, she says she had no exposure to the music industry in her small hometown of Clyde, Ohio. After her first concert—Cage the Elephant, the summer before she left for college—she was hooked. “Literally that whole summer was just me going to back-to-back shows all the time,” she says. Kardotzke doesn’t play an instrument or sing, so she needed to find another way to be involved in the music industry. A friend in a band suggested she be its manager. “The music business came into my peripheral,” she says. “I was like, ‘I’m good at organizing, I love communicating with people, I just want to dance and be around good music.’ It didn’t seem like it could get much better than that.” Kardotzke switched her major to music production after her first semester. “I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else at this point,” she says. Although she felt confident in her decision to pursue music, Kardotzke struggled to integrate into the notoriously exclusive DIY music scene. She went to house shows but didn’t feel the collective consciousness she was looking for. Instead, she felt unwelcome and ostracized for not being “a specific kind of person.” “It was so strange to me because every concert, every music experience I’d had, had been the opposite of that,” she says. Kardotzke never forgot that feeling. “That was actually what lit the flame for what JAcKD Up is,” she says. “Music is about us coming together and understanding each other better, not us being separated because we don’t fit into a bubble or into a scene.” Kardotzke and Kash create shows with a diverse atmosphere by making conscious efforts to attract different crowds. Between the two of them, they have been able to connect with a wide variety of university subcultures. “We’ll have business school kids mixed with the ultimate frisbee team, mixed with kids who look like they haven’t washed in like a week mixed with other DIY kids, mixed with media school kids,” Kash says. Whereas some house shows have secret locations or surprise concerts to ensure a certain degree of exclusivity, JAcKD UP productions are widely promoted on social media. “We’re just trying to create a show that is open to the general public,” Kash says. Kardotzke’s first opportunity to put her idea for JAcKD UP

to the test came in October 2018, when a friend asked her to organize a music festival in her backyard. With only two weeks’ notice, Kardotzke assembled a 10-artist lineup and drew a crowd of more than 300 people, raising over $150 in donations. “For me it was validating,” she says. “It was like, ‘If I did this on my own, I know that I can get other people to believe in this as much as I do.’ And after that, people have consistently come back.” If the crowds that JAcKD UP productions regularly draw are any indication, Kardotzke and Kash are doing something right. On the other side of the drum set, the bands that work with JAcKD UP are taking note of what sets them apart. Freak Mythology has performed four shows in Athens that have been either directly associated with JAcKD UP or booked thanks to their connections, and they plan on collaborating again. “They’re just really good people to work with and be involved with because they [have] nothing but good intentions.” Shepard says. “When you think of something like a DIY house show, you know, you’re not going to put the word professionalism in the same sentence, but they make that work.” The nature of the DIY music scene means that JAcKD UP is unable to sign contracts with bands or venues. Kardotzke and Kash have booked bands months before, only to have them cancel a week before the scheduled show. They’ve learned to be flexible. “You have to be like water,” Kardotzke says, “Because things will get pulled out from underneath you all the time.” Occasionally, the unpredictable nature of house shows result in unexpected moments of clarity, reminding Kash that the work she does has an impact. During a recent show, a speaker blew out in the middle of the Athens-based band Judge Russo’s set. “You couldn’t hear anything that the lead singer was singing, but he had gotten so many of his friends and fans out that they started singing the lyrics for him,” Kash says. “The look on [the band members’] faces when they realized that fans were singing along—it was the first time that we were actually able to pass the torch off and give someone else the chance to be like, ‘Wow I created this, this following right here.’ That’s what it’s all about.” b www.backdropmagazine.com

When not at Fur Peace Ranch, Jorma enjoys riding his Harley CBO Breakout, a hobby of his for over 60 years. Photo provided by Scott Hall.

ENTERTAINMENT

“

[At] the beginning, it was a way for Jorma to give back to his fan base.” VANESSA KAUKONEN CO-OWNER FUR PEACE RANCH

Pe a c e , S o u l a n d

Rock ‘n’ Roll Deep in Southeast Ohio, a music legend has created a space for guitarists to enhance their sound. STORY BY ALLY LANASA AND ELENA GOLUBOVICH | PHOTO BY ELENA GOLUBOVICH A rough draft of this article was unprofessionally published in the first print issue of the 2019-20 academic year. The revised copy below will be reprinted in Issue 2, which is scheduled to release midNovember. On behalf of the entire Backdrop staff, Editor-in-chief Ally Lanasa has sent her sincerest apologies to the Kaukonens for the series of inaccuracies in the originally published article.

erched on the edge of the Ohio River is the old coal town of Pomeroy, just 24 miles south of Athens. The county seat of Meigs County is the current home to Jorma and Vanessa Kaukonen, who founded Fur Peace Ranch in 1989. Fur Peace Ranch serves as a music camp for musicians to learn from renowned performers such as Jack Casady, G.E. Smith, David Lindley, Steve Kimock, Bob Margolin, Chris Smither, Peter Rowan and, of course, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Jorma Kaukonen. “[At] the beginning, it was a way for Jorma to give back to his fan base,” Vanessa says. “Jorma said, ‘Help me run this school. Let’s give back to these guys who have been paying for our tickets for the last 50 years.’” Jorma, a Grammy-nominated pioneer of psychedelic rock, has more than half a century of experience in the music industry and excels in a variety of instrumental

backdrop | Fall 2019

techniques that he shares with his students. Fur Peace Ranch offers instruction for varying musical styles on an assortment of instruments, including mandolin, banjo and guitar. Its name came from Jorma’s belief that the ranch is “a fur piece from anywhere,” meaning, “it’s a long way from anywhere.” Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, Jorma was an avid fan of musicians like Buddy Holly, a 1950s rock ’n’ roll star, who influenced blues and rhythm. Jorma’s parents also inspired him to listen to gospel music, although they weren’t religious. As a teenager, he learned guitar alongside his neighbor Jack Casady, who would become his band member in the counter-culture psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane and still-touring Hot Tuna. Together, they discovered the array of music played in clubs and concerts in the nation’s capital and bonded over a love for blues, country and jazz.

After high school, Jorma attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he met Ian Buchanan, who introduced him to the fingerstyle fretwork of the Reverend Gary Davis. Then, a work-study program in New York expanded Jorma’s interests in American folk and blues and increased his skillset as a guitarist. Jorma continued his education at Santa Clara University in the 1960s, where he met rhythm guitarist Paul Kanter. In 1965, they founded Jefferson Airplane in the San Francisco Bay area with Marty Balin. Shortly after, Jorma called in his childhood friend Jack Casady, who was still living in D.C., to audition as the electric bassist. The famous mezzo vocalist Grace Slick joined the band after the release of its first album, “Jefferson Airplane Takes Off,” in 1966. During Jefferson Airplane’s career, Jorma and Casady often played shows together at local clubs as an additional creative outlet. After striking a record deal, the masterful duo formed Hot Tuna in 1969. During one of Hot Tuna’s concerts in Key West, Florida, in summer 1988, Jorma met Vanessa. After his set, Vanessa was invited backstage where she promised to take Jorma on a sailing trip—despite not owning a boat—in hopes to impress him. After frantic calls to friends, she finally found a boat to borrow and took Jorma and his band on the water. The two connected through their love of music and were married later that year. They moved to L.A. where Jorma was partaking in the Jefferson Airplane reunion of 1989. Following the reunion, the Kaukonens moved back to Jorma’s place in Woodstock, New York, for two years. While living in Woodstock, they learned about an offer for a piece of land in Meigs County. Now after decades of running “a ranch that grows guitar players,” the Kaukonens have served over 4,000 repeat students. Jorma’s passion for education as a means of repaying the music community spans from the 1980s when he taught guitar classes, gave individual lessons and ran workshops with The New School for Social Research in New York, according to Boulder Weekly. As the co-owner, Vanessa is responsible for planning workshops, art shows and retreats for various organizations, which can range from two to six days. With a background in civil engineering, she built the ranch from its imaginative state into reality. Over the years, the Kaukonens have expanded their ranch with various attractions, including the Psylodelic Gallery, which is located in the towering silver

silo at the edge of the property. The interior of the silo is a gleaming white pine with a gift shop on the first floor and spiral stairs leading to the second. Tie-dye bean bag chairs are pushed against the walls to make room for the collaged guitars being showcased in the middle of the room. The gallery houses revolving art shows as well as Jorma’s personal collection of posters, artifacts and photos from his musical career with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. The most popular features at Fur Peace Ranch are the workshops led by Jorma. Musicians travel from around the world to learn from the founding member of two legendary bands in a small and intimate setting. Single-occupancy cabins create a slow spiral formation behind the main buildings, employing the feng shui method that creates a flow of energy meant to inspire the students, who may practice on benches surrounding the fire pit. “That community of like-minded spirits that not only love the same kind of music—more or less but the geeky stuff that comes along with being guitar players,” Jorma says. “You talk about strings or weird stuff that nobody else would talk about in a million years, but we talk about it.” Jorma’s humble demeanor is the type of easy-going teaching style that encourages his students to explore their sound within a serene, yet unexpected environment. b

Vanessa and her cat, Zamir, sitting on one of the porches of Fur Peace Ranch.

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VOICES

Backdrop got me

HERE

ANNELIE GOINS

raveling and learning languages has always been important to me. I spent five years throughout middle school and high school studying German and had the opportunity to visit Germany during my sophomore year of high school. When I came to Ohio University, I wanted to expand my cultural experience by learning a new language that had no similarities to English, so I chose Russian. During my first course, I fell in love with the language. It was difficult but fun because Russian cannot be learned through my native language. Throughout my studies, I adapted new ways to learn languages. After a few semesters of learning the Russian language and the country’s history, I declared a Russian Studies certificate. I never anticipated having the opportunity to visit Russia, but my Russian language professor emailed me about a journalism field research internship in Voronezh, Russia, which is hundreds of miles south of Moscow. I was eager to apply because it combined my interest in the language and my journalism education. I submitted my application, interviewed via Skype and was accepted within a week. The admissions committee continuously told me how impressed they were with my writing abilities. Admittedly, the skills I have developed over the years would not be what they are without the mentorship and opportunities Backdrop magazine offers.

backdrop | Fall 2019

Last July, I lived with a host family in Voronezh and embraced the city. My host family (my host mom, Eleanora, and my host sister, Nadezhda) graciously included me in activities and was unwaveringly patient when I struggled to recall the appropriate response to questions or keep up with a conversation. They quickly became some of my favorite people because they were so kind and accepting. My experience in Russia also helped me realize how much better I am at being a tourist than as an intern or employee in a foreign country. While I was there, I didn’t want to work. I wanted to explore on my own terms, which I couldn’t do like I had done in my previous trips abroad. My time was limited to explore the city because of the research for my article, the planned trips through the program and attempting to get enough sleep despite the seven-hour time difference. However, there weren’t as many tourists as there might be in Moscow or St. Petersburg because it is a small city. It is filled with quainter pieces of history that aren’t popularized in the West. Voronezh is the home of the first Russian naval ship, for example. Although seeing the Moscow Kremlin or Red Square is appealing, it was nice to see such an important piece of Russian history that not many people can say they’ve seen. In addition to the smaller pieces of Russian history, I also had the invaluable opportunity of working with a foreign editor and writing a news article in a foreign language. Backdrop helped prepare me for the process of pitching ideas, writing drafts and editing, but doing all of this with a language barrier made it more difficult. However, if I have learned anything from the journalism school and from Backdrop, it’s that patience pays off in the end. I had a whole article written in Russian that tracked the shift from tattoos being a symbol of status in the Soviet prison system to a popular fashion accessory. My editor was very impressed with the questions I came up with, the titles I suggested and how organized my process was for writing. With only three years of language experience, I was thrilled with the feedback. My goals for learning Russian alongside journalism have changed throughout my college career, but I plan to utilize the information I learned at this internship when I further my education in law school. As a future intellectual property lawyer, I aim to help change the laws of speech around the world, especially in Russia. Russia’s laws are much more restrictive and journalists continue to face the threat of jail or death when they speak out against the government. b

Dayton residents attend a vigil honoring the victims of the mass shooting in the city on Sunday, Aug. 4.

AVERY KREEMER

moved to Dayton for the summer to work as an intern reporting for Dayton Daily News. It was my first time living on my own, and the first time I was paid to do more than take someone’s taco order or sustain repeat paper cuts during my short stint at an office job on campus. In a lot of ways, I felt completely unprepared for this sort of experience, and I had hoped for a slow-news summer to help me gradually immerse myself into uncharted territory. I moved to Dayton shortly after Memorial Day, the weekend an outbreak of tornadoes ripped through much of the city. It removed hundreds of people from their homes and caused millions of dollars’ worth of damage around the city. As I moved myself into the relatively unfamiliar area, I was fairly surprised to find that things around me were untouched. I’m not sure why, but I expected the entire city to bear the bruises. Small mindedly, I think this made me subconsciously discount the impact that the tornadoes had on the community. I later learned that the tornado damage was mainly contained to the city’s north side, which also happened to be some of the poorest parts of the area, about 20 minutes away from my new home. I was shadowing a two-person TV crew when I first saw hints of damage. We entered a neighborhood where over half the homes had destroyed roofs. Our reporter planned to knock on doors, hoping a resident would invite us inside and tell us about how the storm changed their life. The first knock turned up a willing interviewee. It was his childhood home that was damaged, and he was up from Texas to help his brother get things back in order. I got a feeling from that man as he gave us a tour of his home that was reflected in the many others that I talked to about the tornadoes during my time in Dayton. People,

overall, were tired. They kept their heads down, doing what they had to do to get things back to normal. The relative randomness of the tornado meant that no one was prepared and there was no plan for recovery. This did, however, leave space for an entire community to come together, support tornado victims and help with longterm recovery. Thousands volunteered for cleanup, even more donated money and goods, businesses ran fundraisers, organizations worked to rehouse people who had lost their homes, legal experts educated victims and more. Dayton’s ability to come together around tragedy seemed to offer promise that it could come out of the tragedy better than before. Unfortunately, Dayton had to do it again early August, after a shooter opened fire for roughly 30 seconds in the Historic Oregon District, the city’s prominent nightlife hub. That day, nine people were shot and killed, including the assailant’s sibling. Seventeen more were shot and injured, including the assailant’s longtime friend. The victims’ friends, families and thousands of others were left reeling. Massive damage was done in under a minute. In less than 24 hours, local leaders and over a thousand mourners gathered for a candlelight vigil, offering support in the same street the atrocity occurred. Thoughts and prayers were offered, but Dayton residents wanted change. Hundreds chanted “Do something,” as Gov. Mike DeWine spoke before the crowd. The shooting forced Dayton to once again come to terms with a tragedy that was relatively random; but this time enacted by one of its own residents. Looking back, I think Dayton was and is so adamant for change on the mass shooting front because—of the two tragedies it endured this summer—the shooting was the one that residents believed laws and awareness could have prevented. Soon after the vigil, DeWine released a plan to curb gun violence, focused on gun legislation and mental health funding. He conceded that Daytonians were right to demand change, and that it was the responsibility of Ohio’s officials to see it through. In many ways after the tornado outbreak, Dayton showed that it could come together to offer support. After the mass shooting, the city’s response evolved to using that same togetherness for change. I viewed all of this through unique lenses; as a new reporter, as a temporary resident and as a person that was only recently removed from the bubble of Athens. Ultimately, I moved out of Dayton with a much deeper appreciation for the city and its people, Dayton Daily News and other news outlets and organizations that tirelessly worked to help the victims, and the ability of a large group of people to heal and demand change. I gained these perspectives because I was chosen to do a job, and I was chosen because of my experience at Backdrop. A lot of what I learned over the summer is hard to put into words, but they’re lessons that I will gratefully hold onto and put into action here on campus and in the rest of my career. b www.backdropmagazine.com

STYLE

AUTUMNAL

BODYSUITS

BELTS

The basis of a good outfit is the top. Bodysuits are a simple and versatile way to add a personal touch to a monotone outfit. From tank tops and short-sleeves to mock-necks and turtlenecks, bodysuits come in a range of styles, patterns and colors and are usually relatively inexpensive. A bodysuit with a bold pattern or bright color will add a bit of flair to a pair of basic light-washed jeans. It can be dressed up with a pair of heels or worn casually with some comfortable sneakers. ’Fit tip: For a bold look, opt for a bodysuit with a velvet texture, lace accents or stylish cut-outs.

Once you’ve decided on your staple jeans, pair them with a unique belt. This year has seen both the comeback of grommet belts and the utilization of scarves woven through belt loops. Belts are generally inexpensive and have a long lifespan. Some pops of color or patterns can tie an outfit together and make it stand out. ’Fit tip: This season has seen the rising trend of cinched suiting. For a fashionable twist on a business suit or a tan trench coat, add a chunky belt. A solid band can accentuate the waistline or polish off a loud-patterned suit.

THREADS

JACKETS

FASHION DENIM Amid ever-changing fashion trends, these are the essentials for every season. BY SAMANTHA WEBNE | ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANDREA MATTHEWS

s college students, it’s not always easy to find affordable options when it comes to unique wardrobe. With these staples in your closet, it’ll be easy to put together outfits that compliment the season’s trends (and won’t break the bank). Some students take inspiration from the latest trends modeled by top brands, walking around campus on any given day or seeing how others are styling specific clothing pieces. There’s a time and a place for every type of

outfit; whether it’s a busy day of classes or a night out with friends uptown. This season’s trends include patterned and textured pieces. Materials like silk and satin have been all the rage since summer, and surely their popularity will carry well throughout the colder months. Although high fashion can be pricey, paying attention to the versatility of a piece will give college students with a tight budget more bang for their buck. Here are Backdrop’s top fall fashion staples.

Although the basis of a fashionable outfit is the top, no outfit is complete without a trendy bottom piece, and denim jeans can take an outfit to the next level when the temperatures start to drop. The appeal of denim is that it is offered in so many different styles, such as bell-bottom, boyfriend fit and high-waisted. Recently, fashion icons have been taking a lot of inspiration from the 1970s, when jeans had it all: big flares, high-waistlines and a fit that complimented curvy body types. Flare jeans are a wardrobe must-have. ’Fit tip: One of the most important things to remember when buying denim as a staple piece is that no one pair of jeans fits everyone’s body types; embrace the curvy, petite, tall and short styles offered!

Outerwear is crucial in the fall. Jackets can be styled in various ways to spice up a plain t-shirt or turtleneck. A jean jacket (black or denim wash) and a black leather jacket are two of the easiest types of jackets to style. Both of those pieces work well with an array of articles, like light-washed or black jeans and heels or sneakers, and they are ideal for a night out or a casual day around town. For example, a jean jacket spices up an everyday look like a band t-shirt with leggings and sneakers. Leather jackets are great for a girls night out. Draping a leather jacket over a bodysuit that’s tucked into a cute pair of jeans creates a solid, stylish outfit. If you want to take your outerwear game to the next level, capes and longhemmed coats have become popular outerwear trends this year and will add a bit of “high fashion” to your everyday street or business wear. ’Fit tip: Though these items are a bit pricier than the others listed, their longevity outlasts the other pieces. Don’t be afraid to spend more money on staples such as a well-made leather jacket. Fashion is an investment.

SNEAKERS AND ACCESSORIES An outfit is not complete without a good pair of shoes. Over the years, the simple streetwear sneaker has shed the perception of being a “gym” shoe. Low-top Nike AirForce 1’s, Converse and Vans Off The Wall retail from $60 to about $100, but having a pair of white or black sneakers to match any outfit is priceless. Additionally, everyone needs a going-out bag. Tiny bags are all the rage on runways this fall (though they have been the punchline on Twitter as well). Finishing off an outfit with a small, structured bag will add a subtle form of accessorization, but will make all the difference in taking your outfit from fall faux pas to fall fashionista. Exploring new trends can be intimidating, but there’s always the option to start small (literally). ’Fit tip: Add a bit of an edge to your outfit by choosing a pair of platform sneakers over basic styles. That little bit of rubber will elevate your outfit—and your height. Expand your closet with staples that keep your outfits looking new and fresh every day. Having a variety of basics in your closet will also relieve the inevitable stress of dressing each morning. Although fashion trends are ever-changing, those pieces can be reworked into a variety of outfits to create timeless and enviable looks. b

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Exhibit A.

Junior Wes Temple explored the beauty of Athens while on a hike at Sells Park, located off of East State Street.

PHOTO HUNT

Spot the five differences between these photos at the Athens Pride Parade. PHOTO BY JULIE CIOTOLA

ORIGINAL

2 3 4 1. Changed color of ballon 2. Removed stripes on shirt 3. Changed shirt from green to white 4. Removed tiny flag 5. Removed parking lines

backdrop | Fall 2019

5 www.backdropmagazine.com

Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery first opened its doors in 2005. Since then, we’ve expanded to include 3 unique Athens locations. Stop by our original Brewpub, located at 24 W Union Street, and sample 18 exclusive drafts made with locally grown ingredients. Right next door, our Public House restaurant features 30 different draft lines and a delicious, locally sourced menu that offers something for everyone. Public House 22 West Union Street Daily 11am-11pm

Court St. Carpenter St.

ve. Stimson A

Taproom & Brewery 25 Campbell Street Mon-Thurs 2pm-9pm Fri-Sat 11am-10pm Sun 12pm-7pm

House N. Congress St.

W. Union St.

BrewPub 24 West Union Street Tues-Thurs 7pm-2am Fri 4pm-2am Sat 2pm-2am

BrewPub & Public

Taproom & Brewery

Just a mile from our uptown locations is our Taproom and Production Brewery, located at 25 Campbell Street. With 16 additional taps, food cart, and a large outdoor patio, it’s a perfect retreat at the edge of town.

@jackieosbrewery