September 7

Fiji house fire p. 2 Dickersonʼs file explained p. 3 Confederate statues p. 7 Volleyball player feature p. 11 September 7, 2017 Vol. 86, Issue 2

2 NEWS

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Students work to save fraternity momentos and alumni pictures after a fire Aug. 30 at the Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) house. All members of the fraternity were able to escape the fire without injury.

Fire damages campus fraternity house HILLARY TAYLOR/ TYLER HARGETT Staff Writer/ Life Editor life@florala.net The Phi Gamma Delta house, also known by students as the Fiji house, caught on fire during the early evening of Aug. 30.

“I’m glad everyone’s okay,” said UNA President Kenneth Kitts. “That’s the top priority. Things and facilities can be replaced.”

Assistant Director of Student Engagement for Greek Affairs Ashley Christman said the university contacted the national chapter.

Florence Fire Department Lieutenant Ryan Orrick said the department still has not determined the cause of the fire.

UNA Police Chief Kevin Gillilan said the fire seems to have started outside and primarily damaged the rear of the house.

The Florence Fire Department and first responders worked for hours to suppress the flames and smoke.

The fire department confirmed the fire began a short time before 4 p.m., when some made the emergency call to the fire department.

Flames engulfed the entire back half of the house and spread to the back porch before firefighters managed to

contain the flames.

The house still stands, but extensive damage was inflicted to the inside of the building.

Junior Spencer Stinnett saw the fire after class and said the Florence Fire Department did a great job retaining the damage.

“I think the fire department did a great job handling this situation,” Stinnett said. “They’ve done as good of a job as anyone could, considering it’s such an old house.”

Orrick said the scene is secured and advised students to stay away from the building and to stay off Oakview Circle for their own safety until the investigation is complete.

“Hopefully, once we get inside, we can figure out what caused this,” Orrick said.

Freshman Olivia Perry said she watched as the flames spread through the roof of the building.

“You always hear warnings that you shouldn’t do certain things because you’ll catch your house on fire, but you never actually think it could happen,” Perry said.

The fire department began investigating the cause of the fire the next day after the water drained.

More details will be released upon investigation of the incident.

Stick with The Flor-Ala for updates on the investigation.

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

The Florence Fire Department works to extinguish the flames from the Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) house. The department is still investigating the cause of the fire.

NEWS 3

Former professorʼs file meets the public CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net The Flor-Ala obtained the personnel file of David Dickerson and discovered he was paid more than $50,000 after he was accused of sexual assault.

The file became public through an open records request.

John Thornell, former vice president of academic affairs, sent Dickerson a letter confirming his academic leave with pay and benefits effective Jan. 8, 2016 until his oneyear contract expired May 16, 2016, according to Dickerson’s personnel file.

Dickerson signed a university contract stating the terms of his

“

academic leave, in which UNA agreed to provide a neutral employment reference and five salary payments of $10,555.56 each month.

UNA allowed Dickerson up to 21 days to consult with his lawyers before signing the contract. He signed it Jan. 6, 2016.

Junior Dakota Allen said although the university did everything right

by Title IX, they did not do everything morally correct.

“The university should have done more than fire him,” Allen said.

“They should have reported him to police.”

UNA President Kenneth Kitts said UNA considered the option of terminating Dickerson’s contract early but decided against this so Dickerson could not file for a due process hearing. If Dickerson had

The University responded quickly and professionally throughout this process, complying with all applicable policies and laws.

The matter was investigated thoroughly and the University acted decisively to protect our students while also protecting the student’s right to privacy.

According to a University Press Release

filed, the university would be required to pay him during the whole process.

Dickerson would likely have defended the accusations with legal assistance, which would have extended the trial past the time of Dickerson’s contract.

The university was also concerned about exposing the identity of the students involved in this case, Kitts said.

A lawsuit a former student filed Aug. 9 claimed UNA failed to protect Jane Doe from the alleged assault because the university did not file a background check on Dickerson.

The university finished conducting a background check on Dickerson June 22, 2015, according to Dickerson’s personnel file.

The background check does not show any court records statewide in Maryland, Dickerson’s last residence, or Virginia, another place Dickerson lived, according to the background verification report from Risk Mitigation Services, a private company the university uses for background checks.

A fingerprint scan Aug. 21, 2013 through the Criminal Justice Information Services showed Dickerson had no prior FBI arrests, according to Dickerson’s personnel file.

Jane Doe alleged the university allowed Dickerson to remain on campus and finish out his contract, according to the complaint she filed against UNA. A Title IX investigation found that Dickerson violated policy Dec. 17, 2015, Kitts said in a statement.

“The University responded quickly and professionally

Courtesy of MSU Denver

Former UNA Professor David Dickerson is accused of sexually assaulting a former UNA student. The Flor-Ala gained access to Dickerson’s personnel file from his time at UNA to uncover the truth behind if UNA acted according to Title IX. throughout this process, complying with all applicable policies and laws,” according to UNA’s second official statement regarding the lawsuit.

“The matter was investigated thoroughly and the University acted decisively to protect our students while also protecting the student’s right to privacy.”

Stick with The Flor-Ala for more updates on this case.

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4 NEWS

Behind the scenes of SGA MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Vice President of UPC Jose Figueroa-Cifuentes sits in his office discussing events with his University Program Council members. Figueroa-Cifuentes’ job is to use money from the Student Activity fee to plan events for students.

VP works to overcome obstacles JESSICA LIVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer jlivingston2@una.edu

Students can find vice president of University Program Council Jose Figueroa-Cifuentes every Monday at 3:30 p.m. conducting the weekly UPC meeting reminding his members of the things they can accomplish with hard work and determination.

Figueroa-Cifuentes said if someone

would have told him he would be vice president of UPC, he would not have believed them.

Figueroa-Cifuentes said he was born in the U.S. before moving with his family to Guatemala. He moved back to the U.S. when he was around 4-years-old.

He lived in Russellville, Alabama before coming to UNA to pursue collegiate dreams. Figueroa-Cifuentes said his family came to the U.S. not

Courtesy of Jose Figueroa-Cifuentes

Jose Figueroa-Cifuentes stands front right with his fellow ROTC members during a morning drill. Figueoa-Cifuentes was involved in ROTC until an injury forced him to quit.

knowing the language or culture. His family struggled to give him every opportunity he has.

He said he learned his work ethic from his mom and does everything he can to make her proud.

“My mom and older sisters have always been there motivating me to move forward,” Figueroa-Cifuentes said. “Seeing my mom happy is my passion and motivation.”

Brittany Knight, live acts chair for UPC, said Figueroa-Cifuentes is a humble leader who listens and takes in everything around him.

“Jose is the perfect example of a leader who stands alongside the people working under him and not someone who simply commands others,” Knight said.

Figueroa-Cifuentes said he wants to take advantage of opportunities other members of his family did not receive.

“If my mom was given the chance to go to college in the U.S., I know she would be successful,” FigueoaCifuentes said. “Since she couldn’t go to college here because of prior obligations, I take every opportunity I get to apply for positions that I know I can handle.”

When Figueroa-Cifuentes started UNA, he joined the ROTC program in hopes of one day serving in active duty.

In fall 2013, Figueroa-Cifuentes tore the ligaments in his ankle and had to be put in a cast for eight months. After recovering from his ankle injury, he had to have surgery on his back.

“I just want to serve active duty,” Figueroa-Cifuentes said. “Because

of my back surgery, I was medically disqualified, so I couldn’t do the physical fitness test.”

Despite his hardships, FigueroaCifuentes continued to persevere. He said he wants to stay at UNA and soon be back in the ROTC program.

“Ideally, I still want to serve in the military,” Figueroa-Cifuentes said.

Figueroa-Cifuentes said backup plans are everything to him. He tells all of his colleagues there is always another way around the original plan.

“If things don’t work out, don’t freak out,” Figueroa-Cifuentes said.

“You just have to find a solution to get back on track.”

Figueroa-Cifuentes said he wants to push others to accomplish their highest goals.

“I push others to do more than me and remind them if I can do it, then they can do better,” FigueroaCifuentes said.

Jason Sparks, vice president of Senate, said Figueroa-Cifuentes is open minded and easy to work with.

“We both bounce ideas off of each other and want to stay present in what SGA is doing and not just focus on what our respective branches are doing,” Sparks said. “I am confident in the goals Jose has set out to accomplish and believe that this year will be a great one under his leadership.”

Figueoa-Cifuentes also serves as vice president of the Delta Chi fraternity.

Figueroa-Cifuentes said he plans to continue his education at UNA and get his master’s degree. He is still exploring his options of what he plans to get his master’s degree in.

NEWS 5

Floyd Hall debris causes environmental problem JESSICA LIVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer jlivingston2@una.edu The Alabama Department of Environmental Management reports Gist Excavating in dumping debris from Floyd Hall in three illegal lots.

The university awarded a $416,000 contract to B. H. Craig Construction to take down the abandoned academic building and do additional work to prep the site for future construction.

Gist Excavating, subcontracted

by B. H. Craig Construction, removed Floyd’s debris after contractors finished demolition, according to ADEM. There are only two landfills in Lauderdale County for contractors to utilize for waste, Underwood Landfill and Florence Municipal Solid Waste Landfill, according to ADEM. The Lauderdale County Landfill can accept construction and demolition debris, but cannot accept debris from Florence or Rogersville.

Gist Excavating dumped 350 tons of debris on Lauderdale County Road 8, 2,800 tons on Lauderdale County Road 23 and 280 tons on Lauderdale County Road 24, according to ADEM. The University placed blame on B. H. Craig Construction due to their contract.

University spokesman Bryan Rachal said debris removal is the responsibility of the general contractor.

Junior Cody Campbell said it is not the university’s responsibility to take care of this problem.

“They paid the contracting company, and now it is (the company’s) problem to deal with,” Campbell said.

Senior Josie Stanley said since the university is under so much scrutiny with the community, they should

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Contractors work to remove rubble from Floyd Hall demolition. The university awarded a $416,000 contract to B. H. Craig Construction, a company the university contracted to take down Floyd Hall, illegally dumped the debris off of three Lauderdale County roads make it known they hired someone to remove the debris.

B. H. Craig Construction said a general contractor moved the debris to an authorized landfill.

After ADEM discovers a site where contractors dump debris illegally, contractors must move the debris to an acceptable site or take one or more of the following actions: 1) Barricade the entrance.

2) Implement rodent and pest control of the site.

3) Compact and cover existing solid waste.

4) Establish vegetative or other appropriate cover.

5) Implement erosion controls.

DYLAN BAKER|Graphic Designer

6) Post signage indicating the closure and additional required monitoring.

The Flor-Ala contacted the project manager, but he was unavailable for comments.

Student Government Association works for transparency JESSICA LIVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer jlivingston2@una.edu The Student Government Association is working to make SGA transparent for all students to view what is happening on campus.

SGA set up an account through the app REMIND. The application allows students to receive notifications about scheduled changes for university and SGA events.

There are over 1,000 students registered for the application, said Jose Figueroa-Cifuentes, vice president of University Program Council.

“We recently used it for a relocated event, Hey Day,” Figueroa-Cifuentes said. “It’s awesome that we’re using something that is free to interact with

the student body.”

Sophomore Danny Franks said he signed up for the REMIND feature through text message.

“It is helpful that I received the text message before I saw the email about the football game being canceled,” Franks said, “I thought it was cool how it also told you where to park at the game.”

To sign up for the alerts, students can text @unasga to 81010.

The REMIND app is not all SGA is doing to promote transparency. SGA changed its email group on Outlook to public so anyone can view it.

This will allow anyone to view what SGA is doing, said SGA President Hugo Dante.

Dante said he promised transparency in SGA during his time campaigning for president, and he is working to

implement this.

SGA will stream all branch meetings live through Facebook. This feature will allow students to view what the government is discussing, how the association is spending their money and what events they are planning.

SGA saves all live streamed meetings on the SGA Facebook page.

Senior Sabrina Hudgins said she does not know if she will watch the live streamed videos on Facebook.

“Maybe if they had a caption of the most important parts I would watch for what they decided on,” Hudgins said. “I understand the transparency idea, but I do not know all the legal terms of Senate and the way their meetings run, so I am not sure if I would be able to follow and understand the video streaming without it broken down.”

Due to the structure of meetings, comments are not addressed during the actual meetings, Dante said.

“We pay close attention to comments on the social media accounts so they will be addressed, just not during a formalized meeting,” Dante said.

Junior Owen Edwards said creating transparency is a good idea, but he hopes this will allow a voice for the students in some of the association’s decisions.

“I haven’t had a chance to watch the live stream yet, but it may not be easy to watch and follow if the viewer can’t see or hear what is being discussed,” Edwards said.

SGA is in the process of partnering with the Communications Department to work on their communication with the student body.

6 NEWS

Food pantry continues to help students CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net UNA’s Feeding the Pride Food Pantry celebrates five years on campus helping students during financial hardships.

The food pantry is a food resource open to all university students. It is on the first floor of the Guillott University Center in the Student Engagement Center.

Students can come in the Student Engagement Center during office hours to receive access to the pantry. An office worker will scan the student’s Mane Card and lead them to the food pantry with no questions asked, said Assistant Director of Student Engagement Bethany Green.

“We kind of go on the honor system where if you need (the pantry), you’re going to come use it,” Green said.

“Everyone’s situation is different, and it’s not our place to ask. We just want to be here for students who need (help).”

Green said students can access the pantry as many times as they need. Once they are there, workers give students a box to collect supplies they need.

The food pantry is important to helping students during difficult financial times, said sophomore Hayden Suddith.

“Students already have so much else they have to pay for, so the university having a food pantry really helps out,” Suddith said.

Green said students should not feel embarrassed to use the pantry or ask for assistance during hardships.

“We’ve all been there at some point or another,” Green said. “You don’t have to have a crisis situation to need the food pantry.”

The pantry also has all the utensils students would need for food, such as can openers and pots to cook food in.

A former student, alumna Julia Darcy, started the food pantry through the Contribution to Campus Life Scholarship, a scholarship where students present an idea to improve campus and receive the scholarship as long as they implement the program, Green said.

Darcy noticed a need for food assistance with students on campus and worked with various groups to start the pantry, Green said Green said a lot has changed with the pantry over the five years it has been active, including location and availability to students.

The pantry was originally housed in part of the Student Government Association storage space. After the student Engagement Center relocated, it relocated to the same space.

Green said volunteers used to run the pantry because the location was away from the Student Engagement Center.

However, it was only open during specific hours when volunteers were available, which made it difficult for students to

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

Junior Grant Gunn helps stock the Feeding the Pride Food Pantry. The pantry helps students in need of food assistance access it.

Students also had to fill out a form on OrgSync before picking up pre-made bags from the food pantry. Student were only allowed to use the pantry once a week.

Green said this changed because the pantry does not have a problem with inventory.

Donations for the pantry come from campus organizations, local church groups, class projects and individual

help, Green said. This includes food donations and monetary support.

Green said she is proud of the support the UNA community shows the pantry.

“This is just one example of people showing love and being kind without having any kind of recognition,” Green said.

Anyone interested in donating to the food pantry can drop food off at the Student Engagement Center during office hours.

Electric vehicle charging stations come to campus TAYLOR SIMPSON Student Writer tsimpson4@una.edu The University announced that Tesla and EviroSpark, with help from school officials, teamed up to bring four Tesla and two generic electric vehicle charging stations to campus.

The University made a public announcement about the new chargers at local designer Billy Reid’s Shindig in The Park event at Wilson Park Aug. 25.

“UNA is so proud to be a part of this

collaboration with Tesla,” said President Kenneth Kitts. “To be able to bring these charging stations to our campus and to the people of the Shoals is remarkable.”

The University will host the first public EV charging stations in Florence, with the next nearest public charging locations located in Decatur and Birmingham, according to a university press release.

“We understand that this places us on the cutting edge of college campuses in the southeast, and that’s where we want to be,” Kitts said.

At no cost to the university, Tesla

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

UNA received four Tesla and two generic electric vehicle charging stations. Tesla donated $6,000 toward the installation of these units.

will provide four EV Chargers and two universal plug stations in two different locations on campus, according to the press release.

Tesla is also donating $3,000 toward the installation of the units.

“We are proud to be one of those very few universities in this entire nation that has electric vehicle chargers,” said Management Professor Santanu Borah.

Senior Drake Jackson said he thinks the electric vehicle chargers will benefit the environment.

“Since now (power sources) are more available, maybe more people in this area will want to buy electric cars,” Jackson said.

There are two other EV charging stations in Florence, according to the press release. Private businesses house the other locations: The Baymont Inn and Suites and University Nissan of Florence.

Local designer Billy Reid played a part in bringing Tesla to Florence by promoting the community.

“Tesla would not be here without Billy Reid,” Borah said.

Reid said these partnerships among local and national o r g a n i z a t i o n s demonstrate the continued forward thinking and the commitment of

all involved toward progress in the community.

“The introduction of a charging station for Florence is an example of this serviceoriented philosophy and we applaud Drs. Ken Kitts and Santanu Borah, and their team at the University of North Alabama, for making these improvements to keep Florence competitive in the destination marketplace,” Rob Carnegie, president of Florence/Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau said in the press release.

The addition of this technology will place UNA among larger colleges in Alabama, including UAB, who host EV charging stations.

“We are trying to send a message that we care about the environment, we care about sustainability,” Borah said. “It’s sometimes difficult for a smaller university like UNA to be at the leading edge of things. By doing this, we are trying to get ahead of the curve and be a leader.”

DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer

LIFE 7 Campus discusses national Confederate controversy MALACHI BLACKWOOD Student Writer mblackwood@una.edu While opposition to Confederate monuments may be nothing new, recent events in the U.S. have brought debates on whether or not the statues should be torn down.

Last month, a rally occurred in Charleston, Virginia over a statue of General Robert E. Lee, with various groups protesting different opinions about the issue, which resulted in the death of a 32-year-old woman and at least 19 injured.

So, the question remains if Confederate statues should be torn down due to a connection to racism or kept as a part of heritage.

Some citizens believe the right to censor certain aspects of history can mean it is also possible to rewrite it completely and, thus, is ethically wrong.

Sophomore Tyler Stansbury said the statues should stay up to represent history.

“Taking a statue down is not going to help either cause on either side,” he said.

“It’s more about the statement that it makes. It really teaches people that come (to our country) about our history.”

Meanwhile, others believe what the Confederacy stood for is morally evil and someone should take them down to prevent sending the wrong message to the younger generation.

Professor of History Lynne Rieff said the statues are inappropriate because the Confederacy stood for the right to own slaves.

“When it comes to the Civil War, no ifs, ands or buts about it, the root cause was about slavery,” she said.

The Florence community is no stranger to the controversy as there is a Confederate monument in front of the Lauderdale County Courthouse.

The monument is a statue of a male Confederate soldier in a private’s uniform tossing his knapsack to the ground that, according to its description, honors the dead Confederate soldiers of Lauderdale County.

However, during the dedication of the statue on April 25, 1903, H.A. Moody, a former medical doctor in Florence, discussed the “impassable barrier” between the South and North and the

fact African-Americans were not socially equal in the South.

Project Say Something is in the process of a campaign to erect a new monument beside the Confederate monument on the front grounds of the Lauderdale County Courthouse.

Graduate student Brian Murphy, a Project Say Something board member, said the new monument would help tell a more complete story of the community that includes the local black heritage.

“I think this can be a model of how small towns in the South can move forward with this debate,” he said. “Instead of having these violent confrontations (and) tearing monuments down, this can be a way of (saying), ‘Hey, how do we make sure everybody’s story is told? How do we represent our entire history?’”

The appearance of the statue would be decided with help from the community.

A 2015 Pew Research Center poll revealed that 30 percent of Americans had a negative reaction to seeing statues of former Confederate generals and, more specifically, the Confederate flag itself.

Only nine percent had a positive reaction, while the remaining participants had none at all.

CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer

A Confederate statue stands in front of the Lauderdale County Courthouse in Florence. Recent debates in the U.S. have occured over whether or not statues related to the Confederacy should stay up.

Should Confederate statues be taken down?

DAVID CALHOUN – SENIOR

JULIE RICHARDSON – SOPHOMORE

ASHE KENNEMER – FRESHMAN

“It really depends. If you’re going to take down a statue, take them all down.

If you just take one down and leave all the others up, that devalues the one that you’ve taken down.”

“Absolutely not, because I think they’re part of our history. It was a dark part of our history, yes, but at the same time, it’s what makes us who we are and what makes our country what it is.”

“They are a part of history, but they don’t really deserve statues (because) the things they were fighting for were negative.”

MALIK ADAMS – JUNIOR

TYLER STANSBURY – SOPHOMORE

LEAH ALBINO – FRESHMAN

“Yes, because we look at the statues as something that was bad back in the past. (Slavery) is over, and it’s something that shouldn’t be going on today. However, if they were not (taken) down, we should learn from it and see it as history.”

“I do not think they should be taken down. Every culture makes mistakes (and) has their secrets that they want to hide. (However) I think it’s good to learn about them and teach people about them so they aren’t made again.”

“Absolutely. Keeping (anything Confederate) is the equivalent of cheating on your significant other and then wanting to keep a monument of who you cheated on them with.”

HILLARY TAYLOR | Videographer

Information compiled by TYLER HARGETT | Life Editor

8 LIFE

Award-winning humorist comes to campus KARAH WILSON Student Writer kwilson19@una.edu Renowned author and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Dave Barry will speak at Norton Auditorium as part of UNA’s Distinguished Events Series Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.

Admission to “The Wit and Wisdom of Dave Barry” talk will be free. Barry will also host a book signing afterward.

“We expect him to entertain us with his general views on everyday life that most anyone in the audience will be able to relate to, regardless of age,” said Deborah Shaw, vice president for university advancement.

Barry is well-known for his numerous columns in the Miami Herald from 1983 to 2005, during which he won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, as well as his influence in the International Talk Like a Pirate Day observance.

He has also written over 30 books, two of which served as inspiration for the ‘90s CBS sitcom “Dave’s World” and one adapted into the 2002 film “Big Trouble” starring Tim Allen.

Shaw, who helped put the event together, said Barry will be the speaker because it seemed important to host a guest with national recognition.

“A lot of people grew up reading him and know him, and he has won numerous awards throughout his

career,” she said.

Past guests of the UNA Distinguished Events Series include various actors, authors and performers.

Shaw said she believes having Barry at the event is a good way to get students to attend, especially those interested in writing.

“Even if you have not heard of Dave Barry, you are going to enjoy listening to Dave Barry,” she said. “Almost anybody can relate to anything he has to share, and he does it in a way that is funny, which makes it very easy to listen to him. You will be entertained by hearing him speak, but you will also learn something at the same time.”

Senior Baylie Peterson said having an event with a humorist author can benefit students interested in writing by showing the different directions a writing career can go.

“Especially in college, you’re geared to more look at the classics, whereas if you bring in other authors, students can see (they) more than just write a textbook or serious novel,” she said. “You can always take your career in a different direction, and it’s still gonna be beneficial to you.”

Freshman Joshua Cook said inviting an author to speak about humorous work rather than serious writing should not be a problem for the university.

“Everybody’s got their own traits,” he said. “The way you write defines who you are.”

Courtesy of Keppler Speakers

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dave Barry will speak at Norton Auditorium Sept. 19. He is known for his humorous column in the Miami Herald and numerous books.

Sophomore to release second country EP TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net With a debut EP in high school and a second set for release later this year, sophomore Tiera Leftwich is no stranger to the music industry.

Leftwich, whose stage name is “Tiera,” said her new country EP is different than the previous one, “Tiera Acoustic EP,” which she released during her freshman year of high school.

“My writing has definitely gotten better since my first EP,” she said. “The songs on my last EP were some of the first songs I’ve written, and I was in a very different place in my life then. So, the songs on the new EP are definitely different.”

Another difference is having both a full band and a recording studio to help her record the new release. With her first EP, she recorded her music in a closet at her house.

Leftwich said between the releases of her two EPs, she has been writing more, even getting to collaborate with Noah Shell, a writer and producer at FAME Studios.

Before coming to UNA, along with the release of her first EP, Leftwich already had musical experience. During the summer before she began high school, she performed around town and soon started a YouTube channel to perform cover songs, which she still operates today.

Mane Room manager Alex Wittscheck, who was Leftwich’s adviser in her freshman year, said she is doing well by involving herself in her career before coming to UNA. “In my experience, people that come into their college career pursuing things that they want to accomplish already are the ones that are here to learn and really move forward,” he said.

To read more about Leftwich’s love for being a singer-songwriter, visit florala.net.

LIFE 9

Independent filmmakers tour returns to Ritz Theatre

Courtesy of the Tennessee Valley Art Association

“Swim Team” is one of six independent films that will screen at the Ritz Theatre in Sheffield in the coming months. This is part of the Southern Circuit Tour for Independent Filmmakers, which the Ritz has been a part of for four years.

TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net The Ritz Theatre in Sheffield will begin screening independent films next month as part of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers.

The first screening will take place Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. Admission will be $5 for UNA students and $8 for the general public.

The tour involves independent film directors traveling across southern states to screen their movies in different cities and hosting a Q&A with the audience

after each screening.

This is the fourth year the Ritz Theatre has been a stop on the Southern Circuit tour. This year’s series will consist of six films.

“A lot of the new independent releases never come to places like Florence or Sheffield, so this provides an opportunity

for us to get access to it,” said Assistant English Professor Katie Owens-Murphy.

Owens-Murphy said after attending the circuit screenings at the Ritz last year, Mary Cooney, executive director of the Tennessee Valley Art Association, asked her to be her representative to attend the selection conference for the upcoming circuit in Atlanta.

Choosing the films involved watching clips from 60 different films and negotiating between representatives, as all the films must be the same for all screening locations on the tour.

Cooney said Owens-Murphy was a good choice for a representative because of her passion for learning and the impact the circuit has had on her.

“She’s inquisitive, she wants to learn and she wants to know more about what’s going on in the world,” Cooney said. “I think she saw (last year) that these films brought that to our community.”

Owens-Murphy said besides getting to see great films, she also learned a lot through interactions with the directors.

“The filmmakers who toured with (the films) were so gracious, friendly, willing to interact with the audience and really wanted to hear what the audience thought,” she said.

Senior Ashley Garcia said she believes more students need to come to the tour.

“I love independent films and believe they deserve more attention and appreciation,” Garcia said. “Students need to visit more films at the Ritz, because not all learning takes place in a classroom setting.”

To read more about independent films, visit florala.net.

Graduate student invites Florence to gather history TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net While some may view family heirlooms as worthless in terms of money, this does not mean they do not have historical value.

To make sure items with valuable African-American history ties do not go to waste, graduate student Brian Murphy is managing the Florence AfricanAmerican Heritage Project.

This is an example of a “history harvest,” a community history project where citizens bring historical artifacts, photographs, stories and documents that receive scanning, recording and are collected together in an online database for public access.

“History harvests are a very effective means to engage with community groups who might feel their stories aren’t historically relevant, but that are, in fact, critical to our understanding of local history and how people situate themselves in their own communities,” said Brian Dempsey, assistant history professor.

In this instance, Florence citizens may bring anything related to African-

American history.

“When people are doing scholarly articles (or) family research, they can go to (this database) and look and see that history sort of represented in one place,” Murphy said.

Dempsey said having a harvest centered on African-American history is great for Florence because of its underrepresentation in the community.

“The complexities and contributions of African-American history and culture are often overlooked or severely underrepresented (in Florence),” he said. “This history harvest provides an important opportunity to add much needed raw material and perspective to the evolving Florence and Shoals cultural narrative.”

Project Say Something is leading the event in partnership with the FlorenceLauderdale Public Library.

Murphy, a Project Say Something board member, said he pitched the idea for a harvest to the board last year, and it was quickly approved. “(The board) would talk about what a great and rich history Florence has, but it seems as if the African-American part of that is sort of neglected, left out (and) overlooked,” he said. “So, (the harvest)

was a way to fill in that gap a little bit or have African-American people in Florence be able to come out and have their history represented somewhere as well.”

Besides being used for a database on the library’s website, contributed items will also help organize a fourth grade educational packet, become a part of the online 2018 Florence bicentennial timeline and be unveiled during Black History Month at the library.

Murphy said the harvest is an important event that can benefit everyone in the community and not just those who bring items to the event.

“Having a comprehensive story of the community that’s told and available for people to access is a really important legacy that we can leave to future generations,” he said.

Graduate student Cathy Wood, who is helping with the harvest as part of a public history class project, said realizing the value of family items is important because they are what make up history.

“The everyday things that everyday people do (is) what constitutes history,” she said. “Those artifacts and those mementos are just as important to all of our stories as it is to the individual

stories.”

The first event will take place Sept.

17 from 2-5 p.m. at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, followed by two more in October and November. Private meetings are also available if the event dates are not feasible.

For more information, contact Brian Murphy at 256-765-5028 or brian.w.murphy1985@gmail.com.

HISTORY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

The Florence history harvest gives community members a chance to literally make history. This is done by gathering African-American artifacts to use for future research.

10 SPORTS Scoreboard

Sept. 1- Sept. 16 Football Sept. 1 vs. Tex. A&M-Com Loss, 8-7 Sept. 16 at Valdosta St.

Volleyball Sept. 1 vs. SW Minn. St. Loss, 3-1 Sept. 1 vs. S. Indiana Win, 3-2 Sept. 2 vs. Wheeling Jes. Win, 3-1 Sept. 2 vs. SC-Aiken Loss, 3-2 Sept. 8 vs. Cedarville Sept. 8 vs. Northwood Sept. 9 vs. Purdue NW Sept. 9 vs. S. Indiana Sept. 12 vs. Alcorn St.

Soccer Sept. 1 vs. Nova SE Loss, 3-1 Sept. 3 at Barry Win, 3-2 Sept. 8 vs. Christian Bros.

Sept. 10 vs. Union Sept. 15 at Auburn-Mont.

Cross-country Sept. 8 at Kennesaw St. Sept. 16 at Rhodes Coll.

Games continued at roarlions.com

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Senior Lexie Bradley spikes the ball against Shorter Oct. 22, 2016. “Strong-willed and driven but each year she has gotten stronger and more independent while being such a huge team player for us,” said coach Stephanie Radecki.

Senior begins last season for Lions MACIE PIGG Student Writer mpigg@una.edu Local native Lexie Bradley is ready for her last year with North Alabama volleyball.

For as long as she can remember, Bradley said she had a volleyball in her hands. Bradley said her love for the sport originated from her mother.

“My mother has always been a volleyball coach, so as a toddler I would always be hanging around the gym during her practices,” Bradley said. “The older I got, the more I loved the game.”

The Wilson High School alumna is currently majoring in Elementary/ Collaborative Education.

Bradley is entering her senior year playing at UNA. Between freshman and sophomore year, she toggled between the positions of outside and middle hitter.

“Lexie always surprises me,” said volleyball head coach Stephanie Radecki said. “She keeps evolving as a person and a player. I see something new in Lexie all the time that I haven’t

seen before.”

Bradley’s journey at UNA has not been without its obstacles. A few months before she was to report for her freshman season of volleyball, Bradley underwent knee surgery that bothered Bradley her entire freshman year.

“The recovery took a lot longer than expected,” Bradley said. “So, my whole first year of college I wasn’t 100 percent.”

While at UNA, Bradley has accomplished many things both academically and on the court.

Athletically she has made All Gulf South Conference, All Region and AllAmerican Honorable Mention.

She got to play in Brazil this summer on a DII International Volleyball Tour during the summer to add to her resume, Bradley said.

Bradley said she realizes many look forward to moving away to college, but she could not be happier with attending a college in her hometown and following in her mother’s footsteps as a volleyball player at UNA. Bradley said she loves the fact her family can come and watch her play all the time.

“I looked at different schools

before coming to UNA, but I am so happy I decided to come here,” Bradley said. “I have made so many wonderful memories and met my best friends here. I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else.”

Academically, Bradley is part of the Honor’s Program and has kept up a 3.9 GPA. “Lexie has always been mature,” Radecki said. “Strong-willed and driven but each year she has gotten stronger and more independent while being such a huge team player for us.”

While Bradley spends most of her time on the court during the season, people can usually find her outdoors during the off-season.

Besides volleyball, Bradley also likes hiking, traveling to new places, snow skiing, water skiing and rock climbing. Bradley said she would like to get more into those once she finishes volleyball with the Lions.

After Bradley graduates in May, she plans to teach special education at an elementary school while getting her master’s degree.

Bradley and the Lions will play their first home game in Flowers Hall Sept. 12 against Alcorn State.

11 SPORTS

Young athlete proves to be leader for Lions MACIE PIGG Student Writer mpigg@una.edu Emilee Hudsmith is only a sophomore at UNA, but she has already made a name for herself on the crosscountry team.

Cross-county head coach Ronnie White said she has an impact on the Lions’ team.

“It’s always great to have a freshman join the team and be an immediate standout,” White said. “She is a leader, a tough runner and a fierce competitor.”

During her freshman year, Hudsmith achieved many accomplishments, including Gulf South Conference Academic Honor Roll, All-Conference, All-Region and GSC Freshman Runner of the Week.

Hudsmith finished first for the women’s team four out of six races, including the GSC Championship. In the two races she did not finish first, Hudsmith came in second.

Hudsmith graduated from White Station High School in Memphis, Tennessee. She chose the Lions because of UNA’s former cross-country coach Scott Trimble. Hudsmith said she is happy with her decision to attend UNA. “I really bonded with Coach Trimble, who recruited me,” Hudsmith

said. “He was an awesome coach and was awesome for the team. On my recruiting visit, I fell in love with Florence and McFarland, where we do a lot of our runs.”

So far, Hudsmith has not encountered any physical or mental obstacles in her journey at UNA, but she said she knows if she does, she has a team to help her through it.

“The awesome thing about being on a team is that the older runners, who have experience, can tell you what classes to take and answer any questions you have,” Hudsmith said.

In her free time, Hudsmith loves to be outdoors and spend time with friends and family. As far as running goes, Hudsmith said she has her reasons for loving such a grueling sport.

“The competitive atmosphere and my team are awesome, so that makes running even better,” Hudsmith said.

White gives Hudsmith high praise for her work ethic during practice and races, even when the pressure is on.

“When a race begins she is determined to do well,” White said. “At practice, she pushes herself through the pain that some athletes will only push through for a race.”

Hudsmith is currently majoring in nutrition. Her plan after college is to be a registered dietitian and work with children at a Children’s Miracle

Courtesy of Sports Information

Sophomore Emilee Hudsmith (center) begins a race for the Lions in Huntsville during the GSC Championship Oct. 22, 2016. Hudsmith finished as UNA’s top female runner.

Network Hospital.

Sophomore teammate Shelby Clemmons said she has helped the team stay focused since her arrival last year.

“She has a huge heart for not only her friends but for the entire team,” Clemmons said. “You can always count on her to do her absolute best.”

Cross-country teams picked to finish in middle of GSC JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net The North Alabama crosscountry teams are picked to finish in the middle of the Gulf South Conference to start the 2017 season.

After Scott Trimble resigned in April, interim coach Heath White took over the Lions’ cross-country teams. White said the preparation for the season has improved and looks good so far.

“Summer training is always tough for everyone because it’s so

Courtesy of Sports Information

Junior Justin Watson tries to pass a competitor in Huntsville at the GSC Championship Oct. 22, 2016. The men’s team was picked to finish seventh in the GSC.

hot and everyday feels like a beat down,” White said. “The results from persevering through the summer are going to show up this fall.”

The men’s team returns 10 runners from last season. The Lions finished seventh in the GSC with a 52-21 mark in points.

Local product junior Justin Watson posted the Lions’ top running time in five of six races.

Senior Ryan LaGanke said the one goal on the Lions’ mind is winning the GSC Championship.

“This year we are blessed to have an excellent blend of veterans and incoming freshman to make this goal come to fruition,” LaGanke said.

LaGanke said he and teammate Watson trained in the off-season to help UNA in the 2017 cross-country year. Seniors Braxton Linder, Tate Carden and junior Jared Melton return from last year, as well. The Lions will introduce six freshmen to the team.

The Lions’ women’s team is picked to finish eighth this year in the GSC. The UNA women’s team returns 11 runners, including new faces, to lead this year’s team alongside

the Lions’ new coach. The Lions posted a 51-23-1 mark last year while finishing seventh in the GSC. All-South Region performers and sophomores Emilee Hudsmith and Emma Knight return, helping the Lions improve from last season. Seniors Laura Bennett and Alexandra Pidcock also returns to help the Lions in the 2017 season.

White said he thinks the women’s team will be strong this year.

“I honestly want to mention the entire women’s team as standouts for this fall,” White said. “I think it may be that close of a competition among each other.”

Both teams will also introduce new faces with freshmen looking to make a difference for the UNA cross-country team.

White said he is optimistic about both teams.

“It does look to be a solid year for the women’s team, and the men’s team is returning most of our 2016 scorers and adding several new faces,” White said. “Overall, I think it’s going to be a good showing for us.”

The men’s and women’s team open the season Sept. 8 in Cartersville, Ga. at the Kennesaw State Invitational.

12 SPORTS

DAVID SAN MIGUEL|Graphic Designer

CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor News@florala.net

Courtesy of Sports Information

UNA’s new head coach Cullen Carstens (right) coaches a golfer from his past job as assistant coach for the Kansas State Wildcats. Carstens will lead the No. 7 Lions golfing team in their season this year.

New coach set to lead golf team JACOB COLE Sports Editor sports@florala.net North Alabama lost its golf coach after last season, but new head coach Cullen Carstens has taken the mantle for the Lions.

Last year’s head coach, Jason Vaughn, resigned in June after four years as the Lions’ head golf coach. It took almost two months, but UNA found its next head coach in Carstens.

Carstens said coming to UNA as a head coach was an easy decision for him.

“The main reason I chose to come here was the potential I saw in this program,” Carstens said. “The facilities we have here are as good as anywhere, and the depth of talent in Alabama and the surrounding states made it very attractive from a recruiting standpoint as well. Having the chance to help with the transition to Division I and be a part of the ASUN, a prestigious golf conference, was the icing on the cake for me.”

Redshirt junior Aaron Jackson said he thinks Carstens’ experience will aid the Lions through the season.

“We could use a guy with the experience coach Carstens has with caddying and coaching experience from top Division I teams,” Jackson said. “He can, and I think he will be a key asset for us on the course.”

Carstens said he first experienced Florence when he visited as an opposing team’s coach in 2014. He coached Jacksonville State in the OVC Championships at the Robert Trent Jones golf course.

Carstens said he did not think about it much, until the job opened up.

“I felt like this would be a great place to have a chance to coach someday,” Carstens said. “I filed UNA away in the back of my mind and then when I heard about the available coaching position, it was a no-brainer for me to apply. I’m just very fortunate that it worked out for me, and I think it will be a great fit.”

Carstens has worked at Division I schools Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Jacksonville State as an assistant.

Carstens worked at Kansas State for the past three years where the Wildcats posted the third-best stroke average in school history.

Carstens said the biggest influence in his coaching career was the opportunity to coach at Oklahoma State under current head coach at Baylor, Mike McGraw.

“He gave me my first chance to be a coach, and getting to watch him lead the No. 1 ranked team in the nation for two years was an incredible experience,” Carstens said. “He taught me the importance of being kind and generous to everyone you meet, as well as the importance of building relationships.

It was a privilege for me to get to learn

the ropes under him, and I will always appreciate the opportunity he gave me.”

Jackson said he is happy to have him as his coach.

“He wants us to be the best we can be, not only on the course, but in the class room and life,” Jackson said.

“That pretty much tells you the type of person he is. He cares about the program excelling and wants us to excel, as well.”

Carstens will lead the Lions for the first time Sept. 17 at the Streamsong Resort in Florida.

Courtesy of Sports Information

Carstens poses for his official headshot at UNA. His first match is Sept. 17 at Streamsong Resort in Florida.

No. 6 North Alabama fell 8-7 in its season opener to No. 5 ranked Texas A&M-Commerce in a battle of defense Sept. 1 in Braly Stadium.

UNA led for the majority of the game with a score of 7-0 until Texas A&M-Commerce capitalized in UNA territory with a field goal in the third quarter to bring the game to 7-3.

A Texas A&M-Commerce safety with 4:18 left on the clock put UNA up by one point with the opposing team receiving the ball with over four minutes left on the clock.

The UNA defense held Texas A&MCommerce at the UNA 13, but a field goal kick put Texas A&M-Commerce up 7-8 with a little over a minute left on the clock.

Despite UNA gaining 47 yards in their final possession, the Texas A&M-Commerce defense forced UNA to go for a 55 field goal when Texas A&M Commerce defense sacked UNA quarterback Blake Hawkins on third down.

UNA freshman kicker Joe Gurley was unable to give the Lions a win when Texas A&M-Commerce blocked his 55-yard field goal attempt.

UNA head football coach Chris Willis said he views this loss as a learning opportunity for his team early on in the season.

“We can build from it,” Willis said. “We didn’t quit, but we didn’t come out on the winning end of this.

We’ve got to finish drives and score points at the end of the day.”

This was Willis’s first game as UNA’s head coach.

This was the first time UNA and Texas A&M-Commerce met. Texas A&M-Commerce are the three-time defending Lone Star Conference champion. The NCAA Division II poll picked Texas A&M Commerce to win the LSC again. UNA was chosen to win the Gulf South Conference.

UNA will continue its season Sept. 16 in Georgia against GSC rival Valdosta State.

OPINION 13 Radical minority affects image of community

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MONDAY SANDERSON MANAGING EDITOR H ANNAH ZIMMER NEWS EDITOR CIERA G OLLIVER LIFE EDITOR TYLER H ARGETT SPORTS EDITOR JACOB COLE SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR ASHLEE CARTER BUSINESS MANAGER KARA D UCKETT CIRCULATION MANAGER ALLEN CHILDERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS D YLAN B AKER D AVID SAN MIGUEL CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE H ODGES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDREA B ELK CALEB COLE

HANNAH ZIMMER Managing Editor managing@florala.net In the Philippines, there is currently a city called Marawi at war with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).

ISIS and local extremists called the Maute group are terrorizing Marawi. More than 600 casualties have been accounted for since the attacks began May 23.

Yet, in the midst of this devastation, truth is unveiled. Not all Muslims are bad.

“In popular culture, there isn’t any other conception of Islam and Muslims other than what you see on the news,”

ADVISER S COTT MORRIS COVER PHOTO BY MELANIE H ODGES

The Flor-Ala is distributed biweekly on Thursdays at 70 locations on campus and off.

The staff strives to maintain the integrity of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call 256-765-4364 or email editor@florala.net.

Mecca with none other than Osama bin Laden in the 1970s.

This shows that not all Muslims are terrorists. Nor studied with one of the most dangerous men of all time, but he could not be more different than bin Laden.

If Nor can save the lives of 44 Christians, Americans should be able to extend simple courtesies to the Islamic community.

I propose that we stop assuming, just because someone is a Muslim, they have ill intentions. At the very least, these people deserve the benefit of the doubt.

So often, Muslims and Christians are portrayed as enemies, but in many ways, Muhammad and Jesus preached very similar messages. They both emphasized peace.

At UNA, students have the power to promote peace and unity through the Friends of International Students group or by becoming a conversation partner.

By doing so, we overcome bias by getting to know the person wearing the head scarf.

So whether a person is Muslim or Christian, Middle Eastern or American, get to know and understand them before assumptions are made.

Truth is, the Muslim girl in history class probably does not have a bomb under her hijab.

Racial slurs are unacceptable in every context

VIDEOGRAPHER H ILLARY TAYLOR

Corrections

said Kumail Nanjiani. “When you go to a theme park, you see Muslims riding roller coasters and eating ice cream. Why doesn’t anybody think of those Muslims when they think of Muslims?”

In the U.S., so many people see women with hijabs and immediately think, “danger.” In 2015, a Brookings Institution survey found that 61 percent of Americans felt the Islamic community was “unfavorable.”

Just because someone is Muslim does not mean that person is a terrorist.

Facebook star Nas (he does not include last names for safety purposes), traveled to Marawi in the midst of the attacks. He met a miraculous man named Nor, a Muslim living in the danger zone.

No one in the city was exempt from the danger ISIS posed, according to a video Nas posted on his Facebook page. Nor became a hero when he provided shelter for 74 civilians. Of the civilians, 44 were Christians, Nor said. He eventually led them past ISIS forces to safety, sparing their lives.

However, this is not the first time Nor acted as a hero. In the 1980s, he led an army of 2,000 that fought for autonomy. In the process, he saved 46 hostages, according to the video.

Greatest of all, Nor studied Islam in

CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net It does not take long to hear racial slurs on a college campus. As events of racism and hate speech unfold in cities like Charlottesville, Virginia, Americans must constantly remind themselves of the responsibility they have in these events for allowing hate to grow in their

own home.

In America, the lyrics of artists shouting a word many associate with centuries of hate into slang by changing an ending syllable fill houses. Musicians want the public to view a hateful word as acceptable because of context. This should not be the case.

An artist should not be able to put the same word in music as a word which has a history of hate. Changing one syllable does not make a word, or the meaning associated with the word, any different from in the days of slavery.

Words of hate are not acceptable no matter which group says them. Race should not be a determining factor in who people allow to say words associated with hate because they should be off limits to all races.

History has shown how a group can turn a simple word into something ugly toward a certain race.

Whether someone is AfricanAmerican, Asian, Hispanic or Caucasian, every group has felt a form of discrimination at some point in history.

The mistake people continue to make is

CONGRATULATIONS WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK! MACIE PIGG AND

MELANIE HODGES

allowing pop culture to turn these words of hatred into something acceptable.

Things today are not the same as they were in the days of the Civil Rights Movement, but they are not where they should be either.

The past does not define the American future, but people should also not forget the past and the way words and actions made an impact on our country.

A word is the same word whether someone shouts it at a protest or during the chorus of a song. Hate speech is hate speech no matter the situation.

Some may say people use these words in a different context so they do not mean the same thing. This thought process is feeding into what makes current cultured such a hate-filled place.

People should not forget history, and people should not continue to live history on repeat because pop culture says changing a syllable changes the meaning.

In times of violence and racism, be the person who does not tolerate hate speech so we are not doomed to repeat history.

Letters Policy

Letters to the editor should be emailed to editor@florala.net or mailed to: The Flor-Ala, UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632 Letters must include name and telephone number for verification.

Please limit letters to 400 words. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

14 PHOTOS

She Recovery

Stretch it out Instructor Britt Currier leads a yoga class at Shoals Yoga.

Yoga is one of the several therapeutic practices used at She Recovery.

CALEB COLE Staff Photographer ccole4@una.edu For Danielle Snoddy, the executive director of She Recovery, her quest to help women struggling with addiction and abuse started with a sign.

“I was driving down the road one day and saw a sign for A New Beginnings, which is a recovery center for women, and something in me said you need to turn the car around and go there,” Snoddy said.

Over the past year, Danielle volunteered at A New Beginning once a week, teaching therapeutic yoga classes to women in recovery.

“It just felt like the next step was to make this a nonprofit, so I could go to other locations and reach more people,” she said.

She Recovery is a nonprofit organization that specializes in giving women ongoing support and education after they achieve sobriety.

Their mission is to provide ongoing education that combines yoga instruction, Ayurveda workshops and traditional group counseling to women who have a history of addiction or

trauma so they may achieve a wellbalanced lifestyle of the mind, body and spirit.

“The thing that you find with people in recovery, especially with drugs and alcohol, is that they might be able to stay somewhere for 30 days or 90 days, but when you get back out, you have to change your whole life,” Snoddy said.

“You’ve got to change the way you think (and) you’ve got to change your daily routines. You’ve got to change all of those things to really be successful.”

As a nonprofit organization, She Recovery operates entirely on grants and donations. Donations of $50 can provide enough funding for ongoing support for women in recovery, whether through a yoga class or traditional counseling.

“We want to give these women education so that they can heal themselves and help others,” Snoddy said. “Self-empowerment is what this is all about.”

She Recovery will host a launch party Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. to raise funds for the program. The event will be at 116 East Mobile St. More information and donations can be made directly at their website www.sherecovery.org, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

Being zen for the win Currier coaxes the class into “Easy Pose.” She Recovery employees believe yoga promotes a healthy mind and spirit.

Clear your mind Class members in recovery change their daily lives by adding yoga to their routines. Some people prefer this rather than traditional counseling, but She Recovery offers both.

Brains behind the operation Danielle Snoddy is the Executive Director of She Recovery.

She created the nonprofit organization to educate people and help them heal.

CALENDAR 15 Thurs., Sept. 7 What: Miss UNA Interest meeting When: 11 a.m.

Where: Student Engagement Center What: Volunteer Fair When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Gulliot University Center Atrium What: Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers

Fri., Sept. 8 What: UNA Women’s Soccer vs.

Christian Brothers When: 7 p.m.

Where: Bill Jones Athletic Complex What: Marty Stuart Concert When: 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Where: Singin’ River Live

Sat., Sept. 9 What: Florence Bacon Festival When: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Downtown Florence

What: Tennessee River Litter Tournament When: 8 a.m. - Noon Where: Lake Pickwick & Lake Wilson

What: 17th Annual Oka Kapassa When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Spring Park, Tuscumbia What: Movie Night When: 7 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center

Sun., Sept. 10 What: UNA Women’s Soccer vs.

Union University (Tennessee) When: 1 p.m.

Where: Turf Field What: The Flor-Ala Writer’s Meeting When: 4 p.m.

Where: Student Publication building

Mon., Sept.11 What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers

CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer

Junior kicker Chandler Carrera kicks the field goal against Texas A&M Commerce. The Lions lost 8-7 its first game of the season.

Tues., Sept. 12

Fri., Sept. 15

Tues., Sept. 19

What: Florence Farmers Market When: 6 a.m.

Where: Florence-Lauderdale County Farmers Market

What: UNA Volleyball vs.

Auburn: Montgomery When: 3 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

What: Dave Barry- UNA Distinguished Events Series When: 7 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

What: Dr. Larry Bates presents “Psychology of Religion: Studying Taboo” When: 2 p.m.

Where: Collier Library

Sat., Sept. 16

What: UNA Volleyball vs. Alcorn State When: 6 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

Wed., Sept. 13 What: Freshman Convocation When: 9:30 a.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium What: Freshman Forum Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers

What: Themed Trivia Night When: 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Where: Singin’ River Brewing Company

Thurs., Sept. 14 What: Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers What: Elder Abuse Community Forum When: 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center

What: Oktoberfest Dachshund Dash When: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Singin’ River Brewing What: UNA Volleyball vs.

Tuskegee When: 3 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall What: UNA Volleyball vs. West Alabama When: 7 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

Sun., Sept. 17 What: Dancing with the Starz When: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Where: Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum What: The Flor-Ala Writer’s Meeting When: 4 p.m.

Where: Student Publication building

Mon., Sept. 18 What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers What: These Paws Don’t Haze When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: GUC Atrium

What: Hazing Prevention Week: Dr. Mari Ann Callais When: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center What: UNA Volleyball vs. Lee When: 6 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

Wed., Sept. 20 What: Department Recital When: Noon Where: Norton Auditorium What: Freshman Forum Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: SGA Chambers What: HAZE Screening When: 8 - 10 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center

Check una.edu for more events and activities.

16 SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

We have created a playlist series called The Flor-Ala Mixtape. Follow us on Spotify to hear new music and add what you want!