Unexpected destruction Hurricane Helene impacts UGA students, resources to help
Sophia Eppley, Rebecca Schillinger
Martha Kate Morrison woke up to seven missed calls from family members on Friday, Sept. 27, the morning that Hurricane Helene hit Augusta, Georgia. Morrison, a sophomore sports management major at the University of Georgia, chose to stay in Athens that weekend, but her entire family was at home in Richmond County. A tree fell through the garage of their house, but no one was hurt, according to Morrison.
“I knew people that were fortunately out of town, and if they were in town, they would have died,” Morrison said. Morrison’s family evacuated Augusta on Saturday morning to a family house in Lake Oconee. Their power was out for over two weeks in Richmond County, and there was no drinkable water for several days. Everyone Morrison knew evacuated.
“I’m scared to go back,” Morrison said. Unlike Morrison, UGA student Lauren Coughlin has been back to her hometown. After UGA canceled classes on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27, due to the projected impact of Hurricane Helene, Coughlin saw this as an opportunity to travel back to Augusta under the impression that the hurricane wasn’t supposed to hit there.
“We thought it was going to hit Athens, so we thought we were safer going to Augusta,” Coughlin, a junior journalism major, said. “Turns out, that was, in fact, not the case.” Coughlin woke up around 8 a.m. on Friday to her mom calling her. She was alone at her house with a friend, and at the request of her mom, Coughlin looked outside, shocked
to see fallen trees, broken fences and crushed homes.
“I’ve never seen anything so destructive before,” Coughlin said. “Seeing it with my hometown, a place that I care about and love, it was a little crazy and it just felt unreal.”
Coughlin stayed in Augusta for the weekend with no air conditioning or hot water and living off frozen meals. It was difficult to leave because roads were closed, traffic lights were out and power lines and trees were down in the streets. Coughlin and her friend were able to make it back to Athens on Sunday.
“Augusta and Evans are gonna have a really hard time recovering because we weren’t prepared to get hit by a storm like that,” Coughlin said.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, several organizations in Athens and North Carolina are raising funds to help victims. The list of those impacted extended to students on UGA’s campus. Many people, like Coughlin’s mom, had to drive to nearby counties to get gas, ice and canned goods.
The Red & Black has compiled a list of resources to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Fuel Hot Yoga in Athens
According to a social media post, Fuel Hot Yoga studio in Athens hosted a Crystal Bowl Sound Bath & Yin Fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 11, to raise donations for Hurricane Helene relief. A bin was at the class to collect supplies to distribute to communities in need, and $25 donations and other proceeds will go to relief efforts. Friends and family displaced by Helene could join the session for free.
According to the social media post made about the class, you can still donate if you were not able to attend. They have partnered with Fuel Hot Yoga in Asheville, North
Carolina to create a GoFundMe to assist relief efforts and teachers and students who were impacted.
Bank of America Stadium
On Saturday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m., the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina is hosting a concert with Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, James Taylor and more. The “Concert For Carolina” proceeds will be donated to hurricane relief efforts in the Carolina region, according to a social media post made by the Georgia Theatre.
GoFundMe Multiple Hurricane Helene fundraiser accounts have been made in order to help families in Georgia, as well as outside of the state.
A GoFundMe account has been created to help with North Carolina’s Helene relief efforts. All of the proceeds go to supplies and will be donated to BeLoved Asheville. They are also accepting supplies in different locations throughout Georgia. These drop-off locations include; Burn Bootcamp Alpharetta, Trotter Company Waterproofing, Tannery Row Ale House and The Atlanta Furniture Movers. Other accounts have been made to support local families in need of supplies and donations to repair home damage. Some essential items that are being requested include non-perishable food, water, diapers and other hygeine products. Many of these fundraisers have directions on where to drop off the items in the description of the GoFundMe. GoFundMe has direct links listed on their website to fundraisers across Florida, North Carolina and Georgia.
Jefferson Energy Cooperative workers park in front of a fallen tree on Old West Broad Street in Athens, Georgia on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. PHOTO/FELIX SCHEYER
Josh Crump, a member of the University of Georgia Facilities Management Division, cuts into a tree outside of Denmark Hall in Athens, Georgia on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. PHOTO/FELIX SCHEYER
A Post Oak was uprooted at the University of Georgia’s Founder’s Garden in Athens, Georgia on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. PHOTO/FELIX SCHEYER
Safe and sound UGA introduces new Campus Safety Ambassadors
Zach Leggio
The University of Georgia funded $7.3 million in campus safety improvements following the death of 22-year-old Laken Riley on campus in February 2024. From that string of improvements and ongoing discussion came the “Campus Safety Ambassador” program, which began in June 2024 and is funded by a 20% budget increase to the UGA Police Department.
Three dads, Cruz Albarran, Dallas Harvey and Bryan Lasseter, are stepping up as Campus Safety Ambassadors in the program to ensure other parents’ children are safe and to help keep UGA’s campus secure at night.
“I got a daughter who’s 15, and this is where she wants to go to school,” Lasseter said. “So I feel great having this program, knowing that if she doesn’t feel safe walking to a class, then she’s got somebody she can call.”
The program’s main purpose is safety. The focus of the patrol is not to catch students breaking laws or doing things they shouldn’t but to make sure the UGA student body is safe. CSAs do this primarily through escorting students back to their dorms or to their cars after events, late night library study sessions or returning home from downtown. Students can request an escort by calling or texting UGA Police Department at (706) 542-2200, by using the UGA Safe app or by approaching a CSA and asking to be walked home.
“Our goal isn’t really to catch people doing anything wrong,” Harvey said. “Most of what we are looking out for is safety.”
While on patrol, the ambassadors also monitor for suspicious activity, trespassing and hazards, such as downed trees and burnt out street lights.
The CSAs also monitor Sanford Stadium for trespassers and unlocked gates. When they find an unlocked gate, they must notify UGAPD and patrol the inside of the stadium to make sure it is secure.
CSAs continuously undergo training to keep them prepared for any safety risk they may encounter. They are all
CPR certified and able to administer first aid, carry naloxone to help a person overdosing and have undergone active shooter response training. They remain in constant contact with UGAPD and have body cameras to record any interactions with students to ensure safety and accountability.
The program was developed throughout the spring and summer this year, according to Dan Silk, the associate vice president for public safety at UGA, beginning with just five CSAs. The program added six more ambassadors in August. According to Silk, students recommended that a “community-policing model” program be implemented at UGA, which resulted in the CSA program. Now the program continues to grow, as they look to hire two more CSAs by the end of the year to bring the number of ambassadors in the program up to 13.
Many students still do not know about this program and even fewer have actually used their services, but the CSAs say that the number of students they help is slowly increasing as awareness spreads. They also expect requests to pick up as it begins to get darker earlier.
At least six CSAs work every night from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. across three zones. The North Zone covers from the Arch to Sanford Stadium, the Central Zone covers Myers Quad, the areas around the Science Learning Center and around the Life Science buildings, and the South Zone covers all of East Campus. CSAs can be identified by their blue collared-shirts and khaki pants.
Harvey, who was one of the five original CSAs, said that he joined the program after working for the UGA Health Center for two years. He was excited to make campus safer.
“I’ve always loved the University of Georgia — I’m a big football fan — so working here is a no brainer for me,” Harvey said. “And then, just seeing the opportunity to help out with the students and learn more experience and life experience, it really excited me. My daughter, I think she’s gonna follow in my love for the university.”
Harvey said that he appreciates the program because it gives students a new resource to reach out to. Through
what’s called “community-oriented policing,” students can ask questions or get directions from CSAs. Students are often encouraged to call UGAPD to report suspicious activity, general safety concerns or to get rides at night, but that isn’t always so straightforward, according to Harvey.
“Some people don’t know what to call in,” Harvey said. “That’s why it’s so good that we do have the contacts that we do have and the communication with the officers that we do have because we’re all a team here.”
I got a daughter who’s 15, and this is where she wants to go to school. So I feel great having this program, knowing that if she doesn’t feel safe walking to a class, then she’s got somebody she can call.
BRYAN LASSETER | CAMPUS SAFETY AMBASSADOR
The CSAs stay in contact with UGAPD officers via radio, and they report every interaction that they have to UGAPD dispatch. The constant communication allows them to respond to safety concerns called into the police and call in police backup when legal issues arise.
Funding for the new security measures came from state funding, partner organizations and private donations from organizations like the UGA Parents Leadership Council, the UGA Foundation, the President’s Venture Fund and the UGA Athletic Association, according to a UGA press release.
Over the summer, as part of the new measures, UGA replaced over 400 lightbulbs around campus with new LED bulbs, which are brighter and last longer than typical bulbs, and added more lighting along sidewalks, Sanford Drive and around the intramural fields.
“The implementation of enhanced lighting on campus has already begun contributing to student safety by improving nighttime visibility and creating safer environments for those traveling on campus,” Rock Rogers, UGA Student Government Association president, said to The Red & Black in July. “This enhanced lighting initiative is one of several new safety measures that are helping students feel safer and more confident as we commute across campus.”
Other notable campus safety initiatives include the addition of emergency call boxes equipped with Wi-Fi, lights and cameras near the Intramural Fields. The UGA Safe App also includes a “Mobile BlueLight” to immediately call UGAPD and share the user’s location.
The CSA program still has lots of room for growth. The ambassadors themselves are continuing to explore their role on campus, and they say they are determined for the program to reach its full potential.
“We’re here to make the community better,” Harvey said.
Campus Safety Ambassadors Bryan Lasseter (left) and Dallas Harvey (right) survey Sanford Stadium on the University of Georgia campus on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Athens, Georgia. PHOTO/SAMANTHA HURLEY
Campus Safety Ambassadors Bryan Lasseter (left) and Dallas Harvey (right) survey a parking lot on the University of Georgia campus on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Athens, Georgia PHOTO/SAMANTHA HURLEY
GRAPHIC/RYAN TAORMINA
OPINION
A democracy dilemma
The United States is not a democracy, but voting is still key
Democracy is one of the key issues dividing the country in the coming election. In a survey from The Associated Press, the NORC Center for Public Research found that three in four adult Americans believe that the 2024 Presidential Election is critical to the future of democracy in the U.S.
Both presidential candidates spoke to the importance of democracy in their first debate in early September. Vice President Kamala Harris stated: “Donald Trump left us the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.”
Former President Donald Trump also referenced democracy, stating: “They talk about democracy. I’m a threat to democracy? [The Democratic Party is] the threat to democracy.”
Evidently, the two parties are concerned with the preservation of democracy in the U.S. However, their categorization of the U.S. as being a democracy is not entirely true. Democracy is a difficult word to define, primarily because of the term’s weaponization by politicians and voters today. But, generally speaking, democracy refers to rule by the people.
The term “democracy” first came about in ancient Athens, Greece where every adult citizen was required to be an active member of the government. Citizens would vote directly for policies they found to be the most pressing, though it’s important to note that the definition of a “citizen” in ancient Athens was extremely limited.
However, our modern-day understanding of democracy
STUDENT VOICES
is quite different from those of Athenians. The founders of the United States were split on how the new nation should be governed while writing the Constitution. Some wanted more public participation in government, and some wanted less. James Madison, often referred to as the “Father of the Constitution,” feared too much democracy, believing that direct rule would lead to tyranny and mob rule.
Madison’s beliefs eventually prevailed, and the U.S. was established based on principles adapted from both democracies and republics. While local, state and federal governments would be voted on by the people, they would be decided through an elected representative.
Therefore, the U.S. is technically a democratic republic, but it still incorporates aspects of a democracy. Americans have the right to vote for elected officials whom they believe best represent them. In theory, this aligns with the definition of democracy discussed by both candidates.
The problem with this sentiment though is that, historically and currently, not all Americans have the right to vote. According to a study done by the Sentencing Project, an advocacy group working to better the criminal justice system in the U.S., an estimated 4.4 million Americans are disenfranchised because of felony convictions. From that same report, it is estimated that 234,410 voters in Georgia are disenfranchised for this reason, 124,858 of whom are Black Georgians, accounting for about 53.2% of total convictions.
Communities of color, especially Black communities, are policed more than white communities, inevitably leading to higher rates of convictions. In a study published by The Review of Economics and Statistics, police made 24% more arrests per hour in neighborhoods with more Black Americans in them on average.
Along with this, practices of gerrymandering and the implementation of voter purges have contributed to the systematic disenfranchisement of marginalized communities. Considering these practices, how can we call ourselves a democracy if we overcomplicate, and even deny, our own citizens their voices?
While it can be disheartening to see the U.S. continually attempt to disenfranchise its own citizens, it’s crucial for enfranchised voters to appreciate the importance of their vote. Those who can vote this election cycle should do so, not just to amplify their voice but to amplify the voices of those who have been denied that right.
While conversations about the upcoming election often focus on the presidential race, it’s important for voters to also be informed about and participate in local elections. Local elections can be just as significant as national ones, and sometimes even more important because they have a more direct effect on your life.
Similarly, your vote can have a greater impact in local elections than in national ones due to the smaller voter population. For anyone who cares deeply about addressing systemic issues within this country, making changes in your community is the first step.
There are several local elections on the ballot for Athens. This includes voting for the coroner, tax commissioner, sheriff, clerk of superior court and district attorney western judicial circuit. It’s essential for everyone in the Athens community to turn out and vote, not only in national elections but also at the local level.
Caroline Feagin is a sophomore journalism major at the University of Georgia.
Who are you voting for? Thoughts on the 2024 presidential election
Ivy Baugher
The Red & Black asked students to share their thoughts on the upcoming presidential election, who they plan on voting for and why they plan to make that choice. For some students, the choice was clear. Others, however, felt conflicted or unsatisfied with their voting options.
Anish Maddineni
JUNIOR FINANCE MAJOR
“I looked into some independent candidates, and I came across Chase Oliver,” Maddineni said. “A lot of his views are a mix economically of conservative values and socially more liberal leaning. So I’m probably going to vote for him, since I think it’s a good mix of conservative and liberal values.”
women’s right to their own body, and I think any policy that she’s had, I haven’t like majorly disagreed with it, whereas I have fully disagreed with a lot of things that her competitor has said and his running mate.”
Dawson Jeansonne
SENIOR EXERCISE AND SPORTS SCIENCE MAJOR
“I’m voting for Trump,” Jeansonne said. “I was raised Republican, very conservative. Mainly because I’m pro-life.”
Davis Rogers
SENIOR
“I
candidate. I think I need to do a little bit more research about how policies, or actually the president’s past policies, are actually affecting things in terms of stats and whatnot.”
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Alexis Derickson COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT Emma Akang
DISTRIBUTION 706-433-3000 DISTRO@RANDB.COM
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Gracie Owens
DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS Joanne Aligada, Reagan Brode, Jack Clark, Ella Eiland, Adriana Segura PROFESSIONAL STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charlotte Varnum 706-433-3009 | cvarnum@randb.com
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Melissa Mooney
706-433-3007 | mmooney@randb.com
NEWSROOM ADVISER Kayla Renie 706-433-3026 | krenie@randb.com
MARKETING DIRECTOR Katie Martin 706-433-3012 | kmartin@randb.com
GUIDES & MAGAZINES SUPERVISOR Maddie Daniel 706-433-3046 | adaniel@randb.com
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Blake Campbell 706-433-3021 | bcampbell@randb.com
CORRECTIONS
Caroline Feagin
A las elecciones Aquí
tiene donde
The first day of early voting is Oct. 15. There are multiple ways to vote, and The Red & Black has compiled the key facts you need to know about each option.
Absentee ballots
Registered voters may request an absentee ballot until Oct. 25. Returned ballots must be received by the voter’s County Registrar’s Office by Nov. 5. Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot in the state of Georgia without an excuse. Absentee ballots can be requested at securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov/s/.
In Athens-Clarke County, absentee ballots can be sent via USPS using the preaddressed envelope or at a ballot drop box.
Out-of-state voters
Out-of-state students at any public college or university in Georgia may vote in the state using a valid student ID. Students may use the school’s address, if residing on campus, or the address of their off-campus residence.
To register to vote in Georgia, out-of-state students can go to the Secretary of State’s website and use their Georgia address and student ID number in lieu of their driver’s license number.
Voters can verify their registration status by checking on their “My Voter Page.” Voter registration numbers and precinct cards, which include the information for the voter’s assigned polling location, can be found on this page as well.
El primer día de votación anticipada es el 15 de octubre. Hay varias formas de votar y “The Red & Black” ha resumido los datos clave que necesita saber sobre cada opción.
El voto por correo
Los votantes registrados pueden solicitar una boleta de voto ausente hasta el 25 de octubre. Las solicitudes deben ser recibidas en la Oficina del Registro del Condado de votantes antes del 5 de noviembre. Cualquier votante registrado puede solicitar una boleta de voto por correo en el estado de Georgia sin excusa.
Las boletas de voto en por correo se pueden solicitar en securemyabsenteeballot.sos. ga.gov/s/.
En el condado de Clarke, las boletas de voto por correo se pueden enviar a través de USPS utilizando el sobre que ya lleva la dirección, o en un buzón de entrega de boletas. Votantes de fuera de estado
Los estudiantes de otros estados que estudian en cualquier colegio o universidad pública de Georgia pueden votar en el estado utilizando una identificación de estudiante válida.
Los estudiantes pueden usar la dirección de la escuela, si residen en el campus, o la dirección de su residencia fuera del campus.
Para registrarse para votar en Georgia, los estudiantes de otros estados pueden ir al sitio web de la Secretaría de Estado y usar su dirección de Georgia y su número de identificación de estudiante en lugar de su número de licencia de conducir.
Los votantes pueden verificar su registro revisando el estatus y la información en su “Mi página de votante”. Los números de registro de votantes y las tarjetas de distrito electoral, que incluyen la información del lugar de votación asignado al votante, también se pueden encontrar en esta página.
Briar Bundy
Briar Bundy; Traducido por Isa Sucre Pardo
Driving the new era Returners lead Georgia women’s golf into a fresh chapter
Kendall Johnson
The 2024 season marks the beginning of a new era for the Georgia women’s golf team. With the arrival of new head coach Erika Brennan and an influx of newcomers — seven freshmen and transfers — the team is embracing fresh perspectives while still holding onto the foundation laid by the program’s legacy.
Building on tradition Brennan arrived to Athens in May after seven seasons as head coach of the University of South Florida’s golf team, where she led the Bulls to back-to-back NCAA Championship appearances for the first time in over two decades. Now, her focus is on contributing to Georgia’s legacy.
“Georgia has such a rich and kind of storied tradition when it comes to women’s golf. Historically, they’ve achieved at such a high level, the most SEC championships of any school in the conference,” Brennan said. “So the ability to come here and take what makes Georgia already intrinsically great and work to build on that legacy to
empower the next generation of student-athletes, to really embrace that history and look at ways to raise the bar.”
Brennan’s player-led approach fosters unity on a team with diverse experiences. She emphasizes that every player’s voice is valued, and instead of having captains, she allows veterans and newcomers alike to lead in their own ways. This approach has helped maintain strong team chemistry.
Kate Song, a senior returner, said Brennan has implemented autonomy and individuality in their player responsibilities since the beginning of the season.
“We will be working hard on our own ends, but we will all be pushing towards the same goal, which is to win and also compete in nationals,” Song said. “We can’t just drag one other person along with us. We have to make sure that all of us, each player, is putting 100% effort in on their end to help push that big slide to that goal.”
Leading with experience
At the heart of this transition are three returners, including Song. This year offers a fresh start not only for the newcomers but also for the veterans. Song said her leadership has evolved significantly since her freshman year.
“I just see a lot of myself in the freshmen and how I was when I was first coming in, and it just makes me want to help them even more,” Song said. “I’m always there for them. And I honestly think it’s been nostalgic because I just see myself in them, and I don’t want them to experience any hardships that I had to go through.”
Known for her hard work and practical approach, Song leads by example, offering support to her younger teammates. Brennan said Song has established herself as level-headed and thinks about things “pragmatically,” which has made her “invaluable.”
“Kate has this bubbly personality that’s absolutely infectious. She is incredibly articulate, and so when you marry up those two strengths of hers, it really does give her a platform to be a really great leader,” Brennan said.
Returning sophomores Celine Brovold Sanne and Grace Frei are also stepping into increased roles this season. Both had limited playing time last year but are now relied upon to contribute more significantly. Brennan praised their development, noting Celine’s strong start to the fall season and Grace’s pure physicality.
“[Celine] led through qualifying, led during our team retreat up in Highlands, was tied for low man at the first tournament. So, Celine is really starting to come into her own and find her best college game,” Brennan said. “And then Grace is just absolutely raw athleticism, very powerful, very strong. I think that Grace is well on her way to becoming a staple in the lineup.”
We have to make sure that all of us, each player, is putting 100% effort in on their end to help push that big slide to that goal.
KATE SONG | SENIOR GOLFER
Looking ahead Georgia’s focus this year isn’t just on winning championships — though that remains a long-term goal. Brennan’s leadership emphasizes commitment and growth over specific results, a mindset Song and her teammates have embraced. Georgia aims to return to the NCAA Championships for the fourth time in five seasons and finish in the top-20 for the 29th time as Brennan leads the program forward.
Georgia golfer Celine Brovold Sanne during the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic at the UGA Golf Course in Athens, Georgia on Friday, March 29, 2024. PHOTO COURTESY/CASSIE BAKER, UGAAA
Georgia golfer Kate Song during the Lady Bulldog Invitational at the UGA Golf Course in Athens, Georgia on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. PHOTO COURTESY/KARI HODGES, UGAAA
A perfect pair
Georgia men’s tennis sophomores secure No. 2 spot in the nation for doubles
Brady Logan
Despite neither player being ranked inside the Top 125 for singles, Georgia sophomores Freddy Blaydes and Niels Ratiu secured their spot as the No. 2 men’s doubles team in NCAA Division I tennis for the 2024 season.
The duo is a perfect pairing due to its ability to play to each other’s strengths.
Ratiu is known for his excellent forehand while Blaydes plays on the backhand side. It allows the two sophomores to balance each other out and complement each other’s skillsets.
“[Freddy] has the best backhand in the country, probably, so that’s why he plays there,” Ratiu said. “He has amazing volleys. So it’s very easy. When I just hit a good ball, he’s able to finish it immediately.”
It’s a good balance because I have a lot of energy and Freddy is a bit like the calm side. He gets hyped up too, but he calms me a bit because too much energy, it’s not good.
NIELS RATIU | SOPHOMORE TENNIS PLAYER
Together, the duo make an elite pairing with few weak spots to target on the court. With it being nearly impossible for opponents to hit a shot without the sophomores forcefully firing back, the pair dominates the court.
Not only are they a perfect pairing physically, but Blaydes and Ratiu also balance each other out emotionally on the court. Blaydes said he manages the match, while Ratiu brings the needed energy to spark life into the duo.
“Yeah, he balances me a bit more,” Ratiu said. “It’s a good balance because I have a lot of energy and Freddy is a bit like the calm side. He gets hyped up too, but he calms me a bit because too much energy, it’s not good. Not enough, it’s not good. So it’s a great balance.”
Blaydes grew up in Windermere, England prior to coming
to Georgia, while Ratiu is from Liège, Belgium. Both players pointed to Georgia’s culture as one of the main reasons for traveling across continents to play for the Bulldogs. Once they arrived, however, they didn’t mesh right away.
“We actually didn’t play immediately together, we played once,” Ratiu said. “Went great, not crazy. Then we had the South Carolina invite, and I remember my first match with Freddy went amazing. We played great. We got split up a bit after because we thought it was a better combination. We came back together in mid-SEC season and we just went on a very good streak. We didn’t lose.”
After being paired together the second time, Blaydes and Ratiu went on to have one of the best doubles seasons in program history, quickly climbing to No. 22 nationally. They qualified for the NCAA Division I men’s tennis tournament and made it to the round of 16 as freshmen. Ratiu finished his season with an SEC-leading 23 doubles wins. It was a rapid ascension for a duo who didn’t initally click.
Blaydes and Ratiu entered the 2024 fall season after an impressive spring together, and they have not disappointed. After going undefeated and winning their first tournament of the 2024 season at home in the Southern Intercollegiate Championships, they played well in their second tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The duo currently holds a record of 6-2.
“For sure, there’s pressure, but I personally think we manage it quite well,” Blaydes said. “We know that being No. 2 in the country, you’re kind of going to have a target on your back, so people are going to want to come for you, and they’re going to. They’re going to play good against us, but I think personally we manage it quite well.”
Not only does the duo have time to improve their game
together, but they still have two years to improve individually as singles players. Since they’re young, it’s been difficult for the duo to get their opportunities in singles due to the presence of talented veteran teammates such as Thomas Paulsell and Ryan Colby.
“It’s a bit tough in college tennis,” Ratiu said. “If you don’t play one or two, you really don’t have the opportunity to play high-ranked players. We’re still underclassmen, developing, and in a year or two, when our year will come and we’ll play a bit higher in the lineup, we’re going to have the opportunity and move up in the rankings.”
6-2
Freddy Blaydes and Niels Ratiu hold a record of 6-2 as a doubles pairing
The Bulldogs have a bright future in the pair of international sophomores in both singles and doubles as they continue to build upon their talents. Blaydes and Ratiu are players to look out for this season as they strive to continue to build upon their early and rapid success. The duo will look to defend their No. 2 spot in the nation as they retake the court in Lake Nona, Florida on Oct. 12 for the ITA Regionals.
Niels Ratiu (left) and Freddy Blaydes (right) celebrate a point during a doubles match against the University of Texas on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Georgia. PHOTO/NATHALEE SIMONEAU
LEAVING A LEGACY
FOOD MUSIC
Punkin Chunkin
Sunroof Coffee Company new seasonal drink
On Oct. 1, I hopped straight into the fall spirit with a taste test of Sunroof Coffee Company’s seasonal drink, the “Punkin Chunkin.”
This drink features Sunroof’s seasonal, house-made pumpkin spice syrup, a shot of espresso, your choice of milk, a splash of their house chai and a topping of cinnamon dust. The beverage can be served hot or iced, and I opted for iced.
I chose almond milk, which provided my ideal level of creaminess, blending seamlessly with the other flavors. For those who enjoy a richer experience, I would recommend ordering oat milk.
Sunroof barista Nick Alliston described the drink as “all the good fall things in a cup” and “an amped up pumpkin spice latte.” After my first sip, I couldn’t agree more. I initially worried that the drink might be overly sweet, given its load of festive ingredients. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the balance of espresso and fall flavors.
The pumpkin syrup offered just the right amount of sweetness, delivering a deep, pumpkin profile. The splash of chai complemented the pumpkin perfectly, adding a lighter sweetness and spice on top. The cinnamon on top was too overpowering to the drink. I felt that, if anything, it took away from the other flavors rather than add to them.
Overall, I was delighted by the “Punkin Chunkin.” Each sip filled me with the cozy essence of fall, making it a drink I’ll be sure to return for throughout the season. If you’re seeking a taste of fall, the “Punkin Chunkin” will not disappoint. - Ella Pine
SHOP ACTIVITY
Crazy maize
Getting lost in Washington Farms’ corn maze
On Friday, Oct. 4, at around 11 a.m., Red & Black editor-in-chief Libby Hobbs and I set out on an adventure through Washington Farms’ corn maze.
As soon as we started our trek into the depth of the corn stalks, we found ourselves asking: What is the end goal here? Were we headed to the middle? To an exit on the other side? We weren’t quite sure, and spoiler alert, we never figured it out.
We came upon a trivia question posted at a fork in the road, which seemed really random. It was meant to guide you through the corn maze and help you decide which way to turn, but I think this was more confusing than anything, as I didn’t see any more of these.
The pathway through the corn was wellkept, and the winding paths were fun to explore with my friend. I loved being up close and personal with the corn stalks; it was really interesting to see the roots of the plant for the first time.
But, I was a little concerned that we would actually get lost in the maze. It made me feel less anxious to know that we were close to the rest of Washington Farm’s attractions and that we could probably be rescued if we did get lost.
Additionally, the morning weather was overcast and extremely humid, making the spaces between the corn stalks very hot and buggy. Small gnats and mosquitoes seemed to come out of nowhere and dive-bombed us as we walked through the maze.
The only part of the maze that I did not like was the amount of bugs and mud in the maze itself, but these may just be a part of the corn maze experience.
- Jesse Wood
A spooktacular selection
Exploring America’s Thrift Stores’ Halloween section
This season, America’s Thrift Stores and Donation Center on Atlanta Highway is offering a vibrant Halloween section right at their entrance. The well-organized display of costumes and decorations was a warm welcome when I visited the store and made me ask myself why I hadn’t discovered this place sooner.
With Halloween coming up, the thrift store’s array of costumes and accessories ranged from classic superhero costumes to witch ensembles for all ages. There was an assortment of wigs, masks, tights and even packs of face paint, all at reasonable prices. This was especially nice since many people only end up wearing their costume for one night.
As an avid Amazon shopper, I am used to the convenience of online shopping, but sometimes, things come up at the last minute and you need to find something instore. America’s Thrift has quick finds that are a sustainable, affordable and good quality option.
My favorite part was the pet costumes. Imagine your dog dressing up in mini fairy wings or a wizard cape. Adorable, right?
Not only did they have costumes, but the store also offered spooky decor, from wooden bat ornaments to ghostly wall hangings.
While the rest of the store was filled with the usual assortment of men’s and women’s clothing, the Halloween display stole the spotlight. As someone who loves fall and Halloween, I found this experience to be a fun adventure.
- Pride Haggerty
‘Paradise Breakdown’
Randall Bramblett releases new studio album
Singer, songwriter and Athens native Randall Bramblett came out with his new studio album titled “Paradise Breakdown” on Sept. 27. The album features eight songs plus three bonus tracks lasting a total of 50 minutes. Bramblett skillfully blends jazz, blues and a bit of folk into “Paradise Breakdown,” creating a uniquely beautiful musical sound. His style is similar to the works of Bob Dylan and James Taylor, which is particularly showcased on the third track of his album, “Throw my Cane Away.”
“Throw my Cane Away” is my favorite song on the album because of its upbeat tempo and Bramblett’s masterful technique of mixing percussion and wind instruments.
I especially like the jazzy elements riddled throughout the melody that make you want to get up and move.
The seventh track, titled “‘Round and ‘Round the Sun” is another one of my favorites. The one complaint I have is the monotonous beat, which I wish was switched up to make the listening experience a bit more interesting. I think what saves it is the subtle sounds of the electric guitar in the background.
My favorite bonus track was “Everything is Stolen,” which I think is one of the most exciting listens out of the whole album. The drums keep a steady beat, but right after the chorus, when Bramblett sings, “everything is stolen anyway,” you hear an interesting electric sound that shocks you, but simultaneously rounds out the melody of the song.
- Rachel Sandstrom
The Punkin Chunkin drink at Sunroof Coffee in Athens, Georgia. PHOTO/ELLA PINE
The corn maze at Washington Farms in Athens, Georgia. PHOTO/LIBBY HOBBS
The Halloween section of America’s Thrift in Athens, Georgia. PHOTO/PRICE ANDERSEN
Randall Bramblett poses for a portrait. PHOTO COURTESY/IAN MCFARLANE
A mother’s love made immortal
The Tyanna Foundation marks 25 years of breast cancer awareness in Athens and beyond
Jesse Wood
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The ACS says that there is a one in eight chance that a woman will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and in recent years, the incidence rates have increased by .6% each year.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation says that, chances are, you know someone who has been personally affected by breast cancer in their lifetime. This is why a group of five sisters — Anne O’Brien, Bridget Mink, Megan Lewis, Sara O’Brien and Katie Bogle — established the Tyanna Foundation, which is named after their mother who died of breast cancer.
The sisters banded together to spur tragedy into something positive, hoping to memorialize their mother while improving the lives of those affected by breast cancer.
“[Breastfest] really inspired my entire life,” Sara O’Brien said. “I just owe Athens, Georgia everything.”
Athens is an optimal location for many philanthropic efforts, including those raising money for breast cancer. The Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at UGA has dedicated its philanthropic efforts toward breast cancer education and awareness since 1994.
Kate Good, a junior biology major with a minor in public health at UGA, has headed ZTA’s breast cancer involvement since November 2023, leading the sorority to earn over $3,000 for breast cancer research and contribute over 3,000 service hours in the spring 2024 semester. Throughout her time in this role, she has seen firsthand the unique impact that breast cancer has had on the Athens community.
“You’ll see [the pink ribbons] and it’s like, ‘Well, that could be your mom, that could be my mom,’” Good said. “Something that I think is so touching is that our hard work and what we stand for can relate to almost anyone.”
A testament to the foundation
Those five sisters, their story is really incredible and after knowing them for so long ... [Tyanna O’Brien’s] legacy lives on in them and their daughters and sons.
KRISTINA SHAUGHNESSY | BREASTFEST VOLUNTEER 1 in 8
Who was Tyanna O’Brien?
Tyanna O’Brien found a lump in her breast and turned to her doctor. She was told that she was “too young” to have breast cancer, but Tyanna O’Brien advocated for herself and eventually was tested for breast cancer. It came back positive.
Sara O’Brien, one of Tyanna O’Brien’s five daughters, was 5 years old at the time of the initial diagnosis, and she describes it as “terrifying.” Her mother recovered after a mastectomy, but the cancer returned after a five year remission.
Sara O’Brien said that she remembers her mother as “hysterical” and “funny,” even through the lowest points of chemotherapy, and that since she has become a mom herself, she can truly appreciate the strength that her mother possessed during both of her diagnoses of breast cancer.
“As a mom, you try to pretend everything is fine for as long as you possibly can … the diagnosis to us was no big deal to us because she’s a superhero,” Sara O’Brien said. “She was like, ‘I’ll be fine,’ and we believed her.”
At 48 years old, Tyanna O’Brien died of breast cancer. Lewis, one of her five daughters, was in her senior year at the University of Georgia, at the time, and moved back home to take care of her younger sisters.
The foundation’s beginnings
Sara O’Brien found her mother’s notebook that she journaled in while she was being treated for breast cancer, and after reading it, she knew she and her sisters had to do something. In 1999, Sara O’Brien turned to the Athens music scene to hold the first annual Breastfest.
“I started [Breastfest] because I had this community of musicians, and I was just in pain,” Sara O’Brien said. “And you know that music heals, right?”
The name Breastfest is meant to be quirky — just the way Tyanna O’Brien would have wanted it.
“We mourn her, we miss her so much, but it’s more celebratory and because she was so fun … she would have loved [the name Breastfest],” Lewis said.
Sara O’Brien said that Breastfest was characterized by its diverse, lively crowd of drag queens, Black fraternities and sororities, a gospel choir and more. The event created a space for people impacted by breast cancer to come together to celebrate life and raise awareness, as well as support local businesses and raise money for breast cancer. Breastfest’s success gave the sisters momentum to officially found the Tyanna Foundation in 2002, and since then, the organization has grown into a flourishing advocate for breast cancer awareness with its signature slogan, “Save the Girls.”
Kristina Shaughnessy, a pre-K childcare supervisor who lives in New Jersey, met Sara O’Brien in the New Jersey music scene and found herself supporting her friend’s endeavors at Breastfest, which raised money for Virtua Hospital in New Jersey.
After years of volunteering at Breastfest, Shaughnessy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. She said that this changed her perspective on the event and the Tyanna Foundation’s benefits. Though she was undergoing rigorous treatment, her life was not put on hold.
“Being a mom of two young girls, my family still had to eat. I still had to get them to school. I still had to get them to their activities,” Shaughnessy said. “There’s resources out there, it’s just sometimes hard to find them. I feel like the Tyanna Foundation helps women find those resources.”
Shaughnessy said that she is oftentimes “far removed” from her survivorship, but this does not stop her from outwardly supporting the Tyanna Foundation.
“I don’t really talk about survivorship too much, but for Tyanna Foundation, I will, because that’s who I would want to put my energy into,” Shaughnessy said. “Those five sisters, their story is really incredible and after knowing them for so long … [Tyanna O’Brien’s] legacy lives on in them and their daughters and sons.”
The lasting impacts
Throughout the past 25 years, the organization has had more than 200 volunteers, 110 events and 120 sponsors, and raised more than $1.5 million for local breast cancer institutions, according to its website.
The funds raised have gone directly back to local hospitals, and the money raised in Athens goes to St. Mary’s Breast Health Center. In 2014, the waiting room of the Women’s Imaging Center at St. Mary’s Hospital was dedicated to Tyanna O’Brien.
“As sad as all of this was that we went through because it was the most horrible thing you would ever want to go through … you can spin something positive out of such a sad thing,” Lewis said.
As the five sisters spread out across the East Coast, the Tyanna Foundation did as well. Now, there are hubs in Athens, New Jersey and Baltimore, Maryland. Though the five sisters are far apart in distance, running the foundation together keeps them connected.
“There’s five girls and we’re all different, but we will all always be there for each other no matter what,” Lewis said.
From left to right, Megan Lewis, Anne O’Brien, Sara O’Brien, Katie Bogle and Bridget Mink, pose for a picture at the 2017
Breastfest in Baltimore, Maryland. After their mother’s death in 1990, the five sisters
founded the Tyanna Foundation in 2002 to raise money and awareness for breast cancer, hosting a yearly event called Breastfest. PHOTO COURTESY/WILLIAM KENDZIERSKI
‘The pumpkin church’
Ella Kroll
Every October on South Milledge Avenue, the welcome sight of rows upon rows of pumpkins marks the return of autumn. Milledge Avenue Baptist Church’s pumpkin patch has become a staple in Athens since its start in 2006.
“I feel like [the pumpkin patch is] kind of an icon. Everyone knows us as ‘the pumpkin church’ here,” MABC member Kayla Bare said. “They don’t really recognize us by name alone.”
The pumpkin patch began almost 20 years ago to fund a youth mission trip. That year, the church ordered enough pumpkins to fill one-quarter of a tractor-trailer.
This year, they ordered three full tractor-trailers of pumpkins that will fund ministries in the church, building upkeep, big expenditures and extra mission projects. This also allows the church to make donations to local organizations like Athens Area Habitat for Humanity and Family Promise of Athens.
The pumpkins on sale at the church are grown on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico and driven across the country to reach Athens. Each tractor-trailer for MABC transports about 5,000 to 6,000 pumpkins that take local high school and church volunteers three or more hours to unload.
Ginny Dempsey, associate pastor for students at Milledge Avenue
Volunteers unload pumpkins from a tractor-trailer at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Athens, Georgia.
PHOTO/JESSE WOOD
Eat & Drink
Made
Jack’s Cheesecake
Rule
Alexia
What started out as family time in his grandma’s kitchen has turned into a full-time business: Jack’s Cheesecake.
Jack Leach owns and operates a full-time business alongside his father, Brent Leach, personally fulfilling most of the company’s needs himself, from cooking cheesecakes and stocking shelves to making direct sales to customers.
Jack Leach has nonverbal autism and was cooking as soon as he could reach the kitchen counter, according to Brent Leach. Jack Leach has since used cooking as a form of connection, making his first cheesecake with his grandmother when he was in middle school.
“He found red and black cheesecake pans on Amazon and asked my mom to buy them for him,” Brent Leach said. “Once he got his cheesecake pans, he just kept cooking. He was making cheesecake every night … so that’s kind of how it got rolling.”
Using his grandmother’s recipes and Google, Jack Leach began to make a surplus of cheesecakes, too many for the family to eat themselves. So, the family began selling extra cakes to the middle school he attended, and eventually, Brent Leach left his job of three years to work with his son full-time.
“I tried to do both for a while, but it was too much,”
Brent Leach said. “So I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m not quitting on Jack, so I have to quit Comcast.’”
Beginning in 2019, the company originally made cheesecake sales on Facebook, but the business took off after Jack Leach won the Taste of Oconee competition for “Best Dessert” in 2020.
From the start, the duo never took out a loan, simply buying enough ingredients to sell for one week and hoping they made enough sales over those seven days to restock ingredients for the following week of cheesecakes. They cooked during the week and sold on the weekends.
Early on, Brent Leach did preparation work for the cakes during the day while his son was at school, and Jack Leach baked when he got home, which allowed for 10 cakes at a time. Jack Leach would bake until late at night, and his father would take over from midnight until 4 or 5 a.m.
During Jack Leach’s junior and senior years of high school, he would miss one to two days a week to devote time to his business. Jack Leach graduated from Oconee County High School in May 2024 and now runs the business full time.
Jack Leach and his father first started setting up a tent or stand to make sales in neighborhoods and eventually expanded to parking lots with heavy foot traffic.
The first lot they sold from was located between a Bell’s Food Stores and a Family Dollar, and when Bell’s Food Stores was bought out by B&T Food Fresh Market in October 2023, Jack’s cheesecake was introduced into each of the store’s locations, where they are still sold today.
“They have a good business plan. Expanding like they did in geography. And, they’ve got a great system worked out for resupply. When we have product needs in our stores, Jack comes in and does the work and fills the coolers and freezers,” B&T’s Fresh Food Market CFO Mark Mulkey said. “It’s good for him and expanding his business experience as well.”
As a small-town business owner, Mulkey said he values community connections and supporting each other.
“We support Jack and we love Jack, and most of all, it’s a quality product,” Mulkey said.
According to Brent Leach, Jack’s Cheesecakes are now sold at the Stripling’s General Store in Bogart, Georgia, Akademia Brewing Company, Fully Loaded Pizza, Square One Restaurant and Bar, The Local 706 and soon, the Blind Pig Tavern.
The duo now bakes their cakes with the help of Jack Leach’s mother, Barri Leach, at their kitchen and storefront located in the food court of Georgia Square Mall. They have also introduced more items to their menu, including a homemade chicken salad and a croissant sandwich.
Jack’s Cheesecake will continue selling cheesecakes through its pop-up mobile food trailer at events including festivals, fairs, farmers markets, breweries and car shows. Each weekend, Jack Leach enjoys getting out, waving at cars as they go by and making sales to customers. According to his father, he is an extremely hard worker.
“Sometimes we beg him to take a day off … he does everything,” Brent Leach said. “And sometimes I’m like, ‘Jack, you need to give Dad a day off, I’m not as young as you, buddy.’” Between cooking in the kitchen, traveling with the Jack’s Cheesecake mobile food trailer and making sales at events, the Leach family spends countless hours together doing what they love.
“There’s lots of good times. We love doing it, and [Jack] loves it more than everybody,” Brent Leach said. “It doesn’t feel like a job … I haven’t had too many jobs where I’d volunteer to come in on my day off.”
Editor’s Note: Barri Leach was a former office manager at The Red & Black.
Jack Leach (left) and Brent Leach (right) pose for a portrait at the
Jack’s Cheesecake location at the Georgia Square Mall in Athens, Georgia on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024.
PHOTO/MERRIELLE GATLIN
The Jack’s Cheesecakes location at the Georgia Square Mall in Athens, Georgia on Sunday Sept. 29, 2024.
PHOTO/MERRIELLE GATLIN
Libby Hobbs and Avni Trivedi
As seniors in college, sometimes we can’t help but feel a little aged — almost like we know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two. The start of a new semester is always exciting, but that’s starting to slow down now as assignments pile up. And, having to navigate lasting friendships in moments of intense stress can lead you to a breaking point.
We have certainly experienced friend breakups of our own, and we can assure you that it’s not the end of the world if this happens to you. Some naturally fizzled out when it got harder to make plans. For others, it felt like the little miscommunications kept adding up. Nevertheless, here are some of the things we wish we knew. Pick your battles
Being in college is stressful enough. If you feel like your friend is adding to your stress rather than being a person you can rely on to help you destress, they might not be the best person to keep around.
This is a time where a lot is happening at once, and so it’s important to pick and choose what you’re going to be putting your time and energy into. If you’re choosing between trying to fix a friendship with someone who isn’t putting the effort in and focusing on a class, think about what is going to truly benefit you in the long run.
Don’t do too much just to keep a friend around. If they were meant to be in your life it wouldn’t be a battle to keep them around. Sometimes, things happen. But, you should be getting the same amount out of your friends that you are putting in.
Not all friends are forever
We’ll tell you straight up. The friends we made freshmen year are not the same friends we have now. And it’s not to knock on them — they were there for that time in our lives. Yes, sometimes you’ll find that golden friend or two that you meet your freshman year who will probably be in your wedding at some point. But, that is certainly not the case for everyone. Some people are only meant to be in our life for a season. They’re there for a reason and then they leave. You might find that this person ends up teaching you a lesson, these friends are important — even if they aren’t part of your life for very long, they still may leave an impact.
Life isn’t about the quantity of friends you have but rather the quality.
Take a risk, trust yourself
Maya Angelou said it best: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” In the weeks following a friendship breakup, we often experienced a period of extreme interrogation. We started to question ourselves, the other person’s actions and where things really went wrong. It’s easy to get consumed with feelings of confusion and guilt.
But, Angelou reminds us to trust when someone reveals their true colors the first time. Psychology also shows us that humans don’t have strong emotions for no apparent reason. Your feelings are a justified reaction to an experience — maybe someone said something that turned you away or someone didn’t invite you to hangout one night.
While the other person isn’t always to blame, your reactions to friendship dissonance are hardly without merit.
It’s important to trust yourself and those feelings that arise from the beginning. But, that’s only half of the battle. You also need to take a risk — the risk of setting up a time to discuss your hurt and apologize for wrongdoing, or the risk of ending the friendship altogether.
Rehink your definition of friendship It might be time for you to rethink your definition of friendship. Over the years, your outlook on friendship will change with every new experience that you gain. In fact, as painful as friendship breakups can be, they certainly help you redefine what you want and need from another person who might be connecting with you on a deeply personal level. In the past, we’ve seen friendship through an “all or nothing” lens. It can feel like you have to do everything together or else this friend doesn’t truly belong in your innermost circle. But, we encourage you to redefine friendship and see it like books on a shelf: you get to choose what book gets picked up when, depending on what’s going on in your life at the time.
There are few books that we pick up to read over-andover again, but there are many others that really define one particular moment in our life. Maybe you have one friend who is the person you text when there’s a new restaurant you want to try, but you have another friend who is your person to vent to when you’ve had a rough day.
There might be equal levels of trust among these different friendships (or maybe not), but you can lean on all these friends in various ways, depending on what’s happening in your life. When it comes to a friendship breakup, sometimes reevaluating the way you think about your friendships is an actionable way to move on.
A child gets their face painted during the
Center in Athens, Georgia on
Event
For politicians who oppose abortion, ending Roe v Wade was just a warm-up lap. The end goal has always been full control of our bodies and our medical decisions.
But…
We. Won’t. Go. Back. The 2024 election is our time to decide. Join us in helping elect unapologetic supporters of abortion access, up and down the ballot.
When We Decide, We Win.