November 2017 by The Rogue News

November 20, 2017

Volume XII, Issue III

The Diviners by Taylor Kelly-McMahon

Ashland High School’s (AHS) fall play, The Divin- to the water, convinced that CC Showers is baptizing ers, just ended and was received with great reviews. Buddy Layman, even though he is merely teaching It was set in Indiana during the Great Depression, him how to swim. While trying to fend off the town and revolves around Buddy Layman, a sweet men- people, Buddy Layman loses his footing and drowns tally challenged boy (played by junior Nicky Clary), in the river. who has a crippling fear of waThe performances in the Diter, causing him to never wash viners were exceptional, espeor clean himself. This same fear cially the lead Nicky Clary who of water also allows him to prehad the hard job of playing a dict when it is going to rain. CC very complex character without Showers (played by senior Nur making fun of his mental state. Shelton), an ex-preacher trying He was convincing and loving, to start anew, moves to town and giving the character depth and begins working for Buddy Laylayers, and all without being man’s father (played by senior over-the-top, or unenthusiastic. Kyle Storie). Buddy’s sister JenBetsy Bishop, the head of the nie May (played by junior Kate theater department, wants to Jacques-Prentice) quickly begins start doing more non-comedic to form feelings for CC Showers, plays, especially for students and the two start a friendship. who want to expand their exNorma Henshaw, a storeowner pertise in dramatic acting. As who wants church back in town, for the rest of the year, the AHS is convinced that CC is a sign courtesy of Denise Baratta theater department is doing from God, and that he is going to bring good news two musicals: Crazy for You, a Gershwin musical in to the town with his preaching glory, even though the winter, and the rousing 60s rock musical, Hair, in he swears never to preach again. The play ends in a the spring. heartbreaking tragedy when Norma leads the people

Hoco Roast

by Jade Bromley

This year’s homecoming may have been space themed, but it was in no way out of this world. In fact, it boiled down to a cliché (like most school dances do) complete with the predictable playlist of loud obnoxious music that assaulted your eardrums. The promise of the bubble room and theater brought little relief; there’s only so long a girl can play with bubbles, and the idea of sitting in the theater, ruining Star Wars with today’s worst hits playing next door made my skin crawl. Sure, dancing is fun, but that fun was tempered by the fact that I got knocked into every five seconds by some gyrating kid and I have a bruise on my foot from being stepped on. Even worse was the inner circle: a death trap from hell where you didn’t know where your skin began and the stranger’s touching you ended. The overwhelming heat of shoving a couple hundred bodies into a windowless room made you feel like you were on Mars, but the mass of sweaty bodies bumping against each other with a total lack of rhythm was all too familiar. The sci-fi posters were cool, but for some reason I thought there would be more than paper planets stuck to the walls to give the illusion of space. And don’t even get me started on the evil silver streamers that tried to strangle me every time I left the room. I was seriously so close to ripping them down. Overall, it was an uninspired high school dance. But though I hate to say it—I mean, I really hate to say it—I actually had fun.

Honey Roast

by Jasmine Wallin

This year’s Homecoming blasted off to space and burst through the doors of Science Works. With a big turnout, Homecoming was a fun way to let out all of our collective teenage angst through sweaty dancing. Inside the building, we were welcomed by the familiar setting of Science Works, with its knickknacks and science tricks, and greeted by friendly front desk people who kept the line moving. Further into the building, a convenient table of paper cups next to orange containers of water kept people from adding anything funky to the mix, and from dying of dehydration. Even though there was no alcohol allowed on the dance floor, plenty of shots were taken at the photo booth, which had a R2-D2 cut-out and a nice background to take group pictures. Once I got past all of the random grinding, it was fun jumping up and down with my friends for an hour or two. Although they didn’t play all of my jams, I was still happy with the music, which luckily didn’t pause randomly (like a certain Spotify playlist from last year). The bubble room and theater were also open to use this year, which was helpful if you needed to take a breather from the sauna of a dance floor. For those less inclined to rave, the theater was playing Star Wars on a full screen. Homecoming is usually just your typical high school party, but this year, everything from the lights and music to the bubbles and movie brought it up to a new level. I’m glad I went.

In This Edition:

P2. Retiring Registrar P2. Sports Stats P3. Holiday Volunteering P3. Boy Scouts P4. Where Are They Now? P5. Supreme Court P5. Accessibility P6. Fall Scavenger Hunt P7. Student Features P7. Thanksgiving Survival P8. NaNoWriMo P9. Book Reviews P10. Marijuana Debate P11. Sexual Assault P12. Game of Scones

Is AHS Accessible?

Rogue News reviews the conditions of the campus buildings and interviews Jack Schubert about his experience as an injured student navigating AHS on crutches.

see page 5

Holiday Survival Guide Follow Jade Bromley’s nine steps to surviving the Holidays with your family free of uncomfortable questions and debate.

see page 7

Linguistic Leaders at AHS

Rogue News is featuring budding writers at AHS, in celebration of National Novel Writing Month and the ambition of novelists and writers everywhere.

see page 8

Game of Scones, A Coffee Roast Winter is Coming! Find out which coffee shop you need to spend your fall afternoons in and decide which coffee shop deserves to sit on the Iron Throne.

see back page

INSIDE AHS

Registrar Retirement by Kamala Aryeff

Tess Razzano has been the registrar at AHS for over 20 years, and recently has retired this last week on Halloween. Razzano is the kind of women who you want in your life- from making personal connections with students to filing every singlew student record- she does it all. The reality of saying goodbye to the environment that she has so successfully impacted was made easier with the knowledge that she has made a huge difference for a multitude of different students in the community, and that she is loved and appreciated by everyone on campus. Evan Mouledoux, a former student of AHS, has said that Tess was a mentor to him personally, and would check in with him all the time about his grades and about how school was going. “She is a very positive person,” said Mouledoux, “and gave me a crochet smiley face when I graduated that I still keep at my desk.” She is a tireless, selfless person who, even though she was behind the scenes,

helped each and every senior achieve their post high school goals. Along with doing an incredible job in her field of work, Tess is also very passionate about people, what they need, and how to help guide them. Being a people person, she has formed many connections with students, who then still call and check up on her from time to time. Tess says that her biggest accomplishment in life by far have been her two children, twins, Brian and Sarah. Her pride and joy, who are both highly successful individuals in the world, are alumni of AHS. Sarah is currently a teacher at SOU in the college of education and Brian is TV film director in Los Angeles. The same work ethic that they persisted at in high school followed them into the real world, giving Razzano even more reason to be proud of her wonderful family. After retirement, Razzano plans on relaxing and spending more time with her family and grandchildren. Although she may have ac-

She is a very positive person and gave me a crochet smiley face when I graduated that I still keep at my desk.

complished her dream career for the majority of her life, she is very excited to sit back, relax, and not be buried in papers all day long. Razzano is one of the most positive, caring, uplifting, and intelligent people I have ever met in my life. She deserves all of the relaxation and happiness in this next chapter of her life. Thank you, from Rogue News and from the entire community, for all that you have done on our campus. You will be missed dearly.

photo courtesy of Tess Razzano

End of Season Statistics Sport

League Record

Overall Record

Made Playoffs

State Rank

Boys Soccer

7-0

11 - 2 - 2

Yes

Girls Soccer

6-1

10 - 3 - 1

Yes

Boys Waterpolo

10 - 0

15 - 8

Yes

Girls Waterpolo

6-0

10 - 7

Yes

Volleyball

5-9

5 - 14

Football

1-6

2-7

Seniors And Sports by Marcus Mullen Declan Hinkley is one of two captains of the

Ivy Amann has been playing soccer for 14

Drake Morey has been playing football

Sophia Rooney has been playing volleyball

boys Varsity soccer team and led the team to an extremely successful season. Hinkley hopes to continue playing soccer by playing at a Division I school. “I don’t think a scholarship is a possibility at this point. I think I’ll just be a walk on, but I’m really excited to continue playing soccer.”

since his freshman year, and despite his late entry to the sport, he is one of few seniors that is committed to a Division I school: Columbia University in New York. “My favorite memory of high school football was definitely the state championship game my sophomore year. It was really just a great experience to be a part of.”

years. “I have really mixed emotions when it comes to the season ending”, Amann says. “When I think about possibly of not being able to play next year it makes me really sad.” While Amann doesn’t know if she will play soccer next year at college, it is a possibility as long as soccer doesn’t detract from the academic side of college.

since sixth grade and she had a great time playing volleyball in high school. One of Rooney’s favorite memories from volleyball “…was definitely the dig pink game my junior year. Everyone was super excited and that’s exactly what volleyball should be.” Rooney doesn’t plan on playing volleyball in college but hopes to play intramural sports.

photos by John Corder, courtesy of athletes

Making Change Around You by William Burgess

COMMUNITY & WORLD

The Ashland community is always looking for new ways to help the disadvantaged and homeless. There are many opportunities in Ashland for volunteer work, and focusing on local areas allows students in our community to make a positive change in the world. According to helpguide.org, volunteer work can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated and provide a sense of purpose while putting you in an environment where you can make new friends and connections to your community. The Ashland Food Bank is open from 9:30 am12:30 pm Mon-Fri, and 5:00 pm-7:00 pm on every 4th Wednesday of the month. Each month, more than 500 families, approximately 1500 people, get fed by the food bank which is run by volunteer work and food donations. Residents of the whole Rogue Valley (but mainly Ashland and Talent) get benefits. The food bank offers a variety of food, largely

non-perishable canned and boxed foods. They regularly get day-old breads and baked goods from local stores as well. To sign up for volunteer work, visit Ashlandemergencyfoodbank.org or call 541-4889544. Another amazing volunteer based organization is Uncle Foods Diner that has been serving free food to the homeless since 1993. They serve hot meals every Tuesday and host holiday meals for anyone in the community who might need it, which is usually about 120 people every week. There are also free sleeping bags and warm clothes for pick up on their serving nights. La Clinica shows up each week with a medical van that supplies free medical and dental care. Located in the Methodist Church in Ashland but sponsored and run by Ashland’s Peace House, you can help by calling 541-482-9625 to volunteer. The Community Peace Meal started in 2015 serving just one meal a month. Since then it has expanded to 5 days a week serving 300 meals on average at pioneer hall, across from Lithia park. There are many volunteers, but a core group of about 12 people keep the program going by throwing their hearts into the program. “This kind of work is heart stretching. I feel like I get back so much more than I give. I’m paid in gratitude, hugs,

Boy Scouts by Uma McGuire

Feeding people is something that I can do that directly solves a real problem.

Rogue News asked local Boy Scouts the following questions to find out if Boy Scouts are actually always prepared. Pictured to the right of the questions are the patches they would recieve for successfully navigating the situation.

You’re in the woods, and you come across a black bear. What do you do?

“You don’t want to go near it and you don’t want to disturb it. You want to let anyone know nearby because some people don’t know what to do or will go up to the bear and try to pet it and stuff. I don’t know, people are pretty dumb.” -Baylor Wiggins

You order a latte, but they give you a mocha. What do you do?

“I would go up and ask politely for a latte instead. Probably passive aggressively.” -Jackson Williams “I might try the new drink and be like ‘Oh this is pretty good.’” -Baylor Wiggins

You get “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift stuck in your head. What do you do?

and love,” says peace meal volunteer Vanessa Houk. The Community Peace Meal is always looking for volunteers to help with cooking and cleaning. They also accept donations at A street Print and Parcel across from Ace Hardware. Of particular need are warm clothes, socks, mittens and more for the cold season coming up. Monetary donations are needed as well. This Thanksgiving there will be a special meal held at Pioneer hall on Thursday November 23, 1-3 pm. The peace Meal is looking for volunteers on this date. To volunteer call Jason Houk at 541-841-8341. Every year more than 62 million Americans participate in volunteer work equaling more than 7.7 billion hours of free labor in 2014. Often times the problems in our world seem incurable, but that’s not always the case. Vanessa Houk says, “What motivates me is that I often feel frustrated and overwhelmed by all the many things that are happening on a global and national level, things that I can’t change. Feeding people is something that I can do that directly solves a real problem.” Volunteer work that benefits the disadvantaged around the holidays is a really great way to connect to the community. There will always be people in this world who need help but students truly can make a difference.

“I’d sing it. Yeah!” -Baylor Wiggins

Design Board

Q A

You get challenged to a dance off with Jay Preskinis on the quad. What song do you choose? “That’s hard. Probably Gangnam style” -Baylor Wiggins “I’m not sure. It would be very intimidating and I’m not a very good dancer.” -Jackson Williams

You’re home and you are hungry but all there is to eat is a week-old BLT. What do you do? “Probably take it apart and eat the parts that seem edible. Or I’d just throw it away and hunt for food” -Baylor Wiggins

Your senior quote gets rejected. What do you do?

“Find another quote. I don’t know if it’s worth it.” -Baylor Wiggins

Editors In-Chief: Maise Roberson, Zaida Larose, Liv West, Ellie Carter, Lili Smith, Charlie Burr. Creative Director: Kip Parowski

Front................................................................Elijah Smith Page 2..............................................................John Corder Page 3................................................................Ty Johnson Page 4........................................................Simon DiRienzo Page 5............................................................Dylan Blisard Indepth........................................................Jared Stamper Page 8........................................................Lillian Witnauer Page 9..........................................................Ethan Bennett Page 10...................................Liam Dunleavy, Ayla Prusko Page 11................................................................. Lia Moe Back...................................................................Lily Annen

INSIDE AHS

Checking in with Russ by Lily Valenta

AHS students may have noticed a great questions, they’re super intuifew missing staff members who have tive, they’re curious, and everything gone elsewhere in the last year, includ- is new to them. They are the most exing the former Dean of Students, Russ cited about whatever is coming next.” Johnson. Johnson worked at AHS for Unlike many of the high schoolers the better part of ten years, but now that Johnson supervised at AHS, kinspends his days teaching dergarteners don’t dread kindergarteners at Helcoming to school. They man Elementary. Johnstill have a certain drive The kids have to learn everything that son says that the biggest change from Dean to seems to dissipate by the great questions, teacher is the amount of time one reaches high classroom preparation they’re super school. On the Friday he needs to do every before Halloween, his day. The lesson plan that intuitive, they’re students were ecstatic he creates must be inabout the parade held teresting, entertaining, curious, and ev- at their school, and on and of course, include rainy days having recess erything is new inside is a party all on its lots of playtime. Many photo by Lily Valenta of the fun class projects own. prompted people to comment on how to them! that have been done in Johnson didn’t always Johnson was a wonderful teacher. Takclass are hanging on the know he was going to ing these ideas into consideration, wall of his classroom in be a teacher; he gradu- Johnson and his wife Dana moved colorful array. Johnson ated college as an Eng- back to Ashland where she completed says that the best part of working at lish Literature Major and was aiming her degree and Johnson received his Helman is that he gets hugs each day for the military. When this did not go teaching credentials. Work didn’t besimply for being there, receiving more as planned, Johnson worked as a park gin directly after getting his credenhugs in a single day than he ever did ranger who taught swimming lessons tials, but rather years later. Johnson as Dean. The kindergarteners “have on the side. These swimming lessons started working at AHS in 2007, at

Thommen & Bingham by Gemma Coster

Traveling abroad and getting the chance to teach students in a foreign country is the culmination of a teacher’s dream, at least for Nikki Thommen and Rob Bingham. Ever since Bingham taught in Tarsus, Turkey in 2003, the couple has wanted to go abroad with their children so they would have “the chance to live and go to school in a place where kids and teachers come from all over the world.” Last year the couple was able to achieve this dream when they uprooted and moved to Brazil with their family. Formerly, Bingham taught English and Speech & Debate at AHS, and Thommen taught a wide range of English and social studies classes. Thommen and Bingham live in the populous city of Sao Paulo, Brazil teaching English to high school students at a K-12 school called Graded American. Graded American has about 1,000 kids, many of whom have lived in places all around the world, and as a result speak at least 2 lan-

guages fluently (though many speak 4 or 5). Bingham is teaching 10th grade English and 12th grade IB Language and Literature, while Thommen is teaching 9th grade English, and 11th and 12th grade IB Literature. One feature Thommen and Bingham enjoy about the school is the class field trips called “Classroom Without Walls,” which gave Bingham the chance to go to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and Haley Mullane, their 12th grade daughter, the opportunity to visit the beach town of Trancoso, Bahia. Thommen and Bingham live right across the street from Graded American and enphoto courtesy of Nikki Thommen joy attending school functions and ac- coming December break. Learning tivities, which have become “a unifying Portuguese, the primary language of focus of community, [where] people Brazil, has been a minor obstacle to work to bond together.” overcome, and Thommen and BingSao Paulo is located in the south- ham disclose, “We count it as a minor east region of Brazil, approximately 90 victory when we can have a real conminutes from the beach. Thommen versation in Portuguese with an Uber and Bingham have taken advantage driver.” of this by taking a four-day beach trip Although Thommen and Bingham and are planning more for the up-

first spending thousands of hours substituting in various classes and then as the Dean of Students until 2017. His goal this year working at Helman is to inspire excitement for school in his kindergarteners and enjoy his time doing so. Johnson is unsure how long he will stay working at Helman Elementary, but he says he would like to work there “as long as they’ll have me.”

have found a new world in Sao Paulo, Brazil, they have not forgotten “little ol’ Ashland.” They miss the easy access to mountains and hiking, but peanut butter and good pizza are what they miss the most. Still they say that, it is worth it for “the chance to interact in an international community; [it] that is very exciting and rewarding.”

COMMUNITY & WORLD

The Supreme Court and You by Bella Mannray

Issue LGBTQ rights

Gerrymandering

Travel Ban

Under the first column you will find the issues being discussed. In the next two will be the two levels of goverment an the differences between them. In the last column, there is an opinion from a student on campus of the particular isssue of the row.

National

State

Student

This term the Supreme Court is set to rule on Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commision. Jack Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, refused to workfor a same-sex marriage, citing religious reasons. Lower courts have ruled in favor of the couple, citing state anti-discrimination laws. However, Phillips calls himself a “cake artist”, claiming his First Amendments rights of freedom of expression were violated. The case would set a precedent on how First Amendment rights are exercised in competition with public accommodation laws.

In 2014, a federal judge struck down the Oregon constitutional provision which banned same-sex marriage. This action made same-sex marriage legally accepted within the state. Like state law within Colorado, Oregon state law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation for public accommodations of places offering goods and services. A SCOTUS ruling in favor of Masterpiece Cakeshop would create complications that would put longstanding state laws on full and equal access to public accommodations in jeopardy.

I have a feeling, based on the political climate, [Masterpiece] it could have a big impact. The court is more conservative right now, I think Donald Trump and what he has to say on it could really affect the issue because of the ruptures going on in Republican party. Republican Justices could be trying to distance themselves from the image created by Trump, and go with civil liberties. Otherwise, I think Masterpiece Cakeshop will most likely win which will set a negative precedent in my personal opinion for the coming decades. - Hazel Richards

Gerrymandering is a tactic used to reshape electorate maps by manipulating district maps for the advantage of a political party. Gill v. Whitford is being brought to the Supreme Court because Democratic voters are challenging maps they claimed were drawn to unconstitutionally benefit republicans. The court will decide how district lines will be drawn, and when efforts to redraw them go too far. In the past, the court has struck down racially motivated gerrymandering, however, no standard has been enacted that rejects an election map as purely partisan. The Supreme Court dismissed oral arguments on a case involving President Trump’s travel ban. This ruling could have created a major precedent between presidential powers and claims of religious discrimination by deciding if the President was legally justified in blocking travel from several Muslim-majority countries, when citing national security concerns. The administration recently updated the executive order to include only 6 of 8 countries of Muslimmajority. Many believe this action was done to counter arguments of religious animus, and no further cases have been brought after the update, so SCOTUS won’t take the case.

Oregon’s legislature is responsible for redrawing district lines objectively. Many states are adopting independent commissions to oversee redistricting. Republican Secretary of State Dennis Richardson is currently working on a draft for a new system of drawing legislative districts which would set up a redistricting commission to draw legislative boundaries with a computer algorithm. Ultimately, voters would have to approve amending the state constitution to include the new system.

I would hope it’s a pretty bipartisan issue because depending on how the maps are drawn out it can be drawn on either side. I think it is one of the bigger injustices in modern elections and politics in that you can pretty much predict the election just by how the maps are drawn. I think it’s a big enough issue that the supreme court should have a hand in it. I would definitely rule against gerrymandering… if you can find a way to make it more equal it would be beneficial to both sides, and hopefully something they would both agree on. - Jude Williams

Among other states, Oregon Governor Kate Brown called upon the state’s Attorney General and branch of the American Civil Liberties Union to sue the federal government in response to the travel ban on Muslim-majority countries. This action was taken after the first travel ban policy, but no further actions or statements have been taken since the updated policy.

I’d say the due, you can look back to cases like Korematsu v. US, the Supreme court obviously made a decision on whether or not the US could intern japanese prisoners which is in the same kind of realm. I think the precedent has already been set. In the past Supreme Court has ruled on the constitutionality of embargos which I think also sets the precedent that if has the power to rule on it. Based on the lineup of justices and the powers of the president I think they will rule it’s constitutional. - Alex Dobry

Accessibility at AHS by Izzy Nicolier

For most at AHS, the Humanities building staircase is nothing more than a surprisingly difficult leg workout. However, for some students at AHS who have been injured or who have disabilities, going up and down staircases at school is a real challenge laced with fears of being tripped and trampled during passing periods. These students have to interrupt class to gather homework and leave early to avoid the swarm. Some students who become injured stay home with a tutor, though for some this is not the best option. Parents often work and the student cannot be left alone at the house all day, or students need the teachers instructions to be successful, so they struggle with the tedious and sometimes painful climb of stairs due to the lack of accessibility in some of the buildings, such as the Humanities building, where there are over 20 classroom on the second and third stories. Jack Schubert, a junior at AHS, is one of the students having difficulties with accessing classes. This summer, while mountain biking in Alaska, Schubert broke his right femur, sprained his right wrist, shattered the tendons on his right forearm, over rotated his left shoulder blade 3 1/2 inches forward and tore the left ligaments on his collarbone. Even with all these injuries, when school came around in August, Schubert was starting his junior year strong. With the continuous strain

on Schubert’s body the pain became worse over time. Walking up and down the staircase ended up hurting more and more. With help from his counselors, Schubert designed a class schedule that limited the amount of stairs needed to access his classes. Then in the beginning of October, Schubert got an appendectomy due to an infection in his appendix. After that surgery, he could not find the strength to pull himself up the stairs on his crutches. He can no longer attend his classes, so he spends his time in the library and other classrooms that he can access. Sometimes he is in so much pain that he cannot even go to those classes. Though he still wants to go to his classes and keep his grades up, his doctor says that he still has about two more months of recovery left. Schubert wishes that the district would have better policies to deal with the accessibility of the school buildings. Oregon does have a building regulation policy requiring student accessibility in public schools; however, AHS has many old buildings that were built before those requirements, so they do not technically have to have elevators. Despite this, every year students and athletes are injured and they have limited options when it comes to escaping the inevitable pause an injury puts on their day to day life.

photo by Alex Franklin

Scavenger Hunt! by Jackson McRae

Calling all Fall enthusiasts! If you love Fall and love competition, now is your time to shine! If you dear reader can find each of the items on the list, you can win a golden acorn! We’ve recently been having a problem with students falling asleep here at Rogue News, and frankly that’s unacceptable. To fix this, we ask that you bring us 200 Pumpkin Spice Lattes. This should keep us energized for the whole year, so we can keep creating the quality content we’re known for. Maybe we should put this in the “missing pets” section of the paper, but I really do need to find my pet squirrel. He responds when his name, Paul, is yelled out three times in rapid succession. He was last seen when I was walking him in Lithia Park. Please bring him home, he’s probably lonely, and I miss him. Speaking of Paul, hibernation season is nearly upon us, and I forgot to go get him food. 3,000 acorns should probably do, but bringing any more than that wouldn’t hurt. With the end of Fall quickly approaching, that means that the snow will be here any week now. The problem with this is that most cars can’t easily go through the snow, and collecting news when we can’t drive could be troublesome. It’s a humble request, but the next item we’ll need is just a new truck that can drive in the snow. No big deal, should be pretty easy to get for us. The last item we’ll need to see is a live turkey with four legs. You might be wondering why we need a four legged turkey, but we promise it’s really important, it’s going to the Rogue News Science Division™. With this, we can make the newest innovations in journalism, and will change the industry for the better. After you collect all of these items, the amazing prize is all yours! Please bring all of the items to your nearest trash can, and if you believe hard enough, the prize will appear right in front of your eyes. From all of us at Rogue News, we wish you the best of luck!

Thankful Students Isaac Tobar

Junior Isaac Tobar is thankful for all the opportunities he has been given. He recognizes how lucky he is to have had parents who took care of him when he wasn’t able to take care of himself, giving him food, shelter and love. He says, “it’s a life or death situation, so of course I have to be thankful for that.” The opportunities in his life have given him the option to be independent. Isaac believes that people tend to be thankful for new opportunities as well as family and friends. He is also thankful for his immediate family, who he will be spending Thanksgiving with.

Zoey Corder

Like many, freshman Zoey Corder is most thankful for her family and friends, especially for her brother who drives her to school and is always supportive of her. This year she and her family will meet her grandparents in Bend to celebrate Thanksgiving, complete with mashed potatoes and skiing. Zoey is also very active in her church this time of year, participating in the Turkey Bowl football game and other events her church hosts. Zoey believes that family, is the most important thing and that it’s something that everyone should be thankful for.

Gemti Lowenstein

Senior Gemti Lowenstein has family from her mother’s side coming from Seattle for Thanksgiving. They will be joined by her older sibling, who is attending college. Gemti is grateful for her family, and plans to enjoy spending Thanksgiving with them. Gemti is also extremely grateful for all the support her parents have given her with college. Lowenstein says, “I’m really thankful for all the work my parents are doing, giving me the ability to go to college.” Gemti believes we should be more thankful for our teachers aswell because “they work so hard. Students also give them a hard time but they still work hard and love us.”

by Joshua Leib

Leah Johnson

“Trees” are what sophomore Leah Johnson is thankful for, because they maintain the soil and provide us oxygen. Leah says, “as a civilization we have used them to go far. Keep the environment in mind and be thankful for it.” The environment is often overlooked when talking about what we are thankful for, but for Leah it is at the top of her list for things she’s grateful for. This year, Leah will be spending Thanksgiving with father, step-mom and younger sister, listening to jazz and munching on pecan pie while the trees she’s grateful for don new colors.

Family Holiday Survival Guide by Jade Bromley

It’s that time of year again - The Holidays. Thanksgiving is a time for family and the often uncomfortable questions that they ask, whether it’s prying into your love life, questioning your political beliefs, or asking you to explain why your generation is killing the diamond industry. The holidays tend to be one of the only times your extended family gets to see you and it makes sense that they would want to hear about your life, but sometimes it’s nice to have a few strategies to avoid enflaming your chronic teenage anxiety. This is the teenager’s guide for surviving the holidays. Rule number 1: Give vague answers. Offering up little nuggets of specificity is like giving a cat catnip. If Aunt Mary asks you how school is, say, “School is school. My teachers are nice. Classes are hard but going fine,” then promptly excuse yourself to get a cookie. Remember to be fast enough that you avoid the comment about how many cookies you’ve been eating. If she asks about friends, exclude the weird stuff. You don’t have to outline everything you and your friends have done unless you are completely comfortable having your whole family know that one time you sang the entire Pokémon theme song Risky Business-style. Personal information can stay personal. Rule number 2: Use props. Props add an extra boundary. Carry a book and headphones. Headphones are a great way of telling people you don’t want to talk or need space. So does a shirt saying “I’m Uncomfortable,” but headphones are more inconspicuous. A book wards off unwanted attention while at the same time making you look engaged -

the older generation tends to think looking at your phone is disrespectful. Paying too much attention to Snapchat could launch a family member into a rant about how smartphones are turning people’s brain to mush and that the younger generation is a bunch of addicted zombies. So read a book and make your family think you’re incredibly smart. Rule number 3: Don’t stay in one place for too long. Family members can only sense your anxiety if you stay in place. Migrate. Go to the kitchen and get another cookie. Say “hi” to people. Hang out in the living room for a bit. Watch TV. Really, just formulate your circulations around cookie obtainability. Make the rounds early and address all your family members so they don’t feel the need to seek you out later on. Rule number 4: Set up boundaries, physical or otherwise. Tell people not to pinch your cheeks or comment on the state of your hair, i.e. “I like it green. Thanks.” Rule number 5: Avoid politics like the plague. In this political climate, the idea of having to argue your point can be a point of stress for many. It’s not uncommon that families have extremely differing political beliefs. This kind of conversation can make an already stressful situation more stressful. Don’t pretend to believe something you don’t but try to avoid letting the conversation get too heated. If you get uncomfortable, change the subject. It’s Thanksgiving. Literally start taking about how excited you are for mashed potatoes and no one will judge you. Rule number 6: Rule number five but with religion.

Rule number 7: Talk about what you like; if you like politics and religion, you can ignore rule 5 and 6. If you do have to talk (and eventually you will), try to direct the conversation toward things you are actually interested in. You could talk to your grandfather about golf for an hour or you could talk about a movie you both like. Offer information you are comfortable talking about. Family members pry when they feel they have to force you to provide interesting conversation. If you offer topics yourself, more likely than not, they’ll want to hear about it. Ask them questions too. That way you have less focus on you, and you might learn something new. If you’re getting uncomfortable, change the subject. Rule number 8: Be yourself. Do things that you would normally do. Let your immature humor rip; wear your emo band t-shirt; nerd out over season two of Stranger Things; listen to the kind of music you like. Don’t try to be something you’re not. That will just make you more uncomfortable and anxious. Rule number 9: The most important rule, have fun. Family can be hard to deal with, especially when you don’t know them that well. They can be obnoxious when they’re older than you and don’t understand you’re obsession with memes, or when they’re younger and won’t stop asking you what you’re doing every moment. But they love you and they want to know more about you. Your younger cousins think you are SO cool and you’re grandparents, aunts, and uncles can’t believe how grown up you are. Try to enjoy yourself. You don’t have school, and a food coma awaits you. Now take these survival skills and have an awesome Thanksgiving.

INSIDE AHS

National Novel Writing Month Have you ever written a 50,000-word novel in one month? If this interests you, look no further. National Novel Writing Month is an international program to encourage writers to put pen to paper in a “seat-of-your-pants” style by crafting a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. Rogue News is featuring budding writers at AHS, in celebration of the written word and the ambition of novelists and writers everywhere.

Alexandra Roscher by Eliza Strong

Alex Roscher (left) and daughter Bella (right) photo by Lillian Witnauer

Last November, over 300,000 people from diverse backgrounds dedicated themselves to writing a 50,000-word novel about anything they pleased in a single month. Among these brave souls was Alex Roscher, who recently joined the AHS staff to teach Senior Seminar, Principles of Marketing, Intro to Business and facilitate internships. Two years ago, Roscher moved out of a Pennsylvanian farmhouse to Ashland with her husband, Jerry Roscher, and her two kids. The move wasn’t an easy transition for the family, and Roscher channelled the hardship they were feeling through one of her long-term hobbies: writing. Roscher jumped head-on into National Novel Writing Month, dubbed NaNoWriMo by participants. Encouraged by her friends who also were involved in the event, Roscher got to work on what she terms ‘word vomit.’ “I felt like I wanted to remember the house that we left,” Roscher shares. And the

Linguistic Leaders At AHS by Nicole Mullen

Jade Bromley

According to the National Poetry Foundation, free verse is “a writing style consisting of non-metrical, non-rhyming lines that closely follow the natural rhythms of speech,” but Jade Bromley so aptly calls free verse another thing: freeing. Bromley, an AHS senior, is in the midst of crafting her first free verse novel after being inspired by the author Ellen Hopkins. Bromley was drawn to free verse because it “feels a lot like thought,” and because it forces the reader to move at a slower pace and absorb each stanza. When describing the novel writing process, Bromley is visibly grateful for the “ritualistic” nature of her Saturdays spent at Noble Coffee Roasters where, upon purchasing a caffeinated drink, she can fall into the “rhythm” of writing. “There are always other people around, and I can feel the producphotos by Alex Franklin

The corners of her eyes and mouth danced and crinkled when Autumn Nidalmia answered the magical question, “have you always liked to write?” “Yes, I have always, always, always loved writing,” Nidalmia replied readily, before diving into how her fascination with storytelling began. When she was just three years old, Nidalmia picked up the book “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss, and while gesturing at the illustrations, began to read aloud. “Except I couldn’t read,” clarified Nidalmia grinning, “so I just made up words to go along with the pictures.” Nidalmia, a senior at AHS, has been writing ever since. Writing poems, short stories and a 175-page novel, Nidalmia has spent hours filling countless notebooks “usually only halfway.” She uses writing to “explore the unknown” of the human psyche. Nidalmia concluded that writing, like many art forms, 8

photo by Seth Jacobson

tive energy [of the space].” This energy paired with the wonder that is caffeine allows Bromley to write for sometimes 6 hours at a time, producing thousands of words and weaving the thread of her novel. Bromley has been writing this novel since February of 2016, but she has been developing the characters and themes for much longer. “The characters are very real to me,” stated Bromley, explaining that because she spends so much time with these personas, “they could be people.” The relationship Bromley is able have with her characters is one of the reasons she continues to write. Bromley has a wide range of passions and ambitions including animation, cinema, history and education, but regardless of what passion Bromley chooses to pursue, she will “always continue to write.”

Tia Wilhelm

Tucked away in a notebook or quickly scrawled on paper scraps are words and phrases that Tia Wilhelm molds into poetry. Wilhelm, a senior at AHS, began to write poetry in February of 2017. She was inspired by poet Naomi Shihab-Nye who visited Ashland through the local Chautauqua Poets and Writers. “She had such a big heart that really came through in her work,” explained Wilhelm when recounting the experience. Wilhelm continues to write to this day, penning over 30 poems she hopes to combine into a book someday. Wilhelm’s inspiration to write comes to her early in the morning or late at night, when she is curled up in bed with a good

Autumn Nidalmia

home provided a lot to write about. The fiction novel is based on the true story of Etna Bittenbender, a previous homeowner, who was murdered there on a Halloween night. While weaving a gripping storyline, Roscher also gave her children closure on the move by writing it from the perspective of them and their best friends. Although it’s a big time commitment, Roscher raves about the fact that with NaNoWriMo, there’s no time to get stuck and spend hours editing, calling it a “liberating process.” A goal of 2500 words a day leaves no room for perfectionistic tendencies that often lead to the dreaded writer’s block. For many people who write, the idea of writing without editing can be intimidating, but Roscher explains that it’s an opportunity to get down on paper ideas that wouldn’t become prevalent with constant perfecting. “Just do it,” she encourages. “It doesn’t even matter what you write down.”

“forces you to think about something in a way you never would otherwise.” Though Nidalmia loves to write, she describes a classic frustration plaguing writers: how to enjoy the writing you have already created. Nidalmia professed that once she finished her novel, she didn’t like it. “It just didn’t have the message I wanted to send.” Yet with her ambition unfettered, Nidalmia continues to be inspired by philosophy, and the psychology of the people around her. When she can’t sleep, and her mind is filled with thoughts, questions and stories, Nidalmia feels compelled to write and flesh out the ideas on paper. “I have this crazy fascination with the human condition in general,” said Nidalmia, “and I think that writing is such a perfect way to talk about that.”

book or pen and paper. Wilhelm’s poems focus on the themes of emotion, life, connections with people and the outdoors, but all consist of the “little snippets of imagery” that Wilhelm imagines and then puts to paper. The act of being aware of the world and externalizing that awareness can be therapeutic for Wilhelm. “Writing poems helps me to let go of things. Once I get the ideas out on the page, it helps me to acknowledge them and move on. It is freeing.” Wilhelm has not considered writing a novel, but was fascinated and congratulatory of those who take on the challenge of writing a 50,000-word novel in one month.

INSIDE AHS

AHS Student Book Reviews by Lara Rivera

Title: For Whom the Bell Tolls

Author: Ernest Hemingway

Student: Cross Harris

For Whom the Bell Tolls takes place early in the Civil Spanish War during the 1930s when Ernest Hemingway was in working in Spain as a journalist. This book falls under the category of historical fiction and, according to junior Cross Harris, it is an easy book to understand yet difficult to commit to all the way to the end. Harris says that if there were three words to describe Hemingway’s work they would be: “tortillera, Pablo and Fascist.” An outstanding characteristic of the book is its extremely “enraging” end, which is what makes it one of Cross Harris’ favorites. Hemingway’s work has a dark plot with some excitement and suspense to it, which is why For Whom the Bell Tolls is a favorite around campus.

Title: The Green Mile

Author: Steven King

Student: Maible

The Green Mile, a novel by Stephen King, is best described as an edgy thriller. It focuses on a few residents living in a residence called the Green Mile along with their families who are going through a continuous series of supernatural events. The book is considered to be an intermediate level of difficulty intended for teens and young adults. In The Green Mile, King tells the story of a young girl who is abused by one of the main characters and later goes on about the consequences they have to face both in prison and in at home. Sophomore Maible Matrishon believes that King’s novel is a must-read this fall because of its quick pace and the imaginative elements that you can make up throughout the book make it such a unique piece. King is also known for other novels such as It, Hearts of Atlantis and Dolores.

Title: All the Bright Places

Author: Jennifer Niven

Student: Cora Stonewood

If you are looking for a fun, Young Adult fall read, All The Bright Places may be just what you are looking for. Niven’s novel is centered around two high school students who are dealing with different mental health situations in which they find comfort in each other and begin dating despite their differences. The content is slightly hard to get through at times because of the topic, but in terms of diction and syntax it is an easy read. Even though it is aimed specifically towards teenagers it is especially beneficial to those who are dealing with mental health struggles. If you decide to follow up on Niven’s work, she has also written Holding Up the Universe and is currently working on other assorted novels dealing with similar topics.

Title: Harry Potter (series)

Author: J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter is a popular first choice amongst readers and one of the best known series of the 21st century. Rowling made this series stand out with all the original ideas that have inspired modern books to create a world with magical creatures, along with its adventurous and witty storyline. One of Falzone’s favorite things about this series is that each book gets better and more imaginative-material dense. Rowling’s work is meant for a younger audience, but Falzone says that since it is a fantasy series anyone from any age that enjoys magic-related topics will be able to enjoy this series. Harry Potter is Falzone’s favorite series, and she believes that people should read it because of the action and adventure incorporated into the tales along with a world filled with wizardry and magic. Rowling has written other books and series, including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them (which is within the Harry Potter universe), and The Casual Vacancy, also a fantasy book. This is a perfect read if you want a lengthy narrative but that will immerse you into a magical world full of adventure.

Student: Kepler Falzone

Book O’ the Month: Cannery Row by Zaida LaRose So many human emotions are immune to articulation. The limits of language means that it often takes a lot of words to express even the most fundamental sensations. Capturing moments that evoke these complex feelings is the greatest triumph of John Steinbeck’s short novel Can- photo by Alex Franklin nery Row. Heart-wrenchingly human and terribly wistful, Cannery Row is a tide-pool of tiny joys and pathetic mortal follies. The story follows a community of “benign bums and social-outcast philosophers” as they move through their lives in a manner both highly eccentric and passively profound. Along a California coastline that is simultaneously “tranquil and lovely and murderous,” the citizens of Cannery Row approach existence voraciously. Steering away from traditional structure, Cannery Row explores the human condition in a series of short, whimsical vignettes. This fragmented narrative style unites the populous of the Row by showing how no story is ever isolated to an individual. Even the most modest moments and trivial choices the characters make create ripples which eventually affect the entire ecosystem of the Row. From a posse of wistful and contemplative vagrants, to a peculiar grocery store owner, to a wellloved marine biologist, the quirky characters in Cannery Row form an intricate human web and succeed in illustrating (and romanticizing) our interdependence. Steinbeck glorifies mankind and the richness of life by depicting the deep connection of a community and all of its facets. The diction in Cannery Row is not difficult to understand, yet throughout the book I was stopped in my tracks by phrases such as “the starfish were twisted and knotted up for a starfish loves to hang onto something and for an hour these had found only each other.” Steinbeck’s words, like his characters, seem simple on the surface, but with prolonged contemplation revealed to me a certain depth and complexity of meaning which constantly enchanted me. Cannery Row is comical, tragic and intensely sentimental. The people of the Row don’t mentally craft their own philosophies, they live them (a feat that most of the great intellectuals we know and love could not boast having done). They preoccupy themselves with existing fully where they are. They see a human need and fulfill it, they have human foibles and experience human joy, and they do it all with pure love and wonder in their hearts. In essence, they exist without materialism, and for that they are all the more content. In the words of the Row’s lonely and wise marine biologist, “there are your true philosophers.”

EDITORIAL

To Grow or Not to Grow by Daniel Noonan and Dylan Kistler

Background

On July 1, 2015, Oregon Ballot Measure 91 passed 56% to 44%, implementing the legal sale and use of recreational marijuana by adults age 21 and over. The vote predictably split the state roughly along its political landscape, with The

Pro

Democratic Party of Oregon supporting and The Republican Party of Oregon opposing the measure, and the eventual votes 10% disparity reflecting the 10% margin by which Oregon went blue in the 2016 general election. Most Or-

by Daniel Noonan

In Oregon, legalizing recre- that puts a massive burden on the ational marijuana has proven lu- United States’ economy. crative: In 2016 alone, marijuana The reasons marijuana legalizatax receipts in the state totaled tion is a positive are not restricted more than $60 million. In 2016, to economic gains. For instance, California followed Oregon’s ex- there are many proven benefits ample by passing proposition of medical and even recreational 64, legalizing recreational mari- use of the drug on adults. Use has juana. When this been shown to law takes effect ease Alzheimer’s in 2018, Califorsymptoms and nia’s looking at an acts as a natural These taxes additional $1.5 and non-addictive billion flooding could net ‘hun- alternative to trainto the marijuaditional opioid dreds of millions na market. That pain killers. In adnumber swells to of dollars to over dition, research just shy of $3 bilshows that derivalion in 2019, and $1 billion annu- tives of marijuana nearly $4 billion show promise in ally’ by 2020, based on relieving patients the latest report with drug-resisfrom New Frontant epilepsy and tier Data and Arsome psychiatric cView Market Redisorders (e.g., search. That’s a lot of money, but anxiety, substance use disorders, where is it going? Luckily, in the schizophrenia, and psychosis), acproposition there exists two clear cording to Wynne Armand MD. ways the state of California benAnother reason that legalizaefits from legalization: the first is a tion is beneficial is marijuana’s cultivation tax on leaves and buds role in racial targeting. Accordand the second is a retail tax on ing to Lawrence D. Bobo and Victhe retail price. These taxes could tor Thompson from Brown Uninet “hundreds of millions of dol- versity, in 1954, there were only lars to over $1 billion annually” for about 98,000 African-Americans the State of California, according in prison or jail. By 2002 the numto the nonpartisan Legislative An- bers had risen to 884,500, an inalyst’s office. That’s before factoring crease of 900 percent, with some in “reduced criminal justice costs states, such as California, incarof tens of millions of dollars annu- cerating blacks at a rate of 2,757 ally.” per 100,000 compared to 470 per The Legislative Analyst’s office 100,000 for non-Hispanic whites is right: the population of prisons and 827 per 100,000 Hispanin the United States is massive and ics. The study points out that this the cost to hold prisoners is con- troubling trend correlates directly tinually increasing. In 2015 there with the beginning of the war on were 574,641 arrests for non-vio- drugs, not with shifts in the nature lent drug offenses (like possession of crime. Legalization marks a poand sale) according to a report tential change in the United States’ by the American Civil Liberties outdated drug policy and ensures Union and Human Rights Watch. that law enforcement has fewer That’s roughly 13 percent more tools with which to target minoriarrests made than there were for ties. rape and murder. Legalizing mariLegalization has afforded states juana at the federal level is key to brave enough to do it benefits that alleviating this problem. Think range far and wide. States like Calabout it: hundreds of thousands of ifornia and Oregon have left the would-be-criminals afforded the Federal Government in the dust chance to be beneficial to society and it’s time for the U.S. to catch and removed from a population up. 10

Con

egonians of legal age have driven by pot stores, and perhaps have personally or indirectly engaged in the newly available commerce, but it seems few set aside their self-interests to weigh the utilitarianism of this recent societal change.

by Dylan Kistler

The marijuana widely distrib- the issue quickly becomes murky uted today is not the weak grass when considering that the Suof the 1960s. Its THC content av- preme Court, in accordance with erages from 18 to 25% (up from prevailing philosophies, permits 19% five years ago), representing restricting free expression when an increase in potency of three to the individual’s actions have confive times that of the pot found sequences that significantly affect in joints at Woodstock. Selective others. Besides research showing breeding leads to unregulated in- that higher-THC marijuana intensification of the drug over time, creasingly leads to aggression and differentiating marijuana from illogical decision-making, it is an other medically-recommended undeniably dangerous in the inevisubstances that may be medici- table circumstances where it mixes nally approved. Adults in Oregon with driving and has been shown can now legally consume the drug, to more than double the odds of whose effects they once believed an accident. As marijuana distriwere manageable but in fact are bution and legalization approachnow far more addictive. These es parity with that of alcohol, it’s higher doses can foster danger- plausible that the drug could one ous behavior, and radically impair have the same effects on our highboth judgement and driving abil- ways as alcohol: costing the nation ity. 10,000 lives and over $110 billion Nevertheless, those who choose annually in associated costs – one to grow or construct blast-proof and a half times the amount spent processing facilities can earn any- on our infamously expansive priswhere from three to eight times on system. the profit of similar professionals Other effects are irrefutably eviavoiding the industry. Prices for dent but more difficult to quantify. farmland here in the Rogue Val- For example, taxation normalizes ley have skyrocketed now that a product and forms a connecpastures and hayfields can be tion to government pocketbooks, subdivided into pot farms, driv- making future restrictions uning traditional likely (no matfarmers out of the ter what research region and disemerges concouraging new cerning higherones from arrivFor example, THC products). ing. Moreover, Furthermore, taxation normalpot farming dethe uniquely depletes soil of its manding water izes a product nutrients, in some needs of cannabis cases rendering it […] making fu- has led a majoruseless for future ity of experts to ture restrictions crops. As pot conconcur that growsumes the bulk of ing should be reunlikely unused land in the stricted to habitats Rogue Valley, lothat can withstand cal producers will both drying and be forced to resort erosion. Yet the to non-organic industry’s deep farming practices that increase ef- pockets has staunchly pushed back ficiency rather than keep harvest- against recommended regulaing sustainably on larger acreages. tions. But the environmental degProponents of legalization of- radation occurring until then will ten point to the individual lib- likely prove irreversible – and that erty of marijuana sale and use still leaves Oregon with a future as moral imperatives and neces- where taxation and regulation has sary for maintaining consistency normalized the recreational use of with the free exercise clause of highly-potent pot for adults. the first amendment. However,

EDITORIAL

Sexual Assault in the Media by Sophia Hajje

Local Resorces for Survivors of Sexual Assault by Ayla Prusko

Harvey Weinstein. You have probably heard his name or the names of the most popular movies that he has produced, such as Pulp Fiction, Silver Linings Playbook, Lion, and Paddington, to name a few. What you might not have heard is that Weinstein is accused of more than forty sexual harassments or assaults. Ashley Judd was the first actress to publicly accuse Weinstein, followed by many other actors you may know: Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Cara Delevingne, Lena Headey and many more. Katherine Kendall told the New York Times, “He literally chased me. He wouldn’t let me pass him to get to the door. I just thought to myself: I can’t believe you’re doing this to me. I’m so offended – we just had a meeting.” Kendall was invited to a screening, but afterwards he took her to his apartment. Lucia Evans reports in the New Yorker that at a casting meeting, Weinstein forced Evans to perform oral sex on him. “I said, over and over, ‘I don’t want to do this, stop, don’t.’ He’s a big guy. He overpowered me.” Weinstein holds a lot power and has abused it ever since he started producing movies. Many actresses have been silent up to this point because they didn’t want to lose their jobs or opportunities in the future, and while many knew this was happening behind the scenes, no one said anything. This has been happening for about 35 years, and nobody has spoken out against Weinstein, until now. On October 15, Alyssa Milano posted a and suggested that, “If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote ‘Me Too’ as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem.” This post spread like wildfire, and the feeds of everyone’s

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were filled with the hashtag #MeToo. Women, Men and non-deciding alike shared this hashtag and their personal stories showing the immensity of how many people have been sexually harassed or assaulted and bringing awareness to it. The #MeToo movement was actually started 10 years ago by activist Tarana Burke, according to The New York Times. In 1997, a 13 year old told Burke that she had gotten sexually assaulted, but Burke didn’t know what to do or how to help. This story sat with her for a long time. Ten years after the conversation, Burke created a nonprofit organization to help survivors of sexual harassment or assault. She named her organization “Me Too.” This hashtag has touched many individuals around the world and many students here at AHS. Students may not realize the vastness of sexual harassment or assault until it is seen in their own community, and the #MeToo movement online provides a view into how many people are affected by this, especially when classmates or close friends post #MeToo or talk about it publicly. Some people at AHS chose not to post the hashtag, but others have shared their stories. When Ashley Judd spoke out about Harvey Weinstein, it opened up the opportunity for many other actors to speak freely. When Alyssa Milano brought back #MeToo it gave a spotlight on survivors all over the world. With more attention to survivors, numerous communities are now realizing how big this issue is. Hopefully with all of us working together, we can each do our part in bringing more awareness to sexual assault and harassment and bring an end to this horrific problem.

Figuring out what to do or who to turn to after experiencing a sexual assault can be an extremely difficult decision. Fortunately, a number of local organizations and assistance programs have been put in place in order to make the process of recovery much easier for survivors of sexual assault. One option that strives to ensure that the survivor is in control is the You Have Options Program (YHOP). This program at the Ashland Police Department allows the survivor, aged 15 or older, to speak with a detective anonymously and without parental knowledge, and have an opportunity to ask any questions they might have regarding what a criminal investigation would look like before making a final decision on reporting their trauma. If the survivor wishes to go forward and file an official report, they may choose between an information only report, a partial investigation or a complete investigation and are able to change which path they take at any time. This program is in the process of adoption by police departments in Central Point and Eagle Point and the Sheriff ’s Department. An advocate can help explain which of these departments offer these options for under-18. Anonymous online reporting is also available; for more information visit reportingoptions.org. Another local resource for survivors is the free post-assault medical care provided by the Jackson County Sexual Assault Response Team (JCSART). If the survivor is 15 or older, they are able to walk into any one of the three local hospitals, Asante Ashland Community Hospital, Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, and Providence Medical Center,

within 7 days of the assault and receive completely free, confidential medical care. The survivor is immediately paired with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) who is able to provide treatment for sexually transmitted infections, emergency contraceptives and attention to immediate medical problems related to the attack and a forensic exam to collect evidence (some types of evidence must be collected within 84 hours). The survivor can also be given an advocate from Community Works, a non-profit agency that helps children, adolescents and young families recover from severe trauma, and is free to ask any questions regarding their assault or the next steps they take. If the survivor is under 18, the SANE are mandatory reporters meaning they must report the assault to law enforcement without exception. The survivor is free not to comply with the investigation by refusing to speak with police. To learn more visit jacksoncountysart.org and click on Care. Advocates are also available through JCSART to educate students on their rights through Title IX and to help survivors report to their school as well as ensure their rights aren’t being violated. Support groups are also in place to help the survivor with long-lasting recovery. If you have been sexually assaulted and are thinking of reporting or would like to explore resources for recovery, go to jacksoncountysart. org, call JCSART at (541) 840-0904 (9am-5pm only), call the Community Works HelpLine at (541) 779-4357 (24/7) or visit the RAINN Online Hotline, a national sexual assault hotline, at hotline.rainn.org.

Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HELP JCSART: (541) 840-0904 (9am-5pm only) Community Works HelpLine: (541) 779-4357 (open 24/7) RAINN Online Hotline: hotline.rainn.org

A Coffee Roast art by Jack Schubert

Mix

Noble

Mix Bakeshop, a long time running favorite of Ashland locals. Known for its amazing coffee, food, unique style and free wifi. Who even needs those fully furnished, over-glorified hipster hangouts, aka Case Coffee when one can have Mix’s minimalistic, unfurnished atmosphere. Mix has a welcoming feel to it, much better than the feeling of walking into Case and wondering how one ended up inside of someone’s run down cabin. Mix has everything and not just coffee-wise but also has a wide variety of foods and pastries. Mix’s pastries are so good it’ll leave you wondering why Cases’ food tastes like it was dug out of one of their employee’s compost. Not only does Mix have fantastic food and an appealing ambiance, it also has a spacious downstairs area perfect for studying, which is better than being crammed next to filthy hipsters who haven’t worn deodorant since 2009. The room is furnished with several high-quality tables and chairs. The room comes complete with an inviting fireplace, ideal for those fall and winter months. When it comes to who wins this roast, Mix doesn’t have to boast because they are the true kings of this coffee roast.

Noble is a sizeable, welcoming coffee shop. Not only has their amazing coffee been raved about by locals and out-oftowners alike, but Noble’s simplistic modern industrial interior makes it a cozy place to be on a brisk fall afternoon or freezing winter morning. It’s just common knowledge that Noble sits on a pedestal above other Ashland coffee shops. It says it in their name, they’re Noble. It’s only fair to say that Noble is the top dog (dare I say “top lion”?) and no other coffee shop can compare, least of all Mix Bakeshop with their unfinished, exposed brick interior. Did they run out of money when they were building the shop? Not to mention the fake succulents and the false smiles the baristas put on day after day. It seems that they’ve used all their water for their succulents on their watered down chai’s. Where exactly does their lemonade come from? A Santa Cruz lemonade bottle? And the Stumptown coffee? It’s clear that they lack the confidence and security that a real coffee shop needs to roast the beans themselves. If they are looking for some inspiration, Noble is a good example of what a proper coffee shop should be. Bow down to the true coffee shop, Noble Coffee.

by Seth Jacobson

Roasting

Co.

by Taylor Kelly-McMahon

The Roasting Co. is the best coffee shop in Ashlandia. All of the young students take their lunch breaks there as it is so close to their place of school. Unlike Noble coffee, which caters to mostly millennials, and rich tourists looking for a small town coffee experience, with ridiculously high prices and rather blasé coffee, The Roasting Co. caters to everyone. It has great bargains, consistently good coffee and fantastic focaccia, which is a favorite among regular patrons. It is very quiet, something that Noble doesn’t seem to understand. They blast Second-Rate hipster rock, and constantly grind coffee so loudly that even headphones can’t block it out, making it hard to focus on work, conversations and any thinking one might want to do while drinking their morning coffee. At The Roasting Co. all of these things are achievable. Although they do play music there, they keep the volume down so that you can enjoy it, but are not forced to hear it. Aside from that the food is fantastic. At Noble, the best thing on their ridiculously limited menu is a blueberry muffin, which isn’t even that good. At The Roasting Co, they have a wide array of food items, sweet and savory, that are all great. In the Game of Scones, it is clear that there is one true heir to the Iron Scone: The Roasting Co. 12

by Tzad BURT

Case

by Uma Mcguire

If The Roasting Co. is for the high schoolers, Case welcomes you to the collegiate league. Can your scones not satisfy people who are over the age of pre-pubescent teens? Do you have such a hard time selling coffee that you have to give it out with a coffee raffle? Case’s coffee sells itself — the coffee is the best. That is why all the hipsters hang here, their sweaters matching their breath, sage-scented. Their aesthetic cannot be matched with the seashell-white walls and geometrically potted succulents, compared to RoCo’s aesthetic, which is just the color brown. Winter is coming, and you want us to sit outside on the concrete patio that has the furniture of a Florida retirement home? Come over to the warmer side just in Case you freeze, where the succulents that mount the wall make it easier to breath. At Case, they stand for inclusivity — just try the vegan donuts! Fill your mouth with warm buttermilk biscuits instead of overpriced, oversalted focaccia bread. The baristas will tend to your needs, there’s no need to fret. The cork floors will keep your feet comfy and blend in with your Birkenstocks. Case has latte art, RoCo has a latte mess. Case is perfectly roasted, RoCo’s roast should be ghosted.