The Appalachian April 2, 2021
A new chapter
County library reopens in-person service after year of COVID-19 closures Cameron Stuart | Reporter The nostalgic smell of old books wafts through the air as children browse book shelves with excitement. After multiple COVID-19 related closures over the last year, the Watauga County Public Library reopened inperson services March 24. The Watauga County Public Library is part of the Appalachian Regional Library system, which reopened nearly all its branches across Ashe, Wilkes and Watauga counties. The Western Watauga Branch Library, the only branch with a senior center, will remain closed until senior centers in North Carolina have reopened. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the library shut down for about three months, offered six weeks of curbside service and fully opened to the public again in June. Due to increased cases and emerging variants of the virus, the library shut down again Jan. 13, according to county librarian Monica Caruso. Caruso said the library is a hub for the community, and the library staff misses seeing people. The door count on opening day was 288 people. “A lot of patrons are extremely happy to get back in the library,” said Randy Feimster, circulation manager. “They persevered through the curbside service and they were appreciative of that, and they’re excited to get back in.” Feimster said opening day was busy at first, but got into “a normal rhythm.” He added that many people probably don’t know the library has reopened because he thought word has not gotten around. Continue on page 6
Voter guide: Student body president, vice president
Max Correa
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Femme music engineers band together
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April 2, 2021
Longtime university diversity advocate announces retirement Jackie Park | Editor-in-Chief Chief Diversity Officer Willie Fleming will retire from the university June 1, Chancellor Sheri Everts announced Monday evening. Fleming has worked at App State since 2016 and earned both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in the High Country in art education and student development, respectively. He has served as chief diversity officer since 2018. This is the university’s first cabinet-level diversity position. Fleming leads the office of Diversity and Inclusion, regularly hosting workshops and training for faculty, staff and students. He leads several teams at the university level, including the Chief Diversity Officer’s Advisory Board and the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board for Diversity Recruitment
& Retention. Fleming also serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Accountability Team and a steering committee the Black at App State Collective created. Working at a predominantly white institution, much of Fleming’s work has focused on fostering inclusive spaces for underrepresented students. Fleming was App State’s director of minority affairs in the 1980s, which is now known as director of multicultural development. He founded the Black Student Association in 1974 and was “instrumental in bringing Black Greek life” to the university, Everts said. In the last year, he has worked closely with the Black at App State Collective to implement demands the group put forth
over the summer to create accountability and space at the university for minority students. The Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship first came about in 2014, thanks to alumnus Gary Henderson and alumna Reneé Evans. The scholarship is merit-based and awards full in-state tuition and fees and mentoring and networking to underrepresented students. Everts said Fleming’s legacy “will live on for generations to come.” “We know he will continue to remain involved with the university, and will stay connected with his many friends and colleagues here on campus,” Everts wrote. A celebration for Fleming and a national search for chief diversity officer are underway. Emily Broyles contributed reporting to this story.
Willie Fleming graduated from App State in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in art education and master’s in student development in 1984. He has worked to promote diversity and inclusion at the university since. Photo courtesy of Marie Freeman
Nonprofit adds inclusive transportation infrastructure Jake Markland | Associate News Editor A local nonprofit is looking to establish multi-modal paths around Boone, allowing residents to get around town without a vehicle. Harmony Lanes was established in 2019 to create safe, inclusive, multi-modal transportation opportunities, according to its website. Its biggest project yet, the East Boone Connector, was approved by the North Carolina Department of Transportation in the fall of 2019 and should be finished in the next three years. “We started up to advocate and push the town and the county and the university to think in terms of sustainability and quality of life for the people who live here, including students and locals, and try to make some smarter decisions in the infrastructure planning as we go forward,” Harmony Lanes founder Dave Freireich said. The East Boone Connector, a $9 million project, will run along Bamboo Road from US 421 to the Wilson Ridge Drive intersection. The path will be protected from the road with a curb and a 3-foot patch of grass.
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Having no shoulder lane or sidewalk right now, Freireich said this 10foot path will help people safely get to the Hospitality House, the Community Care Clinic and many businesses. But it will also help people driving cars, he said. “If we're getting cars off the road, because a lot of people will choose to use these systems, then we're helping you too,” Freireich said. Freireich spoke about other towns and cities that have implemented this infrastructure and the success they have had. Asheville recently converted a three-lane road into a two-lane road with a center turn lane and bicycle lanes on each side. This transformation resulted in a decrease in traffic and an increase in bicycle ridership. Even with 20,000 vehicles a day on this one street, travel times went down. Shaw Brown, owner of Boone Bike, said that as Boone has grown, getting around on a bike has become harder. “There's big voids,” Brown said.
“Maybe there's a safe two miles and then there's an unsafe half mile. And then it's safe again.” Brown, who has lived in Boone for 30 years, sponsored Harmony Lanes in the past and said they are “bringing light a problem that has been here forever.” The Town of Boone has worked on several similar projects in the past, former town council member Lynne Mason said, but there's “still a little work to do.” Mason said she was a fierce advocate for this type of work as a town council member and is glad Harmony Lanes is implementing these new forms of transportation, emphasizing her appreciation for citizen groups. “I loved community engagement when I was on council and different groups being champions for different issues,” Mason said. “They've done an absolutely amazing job in creating this awareness.” The East Boone Connector also has environmental benefits, Freireich said.
Freireich, a 1996 App State graduate, said enrollment at the university has increased from 12,000 to 20,000 since he graduated. With this increase in population, he said people need more environmentally conscious ways to travel. “If we’re going to reverse the environmental impact of our fossil fueled economy, electric cars and public transportation are a great step forward,” Freireich said. “But we also need to make it easy and safe for people to get a mile or two to class, work, shopping without needing a car.” Skye-Anne Tschoepe is the hub coordinator of Sunrise Boone, an environmental group working to end anthropogenic climate change. She and Freireich met at the ClimACT People's Assembly in January, where their collaboration began. Tschoepe said the creation of the East Boone Connector in itself will create jobs and then, after construction, benefit the environment because less cars on the road will lead to less greenhouse gas emissiontion.
“And also the human health benefits, I mean if we bike or walk instead of driving our cars, the miles add up and we're healthier,” Tschoepe said. The East Boone Connector should be completed within three years, according to the Harmony Lanes website. The NCDOT will start land clearing this year and begin construction in 2022. Harmony Lanes originally needed 30% of the funding from the Town of Boone and Watauga County, but the NCDOT is funding the entire project because it adheres to their “Complete Streets” policy. This NCDOT policy encourages infrastructure projects in North Carolina to incorporate multiple modes of transportation. Eventually, Harmony Lanes hopes to create the Cross Boone connector, a multimodal path connecting the end Boone Greenway to App State’s campus.
News
April 2, 2021
Candidates face off in student body president, vice president debate
(Left) Bailey Gardin and his running mate DJ Evans, during the SGA debate on Monday. (Right) Candidate for student body president Adam Zebzda, left, and his running mate Jenn Banh during the SGA debate Monday. The debate is the only formal debate between the cadidates. Jesse Barber
Jake Markland | Associate News Editor Candidates for student body president and vice president debated Monday in a socially distanced Parkway Ballroom in Plemmons Student Union, responding to moderator-created and student-submitted questions. Two groups of candidates are running to lead the student government: Bailey Gardin and DJ Evans, and Adam Zebzda and Jenn Banh. The debate focused on candidates’ priorities, leadership capabilities, needs of students and concerns for the performance of the App State Student Government Association. Moderator Susan McCracken, director of Career Development and Economic Engagement and SGA Director of Elections Ardeshir Piradeh brainstormed questions before the debate. Plus, students submitted questions via Zoom, where the debate was livestreamed. Who’s running? In their opening statement, each ticket had four minutes to introduce themselves and explain their reasons for running. Presidential candidate Gardin, a junior political science major, is the current director of academic affairs for SGA, a founding member
Jackie Park | Editor-in-Chief
of the Black at App State Collective and serves on the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board. Gardin said he is running to listen to and advocate for the student body, employing his campaign slogan, “Amplifying all voices.” “Marginalized voices, when they bring problems and concerns to administration, they should be heard,” Gardin said. “They should be welcomed, they should be discussed and they should be collaborated on.” As director of academic affairs, Gardin has advocated for the pass/no credit system and mental health days for App State students. He also said Black at App State has come far since its founding, now meeting monthly with Chancellor Sheri Everts and other administrators. Evans, Gardin’s running mate, is a junior political science major from Bossier City, Louisiana. Evans serves as the Interfraternity Council senator for SGA and said he is running because of what he believes SGA can be. “I’ve seen what SGA can do but I’ve also seen the flaws that SGA has,” Evans said. “If we enroll our methods into SGA, we can make it better than it already is.” Evans said the four pillars of
their campaign – equity, wellness, engagement and accountability – will help in “amplifying all voices.” Evans is also a member of Sigma Nu, the international relations club and the hiking club. Zebzda, a junior political science major, is also running for student body president. He is from Winston-Salem and focused his introduction on learning from the mistakes and problems he saw come to light in the 2020-21 academic year. “This year we’ve seen the disastrous consequences of disconnected campus leadership that empowers broken and oppressive systems,” Zebzda said. “We need a better, unified and more equitable tomorrow. App State is plagued by systemic issues and I’m proud to have been fighting for systemic solutions.” Zebzda.Banh’s slogan is “Bridging the gaps.” Zebzda is currently serving as the director of external affairs for SGA and has worked on several resolutions submitted to the Boone Town Council, including those related to student representation on town council and he has supported on-campus voting sites.
His running mate, Banh, is a junior psychology major and currently serves as a Multicultural Affairs senator for SGA representing Intercultural Student Affairs. She is also a first-generation college student. Banh’s introduction focused on finding her voice as an Asian American woman in middle and high school in a community that did not celebrate diversity. “It wasn’t until high school when I learned that I had a voice,” Banh said. “And it wasn’t until I graduated high school when I realized that that voice is a strong and a powerful one. One that calls to be heard. So I’m here today to speak on behalf of the students who aren’t able to speak for themselves. I’m here today to ensure that every student is heard.” Banh works at the university’s tri-centers: the Multicultural Center, Women’s Center and Henderson Springs LGBT Center. She also serves on the Town of Boone’s Cultural Resources Advisory Board. The debate After introductions, the candidates ran through a series of questions covering everything from moving forward from the pandemic to dealing with racism and hate on campus to
internal debates about SGA’s friction and set rules. The campaigns agreed on some things. For example, both tickets agreed that students feel overworked and overwhelmed after a full year of pandemic-centric life and school. “What we’re seeing is that we’re having students experience significant mental fatigue, significant academic stress,” Gardin said. The two pairs of running mates also agreed that SGA is experiencing a lot of divide between its cabinet and senate. “It is no secret that SGA is very divided at the moment,” Banh said. “One of our initiatives is to plan to bridge those gaps within SGA, and once we bridge those gaps within our internal structures, we can go on to bridge those gaps within our community as well.” McCracken also asked candidates about how they’re planning to further work on issues like diversity, equity and inclusion, which both groups agreed need to be addressed. Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com
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April 2, 2021
Beyond the ticket: get to know App State’s S Bailey Gardin and DJ Evans Where are you from and what made you choose App State?
What is your year and major and why did you choose that major?
Bailey: I am from Gastonia, which is so special to me because not many people from there are fortunate enough to receive the same opportunities that I have been blessedwith. The reason why I chose to attend App State was due to the fact that I received the Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship back in 2018. As a firstgeneration college student, I was grateful and proud to be a recipient of the award and recognized that it would help me accomplish my dreams of graduating from a four-year university with a degree!
Bailey: I am currently a junior and major in political science with a concentration in pre-law studies. I also have completed requirements for a minor in criminal justice. I chose this combination of major and minor for a few reasons. First, while growing up, my mom and I would watch “Law & Order: SVU” all the time. My favorite part about the episodes was not the first half when the detectives would investigate the crime and try to arrest a suspect, but rather I was always excited for the latter half of the show as it would portray dramatic court scenes. I loved watching these TV attorneys devise crafty arguments to present in front of juries and admired the way they commanded the courtroom. My passions involve helping others and creating opportunities for those who are not as fortunate to achieve those opportunities on their own, so I am hoping to pursue a legal career where I can utilize my degree to assist others, especially when their rights have been violated.
DJ: I am from Bossier City, Louisiana! I decided to come to App State because when I toured schools such as LSU, Tulane and UNC, every time I stepped onto one of their campuses, I did not feel a strong sense of belonging. However, the moment I stepped foot on App State’s campus, I felt at home. I had random students come up to me and ask me, “How do I like the campus?” “Can they help me get anywhere?” and overall were just being very friendly toward me. When those experiences happened, I knew this is where I wanted to call home.
What is your experience with SGA?
Jackie Park | Editor-in-Chief
Jesse Barber
DJ: I am currently a junior and I’m majoring in political science, focusing on international studies. Additionally, I have a minor in Arabic. After undergrad, I intend on attending law school and pursuing a career as an attorney, then hopefully going into some form of international politics.
Bailey: My experience with SGA has come with its challenges, but some of the change and initiatives that I have been a part of have truly been special! One day, I will be able to walk away from this organization and reflect on the positive impact that I have been fortunate enough to make on this campus. Through collaborating with hardworking and dedicated senators, we were able to provide academic relief in the form of pass/no credit last semester and are dedicating even more time, energy and resources to pursue the initiative again this semester. SGA has the potential to be a strong body that advocates for all students, but that requires all members within the cabinet and senate to put their egos to the side and work efficiently. Because when we are not working in unison, the student body suffers, and that is unacceptable for an organization that is supposed to lead by example.
Jesse Barber
DJ: My experience with student government has been exciting. While I have only been in SGA for one year now, I have realized how much can get done when you put a bunch of great minds together. However, I have also learned that SGA has many flaws that I believe Bailey and I can fix if given the opportunity. The cabinet and senate relationship can be improved by taking steps to develop relationships and understand all senate members so that we can eliminate the divide.
What has been your most memorable moment at App State? Bailey: My most memorable moment at App State would have to be Aug. 31 of last year when I led a social justice march on campus along with the other founding members of the Black at App State Collective. We marched from Sanford Mall, through the expression tunnels and all the way to B.B. Dougherty where Chancellor Sheri Everts’ office is located. Approximately 250-300 people attended, all demanding the same thing: for our chancellor and administration to wake up and do more in ensuring this campus becomes a more inclusive and equitable environment for our BIPOC student population. DJ: My most memorable moment here at App State was traveling to USC for our football game and being in the stadium when we pulled off that win. It was fantastic to be around all my friends and share the energy and excitement that we had.
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News
April 2, 2021
SGA president and vice president candidates Adam Zebzda and Jenn Banh
Jake Markland | Associate News Editor
Jesse Barber
Where are you from and what made you choose App State?
What is your year and major and why did you choose that major?
Adam: I was born and raised in Winston-Salem and I chose App State after falling in love with the campus during a college visit. Every other university I visited felt impersonal but as soon as I arrived in Boone, I knew I found my home away from home.
Adam: I am a junior political science major with a minor in criminal justice. Since I was younger, I have always had an interest in the local political process and how it can be reformed to better serve the constituency it’s supposed to. Through my major and experience in SGA, I’m learning firsthand what it takes to create a more equitable system of representation.
Jenn: I was born and raised in Alamance County, and growing up I had always wanted to go to UNC Chapel Hill. However, when I began touring colleges, I knew in my heart that App State and Boone were going to be my home. To this day, I stand by the fact that App State is for me. I am constantly finding myself falling in love with this school over and over again.
What is your experience with SGA?
Jenn: I am currently a junior double majoring in criminal justice and psychology with a concentration in human services. I was originally just a psychology major but when I took an introduction course in criminal justice I fell in love (shoutout to Dr. Mullens). I have always found people interesting and understand how their minds worked, but even further, I found out that was because I wanted to know how I can best serve them. I want to pursue a career in law and advocate for the underrepresented to the best of my ability.
Adam: As director of external affairs, I focused on finding community-wide solutions to our communitywide problems. Through my position, I was able to expand civic opportunities for students in Town Hall by pushing for the implementation of student representative seats on every town advisory board possible while codifying the student voice as an essential part of local affairs. I was also able to oversee the passage of one of Boone’s most comprehensive climate justice policies as well as a climate emergency declaration to start mobilizing the resources we need to make sure our town continues to thrive far into the future. Even though this has been my first year in SGA, we’ve been able to expand the student voice far beyond a university setting. Now, as a candidate for student body president, I hope to continue and expand the work we’ve begun. Jenn: I joined SGA this past year because I wanted to make a difference at App State. I am the current Multicultural Affairs chair, and I have been working to advocate for the students that I represent. I serve on the external affairs committee and have supported and worked on statements that the committee has released. I have also taken the initiative to join the Town of Boone’s Cultural Resources Advisory Board to better advocate for student needs through the community as well. I want to prioritize student voices in any possible manner. Jesse Barber
What has been your most memorable moment at App State? Adam: My most memorable moment at App State would definitely be when I opened my acceptance letter and learned I was a Mountaineer. The feeling of joy and relief while sharing that experience with my family is something I will never forget. Jenn: My most memorable moment at App State is definitely having the opportunity to volunteer at the tri-centers. In the time that I have been a volunteer, I have learned so much about the LGBTQ+ community, the multicultural community and even more on women’s issues at App State. It has been such an honor to learn about these issues firsthand and to get to know the different communities more personally.
Read the full interviews online at www.theappalachianonline.com 5
News
April 2, 2021
It’s been like a little reunion”: Judith Winecoff, youth services librarian at the Watauga County Public Library, works at her desk behind plexiglass dividers to protect both employees and returning library patrons from COVID-19. Max Correa
Before the pandemic, Feimster said over 500 people on average visited the library per day. During summer and fall when the library was open to the public, that number dropped to about 300 people a day, which Feimster thought was still a lot of people, considering the limited capacity during COVID-19. Feimster said the library is a resource for children’s books as well as for homeschoolers who use the library. “It’s been like a little reunion,” said Judith Winecoff, youth services librarian. “We haven’t seen people, and the kids have grown several inches, so
it’s been a lot of fun.” Winecoff said the library is important for children because there is a community of readers and it encourages early literacy. Before COVID-19, the library offered several literacy programs such as story times and “Battle of the Books.” At the start of the day, Winecoff said a family brought balloons and donuts for the staff because they were “happy that we’re back in the groove again.” Homeschooler Gaia Lee came to the library on its opening day. The children’s section and the sewing
section are her favorite parts of the library. She said the library is valuable and is a great place for learning. “I’ve lived here all my life and I’ve been going to this library since forever. Judith has always been a mentor for me,” Lee said. “I feel like it’s a wonderful resource that should be explored by lots of people.” Community member Jenna Kissel has been a regular visitor for three years and was also excited about the reopening because her two daughters have missed the library. Kissel said her daughters are
“voracious readers”and the library gives them great book recommendations and keeps them engaged with crafts, word searches and coloring sheets. “In non-COVID times, this was a great place for me to come with a younger kid who wasn’t in fulltime school to have a place to not be throwing markers around my house,” Kissel said. Curbside services were still available during the library’s second shutdown. Caruso said curbside service will likely continue to be an option when the pandemic is over. As added safety precautions, community members are required to wear masks while inside, visits are limited to 25 minutes and there is a limit to the number of people allowed in the building, according to the library’s press release March 22.
Inside the library, staff members are ensuring safety by providing hand sanitizer; closing off all seating, water fountains and study rooms; and setting up “stand here” signs spaced 6 feet apart in front of the public service desks. All seating, water fountains and study rooms are also closed off as an added safety precaution. During curbside service, Caruso said the library did not take any money. Print documents were given for free and late fees were waived. Though the library suffered monetarily, Caruso said economics were not a factor in reopening. “We didn’t really talk about that, I think that’s an underlying thing for sure,” Caruso said. “But it’s more about serving the community. That’s what we’re here for.”
The public library serves as a resource for children’s books and homeschoolers that provides a community for literacy. Max Correa
All Watauga County adults eligible for vaccine Jake Markland | Associate News Editor All adults in the App State and Boone communities are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. AppHealthCare, the health system covering Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties, is opening eligibility to everyone due to an increased supply of vaccines, according to Tuesday’s campuswide email. For the rest of North Carolina, all adults become eligible on April 7.
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App State is administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which only requires one dose and is only approved for adults 18 years old or older. Individuals can receive a vaccine through the university at the upcoming vaccine clinics on March 31 and April 1 at the Holmes Convocation Center. Those seeking a vaccine can
make an appointment through the university or AppHealthCare. Individuals in Watauga County under 18 years of age can contact AppHealthCare or Boone Drug to inquire about the Pfizer vaccine, the only COVID-19 vaccine approved for people 16 years old and older. The COVID-19 vaccine is free and does not require insurance.
Jessica Chute, left, a nurse at App State Student Health Center, received the Moderna vaccine in a drive-thru vaccination clinic at the end of December. Jesse Barber
A&C
April 2, 2021
Creating space Female music industry majors band together
“It’s all about how confident you are in yourself, and how you can help other people while also simultaneously helping yourself,”
Aubrey Smith | Reporter
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s the first female studio manager at App State, one student is looking toward other women for support in the male-dominated field of music production. Sofie Pedersen, a senior in the recording and production program at App State, got her start playing gigs at bars and local venues in Charlotte when she was just 15 years old. Since then, Pedersen has been in love with songwriting and producing and has put out a large collection of music ranging from singles to EPs to albums. “There is that preconceived notion that the girls aren’t really wanting to do the techy side of stuff, they’re more like singer-songwriters, or they want to focus on choral education,” Pedersen said. “I think that that mindset is changing a little bit.” Pedersen works at another studio in Boone and said people have told her they want a “real engineer” and have distrusted her because she’s “just a girl,” even calling her derogatory nicknames. She said she has also had to call the police on people, kicking out those who reached out to her in the first place. “It really knocks you down a peg,” Pedersen said. “But it’s also humbling to know that they had to reach out to pay me, and I’m kicking them (out).” Only 5% of music producers in the U.S. identify as female. Pedersen is a part of the Femgineers, a group of femme individuals involved in music production and recording at App State. The Femgineers provide a safe space for femme producers and artists where they can talk about how they’re feeling and share mixes with each other, Pedersen said. When it came time for Jasmine Hunjan to decide on a major, she hesitantly decided on the recording and production program. Luckily, she found a perfect fit in the program and the Femgineers as well. “I loved the fact that here I could have the ability to explore the recording and production side more,” Hunjan said. Hunjan didn’t come into the program with lots of background knowledge, and it was intimidating at first, she said. “My freshman and sophomore year, a lot of my time was devoted to remembering that I was allowed to be in this space,” Hunjan said. “Just because I was different from other people doesn’t mean that I don’t belong.” President of the Femgineers, Anna Ezzell, is continuing the organization’s history of supporting femme producers in a new way. When Ezzell took over this year, she started holding meetings weekly, having guest speakers and created a social media presence for the group. “You’re always around people who are creating music,” Ezzell said. “I think it always inspires me to create more.” Natalie Capes hasn’t had the typical freshman year experience due to COVID-19. But despite limited studio space and online classes, Capes has found a group where she fits right in. “Already, I’ve found a community of other people that are interested in
Grayson Oxendine-Parr (Left), Jasmine Hunjan (Middle), Anna Ezzell (Right). The three women are a part of The Femgineers, a group that provides a judgment-free space for femme individuals involved in music production and recording at App State. Bella Zerrillo
doing the same things that I’m doing,” Capes said. “Which was very different from me just sitting in my bedroom writing songs.” Capes joined the Femgineers last semester after the president of the organization reached out to her. “Not only has it been a super great way to meet people and get support,” Capes said. “It’s definitely encouraging, especially as somebody who wants to go into a male-dominated field.” Grayson Oxendine-Parr has known she wanted to get into music ever since watching a documentary about The Rolling Stones in high school. After arriving in Boone, Oxendine-Parr fell in love with the music scene. “I think what was the coolest part about the whole thing was going to class with these people, and then at
night, going to see them play in a packed house,” Oxendine-Parr said. Oxendine-Parr is the lead engineer for Live at R.F.G., a music discovery platform that holds sessions with Boone artists. “When I was a freshman, I was one of four women, and we only had two upperclassmen women, and there’s probably about 60 people in the recording program,” Oxendine-Parr said. Currently, there are a small number of women in the program, Oxendine-Parr said. The Femgineers provide a time and space for judgment-free and comfortable conversation among the women of the program. Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com
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A&C
April 2, 2021
App State barbecue sauce creates flavorful fundraiser for student athletics Lily Kincaid | Associate A&C Editor App State Athletics cooked up a way to raise funds to support campus athletics and student athletes. Yosef ’s Barbecue Sauce was born almost one year ago. Cliff Thomas, an App State alumnus and member of the Yosef Advisory Board, works in the food business. The members of the board saw an opportunity through Thomas Gourmet Foods, which Thomas’ father owns and family operates. “As far as Thomas Gourmet Foods is concerned, we don’t necessarily make any money off of it,” Thomas said. “After all the license and fees and things are paid, we’re going to try to take the money that is generated from it and give it back to the Yosef Club.” Currently, the tomato-based barbecue sauce is available in original, mild and tangy, and bold and spicy. Customers can buy the sauce through the Thomas Gourmet Foods website, at the App State bookstore and Ingles. According to Thomas, the recipe is one of a kind. “We just took one of our barbecue sauces and tweaked it to create a recipe exclusively for Appalachian State,” Thomas said. “That’s the only place we’ll use that recipe.” Thomas said COVID-19 has caused some roadblocks for this project, limiting face-toface interaction, and making it hard to promote the sauces to stores. Thomas described this as a “hurry up and wait” situation. He hopes that as the state lifts pandemic-related restrictions, he will be able to promote this product to other App State Athletics sponsors, like Harris Teeter and Lowes Foods, so that they can also have Yosef ’s Barbecue Sauce on their shelves. “We feel like it’s really going to take off and be a good thing, not only for the school but for the people that actually buy it,” Thomas said. “We feel like they’re really going to like it.”
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Thomas Gourmet Foods has a history of supporting charities and holding fundraisers, but Yosef ’s Barbecue Sauce is the company’s first retail-based fundraiser. Yosef ’s Barbecue Sauce is the first fundraiser Thomas Gourmet Foods has sponsored where the product is sold in stores on a dayto-day basis. Thomas Gourmet Foods is a partner and large supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The owner, Cliff Thomas’ father, earned the nickname “Papa Wish.” However, unlike the fundraiser with Yosef ’s Barbecue Sauce, the Make-A-Wish fundraisers are usually conducted through spaghetti dinners or selling barbecue plates. The athletics department has released other licensed products similar to this one, said Associate Athletic Director Spencer Bridges. These products include Yosef Golden Ale and App State beef jerky. “We thought barbecue sauce obviously is a natural fit from a sporting standpoint due to tailgating,” Bridges said. “I mean, who doesn’t like barbecue in North Carolina? It’s kind of the thing here.” Yosef ’s Barbecue Sauce is available at all 175 Ingles stores across the country. Ingles is based in North Carolina, Bridges said, so customers can find the sauce in the North Carolinian products section. Bridges said Thomas created a barbecue sauce that’s “really stinking good” and said he’s a fan of the original, and his wife enjoys cooking with it. He also said Doug Gillin, the athletic director at App State, mixed two flavors for a pork roast recently. “I think people got the itch to start barbecuing and being outside,” Bridges said. “We’ll hopefully move that along a little further.”
Yosef’s Barbecue Sauce in the North Carolinian products section in Ingles. The tomato-based barbecue sauce is available in original, mild and tangy, and bold and spicy. Jesse Barber
We feel like it’s really going to take off and be a good thing, not only for the school but for the people that actually buy it...
A&C
April 2, 2021
on record
PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK Mickey Hutchings Managing Editor
“Overgrown”
Aubrey Smith | Reporter
Graphic by Camryn Collier
Sometimes it comes over you in bed late at night. Other times, it’s when you’re driving or finally alone for the first time all day. When and wherever sadness might find you, rest assured knowing that we have a playlist. This is a playlist to carry you through the motions, to hold you and give you space for those drowning, lingering moments. These are 12 tracks that it’s OK to cry to, have an existential crisis to and just reminisce on better times. Most of all, these are songs to help you feel less alone. From Cat Power to James Blake, let these artists hold your hand, as they have held mine time and time again, through the darkness. These songs aren’t a cure for sadness, but they might help you heal – and you deserve to heal.
After years of releasing various singles and an EP, singer-songwriter Joyce Wrice released her debut album “Overgrown.” “Overgrown” is a flashback to the ’90s as Wrice pulls influence from Mariah Carey, Brandy and Aaliyah with her own twist. The album runs about 38 minutes, and each track flows seamlessly into the next. Wrice sings on the trials and tribulations of love over the 14 stunning and hypnotizing R&B tracks. The opening track, “Chandler,” sets the stage for Wrice’s multi-layered instrumentation and use of multiple backing vocals at any time on the album. The track has a sultry and upbeat yet orchestral feel to it, as Wrice’s vocals float through the composition. The song is addictive, and more elements of composition become apparent after each listen, such as the sprinkled piano chords that can be faintly heard starting right at the beat drop about 30 seconds in. Even though Wrice’s voice is memorable on its own and her solo tracks are without a doubt unskippable, the features make the album. Incredible talents from Lucky Daye, Freddie Gibbs, Kaytranada, Umi and more give the album an extra layer of depth and groove. “Falling In Love” holds heavier drums and an underlying synth bass. Wrice and Daye’s voices go hand in hand, intertwined throughout the verses and chorus of the three-minute track, singing about not wanting to regret falling in love. “You” calmly and entrancingly brings back earlier vocals from the previous track, “Losing.” Wrice sings over a soothing, lo-filike drum beat with echoes of a distant guitar. Wrice’s lyrical confession of her love for
someone is cradled by the hazy, lulling instrumental, a contrast from the bright and upbeat backing on “Losing.” “Westside Gunn’s Interlude” offers a break from Wrice’s soft vocals and displays the in-your-face rap skills of Westside Gunn. Offering a more explicit take on love, Gunn displays a creative and fun flow throughout the two-minute track. On “Addicted,” Wrice sings about thinking of someone 24/7 over a dreamy, guitar echoing instrumental. The instrumental itself acts as a reflection of all the good parts of being addicted to someone as the track shimmers and guitars echo melodically throughout. “Kaytra’s Interlude” is a mesmerizing track that leaves you wanting more. A little over a minute long, the song was co-produced by Kaytranada, who also contributed to the first verse over the noisy yet intriguing instrumental. The last five tracks of the album close Wrice’s whimsical world of “Overgrown.” From singing to a stripped-down groovy bassline and a soft keyboard on “Hot Minute Interlude,” to singing in Japanese with Umi on the magical track “That’s On You,” Wrice finishes strong. The title track “Overgrown” takes the last three minutes of the album. Sharply changing direction from the previous tracks, the ballad highlights Wrice’s powerful vocals with nothing but piano accompaniment. As she sings about learning to love and accept yourself, Wrice rounds out the album. “Overgrown” is refreshing and extraordinary. In just 38 minutes, listeners are taken away by Wrice’s work, entranced by the music’s dreamy and vibrant glow.
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Sports
April 2, 2021
Adult soccer players from around the world compete on the pitch at High Country Soccer Association’s People of the Planet event in 2017. Rahman Tashakkori, a professor at App State, says this is an example of how soccer is a global sport with an international community. Courtesy of Rahman Tashakkori
Beautiful game for a reason
High Country Soccer gives spunk to adults struggling with COVID-19 stress Emily Broyles | News Editor Rahman Tashakkori, a professor in the High Country of North Carolina, looks forward to every Sunday. Not to rest, but to play a game that taught him the trick of life as a 5-year-old Iranian. “I grew up in a very poor neighborhood. Soccer was school for us. No coaching, no nothing. Just friends,” Tashakkori said. “We had so many problems as (children). We were involved with wars — a war that lasted eight years. There was not a place that was safe, but that soccer field was a safe place for us.” This safe place exists for Tashakkori today through Boone’s High Country Soccer Association’s adult league. Founded in 1986, HCSA has provided the Boone community with a soccer outlet besides parks and recreation. The organization serves over 250 adult players and 550 youth players a year, according to its website. HCSA practices a certain kind of player development that prioritizes “enjoyment and development” of individuals, according to its website. Rick Suyao, executive director of HCSA, said the association has had constant teams since
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soccer’s 2007 blow up in Boone. The association quickly specialized in serving youth players through travel teams. “I’ve appreciated soccer for a long time now, but I really grew to love it after my kids started playing,” said Brett Taubman, who plays in the adult league. “That’s when you’re able to witness the pure joy of playing the game.” The association’s adult league didn’t form until 2001, when Tashakkori and his graduate student started the program. “It was one of the first groups that I connected with in Boone, and has been the source of hundreds of great friendships over the last decade,” said Daniel Ames, HCSA coach and App State alum. “We have an incredible soccer community here, especially for being such a small town.” Adults who are at least 18 years old can play on a variety of levels based on their age including gold, silver and bronze. Bronze players aim for a more casual game, while Gold players participate in a fast-paced environment. “The fact that you get to play with your friends, and make new friends with people from all different walks of life, makes it really special,” Taubman said. “I probably wouldn’t have much
of a social life if it wasn’t for soccer.” Surprisingly, this concept of a soccer social life did not end because of COVID-19. The league sees 250 to 300 adults on game nights throughout the week. Even with COVID-19 barriers, HCSA has seen record numbers of players and teams this year. “I think the league has continued to be a good haven for people who are missing out on some other parts of life due to the pandemic,” Ames said, adding that players might catch up over a drink after going head-to-head. According to the New York Times, people aged 65 and older were more likely to continue exercise habits picked up in quarantine once restrictions began to ease in spring 2020. Taubman is a chemistry professor at App State. He said his job can be “so cerebral.” “No matter how stressful work is sometimes, I know that I have the league to look forward to and hanging out with other lovers of the game, some of whom are well past their primes like me, but still hanging on to the last shreds of glory,” Taubman said. “If it weren’t for soccer, my work-life balance would be way off. It’s one of the main things that provides me balance in life in general.”
Tashakkori says the players within the adult league are so committed to the sport, they shoveled snow off the field to play a Sunday pickup game. He says this shows how badly people needed a social environment in quarantine. Tashakkori is the computer science department chair at App State. He said for him, the adult league is like “therapy in many ways.” “For me, it is a counseling session. It would be a rough week, in a chair and teaching,” Tashakkori said. He said it’s been possible to relieve COVID-19 stress through the league since HCSA abides by statewide orders and guidelines. Players cannot shake hands before and after games, but Tashakkori says “there is an extreme respect for each other.” He credits much of this to the globality of the sport that translates into the Boone community, a community that is majority white. “There’s a lot of diversity and I think really soccer (brings) us together,” Tashakkori said. “And only soccer - no synagogue, no mosque, but soccer, football - (brings) them together.” Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com
Sports
April 2, 2021
Safest hands in Boone:
softball captain helps lead App State goalkeeper Kerry Eagleston program from behind the plate Cameron Burnett | Senior Reporter
App State sophomore goalkeeper Kerry Eagleston takes a free kick against Pitt this fall. She recorded six shutouts this season, just one away from tying the school record. Becca Bridges
Alex Urquiza | Reporter App State women’s soccer’s season has come to an end, finishing with six wins, 11 losses, and one draw. Although the Mountaineers didn’t have the brightest season, one player had an outstanding run this year. Sophomore goalkeeper Kerry Eagleston played between the sticks and was on the verge of making App State history. Eagleston started all 17 of the games this year for the Black and Gold, securing six clean sheets, one clean sheet away from tying the program’s season record. “I love just being able to be dependable, it’s who I am as a person,” Eagleston said. Eagleston joined App State in the fall of 2019 after starting at goalkeeper all four years during her time at West Forsyth High School and winning the 2017 4A state championship. Eagleston was named all-conference and all-region all four years of high school, only allowing 29 goals in 88 games. “A lot of those players I grew up playing with since I was little, with most of them also playing collegiately,” Eagleston said. “It was fun, I really loved the high school experience.” Eagleston had 61 saves this season in the Sun Belt, good for third-most in the conference. “I enjoy being back there, being able to see everybody and see how things play out and to be dependable for everybody,” Eagleston said. “I’ve grown into my role as a goalkeeper and feel like I’ve grown a lot since my first year.” This was a unique year for App State wom-
en’s soccer with a shortened season, playing fewer games and fewer teams due to COVID-19. Even with the adjusted season, Eagleston was still able to have an impressive season with the Mountaineers, improving herself within the progress. “I am a lot more confident in myself than I was my freshman year, and skillswise I keep developing with confidence being my main improvement,” Eagleston said. Throughout the season, App State relied heavily on their backline both defensively and offensively, with their fullbacks being their main attacking threat. “Everybody that has come in the backline has accepted their role and positions and played into it,” Eagleston said. “They fit it in really well, the whole team has always gotten along. We love each other, we’re like family.” Oct. 25 was an unforgettable night for the Mountaineers, especially Eagleston. App State secured a 1-0 victory over rivals Coastal Carolina on Senior Night, with Eagleston stopping a penalty kick to preserve her clean sheet and the victory. “It was a lot of fun with the atmosphere and fans, so much fun with everyone at home,” Eagleston said. Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com
After the 2017 softball season, App State went through a head coaching change, bringing in Shelly Hoerner along with a group of freshman players looking to turn the program around after a 14-34 season. One of those freshmen was catcher Baylee Morton, a Monroe native who was coming to win. From the beginning of her career, she developed a connection with Hoerner and made an immediate impact on the program as a defensive anchor and leader. “Coach Hoerner, she was actually a catcher too,” Morton said. “We can talk through different things, and working in bullpens when getting to know all my pitchers.” Morton threw out 15 runners in her freshman season, leading the Sun Belt in the category while starting in 44 of 48 games. As a freshman starter, she grew into a leadership role early, which paid dividends for her down the road when connecting to her team from behind the plate, especially with her pitchers. “Getting to know (the pitchers) is super important in how they work on the field and off the field,” Morton said. When the Parkwood product came to App State, she became a first-generation college student. Beyond playing softball, this school meant everything to her from the moment she stepped on campus. Being the defensive leader, she became close with her teammates quickly both on
and off the field. “Being able to come here and play softball while also getting an education here is awesome,” Morton said. “This team has become my best friends, they’re my sisters and they’re pretty much the only people I hang out with.” After a strong freshman year individually, Morton was part of a shift in the program, starting all 53 games in 2019. The Mountaineers finished with their first winning record since 2013, going 31-25. Morton also showed out as a hitter, breaking the program record for home runs in a game with three against UT-Arlington. In just her second season, Morton was part of a groundbreaking time for the program. “We just click … she’s got a lot of humor and I think that brings light to our program,” Hoerner said. “When we first started here, the program was not as strong as we wanted it to be, so when times were tough, there was always some light she brought and shed on the team.” After another stellar season in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic cut the season short, Morton came into the 2021 season red hot at the plate, not just behind it. Morton is second in home runs in the Sun Belt with seven through 21 games while batting at .250 as the power hitter in the three-hole of the lineup. Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com
App State senior catcher (right) Baylee Morton behind the plate in a game against South Alabama this season. Since her freshman year, Morton has been a big part of the turnaround of the softball program. Courtesy App State Athletics
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Opinion
April 2, 2021
caleb’s
CONCEPTS
the myths that pervade our culture
Caleb Garbuio | Opinion Editor Individuality doesn’t exist because of the external world, the one we do not control. Our sense of self is a product of our genes, culture, stressors and ecology. When we come into this world kicking and screaming we have certain neural faculties that give rise to beliefs, allowing us to understand the world. Beliefs are concepts, ideas or themes that cannot be explained by the experienced world. Concepts like the existence of higher powers, free will and building an egalitarian society are examples of beliefs that cannot be proven in an empirical sense. You cannot put God into a beaker, nor can one prove free will in a lab. Empirical research can prove some beliefs, like the world being round, however, it cannot explain all beliefs.
Naturally, cultures developed clever ways of capturing beliefs by telling stories. These stories are packed with rich themes and ideas that symbolize much more to a group than just a story. The best example comes in the form “Star Wars.” This story follows a simple structure outlined by Robert Jewett and John Shelton Lawrence’s 1977 tome “The American Monomyth.” They explain that most stories follow a simple formula: a hero transitions from a normal world into a supernatural one, wins a decisive victory there and returns heroic. Think episode IV, V and VI: Luke finds out he’s a Jedi and there’s an evil Empire. He goes on an adventure, reforms his father and, along with Lando and Han, saves the day.
While the story is very simplistic, it explored much deeper truths, like loyalty, redemption, self sacrifice and more. These themes touched the hearts of many fans to the point where there is a religion called Jediism that receives tax exemptions. While George Lucas’s prequels were not the best — Jar Jar, we’re looking at you — the fandom was preserved. Fast forward into 2021 and, well, Star Wars is kinda dead. The new releases did what Jar Jar could not, which is split the fandom. To be fair to Rian Johnson, he genuinely attempted to subvert the audience’s expectations by flipping the script on the American monomyth. Did he achieve his goals? Probably not. However, Johnson succeeded in creating a new myth symbolic of a
newer generation that wants to destroy the past to replace it with something new. This resulted in toxic fans reacting to Johnson and others, provoking the cast to fire shots back at those fans. What Johnson and co. failed to realize is the reaction people have when their beliefs are questioned. Star Wars was a sacred cultural artifact in the U.S., and half the audience felt that Johnson committed blasphemy against a sacred text. Clearly, Star Wars is a community within a much larger problem in the U.S. In his 1987 masterpiece “A Conflict of Visions,” economist and social theorist Thomas Sowell philosophizes on the difference between liberals and conservatives. According to Sowell, liberals believe in an uncon-
strained vision that holds that humans are innately good, that there is an ideal solution to every problem and humanity can be perfected. Conservatives believe that human nature is the same that it always has been and people, regardless of their intentions, are self serving. Basically, when your liberal aunt and conservative uncle argue on your aunt’s Facebook, they are literally worlds apart. They have different beliefs about humanity, making reconciliation difficult. Ultimately, beliefs and myths influence every aspect of our life, from politics to pop culture. We have innate beliefs that allow us to create mythical reality justifying these initial beliefs. At the end of the day, life is a mythical tale.
You can’t separate the art and the artist Ella Adams | Associate Opinion Editor The conversation on whether you can separate the art and the artist is hotly debated in social media comment sections whenever a new scandal involving a popular artist pops up. In the age of cancel culture, many are quick to stop supporting an artist after accusations of problematic behavior. It’s time to settle this question: can you separate the art and the artist? Art is a personal expression of one’s perspective of the world. A piece of art’s relationship and meaning to its creator is exactly what makes it art. Because art is so personal, musicians, visual artists, filmmakers and other artists cannot be separated from their creations. In addition to being a personal expres-
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sion, art can also be a means of income. By supporting an artist’s work, you are supporting the artist themself. The connection between art and the artist isn’t a problem until the artist becomes problematic. Renowned artists, including Edgar Degas and Pablo Picasso both have a reputation for misogyny and outright sexist themes within their artwork. That’s not to say that their art isn’t good. Art from the past can still be appreciated while still recognizing its creator’s backgrounds, biases and flaws. Recognizing an artist’s questionable behavior is different in a modern context. For example, musician Chris Brown has a documented history of violence toward women. In 2009,
musician and businesswoman Rihanna was a victim of his abuse. Despite his violent actions and behavior toward women, Brown releases music regularly. Streaming a Chris Brown song puts money directly into his pocket. It’s impossible to separate the art from the artist because listening to Brown’s music supports his career and ability to create more content. You can’t listen to Brown’s music and willingly ignore his history as an abuser because consuming his art directly benefits him. That’s not to say that every artist who’s done anything wrong should be canceled, but it must be kept in mind that the art and the artist are a package deal. Ignoring the background of an artist is a disservice to their cre-
ations. Frida Khalo and Nina Simone are both artists whose cultures and experiences as women deeply impacted their art. To separate the art from the artist would be an insult to their legacies. That being said, art isn’t only a personal experience for the artist. Art is also individually interpreted by the viewer, listener or audience. When it comes down to it, art is personal. Even though I think you can’t separate art from the artist doesn’t mean you necessarily agree. All art is, is a matter of opinion.
Et Cetera
April 2, 2021
BATTER UP
editor@theappalachianonline.com
There are two secrets to making a dense, buttery pound cake with a tender crumb, and they
EDITORIAL
Recipe by Sophia Lyons
both start with the batter: bringing your ingredients to the same temperature and avoiding overmixing after the flour has been added. If your ingredients are the same temperature, the butter and sour cream incorporate more easily when you cream them, and the eggs don’t change the batter’s temperature before it bakes. Overmixing the flour in the batter helps form the gluten strands, which give bread its nice chewy texture but ruins the tender crumb of a pound cake, so mixing the flour as little as possible helps prevent the gluten
JACKIE PARK EDITOR IN CHIEF
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NEWS EDITOR
strands from growing before you want them to. Ensuring your ingredient temperature and careful beating make a pound cake with a soft crumb that’s plenty sweet on its own, but
MULTIMEDIA
wouldn’t say no to some whipped cream either. Try toasting a slice in the toaster or under the broiler, or use it to make French toast for breakfast instead of bread (no, really, try it!)
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APPALACHIAN WEEKLY NEWS PRODUCER
Batter Up Pound Cake
10 minutes hands-on, up to 70 minutes total 8 slices • 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 eggs
• 1 and 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 and 1/2 cup flour
• 2 pinches kosher salt
• Pinch baking soda
Step one: Preparing the ingredients Allow all ingredients to come to room temperature together for at least an hour (do not skip this step). Butter a loaf pan and line with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier. Preheat the oven to 375F.
Step two: Mixing the batter Cream the butter, sour cream and sugar together until very light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add the vanilla extract and kosher salt, beating on medium speed until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until combined. With the mixer off, add the flour and baking soda; turn the mixer on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step three: Baking the cake Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes; cake is done when a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs and the top is golden brown. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift to a rack or the counter covered with a clean dish towel to cool completely. Slice and serve plain or with whipped cream, berries, ice cream, etc. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container up to a week or frozen.
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adviser@theappalachianonline.com The Appalachian is the award-winning, independent student-run news organization at Appalachian State University, published since 1934. The student staff maintains all editorial discretion, and there is no prior review by university faculty, staff or administrators. The Appalachian strives for accuracy in newsgathering and reporting. If you think we have made an error, email editor@theappalachianonline.com. Participation in The Appalachian is open to all current full-time students at the university. For more information about joining, email outreach@theappalachianonline.com. The opinions pages of The Appalachian are an open public forum. Contributions are welcomed via email to editor@theappaalchianonline.com. Opinions expressed are those of individual columnists, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the news organization overall. Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of The Appalachian editorial board.
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