The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

PRESS

January 23, 2020

VOLUME 93 | ISSUE 13 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

1922

Grand reopening of Willard includes newly renovated common spaces First floor not open to campus community as expected

Bernadette D’Auria Staff Writer

Virginia Hall residents moved out of their dorm rooms and into the newly renovated Willard Hall on Jan. 8.

David Fleming, the assistant dean for Residence Life and Housing, said the move went better than he anticipated.

“We contracted with Apple Transfer, which is a moving company that we use for a lot of different things on campus,”

“The first floor is so open that you constantly feel like ‘this isn’t a place I live, this is a place I kind of inhabit.’”

-Eugene Hlaing said Fleming. “I think [students and parents] were stressed out very early and not sure what was gonna happen, but we got a lot of positive feedback.”

Students who used the moving company’s services returned to campus from winter break several days early.

Those who did not want to move in early had to move their belongings from Virginia to Willard on their own.

Most students were placed with the same resident assistants and kept

the same roommate. Fleming believes that the few students who will have a different RA or a new roommate will not feel isolated by the new environment.

“Regardless of whether they’re moving to a different building or not, our RAs should be resetting at the beginning of the year… everyone in our communities around campus has new members and so any time that even one person leaves or enters a community it changes the dynamic,” said Fleming.

Current Willard resident and freshman Eugene Hlaing believes that the community is tighter than ever and that the move has brought people together. He said this is due in part to the layout of the new building, which includes a parlor on the first floor.

“Considering how large and open the common room is, maybe I just notice it more,” said Hlaing.

Rather than hanging out in their rooms, Hlaing has noticed many residents congregating together in the common room. “People are pretty happy with it because there are going to be times where you don’t want to be in your room but you also don’t want to be in the great outside world.”

According to Hlaing, one downside of the open space on the first floor is that it distorts the typical sense of ownership students have over their own space.

“The first floor is so open that you constantly feel like ‘this isn’t a place I live, this is a place I kind of inhabit,’”said Hlaing.

“Based on some code issues that Richmond gave us we weren’t able to set that up exactly the way we wanted to,” said Fleming. With the need for

Plans for next semester include hosting FSEM classes in the Willard seminar rooms.

Abigail Buchholz / The Blue & Gray Press

In the original plans, the first floor of Willard was going to be an area on campus that everyone had access to. Residents of Willard were going to have access to their rooms through an additional card swipe, while other students would be able to enter the common room on the first floor.

safe emergency exits and the concern over who would be getting in and out of the building, the open floor idea was abandoned for the time being.

Despite this, there are plans to hold classes in the Willard seminar room.

Fleming hopes the room will be used by Willard freshman •Willard | 7

Students express discomfort with recording policy at Talley Center Jess Kirby Staff Writer

At UMW’s Talley Center for Counseling Services, all counselor trainees are required to record their sessions with students as a part of their training. However, a number of students who receive counseling from these

trainees have said they were unprepared for how uncomfortable that process is.

“The camera was right on me, so it was really uncomfortable,” said junior economics major Lillian Isbell. “It’s hard just to go in and say you need help, much less be recorded talking about things that happened to you.”

According to Talley Center Director

Students seeking help at the Talley Center are able to opt out of recording during their sessions.

University Relations

IN THIS

ISSUE

Tevya Zukor, this process is common to be seen on a bi-weekly basis, this in collegiate mental health. The state of proved to be frustrating to some students Virginia requires trainees to complete who felt that they wasted a session being 1,500 hours of counseling under direct recorded. supervision in order to obtain their “I feel like they should’ve said, ‘[the license in their chosen specialty. camera is] going to be on your face,’ “Typically the simplest way, and the because then I probably wouldn’t have most effective, is we ask our trainees gone,” said Isbell. to record their sessions,” said Zukor.

After trying two different counselors “It allows us to see probably about 50 on campus, Heiderman ultimately percent more clients than otherwise we switched to a therapist outside of UMW, would be capable of doing.” despite its cost.

Before they are recorded, clients Despite the effects recording sessions must sign a form can have on clients, giving the therapist only a small number “I could probably count authorization to of students outright on my fingers and toes the record their sessions, number of students that have refuse to be recorded. and one of the staff “I could probably said, ‘I absolutely do not want count on my members explains the to be recorded whatsoever,’ fingers and toes the reasoning behind the and that’s always respected.” number of students recordings. Clients that have said, ‘I can revoke this absolutely do not consent at any time.

-Tevya Zukor want to be recorded Despite this, some expressed discomfort whatsoever,’” said at being in front of a camera.

Zukor. “And that’s always respected.”

“You don’t really know what to In this case, the client is paired expect until you’re there,” said senior up with a senior staff member that is English major Sierra Heiderman. “Once already licensed, and thus does not record their sessions. However, Zukor you’re actually there, and there’s just a pointed out that, since there are only five camera in your face, it becomes totally different.” senior staff Since most clients are only allowed members and •Talley Center | 7

Music Scene

Ditch Dairy

Riley Welch

Lively music venues in dowtown Fredericksburg.

Benefit more than yourself by going dairy free.

Off season struggle leads to on court succcess.

LIFE | 5

VIEWPOINTS | 3

SPORTS | 8

NEWS

Editors: Kate Seltzer & Abigail Buchholz | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Campus reacts positively to Virginia’s ratifation of BLUE & GRAY Equal Rights Amendment THE

PRESS

MISSION The Blue & Gray Press is published every Thursday in the University Apartments Clubhouse for our university community. The goal of The Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner compliant with the Society of Professional Journalists ethics code. In its coverage, The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight the community of the University of Mary Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important to our students.

EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lauren Closs

Associate Editors

Riley Doherty Staff Writer

Almost 100 years after its initial proposal, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment on January 15. The ERA aims to legally and symbolically combat sex discrimination across the United States. Thirty-eight states are required to ratify a proposed federal amendment.

Despite reaching the 38 required ratifications, the ERA still has some legal hurdles it needs to overcome.

“There are two legal issues that need to be resolved before the Equal Rights Amendment becomes a part of the Constitution,” said political science professor Stephen Farnsworth. “The first one is the question of timing.”

The Equal Rights Amendment passed the Senate and was proposed to

“I think it’s a great amendment.

It’s been a long time coming and should’ve been in the constitution for a while now.”

Grace Winfield

-Khalil Vest-Sims

Ginny Bixby

the states for ratification in 1972. The ratification deadline passed in 1982.

Farnsworth explained that this problem can be remedied by Congress authorizing new extension or by the courts declaring that putting time limits on amendment proposals is unconstitutional.

The second hurdle the ERA will have to face involves the states.

“Several states passed the Equal Rights Amendment but subsequently decided to withdraw their ratification, withdraw their support for the Equal Rights Amendment. Can states do that? That is another legal question,” Farnsworth said.

The states that withdrew their ratification are Nebraska, Tennessee, Idaho and Kentucky, meaning that if states are allowed to withdraw their support for an amendment, the ERA only has 34 of the 38 required ratifications.

Business Manager Lucas Burkholder

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Kate Seltzer Abigail Buchholz

VIEWPOINTS Alicen Hackney

LIFE Cosima Pellis

UMW continues search for new athletic director Emily Shumaker Staff Writer

SPORTS Jack Hagn

ONLINE Meaghan McIntyre Samuel Cobb

PHOTO Cayley McGuire

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

Once these legal questions are communications major, had a neutral resolved by Congress, the Courts, or stance to the amendment’s ratification. both, there is not much standing in “I’m neutral to it. As a guy it doesn’t the way of the ERA becoming the personally affect me, but it does help a 28th Amendment. “It’s added to the certain group of people,” said Thin. constitution once all the legal questions While most students are hopeful are resolved,” said Farnsworth.

“I very much agree with it. You Despite these upcoming legal shouldn’t be discriminated against challenges, Farnsworth notes that there’s based on gender or race as long as a lot to celebrate. “Compared to a few you haven’t broken any laws. It’s weeks ago, the number does stand at 38 and that’s a big victory for people who surprising that some people don’t have been working on the Equal Rights agree with it.”

Amendment for decades.”

The exact wording in section 1 of the -Andy Chen Equal Rights Amendment is as follows: “Equality of rights under the law shall about the amendment’s effect, some not be denied or abridged by the United like Parker Siebenschuh, a junior States or by any state on account of sex.” history major, are skeptical. “Would Supporters of the amendment argue this only apply to biological sex or that it is a logical and necessary step those who identify as another sex?” said forward for gender equality, according Siebenschuh, “That could be a major to the ERA’s official website, “The first issue in court cases and even go to the - and still the only - right that the U.S. Supreme Court. That could be a grey Constitution specifically affirms equally area and raise questions about sexual for women and men is the right to vote.” identity within the eyes of American law.

Many students on campus support the We’ll see how it holds up when a case amendment. involving the new amendment reaches “I think it’s a great amendment. It’s the Supreme Court.” been a long time coming and should’ve been in the constitution for a while now,” said Khalil Vest-Sims, a junior and American studies major.

“Women will probably have more benefits than they did previously, which is good.”

Junior and studio art major Andy Chen approved of the amendment. “I very much agree with it. You shouldn’t be discriminated against based on gender or race as long as you haven’t broken any laws.

It’s surprising that some people don’t agree with Virginia becomes the 38th state to ratify the ERA. it,” said Chen.

Creative Commons Shane Thin, a senior

University of Mary Washington has been conducting a “long and exhaustive” search to fill the Athletic Director position since last spring. In an email written to the UMW community on Jan. 14, Cedric Rucker, chair of the Director of Athletics Search Committee, announced that four finalists have been chosen.

Two of four forums have been held to provide students with the opportunity to hear from and talk with the candidates.

Following the forums, students are able to provide feedback about them via an email survey. The surveys and the feedback will be taken into account in the final decision. Students were notified and encouraged to attend forums via email.

UMW’s head women’s tennis coach Patrick Catullo presented on Jan. 14.

Catullo serves as the UMW interim Athletic Director, and previously filled the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance for six years at UMW. Alisha Tucker presented on Jan 16.

The search process for highly qualified candidates began just last spring in an effort to fill the position when UMW did not renew their contract with the previous Athletic Director, Ken Tyler. Tyler, who was hired as UMW’s Athletic Director in 2012 to replace the then-retiring Edward Hegmann, held the position for six years.

Filling the Athletic Director position is vital to the success of the athletic program. According to the 2019 leadership prospectus distributed for the position, the Athletic Director is a position that requires a person to “lead a

department of talented coaches and staff, [will] serve as the chief spokesperson and advocate for Athletics, and will champion an environment that embraces inclusive excellence at all department levels.”

Among other responsibilities, the Athletic Director sets the department’s strategic direction within the context of UMW’s mission and community values, is responsible for the administrative and budget management of the department, supports the academic program and represents the department.

In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that all programs, policies, competitions, services and events are in compliance with University, CAC and NCAA standards and guidelines.

The final two forums will be held on Jan. 28 and Jan. 30 at noon in the Colonnade Room of the University Center.

CORRECTIONS for THE Week PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Lauren Closs, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu

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Thursday, January 23, 2020

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Alicen Hackney | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Ditch dairy: for cows, the environment and your health

When asked, “what will make you grow big and strong?” the image of a tall glass of milk comes to mind for many. They think of a peaceful farm of free-range happy cows roaming along a green pasture, contently waiting for their morning milking. However, the happy cow is only a marketing technique--and it’s not all green pastures.

In light of the growing awareness to avoid consuming dairy products all together, I encourage the movement to ditch dairy.

For decades, the dairy industry has been paying its way into the media, education systems and nutritional programs, convincing the vast majority that dairy consumption is a necessity. Campaigns like “Got Milk?” have been created to promote dairy milk-drinking across age groups. Much like the cliche of “an apple a day,” the campaign was designed in a way that encourages people to think they need far more calcium in their diets than they actually do, and that calcium can best be derived from dairy milk.

We’re also never shown calves being ripped from their mothers’ side hours after birth. In order to produce milk, the female cow is forcibly, artificially impregnated and gives birth at least once every year, having either a female that will grow to share the same fate or a male that will be slaughtered and sold for veal. Her offspring is almost immediately taken away from her and placed in a crate, alone and scared. It is not uncommon for mother cows to be up at night crying for their babies. As extremely maternal animals, cows experience the pain

JOSEPHINE JOHNSON Staff Writer

UMW offers a number of dairy free options including soy milk at the Top of the UC. Kaley Mccusty / The Blue & Gray Press

of losing a calf.

That is not the only inhumane practice that goes into getting you that tall glass of milk in the morning.

The dairy cows are also modified to be complicit and do nothing all day. Horns are sawed off, tails are cut and they are shoved into tiny spaces to sit and wait to be milked. The treatment of cows in this industry is arguably worse than even in the meat industry. In fact, animal lovers and vegetarians alike have been shocked to find out that the dairy industry is the meat industry.

Once the dairy cows collapse after an average of 4-5 years of being physically, sexually and emotionally tortured, they are dragged away to be slaughtered and

Change for Australia: every penny counts have ceased. Zoo Victoria’s workers focus on medical aid to the affected animals, with donations going towards “emergency veterinary assistance and scientific The Australian wildfires have scorched at least 12 intervention,” according to their website. million acres, according to a recent article from Time Donations to these organizations makes a substantial magazine, and have killed over one billion animals. impact, no matter the size of the donation. They are also Celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Elton John each non-taxable, for those who are worried about how a donating at least a million dollars has aided in the relief donation may affect their finances. efforts, but the fires still burn and the communities are The donation I made to WIRES was given with still heavily affected. While most students are not able sympathy for the plights of those affected by the fires, to donate large sums, more students should be chipping but also with the knowledge that if Virginia went up it and donating what they can to aid in these crises. in flames, it would mean everything to me if someone Extra cash is difficult to come by as a college would do the same. student, so it is tempting to spend it on new tech America was aided by an international community or concert tickets, yourself or people you know. during the California wildfires. The official Twitter However, in the face of natural disasters as crippling account of the Fire Reserve of New South Wales and widespread as the Australian wildfires, financial (FRNSW), in an August 2018 tweet, documented the priorities should spread beyond those you know to agency’s deployment of “thirteen FRNSW firefighters benefit those that you may never meet. and fire specialists,” with the FRNSW contingent This mentality is what drove me to donate what little being “among the 100 personel from across Australia I could to the relief efforts, knowing full well that I may deployed to the region.” never get to see the animals my donation saved or meet We owe it to Australia to pay it forward and return the people that came to their rescue. the love and support we were given. The most feasible University of Sydney ecologist Chris Dickman told way for a college student to show support is with the Huffington Post that original estimates of animals monetary donations to the Australian relief efforts that killed by the wildfires starting in the mere hundred already have boots on the ground. Furthermore, we owe millions were too conservative, and are now reaching it to ourselves to practice philanthropy and get in the over one billion. These numbers are overwhelming. habit of selflessness.

However, there are a number of reputable Australian It is with these thoughts in mind that I urge you charities that are already doing amazing work and to donate whatever you can to aid in the Australian need help, such as Wildlife Information, Rescue and wildfire relief efforts, with every penny counting, and Education Services (WIRES), the World Wildlife Fund, every helping hand making the work that much faster and Zoo Victoria. and that much more Each foundation effective. Every penny aids in its own given helps toward one unique way. For more animal saved, example, WIRES one more volunteer volunteers have able to get medical been among those supplies to those that walking directly need them, and one into the fires to more act of charity retrieve the animals that proves the unity and transport them of humanity when in to safety. The World crisis.

Wildlife Fund When tragedy works on animal strikes, it is crucial for rescues, but have anyone with financial also focused on means to donate to future conservation these charities, and efforts and the those without to efforts to rehome spread the word and displaced animals encourage others to New South Wales. after the wildfires A kangaroo running by a burning house in Conjola,Matthew Abbott / New York Times donate and support.

MARY FOSTER Staff Writer

Thursday, January 23, 2020

sold as beef. The average lifespan of a healthy cow is more than 20 years.

For some dairy consumers, the idea of animal cruelty isn’t enough to inspire them to put back the gallon--or perhaps they just choose to not acknowledge it. However, the impact on their personal health may persuade them.

Excessive calcium actually isn’t a good thing. The connection between high milk consumption and its association with mortality and fracture in women and men was conducted in a cohort study by Swedish researchers. The research revealed that dairy milk drinkers are more likely to develop certain cancers and osteoporosis. Also, that high milk intake was associated with one cohort of women and another cohort of men. Fear not that by giving up milk you will lose all calcium. There are still so many plant-based options like almond milk, soy milk and other vegan/grain and plantbased items to fulfill a person’s needs.

In recent years, it has become easier to sustain a dairy-free diet on campus with the addition of Katora, Panera and staple UC stations. Katora is a great place to go dairy-free since it has many milk alternatives for your coffee, and even vegan cream cheese to smother your bagels.

Dairy consumption is known to cause a number of health issues, and the dairy industry is inhumane and not at all environmentally friendly. Going without dairy is not only better for the environment and cows, but also for your health. Save the milk for the baby cows.

Staff Ed: “New Voices” bills protect student journalists

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

As student journalists, many members of our staff have personally faced censorship either at the collegiate level or while working on high school publications. This is not uncommon, as a 1988 Supreme Court ruling allowed for censorship by school administrators. However, new bills introduced to the Virginia General Assembly are pushing to restore the First Amendment rights of student journalists and provide protections for student media advisers.

These “New Voices” bills will protect public K-12 and college journalists from censorship except in cases where content is defamatory, violates federal law or spurs acts of violence. Fourteen states already have similar laws.

A Washington Post article from last week detailed cases of censored student media in Virginia.

According to the article, student journalists from George Mason High School in Northern Virginia gathered data and found that public high schools in states with anti-censorship laws were more likely to win journalism awards than schools in states without those laws. In other words, censorship impedes quality journalism.

Danica Roem (D-Prince William), one of the delegates that introduced the House bill, told the Washington Post that she worries censorship will teach bad habits to future journalists or kill their enthusiasm for the profession. “We can’t have teenage reporters being treated like PR outlets by the administration, ” Roem said. “That helps exactly no one.”

The fostering of passionate, responsible journalists is particularly important now as local news outlets are disappearing and the media is attacked on a daily basis. We speak from experience when we say this is difficult while high schools are still subject to prior review by the administration and advisors are afraid to let students tackle investigative pieces. A hearing on the bill will likely take place in late January, and the staff of the Blue & Gray Press will be supporting New Voices.

This editorial was lead by Lauren Closs.

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LIFE

Editor: Cosima Pellis blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Avoiding exes: a high-stress, perilous, hazardous sport

GEORGE STIFEL Staff Writer

College students from all over have to deal with awkward run-ins with exes on campus, and UMW is no exception.

It’s inevitable that you will see an ex now and then, especially if you met through your major. In this case, you may get stuck in a classroom with them for an entire semester.

This happened to me. I got into an incredibly one-sided relationship in which a girl basically had complete control over my life for several months. She followed me everywhere, picked who I talked to and what I wore, and generally used me as an emotional punching bag. I was so broken up about it that I couldn’t break up with her directly; I had to get someone else to do it in my stead because I knew I would back out if she pressured me.

The following semester, I found out she was in one of my courses and so I immediately transferred to a different time slot for the course.

Every day I hurried from class to class hoping not to run into her in the halls or outside on campus walk. It was not until she ended up leaving the university that I realized an enormous weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt safe walking around campus again.

My example may be more extreme

than the average student’s, but the point remains: dealing with the paranoia of running into an ex is not healthy and simply trying to avoid them all the time can be just as stressful as actually

began. When swimming through the dating pool, it’s very often a process of trial and error and the errors don’t just vanish.

“It’s really stressful,” said sophomore

ever expanding list of people around campus I don’t want to look in the eye anymore; honestly it has discouraged me from trying out new experiences around town with new people as much as I’d really like to.”

These feelings of anxiety are valid, but one should not let them take over their life.

“Sometimes I feel like despite me breaking up with her, I still have to warp my schedule around her,” said freshman Colin Robinson. “I ended up dropping a class I was looking forward to last semester, just because I saw she was in my class period.”

This mentality is very unhealthy and can lead to more pain than simply dealing with having to see your ex.

In an interview for Unigo, Dr. David Coleman said that when it comes to avoiding exes, “people who begin to run, train themselves to run for the rest of their lives.” Coleman, who is more commonly referred to as the “dating doctor” went on to explain that “getting over this person will take time and distance.

Keep yourself busy. Get involved on campus. Surround yourself with Since UMW is a small school, it is easy to run into exes on campus walk.

Cayley McGuire / Blue & Gray Press friends who love you. If you do these things, the possibility of running into running into them. psychology major Mary Stallings. “I [them] will diminish on its own.” In Sometimes you run into people where have gone on my fair share of awkward other words: don’t build your life around the relationship ended before it even first dates and it feels like there is this them, build a life that they aren’t in.

Exercise resolutions benefit physical, mental and social health VICTORIA PERCHERKE Staff Writer

A common resolution for the new year is to get back into shape. Why is going to the gym and involving yourself actively such an attractive resolution? I spoke to three Eagles who are active with Campus Rec, and they provided three different approaches to this question: Physical Health, Mental Health and Social Health.

Mental Health “When you feel good physically, you feel greater mentally,” said Charoenthep.

Life can be tough, especially as a college student. Homework, projects, jobs and sports can all take up so much time, which leaves students with enormous weights on their shoulders.

The Talley Center provides free therapist consultations for full-time students.

said Brittanie Naff, assistant director of Campus Recreation.

Research shows that exercise is a mood booster, and increases your endorphins. Physical activity can be a way you blow off steam after a hard day of school. Working out also lets you focus on your well-being, and helps stimulate various brain chemicals which can lead you to feeling cheery and less

an intramural sport. Our student staff is highly inclusive of those with varying fitness levels, skills and experience. You never know what you might fall in love with.”

Social Health Junior Zane Burk explained how he views the gym as a place to find a common interest amongst others. Burk is the president of club basketball and often involves himself in other ways physically, like Physical Health intramural sports. “You’re going Everyone knows that exercise somewhere where the only is good for you. Moving and other people there are going staying active helps control to be people who have at least weight, and can decrease your one other common interest with chances of facing future illnesses. you. There are going to be other When your body is involved in basketball players, there are physical activity such as running going to be other people who or lifting weights, the body like working out. It’s good to go delivers oxygen and nutrients somewhere where you already to your tissues which also helps have a base interest.” your cardiovascular system. The The gym offers free cardiovascular system works with membership to every student your heart, blood vessels and on campus as well as a variety blood to help transport nutrients, of other free opportunities like oxygen, and hormones to the hiking trips, fitness happy hours cells. and Campus Rec Kickoff.

Another great reason to be So how does staying active active is that exercise helps benefit your social well-being? deepen your sleep time. Sleep is Burk justified his answer by definitely important when it comes Campus Recreation offers many fitness classes, such as cycle classes. analyzing what kind of teammate Brittanie Naff / Campus Recreation to hard working college students. you are while playing a sport.

Junior Alec Charoenthep provided Recently, the Talley Center teamed anxious.

“You’re going to learn your social some advice for Eagles who might be up Campus Recreation. “The Talley Naff said, “students [should] attend concepts through a sport. If you’re a interested in getting more fit for the new Center for Counseling Services and the some of the Campus Rec events they leader, that’s going to come out naturally year. “Stick to a routine. It’s going to Student Health Center are pairing up hear about - whether that is our free on the field or the court. Leaders like to take a couple of weeks to see progress to launch a new program this semester, Friday Fitness Happy Hour group run situations and tell everyone where to from working out. Running and rowing the Jump Start Program- a five-week exercise classes, [or] our free Campus go. You’re either a leader, or somebody is great for cardio. Weight exercises, program designed to introduce students Rec Kickoff event on February 9 that who works well with being led, which is squats and dead-lifts are awesome to exercise in a slower, guided manner. will introduce all of our programs and not a bad thing. That means you’re better workouts as well. Make sure after each The program starts January 27, and we facilities to those who may not be as at taking directions.” workout, you get a good stretch in.” already have some students registered,” familiar with it yet, or signing up to play

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Thursday, January 23, 2020

LIFE

Downtown venues host lively Fredericksburg music scene DALEY JENNINGS Staff Writer

The music community of downtown Fredericksburg is severely underappreciated for a plethora of reasons. One reason is because it is difficult to know where to go over the weekend by word of mouth. Here is an unofficial guide to venues in downtown Fredericksburg.

The Bourbon Room First up on our list is the Bourbon Room at 216 William Street, which is a 21 and up establishment that has its fair share of music shows upstairs, where its dance floor can double as an unofficial stage for their acts. While it’s a little cozier than other venues on this list, the sound set up and even stage to audience floor gives a more personal entertainment when seeing the acts that are featured there. Past notable acts include Kwallah tha God and $inbad.

Katora Coffee Another place that features live music is the downtown coffee shop Katora at 615 Caroline Street, which is a good place for new musicians to build community with other Fredericksburg musicians. Katora gives them a safe space to perform and used to hold Fredericksburg’s first ever recording studio, which has since shut down. However, that does not stop some of Fredericksburg’s most promising acts from performing shows in the upstairs of the café. Unlike the Bourbon Room and 718 Venue, Katora does not serve alcoholic drinks so it is open to people of all ages who enjoy good music.

Katora does not have a stage, so shows are played in the room in the upstairs of the coffee shop. It is a rather small space, with limited seating. Besides that, Katora also hosts a plethora of events, such as Mario Kart championships on Wednesdays.

KC’s Music Alley Next up is KC’s Music Alley at 1719 Princess Anne Street, which doubles as a polka dancing studio, but is also known for hosting the majority of Fredericksburg’s punk rock acts. Unlike the cozy feeling of both the Bourbon Room and Katora, this venue has a wider and bigger space for more audience members, as well as an actual stage for the act as well as their equipment. This place is suitable for a more traditional approach to a concert, and is better for louder and bigger acts, featuring bands such as For the Broken and Clearview.

The Flipside Lounge is all-inclusive, open to all ages.

Students can participate in open mics at Pimenta as well as discovering talented artists.

Because 718 Venue is a bigger space usually used for weddings, bigger TheKnot.com shows are hosted there.

For punk rock, KC’s Music Alley is the place to go.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

FlipSideLounge.com

Yelp.com

718 Venue 718 Venue at 718 Caroline Street is an unusual venue set above an inn in downtown Fredericksburg. It’s one of the fancier setups as it is usually used for weddings. The venue shows its versatility when set up for music. Because it is spacious, it is able to hold a full show, most notably and recently holding the Richmond-based band Plastic Nancy.

The Flipside Lounge The Flipside Lounge on 1000 Charles Street is a kava bar open to all ages which creates the bar-style vibe while actually being alcohol free. This venue has a calendar of upcoming shows on their website.

Coming up on the calendar for Kava is “Punk Rock Show” on Saturday, Feb. 1, featuring Sumner Part, Good Grief, Alpha and Personal Crisis.

Songkick.com

Pimenta Pimenta at 1108 Caroline Street mostly hosts open mics, but musicians sometimes decide to overtake that opportunity for an impromptu concert, so this venue also still deserves a shout out. While it may not be the best place to scout for live music, it can give students the opportunity to try out live stage performances for themselves if they have an interest in that. While its not as professional as other venues, as it does not have a set type of show, it’s much more accessible when it comes to both watching and performing in the venue. Pimenta is a more low energy place for people who just want to vibe and relax, rather than focusing on an act that’s in front of you or on a stage above you.

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Weekend Events Thursday

Friday

• Speaking Truth to Power @ The Underground, 7 p.m.

• Great Lives: Tiger Woods presented by Jeff Benedict @ Dodd Auditorium • James Farmer: In His Own Words, 1920-1999 Exhibit @ HCC Convergence Gallery

• Reel Deals: Knives Out @ Monroe 116, 7 - 9 p.m.

• Fall Concert: UMW Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble @ Dodd Auditorium, 7:30 - 9 p.m.

• James Farmer: In His Own Words, 1920-1999 Exhibit @ HCC Convergence Gallery

Saturday • MLK Day of Service @ UC Chandler Ballroom, 10 a.m. 2 p.m.

• Reel Deals: Knives Out @ Monroe 116, 7 - 9 p.m.

• James Farmer: In His Own Words, 1920-1999 Exhibit @ HCC Convergence Gallery

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The Blue & Gray Press

@theBlueandGray

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NEWS

POLICE BEAT ABIGAIL BUCHHOLZ & KATE SELTZER News Editors

Failure to Report Traffic Accident On Wednesday, Dec. 11 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:10 p.m., there was an incident of failure to report a traffic accident at Campus Walk at GW Circle. This case is pending.

On Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m., there was an incident of failure to report a traffic accident in Lot 2. This case is pending.

Assault and Battery On Sunday, Dec. 15 between 7:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. an assault and battery occurred at the exterior walkway stairs of Willard Hall. This case is pending.

Petit Larceny On Monday Dec. 30 at 6:30 a.m., personal items were stolen from a vehicle on the 900 block of Cornell Street. This case is pending through the Fredericksburg Police Department.

On Tuesday Dec. 31 at 1:00 p.m., personal items were stolen from a vehicle on the 1600 block of Sunken Road. This case is pending through the Fredericksburg Police Department.

Virginia demolition predicted to start in March

next semester taking their FSEM. However, commuters and part time students will still need to get into the building for those classes. Fleming stated that anyone who has a class in that seminar room would have access to the building.

Now that the Virginia Hall residents are occupying Willard Hall, construction on Virginia Hall will begin as soon as possible.

“I think submittals are out now for demolition so we’re waiting on bids right now. We anticipate demolition beginning in March and once demolition is complete, which usually takes a couple months, they will move into constructing… Fencing should start to go up at the end of this month,” said Fleming.

Unlike the construction on Willard Hall, the renovations on Virginia will attempt to preserve the interior and the historic architecture that defines the building. In the late 1970s, Willard Hall went through a renovation that covered up much of the historical aspects of the building. Therefore, much of the recent renovations involved undoing the work

•Willard | 1

On Tuesday Dec. 31 at 3:00 p.m., personal items were stolen a vehicle from the 900 block of Madison Street. This case is pending through the Fredericksburg Police Department.

On Friday Jan. 10 at 9:30 a.m., personal stolen from a vehicle of the 900 block of Cornell Street. This case is pending through the Fredericksburg Police Department.

Felonious Assault On Tuesday Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m., a school official was assaulted at the Stafford campus in the North building.

The Stafford Sheriff’s office made one arrest.

Trespass On Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 5:55 a.m., an individual was arrested for trespassing at Pollard Hall.

Possession On Saturday, Jan. 11 at 8:17 p.m., there was an incident of marijuana possession in Willard. One administrative referral was issued.

The renovations include a new kitchen, study rooms and seminar rooms.

Abigail Buchholz / The Blue & Gray Press

which covered up the original design.

The material from Willard that wasn’t able to be salvaged got a modern update.

“Pretty much the whole building needs renovation,” said Martha GarciaFerrufino, a former Virginia Hall resident and senior business administration major. Garcia-Ferrufino said that with the renovation, she feels that Virginia’s character should be maintained. “I think they could clean and polish it up,” she said.

The recording of sessions at the Talley Canter serves as a way for the trainees to review their sessions.

The Blue & Gray Press

Trainees help meet demand at Talley Center

eight trainees, fully where she could’ve been in her it takes longer to career, I feel like I wasn’t able to get an appointment with a licensed staff accomplish anything,” said Heiderman. member.

The Talley Center also struggles When a session is recorded, the video to meet the increasing demand from can only be accessed by computers on students due to a lack of space – one the Talley Center system, and the only of its closets has been converted into a people that watch them are the trainee small office. and their supervisor. After the recording Some clients felt the atmosphere is reviewed, the video is deleted within could be much more comforting.

30 days of the session.

“The room that I was in was next to The ability the kitchen, so to review people would sessions come in and out “I think because of both the later enables and get a cup cameras and the fact that [the trainees to of coffee,” said therapist] wasn’t fully where she reflect on Isbell. “There could’ve been in her career, I feel how they can was no way that improve their I could relax like I wasn’t able to accomplish skills in the at all between anything.” future. the camera, the “There are ambiance of the so many things room, and the -Sierra Heiderman that happen in fact that people a session that were just coming are not just about what a student or a in and out.” client might verbally say, but even how Heiderman suggested that clients they might respond to something,” said should be allowed to see how the Zukor. “We’re helping them attune to recording process works before they the non-verbal, to what we sometimes make the decision to allow the Center to call the process of therapy, not just record them. the content of it. That’s where video “I feel like there should be some recordings help us a great deal.” kind of practice session you get where Despite the benefits to the trainees, you can figure out if that’s okay with some students feel that the cameras you or not before you actually go into made the session less effective for them. the sessions. Because I don’t think “I think because of both the cameras anyone really knows how they feel being and the fact that [the therapist] wasn’t recorded until they are,” said Heiderman.

•Talley Center | 1

On Saturday, Jan. 11 at 9:20 p.m., there was an incident of marijuana possession in Ball Hall. One administrative referral was issued.

On Friday, Jan. 17 at 2:15 a.m., one administrative referral was issued for underage possession of alcohol in Eagle Landing.

On Sunday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m., there was an incident of marijuana possession and possession of a false ID in Randolph Hall.

One administrative referral was issued.

Stalking On Friday Jan. 17 at 3:00 p.m., an incident of stalking around multiple locations of campus was reported. A referral to the Office of Title IX and for Behavioral Intervention Training was made.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

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SPORTS

Editor: Jack Hagn | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Riley Welch: from bench warmer to basketball star AJ ROBINSON Staff Writer

suspension from the team freshman year, Welch heard his wake up call.

Junior Riley Welch has become a “My first year playing here, it took me a key contributor for the UMW men’s little while to adjust to the speed of the basketball team this season. The guard game and get accustomed to the day-tois averaging 11.9 points, 2.9 rebounds day commitment with the team. I loved and 1.9 assists per game for the Eagles. basketball, but I was immature and not He has also had some of his best nearly as focused,” Welch said. performances in some of the most pivotal In the face of adversity, Welch refused games for the Eagles against ranked to become discouraged. He dedicated opponents and is averaging 16.7 points time to working hard both during and per game over the past 6 games. outside of practice, took pride in his Although Welch is now one of the personal accomplishments and continued team’s key players, his college career to learn each and every day. He claims didn’t start out this way. He suffered a that his game took a big leap during the lingering hip injury during his freshman summer after his freshman year. “I was season that caused him to miss the in the gym every day working on my entire preseason with the team. During shooting, ball handling and stamina,” the regular season, Welch didn’t get said Welch. much playing time and most games Sophomore year, he returned to didn’t touch the court. Following his campus healthy and with a newfound focus on and off the court. Head coach Marcus Kahn said that Welch came in producing results on the floor that as a coach he couldn’t ignore.

“His ability to consistently make shots [was the reason he started receiving more playing time]. He went from not playing his freshman year to leading the conference in 3-point field goal percentage. It’s hard to keep a player that shoots it that well and works defensively off the floor,” Kahn said.

Anyone that has witnessed Welch’s Welch leads the CAC in free throw percentage.

UMW Athletics game will notice his diligence and

perseverance on the floor. “His effort on the court has made him into the player he is now. I give Riley all the credit for his offseason work habits and full-time dedication to our program. He is a great kid and somebody with an infectious personality. I’m yet to meet someone who doesn’t like Riley. He embodies what we want to build with our program,” Kahn said.

Welch now leads the CAC in free throw percentage and is eighth in 3-point field goals made.

The team is now 10-5 and are coming off a big win against Randolph-Macon.

With only conference play ahead, the program is looking to bring home the first CAC championship title since 2013. Regardless of how they finish this season, the coaching staff will continue to look to build their program with dedicated players like Welch to achieve their ultimate goal, which is to make an NCAA tournament run.

Kahn believes that Welch sets an example for future freshmen coming into UMW’s basketball program, proving that with patience and hard work, anyone can make their way up the depth chart.

“Riley has proven to all, that if you come in, work hard and commit to the program and your classes, good things will happen,” said Kahn. “He has completely changed his role from freshman year by outworking others.”

Houston Astros under fire for extensive cheating JOE LANGLEY Staff Writer

Within the last week, the reputation of the Houston Astros went from being one of the most elite teams in Major League baseball to be one of the most controversial teams in all professional sports. The team recently shocked the nation with its World Series championship in October of 2017, carrying a heavy fan base. However, it is hard to support a team that refuses to play by the rules.

The speculation of illegal buzzer use to read signs first started on Twitter last week when one user posted a video of Jose Altuve’s game-winning home run in game six of the American League championship series. The team rushed to Altuve as he trotted down the third baseline. As they attempted to rip his jersey off, he swatted them away, clenching his jersey tightly.

The exhilarating moment turned awry when speculators began to question just how unnaturally the reaction occurred.

The suspicion continues. Rather than rushing the mound with his teammates, Altuve takes his LCS Champs tee in hand and sprints to the dugout, still in uniform, changing privately unlike his teammates on the field. He later reappears to do the Ken Rosenthal interview wearing the tee, to which Rosenthal asks why he didn’t want his jersey taken off. Altuve asks him to repeat the question--perhaps buying time for a response--and offers that his wife was upset last time he did.

This is not the first time the organization has been known to cheat pitches. Houston players in the dugout were banging on trash cans with their bats in an effort to tell the player at bat what type of pitch was coming, which was later proven from video evidence.

Punishments were served to the Astros from the MLB, suspending Manager

Thursday, January 23, 2020

AJ Hinch and General Manager Jeff Lunhow for the season along with taking away first and second-round draft picks and a $5 million fine. Hours after the suspension news broke out, Hinch and Lunhow were fired by the Astros.

Alex Cora, the manager of the Boston Red Sox, was also linked to Houston’s sign-stealing as he was the bench coach for the Astros during their World Series run in 2017. After winning in Houston as the bench coach, Cora went on to win the 2018 World Series as manager for the Red Sox, adding to the suspicion behind him being linked to the sign stealing.

As the investigation began for the 2018 Boston Red Sox, Alex Cora and the team mutually parted ways. There is no doubt that punishments are in the process of being made for the Red Sox from the MLB. Senior communication major and golf team member Andrew Halmrast shared his views on the league’s punishment for Houston. “To be honest with you, I wasn’t too surprised to hear about this,” Halmrast said. “There’s been sign stealing in baseball for a while. I’m disappointed, the integrity of the game is ruined. This says more about the Houston Astros than it does about the MLB. I think the MLB is bound to find out more about teams doing this in the future.”

Halmrast is right when he says that sign-stealing isn’t something new, it’s been a hush strategy for teams for decades.

What makes the Houston Astros different than others, to Halmrast, is the extent at which the Astros stole the signs.

This isn’t just a runner on second base waving a high and low hand to the batter, but the unlawful usage of advanced technology.

Further, Halmrast believes there should be more implemented punishment for the Astros. “I think they should be

suspended from playoff contention this season,” Halmrast said confidently.

“To think that elite players like Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman had buzzers underneath their jerseys, telling them what type of pitch was coming, ruins my perspective as a fan about their game and themselves as players.”

Sophomore computer science major and baseball team member Chase Perreault shared his perspective on Houston’s punishment. “As a player myself, these acts of cheating make me sick to my stomach,” Perreault said. “I was so surprised. Why would these elite athletes feel the need to cheat? They’re professional for a reason, they shouldn’t feel the need to cheat.”

“I honestly think this makes the Nationals win over Houston in the world series more impressive,” Perrault added.

“With all this information about the Astros cheating, you have to think they were still doing it this season.”

Like Halmrast, Perreault believes there should be further punishment for the Astros. “I think taking away the World Series title would be too much, you can’t change the past,” Perreault said. “I think there should be a higher fine or more confiscated draft picks.”

Fans can only hope that this doesn’t happen in the future and that the MLB will do a better job in administering teams, making sure that history doesn’t repeat itself.

A.J. Hinch, former manager for the Astros.

University of Mary Washington Fall Sports Schedule

Men’s Basketball (11-7)

Jan. 15 L @ Salisbury (75-65) Jan. 18 L vs. Chris. Newport (97-84) Jan. 25 @ York (Pa.) Jan. 29 vs. Southern Virginia Feb. 1 @ Chris. Newport

Women’s Basketball (13-5) Jan. 18 L vs. Chris. Newport (97-84) Jan. 22 L vs. Shenandoah (44-32) Jan. 25 @ York (Pa.) Jan. 29 @ Southern Virginia Feb. 1 @ Chris. Newport

Women’s Swimming (8-2)

Jan. 18 W vs. Barton (187-75) Jan. 18 W vs. Franklin & Marshall (16993) Jan. 25 vs. Gettysburg Feb. 1 vs. Southern Virginia Feb. 13-16 vs. CAC Championships

@ St. Mary’s City, Md.

Men’s Swimming (6-4)

Jan. 18 W vs. Barton (182-80) Jan. 18 L vs. Franklin & Marshall (154107) Jan. 25 vs. Gettysburg Feb. 1 vs. Southern Virginia Feb. 13-16 vs. CAC Championships

@ St. Mary’s City, Md.

Full Schedule not listed above.

Most recent games included.

Bold indicates home game.

nytimes.com

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