The Breeze 11.30.23 by The Breeze

The Breeze JMU’s award-winning newspaper since 1922

november 30, 2023 VOL. 102 NO.13 BREEZEJMU.ORG

CLEAR THE ALLEY

Inside the largest on-campus dancing org

Bowl bound: fans weigh in; likely matchups

UREC should have a rage room

Culture | 11

Sports | 14-15

Opinion | 18

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

Vol. 102, No. 13

O$4NLY 29

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Vol. 102, No. 13

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

On the cover

For the first time in JMU football’s 41-year history, it’s set to play in a bowl game, to be announced Sunday. JMU needed multiple five-win teams to lose during the last week of the regular season to secure its bowl status because it’s still considered a transitioning program by the NCAA. But what’s making the moment not as sweet for some JMU fans is the fact that the Dukes would be playing for a Sun Belt Conference crown on Saturday versus Troy had it not been for their transition status to the FBS. The Breeze has a fan survey as well as information from college football insider Brett McMurphy to help paint the picture of the unfamiliar extra FBS game JMU will play later in December, which will bring a sizable amount of attention and revenue to the school.

What’s inside...

For more bowl game coverage, see pages 14-15. LEFT: “Night at the movies” was the theme of this year's Dancing Dukes fall recital on Nov. 12 — made up of two acts with 26 dances. Dancing Dukes is the largest dance organization on campus with 170 members. The group incorporates tap, hip-hop, contemporary and jazz styles into its routines and sometimes offers specialty classes taught by group members or other guests. For more about the Dancing Dukes, check out page 11.

Courtesy of Nick Le

The Breeze

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NEWS

EDITOR Eleanor Shaw

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Loan repayments resumed. Here’s how JMU borrowers are adapting. Expert cautions students of new federal government plan’s longevity By ABBY CHAMOT The Breeze

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The student loan pause that looked to help borrowers after COVID-19 and was lifted in September has JMU alums now paying back their debt while gaining interest over time, which means they may enter tight financial situations. “The more students are paying for loan debt or credit card debt, then the less disposable income they have to do things like buy a house, have a family, save for their future and retirement,” JMU Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships Brad Barnett said. JMU students expressed concern for a lack of disposable income, with sophomore Abby Straley saying she thinks student loans will continue to get harder to pay as alums age because of gaps between cost of living versus income. Straley also said she thinks student loan payments were resumed too hastily and not enough time has passed since they were originally passed because of the pandemic in March 2020. Students see the effects of COVID-19 still largely affecting JMU alums and their financial situations. “I think we are still very much in a stage of pandemic relief,” junior Sabrina Smith said. To ease these concerns, the Biden-Harris Administration also announced a new Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan in August. This is an income-driven repayment plan that can help student borrowers make affordable payments on student loans based on their income after receiving a college education. The plan also provides quick income-driven repayment (IDR) applications for people who are receiving support through college. Smith said she is optimistic about the SAVE Plan and thinks it will lead to a more equitable outcome for individuals being able to pay off their loans. “I think [it] seeks to tackle the problem of people getting behind on their payments and then being worse off than they were to begin with,” Smith said. Like Smith, junior Adam Hill said he appreciates the flexibility SAVE gives to students. “People’s lives change a lot,” Hill said. “I think a payment plan that acknowledges that has the potential to be really helpful.” However, Barnett said in spite of SAVE’s benefits, it isn’t an entirely reliable option for students looking to repay their debt. Barnett said those who are “income challenged” can find some relief in SAVE by expediting loan payments and providing students with time to organize their finances. However, Barnett said repayment plans constantly change as the White House and Congress turn over, leading to increased risk in selecting a repayment option that may cease to exist in future years. “Just because a student is borrowing money today, counting on using the SAVE Plan when they graduate in four or five years [is] not the best decision in the world,” Barnett said. “I can’t promise you that the SAVE Plan is going to be around in four or five years or be in the same existence as it currently is.” CONTACT Abby Chamot at chamotar@dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.

“The more students are paying for loan debt or credit card debt, then the less disposable income they have to do things like buy a house, have a family, save for their future and retirement.” Brad Barnett

JMU Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships

NEWS

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

The SGA hosted a town hall panel in place of its regular Tuesday meeting on Nov. 14 that was open to members of the JMU community. Panelists hailed from Student Life, JMU Dining, JMU Business Services, Engineering and Construction, the University Health Center, various academic departments and the Provost’s office. During the panel, participants responded to questions from the SGA about Stop the Haze training and JMU resources for students with eating disorders. Grace Sawyer / The Breeze

SGA hosts town hall, asks upper administrators, department heads students’ burning questions Among topics: anti-hazing training, expanded Bridgeforth Stadium, course registration woes By HANNAH KENNEDY The Breeze

The Student Government Association (SGA) Senate held a town hall on Nov. 14, which answered questions collected by the student body regarding JMU’s Stop the Haze training, nutrition, construction, attendance, lack of academic advisors and enrollment appointments. Open to students and SGA members alike, panel headliners included JMU administration and department heads.

SGA questions JMU town hall panelists

While the SGA occupies The Union every Tuesday to discuss the needs of JMU students, during its senate, it invited JMU administration and department heads as panelists in a town hall to update the SGA on recent decisions made by the university. Senior Carlin Bumgarner, speaker of the student Senate, began the meeting with introductions, followed by questions for the panel collected by the SGA in student surveys. Bumgarner’s questions were met with some hesitation, given many panelists felt they did not have the authority to speak on certain matters. Dirron Allen, associate vice president for student life and involvement, who acts as a co-adviser to the SGA, answered an inquiry regarding a lack of available hazing prevention programs for students. He said this issue was especially pertinent because of the state requirement that all student organization members must attend a Stop the Haze presentation since the passing of Adam’s Law in July 2022, named after former VCU student Adam Oakes who died by alcohol poisoning in a hazing incident at the Richmond university in 2021. “There are plans to change Stop the Haze for the future, and, yes, we’re going to look into having larger spaces offering more evening hours,” Allen said. “We’re involving student feedback in

that process and seeing what we can do differently.” SGA also asked the panel how students monitor their eating habits, as well as whether the university has taken any steps in preventing the development of eating disorders. Director of Student Engagement and Marketing for JMU Dining Jenna Gray said the university hired a full-time dietitian to help curate meals. Gray also said JMU Dining provides nutritional calculators on its website for non-packaged food that has caloric information and allows users to keep track of their eating habits throughout the day. These can be found at the bottom of the E-Hall and D-Hall pages, just under the weekly menu. “Stay tuned — our dietitian is working really hard to develop these programs that include students she’s connected with,” Gray said. “Health and wellness is imperative to what we do every day.”

Panelists respond to student survey questions

Q: Is there a uniform policy across the university mandating students are present in class? If not, will there be? “Faculty affairs work is not uniform,” Senior Associate Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Equity Margaret Mulrooney said. “That’s by design because faculty have to have the latitude or flexibility to vary their teaching.” Q: Will JMU hire employees whose sole purpose is to be an advisor, rather than the current system, which has professors filling the role? Vice Provost for Student Academic Success and Enrollment Management Rudy Molina said the university is currently analyzing data in order to make this undertaking possible. Molina said JMU is evaluating its adviser-to-student-to-college ratio, as well as the cost of hiring what it estimates to be a need for four advisors would be. Molina said this would need to wait until JMU could stretch the budget far enough to incorporate them.

Q: What is JMU doing to become more energy sustainable? According to Director of Engineering and Construction Kirk Morris, JMU is leaning toward sustainable energy options. It’s in Phase 2 of a three-part plan to reconstruct the power plant on East Campus. The building will be located between Shenandoah Hall and the University Recreation Center (UREC), supplying heat and other forms of energy to the surrounding structures. The first phase of this was designing and ordering equipment, Morris said. As of now, JMU is working on the actual construction, which will lead to Phase 3: “integration of the reproduction throughout campus,” Morris said. Although JMU has yet to begin this renovation, Morris said the project that has been pursued for the past decade will resemble that of other “state-of-the-art,” “multi-million-dollar” boilers around campus. Morris said the plant will be energy efficient, despite being confined by the budget, which doesn’t allocate unlimited funding for materials. JMU hopes to move toward alternative energy sources in the near future, despite the 7- to 10-year period before a return on the investment is seen. Morris said the university has been collecting appraisals and expert opinions on renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, across campus. Morris said the initiative is “more realistic now than I’ve ever seen in my life.” Q: Should students expect an expansion of Bridgeforth Stadium? According to the SGA survey, fans assumed additional football stadium seating would be on the minds of the Board of Visitors, following the recent move and quick success in the Sun Belt Conference. Morris was quick to comment, saying there’s been lots of discussion on social media, but he explained it was unlikely there would be an undertaking by his department anytime soon. “We’d be happy to do it; we’re on board,” he said. “It’s a matter of funding.” see SGA, page 6

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

Before the town hall panel, the SGA collected student questions via surveys. These questions were asked during the final portion of the event. Grace Sawyer / The Breeze

from SGA, page 5

Q: How is JMU dealing with the difficulties students have faced registering for classes? Molina said a new model is well underway and was even tested this past enrollment cycle for the spring 2024 semester. After returning from a conference just a few days ago, he said he’s confident that by making small, incremental adjustments to the enrollment system, improvements will be noticeable within a few semesters. Although there are plans that involve devising a “mathematical model for enrollment” using data from the past three to five years of course placement, a more immediate change is imminent. Molina said the “Hunger Games effect” that takes place now — characterized by a freefor-all during seemingly randomized enrollment times for all majors — is not a sustainable option. He said he’s been observing the systems other universities in Virginia use during their enrollment to base JMU’s off, saying there are companies that can streamline the process for a significant but necessary cost. This may take the form of giving priority to certain majors, staggering enrollment appointments more effectively or expanding class sizes and availability, Molina said. There are plans to purchase new enrollment programs during an upcoming contract cycle with another Virginia university, during which time Molina said JMU will “piggy back on their contract, which typically brings down their price point.” However, due to budgetary constraints, small changes must be made in the meantime, Molina said: “We’re probably, at best, two or three years away from getting that technology if we expedite it.” CONTACT Hannah Kennedy at kennedhj@dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.

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NEWS

Vol. 102, No. 13

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

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Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

NEWS

JMU Dining: Starbucks truck to close on sub-freezing mornings $8,000 in funds also approved at SGA meeting By SIXUAN WU The Breeze

The Student Government Association (SGA) Senate heard from JMU Dining and approved contingency funds for Unaccompanied, Word is Born Writers’ Society and Exit 245 during its Tuesday meeting.

Dining presents updates on meal punches, finals week, more

Speaker of the Senate Carlin Bumgarner conducted the meeting. The nearly $8,000 of contingency funds approved by the SGA went to the acapella groups Unaccompanied and Exit 245, as well as the Word is Born Writers’ Society. Photos by Malia Sunderlin / The Breeze

Director of Student Engagement Jenna Gray represented JMU Dining and gave a presentation highlighting dining service events, while also addressing issues brought up at the Nov. 14 SGA town hall and the food service committee meeting. Highlights of the presentation, with many items recurring from previous years, include: * Hours of operation for the Starbucks truck will change depending on the weather. The truck will close when temperatures in the morning are below freezing. * The winter farmers’ market will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday on the Union patio. * Cramcarts with snacks will be stationed at study areas during finals week. * JMU Dining started planning events for the spring semester, including a Hollywoodthemed dinner and Chili Cookoff in E-Hall. * Extra punches can be donated at the registers in Market 64 and Festival Food Court for a trial period from Monday to Dec. 15. Donations will benefit the on-campus pantry. * Meal plans will be automatically renewed in the spring semester. Leftover Dining Dollars will carry through. Students who still want to change their meal plan can do so from Jan. 22 to Feb. 2 with a $15 service fee. * Issues regarding the Block 25 meal plan not working at kiosks were brought to Card Services. As of Monday, all problems have been resolved, Gray said. Regarding questions about healthier on-campus eating, Gray said icons such as “vegetarian,” “vegan” and “eat well” are used as guides in dining halls. Gray also said meal calculators can be found on the JMU Dining website for D-Hall, E-Hall and Market 64, which can be used to calculate nutrition facts. Gray also addressed concerns brought by the SGA regarding eating disorders, and she said JMU Dining has a registered dietitian on its staff and will begin to work with mental healthcentric services in the university. “We are going to start working with the Counseling Center to offer opportunities and services, and then making people aware of support groups that are offered,” Gray said. “Really just continuing to collaborate with the university on what we can do to communicate our efforts.”

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NEWS

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

SGA approves contingency funds for three student organizations

CONTACT Sixuan Wu at wu3sx@dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.

Director of Student Engagement Jenna Gray presented updates and planned events to the SGA Senate. After she presented, Gray took questions from SGA members. Some points of discussion included the Starbucks truck closing during cold weather and JMU Dining partnering with the Counseling Center to help students combat eating disorders.

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The SGA unanimously approved $3,000 of contingency funds for the acapella group Unaccompanied’s upcoming winter concert on Saturday. Sophomore treasurer Erika Hinson represented the group. “Our goal is to build nurturing, loving relationships and spread inspiring music to the community,” Hinson said. Hinson said there are 30 members in Unaccompanied, and the group’s main revenue comes from dues paid by members and fundraisers. Unaccompanied has already raised $635 collectively through fundraisers, Hinson said. This money, along with the $3,000 in contingency funds, will cover expenses for the sound system, professional lights, photography, reusable supplies, advertisement and arrangements. Hinson said Unaccompanied will be performing songs from its latest EP at the concert, and the event will host around 500 people. No admissions will be charged. The SGA unanimously approved Word is Born Writers’ Society request for $2,400 of contingency funds to help 10 of its 30 members attend the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference, which will take place from Feb. 7-10 in Kansas City, Missouri. It's the largest annual literary conference in North America, the organization’s presentation slides said. “It is an incredible professional and academic development opportunity with workshops, panels, networking, publication opportunities and graduate program fairs, which is incredibly inspiring,” senior Word is Born President Emily Allen said. Most of the organization’s expenses cover merchandise and open mic nights. Since the pandemic, Allen said Word is Born's revenue mainly comes from member dues, which is $40 per year, and merchandise sales. She said Word is Born is sponsored by the Furious Flower Poetry Center and has raised $81 through poetry and merchandise sales this semester but still needs a significant amount of money to fund a trip to the conference, especially given they just learned about it at the beginning of the semester. Allen said the $2,400 will cover the conference's fees and transportation expenses. The SGA unanimously approved Exit 245 acapella group’s $2,360 contingency request for its 25th anniversary reunion weekend. The event will include a reunion dinner at Hotel Madison with current and past members on Friday and a semesterly concert on Saturday featuring performances by alums. “Our mission is to foster a brotherhood amongst the members of Exit 245,” sophomore and business manager of the group Jackson Greer said. “We have a little bit more than 60 alumni signed up right now for the reunion banquet dinner.” Even though Exit 245 does not collect dues, the group has collectively raised $2,090 through various fundraisers. The $2,360 contingency request will cover room reservation for the banquet, as well as sound and supplies for the concert.

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CULTURE

EDITORS Morgan Blair & Evan Moody

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A scene from “Anon(ymous)” featuring a refugee named Anon and the people he meets during his journey through the U.S. JMU STAD professor and community outreach coordinator Rachel Rhoades recruited local refugees and asylum seekers to participate in community-building activities with the cast to ensure authenticity in the production. Courtesy of Alex Tuszynski

JMU play delivers a retelling of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’

Guest artist directs ‘Anon(ymous)’ play, tells story of war, identity and family through the perspective of refugees By JULIA VARVERUD & K. MAUSER The Breeze

Lights dim and clothes dangle on lines as actors without shoes prepare to take the audience on a journey of trials and tribulations in Naomi Iizuka’s “Anon(ymous),” performed by students of the JMU School of Theatre and Dance (STAD). “Anon(ymous)” ran from Nov. 7-12 at the Forbes Studio Theatre and was directed by guest artist Ruben Carrazana. Iizuka’s work is a contemporary reimagining of Homer’s “The Odyssey” and was first produced in 2006, according to Stage Agent. The play follows Anon, a young refugee, and his journey to the U.S. through meeting different characters from America. The show also emphasizes Anon’s relationship with his mother and their separation when traveling throughout the play. Carrazana said the search for purpose and identity is a consistent theme throughout the show. “Even the characters who we might describe as, I don’t know, evil, close-minded, villainous … they are all people who are in search of belongings, home, of community, they are people who are terrified of being alone,” Carrazana said. Carrazana said he was offered to direct “Anon(ymous)” in May, and auditions began in August. One artistic choice implemented by Carrazana was choosing to have every character be barefoot. “It feels more sacred and holy, ritualistic, connected to the Earth,” he said. Rachel Rhoades, JMU STAD professor and community outreach coordinator, proposed the play be shown at JMU during mainstage season because the university is placed within a refugee resettlement location. “I thought this would be a great opportunity to bring the community together with our students,” Rhoades said. The play addresses war, identity and family. After auditions, Carrazana said he trusted his cast with playing such heavy roles and that he strove to “create a space where everyone felt safe to take the risks, and ask questions, and make the play happen.” Along with direction from Carrazana and performances by JMU students, STAD students shaped

the sound design. Stella Shoemaker, sophomore theater major and sound co-designer, chose each sound effect in the play. She said this was her second time as a sound designer, but it was her first time designing sound for a mainstage production. Shoemaker said the process of selecting sounds, and ultimately generating a final product, is only possible with lots of coordination between stage crew. “It’s the sound, in the show specifically, that is such a big part of the story, conveying Anon’s journey through America,” Shoemaker said. Shoemaker said she and the other sound co-designer, Aamariah McDonald, collaborated with the performers over email and through Carrazana to make sure each sound choice represented their characters the best they could. Another way of ensuring the characters were authentic was to meet with refugees in the area, Rhoades said. Prior to rehearsals beginning, she recruited local refugees and asylum speakers to participate in community-building activities. “I think the point of art is also to go beyond oneself to become a more compassionate person,” Rhoades said. “I feel like the play allows both those things to happen.” Carrazana said this was the first play he had directed where he’s never met any of the cast or production crew, and added that he had no idea what the JMU culture would be like. By the end of the production process, he said it was a rewarding experience, and he “immediately felt welcome” by the members of the production. “I’m really grateful for the JMU community and STAD for creating what, to me, seems like a space where students have a voice and have a say in what kind of work is being done and how that work is being done,” Carrazana said. CONTACT Julia Varverud at varverja@dukes.jmu.edu and K. Mauser at mauserkk@dukes.jmu. edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

CULTURE

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

Dancing Dukes’ fall recital shines spotlight on organization through movie performances

Dancing Dukes offers annual fall and spring recitals. A broad theme is chosen at the beginning of each semester to allow choreographers more freedom to create a dance. Photos courtesy of Nick Le

By ARIANNA TAYLOR contributing writer

Dancing Dukes took Wilson Hall’s stage Nov. 12 for its fall recital themed “night at the movies.” Broken into two acts with a 10-minute intermission, the recital consisted of 26 dances, with each reflecting a movie through costume and song choice. The recital was open to the public with free admission and broadcast live on YouTube. With 170 members, Dancing Dukes is the largest dancing organization at JMU. Covering four different dance styles — tap, hip-hop, contemporary and jazz — Dancing Dukes offers a variety of classes for participants to find their niche, club president and tap head Maya Menkara said. In addition to the four styles, Dancing Dukes periodically offers special classes such as hula, Latin dance club, improv and ballet, taught by guests or dancers in the club. “We have a member of the club that really loves hula, so we asked if she would teach us,” Menkara said. “She even taught us the cultural background [of hula].” Dancing Dukes has two recitals a year with one in the spring, Menkara said. Typically, the recital will be a few weeks before final exams so the dancers have a break from Dancing Dukes before the end of the semester, Menkara said. A broad theme of the recital is chosen at the beginning of the semester to allow choreographers more freedom to create a dance, she said. Each style is assigned “heads” and “shadows” to choreograph, choose the costumes, select a song and work with production, Menkara said. Even though a shadow is not the head choreographer for their style, they can still choreograph a dance for the recital, sophomore and Dancing Dukes member Emma Hren said. Hren is the shadow for tap and applauds the flexibility she can have with Dancing Dukes. “You can pick and choose how much you put into it,” Hren said. “You can sign up for one recital dance and be that involved, or you can sign up for like four or five and be even more involved.” In addition to the recital, dancers also have the opportunity to join a performance group within the different styles. Because Jesus lived a sinless life, those who believe in him strive to model their lives after him — in a way that represents him well. Traits of Jesus include compassion, humility and patience, among many others. Freshman Halle Meyer said Dancing Dukes is similar to a sorority because of the members’ relationships but without the big time commitment of Greek life.

see DANCE, page 12

12 from DANCE, page 11

They will dance at the recital as well as at different community outreach events like A Walk for Alzheimers or the halftime of a basketball game. Philanthropy is a prominent aspect of the Dancing Dukes community — recently, it raised money for its own organization along with other nonprofits such as A Walk for Alzheimers. “Philanthropy is definitely a big goal for everyone,” freshman Halle Meyer said. “I know our head and executive are looking for ways to kind of raise money for the community, not just the club.” Menkara joined Dancing Dukes as a freshman when classes were only online because of COVID-19. She started coming to more dance classes her sophomore year because they were in person, and she wanted to reconnect with her passion for dance. “I love dance, and I missed it a lot when I came to college,” Menkara said. Dancing Dukes offers three-hour classes three to four times a week for each dance style. Menkara said the classes give the dancers a chance to decompress after a long day of classes. “It’s that time of your day when you don’t have to think about anything,” Menkara said. “I’m a nursing major, so all I do is study. But dancing forces me to do something else.” With little time to talk during practice, Dancing Dukes does a big-little program to give its dancers a chance to connect. Meyer said her big gave her a role model and a person to turn to when adjusting to college. “We’re in the same major so she’s been a study buddy, and I turn to her for help with scheduling,” Meyer said. She said Dancing Dukes is similar to a sorority in the relationships she is making, without the time commitment of Greek life, between paying dues and attending chapter meetings.

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

CULTURE

Meyer is an honors student double majoring in intelligence analysis and political science with a minor in legal studies. With a rigorous academic schedule, she was looking for a club that would give her the flexibility to fulfill her academic requirements but still get involved. Meyer said she also appreciates the Dancing Dukes’ inclusivity as it doesn’t have a bid day or interview process, procedures that are common in sororities. As Meyer performed on the stage of Wilson Hall, she said she was reminded of summer orientation, when every freshman was welcomed to JMU. She said she felt a similar excitement and fear buzz throughout Wilson Hall for orientation as it did taking the stage for the first time. “I never thought I would be the one on that stage; I never even thought I would continue dancing in college,” Meyer said. “It was nerveracking and sentimental in that way.” After her first recital, Meyer said she grew tighter to her peers in Dancing Dukes. “Of course it wasn’t traumatic, but I almost feel a trauma bond with them because of all of the time and stress that goes into it,” Meyer said. “It’s still fun, and everyone enjoys it. We were around each other for so long that we grew closer.” Menkara said her goal for the organization is to cultivate a safe environment for members who are new, familiar or just want to explore dance. “It’s a place for people to just come to relax and do something they feel passionate about,” Menkara said. CONTACT Arianna Taylor at taylo3af@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

Dancing Dukes participates in a variety of philanthropic events such as A Walk for Alzheimers. Photo courtesy of Nick Le

CULTURE

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

Family studies minor explores human connections

Program provides students of diverse fields with the opportunity to better understand varying familial dynamics By LUCE SAMPSON contributing writer

“Family is whatever a person defines family to be.” This is how Nancy Poe, JMU’s family studies minor coordinator, describes the human connections and relationships of caregiving, receiving, growing, learning and developing across the lifespan. At the family studies minor information session on Nov. 9, the minor’s advisor, Terry Fernsler, said a benefit of this diversity of majors is getting differing perspectives on what a family is. The family studies minor examines the ways families interact with each other and institutions, including schools and prisons, Fernsler said. The minor includes courses from multiple departments, including psychology, health, sociology, social work, women’s gender and sexuality studies, and even history. The family studies minor is a part of the Department of Social Work and offers two concentrations: family ecology and gerontology, which is the study of aging. Most family studies minors are psychology majors, Fernsler said. While many plan on working with kids in the future, career goals are diverse. Ziah Buffington, a sophomore psychology major and family studies minor, said she wants to be a relationship counselor. She said she was first drawn to the minor because of her interest in a human sexuality course, HTH 372, included in family studies. She

said romantic relationships and family dynamics influence each other, and she anticipates the family studies courses will prepare her for a future career because they examine dynamics among people. “Families are involved in The family studies minor is open to any major, something the minor’s advisor, Terry Fernsler, said equips the students with a diversity of perspectives on family. Breeze file photo everything,” Fernsler said. The family studies minor at concentration has potential to provide greater intergenerational JMU also attracts a variety of majors — once, even an engineering understanding. Poe cited the aging population and lack of major, Poe said. Over time, she said, the minor has probably been intergenerational friendships as reasons this understanding home to students of all colleges. “[The minor] can support any field where people have an may be particularly important. Furthermore, Poe said this increased awareness can lead to interest in working with families or members of families,” Poe said. better informed decision-making in creating policies, programs “But also, I believe in our materials we talk about anyone who has interest in … reflecting on and gaining a greater understanding and communities. of their own family background.” “Family is a human experience,” Poe said. “So in the study of While some students take the family studies minor for families, it’s really a study of human experience.” academic purposes, others take it for personal reasons, Poe said. Poe and Fernsler said the minor benefits people pursuing CONTACT Luce Sampson at sampsoll@dukes.jmu.edu. family-oriented careers, as well as anyone looking to increase For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and their understanding of people. Though fewer students Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X and concentrate in gerontology, both Poe and Fernsler said the Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

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SPORTS EDITORS Kaiden Bridges & Jackson Hephner

EMAIL breezesports@gmail.com

@TheBreezeSports

With no conference championship, majority of fans satisfied with bowl By KAIDEN BRIDGES & SARABETH ELLIS The Breeze Since April, the talk of JMU football participating in a bowl game has been buzzing, and after eight months of turmoil from the university and Virginia politicians with the NCAA, the Dukes are indeed going bowling. The FBS regular season ended on Saturday with not enough six-win teams to fill the slots for 41 bowl games. After the NCAA initially denied JMU’s expedited transition in April, its bylaws say the Dukes could still find their way into a bowl game by default if there weren’t enough eligible teams — and they did just that. But just because JMU’s season isn’t over yet doesn’t mean all of its problems are solved. Though the Dukes are playing in a bowl game, they can’t play in the Sun Belt Championship against Troy on Saturday despite finishing at the top of the Sun Belt East Division at 7-1 because of the NCAA’s two-year transition rule, which is still in place for the Dukes, even though they’re now playing in a bowl. Fans have had mixed reviews over the fact that this is the second year JMU has finished on top of the east and haven’t played in the conference championship — although a change this year is that a bowl game wasn’t a part of the equation in 2022. In a JMU Nation Facebook post from The Breeze, fans shared their opinions on whether or not a bowl game was enough for them, even if the Dukes are still unable to compete in the Sun Belt championship. A Breeze survey garnered 126 responders and many people had split opinions. “I’m okay with any post-season game the Dukes would play in, whether it’s a bowl and/or conference championship. We signed up for [the] FBS knowing full well we wouldn’t be eligible for postseason play for two years. While I think it’s a nonsensical rule, it’s the rule nonetheless and we agreed to it,” Mike Schwall commented. Several other comments echoed Schwall’s response, saying that JMU was aware it would be ineligible to compete in postseason play for the first two years of transition, and that they are just happy the Dukes are playing in a bowl game. But fans also noted that JMU knew there could be a possible waiver and that it’s unfair the Dukes didn’t receive one. “The bowl is not enough. It’s wonderful. But the rhetoric that we knew what the rule was is beyond frustrating,” Rhonda Campbell commented. “At this point we also knew there was a waiver. You’d be unlikely to find any situation where a team deserved a waiver more than JMU did this year. This isn’t about fans, it isn’t about the school. This is about players who deserve the conference championship that they’ve earned in addition to the bowl game.” Some fans said they believe the NCAA didn’t want to set a precedent of handing out waivers to teams who are undergoing a conference transition, which NCAA President Charlie Baker wrote in a letter to Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R, ’98) on Oct. 18, but others questioned why the NCAA would offer the possibility of one if they are unwilling to grant waivers to teams. “JMU met every criteria for the waiver to be granted,” Jeff Poland commented. “Why is there a waiver process if it won’t be granted.” In the Breeze survey, the level of satisfaction from fans on the Dukes playing in a bowl game but not a Sun Belt Championship are mixed. Out of the126 anonymous responses, 73.1% of fans are either satisfied or very satisfied with JMU’s opportunity for postseason play, while 17.9% said they are somewhat or very dissatisfied, considering the Dukes’ record means they should be playing for a conference crown in a non-transition year. 88% of responders said they were disappointed that JMU is unable to compete against Troy in the Championship on Saturday. CONTACT Kaiden Bridges at breezesports@gmail.com and Sarabeth Ellis at ellis2sp@dukes.jmu.edu. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X @TheBreezeSports.

Very dissatisfied

Are fans ok with JMU going to a bowl game?

5.7%

Somewhat dissatisfied

12.2%

Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

Very satisfied

39.8%

8.9%

Somewhat satisfied

33.3%

“The NCAA transfer rule doesn’t allow for exceptions due to a school’s overpreparation in moving to FBS which led to the Dukes having to become bowl eligible by default. The ‘committees’ failed to respect JMU’s adherence to the FBS standards earlier than required.” - Survey respondent

“I think there was way too much attention paid to the fact that an exception wasn’t made, but am perfectly happy for the players to have this opportunity despite that.” - Survey respondent

No 0.9% No 11.3%

Should JMU be playing in a bowl game? Are you disappointed JMU isn’t playing in a conference championship?

Yes 99.1%

Yes 88.7%

SPORTS

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

Likely bowl games for JMU don’t include Sun Belt tie-ins, insider says 9 bowls from New Mexico to Myrtle Beach up for grabs By HAYDEN HUNDLEY & JACKSON HEPHNER The Breeze strengths,” he said. “In other words, they’re If you’re trying to predict where JMU not going to put JMU against a 6-6 team from football is heading for its bowl game, college the MAC.” Still, a lot can change between now and football insider Brett McMurphy told The Breeze on Wednesday afternoon that options Sunday, when bowls are selected. Any upset could lead to teams being projected to make are limited. JMU’s status as a transitioning team makes or miss the College Football Playoff or New things tricky. McMurphy said, the Dukes are Year’s Six bowls, and that has a ripple effect supposed to be picked by bowl after the 11 on the rest of the projected matchups. An other eligible Sun Belt Conference teams are example is Liberty, which could potentially chosen. However, the Sun Belt is only directly leapfrog No. 22 Tulane (11-1, 8-0 AAC) in the affiliated with seven bowl games, leaving CFP rankings and make it into the Group of 5’s New Year Six bowl spot with a win in the slots open for five remaining programs. “It’s not simply like, ‘Wow, they’ve got Conference USA Championship on Friday, 11 wins. Let’s put them in the best bowl,’” or become a less desirable opponent for Troy or JMU with a loss. McMurphy said. “It “Write down my doesn’t work that bowl projections on way.” the shore, and then The Breeze wait for the waves reached out to a Sun to wash up every 30 Belt spokesperson minutes,” McMurphy to confirm that JMU said jokingly. “That’s would be picked after how fluid it is.” the 11 other Sun Belt Complicating teams but did not matters is the Sun receive a response by Belt’s 12 bowl-eligible deadline. teams, which is one McMurphy said shy of the FBS record JMU will be limited set by the SEC in to an ESPN-owned 2021. Because of bowl that does not this, McMurphy said have a tie-in with a the New Mexico and Power 5 conference. Hawaii bowls are This means the being considered Dukes won’t make Brett McMurphy as potential extra an appearance in the tie-ins for the Sun New Orleans Bowl College football insider Belt because of the or 68 Ventures Bowl, decreased membership of Conference USA, despite both being Sun Belt tie-ins. There are 11 ESPN-owned bowls that fit the bowls’ current tie-in. The goal is to avoid having Sun Belt teams that description; however, McMurphy added that JMU won’t make the Cure Bowl or facing each other. If it were to happen, McMurphy said the bowls wouldn’t put Bahamas Bowl. Based off McMurphy’s criteria, the Dukes together teams that have played each other are left with nine options: the Myrtle Beach in the regular season. The Breeze reached out to a Sun Belt Bowl (S.C.), the New Mexico Bowl, the Frisco Bowl (Texas), the Boca Raton Bowl (Fla.), spokesperson to confirm that the conference the Gasparilla Bowl (Fla.), the Camellia will be adding another tie-in bowl this season Bowl (Ala.), the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl but did not receive a response by deadline. Ultimately, the entire bowl picture is ever(Idaho), the Armed Forces Bowl (Texas) and changing, and things will probably change the Hawaii Bowl. However, McMurphy also said JMU will again, especially after a full day of conference probably be matched up against another championships on Saturday. “Kind of like Mike Tyson says, ‘Everybody’s 10-win Group of 5 team, with sources right now telling him that bowl officials got a plan until somebody hits them in the are looking at pairing up JMU (11-1, 7-1 mouth,’” McMurphy said. “A lot of people are Sun Belt), Troy (10-2, 7-1 Sun Belt), Toledo getting hit in the mouth, and you can’t really say (11-1, 8-0 Mid-American Conference) and 100% until we see the results for the weekend.” No. 24 Liberty (12-0, 8-0 Conference USA) together, assuming the latter three win their CONTACT Hayden Hundley at hundlehf@ conference championships. McMurphy’s dukes.jmu.edu and Jackson Hephner at latest prediction has JMU playing Toledo in breezesports@gmail.com. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X at the Myrtle Beach Bowl. “They try to pair up teams of comparable @TheBreezeSports.

“It’s not simply like, ‘Wow, they’ve got 11 wins. Let’s put them in the best bowl.’ It doesn’t work that way.”

JMU football is heading to its first bowl game in program history after an 11-1 (7-1 Sun Belt) campaign. Grace Sawyer / The Breeze

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

SPORTS

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

Kaiden Bridges Sports Editor

Jackson Hephner Sports Editor

Colby Reece BTV Sports Director

William Moran Copy Editor

Avery Goodstine Managing Editor

Michael Russo Executive Editor

Grant Johnson Editor-in-Chief

Editor’s record

37-23

32-28

43-17

40-20

43-17

47-13

45-15

Oregon vs. Washington

Oregon

Washington

Oregon

Washington

Oregon

Louisville vs. Liberty

Florida St.

Louisville

Florida St.

App State vs. Troy

App State

Troy

App State

Oklahoma St. vs. Texas

Texas

New Mexico St. vs. Liberty

Liberty

Georgia vs. Alabama

Alabama

Georgia

Alabama

Georgia

Alabama

Ryan Sauer / The Breeze

OPINION Recreational rage EDITOR Evan Weaver

EMAIL breezeopinion@gmail.com

Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Darts & Pats is the place to do it. Submit your own at breezejmu.org.

@Breeze_Opinion

UREC should have a safe space where students can let out their pent-up frustrations LACEY SIRBAUGH | contributing columnist

A “pay-attention” dart to the people on Reservoir Street on Nov. 15 who didn’t stop for the school bus with its stop sign out and red lights blinking. From a concerned driver. A “go-Dukes!” pat to the football team for an awesome season. From an avid JMU fan.

Between juggling school work with extracurriculars and trying to carve time for a social life in between it all, college can be a stressful time for students. Sometimes, relaxing activities aren’t always the best ways to relieve stress. Coloring, yoga or reading on the Quad might not be everyone’s thing. Students sometimes need an alternative activity when they want to let out some frustration, and to accommodate this, the University Recreation Center (UREC) should have a rage room for students to destress and let out some anger. A rage room is an enclosed space where people are given a designated amount of time to smash or hit objects — or, to simply scream. At a rage room in UREC, students could reserve a timeslot in advance, similar to how they register for its classes. The first priority upon arrival would be requiring

students to sign a waiver each session. After doing so, students would be provided with protective gear such as goggles, gloves and a helmet. There would also be a variety of items to smash objects with, such as bats and sledgehammers. The dining halls could even donate small items like broken dishes to keep costs down. Students within JMU or people in the community could also donate other things they want to throw out. The items could be as simple as an empty glass jar used for spaghetti sauce. Each student could have four to five-minute time slots included in their JMU tuition that they could use over a school year. This allows students to have a rage room session for both midterms and finals each semester. If students want to come more often or have more time, they could pay extra, since the rage room would be primarily reliant on donated items for smashing. Students could also bring any of their own objects to smash.

A “maybe-your-defenseshould-be-better” dart to the Costal Carolina Athletics Department for kicking people out of the football game last weekend for celebrating with streamers. From an alum who only got to see the first four minutes of the game in person.

A “that's-a-wrap” pat to Spotify Wrapped for dropping earlier than I was expecting. From someone who anticipates it all year long.

Kaleb Nute / The Breeze

Editorial Policies The Breeze 1598 S. Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801

The Breeze welcomes and encourages readers to voice their opinions through letters and guest columns.

The Breeze reserves the right to edit submissions for length, grammar and if material is libelous, factually inaccurate or unclear. The Breeze assumes the rights to any published work. Opinions expressed in this page, with the exception of editorials, are not necessarily those of The Breeze or its staff.

A rage room in UREC has a significant amount of support among JMU students and would be used regularly. In a Breeze Instagram poll, 85% of 114 respondents said they liked the idea of a rage room at UREC, and 40% of 110 people said they would use one monthly. The closest rage room to JMU is called Havoc House and is 34 minutes away in Waynesboro. The cheapest package is $45 for 15 minutes, but you have to provide the items yourself. Many college students won’t drive 32 miles and pay $45 for things they can smash on their own, especially if almost half of students say they would visit a rage room monthly. Having a rage room on campus would be more convenient and cheaper, especially for freshmen who don’t have cars on campus. Some people may argue that rage rooms encourage aggression and violence. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, exercise is beneficial with reducing stress, pumping endorphins and improving your mood, and it gives a short break from life by momentarily distracting people from their stressors. A rage room specifically also allows people to let out their frustrations in a safe environment. Rage room reservations could be capped at 15-minute sessions to prevent people from abusing the service. Students could also be directed to a survey after their session to answer a few questions about their stress and the extremity of it with a 1 to 10 scale. Depending on the students’ results, the survey will determine whether or not the student should be provided with counseling resources. All students could be provided the option to take a breath and unwind after by coloring, visiting the sauna and the pool, or being provided with the yoga classes and spa information. Installing a rage room at UREC would be beneficial for students who need to let off some steam in a safe environment that is not only cheap but convenient. This addition would help people figure out what is causing them stress and encourage them to check out the other stress-relieving options JMU offers. CONTACT Lacey Sirbaugh at sirbaula@dukes.jmu.edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on Instagram and X @Breeze_Opinion.

Letters and guest columns should be submitted in print or via e-mail and must include name, phone number, major/year if author is a current student (or year of graduation), professional title (if applicable) and place of residence if author is not a JMU student.

OPINION

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

Social media influencers should avoid patronizing early-career workers ORIANA LUKAS | Breeze columnist The clash between the average working person and social media influencers has sparked an online debate after a negative reaction from Barstool Sports’ podcast “BFFs” toward Brielle Asero’s rant about the 9-to-5 corporate world. Asero, 21, recently graduated from the University of South Carolina and got her first job in Manhattan. As she lives in New Jersey, she has a two-hour trip to the city. After talking about her personal struggles, podcast host Brianna Lapaglia, known as Brianna ChickenFry on social media, said, “It’s just life; go try to make a better job for yourself ”to her co-hosts Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards. This insensitive reaction demonstrates the disconnect that many influencers have from the real world.

Since social media has progressively become more popular in the last decade, people have used the platforms to create na m e s f o r t h e m s e l ve s. S o c i a l m e d i a influence has become a way for people to gain recognition and receive a substantial income. Many influencers have podcasts, TikTok and YouTube accounts with millions of followers, and they receive income from various brand deals. For instance, Charli D’Amelio gained recognition on TikTok at 16 years old and three years later, she has a net worth of $17.5 million as of September, according to Forbes. Along with the high income that influencers make, there are many other perks they relish. For example, they can control the hours they work, have a taste of fame as they’re launched into the limelight, and they’re often sent on lavish trips and events for their work. While

there’s always a dark side to any industry — and being on the internet can have negative repercussions on mental health — being able to fully support yourself by posting content online is a luxury. JMU graduate student Jenna Stetina said these advantages and popularity often cause influencers to become detached. “I think a lot of influencers become popular because of how real they are, but as their popularity grows, they become more out of touch with reality,” Stetina said. On the opposite side of the influencing sphere, young adults are struggling in today’s job environment. In the viral TikTok, Asero said this is her first work experience after graduation and that she’s exhausted. “I get on the train at 7:30 a.m., and I don’t get home until 6:15 p.m. [at the] earliest,”

Asero said. “I don’t have time to do anything. I want to shower, eat my dinner and go to bed. The 9-to-5 schedule in general is crazy.” She explained to Rolling Stone that it’s not just about working an eight-hour day, it’s the difficulty of finding a job in today’s market and how inflation has made working these hours inconsequential. “Gen Z works just as hard as people before us, with lower salaries and higher costs of living,” Asero said to Rolling Stone. “When the standard work week was implemented, people could afford to support a family with one spouse staying home and taking care of the mental load, food and children. But that is hardly the case anymore.” see INFLUENCERS, page 20

Evan Weaver / The Breeze

According to LinkedIn, hiring for entry level positions requiring a college degree has decreased by

19% Increase in prices since 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

32%

6% Increase in the median rent in Harrisonburg to $1,050 according to Zillow

20 from INFLUENCERS, page 19

The job market today has made it difficult for fresh college graduates to secure a job. According to LinkedIn, the hiring for entrylevel job positions that require a college degree has dropped approximately 32% since April 2022. This is frustrating for students who have accrued thousands of dollars in college debt. A l o n g w i t h t h e j o b m a rk e t , A s e ro mentioned how higher costs of living have created difficulties for the younger working class. Based on the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall prices have increased 19% since 2020, notably affecting food and energy the most. In summer 2022, inflation peaked, with consumer prices increasing by 9.1%. While these prices are rising, the job salaries aren’t increasing at the same rate; wage growth is at 4.5% and inflation at 7.1%. Inflation also affects the housing market, which affects rent. More young people graduating college aren’t looking to buy a house — they’re looking to rent. However, since the housing market started going up during the pandemic, so has rent. When the pandemic created more flexibility for people to relocate, the housing market took a hit. And with more competition and more people unable to become homeowners, the renters market skyrocketed. This fluctuation in the housing market created increased prices in rent and utilities. Aside from student living, the median rent in Harrisonburg alone is $1,150 according to Zillow, a 6% increase from 2022. All of these are struggles that today’s college graduates face. It’s manageable, but it’s valid to feel overwhelmed. Many people from older generations viewed Asero as an ungrateful brat. Though, she wasn’t trying to spark controversy or sound ungrateful for her job opportunity. According to the

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

Vol. 102, No. 13

Rolling Stone article, she was simply stating her personal struggles and being respectful toward people who work long hours. Stetina suggested a way to address the gap stemming from misunderstandings about challenges faced by today’s graduates would involve having more open dialogue about these issues. “I think discussions about these topics can make it more digestible for people who don’t understand,” Stetina said. “The more you talk about these things, the more people become aware of what’s going on.” While I enjoy watching influencer content and even listening to Barstool and “BFFS,” I found their perspective disappointing. In f l u e n c e r s s h ou l d n ’ t c r i t i c i z e va l i d complaints from the working class. Brianna ChickenFry has stated on the internet that she dropped out of college and immediately transitione d to the influencer w orld after interning for Barstool. Social media influencer Josh Richards also grew an online following while still in high school. Because of their lack of experience ever working a 9-to-5, saying that young people who are grappling with the difficult realities of the working world need to suck it up is wildly distasteful and ignorant. “I don’t think they have a lot of validity when making statements about situations they themselves have never been in, but I also think it doesn’t mean they know nothing about it,” Stetina said. “But for the most part, I really don’t like when they comment on working situations because most of the time it doesn’t seem well-informed.” CONTACT Oriana Lukas at lukasok@dukes.jmu. edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on Instagram and X @Breeze_Opinion.

Some social media influencers have become increasingly disconnected from their fan base who typically occupy more traditional jobs. Tribune News Service 2

Thursday, September 21, 2023 | breezejmu.org

Vol. 102, No. 6

MULTIMEDIA

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

ESPN College GameDay took the Quad by storm Nov. 18. An estimated 26,000 people attended the event, setting a new GameDay crowd record. The Jonas Brothers performed “Strong Enough” with Bailey Zimmerman on the Quad. Following GameDay, JMU football was handed its first loss of the season in overtime against Appalachian State 26-23. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

THIS Week on BREEZE TV TOP STORIES JMU acappella groups shine ahead of international competition

Kaiden Bridges / The Breeze

Kimberly Aikens / The Breeze

Grace Sawyer / The Breeze

Men’s and women’s soccer conclude seasons on a high note

For more photos of College GameDay, view the full galleries online at breezejmu.org/multimedia.

Grace Sawyer / The Breeze

DJ Griff.ith finds success in the spotlight

Kimberly Aikens / The Breeze

Traveling folk artists take #BandLife on the road across America Weekend weather forecast

April Weber / The Breeze

Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Kaiden Bridges / The Breeze

Max Burkhart / The Breeze

CONTACT Landon Shackelford at shackela@dukes.jmu.

Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

edu. , Kaiden Bridges at breezesports@gmail.com, Kimberly Aikens at aiken2km@dukes.jmu.edu, Grace Sawyer at sawye2gl@dukes.jmu.edu, April Weber at weber2ap@ dukes.jmu.edu and Max Burkhart at burkh2mj@dukes.jmu. edu For more multimedia content, visit breezejmu.org/ multimedia.

Tune in to Breeze TV LIVE from the Alison B. Parker Studio every Friday at 3:30 p.m. Scan the QR code to view our YouTube livestream.

Vol. 102, No. 13

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 27, 2023

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Patti Varol

11/27/23

By Carolyn Davies Lynch

DOWN 1 New Age-y emanation 2 “I say, old __” 3 Trash destination 4 Five-alarm potful 5 “They tricked me!” 6 Container for eggs 7 Ticklish Muppet 8 Anna’s “Frozen” sister 9 Common name for a deep-ocean cucumber 10 Early run-through of a script 11 “Makes sense” 12 “Why don’t we?” 13 Squiggly letter 21 Glowing coal 22 Schedule 25 Geologic time 26 Hawaiian patio 27 Brief bright light 29 Superloud 30 Forty winks 31 Bird-related 32 British unit of length 33 Slithering reptile 35 Soup base made from fermented soybeans

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

stumpe

find the answers online

ACROSS 1 “High Voltage” rock band 5 Frozen drink brand 9 Revolving entryway 14 “Heck no” 15 Humpty Dumpty’s perch 16 Alleviates 17 Freddie Mercury portrayer Malek 18 Sleeve fillers 19 Assists in a crime 20 Game whose cards have images of red and green fruit 23 “If u ask me” 24 Falsehood 25 Folklore figure 28 Game whose tiles are stored in a fruit-shaped bag 34 Concealed via sleight of hand 36 Bled in the wash 37 Tied, as a score 38 “We’re live!” studio sign 39 Dad, or soda 40 Yogurt-based condiment 41 Mama of music 42 U.S. spy org. 43 Cease communication 44 Game in which players compete to collect plastic fruit 47 Once named 48 “The Raven” poet Edgar Allan __ 49 Actress Watson 51 What I shouldn’t do at the dinner table, except in 20-, 28-, and 44-Across? 58 Mickey or Minnie 59 Base x height, for a parallelogram 60 Big brass horn 61 Puts laundry into piles, say 62 Pork or beef 63 Supply-anddemand subj. 64 Kiss on both cheeks, perhaps 65 Sinks out of sight, as the sun 66 “Better Call Saul” actress Seehorn

www.breezejmu.org/ site/crossword_ answers/

39 Fruit-filled dessert 40 Like baggy pants 42 __ necklace: jewelry that provides soothing oral sensory input 43 Soft spots for tumblers 45 Most demure 46 Pop in the microwave, perhaps 50 “Repeat __ me”

11/27/23

51 Like a one-star review 52 Plastic worm, e.g. 53 Healthy Kitten brand 54 Walnut or chestnut 55 “You wound me!” 56 Double-reed woodwind 57 “The X-Files” agent Scully 58 Flavor enhancer, for short

Thursday, November 30, 2023 | breezejmu.org

Vol. 102, No. 13

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