Students sue OU over COVID-19 vaccine mandate PG 6 Meet Athens’ newest radio station PG 10 Five planners to keep you on track in the new year PG 21 THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022
Omicron at OU
All you need to know about the fast-spreading variant
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Making the most out of a pandemic-ridden senior year
I
ABBY MILLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
haven’t been shy when it comes to discussing my new student anxiety and homesickness during my time at Ohio University in my columns. A huge part of going to college is breaking out of your shell, and I admittedly was a bit of the stereotypical “shy freshman” during my first semester at OU. Now, as a senior, I feel a lot more confident in myself and in navigating university life. But sometimes, returning back to Athens can still leave me — and others — with looming questions and anxieties despite how comfortable we may feel with college life now. The coronavirus pandemic exacerbated this feeling, especially among new students. Going to college is tough without stacking a global pandemic on top of that, and it’s undoubtedly not the “traditional” college experience that one may have been looking forward to. For older students, on the other hand, one of those looming questions every semester since the outbreak of COVID-19 is one of comparison: Will college ever feel like it used to? The number of COVID-19 cases in Ath-
ens County has been on the rise, and the spread of the delta and omicron variants was cited as a reason for new precautions, such as having all OU students complete a COVID-19 test before the start of Spring Semester. The university has also altered its masking requirements to solely recommend the usage of KN95, N95, KF94 or three-ply surgical masks. Some events and student organization meetings are being moved online or remain online. It’s clear that COVID-19 is here to stay, and as a senior, I’m further left to wonder what the impact will be for my Spring Semester — my final opportunity to make memories in Athens before moving into the next chapter of my life. Despite the frustrations many other students and I have about the pandemic continuing to upend our ways of life, I’m trying to remain optimistic. I think about the silver linings that have taken place during the pandemic: Posties have continued to produce award-winning work, I’ve been able to safely see my friends in Athens again after the pandemic originally forced us online and, despite everything, we are all still able to be Bobcats and receive an education in
times of uncertainty. The weight of this pandemic can be soul-crushing. It’s hard to simply be a person sometimes, let alone a student, journalist or whatever other hats you may wear in your life. However, it also helps put things we used to take for granted in college into a better perspective. Now more than ever, I’m thankful for unwavering friends, a simple cup of coffee that helps get me through my day and the professors who dedicate so much time to making classes engaging and impactful despite the class modality. While this may not be the senior year I envisioned when I first arrived in Athens, I’m going to make the most of it. Treat yourself with kindness this spring, Bobcats, and know that we will get through this semester together, just as we have since spring 2020. Abby Miller is a senior studying journalism and political science at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions? Email Abby at am166317@ohio.edu or tweet her @abblawrence.
COVER PHOTO BY NATE SWANSON
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Abby Miller MANAGING EDITOR Bre Offenberger DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Geiger EDITORIAL NEWS EDITORS Emma Skidmore, Ryan Maxin ASST. NEWS EDITOR Molly Wilson PROJECTS EDITOR Taylor Burnette SPORTS EDITOR Jack Gleckler ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Ashley Beach CULTURE EDITOR Riley Runnells ASST. CULTURE EDITOR Kayla Bennett OPINION EDITOR Mikayla Rochelle ASST. OPINION EDITOR Hannah Campbell THE BEAT EDITOR Madyson Lewellyn ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR Emma Dollenmayer COPY CHIEF Anna Garnai SLOT EDITORS Anastasia Carter, Bekah Bostick, Isabel Nissley ART ART DIRECTOR Mary Berger ASST. ART DIRECTOR Olivia Juenger DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Nate Swanson PHOTO EDITOR Jesse Jarrold-Grapes DIGITAL WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brianna Lender AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Jack Hiltner ASST. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Claire Schiopota DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA Noah DeSantis BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Andrea Lewis MEDIA SALES Grace Vannan, Jamyson Butler
2 / JAN. 13, 2022
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ISSUE 15, VOLUME 112
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OU imposes stricter mask policies during Spring Semester, continues with in-person classes ADDIE HEDGES FOR THE POST As students return to campus for the Spring Semester, Ohio University is enforcing stricter mask and testing policies to slow the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant but will allow classes to be held in-person. OU President Hugh Sherman announced new COVID-19 guidelines Sunday for in-person gatherings and testing requirements. One of the new guidelines requires all students living on campus to participate in weekly asymptomatic testing, regardless of vaccination status, according to a university-wide email. “(Testing will) be an annoyance to everyone, including myself … but I also think that it will help in the long run with spreading and with keeping numbers as low as possible and keeping people safe,” Cannon Stoneburner, a freshman studying biology pre-med, said. Gillian Ice, special assistant to the president for public health operations, said more positive COVID-19 cases are expected this spring than what was expected last fall. “I anticipate that we will have a surge that’s well beyond what we saw in the fall,” Ice said. “We already have signs of that.” Students have returned to campus with varying opinions of their safety on campus with COVID-19 transmission and infection rates being high. “I’m nervous,” Rhiannon Thomas, a freshman studying criminology, said. “I actually had omicron over Christmas break (and) my whole family did; it was kind of crappy … I was really surprised
that they let us back on campus, to be honest, because I know a lot of other places are (going) virtual for the first couple weeks. I’m definitely going to be masking up everywhere I go.” Ice announced new face mask requirements during a press conference Jan. 5. Cloth masks, neck gaiters, bandanas, masks with valves and ski masks will no longer be accepted as alternatives to medical-grade masks. Starting Monday, students will be expected to wear KN95, N95, KF94 or three-ply surgical masks. “We’re probably not in a position to supply an endless supply of masks to balance the budget,” Ice said. “But we are going to get people started.” A limited supply of masks can be found at Charles J. Ping Recreation Center, the information desk in Baker University Center located on the fourth floor, as well as the second and fourth floor service desks in Alden Library. Students have responded to the university’s new mask requirements with understanding, as well as concern. “I don’t think there’s any huge effect on myself because I don’t think that an N95 feels any different than a cloth mask,” Stoneburner said. “I do think that they are harder to come by, and I think that could be a bit of a concern just for people acquiring them and keeping them around. Cloth masks are a lot easier to find.” Wearing a different type of mask will not be an issue, Thomas agreed, but they can break easily and cannot be reused. Social distancing will continue to be encouraged in classrooms, but class size will not differ from last semester’s guidelines. However, university dining
halls will have implemented social distancing in their seating arrangements, Ice said. Sherman said in-person classes would be prioritized as the university deals with the spread of COVID-19. However, he encouraged other in-person events, such as club meetings or gatherings, to move to virtual formats if possible. “Hypothetically, if there was a very low infection rate … that would be a time for us to say, ‘We’ve got 90% of the campus that’s vaccinated,’ — we’ll ask the question at that time — ‘Can we start doing without masks?’” Sherman said in December 2021. “But because of omicron, I really don’t think it’ll change
ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER until we get to March. I think that’s the best possibility (but) we don’t know what’s gonna happen with omicron.”
@ADDIEHEDGES AH766719@OHIO.EDU
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NEWS BRIEFS
COVID-19 deaths reach 105 in Athens County, ACSD updates COVID-19 policies SOPHIA YOUNG STAFF WRITER
recommended residents boil their water until 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Athens County COVID-19 death toll rises
City Council committees discuss new fire department construction plan
The Athens City-County Health Department reported a new COVID-19 death Tuesday, bringing the death total toll to 105. The county currently has over 1,000 active coronavirus cases, 150 of which were reported Tuesday. As of Tuesday, 52.32% of Athens County residents have started the vaccination process, with 48.7% having completed it. Over 15,000 residents have received booster doses of a vaccine.
City issues boil advisory for Montrose and Ondis Avenues
The city of Athens issues a boil advisory midday Tuesday for Montrose and Ondis Avenues due to a drop in pressure in the water distribution system. The city did not cite an exact cause for the pressure drop, though the advisory speculates it may be related to a water main break, flooding, structure fires and more. The advisory was cautionary and did not confirm the water to be contaminated or unsafe. However, it
Athens City Council met in committees Monday to discuss ongoing and prospective city projects, including the proposed fire department headquarters. The City and Safety Services Committee discussed the city’s plan to outsource information technology services to a third-party company, Business System Solutions Inc. The service would be in place of two current IT positions within the city and will cost approximately $132,000 annually. The committee also introduced a proposal to update the network connecting city buildings in Athens from a point-to-point microwave system to underground fiber. The plan seeks authorization of $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project, which is estimated to span five years. The new fiber has the potential to be used for economic development, such as WiFi on Court Street. The Finance and Personnel Committee discussed the reopener of a police contract which, if approved, will provide a 2.5% raise this year, followed by a
2.25% raise the following year. Also discussed was the potential for a one-time $1,000 retention bonus for each member of the bargaining unit. The Transportation Committee discussed the continuation of the Uptown Improvements Project, looking at the potential for cross streets improvement in the central business district. A proposed ordinance would provide for and approve the hire of a design firm to do conceptual and construction designs. The Planning and Development Committee introduced two utility easements for authorization, which will allow the city convenient utility access on private properties. Also reviewed was a Title 49 application by Good Works, Inc. to install a handicap parking spot, which would overlap the city’s right-of-way.
@SOPHIELISEY SY951319@OHIO.EDU
POLICE BLOTTER
Small children dial 911; car rolls over hill ANNA MILLAR FOR THE POST False alarm
Deputies responded to the Athens area regarding an open-line 911 call, according to the Athens County Sheriff ’s Office. When they arrived, deputies discovered the call was made by small children playing with an old cell phone. No other actions were taken.
Rattled windows
The sheriff ’s office received a call from a resident of North Plain Road in The Plains, saying people were banging on the windows of his home. After speaking with the caller, deputies agreed to patrol the area. During the patrol, deputies did not find any suspicious activity.
Suspicious person
A woman in The Plains called and requested a deputy to her home due to a suspicious person wander4 / JAN. 13, 2022
ing around, according to the sheriff ’s office. Upon arrival, the deputy spoke with the woman and her neighbors regarding the reported person. They told him a neighbor from across the street was behaving erratically and trespassing on their property. After the deputy patroled the area, he located the reported man and advised him to stay off his neighbor’s property. The man said he understood and would stay in his own home for the evening.
Gotcha!
Deputies arrested Zachery Mayes in New Marshfield between Jan. 7 and Jan. 9 for an outstanding warrant issued by the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office, according to the sheriff ’s office. The warrant was in regards to a felonious assault charge from November 2021. Mayes was taken without incident and taken to Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
Wanted
The sheriff ’s office received a tip that Mac Carsey,
a man who is on the Athens County Most Wanted List, was located in Chauncey. Deputies patroled the area but were unable to locate Carsey. Attempts to locate him will continue.
Runaway car
The sheriff ’s office dispatched deputies to Salem Road in Athens regarding a report of a stolen car. When deputies arrived, the car was found to have rolled over a hill on the property. Once the vehicle was located, no further assistance was needed, and deputies returned to patrol.
ANNAMILLAR16 AM157219@OHIO.EDU
Former, current resident assistants describe struggles with OU Housing and Residence Life RYAN MAXIN NEWS EDITOR Since before the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio University resident assistants, or RAs, have clashed with Housing and Residence Life over job expectations, compensation, personal protections and more, past and present RAs have said. As students, faculty and staff return to OU to start a new semester, those issues remain intact. On Saturday, one RA, who spoke with The Post on the condition of anonymity for fear of losing their job, led a walkout of a small group of RAs to call attention to the problems they faced in their positions. Adam Hering, a senior studying biochemistry and Spanish and a former RA, joined his peers in the walkout. “Everybody who was out there was really passionate,” Hering said. “They were just fed up and really wanted to say what was on their minds.” Hering said about 10 people joined in the walkout and thought confusion about the details of the walkout led some to misunderstand when and where it was being held. He also acknowledged the possibility of RAs being fired for walking out, saying some may not be able to take the risk of losing the free housing component of the RA position. The RA who planned the walkout is among those who fear punishment from the university, though they have taken on the responsibility of speaking out about their grievances because they don’t rely on the benefits of the job as much as others. “I know that there are people who are less fortunate than me and have to have this job in order to make ends meet,” the RA said. “If I lose my job, so be it, but I just want … to be able to show people that they have a voice, too.” RAs have cited a lack of pay and little to no protections from verbal or physical harassment by residents due to OU’s COVID-19 policies as issues. The anonymous RA said they get paid $3 per hour for an expected 10 to 20 hours per week. RAs also get free housing, but that is not factored into their compensation, the RA said. In regards to mistreatment, the RA said other RAs of color are especially vulnerable to racial slurs, which they feel the university has done very little to punish. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent university health protocols, the RA said harassment has increased across the board.
ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER “I have met plenty of RAs who’ve just had difficult residents … Especially some now with COVID, you can say, ‘Hey, can you please put on a mask?’ And you’re lucky if you get off with a side glance,” Hering said. Hannah Barnes, a fifth-year studying communication sciences and disorders and a former RA, said she believes the issues RAs face stem from Housing and Residence Life being detached from reality. “I think sometimes, they lost the perspective that I am a 20-year-old college student who is mommying 30 other 20-year-old college students,” Barnes said. “I’m just as busy with classes and all this stuff, so I think they lost perspective of that, and I don’t think they realize how isolating the job really is.” Carly Leatherwood, a university
spokesperson, said Housing and Residence Life has been engaging in conversations with RAs to discover how to best support them. Despite those efforts, an “emergency meeting” Jan. 6 left many questions the RAs had unanswered and made the anonymous RA feel ignored by Housing and Residence Life leadership. Even with all of the issues surrounding the RA position, Barnes said she still views it as a good opportunity for students. Still, she would like to see improvements in the ways Housing and Residence Life handles issues that RAs experience. “I would say being an RA is a really good opportunity if it’s handled correctly, and the OU Housing and Residence Life doesn’t always handle things correctly,” Barnes said. “It makes things pretty diffi-
cult at times, and it makes the job pretty difficult, and the job becomes your life. So, sometimes, it just makes your life pretty difficult.”
@RYANMAXIN RM554219@OHIO.EDU
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5
OU students, employee sue university over COVID-19 mandates
RYAN MAXIN NEWS EDITOR
A group composed of 15 Ohio University students and one employee is suing the university in an effort to stop its COVID-19 vaccination mandate. The civil suit, filed Dec. 7, 2021, in the Athens County Court of Common Pleas, argues — among other things — OU’s vaccine mandate violates the Ohio Constitution by infringing on people’s rights to turn down medical treatment. On Aug. 31, 2021, OU President Hugh Sherman announced all students, faculty and staff were required to receive full doses of one of the three main COVID-19 vaccines — Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — by Nov. 15, 2021. Although OU provided students, faculty and staff the opportunity to apply for and receive exemptions to the mandate, those who did not receive a vaccine or were not approved for an exemption were not allowed to come to campus for Spring Semester. Warner Mendenhall, managing attorney at the Mendenhall Law Group, the firm representing the OU students and the employee, said the university’s mandate is discriminatory to the unvaccinated and compared requiring the vaccine to experimentation. “We learned in World War II that it was immoral to experiment on human beings without their consent, informed consent,” Mendenhall said. “Everyone has a right to refuse to take anything that’s experimental, and they should not have any consequences in their job or their education or their life on that.” Though the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have only received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, the Pfizer vaccine received full approval from the FDA for those 16 years of age and older in August 2021. Following that approval, the FDA announced the Pfizer vaccine would be marketed under the name Comirnaty. Despite the FDA’s announcement, the lawsuit alleged the Comirnaty vaccine is not currently available. Tyce Patt, a junior studying marketing at OU and one of the students involved in the lawsuit, said the basis of the lawsuit is the university’s mandate requires students to act in certain ways. “Wearing masks in class might not be that bad, and taking a test every week might not be that bad, and then getting the vaccine might not be that bad, and 6 / JAN. 13, 2021
ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER for most people, it’s not. What the problem boils back down to is requiring those things is illegal,” Patt said. “We do think that it would be important to set that precedent for other schools in the state and even across the country.” Patt is also the creator of an August 2021 petition that garnered mixed reactions from university student groups and officials. He initially started looking into ways to take legal action against the university after several attempts of airing his grievances led to no action from university officials. As a former member of OU Student Senate, Patt said he tried to express his concerns with the mandates and emailed university administrators over the course of several months. Change.org eventually
took down his petition due to a rule violation, he said. In response to the lawsuit, Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said OU is confident its actions trying to mitigate coronavirus exposure and spread are “necessary, scientifically supported, and legally valid.” Though she offered no further comment, she said the university is prepared to argue the matter in court. In the lawsuit, Mendenhall is asking the judge for a preliminary injunction, which would temporarily discontinue the mandate while the rest of the legal details surrounding the case are decided. To receive the injunction, the plaintiffs must prove they have a “likelihood of success on the merits,” Mendenhall said, which he, Patt and the other plaintiffs believe they have.
“I think we’re going to 100% win the lawsuit,” Patt said. “We’re really serious about this, to the point where we’re willing to go outside of the lawsuit even and advocate for change at other universities.”
@RYANMAXIN RM554219@OHIO.EDU
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Athens Middle School at 51-55 W. State St. in Athens, Ohio, is subject to new guidelines made by the Athens County School District. (NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)
Athens City School District updates COVID-19 policies in new year PAIGE FISHER FOR THE POST The Athens City School District, or ACSD, has made updates to its spring COVID-19 policies to stay in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Thomas Gibbs, ACSD’s superintendent, said the policy changes mostly affect quarantine and isolation protocols, though rules surrounding masking have also become more strict. The CDC recently changed the national recommended isolation and quarantine period from 10 days to five days for those who are not up to date on vaccinations and were exposed to COVID-19. Although ages 5 to 11 were made eligible to get the coronavirus vaccine in October, that has had very little impact on the district’s policies. 8 / JAN. 13, 2021
Currently, in Athens County, there are 766 vaccinated children ages 5 to 11, James Gaskell, health commissioner at the Athens City-County Health Department, said. The number of cases in the district’s elementary schools tend to be the lowest of all the schools in the district. As of Monday, there were four active cases and 30 recovered cases of COVID-19 among students at East Elementary School, according to ACSD’s COVID-19 dashboard. Those case numbers are much lower than the number of infections at Athens High School. One possible reason for the disparity of cases between the two schools is that those in the 5-to-11-year age range are not as likely to contract the virus as those in the higher age groups, Gaskell said. Children in the 5-to-11 age range aren’t as inclined as older students to be in locations where they can get infected, like at parties
or restaurants, he said. Athens High School student cases are the highest in the district with 10 active and 74 recovering cases among students. “We are experiencing a large amount of COVID cases that we have to do the full case investigation for,” Heidi Shaw, ACSD nurse, said in an email. Although parents within the ACSD are not required to notify the school of their child’s vaccination status, they may self-report if their child is vaccinated to help the school know what actions their child should take if they are exposed to the virus. The district’s change to stricter COVID-19 policies also takes effect outside of the classroom, including at sporting events. The school’s previous policy for athletic events was that if the crowd was below 50% capacity, fans were allowed to take
masks off while seated, Gibbs said. Now, masks are required at all times, regardless of capacity. Some of the guidelines students must follow if they are exposed in school include a requirement to wear a mask, monitor symptoms, isolate and get tested for all students, grades K–12, regardless of vaccination status. Students are expected to carry out those requirements for 10 days after being exposed to the virus. However, testing on day five after exposure is recommended if the student is able. As the 2022 academic year gets off to a start, the school district’s main agenda for the year is to stay within the CDC guidelines and ensure the safety of all students.
@PAIGEMAFISHER PF585820@OHIO.EDU
Q&A
Gillian Ice explains university COVID-19 operations, what students should expect this semester SOPHIA YOUNG STAFF WRITER Gillian Ice, special assistant to the president for public health operations, has been helping Ohio University address the COVID-19 pandemic head-on since her appointment in August 2020. Ice’s work includes overseeing case management, coordinating the university’s COVID-19 response and communicating with the OU and Athens community about the status of infections and health initiatives. The Post sat down with Ice to discuss the university’s plan for mitigating COVID-19 infections this spring and recommendations for students as they navigate the ongoing pandemic on campus. THE POST: What has the university maintained in its COVID-19 operations this semester and is there anything new being implemented? ICE: The same measures that we used for delta, alpha, beta, the original strain, work against omicron when applied consistently. We’ve always taken a multi-layered approach … We continue to do the testing, which is really important, so we can rapidly isolate and
quarantine people. We did increase … and slightly modify our mask requirement. We know that because omicron is so transmissible, the higher quality the mask, the more likely it is to prevent transmission. We continue to do contact tracing, rapid isolation and quarantine. We’re trying to emphasize distancing where possible, avoiding large crowds, that kind of thing. So, it’s the same measures … but we’re trying to tweak so that we can really double down on those same prevention measures, for sure. TP: How do you feel in terms of preparation and expectations for this coming semester? ICE: That’s a tough one to answer, actually. I mean, in some ways, I’ve been at this now for, I don’t know, 16 months or so. So, at least I have the experience to lean on. And we’ve learned from previous surges what works (and) what doesn’t. And not only I, but my whole leadership team and our contact tracers — we know a lot more – so I feel a little bit more comfortable going into it. The cases right now, we are already having a very large influx of cases. The large majority of them haven’t left home yet and they’re reporting their positive tests, which is great, so that we make
sure that they come back when they’re supposed to and not sooner. In relative to (the) fall, that’s a much higher number of people, as we anticipated. But it’s a little overwhelming to just look at the sheer volume of people who are affected by COVID right now. TP: Have staffing levels increased at all, especially with the expectation of more contact tracing this semester? ICE: We are down some staff, just because people left for permanent jobs. So, what we’ve done is we have … our “strike team.” These are teams that come in, particularly around surge capacity, and we’ve asked them to expand to increase their hours … We’re reaching out to units on campus that have staff that maybe are willing to work some extra hours to help us out … and we’re also hiring some additional part-time folks to do that. We’ve also taken some steps to process cases – what we call “surge processing,” – so we can move a little bit more quickly. So, as soon as somebody submits an incident report or are aware that they’re affected by COVID, we send them a letter and … with immediate instructions and with the knowledge that there might be a delay before we can reach out to them. But at least it gives them immediate instructions. So, a bunch of internal staffing reallocations, and so forth, so that we can work as efficiently as possible. TP: Has the university had any plans or expectations for more in-person events this spring?
Dr. Gillian Ice poses adjacent to Cutler Hall. (TANNER PEARSON | FOR THE POST)
ICE: The plan is to continue the events that we had planned already, with a constant eye on the situation and looking to, wherever we can, to change those events so that they’re a little bit safer … I’ve really encouraged, particularly Housing and Residence Life … to really think about what kinds of ... outdoor things can we have people do because those are safer, and I’m hoping they pick up the challenge. It is cold, but there’s some amazing hiking around Athens County, right. There’s some great things that you can do outside, that if you can layer up appropriately, are safer. And so, we’ll be trying to emphasize that kind of
thing as well. TP: What is testing availability looking like for this semester? ICE: Because we anticipate a lot of spread on campus … we’re actually amping up our testing, at least for the month of January … What we’ve learned from the past surges that we’ve had over the last 16 months or so, is that they tend to last between four and six weeks with major transmission, and then it drops off to a point … We don’t know how omicron is gonna land and we also have delta still circulating, so we don’t know if that time frame will hold. But we expect it to. So, the first four to six weeks, we’re going to be increasing testing availability. TP: The university said it was changing masking requirements for the Spring Semester. Do three-fold surgical masks qualify as a high filtration? ICE: I don’t think it’s technically considered a high filtration, but it is allowable. We would love for people to do the KN95 … Those are all the high filtration masks. But surgical masks are fine. Just be really careful to make sure that they’re tight fitting … We discourage people from using homemade masks, although you could do a surgical mask and a homemade mask together. That actually improves the fit of the surgical mask if you put the mask on top … We want students to stay in class. We want them to have their college experience, and the more we do to protect each other, the better everyone is to be able to stay safe and in college, in the classroom, the whole time.
@SOPHIELISEY SY951319@OHIO.EDU
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9
The Summit radio station expands to Athens GRACE KOENNECKE FOR THE POST It all started Nov. 5, 2021: “The Summit,” also known as 91.3 WAPS-FM, expanded its reach from Akron to Athens. WAPS The Summit has a long history, dating all the way back to 1955. Originally, the station was used as a learning tool and classroom broadcaster for Akron Public Schools. In 1989, the station began to shift from its educational roots to an alternative music format. Throughout the last three decades, The Summit has spread its signals to the Struthers-Youngstown area of Ohio and now to Athens, where it’s on 90.1 WAPS-FM. Brad Savage, The Summit’s program director, said adding Athens to its signal is because of its notable music roots and its reputation as a college town. “Our music format, being a modern rock- or alternative-type format, tends to do well in college town areas,’’ Savage said. “Usually, it’s the students and the grad students, but also even faculty, that like our style. When this station became available, that’s what really caught our attention the most ... that even though Athens is a few hours away from our home base in Akron, we figured this is probably a good city for the format and type of music that we do.” Two of The Summit’s most popular artists, CAAMP and Red Wanting Blue, went to Ohio University. The area is also known for hosting its annual Nelsonville Music Festival, an outdoor music event hosted at Hocking College. The radio station aims to be a showcase for upcoming musicians and expose listeners to not just one particular style or genre of music. “The station is a showcase for local, national, and inter-
national musicians, and particularly for emerging artists who would otherwise be less likely to include a relatively small market like Athens or Akron on their national tours,” Tommy Bruno, general manager for The Summit, said in an email. “By cultivating a vibrant music scene, the station has been recognized as one of the forces for attracting artists to tour in these special regions of Ohio, like Athens.” The opportunity to add a signal to Athens came from an existing broadcaster, Spirit Communications, who were looking to sell a few of its translator signals. The radio station offers commercial-free music and runs four channels. The Summit is the flagship station; The 330 features the past, present and the future of Northeast Ohio music; KIDJAM! Radio is an online listening service for all ages; and Rock and Recovery provides a community for people experiencing addiction, trauma and mental health issues, supporting self-motivation, sharing information and resources, and offering a sense of peace both on-air and online. Though The Summit plays larger artists like The Beatles and rising artists from Ohio alike, Savage hopes to include more artists from nearby Parkersburg, West Virginia, Marietta and even the Columbus area. “The first thing we are not: The Summit is not news, sports, opinions, politics, or selling products or services,” Bruno said in an email. “Our music and community service programming appeals to the musically adventurous, those that dare to be a little different. Our listener-supported public radio station is left of the dial meaning support comes from the communities that we serve, through listener donations.” The Summit has also been honored with numerous awards, including the Award for Innovation by the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation in 2014 and the Best Radio Station
by Akron Life Magazine from 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012. OU students are also excited about a new variety of music coming to town via the radio station. “I think (The Summit) is cool,” Gabriella Benington, a junior studying high school history education, said. “I know, personally, my car does not connect to any radio stations, so I think it would be nice to have a radio station that isn’t just ‘60s country music.”
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OU’s Child Life program aids in vaccination of young children ALEX IMWALLE FOR THE POST As a child, any unfamiliar place can be frightening, and it doesn’t make it any easier when they’re receiving a vaccination shot they do not understand. The Department of Child and Family Studies’ Child Life program at Ohio University, in tandem with the Athens City-County Health Department, or ACCHD, has done its part to make sure children feel welcome when arriving to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. James Gaskell, health commissioner at the ACCHD, said the department held vaccination clinics at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and successfully vaccinated 769 children ages 5 to 11. Gaskell said the presence of the students of the Child Life program introduced a calmer and more efficient environment than the clinics had previously had without it. “It was wonderful; I was there, I watched it,” Gaskell said. “They were terrific, and they were really helpful, very patient and made those clinics much, much
smoother.” Janelle Mitchell, an assistant clinical professor, said she worked closely with the students involved with the vaccination clinics through the Child Life program. The students were placed in stations greeting the families when they entered, checking on children while they waited to get their shot, comforting children during their vaccination and occupying the kids for the 15 minutes observation after receiving the vaccine. Mitchell said there were around 30 total students at each clinic who changed the environment with board games, bubbles, music and more to make all the patients feel safe. “If we can engage them in distraction and play and help them understand the sequence of events, that can totally change the trajectory of what they thought the experience was going to be,” Mitchell said. Hayleigh Larmore, a graduate student in the Child Life graduate program, was one of the students who attended the vaccination clinic to work with the children. She said they offered a wide variety of services to the kids, whether it was an iPad game or letting them
sit on their lap during the vaccination. They thought of everything they could to make it a more comfortable experience for the children. “We get down on their level, we talk to them, and we’d say ‘Hey, do you know why you’re here? Do you know what the COVID vaccine is?’” Larmore said. “It was just a lot of supporting, reducing their fear and helping them prepare for what was going to happen.” Mitchell said the department centers around educating students on working with children and families who encounter various healthcare experiences. She said the clinics were opportunities to work with kids of all ages to ease their minds in an unfamiliar or unsettling environment. “What we’re doing with our program is to help students understand the different modalities and interventions they can do with children and families,” Mitchell said. “If we can provide some kind of preparation for what they can expect, we can decrease the anxiety and fear.” Larmore said the clinic functioned as a trial run for her to get experience working with kids as she hopes to do professionally in her career. She said the program began because the vaccination clinics were reminiscent of a hospital setting in which a child life specialist is essential. Larmore said her professors recognized this and reached out to the ACCHD to accomplish a mutually beneficial relationship in which the vaccination patients feel safer, and the students get unique, hands-on experience they otherwise would not have. The clinics were also beneficial to the students and the department because the work of a child life specialist largely goes unnoticed, but opportunities such as these and the effect they have on children and families emphasize the positive and significant work of a child life specialist that may otherwise go unnoticed, Mitchell said. “I think being able to impact and work with the community and give back was such a huge bonus for us,” Mitchell said.
@ALEXIMWALLE AI687120@OHIO.EDU Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine keeps a vaccine drop off sign planted outside for the Athens City-County Health Department. (NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11
Selecting Solar Sustainability TRE SPENCER FOR THE POST
W
hen driving through a hilly Athens neighborhood or even down bustling East State Street, it is more common than ever to see solar panels on residential homes and city properties. Renewable energy sources, like solar, have become easier to implement as an alternative to nonrenewable energy to power homes and businesses. People in Athens and throughout the country have become increasingly aware of their ecological footprint and what they can do to reduce it. Multiple non-profit organizations within the city of Athens, such as Rural Action and the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council, are working with residents and businesses interested in implementing solar energy alternatives. City Council has also been potentially looking to invest in solar energy across the city and is planning a project with Third Sun Solar. Over the past few decades, climate scientists have stressed the importance of reducing harm to the planet from climate change and, in some circumstances, solar energy can help do so. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that can be used to power homes and businesses using panels that capture energy from the sun. Residents of Athens and local businesses are taking a chance on solar energy in hopes of reducing their overall carbon footprint and possibly saving money on their electric bills. The city recommends a few local solar panel installers like Third Sun Solar, Appalachian Renewable Power Systems and Athens Electric to supply solar power to homes and businesses in the local area. To have solar panels installed at a business or home, there are different permit processes based on which one the installation is for. Third Sun Solar and American Electric Power Ohio, or AEP, both offer free consultations for homeowners and businesses and send crews to install solar panels locally. For residential homes, panels can be secured on rooftops or on the grounds of a property. Residents can submit an application to the city by mail or at the code office. There is a $50 application fee, which is then applied to the final cost of a permit. John Schmieding, an Athens resident, said he wanted to use solar energy to reduce his carbon footprint. The panels on his roof have been installed for around 12 / JAN. 13, 2021
A ground-mounted solar panel array sits above the parking lot of the Athens Community Center on Nov. 22, 2021. (TRE SPENCER / FOR THE POST)
four years, and they have lowered his electric bill with AEP significantly. “In terms of cost, I think our projection was eight to nine years to basically pay (the solar panels) off from savings and then, after that, it’s all savings,’’ Schmieding said. “But I think one of the primary reasons (for using solar) is really about climate change. The electricity we were getting before was often being generated by coal, and that was not a good thing. So, the fact that we’re doing it from panels and not producing any pollutants nor any greenhouse gases, that’s really our primary thing.” Schmieding also added that the panels cut his energy bill down, and the billing process is simple for AEP. “I think we were paying $50 to $60 a month. Now, we’re paying more like $10 to $15,’’ Schmieding said. “It’s just all automatic. Our system is tied into their grid. So, they suck the extra electricity away when
we don’t need it, and it just functions like a normal cycle as far as us and AEP goes. We get a monthly bill, and that gets paid, and our solar generation is deducted from the bill.” Though many customers have had a positive experience with solar, Ohio AEP said for some, it may not have been as cost efficient as they hoped. “The use of solar energy has continued to increase year after year for the past 12 years,” an AEP spokesperson said in an email. “There may or may not be cost saving for customers who use solar energy. We have received feedback from customers who say they have saved money and others who say their costs have increased.” However, for some, like Schmieding, the switch to solar energy was more about reducing carbon emissions. Commercial businesses owners can also submit an application for ground or roof-mounted solar panels. The ap-
plication process differs depending on the size of the project. Businesses must pay state-issued permit fees that range from around $618 onward depending on the square footage of the building. Lastly, they must pass three separate state inspections. In addition to efforts within the city, the federal government has also sent money for solar expansion into the region. According to a previous Post report, the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council, a non-profit based out of Athens that works in the region to increase access to solar energy, was awarded a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide free solar assessments for businesses. Mathew Roberts, director of marketing for SOPEC, said its solar assessment program offers a look into costs for the placement of panels and details about tax incentives for small, rural businesses.
An array of solar panels is mounted on the home of John Schmieding, an Athens resident who powers his home entirely by solar energy, on Nov 22, 2021. (TRE SPENCER / FOR THE POST)
“We offer that to any small business in the state of Ohio, as long as they are considered a small business … and they’re within an eligible rural area defined by the USDA Rural Development Office,” Roberts said. “We work with dozens of businesses every year, just helping them take the first step of thinking about solar.” Roberts also said there is USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program grant that businesses can apply for. This helps businesses make renewable energy upgrades or energy efficient improvements. The grant is also a 25% reimbursement for any project costs associated with installing panels. Residents and businesses are not the only ones that could benefit from solar energy. Athens City Council heard a proposal in October for a new solar energy project. The project aims for savings over time, and it would come in the form of lowered energy bills from several community spaces over the course of the next few years. The
plan is still in its early development stage, but City Council President Chris Knisley said it is likely to begin this year. Councilman Ben Ziff, D-At-Large, said with cost savings a factor, the city will not see an energy bill decrease immediately for the locations where the new panels could be installed. “I think it is going to be almost the same, realistically,” Ziff said. “I don’t think there’s gonna be that much of a financial incentive directly for us. Down the road, once we’re able to buy these facilities, then we’ll start to see some huge financial benefits, but that’s down the road. For now, I think the main focus is just on the fact that it’s such a large carbon emission … (and) the main goal is just to make it a much greener version of power.” Ziff also said he heard few concerns about the proposed new solar projects from Athens residents, with the exception of some East Side residents. “I haven’t really heard any strong opposition to having a greener city, especially
with that large amount of (carbon emission) offset,” Ziff said. “I know I heard concern from several people when they first were talking about the location or worried about the East Side Community Garden and the dog park, but neither of those are really going to be that seriously affected. That’s been the only reservation I’ve heard so far, and that was quelled quite quickly.” In October, Athens City Council heard a proposal from Third Sun Solar introducing a plan that would provide solar energy to several locations in the city: Athens Public Library, Athens Dog Park, Athens Community Center and Athens Canopy Pool. The library and dog park locations would receive panels that are installed on the ground, whereas the community center would receive mounted panels on the roof and the canopy pool on the carports. Construction is proposed to begin in March 2022 and finish by October 2022. Outside of city advocacy, Athens also has local organizations interested in increasing the use of more sustainable ener-
gy measures. Rural Action is a non-profit organization focused on sustainable, environmentally friendly economic growth in Appalachia and advocates expanding access to renewable energy solutions in the area. Sarah Conley-Ballew, director of the sustainable energy solutions program at Rural Action, said it works with farmers, businesses and homeowners in the area to make sustainable energy more accessible. “There’s been a shift in thinking, certainly across the country, and to the extent that it’s changed in Appalachian Ohio,” Conley-Ballew said. “I do think people are more resolved than ever to find solutions for their energy need and to really think more about where their energy comes from and how it’s generated. I think people are increasingly aware of the impacts of coal and the impacts that coal has had on our region.”
@TRERSPENCER1 TS582119@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13
Academic burnout plagues students at midpoint of school year COLE PATTERSON FOR THE POST Academic burnout is a challenge many students face during their college years. With the stress of tough classes, the desire to maintain a healthy social life and the ongoing pandemic, students are feeling academic burnout trending higher than in previous school years. Academic burnout is defined as a negative emotional, physical and mental reaction to prolonged study that results in exhaustion, frustration, lack of motivation and reduced ability in school, according to University of the People. “I first began to experience academic burnout right before Thanksgiving break,” Megan Spurlock, a sophomore studying pre-nursing, said. “I think this was caused by all my classes trying to wrap up for finals week.” There are many factors that contribute to academic burnout. Heavy workload and stressful classes are big factors, but also unrealistic goals, poor time management and lack of sleep mixed with unhealthy eating are significant factors. “The dorm life is definitely a big factor into burnout because you’re surrounded by people all the time,” Connor Tobey, a sophomore studying chemical engineering, said. “If those people aren’t working as well, it’s hard for you to want to work as well.” It’s no secret that online learning caused by the pandemic has caused both loss of motivation and development of unhealthy school habits. “I feel online learning has caused me to feel academic burnout,” Grace Jacobs, a sophomore studying psychology, said in an email. “Online learning is very difficult for me personally because I learn better and can focus better in person. I’m not learning as well and it causes me to be uninterested in the content. It is too easy to just shut my brain off while I’m in an online class.” Online learning has opened the door for many new distractions to enter the scene that weren’t present before in face-to-face learning environments. Students feel these distractions have played a big role in forcing students to feel new levels of burnout. 14 / JAN. 13, 2022
“Online classes and with illness problems, it’s been hard to stay in person all the time,” Tobey said. “It’s really just been a struggle this year to stay on top of everything; it’s really easy to fall behind and not be able to catch up.” Many strategic methods do exist when it comes to combating academic burnout and creating better school habits. “My main source of motivation was using a planner and taking all my assignments one step at a time,” Spurlock said. In addition to the use of planners, it is critical to set time aside for little breaks through the school days. Taking frequent breaks while studying allows the brain to “recharge” after absorbing large amounts of new information. Effective breaks also reduce stress levels
and assist in re-focusing, according to The Learning Center. Ohio University also has many resources available to students who encounter academic burnout. Counseling and Psychological services provides mental health and adjustment services to students and faculty through individual and group counseling as well as psychiatry. The Allen Advising Center assists students in finding the best path for themselves and making strategic decisions that guide them to graduation. Advisers are available to all OU students. The Academic Achievement Center understands that students need support in order to best achieve their academic goals. The AAC helps in assisting Bobcats to achieve the academic goals
they have set in place by offering free tutoring, writing assistance, academic coaching and supplemental instruction. Students can combat academic burnout by creating new achievable goals, taking breaks during studying and utilizing tools such as planners, calendars and the many resources offered by OU.
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COVID-19 presents many challenges for new students on campus COLE PATTERSON FOR THE POST Since the beginning of the pandemic, campus life has changed drastically at schools all over the country, including Ohio University. Adapting to campus life is already a monumental moment within itself, but transferring to a new campus in the age of COVID-19 creates an even bigger challenge. Alyssa Goodenow, a sophomore studying strategic communication, spent her freshman year at Kent State University, or KSU, before transferring to OU for Fall Semester. “I didn’t really have a lot of in-person classes, so that part is a little bit different,” Goodenow said. “I feel like they did enforce the masks in the hallways less and in the dorms.” Goodenow said the protocols in place at OU are very similar to the protocols that were in place at KSU when
she was there. The similar guidelines set in place by the COVID-19 operation teams at both schools helped Goodenow know what to expect when moving onto campus for the first time. Despite an overall straightforward transition, there were a few things Goodenow did not expect. “They pretty much lived up to my expectations,” Goodenow said. “I feel like (the) people in charge didn’t enforce wearing masks properly as much as I expected. I would see a bunch of people in class wearing masks under their noses.” John Agresta, a sophomore studying finance, spent his freshman year at Cleveland State University, or CSU, before transferring to OU in fall of 2021. “There were not as many COVID protocols set in place,” Agresta said. “They did require masks in dorm buildings, classrooms and all other university buildings. They could require you to
in 2017. She said the start of this semester is drastically different from the start of her first semester. “First day of school my freshman year, it was like parties on every street,” Gray said. “This year, it was like radio silence, so that was a huge change.” Gray reports there are still many ways for new Bobcats to get involved in student life while staying safe. “The way I got involved was through my learning community and seeing what people in my LC were doing,” Gray said. “I think that’s still a viable option, and that’s a way to stay safe because you’re already hanging out with them.” Places on campus like the Campus Involvement Center have many resources available on their website for students to find ways to make connections on campus while also staying safe.
take a COVID test if you were possibly exposed by someone in the classroom or someone on the same floor as you.” For some, the pandemic has largely affected the way students connect with people and make new friends. This has created many challenges for students when it comes to settling into a new campus. Goodenow said she either already knew the people on campus beforehand or met them through her class Facebook group or in class. In-person classes have played a big role in helping new students meet their new peers. “The COVID rules hadn’t really played a huge part in me meeting new people since (a) large portion of my classes are in person,” Agresta said. “There are still clubs going on so I haven’t really had trouble meeting new people. It’s just a pain having to wear a mask and not being able to see their face when you meet them.” The adjustment to OU in the age of COVID-19 hasn’t just presented challenges to new students but also to students who are just now returning to campus for the first time in a while. Dori Gray, a junior studying journalism, is living in Athens this semester for the first time since she was a freshman
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MEN’S BASKETBALL
Ohio University guard Tommy Schmock (No. 22) drives in the paint against Bowling Green guard Chandler Turner (No. 13) at The Convo on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. (CLAY STARK | FOR THE POST)
Ohio fends off Bowling Green for 8th-straight win JACK GLECKLER SPORTS EDITOR Ohio keeps finding ways to win. It never takes the easiest route. Its wins over the past five weeks have ranged from close calls to offensive slogs. But regardless of method, the results are still the same. Ohio is on an eight-game winning streak and has yet to be beaten at home. In its 85-78 win over Bowling Green inside The Convo on Tuesday, Ohio (132, 4-0 Mid-American Conference) played close to its chest. After Jason Carter sank back-to-back jumpers after tipoff, Ohio’s shooting percentage plateaued. It was 13-of-33 from the field before halftime and only sank one 3-pointer in the first 15 minutes. Ohio never trailed, but its skittish start kept Bowling Green lapping at its heels. “I think we’ve let teams come back,” guard Tommy Schmock said. “We’re used to that second-half close game, but we won a different way today because we’ve never really been in a close game the whole game. To pull it out later is just an16 / JAN. 13, 2021
other way, a good way, that we can win.” Schmock finished the night with a season-high of 17 points, only behind Carter’s 22-point performance and Mark Sears’ 19 points. The senior has been a perennial off-the-bench presence for Ohio since transferring from Division II program Findlay this year, and he has only recently been given his time in the sun. After Miles Brown was taken out of the rotation due to COVID-19 protocols, Ohio shifted around its rotation, and Schmock was thrust into the starting lineup. In his second start, Schmock proved why he was fit for the job. Schmock unloaded on Bowling Green (8-7, 1-3 MAC). He’s been one of Ohio’s most reliable 3-point shooters this season, and he propped the team up Tuesday. Schmock sank a season-high four 3-pointers and shot 57.1% from beyond the arc. “It feels good, especially against that team,” Schmock said. “I’m pretty familiar with them. We used to play them every year at Findlay. I kind of owed them.” The rest of the Bobcats soon followed Schmock’s example. They scored 53 points
in the second half, and four players scored in double figures. Sears, who’d only tallied six points before the break, ended the night with 19 points. Even bench players received the wake-up call. Freshman A.J. Clayton went 3-of-6 from beyond the arc and scored a season-high 12 points in just 14 minutes on the court. Ohio coach Jeff Boals wants his players to earn their wins. He believes overconfidence will come back to bite Ohio sooner or later. Boals says if the Bobcats can stay even-keeled, their winning streak is theirs to lose. “We’re not good enough just to roll the ball out,” Boals said. “I’m not going to outcoach anybody. We’re not going to outplay anybody. We’ve got to go out there and execute. We’ve got to play with an edge and resiliency, which we’ve been doing. We’ve been finding ways to win, which I think is a sign of a great team.” The Bobcats have trudged through their first four conference games. The wins don’t come easy, and they’ve been in dogfights against the bottom feeders of the MAC.
But their record doesn’t lie. Neither does their eight-game winning streak or their 9-0 record in The Convo. The Bobcats, no matter the method, continue to churn out results that reflect in the conference standings. Because Ohio found another way to win.
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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Ohio overcomes Kent State in 70-64 victory
Ohio University guard Erica Johnson (No.4) going up for a layup against Kent State guard Hannah Young (No.32) at the Convo on Wednesday Jan. 12th, 2022. (CLAY STARK | FOR THE POST)
WILL CUNNINGHAM FOR THE POST Ohio’s 70-64 win over Kent State on Wednesday followed a similar story to its recent loss against Northern Illinois. The Bobcats ran cold on offense before igniting in the second half. Cece Hooks was their leading scorer, but she struggled from the free throw line. All of the Bobcats did. They ended the game 5-of-13 on free throws, which cut the game closer than it needed to be. But while Wednesday’s story rang a similar bell to Ohio’s Mid-American Conference opener, the result was a happy ending instead of a heartbreak. Hooks and the Bobcats defeated the Golden Flashes for their first conference win of the season. Hooks led both teams with a season-high 26 points. The guard is now just 11 points away from becoming Ohio’s alltime leading scorer, but it wasn’t just her scoring that was the most important part
of her game Wednesday night. Hooks’ recent struggles from the free throw line persisted Wednesday. Over her past five games, Hooks has shot 36.7% on free throws, and Wednesday was more of the same. The guard went 3-of-10 on free throws against Kent State. However, her 3-of-10 mark does not tell the whole story. After missing seven of her first eight free throws, Hooks stepped to the line for her final two attempts with 11 seconds left. The Bobcats were up by five points, and they had all but secured the game. Hooks sank both and left no doubt that Ohio had locked up its first win in the MAC. A Kent State 3-pointer scored a few seconds later was rendered meaningless. But Hooks’ final pair of free throws did more than ice a game that was already in hand. They were a representation of Ohio’s mental strength. “They trust what they’re doing and they trust each other,” Ohio coach Bob Boldon said. “The previous shot doesn’t affect the
next shot, and you’ve got to be really mentally tough to truly believe that. It’s an easy thing to say in a press conference.” Ohio needs to be mentally tough given the way it has shot the ball over its last few games. It needed to come back against Kent State the same way it did against Northern Illinois. Until its shots start falling, Ohio will continue to get into dogfights as MAC play progresses. Boldon knows how long it has been since his team has had a good shooting night, but he also has faith in them to work through it. “Maybe we haven’t shot it well in a long time,” Boldon said. “But these kids are good shooters, and they know they’re good shooters.” Wednesday wasn’t a marquee win for the Bobcats, but it was a win they needed. It was a win that showed why the Bobcats were picked to place first in the MAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The fact that they defeated a Kent State team with a better overall record, despite not playing in peak
condition, speaks volumes about the Bobcats’ ceiling for success. The Bobcats have definitive problems that they need to address, but they pulled out a win despite not playing their best. The win over Kent State wasn’t pretty, but it was a great start.
@WILLOCUNNINGHAM WC425318@OHIO.EDU
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17
CAMPBELL”S CORNER
OU must give more notice to COVID-19 policy updates HANNAH CAMPBELL is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University Coming into this new semester, I knew many of the Ohio University COVID-19 policies were bound to change over and over again. However, I ignorantly thought OU would give students some sort of notice when these policies were put into place. I was wrong. OU has already updated many COVID-19 policies, such as weekly asymptomatic testing for certain individuals on campus and new masking requirements. As of Jan. 9, President Hugh Sherman announced more in-person events except classes will be transitioned to virtual meetings and food and drink should not be held at them. When I read that concessions would not be available at university-related events, I immediately thought of what the situation would be in the dining halls, but I reassured myself that OU would have to give some sort of notice for those changes. Unfortunately, I was wrong again. Sunday night was my first meal back in the dining halls.
When I walked into Nelson, there were noticeably less chairs. Kids were scrambling to find tables and squeezing their friends in when they could find space. It was confusing as to why this was happening because students were not given any notice. OU did not make a statement until late Monday afternoon on the matter, saying that the dining halls will remain open, but Culinary Services have reduced seating capacity. This means there were four meal periods where students were not given notice for their options. As frustrating as this may be, this is not the first time a policy has been updated and students were given little-to-no notice. When OU announced its new face covering requirements, it was on Thursday, Jan. 6. Students started to move back into the dorms that Thursday and started classes Monday, Jan. 10. The announcement gave students very little notice to go and purchase new face coverings to abide by these guidelines. Although I was given one KN95 mask and two surgical masks by my resident assistant, these are obviously not enough to use for more than a few days. The worst example of OU’s lack of communication with students was back in August 2020. With only a few weeks before students were supposed to return to school, OU announced that the majority of students would not be re-
turning to campus. When I was approved for a housing exemption to return for phase two, I was given notice less than a week before moving in. As the days grew closer to student move-in and the start of in-person classes, OU needed to communicate the idea of new mask requirements, asymptotic testing and decreasing seating capacity in the dining halls. It didn’t come as too much of a shock to me, but I definitely would have felt better about coming back to campus if I had been prepared. I completely agree with the changes, and I will abide by these requirements, but I needed to know what they were in order to do so. It’s understandable the pandemic is an evolving nightmare, and it’s not easy to predict which precautions the university should make in order to keep its students safe. Nevertheless, OU needs to make a better effort in communicating with its students these changes and take accountability for keeping us in the dark. Hannah Campbell is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Hannah by tweeting her at @hannahcmpbell.
THINKING IN PRINT
Graduates deserve library access too CHARLENE PEPIOT is a senior studying English at Ohio University Ohio University currently offers students a rich amount of online records and databases to access, such as Jstor, ArticlesPlus and many more. These resources make finding credible sources for essays and annotated bibliographies easy and have saved many students approaching the deadline for their research paper. However, that list is drastically reduced once students graduate or stop attending the university. Those who are not current students lose access to the databases and other electric resources licensed to OU. While some computers in Alden Library allow for people to access them, most alumni do not stay in Athens following graduation, which renders this option useless. Losing access to those databases is annoying for those who have grown used to having access to re-
18 / JAN. 13, 2022
liable resources that go through far more fact-checks than the average blog article. As a creative writing major, outside of the classroom, I spend a great deal of time researching obscure topics related to whatever subject I’m writing about. Usually a Google search will suffice, but when it comes to historically accurate content or a detailed analysis on niche topics, much of the information I need is blocked by a paywall I can only pass due to my access through OU. This access is important because databases aren’t cheap. Jstor alone is $19.50 a month, and the many magazines, newspapers and journal subscriptions that are also available to students will drive the cost up. It’s highly unlikely that a graduate will be paying for monthly access to these resources when money is tight. If their employer doesn’t offer access, they will be cut off. Not everyone uses these databases, so it would be helpful if OU provided lifelong access to help the people who do. Currently, I am taking full advantage of one of Alden’s books compiling the day-to-day life of college students in 18th century Oxford that goes into far more detail than any free website on the subject could
offer. I needed this book last year, but remote learning meant my only options were to spend over $50 on a book I just needed to skim or wait until I came back to campus. Meaningless to say, I waited to rent the book from Alden. OU taught us how to be scholars who do proper research, and it’s cruel to turn around and deny us the ability to access scholarly databases once we are no longer under the wing of trained professors and need to fact-check on our own. Even if we are not “active” students at OU, after spending years of our lives with the university, it would be nice for it to allow us to continue to use its resources for information in a vastly changing world. Charlene Pepiot is a senior studying English at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Charlene know by emailing her, cp872117@ohio.edu.
5 trendy planners that will help dominate your goals in 2022 MADYSON LEWELLYN BEAT EDITOR If your New Year’s resolution is to make 2022 your most goal-crushing year, a good ol’ planner can get you there. When we welcome a new year, we also welcome a new schedule and routine that might be hard to tackle when you have a million other obligations as well. Having a planner is one of the most efficient ways to soothe all your stress; you can organize all your hopes, dreams, goals and to-dos in one consolidated space. However, finding the right planner that perfectly blends your personal needs and preferences depends solely on what you want to get out of it, which can be difficult to navigate. Questions to consider include: What organizational features do I need a planner to have? Do I prefer weekly, monthly or daily layouts? Does a physical or digital planner best fit my schedule? Do I want a classic or trendy style of planner? Once you decide what you want out of your planner and find the right one, organization and accomplishing all your goals will never be a worry again. Lucky for you, we have planner picks for several styles and preferences. Here are five planners that will help you dominate 2022:
Morning people: “Rise and Shine” planner
from Papier ($23.19) For people who love to do their planning in the morning, the Rise and Shine planner from Papier will have you starting your day off on the right page. The hardback cover blends orange and pink hues together, making the planner look as if a sunset lamp is projecting onto it. In this case, the cover resembles a beautiful sunrise that most early risers and morning people are accustomed to. Inside is a year-view and a month-view that runs for 13 months and a checklist for monthly goals, lists and important dates. The inner pages are 85gsm, which in planner nerd language means it writes real nice.
Bright and trendy: The “Las Flores” planner from ban.do ($15.99) If you’re going the trendy and fashionable route for a planner, look no further than ban. do planners. No matter what time of year or season, the company makes it its mission to be at the forefront of having the cutest planners on the market. The stunning Las Flores planner is one of the classic ban.do builds with three pages of stickers, notes of encouragement, unbelievably good artwork at the beginning of each month, a coloring page and a new bright and attractive cover. Its petite sizing also makes it easily transportable during your daily endeav-
NOW LEASING NEW BEGINNINGS for 2022-2023
ors. Seriously, what more could you want? Having a planner that is this motivating and supportive from the inside is like giving yourself a hug or pat on the back as you crush all your goals in 2022.
Digital: Notion app and website (free)
If you don’t prefer to use a physical planner, there are several options to still keep one digitally. One of the most customizable, creative and aesthetically pleasing ways is by using Notion. The app and website allows you to create your own digital planner that is full of ready-to-use templates to customize and create your schedule on. Even better, it’s free! Users have the option to create several tabs such as long- and short-term goals, habit trackers, upcoming deadlines, weekly agendas, assignment calendars and pretty much anything you want organized in your life. It’s one of the best tools a college student or working professional can use because it’s easy to update when dates and deadlines are constantly changing.
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Elegant and chic: The “Secret Garden”
planner from Papier ($27.19) Embellished with shiny metallic details and intricate floral designs, this planner from Papier is one of the most elegant organizational tools you could possibly bring into the new year. It’s one of those planners that people stop you on the street just to ask where you found a planner so unique. The Secret Garden planner comes enhanced beautifully with raised, gold foil accents that will brighten up your year and work desk. Inside is a year-view for 2022 and 2023, a “to see & do” column and a place to document all of your goals, important dates and wish lists at the beginning of each month.
Classic: 12-month Academic Planner from Shinola ($26) Sometimes, all you need is a nice, trusty planner that may lack in the pizazz area but do wonders for your organizational needs. As they alway say, you can’t beat a classic. This academic planner from Shinola features a linen hardcover and smyth sewn binding, which improves the durability and overall lifespan. Inside, you can find a weekly format shown on two pages, historical facts, moon phases and lots of space for note taking. It’s truly the kind of planner that people use for decades and can’t start their year without a fresh one. Although the sunset orange is our pick of choice, the navy and wheat color options are also unique as well. @MAADILEWELLYN ML230417@OHIO.EDU
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Here’s when you can expect some of 2022’s biggest upcoming TV Shows ZACH JAMES FOR THE POST Now that 2021 is in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward to what will be available to watch when we’re all inevitably back on our couches. There are a lot of different shows coming in 2022. Whether it be new seasons, new series or revivals of longdead successes, it’s time to strap in and find out when and where you can expect these series to air:
NETFLIX After Life (Jan. 14)
Ricky Gervais’ award-winning comedy/ drama series returns for its third and final season this January.
Ozark (Jan. 21)
The first part of Ozark’s fourth and final season will release this January, and the rest of the final season’s episodes will air sometime later this year.
The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window (Jan. 28)
This new dark comedy series starring Kristen Bell parodies The Woman in the Window and other similar films. With Will Ferrell producing and Michael Lehmann (known for directing Heathers) directing, there’s reason to hope this series could be great.
Space Force (Feb. 18)
The Steve Carell vehicle returns for its second season this February.
Bridgerton (March 25)
The massively popular quarantine binge returns this March with new characters being introduced and some beloved characters, notably Rege-Jean Page’s Simon Basset, taking a step aside.
The Umbrella Academy (TBD)
While the exact release date isn’t known for the series’ third season just yet, you can probably expect it to release sometime toward the middle of the year, likely during the summer.
Stranger Things 4 (Summer)
The massively popular series eyes a mid2022 return, likely in June or July, after a long hiatus due to the pandemic and its stars’ busy schedules. While much isn’t known about the plot, all your favorite characters, and several new ones, will return.
NBC This is Us (Jan. 4)
The beloved and award-winning series returns for its sixth and final season this January.
Law and Order (Feb. 24)
The legendary series that started the Law and Order franchise returns this February after 12 years off the air. Sam Waterson’s Jack McCoy and Anthony Anderson’s Detective Kevin Bernard will return for at least the first (technically the 21st) season. The rest 20 / JAN. 13, 2022
of the cast will be made up of both new and familiar faces.
Young Rock (March 15)
The star-studded sitcom returns this March.
HBO MAX Search Party (Jan. 7)
The comedy/mystery series returns for its final season this January with all the episodes dropping at once, which is abnormal for HBO Max.
Euphoria (Jan. 9)
The critically acclaimed series starring Zendaya returns this January after a long hiatus from the main series and two specials following Jules (Hunter Schafer) and Rue, respectively.
The Righteous Gemstones (Jan. 9)
The comedy series following a family of televangelists that stars John Goodman, Danny McBride and Walton Goggins returns this January.
Peacemaker (Jan. 13)
This new series from director/writer James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) picks up after the events of The Suicide Squad film release last summer. It follows John Cena’s titular Peacemaker as he returns to the life of being a hero-for-hire. The series takes place in the DC Extended Universe, and it premieres this January.
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (March)
This new drama series follows the rise of the Showtime Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s. The series’ all-star cast includes John C. Reilly, Jason Clarke, Sally Field, Adrien Brody and Jason Segel. It will be released at some point in March.
The Last of Us (TBD)
This new series based on the Playstation video game series of the same name could potentially premiere sometime late this year or possibly early next year. It follows a man, Joel (Pedro Pascal), and a teenage girl (Ellie), venturing across the post-apocalyptic U.S. in search of a cure to the fungal virus that’s overtaken humanity.
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Feb. 18)
TV’s favorite comedian is back following an over two-year break due to COVID-19. The series returns for its fourth season this February.
The Boys (June 3)
The Boys are back in town for a third season in June with a three-episode premiere following a long hiatus. This season seems to be upping the ante with the addition of Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy and the adaptation of the infamous “Herogasm” story from the comic source material.
Invincible (TBD)
The adult superhero animated series should return at some point this year following its premiere early last year and subse-
quent two-season renewal. While no date or release window has been announced, it can be expected to release at some point in the first half of the year, barring production delays.
The Boys: Diabolical (TBD)
This newly announced animated spinoff of The Boys is expected to premiere before the third season’s premiere in June. There’s not a lot known about the series’ plot and characters as of now, but many big names such as Awkwafina, Andy Samberg, Justin Roiland and others are attached with story credits for the series’ first eight-episode season.
FOX 9-1-1: Lone Star (Jan. 3)
This emergency department procedural starring Rob Lowe returns for its third season this January with a frozen twist.
Joe Millionaire (Jan. 6)
The revival of a long-dead reality dating competition show with a new twist, this series follows two men, one a millionaire and one who’s not, who compete for the affections of women who don’t know which man is the millionaire.
FX Snowfall (Feb. 23)
This crime drama set in the ‘80s LA crack cocaine epidemic is set to return for its fifth season this February.
Atlanta (March 24)
Donald Glover’s (Childish Gambino) comedy/drama about the Atlanta rap scene returns for its third season following an excruciatingly long three-year break.
HULU How I Met Your Father (Jan. 18) This spin-off of How I Met Your Mother stars Hillary Duff as Sophie, a new lead
lady. While the creators of the original series, Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, are not involved, hopefully the series can flourish under new leadership. Pam & Tommy (Feb. 1) This new series follows the story of the release of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s sex tape in 1997. The series stars Lily James as Anderson, Sebastian Stan as Lee, Seth Rogen as Rand Gauthier and Nick Offerman as Uncle Miltie.
ABC The Bachelor (Jan. 3)
Everyone’s favorite trash is back with a brand new Bachelor, Clayton Echard, and a new batch of contestants this January.
Warren) before and after her son’s infamous lynching in 1955.
American Idol (Feb. 27)
The iconic singing competition show returns for its 20th season this February with judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Ritchie returning as well as host Ryan Seacrest. Bobby Bones will not be returning as a mentor for the contestants.
DISNEY+ Moon Knight (TBD)
This new MCU series tells the story of Marc Spector (Oscar Isaac), a man suffering from dissociative identity disorder who finds himself pulled into a war between gods. While no date has been given, it will likely be one of the first MCU projects released this year.
She-Hulk (TBD)
Another new MCU series, She-Hulk revolves around Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany), Bruce Banner’s cousin, as she struggles to balance her life as a lawyer while also being a hulk. Mark Ruffalo will reprise his role as Bruce Banner in this legal drama/comedy. It’s expected to release sometime in mid-to-late 2022.
Ms. Marvel (TBD)
Originally scheduled to debut in 2021, Ms. Marvel tells the story of Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a young Avengers fan struggling to find her place. When she gains powers, her life changes forever. The series is expected to release sometime in the mid-year.
Secret Invasion (TBD)
The last of the new MCU shows premiering in 2022, Secret Invasion is about what happens when a group of Skrulls infiltrates all aspects of life on Earth. The series stars Samuel L. Jackson, returning to the role of Nick Fury, Ben Mendelsohn as Talos and Emilia Clark with Olivia Colman in undisclosed roles. It will likely be released late this year.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (TBD)
This new Star Wars series features the return of Ewan McGregor to the titular role of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Picking up a decade after the events of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, the series promises to take Kenobi and other supporting characters on a fun adventure. Hayden Christensen is confirmed to be returning to the role of Darth Vader, with Kumail Nanjiani, O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Benny Safdie all cast in undisclosed roles. The series will likely be released in the first half of the year.
CBS The Amazing Race (Jan. 5)
The eighth and final season of the popular sitcom airs this January.
The global reality competition series returns for its 33rd season this January following a year-long hiatus.
This new limited series is based on the true story of Mamie Till-Mobley (Adrienne
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black-ish (Jan. 4)
Women of the Movement (Jan. 6)
Here are 7 tips to help you land the internship of your dreams EMMA DOLLENMAYER ASST. BEAT EDITOR Internship season is daunting — no doubt about it. However, the process is also undeniably exhilarating, as it’s the first real step in the direction toward what life may look like post-graduation. With that being said, it makes it all the more crucial to secure a position with a company you could potentially see yourself working for in the future, given a lot of businesses will offer its former interns job openings once the legitimate search for a stable career begins. Though the pressure is pronounced, try to remain optimistic when applying to various internships. It may appear easier said than done, but assuredly, there are several ways to relieve pent-up stress when searching, applying, submitting and waiting on acceptances (and rejections because a response is always better than none at all). And truthfully, waiting is the worst part, but even through the checking and re-checking of emails, there are definitive silver linings to the formalities and cliches of it all. Here are seven tips to help hopeful interns land the internship of their dreams:
Have someone look over your resume and cover letter
First and foremost, before even considering applying to any companies, ensuring you have a substantial resume and cover letter is key. These two simple documents serve as the intern coordinator’s first impression of you as an employee. Simply put, your resume and cover letter need to be near perfect, so it’s a good idea to have a second or even third set of eyes review them. Don’t hesitate to ask a trusted adviser, professor or colleague to proofread both, as they will provide the most constructive criticism. Before sending in the resume and cover letter to be edited, though, make sure everything you want to be included from your past work experience and education is present on the documents because you know yourself and your accomplishments better than anyone. If there is anything you are proud to showcase, include it, and if your professor deems it unnecessary, then you know what to incorporate and what not to. It’s better to have more than less in this case.
Create a LinkedIn account
Once you have an adequate resume and cover letter that is representative of you and your work, it is time to begin the internship search process. Start by creating a LinkedIn account. LinkedIn is the ideal platform for professional networking and career development with endless numbers of opportunities to connect with potential employers. Begin by uploading your resume, cover letter and experience. From there, tailor your profile so that it personifies you both as an individual and a job candidate. Featuring a professional headshot will aid you in coming across as a serious candidate and not as someone companies should overlook. The same goes for your background photo. Consider uploading a photo of your school, an organization you are a part of or your contact information in an aesthetically pleasing display. Other components that will assist you in standing out are your headline and summary. This is your chance to tell employers about yourself, what kind of work environment you are seeking and your interests. Keep it concise, grammatically correct and relevant. From here, begin searching for companies that are offering internships in the realm you wish to work. Look to see if
any alumni from your school are currently working there, and consider connecting with them. If you decide to connect, send a personalized message to them, letting them know you are interested in learning more about the positions being offered and what they do on a day-to-day basis in their workplace. Typically, fellow collegiate alumni will be more than willing to extend a helping hand. Once you come across an internship that seems fitting, save the job, review the criteria and begin the application process.
Subscribe to internship-related newsletters
Often, it may seem like the internship best fitting for you is hard to find. You may be wondering, “Where do I look, and where do I start aside from LinkedIn?” Luckily, there are many internship newsletters students can subscribe to, so they are on alert when a new opening is available for hire. There are several newsletters specialized for different majors and minors. Simply search whatever position you are interested in with the words “internship newsletter” attached, and the sites are endless.
Email, email, email
Although it may seem intimidating reaching out to a select company or employer individually, it is a smart route, as it shows you care and are interested in that person’s company or role. But how do you retrieve an email address to send a message of intent? Well, there are several options. If there is a specific company you are highly interested in working for, even if it seems like a long shot, go to that company’s website and start digging to see if there is any contact information for employees. A lot of times, there will be a section labeled “Careers” that you can click on, that will provide addresses of people to reach out to if desired. Often, there are even email addresses specifically for internship inquiries. Draft up an email stating your reasoning for contacting that individual, and attach your resume, cover letter, work samples, LinkedIn profile and website if you have one. Lastly, close with seeing if they would be interested in meeting to discuss what a day in the life looks like for them at their place of work, and tell them you look forward to being in touch. Furthermore, try reaching out via Twitter or Instagram. With the rise of social media, it is not necessarily unprofessional to reach out via these platforms anymore, and you would be surprised by who responds. If you can find a current intern for the specified business, even better. Ask them for advice on the process, and see if they would be able to assist you along the way.
Find a piece of work to feature to potential employers
Potential employers appreciate when hopeful candidates have already done substantial work in the field they are pursuing before seeking out an internship. No matter your major, find a project you completed for a class or for an outside organization that you believe is representative of your work ethic and abilities. Many companies are more interested in seeing what you have done thus far rather than hearing about what you believe you can do in the future. If anything, this is one of the most decisive factors that can make or break whether you advance in the application process. Ensure whatever you are sharing is something you are proud of and passionate about, as the employer will likely ask you follow-up questions in regards to it.
ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER On the contrary, if you don’t have anything you believe to be submittable, join an organization that is able to help you with a project, campaign or piece that will help you stand out among other candidates. Remember, it is human nature that people like to help others, so don’t hesitate to seek guidance.
Make a website
In addition to showcasing a piece of work, cultivating a website is another solid aspect that will strengthen your application. Use sites like Squarespace, Wix or WordPress to get started. A personal website is a first-rate tool to develop your personal brand. It is the perfect space that serves as a one-stop shop for a hiring manager to examine who you are and what you have done in the past. Here, you are able to upload many projects, pieces of work or published pieces so that the interviewer has the ability to explore what exactly it is they are looking for. This way, they have more options and insight into what you have done up until this point in your education and field of study in case the one piece you decided to submit isn’t as fitting as maybe something else you have done is.
Follow up
As stated earlier, there is nothing worse than waiting for a response, and more often than not, you won’t receive one. However, don’t take it personally, as these working professionals are busy and may not have the time to get back to you. Even if you feel as if you are probing and being a pest by following up to an unread email, know you are not. By following up and seeing if the hiring coordinator received your email and is still looking for interns, it shows you are conscientious in regards to the places you have applied and care about their feedback and response. Again, you still might not hear back following the follow-up email, but you can at least rest without regrets knowing you did all you could given the circumstances. And, besides, there is no harm in following up once more if the time between the second email has elapsed greatly. Above all, the right internship will present itself when you least expect it. It’s important to not lose hope or trust in the process because once all is said and done, what is meant for you will find you.
@EMMADOLLENMAYER ED569918@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21
the weekender The Dairy Barn kicks off the new year with an array of classes ALYSSA CRUZ FOR THE POST
The Dairy Barn Arts Center, 8000 Dairy Lane, is currently offering a variety of new classes for the Athens public to enjoy. The topics presented range from pottery to drawing to painting, ensuring each interested party has the opportunity to participate in something that catches their eye. “The Dairy Barn offers education programs to the community as part of our mission as an art- focused nonprofit organization,” Kelly Shaw, education director, said. “That includes everything from classes and workshops for adults and youth, our summer art camp (and) take-home art-making activities.” Shaw also touched on the collaboration the Dairy Barn does with local school systems and other nonprofits to provide arts programming. Pottery, painting and drawing are all workshops that will take place this week. Drawing is Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; painting will be Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and pottery will take place Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All the classes will recur on their respective days into February and can be found on Dairy Barn’s website. In addition to serving as the education director at the Dairy Barn, Shaw is also a seasoned ceramicist and the instructor of the pottery class “Intro to Wheel Throwing.” “I enjoy teaching this particular class, which is an intro to functional pottery using wheel throwing techniques and a potter’s wheel, because I think clay is an excellent medium for having a tactile experience with something that human beings have been creating with since we first got our hands on it,” Shaw said. “I think this class is sometimes folks’ first experience with clay, and it’s really gratifying to see them work with a new material in such a hands-on way.” 22 / JAN. 13, 2022
Selia Shipman, a freshman studying early childhood education, has heard of the Dairy Barn and the classes it provides before. Although she has never attended a workshop, she is interested in enrolling in some of the available classes. “That sounds super interesting,” Shipman said when she found out about the pottery class offered. Although the Dairy Barn still puts much of their resources and energy into providing tactile art classes, Rebekah Halbirt, studio manager at the Dairy Barn, hopes to expand the coverage of the organization when it comes to other forms of art, including digital. The pandemic unfortunately halted some of the early efforts in this area, but newly appointed Halbirt is excited to get started. “I just got hired over the summer, and I’m hoping after this period of transition that, now, I’m in a better situation or understanding to open up open studios — fiber studios and digital studios — and get that out to the public,” Halbirt said. “The Dairy Barn is known for ceramic studio and ceramic classes, and I’m hoping that we’re going to be able to get more diverse classes and workshops happening to let the public know that we also carry a digital studio and a fiber studio.” The attendees of the offered classes are required to pay a fee. This fee includes the necessary materials for pottery but not the materials for the drawing and painting classes. Drawing is $140 for members and $154 for non-members; painting is $170 for members and $187 for non-members; and pottery is $206 for members and $226 for non-members. Halbirt said a mission of the Dairy Barn is to create a space for people to reinvent themselves and find a creative outlet they may have been seeking. She said they are trying to help people educate themselves and possibly fulfill a creative hole in their
Participants at a class held at Dairy Barn Arts Center explore creative possibilities to transform ordinary books into a work of art on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. The “Altered Books” class is led by local artist Hillary Gattian. (PEARL SPURLOCK | FOR THE POST)
life. “I think that our idea is to present arts to the community for people that maybe creative endeavors aren’t really going to put the food on the table, but it’s something that will benefit their emotional health and their mental health, especially during a pandemic,” Halbirt said. “We all need something to look forward to, and I think that the Dairy Barn creates that kind of atmosphere.”
IF YOU GO WHAT: The Dairy Barn art classes WHERE: The Dairy Barn, 8000 Dairy Lane WHEN: Dates vary
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ADMISSION: Prices vary
WHAT’S GOING ON?
Play intramural basketball; learn to cook vegan KATIE MILLARD FOR THE POST
FRIDAY, JAN. 14 Free Christmas Tree Pickup of discarded live Christmas trees will take place all day in the city of Athens. Residents should place their tree by the curb and call 740-592-3343 to schedule their pickup. Admission: Free A Major Exploration Workshop will be conducted from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The workshop will help students who are curious about their major or undecided explore their options. Come gain valuable resources like navigating finding a career, enhancing self-awareness and aligning your skills and interests with the best major for you. Admission: Free The Pen on Paper Writing Group has its first meeting this semester virtually via Microsoft Teams from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Participants should bring papers, blogs, articles, stories and any other written work to share and work on in a supportive community. Hosted by the Women’s Center, the informal group will meet every Friday, and participants can come and go as they wish. Admission: Free Ethan Timm is performing from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Smiling Skull Saloon, 108 W. Union St. The acoustic performer specializes in classic rock favorites and his own originals, and he takes requests. Come catch this Ohio musician’s smooth act live. Admission: $4
SATURDAY, JAN. 15 The Intramural Preseason Basketball Tournament will take place at Ping Student Recreation Center, 82 South Green Drive, all day. The 5v5 basketball tournament will be played as a round robin, and teams do not need to be registered for the spring league to compete. Come try out your skills and prep for Sunday’s bracketed tournament and the spring intramural season.
Various locations
Admission: Free The Insect! With Acrylic Grooves will perform at The Union, 18 W. Union St., at 8 p.m. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for the long-awaited return of The Insect! with a performance featuring Acrylic Grooves. Admission: $8 for 21+, $10 for under 21 SUNDAY, JAN. 16 A Murals of Nelsonville Walking Tour will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., meeting at the Nelsonville Public Library, 95 W. Washington St. Lynn Garbo will lead participants from mural to mural, sharing the stories behind each painting before a follow-up discussion at Rocky Boot to get warm with some hot drinks from the cafe.
Admission: $50 per person Popebama Concert at Glidden Hall will begin at 8 p.m. Hosted by the Ohio University Composers’ Association, the New York-based experimental duo will present originally composed songs along with works by three other artists. Come catch the unique, high energy show. Admission: Free
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DANCE PARTY
WITH DJ BFUNK FRIDAY NIGHT: BILL FOLEY
visit the Red Cross online. Enter your zip code to search for an available drive. Times availble each week
scan to schedule your donation
The Market on State ATHENS FARMERS & ART MARKET Locally grown and raised meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, prepared foods, , traditional and specialty bread, coffee, wine and cider, shelf stable canned goods, sweets, plants and seeds. Plus locally made artistic goods Find us in the front parking lot and inside the Market on State Mall
Saturdays 9 am - Noon
Admission: $20 A Vegan Cooking and Nutrition Class will be held at 10 a.m. at Tavolino, 9 N. Shafer St. The three-hour class will explain how to create balanced meals that are flavorful and nutritious, and participants will even cook a vegan meal together they can take home to enjoy.
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Admission: $5 Terry Hermsen is performing at the Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., at 2 p.m. Come see the exciting musical poetry performance intended to spark climate action and a sense of hope.
Stuarts Opera House
BLOOD DRIVE
Arts West • 132 W State St ITTY BITTY PRINT EXCHANGE: ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE This exchange consists of seventy-seven artists from five countries. The artists in the exchange created prints utilizing a wide range of analog print media—screenprinting, relief printing, intaglio, lithography, letterpress, risograph, printing on glass, and more. What’s beautiful about this exchange is not only its vastness, but also the varying imagery and perspective in response to the prompt “Another World Is Possible.”
on view through January 28th @ittybittyprintexchange Free & Open to the Public
The perfect place to gather ANY NIGHT OF THE WEEK! we have 32 Beers on Tap & Don’t Miss Bill Foley every friday in January at 6pm. Tuesday night trivia.
@EclipseBeerHall Open to All
Alden Library • 4th floor
NEVERTHELESS, SHE PERSISTED THROUGH TIME Exhibit of items entirely selected and described by students in the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program Freshman Seminar, delayed since spring 2020. This student-curated exhibit features materials from various collections in the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, and that address questions and issues of relevance to all students around gender, sexuality, societal expectations, rights, and so on.
on view through February 10th Free & Open to the Public
DJ B-Funk will be playing music from 1950 to early 2000’s for your enjoyment. There will be food provided by Lacey Rogers, fellow book club Facilitator and community organizer, a full cash-bar, and Sharrell Wise Photography will be on hand to snap photos of all of you having fun. The event will be streamed online for those who can’t make it. A Donation is required for entry into the event. Suggested donation is $15 per person. We encourage you to donate more! ALL PROCEEDS benefit the anti-racism book club.
Friday, Jan. 21st 7 pm- 11 pm TICKETS & DONATION HERE: linktr.ee/djbfunk $15 Donation and proof of vaccination required to attend
promote
YOUR NEXT EVENT HERE
because it’s an affordable (cheap) way to expose art, music, theater, films, exhibitions, and non-profit events and happenings
TO
Dairy Barn Arts Center 8000 Dairy Lane
OH+5
CONTEMPORARY ART OF OUR REGION This exhibition features artwork from 62 artists living in Ohio and the five surrounding states. Visitors will enjoy a variety of artworks including sculpture, painting, photography, fiber art and mixed-media art.
Jan 15
th -
Mar 13
th
$7 general admission $5 student/seniors • members FREE
THOUSANDS OF READERS for as low as
$15 per week! send us an email postadvertising@ohio.edu
Semester pricing and discounts are available. Space is limited For more Music, Arts, and Events scan
dairybarn.org
THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 23
LEADER Sca get tn me to he a pp
Applications due Feb. 1 ohio.edu/leadership-awards BROUGHT TO YOU BY STUDENT AFFAIRS AND DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
