February 2, 2023

Barking dog reported in Glouster; car abandoned for 2 months

ANNA MILLAR NEWS STAFF WRITER

That’s not a crime, is it?

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Beech Road in The Plains regarding an in-progress breaking and entering report. The report stated items from the residence were seen being placed into a vehicle.

When deputies arrived, they discovered no one at the residence. Upon further investigation, deputies spoke with the residents and determined it was not breaking and entering. The residents were moving out and thus removing items from the home.

Deputies returned to patrol.

Just Grouchy

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of an argument at Hawk Road in New Marshfield. When deputies arrived, they found no evidence that violence or threats had occurred.

The involved parties were advised to separate by deputies.

Good News

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a request for a well-being check at Long Run Road in Athens. Upon arrival, deputies found the individual to be healthy and safe.

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Don’t Leave Your Car Random Places

According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, an abandoned vehicle was reported on Beech Road, in The Plains. When deputies arrived, they were told the vehicle had been sitting on the property for two months.

Deputies attempted to contact the registered vehicle owner but were unsuccessful. The vehicle was tagged to be towed.

Barking Ghost Maybe?

Deputies were dispatched to Spring Street, in Glouster, regarding a barking dog complaint, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. Upon patrolling the area, deputies did not locate any barking dogs.

Sounds like a movie

Deputies were dispatched to Oregon Ridge Road, in Glouster, regarding a car fire, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. When they arrived on the scene, deputies conducted an investigation and took a report.

Forget to do something when you left?

An open door on an unfinished cabin in Dover Township was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. When deputies arrived, the structure was checked and no disturbance was found.

Just an unfortunate day

Deputies were dispatched to Rhoric Road, in Athens, regarding a report of a vehicle on the side of the road, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. When they arrived, deputies talked to the individuals in the vehicle.

The individuals said they ran out of gas. A neighbor provided the necessary gas and they left the area.

Ring to the rescue

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible burglary in Athens Township. When deputies arrived, the area surrounding the home was patrolled.

Deputies spoke with the owner through their video camera and alarm system.

No further action was taken.

Just follow the rules

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Sand Ridge Road, in Millfield, regarding a man on house arrest leaving the house. When deputies arrived, the man had already returned to the home.

Deputies talked to the man and made him aware his probation officer would be informed of the incident.

Remember to lock your doors, people

Deputies were dispatched to Chauncey re-

garding a report of a possible burglary, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. The homeowner told deputies their front door was found open when they got home.

Deputies searched the home but found no one inside. The homeowner did not find anything to be stolen or disturbed. A report was taken.

If it’s not yours, leave it alone

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Dover Township regarding a report of an unknown person trying to get into a vehicle. When deputies arrived, the vehicle owner found nothing was disturbed.

Deputies patrolled the area for possible suspects.

Don’t forget to lock your car doors too

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of theft on East 4th Street in The Plains. The caller informed deputies her vehicle was entered and multiple items were stolen. A report was taken and an investigation is pending.

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Volume 113, Issue 18

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APD, OUPD face department vacancies, hiring officers

KENDALL WRIGHT FOR THE POST

Both the Athens Police Department and the Ohio University Police Department are seeking new hires due to vacancies in the respective departments.

APD is currently looking to fill three vacant spots in its department. OUPD told The Post it does not advertise the number of vacant positions within the department.

Applications for public safety have been down for several years, leaving openings at many departments, including fire safety, EMS and law enforcement, said APD Police Chief Tom Pyle.

“We think we are seeing the effects of the labor shortage that is present throughout much of the country right now, largely due to factors related to the pandemic and the economy,” OUPD Staff Lieutenant Tim Ryan said in an email.

When APD put out previous application advertisements, 70-80 individuals would apply, Pyle said. Currently, it has received around 20 applications, which is typical with most agencies the size of APD unless they are one of the state’s higher-paying workplaces, Pyle said.

Vacancies within the department result in less police coverage. Most departments with around 30 employees should have an average of five people per shift, but APD is currently operating at three, Pyle said. This translates to fewer traffic stops and fewer police officers on patrol at a given time.

“People don’t really like to be cops anymore,” Athens Coun-

ty Sheriff Rodney Smith said. “We really struggle to get good people to come here.”

Though staffing is not at a desirable level, it does not affect APD and OUPD response times. It will take the same amount of time for two or three officers to arrive at a call as it would for the full five, Pyle said.

“I would rather the city of Athens have fewer and fewer police officers versus hiring the wrong people to fill those positions because … one bad cop does incredible damage to an organization and to (the) reputation of an agency,” Pyle said. APD and OUPD require a background check and physical fitness test for their respective applicants.

Typically, the process includes an entrance exam, containing at least one written exam and one physical exam, Pyle said. At APD, after receiving the list of candidates who pass those examinations, a background interview and a panel interview are conducted to determine the candidate’s suitability.

Following the panel interview, candidates participate in a final interview with the chief of police, community members and the service-safety director. Candidates are then trained, which can take between six to 12 months.

At OUPD, applicants must be 21, own a driver’s license and have a high school education.

OUPD’s applicants participate in 10 to 12 weeks of field training, which includes learning more about being a police officer, the department itself, the community and officer expectations, Ryan said.

“A police officer has to maintain the public trust and a big

part of the background (check) is making sure that we are putting our trust in the right people to do that,” Ryan said.

OUPD operates out of Ohio University’s Athens campus, but OUPD’s officers have jurisdiction on regional campuses as well. Depending on the jurisdiction, officers experience different types of crime.

The most common calls OUPD receives are alcohol complaints and cases of sexual assault, Ryan said. At APD, the most common types of complaints are theft, vandalism, noise complaints and alcohol consumption-related offenses, Pyle said.

OUPD and APD often work together in the city of Athens to patrol events like basketball games and fests.

“It’s just working together to make sure that we can keep the community as safe as we can,” Ryan said.

Call (740) 593-6606 for more information about how to apply for a position at APD. OUPD plans on leaving its application open under OU’s job website.

At APD, the starting rate for an officer is around $26.16 an hour. Shifts are 10-12 hours, depending on the position, with every other weekend off, Pyle said.

OUPD advertises a $5,000 sign-on bonus, and its top pay is $35.12 an hour, Ryan said. More information can be found on OUPD’s recruitment page.

Photo by Lisa Berg

OU Board of Trustees approves resolution for Ridges development

The Ohio University Board of Trustees met on Jan. 19 to discuss a variety of topics including the new updates within the Ridges Development Plan.

The vision for the plan is for it to expand the recreational benefits of the Ridges, provide more housing options for the Athens community and preserve the property.

The plan that was presented to the Board highlights the outline for the seven to 10year, $200 million plan to rehabilitate the Ridges and the land surrounding it. According to the meeting’s agenda, the university has donated over $28 million for the Ridges’ upkeep and renovations since 2015.

For a more financially feasible strategy, the Buckeye Hills Regional Council and Community Building Partners suggest using a New Community Authority, or NCA, to assist in the coordination of construction and financing of the development.

From there, the development will be funded from public-private investments that will attract private development partners. The Board approved the resolution and is now pursuing the establishment of an NCA.

Of the 700 acres surrounding the Ridges, less than 100 acres will be developed once the plan is completed. According to the plan, the remaining land will be used for ecological uses, like hiking trails and research.

Dominick Brook, director of real estate at OU, found that after years of contemplation, the development plan will result in the best outcome.

“Many stakeholders within Ohio University and the surrounding community have worked closely with the Ridges Development Advisors during the past two years as this plan has been developed,” Brook wrote in an email. “While there are still many obstacles

to overcome and details to be determined, this plan provides the highest chance of success of all options that have been considered since the creation of the Framework plan in 2015.”

The approval of the plan by the Board signifies the possibility of a renewal in the value the Ridges provides to the university and lessens its financial strain on the university, Brook said.

“Ohio University will benefit from new vibrancy in the historic campus that houses the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs and part of the College of Fine Arts, as well as the lifting of a major financial burden on the University,” Brook wrote in an email.

In the development plan, it is mentioned that recent studies have shown that there is a large variety of people in the area who are in need of housing.

“This includes studWents, OU staff, seniors, artists, alumni and families,” according to the “DRAFT Memo” for the January Board of Trustees meeting. “With the size of the Ridges and master planning potential, the Ridges can meet the particular needs of each of these subgroups.”

The current plan includes proposals that would increase housing in a wide variation, including the construction of affordable senior housing, affordable homeownership and student and multi-family housing. Overall, there would be nearly 720 new housing units.

“The broader community will benefit from the rehabilitation of historic buildings that mean so much to many in the local area, as well as new senior and attainable housing that is lacking in the city,” Brook wrote in an email.

Mia Citino, an OU Student Trustee and junior studying environmental studies, said she believes the development plan will be a positive change to the Ridges.

“Although, I don’t speak for the board, my view as student trustee is that the Ridges Development Plan is an exciting way to revitalize and preserve historic buildings that are currently unused to serve the Athens community and compliment Ohio University’s use of the area,” Citino wrote in an email.

Citino also shared that she is not the only one on the Board who is eager to see the outcome of the plan.

“I will add that the Board voted 9-0 in favor of this resolution,” Citino wrote in an email. “I think we are all hopeful that this process will lead to exciting possibilities for the community.”

Despite the plans for the development

of the Ridges, conservation of the land surrounding it is a fundamental part. The plan includes the restriction of use of certain land and buildings in order to maintain and protect it.

According to the Board’s most recent agenda, 2023 is a critical year for the Ridges development. Following the Board’s approval of the plan, the next steps are to gain support of the NCA from the Athens City Council and Athens County.

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A view of the entire Ridges complex in Athens, Ohio. (MEGAN VAN VLACK | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Mount Zion Baptist Church turns 150

KATIE MILLARD CULTURE EDITOR

The stained glass windows of Mount Zion Baptist Church are magical, and for a good reason. Situated at 32 W. Carpenter St., Athenians walk past the aged church each day, often without knowing the work a local group has dedicated to preserving the building and with it, Black history in Athens.

The Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society held its annual meeting Saturday at the Southeast Ohio History Center. People sat in rows from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 24 W. State St., with more people joining on Zoom for the event, which doubled as the 150th-anniversary celebration of the church's founding.

The society is a largely volunteer-based organization dedicated to preserving Athens' Black history, specifically the Mount Zion Baptist Church. The group is currently working on renovating the historically Black church, which shut down in the early 2000s,

into a cultural center that preserves and shares local history.

"The fact that it's 150 years really adds a solemn moment for us to remember so many people who have contributed to make Mount Zion a beacon of light," said Nadya Hinson, the executive director of the society.

The group began their annual meeting with four Delta Sigma Theta sorority representatives performing a processional, followed by a rhythmic dance performance, both of which praised the sorority. Delta Sigma Theta is a historically Black sorority, and members were invited to perform by Trevellya Ford-Ahmed, colloquially often known as Dr. Tee, a board of directors member, for the society.

Following the performance, the group introduced each board member, inviting them to give an update about their success and involvement throughout 2022, as well as discuss what they will complete this year. The group is non-profit, and they updated audience members on their budget, including which grants they had received and where that money was going. The preservation society ended the year with $139,109.87 in its name, with big plans for the money in 2023, including the careful removal and storage of the priceless stained glass windows to work elsewhere in the building without damaging the glass.

The new Quarters to Freedom project is one effort to supplement the necessary funds. This is a collaboration with the local Andrew Jackson Davison Club, which is learning about Black history in the Athens school district. In true historical fashion, the fundraiser was inspired by a 1934 school children’s effort to raise money for a statue. Kids collected pennies during the Great Depression to raise a monument that would honor Eliza Davison, wife of Andrew Jackson Davison, the first Black lawyer in Athens.

The preservation society is now collecting quarters, with each quarter representing an inch on an Underground Railroad route from Athens to Buxton, Canada. Buxton was an important stop on the Underground Railroad, and the settlement was largely founded by refugees seeking freedom from enslavement. With quarters as inches, traveling one mile on the route will raise $15,840. If the society can raise money all the way to Buxton, they will have gathered over $5 million.

“What can a quarter do?” asked Ada-Woodson Adams, president of the Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society. “What can your quarter do? We don’t want to stop at 4,000 quarters, we got to get to Canada.”

Audience members had the opportunity to donate quarters after the event, and anyone interested is encouraged to donate to the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society’s P.O. Box 548 in Athens.

After announcing their new fundraising efforts, they continued with the celebration. Guest speaker Uzoma

Miller, a visiting professor of African American studies, took the stage following the society’s updates to address the importance of preserving Black history. He said he was glad to see students in the audience but felt everyone should care more about local Black history.

“For those of you that are students that are here, glad to see you,” Miller said. “It should be 100 more. It is literally (a) five-minute walk.”

Miller encouraged everyone, present and absent, to pay special attention to the work the preservation society is putting into saving and recording local history. He said learning about such efforts and their historical importance saves Black stories.

After Miller’s address, the board presented two awards to community members who were especially helpful in their efforts. These honorees received the Beacon of Light award, as the church is often seen as a beacon of light.

The first honoree, Ron Luce, helped found the society and has worked in various positions on the board since. The second went to Paul Logue, the Athens City planner, who helped write grants and support the society’s efforts while in his position.

Luce first worked with Adams when he helped her become a board member at the Southeast Ohio History Center. His passion for Black history and ensuring all stories are told stuck with Adams.

“I felt for the first time that someone was seeing me and my ancestors and my cultural importance,” Adams said. “I have a lot of angels around me today and all of you are my angels, but there are certain people who come into your life that are always the heart of your spirit and your soul, and Ron is that person.”

Much of the event revolved around gratitude, like Adams’ appreciation for Luce, and for generous donations from local individuals and businesses. The board said these funds are crucial to the preservation society’s work. Aside from the building renovations, the group is also in need of funds to put out the second and third parts of a

docuseries they created, “Black Wall Street Athens County.”

The first installment of the series premiered in 2022, discussing Athens’ rich Black history and giving an overview of historic buildings and people. The second film will focus on the Berry Hotel, a Black-owned hotel that stood at 18 N. Court St., where Hangover Easy stands today, and the Albany Academy, where many Black students received their education.

Elizabeth Williams was the last scheduled speaker at the event and she represented her family, which goes back four or five generations in Athens and helped to found Mount Zion. Williams was born in Athens 73 years ago and has committed to the town since. She addressed the Berrys’ contributions to the town, particularly Mattie Berry.

She said townspeople in Athens tried to ban any white salespeople who stayed at the hotel, but Mattie Berry was able to ensure people would still stay.

“Mrs. Berry had such a mind for service and giving that she would collect the clothes for salespeople at night and she would clean them, fix the buttons or whatever repairs needed to be done,” Williams said. “And so they had to lift this ban because people were going to stay there anyway.”

Williams addressed Mattie Berry personally, as Ford-Ahmed reappeared dressed in a long blue dress and white head wrap, portraying Berry symbolically. As the program wrapped up, the board thanked everyone for attending and for their continued support, expressing gratitude for the church that preserved history even 150 years after its birth.

“What I’m thankful for is the church,” Williams said. “That’s the church where my parents went to as youth. That’s where my parents were married. That’s where they brought me to be baptized as an infant or blessed as they would call (it). It still remains. And we want it to remain forever.”

Dr. Tee Ford-Ahmed speaks at the 150th anniversary of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. (DONOVAN HUNT | ASST. MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR)

GABRIELLE CABANES FOR THE POST

The Bengals may have lost, but there are still plenty of Athens names to cheer for. Feb. 1 marks the celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Women in sports are often put into categories and breaking stigmas can be very difficult for both active and former athletes who love their sport.

Discrimination on and off the field can be common. According to Title IX Schools, 90% of universities’ intercollegiate athletic departments do not meet the standards set by Title IX. Additionally, they found women miss out on $1 billion in athletic scholarships each year. The same report found that women receive fewer opportunities than men and lack equally distributed opportunities too. As women make up a larger percentage of the student population, the report argued they should be given more opportunities just to reach equal standing.

Women in sports reflect

The holiday offers women the chance to reflect on the importance of their sport and acknowledge common experiences they may have relative to discrimination.

Emma Perry, a freshman studying media arts production, said she played rugby all throughout high school and wanted to continue playing the sport when she got to college.

She said that although she has tried almost every sport she could think of, rugby was the sport that really stood out to her and made her feel like she was a part of a family. She said she was also always interested in football, but a lack of opportunity for female football players helped her transition to rugby too.

“Rugby really is the one that I fell in love with, it’s the one that kind of fit everything for me,” she said.

Perry said that rugby is a sport focused on community and culture more than anything else.

Being close to her teammates has always been essential and she said she has been able to find her family here at Ohio University because of the rugby team on campus, she said.

Perry said no matter how talented the girls were, they were always very welcoming and wanted everyone to feel like they were part of the team.

“(They may be) one of the more experienced girls on the team, but they still treat me the same as anyone else and I really appreciate it,” she said.

Perry said being a woman in sports meant a lot to her since it is such a male-heavy industry. She said as an athlete and a sports videographer, she has encountered others “mansplaining” the sports she covers or plays countless times, which she said is aggravating.

“It’s just important to have that representation,” she said. “Even if it’s LGBT people, people that don’t identify as a woman but are outside of that mold of being a male, it’s im-

portant to have that diversity.”

Wylie Lytle, a freshman majoring in political science, said this year was her first year playing rugby on Ohio’s club team.

She said she decided to join rugby because her dad played when he went to OU and she liked the idea of carrying on the legacy.

“I’m not the most athletic person, but it’s been a really good way to stay active and meet new people,” she said.

Lytle said being a woman in sports allows her to break out of the shell that is expected of women, especially playing such a rough contact sport.

“It’s such an aggressive (sport), and I guess some people would call it unladylike. So, it’s nice to break out of norms of what’s expected as a woman,” she said.

Lytle said an example of injustice she saw playing the sports was when the team ordered new uniforms with alumni funding and the gear was delivered in kids’ sizes. The real order never came. She said she was very frustrated when the girls had to share uniforms with the men’s team instead of getting their own gear.

Despite this, she urges every girl on campus to play for the rugby team because she believes it is a great community where people can really grow closer to their teammates. The rugby team is also open to anyone who feels as if women’s rugby is the place that best fits their identity. The team refers to itself as a womxn’s team to encompass both women and anyone else who fits their team.

Jordan Hawkins, a sophomore studying child and family studies, said she has played softball almost her entire life and she loved the bond she created with her teammates.

Hawkins said being a woman in sports was very meaningful to her because it gave her a sense of empowerment and strength.

“It means to me that I am strong and powerful, and I am just as good as everyone else,” she said.

Hawkins said in high school she often felt like the boys baseball team got a lot more attention even though the softball team was often better and won more games, which she felt was very unfair.

She said she urges all young girls to join sports to build their confidence.

“I think it’s so important for young girls to join sports to be able to show that they’re tough and strong and for them to build that team camaraderie,” Hawkins said. “That’s the biggest thing I feel like: to show how to support each other and not have women tear each other down or also to not let other people tear them or their teammates down as well.”

ILLUSTRATION BY TREVOR BRIGHTON

Ohio’s DII team is much more than a JV team

From booking hotel rooms and buses to simple things like ice time for practice, Cullura juggles a lot for the program.

Cullura never imagined being in this situation, but he’s glad to be in it. In prep school in Maine, Cullura soon realized that he would fall short of his goal of playing Big Ten hockey. Instead, he turned his attention to the ACHA. He found his home with the Division II team after he failed to make the Division I team.

Cullura is far from alone. In that sentiment, Vice President Hayden Ripley also takes on a variety of responsibilities. Ripley’s focus is on the team itself. He keeps the players in order and makes sure everything is smooth when it comes to personnel. Like Cullura, Ripley came to Ohio from Scottsdale, Arizona, for the Division I program, but he found himself a home on the Division II team Like many others before, he knew little about the team other than they were simply not the Division I team.

The Division II is student run beyond hockey-related logistics, too.

sion that the lower-ranked team is a “little brother” or just a minor league team. That is far from the case as the Division II team has lifted numerous trophies in its own right.

One thing that both Cullura and Ripley admit is the stigma that has surrounded their team. The idea that the Division II team is not competitive is something that draws the ire of the leaders of the program.

Phillip Oberlin started Ohio’s Division II hockey program in 2010, and, since then, the program has taken the ACHA by storm. The academically-driven group has racked up one regular season title, one playoff title as well as a trio of seasons where Ohio was the runner-up. In addition, the Division II team has four appearances in Regionals as well as one appearance in Nationals since its inception. Ohio University has always had top-tier hockey that was played by athletes

attempting to bring back trophies and allure to Athens. However, Oberlin left the Division II program in 2018 to pursue other ventures. That meant that the team was placed in the hands of the students to not only run it, but keep it alive.

The Division II program hangs by a thread each season compared to its Division I counterpart. The program isn’t always sure if it will have the players or resources for a complete season. The players keep the team afloat; however, that makes the lives of the players far from easy. Club President Brendan Cullura organizes almost every logistic.

“We have a media team that has really been putting in work to get our social media up there,” Cullura said. “You can win as much as you want, you can go 25-0 on the season, but I don’t really think people would notice if you didn’t have a good social media presence and they do a great job at getting our names out there … especially on a team where you are paying your own fees, you’re coming in and doing this on your own time during school, during hours where you should be studying and people bought in and they believe in each other and the team.”

The fact that there are two teams on campus is enough to confuse many fans into how the two teams function and are organized. However, the fact that one of the teams is classified in a higher division gives the impres-

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With two teams playing the same sport for the same school, the notion that they are competing with one another is natural. However, they both have talent. In terms of the opponents and scheduling, the distinction is similar to that in baseball, where schools can have as many teams as long as only one is in each division (either I, II or III). The ACHA is the greater umbrella that both teams play under, but the Division I team is in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League while the Division II team is in the Tri-State Collegiate Hockey League. The season for the Division II team runs from when the leaves are changing in September all the way to when there are no leaves and the new ones are getting ready to sprout for a new season in March.

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MARC GOLDSTEIN FOR THE POST

Brendan Cullura, left, and Hayden Ripley, right, are the senior officers of the DII Bobcats hockey team at Bird Ice Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. (JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

EMMA ERION AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR

They say good things come in threes, and “The Ryans” of the Ohio hockey team are no exception. Ryan Higgins, Ryan Hastings and Ryan Leonard were lucky enough to be given the same name at birth and play for the Bobcats.

It was a welcome coincidence, as the three of them have quite a friendship. The Post sat down with them to learn more about the trio when they are off the ice.

The Post: Does it ever get confusing because you’re all Ryan? Is there a nickname situation?

Higgins: Yeah, I mean we pretty much all go by our last names or made up nicknames, but for the most part if somebody yells “Ryan!” it’s like a funny joke, we all respond .

Leonard: Everybody says “what?” at the same time.

TP: (Leonard) They did a feature on you on the hockey account ... you limbo?

Leonard: I do

TP: Can you tell me more about that?

Leonard: Yeah I’ve been the reigning champ for the past four years. Nobody is able to beat me at all.

TP: So nobody can limbo better than you?

Leonard: No one ever.

TP: Is there a (team) limbo competition?

Q&A with ‘The Ryans’

Leonard: We haven’t had one this year, yet. In the past, there’s been some limbo competitions and obviously I came in first.

TP: (To Hastings) you racquetball?

Hastings: Yeah, I’m kind of rusty right now, haven’t been putting in the work that I want to. Last year I was first pick every time we played.

Leonard: Yeah we did Tuesday racquetball.

TP: You were just always number one?

Hastings: Top dog.

Leonard (agreeing): Top dog.

TP: (To Higgins) you drum? Tell me more about that.

Higgins: I used to drum more back in the day, I like to bang around on some pillows here and there, but now I’m really into cooking. I like to chef it up for the boys.

TP : Can you expand on that for me?

Higgins: Anything and everything. Just give me a request and I will have it made and sent right to your doorstep.

TP: What’s your favorite dish that Ryan (Higgins) makes?

Leonard: We had chicken gyros last week, really good.

Hastings: He cooked me a mean steak dinner last semester.

TP: Wow. So, is there a pregame song that gets you all collectively hype?

Higgins: (Hesitantly) The Bad Touch?

Leonard: Oh yeah… yeah that one.

TP: Switching gears, do you guys play video games together at all?

Leonard: I’m a Fortnite guy.

Hastings: We actually have a decent group of Fortnite players.

Ryan Higgins, left; Ryan Leonard, middle; and Ryan Hastings, right, after practice on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. (JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

Atmosphere at Bird Arena keeps fans coming back

If you’re attending a hockey game at Bird Arena, you’ll want to get there long before the game starts.

That’s because every weekend, students and community members from across Athens flock to see Ohio face-off against other teams in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. No matter who Ohio is playing, there is hardly a seat to be had by the time the lights go out at 7 p.m. and the starting lineups are announced.

The Bobcats currently sit at No. 4 in the ACHA and just clinched the Central States Collegiate Hockey League regular season championship. Their talent is a big part of what drives people to games, but the fun little moments that occur during intermissions, after goals and throughout the game keep people coming back as well.

Jackie Forquer, president of the Ohio Hockey Blueline Booster Club, knows the importance of having a packed house every weekend. She and the rest of the boost -

ers work hard to implement promotions to keep fans engaged and loud, even when Ohio isn’t on the ice.

During the first intermission, one lucky child is selected to attempt to shoot a puck through a narrow goal in Ohio’s “Score-O” challenge. After the second period, all fans are welcome to play “chuck-a-puck,” where they attempt to throw a puck as close to center ice as possible. Some weekends, Ohio welcomes little league players from around the city to play a game of their own on the Bird Arena ice during intermission, as well as so much more.

Forquer enjoyed going to Ohio’s games as a student from 1988-92 and wants the students today to have that same experience.

“I love seeing the students because I know it was such an important, fun time when I was here and watching the guys play,” Forquer said.

Almost 35 years later, the students still love it. The atmosphere at Bird Arena is unlike anything they have experienced at other events across campus, which is a

huge draw.

“I enjoy when they win, but I think the crowd and the energy here is really great, especially compared to some of the other games that I’ve been to,” Audrey Beers, a student at Ohio University, said. “There’s just like an actual presence of a crowd here.”

Arguably, the people who love the crowd the most are the players. They feed off the energy that the fans at Bird Arena bring, which helps them to play better. When Ohio scores a goal against an opponent, fans erupt in chants of “you suck.” Sometimes, the players mouth it along with them.

When Bird Arena is hyped, Ohio is hyped as well.

“We love the support that we get at Bird Arena,” team captain Sam Turner said. “Our fans are amazing, and when we have more fans, when they’re louder, we tend to play better because we’re playing for them … anytime we have a packed house, we’re saying in locker room ‘oh boys, a lot of fans here, let’s go out and play well for them.’”

The crowd does make a difference. 19 of Ohio’s 23 wins this season have been in front of a decent number of people at home. During the 2020 season, when attendance was highly limited due to COVID-19, it only won three of its 10 games at home.

Because of this, the Bobcats have gone out into the community in an attempt to bring more fans in. On Nov. 30, the team held a meet and greet with students at Nelson Dining Hall and passed out tickets to its series at home against Toledo. Turner had class for the first hour of the event and by the time he showed up to help, the tickets were gone.

“I think that just shows how supportive the school is and people are of the hockey team,” Turner said.

Win or lose, games at Bird Arena are something special. They’ve been entertaining students since 1958 and probably will for many years to come.

Members of the gang Green Ghosts, a cheering section for the Ohio University Club Hockey team, dance to the Y.M.C.A. during the second period brake of the Bobcats’ game against Illinois on Jan. 28, 2023 in Bird Ice Arena. (ALAINA DACKERMAN | FOR THE POST)

Angels in the Industry: Celebrate all women in sports

National Girls and Women in Sports Day is annually observed during the first week in February. 2023 marks the 37th celebration of the day, powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation.

Sports allow women and girls to develop their character. The strength and confidence that is developed through sports is unlike that found in any other arena. Thanks to actions such as Title IX, women are ensured the opportunity to pursue sports in higher education.

The Post Sports is fortunate to have three full-time women on staff. All three serve as editors and two of which have served or currently serve on the sports editorial team. To join in on the celebration, here are their stories:

Emma Erion, Audience Engagement Editor

I have loved sports since I was a little kid. I played softball through grade school, which by proxy made me quite the Cincinnati Reds fan. Though I was deathly afraid of the fireworks played after home runs, I would still sit there cheering with my ears plugged. I supported them through all the bad years too, which have been quite a few. I eventually grew to be a Bengals fan, too, despite their constant pitfalls as well. However, no matter how much I knew I loved a team, I could never express that without being questioned.

Most any girl who has loved sports, no mat-

ter how old, has probably been met with some bizarre question from a man. I enjoyed watching the Reds and one of my male classmates would pipe up with, “If you love the Reds so much then name the entire starting roster of the 1982 team.” They never asked other guys to prove their allegiance to a sports team. I could never just “enjoy sports” as a woman; I had always had to prove myself more than my male peers. Women belong in sports just as much as men do. I should be allowed to like sports without being questioned. I should not have to be questioned about whether or not I know what I’m talking about, which I still experience to this day. I love what I do and I love the sports world. I want to feel just as welcomed in it as any man would.

Molly Burchard, Asst. Audience Engagement Editor

Like Emma, sports have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Most of my Sundays growing up were spent on the couch watching football with my dad and brother. I didn’t fully understand the sport at first, but the more I watched, the more I was drawn to it. Even from behind a screen, I could feel the competitiveness, excitement and energy.

My love for football soon turned into a love for all sports. However, I didn’t even think about making a career out of them until my brother and I were old enough to start thinking about colleges and majors. People would ask him, “Have you ever thought about being a sports broadcaster?” or say, “You should think about a career in sports.” This made me realize that a career in the sports industry was possible, but I shouldn’t have had to learn this from people talking to him.

Women working in the sports industry are so underrepresented. According to ESPN, only 225 women held baseball operational roles in 2020, with just 17 in director’s roles or higher. Although the representation of women in sports is starting to get better, there is still a long way to go. It is easy to understand why many young girls may not believe that working in sports is a possibility because there are so few women in sports for them to look up to.

I want to be one of the women who change

that. Sports are for everyone, and my favorite thing about them is the way they bring people together. That is why I have chosen to pursue a career in fan engagement and sports marketing. If I can get just one little girl to a game and show her that a future in sports is possible, that would mean the world.

Ashley Beach, Asst. Sports Editor

I earned my love of sports when I was about 3 years old. My family had season tickets for the Dayton Dragons, Cincinnati’s A-affiliate. I remember I used to scribble in the game programs and read the players’ information, but it didn’t make any sense to me at the time. I loved eating my Dippin’ Dots while my father explained the game. I didn’t consider sports as a career until I was in high school. I’d played softball and been a competitive cheerleader for as long as I could remember, and I knew that I was happiest on the sidelines somewhere. I also knew that sports beyond high school weren’t an option for me, so I decided to explore the

idea of working in sports.

I originally wanted to be a sports psychologist, which earned me some side eyes and such during my career classes, but I realized a true office job wasn’t for me. I settled on sports journalism because I’ve always loved writing, and in a roundabout way, it’s like psychology.

I’d also never considered myself a feminist before I started working in sports. I believed that women belonged everywhere men did, but I wasn’t a loud advocate. I come from a town where it’s normal for girls to love football with their whole hearts, hunt and be tomboys. However, the sports industry is not in Waynesville, Ohio. The majority of the industry doesn’t want women to do what men do.

There’s been a few moments throughout my career where I’ve felt imposter syndrome. I’ve sat and listened to men tear other women down, using the classic “aggressive/angry woman” stereotype. I’ve also had a player shake a whole staff’s hand except mine, and I’ve had a professional scout commend me for bringing my “homework” to a baseball game. However, none of that made me want to quit.

Although my dad did teach me about baseball, he also taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to. These past three years, I’ve decided to break into the industry and bring other women up with me. We’re here and we’re good at our jobs.

As Pat Summit once said, “here’s how I’m going to beat you. I’m going to outwork you. That’s it. That’s all there is to it.”

PROVIDED BY EMMA ERION

PROVIDED BY MOLLY BURCHARD

PROVIDED BY ASHLEY BEACH

OU abandons Russian literature

In 2019, the third chapter of the John Wick franchise graced the movie screen, following the continuing adventure of the titular hitman on his quest for revenge. The opening scene of the film sees John Wick go to the library and check out Aleksandr Afanas’ev’s “Russian Folktale.”

For most viewers, the book’s presence was a one-off device to push the plot forward (serving both as a stash of equipment and a weapon). The last time OU included a course on Afanas’ev’s folktales was Spring 2019.

Aleksandr Afanas’ev was a Russian ethnographer and folklorist who worked to catalog and publish nearly 600 Russian folktales across several volumes. His work in the cataloging of Russian Folk history has earned him comparisons to similar catalogists like “The Brothers Grimm.”

Contemporary to Afanas’ev were authors like Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekov’s collective works in literature have been canonized. Tolstoy’s works appear in many must-read lists. While Chekov’s theories on writing eventuate in the principle of “Chekov’s gun.”

These authors retain their relevance even today, with author George Saunders including them in his novel on writing “A Swim in a Pond in the Rain.” Saunders describes the importance of these authors in every literary moment with the following quote, “[Russian literature is] a resistance literature, written by progressive reformers in a repressive cul-

BENJAMIN ERVIN LAYNE REY

ture, under constant threat of censorship, in a time when a writer’s politics could lead to exile, imprisonment, and execution.” Often the mundane stories of Russian life were deeply rooted in the subject of humanity, and brought these works under harsh scrutiny in the turn of the century.

The Russian Revolution brought new eyes to the folklorists as all writing was brought under the Union of Soviet Writers. The idea was to place all of literature—including Folklore—under a single banner of strict editing. The goal was to foster a socialist culture, working from fairy tales to novels.

Following the rise of Stalin in Russia was a vast censorship of the arts. Criticism of the government itself was often censored and often equated to dissident thought. The only literature approved by the party without a need for censorship were fairy tales.

Fairy tales contain cultural norms constructed within morality tales. Stories of greedy kings being punished and the power of the working class matched the socialist ethics of the USSR.

Comparatively, literature of the period took on new layers of complexity. Due to strict processes of censorship in the guise of editing, portions of novels were removed. To preserve the meaning of their novels, authors often turned to speculative fiction—science fiction and magical realism—to hide meanings behind layers of metaphor.

The most popular duo working in this period was Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. The brothers wrote a wide body of ac-

claimed science fiction that have been adapted across media and translated into several languages.

Their most famous novel, “Roadside Picnic” depicts human encounters with extraterrestrial beings. The narrative is marked by its layers of metaphor, which worked to hide the themes of the text including the meaning of human existence, society and classism.

OU’s recent choice to eliminate Russian entirely from the course catalog comes as a misstep for the university. The possibilities to experience new cultures and languages are lost to students, while the rich literary history of a nation is pushed to the fringes of the student curriculum.

The material in this article only serves as a small in-road into a larger Russian network. Without a Russian program, OU has lost a connection to this history, at a point we need to understand Russia the most as Russia’s war in Ukraine is fueled by former Soviet practices. The absence of Russian course offerings hopefully marks a small period in the history of Ohio University, since a whole world of art has been taken away from a generation of students.

Benjamin Ervin is a senior studying English literature and writing 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 Benjamin know by emailing him be425014@ohio.edu

LATELY WITH LAYNE

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act needs to be passed more than ever

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act was first introduced to Congress on Feb. 24, 2021– about nine months after the brutal murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. At the time, it passed through the House of Representatives but didn’t make it through the Senate.

Tyre Nichols’ death, a direct result of police brutality, has sparked conversation surrounding this bill again. The bill’s passage is the least that America owes Nichols.

The bill aims to reform the policing industry at the federal level.

Changes in the way police officers go about handling certain situations are outlined in the bill. It places a ban on chokeholds, being the cause of Floyd’s death, and no-knock warrants, the cause of Breonna Taylor’s death. Also outlined is the fact that the federal government shall halt funding if said dangerous practices continue.

Qualified immunity would also be done away with by

passing the bill. Passed in 1967, it is one of the most outdated laws that continuously protects officers from being held accountable when they exert wrongful harm on individuals. In an effort to counter qualified immunity, the bill calls for a change in legal terminology concerning how police officers are prosecuted. Currently, they have to be deemed willful in their actions. The Associated Press states that “In legal contexts, willfulness is intent to commit a crime plus the prior knowledge an action is illegal.” The bill would change “willfulness” to “recklessness,” which makes it significantly easier for officers to be found guilty.

Additionally, the bill takes steps to prevent prosecutions from needing to occur. Through the training sessions against biased profiling, the requirement of body cameras and dashboard cameras as well as the limitation of military-grade weapons, members of society would be at a lower risk of being harmed by police officers.

In a country plagued by gun violence, society shouldn’t have to worry about the police in situations in which they’re supposed to help people. This bill has the potential to re-

define the policing industry. I believe that all Democrats in Congress would vote in favor; however, I’m not fully convinced that enough, if any, Republicans would.

This is crucial, though. Most Republicans don’t subscribe to the ideas of defunding the police and ACAB, so why wouldn’t they want federal laws in place that instead instill some trust in the police? This bill doesn’t take anything away from the police. It doesn’t cut their pay or physically harm them. It just makes it more difficult for them to cause harm and doesn’t protect them when they do.

It is time for Congress to get The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act signed into law.

Layne Rey is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.

Here are 5 of the weirdest and wonderful looks from Paris Fashion Week

Kylie Jenner at Schiaparelli

Jenna Ortega at Saint Laurent

Paris Fashion Week only happens once a year, and many celebrities attend. From lion’s heads to red diamonds, there were definitely fashion moments that left the public speechless or confused, making the event memorable.

If you didn’t notice the pop culture spectacle or didn’t get a chance to review all of this year’s outfits, here are five of the weirdest and most wonderful looks from this year’s Paris Fashion Week:

Anne Hathaway at Valentino

Since returning to the spotlight last year, Anne Hathaway has been killing the fashion game. Wearing a leopard-print minidress, leggings and matching stilettos, the actress proved that women’s fashion doesn’t have to change when you enter your 40s. With a cute and simple look, Hathaway shined bright with the help of her nude-toned makeup and cat eye. It was quite a striking look at the end of Paris Fashion Week.

Shortly after announcing the name of her son, Aire, Kylie Jenner made a surprise appearance at the Schiaparelli show in Paris. The reality star was seen wearing quite a bold look, a lion’s head attached to a black velvet gown, causing those in attendance to turn their heads. Worn by model Irina Shayk, Jenner accompanied the outfit with a gold bag and an updo, matching the golden pillars behind her as she exited her limo. This look was definitely different, but it may just be one of Jenner’s best looks.

Doja Cat at Schiaparelli

Arguably, Doja Cat’s Paris Fashion look took the top prize for committing herself fully to an all-red look by Schiaparelli. Painting her upper body red and gluing 30,000 Swarovski crystals to her, it was almost difficult to recognize the Grammy-award-winning singer. Doja Cat shined and went all out for the perfect look, even if it seemed absolutely outrageous to some. This look proved that the singer is a fashion icon who isn’t afraid to let their full creativity come to life.

While Jenna Ortega has impressed everyone with her beautiful red carpet looks, especially her recent Golden Globe Awards dress, she did not rise to the occasion in her Saint Laurent dress, which was a full-length black gown with a hood. The hood didn’t make any sense, nor did it flow well, and the only notable part of her outfit was the chunky gold bracelets hanging from her wrists. Ortega’s hairstyle also didn’t flow with the outfit, the actress going for a sidebang look that didn’t fully accentuate her style.

The Colombian rapper was spotted at the Amiri menswear show sporting an all-brown fur set. Paired with pink shoes, a black hat and sunglasses, J Balvin really thought he did something with his look. Honestly, it just looked like he was wearing a set of pajamas. The look also didn’t fit into the fashion show’s theme, as many around him were wearing more neutral looks. Balvin tried, and clearly, failed, with this look, proof that not of all of Paris Fashion Week was full of glamorous looks.

J Balvin at Amiri

GRACE KOENNECKE FOR THE POST

L o v e

Lines

Here are 5 first-time nominees ahead of the 95th Academy Awards

Last Tuesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominees for the 95th Academy Awards, with a diverse array of newcomers receiving their first-ever Oscar nominations.

After a history of nominating a majority of white actors and actresses, it seems like the Academy is finally starting to recognize the immense talent coming from groups of people that have long been overlooked.

With this, here are five of this year’s first-time Oscar nominees before the live ceremony airs on March 12:

Michelle Yeoh

It’s no surprise that Michelle Yeoh would be up for contention for “Actress in a Leading Role” for her role in last year’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the blockbuster A24 film that everyone has been talking about since its release in March. What makes her nomination significant is that Yeoh is the first Asian-identifying woman to be recognized in this category, and her lead role as a failing businesswoman battling the IRS makes her performance relatable to all who have been in her character’s shoes. Though she fails, fights and reconciles throughout the film, Yeoh also finds the meaning behind her life, even if it was standing right beside her.

Stephanie Hsu

While Stephanie Hsu was the black sheep for most of the award season, she finally got the praise she deserved for her role as Joy in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Scoring a nomination for “Actress in a Supporting Role” alongside her co-star Jamie Lee Curtis, it’s evident that Hsu’s emotional transparency and humor are some of her best assets in and outside of the film. Playing the misunderstood villain within the film, Hsu truly emulates what it’s like to not be seen by the people you love most, and how sometimes escaping into fantasy is the most valid option.

Ke Huy Quan

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Ke Huy Quan’s comeback to Hollywood after starring in classic films such as “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “The Goonies” as a child was heavily noticed after also starring in A24’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Quan, nominated for “Actor in a Supporting Role,” thought his dreams were dead after not receiving as many gigs as an Asian actor, but clearly, after recently winning a recent Golden Globe Award for his performance, it’s evident that he has the capability to win over any audience.

The 51-year-old plays alongside Michelle Yeoh as her husband, struggling to connect with his wife and wanting a change in his mundane, routine life. His candidness and vulnerable nature only strengthen his character’s personality on screen, and off screen, he’s definitely one of the most humble actors currently out there.

Rihanna

This year, Rihanna is another newcomer to the Oscars after being nominated for “Music (Original Song)” from “Black

Panther: Wakanda Forever.” “Lift Me Up” acts as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who played the superhero until his death in 2020. The ballad is simple, with only the singer’s vocals and strings within the track, creating a sense of peace and comfort as the film discusses loss and rebuilding after a tragedy. Rihanna may be one of the frontrunners, and her win would add even more fuel to her fire coming hot off her highly anticipated Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show performance next month.

Ana de Armas

After the Marilyn Monroe biopic “Blonde” came out in September, the film was widely criticized and praised, especially in regard to the film’s lead, Cuban actress Ana de Armas. Physically, the actress flawlessly pulled off Monroe’s classic blonde bob and royal fashion sense, and portrayed the late actress in a new light, one that showed the true darkness of her life and the people who made it that way. de Armas revealed to audiences everywhere that Monroe’s life was not glamorous, nor should it be painted as such. Displaying the highest and lowest peaks of Monroe’s life, the actress left a significant mark on Hollywood in 2022.

GRACE KOENNECKE FOR THE POST

ILLUSTRATION BY LAUREN ADAMS

Following the new year, Ping is packed!

ABBY JENKINS FOR THE POST

It is a brand new day, and productivity is on the mind. What better way to start a morning than with yoga or a “hot girl walk” on the treadmill? After dressing in a cute matching set and slipping on some running shoes, it seems as though nothing can ruin a perfect morning. That is until finally entering the gym, only to be faceto-face with a sea of heavy metal and an excess of testosterone.

According to Forbes Health, 39% of the surveyed population wanted to improve their fitness in 2023. With the new semester in full swing, Ping Recreation Center has been packed to the brim with returning gym rats and New Year’s resolutioners. However, the gym does not have to be a mass symphony of grunts mixed with the stench of sweat. It can be a great place for students to let out steam, manage stress or just feel good about themselves. Unfortunately, this crowded gym is not a fivestar experience.

Although Ping has become noticeably more crowded, it still encourages and welcomes newcomers.

Emily Keiser, a sophomore studying nursing, is a frequent gym-goer, exercising at Ping about six times a week.

“Actually it has been a lot more crowded, and I do think it’s a lot of resolutioners,” she said. “Everyone probably was just like, ‘you know what it’s a new year let’s work on myself.’”

Keiser also said she is making it a goal this year to work on herself and her health and has been encouraging friends to come with her to the gum.

Having friends at the gym is always a plus and could help make the environment less intimidating. However, large groups can sometimes be frowned upon, so sticking with one or two gym buddies may be more acceptable. It can also help keep wait times for machines and large crowds at a minimum.

With the gym being so crowded at certain times, it may be difficult to stay motivated to go or start going in the first place. It can also make waiting for certain equipment to open up seem like an eternity. The crowds may also give the scary illusion that everyone knows what they are doing in the gym, when in reality, that may not be the case. Bottom line, the gym can be scary, especially with the added crowds and finding that perfect time to go can start to feel like a lot of work.

Logan Cravatas, a freshman undecided in his major, enjoys going to Ping to work

out about every other day.

“I mean, honestly, the more people here the better it is for everybody,” he said. “If you can work around when it’s busy and stuff, I think it’s a good thing.”

Cravatas prefers going to Ping later in the evening and said the crowd will normally die down, making it a little easier to navigate.

“It could just be everybody’s kind of trying to find their groove,” he said.

According to both Cravatas and Keiser, the best times for someone to go to Ping to beat the crowds would be early in the morning and late at night, which may also work best with many students’ schedules.

Meredith Bise, a freshman studying early childhood education, enjoys regularly going to Ping to work out; however, the time she goes is when the gym is at its most crowded.

“I usually go around four o’clock after classes,” she said, “It’s insanely busy at four o’clock.”

Bise regularly goes to Ping and emphasizes the importance of consistency and keeping her schedule manageable.

New gym rats should feel ready to take on the gym, no matter how crowded, and plan a consistent time to go during the week to stay on track. Whether Ping is packed to the brim on a Monday or com-

pletely empty bright and early on the weekend, going to the gym is a favorite activity on campus for many students.

“Just stay consistent,” said Bise. “It does matter how frequent you go, but just try to stay consistent and be positive towards yourself because it takes improvement, and you’ll get there.”

ILLUSTRATION BY ARI GAUB

Here’s your horoscope for February 2023

20, the new moon enters Pisces, adding calming energy to your being and making you more susceptible to sympathy. Also, Venus’s alignment with your sun will offer a new perspective in your romantic life.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Taurus, be ready this month to embrace positive change. The full moon on Feb. 5 gives you an opportunity to turn over a new leaf in the career sector of your chart. Pay attention to what is around you, as a new opportunity may be just around the corner.

The new moon in Pisces

The new moon on Feb. 20 will be a great opportunity to plan out the future and set goals. Be intentional with your thoughts during this time, manifest your goals and ask the universe for guidance. Things will unfold exactly as they should, but don’t overthink it, Gemini! Good things are coming.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Cancer, this month begins with a full moon that requires you to observe your finances. Consider taking a relook at your budget or start saving up your pennies again. You tend to be hasty with your spending, and a previous mercury retrograde may have caused you to be reckless with your money. Don’t worry too much, the universe always promotes balance and good fortune will always come back to you. You got this, Cancer!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Hi Virgo! This will be a very introspective month for you, as the new moon on Feb. 20 will give you the chance to examine your relationships and see which ones are working and which are not. The moon allows you to see the superficialities within relationships and the ulterior motives of others. You may find yourself letting go of people who are not benefi ting your life.

Letting go of people or situations isn’t normally your strong suit. Don’t let this be daunting or overwhelming. Instead, it will allow you to serve your highest purpose. The truth is enlightening and allows you to grow. This month is all about putting yourself first and evolving into the best you!

JILLIAN BULLOCK FOR THE POST

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This month, the planetary changes will appeal to your romance sector. With the full moon in Leo on Feb. 5, you’ll likely feel surrounded by love and want to spend more time with your romantic partner or close friends.

A week later, Mercury entering Aquarius will tame some of your fiery energy. On Feb.

on Feb. 20 allows you to see the growth and potential for more. Now is the time to set intentions for your goals and the future. Shoot for the stars, Taurus; you may be surprised!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Welcome to February, Gemini! This month gives you a chance to get your personal and business affairs in order now that February is bringing you some well-awaited internal peace.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

February looks like a pretty busy month for you, Leo. This month kicks off with a full moon on Feb. 5, which may cause some deep anxieties to come to the surface. Your sense of security might diminish during this time, causing you to want to hide. Fear not, Leo, your strength is unmatched and the stars will give you the endurance to stand up and emerge victoriously.

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ILLUSTRATION BY ABBIE KINNEY