March 2, 2023

TRE SPENCER SENIOR WRITER

Senior writer signing-on

As a graduating senior, my past few years at Ohio University have been beautifully prosperous. I’ve learned how to be a better communicator, a better professional and a stronger journalist.

As a Post writer and photographer for over two years, I’ve developed many skills I plan to carry with me after graduation. I’ve worked with some of the most talented journalists and had a plethora of opportunities that I would not have had before joining the publication during my freshman year. I learned how to work outside my comfort zone, listen to people’s experiences and work as a team in everyday situations.

This year, I was granted the opportunity to become a senior writer — a position I enjoy fulfilling. As a senior writer, my job is to write longer, more in-depth stories about topics of my choosing with relevance to Southeast Ohio and Appalachia. I’ve written stories pertaining to environmentalism and human interest and have voiced my opinions in numerous columns ranging from minority rights to mental health struggles.

I work with multiple staff members at

The Post to ensure that my stories are crafted in a way that highlights writing, multimedia and powerful aspects of community-centered journalism.

I’m a strong proponent of fueling your passion and as a journalist, I use my passion within my writing. I enjoy covering aspects of humanity and the intersectionalities that all make us who we are. Each of us has our own identities, stories and backgrounds that, when combined, make us human.

I’m not only a journalist but also a person of color. Each time I begin writing a story, I reflect on the trailblazers who came before me. I always try to remember that I have power in my words and in my writing, much like my mentor Clarence Page had when he was in my shoes studying journalism here at OU.

The power of journalism blossoms when stories are published that bring different social, political or socioeconomic groups together in unison and harmony. As journalists, it’s important to consider the ways in which your words can affect other people or situations. Journalism can bring us together or divide us and I’m

hoping that my stories can bring people together.

In this edition of The Post, I explored environmentalism and, specifically, the uptick of foraging among younger generations who have been environmentally conscious. As an avid environmentalist myself, writing that story was very important to me and I learned so much about local flora that grows during different seasons in the region.

I could not have completed that story without the wonderful help from the following: Hannah Campbell, our Projects Editor, Alex Imwalle, our Investigative Editor, Cole Patterson, our Multimedia Editor and Anastasia Carter, our Digital Director.

To whatever comes next, I will be ready.

Tre Spencer is a senior at Ohio University and a senior writer at The Post. Interesting in hearing more from him? Tweet him at @trerspencer1

Editor-in-Chief | Ryan Maxin

Managing Editor | Kayla Bennett

Digital Director | Anastasia Carter

Equity Director | Alesha Davis

EDITORIAL

News Editors | Molly Wilson, Addie Hedges

Asst. News Editor | Maya Morita

Culture Editor | Katie Millard

Asst. Culture Editor | Alyssa Cruz

Sports Editor | Will Cunningham

Asst. Sports Editor | Ashley Beach

Opinion Editor | Tate Raub

Asst. Opinion Editor | Meg Diehl

The Beat Editor | Emma Dollenmayer

Asst. The Beat Editor | Grace Brezine

Projects Editor | Hannah Campbell

Investigative Editor | Alex Imwalle

Copy Chief | Aya Cathey

Slot Editors | Bekah Bostick, Katie Trott, Lauren Serge, Lydia Colvin

ART

Art Director | Trevor Brighton

Asst. Art Director | Lauren Adams

Director of Photography | Jesse Jarrold-Grapes

Photo Editor | Carrie Legg

DIGITAL

Audience Engagement Editor | Emma Erion

Asst. Audience Engagement Editor | Molly Burchard

Director of Multimedia | Cole Patterson

Asst. Director of Multimedia | Donovan Hunt

BUSINESS

Media Sales | Grace Vannan, Gia Sammons

Director of Student Media | Andrea Lewis

Volume 113, Issue 22

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HEADSHOT BY ALIZA DUTT

Man receives threat from scammers, mailbox hit by a

ANNA MILLAR NEWS STAFF WRITER

Keep an eye on your stuff

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office took a report of theft on East Copeland Road in Stewart. The report was made by an employee who informed the deputies they were in possession of a photo of a possible suspect.

The case is still under investigation.

You should really ask first

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to a trespassing complaint on Fisher Road in Athens. The property owner told deputies the alleged trespasser was a past tenant who was evicted. They stated the suspect was on the property removing personal items.

Upon arrival, deputies were unable to make contact with the suspect and instead spoke with the property owner regarding the details of the incident.

But you said I

was allowed

Deputies responded to Ellis Avenue in Chauncey, regarding a call about a trespassing complaint, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. When they arrived, deputies talked to the property owner, who told them the people mentioned had permission to be on the property. No further action was taken.

Why you should avoid business with family

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Waterworks Hill in Glouster, regarding a landlord-tenant issue between two siblings. Deputies found that the argument involved an eviction notice.

Each person was informed that the issue needed to be handled among themselves or in court, as it was a civil, not a criminal, issue.

Maybe look everywhere before calling

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a call stating a package was stolen from a residence on North Clifton Street in The Plains. Later, the caller reached back out to let the sheriff’s office know the item was found near the back of his home.

Watch Where You’re Driving

A report was taken regarding a mailbox that was damaged after being hit by a car, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. Following the report, no further action was taken.

Check Your Surroundings

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to a trespassing complaint on South Plains Road in The Plains. The report said the individuals were seen on camera; however, when deputies arrived, they were unable to find the suspects.

Deputies searched the property and found it to be secure.

Lock Up Your Bike

The Nelsonville Police Department requested the assistance of deputies to find a stolen street bike near Albany, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. When deputies arrived, they were unable to find the bike.

Later, the bike was found in Carbondale. The Nelsonville Police Department is investigating the incident.

Maybe they picked the lock?

A possible case of breaking and entering into a storage unit was reported on Pine Street in The Plains, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

When deputies arrived, they found no indication of breaking and entering. The storage unit was locked and secured with no evidence of tampering.

We Call That Food Poisoning

A deputy talked to a caller over the phone regarding a complaint of becoming sick after eating food on Depot Street in Albany, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy found that nothing criminal had occurred.

OU names finalists in presidential search

ANNA MILLAR NEWS STAFF WRITER

The chair of the Ohio University Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee announced the three finalists following OU’s presidential search on Monday morning.

The finalists are Susana Rivera-Mills, who currently serves as the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Ball State University; Lori Stewart Gonzalez, who currently works as the executive vice president and provost at the University of Louisville; and Avinandan Mukherjee, the current provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Marshall University.

According to a release from the Presidential Search Committee and Board of Trustees Chair Peggy Viehweger, members of the Athens and OU communities will have the opportunity to attend forums for each candidate prior to a selection being made.

OU’s Presidential Search Committee, which was formed in September 2022, chose the three finalists. Each of the three finalists has worked in administrative positions at other universities.

“The search has been intense, and every

member of the committee has been fully engaged,” Viehweger said. “I believe we have incorporated the information collected from the community and lived up to finding candidates who match our criteria.”

If either Susana Rivera-Mills or Lori Stewart Gonzalez are selected, they would become OU’s first female president.

The first open forum will take place March 1 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Baker University Center Theater and will feature the first of the three finalists, Rivera-Mills.

Rivera-Mills has held the position of provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Ball State University since July 2018, according to BSU’s website. At BSU, Rivera-Mills works on enrollment management, implementing the university’s learning initiatives and advancing inclusivity.

Rivera-Mills is a first-generation student and has worked to create academic accessibility for all students in her work, according to the BSU website.

The second open forum, featuring finalist Mukherjee, will take place March 7 from 2

p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Baker University Center Theater.

Mukherjee has held the position of provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Marshall University since April 2022. In his current role, Mukherjee is responsible for multiple departments, including all academic and student affairs, according to his biography on MU’s website. One of his responsibilities includes managing $97.5 million for academic expenditures and $50 million for research purposes, according to MU’s website.

Mukherjee’s international professional background, having taught in nine countries, brings a unique perspective to his work, according to MU’s website. He has worked as a full-time faculty member in the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and India.

The third open forum will highlight Gonzalez on March 8 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Baker University Center Theater.

She has held the position of executive vice president and provost at the University of

Louisville since April 2021 and has held academic roles at many other universities. Gonzalez is responsible for working with faculty, students and staff to manage the university’s day-to-day and long-term academic goals, according to the UL website.

Prior to her time at UL, Gonzalez served in administrative roles at the University of Kentucky, Appalachian State University and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, according to UL’s website.

Feedback surveys for the finalists will be available on the OU Presidential Search Committee’s website until March 9 at 11 p.m., and the final candidate will be selected and appointed in April. @ANNAMILLAR16

Katie Millard named next editor-in-chief of ‘The Post’

ANNA MILLAR NEWS STAFF WRITER

Katie Millard, The Post's current Culture editor, was chosen by The Post Publishing Board on Friday to be the publication's editor-in-chief for the 2023-24 academic year.

A junior studying journalism with a history minor and social media certificate, Millard has been involved with The Post since the fall of her sophomore year. She was appointed Culture editor in Spring 2022, and she has also worked with multiple other sections, including News, Photo, Opinion and Projects.

"She represented a good balance between innovation, trying something new and then preserving the things that worked and building upon those," said

Hans Meyer, chair of the Publishing Board and a journalism professor at Ohio University.

Millard had a "fire in her stomach to get things done" when appointed Culture editor, said current Editor-in-Chief Ryan Maxin. Throughout her presentation to the Publishing Board, Maxin felt she demonstrated the ability to carry her drive through to the role of editor-in-chief, he said.

Maxin and Meyer each highlighted their excitement for Millard's goals in the position.

"I love the idea that she has this opendoor policy or that she'll have office hours, that she'll be there, that anybody

who wants to come can talk to her," Meyer said. "It seems like a really little thing, but I think that's a really good gesture that sets a tone for the rest of the newsroom."

When it comes to staffing, Millard plans to rework where funds are allocated to ensure each section has the support it needs, Maxin said.

Millard plans to ensure that The Post's coverage is not limited to student issues but those affecting Athens residents too. She also plans to prioritize making The Post's newsroom a welcoming environment.

"It's not just the student population, but also Athens as a whole, and that involves really committing to diversity, equity and

inclusion," Millard said. "I'd love for that to expand to other sections of The Post. I'd like to increase collaborations with the (equity director), and I have plans in terms of recruiting more people and just making The Post as welcoming as possible. I want people to want to be here."

Millard's term as editor-in-chief will start in early May.

HOW-TO MONDAYS

Theater Lounge

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Every Monday, 7pm Join in the fun and create with friends.

FLAVOR OF THE WEEK

Third Floor Atrium • Baker Center

Every Wednesday 12-2pm

Join us for FREE LUNCH , every Wednesday. Each week is a new theme

@OhioUPC

FREE While Supplies Last

FRIDAYS LIVE Studio C • RTV 515

Fridays Live, Ohio University’s sketch comedy show is in its 50th Season. Join the cast and musical guests in the studio or stream online youtube.com/FridaysLiveOU

February 3rd • 8pm

February 17th • 8pm

March 3rd • 8pm

March 31st • 8pm

April 14th • 7pm

PUBLIC RECORDS WORKSHOP

Bentley Hall • Room 136

Join the members of the OU chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists for a public records request letter writing workshop with Professor Bill Reader. Workshop will include building FOIA experience, government accountability and other essential journalism skills.

Mon, March 6th

7:00 pm

This event is FREE & open to all students

Scan for past shows and Live Stream

Voted ‘Athens Best Burger’ for 25 years Serving

International Student Union hosts annual dinner celebrating humanity

CONNOR CHOMICKI FOR THE POST

Tables decorated with floral centerpieces and dimly lit candles neatly littered the Baker Center’s ballroom Saturday evening for the International Student Union’s, or ISU’s, annual dinner, occurring for the first time post-COVID-19.

This year’s theme was “celebrating our global humanity.” The mood was set with dinner music performed by Otis Cockron and company as students and their families meandered in, eventually finding seats, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. for the 5:30 p.m. event.

The night was packed with performers, speakers and musical guests taking the stage to share stories or perform their act, as onlookers watched while chatting amongst themselves.

Performers from Kenya, Indonesia, India and more were featured with events such as traditional dances, songs, speeches about

the importance of our cultural differences and even a fashion show.

In between those spectacles a wonderful dinner was served buffet-style by the students of ISU. The menu features all types of food, ranging from Vietnamese fried bananas to Nigerian jollof rice.

“One of the values of the dinner is that the students actually cook the food … so it is way more authentic than you’re gonna get somewhere else,” Diane Cahill, the director of international student and scholar services, said.

Cahill said the students collaborate with the culinary services to correctly cook the meal before it is neatly displayed like it was on Saturday, a feat that always proves to be difficult, but yields an impressive turnout.

“As an advisor for ISU, I support the students in whatever events they want to do, in any type of professional development,” Cahill said. “Just generally supporting organizations that we support, which are all of the international students’ organizations that

belong to our general body.”

One by one, tables were released to take a spot in line and fill their plates up with the carefully prepared food as the speakers from the night mingled with the crowd, saying hello to friends and family.

Collins Ketera, a speaker at Saturday’s dinner and a graduate student at Ohio University studying African studies with a focus on education, said he enjoys working with ISU.

“It brings people of different continents together,” he said. “(It combines) different abilities and cultures.”

Ketera is from Kenya and spoke twice throughout the night about how Africa is not a country, but rather a continent with many unique cultural differences that should each be appreciated in their own light.

With so many foods to choose from, it’s hard to pick favorites, but there were definitely some dishes that students were most excited about.

Aanya Datta, an international student

from India and a junior studying psychology, was most excited about the dumplings being served.

“I haven’t had good dumplings in a long time,” she said.

Despite many intricate performances, Datta said she had a favorite.

“Definitely the dancing,” Datta said. “I am a dancer so I can relate to that.”

Cahill said the night was a success, and students and families alike were left with smiling faces and full stomachs, already excited to do it all again next year.

“The whole event is a challenge just because it’s so big,” said Cahill. “We have so much fun planning and being silly that it’s OK, we make it work.”

Scenes from the 2023 Annual International Student Union Dinner in Baker Ballroom on Feb. 25, 2023, in Athens, Ohio. (PEARL SPURLOCK | FOR THE POST)

White’s Mill’s local products enchant customers

White’s Mill stands strong in Athens as a store filled with history and local goods, loved by customers

GABRIELLE CABANES FOR THE POST

Hiding on the side of the highway near Athens resides White’s Mill: a family business built on the edge of the river. In the mill, treasures from children’s books, pottery, gardening tips and tricks and the occasional cat roaming around can be found, leaving visitors excited to return.

According to the White’s Mill website, although the building was constructed in 1809, it was purchased by the White Family in 1912. The mill, located at 2 Whites Mill Drive, then burned down in 1913, and Edgar White, the owner of White’s Mill, purchased a different mill in nearby Dyesville. The wood from the mill was then transported by oxen all the way to Athens, where it was then reconstructed to be the White’s Mill, still standing today.

The mill was purchased by Mike Toomey in the ‘90s and started to focus as a

home, pet and garden store. The mill was then sold to Rodney Dowler and Tyler Schoss in 2016 who continued the same model that Toomey had started.

Carl Scott, assistant manager and stepson of one of the owners, said he loves helping out at the store on the weekends and also learning more about the history of the mill.

He said one thing that a lot of people didn’t know was that the mill acted as a stop on the underground railroad where freedom seekers, or formerly enslaved people who took action to obtain freedom, would stay on their journey to safety.

Scott said the store acts as a place for everyone to find something they might like.

“As a business, I think that … they really value supporting the local economy,” he said. “(They carry) products that just might cost a little bit more sometimes but are higher quality products than you can

get in most places. We just take a lot of pride in what we carry and how we present that to the community.”

Scott said he has been working on and off at the shop since high school and continued to do so through undergrad, graduate school and does so still today on the weekends when he has more time.

“There’s very little that I don’t like about working here,” he said. “It’s just a really fun place to be.”

He said he especially enjoys being able to spend time with customers.

“The customers are probably one of the best parts about this job,” Scott said. “We have so many people that come in and we know them by name and they know us by name and it takes business beyond just transactional, it becomes relational. We have working relationships with all our customers and I think that’s a really cool thing. It’s something that you don’t really see in other places.”

Albert Kennedy, a team member at the mill, said he has been working at the mill for almost a year and really enjoys being able to learn every day.

Kennedy said he has various tasks, including holding the register, tidying up, sweeping and helping people out with their gardening.

“(I’ve learned) how to garden a variety of plants,” he said. “I got to learn about a lot of local artists.”

Susan Erlewine, an Athens “townie,” said she has been living in Athens for 26 years and frequents the store. Visitors like Erlewine can stop by between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

She said she loves going to the White’s Mill because of the beautiful plants that can be found in the spring and the different treasures she can use as gifts during Christmas time or birthdays and celebrations.

“There’s always something unusual and interesting here,” Earlwine said.

She said she enjoyed finding beautiful pottery and children’s games, deviating from the usual Candy Land for more creative or unseen options.

She said she really enjoyed the localness of the shop and that everything was thoughtfully chosen.

“We’ve gotten each of our kids, ourselves and some friends the beautiful woodstock wind chimes they have here,” she said. “I just keep coming back to see what new things they have.”

The new foraging generation: Environmentalism in modern Appalachia

TRE SPENCER SENIOR WRITER

Luscious flora and dense oak trees encapsulate Sells Park in Athens, which weaves through various shale and limestone rock formations deeply connected within Strouds Run Park.

Inside the forests of Strouds Run lies towering chestnut, oak and persimmon trees that have existed for hundreds of years — alongside numerous different species of edible mushrooms and lichens such as liverwort and turkey tails.

Foraging is the act of gathering foods such as fruits, nuts, vegetables or fungi from the wild, and it is a process that has occurred for thousands of years.

Ridge Cook peered over a rocky overlook showcasing thousands of years of natural erosion, plant evolution and ecology surrounding Athens and other portions of Appalachia.

As a senior studying field ecology at Ohio University, Cook has developed a deep connection with the region's wildlife and plant ecosystems.

"Foraging is a great way for a lot of people to get into plants," he said. "It's exciting to go out and pick something and eat it. You don't have to (do the) gardening part, the hard

work. I think that in most cases it's a good educational thing to do."

Sporting a colorful mossy-green jacket and rugged hiking boots, Cook identified local edible plants and explored what the park had to offer.

Foraging: Cultivation and History in Appalachia

For avid explorers like Cook, the land can be vastly abundant if foragers are knowledgeable about common edible plants to harvest and the seasons in which they grow.

"Foraging is a way of getting out into your local ecosystems and interacting with plants and fungi by making meals out of them," he said. "Foraging in recent years, in this area, has been a pretty big thing."

In Southeast Ohio, various species of edible fruits, vegetables and flowers can be found while foraging, often in the spring, summer and fall months.

Besides the notable pawpaw or ramp, other less commonly known edible plants can be found in the region. Some of those items include European wild carrots, huckleberries and plantains.

For a larger range of edible plants, an urban harvesting map can be found online, which features several data points of harvestable plants across the region. The map

was created by foragers who logged their own discoveries.

Foraging has long roots intertwined within Appalachia culture. It recently reemerged as a viable pastime and a way for people to connect with their local environment.

Historically, Appalachian settlers like Daniel Boone traversed the Appalachian Mountains, hoping to find new land and economic fortune. Many people followed in his footsteps and learned how to live off their land by fishing, hunting and foraging.

According to "Ginseng Diggers," a book that describes the history of herb cultivation in Appalachia, the earliest European settlers arrived in the 1750s and 1760s.

In Kentucky, American Ginseng became one the first products that allowed settlers to pay taxes, acquire more land and create their own businesses because of its rarity— much like gold rushes in California and other western states. It was so profitable that it was traded on a global scale and became a much larger lucrative business, and Daniel Boone was a massive contributor.

Ginseng is a plant that has many pharmaceutical benefits to those who consume it: it can help boost your immune system, reduce the risk of cancer and improve mental performance. Pharmaceutical companies typically sell ginseng in capsules, liquid extracts and tablets for easy consumption.

Herb gathering and foraging became a critical part of Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia's history and is still a common practice today.

The Foraging Generation

Today, foraging has grown in popularity with young people—many forage to address environmental concerns of food production and understand the habitats surrounding them.

In a journal published last year by the American Society on Aging, generations like Y and Z have had the largest concerns about climate change and global warming compared to prior generations. Younger people have increasingly become more concerned with the environment and their personal impact.

For many younger people living in Appalachia, foraging has evolved from a hobby to a simple way to connect with the environment and lower their carbon footprints, especially for those interested in sustainability.

An avid environmentalist and sustainability marketing coordinator for OU, Isabel Stitchick uses foraging to learn more about Appalachia and the environment and supplement ingredients for dishes she makes at home.

As a junior studying environmental science, she was never interested in foraging

The grain detail of bark from a Shagbark Hickory Tree in Sells Park in Athens. (TRE SPENCER | SENIOR WRITER)

A hickory nut shell from a hickory tree at Sells Park in Athens. (TRE SPENCER | SENIOR WRITER)

until she came to OU but began researching the local ecology of the region. As her curiosity began to unfold, she developed an interest in edible plants that she could find while foraging all while staying environmentally conscientious.

"It's cool that you can maximize your self-sufficiency and completely self-sustain yourself out here," she said. "I just started immersing myself in the culture of foraging and I think that's when I found a community, interest and a love for it."

Like Cook, Stitchick has become an avid forager and is learning about the importance of gathering as it relates to Appalachian identity.

Unfortunately, another portion of Appalachian identity has become food insecurity as people have lost access to local, healthy fruits and vegetables. As the ginseng harvesting boom of the 18th century dwindled and the plant became endangered, so did local economies that were once thriving from its cultivation.

In turn, with a combination of socioeconomic factors and job loss, poverty and food insecurity rates have remained high compared to other parts of the country.

Community Access

Community Food Initiatives, based in Athens, has implemented educational programs, mobile grocery stores and community gardening spaces to help residents get direct access to local fruits and vegetables sustainably to combat the growing food insecurity dilemma.

Susie Huser, director of outreach at Community Food Initiatives, said the organization's mission is to foster communities where everyone has equitable access to healthy, local food. She also said she believes its members work toward a vision of resiliency in their communities with thriving, sustainable food systems.

CFI offers a community gardening pro-

gram that provides residents with plots of land that they can use to grow their own vegetation. This opportunity opens the doorway to planting native herbs, fruits and vegetables of Appalachia.

"I think the community gardens are essential for holistic access or access to holistic wellness in the community," Huser said. Personal gardens and community gardens have begun sprouting in Appalachian towns over the country.

In a study from the Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education, a community garden created in a rural portion of Appalachian Pennsylvania resulted in increased well-being, experiential learning opportunities and personal accomplishment.

From cherry tomato plants to numerous herbs, many plants can be grown in personal or community gardens, including mushrooms which are typically harvested from the underside of logs and towering trees.

Cook and Stichick have both grown fond of foraging. Stitchick specifically enjoys foraging for chanterelle and morel mushrooms to use in her own cooking.

"We have great mushroom populations here, and I was going out late summer and finding pounds and pounds of chanterelles," Stitchick said.

Chanterelle mushrooms are a type of wild fungi that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, which are each safe to consume and cook with. Most notably, they are native to Appalachia. Stitchick said she typically uses them for cooking and in pasta dishes.

Unnatural Exploitation

However, with the recent uptick of new foragers, the exploitation of native vegetation has also continued to increase.

The combination of exploring regional history relative to the local environment, and the boom of young, uneducated foragers, has presented its challenges.

Cook said despite the educational bene-

fits of foraging, a dark side remains from the overharvesting of native plants that are good for the local ecology.

"I have mixed opinions on (foraging)," Cook said. "Because on one hand, it's a great way to get outdoors and it's good for your mental health. But on the other hand, there's people who will go out and collect as many plants as possible for their economic value. And that's the dark side of foraging."

In Ohio, foraging for wild mushrooms is legal if the mushrooms are collected in state parks, wildlife areas or forest lands. For larger collecting purposes, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources features a collecting

permit that foragers can apply for.

Like Cook, Stitchick said she believes there should be a balance between foraging and the natural processes within those local ecosystems.

"There's a fine-line between sustainable and exploitative, and I think as long as you're conscious of your actions and how you're affecting the environment around you, then forging is absolutely sustainable," Stitchick said.

@TRERSPENCER1 TS582119@OHIO.EDU

A yellow buckeye nut at Sells Park in Athens on Feb. 7, 2023. (TRE SPENCER | SENIOR WRITER)

OU archivists create order, collections from chaos

MCKENNA CHRISTY CULTURE STAFF WRITER

Some students use the fifth floor of Alden Library to find peace and quiet while studying. But, on the highest floor of the building is a university department with collections of rare books, manuscripts, photographs and other archives.

The Robert E. and Jean R. Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections provides access to a number of resources for researchers, students, faculty and people looking for a specific or broad subject. The Mahn Center is named after Robert E. and Jean R. who contributed a “generous gift” to libraries at Ohio University, according to University Libraries.

When students get off the elevator on the fifth floor, the Mahn Center is just to their right. The Mahn Center is also home to a reading room, which is the space where people can look through requested material from archives and collections. The archivists in charge of laying out and gathering the materials will ensure people’s belongings are stored safely in the lockers so as not to damage any documents, books or photographs.

The archivists in the department specialize in specific areas, such as Laura Smith, the Archives and Special Collections Department photo archivist. Smith works with collections that are part of the documentary photography archive.

“By far the largest collection in the photo archive is the Lynn Johnson Collection,” Smith said. “So it’s the entire film collection of Lynn Johnson’s work. She’s a photojournalist (and) she’s based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and she started as the first female staff photographer of the Pittsburgh Press.”

Lynn Johnson attended OU in the early 2000s to receive a master’s degree, Smith said, and she was also a Knight Fellow of Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication, according to University Libraries. Johnson was recently awarded a National Geographic Fellowship and “is known for shooting elusive subjects” such as “language, disease, rape, water” and also “for asking tough questions,” according to Johnson’s website.

The Lynn Johnson Collection at OU contains work from her physical collection of photos “selected from the physical collection of more than two million images spanning the 1970s to the early 2000s,” according to University Libraries. Some of Johnson’s work is currently at Alden because of requests from students, researchers or even classes.

“I’ll bring things over for students or researchers who want to see her materials,” Smith said. “One of the things that’s really

great about the collections (is) you sort of get to see that process of all the photographs.”

The history of OU, from well-known facts to the more unknown, is also stored in the archives. Bill Kimok, university archivist and records manager, likes to say “that without the students, you don’t have a history.”

Kimok has been the records manager since 1999 and the university archivist since 2003. Kimok displayed some of the items pertinent to OU and detailed their history.

“We have student handbooks,” Kimok said. “There’s a men’s handbook and a women’s handbook from 1965. The men’s handbook is ‘You the College Man’ and the woman’s handbook is ‘You the Co-ed.’ The men’s handbook is 29 pages and the women’s handbook is 76 pages.”

For Women’s History Month in March, Kimok has been gathering archives. From Irma Voight, the first dean of women at OU, Kimok found something of a memoir written by Voight detailing how she was treated on her first day.

“She wasn’t treated very well on her first day here,” Kimok said. “The president wanted to know what she was doing here, and if she figured (it) out, (to) let him know about

it. They had to have a women’s dean because more and more women were coming to the university.”

Another large collection the Archives and Special Collections Department has is the Cornelius Ryan Collection of World War II Papers. Greta Suiter, the manuscripts archivist at the department, is currently revamping the physical exhibit, which is also on the fifth floor of Alden and has been there since the 1980s. Ryan wrote three battle books with questionnaires filled out by veterans from different countries. According to University Libraries, the files within the Ryan physical collection have 2,551 questionnaires, 955 interviews and a number of letters, diaries and observations from the war.

“We have a very large Ryan collection,” Suiter said. “He wrote three books on World War II, and one of them was ‘The Longest Day’ about D-Day. To get his research material, he put an ad in Reader’s Digest and asked people that were there to fill out the questionnaires. He tried to represent all the different sides. So we have questionnaires from Canadians, Americans, Germans (and the) French.”

The various collections in the Archives

and Special Collections Department helps people better understand Athens, OU, U.S. and world history and how the past has shaped the present. People who have research questions or who would like to make an appointment at the Mahn Center can fill out the research request form. The Mahn Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon and then from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

With the abundance of information the archives hold, someone has to organize its content. Kimok said the work archivists do starts with taking in the chaos such as when people try to park a car in a garage with piles upon piles of stored items.

“People are always real good at collecting,” Kimok said. “Our job is to take that chaos and try to create some order out of the chaos and then the researcher creates order out of the chaos that we present to them.”

The Archives and Special Collections reading room in Alden Library. The room is open to all by appointment (MCKENNA CHRISTY | FOR THE POST)

Zayne Lehman’s family ties propel him to new heights

Those obstacles have never been too much for the Lehmans to handle.

“Come on, Zaynie!”

The words of Georgia Lehman echoed in circles around The Convo. To many fans, the boisterous nature might seem excessive. However, that is not the case for Zayne Lehman and his family.

Growing up on the outskirts of Akron, the Lehman family has always been close. Georgia and Scott have four children, each with unique talents and abilities. These talents have helped the family bond.

Wrestling, traditionally speaking, is not a family event. Even the best collegiate wrestlers are hard-pressed to get loved ones to attend a handful of duals, partially due to the ever-changing nature of the sport. A wrestler can hear his or her name announced before a dual warm-up and still not even touch the mats if the coach decides to go with another wrestler who made weight that day. This differs from football or basketball, where players usually know if they’ll play that day.

“My whole entire family, my parents especially, have not missed one college match of mine yet,” Zayne said. “They make it a very, very good point to come to everything, supporting me with everything.”

Between Georgia and Scott, and other close family members, the Lehmans do enough coaching to make coach Joel Greenlee’s job almost obsolete when Zayne is wrestling.

Watching Zayne is not an easy thing for Georgia.

“When (174-pounds) is wrapping up, I get up and get away from everybody,” Georgia said. “There are two reasons for that. Both my husband and son usually stay right where they’re sitting… They may be critiquing him a little bit when he is wrestling. I don’t like that. I don’t want to be there and hear critiquing being done because that is my little Zaynie out there… I also do get nervous and don’t like sitting so I get up and move away from the family and go off by myself. That

way, if I need to stretch this way or that way to help (Zayne) get this position that he is trying to get, I can do that without bothering everybody.”

Seemingly, Georgia, Scott and their other son, Zeck, have helped lead Zayne in the right direction. Zayne has quietly become a model of consistency for Ohio. His record overall is 17-9 on the season, and he went 18-8 last season. However, his recent dominant stretch punctuated a tremendous season for Lehman. He went 10-3 in duals, including a perfect 7-0 record in the Mid-American Conference.

February’s final regular season rankings had Lehman listed as the No. 3 wrestler in the 184-pound class. That being said, Lehman defeated the No. 2 wrestler, Buffalo’s Giuseppe Hoose, 8-5 in the regular season finale. His improvements this season, though, stretch farther than just his performance on the mat.

“I just take everything I learned last year and even the speed bumps that I had (at the beginning of the season),” Zayne said. “I didn’t

even really start that hot, kind of flipped it midway through the year. I went back and looked at the little things and broke it down and really focused on my warm up, the mental aspect of it. I got my nutrition down and that’s been a big aspect of it … really focusing on my conditioning and going back to why I did the sport and that is because I love it.”

Zayne’s season is not over yet, though. There’s still a bit of uncertainty. After the NCAA released the bid allocations for the NCAA Championships, Zayne found himself on the outskirts of the bubble. The MAC was granted two spots for the 184-pound class, and Zayne was No. 3. His fate lies in the MAC Championships.

However, none of that matters to Zayne. He has the greatest support system necessary in his corner: his family. No matter how the chips fall in the MAC Championships, he can consider himself a winner.

@MBGOLDSTEIN1107

MG126321@OHIO.EDU

MARC GOLDSTEIN FOR THE POST

Alec Patino has always loved baseball

ASHLEY BEACH ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Alec Patino’s not a showy guy. He doesn’t like to broadcast his emotions on the field.

No matter what’s happening, Patino is level-headed. The only words that escape his mouth in the dugout are ones of encouragement toward his team. He doesn’t go overboard to celebrate a hit or let people see when he’s down.

However, there is an emotion that fuels Patino in each game: love.

“As long as I’ve known, I’ve loved the game of baseball. I can’t stay away from it,” Patino said.

The junior found that he feels ill when he hasn’t picked up a bat in a while. He can’t go long without being near or playing the sport.

Patino grew up running around dugouts. His father played professional baseball and shared his knowledge with his son at a young age. When Patino was younger,

the two sometimes bickered about how Patino played, but the close guidance paid off.

Patino’s father helped introduce him to Marc Rardin, the former head coach at Iowa Western Community College and current head coach at Western Kentucky. At that moment, Patino knew that he was on the JUCO route.

“I truly believe my two years at Western changed how I was as a player, just learning the game and understanding the game,” Patino said.

Toward the start of his second season with the Reivers, Patino began looking for a new home. His time on the JUCO route was about to expire and he wasn’t ready to give up his love.

Patino pondered his next stop while training with friends back home. It was January, so he still had time to figure things out. Two of his friends — Colin Kasperbauer and Brenden Roder — made his search a little easier. The two ended their JUCO journey at Ohio and thought it

would be a great landing spot for Patino, too.

Not soon after, Patino received a call from Ohio assistant coach Kirby McGuire. McGuire had heard about Patino and liked his swing. The two talked for a little bit and Patino received an offer.

All it took was one visit for Patino to know Ohio was the place for him. He knew the coaches would help him develop as a player and further his love for the sport.

“That’s one thing I really take pride in,” Patino said. “I want to play for someone that can actually make me develop as a player and a person.”

Patino is in the first month of his career as a Bobcat, and he’s already taken the Mid-American Conference by storm. After just one weekend of play, Patino was named the MAC Player of the Week.

It’s been a long time coming for Patino. His love for baseball has carried him everywhere, from little league fields to Division I stadiums.

“It’s been my dream growing up for as

long as I can remember,” Patino said. “I’d go to sleep dreaming of me being a Division I baseball player. Even like lifting I catch myself daydreaming about being in cool situations and stuff like that. Growing up playing baseball, you picture yourself doing all these things the big leaguers are doing.”

Since day one, Patino knew that baseball was his passion, and he’s pursued it with his whole heart. He’s no longer the little kid following his dad around but rather a leader on a college team.

“I knew this is what I wanted to do when I was pretty young and I stuck with it,” Patino said. “I’m glad I did.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY OHIO ATHLETICS

How Blake Rossi balanced his time at Ohio

ASST. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR

While reflecting on his senior year, one word came to Blake Rossi’s mind: fast

Most people say that your college years fly by. One day you’re moving into your first dorm on campus and searching for your first classes. The next, you’re saying goodbye to your home for the past four years and graduating.

That statement, “time flies,” is especially true for Rossi. It feels like just yesterday, the Latrobe, Pennsylvania native started his journey as a defenseman at Ohio. Although the last four years have been fun for Rossi, they’ve been anything but easy.

The senior is earning his bachelor’s degree in industrial system engineering, one of the more difficult majors at Ohio. Most of his courses require hours of studying. Combined with a demanding college sport, the workload is almost impossible to balance.

Because of his schoolwork, Rossi had to make sacrifices during his Ohio career. While other players could show up to the rink hours before practice, Rossi used to get to Bird Arena with only five minutes to spare. He had classes right before and after practice, which didn’t give him as much time to improve his skills as his teammates.

While hockey is important to Rossi, as he’s been playing for 20 years, school always comes first.

“It was really hard to balance,” Rossi said. “I had my ups, I had my downs. When I was at my downs, there were times when I didn’t even want to come to the rink, like I was so stressed with school.”

Rossi’s classwork also severely limited his social life and time to bond with his teammates. When the guys would hang out, he often had to stay behind to focus on his 18 credit hours class load. Not spending enough time with his friends, especially the upperclassman on the team during his freshman and sophomore years, is one thing that Rossi regrets. He has found solace in other things, howev-

er. Rossi loves to be outdoors and uses golfing, fishing, walking and just driving around to get his mind off school.

Now that he’s only taking 12 credit hours and nearing the end of his education, Rossi has been able to focus more on his final season as a hockey player. It has still been challenging, but not as taxing as years past. He’s been able to enjoy time at the rink and not rush.

The extra time Rossi has dedicated to hockey is visible in games. The senior has played in 35 this season and scored five goals. His 17 total points are more than he’s had in the last two seasons combined.

Not only that, Rossi has been more impactful on Ohio’s penalty kill this year. He used to hate

blocking shots but has fallen in love with it since coming to Ohio. His accomplishments on both sides of the ice have made him one of Ohio’s most valuable players this year.

“I transitioned to a completely different player here, and I love it,” Rossi said.

Rossi played in his final game at Bird Arena Saturday, and there were a lot of emotions. While he was sad, he was also excited for his senior night.

“A lot of people ask me like ‘are you sad it’s going to be your last game in Bird Arena?’ and yes, absolutely, but also very, very happy (because) all the enjoyment it’s gonna bring,” Rossi said. “We’re getting celebrated, and I’m really excited.”

Rossi finished Saturday night with one assist, helping Ohio score its second goal in the 4-3 win.

Although Rossi played his last game in Bird Arena, he’s not done yet. Like the rest of Ohio, he’s got his eyes on a national championship in Boston later this month. The team is confident that this is Ohio’s best chance to win a title in a while.

“I’m really excited to see how it goes,” Rossi said.

@MOLLY_BURCHARD8 MB712319@OHIO.EDU

MOLLY BURCHARD

Blake Rossi (7) chases the puck against Niagra on Feb. 25, 2023, at Bird Arena. (ALAINA DACKERMANN | FOR THE POST)

We have to adopt a 4-day workweek

LILLIAN BARRY

You should get paid for working less. I’m not kidding. U.K. employers have just finished trialing a four-day workweek with 61 companies and roughly 2,900 employees. The benefits of a standard four-day workweek greatly outnumber those of the current five-day workweek that we abide by in the U.S. American businesses should take the hint: the four-day workweek is the way of the future.

The establishment of a five-day, 40-hour workweek was a monumental victory for workers. Henry Ford was one of the first U.S. employers to recognize the benefits of a schedule that provided Saturdays off. He reasoned that if workers had more money and more leisure time, they would spend more. Although this new schedule represented a win for laborers, an upgrade to the four-day, 32-hour workweek trialed by the U.K. provides many more benefits for both companies and employees.

The U.K. trial yielded promising results for both staffs who find themselves exhausted by the five-day workweek and for companies considering executing a similar plan. In the trial, all companies were required to reduce hours and maintain the same pay level. It was up to the com -

panies which three days employees would have off. After the trial’s conclusion, 92% of the participating companies continued with the four-day workweek model.

Some fear that the implementation of a four-day workweek would only lead to more burnout and less productivity. If the four-day workweek becomes the standard, would that mean four days with longer hours, or less productivity due to time constraints, or work that spills over into promised days off? What if a team has a project but cannot collaborate on it due to employees having different days off?

If companies closely follow the methods of the U.K. trial, none of that will be a problem. In the trial, employees only worked 32 hours, but their salaries were preserved. This reduction in hours resulted in 71% less burnout, with over half of employees reporting improved work-life balance. As for team collaboration, many companies considered this and opted for the “fifth-day stoppage” method, which meant simply suspending work for every employee for one day out of the week. Other options included individuals taking alternating days off or an overall reduction of hours across the year. The trial offered several

different methods for companies to take, knowing that a one-size-fits-all four-day workweek would not benefit every business.

Overall, the U.K. trial has proven beneficial to both the companies and the staff who participated. It only makes sense for U.S. businesses to follow suit. Hopefully, U.S. employers will recognize the changing tide and adapt to the superior four-day model. That way, companies will enjoy rising productivity, employees will have more leisure time and less stress, and all gain an extra day off.

Lillian Barry is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to share your thoughts? Let Lillian know by tweeting her at @lillianbarry_.

2022 AWARDS SEASON

What should you watch?

MIA ASHBY

Even if you are not as invested in films as me, you probably saw tweets or news articles published five minutes after each round of nominations were announced.

Awards season for the world’s films is one of the most exciting times of the year, as it’s a curated collection of film critics, casual enjoyers and performers who unite and appreciate one another’s work. Many people like myself have found ourselves at odds with the chosen winners and nominees throughout the past, especially considering Hollywood’s limited choices when it comes to displaying a diverse array of stories. However, there has been a breakthrough in international representation and appreciation this past year. The films that were nominated and won were diverse and the lineup was the best it has been in decades. If you’re looking for some distinctive films to add to your watchlist, here are some of the best: Unsurprisingly, I have to mention Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan’s film “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” It’s a surreal masterpiece in filmmaking and an example of originality that will stand as a classic for future generations of actors and upcoming filmmakers. It’s outstandingly original and masterfully crafted.

Without spoiling this fantastic film, it’s a story about the

multiverse and a mind-bending experience a family undergoes during an tax audit consultation for her laundromat business. The plot doesn’t sound all that extraordinary, but the movie takes a turn for the beautifully absurd, with hot-dog fingers and sentient rocks. I don’t want to give away all the colorful craziness here, so if that even slightly interests you, I recommend experiencing the film for yourself. Each cast member is immensely talented and delivers a wacky but wholesome experience that’s one in a lifetime, one that you can experience on any of those streaming services.

Another film that features a harrowing story on family relationships is the dramatic coming-of-age film “Aftersun.”

This film follows a father-daughter relationship, specifically, the daughter looking back on a family vacation from her youth before her and her father’s relationship became estranged. The film is devastatingly gorgeous. The angles and shots throughout the film are tight and long, making scenes drag for minutes as the actors awkwardly try to work through their relationship. The beauty is that it’s all done on purpose. The film creates a viewing experience you can put yourself into and empathize with everything the characters are dealing with. This movie is available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV

for rent, but it’s not streaming just yet.

The final film I recommend is one that only received a few awards compared to the first two I mentioned. Specifically, this film wasn’t even mentioned in the recent Oscar nominations or at the Academy Awards. The film is called “Eo.” It’s a quaint little Polish film that follows a gray donkey named Eo as he travels throughout Poland and experiences life’s wonders: joy, pain and drama. It’s an outlier to most Hollywood flicks this year, but it did receive accolades for being a bright indie film that breaks into new territory where most films don’t go. Without spoiling the film, this one was certainly swept under everyone’s noses. It’s a delight to watch and a very peculiar piece of art that needs to be seen by more eyes.

In light of the 2023 awards season, give these films a watch so you can prepare for the works of art soon to be showcased.

Mia Ashby is a junior 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 Mia by emailing her at ma237419@ohio.edu.

Spring Break fashion guide 2023

GRACE BREZINE ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR

With spring break right around the corner, you may be scrambling to find a wardrobe for your vacation. Whether you plan to go to the beach or stay at home, having a break from school or work is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some new accessories. Here is your spring break guide for 2023.

Find your perfect pair of shades

Sunglasses are the perfect accessory for any outfit, especially on vacation or in warm weather. If you are looking for shades that will protect your eyes from the sun’s rays, QUAY has a variety of good quality and rea-

sonably priced styles. On the other hand, Amazon has a plethora of cheap sunglasses that are trendy but won’t have you in tears in case you lose them.

No more neutrals

This year, trade in your neutrals for bright colors and metallics. If this intimidates you, start with colorful accessories, like multicolored bubble rings or vibrant heels paired with a more neutral outfit. If you are ready to take the plunge into colors and metallics, there are tons of gold and silver bikinis on the market that will have you beaming in the sun.

Western Y2K

You may ask, “What in the heck is this

trend now?” Well, western Y2K can be described as early ‘90s retro fashion mixed with western trends. This means to get out your old cowboy boots and that cowboy hat from the western party you went to a few months back. Western Y2K is all about denim, fringe and rhinestones. Accessories and denim sets can be found on sites like Etsy or at your local thrift store. This style not only can save you a few bucks but is also unique and will make you stand out.

Low-waisted

Low-waisted bottoms have been making their way back for quite some time now. You can incorporate this trend into your spring break with a low-waisted maxi skirt, flowy beach pants, a mini cargo skirt or even

low-waisted bikini bottoms. Even if you are timid to try the low-waisted bottom, it doesn’t hurt to try; you might be surprised.

Crochet everything

Crochet was a big trend in the 2010s, but it is slowly making a comeback. Many stores like Urban Outfitters and Princess Polly have crochet items ranging from bathing suits and coverups to tops and pants. This material is perfect for the warm weather, as it is airy and lets you breathe.

@GRACEBREZINE GB194519@OHIO.EDU

ILLUSTRATION BY ZELDA THAYER-HANSEN

5 fun activities to do during springtime in Athens

During the winter, people tend to get stuck inside to avoid the cold, creating a strong desire to go outside and enjoy life. Luckily, spring weather is approaching. Soon, we can explore the outdoors without needing to worry about freezing temperatures. So, here are five activities you can do in Athens, Ohio this spring.

Go for a hike

Athens has many great trails for exploration. From the local trails on campus to

those found in Strouds Run, there are plenty of nearby options. Depending on the day you choose, you may want to bring an umbrella to account for any precipitation on that day. Also, if you plan on walking one of the longer trails, packing some trail mix can help with your nutritional intake.

Proper hydration is also important to prevent overheating or dehydration, so carry a bottle of water with you during your hike. Because Athens contains many hills, you may want to bring enough water to sustain yourself on the steeper hikes.

Play outdoor sports

Playing sports with your friends is a great way to spend a spring afternoon and

it’s a much easier way to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about dangerous weather conditions. The only thing that should be on your mind is deciding which sport to play. There are many fields or basketball courts available to use on campus if you’re looking for a sport that requires some setup, like a net. A great thing about Athens is that there are many open fields, so sports like soccer or football are easy to pick up and play. You can try and invite some friends along with you to get a massive game going, which can make your day action-packed. Overall, Athens’ terrain allows for a lot of fun because of the various sports you can play in it.

Have a picnic

If you want the fun of the outdoors without needing to exert yourself heavily, then having a relaxing picnic could be a wonderful idea. It’s important to choose a day where the weather is clear and temperate, so you can avoid conditions that potentially ruin your picnic.

The great part about picnics is that you can choose your favorite food item to enjoy while basking in the sun. If you are unsure about what to pack, then here are some healthy food ideas to consider.

Go sunbathing

It can be arduous to find a good, sunny day to sunbathe in other seasons. However, spring’s moderate weather alongside its sunny days makes sunbathing easy and comfortable to do.

There still are precautions that you take in order to maximize your safety while sunbathing. It’s important to pack enough sunscreen to be safe while sunbathing. Successful sunbathing can lead to an increase of vitamins and boost your immune system. You can also choose the way you want to sunbathe, whether you want to set up a hammock in the sun or lay out a towel and relax; it’s all up to you.

Tend to a garden

It’s a perfect time to start gardening now that winter is over, but you need to know some tips to be successful at it. First of all, you need to find a location where crops can grow. Many houses have outdoor areas that can support the growth of crops, but you may not have any available space.

If you live in a dorm or any other space without outdoor soil, then growing a potted plant is a good alternative. Well-known plants like daisies can live in small containers, so it’s possible to grow a successful garden without being outdoors.