March 11, 2021

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021

Counting Calories A look at COVID-19 and fitness culture

Pizza Cottage to open on East State Street PG 3 Green Beer Day took place Wednesday PG 10 Read your spring 2021 horoscope PG 21

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

‘The Post’ is a pinnacle of experiential learning

MOLLY SCHRAMM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

At the root of all student publications is experiential learning. As students of not only the Scripps College of Communication but also every other college at Ohio University, there are plenty of student organizations, publications and clubs to join to grow as a person and in your career. For over 100 years, The Post has offered experiential learning for all OU students.

Though most people may think The Post staff is made up of strictly journalism news and information majors, there’s a big chunk who are outside of that major as well as outside the realm of journalism altogether. For instance, our digital managing editor is an economics and political science double major. On top of that, we have other staff members majoring in geography, history, English and political science, among others.

With our various sections and opportunities, The Post is a place for anyone to come and get real world experience — something that the coronavirus pandemic has made clear.

With over 120 active members, The Post functions as close to a professional newsroom as possible. With immersive engage-

ment and operations, we publish over 30 stories per week and a weekly 24-page tabloid every Thursday morning. All of our editors meet daily Sunday through Friday, and that doesn’t include individual staff meetings. The Post prides itself on being an intensive publication that mirrors post-grad life in a newsroom.

Nevertheless, through all of these meetings and quotas, there’s the opportunity to express yourself and grow as a writer, photographer, designer, videographer, coder or social media curator.

In doing all of this, Post staff members get the experiential learning you need for after graduation. For those journalism-specific members, you learn the bones of journalism in class, but you really get to apply that knowledge at a student media publication.

For those not familiar with journalism, The Post is an education opportunity where you can learn, grow and become confident in whatever role you’d like to possess.

Personally, I would be nowhere in my career if it wasn’t for the opportunities The Post has given me. I wouldn’t be writing this column as editor-in-chief without the great

experiences and mentorship from those before me. With that, I’d like to think all Post alums would say the same thing. There are Post alumni at The Washington Post, the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, USA Today, the Idaho Statesman and more.

The experiential learning gained from The Post most definitely helped them to achieve these positions.

Experiential learning, or “learning through doing” as OU puts it, is quite literally a pillar of the university, and for majors far and wide, The Post has been the pinnacle of that for decades. Whether it’s through engagement, mentorship, challenge, ownership, self/social awareness or any other possible area of involvement to experiential learning, The Post has it all and will continue to be an outlet for students as well as a trusted source in Athens and Southeast Ohio for decades to come.

Molly Schramm is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions?

Email Molly at ms660416@ohio.edu or tweet her @_molly_731.

COVER DESIGN BY MARY BERGER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Molly Schramm MANAGING EDITOR Baylee DeMuth DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Geiger EDITORIAL NEWS EDITORS Abby Miller, Nolan Simmons ASST. NEWS EDITOR Emma Skidmore LONG-FORM EDITOR Jillian Craig SPORTS EDITORS Jack Gleckler, J.L. Kirven CULTURE EDITOR Riley Runnells ASST. CULTURE EDITOR Lily Roby OPINION EDITOR Noah Wright ASST. OPINION EDITOR Mikayla Rochelle THE BEAT EDITOR Madyson Lewellyn ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR Emma Dollenmayer COPY CHIEF Bre Offenberger SLOT EDITORS Eli Feazell, Anna Garnai, Katey Kruback, Molly Powers ART ART DIRECTOR Mary Berger ASST. ART DIRECTOR Olivia Juenger DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Kelsey Boeing PHOTO EDITOR Nate Swanson DIGITAL WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brianna Lender SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Taylor Burnette DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA Ethan Sands BUSINESS STUDENT MEDIA SALES INTERNSHIP MANAGER Andrea Lewis MEDIA SALES Grace Vannan

2 / MARCH 11, 2021

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Pizza Cottage opening new location in Athens by early summer TAYLOR BURNETTE SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR The former Ruby Tuesday building on East State Street will get a refresh this summer as a family-friendly sit-down pizza restaurant.

The new Athens location of Pizza Cottage, 951 E. State St., will open in early June, Regional Manager Chad Dawson said. The restaurant sells an array of subs, salads, wings, pastas and, of course, pizzas. It will also be offering some alcoholic beverages.

Pizza Cottage has a relaxed, family-friendly indoor dining space, but Dawson said he thinks the restaurant has an appeal to many people in the community.

“We’re looking forward to trying to create a great atmosphere ... whether it’s the college kids coming in for a quick bite or having an adult beverage or if it’s a family coming in to have a night out for dinner or … the local baseball team or youth soccer team wants to come in and have a party room,” Dawson said.

Pizza Cottage offers a high-quality, traditional Central Ohio pizza with a thin crust and toppings covering edge to edge. Prices are a little higher than most pizza establishments, Dawson said, but that’s because of the higher-quality ingredients. A family of four can spend around $30 for a full meal, Dawson said.

“It’s definitely not a cheaper product,” Dawson said. “It’s something that we take a lot of pride in.”

A plain cheese pizza costs about $13 for 12 inches with thin crust, and a plain 12-inch cheese pizza with Sicilian

crust — a thicker crust option — is around $15, according to the Pizza Cottage online ordering menu. Specialty pizzas with cauliflower crust can run upward of $27 for 14 inches. Other items, like salads, subs and pastas, generally cost around $5 to $13.

However, for some customers, the price is well worth it. Mallory Jones, a junior studying community and public health, is very excited about Pizza Cottage’s arrival to Athens.

“I love ... their BLT pizza,” Jones said. “If you like BLTs, you will definitely love that pizza. It’s literally my favorite. I get it every time I go there.”

The BLT pizza is a bacon pizza featuring lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise with a second crust on top of it like a sandwich. It’s one of Pizza Cottage’s more niche items, Dawson said, but it has a following.

Once the restaurant is open, Jones said she thinks it will be a great place to go eat with her family when they visit her in Athens. Jones said she is also excited about having a broader array of restaurants in Athens.

Along with bringing another restaurant to the city, Dawson estimates the new Pizza Cottage will bring about 50 or 60 new jobs to Athens, including servers, kitchen staff and delivery drivers. Pizza Cottage will be leasing the former Ruby Tuesday building, which is owned by Continental Properties based out of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. The property and building is worth about $1,172,000 in total, according to the Athens County auditor website.

The Pizza Cottage chain started at a small location in Carroll, Ohio, but has since expanded to seven other loca-

tions across Ohio, including Newark, Pickerington, Zanesville and, as of January, Powell, according to its website. The chain is now owned by Larry Tipton, who has experience with business in Athens. Tipton also owns the West Union Street Buffalo Wild Wings, Dawson said.

Dawson said Pizza Cottage hopes to come into the Athens area and form good ties with the people there while providing a quality product to the community.

“We’re just looking for an opportunity to serve the Athens community — the students, the residents, everybody there — and just want to bring a nice family atmosphere and a great quality pizza product to the area and just try to fit into the community and do what we can to help around there,” Dawson said.

@TAYLORBURNETTE_ TB040917@OHIO.EDU

Pizza Cottage is set to open where Ruby Tuesday once lived at 951 E. State St. Athens, Ohio. (KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

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NEWS BRIEFS

SNAP food benefits expanded; OU continues to provide accessibility services during the pandemic EMMA SKIDMORE ASST. NEWS EDITOR SNAP food benefits to include more students

As a result of the December 2020 CARES Act, the criteria for college student eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, food benefits has been expanded.

These benefits could provide up to $200 a month for food. Students must be work-study eligible and/or have a zero dollar expected family contribution on the 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. They must also be enrolled as at least a parttime student.

Kyle Serrott, a second-year graduate student studying political science, believes there’s a stigma around poverty and receiving assistance. He said resources like SNAP are meant to help people, especially during the pandemic.

Kathy Fahl, interim associate dean of students, said SNAP benefits are just like other resources such as Counseling and Psychological Services. Fahl said if resources like SNAP were more normalized, there would be more students taking advantage of them.

Fahl has also heard of students thinking their own situation is not as bad as others, making them discour-

aged from taking benefits. She said it’s OK for students to be thinking about themselves during these challenging times as well.

SNAP benefits can be used at grocery stories, Jefferson Marketplace on campus and the Athens Farmers Market.

Applications for SNAP food benefits can be completed through the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services or by calling 1-844-640-6446.

Doug Schmaltz, basic needs coordinator at the Office of Dean of Students, said this expansion is considerable and encourages eligible students to apply.

If students are not eligible for SNAP or are looking for additional benefits, Cats’ Cupboard is an on-campus food pantry that is offering food pick-ups bi-monthly to students, faculty and staff with appointments due to COVID-19 measures. To donate to Cats’ Cupboard, students can visit its website to see what items are most needed as well as visit its Amazon Food Pantry Needs List.

pool provider.

Athens has been with its current provider, the Ohio Municipal Joint Self-Insurance Pool, since the mid-’90s.

Now, the Public Entities Pool of Ohio, or PEP, is being considered as a new option for the city, Deputy Service-Safety Director Andrew Chiki said.

Switching to PEP would involve an annual contribution of $250,021, PEP Account Manager Thomas Welsh said. The switch would save the city about $18,000 annually, or a 7% reduction in cost.

If the switch in pools takes place, the contract would go into effect April 1. Due to that short time frame, Councilmember Jeff Risner, D-2nd Ward, expressed reservations. Risner said he was concerned with rushing through the process of switching to PEP and said it looks bad publicly to do so.

Mayor Steve Patterson said the process has been going on longer on the administrative side, but so far, no downsides to joining PEP have been identified.

City Council considering change in property and liability self-insurance pool

@E_SKIDMOREGS ES320518@OHIO.EDU

Athens City Council discussed Monday a possible change in its property and liability self-insurance

POLICE BLOTTER

Man throws hammer at truck; man arrested while biking ANNA MILLAR FOR THE POST IT’S HAMMER TIME

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a call Monday from a woman regarding criminal mischief. The woman said a man threw a hammer at her truck.

She did not want to pursue charges but wanted a report on file in case another incident occurs.

CHECK YOUR CREDIT

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded Monday to a report of a stolen credit card being used at a restaurant at South Plains Road in The Plains. The man who reported his card stolen said it had been taken a few days before but had been used that evening.

Deputies investigated the card’s use and made con-

4 / MARCH 11, 2021

tact with the suspect later in the shift. The suspect confessed to having found the card and using it. The caller did not wish to file charges, only wanting the card to be returned.

brother’s house.

No criminal activity was observed, so deputies returned to patrolling.

GOT HIM!

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Gibbs Road in Shade for a loud noise complaint. Deputies spoke with the homeowners, who said they would turn the music down.

When on patrol Monday, the Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies saw a man with multiple warrants for his arrest riding his bike in The Plains.

The man was arrested without incident and taken to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

TOO LOUD

WALK HOME

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Vore Ridge Road in reference to a suspicious man on the road looking at a house. When deputies arrived, they located the man and determined he was walking home from his

@ANNAMILLAR16 AM157219@OHIO.EDU

OU’s Student Accessibility Services provides accommodations for students with disabilities, neurodivergent students during pandemic CLAIRE SCHIOPOTA FOR THE POST Ohio University has tried to minimize the obstacles of online learning for neurodivergent students and students with disabilities by providing online accommodations, which some students have never utilized prior to the pandemic.

Even before the pandemic, Student Accessibility Services served as a way to aid students in their challenges with learning. Through Student Accessibility Services, students with learning obstacles are able to receive accommodations. While not all students take advantage of this service, it has helped others keep up with online school.

All accommodations are tailored to the individual, Christina Perez, director of Student Accessibility Services, said. The program can help students develop a support network, including counselors and tutors. There is also a peer coaching program, ASPeCT, open to eligible students on the autism spectrum.

“Our focus is really on providing equal access for students with disabilities,” Perez said in an email. “We have been able to more or less maintain the same services we would typically provide … Our protocols have not changed too much with COVID-19, other than transitioning in-person interactions to virtual appointments.”

Student Accessibility Services also assists students who want to be more involved in university activities.

Specifically, the ASPeCT program gives students the resources to get engaged.

“Peer coaches assist students in identifying clubs, organizations, and activities they may be interested in,” Perez said in an email. “We have also held a virtual trivia night to help students connect with each other.”

While some neurodivergent students and students with disabilities have been able to adapt to the online environment, others have faced challenges. Many have struggled with managing their time and assignments, and others have struggled socially, Perez said.

Jilly Anderson, a senior studying war and peace studies and political science, has struggled during the pandemic with her online class meetings. Anderson has hearing loss in both ears and cannot hear many high pitched sounds, meaning she has trouble understanding speech.

“If we were speaking in a room, (I) may be able to hear you, but (I) cannot decipher anything you are saying, even if you’re screaming at me,” Anderson said in an email. “The online schooling has been difficult because usually (I) would give my professors a microphone and (I) would have a live transcriber in class with me … but now (I don’t) have a transcriber, which makes it harder.”

Anderson typically communicates directly to her professors to get assistance. Her biggest issue recently has been with online class content.

“I (personally) think it should be required or very strongly encouraged that professors either upload their lecture notes and slides to Blackboard for students to refer back to, or required to record their lectures,” An-

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER derson said in an email. “That way if I needed to go back or double check if I heard something correctly or fill in any blanks I can do so and 1. Not hold up the class and 2. Not feel embarrassed and feel like I need to tell the entire class about my disability.”

Similar to Anderson, Sarah James, a senior studying visual communication who uses she/they pronouns, typically goes to their professors with accommodation requests. James has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, and Tourette Syndrome.

Tourette Syndrome is a type of tic disorder, according to Tourette Association of America. Tics are involuntary, repetitive movements and can also be vocalizations.

“I have a lot of trouble focusing because my motor and vocal tics break my focus constantly,” James said in an email. “I also find myself quite nervous to speak up in class calls due to my vocal tic. It can be quite disruptive and alarming. My vocal tic is a loud grunting tic, and this is a tic that I did not have before the pandemic struck.

It developed due to a high amount of stress and anxiety last semester.”

Although James has never requested accommoda-

tions from Student Accessibility Services before, they are in the process of signing up now. James hopes to use the service to get more time on tests.

“Seemingly small tasks for others can be huge for me.

Motivating myself to do those tasks is really hard,” James said in an email. “I have severe test anxiety. The more anxious I feel about something, the worse my tics get, and the worse my focus becomes.”

As neurodivergent students and students with disabilities continue to adjust to the online learning environment, the Students Accessibility Services will continue to support the students.

“This is not just an issue about being a student with hearing loss, but also about the spectrum of a disability and not everyone on that spectrum being accommodated for,” Anderson said in an email. “I am just one part of that large spectrum of hearing disabilities, and what it means to have a disability in general!”

@CSCHIOPOTA CS123719@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

Gratitude for Graduation

GAMES

Students excited for the ability to graduate in-person MOLLY WILSON FOR THE POST Many Ohio University students are grateful for the option to attend in-person commencement ceremonies this spring after OU originally planned for all ceremonies to be held virtually.

Early in the Spring Semester, OU announced that spring commencement would be entirely virtual but said it would reevaluate its plans based on changes in state guidelines. Last week, the university updated its plans, giving seniors the option to graduate in-person or virtually.

For many, the chance to graduate in person makes for a more momentous end to their four years at OU in comparison to a virtual ceremony. “(Graduation) is going to be more wholesome, for sure,” Kimberly Rohrbach, a senior studying nursing, said. “We’re actually going to be doing something, whereas if it was virtually, nothing was going to happen.”

Not only will students be able to graduate in person, but they will be able to celebrate in Athens with their friends and family.

“We wanted graduates to at least be able to have someone here with them because we know that that is part of the meaningful experience and the journey that students go through,” Jennifer Kirksey, OU president Duane Nellis’ chief of staff, said. “(Students) have support systems and families, and so we wanted to make sure that graduates still were able to have family members here if they chose.”

Each student will be able to have two guests with them at the commencement ceremony, which will be held in Peden Stadium this year, according to a previous Post report.

Lydia Sander, a senior studying music, accepts that the guest list will be limited due to COVID-19 virus restrictions. The ability to have her parents in town for the commencement ceremony, despite those restrictions, is particularly special, she said.

“Sometimes, it’s not about the student, though. Sometimes, it’s about their families,” Jenny Hall-Jones, Interim vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said. “The moments, the picture taking, putting that cap and gown on and throwing your hat up in the air — these are rights of passage that we want to make sure that every Bobcat experiences.”

While commencement is a momentous occasion, it means just as much for the students’ families who have supported them through their college experiences.

“It means a lot to my family, especially my mom. She’s also a nurse, and I believe my grandma’s gonna come down,” Rohrbach said. “I’m going to be a third-generation nurse, and it’s going to mean a lot to them to see me walk and graduate.”

The announcement for a change in commencement plans came at the right time for seniors who may have been losing the motivation to finish out the virtual school year strong.

“I think about the last four years that I spent at OU, and it’s been a hard four years,” Sander said. “And then this past year with everything virtual, to have something in-person to celebrate is giving me the motivation to go above and beyond.”

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COVID-19 and self-esteem HANNAH BURKHART SENIOR WRITER While doom scrolling during the statewide lockdown in March 2020, people who were once on a perfect path in their fitness journey were suddenly thrown off when gyms closed, and many found themselves examining their appearances more and comparing their bodies to those of social media influencers.

Deborah Murray, a nutrition professor of instruction at OU, said the increasing use of video conferences and more time at home has given people more time to stare at themselves and pick apart their insecurities. She said during the pandemic, as people have more time to sit at home and contemplate their body image, it is triggering for people who try to work on their body image and stay in a good, balanced and healthy place when it comes to how they view themselves.

For many, COVID-19 is an incredibly stressful and traumatic experience; stressful situations can have a huge effect on mental health. Jessica Price at Inter-

8 / MARCH 11, 2021

national OCD Foundation said researchers of a study for the Genomic Psychiatry Cohort looked at individuals with only obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, and individuals with both OCD and body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, to examine whether there are different rates of traumatic event exposure between the groups.

The researchers found individuals with both BDD and OCD described a notably higher exposure rate to “at least one traumatic event.”

As COVID-19 has changed the idea of normality and raged through the world for an entire year, people have had more time to contemplate their self-esteem.

“It is more prevalent because of our culture now,” Murray said. “We are scrutinizing ourselves. We are seeing our image more often and kind of attending to ourselves.”

Murray said society thinks about food when they are stressed, as it can soothe and self-medicate. She referred to the influx of body image insecurities as a secondary consequence because it is not getting much limelight due to everything that is happening in the world. She said once the

pandemic is over, body dysmorphia amid the pandemic will probably be discussed.

“The social function of food has gotten canceled, so the psychological function has expanded,” Murray said.

Murray said she has noticed the heightened awareness of how much disinformation society is exposed to on a day-to-day basis.

YouTube fitness influencers have used the pandemic to their advantage by posting videos with titles such as “AB WORKOUT - Lose Weight in just 7 Days” and “What I Eat In a Day.” Young creators on platforms such as TikTok have made jokes about gaining the “quarantine 15,” and triggering videos about eating disorders are commonly posted on the application.

Young audiences are taking in the intense discussion of body image on social media platforms, and their vulnerability causes them to take the content too seriously and develop overexercising habits and eating disorders.

“I think nutrition has always been a discipline where disinformation is a very ‘This worked for me; this can work for you’

COVID-19 affects approaches to diets, fitness routines as individuals have more time to focus on self-image message,” Murray said. “Especially when someone is young, like many social media users, they can be very easily misled.

During the pandemic, YouTubers have had more time to make videos that can be misleading. Us dietitians have to fight against this, and we always go back to the science: what do we know about energy balance?”

Energy balance is the idea that if an individual seldom works out, they burn fewer calories than someone who regularly works out and, therefore, eat fewer calories because they typically are not as hungry and have less to recover from.

Murray encourages exercising from home if gyms are out of the question, rather than eating due to boredom. Murray said mindfulness and intuitive eating are important because listening to body queues is the healthiest way to know when to eat.

Students at Ohio University have noticed a change in their eating and exercise habits amid COVID-19. Self-esteem during the pandemic has been a fluctuating spectrum for many, with high highs and low lows.

Mack Wells, a sophomore studying

psychology, has a history of experiencing body image issues. In the past, Wells had an eating disorder and went into recovery for it. She said she already had a fragile body image before the pandemic.

Wells said right before the pandemic, she was at a place where she was comfortable in her body and felt confident when she looked in the mirror. She experienced the popular self-improvement phase many people went through at the beginning of the pandemic, but once that fell through, she gained weight and did not feel good about her body image.

“I saw people on social media also gaining weight, which made me feel less bad about it,” Wells said. “But at the same time, you’re your hardest critic.”

About six months into the pandemic, Wells noticed her body changing. She said although she has days when she doesn’t like the way she looks, she finds parts of her that she does enjoy and cherishes them, which motivates her to become the best version of herself.

“Luckily, I came to the mindset that my body is protecting me and is what is keeping me alive and healthy,” Wells said.

“So instead of punishing myself for feeling it, I have decided to embrace it and be the happiest and healthiest version of myself I can.”

Ben Wielgopolski, a junior studying journalism, is a trainer for Ohio University’s hockey team and is currently studying to become a certified strength and conditioning specialist. He said his fitness knowledge is fairly new, as he started getting serious about it when the pandemic first hit in March 2020.

Before the pandemic, Wielgopolski was coming out of a keto diet phase, and he said he’s against it for numerous reasons. Personally, he was working on gaining muscle, and the keto diet is high protein and low carbohydrate. Muscle is gained by eating more calories, which includes healthy carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are also necessary to recover from weight lifting.

Wielgopolski ate 3,300 calories per day when the pandemic first started and is now eating 3,600 to 4,000 calories per day. He enjoys cooking for himself because it is easier to make his own food, knowing everything that’s in it.

“I changed my relationship with what I eat for a better perspective,” Wielgopolski said.

He thinks a big reason people have become increasingly concerned about their body image amid the pandemic is due to the fact that they are trying to stay safe and avoid gyms, and not everyone has the means to build home gyms.

“Another big thing is you’re stuck at home, you binge-watch stuff, you watch a whole season (of a TV show) and there goes a bag of chips and four cookies,” Wielgopolski said. “So people are getting nervous because they’ve lost track of their fitness.”

Jalen Warren, a senior studying exercise physiology, said the COVID-19 shutdown impacted his outlook on his personal fitness journey. He became more serious about his fitness goals in 2014, and he started lifting weights regularly. For four months during quarantine, he was doing strictly body weight and kinesthetic exercises. He said the change in exercises reset his body in a way, as it assisted in his mobility and flexibility.

“It also helped me figure out why I really like doing it (exercising),” Warren said.

“Not just lifting heavy weights and doing all that. I care about the movement and my body’s ability to be able to move in different ways … COVID had me rediscover why I like to work out.”

Dr. Andrea Lewis, assistant professor of exercise physiology at OU, said in an email her advice to people seeking workout regimens during the pandemic is to find something they enjoy. She said if an individual enjoys the exercises they are doing, they will do it more consistently, and consistency is key for health.

“Lifting weights is an excellent exercise to build muscle, which will increase your metabolic rate and how many calories you

burn at rest,” Lewis said in an email. “So if you don’t like doing cardio, this is a good option for you and has many health benefits. It’s best if you can find an aerobic exercise you like and do that 3-5 days per week and do weight lifting on 2-3 days per week.”

Lewis said it is important for people who scroll through fitness influencers’ social media to understand they are paid to post and promote products they don’t even use themselves. YouTubers tend to make promises in their video titles about how quickly their 10-minute workout will lead to results. She added it is incredibly difficult to lose weight, and it does not happen fast without over exercising and extreme diets, which are very harmful for one’s health.

“To put weight loss into numbers - to lose a pound of fat per week you would need to burn 3500 calories,” Lewis said in an email. “If you did a 30 minute cardio session you might burn 300 calories (maybe a bit more or less, depending on your body mass). If you did this every day for a week, you would only burn 2100 calories (7x300). That means you still have 1400 calories to lose to have that ONE pound of weight loss.”

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARY BERGER Lewis added there are some helpful and enjoyable workouts online, and as long as an individual enjoys the workouts they are doing rather than counting the number of calories they lose throughout it, consistency and progress will come.

As gyms were closed at one point during the COVID-19 pandemic and some people continue to feel unsafe in them, Lewis said finding workout partners can be helpful to stay on track. She also said blocking off time in her calendar for exercising and taking a break from screen time has been helpful for her amid the pandemic.

“Again, finding a routine is key,” Lewis said in an email. “You should plan for exercise just like you would for class or work.

And if you miss a day, don’t punish yourself. Accept it and remind yourself you deserve off days every now and then and get back to it ASAP.”

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THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9

The tradition continues ANNA MILLAR FOR THE POST RYAN MAXIN FOR THE POST The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop Ohio University students, Athens residents and out-of-town students from celebrating the annual Green Beer Day on Wednesday, with hundreds of students flocking to Court Street to sip some green brews.

As with everything else for the past year, COVID-19 caused some changes to the local tradition. From about 3:30 p.m. through the end of the night, lines leaving bars wound down sidewalks on Court Street.

“I’ve been (to Green Beer Day) every year. There’s a lot more lines everywhere (this year), so that’s annoying, but it’s still fun,” Liz Williams, a junior studying integrated science education, said. “Everyone seems to be having a good time.”

Although some students felt overwhelmed or annoyed by the crowds, others anticipated the busyness and lines that the celebration brought. A few students even showed up to bars early to beat the students who were in class at 2 p.m., when the event started picking up speed.

“There’s definitely going to be a lot of lines tonight,” Carley Mills, a junior studying Spanish education, said. “(My friends and I) tried to get out here early so that we wouldn’t be unsafe in any way.”

For some, Green Beer Day was the first time out of the house since the pandemic started, including out-oftown visitors.

“This is my first time coming to Green Beer Day. But, as of right now, it seems like it’s a good time,” Bryce Harvey, a senior from Cleveland State, said.

“It’s pretty crowded, for COVID and everything. But, other than that, it’s a good time. I love OU!” Despite months-long restrictions, multiple students walked the streets with their masks only half on or not on at all, and few students adhered to social distancing recommendations that have been in place for almost a year.

Although restrictions seemed relaxed out on the sidewalks, inside the bars, tables were spread apart and could only seat a limited number of patrons. Many

waiting outside knew they were already guaranteed a table but were waiting for the bar to no longer be at capacity.

“The cases are obviously going down, so people are probably gonna be letting their guard down a little bit more,” Joseph Balliett, a senior studying history, said. “Also, I know a lot of people around here are getting vaccinated … I’m a little worried, but I’m also hopeful.”

After a long quarantine and lockdown, many thought Green Beer Day was a good way to get out of the house and connect with their friends.

Students and residents enjoyed the festivities overall. Logan Leduc, a senior studying journalism, said he enjoyed drinking the same themed drink as his friends. Other individuals were making new friends throughout the evening or reconnecting with old ones.

“I kind of like (bars being less busy) because then I just get to sit here and have natural conversations with my friends,” Alexis McCollum, an Athens resident, said.

Even though the celebration revolves around the unique color of the beer, many students are just excited to start returning to normalcy alongside their friends.

“I think it’s very easy for college kids to find a reason to have a party and enjoy life,” Garrett Pierce, a senior studying marketing, said. “It’s very (natural) to what (students) already do.”

Abby Miller and Claire Schiopota contributed to this report.

@ANNAMILLAR16 AM157219@OHIO.EDU @RYANMAXIN RM554219@OHIO.EDU

(From left to right) Camryn Lutz, Bridget O’Shea and Eve Anitas sit in The Pigskin Bar and Grille enjoying the festivities of Green Beer Day on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, in Athens, Ohio. (TRE SPENCER | FOR THE POST)

10 / MARCH 11, 2021

OU and Miami rivalry one-sided, some say ERIN GARDNER FOR THE POST The Miami Student, Miami University’s student newspaper, published an article about the relevance of the Ohio University/Miami University rivalry.

The rivalry is primarily rooted in the OU-Miami football game, called the “Battle of the Bricks,” and has garnered so much attention that it’s inspired a Wikipedia page. The football rivalry started in 1908, and there have been 96 games, with Miami leading.

The article says that the rivalry is one-sided from OU. “Our rivalry is very interesting. OU takes it so seriously, (and) Miami really doesn’t care,” A source in The Miami Student article said. “I know OU is more of a sports-centered college, and so the Battle of the Bricks is more of a big deal in Athens, but no one cares about OU at Miami.”

Mary Cheadle, the owner of 10 West Clothing Co., used to sell a “Muck Fia-

mi” shirt but has since stopped selling that version.

“It’s been a couple of years that our licensing company notified me — well, they sent me a cease and desist letter, which meant that I couldn’t sell them,” Cheadle said. “But additionally, I did a follow-up call and several conversations with just kind of the agreement that they would prefer I not do it. Because they allow me to be licensed with the Ohio University, I really felt like I had to follow the rules, so I did stop selling them.”

Cheadle then started selling a shirt that said “Uck Iami who needs the mf?” “... It really bothered me when I would talk to people, and they would tell me that they thought it was pretty crazy that I was told not to do that,” Cheadle said. “I decided to come up with another idea that maybe would be more agreeable with not only my licensing company, but perhaps with Miami and that maybe they wouldn’t be as offended.”

Cheadle said the shirt is a funny take on the tongue in cheek rivalry. The shirt

HAZING HURTS EVERYONE.

Miami students feel OU takes it too seriously

initially sold pretty well, but then the sales died off. It is still available to buy.

“I don’t promote it like I probably should or could just because I’m trying to be respectful,” Cheadle said. “I obviously don’t want to do anything that hurts any feelings or creates any more drama than is necessary. It truly is just supposed to be part of the fun of having a rivalry.”

Cheadle has been with 10 W. Clothing Co. for 33 years and said from the very beginning, the rivalry was all talk.

“I don’t know that I can put a finger exactly on why it is our rivalry and what it is about Miami that we dislike,” Cheadle said. “I’ve never necessarily figured that out. I’ve heard lots of people talk this way or that way about it, but (there hasn’t been a) definitive answer.”

Cheadle’s father, who worked at OU for over 30 years, was a Miami grad and didn’t care for the shirt but found the humor in it, Cheadle said.

Maizy Crandall, a junior studying political science at Miami University, doesn’t think there is a rivalry.

“I think I got more information from teachers about the rivalry that I actually knew about myself,” Crandall said. “I see two things on social media once a year when we play football. I wasn’t really aware that there was a rivalry, and I don’t really see it that often. It might just be (because) I’m a hockey person anyway, so I don’t really pay attention to (football) all that often. It’s just not my main thing.”

Maggie Moreda, a junior studying nursing at OU, thinks the rivalry is rooted in advertising and merchandising.

“I can’t tell you how many ‘Muck Fiami’ T-shirts and other products I’ve seen at Uptown shops, but I’ve never actually seen one worn,” Moreda said. “I think it’s just used as a way to try and build school spirit. They had to raffle semester off tuition to get people to pack the stadium, which is a whole other conversation about allocation of funds.”

@ERINGARDNER_ EG245916@OHIO.EDU

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Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery is set to open at 67 Columbus Rd. in Athens, Ohio. (KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery plans for new space, emphasizes collaborative STEAM education ISABEL NISSLEY FOR THE POST Sitting back from the street is 67 Columbus Road. Trees line the driveway that runs parallel to the building. The exterior is tan with a pointed roof from which a white cross protrudes. The building’s sacred nature resembles the church it used to be.

But to the leaders of the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery, 67 Columbus Road looks like the future location of the museum’s permanent residence.

Having recently secured $200,000 in state capital funding, Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery leaders plan on breaking ground on renovations at 67 Columbus Road soon. The former church will be transformed into a museum that fos12 / MARCH 11, 2021

ters hands-on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics, or STEAM, learning experiences.

“The upstairs, which was the sanctuary, is going to be the main exhibit hall,” Jen Parsons, executive director of the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery, said.

“We have a lot of space there where the renovations will be taking place. And then, as part of this, we’ll be creating new exhibits for the space.”

In the past, Parson said the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery exhibits were more “handmade” and utilized the materials that were available to the museum. The museum was founded in 2006 and operated as a “museum without walls” until 2011, when Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery opened a physical location in The Market on

State. In recent years, the museum has been operating “without walls” again, as it prepares the 67 Columbus Road location. The new physical museum space will allow for more traditional, permanent exhibits.

Sara Hartman, co-founder of the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery and co-president of the museum’s board, also believes the new physical space will allow the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery to expand its partnerships.

“We’re very excited because the new facility is going to open up opportunities for us to collaborate with schools, public libraries, nonprofits, university educators, student groups and then other museums and arts organizations all around the region,” Hartman said. “We think it will be a win-win for everyone.”

Hartman believes partnerships are important to the museum’s success, especially in the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery’s facilitation of STEAM education in the rural setting of Athens and surrounding counties. Partnerships allow the museum to reach volunteers, students and others, further embedding the museum in the community and making it accessible for community members.

Community collaboration has been at the helm of the museum’s operations since its founding. Hartman, along with a group of other community members, had the vision for the museum and saw it through to fruition.

“We came together as a group of community members who saw a need in our region and wanted to work together to fill that need, to be able to provide educational opportunities for the children in our region,” Hartman said.

The Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery is unique. It is the lone STEAM-focused museum in Southeast Ohio. Because of this, many see the museum as a valuable asset of Athens.

Colleen McGuire, a freshman studying industrial and systems engineering, believes introducing children to STEAM at a young age is important, and the museum is able to do that.

“Their mission of inspiring visitors with creative and interactive experiences is important to establishing an appreciation for the world around us, especially for children and young visitors,” McGuire said in a message. “Museums and experiences such as this are a great way to remove the stigma most children have about math and science, showing that working in (these) fields can be fun, and hopefully igniting some interest in them.”

At the 67 Columbus Road location, the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery plans on continuing to provide STEAM learning experiences for children of all ages.

“We really hope to continue furthering our mission to be able to reach as many children and families in our region as possible. There is not another entity like ours in the region,” Hartman said. “And so we fulfill a really important void that we currently have here for out-of-school learning opportunities in our region, so we’re very excited to be able to continue doing that.”

Currently, the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery is continuing its programming, sending STEAM packets to students, hosting Teen Science Cafes and raising funds through Cause Connector.

@ISABELNISSLEY IN566119@OHIO.EDU

Campus events continue to be held virtually due to COVID-19 EMMA SKIDMORE ASST. NEWS EDITOR Campus organizations have continued to hold events in a virtual format, despite the ongoing pandemic. Andrew Holzaepfel, director of Ohio University’s Performing Arts and Concert Series, said the series held 70+ virtual events during the previous Fall Semester.

“We’re on our way, this semester, to doing equally or (just) as many events, virtually,” Holzaepfel said.

“That’s everything from comedians to musicians to singer-songwriter nights to classical quartets to live from London Broadway shows, so we’re all over the place with the type of programming we’ve been doing.”

Holzaepfel said while virtual events do provide the ability to reach more people, there is also a fatigue that comes along with online formats.

“Early on, I think people were … excited about it and very engaged,” Holzaepfel said. “And that’s obviously become more and more difficult the longer we have existed in this pandemic environment.”

Holzaepfel said the series is also now much more involved in video editing, which he said is a challenge because it involves skills of his that normally wouldn’t be used as often under different circumstances.

“I spent a lot of time downloading videos. I spent a lot of time editing or working with students … or shooting the videos and making sure that the sound and video quality is there,” he said. “So it’s quite different than the

planning for four trucks to show up for a Broadway show at Memorial Auditorium.”

Holzaepfel also said the series is in the process of rescheduling programs that were supposed to be held in person last year but were canceled due to COVID-19.

With the live entertainment business being hit so hard by the pandemic, it was one of the first industries to close and will likely be one of the last groups to return to normal.

“It’s been a struggle for many of our colleagues from around the state and across the country,” Holzaepfel said. “We’re just hoping that live entertainment comes back soon so that these venues can survive.”

A list of upcoming OU Performing Arts events can be found here.

Dustin Kilgour, executive director of conference and event services, said event services is responsible for both operational elements, such as video, audio and lighting, as well as teams that organize and plan daily events, conferences and major events, such as commencement.

Kilgour said they have taken measures such as updating air filters, creating new capacities for event spaces and ensuring people can be safe when entering, exiting and standing in line. He said the guideline for in-person gatherings is 10 people or fewer.

“Now, there’s been some exceptions provided to that for outdoor venues and entertainment venues and banquet halls, but trying to stay in tune with the guidance that the governor is giving has been one of the biggest

challenges I think we’ve seen,” Kilgour said.

However, Kilgour said with the university’s COVID Operations team, it is able to start offering more engagement opportunities for students.

“We produced a plan of how we can do, let’s say, a movie or a craft night,” Kilgour said. “In spaces where typically we could have 1,000 people in the ballroom for a movie, we only did 40 or 50 at a time so that they’re socially distanced, 6 feet apart, still masked, walking in safely.”

Similar to the OU Performing Arts and Concert series, Kilgour said event services had to adapt to using Microsoft Teams and learn how to live-stream smaller events.

He also said he doesn’t see a virtual component going away, and it will be there to support the demands of student organizations and university departments that still want to have virtual events.

“What we’re looking forward to is what this looks like next fall (or) next spring where we’re trying to do both,” Kilgour said. “There (will be) some hybrid events that are some people in-person, but we’re also doing a live stream or Teams type of event as well.”

Kilgour said there have been no issues with students not complying with COVID-19 guidelines, and event services sees how excited students are to do something in person, even if it is with masks on.

“What our department does, and what the Performing Arts and Campus Involvement Center does, is that we try to introduce creative events and culture and arts and concerts and opportunities for our students to engage on campus,” Kilgour said. “And we truly believe those opportunities are what really build the student experience at Ohio.”

Ohio University Program Council, or OUPC, is a student organization that is no stranger to virtual events.

Recently, the student org held a Bachelor Night where students got to ask former Bachelor contestant Peter Weber questions via Zoom.

“This was our second annual Bachelor night where we had a previous contestant come,” Hannah Barcum, vice president and creative events executive of OUPC, said.

“Obviously, this year, it was virtual because of the pandemic, so we had to change up what we would usually do.”

Barcum said participants were able to ask their questions in the chat, but their first year, they were able to have people come up to microphones and ask their questions.

“I think the real thing that people love was, they were able to come and get a picture with the person and kind of have a conversation with them, and unfortunately, we weren’t able to really do that this year,” Barcum said.

However, Barcum said the planning for the event was easier because they didn’t have to find a venue or think about factors like food. She also said they did not have to cap the number of participants because it was not being held in person.

Barcum also said it is one of the organizations that is able to hold in-person events while following guidelines.

She said there is a max of 50 people on each side of the Baker Ballroom and one person per table.

“We are mixing it up. One night, we might just do a movie night with snacks,” Barcum said. “I know today, we are doing a trivia night to feed off of what The Bachelor was. We had a comedian last week, so we basically can do anything.”

@E_SKIDMOREGS ES320518@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13

ILLUSTRATION BY KATIE BANECK

15th virtual ‘Celebrate Women Conference’ to empower women KAYLA BENNETT STAFF WRITER Continuing the celebration of International Women’s Month, Ohio University is hosting a virtual women’s conference.

With this being the 15th year, organizers hope people take advantage of the flexibility of the online platform and participate in the free-of-charge event.

Last year, the event also took place online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The accessibility of online allows for anyone from anywhere to join.

This year, the keynote speaker is Alison Levine, MBA, adventurer, best-selling author and motivational speaker.

The title of her speech is “Surviving (and Thriving) in Unsettling Times.” Her speech will be during the lunch hour.

Everyone will be able to eat their lunch separately — but together.

The setup of the conference will be all about professional development and celebrating women’s rights and accom14 / MARCH 11, 2021

plishments. Participants are able to sign up and choose what talks they would like to attend and listen to. The links will be sent to them so they can directly be sent to the speaker they are signed up for at the scheduled time.

“We have different tracks in the planning,” Pam Kaylor, a women’s, gender and sexuality studies professor at OU Lancaster, said. “If you’re an athlete, (there will be) a lot of really interesting sessions that you’ll be interested in.

If you’re a business person, if you’re a community member, if you’re faculty or staff –– there’s some great selections. I really suggest checking out the website and looking at the selections to see if something is for you because I really feel that there is something for everyone.”

Creating this event, Kaylor made sure to include women of diverse ages and ethnicities.

The event’s importance stands within the women’s stories that will be shared and the opportunity to be inspired. The

event will talk about an array of topics and discuss multiple different backgrounds, which will provide comfort for many.

“I would encourage people that attend virtually, since there isn’t that lingering time between, is really to reach back out to these presenters because they are really passionate about whatever they’re talking about,” Jenn Bennett, executive director of wellbeing at OU, said. “Follow up and get more (information), or even just for work experience if it’s something that you’re interested in and talking to them about how you can get involved in what they’re doing.”

Bennett, who is also in charge of WellWorks at OU, will be speaking during the event about the struggle women face with exercising. She wants to focus on how women can encourage one another, bring each other up and surround themselves with people who believe in them through any trauma they may have faced in the past or are facing right now.

Angela Krile, president and CEO of Krile Communications, will also be speaking at this event on a panel with other women who are focused on giving back. The panel will be discussing how one can find needs in their area and identify how to respond to said needs in order to make the world a better place.

“You’re not on the road and then spending a day somewhere. You’re in the comfort of your own home, but you’re able to connect with all of these inspiring amazing women from literally across the world at this conference,” Krile said. “That feels like a very low investment for a really high potential return to me. Jump on the computer, get a cup of coffee and spend a couple of hours interacting and listening to really amazing women.”

@KKAYYBEN KB084519@OHIO.EDU

Diversity First Showcase and Awards hosted by Career and Leadership Development Center KAYLA BENNETT STAFF WRITER The Diversity First Showcase was an opportunity for students of all grades and majors to speak with professionals in their desired future career paths. By asking questions, students were able to learn about diversity programs, recruiting initiatives and potential positions at various companies.

Students were able to sign up for the event through Handshake and attend via Microsoft Teams. To open, Tamika Williams, assistant director of the Career and Leadership Development Center for Diversity & Inclusion, spoke about the event and welcomed the attendees.

The Diversity First Leadership Awards were awarded during the event, with 15 undergraduate students receiving a total of $30,000 in scholarships. Students were evaluated based on their leadership skills, experiences through their resumes and how they were able to verbally articulate their skills. Another key factor was their ability to demonstrate their understanding and importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

“The first part of the event was really exciting being able to not only see myself be put up there on the list for receiving an award, but also seeing a lot of the other award recipients and seeing some of the upperclassmen, especially since I haven’t gotten a chance to meet a lot of the upperclassmen since not a lot of them are on campus this semester,” Sedric Granger, a freshman studying journalism and the winner of the Diversity First Showcase “Leader on the Rise” award, said. “It’s really cool to be able to see the other upperclassmen who were journalists and seeing them excel. That really gives me a lot of hope … You just really got to see how far the reach of Ohio University really is.”

The students awarded for their leadership skills think winning has put them on the right path to earning more confidence.

“This award was a step in the right direction for me,” Brenna Cromwell, a freshman studying interior architecture and the winner of the Diversity First Showcase “Future Leader” award, said. “The process to actually get to the showcase was, it was a lot ... (Williams) really had driven me to make my resume better, and she’s given me

a lot more skills that I was able to use when I did my big interview. Tamika has really just helped me through this a lot, and I just really appreciate her.”

After the awards, students and employers were split up into breakout rooms according to their major. The breakout rooms allowed employers to share information about their business and the importance of diversity within their workplaces.

Within these breakout rooms, students were able to learn more about what different businesses and employers are looking for when it comes to applying for a job.

The conversation revolved around resumes, interview skills, applying for professional opportunities and how to operate Handshake.

“I think it’s so awesome that Ohio University is making initiatives to help our minority students or even those who are allies or just support the marginalized groups because it can be harder to get opportunities,” Micaylah

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Nash, a junior studying sports management and marketing and the winner of the Diversity First Showcase “Outstanding Leader and College of Business Suit and Tie” award, said. “It’s great that our institution is implementing different events like this to help us out.”

Williams believes it’s important for students to have the opportunity to ask potential future employers questions and gain experience in practicing what the next steps are in an interview process.

“I really want to build the student’s confidence in realizing they are a good catch right there,” Williams said.

“They’re a strong candidate, and they should have the courage to ask those difficult questions to the employer because you want to see ultimately if they’re a great fit for you and not just if you’re a great fit for them.”

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HOCKEY

Nick Carretta

perseveres to prove he’s a Division I talent ELI FEAZELL SLOT EDITOR Division I was always Nick Carretta’s goal.

When he was a high school senior in western Pennsylvania, Carretta heard plenty of good things about Ohio’s hockey program, and after taking a visit to the campus and team facilities, he knew he wanted to be a Bobcat.

Unfortunately, Carretta didn’t immediately get his chance on the DI team. He was one of the final cuts from the roster his

freshman year, and he instead started his collegiate career on Ohio’s Division II team.

That’s not to say Carretta didn’t enjoy his two years with the DII Bobcats.

“Playing DII for two years was actually a lot of fun,” Carretta said. “I got to work on some stuff to help me get up to DI.” Carretta never felt held down on the DII team. Even if DI was his ultimate goal, he knew he was playing with plenty of talent with the roster he was on. Rather than focus more on where he wanted to be, Carretta chose to go out and work hard

for himself and his team to get better. He ended up being one of the top producers on offense for the Bobcats.

Still, there were times when Carretta looked in the mirror and thought he should be at the next level. He decided to reach out to Ohio coach Cole Bell, who also saw potential in Carretta and added him to the tryout list.

The plan was for the tryouts to be held normally in fall 2020 and for Bell and the coaching staff to decide who would be added to the roster and who would

be cut. COVID-19 shutdowns complicated things and forced Bell to improvise a little. After some players opted out for safety reasons, Bell decided to invite the entire tryout list to practice.

“We wanted to give all these guys that were coming here to try out the full opportunity to grow and develop,” Bell said.

It came unconventionally, but Carretta finally had a place on the DI team. He found out from an email from Bell just as classes were starting for the Fall Semester.

Carretta called his parents to tell them the news and planned to make an immediate impact his first year with the team.

When Carretta played in the Green and White scrimmage games prior to the 2021 season, he quickly noticed the differences between DI and DII hockey. The players and the game were both much quicker.

“That’s kind of what separates the levels of hockey,” Carretta said. “It’s the speed. It’s the thought process. It’s all of that. I’d say that’s really what’s different.”

Despite the slight change in atmosphere, Carretta made a name for himself in practice and in scrimmages, and Bell took notice. He was an offensive powerhouse with the DII team, and it looked like that talent was translating well to the DI team. “(Carretta) was looking phenomenal,” Bell said. “He was going to be in one of our first two lines. It seemed like every time he touched the puck, it was in the back of the net in practice.”

Unfortunately, a total fluke injury resulted in Carretta injuring his ankle, needing surgery and being forced to sit the entire 2021 regular season out.

The good news is Carretta is scheduled to be ready shortly after the 2021 season comes to an end, meaning he’ll finally get his shot to play regular season games the following season.

“My mindset for next year is to just go in ready to produce and score some goals,” Carretta said, “Basically just do anything I can really on the ice to help the team win.”

Both Carretta and Bell are looking forward to the rehab and training during the summer. Once healthy, Carretta might be an offensive weapon that makes Ohio a better team.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what kind of impact he can make next year,” Bell said.

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Ohio forward Nick Carretta (#17) poses for a portrait at Bird Arena on Monday, March 1, 2021. (COLIN MAYR | FOR THE POST)

16 / MARCH 11, 2021

BASEBALL

Joe Rock’s no-hitter was just the start ASHLEY BEACH FOR THE POST The cardinal rule of a no-hitter is not a single soul can mention it while it is still in progress, let alone think about it. Ohio left-hander Joe Rock knew this all too well while on the mound during Ohio’s first game in a doubleheader against Morehead State on Feb. 26.

Going into the seventh inning, Rock had allowed no hits and no runs to the Eagles.

“I didn’t really want to think about it and jinx myself,” Rock said.

Ohio would go on to mercy rule Morehead and win the game 6-0. In seven innings of work, Rock earned six strikeouts, gave up two walks and had no earned runs or hits. At the end of the night, Rock had pitched a complete game shutout and earned the third no-hitter of his combined high school and collegiate career.

Rock’s performance was one for the books, and Major League Baseball took note of that. The 6’6”, 200-pound hurler is ranked 56th on MLB’s top draft prospects and is the only Bobcat on the list. However, Rock isn’t fazed by the buzz.

“It just makes me go out there and try to do my best and try to get my stock up as high as I can,” Rock said.

His draft grades are currently midrange, and only a few off from the highest ranked left-handed pitcher, but Rock shows growth potential with a solid spring outing. His fastball is above average, graded at 60 on MLB’s 20-80 scale, but his slider and changeup are average at 55 and 50, respectively.

His fastball has the highest grade of all lefties, but his control brings his overall grade down. There are 13 left-handers on the Top 100 Prospects list, and Rock is the seventh-highest ranked.

If these numbers grow by the end of the season, the Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, native has the potential to surpass former Bobcat Dave Tobik as Ohio’s highest drafted pitcher. Tobik was drafted second overall by the Detroit Tigers in the first round of the second phase of the 1975 January draft. This feat may be achievable as scouts look to see Rock break through to higher draft rounds with the rest of the season on the docket.

Combining his fastball with his slider has been Rock’s go-to this season, but he also intermixes his changeup when needed. With the goal of dominating the hitters in mind, Rock works with mixing speeds and pitch placements to earn strikeouts and force ground balls.

From his freshman season to now, his overall focus remains the same. Rock tries not to think too much and simply does what he knows on the mound. Although his mental approach is the same, Rock has changed his physical approach since first coming to Ohio. “(The) summer my freshman year, I went to Boston to train with Eric Cressey, and I feel like that was a major turning point,” Rock said. “I also got really good playing in the Cape, too.”

The Cape Cod Baseball league is a summer league that features athletes from each NCAA division across the country. In this league, Rock was able to train with his peers and industry professionals to develop his skillsets early in his college career.

“It’s been a major help because I’ve been surrounded by players that want to be there, and they know the game really well,” Rock said. “For them to give me knowledge, I give them knowledge — that really helps.”

Rock has picked up on a thing or two since then. Early into his junior season, Rock is showing promise to become the ace of Ohio’s staff. With that said, Rock continues to improve upon himself with each start. His 2-1 record is the best of the Bobcat pitchers.

His effectiveness relies in earning strikeouts. Rock has the highest strikeout total of the Bobcats this season with 30, and his opponent’s batting average against him sits at .150. In 18 innings, he has kept runs off the board, and his earned run average is a stunningly low 1.00.

The one thing that has kept Rock rolling through his starts has been consistency. This has created more opportunities for the team as a whole, and interim head coach Craig Moore recognizes these achievements in that aspect.

“Coming into the season, we thought our pitching and our defense were going to be our two mainstays as far as being consistent day in and day out, game to game,” Moore said.

Defensively, Rock has been solid for the Bobcats. He has only allowed nine hits and three runs, two of which were earned runs. What really stands out is his strikeout per nine innings ratio, which is at 15.

The next closest Bobcat is junior righthander Braxton Kelly, who averages 11.25 strikeouts per nine innings.

It’s not just the MLB and coaches taking note of what Rock can do. The Mid-American Conference joined the conversation by giving the southpaw the

Pitcher of the Week award for the week of March 2. But once again, Rock does not feel any pressure from the attention his way. His main focus is getting locked in for his next starts and getting ready for MAC play.

“I feel like we’re still figuring some things out,” Rock said. “So once MAC play hits, I think we should have hitters on track and pitchers all together. Once we bring those two things together, I feel like we’re (going to) be pretty solid.”

As for coach Moore, he knows Rock is capable of making a statement across the league. Confident that his pitching staff is one of the best, Moore, like Rock, does not fear the games and hurdles ahead.

@ASHLEYBEACHY_ AB026319@OHIO.EDU

Ohio pitcher Joe Rock pitches the ball during Ohio’s game against Morehead State on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Rock pitched a no-hitter as Ohio won 6-0. (ANTHONY WARNER | FOR THE POST)

SOURCE: MLB.COM GRAPHIC BY MATTHEW GEIGER THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Erica Johnson’s gutsy performance lifts Ohio into MAC semifinals J.L. KIRVEN SPORTS EDITOR Erica Johnson wobbled off the court with one arm over assistant coach Marwan Miller and another over a trainer. She was smiling through the pain to hide the frustration that her nagging knee injury, which caused her to miss five games, was flaring up at the worst time.

Ohio led Ball State by two points with 53.2 seconds remaining during Wednesday night’s Mid-American Conference tournament quarterfinal. Johnson had given her all. She deserved to rest. Johnson, however, believed she’d rested enough.

“I wanted to get back out there because I knew my teammates needed me,” Johnson said. “If I couldn’t go back out there, there was no doubt in my mind they could hold it down ... but I wanted to be out there in the fight.”

Johnson ultimately rose off the bench

for one last defensive stand, capping off her 19-point second half that led No. 3 Ohio to a 61-59 victory over No. 6 Ball State at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.

With the win, Ohio (14-7, 11-6 MAC) moves on to the MAC tournament semifinals, where it’ll meet No. 2 seeded Central Michigan on Friday. Johnson’s recovery over the next 36 hours will play a major role in the Bobcats’ chances against the Chippewas.

It’s unlikely Johnson will be 100%, but she has to get as close to it as possible.

Johnson’s knee bothered her throughout the entirety of Wednesday’s game, mostly in the first half. Her rhythm was all off. She didn’t make a shot, she was slow up the court and Ball State took advantage. At the half, Ball State led 27-23.

Up to that point, Ohio guard, MAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year CeCe Hooks was doing all she could to keep Ohio into the game. Ball State’s defense was

crafty and continuously made Hooks settle for 3-pointers, one of the weaker elements of her game.

With Hooks slowing down, somebody was going to have to come through for Ohio, or the Bobcats would be sent packing. Johnson wasn’t ready to go back to Athens.

In the third quarter alone, Johnson hit four 3-pointers. She barely had the mobility to take her defender off the dribble, but her soft touch was back. And while the Bobcats cheered at the re-emergence of their star, the Ball State sideline groaned.

“She hit a couple stepbacks that were stupid,” Ball State coach Brady Sallee said after the game. “You’ve got to tip her hat to her for hitting those shots because she’s a great player.”

Even though Sallee didn’t forget how dangerous Johnson could be, the redshirt junior had to remind everyone Wednesday night that she is still one of the best players in the

Erica Johnson (#4), of Ohio, dribbles the ball between her legs during Ohio’s game versus Liberty on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020, in The Convo. Ohio won 76-72. (ANTHONY WARNER | FOR THE POST)

18 / MARCH 11, 2021

conference. It was difficult for her and Ohio coach Bob Boldon to keep her out throughout the final stretch of the regular season.

Boldon had a plan, though. And now it’s coming to fruition.

“There was a plan in place a month ago to get her to this day,” Boldon said. “We knew we would have to make some sacrifices along the way.”

Those sacrifices included losing out on the opportunity for MAC accolades. Johnson considered herself blessed to be selected to the MAC All-Conference Third Team, yet on a regular year, she should be in the running for Player of the Year. None of that matters as Ohio makes another run at a MAC Championship.

So when Johnson was finally cleared off her minutes restriction by the team doctor Tuesday, she knew that she had to make the week count.

Despite the pain.

“With me being on a minutes restriction during the Miami game, I thought I could never get going,” Johnson said. “Without that minutes restriction came those first half misses, but I could grind it out and get back into the flow of the game.”

And flow she did.

Johnson said the pain in her knee was with her for all 36 minutes that she played, but once she found her rhythm, her confidence took her mind off the aches. She was able to once again play without worry.

“Erica’s third quarter is what Erica does,” Boldon said. “She did it in Cleveland two years ago. The Friday game against Miami, she was spectacular. Last year against Western (Michigan), she was spectacular. That’s just who she is. She lives for these moments.”

Johnson hopes her third try at a MAC title will be the one that finally ends with Ohio hoisting the trophy. Two seasons ago, Ohio lost in the championship game. A year later, the tournament was canceled the day after their quarterfinal win over the Broncos.

Johnson’s not going to let another thing stand in her or the Bobcats way.

“Last year was our year,” Johnson said. “We were rocking; we were rolling; we were figuring it out … It was unfortunate that COVID hit and just spiraled out of control. We’ve got set on now knowing that we’ve been dealing with this pandemic for almost a year now. Things are a little bit set in stone, and the future is a little more promising. It’s in our hands. It’s not in anybody else’s hands, so we’ve just got to get it done.”

@JL_KIRVEN JK810916@OHIO.EDU

TRE’S TAKE

The power of music over mental health TRE SPENCER is a freshman studying photojournalism at Ohio University Music has a huge impact on people’s well-being and their lives. Without it, life would be nothing short of a challenge. Consider a reality without your favorite artist or song, a reality without the outlet of music.

These are the thoughts that arise when discussing how much power music can have over mental health.

Music is a very broad term to describe the sounds and rhythms that make our hearts beat and our feet move. There are many different genres and subcategories of music, ranging from math rock to ska jazz. There are numerous different platforms where listeners can enjoy their favorite artists and songs, including Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, iHeartRadio and SoundCloud.

Interestingly, as broad as music may seem, it is one of a few things that can bring the world together.

There are numerous musical communities and subcultures that share common connections between many artists, genres and fans. We all love this sense of community and fellowship. It’s what we, as humans,

strive off. We are social beings. Humans are inherently social, and surrounding yourself with other people who you have a connection with can vastly improve your mental health.

Immersing yourself in your favorite artist’s music or favorite album can have numerous positive effects on your well-being and mental health. Music helps with cognitive performance, reducing stress levels, weight loss, memory, sleep, motivation, mood levels, endurance and depression and anxiety levels.

Specific types of music can also have huge effects on our moods and how we are feeling. Genres like classical or meditation offer the greatest mood-boosting benefits while other genres like heavy metal or techno are ineffective and detrimental to the moods of most.

Of course, all of this really depends on what type of music you favor or what you were surrounded with as a child. Everyone is unique, and we all have our similarities and differences.

Given the opportunity to ask some students at Ohio University their thoughts about music and how it makes them feel, it was surprising to see just how large of an impact music can really have over someone’s livelihood. ‘’Music has always been a part of my life, and I love to play different genres of music,” Nicholas Hock, a

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freshman studying business, said. “For example, alternative or country music helps me focus while I am trying to focus, but I will play hip-hop/rap when I need to get motivated.”

Hock provided his thoughts on the power of music and shared how he listens to different types of music depending on the situation. ‘’One of my favorite artists to listen to is J. Cole. J. Cole has both chill and upbeat music, so I can listen to him whenever I am studying in the library or lifting at the gym,” Hock said. “Since his music is so diverse, I feel like I can listen to him in whatever mood I am in.’’

Considering all of the ways that music can positively influence one’s mental and physical health and how it can bring many different types of people together, it is safe to say music matters.

Tre Spencer is a freshman studying photojournalism 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 Tre know by tweeting him @ trerspencer1.

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10 mellowing songs for when stress is taking over BRE OFFENBERGER COPY CHIEF As the middle of the semester — which tends to harbor more stress than usual — approaches, it’s easy to find yourself lost. Midterms are overwhelming, you’re most likely burnt out and the end seems to be nowhere in sight. A good way to combat this is by carefully choosing what music you listen to because, as we all know, music is the key to enhancing moods.

The great thing about music is there is so much of it, and it affects people in vastly different ways. There’s no denying, however, that sweet, mellow tunes are always reliable for replacing stress with warmth. Here is a playlist of 10 mellowing songs that are bound to help you simmer down, take a breath and fully relax:

“SMOKE SIGNALS” BY PHOEBE BRIDGERS

The guitar oozes with pacifying elements, softly rumbling alongside Bridgers’ gentle but oh-so beautiful vocals and otherworldly strings. It’s like stepping into a resurfaced memory, being embraced by the tranquility of early childhood. This, however, is just one of Bridgers’ many soothing tracks.

“SUNSETZ” BY CIGARETTES AFTER SEX

Though dream pop band Cigarettes After Sex has been lauded for all of its ethereal discography, “Sunsetz” and its twinkling guitars are perhaps the epitome of the entire genre. Frontman Greg Gonzalez’s airy vocals carry so much weight yet are able to release you of the anxiety bearing down on your shoulders.

“SLACKS” BY VALLEY

While the bulk of the production is bouncy acoustic guitars, there are bits of gentle drumming and ascension-inducing synths as well as harmonizing from co-vocalists Karah James and Rob Laska that is so gorgeous you’ll want to immerse yourself in it forever. The track is a perfect one to accompany you on a walk while you bask in the sun and get your mind off things.

“...FAMILIAR PLACE” BY LUCY DACUS

Somber guitars welcome the listener in, amplifying the power of Dacus’ rich pipes. The rhythm guitar jingles out all the leftover stress, leaving a relieved listener to run free while Dacus picks up the trepidation and throws it away.

“DREAMLAND” BY GLASS ANIMALS

The title is fitting — because this may be as close as we get to dreamlike feelings becoming a reality. Spacey synths fill the room immediately before commanding strings tag along as frontman Dave Bayley’s honeyed vocals make way, casting a dream of their own.

“AMERICAN DREAM COME TRUE” BY YOUNG MISTER

This track is another one that’s both mellowing and uplifting in all aspects. As the synths make their en-

20 / MARCH 11, 2021

trance, a wavy world of optimism forms before frontman Steven Fiore solidifies it by sweetly saying in the chorus, “There’s always tomorrow.”

“BEYOND LOVE” BY BEACH HOUSE

Basically any Beach House could rightfully be on this list, but “Beyond Love” finds frontwoman Victoria Legrand offering her most wispy vocal delivery and intricate storytelling to date. Not to mention, the synths will make you levitate, shooing you away from loud thoughts for a while.

“HEAVISIDE” BY CITIZEN

Prepare to percolate with mellowness instantly. Guitarist Nick Hamm is like a gentle hand guiding your brain out of the tumultuous swamp, while frontman Mat Kerekes breathes life back into your overwhelmed lungs, paralleling the feelings elicited by any relaxant.

“WARM GLOW” BY HIPPO CAMPUS

It’s easy to picture yourself in the countryside taking in the view while listening to “warm glow.” When the whole band joins in to reassure “People, we’ll be alright” as the synth continues to delicately roar, you’ll find

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER yourself really believing them. Plus, the outro is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking moments in all of music.

“BUPROPION” BY AFTERTHEPARTY

Aftertheparty may be begging for someone to take him “through every emotion,” but he’s doing the same thing to you with his silky voice and ultra-fine production of synths and bass. It’s a four-minute journey through the fluctuations of life — and one that is worth the ride.

This is a shortened version of the original playlist. For the full playlist, visit thepostathens.com.

@BRE_OFFENBERGER BO844517@OHIO.EDU

with this energy that’s resurfacing? At the end of the day, know you’re the only one you need to please.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22)

Suddenly, you are seeing things through a much wider lens. Your perceptions are widening, emotions are deepening and you feel yourself changing with the season. This season’s theme for you is attachment — deep attachment.

Sensitive and generous soul, ask yourself why it feels so good to be needed. It’s liberating to be honest with yourself. You know better than anyone that you can be so deeply attached and still feel so alone. Transition.

You’ll soon find the strength to break free from your own constraints. Who will you be when you realize there is absolutely nothing holding you back?

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)

ILLUSTRATION BY MALAYA TINDONGAN

Spring 2021 horoscope MADDIE BUSSERT FOR THE POST Pisces season is upon us, bringing dreamy, inspirational and intuitive energy. This season’s theme is all about fluidity and change for the better.

On March 3, Mars left slow and steady Taurus and entered quick and witty Gemini, encouraging all of us to act on what inspires us most. At this time, mental energy has shifted from slow- to fast-paced. You might have noticed your productivity has increased lately. Now, it’s time to gather your plan and put it into action.

The new moon in Pisces on March 13 will be the time of peak inspiration. Set your intentions and goals for this upcoming season before the 13th to effortlessly make them your reality.

This new moon could have everyone feeling sensitive, impulsive or, at worst, insecure.

At best, intuition could be heightened. It’s the perfect time to analyze: what is keeping you from cultivating the life of your dreams? Refine your future plans with a critical eye.

We end March with a full moon in Libra on the 28th. This will help us with thinking things through and likely bring balance and harmony to fruition. Ask yourself, what can you release to make space for new beginnings?

Here’s what’s in store for every sign for spring 2021:

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

Vulnerability heals. You won’t drown; you’ll feel refreshed. When you put your honest self out in the world, you’ll feel the

highest sense of empowerment. That piece of you — that only you know about — will still belong to you after you share it with others.

Communicate directly, and this spring will be abundant.

This season has the opportunity to be so refreshing for you. Put yourself out there, entirely. Make a point to be decisive this time.

Pick one route and stick to it. With vulnerability comes healing and that’s exactly what you need.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)

Affirm what you already know this season, Taurus. You are abundant, capable, whole.

Your potential to succeed in a way is terrifying to you. How powerful could you be if you let yourself? You know what you’ve been needing to release, and this season, it will happen. Effortlessly and naturally, don’t think any more about the “how.” Crack open your past, and let it go — forever. There’s no need to force anything. It’s scary to leave the past behind, but how powerful could you be if you let yourself?

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20)

With open arms and an open mind, you’re free to welcome back balance and stability into your life, Gemini. The opportunities that lie ahead are not only right in front of you, but they’re an arms reach away.

This spring is all about a deep reconnection to your mind, body and soul. Be very clear about specifics, and define everything you want down to the last detail. Truth will set you free. This season, you’ve found confidence in you that’s been buried in you for quite some time. What are you going to do

Leo, bold and radiant, this spring will bring a freshness you haven’t felt before. You’ve been aching for change. You’re desperate for it. If it hasn’t happened yet, you need to cultivate it. You will make it happen; you already are making it happen.

You’ve been ignoring your heart for so long, but finally, you will find resolution amid those built up emotions. Take back what’s rightfully yours, but don’t get confused. How much of what you do for others is actually for yourself?

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)

Change is a conscious decision, Virgo, so give yourself full permission to evolve. This spring, a question heavy on your heart has been answered. You already received your outside confirmation, so what more do you have to prove?

It is time for you to move forward and surrender to the process. Ask yourself what you struggle to accept. Are you the most authentic version of yourself? Your watered-down version will only leave you unfulfilled. Refine, refine, refine. A want and a need are two very different things.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22)

Clever, diplomatic, lovers of aesthetics, are you doing things solely for validation?

This season, stop playing it safe. Confrontation is scary, but you need answers. You need that fearless communication that you’ve been shying away from for far too long. You can’t change someone’s answer, but you can make peace with the truth.

Make yourself a priority again. Reconnect.

You’re backed with the strongest support system, but you know all the answers are inside of you. Temptations are high, but your roots run deep.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21)

Growth, advancement and realizations are on their way. Scorpio, your passion is contagious, your spirit is intense and your resilience makes you magnetic. Those around

you understand this, but do you?

You have people in your life who know you better than you know yourself. When you figure out your real path, then joy will come. But not until then. What if you didn’t care about anyone else’s thoughts of you?

Then you would be free to do exactly what you want. When was the last time someone around you pushed you to grow? That’s something you need to cultivate yourself.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)

Gentle and lovely, the spring air will fill your lungs, and once again, you’ll be able to breathe deeply. You’re becoming inspired again, too. Set aside your ego for a minute.

Pick it back up; it’s OK. You know you can get what you want very easily.

This season is all about breakthroughs for you. Daydreaming isn’t a time waster when you’re able to put your plans into action. Be social, and ready to be compassionate. You move with such grace that it’s no wonder people in your life cling to you so tightly.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)

Charming, relentless, old soul, do you have any idea how influential your presence is? You inspire those around you to be better, even if you don’t feel it. Your goals are never a matter of “if” but “when,” and right now, the timing is divine.

Feelings you’ve buried deeply within could resurface this spring, so trust yourself to act accordingly. This won’t be an issue as long as you’re standing on solid ground. Push toward your most inspired self. Ideas are one thing, but what matters is how you put them into effect.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20-FEB. 18)

Ethereal soul, who will you become now that this heaviness has faded? This season’s theme for you is peace and tranquility. What sets your soul on fire, and how can you do more of that?

Give yourself permission to prosper. Let your desires flow to you. You’re on a path toward fulfillment. The full moon at the end of the month will have you tapping into your innermost desires. And you’re ready for that change.

PISCES (FEB. 19- MARCH 20)

Dreamy, inspired, mystical Pisces, things have come full circle for you, haven’t they?

This spring will be a period of immense growth and realization. You still taste the past, and that’s OK. But change is inevitable, so why are you trying to fight it? Are you even aware that you’re fighting it?

Share more of yourself with the world.

You are loved and supported to blossom into your best self. You are destined to expand.

Take as much space as you need. Remember that escapism can become an addiction.

@BUSSERTMADDIE MB901017@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21

the weekender Athens County Public Libraries host programs, craft events KAYLA BENNETT STAFF WRITER

Athens Public Libraries have been keeping the people of Athens busy with various different crafts and activities hosted for all ages.

With the limitations of COVID-19, the libraries have had to host their crafts via program to-go bags. These bags contain almost all materials for a craft besides the basics, like glue and scissors. To-go bags are made for people of all ages and can be picked up at any of the Athens Public Libraries.

These include Athens Public Library, 30 Home St.; Nelsonville Public Library, 95 W. Washington St.; Chauncey Public Library, 29 Converse St.; The Plains Public Library, 14 S. Plains Road; Glouster Public Library, 20 Toledo St.; Wells (Albany) Public Library, 5200 Washington Road; and Coolville Public Library, 26401 Main St. “I’ve been really impressed and happy to hear other branches say, ‘Hey, I had a family call, and they need four bags –– can I have my numbers to 10 this week?’’’ Sarah Fisher, youth services librarian at Glouster, said. “I think not even just youth services but the staff overall has been responsive.”

There are many different crafting opportunities, and people can pick from a variety of options. All the libraries’ craft schedules can be found on the Athens County Public Libraries website.

With St. Patrick’s Day coming up Wednesday, March 17, the libraries are hosting various crafts during the week and next that can be taken home and continued into the weekend.

Athens is hosting take-home family movie night kits for locals. Nelsonville is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day orb takehome craft for adults over 50. Chauncey has plant hangers available to take home for people of all ages. The Plains, Glouster and Wells (Albany) are all having take-home crafts for younger kids and family. The craft allows children to make egg shaker pets.

The libraries have also been posting recorded storytimes on their Facebook. This opportunity allows for children to experience something remotely close to storytime in the library.

“We’ve been trying to send home elements of that storytimes in the bags so that they can experience it from home 22 / MARCH 11, 2021

Nelsonville Public Library located at 95 W. Washington St., Nelsonville, OH. (TRE SPENCER | FOR THE POST)

a little bit,” Lia Silver, youth services librarian at Nelsonville, said. “Especially if they wanted to pick up the bag and then tune into one of the recorded storytimes we’re doing, they can kind of have a whole storytime experience at home.”

The libraries believe it’s important for the children of Athens to still feel connected to the libraries and feel connected to the books.

The support for these activities from the people of Athens has been encouraging to the libraries and their staff.

The staff at the Athens County Public Libraries encourage anyone who has not tried out their craft programs to do so because there will always be something for everyone.

“It’s really fun. Everything’s really easy, and some of them you don’t even need a parent to do with you, and some of them you do,” Tessa Evanosky, children’s librarian at Chauncey, said. “If they are not sure what we have, they can always call their closest branch. Almost every branch has some kind of craft kit available, so they should definitely go and look.”

These different programs have been able to keep the people of Athens and the surrounding areas busy, and they will continue until the summertime because the libraries have more ideas and plans coming.

“We miss our patrons, too,” Deborah Parsons, in charge of adult crafts at Nelsonville, said. “We miss our group, and we’re gonna do whatever we can to keep our core busy and encouraged. When we are able to open again, we’ll do even more, but there’s a lot going on right now. Don’t give up.” @KKAYYBEN KB084519@OHIO.EDU

IF YOU GO WHAT: Athens Country Public Library crafts and programs WHERE: Athens County Public Libraries WHEN: Various times Monday through Friday ADMISSION: Free

WHAT’S GOING ON? Rethink impostor syndrome with Valerie Young; attend virtual theater production ISABEL NISSLEY FOR THE POST

FRIDAY, MARCH 12 Diversity & Inclusion Drop-In Career Corner at 10 a.m., hosted virtually by Ohio University’s Career and Leadership Development Center and Division of Diversity and Inclusion. Get help with career-related needs from career coach Tamika Williams. Sessions are often used to discuss resume feedback or to answer general questions about career development.

Admission: Free “Legacy: Don Adleta and Karen Nulf, 60 years of Graphic Design” at 12 p.m., hosted by The Kennedy Museum of Art, 100 Ridges Circle. View this exhibition that chronicles the creative ventures of OU graphic design professors Don Adleta and Karen Nulf. Before attending, complete OU’s coronavirus training, and schedule a visiting time via the Google Form provided by the Kennedy Museum of Art. Admission: Free with registration “Rethinking Impostor Syndrome: How to Feel as Bright and Capable as They ‘Think’ You Are” at 12 p.m., hosted virtually by OU’s AAUW student group, Graduate College, the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program and the Women’s Center. Attend this “surprisingly upbeat webinar” to learn about imposter syndrome and gain skills to address it. The program will be led by Valerie Young, an internationally recognized expert on impostor syndrome.

Admission: Free

SATURDAY, MARCH 13 ACC Offroad Park Open Ride at 8 a.m., hosted by Athens County Crawlers, 4751 Gun Club Road. Come to the ACC Offroad Park for an open ride.

Participants can bring Jeeps, trucks, buggies and SxS’s. Motorcycles and four-wheelers are not permitted.

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Athens Farmers Market at 9 a.m., hosted by Athens Farmers Market, 1002 E. State St. Shop for locally grown and locally made foods and goods at the farmers’ market. The market accepts SNAP, credit cards and wholesome wave. Masks are recommended, and social distancing protocols are in place.

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Admission: Free

SUNDAY, MARCH 14 “Women of Appalachia Project” Fine Art Exhibition at 12 p.m., hosted by the Dairy Barn Art Center, 8000 Dairy Lane. Explore art created by a diverse group of women. The “Women of Appalachia Project” encourages the making of art that shares artists’ culture and experiences, addressing issues of stereotypes and marginalization. Reservations to view the exhibit can be made through the Dairy Barn website.

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Admission: $5 or free for Dairy Barn members Day Hike at 1 p.m., hosted by Bobcats Well-Being and OU Campus Recreation at Sells Park. Explore the outdoors with Outdoor Pursuits in one of Athens’ local parks. Sign-up information is available via the Rec Shop’s website.

Admission: Free Lost Flamingo Theatre Company Presents: Tracks at 2 p.m., hosted virtually by the Lost Flamingo Theatre Company, or LFC. Join the LFC, OU’s original student-run theater organization, for its first virtual performance of the semester: Tracks. The production examines life, death and the unknown. Tickets can be purchased through AnywhereSeat.

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