March 17, 2022

OU students win national speech honors PG 6 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

Increasing

Awareness

Banding together to end the stigma around women’s health

Local nonprofit connects community with food PG 9

Three records, no team PG 17

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Celebrating ‘Post’ accomplishments amid a pandemic

ABBY MILLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Being a student journalist can be tough sometimes — really tough.

This year, we’ve seen sophomores join The Post after the COVID-19 pandemic upended most of their traditional freshman year experience. We’ve also seen freshmen new to the whole concept of college during a pandemic join our staff, and upperclassmen have adjusted back to the concept of in-person classes with some pandemic-induced changes. In one way or another, everyone on our staff is managing this whole “working through a pandemic” situation.

While it can be incredibly exhausting at times, it also makes our successes feel that much sweeter.

The Post recently took home awards from several competitions we entered. Relishing in these moments of success reminds us that despite the difficult circumstances we face right now, there is value and impact in the work we continue to do.

The 2022 Ohio Collegiate Awards were presented virtually Feb. 25 by the Ohio News Media Association, or ONMA. The Post came away with six different awards.

Our news staff received first place in news coverage, and our sports staff received second place for sports coverage. Addition-

ally, on the visual side, our photo staff was awarded second place in photojournalism, and our design staff placed second in the design category.

Individually, two Posties won awards as well. Post alumnus and former senior writer Grant Ritchey tied for first place in in-depth reporting for his series “Two Fires, One Pandemic.” Managing Editor Bre Offenberger placed third in headline writing for a review of Lucy Dacus’ album Home Video.

More recently, five Posties had the opportunity to travel to New York City over spring break to attend the National College Media Conference. While there, these individuals not only had the opportunity to represent The Post during the awards ceremony but also to attend sessions to expand upon skills in reporting, design and more.

Here, The Post won three awards. We received second in news delivery, third place for best overall newspaper and an honorable mention for best podcast.

The podcast recognized was ‘Yes Ma’am,’ which is hosted by Ashley Beach, Molly Burchard and Maria Monesi. On the podcast, the three hosts discuss women’s sports at OU and beyond. They’ve even had Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan on the podcast

as a guest.

Over the course of the year, it’s been a tough adjustment for some of us to get back into the swing of things. The newsroom is buzzing again, and things are moving at a faster pace than they were a year or two ago. But being recognized for our hard work reminds us to stop and smell the roses. Through all of the obstacles, Posties have continued to grow their skills, break news stories and make beautiful visuals to accompany articles. The hands-on, experiential learning that happens inside the walls of Baker 325 is worthy of recognition, and these awards remind us that amid difficult times, we’ve skillfully pushed forward.

Abby Miller is a senior studying journalism and political science at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions? Email Abby at am166317@ohio.edu or tweet her @abblawrence.

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY KATIE BANECK

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Abby Miller MANAGING EDITOR Bre Offenberger DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Geiger EDITORIAL NEWS EDITORS Emma Skidmore, Ryan Maxin ASST. NEWS EDITOR Molly Wilson PROJECTS EDITOR Taylor Burnette SPORTS EDITOR Jack Gleckler ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Ashley Beach CULTURE EDITOR Riley Runnells ASST. CULTURE EDITOR Kayla Bennett OPINION EDITOR Mikayla Rochelle ASST. OPINION EDITOR Hannah Campbell THE BEAT EDITOR Madyson Lewellyn ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR Emma Dollenmayer COPY CHIEF Anna Garnai SLOT EDITORS Anastasia Carter, Will Cunningham, Bekah Bostick, Isabel Nissley ART ART DIRECTOR Olivia Juenger ASST. ART DIRECTOR Trevor Brighton DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Nate Swanson PHOTO EDITOR Jesse Jarrold-Grapes DIGITAL WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brianna Lender AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Jack Hiltner ASST. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Claire Schiopota DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA Noah DeSantis BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Andrea Lewis MEDIA SALES Grace Vannan, Jamyson Butler 2 / MAR. 17, 2022

POST THE

ISSUE 19, VOLUME 112

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Local crime rates increase as weather gets warmer KENDALL WRIGHT FOR THE POST On a yearly basis, local crime rates rise with the temperature.

In Athens, the most active months for crime are March, April, September and October, Chief of Police for the Athens Police Department, Tom Pyle, said. These months also happen to be some of the warmer months on campus while students are still in school.

The most active days of the week for crime are traditionally Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The most active times of the day on weekends are typically between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m.

All types of crime increase, Pyle said, but the notable crimes are vandalism and order-maintenance type crime, such as drunk

disorderly conduct and fighting. Before COVID-19, disorderly conduct and underage drinking were frequently occurring crimes in the spring, especially because of fest season, Lisa Eliason, city law director, said.

Since many students were home in 2020 due to COVID-19, the number of students on campus is still climbing to its pre-pandemic rates. As of right now, the university is at around 75% of what residential student numbers were in 2019.

Along with outdoor partying causing an increase in crime, there’s also a large increase in commuter traffic on the weekends.

Outside of the OU community, crime still continues to rise in the warmer months.

Athens has a history for disorderly conduct by intoxication, Pyle said.

However, he said arrests are down for multiple reasons, such as a lack of jail space

and an effort to divert citizens instead of arrest them. Residential areas also commonly see crimes like vandalism, in addition to theft in the form of items being stolen off porches or from cars.

The 2019 APD annual report showed incident reports being highest in August, September and March. The amount of service calls to APD were in the thousands during the warmer months, compared to the high hundreds in the colder months. For example, APD received 1,170 calls in April 2019 and just 823 calls in December 2019.

“There’s no secret to it — people are out doing things,” Pyle said. “The nightlife picks up and it’s not as hard to walk home in 50 degree weather as 20 degree weather.”

@KENDALLKWRIGHT KW229520@OHIO.EDU

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NEWS BRIEFS

OU to end weekly asymptomatic testing requirement; City Council may offer new waste rate option SOPHIA YOUNG STAFF WRITER OU announces end of weekly asymptomatic testing requirement Ohio University announced Tuesday that it will no longer require students to perform weekly asymptomatic COVID-19 testing, effective Monday.

Gillian Ice, special assistant to the president for public health operations, wrote in a university-wide email that the decision can be attributed to declining infections and high campus vaccination rates. She also noted the university expects the change to increase the efficiency of its resources.

However, Ice encouraged students to get tested prior to Monday due to spring break travel.

The announcement came just two weeks after the university changed its masking policy to no longer require masks in most campus settings. They are still required in locations where distancing cannot be maintained, such as classrooms, labs and university transportation.

Student senate treasurer resigns following removal conflict

Former OU Student Senate Treasurer Simar Kalkat formally announced her resignation, effective immediately, on Monday.

Kalkat was initially removed nearly a month prior following a vote of no confidence in which voting members of the body were asked if they had confidence in Kalkat’s performance of her duties as treasurer. Kalkat was reinstated as treasurer a week later on Feb. 23.

Prior to the vote, former Chief Justice Hannah Fleming read a member’s anonymous statement, which alleged that Kalkat had misused her university purchasing card.

Kalkat stated in her resignation email that she had experienced issues with Senate prior to her removal, and the conflict surrounding it was the “cherry on top.” She also stated her dissatisfaction with how the organization handled things after the reading of the anonymous statement and believes that the executive officer positions and Senate needs to be evaluated.

structuring of the fire department staff.

The current one-can rate is $15.23 per month, which would be raised to $15.43. The two-can rate would go from $22.05 to $22.25 per household.

However, residents in one- to three-member households who do not produce two cans of waste would soon be able to opt in to the lower one-can rate. Any waste produced outside of the one-can capacity would be charged $5.25 per can. For every 100 residents who switch to the lower rate, the unit rates will be raised $0.20 to minimize impact to the city’s budget.

The Finance and Personnel Committee discussed a conversation with the city’s fire department to restructure staff. The proposed change would shift the department from three captains to one, with two captains’ expected departure in the near future. The plan also adds three additional lieutenant positions, an increase to six from the present three.

Athens City Council discusses potential waste rate change Athens City Council met in committees Monday and discussed the potential for a change in waste rates and re-

@SOPHIELISEY SY951319@OHIO.EDU

POLICE BLOTTER

Vehicle stolen, found abandoned; caller mistakes flashing light as Morse code signal MOLLY WILSON ASST. NEWS EDITOR Stolen and crashed The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a resident of Harrison Drive in Athens who said they had loaned their vehicle to a friend, and it was subsequently stolen.

The vehicle was stolen from McVey Road in Albany and found crashed and abandoned by the Ohio Highway Patrol.

Neither the caller nor the friend who had the car knew it was missing until it was found.

Sending signals Deputies from the sheriff’s office were dispatched to Trimble Township after receiving a report that lights were going on and off in a residence.

The caller thought someone may be using the lights as Morse code to send a signal that they may need help. Upon arrival, deputies did not notice a disturbance or emergency.

According to the sheriff’s office, the flashing was likely due to a faulty light.

“I gotta go” Deputies from the sheriff’s office were flagged down while out and were told there was a single-car accident on State Route 13 near Millfield.

The driver fled the scene and got a ride home. Deputies located him and returned him to the scene of the crash. The Ohio State Highway Patrol completed the crash investigation.

4 / MARCH 17, 2022

Off the road The sheriff’s office supported the Ohio State Highway Patrol in response to a vehicle that slid off the roadway on U.S. 33, which is near Peach Ridge in Athens.

The motorist was able to get back on the roadway with the assistance of the responding units.

Just kidding Deputies from the sheriff’s office responded to a breaking and entering report in Athens Township. The caller suggested the event was currently in progress at the time of the call.

When deputies arrived, they determined that the noise the caller reported was a local business loading its trucks.

“Where did he go?”

A deputy from the sheriff’s office responded to Gun Club Road in New Marshfield on a report of an intoxicated male.

The caller said the male had left prior to the arrival of the deputy in an unknown direction. Deputies could not locate him.

Stolen information A woman called the sheriff’s office to report her information was used to open a new bank account. There are no leads in the case, according to the sheriff’s office.

Party season Sheriff’s deputies responded to Doanville in response to a loud music complaint. The caller reported their neighbor

was playing music at a volume that obstructed the caller’s ability to sleep.

Deputies responded to the scene, and the neighbors turned down their music.

Blindspot Deputies received a report that a truck on Lottridge Road in Guysville was stopped in the middle of the roadway in an area that was hard to view.

The truck was moved prior to deputies arrival.

Shots fired The sheriff’s office received a report that gunshots were heard in Coolville.

Deputies arrived at the scene and sat stationary in the area but did not hear any additional gunshots.

“I think my car was stolen” A deputy from the sheriff’s office responded to a report of a car that was potentially stolen in the Coolville area.

The deputy spoke with the caller on the scene and was told they contacted a friend who had the vehicle and was now returning it.

@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU

Athens City racial equity, hairstyle ordinance, explained

Athens City Council Member At-Large Micah McCarey, seen at a city council meeting from Feb. 7, 2022, is leading the conversation around discussing race and language.

(ALAINA DACKERMANN | FOR THE POST)

MOLLY WILSON ASST. NEWS EDITOR

In late February, City Council passed an ordinance that expanded discrimination provisions within the city’s code and defined the process for which discrimination claims would be processed.

The ordinance further defines the term “race” under the Community Relations Commission’s definitions listed within the city’s discrimination code.

The updated definition extends race to traits such as hair textures as well as protective and cultural hairstyles that are historically associated with race.

The ordinance lists examples of such styles as braids, locs, cornrows, bantu knots, afros and twists.

Councilman Micah McCarey, D-At

Large, introduced the ordinance after Jordan Pazol, a 2021 Ohio University graduate, brought a California law — The Crown Act — to his attention in hopes something similar could be implemented in Athens. The Crown Act is an anti-discrimination law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of hairstyle and texture.

“I’ve known Micah for a couple years now and when he got elected (to) City Council, I wanted to look into what could be done on a city level to bring to him and be like, ‘Hey, I think this would be really cool to do in Athens.’ And I found this thing called the Crown Act,” Pazol said.

The Community Relations Commission, a volunteer body that ensures equality and harmony is maintained in Athens, is tasked with addressing any complaints that fall under the discrim-

ination code, Lisa Eliason, city law director, said.

“It is not new for the Athens Community Relations Commission to field discriminatory complaints,” McCarey said in a Council meeting. “However, in looking back through the minutes and notes from our Athens Community Relations Commission, this isn’t something that they have processed on many occasions, which I think reflects the awareness challenge that we’ll have to address through education.”

John Schmieding, chair of the commission, said after receiving a complaint regarding the updated definitions, the commission would likely try to mediate any situations by discussing them.

However, because the ordinance was recently passed, specific mediation techniques have not been discussed, he said.

“This will be a criminal case no different than a drunk driving case or domestic violence. You have to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt,” Eliason said. “Just because it’s a minor misdemeanor doesn’t make the burden of proof any less.”

Schmieding said if those remedies are not successful in addressing certain situations, the complaint would likely then be directed to APD. Eliason and the city law department would prosecute any cases if an APD investigation yielded enough information.

“I think having both of those as options is really good,” Pazol said. “I think there are times when it is an awareness thing, and there are certainly times when it is an act of malicious discrimination.”

Schmieding said the Community Relations Commission works closely with the city to hold community programs called “Food for Thought” through which the commission speaks with community members about issues of discrimination. He also said it is likely

the commission would hold a similar event to spread awareness about the new provisions so people know how to report a potential case of discrimination.

“I think part of what we would try to do is get some perspective from people who’ve faced that kind of discrimination before and let some of those stories get told,” Schmieding said. “I’m quite sure we would hold some kind of community program that would include discussion of that and might also include broader discussions about racism and impacts of racism.”

Micah said he knew of two potential complaints since the ordinance was passed, one of which is related to discrimination based on ability. The second complaint was from a community member questioning whether the protections would apply to their situation.

@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU

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Speech and Debate Success ALEX IMWALLE FOR THE POST Two members of the Ohio University speech and debate team won national titles over spring break in the Pi Kappa Delta Nationals tournament held in Orlando, Florida.

The national tournament, held March 10 through March 12, was hosted by the University of Central Florida. OU placed third overall in the competition with dozens of awards received by the end of the tournament, according to the team’s Instagram post.

The most notable of these honors were awarded to Nik Hinkle, a junior studying communication studies, and Abreanna Blose, a freshman studying journalism. The two placed first in their respective events and were deemed national champions. Additionally, this is both students’ first year on the speech and debate team.

Blose was named champion in one of her five events: “informative speaking.” The event asks its participants to deliver a 10-minute speech to a panel of judges. She explained that she began researching and writing her speech since fall semester and has been revising and editing it ever since.

Blose’s national-title-winning speech focused on the topic of involuntary celibates, or “incels”: heterosexual men who use their lack of sexual activity as an excuse to express sexism through violence.

“It really started with trying to find a subject that was relevant and timely, so something that audiences could relate to and could take as an issue,” Blose said.

Blose said she feels her speech will never be completed, even after it won first place nationally. She explained that she works extensively with her fellow teammates and Jennifer Talbert, the team’s coach and the John A. Cassese Director of Forensics at OU, to improve the speech in any way she can.

The tournament was Hinkle’s first in-person competition with the team. He won his first place award in an event called “discussion,’’ a seminar-style competition in which students hold a sophisticated conversation about a previously announced topic. The event was one of five that Hinkle participated in.

Though he is a new member to the team, Hinkle acknowledged he has a background in public speaking from his time on his high school’s slam poetry team, as well as the multitude of leadership positions he has taken over the years.

“They say public speaking is the number one fear in the world,” Hinkle said. “That does not apply to me.”

Hinkle said he has been working toward the tournament all year by studying discussion topics, attending the team’s weekly meetings and working one-on-one with Talbert.

6 / MARCH 17, 2022

Members from the Ohio University Speech and Debate Team stand present on February 28, 2022, outside of Scripps Hall in Athens, Ohio. The members pictured make up only a small portion of the entire team, who are not all pictured. From left to right: Tori Smith, Breanna Reidle, Anthony Banks, Soren Starkey, Em Marlow, Katie Gold, Mackenzie Joseph, and Adam Cahoon. (PEARL SPURLOCK | FOR THE POST)

“She gets into the nitty gritty so that by the time we have a tournament, everything is so polished that it’s almost hard not to do well,” Hinkle said. “I think the results really speak to our level of preparation.”

Hinkle said working toward tournaments like the national competition requires an immense amount of work. He said speech and debate is the organization he devotes the most of his time to.

“It’s very much like being on a sports team,” Hinkle said. “You have to dedicate that time to practice, and it’s a lot.”

Though Hinkle is proud of himself for finding major success so soon after joining the team, he said he doesn’t view his accomplishments as an individual effort.

“I have a hard time owning that success personally,” Hinkle said. “I wouldn’t be succeeding at the level that I’m succeeding at without the support of my coach and my team.”

After she found out she won her category, Blose said she had the opportunity to perform her speech one last time in front of a large group of people, including her personal support system: her team.

“Seeing my team there and having that

consistent support is so validating,” Blose said.

Grace Lach, a senior studying biological sciences and communications, is the grievance and wellness officer of the team. She said she was happy she had that opportunity to observe Blose’s speech during her showcase.

“I was really excited to get to see her because I hadn’t seen her do her info yet, and it was phenomenal,” Lach said. “It was clear why she got perfect scores.”

Lach said the discussion event requires a very personable and comfortable demeanor, words she believes perfectly describe Hinkle, so it makes sense that he would excel in the event.

“That’s right in Nik’s wheelhouse because he’s really good at making people feel heard and seen and included in the space,” Lach said.

Because they both recently joined, Lach said she was pleasantly surprised to see Blose and Hinkle do so well, though she never doubted they could succeed on a national level. She added that it was enjoyable to observe the two take in the experience for the first time and feel the rush of competing

in-person.

Hinkle thinks highly of his teammates and said he acknowledges the lengths of success they accomplished through all of their hard work. He said he feels privileged to be a member of a team full of overachievers who work hard for what they care most about.

Additionally, Blose said she attributes much of her success, along with the team’s success, to Talbert and the upperclassmen members who have always set a clear example of the importance of speech and debate.

The OU speech and debate team will conclude its competition season with its upcoming tournament hosted by Illinois State University, April 14 through April 18, Blose added.

Hinkle said the team will ride the high of the spring break tournament, along with the upcoming Illinois tournament, into the organization’s future semesters.

“Everybody on the team is already thinking about what speeches they’re going to write next year,” Hinkle said. “We’re excited to finish strong, and we’re excited to get started again.”

@ALEXIMWALLE AI687120@OHIO.EDU

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Put on your pajamas and join Athens Sunrise Rotary for The Pajama Party Murders, an audience participation mystery at Stuart’s Opera House!

Bartholomew T. Cosmo, creator of the world famous Cosmo Inflatable Neck Pillow, has died. He leaves behind five family heirs and a fortune worth millions... or is it billions?

Cosmo’s trusty attorney, Harvey T. Pettibone has been tasked to collect the true heirs with the help from Lola McMartin, the housekeeper.

In order to inherit the Cosmo fortune the heirs must be prepared to survive the night at Cosmo Manor. But for those who do not make it through the night we need your help to figure out whodunit!

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OU students discuss COVID-19 vaccine exemption OU’s exempted individuals make up around 8.5% of the Athens student, staff population ALEX IMWALLE FOR THE POST Following last semester’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, Ohio University has approved a total of 2,078 exemptions among its students and faculty across all campuses.

OU’s exempted individuals make up 8.5% of the Athens student and staff population, according to OU’s website.

Gillian Ice, special assistant to the president for public health operations, said unvaccinated individuals are still asked to participate in weekly asymptomatic testing, even if they are not in a residence hall. Additionally, Ice said the isolation and quarantine protocols remain consistent among all students, including unvaccinated individuals who have received an exemption.

According to a previous Post report, the exemption categories available on the application included religious, moral and medical concerns.

Ice added students and staff seeking a medical exemption were asked to provide medical documentation.

Sarah Hartman, a freshman studying pre-nursing, received a vaccine exemption last semester because she believes the university should not be able to make the decision for her.

“It’s not that I don’t believe in it,” Hartman said. “It’s just the fact that I don’t think it’s necessary … If I don’t want to get it, I shouldn’t have to, and I’m glad that they let me exempt it.”

Hartman said she did research on COVID-19 to fully understand the virus, so she could provide strong enough reasoning in her exemption application. She said she was asked to write an essay outlining why it was important for her to not receive the vaccine and, after her submission, she received her exemption in about two weeks.

“It took me two to three days to actually write it down because I (didn’t) want to get denied,” Hartman said. “I really took the time to plan out what I was gonna say.”

Hartman appreciated the quick responses from OU COVID-19 Operations, and she said she felt her concerns had been recognized during the exemption process.

“I was really happy that they actually go through your letters and actually take time to think about if they’re a good choice to be exempt,” Hartman said.

Hartman confirmed she is required to get tested weekly and added when she 8 / MARCH 17, 2022

missed a week of testing, the university emailed her saying she would lose privileges to several campus facilities until she completed her test.

Seth Janssen, a freshman studying mechanical engineering, applied for the exemption last semester due to medical concerns and was denied.

In addition to a flu shot allergy, Janssen has a ventricular septal defect — a heart defect that might affect a person’s breathing, according to the Center for Disease Control and prevention. Janssen said his conditions made him nervous to get the vaccine.

Janssen said his doctor helped him write his exemption and advised him the COVID-19 vaccine could have negative effects on him if he received it.

Despite his doctor’s warnings, Janssen said the COVID-19 Operations instructed him that it was safe for him to receive the Pfizer vaccine and that his application for exemption was not valid.

Janssen submitted his initial exemption application a month before the due date.

After quickly having the application rejected, he submitted another that yielded the same result.

When it came time for him to receive the first dose of the vaccine, Janssen said he experienced multiple significant side effects.

“Right after I got the shot, I passed out for a good 15 minutes,” Janssen said. “I remember my heart hurting for like a week straight, but then that settled down, and I had to go get the other one. Same issues.”

Janssen said he was frustrated with the way OU handled the exemption process because he observed others receive exemptions for non-medical concerns while he continued to be denied.

“Some of the reasons weren’t half as good as mine, and they were getting exempt,” Janssen said. “I’d say they’re giving out way too many exemptions.”

Finally, Ice said there are a small number of unvaccinated students who failed to receive an exemption. Though some of those individuals are fully online and the vaccine mandate does not apply to

them, Ice said there are still some students on campus who have neglected getting the vaccination despite not having an exemption.

“We have a couple hundred other people who we’re working with to get them into either applying for an exemption or uploading their vaccine,” Ice said.

Janssen said he believes it is unfair that there are still unvaccinated individuals on campus who did not receive an exemption, and he called on the university to take action.

“There’s a lot of people that didn’t want to take it, and then it was kind of required,” Janssen said. “I feel like those people should be sent home.”

@ALEXIMWALLE AI687120@OHIO.EDU

Community Food Initiatives works to grow winter food supply CARMEN SZUKAITIS FOR THE POST The Athens nonprofit Community Food Initiatives, or CFI, connects the world with food by ensuring communities have equitable access to healthy and local food. CFI works alongside local farmers and gardeners to provide the freshest food to those in need.

Currently, CFI is being featured on the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s Cause Connector giving site. Cause Connector connects donors to local nonprofit projects in Appalachian Ohio.

Community members can donate online until April 8 to support CFI’s “Growing Our Winter Food Supply” project.

Maribeth Saleem-Tanner, executive director at CFI, understands the impacts of Cause Connector. She said preparing the winter food supply is essential for CFI, farmers and the community.

“As one might expect in the winter, the donation side of (CFI) goes way down because people are not harvesting or growing a lot of food in the winter,” Saleem-Tanner said. “So, normally, the food

that we purchase is enhanced and supplemented by everything people donate.

And so in the winter, we kind of have to rebalance that, and we want to have funds to invest with growers so that we can be consistent all year long or more consistent — because people are still hungry in February and still want fresh food in February, not just in September.”

Starting the process early of saving funds allows for creating plans with farmers so they can effectively meet their partners’ needs.

Susie Huser, director of outreach at CFI, said it’s important to support local farmers and community members during the winter months.

“Our food supply at donation station historically (and) drastically dropped during the wintertime. During peak produce season, we have plenty of food to share with all of our food pantry partners,” Huser said. “Everybody knows that people don’t stop eating during the wintertime. So, we have been trying to address that gap in our supply by supporting the farmers who want to do extended season growing, specifically, raising money to buy

local food during the winter.”

CFI aims to raise $7,000 on Cause Connector for the “Growing Our Winter Food Supply” project. Saleem-Tanner said if it fulfills that goal, it will supply food pantries and meal programs during the next season without limitation.

“It will directly mean that our ability to serve pantries and meal programs in the next year, and the next season will be stronger,” Saleem-Tanner said. “We can plan, and we can know that any pantry, any program that wants to work with us, we can continue providing them food all through that winter season. So, that ability to not have to ration or not to limit our services in the winter months when we have fewer donations, knowing that we have funds, and we can plan ahead for that. That will make a difference in who and how many people we can serve.”

Huser said volunteering is another way to get involved with the various ongoing projects of CFI. “We use volunteers to do a lot of the work that we do and use volunteers in many different ways,” Huser said. “Other than the donation station, we have com-

munity gardens, and we have school gardens. We have another area of programming called Nourishing Networks, and we have Veggie Van, and we have events going on six days a week, sometimes more than one event. So, if people are interested in volunteering, that is an amazing way to help out.”

Other than donating and volunteering, one can shop locally to support our community farmers. Reggie Morrow, donation station manager at CFI, understands the importance of supporting local farmers.

“Always buy local; if you see a farmers’ market, get it there,” Morrow said. “Go to a local grocer instead of going to Kroger or Walmart. Not only are you able to support local farmers, but you can support local vendors and local businesses as well in using their services.”

@CARMENSZUK CS032018@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9

Importance of Jewish holiday Purim heightened in light of Ukraine invasion LAUREN SERGE STAFF WRITER At sunset on Wednesday, the Jewish holiday Purim commenced, which celebrates the strength and resilience of the Jewish people after a brutal attack on their existence.

The holiday recognizes the survival of the Jewish people who, in the 5th century B.C.E, were nearly killed by genocide by Haman, an advisor to the king of the Persian Empire.

Haman wanted the Jewish people dead because of the rabbi Mordechai’s refusal to bow down to him. In Persia at this time, bowing before the king’s advisors was custom, so Mordechai’s refusal to do so deeply offended Haman, which led him to not only wanting Mordechai dead, but the Jewish people in Persia as a whole.

Levi Raichik, the rabbi and director of Chabad Student Center at Ohio University, said Haman’s plot to kill the Jews was stopped by the actions of Esther, the Queen of Persia, who, coincidentally, was Jewish.

“Once the Jews were all in danger of being annihilated, she (Esther) came out

as being Jewish, and worked to stop the plot,” Raichik said. “It still entailed a huge battle; the Jews had to fight off their enemies. There was a massive war. The Jews killed 75,000 anti-Semites. And then, the next day, they declared a holiday of Purim.”

While Purim has been celebrated for centuries, Raichik said it takes on particular significance this year, amid Russia’s war on Ukraine, drawing similarities to past conflicts.

“The main interesting thing is that (President of Ukraine Volodymyr) Zelenskyy is Jewish,” Raichik said. “He was not as open about it… but once things became dangerous, he started talking much more openly about being Jewish, and calling on Jews around the world to help, and also calling on the state of Israel to help in the struggle as well. So that’s an interesting thing, the parallels between Zelenskyy … and Queen Esther of Persia.”

The significance of those parallels, Raichik said, is that they emphasize the resilience and continued perseverance of the Jewish people during times of distress.

However, despite the heavy nature of the event the holiday commemorates, the

holiday itself is a joyous and celebratory occasion, often involving gift exchanges, known as “mishloach manot” in Hebrew, dressing up in costumes and having a feast among friends.

Alexa Gudelman, a sophomore studying environmental biology, said the whimsical and nostalgic aspect of the holiday makes it an enjoyable and memorable event.

“Growing up, it was a super fun thing for my community and my family to get involved with because there would always be a service at my temple, and then we’d have a big carnival party,” Gudelman said.

“It was always something that I could look back on and remember as a positive thing.”

Rebecca Lee, a junior studying nutrition, went to a private Jewish school while growing up. During that time, Lee said it was exciting to take part in the celebrations as a young child and hold onto those memories as she has gotten older.

“Purim is important to me, mostly because of the community aspect,” Lee said.

“And being with my family and how I was raised and how Judaism was a part of my life ever since I was really young.”

At Chabad, the celebration on Thursday includes a reading of the story of Purim

from The Book of Esther, known as Megillah in Hebrew, a feast and offering gifts of food to friends. Raichik said the celebration is particularly entertaining for Jewish students in college.

“Here in college, the main emphasis is on the feast part of it,” Raichik said. “We have a big massive party (which is) the highlight of the year for the Jewish students at OU.” For the celebration on Thursday, Lee is excited to experience the holiday from a new perspective and celebrate among close friends at OU. “I’m looking forward to reminiscing on how I used to celebrate when I was a kid, but as an adult,” Lee said. “When I was younger, I didn’t really understand the meaning behind the celebrations. I’m excited to hang out with my friends and be more in touch with my Jewish roots.”

@LAURENESERGE LS351117@OHIO.EDU

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Community herbalists talk health benefits of medicinal herbs, fungi HANNAH CAMPBELL ASST. OPINION EDITOR ARTS/West, 132 W. State St., is known for holding a wide variety of classes for residents in the area. Now, the people of Athens can get educated on uncommon ways to better their health and spirituality.

Samwise Raridon, clinical community herbalist, is the owner of Self Heal Herbs and teaches classes in the area on medicinal plants and herbs as well as how they promote health and vitality.

Raridon, who uses they/them pronouns, initially began their career as a political organizer. Raridon became sick during their work and started using tumeric to improve their health. They continued to study herbalism and healing with plants over the past five years and ultimately created the organization.

To share their knowledge, a class was held at ARTS/West on Wednesday, March 16. There was no fee to attend, though there was a $10 to $20 suggested donation for the class.

Raridon said they wanted to make the class easily accessible to residents and not charge a fee for attending.

“It’s important for me to have educational offerings that don’t have a cost barrier for folks because herbal medicine is people’s medicine,” Raridon said. “And it’s important that folks know what resources that they have, especially when they have difficulty getting care.”

Raridon said they chose to use mushrooms in the class because the plant represents vitality and is very powerful to one’s physical and spiritual health.

“Mushrooms as creatures are amazing,” Raridon said. “This idea that this mushroom can be supported deeply to the immune system, deeply to our spirit, is something that I’ve witnessed with my own body as something that’s been really … beneficial, especially in times of stress.”

Erika Galentin is a clinical herbalist at Sovereignty Herbs, 7247 N. Coolville Ridge Road. The organization’s motto is “plants change lives,” with its mission being to provide herbal education and wellness coaching in the area.

Galentin said the classes Raridon is teaching are great and an amazing opportunity for residents to become educated on how to benefit their health.

“It is wonderful and inspiring to learn how we can help ourselves and our bodies using tools like medicinal mushrooms,” Galentin said in an email. “Having classes like this being offered to the residents of Athens is empowering to our community and supportive of community health and wellbeing.”

While medicinal herbs and plants are not traditional medical treatments, Galentin does not refer to them as “alternative medicine” because their function is the same as traditional medications.

“Herbs, like nutrition and movement, are tools for wellness,” Galentin said.

“And all people should have access to the tools they need to forge their own wellness journey.”

Galentin also emphasized the importance of education on medicinal herbs

and plants as well as the importance of users not to solely rely on them for health treatments.

“We must get away from the idea that herbs or medicinal mushrooms are going to fix things for us, like pharmaceuticals or surgery can,” Galentin said. “It needs to be accompanied by nutritional and lifestyle practices that also support our wellness.”

Raridon agreed in combining Western medicine methods with herbal and plant medicine. They also emphasized how people of different economic and geographic backgrounds have different options than others.

“If there’s a way we can support our health and well-being in addition to what is offered in those settings, I think it’s really important that we have options and we know about them,” Raridon said. “It would

be great if everyone had access to what they needed, no matter what social position they were in.”

Raridon said there may be people who are skeptical of these medical treatments and that different people will have different experiences depending on their own bodies and spirits.

“Just try it yourself, and see what you notice,” Raridon said. “Ultimately, the real proof is in trying it for yourself and just seeing how that sits for you and your body.”

@HANNAHCMPBELL HC895819@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

Importance of Options and Access CLAIRE SCHIOPOTA ASST. AUDIENCE EDITOR Women’s health care resources in Athens are continuously discussed by individuals throughout the Ohio University student population and local community.

While accessing care can be challenging enough, there is also a lack of knowledge about the resources available in and around the area. Students and community members alike have tried to increase awareness over time and continue progressive conversation on the topic.

Patricia Stokes, an associate professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies, said there are levels to women’s health care in Athens and elsewhere in the U.S. “There’s the political level, and at the political level, a lack of control over one’s reproductive capabilities is something that is not just a matter of health care, it’s a matter of women being able to live full lives or other natal female people being able to live full lives,” Stokes said. “Without that, you’re in some ways either at the mercy of your body, or you’re basically never going to have sex.”

Mady Nutter, a senior studying journalism, is a health ambassador for OU, a cohead of sexual health and healthy relationships committee for Power/Gamma and a peer health educator with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. She frequently discusses reproductive health with students.

“I do think that reproductive health, being so often neglected or stigmatized as a health field, people are probably pretty hesitant to ask those kinds of questions, to know where the resources are,” Nutter said. “We have a good number of resources for people to utilize, but definitely awareness could always be increased, as well as the resources themselves could always stand to be improved or funded more thoroughly.”

The stigmatization of reproductive health care has also been a deterrent for women’s accessibility to care in Athens and the state of Ohio. In a report by American Progress, Ohio ranks 30th nationally for the women’s health care factors, the report analyzed. Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease that can cause permanent damage for a women’s reproductive system, has increased 5% from 2018 to 2019 in females ages 15 to 44, according to America’s Health Rankings by the United Health Foundation.

Lucy Bucher, an obstetrician-gynecologist, or an OBGYN, at OhioHealth Physician Group Heritage College and Senior 12 / MARCH 17, 2022

Director of Clinical Affairs at OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, said she receives many patients who carry their past trauma and health care experiences with them, which is especially prevalent in gynecologic care.

Stigmatization has also been prevalent for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals who seek care options, Bucher said, though O’Bleness works to make a comfortable environment for everybody seeking care.

OhioHealth Campus Care is often the closest source for students at OU seeking medical assistance. The facility hosts both urgent and primary care, which include gynecological care and sexually transmitted infection testing, according to OhioHealth’s website.

“I think that Campus Care could improve specifically by asking more sensitive questions that avoid heteronormativity that make it less uncomfortable for the student to have to explain the fact that no, they’re not pregnant, because they’re not having penetrative sex,” Olivia Tenoglia, a junior studying environmental studies and

women’s, gender and sexuality studies, said. “Addressing heteronormativity is an overarching issue with health care in general.”

In addition to those resources at the university, menstrual products can be found in Baker University Center and Alden Library provided through Aunt Flow, a group with the mission of ensuring everyone has access to menstrual products.

The program was introduced in fall 2019.

According to a previous Post report, Aunt Flow has donated over 500,000 tampons and pads to OU. “I feel like students are fairly aware about it because it is in the main Baker bathrooms and then Alden,” Becky “Eliza” Ivan, a fifth-year studying political science pre-law and sociology-criminology and the president of Student Senate, said.

“But I feel like there’s not much awareness about other resources outside of menstrual products being in a few bathrooms on campus.”

As someone from the region, Tenoglia said she believes there are plenty of ser-

vices within Athens, though there needs to be more communication for the students to be aware of their options.

“They don’t have to go to Columbus or Cincinnati or Cleveland,” Tenoglia said.

“They can stay local, they can pick a bus, they can take a local taxi service to access these resources, but I just don’t feel like that’s communicated very clearly.”

OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital in Athens consists of two medical buildings along with the main hospital building.

Housed on the O’Bleness campus is the OhioHealth Physician Group, Heritage College Obstetrics and Gynecology Office.

The office may see over 100 patients a day in their facility, Bucher said.

The office provides resources from birth control to annual exams and pap smears, immunizations for HPV infection, pregnancy-related visits and STI testing.

This includes care for all ages, including menopausal and postmenopausal care, Bucher said. There is access to a surgery center at the hospital, as well as ultrasound machinery to provide breast imag-

are in need of pregnancy services or abortion services.”

The Pregnancy Resource Center of Athens County did not respond to The Post’s request for an interview.

Casa Nueva, a local Mexican restaurant located at 6 West State St., provides emergency contraception, or EC, at no cost to anyone in need with no questions asked. It was approached by Women Have Options Ohio, a statewide abortion fund, to begin the service.

“I don’t think many people know that we provide EC, but those who do have been very supportive,” Grace Corbin, Casa Nueva’s marketing coordinator, said in an email. “We’re glad to be able to help when help is needed.”

Though there are resources on and off campus for OU students, as well as for community members, there will always be a need for new resources and more awareness for women’s health care.

“These days, of course, we don’t just

ing.

Bucher said the hospital has payment plans for patients who have difficulty paying for care. From a student insurance perspective, students may be limited to seeing the physicians at Campus Care first, but then O’Bleness works closely with the primary care physicians for any referral where additional care is needed.

While O’Bleness Hospital has attempted to provide as much care as possible, it has partnerships with OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital and other Columbus OhioHealth facilities.

“We are still a community hospital,” Bucher said. “We lack high level neonatal intensive care, and that sort of thing. And those sorts of things are not probably going to be highly utilized in a community the size of Athens. So we try really hard to partner with the OhioHealth system hospitals and Columbus that have those services.”

Planned Parenthood, located at 1005 East State St., has been a valuable resource for students and members of the Athens community. It provides birth control, emergency contraception, HIV services, pregnancy testing and services, patient education and sexually transmitted disease testing, treatment and vaccination, according to their website. Services can

talk about reproductive health,” Stokes said. “We talk about reproductive justice as well, so a much more holistic understanding of people’s decisions to have a child or not have a child to be sexual or not be sexual; that people should have those freedoms, and that if they do choose to have a child that they’re able to raise that child or their family in safe circumstances.”

CS123719@OHIO.EDU @CSCHIOPOTA

range from around $30 to over $100, depending on what is needed.

The Athens facility does not contain an abortion clinic but gives resources and referrals for patients to seek abortions.

“Talking about how abortion is necessary if you’re going to have any real sense of autonomy and control over your over your future if you’re someone who can get pregnant,” Stokes said. “My feeling is that they (Planned Parenthood) don’t seek a lot of publicity because even though they don’t do abortions, they can still be targeted by protesters. And so I think they kind of try to keep a low profile and do their job.”

The Pregnancy Resource Center of Athens County, 77 East State St., offers pregnancy testing, ultrasounds and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, according to its website.

Bucher said the O’Bleness facility has received referrals from the center in the past. The center’s website said it pledges to give its patients accurate and evidence-based information, but Nutter said that isn’t the case.

“They look a lot like a reproductive health resource center, but they’re not medical,” Nutter said. “They don’t have to give you medically accurate information.

They kind of lure in vulnerable people who THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13

TRACKING TRENDS

“TikTokifcation” of female musicians causes controversy between fans, musicians ABBY NEFF FOR THE POST TikTok has changed the way people discover music. The social media platform has propelled the careers of artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Lucy Dacus and Clairo.

Despite the success, some fans believe the “TikTokification” of the “sad girl” trope of these female artists is getting old.

“TikTokifcation” can be defined as a “reduction” of nuance and complexity of something in order to make it digestible for TikTok users. Some argue the phenomenon pigeonholes female artists into the “sad girl” stereotype, which often diminishes the complexity of the experiences and emotions these musicians write about in their music.

In an article from Westword, Mitski, an Japanese American alternative sing-

er-songwriter, said her mixed-race identity influences her music creation. However, she doesn’t care for labels.

Owen Yates-Mcewan, a junior studying public health, said fans on TikTok have disregarded her biracial experience.

“Quite a lot of white fans are erasing her work about being an Asian woman,” Yates-Mcewan said.

Roosevelt Boone, a sophomore studying sociology and criminology, said it is hard to remember where certain trends come from, especially on TikTok. He said an example of this is the appropriation of African American Vernacular English, or AAVE, because it can be used by the wrong people who refuse to hold themselves accountable.

“People build their platforms off of that,” Boone said. “I think if you’re in a position where you have a lot of influence, that can create a lot of damage and send

the wrong message out to young people that are on TikTok today.”

In a YouTube interview with Crack Magazine, Mitski responded to a fan that tweeted her music is for “sad b—-es.” She said the “sad girl” trope became “reductive and tired” a decade ago.

Despite the controversy, some music artists actually support the discovery and community of music on TikTok. Phoebe Bridgers, an American indie singer-songwriter, said in a conversation with the music artist Beabadoobee in 2020 she believes the internet is an equalizer for musical success. She cited internet music platforms like Bandcamp that help music artists go viral.

“People need to discredit the music that teenage girls love or invented (as) why it’s cool,” Bridgers said.

Bridgers said that hating social media, and specifically TikTok, is classist.

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“So what if someone found music on TikTok? It’s accessible,” Bridgers said.

“Who cares if it’s an easy pill to swallow?

That’s what’s cool about it.”

@_ABBYNEFF AN251818@OHIO.EDU

Q&A: Power Clean Fitness Recovery Group founder envisions addiction support beyond traditional options ISABEL NISSLEY SLOT EDITOR Rick Weber believes that support for people recovering from substance use disorders can promote holistic wellness, using methods not incorporated by traditional options.

So, Weber, a Pomeroy resident, founded the Power Clean Fitness Recovery Group.

Partnering with WellWorks at Ohio University, Weber piloted the support group for people recovering from substance use disorders in 2019. The Power Clean Fitness Recovery Group convened in a WellWorks exercise room for one-hour workouts three times a week.

Participation in programming varied weekly, but most attendees were between the ages of 20 and 40, Weber said. He did not remember any OU students coming to group meetings but hoped to change that.

In fact, Weber said he envisioned several ways in which the Power Clean Fitness Recovery Group could be adjusted to better provide for attendees’ wants and needs.

However, he was not able to revise the program before the Power Clean Fitness Recovery Group unknowingly met for the final time in March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic halted group exercise classes indefinitely. Weber’s Power Clean Fitness Recovery Group has not met since then.

Now, two years later, Weber occasionally contemplates restarting the recovery group. Weber has big visions for the future of the organization, but he continues to let that deep-rooted care for providing addiction recovery support guide his actions.

The Post sat down with Weber to discuss the program and its start: THE POST: Are you still involved with the Power Clean Fitness Recovery Group?

It’s dormant right now because (we have) not been able to have group exercise stuff … but it was a great experience. The college basically sponsored me, gave me the space and paid for the trainers.

TP: How was the idea of the Power Clean Fitness Recovery Group born?

I had 14 years of uninterrupted sobriety while I was raising (my three kids), so I know a little bit about recovery firsthand in that, and then I read a lot of papers. I read recreationally, and basically spend a couple hours looking at AP, Reuters, New York Post, New York Times, Washington Post, Washington Times. The New York Times has a “Well” column. I just started reading it a lot. Different things popped out at me. They have found with heroin addiction, it takes normally six to eight

to 10 months for your brain to rewire itself. But, with exercise and a diet based on earth-based nutrients, you can cut that (time) in half. So, I found out all that then talked to Jenn Bennett (at WellWorks) about my ideas and put something together, and she backed me.

TP: You’ve mentioned group exercise as an essential component of Power Clean Recovery. Did you offer other programming as well?

Well, I had a lot of stuff planned, a lot of ideas, but a lot of things could not get to fruition because I didn’t have a big enough group of people. I wanted to have nutritionists come … in to try to re-educate (Power Clean participants) about eating fruits and vegetables and things like that.

I tried scheduling that, but what happens is people that are recovering addicts and people that are active addicts – I had people that are still using coming – so they’re there, but then the next Wednesday, (they say), “I got to see my counselor” or “I have to do that.” So, I was just in a posi-

tion where I didn’t want to invite people to come in and have (no Power Clean participants) there. Hindsight being 20/20, I would do so many things differently. It was like basically a one-man show.

TP: What aspects of Power Clean Fitness Recovery Group would you address differently if you had the chance to revive the program?

I need a partner, somebody to do the website, the social media and all electronic communications that I don’t have the skills for, and I’ll need to find somebody to take my ideas and run with (them). We’ve designed a program so it can go anywhere.

And one of the examples I used … in the redesign is that you could do it in a fire hall or you can use some yoga mats. The military has been training people with calisthenics for 100 years. You don’t need all kinds of equipment to exercise. It’s more to get together. I hoped it would evolve so we could do groups afterwards. It’s a fitness program, but it’s not like you need personal trainers for it. But that’s for the

future, if it happens.

TP: You started this because you wanted to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Do you think you were able to do that?

Yeah, as a matter of fact, my wife’s son now has 10 months of sobriety. He was one of the (people) that came to the class … and, well, if you save one life, isn’t it worth it?”

@ISABELNISSLEY IN566119@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 15

BASEBALL

Ohio powers past Marshall for 6-3 win ASHLEY BEACH ASST. SPORTS EDITOR It took an army — eight pitchers and a handful of hitters — to get Ohio its 6-3 win over Marshall on Wednesday. But, a win is still a win.

The Bobcats (7-6, 1-1 Mid-American Conference) slipped in the top of the first inning after Cole Williams singled to left field and gave the Thundering Herd an early one-run lead.

Marshall’s lead wasn’t much, but Ohio struggled to match it. In the second, third and fourth innings, Ohio went down without a hit and failed to put a run on the board.

Ohio came to its senses in the bottom of the fifth when Spencer Harbert hit a solo home run to lead off the inning. The hit tied the game and gave the Bobcats a clean slate.

The home run was Harbert’s fourth of the season. Harbert has a knack for launching balls over the outfield wall when Ohio needs it. “(I) just try to get the job done for my team and do my job in the middle of the order, and that’s driving runs,” Harbert said.

As Ohio rotated through its plethora of pitchers, it stalled Marshall’s (10-7-1, 4-21 Conference USA) scoring opportunities.

Ohio went through both veterans and freshmen to make the climb to victory.

The move was in order to get the bullpen time in a game setting before Ohio’s next conference series.

The relievers went to work, but so did the offense. Marshall brought in Nicholas Weyrich to pitch in the bottom of the seventh, but this move proved to be its downfall.

Weyrich gave up a single to Mason Minzey and a walk to Harbert to put two on for the Bobcats immediately. Harrison Johnson walked up to the plate with the intention to lay a sacrifice bunt, but there was no sacrifice to it. Johnson successfully laid a bunt and reached first base on a fielder’s choice after Marshall chose to throw to third. The throw was not successful, though, as it sailed past third base. The ball rolled into left field and both Minzey and Harbert scored to give Ohio the lead.

Ohio committed an error of its own in the top of the eighth inning to limit its 16 / MARCH 17, 2022

Ohio University right hand pitcher Eamon Horwedel (42) pitches the ball in the midst of Ohio’s match against Marshall University at Bob Wren Stadium in Athens, Ohio, on March 16th, 2022. (CLAY STARK | FOR THE POST)

lead to a single run. Third baseman Colin Kasperbauer overthrew first base in a double play attempt, and Marshall scored two runs from the error.

But that was no issue for Ohio.

Treyben Funderburg and Kasperbauer hit back-to-back singles and advanced on a wild pitch to put runners in scoring position. Once again, Johnson stepped to the plate and delivered. The redshirt freshman hit a two-RBI single to extend Ohio’s lead to three runs. “(The hit) felt really good,” Johnson said “I know we needed it. Coach (Craig) Moore talks about momentum and we needed that momentum swing to get us into the ninth.”

Ohio entered its eighth and final pitch-

er in the top of the ninth. Brett Manis gave up two walks to the Thundering Herd, but they never crossed the plate.

At the end of the night, the Bobcats tacked on their sixth nonconference win of the season. After a brief foray into MAC play against Northern Illinois, another win gave Ohio the chance to prepare its younger players for the remainder of its conference schedule.

“We were using (the underclassmen) more to get more depth going into our four-game sets on the weekends,” Moore said. “We’re doing what we feel we need to do to get them out there, put them in some situations, some spots where they’re going to have to pitch their way out of it.”

The Bobcats as a whole were able to

find their way out of sticky situations Wednesday. Everything came together for the Bobcats. Now, it’s a matter of whether they can stay consistent.

@ASHLEYBEACHY_ AB026319@OHIO.EDU

TRACK AND FIELD

Ohio’s men run for records and reinstatement BOBBY GORBETT FOR THE POST In the span of two weeks between late January and early February, three Ohio runners broke four program records that had stood for years. On Jan. 29, Josh Park shattered the program record for the indoor 5000-meter event by 10 seconds.

He’d break another record two weeks later after running the indoor 3000-meter event in 8:11.35.

Park wasn’t alone, however. In the time between his two record-setting runs, Tony Tonkovich and Wendesen King set program records of their own. King broke the 19-year-old indoor 800-meter record when he finished the event in 1:53.33, and Tonkovich broke a program record for the indoor mile that had stood for 42 years.

The trio’s record-shattering performances are a part of what has been one of the greatest turnarounds for Ohio’s men’s track and field in recent memory. It’s a drastic change from where Ohio’s runners have been over the past 15 years. In fact, for the past decade and a half, Ohio’s few men’s track and field athletes haven’t had a proper team to call their own.

In 2007, Ohio announced that it was dissolving its men’s track and field team, among several other teams. Factors including meeting Title IX standards, lack of competitive success and funding were among the primary reasons given. While men’s track and field had been the victim of other cuts leading up to the decision, including scaling back the number of scholarships provided, the discontinuation of the team sent shockwaves felt by those closest to the program.

Since that decision, Ohio has had to improvise. It organized an unofficial men’s team, with cross country runners participating in select track events. The runners

can attend five meets per season and set program records, but they are not allowed to compete in the MAC Championships.

By 2021, the Bobcats hit rock bottom.

The men weren’t able to compete in track and field meets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They had to sit on the sidelines as they watched their female counterparts break personal records, compete against other schools and participate in the MAC Championships.

But there was a light at the end of the long tunnel for the Bobcats. On July 28, 2021, Ohio announced that Sarah Pease had been hired as the coach of both the track and field and cross country programs.

The turnaround began immediately.

Pease quickly realized the potential many of the Bobcats held. Although a transition to shorter distance events might be difficult for some cross country runners, the coach helped them adapt, and her enthusiasm spread like wildfire.

“Some of these records are 40 years old, somewhere around there, which I think says a lot about what we have been able to accomplish,” Park said. “But at the same time, it reveals some underlying issues that we have historically had in the past. It’s kind of cool to overcome that and set framework for Bobcats in the future.”

The trio may be shattering records, but it comes at a cost. Runners for Ohio’s unofficial men’s team can only compete in five meets in association with the program per season. If any of the Bobcats want to attend other meets, they must participate as an unattached athlete.

While the unattached athlete rules allows the Bobcats to circumvent their fivemeet limit per season, it also means that they are paying out of pocket in order to get enough experience to break program records in the first place.

It’s a toll the Bobcats are willing to pay, and they’ve improved as a team because of that. But there is still a limit as to what the Bobcats can achieve. The MAC Indoor Championships passed in late February, and Ohio’s men’s team wasn’t present. The Bobcats stayed home and wondered what might have happened had they’d been able to compete.

“For us, there’s not really anything else to look forward to other than our times since there’s no competing in meets that actually matter like MAC Championships,” Tonkovich said.

Although the MAC Indoor Championships felt like a missed opportunity, Park and his teammates have a long-term goal in mind. Their ultimate goal — whether it

comes sooner or later — is the reinstatement of the men’s track and field program.

Park believes that the university could still meet Title IX requirements if the men’s team was brought back.

Park and the Bobcats hope that this recent streak can sway opinions in their favor. The chances are slim, but change might be brought about if the success can be sustained. If it is, the Bobcats may no longer be confined to just breaking records.

@GORBETTBOBBY BG238320@OHIO.EDU

more than 7,000 users read content created by THIS newspaper online ThePostAthens.com ...THIS WEEK THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

KAT TRACKS

ABBY ANSWERS

Foreign language classes should not be required by colleges KATIE TROTT is a junior studying creative writing at Ohio University.

Most colleges in the U.S. require that students take a certain number of years, usually two, of foreign language classes to be admitted. Currently, only 23 states do not have foreign language requirements to be admitted. In addition to the requirements to be admitted into a university, many colleges also require foreign language classes to be taken for graduation.

Since the majority of colleges require students to have experience in foreign language studies, it has become a controversial topic across the country.

Ohio University does not require previous experience in foreign language to be admitted. However, students in the College of Arts and Sciences “must complete a foreign language requirement by taking college-level courses or testing out of the requirement,” and “all candidates for a B.A. degree (must) successfully complete the 2120 college level of foreign language or equivalent.” This means that the general population of students at OU must take or test out of the equivalent of four semesters of a foreign language.

Studying a foreign language can come with a lot of benefits. According to the American Council of Trustees and Alumni or ACTA, studying a foreign language “helps students understand the dynamics of language, our fundamental intellectual tool, and enables students to understand another culture.” Foreign language studies can also provide enhanced memory and listening skills as well as advanced skills in other academic aspects.

Although students can benefit greatly from studying another language and the culture that comes with it, they will only obtain these benefits if they are not forced to take foreign languages by their school. Ultimately, these requirements force students into taking classes that they aren’t even interested in, which leads to students retaining less knowledge, especially since only 15% of students can converse on basic topics even after four years of foreign language classes.

In terms of OU’s requirement that all students in the College of Arts and Sciences take or meet the equivalent of four semesters of a foreign language, it is a waste of time and energy. If students are required to include additional language study, it comes

18 / MARCH 17, 2022

at the expense of something else, such as other classes and opportunities that could benefit their area of study and advance their future career.

The College of Arts and Sciences makes up a multitude of different majors, ranging from English to chemistry. Many students feel that their specific major, and their success in their respective fields do not require the learning of a different language. Additional classes outside a student’s area of study can also be stressful and costly, which is unfair since it does not further education.

A common argument for those in favor of mandatory learning of foreign languages is that American students will be able to catch up with their global counterparts. In comparison with the rest of the world, only 20% of American students are studying a foreign language compared to 100% in France and Romania, and 70% in the Netherlands.

However, this comparison should be disregarded considering that other countries are striving to learn English because knowing the language opens up a lot of job opportunities. English is typically the most helpful language to know when on the job search, and foreign languages rarely help Americans with job opportunities.

So, although learning foreign languages can be both a beneficial and fun experience, forcing students to take classes as a mandatory requirement offers no real benefits and causes stress. This takes time away from important classes and opportunities, and it can add unnecessary expenses to an already expensive education. Colleges should stop implementing foreign language requirements to be admitted and/or to obtain a degree.

Katie Trott is a junior studying creative writing at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Tell Katie by emailing her at kt008918@ohio.edu.

Foreign language is more than a class requirement ABBY NEFF is a junior studying journalism and Spanish at Ohio University.

I decided to add a Spanish major during the spring of my sophomore year at Ohio University. Originally, I only planned on getting a Spanish minor to supplement my journalism major; I couldn’t imagine the work it would take to receive a bachelor’s degree in Spanish.

When it came time to schedule for my junior year, I had already completed the required credit hours for my minor. I was surprised when I felt disappointed, and I realized I didn’t want to stop learning Spanish.

Without the requirement, college students would never be granted the privilege of learning a foreign language.

The foreign language requirement is not exclusive to the College of Arts and Sciences at OU. The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism requires at least two semesters of a foreign language to obtain a Bachelor of Science in journalism.

Taking a foreign language class is not a waste of time or energy, nor does it add extra expenses to a student’s tuition. At OU, students are required to complete 120 credit hours to graduate. Unless a student decides to take more than 20 credit hours in a semester, no additional fees will be added as a result of the foreign language requirement.

Additionally, learning a foreign language furthers not only a student’s education but also their career. A report published in 2017 by the New American Economy found the demand for bilingual workers is rising. The rise of international commerce has made learning languages, like Mandarin, crucial for doing business because about 1.05 billion people speak Mandarin worldwide.

A foreign language requirement for many, including international students, means learning English. The Ohio Program of Intensive English, or OPIE, serves students who want to “improve their English, prepare for academic study, and learn U.S. culture.”

The belief that requiring a foreign language creates an unnecessary burden threatens the existence of many language and linguistic departments at OU. The apathy projected toward the modern languages and linguistics departments

by OU’s administration is abhorrent. The university’s reputation as a liberal arts college is losing its integrity as the administration continues to lay off professors in the humanities discipline.

Molly Morrison, the only instructor of Italian in the department, came to Ohio Uni-

versity in 1997. When she arrived, there was only one other Italian professor in her department.

“I’ve always had someone to help me, some other person teaching, but now I’m by myself and that’s very demoralizing,” Morrison said. “It’s hurtful.”

Currently, the only languages that have a four-year undergraduate program in the modern languages department are Spanish and French. OU can no longer provide a German major, so the program has shifted to a minor and a German studies certificate.

Italian is only offered as a certificate. The Russian and Portuguese language programs were eliminated in the past few years as a result of faculty cuts in the modern languages department.

Despite the belief that English is the language of the U.S., this country is not monolingual. Spanish is the second most-spoken language in the U.S., and it is followed by Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese and French. When someone learns another language, they are also learning about the culture and history of the people who speak it.

Daniel Torres, a professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at OU, believes that Spanish opens doors beyond getting a job.

“You have to understand when you come here the first year, you are a very different person. When you leave college, you’re a completely different person,” Torres said.

Taking Spanish classes at OU has humbled me as an American student. I learned that I couldn’t survive in a Spanish class by doing the bare minimum. I had to be intentional about the time I spent practicing the language. Despite the academic and financial benefits that come from learning another language, it is important for students to learn about cultures different from their own.

The stress that comes with learning a foreign language is not a bad thing, especially when it pushes someone to become a better person.

Abby Neff is a junior studying journalism and Spanish at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree?

Tell Abby by tweeting her @_abbyneff .

EDITORIAL

‘The Post’ stands with local journalists Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors: Editor-in-Chief Abby Miller, Managing Editor Bre Offenberger and Digital Managing Editor Matt Geiger. Post editorials are independent of the publication’s news coverage.

Athens is home to many hidden gems, but what’s celebrated throughout the county is the robust local media scene.

With outlets such as WOUB Public Media, The Athens NEWS, The Athens Messenger and a plethora of student media at Ohio University, there is no shortage of news and information suppliers. Many outlets have their own niches as well, giving readers a variety of content to choose from when consuming news.

However, Athens is uniquely situated in comparison to some of its neighbors. All counties directly surrounding Athens only have one operating print newspaper, and some segments of Appalachia are considered to be news deserts. As a whole, there was a 39% decrease in Ohio newspapers between 2004 and 2019, and there was a

51% decrease in newspaper circulation during that same time frame. Despite these changes, journalists in Appalachia work hard every day to provide their community with reliable local news that impacts the region. When these journalists and papers leave, entire communities suffer as a result.

In the case of our town and region, we’ve recently lost a slew of respected, quality journalists over the past month: Corrine Colbert, editor of The Athens NEWS Cole Behrens, associate editor of The Athens NEWS Alex Hulvalchick, editor of The Athens Messenger Dani Kington, associate editor of The Athens Messenger William Meyer, editor of the neighboring Vinton Courier Jeremiah Shaver, assistant editor of the Vinton Courier, who now works at The Telegram in Jackson

There are a number of reasons why all of those journalists either left or were fired, but they all stem from the same source: the Adams Publishing Group — which owns and operates the NEWS, Messenger and Courier — and its Ohio president, Mark Cohen.

In their own words, this is how those at the NEWS, Messenger and Courier were treated: Colbert said in an interview with The Cincinnati Enquirer that The Athens NEWS newsroom was a barebones operation with little resources for journalists.

When she needed to get a new chair for her desk, she was told that “APG doesn’t buy furniture.”

In that same interview, Hulvalchick said, “It’s a job that’s too much for one person to do. I reached a point where I felt like I didn’t have any effective resources to do my job.”

Shaver tweeted a long thread about his experience at the Vinton Courier. He wrote that when the pandemic hit, his hours were cut, and he was forced to work a second job bagging groceries at Kroger.

The most he was paid during his 10-year stint was $11 an hour, which is only $2 more than Ohio minimum wage.

In light of the wave of resignations and firings, former Messenger sportswriter

Jason Arkley tweeted: “2 years ago my 15year run at The Messenger ended 3 weeks into the pandemic without one cent of severance. I didn’t need the last couple of weeks to know what kind of person he (Mark Cohen) was, but I had hoped for change.”

There are also the questionable coin ads that Cohen and APG ran in the NEWS, Courier and Messenger over the past several months.

It’s not just a Cohen problem, either.

APG publications around the country are being gutted:

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7 songs for your 2022 spring playlist ABBY MILLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Another spring break has come and gone, and now, the weather in Athens is finally starting to warm up. With the sun shining and an infectious energy spreading on campus, there’s nothing better than popping in some earbuds and taking a walk around Athens. Here are seven songs that give major springtime vibes for your stroll along the bricks: “Any Day Now” by Trousdale Trousdale knows where it excels, and its execution is flawless. The trio of women is known for their impeccable three-part harmonies. Trousdale is composed of Quinn D’Andrea, Georgia Greene and Lauren Jones, who aim to empower women with songs about love and self-acceptance. “Any Day Now” is reflective of this goal, and it’s sprinkled with sunshine-filled harmonies and lyrics of affirmation for when life feels like too much. It’s perfect to blast during a drive when the weather is warm.

“Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves Spring is a time filled with new beginnings, beauty and, above all, love. Any song off Kacey Musgraves’ Grammy-award winning album Golden Hour masterfully fits that description, but “Slow Burn” sets the tone for the entire album and belongs on every spring playlist. The track begins with the light strumming of a guitar, emulating a morning sunrise and signaling the arrival of a warm spring day. With headphones in, this song is sure to wrap you up in a version of the world seen through rose-colored shades, where the blossoming nature around Athens can truly be appreciated.

“New Skin” by Beach Weather Though spring is a time of renewal, “New Skin” is the blast from 2010s indie rock past that we didn’t know we needed. The song begins with an energetic guitar line that never slows down, leading into an absolutely infectious chorus. As vocalist Nick Santino sings about going to his own happy place when he’s feeling lost, you’ll be sure to have a little more bounce in your step while listening to this track. It’s the serotonin boost we all needed after a dreary winter.

“Sort of Stranger” by The Greeting Committee, Briston Maroney With heartbreaking lyrics such as “You look right through me like some sort of stranger,” it’s clear The Greeting Committee and Briston Maroney are a musical match made in heaven. “Sort of Stranger,” which is co-written by the two musical acts, looks at how one moves on after their partner leaves. The simple yet powerful blend of acoustic guitar, keys and drums allow the lyrics to shine, especially as Maroney sings alongside The Greeting Committee’s Addie Sartino. The opening feels like the blossoming of spring flowers and will leave you with that melancholy feeling that can accompany the changing of seasons.

“In My Life” by The Beatles There’s no denying The Beatles had a way with words.

The band was also never shy of innovation, including a piano sped up to sound like a harpsichord on this track.

20 / MARCH 17, 2021

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER Both of these strengths are present in “In My Life,” one of The Beatles’ hits off Rubber Soul. “In My Life” is a reflection of the places John Lennon traveled throughout his life and the people he associates them with. Despite all of the memories and people he holds dear, no one compares to his love. With its central theme of love and soothing production, “In My Life” was made for reminiscing on your own memories of Athens as you walk around campus this spring.

“Strangers” by Mt. Joy Mt. Joy’s sophomore album, Rearrange Us, brought about one of the group’s best songs to date: “Strangers.”

The track was released as one of the singles on the album, which debuted in 2020, and its upbeat instrumentation paired with the triumphant refraining of “I am over you” will have you up and dancing if you’ve experienced a recent heartbreak. Spring is the time to get back out in the world, and the words of Mt. Joy in “Stranger” will have you feeling reinvigorated as you do so.

“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star Is it possible to listen to a song by Mazzy Star and not fall in love with Hope Sandoval’s voice? Mazzy Star’s dreamlike sound carved a distinct place in the ‘90s alternative rock scene, and “Fade Into You” is undoubtedly the group’s biggest hit. “Fade Into You” showcases Sandoval’s

vocals at their best, offering a perfect blend of something solemn yet sweet. A walk outdoors can be the ideal solution when you’re stuck in a rut, and “Fade Into You” sets the stage for looking inward this spring.

@ABBLAWRENCE AM166317@OHIO.EDU

Listen to the songs here:

ILLUSTRATION BY GRACE KOENNECKE

5 tips to overcome interview anxiety GRACE KOENNECKE FOR THE POST

If there’s one thing all college students dread, it’s thinking about their futures.

With this comes the interviewing process, which is just downright scary, especially when a company can determine your fate in one single conversation. Internships and jobs are constantly on the lookout for those who bring their true selves to the table, but this is usually easier said than done.

Here are five tips to overcome interview anxiety and be the best version of yourself you can possibly be when the interview comes: Visualize what you want for the future Leading up to your interview, think about what you want to result from it. Ask 21 / MARCH 17, 2022

yourself why you’re interviewing for a certain position and if you truly want to work for the company or organization who’s conducting the interview. In the end, this will help you make goals for yourself and for future endeavors. Also, visualize being successful and the positive aspects that could come from earning this position. By visualizing your success, you also will feel more confident going into the interview as well.

Build a strong resume and cover letter If you want to be noticed by the company or organization that is interviewing you, you must have a strong resume and cover letter. These two documents allow employers to take a deeper look into who you are as a person, as well as your work experience and interests. They also act as physical proof of what you want to bring to the work environment, which is what employers want you to imply. If these ar-

en’t good representations of your character, then no corporation will take you seriously.

Prepare, prepare, prepare Do not wait until the last minute to practice potential questions that may be asked during the interview. Instead, have a friend or family member quiz you. This will allow for you to develop your answers more, as well as avoid unnecessary anecdotes or fun facts about yourself. Do research on the job you’re applying for. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel going into the interview.

Release all of your anxiety beforehand While this sounds difficult, anxiety can simply be reduced before a major or minor interview by listening to your favorite song, reading an excerpt from your favorite book or simply watching a dumb TikTok on your phone. If you can find a way

to release this tension, your mind will be in a calmer place before you walk into that interview. By letting go of anxiety and the tension that comes with it, you will feel more at ease the closer your interview time comes.

Time is your best friend Once the interview starts, it’s best to take your time with each response you give. There’s no point in rushing an answer, especially if this is an internship or job you really want. If you’re worried about forgetting the points you want to make in your answer, ask if you can take notes during the interview and refer to them as a reference. Let yourself stop and think for a few moments before rushing into any answer.

GRACE_KOE GK011320@OHIO.EDU

the weekender ABC Players presents ‘Sister Act’ after delay ANASTASIA CARTER SLOT EDITOR With previous plans to debut in March 2020, ABC Players will finally present its performance of Sister Act. Sister Act follows the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a singer who’s trying to make it big when she witnesses a horrific event involving her boyfriend. This results in Deloris becoming an informant and going into hiding at a convent.

“She really gets involved with the sisters and the nuns, specifically in the music portion,” Samantha Pelham, who plays Tina and is part of the nun ensemble, said. “So she really takes these nuns under her wing musically, and transforms them into this really fun nun choir that is not just singing nuns singing the gospel, but it’s dancing, disco and singing these church praises that are very disco-esque music.”

Pelham and Jodi MacNeal, president of ABC Players and a member of the ensemble, emphasized this relationship between Deloris and the nuns both within the musical and the cast outside.

“It’s very cool to have a group of women that are mothers, that are close to my same age,” MacNeal said. “Then there’s younger ladies that we can mentor, as well as the guys too, but I just think that’s really neat and the bond that this cast has is amazing.”

The musical will be performed the weekends of March 18 and March 25 at Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square in Nelsonville. Tickets are on sale for $9 for students and $13 for adults. As of March 14, Stuart’s Opera House will not require proof of vaccinations, a negative COVID test or masks for all patrons, staff and volunteers.

“Stuart’s, right now, no longer demands proof of vaccination, which I think is great,” Esteban Vazquez, who plays Officer Eddie Souther or “Sweaty Eddie,” said. “So more people can have 22 / MARCH 17, 2022

the opportunity.”

Vazquez said that this show has become infused in his DNA, especially after having it on the back burner for the past two years.

“I remember sitting there in the theater being told by our director Devon Sudman that we don’t know when we’re going to be able to perform this show because of what was happening at the time, but that we definitely knew we wanted to and we would find a way back to it at some point,” Pelham said. “So before we left the theater that day and packed up all of our costumes and all of our things, he said, ‘Let’s run through the closing number,’ which is just a really fun and exciting number called “Spread the Love Around.” It was just filled with people crying because we’ve grown so close, and we have worked so hard on this and we weren’t sure the next time we’d get this opportunity.”

As time has passed and the state of the world has changed, with it, some of the cast and crew of the musical have been modified. MacNeal said coming back to the show has been kind of like riding a bike.

“We have some of the same crew, but then we have some new additions, which have been awesome,” MacNeal said. “It’s changed a little, but it’s amazing how close the cast has remained and come back, and how much we’ve remembered.”

With about 600 pre-sold tickets, the cast and crew are gearing up for two weeks of performances featuring late ‘70s music and many hip-hop dance numbers.

“If people are struggling, it is a show of hope and a show of belonging, and a show of acceptance,” Vazquez said. “If people are tired, it’s a show to just come and be rejuvenated and entertained.

And if people are in good spots, it’s a show, again, to just come enjoy and feel that energy. It’s a show that no matter

where you are, people will be impacted in a positive manner by this musical, by this production.”

For this group, the long-awaited debut of this show will be here Friday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. with lots of choreography and a compelling story of a performer disguised as a nun.

“I do really encourage audiences to come out and support people who have been without this outlet or their job for the last two years, because it’s both helping serve the community and the arts scene in the community, but it’s also serving themselves,” Pelham said.

“Theater and the arts can be a healing process in a way of taking you outside of what’s currently happening in the world and kind of showing you a new perspective. And I think that’s something that is extremely needed right now, amid everything happening.”

@ACARTER3602 AC732319@OHIO.EDU

IF YOU GO WHAT: ABC Players’ Sister Act WHERE: Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square in Nelsonville WHEN: Friday, March 18 and 25 and Saturday, March 19 and 26 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.

ADMISSION: $9 for students, $13 for adults

WHAT’S GOING ON? Listen to Velvet Green, see a musical

MIMI CALHOUN FOR THE POST FRIDAY, MARCH 18 Velvet Green, Rat Motel, Jojomber and Rent Free are performing at The Union, 18 W. Union St., at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. This lineup of groups is one you won’t want to miss.

Admission: $8 for those 21 and over, $10 for those under 21

Scribble and Play: Art for Kids at The Dairy Barn Arts Center, 8000 Dairy Lane. The artwork and activities are family-friendly as well as appropriate for people of all ages. The gallery is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: $7 for general, $5 for students, seniors and children 3 and older, free for members and children under 2

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SUNDAY, MARCH 20 Sister Act presented by ABC Players, taking place at Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, at 2 p.m. The show is a musical comedy based on the 1992 film of the same name.

Admission: $12 for adults, $8 for students, with a $1 ticket charge if purchased online

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Wreck League will be at Donkey Coffee & Espresso, 17 W. Washington St., from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. this Friday.

Come out to show support for the Dayton performers and live music.

Admission: Free SATURDAY, MARCH 19 The Athens Farmers Market is happening from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., located in the front parking lot and inside The Market on State mall, 1002 E. State St. Shop for local foods such as pastries, fruits and vegetables. Members of the Athens Art Guild will also be selling hand-crafted items.

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Admission: Free Buckeye Cave at Burr Oak State Park Two Mile Hike, 10220 Burr Oak Lodge Road, is occurring from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn about the geology of the area with naturalist Julie Gee. Advanced registration is required by calling Julie at 740-818-4530 or email Julie.gee@ dnr.ohio.gov.

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THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 23

43RD ANNUAL ENDOWED COSTA LECTURE

Climate Change, the Anthropocene, and Finding Hope in Japan

Thursday March 24, 2022 7:30 pm | Schoonover Center 145 a pre-lecture reception with refreshments begins at 7 pm

Julia Adeney Thomas, University of Notre Dame Julia Adeney Thomas is the author of Reconfiguring Modernity: Concepts of Nature in Japanese Political Ideology; coauthor of The Anthropocene: A Multidisciplinary Approach; and co-editor of Japan at Nature’s Edge: The Environmental Context of a Global Power Sponsored by the Ohio University Department of History