March 24, 2022 by The Post

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

A collection with a purpose Second round of VSRP worries faculty PG 9 Ohio pitcher charged with criminal mischief PG 17 Your survival guide to OU fest season PG 20

‘Post’ statement regarding campus racism The Post condemns all acts of racism at Ohio University. OU should be a safe place for all — especially Black students. However, recent events demonstrate that there are still people at our university who choose racism over basic human decency. As journalists, we understand the power of words. In incidents like these, ambiguity and vague language shield the aggressor. OU must make it clear: what happened in Sargent Hall was a hate crime. And the university’s failure to protect its students of color is nothing new. In 2020, the university did not rescind admission for two incoming students, Lilly Huber and Ally Davis, who used racial slurs and harmful stereotypes in videos online despite OU’s chapter of the NAACP writing a letter calling for the institution to do so. In 2021, a former member of OU’s men’s golf team, Henry Poston, posted a racist TikTok, which the university condemned but failed to provide any insight into how

SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS A LIST OF EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AND OU EVENTS ADDRESSING RACE AND INJUSTICE

it would ensure future racist acts at OU are met with the necessary accountability and actionable items. In 2022, racism — both covert and overt — clearly continues to exist at OU, pervading all facets of life in Athens. The university claims to “categorically reject” hateful behaviors and plans to develop “action items” in response to the weekend’s racist acts. What will these meaningful action items be, and how will they ensure the safety of students of color at OU? OU’s investigation into these incidents must be comprehensive and transparent to students and faculty. The Post is not blameless either. We will cover the investigations critically and open ourselves to suggestions for improvement. To connect with us, email The Post at editor@thepostathens.com or message us on social media. The Post newsroom is in Baker University Center room 325 and is open to all students, faculty and staff from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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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 / MARCH 23, 2022

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HTC senator resigns from Student Senate MOLLY WILSON ASST. NEWS EDITOR Rhyan Goodman, honors tutorial college senator and budget committee chair, resigned from his positions on Ohio University Student Senate early Tuesday morning, effective immediately. In his resignation email, Goodman said he did not give Student Senate, its Judicial Panel, OU, media organizations and others permission to share or publicize the resignation. The Post received the resignation email through its anonymous tip form. Goodman said in the email he no longer wishes to be part of Senate, as he believes there is a lack of transparency in its internal conversations. Goodman did not respond to a request for comment. On Feb. 16, former Senate Treasurer Simar Kalkat was removed from her posivote, former Chief Justice Hannah Fleming read a letter submitted anonymously regarding the “treasurer’s misconduct.” The statement alleged Kalkat used her

Senate purchasing card on a plane ticket to Austin, Texas, according to a previous Post report. Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said the charge was made to Kalkat’s card accidentally and was a mistake made by someone else, though the error. Senate President Becky “Eliza” Ivan — man was the person who wrote that letter. Goodman via email that an investigation into his conduct revealed he was in violation of Article 1 of Senate’s constitution by “failing to serve and protect the rights, interests, and needs of Ohio University students.” That email also stated an impeachment trial would be held Tuesday. “The false statements contained within the anonymous letter read during the Executive Session of February 16th, 2022 dence in Kalkat’s ability to act as Treasurcation email. In notifying Goodman of the impeach-

ment trial, the Judicial Panel cited Goodman’s coordination of Kalkat’s removal and the false statements he provided to the panel as reasons for the trial. “If you know that you’re innocent, why would you resign right before you go to trial?” Elaina Tartal, vice president of Senate, said of Goodman’s resignation. Goodman is challenging incumbent Jay Edwards, R-Nelsonville, as state representative in the Ohio House of Representa-

tives for the 94th District. “There needs to be consequences. If Simar is getting consequences for things that she did not do and have her name attached to it forever and have that digital footprint, where’s his?” Ivan said.

@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU

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NEWS BRIEFS

dedication to inclusivity amid racist hate crime MOLLY WILSON ASST. NEWS EDITOR

City Council discusses its suspension of the rules, passes

OU President Hugh Sherman provides updates on racist hate crime after students expressed outrage over the incident

@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU

POLICE BLOTTER

Gunshot sounds reported; breaking and entering report taken

MOLLY WILSON ASST. NEWS EDITOR Gunshots reported

‘That’s my four-wheeler!’ -

in Athens.

Noisy Neighbors

Yard sign harassment

Abandoned property -

Stolen vehicle Broken windows

Good call -

4 / MARCH 24, 2022

@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU

Emily Michaelin types notes in her class at Ohio University. March 22, 2022. (ZOE CRANFILL | FOR THE POST)

OU’s relaxed masking requirements remain after spring break PAIGE FISHER FOR THE POST Masking guidelines implemented by Ohio University at the beginning of March remain in effect since students have returned from spring break. On March 1, OU changed its masking requirements to align with updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. According to a previous Post report, the university no longer requires masks in non-classroom settings on most of its campuses. James Gaskell, commissioner of the Athens City-County Health Department, said the CDC recently changed the requirements to eliminate masking from 50 cases per 100,000 people to 200 cases per 100,000 people. Athens County’s number of COVID-19 cases has been on a decline since January 23, when there were over 1,522 positive cases in a week. Between March 15 and Tuesday, there have only been 30 cases, Gaskell said. Due to the consistent decline in the number of COVID-19 cases, OU no

longer requires students to get weekly asymptomatic tests, which went into effect March 21, Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said. Instead, the university is asking students to complete asymptomatic testing based on potential exposure regardless of their vaccination status. However, with students back at OU from spring break, there are concerns regarding those who chose to travel over the break potentially bringing the virus back to campus. Emma Buswell, a freshman studying history, is worried by the number of students who traveled during the break not having to wear masks upon coming back to campus. From Gaskell’s perspective, with the decreasing infection rate, there is little chance of a surge in cases due to travel during spring break. “It’s possible that we won’t have a surge in cases because, in general, throughout the nation and the states, infection rates are way down,” Gaskell said. “That’s the optimistic hope — that indeed we won’t have a surge in cases despite travels that occurred during spring break.”

Buswell has felt uncomfortable being on campus since the policy of masking requirements has been limited to classroom settings only. “Yesterday I was walking in Baker and somebody coughed right in front of me and I had to walk through it,” Buswell said. “(They) coughed without a mask on and didn’t cover their mouth or anything.” Due to how unpredictable the virus has been, the health department has to be prepared for when new mutations appear. “About the time we take our guard down, another variant comes along and we have to reinstitute some of our mitigating procedures,” Gaskell said. “So, there’s a little concern it could happen again.” OU has heard feedback both in favor and against the new masking policies, but in general students, faculty and staff have been appreciative of the relaxed masking requirements, Leatherwood said. With the high vaccination rate and hopes of herd immunity, there is very little chance that masking will be required to the same extent as it was at the beginning of the academic year. “We’re getting fairly experienced at do-

get people to mask up; they’re anxious for the pandemic to be over,” Gaskell said. “We won’t completely get rid of COVID-19, but we will learn to live with it so that we won’t have huge surges in disease.”

@PAIGEMAFISHER PF585820@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

OU researchers discover relationship between COVID-19 deaths and minority populations MADALYN BLAIR FOR THE POST Ohio University researchers recently published a study demonstrating the comparisons between racial and ethnic disparities and COVID-19 deaths. In her study, Berkeley Franz, an associate professor of community-based health in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, or HCOM, wanted to evaluate what social factors underlie health disparities concerning COVID-19. Franz focused on the effects of systemic racism and how residential segregation contributed to an increase in COVID-19 deaths. Ohio alone leads “the country in terms of the worst health disparities and infant mortality.” She said Ohio is among the worst in this category, ranking roughly in the bottom two of all states in the nation. The study found a considerable difference in death rates among Black and white residents. For every 100,000 Black individuals with COVID-19, 102.1 died. In comparison, for every 100,000 white individuals with COVID-19, only 73.1 died. Franz said social factors need to change the long-term and persisting effects of inequality in the U.S. Even more, Franz stressed this issue within the health care system because privileged … in our society, and it doesn’t nomic distress.” Many OU students are now taking measures to bring awareness to this health care problem experienced by racial-ethnic minorities. The Racial Equity Coalition’s Health and Wellness Committee has put together a panel to recognize minority international students’ experiences with health care in hopes of Athens becoming a more inclusive and understanding space, according to a previous Post report. Another support group at OU, Change Our Outcomes, put together an event to walk for change and bring awareness to the disparities Black women and women of color face in health care. The group also hosted Black and women of color health care providers to have candid conversations about the impending issues of health care, according to a previous Post report. However, Franz said more can still be done to alleviate this issue. She stresses local and national government institutions should look for ways to allow social 6 / MARCH 24, 2022

Berkeley Franz, an associate professor of community-based health conducted a study demonstrating the comparisons between racial and ethnic disparities and COVID-19 deaths. Photo provided by Ohio University’s Experts Directory. mobility, the ability to move up the socioeconomic ladder in society, for Black residents to occur. Adrienne Milner, a senior lecturer in the Division of Global Public Health at Brunel University London and a colleague of Franz’s study, also provided a proposal to change the country’s issue with health disparities. “One step is dismantling colorblind racist ideology that is currently viewed by white Americans as ideal,” Milner said in an rent bans to teach critical race theory and instead, focus on promoting knowledge of the reality of past and continued systemic racism in the U.S.” Zelalem Haile, an assistant professor of epidemiology at OU’s Dublin HCOM campus, recently conducted a study about vaccine hesitancy among Ohioans. Haile’s study shows overlapping similarities with of Black residents are skeptical of the vac-

cine because of a long history of embedded systemic and medical racism. Some societal groups have higher doubts about the COVID-19 vaccine because of “the lack of trust of the medical community due to historical mistreatment of African Americans. For individuals with lower education, hesitancy could simply be a manifestation of lower health literacy and reduced levels of trust in medical information,” Haile said in an email. To combat hesitancy among African American communities, Haile suggests now have guidelines to protect you’ and expect Black residents to be fully trusting of their word. of acknowledgment that there is a history behind why there is mistrust in these communities,” he said in an email. “In addition to having a discussion on historical events that led to mistrust of government institutions, efforts should also be placed

to have an honest conversation related to the effects of everyday racism and other social determinants of health that these communities face.” Both Haile and Franz’s studies demonstrate potential solutions to try to diminish the wide gap of health disparities in to act on it. “When people talk about (implicit bias), their implicit bias lowers their potential to act on implicit bias to discriminate against people also is lowered,” Franz said. “So, I think that’s also something to reinforce with people, is that these things are actionable … Even though it’s a big, societal problem doesn’t mean that it’s hopeless or that we can’t do anything about it.”

@MADALYNTBLAIR MB682120@OHIO.EDU

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Racist hate crime, misconduct spark outrage at OU RYAN MAXIN NEWS EDITOR Editor’s Note: This story contains incidents of racism and vulgarities that may be triggering for some readers. Multiple racist incidents have been reported at Ohio University recently, sparking outrage and investigations campus-wide. One of the incidents involved a trash bag with a racist note taped to it being placed outside of a residence room in Sargent Hall, located on West Green, on Sunday. The note contained racist language, including the words “trash n------ b----” along with a drawing of two faces and the word “c---” above them. Images of the bag circulated on social media, with students and others expressing their frustrations with the hate crime. Naomi Hamner, a freshman studying pre-nursing, believes the trash bag and note were directed at her. Though the bag was not placed at her door, she said she is the only Black student at the end of her hall, besides the resident assistant, leading her to believe the person who left the bag mistook someone else’s door for her own. “I’ve never been in this situation before. I’ve never had that kind of experience. Quite frankly, I didn’t think I would have this experience at this … age,” Hamner said. “Reading the message, it really did put a little fear in me, and it kind of made my stomach drop because, in my head, I’m like, ‘How can somebody think of me this way?’” Hali Bridges, a freshman studying psychology and one of Hamner’s friends, said the trash bag incident was the latest incident Black students in Sargent are above Hamner and said someone taped a Black baby doll to a door in December 2021. Though she was not sure who did it or what was meant by the action, she and others felt threatened. Bridges also said a month later, someone destroyed a Black History Month buldents, in addition to the current situation, have made Black students feel nervous, scared and alienated, Bridges said. “A lot of us are angry because, of course, (whoever left the bag) had to be either in the dorm or let into the dorm for this to happen,” she said. “It’s someone that you know. It could be your neighbor (who) wanted to do a hate crime.” Bridges also believes Hamner was the target of the trash bag hate crime. On Monday, OU published a news re8 / MARCH 24, 2022

A poster stating “All colors are beautiful” faces Sargent Hall on West Green on Monday, March 21, 2022. The poster was put up in support of people targeted by a racist hate crime and misconduct which occured over the weekend in Sargent and James Halls. (JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES | PHOTO EDITOR)

lease condemning racism and assured students, faculty and staff it will work to hold those who committed the acts accountable. “We stand in solidarity with those who were directly affected, and incidents like this ultimately impact all of us,” the news release stated. “We all have a responsibility to care for and treat each other with respect and dignity. Racism is not tolerated values as an institution.” On Monday, a day after the trash bag incident, Christopher Brown, a resident assistant in James Hall on West Green, posted pictures on social media of the aftermath of an individual urinating on his door at 2:30 a.m. In his posts, Brown said he is the only Black resident assistant on on his door was a white resident. Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said the Ohio University Police Department, or OUPD, had caught and charged the individual responsible for urinating on Brown’s door. Currently, Leatherwood said, OUPD did not believe

the incident was racially motivated. OUPD has opened investigations into the trash bag and urination incidents, which Leatherwood said did not appear of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance is reviewing each case to determine if they dent Responsibility plans to open internal investigations into the misconduct. According to OU’s news release, the university is also working to ensure anyone affected by the situation has a way to process their thoughts and feelings. Mya “Bunny” Wilson, a senior studying linguistics, is one such student to whom the university’s efforts may apply. “I, as a Black person, I love being Black, and I love who I am,” Wilson said. “But it’s we have to go through as Black people — people all over the world — like, when is this anti-Blackness going to end? Why While investigations into each of the

incidents progress, Bridges said she and unique ways to feel upset about the situation because of the color of their skin, a sentiment with which both Wilson and Hamner agree. “I’ve been able to kind of take the high road, to say the least, and try to take the smart way out of the situation rather than wouldn’t work that way,” Hamner said. “I do have a little bit of anger still within me, but I’d rather put that anger towards something that could really help rather than something that could hurt me in the end.”

@RYANMAXIN RM554219@OHIO.EDU

OU faculty concerned with second voluntary separation or retirement program PAIGE FISHER FOR THE POST Ohio University’s second Voluntary Separation or Retirement program, or VSRP, ran from Jan. 14 to March 7 and was met with mixed responses from OU faculty. The program, which offered incentives for faculty to end their employment at OU through retirement or separation, was also offered in February 2020 to 608 OU faculty and administrative staff members who ranked as tenured professors or tenured associate professors, according to a previous Post report. In October 2021, the OU Board of Trustees approved the second iteration of the program, which was also offered to tenured professors. According to university records, there were 95 professors

$20,000 to help with the cost of medical expenses, Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said. John Cotton, a professor in mechanical engineering, agreed that losing important faculty is hurting the university, but acknowledged the appeal of the VSRP. “They’re a pretty good deal. They’re a year’s salary, and at least in engineering, many of these people have options either in the private sector or they can go to another university,” Cotton said. “You have very productive faculty members who are basically being paid to go someplace else.” Lybarger said he might have joined his colleagues in taking the incentives if his circumstances were different.

“If I were in their position, at that point in my career, maybe I, too, would have done it. They’re just done with OU and they’re sick of it and it makes sense,” Lybarger said. “I know that they feel deeply ambivalent about it because they also really love their students and love their colleagues and have been very devoted to their vocation and their profession.” With the VSRP in place and several professors having already taken the package, Cotton said he doesn’t believe there is fear among tenured professors that OU will be implementing layoffs in the near future. However, he said he could not speak to the concerns of instructional faculty. There are concerns about the education of students while certain departments lose some of their most experienced faculty, Lybarger said. “There are graduate students who have lost their advisors and are sort of left now swinging in the wind without

you no longer have classes that you need Some departments are even losing a large fraction of their instructional faculty because of the VSRP with little indication from the university of hiring new faculty to replace the ones who opt into the VSRP, McLaughlin said.

@PAIGEMAFISHER PF585820@OHIO.EDU

visor,” Lybarger said. “If you are an un-

it was offered. In the second round, more than 400 professors were eligible for the separation incentives. The number of current professors that are opting into the program is still unclear, according to university records from March 1. Joe McLaughlin, professor of English and vice president of the OU chapter of the American Association of University Professors, believes the current installment of the VSRP is weakening OU, as a recent statement from OU-AAUP asserted. “We’re very concerned, given what has happened here over the last several years with a previous round of the VSRP,” McLaughlin said. “We have lots of other ideas about places in the university where we could realize savings that don’t result in cutting down on faculty.” Professors like Loren Lybarger, a professor of classics and religious studies, agreed with McLaughlin in the idea that the VSRP is weakening academic programs at OU. One of the reasons professors are considering and opting into the program is better job offerings and the feeling of being demoralized by the way OU is handling its current situation, Lybarger said. participants will receive a payment equal to 100% of their base pay rate and eduuniversity’s medical insurance plan will receive an additional taxable payment of

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9

Athens businesses expect an increase in tourism this summer

Artifacts Gallery at the corner of Court and State Street in Athens, Ohio. (ERIN BURK | FOR THE POST)

MAYA MORITA FOR THE POST With the reduction of COVID-19 restrictions across the city and campus, Athens’ businesses are hoping for a lucrative tourism season. Athens typically hosts a wide range of events during the summer months, such as Athens Brew Week and the annual Pawpaw Festival, which attract a large number of visitors. Athens businesses are expectstatement of those traditional events. “Previous summers have been, usually pretty slow, aside from a few weeks when there are events,” Amy Mangano, owner of Artifacts Gallery, said. “There were events in town such as Brew Week was a little busier, and Nelsonville Music Fest weekend was busier and Fair Week is a little busier.” Ellie Olin, owner of Athens Uncorked, said she has high hopes for this upcoming summer in terms of receiving business. 10 / MARCH 24, 2021

are feeling much safer about going out,” Olin said. “And just with the warmer weather, of course that is huge for business people. Especially with it getting darker later now, our patio has been pretty packed for the last week.” Students are noticing this change, too. Ian Kelly, a sophomore studying marketing who works at Busy Day Market, said he has already seen an increase in visitors to Athens and Ohio University’s campus. “I think there’s going to be a lot of people just coming to visit and seeing how OU is and seeing what the campus life is like,” Kelly said. “With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted and more people wanting to be active, they want to kind of explore more.” With the expectations for this summer, local Athens businesses are making preparations for an increase in tourism. Previously, Athens Uncorked provided lunch options during the summer, and Olin hopes to continue that while also adding other amenities to the win-

ery. “A lot of stuff right now hangs on whether we can expand our seating in time,” Olin said. “I have a lot of people interested in coming in here and doing music. And we’ve been able to do live … background music. And what I would love to be able to do then, is have – on Friday and Saturday nights – live music outside.” In addition, Mangano said Artifacts Gallery is hoping to increase its stock for the summer. “I’m getting excited by ordering some new t-shirts and cropping some of our old t-shirts,” Mangano said. “We’ve got a bigwe’re getting in lots more sunglasses.” Despite the hopeful outlook for some local businesses, others believe that with COVID-19, this summer may be unpredictable. “As of right now, we don’t have any for sure plans (for the summer) because it’s kind of a play by ear thing,” Kelly said. “Because usually, when we expect one thing, it goes the other way.”

Ultimately, with the reduction of COVID-19 precautions and the continuation of previous events, local businesses have a promising outlook for this upcoming summer. ready to go out again,” Olin said. “I mean, I think that people are wanting to spend time outside with their friends.”

@MAYACATEMORITA MM294318@OHIO.EDU

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

Business owner brings new way of shopping to Athens school, she started her own bow-making business out of her basement and was selling bows to all-star cheerleading teams across Massachusetts. “I think I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit,” Baird said. Though Southeastern Ohio wasn’t where Baird thought she would end up, her husband, Lionel Mauron became the head coach of OU’s hockey team.

Sophie Baird, founder of Olivette online boutique, poses for a portrait in front of a rack of clothes in her recently opened showroom in Athens, Ohio, on Tuesday, March 24, 2022. (Carrie Legg | Staff Photographer)

EMMA DOLLENMAYER THE BEAT ASST. EDITOR Above Cat’s Eye Saloon and Red Brick Tavern, there are various apartments where students can either be heard talking loudly or blasting MGK’s “my ex’s best friend.” Among the average apartments, there is a door that leads to something else: a showroom for the online clothing brand, Olivette. The showroom has white walls, minimalist decor and impeccably organized clothing – a sharp contrast to the cluttered apartments that neighbor it. The multibrand boutique carries solely sustainable or ethically made brands which are all individually sourced from the 24-year-old owner, founder and CEO of Olivette, Sophie Baird. Due to Baird’s devotion to creating a collection of pieces curated with purpose, each brand Olivette invests in is one that aligns with the company’s values. Baird hugs anyone who walks through her door and doesn’t hesitate to ask if they would like a glass of champagne to sip while shopping, or a miniature bag of gourmet popcorn from the popcorn shop her 12 / MARCH 24, 2022

parents own. “I want it to be a very intimate and personal shopping experience,” Baird said. To elevate the online shopping experience for consumers, Baird brought her vision to life with an experiential and immersive environment in Athens by introducing a retail showroom. Olivette differs from the typical retail space, given shoppers are only able to buy items in the showroom if they have booked an appointment prior to arriving. “I think it brings that higher-end shopping experience,” Baird said. Baird is able to style her clients, handaesthetic, provide professional advice and interact with each individual customer on a deeper level. When browsing Olivette’s collection, shoppers can expect to see a variety of clothing options, from activewear to sleek dresses. However, frequently, the items that tend to sell the fastest are the neutral, basic staple pieces. With fast fashion on the rise, Baird believes many young consumers are shifting toward buying more for less and resorting

to valuing quantity over quality, but Baird wants to put an end to these harmful consumer practices by encouraging her target audience of young women to shop smarter by shopping sustainably. sule-like wardrobe. I don’t really buy into trends,” Baird said. “I want to give my wardrobe a higher purpose through buying sustainably and buying ethically and having these pieces that are going to be in my wardrobe, year after year, season after season.” Kassidi Dominick, a junior at Ohio University studying marketing, is Baird’s intern and said she notices how Baird wants her business to be successful but also prioritizes making a change. “Making a change in society with ethical clothing is more important to her,” Dominick said. “Bringing awareness to sustainable fashion is something that Sophie holds close to her heart,” Ever since Baird was in middle school, she has been designing. When she was 14 retail as a sales associate at a denim store, and then when she was a freshman in high

noticed the area lacked a more personable shopping experience, so she was excited to give her online store a presence in Athens. “I honestly just want to meet people around Athens, let them come in, touch and feel the clothes and shop and just create a space that the people of Athens think is fun to be in,” Baird said. Prior to moving, the couple lived in Columbus where Baird worked at Victoria’s Secret before she was laid off her assistant merchant position and was brought onto a different department. “After being laid off, I knew it was a good time to start my own business, and then six months later, I brought it to life,” Baird said. Baird always knew she was going to have her own company. “The idea of sitting at a desk and not being able to just chase (my) dream with so much passion was not for me,” Baird said. Through doing fashion merchandising in college, she found her passion. “I think throughout this process, going erything out on my own has taught me a lot about myself and that the drive that you have can take you anywhere without having the brains behind it,” Baird said. Dominick said she is able to feel inspired “(Baird) has helped me grow as a person, professionally and personally,” Dominick said. “I have sharpened my social media skills since working with her and most importantly, she has encouraged me to stay true to myself and to follow my heart and do what I love.” room every night, heading to an event, like an OU basketball game or dinner at Jackie O’s with her husband, and she hopes to be able to call Athens home and establish a name for herself as well as her brand.

@EMMADOLLENMAYER ED569918@OHIO.EDU

ALLIES Assembled ALEX IMWALLE FOR THE POST

For many people, the simple acknowledgment of marginalized identity groups is enough to clear the conscience. However, the ALLIES organization works to combat this sense of immediate relief by prompting Ohio University students to take action through education. Luvina Cooley, a junior studying anthropology and president of ALLIES, said the organization was created in January 2021 with a goal to invoke discussions on intersectional allyship. She said the club was revived from a previous club with similar goals and values that had since gone dormant. “A couple of our student staff workers here at the LGBT Center realized that, while don’t really have one dedicated around education of allyship,” Cooley said. “We revitalThe group meets virtually and in person in Bentley Hall 124 each Thursday at 7 p.m., and it hosts both in-organization meetings and community forums. The meetings invite students to come and participate in educational dialogue focusing on a variety of different marginalized communities, Cooley said. “We always try to be aware of systemic barriers and different obstacles that people are going to face, whether that’s academic, whether that’s racial, whether that’s status as a queer person, whether that’s status as a religion that’s not dominant within the culture, or anything like that,” Cooley said. ic such as disability rights, legislative advocacy, public health and many more, Cooley said. The meetings not only highlight new ways of thinking, but they also put an emphasis on ways students can take action to make a difference. Daniela Grijalva, a master’s student studying law, justice and culture and vice president of ALLIES who uses she/they pronouns, said they initially got involved because they thought its message needed a larger audience. “We felt that there was a big void and a big need to teach what allyship was and have more conversations about intersectional identities and what it means to actually support different groups,” Grijalva said. Grijalva said in their time at OU, they had not had an organization that focused so strenuously on promoting and being allies of all marginalized identity groups on campus. “Figuring out how to talk to a population of students that don’t really seem to want to talk about these issues is a big challenge,” Grijalva said. “I’ve really seen a lot of growth in our members and in ourselves, and we’ve all been constantly learning from each other

Claude, middle, shares his personal experience with the term disability with other people at the community engagement meeting hosted by Allies at OU in Bentley Hall on Thursday, March 17, 2022. (CARRIE LEGG | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

and from different organizations.” A lot of behind-the-scenes work goes into the organization, Cooley said. She and her fellow executive board members go out of their way to ensure they provide the most ration for each meeting. “We always are collaborating with other student organizations because we know that we aren’t going to be the best people who can talk about a certain topic,” Cooley said. “We want to be able to educate people but also uplift the voices of marginalized communities.” In addition to doing a large amount of research and diving deep into the hardships that many minority groups face, MaryKathyrine Tran, interim director of the Women’s Center and ALLIES advisor, said she admires the work the executive board does to bring than making their own assumptions about a community experience. Tran said she decided to take on her role in the organization when she realized the necessity for education and growth in terms of allyship within the university. “It’s not enough to simply say we care

about others, but we need to continuously demonstrate our commitment through actions and ensuring Ohio University is a space for all students, staff, faculty, and community members,” Tran said in an email. Cooley said she has been involved in the organization since it returned to campus because she has a passion for advocacy and taking action, rather than simply making a post on social media or other performative tendencies. She said ALLIES does its best to advocate for communities on campus in tangible ways. “We always try to promote other organization events that are coming up, especially when they are marginalized identities,” Cooley said. “I’m always really excited to see when our members go out and they support these other events that are going on in the community.” Cooley said the community the organization encourages is something that there is a demand for within OU. “I came from a really rural area, and I didn’t have access to this type of education,” Cooley said. “It’s so important because I don’t think that we have enough of that going on right now.”

Grijalva added that the recent displays of racism by students on campus exemplify why organizations such as ALLIES are so necessary. They said the goal of ALLIES is to work toward putting an end to those actions and ways of thinking through education. ALLIES calls for a large transformation from the university and its students. “It’s clear that this university has a huge problem with knowing how to be an ally, knowing how to respect individuals and knowing how to take accountability,” Grijalva said. Tran concluded that her hopes for the future of the organization is that it continues to provide important, researched information in its programs and builds an even larger audience within the university to educate. “ALLIES is a great organization led by passionate folks who are looking to better their OHIO community,” Tran said in an email. “I hope others will attend a meeting, either online or in-person, and contribute to the conversation!”

@ALEXIMWALLE AI687120@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13

Pride Week educates, gathers students through conversation, activities

KAYLA BENNETT ASST. CULTURE EDITOR Ohio University Student Senate is hosting Pride Week from March 20 to March 26. Through conversation, performances and informational content about drag and drag activities, Pride Week aims to connect and culture on social media as part of its Pride educate those who choose to participate. Week programming. Along with a week full of events, pride sity community as a whole to experience

“I would love to see many people at all of trators to help execute the event. “President Sherman will be there, at least myself,” Peters said in an email. Though Pride Week activities end March one representative from all of the D&I (Diver26, there are still ways to show pride, like carof the college deans will be there and along

- understanding, which is what college is for,” sioner for Student Senate, said the lights and Doherty said. A showing of Paris is Burning took events being held. “I think for many students, this is going Wednesday brought discussion to the week with a conversation about being queer

to get word out about that so we can have

event over Microsoft Teams. now in light of current legislation all across the country.” -

AJ Spanks.

14 / MARCH 24, 2022

fessional workplace setting.”

room 135. There will also be a virtual option.

that someone is going to be interested in,”

have educational events, and I always like to any concerns that they have, any questions that they have about D&I practices or policies and grow.” that are happening both in the OU community and also the Athens community in general.” ing in the world as a queer person. Doherty agreed and said the events will be conversation and have room for questions. A queer craft social will be held Saturday dynamic and exciting. “This is the easiest, lowest barrier way for will be coloring pages, canvases, paint and more, giving participants something to take munity and also a pretty fun way for folks home at the end of the week. and issues to get to know us,” Doherty said. the craft social is what he is looking forward to the most because it will be a great opporchance to meet yet.

@KKAYYBEN KB084519@OHIO.EDU

International Week Returns LAUREN SERGE STAFF WRITER April 4 will kick off International Week, an annual celebration that recognizes the numerous cultures of international students and their connections to domestic students at Ohio University. International Week began in 1969. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, International Week has not been celebrated the last two years. But, the celebrations, which are hosted by the International Student Union at OU, will return April 4 through April 9, consisting of various activities, such as a coffee on the green, an ice cream day, a tea tasting, a trivia night and an open mic night. Eirene Binabiba, a second-year master’s student studying international development studies and the marketing and PR director of ISU, said the purpose of the series of events is to bring international and domestic students together, which is something that usually cannot happen as easily. “It’s a way of bringing the international countries and your culture and everything to the doorsteps of the community because you don’t have to travel to see the

beautiful clothes, beautiful food, all those beautiful things about the international culture,” Binabiba said. “It’s just a way of coming together and building those connections and just having fun.” This year, the theme for International Week is Fostering Connections: Together We Can, Together We Will. This theme, to the transition back to in-person learning and gatherings, making the celebration much more special. “At the time that I came to school, everything was online,” Binabiba said. “I didn’t know anyone and I couldn’t meet anybody. And that is really detrimental, especially for an international student who has left home. So it’s really important for us to come together to build those connections and … form friendships.” Among the list of week-long events is the International Street Fair, which will be held on April 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The colorful event hosts vendors and volunteers to celebrate among international and local students, sharing their culture through food, music and dance. Kea Khudu, a second year Ph.D. student studying counseling education and supervision and the vice president of ISU, said

the street fair is typically ISU’s most popular event. “We have different kinds of organizations selling the food, showcasing that culture, we have a band as well playing, people just walk around having fun,” Khudu said. Deependra Budhathoki, a Ph.D. candidate in mathematics education is the president of ISU. Budhathoki said the various events throughout the week, including the International Street Fair, allow all OU students to connect with one another and appreciate their cultural differences. “Domestic and International students get opportunities to know about different cultures in the world, taste food and understand diversity across the world,” Budhathoki said in an email. “Particularly for International students, it is also an opportunity to advertise their culture and community to the local people.” Khudu hopes the celebrations will enlighten students and provide them with a taste of a different cultural experience to increase their understanding and recognition of others. “You don’t have to travel to experience a little bit of the culture that we offer here,” Khudu said. “Let’s celebrate and bring back

an event that brings international students and local students as well as the committee members outside OU together and just celebrate and have fun.”

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SOFTBALL

Ohio falls to Ohio State despite record crowd CHRISTO SIEGEL FOR THE POST allowing a pair of home runs. “She fought hard,” Roark said. “A couple of balls left the yard, and that’s kind of her M.O. a little bit. She does a lot of rise balls, and it’s high risk, high reward … and they’re a good hitting team. I thought she did well.” Ohio didn’t pull out a win in its second home game of the season. But it remained

Ohio drew a record crowd for its game against Ohio State on Tuesday night, with 1,009 fans packed into the stands at Ohio Softball Field. But this support wasn’t enough to help Ohio pull out a win, and it fell 6-1. Although the box score may not show it, the Bobcats remained competRight out of the gate, Caitlin Fogue made

performance, and the crowd at Ohio Softball Field only fueled that intensity. “Half of my team has never played in front of that many people,“ Roark said. “They feed off of our fans. It was fun in between innings, and it’s a great feeling coming out here and seeing that many fans. Makes you want to play hard and play tough.”

defensive effort included Annalia Paoli reaching into the dugout to catch a foul ball and a long throw home from second base that prevented a run from scoring. There were also great back-to-back plays in the third inning. Paoli snagged a line drive to third base, and a leaping

@IMCHRISTOSIEGEL CS093219@OHIO.EDU

away what might’ve turned into an extra base hit. the Bobcats ran cold on offense. Buckeyes starting pitcher Allison Smith blew pitches by the Bobcats and shut them out

Ohio University right fielder Tori Walker (No. 8) pushes off first base, getting ready to run at Ohio Softball Field in Athens, Ohio, on March 22, 2022. (CLAY STARK | FOR THE POST)

came alive in the fourth inning. They jumped on top of Smith with a pair of er. Tori O’Brien came in to pinch run for Bernard and later cashed in the Bobcats’

the warning track. Ohio had loaded the bases, and Yuhas was just a few feet away from a grand slam.

showed. Tiny adjustments and failing to square up the ball changed the course of the game. In the fourth inning, Lauren Yuhas got under a pitch that carried to

runners in scoring position but just didn’t fall,” Ohio coach Kenzie Roark said. “They were just getting things to fall their way a little bit better than we were, honestly. But I felt like we did a good job of playing them tough, and it was a competitive game the whole time.”

Ohio State racked up a handful of runs with aggressive base running. Despite strong defensive efforts from Ohio all day, Ohio State thought ahead and used strategic base running to bring runners home. In the circle, Mackensie Kohl grinded out another complete game. Kohl wasn’t perfect, however. She allowed six runs and 10 hits off in seven innings of work. But the senior maintained poise in the circle, and she showed no signs of disarray, even after

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BASEBALL

Ohio pitcher charged with criminal mischief following James Hall incident

Brady Linkel is scheduled to show in court on March 31, 2022, at the Athens Municipal Courthouse. (NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

ASHLEY BEACH ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Ohio pitcher Brady Linkel has been charged with criminal mischief following an incident that occurred in James Hall Monday morning. Linkel was initially issued a citation Monday for disorderly conduct after urinating on the door of resident assistant Christopher Brown, according to an Ohio University Police Department report. After it was learned that Brown’s property had been damaged, Linkel’s original citation

was withdrawn. He now faces a charge of criminal mischief. Brown shared the aftermath of the incident on Twitter on Monday afternoon, stating that the incident occurred at 2:30 a.m. At the time, it was believed to be in connection to a racially motivated incident that occurred in Sargent Hall on Sunday. OUPD responded to the incident around 4:15 a.m. Monday. Carly Leatherwood, a university spokeswoman, said OUPD did not believe the incident was racially motivated. Leatherwood also said the incident was not be-

lieved to be connected to the one in Sargent Hall. Compliance is currently reviewing the case to see if it is within its jurisdiction. ternal investigation about the incident. Leatherwood also said university leadership in the Division of Student Affairs, and Inclusion will be meeting with student leaders from the Black Student Union, NAACP and Multicultural Student Organi-

zation Coalition as well as residents to develop additional action items in response to the incident. Sara Legarsky, senior director of athletics communications for OU, said the athletic department has no further statement at this time. Linkel is scheduled to appear in court March 31.

@ASHLEYBEACHY_ AB026319@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

CAMPBELL’S CORNER

Upcoming Student Senate election is most important yet HANNAH CAMPBELL is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Ohio University Student Senate received major backlash after the removal of former Treasurer Simar Kalkat, which brought attention to Senate’s alleged dysfunctional environment. As the next election gears up, it’s time to make the change the student body truly wants to see. accused of using Senate funds to purchase a personal plane anonymous tip, which later turned out to be false and led to Kalkat’s reinstatement. It did, however, still have a heavy impact. their concerns about a lack of diversity and the alleged toxic culture within the body. The extensive speakout not only featured several members of Senate resigning during the meeting, but it also demonstrated how students truly want to be involved in the decision-making process at OU. Multiple students alleged Kalkat’s racial identity had an on the issue. Many students, including me, did not follow the happenings of Senate until this moment, and it opened a lot of eyes to the problems happening within.

during the speakout, students were not shy to voice their frustrations with the body. “A white woman can cry crocodile tears and walk out of the room while a woman of color cannot … she has to get her point across in a room full of white people,” student Alexan-

comes power, and students must use their only power to vote in the next Senate election.

It’s obvious that students, especially students of color, want to see a change in who represents the student body. The only way to achieve this goal is to vote in this upcoming Senate election and make your voice heard. Last week, Senate elected Black Affairs Commissioner Trinity Robinson as the next treasurer, replacing Kalkat. Senate members had the opportunity to nominate any current member, which would then be seconded by an additional member, according to a previous Post report. Additional members were also appointed to higher positions within the body. pate in Senate and attempt to make change, the number of frustrated students should have been an indicator that the body needs new blood. The alleged cutthroat environment and lack of diversity within Senate caused students to be so upset. Instead of appointing members internally, the body should have either -

Hannah Campbell is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Hannah by tweeting her at @hannahcmpbell.

want any sort of change to happen. Otherwise, the cycle will continue, and more voices will be silenced.

Students, like myself, are now more involved and knowledgeable on the incidents within Senate and the problems

TRE’S TAKES

OU should work harder to protect minorities TRE SPENCER is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. As much as Ohio University prides itself on being an inclusive school by continuing to run a plethora of advertising campaigns, heinous incidents keep occurring on campus that threaten the lives of minority students. As recently as Sunday, March 20, and Monday, March 21, multiple racist incidents occurred on campus, one of which occurred in Sargent Hall. In one event, trash and racial slurs were left taped to the door of a student’s room. In the other event, a student urinated outside the door of an resident asBoth events are still being investigated by OU, but it’s simply inexcusable and gut-wrenching to attend a school where such events have occurred. I can only imagine how other students of color feel about what occurred, whether they feel safe enough to speak up about it or even feel safe enough to leave their own rooms. This isn’t a new issue the university has had to handle because there have been several racist incidents that have occurred in the last few years on campus. In April 2019, a video featuring a group of OU students circulated on social media 18 / MARCH 24, 2022

platforms that involved the use of racial slurs for the sake of comedy. cial media from a member of the OU men’s golf team as another means of comedy. Minorities aren’t on this campus to be made fun of, be racist toward or outright disrespected against. Even if both of these incidents were purely jokes, they are simply cruel. The university has responded to these incidents in several statements, but why isn’t the university doing more than re-

be a priority focus of the university.

ring, why isn’t more done for us as minority students? Harboring a safe living and learning environment should be a cornerstone for all schools and universities, public or private, to ensure videos and incidents like this don’t occur again. However, this is where OU simply lags behind other

Tre Spencer is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the colThe Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Tre know by tweeting him @trerspencer1.

important conversations between students on the power of diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education with their Considering approximately 15.1% of total OU students came from underrepresented backgrounds in the 2021 academic year, diversity, inclusion and equity incentives should

norities and students of color on campus feel safe and valued by OU administrators, especially when shameful incidents keep occurring year after year. trators of these heinous incidents: Please take the initiative to speak up and apologize for your actions — because they will haunt you forever.

Film festival highlights diverse voices of the outdoors GRACE KOENNECKE FOR THE POST

Athens.

Based out of Denver, the No Man’s Land Film Festival, or NMLFF, is coming to The Athena Cinema this Thursday. female and nonbinary outdoor athletes. The event is hosted by Outdoor Pursuits and the Recreation Majors Association. the Recreation Majors Association, said in an email. “There are some extremely gives them the platform that they deto get outside and achieve their dreams, door Pursuits, as it has never hosted an be credited to the help of Leanne Chapman, a graduate assistant for Outdoor Pursuits.

pitch the idea of bringing the festival to

stories of female and non binary athletes an event that can help those in Athens

Chapman said the festival provides

“Many

the

activities

present-

ment, as the outdoors is typically assoently intimidating, and rightfully so be-

Cody Lennon, the assistant director of outdoor recreation and education for Campus Recreation, tends to also see only the male side of outdoor activities be portrayed in the media. Film Festival, you typically see a lot of

lighted in No Man’s Land can give people the push they need to utilize these local

pursued the outdoors before.

or their story is important, for them “They also belong in these spaces, too.

Competitors and spectators watch Lo Anderson climb her first route during the Rockstars Climbing Competition at Ohio University’s Ping Center in Athens, Ohio, on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. Lo Andersen won second place in the women’s intermediate category and third place in the intermediate open category. Photo by ALIZA DUTT | THE POST

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How to navigate OU fest season MADYSON LEWELLYN THE BEAT EDITOR

Do all your weekend homework early After a fest day, the only thing you will

Editor’s Note: The Post does not endorse or condone breaking the law. Ohio University fest season is a chaotic series of events that makes you proud to be a Bobcat. Not only is it the pinnacle of our ments you will reminisce on one day when you think of your alma mater. During the past few years, fest season was another casualty of things that temporarily paused while the world was busy rent senior class is the only one to have experienced a full fest season as freshmen in

you have Saturday or Sunday deadlines for homework, make sure you complete your assignments early. Trust us, doing homework will be the last thing you want to do. This is another perfect reason to stay in on Friday because you’ll knock out all the assignments that you may have been too tired to complete after the long weekend. Surely, your hungover Sunday self will thank you! Be sure to take this day as a complete recovery day to rehydrate and fuel yourself. You deserve it.

year, there was much skepticism if the tradition would live on in the coming years if it was led by people who didn’t truly know how to navigate a fest season. on for 2022, there’s three classes of students who have never experienced the entire fest season. And, like all good things, making it go smoothly takes proper caution, care and properly navigate fest season this year: The sidewalk is lava

Have your outfit picked out and your plans ready The last thing you will want to do the morning of a fest is stress over what you’re wearing and where all of your friends are heading. Since it’s ideal to get ready as quickly ly going to set you back. Make sure to always plan out the night before what you’re wearing, and make sure it’s washed and ready. Before going to bed, make sure your friends are all on the same page of where you want to meet in the morning and what par-

ant items of business before getting a good night’s sleep, you’ll have the most stress-free morning possible. It’s a marathon, not a sprint Plain and simple: Don’t start binge-drinkperienced a full fest season don’t realize just how much stamina and endurance it takes to nitely see people chugging bottles of liquor this is one of the biggest mistakes made and will ensure you’re in bed by 2 p.m. Remember to slow down your drinking throughout the day by also incorporating water in between. Not only will you avoid a hangover the next day, but you will also make sure you’re staying alert and not embarrassing yourself throughout the long day.

the evening. Especially if you plan on going out at night, this is the prime time to take a quick hour nap to reenergize before you head out for the rest of the night. Be sure to make out to refuel, and nourish yourself before continuing the festivities.

@MAADILEWELLYN ML203417@OHIO.EDU

Take a nap around 3 p.m. Since your alarm will be going off around 7 a.m. and you’ll be exerting all kinds of energy throughout the morning and afternoon, a nap will be needed at some point. 3 p.m. is the perfect time to get some brief shut-eye because it’s the midpoint in the day when most people start to lag off. Here, you can catch up on some TikToks, have a moment of chillness and recharge your social battery for

stay off the sidewalk when you have an open container in your hand. The police are on the street for a reason — because they’re waiting for you to make this rookie mistake. Also, undercover cops are always disguised in casual clothing and watching for people to ticket. Even if you are of legal drinking age, it is still illegal to have an open container in a public space. The last thing you need during fest is being handcuffed in front of a huge crowd of people. Do yourself a favor, and pretend like the sidewalk is lava if you’re walking around with your open drink. Don’t go out on Friday this entails waking up bright and early. Most have to allow more time in your morning to get ready and to pregame. The one thing that will make waking up at 7 a.m. all the more painful is if you went out the night before and you’re down this bad. During fest season, Fridays are not for a nice dinner at places like Stephen’s, Jackie O’s and Sol. You all can have a satisfying dinner and some relaxation time to discuss your festivity plans for the next day.

20 / MARCH 24, 2022

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER

10 Amazon decorations to help achieve your spring bedroom dreams MIMI CALHOUN FOR THE POST Spring has sprung, and that means it’s out with the old and in with the new. After staying cooped up inside for the winter, it’s time to change things up, and that includes your bedroom. This is your chance to start anew with some spring cleaning and new decorations to make your living space a fresh and enjoyable place. Add the latest decor with these 10 Amazon decorations: Hanging flowers While the concept of hanging vines cherry blossoms or wisteria. The added decor will make your room pop with color, and it’s a chance to bring the blooming good option for those who may not have a in their room.

animals to have room decor to cuddle up with for spring, but lambs and ducks are also very spring-esque. Fun rugs Rugs are a nice way to add personality to your bedroom, even if they are a slightly out-of-the-box decoration. Check out some that are images of things or come in spring colors. Look into rugs that display word messages such as a peachy clean peach, or go for a more smiley and bright option like a grinning daisy. Minimalist vanity mirror Check out your beautiful face in a vanity mirror that doesn’t take up too much space and can go with anything. This minimalist mirror is simple with its wooden base, but the irregular shape of it adds a more playful vibe. Good for everyday use, the mirror is also just a nice decoration to make your room feel a bit bigger.

Flowy tapestries Change up your tapestry game with brightly colored choices or ones with imagery to update the decoration that could be seen as slightly overdone. Use them as pieces that can bring empty wall spaces to life and give you some inspiration and mo-

down. Coming in a variety of color combinations, the bins are stackable crates that are perfect for desk organization and getting you ready to do your studies in a clean space.

@MIMI_CALHOUN MC300120@OHIO.EDU

card-inspired options. Curtain fairy lights With this two-in-one decor choice, let the spring sun shine through these white sheer curtains that also serve as a lighting option. These fairy light controlled with eight light modes and a brightness range. They also come in different colors like white, blue, warm white and color changing. Pastel desk organizer bins Get organized and motivated with these pastel storage bins. They come in which allows for easy set up and take

Moon lamp A moon lamp is a lighting option that won’t be too harsh on the eyes and is an aesthetic lamp alternative. If you like the color-changing LED look, this moon lamp has a variety of colors you can control with a remote. Sitting on a wooden stand, the lamp is wireless and comes with rechargeable batteries that last about 15 hours. 3D LED digital clock This light source also serves as a digital alarm clock. A minimalist choice, the clock serves as a pretty decor piece with its simple design and useful purpose. You can mount it to your wall or leave it on its stand, and it comes in a variety of colors, including white, blue, pink and orange. Bubble candles Switch up your candle game with square bubble candles. These soy wax, scents that can give a relaxing and calming vibe for the springtime. Coming in a variety of color combinations, the candles will add a little pizazz to any color scheme bedroom. Soft stuffed animals Instead of throw pillows, try out a new comfy bed decor. Treat yourself to some

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21

the weekender Tantrum Theater presents ‘Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812’

CARMEN SZUKAITIS FOR THE POST

Tantrum Theater, Ohio University’s professional theater in the College of Fine Arts, will present OU alumnus Dave Malloy’s electro-pop opera, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. The production, initially planned to debut in spring 2021, is adapted from a 70-page section of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. In this period romance piece, Natasha has just moved back to Moscow with her family to wait for the return of her fiance. During this time, she meets and falls for Anatole, a roguish character. While Natasha ruins her reputation with this romantic trance, Pierre, a family friend, is trying to pick up the shattering pieces. The show is directed by Alan Patrick Kenny, assistant professor and head of musical theater, with musical direction by Brent Frederick, assistant professor of instruction in musical theater and music direction. Kenny is excited to get people back into the theater. “We’ve been anticipating this so much to have this moment where we can actually do a live musical in the room with people,” Kenny said. “ We have a cast of 29 and an orchestra, and they’re all on stage. And we have actor-musicians, who are all over the space, who are singing and acting with their instruments. It’s such a raucous, wonderful, beautiful, funny and moving event.” A preview performance will be held Thursday, and showings will continue from Friday through Saturday and March 29 through April 2 at 8 p.m. in the Forum Theater, located in the basement of the Radio Television Building. Tickets are on sale on Tantrum Theater’s website. Producing Director of Tantrum Theater Joshua Coy said the most surprising thing about the show is the dramatic 22 / MARCH 24, 2022

set and the pacing. “The play itself, the setting is dramatic,” Coy said. “The physical set of the show is dramatically done by our set designer. It’s very active; it’s not a play that has a lot of downtime. It’s exciting. So, you’re going to be able to have an experience like you would have in New York but here in Athens.” While watching this once-in-a-lifetime showing, viewers will be able to enjoy the many different musical takes. From Russian folk, waltz and club type, music drives the story with only one line of dialogue not underscored by it, Frederick said. “It’s this interesting interpolation of musical theater styles and traditional folk, Russian-sounding music,” Frederick said. “It’s got sections that sound like they belong in a club, and they’ve got sections that sound like they are traditional. All of it works together as a device of the storytelling, which is really cool to see unfold. It’s something unlike what most people have heard when they come into the theater because the styles are so disparate.” Depending on perspective, everyone will get something different out of the show. Kenny said every night he gains something new after watching the show. “People are going to come in with their own experiences,” Kenny said. “Maybe someone who has read more in War and Peace and loves that literature will get one thing out of it. And someone else, who is not interested, will get something completely different out of it. Everybody in terms of their own interests and their own things that they relate to will probably grab on to something different. I think that’s what’s so exciting about this kind of musical and this kind of experience.” Frederick said Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 will be a musical that audiences won’t soon be able to forget.

“If you like beautiful costumes, you’ll see that,” Frederick said. “If you like music that’s loud, you’re going to hear it. If you like music that is traditional musical theater, you’re going to hear it, and you’re just going to see some great acting. You’re going to see people playing accordions and running around on the stage and playing instruments while they’re acting. I think walking out

of this experience, it’s something that people are going to go, ‘Wow, I’m able to feel something again after two years of numbness.’” @CARMENSZUK CS032018@OHIO.EDU

IF YOU GO WHAT: Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 WHERE: Forum Theater WHEN: Friday and Saturday and March 29 through April 2 at 8 p.m. ADMISSION: $20 general admission

WHAT’S GOING ON?

Learn how to boulder, attend a charity auction KATIE MILLARD FOR THE POST FRIDAY, MARCH 25 Prom Flowers DIY event will take place at the Albany Cafe, 5196 Washington Road, at 5 p.m. This informational class will teach participants how to make their own corsages and boutonnieres, and attendees will leave with a handmade corsage and boutonniere. Admission: $15 for one person and one flower or $25 for a couple and two flowers Concord Floral will be performed by students in the Hahne Theater in Kantner Hall, 19 S. College St., at 7:30 p.m. Presented by the School of Theater, written by Jordan Tannahill and directed by Molly H. Donahue, the play tells the story of Concord Floral, a 1-millionsquare-foot abandoned greenhouse that doubles as a safe haven for local kids but hides a terrible secret. Admission: Free but must be reserved in advance The Sneakthief Tour Party! will happen at The Union, 18 W. Union St., this Friday at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. for Sneakthief and special guests No Stars and Mezclado. This exciting show is hosted by Blackout Booking, so make sure to come out and party.

Admission: Free Thread Magazine and NAMI’s Silent Auction and Impact Award Ceremony will take place from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Central Venue, 29 E. Carpenter St. The ceremony will honor Tom Walker, and all proceeds from the event and silent auction will go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

UPTOWN

starting at

HOUSES

400

3•4•5•6 bedrooms

Admission: $5 at the door The 10th World Music and Dance Concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the MemAud, 33 University Terrace. Hosted by the College of Fine Arts, the show will feature music and dance from around the world. Admission: $15 general admission, free for students with a valid ID

9&12

steps from Uptown

month LeAses

Off Street Parking

SUNDAY, MARCH 27 Athens Bouldering Trip will embark from Ping Center at 11 a.m. and will return at 4 p.m. The trip includes bouldering gear, instructors and transportation. Come learn how to boulder hands-on by climbing outside in fun, challenging and educational climbs.

& HUGE PORCHES

FEATURED

HOUSES

151 E. State Street

99 W. State Street

Admission: $15 Up-cycle Fabric Mushroom Log Workshop will take place from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Community MakerSpace, 751 W. Union St. The course will teach about the world of mushrooms, and participants will walk away with a personal oyster mushroom log that will grow and produce edible mushrooms. Admission: $20

@KATIE_MILLARD11 KM053019@OHIO.EDU

99 deposit $

per person

Admission: $8 for 21+, $10 for anyone under 21 SATURDAY, MARCH 26 Megan Bee with Bruce Dalzell will perform at the Eclipse Company Store, 11309 Jackson Drive, at 7 p.m. Joined by special guest Eric Nassau, the performance will feature Bee’s heart-consuming folk music.

53 E. State Street

45 Mill Street

*security deposit and monthly rates are per person/per month

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CALL TO SCHEDULE A VIEWING TODAY!

740.594.9098

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IN PERSON IN BAKER CENTER THEATER AND VIRTUALLY USING LINKS IN QR CODE BELOW PRESENTED BY THE E.W. SCRIPPS SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND THE SCHOOL OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION

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Art director and comics editor, The Washington Post

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Freelance photojournalist and owner, Tapahe Photography

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