April 7, 2022

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Mind your manners

Male bar workers detail chaos of Mom’s Weekend

Nearly $40,000 spent on OU's branding decals PG 6 Upperclassmen lead on and off the field PG 16 Places to go for Mom's Weekend PG 20

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Thank you, and goodbye, ‘The Post’

ABBY MILLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Post is going out with a bang this year.

These next two weeks, the print editions in your hand will each be a special issue. We’ll soon celebrate stories from across Appalachia and our wonderful graduating class, of which I’m a part. All this to say, it’s time for my formal goodbye column to make way for all the special content coming out in the last weeks of the year.

I’ve spent so much of my senior year telling myself there was plenty of time to check off the last things on my Athens bucket list: to visit all of the Athens bars, to hike at The Ridges, to make as many memories with friends as possible before parting ways. But the following is a cliche for a reason: Time flies, and before you know it, days melt into years.

Unfortunately, a fair amount of those days were either spent in my childhood bedroom or confined to my Athens apartment. The COVID-19 pandemic was a massive barrier to what I could check off of that Athens bucket list, but I feel grateful to be fully back on campus this year, attending in-person classes and meeting some of my fellow Posties who I had previously only seen on Zoom calls.

I’ll let you all in on a secret: I didn’t always want to be editor-in-chief of The Post. As a

freshman, I wasn’t even sure what student organizations I wanted to devote my time to. I arrived on campus a nervous, homesick out-of-state student who was longing to find her new sense of belonging. I am beyond grateful to have found that at The Post.

To me, and so many others on our staff, The Post’s newsroom in Baker 325 is so much more than just a newsroom — it’s our second home. Within its walls, we’ve laughed, cried and drank way too much coffee from Front Room Coffeehouse. From the electric rush of reporting breaking news on election night to meeting some of my best friends, my college experience is anchored to The Post, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The only journalistic experience I had prior to OU was a single journalism class my senior year of high school. Put quite plainly, I cringe looking at my first stories for The Post. I’ve now published nearly 300 articles, writing about everything from local politics to astrology. The pride I associate with these pieces is all thanks to the amazing editors and colleagues I’ve had here.

I would not be the journalist I am today without The Post and the opportunities it has given me. Through my many roles, I’ve learned hard, valuable lessons about what it

means to be a journalist — and a leader. There has been nothing better than getting out of the classroom and exploring Athens with my reporter’s notebook. Southeast Ohio is special, and I’m grateful to have gotten to know this community.

The many goodbyes and lasts of the rest of the semester are going to be difficult, but a piece of my heart will always be in Baker 325.

Thank you to all of my family, friends, professors and fellow Posties who have helped me through my college experience and made me the journalist — and person — I am today.

Your support means the world to me.

And finally, thank you, The Post. Being this year’s editor-in-chief is an honor I will never forget.

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 PHOTO BY JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Abby Miller MANAGING EDITOR Bre Offenberger DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Geiger

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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

ISSUE 19, VOLUME 112

ART ART DIRECTOR Mary Berger ASST. ART DIRECTOR Olivia Juenger 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 / APRIL 7, 2022

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OU spends over $900,000 on PPE equipment MADALYN BLAIR FOR THE POST

Ohio University has spent $915,763 on COVID-19 personal protective equipment, or PPE, most of which was covered by federal grants.

OU had to increase its expenditures on PPE to keep students, faculty and staff safe, according to a previous Post report. In fiscal year 21, $809,324 was spent on PPE. Among the products OU supplied were 3-ply disposable face masks, KN95/N95 masks, hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, clear masks, face shields and disinfectant spray Even during spikes of positive COVID-19 test results, Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said OU never experienced a shortage of supplies.

Ryan Spellman, a service desk coordinator at Alden Library, said whenever the library began to run low on PPE products, it usually would be restocked again quickly. He said this typically only occurred when there was an in-

creased demand for available masks as Alden was a distribution point.

“I can happily say students absolutely used the products we provided to them,” Joseph Walden, a library support specialist at Alden, said in an email. “We had many people pick up the KN95 masks and the individual bottles of hand sanitizer. And, we still have people using Clorox wipes and our surgical masks too. People spend a lot of time studying in the library, so they seemed to take advantage of what we offer.”

Recently, Alden Library and Baker University Center also started offering free BinaxNOW tests, one test per week per individual, for students, faculty and staff. These started to be offered at the library on Feb 16.

Walden said he thinks Alden and Baker were the locations that gave out the free tests because of their centralized locations and accessibility.

However, Walden said he was unsure if the free tests were advertised enough due to a slow initial rollout.

“There was a time we went through 500 (masks) in less than two weeks, but I see it as a good thing as long as

NOW LEASING NEW BEGINNINGS

@MADALYNTBLAIR MB682120@OHIO.EDU

everyone has access to what they need. I am happy students are being mindful and using them,” Spellman said in an email.

N-95 masks remain up for grabs at the front desk of Baker University Center. (NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

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NEWS BRIEFS

Athens city council discusses Baileys Trail Funding, OU diversity and inclusion leader to leave MOLLY WILSON ASST. NEWS EDITOR City Council discusses pickleball, tennis courts and Baileys Trail Funding At its Monday meeting, Athens City Council discussed renewing its 2022 membership in the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia, or ORCA. The membership would cost $90,000 to renew, and the funding is taken from the city’s transient guest tax.

ORCA is currently looking to fund lengthening the Baileys Trail System to about 88 miles.

Athens Mayor Steve Patterson said the level of tourism coming to Athens County from the trail will bolster the county’s economy.

Councilman Micah McCarey, D-At Large, also introduced an ordinance authorizing the construction of pickleball and tennis courts Monday. The ordinance was first introduced in February but was referred back to the City and Safety Services Committee after the price estimate increased.

The project was originally expected to cost $250,000 and will now cost an estimated $328,250.

OU reaffirms dedication to inclusive campus OU President Hugh Sherman and Vice President for

Diversity and Inclusion Gigi Secuban announced action steps to combat racism at OU on Friday. The announcement followed recent racist hate crimes and activity on campus. Students have been vocal about their concerns regarding those events and OU’s diversity and inclusion.

Sherman and Secuban said they understood what students were expressing. They also said they are committed to supporting students of color.

Sherman and Secuban said they will implement the following steps immediately: Engage a nationally recognized external expert in diversity to guide a review of OU’s current climate and practice.

Renovate the Multicultural Center space to better support today’s students Implement additional diversity training for faculty this summer and next fall Implement inclusion and incident response training for residence life staff A new LINKS living learning community focused on new students of color Expand diversity training through Bobcat Student Orientation, welcome week and learning communities

• • • • • • •

will leave Ohio University in June and move on to serve as Texas State University’s vice president of institutional inclusive excellence.

Secuban was hired in 2018 and strived to increase diversity by implementing the annual Diversity Leadership Institute and Diversity Advocate Program. Salome Nnoromele is set to serve as OU’s interim vice president for diversity and inclusion when Secuban leaves.

In 2020, delfin bautista, former director of the LGBT center who uses they/them pronouns and does not capitalize their name, filed two lawsuits alleging OU discriminated against them because of their gender and sexual identitiy, according to a previous Post report.

In one of the suits, bautista claimed Secuban created a hostile work environment by infrequent visits and ignoring them on several occasions. bautista also alleged Secuban dead-named them and would only go into the center with an HR representative.

@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU

Vice president of diversity and inclusion to leave OU this summer Gigi Secuban, vice president of diversity and inclusion,

POLICE BLOTTER

Suspicious blanket reported, landlord allegedly throws tenants items out of residence MOLLY WILSON ASST. NEWS EDITOR KENDALL WRIGHT FOR THE POST ‘That’s suspicious…’

Deputies from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Albany after receiving a report of a suspicious blanket.

Deputies checked the blanket and found nothing in it.

Mood swings The sheriff’s office received a call from the Nelsonville area reporting the caller’s landlord was throwing the tenant’s items out of the home illegally without evicting them.

Before the deputy was able to arrive, the caller called back to tell the office that they had worked things out.

Missing person The sheriff’s office received a request for a well-being check. The person who called said he had not heard from his son in five weeks.

Deputies responded to Williams Road in Athens to check on him. At the son’s residence, deputies knocked on the door, which was not answered. Deputies also tried to call him, but attempts were unsuccessful.

4 / APRIL 7, 2022

Stolen items Deputies from the sheriff’s office responded to a report of suspicious activity in The Plains.

The caller said food items and dog treats went missing a few days earlier. The morning she called, she said she heard someone trying to open her front door.

Party szn Sheriff’s office deputies responded to a report of loud music on Connett Road, Nelsonville.

The caller said the next door house, which is an Airbnb, was playing music late at night. Deputies arrived on scene, and the music was subsequently turned down.

Lone wolf Deputies received a complaint about a suspicious vehicle on Rhoric Road, in Athens. The caller said there was a truck left at a local church alone.

Deputies found the vehicle and discovered it was not stolen or occupied. The truck was off the road and no criminal activity was noted at the time.

No further action was taken.

Damaged vehicle The sheriff’s office took a report of damage to a vehicle in Albany.

The owner of the vehicle received information on how to obtain a copy of the report.

Manual driver in training Sheriff’s office deputies responded to the Strouds Run Beach area on a report of a suspicious vehicle that was stopping frequently and circling through the park.

Once deputies arrived, they discovered the driver was in the process of learning how to drive a stick shift.

Deputies left and returned to patrol.

Bye, bye diesel Deputies from the sheriff’s office received a theft report from Niggemeyer road, in Guysville.

After responding, the complainant said someone stole two car batteries and 100 gallons of diesel fuel. The crime is currently being investigated.

Don’t blink Deputies received a tip about a possible sighting of a missing juvenile.

During the follow-up, deputies were unable to locate the juvenile.

@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU @KENDALLKWRIGHT KW229520@OHIO.EDU

Music Industry Summit provides OU students, locals a chance to de-compose ALYSSA CRUZ FOR THE POST From 9 a.m. on Tuesday to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Baker Ballroom was dedicated to the music industry.

The annual Music Industry Summit came to Ohio University in person after a two-year hiatus. Although the length of time from the last in-person summit was lengthy, it did not mean that the coordination of the event was any less difficult.

Residents of Athens, OU students and anyone willing to make the drive to 1 Park Place were invited to hear from music industry professionals.

In addition to being at the summit physically, attendees also had the opportunity to attend virtually. Registration for the conference events was mandatory but free. Additional events, however, like the opening night networking event and closing concert came with a fee.

The array of lecturers was wide in range and experience. From Featured Music Supervisor Chris Douridas to Grammy-nominated producer Chris Messina, each speaker shared their expertise and advice to interested parties as well as music industry aspirants.

The two-day event was made possible by a collection of sponsors, including but not limited to the Scripps College of Communication, OHIO Live, Shure, Republic of Athens Records and Donkey Coffee & Espresso.

Not only was becoming a sponsor of the summit an opportunity for publicity, Republic of Athens Records, or ROAR, set up a small pop up shop for attendees to browse through during session breaks. For Isaac Slater and ROAR, the summit was an opportunity to promote their product and potentially attract some new clientele. “(We hope) to add to the visibility of our shop,” Slater said. “Maybe drawing in some new customers that could potentially become regulars.”

Not only did the summit showcase an array of music professionals from a number of fields, it also showcased artists from a number of genres.

Some notable names include a keynote speaker, Athens’ own folk band CAAMP, pop band Japanese Breakfast member Michelle Zauner, rapper Saba and many more.

Eleanor Dakota, a Dayton local and one of the first speakers of the summit, is working with Brick City Records to produce an EP. Having had her style classified as indie, Dakota’s EP, Whispers, will be out

Audience members dance as indie pop artist Michelle Zauner, known in the music industry as Japanese Breakfast, performs at Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville, Ohio, on April 5, 2022, during the opening party for the 2022 Music Industry Summit hosted by Ohio University. (ALIZA DUTT | FOR THE POST)

this Friday.

Dakota said her experience with Brick City Records has taken her out of her comfort zone and showed her how much work is needed to produce music – a notion supported by the summit.

“Some of the presenters really made it clear to me that if I really do want to pursue my passion, I’m going to need to take that first step and make those connections with people,” Dakota said.

The general consensus of attendees was positive, and many students were happy to hear from these professionals.

Speakers relayed their real-world experience and gave a small glimpse of what navigating the music industry looks like.

Thanks to the diversity of the lineup, each speaker’s experience was unique, and each speaker had a different perspective from the field.

Sophia Hoffman, a freshman studying media arts and production, is a member

of Women in the Music Industry, or WIMI. Members of WIMI volunteer at the summit. Hoffman fulfilled her responsibility by working the check-in desk of the event.

Although behind a table, Hoffman was still able to take a thing or two away from the speakers and had a positive experience.

“It’s been really cool,” Hoffman said.

“I’ve gotten to meet a lot of really neat people and a lot of people doing really awesome things in the industry.”

Regarding what she took away from the event, Hoffman said she definitely received some valuable advice she will remember once she reaches the career field.

“I think standing up for myself and having the ability to find a depth within my own being; to be confident and believe in myself pushing forward when people tell you that you can’t,” Hoffman said.

The successful summit ended with a rousing, sold-out performance from

CAAMP at the Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday after the band’s keynote conversation. The concert benefited the Newport Festivals Foundation, an organization devoted to supporting artists and music education across the nation.

@ALYSSADANCCRUZ AC974320@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

One of the new Ohio University decals displayed over one of the doors leading into Chubb Hall. (ALAINA DACKERMANN | FOR THE POST)

New campus decals cost OU nearly $40,000 in printing PAIGE FISHER FOR THE POST Ohio University began to install large vinyl decals on several university buildings, which have received mixed reviews from students, as the next phase of its brand project that originally launched in 2020.

Robin Oliver, vice president for OU communications and marketing, oversees the university’s branding and creative teams. Oliver said the projects she has implemented aim to bring a more unified brand platform to OU. Before the decal installation, OU communications worked with students and OU’s academic colleges’ leadership teams to get their input about the messaging platforms.

“President Sherman was really talking about making sure that as students visit campus, they can have a window into our world and see a little bit more about what is happening behind the walls, behind the bricks,” Oliver said.

Oliver said printing the decals was a one-time cost that does not have much of an impact on the university’s recurring budget.

6 / APRIL 7, 2022

Some of the printing work was done by the university print shop, but the larger and high format parts of the project had to be outsourced because it was beyond the capabilities of the print shop, Oliver said.

Oliver said the outsourced printing was around $31,550 for the decals on Copeland Hall, the Chemistry Building, Nelson Court, Chubb Hall, Morton Hall and Ping Recreation Center. The graphics on Ping take up a large portion of the cost.

There was an additional $6,500 spent on the window graphics on the first and fifth floors of Baker University Center, which were printed through OU’s print shop. That brought the total printing cost to around a total of $38,000 with the exclusion of labor or machinery costs to install the vinyl.

The project itself was planned prior to large campus tours during the academic year, but the university planned some of the installations to be done around the time of large tour groups being on campus.

“We were putting in these (decals) in some of the high traffic areas where we wanted to get in front of those admitted students,” Oliver said. “We did work to have them done before the March 19 Up

Close (tour event) was an internal deadline for us to try to get them done, but it had been a project that was in the works for several weeks before that.”

While the decals are meant to be seen by visiting students, current OU students have also noticed them.

Mia Goble, a freshman studying exercise physiology, said she liked how the decals show off more of OU but thinks the university could support students in other ways.

“I don’t want to say ‘wasting money,’ but I don’t think it shows anything important necessarily.” Goble said. “I think they could have used their money for something else, but it does make it more attractive, I guess.”

Jacqueline Battigaglia, a sophomore studying human biological sciences, shared Goble’s concerns for the university’s money usage on the decals.

“I think that the university was complaining about not having money but then they put big dumb stickers that are tagging the buildings and … it just makes the rest of the town kind of look like a cheesy college town you’d see in a movie,” Battigaglia said.

Speculation around when or if the

decals may come down is also a concern among current students.

“Maybe they’ll just go through the process and make new ones, but I feel like there’s more things that need to be fixed around here than … paying and putting up the stickers,” Battigaglia said.

Oliver said while it is a possibility for the decals to be updated due to change in brand or change of times, there currently is no indication the decals will be taken down anytime soon.

@PAIGEMAFISHER PF585820@OHIO.EDU

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International Street Fair returns after 2-year hiatus due to COVID-19 LYDIA COLVIN FOR THE POST The International Street Fair is scheduled to be held for the first time in two years on Saturday as part of International Week at Ohio University.

The International Student Union, or ISU, is working with the city of Athens to put on the event, which will include a flag parade that starts at 10:30 a.m. at Baker University Center and ends at Howard Park, food from around the world and speeches from city and student leaders.

The street fair is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Throughout the day, there will be performances by different organizations, including the Chubu University students at OU; PERMIAS, an Indonesian Student Association at OU; and the Ark Band from Columbus.

The theme for International Week is “Fostering Connections: Together We Can, Together We Will,” because ISU’s goal for the event is to build connections between 8 / APRIL 7, 2022

the community and international students. ISU has continued to partner with the city of Athens on the street fair since 1982 to achieve that goal.

“It is important for us to keep that connection (to the city) going,” Diane Cahill, director of international services and operations at OU and advisor for ISU, said.

“Not only does it help with students being hopefully more welcomed and more respected in our general community, but it also helps to keep our community in Athens or Athens Country informed about … the value of meeting people from different places.”

ISU board members also recognize the importance of the street fair for bringing together the community around them and bringing awareness to the international community at OU. “It’s an opportunity for international students to get contact or to interact with the local community,” Deependra Budhathoki, president of ISU, said. “(It’s an opportunity) to advertise the culture, the food and the artifacts from their home

country to the local community.”

Additionally, Cahill said the event is eye-opening for many people in the local and university communities and is a reminder that each of them still have work to do in regards to diversity and inclusion.

Along with the awareness the event brings, many international students who have attended the event before are very excited to see it happen in person again, especially because of the food.

“I’m excited to bring back that after two years of just shutting down and not having to interact with the community,” Keamogetse Khudu, vice president of ISU, said. “I’m very excited for the food and to see what other organizations have at the street fair.”

For other international students who have never attended the event, many are looking forward to going for the first time and experiencing the event for themselves.

“I’m quite excited about it because I understand there will be lots of food and the fact that there will be a lot of cultural

displays,” Gerard Chukwu, photographer for ISU, said. “I’m from Nigeria in Africa, so I hope to meet people from other continents and other parts of my continent as well.”

Athens Mayor Steve Patterson said he is hopeful the event will have a good turnout, especially as COVID-19 numbers continue to decrease across the state. Because people have been secluded due to coronavirus health and safety measures, he believes people are eager to get back out and interact with other people.

International Week is from Monday to Saturday, with events planned for every day leading up to the street fair.

@COLVIN_LYDIA LC844519@OHIO.EDU

Far from home, Ramadan looks different for OU students, faculty

ILLUSTRATION BY MCKENNA CHRISTY ALYSSA CRUZ AND MCKENNA CHRISTY FOR THE POST Each evening, between April 2 and May 2, vendors in Banten, Indonesia, line the city’s streets to sell food and snacks for Iftar – the meal eaten at sunset to break the day’s fast during Ramadan.

Then, people travel to the mosque to recite prayers called Tarawih, meaning night prayer. Uswatun Hasanah, a foreign language teaching assistant and instructor of Indonesian, said the prayer is only recited during Ramadan. Hasanah will be away from Indonesia for Ramadan this year.

Ramadan is the holiest and ninth

month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims globally. It begins when the first sign of a crescent moon is spotted during the ninth month. Ramadan is recognized as a month of fasting, charity, empathy, religious reflection, prayer and abstaining from desires.

“Fasting during Ramadan is mandatory for Muslims, but there are some exceptions,” Hasanah said. “Like people who are elderly, people who are traveling, people who are nursing (and) pregnant women, they are exempt from the obligation.”

The origins of Ramadan are attributed to the moment Muhammad, the prophet and founder of Islam, was given the Quran, the religious text of Islam, by the angel Ji-

breel, who Hasanah said non-followers of Islam may know as the angel Gabriel. “(Ramadan) is very special, and we have to be excited to welcome it because the rewards of the good deeds will be multiplied,” Hasanah said.

Although Hasanah will miss her family this month, she reflected happily on what celebrating Ramadan is like in Indonesia. Hasanah said Indonesia is the biggest Muslim country in the world, and families have their own traditions.

Rohis Uz Zaman, a graduate student studying political science, is experiencing his first Ramadan away from home. Zaman has celebrated Ramadan in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for most of his life.

During Ramadan, Zaman said the city is vibrant and colorful. Restaurants build extensions to serve people food when it’s time to break fast. He also said there are a lot of different types of food, most of which are oily and spicy.

To prepare for Eid al-Fitr, the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, Zaman said Dhaka, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, becomes almost empty as people travel to their native villages and homes. For Eid al-Fitr, people in Dhaka also buy new clothes and wear Punjabi and Pajama to the celebration.

Regarding celebrating Ramadan at OU, there aren’t as many opportunities to engage in Ramadan as there are in other parts of the world or the U.S. Celebrating Ramadan in Athens looks different for Muslim students and faculty.

Similar to Zaman and Hasanah, this is also Rayyan Bhutta’s first time celebrating Ramadan away from his family. Bhutta, a freshman studying biology, came to OU this past fall and was pleasantly surprised to find a welcoming community who shared his faith.

Like many other Muslim students at OU, Bhutta found friendship and acceptance at the Muslim Students Association of Ohio University, or MSA. Located at 13 Stewart St., MSA shares a building with the Islamic Center of Athens and welcomes everyone, regardless of religious belief.

“I came here and I was really scared, but Alhamdulillah – thank God,” Bhutta said. “Everybody here is so amazing; they take you in like you’re family.”

Although everyone celebrates Ramadan differently, it is a time for reflection and spiritual growth. Adapting traditions to better align with practices of home communities can be difficult, but Hasanah has felt supported and welcomed by her new community despite differences.

“I’ve been thinking, ‘Oh my God I will be sad because I’m away from my family,’” Hasanah said, “But thankfully, I’ve got lots of friends here. Even though we are from different religions, people are very supportive.”

@MCKENNACHRISTY1 MC957019@OHIO.EDU @ALYSSADANCCRUZ AC974320@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9

Mom’s Weekend Madness HANNAH CAMPBELL ASST. OPINION EDITOR Mom’s Weekend at Ohio University is thought to be a time of bonding and family fun, a time for moms to visit their children and spend some quality time. For male bartenders and bouncers in Athens, however, Mom’s Weekend can be a nightmare.

Day Williams, former bouncer at The Over Hang, 63 N. Court St., graduated from OU in 2019. He worked at the bar for about two years and worked two previous Mom’s Weekends.

In addition to stories from his dad, another OU alumnus, Williams said he was warned about how crazy visiting parents can get at the bars.

“I was kind of ready for anything,” Williams said. “I guess at OU, when you hear the term ‘things might get rowdy,’ you’re kind of like, ‘This is college; It’s rowdy already.’”

While Williams never engaged with any moms outside of work, he said the women can get pretty chaotic.

“Moms during Mom’s Weekend can get really rowdy, and they get really frisky,” Williams said. “I remember I had one mom who took my towel that I used to wear around my hip while I’d walk around the bar waiting. She took it, … (wrung) up my towel, and started hitting me in the butt with it.”

During his experiences working Mom’s Weekend, Williams said he experienced sexual harassment from many women but felt he could control the situation most of the time. In most instances, a mom would flirt with him or try to get his attention, he said.

“I’ve never had anything that was off or that made me extremely uncomfortable,” Williams said. “It was always situations where I was usually able to control it.”

One instance, however, a mom sat on Williams’ lap and continuously hit on him.

After refusing to leave, Williams’ boss at the time kicked the woman out of the bar, he said.

These instances of harassment and sexual harassment are common experiences for other bouncers in Athens on Mom’s Weekend.

Tom Coughlin, a senior studying finance, started working at Courtside Pizza, 85 N. Court St., in January 2018 as a bouncer. He has worked three previous Mom’s Weekends and said many moms have flirted with him but never got out of control besides one instance.

10 / APRIL 7, 2022

Drinks are poured for customers at Pigskin Bar and Grill.

(Jesse Jarrold-Grapes | Photo Editor)

“I was slapped my freshman year because I wouldn’t let a mom in on the patio,” Coughlin said.

Coughlin said the mom ended up walking away and he did not have to call authorities.

Although Williams’ and Coughlin’s experiences were chaotic, another bouncer explained a more tame experience.

Jake Fritz, a senior studying sports management and marketing, started working as a bouncer at Broney’s Alumni Grill, 7 W. Carpenter St., in January 2021.

While the 2021 Mom’s Weekend was canceled due to COVID-19, many moms still came to campus for an unofficial weekend.

Fritz said after the unofficial weekend was announced on social media, the staff of Broney’s had a meeting to discuss the details of the event and was warned by co-workers about how crazy visiting moms can get. “(My boss) was like, ‘At the end of the day, when parents come visit, they’re the ones that are going to tip the bartenders better,‘’’ Fritz said. “‘They’re going to be the ones that are spending more money in the bar.’”

Fritz said despite working long hours, he loved working the weekend because of how fun it was interacting with the moms.

He did, however, mention that many moms flirted with him throughout the night.

“I would say, realistically, probably one out of every five or 10 moms that came in would get a little touchy with you, call you handsome, stuff like that,” Fritz said. “And a lot of it was pretty innocent … but there were definitely a few moments where I was like, ‘OK, I hope this woman walks away from you right now because I’m getting a little uncomfortable.’”

Jestfully titled “Milf Fest,” this year’s Mom’s Weekend will take place April 8 through April 10. As former bartenders and bouncers look back to past events, current bar workers look forward to the wild weekend to come.

Fritz said this upcoming Mom’s Weekend may get out of control due to the lack of COVID-19 restrictions.

“This is the first Mom’s Weekend in two (or) three years where you don’t have to be sitting down at a bar at all,” Fritz said. “And so I think that adds an interesting element

to the mix.”

Mitchell Samas, a junior studying sociology-criminology, started working at Red Brick Tavern, 14 N. Court St., in January 2021 as a server and bouncer. He now works as a bartender and will work this upcoming Mom’s Weekend.

Samas said he has heard rumors about how “rambunctious” the moms can get, but how the moms will most likely tip more than regular college students. He also said while he has never worked a Mom’s Weekend, he has worked previous Parents’ Weekend to pull experience from.

“Parents’ Weekend’s more a little laid back,” Samas said. “I know sometimes stuff goes a little crazy … every once in a while some drunk dad or something will start stuff with another person, but nothing too crazy.”

Despite Samas never experiencing a Mom’s Weekend, other bouncers and bartenders’ experiences are extreme.

Williams said there is a stigma between men and women who experience sexual harassment, and it might influence people not to tell their stories.

“I think in terms of the world, typically, when it comes to a man experiencing sexual harassment, a lot of people don’t tend to listen to them,” Williams said. “I think, typically, when you’re a man who experiences something like that, it’s also pretty hard for you to come forward just because of the stigma.”

While there are many possible safety concerns, Fritz said working on Mom’s Weekend was his favorite shift at Broney’s.

He said, however, all bouncers and bartenders must prioritize their job over the fun.

“You got to stay focused,” Fritz said.

“So just making sure that you’re balancing your responsibilities of your job and having fun is the biggest part of it.”

As for the moms visiting for the weekend, Williams’ biggest advice is to act responsibly.

“I would just say don’t do to someone else what you would not want them to do to your child,” Williams said. “If you would feel uncomfortable seeing something you’ve done to a person who you’ve birthed, maybe take that as a lesson as, ‘I shouldn’t do that either.’”

@HANNAHCMPBELL HC895819@OHIO.EDU

OU to host annual ‘Take Back the Night’ event

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

MIMI CALHOUN FOR THE POST Ohio University will be holding its annual Take Back the Night event this Thursday at Athens First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St. Beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at about 9:15 p.m., there will be a variety of activities occurring, including keynote speakers, a march around Athens and artistic productions.

Take Back the Night is an international movement that focuses on survivor advocacy with the goals of combating both sexual and domestic violence. The issues of violence against women began gaining traction in the 1970s in places such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, as stigma surrounding the topic decreased.

Although the event started with combating violence against women, it’s shifted to recognize survivors regardless of gender and background.

OU’s version of the event will be in a hybrid format but will mainly be happening in person. The night will start with a resource fair, online and offline speakers as well as social media engagement, all before the march begins at 8:05 p.m. A cord cutting ceremony will conclude the march at about 9 p.m.

One group that has been working heavily with the event is OU’s Survivor Advocacy Program, or SAP. SAP is a confidential resource on campus that students can go to without fear of their information being reported. The program also helps those who come to them with assistance in things such as medical, legal and institutional advocacy.

Kaitlyn Urbaniak, a graduate assistant at SAP, said Take Back the Night is important for students to know that they have help when processing traumatic events.

“Coming to college is already difficult when you have the stress of figuring out a major and everything like that, so when you add a trauma on top of that, it can be really difficult,” Urbaniak said, “So, just making sure that they know that they have that support, whether that’s through resources like (SAP) on campus or just support from the Bobcat community in general, fellow students, fellow teachers, things like that.”

Eli Burns, a freshman games and animation major, said he saw signs for Take Back the Night but didn’t originally know what it was before he looked more into the event.

Equity Director of THE POST for the 2022-2023 academic year This position leads the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts of THE POST, duties include: “I think it’s really important,” Burns said.

“I know that this year, there were problems with sexual assault, and I think it’s good that the school cares about bringing attention to it.”

Madeline Hammons, a junior studying theater production design and technology, said a club she’s in had plans of going to Take Back the Night.

“I think it’s a wonderful and entirely necessary event,” Hammons said. “I am the vice president of a student organization that also participates in advocacy and activism called F-Word, and we are planning on attending.”

For Urbaniak, she personally believes that the event is a way for her to help highlight others and make an impact.

“It’s a time for me to continue showing my support to survivors,” Urbaniak said, “Letting them know that I stand with them, I believe them and actively working to fight the injustices that they often face.”

Urbaniak also thinks Take Back the Night helps both OU and the Athens community recognize the resources available to them, and it shows that interpersonal violence isn’t just a campus issue but can happen anywhere.

“It’s a chance for other students to get involved and educate themselves on interpersonal violence, create change with the campus culture towards interpersonal violence and show their support in different ways to the survivors,” Urbaniak said.

@MIMI_CALHOUN MC300120@OHIO.EDU

•

Lead the diversity teams efforts

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Consult for the recruitment team to plan events through a diverse and inclusive lens

•

Attend recruitment events to discuss efforts to diversify the staff and areas of coverage

•

Attend section meetings weekly to give input on section-specific efforts

•

Compile and deliver reports on each section’s strides toward diversity and equity goals

•

plan community outreach events

•

Garner “community critique” speakers and townhall events

•

Plan monthly check-ins with campus centers and organizations that serve underrepresented communities

INTERESTED?

Email questions to: Ryan Maxin rm554219@ohio.edu

LETTER OF INTENT DUE 4.14.22 RESUME AND PROPOSAL DUE 4.19.22 proposal should include: 1.

why you believe you’re the best candidate for the position; 2. what plans you have to improve the diversity, equity and inclusion at The Post; 3. how you will prioritize equity and communication in your position’s capacity and 4. how your experience prepares you for the role.

EMAIL TO: editor@thepostathens.com THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

Bilingual journalism: Se puede hacer ALYSSA CRUZ FOR THE POST According to the United States Census Bureau, “most people in the United States speak English.”

Because of this, most mainstream journalism and media is produced in English before it is produced in any other language. Although some larger journalism corporations, like The New York Times, offer Spanish translations of articles, not every story is translated. Even if the story is translated, when a story is written with the intent of being read in English, there are certain ideas, words and phrases that do not translate to another language.

At Ohio University, there are not many opportunities for students to explore multilingual journalism. There is little multilingual journalism produced from student media or in journalism classrooms. While OU has an array of student publications, including magazines, newspapers, radio stations and more, writing and publishing in English is the only option available to multilingual readers and student journalists learning the craft.

Joaquín Vigo, a sophomore majoring in linguistics, feels more could be done in the realm of promoting bilingual journalism. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Vigo speaks Spanish as his first language.

Since moving to the U.S., he has consumed journalism in both Spanish and English, but gives preference to one under certain circumstances.

“I like to keep a good balance of both,” Vigo said. “Generally, there’s more high-quality media in English … I enjoy being able to keep up on events in Spanish, especially when news in Spanish speaking places might not necessarily be covered.”

Vigo has never seen any sort of media in Spanish in Athens or from the university while attending OU. “I don’t think I’ve ever found any OU resource or announcement or news that’s in a language that is not English,” Vigo said. “I don’t think they (OU) have done a good job of that. I don’t know if it’s necessarily their fault because, to be fair, most people here only speak English.”

Lenny Massiel Cauich Maldonado, a doctoral student studying mass communication, agrees with Vigo in that there are not many bilingual resources at OU. Originally from Mexico, Maldonado has two master’s degrees, one from West Virginia University in Spanish, and the other from OU in Latin American Studies.

Additionally, Maldonado has published graphic novels in both Spanish and English. She is currently a teaching assistant 12 / APRIL 7, 2022

for an introductory journalism class at OU. Maldonado said she thinks the journalism school could utilize current faculty to implement bilingual journalism classes.

“To promote bilingual journalism, I believe there should be a bilingual journalism class offered: a Spanish for journalists,” Maldonado said. “I also believe there should be a collaboration with the Department of Modern Languages. They are the only ones who work in Spanish at the university.”

Although the promotion of bilingual journalism is important at the university level, it is also vital at the professional level. The journalism field continues to see a demand for journalists who can report in one, two or even more languages. According to TechRepublic, bilingual remote jobs have spiked 30% since the start of the pandemic.

La Prensa is a weekly newspaper that serves the Latino communities in Ohio and Michigan. The oldest bilingual publication in the region, La Prensa covers all different types of issues, including news, the arts, immigration, Hispanic culture and, most notably, stories that concern the Spanish speaking community. The publication reports around 30% to 40% of its content in Spanish and 60% to 70% of its content in English.

Rico Neller is the founder of La Prensa, as well as the editor. The newspaper is based in Toledo, Ohio. Neller realized the community did not have any bilingual publications and was inspired to start one. Although he does not have a degree in journalism, Neller had dabbled in the field previously through working at his college’s newspaper. Additionally, Neller spent a large part of his adolescence in South America and Mexico, where he became fluent in the language and developed a passion for covering the Spanish speaking community.

Neller said the hardest part of running a bilingual newspaper is finding reporters and writers who can report and write in Spanish. It’s especially difficult to find reporters who can write quality stories in both languages, especially adhering to AP Style, he said.

Adrianne Chasteen, the general manager at La Prensa, said when it comes to choosing what is written in Spanish, it depends on the relevancy to the readers.

“If we have something geared toward immigration or about the culture, of course, we probably would have it in Spanish,” Chasteen said.

For Chasteen, a benefit of bilingual journalism is that it can serve as a way to be able to tell a full story.

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER “There’s more than one side to a story,” Chasteen said. “First and foremost … you can say something in English, and you can translate it in Spanish and it’s not going to say the same thing. I think that in itself is also very important because if you’re targeting an audience that speaks Spanish then … you want them to trust you.”

La Prensa has also helped to change the landscape of local journalism in the Midwest since it was started.

“I would like to think that we’re considered a voice,” Chasteen continued. “When Rico started the publication in ‘89, people didn’t even know what the word ‘Hispanic’ meant … Wherever our newspaper is, we care about what the Hispanic community in the area is going through, what issues they have, what needs to be brought out to the community.”

Chasteen said the most rewarding part of working in bilingual media is being able to connect with the community. She said her work at La Prensa has given her the ability to understand the Hispanic culture in a more intimate way.

“I think in any kind of community, if there’s a certain amount of culture (and) different language, then I think it should always be embraced,” Chasteen said.

OU and La Prensa are both based out of the Midwest, where the Hispanic and language landscapes vary differently than other parts of the U.S. The nation’s largest Spanish speaking populations are concen-

trated in the Southwest, most notably in California, Texas and Arizona. Bilingualism is more prevalent, and the demand for Spanish news coverage is higher.

Valeria Fernández is an investigative, bilingual journalist based out of Arizona who focuses on amplifying the voices of immigrants. Originally from Uruguay, Fernández had the opportunity to enter into the journalism industry because she spoke Spanish and English. Her first journalist job was at La Voz, a publication written mainly for the immigrant population in Arizona.

Fernández said she was in the minority in terms of writers who spoke English, putting her in a unique position.

“The challenge at the time was that most of the reporters, including the editors of the publication, only spoke Spanish,” Fernández said. “Access to a number of stories and sources, especially in government, was limited … I came in and my skills in English and Spanish helped me immensely.”

Read More Here :

El periodismo bilingüe: It can be done

ALYSSA CRUZ POR EL POST

Según la Oficina del Censo de los Estados Unidos, “la mayoría de la gente de los Estados Unidos hablan inglés.”

Por esta razón, el periodismo convencional y los medios de comunicación se producen en inglés antes que en otro idioma. Aunque algunas corporaciones más grandes, como El New York Times, ofrecen traducciones de español de artículos, no todos los reportajes están traducidos. Incluso si el reportaje está traducido, está escrito con el propósito de ser publicado en inglés y hay algunas ideas, palabras y frases que no se pueden traducir a otro idioma.

En la Universidad de Ohio, no hay muchas oportunidades para que los estudiantes puedan explorar el periodismo multilingüe.

Hay poco periodismo multilingüe producido por los medios de comunicación estudiantiles o aulas de periodismo. Aunque OU tiene una variedad de publicaciones estudiantiles, incluyendo entrevistas, periódicos, estaciones de radio y más, escribir y publicar en inglés es la única opción disponible para los lectores multilingües y estudiantes de periodismo aprendiendo el arte del periodismo.

Joaquín Vigo, un estudiante de segundo año en lingüística, siente que se puede hacer más en el área de promover periodismo bilingüe. Originario de San Juan, Puerto Rico, Vigo habla español como primer idioma.

Desde que se mudó a los Estados Unidos, él ha tenido la experiencia con el periodismo en inglés y español, pero él prefiere uno al otro en ciertas circunstancias.

“Me gusta mantener un buen equilibrio entre ambos,” Vigo dijo. “Generalmente, hay más periodismo de alta calidad de los medios en inglés . . . Yo disfruto poder estar al tanto de las noticias en español, específicamente cuando las noticias de lugares hispanoparlantes no necesariamente se cubren.”

Vigo nunca ha visto ningún tipo de medios en español en Athens, Ohio, o de la universidad mientras ha estado asistiendo a OU. “No creo nunca haber encontrado ningún recurso, anuncio o noticia de OU que esté en un idioma que no sea el inglés,” Vigo dijo. “No creo que (OU) haya hecho un buen trabajo al respecto. No sé si en realidad es culpa de ellos porque, para ser justo, la mayoría de la gente aquí sólo habla inglés.”

Lenny Massiel Cauich Maldonado, quien está obteniendo un doctorado de comunicaciones masivas, está de acuerdo con Vigo en que no hay muchos recursos bilingües en OU. Originaria de México, Maldonado tiene dos maestrías, una de la Universidad de West Virginia en español, y la otra de OU en los estudios de latinoamerica.

Adicionalmente, Maldonado ha publicado novelas gráficas en ambos español e inglés.

En este momento, ella es una ayudante de

cátedra en una clase de introducción al periodismo en OU. Maldonado dijo que piensa que la escuela de periodismo puede utilizar la facultad actual para implementar clases de periodismo bilingüe.

“Para promover el periodismo bilingüe, yo creo que deberían ofrecer una clase de periodismo bilingüe: español para periodistas,” Maldonado dijo. “También creo que sería una colaboración con el Departamento de Lenguas Modernas. Ellos son los únicos que trabajan en español en la universidad.”

Aunque la promoción de periodismo bilingüe es importante en el nivel universitario, es vital también a nivel profesional.

El campo del periodismo se da cuenta de la necesidad de tener periodistas que puedan informar en más de un idioma. De acuerdo al TechRepublic, los trabajos remotos bilingües han aumentado un 30% desde el comienzo de la pandemia.

La Prensa es un periódico semanal que sirve a las comunidades latinas en Ohio y Michigan. La publicación bilingüe más antigua de la región, La Prensa cubre diferentes secciones que incluyen noticias, artes, inmigración, cultura hispana y particularmente, reportajes que afectan a la comunidad hispanoparlante. La publicación reporta aproximadamente 30% a 40% de su contenido en español y 60% a 70% de su contenido en inglés.

Rico Neller es el fundador y editor de La Prensa. El periódico tiene su sede en la ciudad de Toledo, Ohio. Neller se dio cuenta de que la comunidad no tenía ninguna pub-

licación bilingüe y se inspiró para fundar el periódico. Aunque no estudió la carrera de periodismo, Neller había experimentado en el campo previamente al trabajar en el periódico de su universidad. Adicionalmente, Neller pasó gran parte de su adolescencia en Sudamérica y México, donde adquirió fluidez en el idioma y desarrolló una pasión por cubrir a la comunidad de habla hispana.

Neller dijo que la parte más difícil de administrar un periódico bilingüe es encontrar reporteros y escritores que puedan informar y escribir en español. Él dijo que es especialmente difícil encontrar reporteros que puedan escribir artículos de calidad en ambos idiomas, especialmente siguiendo el estilo AP. Adrianne Chasteen, la gerente general de La Prensa, dijo que cuando necesitan elegir qué reportajes están escritos en español, depende de la relevancia para la audiencia.

“Si tenemos algo relacionado con la inmigración o sobre la cultura, por supuesto, probablemente lo tendríamos en español,” Chasteen dijo.

Para Chasteen, un beneficio del periodismo bilingüe es que puede servir como una forma de poder contar una noticia completa.

“Hay más de un punto de vista de cada historia,” Chasteen dijo. “Primero y antes que nada … puedes decir algo en inglés, y puedes traducirlo al español y no va a significar lo mismo. En mi opinión es muy importante porque si te diriges a un público que habla español entonces … tu propósito es que confíen en ti.”

La Prensa también ha ayudado a cambiar el campo del periodismo local en el Medio Oeste de los EE. UU. desde que comenzó.

“Me gustaría pensar que somos considerados una voz,” Chasteen continuó. “Cuando Rico empezó la publicación en el ‘89, la gente ni siquiera sabía lo que significaba la palabra ‘Hispanic’ … En cualquier lugar que está nuestro periódico, nos preocupamos por lo que está pasando en la comunidad hispana del área, qué problemas tienen, qué se debe de presentar a la comunidad.”

Chasteen dijo que la parte más gratificante de trabajar en medios bilingües es poder conectarse con la comunidad. Ella dijo que su trabajo en La Prensa le ha dado la habilidad de comprender la cultura Hispana de una manera más cercana.

“Creo que en cualquier tipo de comunidad, si hay una cierta cantidad de cultura (y) un idioma diferente, entonces creo que siempre debe aceptarse,” dijo Chasteen.

OU y La Prensa ambos tienen su sede en el Medio Oeste, donde las comunidades hispanas y lingüísticas varían de manera diferente a otras partes de los EE. UU. Las poblaciones de habla hispana más grandes del país se concentran en el suroeste, sobre todo en California, Texas y Arizona. El bilingüismo es más frecuente y la demanda de cobertura de noticias en español es mayor.

Valeria Fernández es una periodista de investigación bilingüe de Arizona que se enfoca en amplificar las voces de los inmigrantes.

Originaria de Uruguay, Fernández tuvo la oportunidad de ingresar a la industria del periodismo porque hablaba español e inglés.

Su primer trabajo como periodista fue en La Voz, una publicación escrita para la población inmigrante en Arizona.

Fernández dijo que estaba en la minoría en términos de escritores que hablaban inglés, lo que la colocaba en una posición única.

“El desafío en ese momento era que la mayoría de los reporteros, incluyendo los editores de la publicación, sólo hablaban español,” Fernández dijo. “El acceso a un gran número de noticias y fuentes, especialmente en el gobierno, era limitado … mi ingreso y mis habilidades en inglés y español me ayudaron inmensamente.”

@ALYSSADANCCRUZ AC974320@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13

Black in Appalachia provides, preserves deeper history of the region ALEX IMWALLE FOR THE POST Appalachia is known for its rich culture, but a large portion of its history is often swept away within the community. Black history and culture in the region are often not what comes to mind when thinking about Appalachia, but Black in Appalachia works to provide resources to reverse this trend.

Black in Appalachia is an organization that documents, preserves and provides Black historic narratives from the Appalachian region.

“It’s almost like making a quilt,” William Isom, director of Black in Appalachia, said.

“Oftentimes, these pieces of Black history are fragmented all over the place, and so a lot of our work is gathering these little scraps together to be able to tell these stories.”

Isom said the organization is celebrating its 10-year anniversary after its establishment in Knoxville, Tennessee, as a part of the East Tennessee Public Broadcasting Service.

“The Swift Story’’ was the organization’s first documentary, and it dug deep into the history of the Swift Memorial Institute, a historically Black college established in 1883 in Rogersville, Tennessee. Isom said the project was a catalyst for what Black in Appalachia has become today.

“After we saw the response with the production of that documentary, it illustrated the need and the appetite for more locally specific Black history and narratives,” Isom said.

Isom said he has researched his family history since he was in high school, and his interest in finding his own ancestral narratives fuels his passion for helping others like him to do the same.

“These historical societies, and these archives, don’t have any materials available for Black folks to be able to research their own history,” Isom said. “The work with East Tennessee PBS became the vehicle to be able to do that and provide the services for our neighbors and people in other communities.”

Isom said the organization provides its services to the 420 counties across 13 states that make up the Appalachian region, and over the past six years Black in Appalachia has worked to document in Gallia County, Lawrence County and Perry County.

Black in Appalachia uses many different mediums to accomplish its goal, including mapping data, doing census research, making documentaries and publishing his14 / APRIL 7, 2022

The First Baptist Church catches the gaze of Ohio University students standing left and center next to David Butcher, right: curator and preservationist of the historic Tabler Town legacy, now renamed as Kilvert, Ohio, in Athens County, where he works to maintain the People of Color Museum connected to his home. Butcher’s family tree stems back by generations in the Southeast Ohio region, where the Black in Appalachia organization has expanded their coverage and documentation of the Black community in Appalachia.

(NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

torical articles, Isom said.

Additionally, the organization has also created its own database to store a variety of documents and virtual exhibits that are easily accessible to the public, Alona Norwood, community archivist of Black in Appalachia, said. She said the database is largely reliant on community submissions.

One of the most notable aspects of the organization is the Black in Appalachia Podcast. Enkeshi El-Amin, co-host of the podcast, has been a part of the podcasting team since its beginning in the fall of 2019.

“We wanted to get those stories and the information and the knowledge and things that we’ve been building, to the public in different ways,” El-Amin said. “We thought the podcast would be a great avenue to continue this work.”

The podcast shares the work of the Black in Appalachia by bringing on local guests with their own stories and experience, incorporating research done by the organization and presenting its audience with otherwise untold pieces of history,

El-Amin said.

El-Amin said the podcast caters to a younger audience and aims to provide the information in a casual, yet educational, format. She said it does not try to fit in with a typical, formal podcast style, and they have retained a large audience because of the “unmasking” of their personalities as they discuss local Black history.

“The podcast is very light even though we’re dealing with very serious topics,” ElAmin said. “We try to be as authentic to ourselves and our listeners as possible.”

El-Amin said she wanted to get involved with the organization and the podcast specifically because she felt the narratives they were telling were worthwhile and needed to be heard.

“I found the lives and the stories and the history of the Black people here important and worthy of being told and remembered and heard,” El-Amin said. “It was an opportunity to be a part of something that I felt was very important.”

Black history, especially in Appalachia,

has not been preserved in the same way that white infrastructure and history has been, Isom said. He said the goal of Black in Appalachia is to bridge this gap.

Before Norwood worked with Black in Appalachia, she made use of the organization to trace her family history in Appalachia. Norwood said she never felt like she belonged in Appalachia until she had the opportunity to find her family’s narratives.

“It’s like a big hug from your community when you grew up getting slapped in the face by your community,” Norwood said.

Having the opportunity to see into her family’s past in the region meant so much to Norwood that she had to be a part of the organization, she said.

“No matter where I go, no matter what I do, I will always be Black in Appalachia,” Norwood said. “That’s something that will never go away.”

@ALEXIMWALLE AI687120@OHIO.EDU

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MONDAY

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

APRIL 2022 Well-Being Calendar 3

Turn on music for a mood boost.

10

Reach out to a loved one who might be lonely right now.

17

Think about the ways you’ve been lucky in life.

24 Look for

values you have in common with people who are different from you.

4

Want to make friends? Check out student orgs on Bobcat Connect.

11

Spend time outdoors for greater peace of mind.

18

Do a kind deed for a fellow Bobcat.

25

Notice experiences of awe, wonder, and beauty in everyday life.

5

Take action on that passion project.

12

6

Give to others. Donate extra food to the Cats’ Cupboard.

13

7

Restore yourself with a mindfulness practice.

14

FRIDAY

1 Find your

inner calm with a yoga session at Ping.

8

Call someone you care about.

15

2 See the

cherry blossom trees bloom.

9

Find a way to give to others.

16

When you want to complain, look for something to appreciate instead.

You’re well into the new year now, check that your goals are still in line with your priorities.

Try a walking meditation along the Hocking River.

19

20 Plan to

21 Be mindful 22 Offer help 23 Feel

Cope with dark moods by getting some exercise.

26

Reflect on your hopes for your college experience.

do something pleasant today.

Maybe a walk across the greens!

27

Give yourself care and compassion, because you deserve it.

of suffering; try not to resist or deny your pain.

28

Take a moment to reflect on your experiences this year.

FOLLOW THE WELL-BEING CHALLENGE: INSTAGRAM.COM/BOBCATWELLBEING

Spread good vibes. Give a compliment to the barista at your favorite Campus Café.

SATURDAY

to a coworker or classmate when they need it.

29

Teach someone how do something you love — cooking, knitting, skateboard!

Share your troubles with a friend.

like you need somewhere to talk? Join Togetherall.

30

Remember that achieving your goals takes time and perseverance.

BASEBALL

Upperclassmen lead the way for Ohio ASHLEY BEACH ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Two years ago, Ohio caught just a glimpse of its 2020 season. The emergence of the coronavirus pandemic wiped away Ohio’s chances of a Mid-American Conference championship before conference play even began. The juniors that year were left with only a taste of what it was like to be upperclassmen with the Bobcats.

But thanks to an extra year of eligibility from that shortened season, those juniors are back for one last season as fifth years.

A handful of Ohio’s fifth years didn’t bat an eye at the idea of coming back for another year. The idea of continuing their education and getting to play baseball as long as possible enticed them. A fifth year was a deal they refused to turn down.

“I knew I was coming back as soon as I was given the fifth year chance,” pitcher Edward Kutt IV said.

A slew of fifth years are back for the 2022 season, and with them comes wisdom and determination. Some of the fifth years have been with Ohio since their freshman year while others have transferred into the program along the way. Either way, they all had unfinished business ahead of the season.

Kutt has been with Ohio for the entirety of his collegiate career. During that span, he’s been both a starter and a reliever. Kutt is one of the most seasoned pitchers on Ohio’s roster. He helps mentor the freshman pitchers in any way he can with the help of other veteran pitchers. They are there to help with drills, pitch development and general understanding. The jump from high school to college can be a culture shock, and the upperclassmen are there to help ease the transition.

Ohio coach Craig Moore has an advisory group of upperclassmen that meets to check in on the team and sort through business-related items. The group includes Kutt, Isaiah Peterson, Brett Manis and Jack Liberatore. Moore discusses issues ranging from what snacks to stock in the team’s locker room to road trip plans while also monitoring the team’s well-being.

The locker room has been a place for the team to come together again after being separated during COVID-19 proto16 / APRIL 7, 2022

Ohio University’s bench rushes the field to celebrate Michael Richardson (No. 8) after hitting a home run in the bottom of the eighth against Kent State at Bob Wren Stadium in Athens, Ohio, on March 18, 2022. (CLAY STARK | FOR THE POST)

cols. The team now has a communal space where they can be together.

“That’s really helped with some of the team chemistry and guys getting to actually bond together,” Peterson said. “Just that little bit of time before practice and after practice goes a long way.”

Peterson is the non-pitcher in the advisory group. The fifth year not only leads off the batting order, but he also leads his teammates. Peterson, like Kutt, recognizes that as an older player on the team, he has an obligation to help the younger players.

This season, Peterson recognizes that it’s less about what he does on the field to help the team and more about off the field.

“I’m in a role where I’m not so much focused on playing, but kind of trying to help these younger guys grow up a little bit and understand the game,” Peterson said.

“Like, ‘Look, these problems are going to present themselves in your near future, and you have to figure out how to combat them over the next four years.’”

Peterson has been able to help redshirt freshman A.J. Rausch with that adjustment. The two stand next to each other in center and right field in each game and work together. Peterson credits Rausch with being an up-and-coming leader on the team with a drive to do things right.

But Ohio has more than its fifth years taking the conference by storm. It also has several redshirt seniors. On the other side of Peterson in left field stands Spencer Harbert. Harbert rounds out the three-headed monster that is Ohio’s outfield.

Harbert transferred to Ohio ahead of the shortened 2020 season. Since then, he’s been named to the Academic All-MAC team and has become one of Ohio’s dependable power hitters.

For Harbert, he hasn’t always seen himself as a leader because of his age.

“It’s really interesting because I’ve always been kind of the younger guy,” Harbert said. “This is my third different school.

I’ve always been transferring around and been the new guy on the team. But this year, it’s a little different. I’ve been here for three years.”

Harbert is among several upperclassmen — including Peterson — who have transferred into Ohio. Although they haven’t always been Bobcats, they’re still able to keep the team even-keeled.

Ohio has five fifth years and four redshirt seniors along with six seniors and one graduate student. This upperclassmen presence sets Ohio apart from other teams in the MAC. The eclectic group has varied experiences that make the team better.

“I think the greatest thing is we have a good mix of old guys (and) young guys,” Harbert said. “Team dynamic-wise, we have a lot of guys contributing.”

@ASHLEYBEACHY_ AB026319@OHIO.EDU

SOFTBALL

Ohio sweeps Akron in doubleheader

Softball Recap: Ohio University shortstop Megan Mcmenemy (21) making a tough throw to first after a little pop up fly ball to left field at Ohio Softball Field on April 5, 2022. (Clay Stark | For The Post)

WILL CUNNINGHAM FOR THE POST Ohio trailed Akron by three runs while heading into the seventh inning of the first game in its doubleheader Wednesday. In the previous six innings, Ohio had mustered just five hits with no more than one per inning.

But the seventh inning proved to be a turning point for the Bobcats. They came back from the three-run deficit and outscored the Zips 8-0 across the rest of the doubleheader. A three-run burst in the seventh inning of game one sent the Bobcats into extra innings and carried them for the remainder of the afternoon.

The next three runs came from a walkoff home run by Allie Englant in the eighth inning. The blast to center field was Englant’s first home run of the season, and it was a continuation of her excellent per-

formance since she returned from injury.

In her eight games since returning to the lineup, Englant has hit .387 with five stolen bases on six attempts.

She has also made a number of excellent defensive plays, including throwing an Akron runner out at home in the second game of Wednesday’s doubleheader.

“I’m just having fun with it, honestly, as cheesy as that sounds,” Englant said.

“I’m just making the most of it and keeping things simple.”

When the second game began, with the looming threat of rain hanging overhead, Kylie Coffelt found an opportunity to shine for Ohio. Coffelt was coming off a start against Miami in which she allowed seven runs in the first two innings, but she pitched a shutout the rest of the way and allowed Ohio to come back.

There was no need for the Bobcats to come back on Wednesday. They took the

lead in the bottom of the first and Coffelt threw a complete game shutout to complete a sweep of both the doubleheader and the series against Akron.

Annalia Paoli followed up her recent Mid-American Conference Player of the Week honors with a game-tying double in game one and a solo home run that provided the Bobcats with much needed insurance in game two.

Paoli has been nothing short of incredible on both sides of the ball in her first season as a regular starter for the Bobcats.

She leads the team in OPS and home runs, and she has made a host of incredible defensive plays throughout the season.

“She brings such great energy to practice and to games,” Coffelt said. “She’s just awesome.”

Ohio’s comeback in the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader was already its third comeback win since the start of

MAC play. The Bobcats are no strangers to pulling out comeback wins. But the second game proved they can also shut their opponents down.

“They just compete and never say die,” Ohio coach Kenzie Roark said. “At this point they’ve proven that they’re not going to go away so they just kept fighting.”

The series sweep has extended Ohio’s win streak to five games, and it is now 7-4 in MAC play. Ohio is quickly rising up the conference standings. As its schedule lightens, it has the chance to become one of the top teams in the MAC.

@WILLOCUNNINGHAM WC425318@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

HADDY THE HEBREW

The disregard of Jewish death HADASS GALILI is a junior studying poltical science and pre-law at Ohio University.

I usually hate writing about things like this and hate talking about it even more. The subject is heartbreaking and draining, especially when it feels like nobody’s listening. But, after several antisemitic terror attacks last week, I feel that I cannot be silent any longer.

Last week, several terrorist attacks led to the violent deaths of 11 people at the hands of radicals in Israel. The first of these attacks resulted in the deaths of four people in a combined stabbing and car-ramming in the city of Beersheba. Just days later, two police officers were murdered in Hadera, and a terrorist killed five people in Bnei Brak. The most concerning part of these attacks is that the terrorists were Israeli Arabs. These were people who decided to viscously murder their neighbors.

Where was the outrage? In May, while Israel was defending itself from rocket attacks, my social media feed was flooded with infographics of the war, which side was “right,” different places to donate and lots of misinformation. I even received several DMs claiming that I didn’t know what I was

talking about when I expressed concern for my loved ones who were spending nights in bomb shelters. I was, in their minds, a part of a system that had been misrepresented as oppression in the form of colorful Instagram posts. And yet, when Israel experiences its highest single-week death toll since 2006, the world is silent. The death of a Jew is met with apathy, as if it is expected that it is the price to pay for living in Israel.

The issue of antisemitic terrorist attacks in recent days can also be found beyond the borders of Israel. On Friday night, the beginning of Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath), six people beat a Hasidic man on the streets of Williamsburg.

This attack is especially surprising because Williamsburg is a famously Jewish neighborhood of Brooklyn, known for its Hasidic population.

Meanwhile, Monday marked the five-year anniversary of the outrageous murder of Jewish 65-year-old Sarah Halimi, with her killer walking off virtually scot-free.

And the timing of these killings is not coincidental. In Israel, it is well known that around the time of Ramadan is when terror attacks surge. And yet, even though it is expected, the world seems to ignore it. When I was reading about my Israeli brothers and sisters who were dying on the streets of their own neighborhoods, I was doing it from Jewish and Israeli news sites. I could not find any mention of these attacks in larger news sources. It was chilling to see the world

ignore these deaths.

Jewish people being murdered does not make the news.

Jewish deaths are ignored, even when they are caused by horrifying terror attacks that would get attention if they took place in any other part of the Western world. While the rest of the world sweeps the deaths of Jews aside, we look on in horror, knowing that this pattern will return again next year.

Hadass Galili is a junior studying political science prelaw at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Hadass by tweeting her at @HadassGalili.

SO LISTEN

Reflecting on my first column ‘The eventual split of the two party system’ MIKAYLA ROCHELLE is a graduate student studying public administrations at Ohio University.

As my time as an active Postie comes to a close, I thought it might be interesting to review a topic that has always interested me that I chose to write my first ever column on: the mess that is the two-party system.

In January 2019, two years into the presidency of Donald Trump, the American political landscape looked a lot different than it does now. The Republican Party was more divided than it is now. The Democratic Party looked like it was going to split into a “progressive left” and a “centrist left.” This is sort of apparent, with representation for the progressive left by some Congress members like “The Squad.” Still, this is a very small sect of representation, and these politicians and their supporters are still a part of the Democratic Party, and it doesn’t look like they will be branching off on their own, if they haven’t yet already.

While in the beginning of 2019, it looked like the Democratic Party could have split, but the Democratic Party made their power and intentions clear on keeping the Democratic Party moderate. When Bernie Sanders ran for president once again in 2020, he was a solid front-runner until Super Tuesday. Most of the moderate candidates who were splitting up the moderate vote, like Pete Buttigieg and Michael Bloomberg, dropped out to basically hand Biden the lead.

When it came down to it, the Democratic Party stood its 18 / APRIL 7, 2022

ground and held solidarity in order to put up the candidate who best represented the main ideals of the centrist Democratic Party. The party has fought hard to maintain their identity and keep themselves from leaning too far left. However, nudges from the more radical side of the party have seemed to push the Democratic further left ever-so slightly.

The Republican Party had a similar-looking possible split in 2019. At this point, the party was still looking pretty split up about how they felt about populist Trump, though any sort of disagreement has been thoroughly squashed here in 2022.

The Republican Party has become the party of Trump. Even though he didn’t win the 2020 presidential election, the way the party completely circled around him with the stolen election allegations and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection was something a freshman columnist could never have predicted.

What this freshman columnist did predict, maybe a little ignorantly, was a three-way split of the Republican Party into classic conservatives, Trump populists and conservatarians — the sect of the party that has more libertarian ideals but is associated with the Republican Party.

Let’s be honest: The conversation surrounding the two-party system was maybe slightly nuanced in January 2019 but has since lost all sense of nuance to the times and changes in political discourse.

It’s interesting to take a look back and see what has changed in the political discourse since I began my journey as an opinion columnist. To my readers, I thank you for embarking on this journey with me as I share my opinions and learn about the topics I cover. My time as a Postie has shaped my college experience and will continue to be a part of who I am

as I become a Postie alumna.

Mikayla Rochelle is a graduate student studying public administration 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 Mikayla by tweeting her at @mikayla_roch.

Everything to know about Harry Styles’ new album ‘Harry’s House’ LOGAN HUMPHREY FOR THE POST Two-and-a-half years after the release of his sophomore album, Fine Line, Harry Styles finally announced the news of his next album, Harry’s House. The album is set to release May 20, featuring 13 brand new tracks. Kicking off his new album announcement, he released a single, “As It Was,” about a week later.

There had been several hints that the artist was going to be releasing new music with his tour recently ending and his Coachella headline performance coming soon, so the timing seemed right for Styles to release new music. Fans had been conspiring for months, but what made fans more skeptical was a website as well as an Instagram and Twitter account, being made with the tag name “You Are Home.”

The website and social media pages are updated almost daily with new pictures being shown behind the door, curating more hints and theories.

Some of the tweets seem to look like possible lyrics in his new songs, and one of the tweets had lyrics from his newly released single, making it more plausible that other tweets are also lyrics from his songs.

After announcing the album, Styles released a 40-second trailer featuring him walking out onto a theater stage with a house rising behind him. The music in the video was played backward which, played forward, is a subtle piano tune of what is most likely part of a new track.

Promotional posters are being found across several cities around the world, including New York City, London and Barcelona, with lyrics from the first single.

The lyrics “It’s not the same as it was” are placed next to a picture of the artist. He did the same thing with his last album, keeping up with his consistency.

Remarkably, Harry’s House is also a song title of a Joni Mitchell song, which she has publicly approved and adored. With a reference of an impressionable artist and an album cover featuring some vintage furniture, there are some expectations of the album having some ‘70s aspects. Styles has noticeably favored vintage looks and sounds in the past, so his inspirations might shine through in this album.

The first single was released on April Fools’ Day, with a music video preceding its release. The song received generous reactions, making it become the most streamed song in the U.S. on its first day.

The song itself has a poppy upbeat

sound but contains some personal, downhearted lyrics. Styles explained what the song meant in a radio interview with Audacy, saying “it’s about metamorphosis and embracing change, and former self and perspective shift, and all of that kind of stuff. And it just felt like the thing I wanted to say, and the thing I wanted to be doing, and the kind of music I wanted to make coming back.”

With 13 tracks on the album, it will be his longest album to date. Based on his previous album releases, the track list is usually released a few weeks following the initial announcement. Then, proceeding the track list being revealed, a second single coming out might also be a possibility.

According to a radio interview with the musician, there are no collabs on the album, which is something he usually doesn’t do anyway. He has even stated this is his favorite album he has made so far.

As he recounts on an interview with Sirius XM, it’s his more liberated project, saying, “I feel like it’s the first time I’m making music and putting music out from a real place of personal freedom.”

Styles said he completed the album before his Fine Line tour even began, managing to keep the album a secret for over a year while giving out hints and Easter eggs

while on tour.

With his last album receiving several Grammy nominations and one win, this album has some pretty high expectations.

But with the artist himself saying this is his proudest project yet, those expectations might be met.

LOGANHUMPHREY_ LH129720@OHIO.EDU

Lazaroff Lecture in Jewish History

Sex, Racial Purity, & Imperialism: German Genocide in Africa and the Third Reich

Wednesday April 13th | 7 pm

presented virtually by:

Dr. Elizabeth Baer, Research Professor of English and African Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota

SCAN TO JOIN via Teams

sponsored by: This event is open to the public. For more information contact: Mirna Zakić at zakic@ohio.edu.

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19

Here’s 7 things to do for Mom’s Weekend

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER MIMI CALHOUN FOR THE POST We’re approaching arguably one of the biggest events at Ohio University: Mom’s Weekend. With the number of people coming to campus, try to get an early start to beat the lines, and make sure to get a reservation to places that may need them in advance. Since it’s a slightly crazy time to be trying to figure out what to do on top of everything, we’ve compiled a list of places and activities for this weekend. Here’s seven things to do for Mom’s Weekend: Have a campfire On Friday, Outdoor Pursuits is holding a campfire at the Ridges. From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., enjoy the beautiful nature that Athens has to offer, and experience one of the many supposedly haunted places in town.

It costs $10, and registration closes the 20 / APRIL 7, 2022

night before the event.

Participate in paint & sip Enjoy some refreshments and a relaxing session of painting with OU’s Program Council on Saturday. Located in Baker University Center, let your creativity flow and participate in this laid-back event. It’s free to participate, and there are sessions from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as well as from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Just make sure to register and secure your spot.

Upcycle and make book art Another opportunity to let your inner artist out: create a memorable mom’s weekend gift with upcycled materials. Occurring on the third floor of Alden Library on Saturday, there’s no cost to take part, but you should register as soon as possible. There will be time slots of 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Take a canoe trip Outdoor Pursuits is also holding an event Sunday, with canoeing on the Hocking River. Paddle with your mom for $10, and get the chance to see Athens from a new perspective on the water. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Have a picnic on College Green Be in the middle of the action, and have a picnic at the heart of OU. Grab a blanket, a packed lunch or some food from the many places on Court Street, and people-watch from College Green. The location is also convenient to other places around campus, so you could show your mom around once you’re finished as well.

See the cherry blossoms on the Hocking River Take the time for a walk along the Hocking River, and view the cherry blos-

som trees. The blooms represent springtime in Athens and were also a gift from Chubu University in Japan to celebrate OU’s 175th anniversary. The cherry trees are definitely an OU classic that you don’t want to miss.

Have dinner at the Star of India If you’re looking for an underrated gem of Athens, visit the Star of India for dinner.

Located at 128 W. Union St., the restaurant offers traditional Indian food that leaves a warm and comforting feeling in your stomach. Reserve a table, take out or eat there in the quiet and cozy atmosphere.

@MIMI_CALHOUN MC300120@OHIO.EDU

Here’s your April 2022 horoscope EMMA DOLLENMAYER ASST. BEAT EDITOR Spring is the time to rebrand yourself as new and improved, and the stars only support this information for all of the signs this April. Better yet, it seems as if the stars are in favor of everyone’s love life, just in time for the start of the summer season, which will bear a change in pace that April will only better prepare you for. See what April and the stars have in store for you specifically by channeling your sign: Aries (March 21–April 19) To the first sign of the zodiac, happy birthday, Aries. Naturally, April is your month, and the favorable energy you have been experiencing won’t be stopping any time soon — especially once Mercury enters Taurus on April 10. This shift is an ideal time to look toward your goals with finances both short and long term and to budget accordingly. On April 16, the full moon will have entered Libra, which affects your relationship axis, meaning obsession, jealousy and some unwarranted feelings may arise. Don’t fret, though: by the end of April — specifically, April 27 — romantic breakthroughs will be on the horizon. Things will begin to look up, considering on April 30, an offer you didn’t see coming may present itself, either careeror relationship-related. It will be evident that everything you have wanted and been working for has begun to manifest its existence into your life.

Taurus (April 20–May 20) We didn’t forget about you, noble Taurus. It is your month, too, and rightly so.

Although life may be presenting some current challenges with burnout among persisting daily obstacles, come April 12 when Jupiter and Neptune conjoin, great fortune will be coming your way in all aspects — especially profitable social events sure to evoke rewarding memories. Similar to Aries, April 27 is a date to look out for in terms of love. If there is a special someone who has been on your mind, they may be coming forward with a confession. Above all, because this is your month, prioritize yourself and mental well-being.

Gemini (May 21–June 21) Reflection is the theme this month, Gemini. Therefore, take a moment to re-

flect on who you want to be, what kind of friend you are, what is no longer serving you and any other lingering questions you may be wanting a definitive answer to. To better internalize this period in your life, reflect by journaling. The time is prime, too, given life may seem like it’s picking up lately, resulting in inconvenient roadblocks and unwanted stress. By the end of the month, though, your reflection will have paid off, as you will be feeling new again and be presented with some life-altering opportunities in your career and mental sector.

Cancer (June 22–July 22) Your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, Cancer, and you will be receiving recognition for it soon. However, your workload will not be slowing down, as the planet’s energy will provoke you to be productive, especially in your studies and work duties.

While you may be feeling a little overworked, look to your friends and those closest to you for support. They know you need it. In addition to being busy professionally, you’re sure to keep busy with many invitations from friends, too, taking a bit of the edge off. Don’t say no to these invites, as a break is much-needed.

ILLUSTRATION BY LAUREN ADAMS something new, such as joining a book club and seeing where else your talents lie. Like Leo, be on the lookout for April 12, a day and time surrounded by luck, so don’t act too surprised if you meet someone spellbinding, either romantically or platonically. This may cause you to readjust your current life routine, but there is nothing wrong with accepting the phrase “out with the old and in with the new.”

Leo (July 23–Aug. 22) Leo — boy, do you have a big month ahead of you. It is time to take some risks and step out of your comfort zone. When Mercury enters Taurus on April 10, you may find yourself reevaluating some facets of your life. These intrusive, complex thoughts may feel overwhelming and confusing at first but, by April 12, a cosmic blessing will occur in Jupiter, a planet filled with luck, resulting in whatever decision you make regarding your perplexity the right one. As a result, you may find yourself experiencing a full-blown transformation, but it is one for the better. All in all, believe in yourself, and others will, too.

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 23) Love, Libra, love. You love love, and love loves you. Be patient, though, it won’t be until April 30 that your romances come into effect. However, the month will prepare you for this unanticipated relationship or newfound lover as, until this point, you are encouraged to work on yourself and your mental health, allowing a new individual to have room in your life and for you to have the capacity to let them in. It may seem as if you have been waiting for this, Libra, and do not worry: your time has come.

Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Virgo, as unfortunate as it may sound, rejection may be in the cards for you this month, but know everything happens for a reason and that “no” will only lead you to something better. This “no” could even bring upon a newfound interest in trying

Scorpio (Oct. 24–Nov. 21) Stingy Scorpio, April won’t be so stingy to you, thankfully. Take April to evaluate your healthy habits. Are you drinking enough water, getting your greens in and soaking up the Vitamin D on the days it is present? If not, brainstorm how you can integrate better behaviors into your daily routine little by little. Ultimately, you

will be much happier with yourself mentally and physically before the summer season begins. Come April 14, Mars will have entered Pisces, and you may be directing your energy toward relationships.

The full moon April 16 will remind you to keep focusing on yourself, though, among these urges. However, don’t feel bad about dating around and determining your likes and dislikes in a partner. The solar eclipse April 30 will bring upon an abundance of romance, so do not put your eggs in one basket, and wait to see what this date will bear.

@EMMADOLLENMAYER ED569918@OHIO.EDU SCAN HERE TO READ MORE!

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21

the weekender Mom’s Weekend provides students, moms with a plethora of activities ALEX IMWALLE FOR THE POST This weekend, hundreds of hotel rooms booked nearly a year in advance will be put to use, as mothers revert back to their college days and flood down Court Street. The long-awaited staple of Ohio University culture, Mom’s Weekend, begins in full force Friday to once again establish itself as one of the most anticipated affairs of the year.

To prepare for the arrival of the proud Bobcat moms, the university has planned a plethora of Mom’s Weekend activities guaranteeing it to be an enjoyable, action-packed weekend on campus.

Josh Gruenke, associate director of student activities, said the university encourages its departments and inner-organizations to put on the events to offer a variety of different events. The events range from active and outdoors to creative and peaceful.

Some of the more adventurous opportunities over the weekend will be put on by Campus Recreation, Gruenke said.

The department will supply most of the outdoor activities of the weekend, including the Mom’s Weekend Campfire taking place at The Ridges both Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for $10.

Additionally, the Mom’s Weekend Hike will take place at Hocking Hills State Park on Saturday at 10 a.m. for $20. The park is also putting on a $10 Mom’s Weekend Day Paddle on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving students and their moms the opportunity to set off down the Hocking River, paddling in a canoe.

Mom’s Weekend also welcomes a brand new experience to the itinerary — the Mom’s Weekend Paint and Sip: a relaxing, cool-down event hosted by the University Program Council.

The Mom’s Weekend Voice Concert 22 / APRIL 7, 2022

featuring the University Singers, Bella Voce and the Singing Men of Ohio will take place Friday at 8 p.m. in the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, Devin Blair, a senior studying music education said.

Blair, vice president of the University Singers and the publicity manager of both University Singers and Singing Men of Ohio, said he is excited to once again participate in the event because it gives the group members the opportunity to meet each other’s family and build their sense of community.

Kearsten Miller, a senior studying music education and vocal performance, is the president of University Singers and vice president of Bella Voce.

She said the concert is not only a great opportunity for others to come with their moms and listen, but it is also a rare chance for the ensemble members’ moms to see them perform.

“Usually when they (family members) come, they have to leave right after,” Miller said. “Now they get to spend time with us after we sing for them, and that’s super cool because we can experience how they felt.”

Gruenke said this is the first in-person Mom’s Weekend since COVID-19.

Though there are still hybrid options for some events, and the events will operate under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Gruenke said it is nice to be able to host events with a greater sense of normalcy.

“Whether it’s for Mom’s Weekend or Homecoming or anything, I’m excited that students are programming again,” Gruenke said. “I’m excited that students are being able to hang out, socialize and host events on campus.”

Finally, Gruenke said he hopes Mom’s Weekend offers everyone the opportunity to simply enjoy the beauty of the campus together. “(The cherry blossoms are) really a highlight of the spring,” Gruenke said.

“I hope that those are blooming, and I hope that there are some moms that are able to walk down there with their students and take advantage of that.”

@ALEXIMWALLE AI687120@OHIO.EDU

IF YOU GO WHAT: MOM’S WEEKEND ACTIVITIES WHERE: PLACES VARY WHEN: FRIDAY, APRIL 8, TO SUNDAY, APRIL 10 ADMISSION: PRICES VARY

WHAT’S GOING ON? Attend ‘Reefer Madness;’ learn about local historic women

KATIE MILLARD FOR THE POST FRIDAY, APRIL 8 Reefer Madness will take place at ARTS/West, 132 W. State St., at 7 p.m.

This exciting musical, performed by members of the Lost Flamingo Theatre Company, is a spoof of an early 1900s government anti-marijuana PSA. The show was originally set to be performed in the spring of 2020, so come see the revival of the show that never got to be.

Admission: $5, cash or check only “Reclaim” Spring Senior Dance Concert will be performed by students in Putnam Hall, 96 E. Union St., at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The concert will feature students from the School of Dance. The performance will present new choreographed works and is part of senior dance students’ capstone experience.

Admission: $14 or free with a valid OU student ID Vinnie Mele and the Lubricators will perform at The Over Hang, 63 N. Court St., at 9 p.m. Come see this funky band share their groovy, unique spins on classic songs. Featuring drums, organ, bass and guitar, this band is sure to put on a lively show.

Admission: Free SATURDAY, APRIL 9 An annual Easter Egg Hunt will commence at 60 Pomeroy Road at 1 p.m.

Hosted by the Richland United Methodist Church, 100 dozen eggs of candy will be hidden for kids to find. Partici-

$

UPTOWN pants can expect games, free Texas Roadhouse kids meal certificates and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

starting at

HOUSES

400

3•4•5•6 bedrooms

Admission: Free Fun Home auditions will take place at 12 p.m. at ARTS/West. The five-hour audition for the June performance of Fun Home invites adult and child actors for available roles. Rehearsals will take place during the month of May, and adult actors will be paid.

9&12

steps from Uptown

month LeAses

Off Street Parking hardwood floors basement storage

Admission: Free

& HUGE PORCHES

SUNDAY, APRIL 10 A.R.A.D. Adventure Ride will embark from 8675 Armitage Road at 10 a.m. The 40-mile journey, hosted by Roll: Bicycle Company, invites participants to challenge themselves biking on gravel routes with technical surfaces and steep terrains. Those adventuring are advised to bring their own food, water, clothing and bike, as each rider is responsible for themselves, though encouraged to always lend a helping hand.

*

FEATURED

HOUSES

151 E. State Street

99 W. State Street

Admission: $20 The Women of our History guided tour will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., departing from 200 W. Main Street, New Straitsville. Led by local historian Cheryl Blosser, the walk will explore the untold stories of nearby New Straitsville and the women who built it. Come enjoy stories of historic figures brought to life, and learn more about Southeast Ohio’s hidden women’s history.

99 deposit $

per person

Admission: $20 Embroider Spring Flowers from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. or from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Chosen Pathways Spiritual Emporium, 400 E. State St. Nadine and Nancy’s knitting class returns to Chosen Pathways to lead participants in embroidering festive spring flowers. Participants will learn some basic stitches and frame their favorite flowers in a small embroidery hoop.

Admission: $25, or $40 signing up as a pair

@KATIE_MILLARD11 KM053019@OHIO.EDU

53 E. State Street

45 Mill Street

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

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