October 1, 2020

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

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Here’s how OU is recruiting amid COVID-19 PG 5 Meet Ohio football’s new quarterback PG 14 Tips to stay healthy while living in the dorms PG 20

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Fall is the perfect season to spend in Athens

T

MOLLY SCHRAMM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

he fall season is officially here, and as we begin October, cold weather, changing leaves and scary movies are becoming the new norm. Fall is arguably the best season of the year, but spending fall in Athens is extra special.

If anyone has seen Ohio University or the city of Athens’ Instagram pages, you know that Athens and Southeast Ohio are picturesque and straight out of a Hallmark movie.

With Athens’ multitude of cobblestone bricked streets, luscious greenery that surrounds downtown as well as the old-timey architecture that graces Uptown business, Athens is beautiful through and through — and the fall season only radiates that.

With fall comes some of the best opportunities to get out of downtown Athens and experience Southeast Ohio. On top of that, fall is a chance to go outside and still abide by COVID-19 regulations and socially distance.

Libby’s Pumpkin Patch, 41251 State Farm Road, is about a 20 minute drive from Athens and is a great fall day trip for you and your

friends. Adapting to COVID-19 but remaining open, Libby’s not only includes a pumpkin patch, but also a corn maze, tractor rides, a park for picnics and more. On a sunny, cool fall day, Libby’s is perfect for a day with friends, family or capturing the perfect photo for Instagram.

Other than heading to a pumpkin patch, fall is the perfect season for hiking. Right in the morning when the air is cool but not too cold, hiking at Hocking Hills State Park is a must.

With seven different hiking areas throughout the entire park, you’ll be able to make multiple trips out of the trails.

While there’s plenty of other day trips and places you can visit during the fall season, just experiencing downtown Athens is enjoyable.

Once mid-September hits, the local coffee shops start rolling out their seasonal specialties, the trees throughout College Green turn to shades of red, yellow and orange, and something changes in the air. Maybe it’s just Athens’ small town feel or my love of fall, but Athens’ entire atmosphere becomes more inviting and warm.

Pulling on your favorite chunky sweater or flannel, grabbing a chaider or pumpkin-spiced chai from Donkey Coffee and Espresso and heading to picnic among the crunchy leaves laying around College Green is a near-perfect afternoon.

Though COVID-19 has prevented the majority of OU students from experiencing an Athens fall, that doesn’t mean you can’t bathe in all the fall goodness from the comfort of your hometown. Fall in Athens is a special time, but the great thing is that it comes around every year, so you’ll have multiple chances to experience it.

Nonetheless, it’s the perfect time to fill your movie queue with old Disney Halloween favorites or horror classics, eat too much candy and bask in the cool weather as you sip on apple cider or hot chocolate and begin to count down the days to Christmas.

Molly Schramm is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions? Email Molly at ms660416@ohio.edu or tweet her @_molly_731.

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXANDER GRAHAM

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

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COVID-19 Updates IAN MCKENZIE ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Ohio University started asymptomatic testing Sept. 21. Since then, there have been 723 students tested, 34 of whom were positive, yielding a positivity rate of about 4.7%.

There are 757 COVID-19 cases in Athens County, 155 of which are active, as of Sept. 30. There have been 29 hospitalizations and two deaths in the county.

This is an increase of 50 cases since Sunday, according to a previous Post report.

About 82% of cases in the county are from people under 30. In comparison, that number at the state level is just under 34%.

Just about 53% of cases in the county are women, which is close to the state’s 52% female case rate.

Within the Athens campus, 95% of cases are from off-campus students.

“This is extremely concerning, and

I hope that we can all redouble our efforts to prevent further community spread,” Gillian Ice, special assistant to the president for public health operations, said in a university-wide email.

OU continues to test students. So far, there have been 493 students on the Athens campus tested. 203 have been positive, and another 57 are still pending, according to OU’s COVID-19 dashboard.

There have been two OU employees who have tested positive on the Athens campus. Four individuals’ tests are still pending, according to data from Sept. 29.

Athens County is still an orange county, or level two, on Ohio’s Public Health Advisory System.

The ICU beds in Athens County are 72% full, which is the highest occupancy it has been since early September.

COVID-19 cases make up only about 4.4% of the ICU beds.

There have also been three stu-

dents who tested positive from satellite campuses, all of whom were from the Southern campus. Additional students have been tested but have tested negative or their tests are pending, according to OU’s COVID-19 dashboard.

Here is information about students living off campus: •66 students are currently quarantined due to possible exposure •78 students total are isolated because of either a positive test or they were symptomatic

•61 students are in isolation due to a positive test result In Athens, COVID-19 tests are being conducted at CVS Pharmacy on East State Street, at Holzer Health System and at OhioHealth, according to the Athens County Health Department.

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NEWS BRIEFS

County commissioners candidates debate in virtual forum; the annual Halloween block party has been canceled ABBY MILLER NEWS EDITOR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CANDIDATES FACE OFF IN PRE-ELECTION FORUM Two candidates for an Athens County Commissioner seat debated over how to bolster Athens’s economy and the role of Ohio University in the county Tuesday night during a virtual pre-election forum.

Democratic incumbent Charlie Adkins and independent opponent Bill Hayes were featured in the forum, which was hosted by The League of Women Voters of Athens County.

As OU goes through an alleged budget crisis, both Adkins and Hayes expressed the need for Athens County to diversify its economy so it does not rely so heavily on the university.

Adkins called the situation a “wake up call,” saying the county needs to look at other factors to drive the city. He pointed to the farmer’s market as one area in need of greater support.

Hayes agreed with the idea of diversifying the economy but pointed to tourism. He said Athens is beautiful, and the county is currently doing a poor job of realizing its tourism potential.

Hayes and Adkins also differed on taxes in Athens County.

Adkins said taxes can be used to benefit the county in many

ways — such as the 911 system — but Hayes highlighted the frustrations many Athens residents have with paying taxes.

The candidates also touched on drug issues, jobs in Southeast Ohio and overall county safety.

PARKLET PILOT PROGRAM TO SEE POSSIBLE EXTENSION Athens City Council discussed possibly extending the citywide parklet pilot program during its Monday night meeting.

The pilot program, which began in August, allows for Uptown businesses to apply to put a parklet in parking spaces in front of their establishments. The use of parklets allows for more socially distant outdoor seating during the coronavirus pandemic.

Currently, Brenen’s Coffee Cafe is the only Uptown business using a parklet, Athens Deputy Service-Safety Director Andrew Chiki said. The parklet at Brenen’s gives the establishment 10 extra seats, co-owner Jessica Thomas said.

Councilwoman Beth Clodfelter, D-At Large, said adding more outdoor seating is one of the safest things businesses can do during the coronavirus pandemic. It also helps support local businesses that are struggling with lost revenue.

The pilot program has currently been in place between August and September.

HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY, OTHER EVENTS CANCELED IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 The city of Athens has canceled the Halloween block party and enacted other measures to prepare for the holiday weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to the Halloween block party being canceled, the Honey for the Heart parade and Uptown business trick or treating were both canceled. The date and times for residential trick or treating are still being discussed by Athens City Council.

Athens Mayor Steve Patterson said the city is concerned about Halloween weekend becoming a “super spreader” event.

The Ohio University Police Department said it will provide resources and support to the city during Halloween weekend. Police will work to shut down any house parties they see taking place.

University spokesperson Carly Leatherwood said any OU students caught breaking rules — such as attending mass gatherings or not wearing facial coverings — may be punished. Punishments could include suspension from in-person classes or a university suspension through the Student Code of Conduct.

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POLICE BLOTTER

Driver does donuts at Piggly Wiggly; fire alarm found in dumpster GRANT RITCHEY FOR THE POST DUMPSTER ALARM The Athens Fire Department received a report that a fire alarm went off on Congress Street. The fire alarm was found in a dumpster, which was smashed by AFD. The battery was removed, and AFD left the scene.

A STORM’S A’BREWIN’ The Athens County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a 911 call, which was hung up because of static on the line from a person, in Chauncey. The call originated during a large storm moving through the area. Deputies went through the area where the call was made but found no suspicious activity. The call was believed to be disconnected due to the harsh weather.

MAINTENANCE REPAIR The sheriff’s department received a report of a subject attempting to remove a catalytic converter underneath a vehicle in The Plains. The caller yelled at the suspect, who then fled on a bicycle. Deputies met with 4 / OCT. 1, 2020

the caller and observed damage to the exhaust system of the vehicle. Deputies patrolled the area but did not find the suspect or any suspicious activity.

BURNING RUBBER The sheriff’s office received a report of a subject doing donuts in the parking lot of Piggly Wiggly. Upon arriving in the area, deputies made contact with the driver and advised him to cease any further reckless driving, including donuts.

I’M JUST HELPING The sheriff’s office received a report of a subject possibly breaking into a vehicle at the Piggly Wiggly parking lot in The Plains. When deputies arrived at the scene, it turned out the man was assisting a woman who had accidentally locked her keys in her car. Deputies assisted and returned to patrol.

STEALING A SNICKERS The sheriff’s office received a report at Certified Oil in Glouster in regards to a shoplifting complaint. The woman admitted to stealing a Snickers ice cream bar. The store

did not press charges but did want the female removed from the property. The female was criminally trespassing.

CONSPIRACY THEORIES The sheriff’s office received a report at Matheny Road in Nelsonville of a husband calling to report his wife seeing aliens and believing the government was listening to her phone conversations.

When the deputies arrived, the wife admitted to using methamphetamine a few hours before and that the suspected narcotics and her pipe were in her possession. ACEMS arrived on scene and transported the wife to a hospital for a blue-slip medical/mental evaluation. No further action was necessary.

@RITCHEY_GRANT GR619615@OHIO.EDU

Remote Recruitment

Here’s how OU is continuing to recruit students during COVID-19 CLAIRE SCHIOPOTA FOR THE POST Since March, Ohio University has fleshed out its online system so prospective students can receive the best virtual experience possible while making their college decision.

In March, OU announced it was extending its spring break and sending students home due to precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19. With many in-person events canceled, the process of new student recruitment was complicated.

College visits and events have been moved online, but plans are in place to allow for in-person visits and events as soon as it becomes safe again. Prospective students can go online to OU’s website to look for these virtual events and visits as well as plan virtual meetings with admissions staff, financial aid advisers and current OU students.

“The Undergraduate Admissions website provides

information about ways we are committed to being flexible and supporting families during the admissions process,” Candace Boeninger, interim vice provost for Strategic Enrollment Management, said in an email.

OU is making students aware of its current protocols through Be Safe Bobcats, a part of OU’s website.

On the website, new students can find resources that current students are using to manage online schooling.

These resources include tools such as mental health resources, technology resources and international student support.

OU is continuing high school visits and attending college fairs across the nation, Boeninger said. The university also engages with community college partners and community-based organizations in safe, coronavirus-conscious ways.

OU is also utilizing social media posts, email, text, phone call and mailed materials to engage with prospective students.

“Ohio University has faced many obstacles during

its 216-year history, but our commitment to academic excellence, a life-changing college experience, and a lifelong partnership that supports students now and forever never changes,” Boeninger said in an email.

OU is also supporting students through extending deadlines, waiving applications fees and supporting changes in academic plans, Boeninger said.

With the future being so uncertain, some students are looking toward colleges close to home. Others are still hopeful for an exciting college experience and look forward to a future they may have at OU. Macy Metzger, a senior at Aurora High School in Aurora, which has about 1,000 students, said she wants to study nutrition/dietetics. She thinks OU would be a great college for her.

“I am looking at OU because I know people who have went there and who go there now and absolutely love it,” Metzger said in a message. “I have heard nothing but good things and I love the campus.”

In comparison to other schools, Metzger believes OU has done a great job keeping students in the know.

Important deadlines have been clear, and there have been many virtual tools for her to learn more about the university, despite not being about to visit in person right now.

Senior Alyssa Carfagna has found similar results, although her schooling experience has been a bit different.

Carfagna attends Bishop Hartley High School, a small, private high school in Columbus with about 700 students. Although she’s unsure of what major to pursue, Carfagna is interested in political science or education.

“Ohio University is one of my top choices because my mom went there and I have heard a lot of good things about it!” Carfagna said in an email.

Carfagna admires OU’s efforts to keep students safe by keeping students home and requiring masks to be worn on campus. Current students have been a huge help for Carfagna, as they have always been open to answer her questions about the campus and online classes, she said.

Although the coronavirus has impacted much of life for high school students as they look toward their future college careers, OU is continuing to make virtual experiences the best it can.

“While on-campus visits and events have been temporarily suspended, we look forward to meeting all our future Bobcats in-person as soon as possible,” Boeninger said in an email.

@CSCHIOPOTA CS123719@OHIO.EDU Ohio University’s campus in Athens, Ohio. (KEVIN PAN | FOR THE POST)

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Phase 2 Unpredictability As Phase 2 students arrive on campus, many students are unsure of what the semester will look like MOLLY WILSON FOR THE POST Many students invited back to campus through Ohio University’s Phase 2 plan feel unsure about how the university’s COVID-19 precautions will impact their college experience.

On Sept. 8, all OU students were notified via email about whether they were approved to return to campus this Fall Semester. In total, the university accepted roughly 31% of undergraduate students, estimated to be about 7,200 people. The students who accepted the invitation will begin in-person classes Sept. 28.

The majority of the undergraduate students accepted back to campus are enrolled in particular programs and classes that are considered a higher priority for in-person instruction due to the nature of the classes, according to the university’s Phase 2 website.

Aidan Kelly, a sophomore studying fine arts, is one of those chosen to return to campus.

“So far, none of my classes are planning to require in-person teaching,” Kelly said. “A couple of them are aiming to meet in person the safest way they can, even if that only means meeting once a week in very small groups.”

These classes include acting studio and movement classes, Kelly said.

Similarly, Tori Bucci, a sophomore studying nursing, was approved for Phase 2 and has a health assessment lab in person, a critical class for in-person instruction, as the skills learned there are applied for the rest of nursing majors’ careers, Bucci said.

“I feel that more of my classes should be in person since I will be handling patients second semester, so I do not feel as prepared as I would like to be,” Bucci said.

Students are also given the ability to opt in for a fully online semester, or conversely, apply for a housing exception in which students would be granted permission to return to campus for Phase 2.

Many students took advantage of the housing exception and were approved to live in dorms for the duration of the Fall Semester.

Maggie Wilkinson, a freshman studying nursing, was approved, though all of her classes still remain online for the semester, she said in an email.

Classrooms were adapted to adhere to state recommendations for Phase 1, and these changes will continue into Phase 2.

These changes include measuring seats so there are 6 feet of distance between students at all times while in classrooms, outlining specific instructor areas of the classrooms and installing hand sanitizing stations in buildings, according to the university coronavirus information webpage.

While living and taking classes on campus, students must adhere to all rules and regulations the university has presented, including a daily COVID-19 symptom assessment. The four-question assessment has been 6 / OCT. 1, 2020

put in place to further limit the spread of the virus, aiming to keep students with symptoms from interacting with other students and faculty, according to the Be Safe Bobcats webpage.

The assessment also must be completed before visiting campus.

Furthermore, all OU students must complete the OHIO Pledge, a contract that requires students to follow the state and university’s COVID regulations, according to the OHIO pledge website.

The university has reduced density in dorm rooms; however, students remain unknown to many residence hall guidelines.

“I’m not really sure about dorm life too much,” Bucci said. “I don’t know if we can only have a set amount of people in our room at a time.”

Those returning to campus must grapple with going to classes, keeping their items sanitized and living with only essential items for the next six weeks.

“Right now, I’m focused on packing only what I real-

ly feel I’ll need, considering we have to fully move out at the end of the semester,” Kelly said. “I’m definitely limiting the clothes and other non-essential things that I’ll bring with me.”

Despite all the challenges that students face in this new on-campus environment, many are simply excited to be included and to see how this will impact Spring Semester.

“I do have high hopes that the faculty and students that will be in Athens this semester will maintain the procedures necessary to come back to a much more normal semester in the Spring,” Kelly said.

@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU

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Pressing On The effects of a pandemic on film, from Hollywood to Athens RILEY RUNNELLS CULTURE EDITOR

The coronavirus pandemic has jolted the lives of many.

There have been countless deaths, widespread devastation and the need to adapt to a brand new way of life.

But throughout quarantine, one way many took comfort in the madness was by watching films.

The film industry as a whole, however — including film students, festivals and production staffs as well as the actual films and their premieres — have undergone drastic 8 / OCT. 1, 2020

changes since the start of COVID-19.

“It’s a collaborative art form, which collaboration means that you need to meet,” Keisha Martin, an Ohio University third-year MFA film student, said. “You need to gather together to achieve a goal, so it’s not a solo art form. I think it’s a new challenge, but it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to make films.”

To understand why those in the industry aren’t losing hope amid these changes, it’s important to comprehend what has changed and how the industry will persevere.

FULFILLING FILMMAKING In a general sense, filmmaking took almost a halt.

Deadline reported numerous films that were forced to cease production operations, including Disney’s Avatar sequels and The Little Mermaid live-action as well as Netflix’s The Prom, Sony’s Cinderella and Warner Brothers’ The Batman.

“Production companies are designing models to facilitate ‘safe’ movie making practices so that they can continue to produce their content,” Rafal Sokolowski, an associate professor of film at OU, said in an email. “For the time being, it’s easier for the small, Indy productions, that can get through under the radar of financiers and insurance companies, or huge budget productions, that can afford the safety protocol. That’s on the production level.”

Though it seems with a lack of production that budgets for various independent films and parent companies would lower, Sokolowski believes budgets will do the exact opposite. With safety measures on set, unpredictable delays, production stoppage and insurance claims, he feels budgets for production will skyrocket.

In fact, Lindsey Martin, an assistant professor of film at OU, is already seeing new job opportunities for people in the film industry due to the pandemic. New COVID-19 safety production protocols from organizations like the Screen Actors Guild and Directors Guild of America have been put in place, detailing rules to minimize the risk of transmission while working with the unique environments of film and television production.

Some of the protocols include quarantining the entire cast and crew in various pods and bubbles as well as a health and safety supervisor, or HSS, which is a new role on set. The HSS is in charge of developing safety plans for productions, administering them and reporting if people are not following the plan. These supervisors are not only being implemented at the professional level, but they’re

being hired at a student level as well.

Though this is a win in the safety department, it will significantly increase expenses for filmmaking. In a report from the Los Angeles Times, it’s estimated that coronavirus prevention steps could add more than $1 million to a typical film budget. On top of the additional cost, the effort to minimize people on set could stretch the average eight-week shooting schedule to as many as 10 weeks. The cost for one day of shooting can be as much as $400,000, and two extra weeks could tack on expenses of $5 million or higher.

Lindsey Martin feels that because of the lack of a traditional model of filmmaking, complete with giant, expensive sets and flashy visual effects –– think Marvel –– writers will focus more on the story: designing characters, forming their relationships and world building.

“I think in the next year, we’re going to see a lot of not just film, but media that’s coming out that feels much more intimate in scale,” Lindsey Martin said.

In light of all the changes, Sokolowski and Lindsey Martin feel some practices that have been around for a

long time will be reevaluated and hopefully changed for the better.

“I believe it’s a strong and versatile field and industry – that’s what filmmaking is: rolling with the punches,” Sokolowski said in an email.

COUNTING ON UP-AND-COMERS But without avid students and film festival goers, there are no individuals in the industry to create or implement these new methods in the first place. This is why students like Keisha Martin have not stopped working hard during the pandemic.

“I was lucky enough to finish principal photography, which is all the filming for my second-year film, which is a short narrative piece that is now 17 minutes,” Keisha Martin said. “I worked on editing that pretty much all quarantine.”

She is now working on her thesis project, beginning to write the script and do visual preparations like brainstorming the costume design, researching different locations and thinking about character designs.

Other students, like John Amato, a senior studying integrated media at OU, have finalized their projects. Amato spent all of quarantine working with his peers through text and email to put the finishing touches on the film 456 Days, which he wrote and directed. The film was released through Rough Cut Collective, a film organization on OU’s campus.

While working to put the film together, Amato felt the drastic change in production from the pandemic. He as well as other students, like Harlan Friedman-Romell, a sophomore studying integrated media at OU, have noticed a difficulty in coordinating shoots with film clubs and working with peers to finalize projects.

Friedman-Romell is also part of Rough Cut Collective and another film organization called AVW. The groups have been holding their meetings through Zoom to try and keep students’ filmmaking spirits alive.

“It’s really great to see everyone again and to be in that creative mindset, but it’s really tough knowing that we’re not going to be able to really make anything with other people safely,” Friedman-Romell said.

Friedman-Romell is finishing up a film that he made through Rough Cut Collective last year and is planning to release it in late October and send it through the festival circuit, applying to festivals like the Athens Film Festival.

Apart from encouraging her students, Lindsey Martin has also been working on a film that she initially wanted to send to the 2020 film festival circuit. She decided to hold off because of the fear that, with the new online format, she’d miss the full experience of entering a film: meeting people, making contacts, networking and forming connections with other filmmakers, which is something she feels just can’t happen virtually.

“There are good things that come, I think, from film festivals being online,” Lindsey Martin said. “For instance,

“

if I can’t travel to the place, I can still see the work. But I do think making those connections and meeting the people and collaborations aren’t going to happen as organically.”

PROCEEDING PRODUCTION For the filmmakers who did premiere films in the 2020 season, to better care for the safety of others, the premieres were moved to an online format, like Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking Of Ending Things or Antonio Campos’ The Devil All The Time.

This took a toll on revenue for the film industry. Michael Pachter, a Wedbush Securities analyst, estimates the 2020 box office will be down nearly 50% from last year, ending with $6 billion in ticket sales.

The alternative method of premiering films certainly has an allure –– safety reasons aside, there’s the idea that viewers don’t have to leave the comfort of their own homes to get stellar entertainment –– but the OU film professors and students agree there are certain films that are just meant to be on the big screen.

Keisha Martin equates it to watching a comedy alone.

Something in the film may be funny, but normally, people wouldn’t laugh unless prompted by the surrounding energy of fellow movie-goers. She feels it’s not performative — just a heightened emotion.

“The movie experience in general is already very interesting,” Keisha Martin said. “We sit in a dark room with strangers and experience art, but we have different experiences, even though we’re looking at the same thing. Film impacts on different levels to everybody. Even if we’re all at this exact same place, we’re still going to walk out after watching a movie and have different interpretations and feelings of that movie.”

For now, however, the OU film crew is OK with virtual premieres to better ensure the safety of audiences.

All of those drastic changes don’t change the fundamental purpose of the film industry: to entertain. In fact, Friedman-Romell believes more people should be working to create films for the industry with the additional free time.

“We’re so accustomed to thinking that there’s such a

high barrier of entry for really good filmmaking, but everybody’s got a really nice camera on their phone,” Friedman-Romell said. “And when it comes down to it ... I think the only thing that’s discouraging people from really being creative and getting into filmmaking is their own personal problems. There’s so many avenues to make really cool stuff, and it’s never been easier than it is now.”

Lindsey Martin wholeheartedly agrees with Friedman-Romell that if there’s a will, there’s a way, and that will cannot be stopped by anything –– even a pandemic.

“It absolutely has not discouraged filmmakers,” Lindsey Martin said. “I will say that there’s been a lot of lows in terms of ‘OK, now what do we do?’ But I’ve been witnessing, even with our own students, that they will not be stopped. And I think that that’s the way the film industry is: you can’t stop it. Art needs to be made –– we’ll just figure out new ways to do it.”

@RILEYR44 RR855317@OHIO.EDU

I believe it’s a strong and versatile field and industry – that’s what filmmaking is: rolling with the punches,” -Rafal Sokolowski, an associate professor of film at OU, said in an email

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Phasing In OU students continue to adjust to the pandemic as Phase 2 begins KERI JOHNSON ASST. CULTURE EDITOR As the coronavirus pandemic continues, so does the push toward moving back to everyday life. As bars return to full capacity, Ohio University Phase 2 students return to campus.

On Sept. 8, all OU students were notified if they were eligible to return to campus this Fall Semester, according to a previous Post report. The university accepted roughly one-third of undergraduate students, estimated to be about 7,200 people. The students who are a part of Phase 2 began their classes Monday.

But not everyone who is a part of Phase 2 has in-person classes. CJ Munafo, a freshman studying entrepreneurship, moved into his dorm last Tuesday, Sept. 22. Before then, he said his semester at home felt like “13th grade.”

“I didn’t feel like I moved on or that it was actually part of college yet,” Munafo said. “I felt like I was doing high school over again.”

Munafo said another struggle has been meeting people. Though he’s in class with his peers, it’s hard to make a connection through a screen. One of the things he was looking forward to as a freshman was Welcome Week because of the opportunity to meet people.

“I wanted to experience going to the football games and Homecoming Week,” Munafo said. “Obviously it’s OK that didn’t happen, but I do wish I would’ve got to experience that a little now. I’ll have to wait ’til next year.”

As for Munafo’s days, each sort of follows the same routine: breakfast, online class, homework, dinner and maybe seeing friends. Sometimes it’s weird seeing people in his residence hall, he said. Social interactions feel uncertain. He isn’t sure if he even has a resident assistant on his floor.

“I feel like everybody’s a little bit stand-offish because we don’t know if we’re allowed to be together because we’ve chosen to be together,” Munafo said. “I’ve seen a couple guys and have had small talk, but I don’t know if we’re allowed to hang out.”

For fellow freshman Katelyn Gall, Phase 2 has been somewhat trying.

10 / OCT. 1, 2020

was somewhat difficult for Gall. She wasn’t picked for Phase 1 and was nervous about everything going on. She didn’t want to return to campus at first, but after discussing with family and friends, she made her choice. She hopes students who have returned are behaving cautiously.

“I am really hoping that everyone on campus takes this pandemic seriously this semester,” Gall said in a message. “I am hoping that it’ll eventually let my friends who didn’t get accepted for Phase Two move (onto) campus by Spring Semester.”

“It is a little lonely because there (are) strict rules. Anybody within the Scripps not a lot of people here,” Gall said in a school can access it, but now, it’s just message. “I am very antisocial, so it’s people with production classes.”

Martin said in-studio recordings are hard for me to meet people, but overall now booked far in advance and with I’m enjoying campus.”

Gall described her typical day as “bor- three-hour intervals between each use. ing.” She wakes up and hops right on Mi- Each use of the recording studio and @_KERIJOHNSON crosoft Teams for classes. Then she gets equipment is now heavily documented.

KJ153517@OHIO.EDU Only certain types of recording can be lunch and works on some homework.

“Other than that, I spend most of done in university studios, too.

“We’re actually not allowed to do vomy time playing video games or watching Netflix,” Gall said in a message. “My cal (recordings),” he said. “Masks and insocial life is kinda strange. I don’t know strument-recording only. Vocal has to be anyone here except my learning commu- off-site in personal setups.”

Despite all the adjustments, Martin nity, so when I don’t do things with them, I didn’t feel like I moved on is happy with how his capstone is turnI visit my friends from my hometown.”

Munafo said his freshman year hasn’t ing out. He feels fortunate to have the or that it was actually part of really felt special. Moving in on his own equipment and access he does. In the college yet. I felt like I was dodidn’t feel important or that exciting — it meantime, his other classes are asynchronous and online. was just a part of taking classes. ing high school over again,” “I think the main thing is I am grate“It felt like there was nothing to look forward to — just another check off the ful,” Martin said. “It’s good that I can get - CJ Munafo, a freshman studying back into facilities, but not that much list,” Munafo said. entrepreneurship, said Unlike Munafo, for RJ Martin, Phase has changed.”

The decision to return for Phase 2 2 hasn’t changed much. Martin, a senior studying music production, moved into his Athens apartment in August.

At first, he said he wasn’t sure if this semester would be worth returning for. However, he’s found himself somewhat pleasantly surprised.

“When we got into it, Phase 1 wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” Martin said. “Now, moving into Phase 2, I don’t even do that much.”

Martin was concerned over how his capstone class and record label Brick City Records would proceed during the pandemic. Luckily, the class received equipment to record and produce music at home. But now, as a Phase 2 student, Martin has access to on-campus equipment and studios.

“We have an equipment room that just R.J. Martin is one of the Phase 2 students who are allowed back on campus. He sits in front of his home opened back up,” Martin at University Commons, 15 S. Shafer St., in Athens, Ohio, on Monday, Sept. 28, 2020. (NATE SWANSON | PHOTO EDITOR) said. “Usually, there’s no

“

The ‘New Normal’ Hobbies Students acquire new hobbies amid the pandemic ABBY BROWN FOR THE POST It has now officially been seven months since COVID-19 caused a nationwide quarantine.

Throughout this time, many individuals have begun to feel a downward slump due to the lack of productivity.

However, these past months have yielded success for some people.

Many have taken this time off as an opportunity to do something they may not have thought to do: take up a hobby.

All across the country, a variety of different hobbies and activities have begun to start over this time. Things ranging from photography and baking to latch hooking and sewing have been the new pastimes for many.

Strangely enough, as more things begin to open up and as more people go “back to normal,” people are actually still wanting to keep these hobbies.

Along with the rest of the country, many OU students have also developed new hobbies since being sent home in March. Students ranging from graduating seniors to new freshmen have spoken of multiple different hobbies that have kept them sane during quarantine.

Jackson Ebel, a freshman studying journalism, spent quarantine developing a passion for photography.

“I formed this hobby because I’ve always been interested in media but never had the time pre-COVID,” Ebel said.

“Now, I’ll have a new skill and get to share it with other people.”

Also through these new hobbies, students have been able to learn and understand skills that will help them in

their everyday lives. Mia Walsh, a freshman studying journalism, took up sewing to pass the time.

“I have made stuffed animals, scrunchies and I even made a button up shirt out of a sheet with sharks on it!” Walsh said in a message. “I’m very proud of myself.”

Some may have even found themselves having to pick up a new hobby due to the lack of productivity in order to stay sane.

“I was just always so busy,” Cristina Formichelli, a junior studying journalism, said, discussing her newfound love for latch hooking, a craft where rugs are made by pulling loops of yarn or fabric through a stiff woven base.

Not only are people finding these new hobbies to be more beneficial than they expected, but many of them have been quite successful with their hobbies.

“I started doing more photoshoots with some of my friends and then posted some on Instagram, and people started to like them,” Ebel said.

When a hobby is done once, it’s relatively easy to keep getting better and to keep up with it. Time is also a big factor, seeing how everyone has so much more to do what they want now.

“I’ve enjoyed it so much, I think I’ll make most of the gifts for my friends and family this coming holiday season,” Walsh said in a message.

Many people also seem pretty keen on keeping these hobbies once quarantine is over.

“I think I’ll continue my interest in photography,” Ebel said. “I’ll probably keep it as a side job after I graduate.”

As people have more time on their hands, they find that these hobbies help them in many different ways — even the simple way of just keeping them preoccupied.

“I formed this out of boredom truly,” Walsh said in a message. “I had the resources to do so and thought ‘why not?’”

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Ginsburg’s Impact on Athens The life and legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: how OU remembers ISABEL NISSLEY FOR THE POST Just hours after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday, Sept. 18, people began to gather at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. to honor her legacy. Masked mourners laid posters and flowers on the concrete steps. They let tears slide down their faces, candlelight reflecting in their downcast eyes. The night was soaked in mourning but tinged with hope.

Across the country, people remembered Ginsburg’s life. On Sept. 19, a similar scene unfolded at the Athens courthouse. People brought candles, flowers and tributes, reflecting on the life of the second woman ever appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ginsburg was sworn into court in 1993, but her decisions and personality began to make its way into public consciousness 20 years later. In 2013, the Supreme Court argued Shelby County v. Holder, a landmark case pertaining to voting rights.

The court decided 5-4 that a section of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was unconstitutional, rolling back some protections of voting rights that disparately harmed Black and low-income Americans. Ginsburg dissented.

“Throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet,” Ginsburg said.

Patty Stokes, an associate professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies, points to this line from Ginsburg’s dissenting opinion as the moment she became a figure in American pop culture.

“A bunch of young people, who proba-

bly had never known who she was, all of a sudden were fanning and stanning this octogenarian Jewish grandmother with this incredible life story,” Stokes said.

Before her appointment to the Supreme Court, Ginsburg was a champion for women’s rights. Through law, she ensured that juries contained women; made it legal for women to apply for a credit card, mortgage and bank account without a male co-signer; and established that employers cannot discriminate against employees because of gender, according to a 2020 Global Citizen article.

Ginsburg’s legal activism, guided by feminist ideals, created a more equitable world for women.

“I didn’t know who she was in the mid ’70s when I first started developing an early feminist consciousness,” Stokes said. “But the world that she was helping to create was a world that opened all the opportunities that I have today as a woman.”

Ginsburg also inspired generations of women to advocate for what they believe in.

“My mom really loved her and shared her story with me,” Aya Cathey, a freshman studying journalism, said. “Even when it was something that was controversial, [Ginsburg] stood up for it … I was just really inspired by that.”

The inspiration that Ginsburg provided has led many to want to honor and carry on Ginsburg’s fight for equal rights. Remembrances have been shared widely on social media. People are donating to Ginsburg’s favorite charities in her honor.

Athena Cinema displayed Ginsburg’s words on its marquee: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

After learning of Ginsburg’s passing, the Athena decided to display the quote because

WANT MORE? NEWS CULTURE SPORTS OPINION PODCASTS 12 / OCT. 1, 2020

they “felt that RBG shared so many important messages,” Alexandra Kamody, director of Athena Cinema, said.

“It wasn’t a question of displaying her words on the marquee, but which quote to use,” Kamody said.

To further remember Ginsburg, the Athena is virtually showing the documentary RBG. Proceeds from purchases of the movie will go to the ACLU Women’s Rights Project, which Ginsburg co-founded in 1972.

“Bringing the film back in our virtual cin-

ema seemed like a good way to highlight RBG’s work and legacy,” Kamody said.

Although Ginsburg is dead, her vision for the future lives on.

“I think what RBG would want from those of us who appreciate her life’s work is to keep going with it, and carry it on,” Stokes said.

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SCAN HERE

through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Post sat down to talk with McFadden about the restaurant and how COVID-19 has impacted his business.

How did the restaurant start? When did you open?

Cirò was started by me and my general manager. We had a small operational restaurant before this, but we wanted a full concept restaurant and so opened Cirò. Her name is Sandra. Cirò’s been open just about a year now.

What is one dish that you suggest?

Well, the lobster ravioli (Lobster-filled pasta, peas and roasted garlic in a seafood wine sauce, priced at $20.50).

Cirò Italian Kitchen & Bar, at 120 W. Union St. in Athens, Ohio, is one of the few Italian joints open for business in town. (NATE SWANSON | PHOTO EDITOR)

A Q&A with Cirò’s Francis McFadden Cirò’s Francis McFadden talks restaurants reopening in COVID-19 ERIN GARDNER FOR THE POST Francis McFadden, the principal co-owner of Cirò Italian Kitchen and Bar, is no stranger to opening restaurants. Opening restaurants during COVID-19, however, is another story.

McFadden and Saundra Buck opened the elegant Italian, casual dining concept Oct. 23, 2019. Cirò (pronounced

“cheer-o”) is named after the town of the same name in Calabria, Italy.

McFadden has 30 years of food service experience. He is a former Ohio University food and nutrition professor. Buck has served in the U.S. Army for nine years.

Together, they opened the restaurant to fight early-retirement boredom.

Cirò, 120 W. Union St., is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday

How has business been?

Well, you know, I’ve opened Cirò three times. I’ve opened many restaurants in my life. I’ve never opened the same restaurant three times. And so, we went from full-operation down to — when the pandemic first hit, nobody really knew what was going on. The state was just shutting down, so then we became a to-go restaurant only for a while.

And then we had limited service back in house, and now we’re at full service, but we’re at low density. We’re fully opened again, and we do have a patio, which we were lucky. Not a lot of restaurants have a patio in Athens, so we bounced back a little bit better. But a little bit better still means that our sales volume was off all projections by 25%, and that is probably larger than the profit margins of most restaurants. So it was problematic for a while.

for a long time — is that foot traffic was way off, to be very honest with you …

The students went away, and the professional staff started working at home, and I would think for the price point of Cirò, a lot of the professional staff would have been having lunch here.

Are you seeing more Athens residents coming to Cirò or Ohio University students?

I would say that it is probably a little more of the population living in Athens versus the students, but we do get a fair number of students. Cirò is definitely a big date night for the students. You definitely can tell when they’re into stuff like that. It’s really cool. And because we’re about a year old now, we’re actually doing pretty well as a restaurant in terms of our reputation of the food that we’re making. And so now we’re seeing a lot of (people) coming from out of town … to go to Cirò. When things were getting bad, our business was in the midst of growing, and so we were able to offset some of it. All restaurants get, like, a twomonth Cinderella period where everybody has to come and check it out once … We’re getting a lot of return traffic, and so we’re doing OK. It definitely could have been worse. It’s a combination of things …We take our business very seriously. We had a growth model that was still offsetting what was happening with COVID. It really affected us. I mean, it most certainly did. We had a time period where we actually were down to only four employees, and it was tough.

Is the foot traffic good, or are you seeing slower foot traffic?

It’s kind of a loaded question, and I’ll tell you why. Because I only have one year of data, I don’t have any historic data, so I can’t tell you that my lunch is off by “X” because we just started lunch.

So off of the projection, my expectation is that, based upon what I thought was gonna happen — and I’ve been doing this

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FOOTBALL

Ready to Rumble J.L. KIRVEN SPORTS EDITOR From Los Angeles to Las Vegas and finally Athens, graduate transfer quarterback Armani Rogers knows what it’s like to be on the move.

Rogers, who grew up in Los Angeles, was one of the top quarterbacks in the area before taking his talents to University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Now the six-foot, five-inch quarterback is a Bobcat, and he believes he’s the one to bring Ohio back to Mid-American Conference supremacy.

Before he takes a snap for the Bobcats, meet quarterback Armani Rogers.

THE POST: So, Armani, you’re from L.A., and you played in Vegas. What made Athens of all places feel like the right place for you?

ROGERS: I did my research on Coach Solich and Coach Albin, and one of my old coaches came here. I had a chance to talk to the new coaching staff, and I just thought it would be a great fit for me.

THE POST: What was your first impression of Coach

Solich and Coach Albin?

ROGERS: Real, real nice people. They brought me in, and it felt like family. They introduced me to the team as soon as I got here and made sure everything was taken care of. When I went into the (transfer) portal, they showed me the type of offense they ran and all the other important stuff, and I thought it would be a nice fit.

THE POST: How have you managed the chaos of moving to Athens, hearing the season is postponed and then hearing you’re playing in a month?

ROGERS: Pretty much to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. Even from my first day out here, I got the playbook. I tried to make sure I learned everything as fast as I can. Even though we might not have a season, I still have to prepare myself, so when we do start practicing again, I’ll be up there, and I’ll know what’s going on.

THE POST: Chemistry is huge for your position. Who on the team have you bonded with?

ROGERS: Well, my roommate right now is Shane Hooks, so me and him talk about football. Tyler (Foster), Cam (Odom), the tight ends, so we all after practice, we

just get some extra work in to understand how each receiver likes to run certain routes.

THE POST: You’ve had your share of teams trying to recruit you, in fact since peewee. What was it like being recruited by Snoop Dogg?

ROGERS: I actually played for his team when I was younger, so it was cool. I had a lot of my friends play for that team, and that’s what kind of influenced me to play for his team. He was a great dude, and it was a great experience.

THE POST: I heard that you were a great baseball player when you were younger. What made you give it up?

ROGERS: Baseball used to be fun. I played first base and outfield, but in the ninth grade, it just got a little too boring for me, especially playing football. You’re used to the contact and the fast place, and then you go to baseball, and it’s slow.

THE POST: Your dad was an NFL linebacker, and for a while, you played linebacker, too. At what age did you start focusing on playing quarterback?

ROGERS: Probably eighth grade. I stopped playing defense and then strictly quarterback in the ninth grade.

THE POST: What do you like about playing quarterback?

ROGERS: Just everything. Being in control and having everything lay on you and the pressure that comes with it.

It’s just a position that not everyone can handle the pressure that comes with it.

THE POST: When it comes to dealing with pressure, how would you describe your leadership style? Do you lead by example, or are you vocal?

ROGERS: I used to be a lead-by-example, but then as I got to college, I realized you have to be more hands-on sometimes, to a certain extent. Make sure everybody is following what you’re doing, and sometimes, you have to get on people’s case and make sure everyone knows this isn’t play time right now.

THE POST: When did you realize your voice carried weight?

ROGERS: In high school, because being the quarterback, everyone looks up to the quarterback, no matter what. Even if you don’t want people to look you up, they still look up to you.

THE POST: So obviously you’re very serious about football, but what do you like to do in your free time?

ROGERS: I play the video game a lot.

THE POST: What’s your console?

ROGERS: PS4.

THE POST: Planning on getting the PS5?

ROGERS: Oh, yeah, I’m going to get it.

THE POST: What’s your best game on PS4?

ROGERS: I like Call of Duty-type games and stuff like that. I don’t really play sports games, but I typically play them just because my brothers play them, but they’re not my go-to.

THE POST: OK, Armani, last question. It’s your last year. There’s been so much uncertainty coming out of this situation, but what do you want out of your final year?

ROGERS: I want to win a MAC championship, honestly and to showcase my full ability to play football from passing to running and just be the full package. I just want to show what I can do.

@JL_KIRVEN JK810916@OHIO.EDU Armani Rogers (#18) is Ohio University’s new quarterback. (Photo provided via Ohio Football)

14 / OCT. 1, 2020

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Michael Wells prepares for the snap against Vinton County the team in sacks.

“I get the sacks because everyone else is working just as hard as me,” Wells said. “Having Neal is really helpful. His presence has allowed me to be put into the spotlight and get to the quarterback more often, so I really appreciate him and his hard work.”

Wells’ senior year has been filled with ups and downs, even before the season even started, as it looked like he wouldn’t get a chance to play his final year of football due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once the season finally started, Alexander got very limited practice and scrimmage time together, and with the Spartans being such a young team, that missing time was crucial to the chemistry and makeup of the team. Without that extra time, Alexander would have to rely on experience that was not there yet for most of the team.

Alexander’s offensive lineman and defensive lineman Michael Wells (No. 67) waits in between plays during the third quarter of a game against Vinton County High School in McArthur, Ohio, on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. (NATE SWANSON | PHOTO EDITOR)

TYLER JOHNSON FOR THE POST Michael Wells is the “babysitter” of Alexander’s offensive line.

Jokingly given the title by coach Earich Dean, Wells is tasked with leading the rest of the line as the only senior in the group.

Looking out for his own assignments, while making sure his fellow linemen are taking care of their own tasks, is a tough ask of Wells, but he knows that his team needs him to go the extra mile, and he’s more than willing to step up.

“It takes a lot of hard work,” Wells said. “It’s just making sure that they know what they’re doing and then also knowing what I’m doing. I help them first because they’re more important.

They need it more, then I work my way to myself and my responsibilities.”

The offensive line tends to have the least glamorous positions in football despite consistently having one of the most important roles, and it is no different with the Spartans. With Alexander being a rushing attack offensively, Wells and the offensive line hitting their blocks and creating holes for the rusher is the first step to offensive success.

Dean knows how important the offensive line’s success is to his offense’s success, and the rushers make sure to show their appreciation whenever possible for the line’s work in the trenches to make the offense churn.

“Every time we had a big run, I thanked my line,” Xander Karagosian said after Alexander’s 30-0 win over River Valley on Sept. 18. “If they didn’t get those blocks, I wouldn’t have had any space. It starts with them.”

If the offensive success starts with the offensive line, then their success begins with Wells. But that isn’t where his job ends.

On the other side of the ball, Wells is lined up opposite fellow pass rusher Logan Neal, and the two are tasked with getting to the opposing quarterback and taking him down. One of the strengths of the team, the duo causes a lot of pressure and have forced errant passes and even a couple of interceptions this season.

Having to deal with both Wells, Neal Harris and Drew Harris, who plug the middle of the defensive line as the tackle, allows one of them to have an easier time getting to the quarterback. So far in 2020, it has been Wells, as he leads

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The Spartans have struggled in 2020 as a result, and Wells and the rest of the seniors will play their final game on Friday. And while not having a chance at postseason football hurts for Wells, the fact that he got to play his last season at all means so much to him.

“Playing this season has meant everything to me,” Wells said. “I don’t care what has to be done. I wanted to play. If we had to stand 6 feet apart, if we have to have our masks on, it doesn’t matter to me, as long as I get to play football.”

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HOCKEY players from last year have improved and can make a bigger impact on the team.

The situation with college athletics is fluid, so the status for the season is still up in the air. If one looks around the country right now, however, they might see reason some hope for a season.

All over the country, high school, college and professional sports are active, with some of them doing a near perfect job of containing the coronavirus. The NHL was able to hold a bubble in Canada and successfully host the annual Stanley Cup Playoffs. While the ACHA might not go as far as to create its own bubble, it’s been proven that hockey can be played in the country’s current state.

Bell feels there are ways to have a season and remain safe. He knows it would mean a lot to the players and provide them an excellent opportunity not only to have fun and be together, but also learn life lessons they can carry into whatever career they pursue.

That being said, the future is still hard to predict.

“I think the biggest thing Ohio Bobcats’ bench looks toward the action as the offense attacks the goal during the second period of the Bobcats’ game against Calvin College on Friday, Jan. 16, 2019, at Bird Arena. (JOE TIMMERMAN | FOR THE POST) we found out over the last six months is that we don’t season would’ve concluded, and now his know what is going to happen tomorrow,” second season’s status is up in the air af- Bell said. “It’s a tough situation to handle.”

Above all else, health and safety are the ter the team announced its season’s postfirst priorities for Bell and OU. As disapponement in August.

Bell was hopeful for the season to start pointed as he and his players were after on time, but like the tournament being the postponement was announced, they canceled, he wasn’t surprised by the news. knew everyone’s health was more importAt the time, the Mid-American Confer- ant than their love of being on the ice.

“You have to keep everybody’s health ence had already postponed the rest of Ohio’s fall sports, and there were plenty of and safety in mind when making these universities closing in-person classes all kinds of decisions,” Bell said.

Regardless of what ends up happening around the country.

“It certainly didn’t surprise me,” Bell said. in the next season, whether it be in the Oklahoma in 2017, was cut short when the ELI FEAZELL Now, Bell is working hard with Ohio spring or the next fall, Bell has one mesCOVID-19 pandemic swept the world.

SLOT EDITOR Bell understood the situation but University to make a planned spring sage for OU hockey fans.

“Stay with us,” Bell said. “Once we get schedule a reality for the Bobcats. He does Cole Bell’s heart dropped when the couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

“We felt really good about our team,” his job because he loves the game and going here, we’re going to do everything American Collegiate Hockey Association National Tournament was canceled Bell said. “We thought we had a chance loves the players to be on the ice together we can to bring Ohio hockey to you. We and be a part of the team, which Bell de- certainly appreciate all of our fans, supto win.” in March. porters, boosters, families and alumni. It’s He still remembers the looks on his se- scribes as a special group.

It was his first season as the head coach Those players have worked hard to get them that make this place special.” of Ohio’s hockey team, which had a strong niors’ faces when he told them the news 24-8-4 record going into the tournament. himself in Bird Arena’s locker room. Their to where they are today, and Bell wants the What should have been a grand sendoff to final season had come to an end, and they seniors to be able to experience the position they’ve waited so long to be in. He also Ohio’s seniors, some of whom played in didn’t even get a proper sendoff. @ELIFEAZ It’ll never be known how Bell’s debut feels confident that many of his younger the National Championship loss to Central EF195418@OHIO.EDU

Hard at Work

Cole Bell is working hard to get his players back on the ice

16 / OCT. 1, 2020

EXISTENTIAL BINGE- WATCHING

Decision-based games are great movie substitutes JACKSON HORVAT is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University 2020 seems to be an absolute unending stream of anguish and disappointment. To make matters even worse, one disaster after the next has been combined with a global pandemic that put a halt to essentially the entire entertainment industry. That, quite frankly, has left a lot to be desired in terms of distractions.

Some things have snuck through the cracks of life in quarantine, thanks to streaming services and producers finding safe ways around social distancing. But, for the most part, it feels like people are grasping at straws when it comes to finding a show or movie to use to get away from the state of the world for a few hours. Thankfully, though, I realized a great alternative that still feels like sitting back on the couch after a long day to watch something: decision-based video games.

They’ve always basically played as movies where you just control the majority of the

choices or dialogue, with maybe a bit more video-game interactivity. From the likes of Heavy Rain to Telltale’s The Walking Dead series to Detroit: Become Human, there are so many intricate stories out there to fall in love with. Now more than ever, they’re a great substitute for the rather slow drip of new shows and movies coming out and work extremely well at immersing those playing them into the games. If you’re looking for an escape, they’re truly a great path to go down.

Even better, many games have been finding new ways to create further interactivity by including ways for more than just one person to be at the helm of a story. One of the latest and greatest examples comes from Supermassive Games, the masterminds behind the survival-horror hit Until Dawn, who are hard at work on their new series: The Dark Pictures. Looking to be the next great step in decision-based gaming, it’s an anthology

series in which each game revolves around a new twisted horror story, only linked together by a man known as The Curator.

The first in what is to be a planned eightgame series was Man of Medan, which was released back at the end of August. Similar in tone and style to Until Dawn, the game followed five friends on a diving trip who happened upon a drifting ghost ship out in the South Pacific. And in case you think choice games usually don’t have that much actual weight to them, the best part about Man of Medan is that any and all characters can die or live, depending on the choices made by the player.

The story can be played solo, through two-player online co-op or through “movie night mode,” a version of the game where up to five people can play together with one controller, switching off as they control their respective characters on screen. It makes not only for a great one-person experience, but one you can enjoy with friends and family you may be quarantined with or even as a fun little date night idea.

Man of Medan isn’t going to be the best story you’ve ever seen or anything, but it has

a lot of that good, old fashioned horror feel to it that’s coupled with some solid writing and voice acting. Not to mention, with what was done story-wise with Until Dawn and even Hidden Agenda, there’s a ton of potential for this series of games to pick up speed as they continue on and release in the coming years.

Thankfully, Supermassive Games seems to still be on track even in the midst of COVID-19. They’re aiming to release one game about every six months, and the next installment in the anthology series, Little Hope, will be released Oct. 30.

Even if you’re not much of a gamer, this series and any other of the vast number of decision-based games out there are definitely something to at least give a shot, especially in these trying and desperate times while our much-needed binge lists are running dry.

Jackson Horvat is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Jackson by tweeting him at @horvatjackson.

NOAH’S ARK

A punk pioneer loves fascism. ’80s hardcore punks still hate it.

NOAH WRIGHT is a senior studying strategic communication at Ohio University John Lydon, better known as “Johnny Rotten,” has strayed far from his punk roots.

Lydon was frontman of the Sex Pistols, an assortment of truly terrible people. The man who once called the Queen of England a fascist now supports Donald Trump. If nothing else, this is further evidence 1970s punk acts cannot live up to hardcore-punk bands who came after them — like The Dead Kennedys.

Punk is a complex and convoluted ideology just as much as it’s a musical genre.

Punk as an idea has been around since the late 1960s, but it had its first heyday in the late 1970s. During this period of success, the same singers ridiculing western politics were parading around in Nazi memorabilia. This is a far cry from the Dead Kennedys’ “Nazi Punks F*** Off,” or Rage Against the Machine screaming, “Some of those that work forces

are the same that burn crosses.”

Bands like the Ramones, The Sex Pistols and The Damned didn’t actually care about political theory or progress. They were disillusioned nihilists going against the grain in any way possible. Take the Ramones’ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2002, when Johnny Ramone capped his acceptance speech by saying “God bless President Bush,” during the Iraq War. On the other side of the coin, you have bands like Black Flag, Dead Kennedys and Bad Religion, who truly had a vested interest in their political beliefs and remain committed to them to this day. In 1979, while Johnny Ramone was fanboying over right-wing politicians, Jello Biafra of Dead Kennedys was running a somewhat successful campaign for mayor of San Francisco and performing

“Let’s Lynch the Landlord.” All of this was to protest the landlord-friendly mayor, Dianne Fienstein.

By the time Ronald Reagan came to power, easily the least punk president of the modern era, the Sex Pistols were non-existent. Meanwhile, the hardcore punks of the ’80s were expressing a true hate for the Reagan administration. Look no further than Reagan Youth, whose whole persona was calling Reagan a fascist, for a prime example of this.

This isn’t to say ’70s punk wasn’t important or impressive, but it was driven by aimless anger and dreams of stardom rather than real praxis like 1980s hardcore-punk.

Unfortunately, all punk music suffered from the same fate as the earlier bands. Not every hardcore-punk band had the dedication of Black Flag. However, the biggest names of the hardcore scene did for the most part. Yes, the Ramones released one of the best anti-Reagan songs of the 1980s and yes, there were plenty of disingenuous figures in the hardcore-punk movement. But the leaders of these scenes could not be more different. By the time the Ramones took a stand

against Reagan, they were no longer the center of the punk scene, and their guitarist was voting for him. This is not true of the aforementioned hardcore bands.

Despite all of this, critics will still argue all of these bands “sold out.” It might be strange, but punk music being used by corporations doesn’t change the power of the music. Take it from Henry Rollins, not me. What does change the power of the music is the beliefs of the musicians. “God Save the Queen” might be great, but it can never live up to the power of “Kill the Poor” because one band truly had a passion for the issues they sang about, and the other did not.

In 2020, Henry Rollins, Zach de la Rocha and Jello Biafra are still telling Nazis to “f--off.” Johnny Rotten is hoping you vote for one.

Noah Wright is a senior studying strategic communication at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Noah? Tweet him @NoahCampaign.

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

UNABASHEDLY BRANDON

OU is abandoning its students with autism BRANDON BOWERS is a senior studying English pre-law at Ohio University The switch to online courses across many colleges has shuttered the access to many necessary services.

In Athens, businesses have received new operational guidelines, and Ohio University has put in practice new policies to slow the spread of COVID-19. One policy, which limits the number of students and faculty on campus, abandons the students with disorders such as autism and ADHD. The Office of Student Accessibility Services gave students with autism, and students with other disabilities, an area where they could meet with staff in person to work on bettering their academic and social skills. The SAS also offered students the ability to join a coaching program, which gave them an upperclassman mentor to help them move past obstacles they faced.

For some, this coaching was simply a week-toweek meeting where a schedule was created to stay

on track. For others, it was a meeting where the coach would help with emailing professors and staying on top of homework.

Then, with the switch to online courses, came the announcement that the SAS would move entirely online, and student coaches would meet over Microsoft Teams rather than in person. For a normal organization, this would be the ideal way to limit the spread of COVID-19, but for students who are on the spectrum, this announcement was the worst-case scenario.

Often, the main reason a student on the spectrum needed a coach was so they could have face-to-face help with their workload. Symptoms of being on the spectrum include an inability to sit still or focus on a certain task and a lack of social skills. All are symptoms that can’t be properly coached without physical interactions.

For me, a senior at OU in my fourth year of having a student coach (it’s more like a friendship at this point), this situation isn’t ideal. Even though I’ve been able to work through my autism and improve in academic and social situations, I still work better when the meetings are in person.

From my perspective, OU is abandoning the students with autism, not only by moving the SAS cen-

ARE YOU AN OHIO UNIVERSITY STUDENT LOOKING FOR WORK?

WE ARE HIRING! 18 / OCT. 1, 2020

ter to online only, but also by making it punishable for the student coaches to meet with students in person.

Even though the coach only meets with one student at a time, wears a mask during the meeting and maintains appropriate distancing, the university still prohibits any interaction that isn’t virtual.

At this point, I have to wonder why it is OK for the university to offer jobs and (some) classes that are in person, yet they continuously refuse to offer students with disabilities the ability to meet with their coaches in person.

Brandon Bowers is a senior studying English pre-law 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 Brandon by tweeting him at @UnabashedlyBMB.

ALBUM REVIEW

Spillage Village furthers its unique sound on ‘Spilligion’ JOEY PERKINS FOR THE POST Spillage Village, the musical collective consisting of EARTHGANG, JID, Mereba, 6lack, Hollywood JB, Benji and Jurdan Bryant, has released its newest album, Spilligion.

The Atlanta-based hip-hop group has been releasing music since Bears Like This from 2014. Since then, EARTHGANG, JID and 6lack have skyrocketed in popularity, picking up more traction for Spillage Village along the way.

Spillage Village members have never been ones to shy away from being different, whether in sound or style, so it came to no surprise that Spilligion turned out to be an immersive, incredibly unique project.

Uniqueness, however, does not come without its flaws. Spilligion is an album best classified as ancestral folk hip-hop, as it features sounds that are reminiscent of their roots in Black culture. The constant change of sound this project provides, however, tends to fall short on certain tracks.

“Mecca” is a track with a child-like chorus, an under-

whelming verse from Johnny Venus, and a low-effort verse from Doctur Dot. JID’s verse had no issues but failed to turn heads to make it stand out among others on the album.

While there are some evident low-points on Spilligion, its perfect blend of modern hip-hop with clear soul-sounding influences tends to succeed.

“End Of Daze,” the lead single for Spilligion, is a beautiful yet apocalyptic-sounding track that features the artists speaking on the issues of racism and the pandemic, respectively.

“Judas” and “Shiva” are both amazing, soulful tracks with energetic choruses and meaningful verses. JID, who’s included on both of those tracks, sounds the best he ever has with his vibrant yet gritty verses.

Mereba’s track, “PsalmSing,” serves as a showcase for her incredible singing ability. The profound, gospel-like chorus goes hand-in-hand with her slick-sounding, melodic verses.

Overall, Spillage Village’s Spilligion is a unique, eccentric project that isn’t without its minor flaws. Lackluster choruses and verses are sprinkled throughout the project. That, however, is not entirely unexpected

from an album that features so many artists.

Although there are evident issues, the high points of this project tend to outshine the lows. JID and Mereba were the most consistent, as they provided a level of energy to the project that wasn’t quite reached by anyone else.

Spillage Village has always been unique and boundary-pushing. The usage of various sounds that attempt to make the album fresh sometimes fail to do so, but others progress the album to a whole other level that keeps it solid all around.

RATING: 3.5/5

@JOEYPERKINS_ JP391418@OHIO.EDU

ALBUM REVIEW

The Neighbourhood fails to create a cohesive album with ‘Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones’ MOLLY SCHRAMM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Diving into the broad idea of a concept album, California-based alternative band The Neighbourhood is back with its fourth studio album, Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones. Pulling inspiration from David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, The Neighbourhood’s frontman, Jesse Rutherford, takes on the persona of the titular character, Chip Chrome. Decked out in silver paint and chrome-colored attire, Rutherford ceases to exist on the album, and Chip Chrome is now leading the band.

The 11-track album is a foray of different sounds and genres, and ultimately, it sees the band diversify its sound from track to track. The Californians dive into alternative-inspired mellow pop on singles like “Pretty Boy” and “Cherry Flavoured,” whereas the band takes a more electronic, hip-hop-nuanced route with tracks like “BooHoo.” Despite that sonic fluidity, it results in the album lacking in any type of cohesiveness. Listeners jump from electro-pop to singer-songwriter vibes to even

some hip-hop nuances, and while it shows The Neighbourhood isn’t afraid to be experimental — the band’s entire discography shows that — it does prevent the entire album of being a coherent concept album.

If the aim wasn’t to create a concept album, then the character of Chip Chrome is a bit misleading and downright confusing. Nonetheless, even if the album lacks as a succinct 11-track effort, it succeeds with individual tracks, especially its singles.

The album’s closing track, “Middle of Somewhere,” excels musically and lyrically among the entire tracklist.

Detailing the mental state of Rutherford, the acoustic track is emotionally raw, as the singer yearns for peace of mind and finds solace in someone else. Sonically simplistic with just Rutherford’s vocals and an acoustic guitar, the track doesn’t try too hard, but it stands out among the rest.

Included in the more acoustic side of the album, “Tobacco Sunburst” sees The Neighbourhood provide its take on modern-day folk. Transient and moody, the song includes haunting cello instrumentation within the track, which exquisitely fades into “Middle of Somewhere.”

Cohesively, Chip Chrome doesn’t see The Neighbourhood making a lasting impact on the music scene like it did with 2015’s Wiped Out! or its 2013 debut, I Love You. Releasing most of the album’s best tracks as singles hyped up a grand album, but in the end, the rest doesn’t necessarily compare.

Some tracks are memorable, and some fade to the back of your mind even after a few listens. The album is a valiant effort to diversify The Neighbourhood’s sound even further than its already done before, but ultimately, it misses the mark. Chip Chrome may be a shiny and bright persona, but overall, the album surrounding the character is a bit dull and all over the place.

RATING: 2.5/5

@_MOLLY_731 MS660416@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19

6 ways to optimize your health while living in a dorm MADDIE BUSSERT FOR THE POST

F

all is in the air at Ohio University, and unfortunately, so is the coronavirus. As colder weather approaches, students are sure to see an impact from this year’s flu season, especially with COVID-19 cases in the mix.

With Phase 2 underway, more students have arrived on campus to continue their classes in-person. Staying healthy while living in a dorm can be a challenge when all living spaces are shared with others. Here are a few ways to maintain your health while living in a dorm:

OPTIMIZE YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep is directly correlated with a healthy immune system. College students have busy schedules, and sleep can easily become a low priority. Studies have shown that shorter sleep duration can make one more susceptible to the common cold, so in order to maintain optimal health, make sure you’re getting your eight hours in each night.

GET FRESH AIR BY TAKING WALKS OFTEN Walking to class is now a luxury that

some students wish they had. If you’re one of those students whose classes are all online, it’s a good idea to take time every day to get outside and get some fresh air. A walk around OU’s campus this time of year is always a good idea while boosting your immune system and your mood simultaneously.

KEEP A POSITIVE MINDSET This alone won’t keep you healthy, but studies have shown that psychological stress and negativity can make you sick. Being stressed out can compromise your health and immune system,

leading to sickness quicker. Stay healthy from the inside out by making your mental health a top priority. Decorate your dorm room to make it a place you love being in and maybe spend that extra few dollars on houseplants or whatever it is that will keep you in a positive and healthy headspace.

@BUSSERTMADDIE MB901017@OHIO.EDU

LIMIT UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE TO OTHERS It goes without saying that all recommendations made by the CDC regarding the coronavirus absolutely need to be followed. While living on campus so close to other students, it can seem unnatural to not get out of the dorm as much as possible and meet new people.

In order to stay healthy, it’s more important now than ever to wear masks and avoid being around large groups of people. If you’re trying to join new clubs or make new friends, doing it virtually is the best option right now.

EXERCISE AND EAT WELL Keeping up with a healthy routine of physical activity can be beneficial for overall health while also working to strengthen one’s immune system.

Staying fit and active has been proven to lower the risk of getting sick. Pair that with eating fruits packed full of vitamins and antioxidants, and one will be much less likely to feel under the weather this season.

KEEP CLEAN MASKS AND HAND SANITIZER ON YOU AT ALL TIMES There’s nothing worse than getting to your destination and going to put your mask on only to realize your mask is nowhere in sight. To be as prepared as possible, put a couple of spare masks and a bottle of hand sanitizer or cleaning wipes in your bag or purse. Masks and cleaning supplies are guaranteed to come in handy as you start back on campus.

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER 20 / OCT. 1, 2020

Netflix is beating COVID-19 with its unlimited supply of content Even through a worldwide pandemic, Netflix continues to defy expectations and release large amounts of original content monthly

ILLUSTRATION BY TAYLOR JOHNSTON BRANDON BOWERS FOR THE POST It has been six months since the coronavirus shut America down back in March.

It’s been six months of Americans struggling with finding jobs amid business closures and months of people being distanced from their friends and fellow citizens. It has also been six months since the production of new content from movie studios had been halted due to the coronavirus.

Not only has production on future projects been delayed for several months, but the vast majority of “blockbuster” movies had been delayed several times with most not coming out until 2021 (Black Widow, Eternals, Fast 9, A Quiet Place 2). Yet, even through a worldwide pandemic and box office coma, Netflix continues to defy expectation and release large amounts of

original content monthly.

Unlike traditional studios, Netflix acquires and films content several months ahead of the initial release date, this being done so it can space out its programming to better attract and satisfy subscribers. Netflix also spends more money on original content than most cable broadcasters and many Hollywood studios, with $17 billion in original spending for 2020 alone.

However, with the coronavirus shutting down America for many months and studios delaying their biggest projects, Netflix is reaping the benefits of being able to offer up both a high quantity and quality of content to its 193 million global subscribers. Looking at the quantity aspect of Netflix, between April and September it released 334 new original shows and films, with no fewer than 45 being dropped in any month.

The quality of the content that releas-

es on Netflix has long been a complaint by many people, although it’s mainly from people who focus on films rather than the series that are released. While Netflix does drop some terrible films, it should be noted that it is more known for its critically acclaimed series, with quality films being a rather new achievement for the streaming site.

Over the months (April through September) that the world has been fighting off this pandemic, Netf lix has released numerous critically acclaimed original shows, such as: Outer Banks (April 15), The Last Kingdom (April 26), Dead to Me: Season 2 (May 8), The Order (June 18), The Umbrella Academy (July 31), Lucifer (Aug. 21) and Cobra Kai (Aug. 28).

On top of the overwhelming number of critically acclaimed original shows it released, Netflix has also been able to beat the coronavirus when it comes to

films. While the box office has surrendered to the virus, Netflix has continuously achieved victory, as it has released at least one spectacle a month.

In April, Netflix released Extraction, which starred Chris Hemsworth and gave audiences the pleasure to forget the outside world while watching a great action thriller. In May, with the theaters closed, Netflix acquired and released The Lovebirds, which starred Kumail Numjiani in the lead role. The film showed the streaming company was willing to help the studios impacted by theater closures.

June brought one of the late Chadwick Boseman’s last appearances to the streaming site in the Spike Lee film Da 5 Bloods. This film combined action and heart to deliver audiences a racial message that felt needed in the atmosphere of 2020 America. July and August saw big budget and star-studded action films drop with The Old Guard and Project Power, respectively, releasing.

While each of the previous months had one big film drop among the numerous original shows, September saw the quality film section outdo the number of quality shows that were dropped. The three critically acclaimed films that dropped were I’m Thinking of Ending Things, The Devil All The Time and Enola Holmes. Each of the three films represents a unique style and genre of filmmaking that gives all audiences the capability of seeing one thing that they prefer.

The unfathomable amount of content that Netflix has released over the last six months is one reason why they have added around 26 million new subscribers since the year began. So while the coronavirus continues to ravage the movie industry, it is safe to assume that Netflix will continue to offer amazing viewing experiences, especially with October set to release highly anticipated programming like The Haunting of Bly Manor.

@UNABASHEDLYBMB BB175716@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21

the weekender Athens AMVET Riders raises money for veterans in need KERI JOHNSON ASST. CULTURE EDITOR

As fall quickly moves in, one local organization is working to fundraise for the upcoming holiday season. On Friday, Athens AMVET Riders are holding a reverse raffle to support families and individuals.

The Riders is an organization within AMVETS, like a ladies auxiliary, Kelley Dotson, AMVETS Riders president, said. AMVETS works to help out and reach out to veterans in the area. “(AMVETS) is just there to support local veterans,” she said. “They do a lot for the community .... A lot of it is they’re there for support for their veterans. They help out a lot in that way, if someone is in need or if you need someone to take you to the grocery store.”

The event has been adjusted to COVID-19 safety precautions and regulations and will be following a similar format to bars and restaurants: masks on until seated and tables spaced 6 feet apart. There will also be both indoor and outdoor seating available.

Athens has a lively and growing veteran population, Dotson said. This weekend’s event is a fundraising event for the holidays where each year Athens AMVETS helps veterans and individuals in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“We also pick a local family who’s in need,” Dotson said. AMVETS often makes food baskets and delivers them, too.

Last year, AMVETS served at least 10 families, individuals or veterans, Dotson said.

“Basically, what we’re doing is to raise money to help with that,” Dotson said.

Some of the fundraising will be done through a reverse raffle, Dotson said. The reverse raffle winners will receive cash prizes. There is also a $5 cover charge for AMVETS non-members. Those who have bought tickets in advance get food, some drinks and live music, all covered by admission.

Local group Next Level will be the live entertainment for the evening. Next Level performs a variety of music but a lot of ‘80s tunes, Dotson said. Dotson is looking forward to Next Level’s first performance at AMVETS. Next Level is a band of four friends based in the Pomeroy and Mason, West Virginia areas. The band has a three-hour set planned for this weekend, lead singer BJ Kreseen said in a message.

“The Eagles, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Maroon Five and Lady Gaga are just some of the artists we play,” Kreseen said in a message. “We’ve recently added several country songs to our set list that are very 22 / OCT. 1, 2020

popular! We cover every genre.”

Next Level welcomes the opportunity to give back to veterans via music, Kreseen said.

“With the current pandemic situation, a lot of (veterans) are unable to get out and visit with their friends,” she said in a message. “We love being able to make people happy, and bring a little light to a dark time. Music brings people together!”

For Elaina Tartal, whose grandfather is a Korean War veteran, being a veteran is an important part of her grandfather’s life. He’s proud of his service, she said. Tartal, a junior studying political science, said he’s also active in his local veterans scene.

“I think he has a shared sense of community with those people because they went through a similar situation that only they could really understand,” Tartal said. “They just have a lot in common, and that’s a way that they can stay connected and have friends.”

IF YOU GO WHAT: Next Level at Athens AMVETS WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WHERE: Athens AmVets Post 76, 20 Campbell St. ADMISSION: $5 cover for non-members

@_KERIJOHNSON KJ153517@OHIO.EDU

The AMVETS Riders hold their Next Level fundraiser at AMVETS Post 76 in Athens, Ohio. (Photo provided via Facebook)

WHAT’S GOING ON? Volunteer with Athens Area Stand Down; relax with power flow yoga ISABEL NISSLEY FOR THE POST

FRIDAY, OCT. 2 Fourth Annual Athens Area Stand Down at 10 a.m., hosted by Athens Area Stand Down at the Athens County Fairgrounds, 286 W. Union St. Athens Area Stand Down is a volunteer-driven event that provides free items to homeless and near-homeless veterans. Due to COVID-19, the event will be held as a drive-thru.

Vehicles will be guided through the route, and premade bags of clothes and other supplies will be handed out along the way. From 10 a.m. to noon, the event is for veterans only, but at noon, it opens up to the public as well.

Admission: Free ACC Off-road Park Open Ride at noon, hosted by Athens County Crawlers / ACC Off-road Park at 4751 Gun Club Road. Get outside and go off-roading at the ACC Off-road Park.

The event is open to the public. Participants are encouraged to drive Jeeps, trucks, buggies and side-bysides. However, no motorcycles or four-wheelers are allowed.

Admission: $20 per rig for one day, $30 for the whole weekend Next Level at the Athens AmVets Post 76 at 7 p.m., hosted by Next Level at The Official AmVets Post 76, 20 Campbell St. Celebrate the beginning of October with live mu-

sic from the band Next Level. Playing music from throughout the decades, Next Level covers songs that keep their audiences engaged, no matter their age.

Admission: Free for AmVet members, $5 for nonmembers

SATURDAY, OCT. 3 Online/Zoom OR Outdoor Power Flow with Liz at 10 a.m., hosted by Bodhi Tree Guesthouse and Studio, 8950 Lavelle Road, or virtually. Participants will work to strengthen their minds and bodies in this vigorous yoga class. The class focuses on breathing techniques, and the instructor, Liz, will take those comfortable with yoga fundamentals to the next level. Participants need to bring their own mats.

Admission: $10

PRACTICE S AFE SI X

SUNDAY, OCT. 4 Kids Ceramics at 10 a.m., hosted by the Visual Arts Center at Hocking College, 3301 Hocking College Parkway. Kids are invited to get in the Halloween spirit by making art. Participants will make ceramic pinch pot pumpkins and ghosts with instructor Paige Fox. The class is level one, so people ages 5 and older can attend with a parent.

Admission: $25 Shop PKB Downtown at 12 a.m., hosted virtually by Downtown PKB. Shop PKB Downtown is a contest aimed to encourage people to shop locally in downtown Parkersburg, West Virginia. Once participants spend $150 at local businesses, they can mail their receipts to Downtown PKB for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card.

STAY INFO R MED WA S H YO UR H A ND S AVOID C LO SE C O N TA CT WEA R A M A S K CLEA N A ND DISINFECT MONITO R YO UR HEA LTH

B E SAFE BO BCATS.

Admission: Free

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS @ISABELNISSLEY IN566119@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 23

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