ODNR seeks public help to monitor bald eagle nests
5
Brittany Broski leaves her mark on Athens PG. 6 OU celebrates Women’s History Month PG. 8
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
The Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities
A golden age: The Battle of the Bricks Passion for the rivalry showed in The Convo on Saturday
Head coach, Jeff Boals during the Bobcats game against Miami, March 1, 2025. The Bobcats beat Miami, 75-66 in The Convo. Bobcat fans, during the Bobcats game against Miami, March 1, 2025. The Bobcats beat Miami, 75-66 in The Convo.
Guard, AJ Brown during the Bobcats game against Miami, March 1, 2025. The Bobcats beat Miami, 75-66 in The Convo.
Photos by JOHN FOUSS | FOR THE POST
ROBERT KEEGAN III | SPORTS EDITOR
One of the most anticipated events of every Ohio sports calendar is when Miami comes into The Convo for a basketball game. Miami and Ohio have been bitter rivals in every sport for over 100 years. In basketball, the rivalry is at its peak.
The rivalry was apparent Saturday afternoon in The Convo when Ohio hosted 7,891 fans for the annual Battle of the Bricks matchup. After falling on the road at Millett Hall earlier this season, Ohio got revenge on its rival with a 75-66 win at home.
With conference realignment and a new age of college sports, many of the games’ most historic rivalries have washed away with countless other NCAA traditions. However, the Battle of the Bricks remains alive and well.
The first recorded matchup of the Battle of the Bricks, though it wasn’t called that at the time, was in 1907 — a game that Ohio lost 24-8.
Since that first game in 1907, Ohio has gone on to win 118 games against Miami while losing a total of 96.
Ohio coach Jeff Boals is the embodiment of the history of the Battle of the Bricks. As a graduate of Ohio, Boals is one of few who has experienced the rivalry as both a player and as a coach.
“(This rivalry) has been through generations and generations,” Boals said. “It means something to a lot of people. I had a text from somebody who drove up from Austin, Texas, just to see this game. ”
For Ohio guard Elmore James, who had an excellent game against Miami, the rivalry was more than just a one-off game. RedHawk center Antwone Woolfolk is a former teammate of James’, and James’ high school coach was a graduate of Miami.
“It was a different type of personal feeling for me,” James said. “I just wanted to get it so bad, especially playing against somebody I’ve known my whole life.”
Attendance numbers for both editions of the rivalry serve as prime evidence of the year that the Battle of the Bricks has had. Each school hosted nearly 8,000 eager fans for the matchup between the two men’s basketball teams.
“Nothing better than a rival game to have a crowd like this,” Boals said. “This is what this game is supposed to look like.”
The implications of the rivalry have not always been this vast, and the teams have not always been so evenly matched, making 2025 a prime year for the rivalry.
“Since I’ve been here, we kind of had our way (against Miami) early on,” Boals said. “(Miami coach) Travis (Steele) has done a great job of building his roster up. That’s the best Miami team that we’ve played against.”
With a week left before teams make their final adjustments and head to Cleveland for the MAC Tournament, Miami and Ohio stand back-to-back at No. 2 and No. 3 in the conference’s standings. Although previous years, and even decades, saw a power imbalance between the two, 2025 features a rivalry made up of two MAC titans that put together two memorable clashes already.
Although basketball has been the driving force of the Battle of the Bricks for the past 100 years, football has potentially never played a bigger role in the rivalry than in 2025. For the first time in history, Ohio took on Miami for a chance at the MAC Championship, a game Ohio won 38-3.
The end of the Men’s Basketball season is quickly approaching, with Ohio having just two more games to play. Ohio split its season series with Miami, but the potential of the two teams meeting again in the MAC Tournament is alive and well. In fact, there’s even a chance that the two teams will meet for the MAC Championship Game. If Ohio and Miami met for a second championship game in the same academic season, it would be hard to look past 2025 as the best year in rivalry history.
School district’s free lunch program faces threat
The Athens City School District’s Eligibility Provisions program free and reduced lunches are at stake because of federal grant funding freezes.
The freeze ordered by the Trump administration would not affect certain programs, such as Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, but there is still uncertainty around other programs.
A federal judge agreed Feb. 25 to continue blocking Trump’s administration from freezing grants and loans, according to the Associated Press.
With this, the federal government is also considering raising the threshold for how many students a school must have to qualify for the CEP program.
Chad Springer, associate superintendent of ACSD, said the government will always provide for the disadvantaged youth within schools, or those who qualify for the program, but he is worried about the other students in the district.
Currently within ACSD, nearly 45% of students qualify for a free or reduced lunch, Springer said. If the federal government were to raise the qualification for funding to around 60%, most schools in Ohio would be disqualified from the
program.
“Imagine if your family is just above that threshold, and this week you can’t afford a school lunch. That’s where our concern is coming from,” he said.
Springer said he is also concerned about the stigma kids would face if they could not afford the school lunch for a variety of reasons.
ACSD CFO and Treasurer Jared Bunting shared this concern, saying it’s important that this program takes away the stigma of other people knowing whether someone qualifies for a free or reduced-cost lunch.
Springer said the school district enrolled in the CEP program under the impression they would have free and reduced lunch costs for up to four years.
“Right now, we’re OK for this year because we’ve already been part of the program,” Springer said. “How does it affect next year? How fast does the federal government make changes?”
Under the CEP program, the school gets reimbursed for each student depending on if they purchase school lunch, get it at a reduced cost or if it’s free.
“We do receive a little bit for paid lunch, we would receive 42 cents per
student on a free lunch that’s picked up, $4.03 on a reduced student’s lunch and $4.43 for free (students),” Bunting said.
Bunting also said the food service department typically runs a deficit covered by the district’s general fund, and this gets worse under the CEP program because the number of kids being fed has increased by 20%.
Before joining the CEP program, Bunting said the general fund usually covered around $100,000 of the food services losses, and now it covers roughly $300,000.
“There’s lots of studies out there that show a kid that is not hungry or worried about where their next meal is coming from and is going to perform better at school,” Bunting said. “It’s kind of one of those things we have to weigh the pros and cons of.”
Timarie Francis, ACSD director of food services, said several changes had been made within the cafeteria to accommodate the increasing number of students getting lunch under the CEP program.
Some changes include altering staffing patterns to accommodate the increased meals and number of students going through the lunch lines.
School limits students’ cell phone usage
Gov. Mike Dewine signed House Bill 250 May 15, 2024, requiring Ohio schools to adopt a policy governing cell phone usage during school by July 2025.
According to an Ohio Department of Education and Workforce press release, more than 60% of school districts had already implemented a policy regarding phone usage before the deadline.
Out of the schools who responded to ODEW’s survey, 41% said they prohibited phone use entirely during the school day, and 45% said they allow phones only for limited times during the day.
Rural schools were above the state average in adopting a cell phone policy, with 68% of schools in rural areas having adopted a policy at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, while only 55% of suburban schools implemented one. Athens, Alexander, Belpre and Nelsonville school districts have all implemented a policy that involves limiting cell phone use, according to the Ohio Department of Education Report. Federal Hocking and Logan schools are still prepping a plan to be carried out for the 2025-26 school year.
William Hampton, superintendent of Alexander Local Schools, said Alexander decided to implement a full-day phone ban in the schools.
“They are not permitted to be in class with kids during the day,” Hampton said. “They’re supposed to put them into their locker and then go through their day and then pick their phones up on their way out of school.”
The policy adopted by Alexander complies with the governor’s encouragement to eliminate cell phones during the school day. In a statement, Gov. DeWine shared his thoughts about how the policy should be enacted.
“Local school districts will create the policies that work best in their environments and for their students, but the
If the program were to disappear next year, Francis said all those changes would have to be undone.
Bunting said there is not much the school can do if the program is taken away, and things would have to go back to the way it was before the program.
“We’d have to start charging for lunches again and be collecting money for things other than just the a la carte items that kids want to buy extra of,” Bunting said. “The longer you’re on a program like this, the harder it’s going to be to go back.”
Francis said a program like this is important for breaking barriers for students who may only have access to the food they get while at school, especially in areas that struggle with food insecurities like Athens.
“We literally have laws around attendance and the fact that you have to come to school, but then if you come to school, how can there not be a guarantee for food?” Francis said.
core mission of the bill is clear: minimize screen time during school time,” Gov. DeWine said.
Dan Doseck, assistant principal at Alexander High School, said he believes the policy has made a difference in the students. Before phones were limited in the district, Doseck said the students were using their devices instead of interacting with each other.
“Even when they were walking down the hallway, they weren’t communicating with each other,” Doseck said.
Doseck said he noticed their cell phone policy had a positive effect on student communication, behavior and engagement.
“They are communicating with each other, as far as physically talking to each other, a lot more,” Doseck said. “As far as discipline, we’re seeing a lot less discipline … so we have seen several benefits.”
Sean Parsons, Athens City School Board president, said his district used the model phone policy provided by the Ohio Department of Education as a guide for their decision. Athens School District started its cell phone policy in Fall 2024, and Parsons said it is working to ensure students can complete their daily tasks without their phones.
“All of the students are using Chromebooks … so they do have access to things to do research, for email and those sort of things,” Parsons said. “We’ve really worked as a district to continue to improve our communication with families … we’ve been trying to do a better job of getting that information to negate the use of cell phones.”
Teachers and parents have also had favorable reactions to the new policies. Doseck said the high school teachers are benefitting from a cell phone ban and
have seen an improvement in the classroom.
“Teachers have been very adamant about saying they love the policy,” Doseck said. “They have seen numerous gains where the kids are more attentive, more involved and engaged in the classroom.”
Parsons said some parents have contacted him about creating even more restrictions on cell phone use.
Parsons said he and the Athens City School Board needed the governor to enforce this bill because it was a good motivator for them to finally tackle the issue of cell phones in schools.
“We’d been talking about the use of cell phones in schools and what we wanted to be doing, but that was a push from the state we needed to adopt an official board policy on the issue,” Parsons said.
The sign outside of Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio, Feb. 17, 2025.
(ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)
Ohio Sen. DeMora introduces SB 38, some say frivolous
Ohio SB 38 aims to clarify liability for injuries from unexpected food hazards, like bones in boneless wings, after Berkheimer v. REKM was dismissed
DREW HOFFMASTER | NEWS STAFF WRITER
Sen. William P. DeMora (D-Columbus) introduced Senate Bill 38 to in response to a man choking on a “boneless chicken wing.”
The bill aims to create guidelines to determine liability when someone food containing a substance that may cause injury. The suit was filed after Michael Berkheimer consumed a “boneless chicken wing” at Wings on Brookwood, in Hamilton, and choked on a 5-centimeter-long bone found in it. Three days after eating the bone, Berkheimer was hospitalized with a fever. DeMora said Berkheimer fell into a coma and had to have multiple surgeries.
“The Constitution says our system of justice is based on being tried by a jury of your peers,” DeMora said. “If there’s negligence, like having a bone in a boneless wing, there’s got to be a remedy for somebody that was injured by that.”
Liability will be determined by whether a person could reasonably expect the food to contain harmful material and could guard against it.
DeMora said it is common sense to not anticipate finding a bone in boneless wings, just like when someone expects a cup of hot coffee to be hot.
“A jury should certainly tell the difference between somebody who orders boneless wings and expects not to have a bone in them and somebody who orders soup or coffee or something that’s served hot … and if they spill it on themselves and get burned, well of course spilling hot liquid on yourself is going to burn you,” DeMora said.
During the case, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled it is reasonable for a person to expect to find a bone in boneless
chicken because bones are naturally occurring.
“It is apparent that the bone ingested by Berkheimer was so large relative to the size of the food item he was eating that, as a matter of law, he reasonably could have guarded against it,” the court case reads.
Berkheimer v. REKM L.L.C. also cited Allen v. Grafton, a previous case from 1960 that established the “foreign-natural” test and “reasonable expectation” test.
Originally, Berkheimer v. REKM L.L.C. was tried in the Court of Appeals for Butler County, which said Berkheimer held no claim by utilizing the tests. The Ohio Supreme Court ruled the tests were applied correctly, and Berkheimer’s appeal held no merit.
“This is ludicrous,” DeMora said. “I don’t understand how four people who are supposed to be educated come up with that kind of decision when 99% of Ohioans who have boneless wings expect to have no bones in it.”
DeMora said the bill is intended to hold large corporations accountable for their responsibilities.
“Wednesdays (at Buffalo Wild Wings), they have a special all-you-can-eat boneless wings deal, and I don’t expect a bone,” DeMora said.
Hot Box Chicken Fingers & Tots, located at 74 N. Court St., is a restaurant specializing in breaded chicken tenders. Kevin McNamara, the owner of Hot Box, said the restaurant rarely receives a shipment of tenders with bones.
“It’s usually a wishbone segment based
on where the tenders are on the bird,” McNamara said. “We hand bread all of our chicken, so we’re holding and handling every piece of chicken that we serve. We notice if there’s a bone there.”
McNamara said he thinks there is some common sense needed among the consumers and business operators.
“If we saw a bone in our chicken, we wouldn’t go ahead and bread it and serve it,” McNamara said. “If I did (as a consumer), I would bring it to the restaurant’s attention. Generally, as long as I had a satisfying meal, I’d be good with just letting them know, ‘Hey, there was a bone here.’”
McNamara said Berkheimer v. REKM L.L.C. is a frivolous case. Restaurant operators run on a slim margin of 5%, according to the National Restaurant Association.
“Ultimately, the party responsible would be the farmer that’s raising the chickens and then sending them for processing,” McNamara said. “The processor is really the most responsible. (My restaurant) is that last point of contact before it hits the plate.”
Currently, Ohio SB 38 is in the Ohio Senate committee and has not been scheduled for a proponent or opponent testimony. DeMora said he hopes to be able to have another hearing for the bill, but that is out of his control.
@DREWHJOURNALIST DH384223@OHIO.EDU
CAMPUS EVENTS March 4th - March 22nd
Social Engagement & Student Org Events
Tuesday, March 4
Standard Tournament hosted by: OU MTG
6:30- 9:30 pm Ellis 115
*Sign up on Bobcat Connect
Recovery Ally Training hosted by Collegiate Recovery Comm.
1:00 - 2:00 pm Baker 313
CASE Club BINGO night
5:00 - 6:00 pm Gordy 113
*Sign up on Bobcat Connect
No Man's Land Film Festival
6:30 - 9:00 pm Baker Theatre
*Sign up on Bobcat Connect
Wednesday, March 5
Midweek Bible Study hosted by: Encompass Campus Min.
7:00 - 9:00 pm Baker 503
Wednesday, March 5 (cont')
Amnesty International club meeting 5:00 - 6:00 pm Porter 108
Friday, March 7
RISE Collegiate Recovery Community Meeting 3:00 - 4:00 pm Baker 313
Wednesday, March 12
Midweek Bible Study hosted by: Encompass Campus Min. 7:00 - 9:00 pm Baker 503
Tuesday, March 18
Free Battle for Baulder's Gate Commader Draft hosted by: OU MTG
6:30- 10:30 pm Ellis 115
*Sign up on Bobcat Connect
Wednesday, March 19
Midweek Bible Study hosted by: Encompass Campus Min. 7:00 - 9:00 pm Baker 503
Wednesday, March 19
Midweek Bible Study hosted by: Encompass Campus Min. 7:00 - 9:00 pm Baker 503
Thursday, March 20
Cheese Please! Cheese Tasting Event 6:00 pm Baker 3rd floor Atrium
Friday, March 21
Fridays Live Season 54 E03 hosted by Jordan Walker & Eliana D'Astici 8:00 pm Studio C (RTV 515)
March 13 - 18
ACHA National Tourn. St. Louis, MO (follow on X for streaming link)
ALAINA DACKERMANN| DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Police Blotter: The wet bandits;Car - 1, Deputy - 0
DREW HOFFMASTER | NEWS STAFF WRITER
21 Fri ____________________________
Darn kids
According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 hang-up call came from Harper Street in The Plains.
Deputies then responded, made contact with a father and determined his children were playing with a cell phone.
A cover up
The Ohio University Police Department received a report for a smoke alarm being covered up at Hoover House.
22 Sat __________________________
Can I speak to your other, other, other manager?
Deputies received a call from a man regarding being overcharged on his credit card, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
The man was advised that the matter was civil in nature and that he should use the proper avenues for his complaint.
The wet bandits
Vandalism was reported at MacKinnon Hall, according to OUPD.
The report noted multiple areas of a restroom that had been damaged by over $1,000.
23 Sun_________________________ Dog days
Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an inactive dispute over car keys at Cemetery Road.
Once on scene, the complainant said her husband had taken her mother’s vehicle keys and refused to give them back. While investigating, deputies found the keys in the vehicle but also multiple unregistered canines on the property.
The deputies issued a citation to the complainant for Failure to File Application for Registration of Dog.
Early bird gets the worm
On state Route 56 in New Marshfield, a noise complaint was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
When deputies arrived at the scene, an individual advised they had been cutting down a tree earlier and now had the tree secured.
Deputies asked the individual to stop cutting until daylight hours, which the individual agreed to.
24 Mon _________________________ Possible gun
A motorist reported seeing a car stopped in the middle of the road near a cemetery off McDougal Road. After checking on the driver, the motorist reported seeing a man nodding off and a gun in the man’s hand, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
Units then went to McDougal Road and Millfield Road to patrol for the man, but they were unable to locate the suspect.
25 Tue __________________________ Truck versus tractor trailer accident
A truck versus tractor trailer accident occurred at Beckler Road, according to a report from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies assisted the Ohio State Highway Patrol with the scene and investigation before returning to patrol.
26 Wed _________________________ Dog bite
According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, a report was made for an individual receiving a canine bite at Blossom Lane in The Plains. Deputies arrived at the scene, spoke with the complainant and took a report. The report was then sent to the Athens County Dog Warden for further followup.
Third party request
A man approached the Athens County Sheriff’s Office at the Little General in Albany to request a tow truck. The man’s car had broken down in the parking lot. Without incident, a tow truck was then contacted.
27 Thur _________________________ Car - 1, Deputy - 0
According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a man being locked out of his vehicle. An attempt was made to unlock the vehicle but was unsuccessful. Hold up, that ain’t me
A woman advised the Athens County Sheriff’s Office Deputies that her exgirlfriend was posting false statements and pretending to be her on social media.
At the time of the Thursday Athens County Sheriff’s Office Media Release, a report was taken, and an investigation is pending.
Volunteers needed for eagle nest sightings
ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is calling for the public’s help in finding and reporting bald eagle nests in Ohio until March 16.
Although people can report bald eagle and nest sightings anytime during the year, ODNR is conducting a five-year census to see how the species’ population dynamics have changed since its previous census in 2020.
Bald eagles are a national symbol in the U.S. and have a long history in Ohio. The raptors can be found along rivers, wetlands and lakes, and they currently have an abundant population in Ohio. The current population is a far cry from the population that was on both the state and national endangered species list and the national endangered species list in the 1970s, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Lindsay Rist, ODNR wildlife communications specialist, said people can report all types of animals to the online wildlife reporting system, and the department keeps track of the information for various reasons.
“In this instance, we are just interested in the nest location, not just the sighting of a bald eagle,” Rist said.
January and February mark the start of the nest-building season for the Eagles, and the lack of foliage among the trees makes the nest more visible. Bald eagles in Ohio typically lay eggs and incubate in February and March and nest in trees such as sycamores, beeches, oaks and cottonwoods, according to ODNR.
When people report nest sightings through the online system, they are given the option to include a photo of the nest to help verify the report’s accuracy. ODNR will also conduct an in-person verification when possible.
“We do plan to try to verify as many of the new nest reports in person as possible,” Rist said. “In places where we can’t verify from the ground, we can do aerial surveys. Our pilot has already found some previously unrecorded nests this year.”
In addition to conservation efforts to help improve the eagle population, federal protection orders, such as the Bald and Gold Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, ensure the sustainability of the eagle population and other birds.
“We have increased the population in Ohio, thanks in part to some of those types of regulations,” Rist said. “Bald eagles have been removed from the endangered species list on the federal level and on the state level, so they don’t have any of those protections in place.”
Rural Action, a membership-based nonprofit organization in Appalachian Ohio,
also works to improve bird conservation efforts and education in Southeast Ohio.
Madison Donohue, the tourism manager of Appalachian Understories, said Rural Action is currently working with Miller High School’s environmental science class to implement nest boxes on its campus and on a nearby wetland.
Donohue said although the nest boxes are for smaller birds in the area, education is still important for the overall bird population.
Along with its education programs, Rural Action works directly in the environment to improve habitat conditions for various animals, including birds.
“(Rural Action) has restored the water quality of miles of streams and creeks to allow for life to be in those creeks that once weren’t due to acid mine drainage,” Donohue said. “When there’s healthy water, there’s healthy plants, healthy habitats
that can house various different species, including all the different bird species as well.”
Donohue also helps organize and host Rural Action’s Birds in the Hill Festival which takes place May 9-11 at Camp Oty’Okwa in Hocking Hills.
Donohue said the festival is open to anyone interested in birds or birding. The festival offers events such as guided walks through the camp.
“On those birding outings, we see all sorts of different birds, including raptors and sometimes bald eagles,” Donohue said.
Donohue also said the event is a great public education program and offers more than just an introduction to birding.
“This is a really fun way to take that next step, to learn a little bit more and to be immersed in the community of birding,” Donohue said.
As ODNR and similar groups work to improve the conditions for eagles and other birds in Ohio, there is hope the species will continue to thrive and increase in numbers.
In the 2020 statewide bald eagle nest census, 707 nests were found in Ohio, with Ottawa County having the most at 90, and Sandusky County in second with 50.
Athens has two reported nest sightings: one off of U.S. Route 50 and the other at Glen Ebon. Rist said the area is a good place for bald eagles, and it is a matter of keeping up the conservation efforts and protection acts to expand the population.
“We do have the habitat here, and I would expect that that’s only going to increase,” Rist said. “They’re going to set up their nest and set up their range, and we have the fish populations here and the habitat to support them.”
@DACKPHOTOGRAPHY
AD381620@OHIO.EDU
Maps showing the comparison of bald eagle nests statewide to Athens County. There are 800 confirmed nests in Ohio, and Athens accounts for two of them. Images provided via the ODNR wildlife reporting system.
(ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)
A bald eagle nest sits in a tree along side U.S. Highway 50 in Athens.
(ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)
Brittany Broski delights Athens
ALYSSA CRUZ | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The sold-out crowd at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium was buzzing Thursday night with excited chatter and thrilling anticipation. Every seat in MemAud was filled with every patron waiting for one person: Brittany Broski.
The electrifying energy hit a peak when the lights dimmed and “Vroom Vroom” by Charli xcx blared on the speakers. Broski came out on stage, grooving to the song and waving to fans. The music, however, had competition and was eventually drowned out to the sound of thunderous applause and screams, but also something else: monkey noises.
The hoots, reminiscent of a sound a baboon might make, could have been interpreted as odd to an outsider, but were natural for Brittany Broski fans, also known as Broski Nation.
“Damn, every person in Ohio is here,” Broski said, immediately getting the crowd laughing.
Broski, whose real name is Brittany Tomlinson, is a 27-year-old comedian and Internet personality. A Dallas native, she first entered the internet creator sphere when a video of her trying kombucha for the first time went viral in 2019. At the time, she was working as a bank employee and was eventually fired due to her growing social media presence.
The termination turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as she now has over 7 million followers on TikTok and almost 2 million on Instagram. In addition to posting consistently on social media, Broski has her own podcast, The Broski Report with Brittany Broski, and is the host of a medieval-themed talk show, Royal Court.
Broski has cultivated the reputation of a skilled interviewer, with star-studded names such as Cole Sprouse, Charli xcx, Josh Gad and Aaron Taylor-Johnson all appearing as guests on Royal Court. Addi-
tionally, Broski has hosted a multitude of red carpets and even attended the Paris Olympics as a Team USA Creator.
The event in MemAud was put on by OHIO Live & Rams Head Group Present and was marketed as “An Evening of Conversation and Laughter with Brittany Broski.” The ticket prices ranged from $35-$55, and they quickly sold out after going on sale Jan. 15.
Elizabeth Hendrickson, a journalism professor and Director of Studies in the Honors Tutorial College, was the moderator and was tasked with interviewing Broski.
Hendrickson, whose background is in entertainment journalism, was wellequipped for the job and facilitated a flowing conversation that also highlighted Broski’s comedic flair.
Known for her authenticity as well as the ability to talk about a multitude of topics, Broski touched on everything from body positivity to fairy smut to the Russian Revolution.
The conversation started with the topic of college and how life while enrolled in university is a distinctive experience.
“I think that some of the stuff I really loved about college, other than being hungover and sleeping in, was waking up and wanting to learn, and I still feel that way now,” Broski said.
An advocate for lifelong learning, Broski often uses her podcast to discuss concepts and subjects that interest her. These talking points include etymology, art history, astronomy, linguistics, consumerism and critical theory. She also regularly uses her platform to discuss politics and current events.
“We’re going through an illiteracy crisis, but I have the utmost faith we’re going to change the world,” she said.
Broski also discussed the challenges of navigating being in the public eye.
“My number one tip of self care and boundaries is stop talking,” she said. “I’m
in the business of talking and sharing my thoughts, but maybe you don’t need to give your thoughts on everything.”
The conversation ebbed and flowed between serious and silly. Broski touched on her struggles with accepting her body, but also gave insight on who would be invited to her hypothetical historical figures dinner. The answer? Robert Downey Jr., George Orwell, Princess Diana and Amy Winehouse all would be in attendance.
Hendrickson was also able to play off Broski’s buoyant energy with a few witty remarks of her own.
“I’m really putting these transitions on you, girl,” Broski said after forgetting an initial question.
“Not in this state,” Hendrickson quipped back.
Damn, every person in Ohio is here”
– Brittany Broski, 27-year-old comedian and Internet pernality
This exchange was met with an initial collective gasp from the crowd followed by laughs and applause.
After the event, Hendrickson said she had a blast interviewing Broski and was a fan of her authenticity.
“I just find her to be an incredibly compelling and refreshing person,” Hendrickson said. “She’s somebody people can relate to. Really smart, cool, young people relate to her, and I love that.”
Hendrickson said Broski made her job easy and the entire experience was very enjoyable.
“It was just really comfortable, and I could have kept going easily for hours,” Hendrickson said. “She’s just fabulous.”
Lauren Carmichael, a hairstylist from Columbus, made the drive down to Athens to see Broski live. Carmichael was one of the lucky few chosen from the crowd to ask Broski a question directly. A longtime fan, she was still recovering from the adrenaline-inducing moment after the show ended.
“I would like everyone to know I’m still shaking,” she said. “I have been so obsessed with her for years now, and I love her so much.”
Max Cartwright, a junior studying media and social change, said he doesn’t watch Broski’s content a lot, but still had a lot of fun at the event.
“I do like that she can be both serious and funny at the same time,” he said.
As the event wrapped up, attendees did not seem to want the night to end, with many yelling out invitations to grab drinks as well as some last minute questions. Broski left her fans with one parting remark that was true to her brand as a comedian.
“I’m going to go piss out the rest of this Red Bull, and I love y’all,” Broski said.
Brittany Broski shares a laugh with Dr. Elizabeth Hendrickson during her presentation on Feb. 27, 2025, inside Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. (ELEXIS SPURLOCK | FOR THE POST)
The Union gets a dose of dad rock
HADLEY LYNCH | FOR THE POST
Three-piece dad rock band Stimson Chickens brings rock ‘n’ roll to Athens. The continually growing Athens music scene is full of aspiring musicians, made up of many students. However, Stimpson Chickens got its start when three locals started strumming instruments together during the pandemic.
The group consists of lead singer and bassist Cody Sigmon, drummer Andrew Norris and guitarist Morgan Coyan.
Although previously a five-member band, the group is now made up of three. The trio is set to perform at The Union for the first time Saturday, supporting Chris Michael and the Andrews. The show is at 8 p.m., and there is an $8 cover.
Sigmon has always wanted to be in a band, and this idea came to life when he met the other two members.
“I moved to Athens in 2019 and had been playing the bass for a while, but had always wanted to be in a band,” Sigmon said. “I met our drummer, Andrew Norris, and he and I got together a couple times just to jam, and it just so happened that his friend Morgan Coyan was in town with his guitar, and he came over and we jammed together.”
Although they got together to play for fun, Sigmon says the Chickens officially came to life during the pandemic.
“Andrew used to live on Stimson, and he was next to the KFC,” Sigmon said. “We dragged all of our instruments outside and pointed them in a circle and started learning covers, and that's where Stimson Chickens was born.”
After practicing for a while, the Chickens eventually played their first gig.
“We were playing together and we're like, ‘Man, someday we'll play at a bar. Won't that be so cool?’ It just seemed like a fantasy when you were in the middle of COVID,” Sigmon said. “So
really, we had been practicing for a year and a half or something, and we played an open mic night at Casa Nueva. We played until we ran out of songs, and we're like, ‘OK, we can do this.’”
Since that first show, the band has played at numerous other locations in Athens County, including Eclipse Company Store, Fire Pits and Flannels, Fall Fest, last year's Porch Fest and the Kiser's Barbeque kickoff.
The Chickens play a lot of rock covers, from the Eagles to Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the three members are working on some originals as well. Norris said the group's writing process can develop in different ways.
“A couple of times we've had a song develop kind of organically from the
jam that we're having,” Norris said. “A lot of times I'll write lyrics first, so I'll come to the band with a completely lyrically written song that I've been thinking about with a general idea of how I want that to sound, and then we will workshop that until it works as a full musical piece.”
Since they started performing, Norris considers their best show to be one at Eclipse.
“We had a really good turnout, (with) my family there and extended friends of the family were there,” Norris said. “It was just a nice full three-hour set that we'd really kind of mastered at that point, that five of us had been playing together for long enough for it to be a product that I was really proud of.”
For many bands and musicians, specifically students, their music is usually a side activity. The same goes for Stimson Chickens, as the members stay busy with their careers and personal lives. However, whenever they have the chance to get together, the group enjoys playing and is looking forward to its first show at The Union.
“This is something that we get together to do for fun,” Norris said. “That'll be a milestone for us, getting to play a new venue in Athens, one of the bigger ones.”
Along with putting out original music, another goal Sigmon has is to play a pride show.
“To my knowledge, I've not seen a pride-themed live music event,” Sigmon said. “So having our musicians in the area to support a pride event is our goal for June.”
Long-time fan Jen Newton has been around since the band’s first performance, and she believes there are a few different things that set them apart from others in the area.
“I think Athens has a fun music scene for college age kids and there's (also) a lot of older groups,” Newton said. “Like, if you go to Eclipse on any night, they’ll be older people picking away. But there’s a demographic there they hit that's kind of missed in Athens. So I think that they're kind of appealing for that middle group that's missing.”
Both older and younger people enjoy the band, regardless of age.
“We've just been really lucky to get together and play songs we love,” Sigmon said.
HL526522@OHIO.EDU @HADLEYLYNCHH
Stimpson Chickens perform on College Green. Photo provided by Richie Geyer.
Women’s History Month sparks passion amid DEI climate
education, instruction and power.
“The theme really just speaks to everyone collectively coming together to understand everyone’s differences and perspectives and how we can collectively inspire campus and communities to … have open dialogue,” Letitia Price, assistant director of the Women’s Center, said.
The International Women's Day symposium, Women in Gaming night and the faculty and staff “Paint n’ Pour” are just a few of the events taking place throughout the month.
Price said the WHM kickoff event March 1, EmpowerHer, was in collaboration with the Black Student Cultural Programming Board and offered a powerful keynote speech, live performances, student panels and giveaway prizes up to $1,000.
“It is an event that really sets the tone,” Price said. “What I think this work really represents is people, everyone coming together … and more increasingly presenting themselves in a really creative way.”
The Women’s Center falls under the umbrella of inclusion centers, not only putting the month’s message at risk, but also the jobs of faculty and students. Alexis Medley, a junior studying psychology, is the Student Senate Women’s Affairs Commissioner and advocates for women’s rights.
“I have always been super invested in women’s issues,” Medley said. “I have spoken publicly on reproductive rights and better access to women’s health care at a few events, but I never really had an opportunity to do hands-on work with women on campus.”
Medley said the SB 1 restrictions pose an effect on WHM, and celebrating women’s and other affected organization’s accomplishments is vital amid this challenging time.
As Women’s History Month begins, students and faculty plan to recognize the historical accomplishments of women, but also the challenges faced in the contemporary climate.
The National Women’s History Museum said 1987 marked the first year for WHM, after Congress passed Public Law 100-9 and requested President Jimmy Carter to authorize the month publicly. Since this historical moment, women have continued to pave the way for future generations, inspiring several individuals.
The Women’s Center at OU opened in 2007 to promote an inclusive environment for women in faculty, staff, Bobcat and Athens resident positions. The center’s staff hopes to advocate for not only women, but “gender and diversity” through an “intersectional lens.”
The National Women's History Alliance declared the national 2025 theme as “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” with the goal to “inspire future generations” through women’s
Although a plethora of OU students, locals and faculty may commemorate the month with these exciting events, others are discussing its importance amid the diversity, equity and inclusion restrictions nationwide.
As the conversation regarding Senate Bill 1 escalates in Athens and other neighboring college towns, students, faculty and locals continue to showcase their frustration with the bill’s restrictions. On Thursday, Alumni Gateway was packed with protesters of all ages who took action with posters and passionate chants.
SB 1 bans “inclusion centers,” “removes DEI related scholarships” and “prohibits faculty from striking,” as claimed in the “Take Action Demand Change” document used to spread word of the strike and offer resources.
The protest was organized by “a group of three masters students,” according to a previous Post report released on March 2. The protest was promoted through social media and posters in academic buildings, spreading the word fast and encouraging people to take a stand.
“The biggest thing is we could lose the Women’s Center,” Medley said. “It is a place that does so much for female identifying students on campus, and it provides a safe space for so many people … and I think right now it is our turn to support them while they navigate this uncertainty.”
Maddock Carrasquillo, a junior studying communication studies, said respecting and advocating for minority groups is crucial to maintain an inclusive environment.
“I think it's really important that we uplift every community, but especially women because we all come from women,” Carrasquillo said.
Students, faculty, staff and Athens residents interested in supporting WHM are encouraged to attend the Women’s Center events, all of which are free but may require registration.
“I know we are in for a fight, but it is more important now than ever to keep celebrating,” Medley said. “In a time where our voices are trying to be silenced in seemingly any way possible … we need to stand up and show that we are absolutely not going to be quiet.”
@GINA_NAPOLI_ GN875322@OHIO.EDU
Reproductive rights take center stage at The Union
On Friday, advocates for reproductive rights gathered at The Union, located at 18 W. Union St., for a night of live music, conversation and fundraising for Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio.
The Athens Community Leadership Council hosted “Rockin’ For Reproductive Rights,” which began at 8 p.m. Bailey Shooner, a CLC volunteer and co-chair of the event, described the organization's goals and inspiration for the event.
“We are a volunteer group that's based in Athens and the area around Athens,” Shooner said. “We are passionate advocates working to support and uplift reproductive rights, access to healthcare and community education.”
The evening was energized by live performances from three local bands, each donating their time and talents to support Planned Parenthood. Jillian Kay & the Jewels kicked things off, performing a mix of original songs and covers. Next, Coconut Head and Domecrusher took the stage, followed by DJ Muchi Nochi, who wrapped up the night’s festivities.
Jasper Ochenas, a sophomore studying studio art, attended the event to listen to music while going out for a friend’s birthday, but also to support Planned Parenthood.
“I come to The Union a lot,” Ochenas said. “I love the atmosphere here, but I am here supporting, absolutely. I think that reproductive rights are a really important part of our country, and I think they’re a really important part of life in general.”
Attendees paid a cover fee of $10 to enter, with the entire amount donated by The Union to support the cause. Additionally, the CLC set up a donation table featuring a “Split the Pot” raffle. Half of the proceeds from the raffle went toward the donation total, while the other half will be awarded to one winner.
The event raised over $2,100 in total, with the final amount still being tallied. Shooner reflected on the significance of the event and the importance of donating for reproductive rights.
“We are navigating times right now that feel like our reproductive rights are very much under attack, and there is a lot that feels kind of beyond any one individual's control,” Shooner said. “I think that what we can do is just show up in our communities to support the things that we care about.”
All proceeds will be donated to PPGOH, where funds will be dispersed according to need across the state. This could include any of the organization's 15 locations, including the clinic in Athens.
The Athens clinic is closed Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It is open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Melissa Ramirez, vice president of development at Planned Parenthood, explained how the Athens clinic plays a crucial role in providing services following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022.
“Athens is our southernmost health center in Ohio, and since the passing of the constitutional amendment last year, we've seen many people traveling from out of state,” Ramirez said. “For many, Athens is their first stop to receive the care they need.”
In November 2024, the Athens Planned Parenthood center moved to a new location on 416 W. Union St., expanding its facilities and services to provide medication abortions, according to Ramirez.
Olivia Rohde, a donor stewardship officer at Planned Parenthood,
discussed how Planned Parenthood additionally provides cancer screenings, STI tests, gender-affirming care, birth control and other basic health services.
“We’ve done a lot to enhance some of our primary care,” Rhode said. “We’re not able to do everything that a typical physician would, but annual checkups, things like that, I think are super important to be able to provide in addition to reproductive health.”
The fundraiser was not only a fundraising effort but also meant to inform Athens residents about these essential services offered right down the street.
“I think that this is really going to help build awareness that Planned Parenthood isn’t just for reproductive healthcare,” Rhode said. “It’s not just for women, it’s for everyone. It’s care, no matter what.”
CAMI SEYMORE | FOR THE POST
GINA NAPOLI | HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER
Margaret Boyd, the first woman to graduate from Ohio University. Photo accessed via the Ohio University Archives.
Baseball: Splits Sunday matchups against Butler
On the back of an impressive weekend from Ben Slanker, Ohio goes 2-1
LOGAN ADAMS | SPORTS EDIOTR
OWEN LIPSTREU | FOR THE POST
In its opening weekend at Bob Wren Stadium, Ohio (3-7) finally got its first series win of the season. Saturday’s game was postponed due to weather, so Ohio played back-to-back games Sunday. Braving the end-of-winter cold, Ohio came out with a 2-1 record against Butler (4-6) on the weekend, splitting the final day of matchups. Both games ended up being remarkably close, as the two teams put together 17 runs apiece in their Sunday games. However, it was Ohio that ultimately took the series by winning game three.
GAME ONE
Ohio opened Sunday with a competitive game led by great stretches from both teams’ pitching staffs that would ultimately end in an 8-7 Butler victory.
The Bobcats would run senior pitcher Jacob Tate out to the mound for his third start of the young season. The top of the first was a little shaky for Tate, who surrendered three walks and a base hit to the Bulldogs, leading to a sacrifice fly to grab an early 1-0 lead.
Ohio responded in the bottom of the frame with a single from freshman infielder Matt Ineich, extending his hitting streak to eight games. This was followed by a 2-run home run by sophomore outfielder Pauly Mancino, giving Ohio a 2-1 advantage.
It did not take long for the game to be brought back to even as Butler’s lead-off hitter in the second, Ryan Drumm, sent one over the left field wall for a home run, tying the game 2-2. Tate walked the next two hitters and was removed after just one inning of work, with senior pitcher Hudson Boncal replacing him.
Boncal was unable to limit the damage after inheriting two baserunners. The Bulldogs got to him for 6 runs, 2 credited to Tate, with a sac fly and a double down the line to score 3 runs and bust this one open early, as Butler led 8-2.
The Bobcats found some rhythm in the bottom of the third by collecting three
one-out hits by sophomore infielder JR Nelson, Ineich and sophomore catcher Trae Cassidy, who collected an RBI to score Nelson. The Bobcats scored again on a fielder’s choice to cut the deficit to 4 runs, now trailing 8-4 after three innings.
Ohio struck again in the bottom of the fourth on a home run by senior infielder Nick Dolan as the team kept clawing its way back, now down 8-5. The team continued the comeback path an inning later when sophomore outfielder Ben Slanker hit a 2-run blast, his second of the weekend, getting Ohio within a single run, trailing just 8-7.
“He has that capability to get extra base hits, the capability to drive the ball over the fence,” Ohio coach Craig Moore said.
Ohio was in position for a walk off with the bases loaded and one out, but Butler’s pitcher struck out the next batter and got the final out on a popup to the shortstop to win the contest.
GAME TWO
The second game of the afternoon for Ohio required an extra inning to finish, stamping a successful weekend for Moore and his team with a 10-9 victory.
Ohio went to lefty senior pitcher Dillon Masters to start game three on the mound. Masters suffered early, surrendering three singles and a double in the opening inning. The bevy of Bulldog baserunners resulted in a 3-0 hole for the Bobcats to dig out of at the middle of the first.
“They weren’t real hard hits,” Moore said. “It was just hits that found holes or dropped in front of our outfielders.”
Although Ohio was able to recoup a pair of runs in the bottom of the first, bringing the game within a single score, Masters continued to allow hits in the second. By the time his third inning at the mound rolled around, Butler had brought its lead to a 5-2 margin.
From then on, Masters was lights out. In five innings, he flirted with a triple-digit pitch count and surrendered 11 hits and 5 earned runs, but Masters pitched three scoreless innings before leaving the mound. In the bottom of the fifth, Masters had left Ohio with a 5-3 Butler lead.
“It would have been very easy for him to get down on himself,” Moore said. “That’s not Dillon Masters … Dillon Masters is going to go out there and he is going to be competing every single pitch, and that’s what kept him out there.”
Completing a home run hat-trick across Ohio’s three games this weekend, Slanker knocked a pitch deep out of right field, scoring himself and Mancino to put the score at 5-5. Slanker finished the weekend with three hits, seven RBIs and 5 runs.
Ohio cycled through a handful of arms in the game’s remaining innings, bringing in sophomore pitcher Jack Geiser in the sixth and pitcher Tyler Peck for the second time of the day in the seventh. Both conceded runs to end the inning tied, leading to an eighth-inning.
After a short shift from senior pitcher Adam Beery, Moore put in redshirt junior pitcher Dylan Eggl at the mound, who, though successful Friday, conceded a pair of runs. Ohio’s offense responded in turn, however, cycling base runners, and tying the game as Dolan stepped up to the plate with no outs on the board.
Dolan hit a single, allowing Cassidy to score the winning run and cap off the series with a win.
2025 Annual Lazaroff Memorial Lecture
The History Department at Ohio University cordially invites you to the 2025 Lazaroff Memorial Lecture in Jewish History. This year's speaker is Dr. Maya Soifer Irish, Associate Professor of History at Rice University in Houston, TX. The event will start at 7:30 p.m. preceded by a reception from 6:30 p.m. in the Baker University Lounge. The event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday March 5th 7:30 pm Baker Theater
Junior first baseman Dylan Shepherd prepares for pitcher Dillon Masters to throw out a Butler player in Bob Wren Stadium, March 2, 2025.
(JACKSON MCCOY | COPY CHEIF)
Ohio head coach Craig Moore looks toward the home plate as hitters prepare to take on Butler’s defense in Bob Wren Stadium, March 2, 2025. (JACKSON MCCOY | COPY CHEIF)
Men’s Basketball: Predicting MAC postseason awards
LOGAN ADAMS | SPORTS EDITOR
The Mid-American Conference season is nearly complete, and the stage is almost entirely set for the MAC Tournament in Cleveland, which will take place from March 13-15. Postseason awards are all but picked, and official announcements are on the horizon.
Here are The Post’s picks for MAC Player, Defensive Player, Freshman, Sixth Man and Coach of the Year, as well as All-MAC First through Third teams.
Player of the Year: Von’Cameron Davis, Kent State
Davis has asserted himself as the MAC’s most impactful, best two-way player for Kent State and best-in-conference defense. In conference play, the 6-foot5-inch fifth-year put together averages of 15.6 points per game, 3.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range.
Defensive Player of the Year: Javontae Campbell, Bowling Green
Campbell has been the ultimate disrupter this year. His 2.7 steals per game were the most in conference play by over half a steal per game, and as a 6-foot-2inch guard, he still collected half a block per game, ranking him in the top 25 in the MAC. In conference play, Bowling Green’s Campbell-led defense held its opponents to 74.8 points per game, the MAC’s thirdbest mark.
Freshman of the Year: Sharron Young, Akron
The MAC didn’t have any incredibly impressive freshmen from a statistical standpoint, but Young still made an impressive case for the best first year. As a crucial bench piece for the far-and-away No. 1 in the MAC, Young showcased a ton of poise as a playmaker and scorer.
Sixth Man of the Year: Shammah Scott, Akron
Scott provided everything the Akron offense needed off the bench. In MAC play, he averaged 9.9 points per game, 4.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting over 40% from 3-point range, and not starting a single game. Akron’s depth is what has made it so dangerous, and Scott is the first player off the bench.
Coach of the Year: John Groce, Akron
With a 15-1 record and an elite team on both ends, Groce makes Coach of the Year the easiest award to pick. Akron is an offensive machine, with, statistically, a top-100 defense in the country. At its best, Akron looks like one of the best Mid-Major teams in the country, and at its worst, it only has one loss in the MAC and has held its own against NCAA Tournament caliber teams. Although the players Akron was able to bring in this offseason are a large part of that, so is Groce’s coaching.
All-MAC First Team (G) Javontae Campbell, Bowling Green (G) Jalen Terry, Eastern Michigan (F) Von’Cameron Davis, Kent State (F) Ugnius Jarusevicius, Central Michigan (F/C) Payton Sparks, Ball State
All-MAC Second Team (G) Sonny Wilson, Toledo (G) Nate Johnson, Akron (F) Eian Elmer, Miami (F) AJ Clayton, Ohio (F/C) Cli’Ron Hornbeak, Kent State
All-MAC Third Team (G) Tavari Johnson, Akron (G) Peter Suder, Miami (F) AJ Brown, Ohio (F) Amani Lyles, Akron (F/C) Da’Sean Nelson, Eastern Michigan
@LOGANPADAMS LA486821@OHIO.EDU
Women’s Basketball: Defense shines in a loss to Miami
Ohio played strong defense but wasn’t able to do enough to take down rival Miami in The Convo
CHARLIE FADEL | SPORTS STAFF EDITOR
The Battle of the Bricks is usually a safe bet for some competitive, close matchups, especially when the battle plays out on the court. Ohio (6-21 overall, 4-12 Mid-America Conference) and Miami (18-9 overall, 10-6 MAC) are long storied rivals, and have had some classic games between the two schools.
The first time that both Women’s Basketball teams faced off this season was unfortunately the opposite of a classic game, especially if you’re an Ohio fan. The game in Millett Hall in Oxford was possibly the worst game Ohio has played this season.
The Bobcats were held to just 34 total points, a staggering season low total when considering Ohio has played Power 4 schools such as Ohio State and Georgia this season.
“The first time we played them, it was just rough,” Ohio guard Bailey Tabeling said. “You can look at the score, you can know we just didn’t play our best. I think the whole team had an off night instead of just one person.”
Ohio shot in the 20s and 10s in terms of shooting percentage from the floor and from three respectively, and only shot eight free throws.
To make things worse, the other end of the floor wasn’t much better as Miami shot over 50% from the floor and 38.6% from three. Star guards Enjulina Gonzalez
and Maya Chandler combined for 40 total points, outscoring the entirety of Ohio’s team.
The rematch in The Convo could have easily been more of the same. However, thanks to some key defensive adjustments, Ohio was in the game the entire way, holding a lead for the majority of the game.
The plan was clear from the jump as Ohio opened with a zone, and stuck with it the whole game, clogging passing lanes and making quick rotations to rack up turnovers. Miami finished the game with 20 turnovers.
“We really worked on making sure we’re in gaps, making it hard for them to kind of get into the paint, because that’s where we knew they wanted to go,” Tabeling said.
The zone was able to shut down Gonzalez, a volume scorer who is fluid with the ball and creates her own shot. Coming into The Convo on Saturday, she was averaging 17.2 points per game, and was only able to get 11 points on 4-19 shooting from the floor.
“Defensively, I was really proud of our effort,” Ohio head coach Bob Boldon said. “I thought we did a good job of eliminating some of the things that gave us trouble the first time that we played them.”
The defense ultimately wasn’t enough to win a huge rivalry, as it was once again a stagnant offense, which was the downfall
for Ohio. It shot 23.6% from the floor and 24% from three, bad numbers that would look even worse if it wasn’t for the free throw shooting. Ohio went 21-26 from the charity stripe on the day.
The defense was the clear star of the game Saturday. If they were able to shoot the ball a little better, the Bobcats may have pulled off the upset.
Ohio will look to keep the defense strong for its final home game of the season this Wednesday against Western Michigan.
@CHARLIEFADEL CF111322@OHIO.EDU
Bobcat fans during the Bobcats game against Miami, March 1, 2025. The Bobcats beat Miami, 75-66 in The Convo. (JOHN FOUSS | FOR THE POST)
Guard, Baily Tabeling (21) during the Bobcats game against Miami, March 1, 2025. The Bobcats lost to Miami 62-53, in The Convo. (JOHN FOUSS | FOR THE POST)
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THE POST Tantrum Theater amazes in rendition of ‘The Prom’
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Tantrum Theater presents its final mainstage performance of the season with “The Prom” and brings incredible choreography, costuming and comedy to the stage.
“The Prom” runs from Feb. 27 to March 8 with shows Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Forum Theater. Tickets are free to Ohio University students based on availability and $25 for non-students.
However, Tantrum Theater’s rendition of “The Prom” is worth seeing at any price. The talented cast brings fantastic performances that wow audiences.
The play centers on four washed-up Broadway actors who band together to try to advocate for a lesbian high school student who was banned from bringing her prom date.
Most of the actors are Ohio University students but professional actors unassociated with the school were cast to play the older Broadway stars. The choice greatly aids in the immersion of the play, as having older adults in the roles fits perfectly. It also makes the high schoolers and Broadway stars seem in completely different worlds.
Rebecca Eichenberger, the actor playing Dee Dee Allen, is a fantastic choice with incredible vocals. She wows in catchy songs like “Changing Lives,” “It’s Not About Me” and “The Lady’s Improving.”
The music is overall fantastic, and the cast completely nails the style of Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin’s original music.
Every member of the cast has strong vocals with voices that work together seamlessly.
The musical is not an original piece from Tantrum Theater and was created by Beguelin and Bob Martin from an original concept by Jack Viertel. The musical is a semi-true story inspired by Constance McMillen, whose entire prom was cancelled in 2010 to avoid her bringing her girlfriend to prom. Emma, the lead character in “The Prom,” is based on this story and carries on the lived experience for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Zoe Zoller performs incredibly in her role as Emma, the high schooler who just wanted to have a prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa. The most emotional and heartwarming pieces of the play were felt through her and her story. Zoller’s tender singing during “Unruly Heart” made for a masterpiece that brought Emma’s character and struggles to life.
Tantrum Theater’s adaptation of “The Prom” has a fantastic way of bringing together satire and emotion. The upbeat, narcissistic and bubbly personalities of the ex-Broadway stars had the audience laughing at every joke while the uplifting and inspiring battle Emma and Alyssa face is incredibly moving. The blend made for a memorable experience.
“‘The Prom’ cleverly wields comedy as both shield and sword,” according to the note in the playbill from the Artistic and Producing Directors. “Its disarming humor and sharp wit cut through ignorance and bigotry.”
The message of the musical comes at a perfect time, spreading messages about
the negativity hate brings and how the world can use a little more kindness. The song “Love Thy Neighbor,” performed by Reed Hickerson, makes this point clear in a hilarious yet profound piece.
Costuming is also stellar throughout the entire performance. The high schoolers’ wardrobe is incredibly accurate, and the Broadway actors’ are perfectly bedazzled and ridiculous. There was not a single scene where Broadway diva Dee Dee Allen was not sporting a glamorous, glittery pantsuit.
From realistic lockers to bedrooms, Tantrum Theater’s creative team perfected the sets for the performance. The backdrop wall was slightly confusing though, as it brandished a wall of brand logos that lit up. However, only a few of the many logos ever actually were mentioned or lit up, making it seem like a somewhat random choice.
The Prom marks the final mainstage performance from Tantrum Theater, nearly wrapping up their 2024-25 season. A workshop performance of “Unfamiliar Moon” will be held in May, however, to provide a close to the year’s activities. Next season will bring “Inherit The Wind,” “Hair,” and a workshop of a new play for audience members to see.
The theater is partnered with the local Court Street restaurant Mac Shack, allowing people who attend the performance to show their playbill at the establishment for 10% off.
@TRADEMARK_JENS JF127523@OHIO.EDU
Simple Science: Asteroid hurtling toward Earth changes course
“Don’t Look Up” (2021), “Moonfall” (2022), “Armageddon” (1998) and “The Good Dinosaur” (2015) all share the same central character: an asteroid. Last month, it seemed as if Earth’s own story would soon be introducing a new guest.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 was first discovered Dec. 27, 2024, by ATLAS, a NASA-funded telescope.
ATLAS, the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, scans the sky every single night looking for potential celestial
assailants. The telescope entered public consciousness in August 2024 when it spotted asteroid 2024 PT5. This minimoon sojourned around the Earth for a couple of months before reembarking on its journey into deep space.
Millions of asteroids meander throughout our solar system, a majority of which congregate in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Rarely does a large asteroid ever hit our Earth.
Thomas O’Grady has been an observational astronomy instructor at Ohio University for over 30 years. He explained the nature of asteroids in relation to Earth.
“They say something like almost 50 tons a day of meteorite material enters the Earth's atmosphere and makes it to the earth surface,” O’Grady said. “(A lot) of them are tiny things, but they add up because they're always coming in.”
Occasionally — about every 1,000 years — problems occur when these “things” aren’t as tiny.
“We probably cross the path of orbits all the time, but if the asteroid isn't anywhere nearby when we cross the path, that's like crossing the street when the car is three miles away, no big deal,” O’Grady said. “But, if you cross the street when the car is 10 seconds away, you better watch out.”
The case of 2024 YR4 was different from the visiting mini-moon. Early last month, a stream of articles were released warning of an impending crash and dated for December 2032. Estimated to be
about 180 feet across, the asteroid is not large enough to create a mass extinction event, but big enough to do some serious damage.
With a 2.3% chance of collision, the asteroid was deemed a “city-killer” by science websites. Magazines theorized where the asteroid could hit, and mass media outlets kept the public updated with each shift in its path.
Then, the chance of impact dropped to near-zero thanks to further investigations by NASA’s research team at the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies.
Now, with only a 1 in 120,000 odds of impact, asteroid 2024 YR4 has become yesterday’s news. Although this event may seem out of the blue, it actually happens semi-frequently, and when it does, it is usually big news.
Everyone knows about the “big one,” as O’Grady refers to it, which happened 66 million years ago and wiped out the dinosaurs. Yet, there have been others throughout history that have made a big splash (sometimes literally) around the globe.
“The Tunguska event in 1908 knocked some guy out of his rocking chair on his front porch hundreds of miles away,” O’Grady said.
In remote Siberia, the explosion flattened 80 million trees. Residents, as far as 20 miles away, felt the Earth shake and heard the thunderous impact of the asteroid. It took two decades for an expedition to reach the impact site.
In February 2013, an asteroid exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia. This event was captured on cameras around the city, including on car dash cams. The blast
injured around 1,500 people.
In 2024, a meteor lit up the skies over Portugal and Spain. Thought to be a piece of comet gone rogue, videos of the spectacular event went viral on most major social media platforms.
It is clear that reactions to asteroid events have changed over the last century. What once took decades to study is now monitored in real time, millions of miles away from the Earth.
“Serpent Mound is the largest serpent effigy built anywhere on the planet Earth,” O’Grady said. “Serpent Mound is built up on top of a bluff, and the reason that bluff is there, it's part of the impact from a meteor 250 million years ago. It's been being eroded ever since then.”
Serpent Mound is located southeast of Hillsboro, Ohio, an hour outside of Cincinnati. Geologists continue to study the large impact crater to learn more about Earth’s history.
Our Earth is shaped by the impacts of million-year old meteors and asteroids. It is not often that the planet is threatened by a “city-killer,” but the possibility remains ever-present.
NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission successfully altered an asteroid’s path in 2022, proving that planetary defense is possible. DART, and other efforts, ensure that if an asteroid like 2024 YR4 approached the planet, we wouldn’t be left scrambling for solutions. For now, 2024 YR4 is just one of the millions of space rocks drifting through the void.
Content creators educate, inform followers through social media
users to TikTok pages.
Social media platforms are being used by educators and creators to share information and educate their viewers. From TikTok to Twitch and YouTube, it is nearly impossible to join an online community without learning something.
HillmanTok began as an accident, but has become a new viral sensation that has educated curious students worldwide.
Leah Barlow, a professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, currently teaches an Introduction to African American History class. In an effort to connect with her students, Barlow posted an introduction to the class on TikTok before the semester began. Barlow’s video successfully reached her students, but it also went far beyond that. Over 4 million TikTok users viewed the video and dozens of other educators followed Barlow’s path.
A flood of videos by Black educators and experts appeared on users “For You” page, covering topics from livestock homesteading and artificial intelligence to cosmetology and constitutional law.
The surge of videos has become known as HillmanTok by Cierra Hinton and become the internet’s unofficial historically Black college and university. The unofficial HBCU even has a website, where courses are listed by topics that redirect
HillmanTok developed following one of the most divisive election campaigns in history. In this current political climate, social media users are relying increasingly on these sites and content creators to stay up to date on education and current news.
Both major political party campaigns in the 2024 presidential election ensured it reached younger audiences, using social media and the internet to spread influence.
In July 2024, the Republican National Convention invited more than 70 conservative influencers to attend as part of the RNC influencer program. The program brought creators onto the convention’s floor each day for thirty minutes to make content.
In September of the same year, the Democratic National Convention welcomed nearly three times as many content creators. The initiative garnered over 350 million views for the convention.
Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, known online by username HasanAbi, was one of the content creators in attendance. Piker live streamed his coverage of the DNC to his following of 2.8 million on the platform.
Twitch, an online live streaming platform, is used by gamers and lifestyle creators to stream their content and interact with communities in real time. A
sub-community of the service is fueled by political commentary influencers, a movement spearheaded by Piker.
Piker describes “himself as an entertainer, with the goal of helping young people make more informed decisions,” in an interview with NBC. He streams nearly eight hours daily, covering news on the local and global scale.
TikTok and Twitch are not alone in the ability to provide a platform for content creators to educate and inform.
YouTube, a video sharing website, has been around since 2005. Members of every generation utilize YouTube for how-to videos, news and educational content. Perhaps the most widely-known educational channel on YouTube, especially for current college students, is Crash Course.
Crash Course was launched on YouTube in 2011 by John and Hank Green. Over 1,600 educational videos discussing topics like
biology, psychology and world mythology are available for free to students or curious viewers.
Instagram, X and even Facebook also have content creators that share news and information. However, social scientists say people should always consume news shared online carefully.
Social media is wielded by educators and commentators to share ideas and spread information. In an increasingly digital world, the internet creates new platforms for creators and accessible forms of education available to everyone.
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Best Oscars 2025 red carpet looks
Complete Unknown.” His head-to-toe butter yellow suit was Givenchy with a matching butter yellow shirt underneath and paired with a golden necklace at his collar.
First impressions are always important, especially when it comes to arriving at one of the most prestigious award ceremonies of the year. The 2025 Oscars red carpet was filled with exponential looks worn by some of Hollywood's greatest talents. Here are some highlight looks from the night.
ARIANA GRANDE
Ariana Grande arrives at her first Oscars as a nominee for Best Supporting Actress in custom Schiaparelli. Her gown closely replicated a gown from the Schiaparelli Spring 2025 couture show, but her gown was custom made with sequin tool and blush fabric.
SELENA GOMEZ
Selena Gomez was most notably acknowledged this year for her role in “Emilia Pérez,” which sweeped nominations with a total of 13. Gomez sparkled on the red carpet wearing a custom Ralph Lauren covered in 16,000 drops of glass.
DEMI MOORE
Demi Moore, nominated for Best Actress for “The Substance,” arrived in custom Giorgio Armani covered in silver crystals. It replicated an almost scale-like texture and a curtain structured waistline.
TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET
Timothée Chalamet is known for experimenting with
CYNTHIA ERIVO
Cynthia Erivo was highly regarded for her role as Elphaba in “Wicked,” and her custom Louis Vuitton gown is a tribute to her character's notable green skin with the gown's fabric being a deep velvet green. The sleeves of her dress are in a dramatic bow-like structure, paired with an exaggerated neck collar.
Erivo’s nails are always making a statement as an accessory to her looks. Her nails on the carpet were covered in green and gold details, symbolic to the Wizard of Oz.
LUPITA NYONG’O
Lupita Nyong’o graced the carpet wearing a custom Chanel. Her gown had pearls sewn at her neckline and as her straps that led to her sparkling corset tied together with an ivory bow that uniquely brought the whole look together.
ZOE SALDAÑA
Zoe Saldaña won at this year’s Oscars for her supporting role in “Emilia Pérez”. Saldaña wore a three-tier Saint Laurent dress in a deep red with long mesh gloves that ended at her upper arm. The bodice of her dress was a glittering fish-net like pattern tied in with the gloves and her silver necklace.
Bowen Yang is another notable man who experimented with menswear on the Oscars red carpet. His black suit featured a black leather jacket embroidered with flowers by Italian label Etro and a bubble-gum pink shirt with feathers down the buttons, most likely a tribute to Glinda from “Wicked.” He played the role in as one of
BLACKPINK’s Lisa wore a Markgong gown that was a stunning reimagination of the traditional black suit. Her gown was the traditional jacket and collared shirt extended all the way down to the floor with dramatically folded sleeves at her wrists and a red beret to tie the
Halle Berry continued the theme of silver sparkle by wearing Christain Siriano. Her gown was a simple, elegant silhouette covered in shattered mirror pieces that reflected beautifully on the carpet with a short train
Sassy Cassie: Player work environment evaluations are important
There are a lot of different factors that go into where someone decides to work. A bad work culture can affect well-being, and a good work culture can help with retention and productivity. In sports, players don’t often get to choose their first workplace. Surveys such as the National Football League Players Association team report cards are important for players getting drafted and traded to understand the environment they may be working in.
When a player goes into the draft, they may be unsure of what team they will be drafted to. Sure, there are unofficial conversations behind the scenes, seeing that a team doesn’t want to draft a player who doesn’t want to play for them. Players also have an understanding of what round they may be drafted and to what team, but that doesn’t always work out. Jalen Hurts originally thought he was going to be drafted by
the Steelers, not the Eagles. Though teams try to draft players who will play for them, that doesn’t always happen. As a draftee, players do not have to sign with the team that drafts them. Notably, Eli Manning did not sign with the Chargers when they drafted him in 2004 because he didn’t see the team fit for a young quarterback. More recently in the NHL, Cutter Gauthier refused to sign with the Flyers, resulting in him being traded to Anaheim.
On Wednesday, the NFLPA released their third annual team report cards. These report cards are the results of a survey sent out to players about topics ranging from coaching/ownership to the treatment of families. These are meant to keep players informed about different workplaces and drive improvement for teams.
In the past year, some teams have made
huge leaps in standing such as the Falcons and Chargers. The two teams were ranked 25 and 30 last year and now are ranked third and fifth respectively.
This survey has worked to improve some of the conditions players work in. For example, almost every team in the NFL now offers gameday daycare services for players. Teams with lower grades should work to change, seeing that bad grades could mean players do not want to go or stay there. Take the Browns for example: They are ranked 30 overall and only have three categories with a B or higher. With that ranking, combined with the season’s results, it is no wonder their star player Myles Garrett requested a trade.
Teams with high rankings can have better retention and more appeal to players looking for a trade. The Dolphins and Vikings ranked first and second out of all 32 teams
Blabby Abby: Journalism is in danger
One month of President Donald Trump’s actions in office was all that was necessary for Americans to realize journalism and freedom of the press are in immediate danger. The careers of many journalism students at Ohio University, and access to factual information, are being threatened.
Trump officially barred Associated Press reporters from covering news in the Oval Office in a statement Feb. 12. His words have turned to action, an idea that many of Trump’s supporters have said was unlikely. Although this is the most recent anti-media movement Trump has made, it’s not the only one and there isn’t enough concern surrounding the issue.
A culmination of actions in government and advances made in technology, such as artificial intelligence, are shifting how the U.S. reads and finds news. Trump’s recent decision to bar journalists is the most jar-
ring action made thus far, openly disregarding the First Amendment’s protection of freedom of the press.
Earlier this year, before Trump returned to the White House, Meta did away with fact-checking. Mark Zuckerberg claimed this change was due to “political bias” on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. This will have consequences, as platforms run by Zuckerberg and Musk are where many U.S. citizens get their news and information.
The spread of false news will ultimately increase as a result. Doing away with fact-checking for the reasons Zuckerberg did is outrageous. Instead, he should’ve selected and hired the proper candidates to fact check in a non-biased way. The facts need to be reported and clarified.
In the background of these changes is the emergence of AI in journalism and the
ethics of its use in publications in the U.S.
The New York Times has stated AI is being used to give readers recommended stories and website improvements. The AP has used AI to generate headlines and write public safety incidents. Although these implications are generally harmless, it feels like only a matter of time before the technology is researched and improved enough to generate stories and replace journalists.
Humanity in news and feature stories is what makes journalism so important to the public. The convenience of AI is an exciting advancement in technology, and where it can be used in the right way, it should be. Its use for the timeliness of stories and research can be extremely beneficial. However, there should always be a human aspect to a story and an author behind it.
Journalism is battling two fronts against the advancement and implementation of
for the second year in a row. The Dolphins did not earn a single grade below an A and the Vikings only have one B. These results, plus opportunities for success, can make these teams more desirable for veteran players to be traded to them. These surveys let players have a voice without fear of backlash. This insulation of the survey in the NFL has helped improve the players’ conditions. It is also important for players entering the NFL or looking for a trade to consider what environment they are going into. Other leagues should adopt this type of evaluation for full transparency with players and fans.
Cassie is a junior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
modern technology and actions made by Trump. Accuracy and access to information are dwindling as a result and will further confuse and misinform the U.S., specifically on important political movements. Student journalists at OU have recognized the changes as a negative thing, and with that comes a hope for journalism’s future. However, for students to move into these jobs, they need to still exist and serve a purpose. The U.S. needs to shift its priorities to ensure citizens are informed accurately and often.
Abby Jenkins is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Abby know by tweeting her @ abbyjenks18 or emailing her at aj205621@ ohio.edu.
Kickin’ with Kyra: Celebrate, honor Women’s History Month
March is the month of St. Patrick's Day and midterms. School begins wrapping up, and green is the most visible color. However, March is also Women’s History Month and has been since 1987. It is a time to celebrate women’s contributions to society, a celebration that it is well deserved. Celebrate women’s history this month and every month because women have come so far and are still working toward equality. Women have gained independence, greater work experience, voting rights and deeper respect throughout the years. This deserves acknowledgement because women did not gain this randomly. It’s because of the women who worked their hardest to get us here. Women such as Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks and Elizabeth Cady Stanton brought women forward. These women took a stand for what they believed was
right. They and so many others demonstrated that women have powerful voices that need to be heard.
Betty Friedan is another woman who moved women forward with her book “The Feminine Mystique,” which opened the eyes of women to how unfairly they were being treated and how they could be more than wives and mothers if they chose to be. This book kicked the second wave of feminism into high gear. It's women with the talent of words who deserve to be celebrated.
In the previous presidency, we had the first female vice president, Kamala Harris. She was also the first Black American and Asian American to hold this position. This accomplishment was a huge demonstration of the developments women of color have made. Harris demonstrated that a woman could be at the center of our government,
and she deserved to be.
Another reason why women need to be celebrated is that there is still so far to go.
The U.S. has yet to have a female president, DEI programs are shutting down across the country and women are still consistently shamed for the same acts as men. Women are told to be mothers, but it’s not seen as enough if that's all they are. If they are mothers who also work, then they aren’t seen as good enough mothers. People expect so much from women, and they deserve the respect they have earned. Feminism means equality, and equality has yet to be reached on many levels. There are so many ways to celebrate Women’s Month. This could be through learning about women and educating oneself through deep research. Maybe you could even pick up “The Feminine Mys-
tique.” Another way to celebrate is by doing something special for the women in one’s life. Be there more for the mothers, daughters, aunts and best friends in everyone’s lives. Women could even have a special girls' night to celebrate with each other. This month while buying shamrock decorations and cramming for exams, reflect on March’s other importance. Women do so much and are the strongest people. They deserve to not only be celebrated but also respected at the highest level this month and every other month.
Kyra Dapore 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. Want to talk more about it? Let Kyra know by emailing her at kd364521@ohio.edu.
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Editorial: Nothing is ‘off the record’
There seems to be a common misconception among interviewees about what “off the record” actually means when speaking with a reporter. At The Post, we have recently encountered people who later claim they didn’t realize something they said was going to be used in a story, despite the fact that every interview with The Post is, by default, on the record.
We always make it clear that we record our interviews, and our reporters are required to explicitly ask for permission to do so beforehand. Yet some still operate under the belief that certain comments can be taken off the record after the fact. That is not how journalism works, and this misunderstanding poses serious risks; both to the integrity of reporting and to the interviewees
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themselves.
The Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics calls for transparency and accountability in reporting. Journalists should strive for accuracy and fairness in their work, and this includes making sure sources understand the terms of an interview.
The Post prides itself on its commitment to professional, ethically sound journalism. Part of our staff’s protocol when conducting interviews is to let sources know they are being recorded and that any comments made in the interview could be added to an article. We take our role as journalists very seriously, so it is important to us that the people we interview for stories do not feel blindsided when the article contains a quote they thought would not be included.
A lack of understanding about journalistic terms such as “on the record” can put sources in vulnerable positions. For example, when people believe they can simply remove a statement from an interview, they may end up sharing information that has personal, professional or even legal consequences.
This issue also creates an ethical dilemma for the reporter. Although journalists strive to be accurate and fair, they also cannot unhear something that has been said. When a source later claims they did not know they were on the record, it puts the reporter in a difficult position. On one hand, journalists want to create a good relationship with their sources. Trust is crucial in reporting, and if sources feel deceived or exposed, they might be less willing to speak in the future. However, allowing sources to take comments off the record risks compromising the integrity of the journalist’s work. Newsrooms have a duty to the public, and selectively withholding potentially crucial information undermines that mission.
If you don’t want something published, the best advice would be to simply not say it. But if you do speak, understand that it is ultimately up to the reporter whether they choose to publish your statement. At The Post, we are transparent about the fact that we record every interview, so it is safe to assume nothing is “off the record.”
Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors: Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Cruz, Managing Editor Madalyn Blair and Equity Director McKenna Christy. Post editorials are independent of the publication’s news coverage. The Post can be reached via editor@thepostathens.com.
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Athens residents, students protest business closures, DEI
From Wednesday-Friday, students and residents protested across Athens for several different reasons. From small business closures to demanding protections for DEI, there was no shortage of demands and emotion for change across Athens.
Photo 1 and 2 Local business owners hold a “funeral” for small businesses that have closed down in front of Cool Digs Rock Shop in Athens, Feb. 28, 2025. The march included New Orleans style jazz musicians and drew over 20 people in support.
(ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)
Photos 3 and 4 Students protesting Ohio SB1 Bill, Feb. 27, 2025, in Athens. (CONNOR EGLOFF | FOR THE POST)
Photo 5 Students protesting Ohio SB1 cross the road outside Baker University Center on Feb. 27, 2025, in Athens. (BENJAMIN PENNINGTON | FOR THE POST)
Photo 6 Cutler Hall shows in the reflection from a protestor’s sunglasses during the Athens Justice Coalition’s Divest from Death campaign outside Cutler Hall, Ohio University, Feb. 26, 2025. The protestor preferred to remain anonymous.
(TALITHA MALOY | FOR THE POST)
ACBDD Special Edition
Campers thrive in enhanced ‘Ray’s Days!’ summer program
By Kendall Timms & Charlie James Special Edition staff writers
Smiles and summer fun continued last summer during the Ray’s Days! Summer Camp, provided by the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Located on the Beacon School campus on West Union Street in Athens, the program includes campers from ages seven to 21. The program has seen significant changes over its seven-year run, such as new in-camp activities, interactive field trips, and a more complete staff of college-aged counselors to complement the community experience.
Serving in his first year as director of the summer camp, Paul Richard has introduced several innovations into the Ray’s Days! program, while still putting the well-being of the campers first with care and compassion. Local parents of children with
disabilities have been grateful for the renewed summer experience that Paul created.
ents, Ray’s Days! relieves that worry and provides a service that has no comparison in southeast Ohio.
Uplifting voices is ACBDD goal
By Kevin Davis Superintendent of ACBDD
Personal stories have a way of cultivating appreciation for people with diverse abilities and fostering understanding of the different challenges they may face.
Those of us who work at the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities could easily list all of the important initiatives that help people with developmental disabilities live the lives of their choosing and to overcome barriers. But why not, instead, show you through their stories.
Every year, March is designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which focuses on people’s diverse abilities and celebrates their contributions to our communities. At the ACBDD, we do this every day, all year round. But, for the month of March, we take a little extra time to promote who we are and what we do to a wider audience. One way we do that is through this Special Edition.
IF YOU GO
Megan McElligott Meyer, whose child, Fiona, attends Ray’s Days!, lauded the program, saying, “This past year, it just felt incredibly organized. It felt like there was a lot more communication. And the kids were really encouraged to get out and to see the larger community, and for the community to see them.”
WHAT: Ray’s Days! summer camp
WHEN: June 16-July 11, 2025
WHERE: 801 W. Union St., Athens
Paul has 22 years of experience running summer camps for organizations around the county and is especially good at implementing a more active routine for the campers with disabilities — with “fun” as the top goal.
ADMISSION: See eligibility and sign-up information on Page 7
One of the bright spots about Ray’s Days! that makes it attractive to families comes from the price of admission: free. Whereas other camps that provide such a wide range of services might be unaffordable for many par-
“This is not summer school,” Paul noted.
“This is a camp.”
Field trips, days at the pool, group activities, and guest presenters are all facets of the program that have been added or improved to Ray’s Days! over the past few years.
“The big thing for me in developing
See RAY’S DAYS, Page 8
This year, we partnered with the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and The Post to highlight the stories of individuals who have overcome challenges, reached their goals, and imagined new futures for themselves with the help of a supportive community and through programs of the ACBDD.
You’ll read about young people being offered new experiences during the Ray’s Days! Summer Camp; you’ll meet Carlee, who took on a leadership role with a local theater group; and you’ll learn how Savannah was supported to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional artist. Those are just some of the personal stories that demonstrate the ACBDD’s commitment to creating an integrated and inclusive community. By uplifting such voices, we hope readers have a deeper understanding and appreciation of this field and feel proud to support the work that we do.
Thank you.
Dozens of happy faces show the value of the Ray’s Days! summer camp excursion to Ash Cave in the Hocking Hills last year. The month-long day camp is provided by the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Davis
ACBDD Special Edition
Community engagement opportunities abound in Beacon School’s programs
By Paige Fisher Special Edition staff writer
Beacon School, a specialized educational program for students with disabilities run by the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, has always placed an emphasis on hands-on learning. That is most easily seen in its recently enhanced practice of Community-Based Instruction, or CBI, which is a research-based teaching strategy that helps students develop skills in real-world settings. Becky Martin, principal and director of education at Beacon School, said the program has been very successful in helping students as they transition from school into the community. Through the program, students go on weekly fieldtrips to various places in Athens, such as restaurants and stores. While there, they practice life skills that were first introduced to them in the classroom. For example, a trip to a grocery store will involve lessons in how to make shopping lists, navigate the store, and compare prices of different items.
Shay, a student in the young adult class at Beacon School, said that going on community field trips helps her feel more comfortable in the Athens community.
Aside from helping students feel more comfortable, community-based instruction has also allowed students to get out of their comfort zones and face new challenges and experiences.
Samantha Dunlap, the instructor of the young adult class at Beacon School that serves students age 17-21, said she has seen progress with students trying new things. For example, Samantha said students decided to try an unusual dish while at a local restaurant. “If you work with this population enough, you realize that might seem like a small victory, but that was huge for our class,” Samantha said.
The field trips are carefully organized well in advance. Planning for each trip takes up to a month, starting with scheduling the visits with local businesses or services, then teaching students the skills they will be using during the trip.
Samantha said the community has been very receptive and accepting of Beacon School students coming in to utilize the skills they have learned in the classroom. Other patrons in those locations also have been supportive — although student communication is not always clear, as some use a communication device, most members of the community are understanding and patient with the Beacon School students, Becky said.
“Not only does (community-based instruction) expose them to the community, but it exposes the community to people with disabilities and helps them to see their value,” she added. “They have a lot to offer.”
— Copy editor: Lucy Riley
ACBDD’s Job Club helps with transition from school to workplace
By Cam Voelker Special Edition staff writer
An important area of focus for the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD) is to help teens and young adults prepare for the workforce. One way the agency is striving to do this is through a recently developed program called Job Club.
Job Club, offered by PersonnelPlus (the employment service of the ACBDD), has been in place since 2022 and serves students between the ages of 14 and 22.
The
Tri-County Career Center in Nelsonville and Beacon School in Athens.
They work in groups of six-toeight students each, depending on the week.
During the sessions, students learn a variety of life and work skills, including personal hygiene, choosing workplace attire, and how to conduct oneself in the workplace.
Autumn Brown, who oversees PersonnelPlus, explained that Job Club teaches skills in the classroom and then creates simulated workspaces to practice those skills.
“Students have access to a small
office space, a model apartment, a greenhouse, and a mock store that has a cash register,” Autumn said. “By practicing these skills in these simulated workplaces while they are still in school, we are hopeful students will be more comfortable exploring a job of their choosing once they graduate.”
The students also take on real-world projects to reinforce skills even further.
For example, last year, the club created a coffee cart at Beacon School. Students learned how to safely brew and serve coffee, stock and move the cart around the facility, and practice money-handling skills by selling drinks to Beacon School staff.
“It was a simple project, but it also easily incorporated a long list of important work skills for the students to practice,” Autumn said.
Last winter, the club also enhanced their existing greenhouse. Students planted vegetables and flowers, including marigolds, sunflowers, daisies, tomatoes, peppers, loofahs, cucumbers and green beans. After nurturing the plants throughout the year, the students sold flowers and vegetables to Athens community members.
Shay, a student at Beacon School who participated in both projects, said that Job Club is a fun experience, and she is excited to use the skills she learned. “I want to make money so I can go out to eat,” she noted. Through such hands-on experiences, Job Club fosters a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, boosting students’ confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.
— Copy editor: Mekhi Evans
club meets weekly at both
ABOVE: ACBDD’s Employment Specialist Heather Clemons (left) helps student Jackie scan an item during the school’s monthly Beacon Brew Café. BELOW: Student Shay pours warm cider into a cup during one of the monthly Beacon Brew Café days, which gives students an opportunity to practice employment skills such as customer service and handling money.
ACBDD’s Job Club grows and sells garden plants as one of its projects.
ACBDD Special Edition
Beacon’s preschool wins ‘Gold Award’ from state
By Paige Fisher Special Edition staff writer
Beacon School’s preschool program recently received a “Gold Award,” the highest rating possible, from the state-level rating system called Step Up to Quality.
“The preschool staff have been working hard over the past year to make this happen,” said Becky Martin, the school’s principal and director of education. “This is a great accomplishment.”
Step Up to Quality is a three-tiered rating system administered by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
The state agency evaluates programs based on the quality of learning and development, administrative and leadership practices, staff quality
and professional development, and partnerships with families and communities, according to its website.
Ratings — from highest to lowest — are gold, silver, and bronze.
“The ‘Gold Award’ is given to programs that have gone over and above, meeting the licensing requirements and then providing quality services for students,” Becky said. “The fact that we earned this rating is a testament to our team’s dedication to providing high-quality services to our community.”
Paige Grim, a parent of a student in Beacon’s preschool program, said the staff do amazing work in being involved with and giving individualized care to each student.
“It’s not one person shining above everybody else,” Paige said. “Everybody helps everybody. It’s really just
a huge team effort over there.”
The school now proudly hosts a large banner in the entryway hallway, de claring it a “Gold Award” recipient.
— Copy editor: Lucy Riley
ABOUT THE AWARD Ohio’s Step Up To Quality “Gold Award” has the following cri teria, according to the state Department of Children and Youth:
• Staff/child ratios are lower.
• Staff have higher education quali fications.
• Administrators complete an additional fifteen (15) hours and teachers
Founded in 1972 by parents of individuals with developmental disabilities, Havar Inc. has grown into a nonprofit organization that offers a wide range of services and support to individuals and families in need. With over 50 years of experience in Athens County, our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, promoting their independence, inclusion, and integration within the community.
complete an additional ten (10) hours of professional development each year.
• Teachers develop lesson plans that support each child’s growth.
• The program completes assessments to evaluate and improve the learning experience.
• The program values families and community.
For more information about Step Up To Quality, go to www. childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-providers/stepup-to-quality.
LEFT: Preschoolers Artemis and Lilith explore new textures of reversible sequins withy Instructor Assistant Jennie Booth. RIGHT: Paraprofessional Tiffany Scott shares a playtime meal with preschoolers Iyla and Charles. Beacon School’s team of teachers and support staff have built a preschool program that was recently given the state’s Gold Award for excellence.
ACBDD Special Edition
ACBDD programs help young man gain social skills
By Kendall Bergeron Special Edition staff writer
During an outing last year to the local arcade called the Fun Barn south of Nelsonville, high school senior Adam finished up a two-player video game with a friend.
He then walked around, seemingly unfazed by the loud noises and flashing lights to find his next video game of choice. He picked a two-player racing game.
Adam quickly sat down with a friend, swiped his card, and proceeded to race against time and a fellow gamer who sat to his left.
Playing at an arcade and interacting with peers are typical activities for any teen or young adult. But those are things Adam, who has autism and other developmental disabilities, struggled to do just a year ago.
“Without Teen Time, that would have never happened,” said Kris, Adam’s mom.
A year ago, the sounds and lights would have been just too much for him, she said.
Teen Time is one of several programs offered by the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities that offers those with disabilities safe and welcoming opportunities to develop important life skills.
Teen Time is a social club through which teens and young adults with disabilities meet up and do a variety of fun activities. The focus is on social skills and friend making.
Step Into Work, another program, focuses on basic employment skills. These are all programs utilized by the ACBDD’s Transition Services, which specifically helps those age 13-21 prepare for life after high school.
Before starting with Transition Services, Adam would avoid social interactions and suffer panic attacks in some public spaces, his mother explained.
Initially, when Kris would take Adam to a Teen Time event, Adam would refuse to leave the car. Now, Adam is so excited for Teen Time that he is the one who reminds his mother when it is.
Adam has “really grown” from those programs, she said. Kris added that Adam’s improvement with Teen Time has helped him to do other things he wouldn’t have done even a year ago.
Case in pointthe Fun Barn.
and noises that meet visitors when they step into the arcade.
“It was so bad that he would have a panic attack … in the parking lot as soon as we pulled in,” said Kris.
“In all of my years, I have rarely seen anyone who has been able to change that much — from being hesitant about participating to becoming fully engaged.”
– Doug Mitchell, ACBDD transition coordinator
The Fun Barn used to be a place he dreaded. Adam hated going because of the bombardment of flashing lights
But Adam liked going to Teen Time. When they learned the next Teen Time event was going to be at the Fun Barn, Kris brought Adam early to try the place out for a bit before his friends arrived. They sat in the parking lot for an hour before coming in. But he eventually did go in, met up with friends, had some pizza, and then got
to playing.
“He ended up being the last kid to leave; he had a wonderful time,” Kris said. “He talked with the other kids … instead of completely being separated from the group. We were then able, a few days later, to take him back to the Fun Barn to watch a movie and play at the Fun Barn again.”
Step into Work has also been helpful for Adam.
Step Into Work is a four-day work experience for teens and young adults. During that program, Adam visited different work sites and learned about the skills needed for those jobs. He also worked on independence skills and working with others.
Because of those experiences, Kris said, Adam is now thinking about what he wants to do after high school. Adam, who loves wolves, would like to one day work at a place like the Wilds or at a zoo.
Providing experiences are what the ACBDD’s Transition Services program is all about, said Doug Mitchell, the ACBDD’s Transition Coordinator.
The best way to help someone understand their likes and dislikes is to give them experiences, Mitchell said. Programs such as Teen Time and Step Into Work, among others, can do that.
Mitchell said his job is to help prepare enrollees to graduate high school “and navigate their next steps” by “not telling them what to do, but helping to make sure that they know what they’re going to do.”
Adam’s story is particularly impressive, Doug said.
“His change in a year was remarkable,” Doug said. “In all of my years, I have rarely seen anyone who has been able to change that much — from being hesitant about participating to becoming fully engaged.”
— Copy editor: Jenna Carpenter
Adam used to dread social events, but thanks to two ACBDD programs — Teen Time and Step Into Work — he looks forward to getting together with friends and family at the Fun Barn south of Nelsonville.
MARCH 2025
ACBDD Special Edition
‘Inclusion Pledge’ gaining even more supporters
By Carson Francis Special Edition staff writer
In 2023, the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities introduced the “Inclusion Pledge,” an initiative designed to help promote the inclusion of those with developmental disabilities in Athens County.
The ACBDD encourages people and organizations in Athens County to sign the pledge and become more involved in the efforts to make Athens County a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
“We already live in an inclusive area in Athens County, but we wanted to do something that would help us take the next step,” said Autumn Brown, director of the ACBDD’s Integrate Athens, a division focused on helping the community find ways to be more integrated and inclusive for individuals with disabilities. “With the Pledge, we can continue to make strides toward the inclusion of everybody in our area.”
Since the introduction of the Pledge, the ACBDD has partnered with 10 different organizations across Athens County who all have signed. That includes the City of Athens, Athens County Children’s Services, Athens City-County Health Department, the 317 Board, the Athens County Commissioners, and Alexander Local Schools.
The pledge asks signers to commit to high-level statements like “em-
bracing the diversity of all individuals” and identifying action steps “that will help improve awareness and inclusiveness.”
In addition, the pledge includes a list of possible action steps the organization or individual can work toward, like completing specific trainings, doing an audit to determine how accessible their space is, joining an advocacy group, among others. The signer is also invited to list other things they are doing that is not already listed.
“The true test of this initiative was whether the signers actually followed-through with what they said
they would do,” Autumn said. “And we are happy to share our partners have demonstrated their commitment to this through their actions.”
For the 317 Board, a regional non-profit that provides mental health and recovery services, the pledge came at just the right time.
“The 317 Board believes that behavioral healthcare should be accessible to everyone,” said Director Diane Pfaff. “The Pledge came to us as we were preparing to renovate our board offices and served as an important reminder of how we could incorporate features that would be accessible and welcoming for individuals
of multiple abilities, which included removal of carpeting and selection of furniture that is easily accessible and navigable.
“We also repaired a curb ramp and updated outdoor lighting,” Pfaff explained. “ The board’s website, 317Board.org, was also moved to a new content management platform that allows our staff to easily include alt text with all images and features a tool that monitors color contrast to improve accessibility.”
For the Athens City-County Health Department, the pledge already aligned with their mission.
“Signing the pledge helps us to fulfill the mission of the health department, which is to protect and promote the health and wellness of all Athens County residents,” said Meredith Erlewine, the health department’s Creating Healthy Communities coordinator.
“So far, we have welcomed experts from Integrate Athens to assess our facility and provide us recommendations for improvement,” Erlewine explained. “We also hosted an all-staff training on accessibility and disability inclusion.”
Those who have an interest in learning more about the pledge can contact Autumn at abrown@athenscbdd.org.
— Copy editor: Serenity Proffitt
Ohio U. biology student promotes inclusivity on campus
By Cami Henry-Seymore Special Edition staff writer
Inclusivity is essential, especially in a university setting. That is according to George, a senior at Ohio University studying biology.
George, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, has made an effort to immerse himself in campus activities despite struggling to fit in socially.
Through the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, George receives case-management services and meets weekly with Barry Backus, a service and support administrator (or SSA).
Barry guides George through everyday challenges and advocates for his rights and needs within the community. Specifically, Barry helps George navigate college life and ways to enrich his OU experience.
Through those services, George was encouraged to openly share his niche interests with the community. For George, this meant sharing his love for all manner of canines, especially
wolves. George is the president of the North American Apex Predator Conservation Club, which he founded to meet like-minded animal lovers.
George hosted two free events last year, one on March 30 and the other on Oct. 5, where he presented facts and myths about wolves. For both events, George invited a conservationist from the Ohio Canid Center to visit Schoonover Center with a live
George thrives as a biology major at Ohio University thanks to support from ACBDD. This past year, George served as a diversity ambassador at OU, and also arranged a presentation last fall from the Ohio Canid Center that included a live wolf.
black wolf, which attendees could pet and interact with.
Besides his work in wolf conservation, George is also a diversity ambassador at Ohio University. Through this work, he hopes to make the campus — and the whole Athens community — more accessible for people like him.
“I’d like to see Athens change parts of its culture,” George said. “I want it to be a more loving and inclusive culture.”
In his spare time, George is working on a post-apocalyptic novel about a chronic wasting disease pandemic, combining historical facts and furthering his scientific interests.
With each project he under-
takes, George is not only enriching his own college experience but also laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future.
Barry said it has been a pleasure working with George. “Every conversation that I had with George, I came away knowing something that I didn’t know,” Barry said. “I just feel inspired by his knowledge and energy for his convictions and what he believes in.”
— Copy editor: Mekhi Evans
“I’d like to see Athens change parts of its culture. ... I want it to be a more loving and inclusive culture.”
– George, biology student at Ohio University
Community members join staff from Athens City-County Health Department to assess accessibility and saftey for people with disabilities along State Route 682 in Athens. The health department is one of a growing number of local organizations that have taken ACBDD’s “Inclusion Pledge,” a project aimed at enhancing existing efforts to enhance accessibility in Athens County.
The 2024 Ray’s Days! summer camp included several field trips to a variety of regional locations as well as activities at ACBDD’s campus on West Union Street in Athens. Some of the field-trip destinations included Ash Cave in the Hocking Hills; the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway; Fox’s High Rock Farm; and the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery.
MARCH
ACBDD SPECIAL
Ray’s
Days!
— Photos by Ray’s Days! and ACBDD staff, volunteers, and supporters.
MARCH 2025
ACBDD Special Edition
‘Ray’s Days!’ offers fun and exploration
RAY’S DAYS, from Page 1
the camp is how do we create engaging experiences for the campers and the counselors,” Paul said. “And I feel like we met that goal.”
Encouragement in the face of adversity is a core pillar of how Paul runs the camp. One of the most popular field trips last summer was a visit to Ash Cave in the Hocking Hills, about 29 miles west of Athens. The hiking trail posed some challenges for several campers, but Paul explained it was doable. For example, one camper overcame fear and accepted the challenge of hiking a more difficult path, even though a more accessible path was offered.
“At the end, there’s just a celebration for that camper, that he was able to do something in spite of his disability. He took his disability and navigated through it, and it was great,” Paul said. “I think that makes camp successful, because we’re taking somebody right where they’re at and saying, ‘Yes, you have a contribution to make.’”
One of the main challenges facing the program before Paul took over was a shortage of counselors who were prepared to work with a group of campers with diverse disabilities. Paul explained how, in partnership with students at Ohio University, the camp staff has been bolstered with a new crew of young, excited counselors. “We had a total of 40 campers signed up, and we had about 29 counselors, so a pretty high ratio,” Paul said. He said the Ohio University students did a fantastic job as counselors: “My goodness, they were amazing this summer. They just really rose to the occasion and did great.”
One of Ray’s Days! counselors, Ohio University student Julia Rockwell, said being a counselor for the camp was an incredible experience. “I was able to see growth within campers and growth within myself,” Julia said. “Being able to see them enjoy themselves within all of the camp activities, field trips and trying new things with confidence was so rewarding.” Fiona has been a camper at Ray’s Days! for several years. Fiona is described as a “social butterfly,” despite being non-speaking and having cognitive disabilities. Her mother, Megan, explained, “Being out in the public, she’s very curious, inquisitive, so that is what drives her. So, for her to be able to have those experiences with her people … Huge.”
Megan said Fiona especially gravitated toward the college students serving as counselors. “If you have a caring 23-year-old or 21-year-old that’s interested, oh, that’s her jam,” Megan said. “That’s where she feels good.”
The family continues to expand upon the relationships they have
made during Ray’s Days! camps. “We have found the people to be so caring that we’ve ended up, most years getting a sitter out of that connection that she makes with somebody,” Megan said. “So that’s pretty awesome.”
What makes the summer camp a success is not only the camp counselors and staff, but also the parents who trust the ACBDD with their children. One such parent is Annah Korpi, whose 8-year-old, Isidoro, has cerebral palsy and is non-speaking.
children a break from summertime boredom, but it also gives parents some time to reset while their children are at camp.
“I was able to see growth within campers and growth within myself.”
Annah said it can be a struggle for parents of children with disabilities to find suitable camps that are both enjoyable and safe. “It’s sort of a lonely position as a parent with someone with such high needs and disabilities,” Annah said. “My son can’t attend the regular camps unless he has a full-time aide, which is not very affordable.”
– Julia Rockwell, Ray’s Days! counselor and OU student
One of the aspects of Ray’s Days! that spoke to Annah was that children are not limited in participation due to their disabilities. She explained how the challenges the campers face during their time at the camp heightens their development and confidence. “Don’t let liability prevent kids from having fun,” she said, “because then what kind of life are they going to have?”
“I think being around children his own age is good for him in terms of just social skills and learning how to share,” she said of her son. Isidoro plans to attend Ray’s Days! again this summer, Annah said.
have physical disabilities that would be a possibility, in places that they’ve never seen. It was awesome.”
Paul said there are a couple principles he works with when running Ray’s Days! First, he said he wants to see people without disabilities and people with disabilities come together. “Gosh, I think I just feel like there’s so much that a person without disabilities can learn from a person with disabilities,” Paul said.
He also wants to create experiences for the campers to navigate through their disabilities. “Sometimes for people with disabilities we just say, ‘Oh, your disability is too much, just let us take care of you,’” he said. “I think that it’s harmful to somebody to say that you can’t do anything. Well, everybody can do something.”
ABOUT RAY’S DAYS!
• The 2025 Ray’s Days! Summer Camp will begin on June 16 and end on July 11. Camp days run from 8:10 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. with breakfast and lunch provided.
However, Annah was comfortable sending her son to Ray’s Days! for the past two years, where well-trained counselors and fun activities awaited.
“I think our community is extremely lucky to have this resource. It’s great for the children, but it’s also great for the parents,” she said.
“If you talk to most people who are parents of kids with disabilities, summers are pretty brutal times for them,” Annah noted, because their children aren’t in school and the parents become full-time caregivers, without the same options or resources that parents of non-disabled children have. Ray’s Days! not only gives
Megan added there are not many other summer activities in Athens for kids with disabilities, so she said the fact that her daughter even gets to go to a summer day camp is amazing. “The camp was a really awesome opportunity for her to feel like a normal kid and have this thing to do in the summer,” she said.
Fiona’s favorite parts of the camp are swimming in the pool, riding the bus and, especially, the field trips. Megan said the field trips this past summer were the best of any previous summer. She complimented Paul for expanding the program in that way. “He got them to go to the gymnastics gym,” she said. “You know, you wouldn’t think that with kids who
• Beacon School students have first priority for registration, followed by others served by the ACBDD.
• Ray’s Days! Summer Camp is located at 801 West Union Street. It is an initiative of ACBDD and is not associated with Beacon School.
• Transportation is provided.
• Ray’s Days! will begin accepting applications for campers beginning on March 17.
• Ray’s Days! will begin accepting applications for counselors beginning on March 3. Counselor applications are due by May 2. Counselor training week is June 9-13. There are also volunteer opportunities available.
LEFT: The Ray’s Days! summer day camp included a visit to the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery. RIGHT: ACBDD staff members Krystal Palmer (right) and Susan Cablish-Kristofco (right) prepare a lunch to feed the hungry campers.
ACBDD Special Edition
Successful young artist pours her heart into her art
By Sophia Anness Special Edition staff writer
For Savannah, painting is more than a hobby. It is a form of self-expression in which words are not needed.
Savannah began painting at an early age and eventually received an award for her artwork. Since then, she has found multiple outlets for her artistry.
“When I was in seventh grade, I (realized) what I wanted to do was definitely art,” Savannah said. “Because at one of the art shows, I won ‘Best of Show.’”
Savannah expresses her passio through educating others and posting her art on her Facebook page. She specializes in a specific technique called “pour painting,” a type of painting where one puts specific paint in a cup and pours it over a canvas.
Now in her mid-20s, Savannah has gotten a boost to her art career through the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities Office of Integrate Athens, which helps promote her artwork and projects to the community.
“We work with several local artists eligible for ACBDD services to help build their network in the community,” said Autumn Brown, director of Integrate Athens. “I first met Savannah when she worked at our Rays Days! Summer Camp. From that, I learned about her artistic abilities.”
Savannah soon realized she could work toward being a professional artist. She began a Facebook page called “Pour Paint by Savannah,” where she sells her art to online customers. On the page, Savannah has 245 members and sells her canvases at various prices with free shipping.
Then, in June 2024, her resume expanded further. The Dairy Barn Arts Center contracted with Savannah to offer a workshop called “Colors Cascade: A Pour Painting Workshop” where she “specializes in teaching classes to special needs individuals of all ages and abilities, and creating
an inclusive learning environment,” according to the Dairy Barn’s website. To get the contracted position, Savannah presented her art portfolio and submitted an artist application.
“Savannah has lived experience having different abilities,” Autumn added. Savannah has had epilepsy
since she was a toddler. “Sharing her art and her gifts with our community is important to help (others) like Savannah have more opportunities to live, work, and connect to their community.”
Kelly Shaw, the Dairy Barn’s education director, said that Savannah’s inclusive design for this workshop and experience welcoming students with disabilities make it an especially valuable addition to the Dairy Barn’s community art education offerings.
“I appreciate that every time Savannah teaches, choruses of laughter emanate from their activity space the whole time,” Kelly said. “Students have also provided appreciative feedback about the skills they’ve learned and Savannah’s teaching style.”
One student from June 2024 stated, “Savannah’s expertise and passion for the art form truly shone through, making the experience both educational and immensely enjoyable. Her patience and encouragement created a welcoming environment where creativity flourished, and her clear instructions and demonstrations were instrumental in helping me grasp the techniques involved.”
Another student, from November 2024, stated, “Savannah was kind, enthusiastic, and approachable - definitely good qualities for a teacher.” Savannah said her art is not just a form of expression and a source of income, but an integral part of her life.
“I believe that art can be a diary when you don’t know how to write your feelings down,” she said.
— Copy editor: Serenity Proffitt
Savannah displays one her “pour painting” works.
ACBDD Special Edition
Facilities & Transportation keep ACBDD running
By Tessa Searcy Special Edition staff writer
Although administrators, case managers, and teachers may be the most well-known employees of the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, there is another group of employees without whom the ACBDD could not operate — the staff of the Facilities and Transportation Division.
“Everyone has an important role here at the ACBDD,” said Superintendent Kevin Davis. “However, the contributions of the Facilities and Transportation Department may not be as obvious or visible. But we simply could not do what we do with their important work.”
ACBDD has 16 employees working in Facilities and Transportation. This includes drivers, a mechanic, maintenance personnel, custodians, and an administrative assistant.
For the facilities staff, a work week can include predicable elements like inspections from state officials, scheduled painting projects, or routine maintenance on areas like the Beacon School pool. It can also include unexpected tasks, like addressing an emergency plumbing issue, repairing the HVAC system, or shoveling snow after a big snow storm.
“Their strength is in their expertise and in their ability to adjust as needs arise,” Chris said.
For the transportation team, their primary objective is to ensure safe passage for those affiliated with either the school or the agency’s summer camp. Chris noted that for students and campers, the drivers are their first and last ACBDD contact each day.
“They do all the things that allow everyone else to do what they do. ... A lot of things can get taken for granted, but it is essential to a wellrun and functioning organization.”
– Chris Linscott, ACBDD Director of Facilities and Transportation
“The Facilities and Transportation employees at the ACBDD work incredibly hard and are dedicated to ensuring that we’re an efficient and well-run organization,” said Chris Linscott, director of Facilities and Transportation.
The team supports three separate buildings - the ACBDD’s Beacon School on West Union Street in Athens, an administrative office and bus garage on Lavelle Road in Athens, and another office building on Harper Street in The Plains.
“I think you can see how well our organization is run through our facilities and our safe transportation of students,” Chris added.
“They build relationships with students and families and learn how best to serve them and keep them safe during transit,”
Chris said. “They help them to start the day well, and help to ensure that their school day ends as well as it begins. All the while, they keep to a predictable schedule that works for families.”
Chris attributes the overall efficiency of the ACBDD to the Facilities and Transportation staff.
“They do all the things that allow everyone else to do what they do,”
Chris said. “A lot of things can get taken for granted, but it is essential to a well-run and functioning organization.”
— Copy editor: Jenna Carpenter
ABOVE: Wes Kline is the ACBDD’s staff mechanic, responsible for keeping ACBDD’s fleet running smoothly and reliably.
BELOW: Rex Maccombs, lead maintenance worker, repairs the fence surrounding one of three playgrounds at Beacon School. Rex and the rest of the facilities team supports three separate buildings – the Beacon School on West Union Street in Athens, an administrative office / bus garage on Lavelle Road in Athens, and another office building on Harper Street in The Plains.
ACBDD Special Edition
Early Intervention is all about individual attention
By Sarah Thomason Special Edition staff writer
With the intention to make Athens a place where everyone can flourish, including its youngest residents, the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities Early Intervention program starts early by providing support for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
The voluntary program makes it possible for each family to have access to an array of specialists who can help children under the age of 3. Specialists (who are employed at various organizations including the ACBDD) include a service coordinator, developmental specialist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, dietitian, nurse, mental health consultant, and vision and hearing specialist. A family has access to any or all of these specialists, depending on the child’s need.
Taylor Weigle-Niese has a daughter, Eleanor, who recently aged out of the program, and said the program was helpful to both her child and for herself, as well.
“The most impactful aspect of a service like this is that, by focusing on the most critical period in a child’s development, it lays the foundation for their long-term success,” Taylor said. “This service focuses, learns, and grows with your family on such an intimate level; they have a range of services that are rooting for your child to be at their most optimal level of development, to succeed and thrive throughout the rest of their life. It is a service that every family should
consider utilizing.”
The ACBDD’s Developmental Specialist Jodi Mitchell works with about 10 to 20 families at a time. She said that she and other specialists provide the services in the child’s home, or any preferred place, to make it comfortable, personable and realistic for the child.
Jodi emphasized how important it is for her to support the parents as well as the children, so the parents have confidence in themselves that they are capable of implementing the developmental strategies their children need.
“We have expertise as professionals, but the parents are an expert on their child; they know them best,” Jodi explained. “We brainstorm ideas that may help the child, and working with the family allows us to figure out what works best.”
As the child grows, the family and child are given yearly evaluations,
Young theatre fan steps up to help as assistant director for play at Stuart’s
By Sophia Anness Special Edition staff writer
When some see an empty stage, they see a simple structure, but Carlee sees a space for expression, creativity and passion.
Carlee, in her mid-20s, has always had a passion for performance, but recently, she tried her hand at a new skill - assistant directing “Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” at Stuart’s Opera House.
Carlee’s foray into theater came at the encouragement of the Friends, Allies, and Neighbors program, also known as FANs. This program, through the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD), focuses on helping people with developmental disabilities make positive connections to others in their communities. The FANs coordinator at the time connected her with the ABC Players, a local theater troupe; and Stuart’s Opera House, a performance venue in Nelsonville.
Through theater, Carlee found both a community and her voice.
Carlee also received help from the ACBDD’s PesonnelPlus program to secure her job at Holzer on East State Street in Athens. PersonnelPlus is the ACBDD’s employment service division. PersonnelPlus staff saw the job opening and reached out to Carlee to suggest she apply for the position. Carlee’s case manager (also known as a service and support
administrator, or SSA) at the time went with her to her interview.
At Holzer, Carlee is a greeter at the general information front desk and is tasked with directing patients where to go, restocking masks and providing patients with water. This week, she received a 3-Year Achievement Award from Holzer, to celebrate three years of employment.
While Carlee said she appreciated the help she got to secure her job, she said she is especially thankful for the nudge to explore her interest in theater. Theater, after all, is her
passion.
Carlee has participated in several shows at Stuart’s Opera House over the years. But she had never held a leadership role before.
As the theatre prepared for its October run of “Sweeny Todd,” Devin Sudman, director of education at Stuart’s, approached Carlee after noticing her stage-directing abilities. In previous shows, he had seen how Carlee helped the actors remember their places and their choreography. She also took notes and shared them with Devin to discuss adjustments.
“I knew that Carlee had a special attention to detail and creative ideas that would be a huge asset to our team,” Devin said. “Without Carlee, our final product would not have been nearly as robust and vibrant as it was. I look forward to activating Carlee’s creative talents in many more ways in the future.”
Carlee also had a say in picking the cast during auditions. During the preparations for the show, Carlee gave cast members notes and focused on blocking, which is the choreography of actors’ movements and positions on stage. This gave Devin an opportunity to focus on the show’s music.
“It felt like I was a part of the team,” Carlee said.
— Copy
editor: Serenity Proffitt
and an individualized family service plan is updated every six months. During the evaluation and service plan updates, goals, concerns and strategies are documented or changed.
“We do these evaluations to get to know the child and family more indepth,” Jodi explained. If a child is on track in one area but then a different developmental concern arises, the child can receive service from any specialist at any point.”
Taylor commended the program in general and gave particular praise to Jodi. “Jodi was there to help guide us in finding unique ways that really fit into our lives,” Taylor said. “Instead of making it feel like we had to schedule therapy sessions, she helped to teach us how to integrate activities into our day-to-day lives in ways that were fun for Ellie.”
— Copy editor: Serenity Proffitt
About this ‘Special Edition’
For the second year in a row, the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities has partnered with Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and The Post to produce its annual “Special Edition” report.
ACBDD publishes “Special Edition” every March, which is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.
Planning for the 2025 “Special Edition” began more than a year ago between ACBDD Assistant Superintendent Arian Smedley, journalism professor Bill Reader at Ohio University, and Andrea Lewis, director of student media in the Scripps College of Communications at Ohio U. Smedley and her ACBDD colleagues came up with story ideas and gathered dozens of photos for the publication.
Reader assigned the stories to students as an experiential learning project for his Community Journalism seminar in fall semester — the bylines and credits identify the students who worked on the project.
Meanwhile, Lewis and her team at The Post sold advertising space to the sponsors who help pay for the printing and distribution costs. Lewis, Reader and Smedley then collaborated on editing and producing the “Special Edition” you are now reading.
Eleanor is one of the children helped by the Early Intervention Program.
Carlee shares her talents with Stuart’s Opera House.
ACBDD Special Edition
Wildlife fan keeps working toward his goal of completing his college degree
By Alex Spires Special Edition staff writer
Lee found his first job at a local restaurant in February 2020, where he quickly learned the ropes of the food service industry. However, after four years of rolling silverware and serving customers, he felt an undeniable urge for something more fulfilling — and started working on his college education.
Lee completed three semesters at Hocking College, focusing on forestry. He is taking a break from his studies for now, but plans to continue his studies.
“When I was in Hocking College, I was struggling in my semester,” Lee said. “My parents wrote something on a paper that has been pinned on
my wall since then. It said ‘We love you; we are very proud of you. We just want you to always remember that everyone in college has difficulties and most do not graduate, but that does not mean you failed. You still have your whole future ahead of you. We will all work together to figure out what your next step will be.’”
Lee has always been drawn toward wildlife and everything about it.
Driven by this passion, he decided to turn to PersonnelPlus, the ACBDD employment service program. The program helped Lee land a shortterm seasonal AmeriCorps position at Burr Oak State Park, supporting trail and grounds maintenance. Lee said he loved the experience, and it catered directly to his interests and what he wants his future to be.
After the AmeriCorp position ended, Lee landed a new position as a food runner at a Steak and Shake in Athens, again with the help Personnel-Plus. “It took me a while; but I
learned the job, and I like it” Lee said. His time working at Burr Oak only increased his interest in a career in forestry and wildlife management.
With the help of Integrate Athens, Lee is developing a presentation on sharks to share with the community. Anyone interested in booking a presentation from Lee can reach out to fans@athenscbdd.org.
Autumn Brown, director of the ACBDD’s Office of Integrate Athens, said “PersonnelPlus and Integrate Athens have enjoyed helping Lee explore his interest and in finding work that aligns with his love of science and nature.”
— Copy editor: Mekhi Evans
AT 70, she proved that it’s never too late to start – and keep – learning
By Special Edition staff
One of the priorities of the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to support individuals with developmental disabilities in determining and pursuing life goals.
So, when 70-year-old Rosemary declared she wanted to fulfill her lifelong dream of graduating from high school and having “a great big party” to celebrate, Barb NorthMoss, her case manager (also known as a service and support administrator), knew just what to do.
“We immediately got to work in identifying things she could do to accomplish this goal,” Barb said.
Barb helped guide Rosemary in developing a plan. Rosemary, with the help of her support team, identified specific educational skills she wanted to learn, including math,
reading, money skills and science. She then picked out a series of workbooks and worksheets to complete. In addition, she added trips to various locations, like the Newport Aquarium, as part of her life skills training.
At 70, Rosemary completed a self-directed learning program and was treated to an informal graduation party.
Barb helped Rosemary and her team, which includes support staff, friends, her guardian, neighbors and others, track her progress. She checked in at least quarterly.
While it took the support of many people to help Rosemary, Jennifer Mourn, staff support through an
The Athens Area Chamber believes that a thriving community is one where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. That’s why we support inclusive employment and the work of the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the opportunities they provide.
independent agency called HAVAR, played an instrumental role in Rosemary’s accomplishment, according to Barb.
“It was rewarding to help her achieve that goal, to help her learn,” Jennifer said.
Once Rosemary completed everything outlined in the plan, it was time to celebrate.
“For Rosemary, it was important for her to do this work and receive her graduation certificate,” Barb said.
“But it was just as important to have a way to celebrate and acknowledge her hard work.”
On the day of the party, Rosemary arrived in a cap and gown and freshly painted nails. She picked maroon and gold, the colors of Federal Hocking High School, her previous school.
When asked how she felt about her accomplishment, Rosemary smiled and said, “Fine and dandy.”
Although this self-directed independent study plan did not produce an official diploma for Rosemary, it was still a significant milestone for her.
“It inspired her to continue learning new skills, check things off of her bucket list and even challenging her own physical abilities,” Barb said. “Now, Rosemary has her sights set on going to Disney World.”
— Staff writer Cami Henry-Seymore contributed to this article
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Lee (right, foreground) talks with a wildlife specialist.