Feb. 24, The Appalachian by The Appalachian

The Appalachian

MICHAEL OBACHA page 11

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

STOPPED AT THE DOOR Local bars take different approaches to identifying fake IDs

by Mary Wood

Intern News Reporter

any underaged students, including those at Appalachian State University, obtain fake IDs to purchase and drink alcohol at local bars and restaurants. But at locations such as Galileo’s Grill and Bar, doing so could end in arrest. “We use a scanner on our [employees’] phones to identify if an ID is fake or not,” Galileo’s owner Mark Dickson said. “When we identify a fake ID, we take the ID and turn it in to the police or [Alcohol Law Enforcement] when they stop by about once a month or so.” Dickson said Galileo’s adopted this method this year after purchasing the smartphone application BarZapp. While Galileo’s has been through multiple free scanner applications in the past, BarZapp has worked the best. Galileo’s usually catches six to seven underaged customers attempting to use fake IDs per week, Dickson said. If the individual who owns the fake ID gets caught but appears sober, Galileo’s’ bouncers and bartenders will let them pay the $5 cover to go in as an underaged customer. “We usually work with ALE

More students studying abroad by Nicole Caporaso Senior News Reporter

The Child Development Center at Appalachian State University recently received two grants to further develop its Lettuce Learn Project, which will include new expansions to the children’s garden. The Lettuce Learn Project provides quality gardenbased education programs to children of all ages. It was started about a year ago by Courtney Baines Smith, adjunct instructor in the Sustainable Development Department and doctoral student in the educational leadership program. Baines Smith received a $500 grant from the Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics for the second year in a row. In addition, the Sustainability and Environmental Education Club and the Appalachian Student Dietetic Association teamed up to apply for the Renewable Energy Institute Club Collaboration Grant for $1,500 to assist the project. The learning garden at the Child Development Center serves as the pilot program for the Lettuce Learn

Appalachian State University’s Office of International Education and Development has gained impressive national notoriety over the past few years, but its employees are still set on improving the office’s numbers. The Office of International Education and Development is in charge of exchange programs, Appalachian students who study abroad and international students that come to the university. According to the Office of International Education and Development’s 2013-14 annual report, Appalachian ranks sixth nationally for the number of students studying abroad among master’s institutions and fourth for the number of students who study abroad for short-term. Also according to the report, for the 2013-14 academic year, 1,047 students studied abroad, which produces a 25 percent participation rate, while the national rate is 14 percent. To compare, the university had just 828 students studying abroad in the 2009-10 school year. Chanel Frisco, assistant director of the Office of International Education and Development said students have a diverse array of opportunities for study abroad, including shortterm trips such as during winter and spring breaks. “We sometimes have students go for half semesters, and then we also have semester and year programs where students can go more independently to another university,” Frisco said.

SEE GRANT PAGE 4

SEE ABROAD PAGE 5

Gerrit Van Genderen

Galileo’s Grill and Bar uses a phone application scanner to check customers’ IDs before entering. Owner Mark Dickson said Galileo staﬀ usually catch six to seven underaged customers using fake IDs per week.

more than the Boone [Police Department,] but they both come in to gather IDs,” Dickson said. He added that the vast majority of fake IDs are out-ofstate and that most of them are predominantly from Ohio and South Carolina. Other local bars and breweries such as Klondike, Parthenon, TApp Room and Appalachian Mountain Brewery

do not use the scanner method, Dickson said. “There’s a problem with fakes being imported from overseas,” Parthenon owner Nick Lainas said. “We don’t use a scanner because fakes are being made so well that they scan.” Lainas said Parthenon staff will ask for another form of identification if the ID is questionable. If the customer gives

the bouncer any problems, Lainas will call Boone PD to deal with the customer. “When we collect fakes, we typically call [an ALE officer] to collect them,” Lainas said. “They usually don’t go looking for the person, but they like to have them in their possession.” Lainas said Parthenon does

SEE FAKE IDs PAGE 5

ASU instructor uses grants to expand Lettuce Learn Project by Chamian Cruz News Reporter

Joshua Farmer

Peggy Eller and Brenda Bodenhamer lead the Child Development Center’s preschool class around their garden. The garden will soon expand with the help of two grants totaling $2,000.

Halle Keighton

Appalachian State Universityâ€™s Dance Marathon, a 15-hour period of constant dancing to raise money for the non-profits Western Youth Network and Parent to Parent Family Support Network, was held in Holmes Convocation Center this weekend. This yearâ€™s event raised a total of $41,045.62, breaking its previous record set in 2014 by almost $8,000.

news

Parkour leaps into Appalachian by Chamian Cruz News Reporter

Students at Appalachian State University are using parkour to view their environment in an open-minded and artistic way when traveling from place to place. The Mountain Runnerz club, which is leading the upstart of parkour on campus, had its first meeting on Feb. 11 with 11 people in attendance. Parkour is defined by the ability to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible with regard to obstacles and can be done by a combination of jumping, running and vaulting. The sport usually takes place in urban areas, Bryan Miller, freshman music education major and public relations chair for the Mountain Runnerz said. “Most people didn’t know about slacklining until they got [to Appalachian] or about quidditch until they saw people doing it,” Miller said. “Once we get out more publicly around campus and into the community, people will wonder what it is and we’ll start explaining and bringing people on board.” The sport originated in France in the early 1900s by a French Naval Officer who was

influenced by the agility of the locals of Martinique and implemented that into the physical training for the French Military. Parkour, as it’s known today, is credited to David Belle who combined his training in martial arts and gymnastics with that of the French military parkour. The practice has since spread worldwide, according to www.discoverparkour.org. “[Parkour] is a way to view things more artistically and open-minded because when you see things, it’s not just like trees and branches, but it’s a tree that I can jump from branch to branch and throw myself farther to land someplace else,” said Luke Oram, freshman computer science major and president of the Mountain Runnerz. “You turn the area around – kind of into a playing field.” Although parkour is usually known for people jumping from building to building, due to rules and regulations, anyone involved in doing so will get in trouble legally. The club is backed up by the university with safety as a priority. Instead, other ideal places to practice the sport are those with elevation such as hiking trails and Appalachian’s cam-

pus since it has stairs, rails and different elevations right next to each other, Oram said. There aren’t any rules besides those involving safety and using proper technique when it comes to things such as jumping, rolling or landing. “One of the cool things about Parkour is that a lot of it is up for interpretation and it isn’t exactly a competitive thing,” Miller said. “It is an open community to where people are willing to help each other out.” During the early stages of the club, the Mountain Runnerz will begin with training to improve the endurance and strength of its members especially since no experience is required to join. “We’re going to have practice, workouts and training before we do all the big stuff,” Oram said. “I know people want to go out there and do things, but you can’t do something you’ve never practiced or trained for.” Workouts may include cardio by running or swimming and strength and endurance by holding their breath underwater and by doing a series of things such as pushups, pullups and climbing, Oram said. “It’s a full body workout,” Miller said. “If one part of your

body is sore and you’re trying to do stuff, you’ll quickly figure out how to use all of your body, so it’s one of those overall fitness types of things.” Oram said members of the Mountain Runnerz will not be required to pay any fees and the club does not need any funding so far, but it might be needed if they decide to compete or travel in the future. Other schools in the UNC system with parkour teams include the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and North Carolina State University. Parkour is relatively cheap, because equipment simply involves wearing comfortable, light clothing and shoes that have grip, are durable and not too expensive because they will get torn up over time. It serves as a fitness activity but is mostly practiced for fun. “As kids, all of us loved to run around and do fun things, but when you get older you’re told to stop doing those things,” Oram said. “ [Parkour] brings back those things, so that you can be open with the things around you when you’re walking to class or such. There’s a lot more to it than just trying to have fun or just being out there.”

Professor discovers pistachios impair athletes by Josh Wharton

Intern News Reporter

An Appalachian State University professor recently conducted research that found pistachios impair rather than improve athletic performance, despite popular belief. David Nieman, director of the Appalachian’s Human Performance Laboratory at the North Carolina Research Campus recently conducted the study on pistachios’ effects. The main conclusions of the study deal not only with pistachios, but also with all foods containing the carbohydrate raffinose. Nieman entered the study knowing that the human body cannot process raffinose. “Raffinose is most commonly found in beans,” Nieman said. “I wasn’t aware that it was in pistachios, so that caught us by surprise. The raffinose, which is not supposed to be in the blood, was detected by the immune system, which responded by secreting a toxin that then went to the muscles and reduced their ability to produce ATP energy.”

Raffinose is released into the bloodstream through leaky ducts in the colon. These leaks come as a result from the body heating up during intense exercise. Using Metabolomics, a cutting edge research technology, Nieman observed this upon examining the test participants – cyclists – after an athletic event. He was unable to see the raffinose in the blood prior to the athletic competition because the cyclist’s bodies had not heated up to the point where the raffinose in their systems could leak through the ducts in the colon. So, prior to intense exercise, the digestive system contains the raffinose till it is expelled from the body. For this reason, Nieman suggests athletes keep eating pistachios, beans and other foods containing raffinose as a regular part of their diet, until the week of competition. “Beans, pistachios, and onions are very healthy foods, so we don’t want people to cut it out,” Nieman said. “But I wouldn’t dare eat these types of foods

Halle Keighton

A research study conducted by an Appalachian professor revealed d pistachios and foods with carbohydrate raﬃnose negatively aﬀect athletic performance.

during the three-day period before a major exercise challenge or competition.” Nieman stressed the importance of this being a discovery by Appalachian and the team he works with at the NC Research Campus. He said he can count on one hand the amount of times he has been able to discover something completely new. “Nowadays there are thousands of scientific investigators trying to come up with something new and we did that,” Nieman said. Jenni Loveless, junior center midfielder for

the women’s varsity soccer team, has mixed feelings about this information. “I love pistachios, but I don’t think I eat enough to affect me in a noticeable way,” Loveless said. “It’s hard to believe just one study. But if I noticed an increase in my performance when I didn’t eat beans and pistachios, or saw more studies that came to the same conclusions, I’d probably cut these foods out during game weeks.” In the Appalachian Athletics weight room, there is a board that recommends certain

foods to help athletes. While pistachios are not on this wall, beans are. Beans are a recommended source of protein for vegetarian athletes. Trainers and dieticians would have to find a substitute to recommend for protein during game weeks. Loveless said some athletes like these foods too much to cut them out while others hold their performance above their dietary preferences. The likelihood of an athlete cutting out foods with raffinose increases as the level of competition heightens.

Hayes School of Music receives reaccreditation by Thomas Culkin News Reporter

Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music recently received a renewal of its accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music. Accreditation grants a school membership in the NASM, a peer-governed body of prestigious music schools across the nation. William Pelto, dean of the Hayes School of Music, said receiving accreditation is a huge honor because it affirms the values and practices of the school. “This makes me feel better than almost anything, because it really addresses what we care about at our most fundamental [level], which is that whatever we do, we want to do in a collegial and professional way,” Pelto said. The process of applying for reaccreditation involves completing a comprehensive self-evaluation of all the programs within the school of music, and an outside evaluation done by visitors. One aspect of the school that the visitors noted as being exceptionally strong was professor quality. “The faculty exhibits exceptional positive morale,” the visitors’ wrote in their report. “The education credentials are superb and the visitors experienced high quality teaching and learning throughout the visit.” The report also identified the music library, hardworking students, the variety of majors offered, the success of the music therapy program and the student-tutoring program as strengths. Each period of accreditation lasts 10 years, before the school will have to reapply. There are currently 653 school, institutions and conservatories in the NASM across the nation. Chief communications officer Hank Foreman said the accreditation is an assurance to everyone that the Hayes School of Music is an elite program. “[The accreditation] sends a clear message to our current and prospective students and their families, that they can expect the highest quality of programs to ensure student success,” Foreman said. “In addition to raising the profile of the Hayes School of Music, this accreditation supports broad recognition of the great educational experience available at Appalachian.”

Sarah Weiffenbach

William Pelto, dean of the Hayes School of Music, poses beside a piano. The department received a renewal of its accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music.

GRANT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Project by providing other schools throughout Watauga County such as Parkway Elementary, Bethel Elementary and Mountain Pathways with garden coordinators, teacher training and resource sharing, Baines Smith said. The garden is typically used for children 4-5 years old. At the garden, children are exposed to the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables, gardening, measuring, cooking, recycling and even composting. “At lunch time, we’ve been saving anything that can be composted and they take to the compost bin and dump it,” said Peggy Eller, director of the Child Development Center. “It’s really cool to see them excited about doing it instead of being grossed out about it.” A variety of vegetables are grown with individual themes like the Pizza Garden, Three Sisters Garden and the Tops and Bottoms Garden, Baines Smith said. “I’ve seen just in the past year of working with the kids that many of them would say they didn’t like vegetables,” Eller said. “But then when they watch the lettuce grow, water it and then they get to pick it, then all of a sudden, they love lettuce.” Many of the parents have noticed the changes in their children and some have even started gardens in their homes and implementing recycling and compost bins in their homes. Due to the success, the Child Development Center decided to expand the garden. It is currently 24-by-24 feet. The extended part will be an additional 26-by-24 feet, Baines Smith said. The addition to the garden will have a shed with solar panels – known as the science, technology, engineering and math shed or STEM shed – a tool lending library, a shady area with a blackboard and benches for an outdoor classroom and a sensory garden. Every time the children go down to the gar-

den, they learn about something new based on the 9-month curriculum created by Baines Smith that is appropriate for pre-kindergarten aged children. “It’s a way to deliver these lessons that are age appropriate in an experiential way that’s project-based like the different parts of the plant that we can eat like the leaves, fruit, stem, root and seed, how to save the seeds, what’s in a seed, the different way that seeds are created and also math,” Baines Smith said. The STEM shed has already been reviewed and approved to start building by Brett Scantlin, facility maintenance supervisor in the department of physical plant administration. The Child Development Center is also working with Jacob Smith, graduate student and technology major, to design the shed and work on the blueprints. Baines Smith said the tool lending library will provide other school gardens with proper tools to start gardens and the outdoor classroom will be used to host workshops for other child care professionals or teachers. “We’ll also have these other sensory gardens, because inside the vegetable production garden there’s rules like you can’t pick things or step on things,” Baines Smith said. “Here, we want to encourage the kids to explore, investigate and ask questions.” The Child Development Center is hoping to have the expansion of the garden completed by April where they will showcase the use of these funds during an Earth Month and Greening My Plate Celebration. The Student Dietetic Association will help with the showcase that will be open to the public. Participants will learn how to make solar ovens out of pizza boxes and aluminum foil and use greens from the garden to make pizzas, Baines Smith said. “This is the age that you really want to infiltrate how important planting a seed, taking care of it and eating healthy,” Eller said. “They are sponges and they’re soaking up so much and it’s something that has to remain on-going.”

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5 FAKE IDs

ABROAD

not want to be held liable for any underage drinking that could occur in the restaurant. Appalachian Mountain Brewery employee Jessica Collins said because it is a brewery rather than a bar, AMB rarely collects or sees fake IDs. “We typically ask for another form of identification if we’re weary about an ID,” Collins said. Wanda Smith, Boone Police communications supervisor said officers are typically called in or stop by occasionally to collect the fake IDs from local bars. “It’s usually ALE who deals with fakes, but Boone PD will jump in every so often,” Smith said. Smith said officers will sometimes send out a warrant for the fake ID owner's arrest if his or her legal name is printed on it, which they can figure out through their database. “Boone police officers do not seek out fake IDs, it’s usually the local bars that do that,” Smith said. “The police and local ALE try to finish the job afterward.” Both Boone PD and ASU Police urge all students to not use a fake ID for safety reasons. If something were to happen to an individual, there would be a fake address and contact information that would make the officers unable to contact someone in case of emergency. Students are urged to contact ASU police at (828) 262-2150 or Boone PD at (828) 268-6900 with questions or concerns.

The office additionally works with international students who come to Appalachian to help the students adjust, Frisco said. “We’ll also get them involved in some cultural activities,” Frisco said. “We’ll pair them with community members and we’ll get them host families. They don’t live with them, but they’ll interact with them several times a semester.” There are about 26 countries that have direct partnerships with Appalachian, Frisco said. Donald White, Program Coordinator for the Office of International Education and Development, said that adds up to nearly 60 university partnerships. While Appalachian has partnerships with many international universities, students are allowed to choose to study at almost any university, partnership or not, so long as there is not a travel warning for the country, White said. He added a limitation is that students cannot receive financial aid while studying at a non-partnership university. White credited the recovering economy as a large reason students are studying abroad more frequently within recent years. “I also think it’s the global economy aspect,” Frisco said. “People are starting to recognize that employers are looking for people to work with them that have intercultural skills, so it definitely helps career wise and in looking for a job.” As for international student statistics, those have been on the rise as well. According to the report, in the 2009-10 academic year there was a total of 115 international students, but the most recent numbers for the 2013-14 year shows an increase to 181.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Frisco said the Office of International Education and Development provides a lot of support to the students during their time at Appalachian, thus making the school a good fit for students who want to attend the university. “A lot of the students while they’re here say they feel the ‘Appalachian family’ theme,” Frisco said. “The programs here are quality and the students feel like they’re well supported. The location of the school, although it’s rural, has a safe feel to it, so the students feel safe here.” Frisco and White said the numbers have been changing in several aspects, including the countries students visit, the majors students who study abroad are in and the gender balance of students studying abroad. Additionally, degree-seeking international students are increasingly studying abroad. “The population of students that are studying abroad are starting to diversify, whether it be major, race, gender or economic backgrounds, which is nice,” Frisco said. “Also, we’re seeing an increase in males who study abroad. It used to be mostly females, and now it seems like we’re getting a little bit more.” Frisco said students have increasingly been wanting to go to more diverse locations, as opposed to the traditionally popular destinations such as Spain, the United Kingdom or Australia. “We’re seeing an increase in different types of students who are studying abroad – there’s more diversity in the students who are studying abroad,” Frisco said. “Instead of just, and not that there’s anything wrong with just wanting to go to Europe, but people are starting to expand their horizons a little bit like China, South Africa, South Korea.”

a&e

BRAHM opens doors to students by Katie Murawski

Intern A&E Reporter

or nearly three years, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, which is located in downtown Blowing Rock, has been home to more than just pictures on the wall. The museum provides several opportunities for young people to get involved in art. Recently, BRAHM has been trying to reach out to Appalachian State University students, specifically by collaborating with the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in downtown Boone.

BRAHM’s curator Dianna Loughlin was a student at Appalachian and worked at TCVA before relocating to Blowing Rock. BRAHM borrowed a collection from TCVA called, “Ruined Landscapes: Paintings of the Balkan War Zone,” a series of landscape paintings of the ruins from the Balkan War by Laura Buxton. Buxton’s collection was featured in BRAHM’s winter exhibition. The winter exhibition celebration – an artist meet-and-greet event at the museum – was held Feb. 13 and marked the beginning one of three seasonal

exhibitions the museum holds each year. The exhibition included selections from the BRAHM’s unique collection consisting of more than 100 pieces. The museum also holds frequent other meet-and-greet events, such as “Coffee with the Curator” sessions. A few are coming up soon; the next two will be Feb. 24 and March 24. These events are located at the museum and cost $6. “The Turchin had funding from Hugh McColl [Jr.] to travel the exhibition so TCVA paid for the installation at BRAHM,” said TCVA curator Mary

Anne Redding. “We will continue to work with them in the future as opportunities arise.” Hugh McColl Jr. is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America, and became a fan of Buxton’s work when her associate, Ben Long painted frescoes for St. Peter’s Catholic Church and the Bank of America Corporate Center, both in Charlotte, according to a BRAHM press release. In an additional effort to reach out to students – this time high school students – recent works of art by Watauga High School

seniors were included in the Winter Exhibition upstairs in the “community art space,” a free exhibition space in the museum. “We also have art by the community that is on display all the time,” Loughlin said. “This is actually a free exhibition space to students who are interested in displaying two-dimensional works of art or text panels on historic research they might be doing paired with picture.” BRAHM is located in downtown Blowing Rock. For more information, visit its website at www.blowingrockmuseum.org.

Drake delivers with surprise mixtape, new short film by Jordan Williams

Intern A&E Reporter

R&B and hip-hop artist Drake released a surprising new project last week – his own short film titled “Jungle.” The 14-minute film features moody imagery of the artist’s hometown Toronto, Los Angeles and New York City and home movies featuring a young Drake rapping along to The Fugees. The film also featured snippets of beats produced by Noah “40” Shebib. A few days after the short film release, Drake pulled a Beyoncé and released an unexpected new mixtape on iTunes titled, “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.” Drake and his team did nothing ahead of time to promote the new music – much like Beyonce’s 2014 self-titled album, which was a Billboard-topping success. On this new 17-track project, Drake uses beats from many producers including Shebib, Boi-1da, and Vinylz. He strays away from his trademark emotional, sensitive side and instead raps lyrics that evoke confidence, anger, sensibility and honesty, all while keeping his signature formula of mixing singing and rapping. Many tracks such as “Energy,” “10 Bands” and “6 God” feature Drake boasting with confidence. He raps about his accomplishments and how others are trying to hold him back, both musically and personally. Other tracks such as “Madonna” and

“Now and Forever” incorporate themes of boastfulness and distrust, with more serious undertones. Drake includes some special guest on the mixtape who all give worthy contributions. Producer and singer PARTYNEXTDOOR delivers some of the tapes most atmospheric beats as well as his signature reverb-soaked vocals on the tracks “Preach” and “Wednesday Night Interlude.” Drake’s mentor Lil Wayne delivers an entertaining verse, while rapper and singer Travi$ Scott delivers intense Kanye-esque vocals and fast-paced rapping. While many of the tracks seem to have the same feel as tracks from his last fulllength album “Nothing Was The Same,” they still stand strong on their own. It’s not until the last four tracks that Drake truly lets us know why he is at the top of the game. The track “Company,” which features Travi$ Scott, is one of the most interesting beats on the mixtape. Drake delivers fast, moody raps and lyrics dealing with longing and sensibility. The song’s hook features some of Drake’s prime vocals, which make the song both interesting and real. On the track “You $ the 6,” Drake delivers personal lyrics that deal with the relationship between he and his mother, and while it’s nothing too violent or over the top, it still lets us know that Drake is at his best when discussing personal is-

Drake ‘If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late’

sues. The album closes with “6PM In New York,” a track that has Drake demonstrating the lyrical improvements that he’s learned over the last six years. While this is not Drake’s best release, it still holds up as a good project that will certainly hold fans over until his next full-length album, “Views From The 6,” which will be released later this year. According to Billboard.com, “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” is expected to debut at number one on the Billboard charts with estimates of over 500,000 digital copies being sold.

Preferred Parking Comedy Tour reaches Appalachian by Molly Flinchum

Intern A&E Reporter

The Preferred Parking Comedy Tour, which features Drew Lynch and Samuel J. Comroe, will be performed at the Price Lake Room of Plemmons Student Union at Appalachian State University on Feb. 25. Comroe, who has Tourette syndrome said he and Lynch, who recently suffered a vocal cord injury that causes him to stutter, named the comedy tour “Preferred Parking” because they took something a lot of people see as a negative

and turned it into a positive. “It doesn’t matter what obstacles life hands you – as long as you’re a motivated person you can succeed,” Comroe said. “We don’t get handicap parking. I mean we definitely park in handicap spots but people in wheelchairs get super pissed off at us.” The duo will perform for about an hour, each taking 25 minutes for their separate acts and then hosting a question-and-answer session with the audience afterward. Lynch and Comroe have been friends for a long

time, and thought performing together would be a great opportunity. The duo has performed all over the country; last year alone they performed at nearly 200 colleges. This will be their first performance at Appalachian. “I think comedy is so popular because not everyone can do it,” Lynch said. “We all have that friend that is hilarious and we tell them they should get up onstage but rarely do they follow through with that, because comedy is terrifying. Comedians put their vulnerable selves on the stage,

Lynch said, which makes it very easy for an audience to judge harshly. “If you come to our show you’re going to laugh, hard. We just have a great time,” Comroe said. “Please come. It’s weird when one guy shows up and he only came because he heard there was free pizza.” The event will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $3 for students and non-students and can be purchased in advance at the Information Center across from Cascades with cash, credit card or App Express account.

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opinion

Police reform must be multi-faceted process Kevin Griffin

Opinion Writer

One positive outcome of the heightened police scrutiny brought about by the events in Ferguson, Missouri, New York and other places is that we are now having a conversation about much-needed police reform. Local agencies in Boone are even making efforts. Appalachian State University Police hosted a “Coffee with a Cop” event Feb. 5. Police Chief Gunther Doerr said he was pleased with the turnout and added that the department plans to hold similar events every month, with the next falling on March 4.

Certainly, part of the reason for the event is to build trust with the university community after the recent deaths. Still, Doerr said another objective is to dispel the idea that police officers are unapproachable. The separation between police and the communities they serve became apparent last year with the events in Ferguson and elsewhere. The police action in Ferguson seemed more akin to a military occupation than community service. Real, meaningful police reform should be a priority. The arena of policing and criminal justice is a place in which our societal promises of equality, freedom and justice are most tested. If we do not ensure that our police operate properly, we are defaulting on these important promises. The danger with reform is the tendency for those in

power to opt for empty public relations gestures and superficial solutions rather than addressing core problems. Take the example of cameras on police officers. Many departments across the country have decided to start having their officers wear cameras, including the Boone Police Department, according to The Watauga Democrat. Cameras can certainly be a part of a larger initiative, but they alone will not fix the real problems, as the death of Eric Garner illustrates all too well. Frank Serpico, the former New York police officer known for exposing departmental corruption, wrote an essay in Politico last October detailing some elements of meaningful reform. His recommendations included independent review boards to handle police misconduct, equal enforcement of laws against police officers

and the requirement that officers be involved in their own communities. Community involvement is a particularly crucial issue. Doerr himself spoke of what he called a “cruiser mentality” among police which separates them from communities. In many areas, there is mutual distrust between police and their communities. This interferes greatly with the need for law enforcement to serve communities justly and equitably. How exactly we go about reforming the police system is a difficult question. The answer will not involve just one change, but many. As with most things, we must resist simplistic explanations and solutions. Griffin, a junior journalism major from Madison, is an opinion writer.

Bridget Mundy | The Appalachian

Jenner coverage elicits negativity toward trans community Lauren Burrows Opinion Writer

Lately, the media has been up in arms about former Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner apparently preparing to come out as a woman. How the media has gone about this reveal, however, has become a concern and an offense to the transgender community. News sources such as The New York Times, Al Jazeera and countless magazines have been wildly reporting on Jenner’s recent decision. These sources have had an

aim to expose this news to the masses, with how much of it for their own gain? There is no doubt the media has gained publicity, once again, over the personal life of a celebrity. It is of some concern to wonder how Jenner is responding to all of this coverage, especially regarding their [Jenner’s] lack of response to any of it. “The biggest issue is all we’ve heard is from outside sources,” said Parker Smith, the president of the TransACTION club at Appalachian State University. “There are three or four new names for Jenner published, and Jenner’s pronouns haven’t even been specified.” The media has taken privilege to cover a subject they don’t have any business covering. The lack of respect toward Jenner’s personal decision – a

very difficult one at that – is one that should be acknowledged and denounced. InTouch Magazine decided to inappropriately Photoshop Jenner’s face to resemble a woman’s, along with the headline: “My Life as a Woman.” In 2014, 226 transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals were murdered worldwide due to how they identified, according to The Huffington Post. The article notes these 226 individuals are just a fraction of the total trans deaths because they often go unreported. There is suspicion of the media playing a large part in this. Over the years, the media has taken a negative light toward the transgender community with sensational articles and leaked private material.

Smith said if the media does not get word from Jenner and clear the coverage up to align with the truth concerning their [Jenner’s] plans, this could negatively affect transgender youth – a group that is already in a threatening place. What the media needs to do is only cover the private lives of others if there is consent, and do so in a delicate matter that does not approach the subject as unusual or strange. For the sake of Jenner and the transgender and non-binary community, the media should step back from Jenner’s life until they have facts. Only then, the media should comment on the matter. Burrows, a freshman journalism major from Mint Hill, is an opinion writer.

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CRIME LOG BOONE

Feb. 22 11:24 p.m. | Underage consumption of alcohol Eggers Hall An arrest was made for the underage consumption of alcohol.

Feb. 22 1:10 a.m. | Possession of fraudulent identification Coltrane Hall A student referral was given for the possession of fraudulent identification. Feb. 20 9 p.m. | Burglary - unforced entry Living Learning Center This incident is under investigation.

Feb. 22 9 p.m. | Simple physical assault West Tunnel This incident is under invesFeb. 19 tigation. 1 p.m. | Fraud - credit card Unknown Location Feb. 22 This incident is under inves8 p.m. | Drug violation tigation. equipment/paraphernalia Cone Hall An arrest was made for the Feb. 17 11:30 p.m. | Underage condrug violation. sumption of alcohol Bowie Hall An arrest was made for the

underage consumption of alcohol. Feb. 17 11:28 p.m. | Simple physical assault Living Learning Center A student referral was given due to a physical assault.

The Appalachian 217 Plemmons Student Union, Boone, N.C. 28608 828 • 262-6149

Feb. 17 11:08 p.m. | Possession of marijuana Hoey Hall An arrest was made for the possession of marijuana.

WHO ARE WE?

Feb. 15 1 a.m. | Property damage Legends Parking Lot This incident is under investigation.

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10 Submit Announcements App News is a service of the Division of Student Development. Email dycheab@appstate.edu. Submissions should not exceed 100 words and must include the event title, date/time, location and cost, and a contact email, phone and/or URL. Announcements will be edited as needed and will run as space allows. Preference given for events that are free or have a nominal cost. Free tax assistance ASU’s Walker College of Business will provide free tax assistance for individuals or families with a combined household income of $60,000 or less. Anyone can prepare and e-file their own federal and state income taxes for free using www.myfreetaxes.com. The Free Tax Help Lab, will be held 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, through April 15, room 2014, Peacock Hall. Email hofmannma@ appstate.edu.

pose is to allow for the establishment of community amongst veterans and to offer creative outlets to explore through multiple modes of expression. Email falckms@appstate.edu or call 828-262-2696. All sessions will be held at 5:45 p.m. in room 306, College of Education. The dates are: Feb. 24, March 17, March 31, April 14 and April 28. Transfer Connect Open to transfer students, and presented by the ASU Counseling Center. Call 828-262-3180 or visit counseling.appstate.edu. • Speed-Friending: Get to Know Other Transfer Students, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 24, Table Rock, PSU • Ask a Question/Save a Life: Suicide Prevention Training, 5:307:30 p.m. March 4, Rough Ridge, PSU • Stress Management: Finish the Semester on a Strong Note, 5:306:30 p.m. April 8 and 9, Rough Ridge, PSU

Intramural sports Hot Shot Contest and Softball registration will be open until Feb. 24. Men’s, women’s, and co-rec divisions offered. Registration is free and available to all students and full-time faculty and staff. Visit imsports.appstate.edu or call 828262-2100.

Expressive Arts (EXA) Studio The studio seeks to engage Appalachian faculty, staff and graduate students in exploring how art-making can sustain individuals and communities. Will be held 3-5:30 p.m. in room 301 in the College of Education. Email platok@appstate.edu. • Feb. 27: EXA Studio TBA

Expressive Arts Group for Veterans Open to any faculty, staff and student veterans at Appalachian State University. The group’s pur-

Outdoor education certifications University Recreation recently created a partnership with Landmark Learning, a wilderness cer-

tification provider education center to offer wilderness medicine, emergency medicine and leave no trace outdoor ethics courses for students and the community. For more information, go to https://op.appstate.edu/certifications--trainings. • March 7-15, Wilderness First Responder • April 10-12, Wilderness First Responder Re-Certification • Leave No Trace Master Educator, Aug. 10-14, 2015 Suicide prevention training Learn how to help someone who is showing signs of emotional distress. By the end of this training, participants will know the warning signs for suicide, how to intervene, and where to go for more help. All training sessions will be held in Three Top Mountain, PSU. • 6-8 p.m. March 25 • 10 a.m.-noon April 21, 5:307:30 p.m. April 22, 6-8 p.m. April 27, 3-5 p.m. April 28 and 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April 29 The Wellness Workshops Presented by the Counseling Center, The Wellness Workshops: Feelin’ Good in the Neighborhood. Call 828-262-3180 or visit counseling.appstate.edu • It’s NOT all about the BASE: Crafting a Compassionate Sense of Self, 4:15-5:15 p.m. March 3, Rough Ridge, PSU • Talk to the Paw: Come Destress with Allstar, the Dog, 4-5 p.m. March 26, Three Top Mountain, PSU • Reducing Stress with Mindfulness, 12:30-1:30 p.m. April 15,

Three Top Mountain, PSU

FAFSA Day Students are invited to FAFSA DAY and to receive help and information on completing the FAFSA for 2015-2016. The staff will be providing free help to students and families from 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 28, in the Office of Student Financial Aid, second floor, John Thomas Hall. Register at www.cfnc.org.

Red Flag Campaign The Red Flag Campaign is accepting applications for the 20152016 academic year. Open to students who want to educate Appalachian’s community on being active bystanders and are dedicated to ending violence. Visit redflag.appstate.edu to learn more. Applications are due March 6. Email hartmanep@appstate.edu.

International opportunities The Walker College of Business encourages its students to participate in one or more of its travel abroad opportunities. Some of the trips are scheduled during fall and spring breaks. Scholarships available. Students do not have to speak a second language, and they can earn credit toward their degree. Visit international.business.appstate.edu.

Insurance Career Fair Scheduled for Feb. 26, and hosted by the Brantley Center and members of the AppState Gamma Iota Sigma chapter. The fair is for students interested in securing jobs in the insurance industry. Visit insurance.appstate.edu.

Feb/March

sunday

monday 22

tuesday 23

wednesday 25

friday

thursday

Student Compos- RMI Career Fair, 1 ers Recital, 8 p.m., p.m., Boyles Lobby, Rosen Concert Hall, Peacock Hall free 17th Annual Polar Painting class, 7-9 Plunge, 3 p.m., Duck p.m., Turchin Center, Preferred Parking Comedy Tour, Pond free for students 8 p.m., Price Lake, PSU, $3 iLead Seminar: Goal David Gee, cello, Setting, 5 p.m., and Lynn Mackey, piano guest recital, Battle of the Bands, Three Top Moun6 p.m., Recital Hall, 9:30 p.m., Legends, tain, PSU $3 free “Fury” screening, 7 “Thin Ice” screening, “Jaws” screening, p.m. and 9:30 p.m., 7 p.m., Greenbriar, I.G. Greer, $2 7 p.m., I.G. Greer, PSU, $1 free

1 Katherin Archer Student Violin Recital, 2 p.m., Recital Hall, free Benjamin Bradburn Student Saxophone Recital, 4 p.m., Recital Hall, free Doug Poteat Student Horn Recital, 8 p.m., Recital Hall, free

2 Midterms

Tai Chi, 5 p.m., Turchin Center, free for students

saturday

Skate Through Time, 5:30 p.m., Grandfather Mountain Ballroom, PSU, free

“Jaws” screening, 7 p.m., Greenbriar, PSU, $1

Midterms

Tai Chi, 5 p.m., Turchin Center, free for students

Coffee with a Cop, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., PSU near information desk, free

Krista Lounsbury & Robert Steinhour Student Voice Recital, 8 p.m., Recital Hall, free

“E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial” screening, 7 p.m., Greenbriar, PSU, $1

Turchin Center Lecture Series: Les Caison III, 7 p.m., Turchin Center, free “E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial” screening, 7 p.m., Greenbriar, PSU, $1

“Fury” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2

FAFSA Day, 9 a.m.noon, Oﬃce of Courtney Russ, Student Financial student horn recital, Aid, second ﬂoor, 6 p.m., Recital Hall, John Thomas Hall, free register at www. cfnc.org “Fury” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2

Midterms

Grant Smith Student Trombone Recital, 6 p.m., Recital Hall, free

sports

Obacha recognized as community leader by Brooks Maynard

Intern Sports Reporter

pp State men’s basketball junior forward Michael Obacha has helped make a difference on and off the court during his time at the university, ranking third in the Southern Conference in rebounding during the 2013-14 season and maintaining a GPA above 3.0. But perhaps the most important difference Obacha has made is in the community. It all started with the help of the Access to Success foundation, through which Obacha started and maintained the Michael Obacha Shoe Drive to collect shoes to send home to children in his native country of Nigeria. With donations, Obacha has helped to distribute more than 700 pairs of shoes to the children of his nation. While in Nigeria to give out the shoes, Obacha also participated in the Access to Success youth basketball programs. As announced earlier this month, Obacha’s work has earned him a spot on the Allstate Good Works Team for the 2014-15 season. Obacha is one of five ath-

letes from NCAA Division I to be chosen for the award. The driving force for Obacha’s charity is simply seeing other people’s happiness. “I grew up without a lot of things like playing basketball without shoes, so I decided to see what I could do to help kids not go through what I went through,” Obacha said. “It brings me joy to see other people happy.” Obacha’s participation in the basketball program dominates much of his time, but when adding large amounts of volunteer work, time management becomes an issue, Obacha said. To battle that, Obacha simply keeps a level head. “It’s hard, but once you put your mind to do something, no matter how difficult it is, you’re still going to find a way,” Obacha said. “I always find a way to get it done.” As for his contributions on the court, fifth-year senior forward Tommy Spagnolo said Obacha is a very positive presence for the Mountaineers. “Obacha is one of the most respectful guys I know,” Spagnolo said. “He’s a vocal leader and when he says something on the court, people listen because of what he does off the court.”

Cory Spiers

App State junior forward Michael Obacha defends Troy’s senior guard Musa Abdul-Aleem.

First year head coach Jim Fox said having Obacha on the team is like having a coach on the floor and that his leadership helps inspire both veterans and young players. “Michael is a guy that the younger guys look up to and

even the older guys look up to for all of the things that he does,” Fox said. Obacha has appeared in 21 games since missing the first four games of the season with an injury. He will suit up again Thursday against Georgia Southern in Boone.

In new role, Clarke exceeds expectations by Colin Tate

Intern Sports Reporter

After playing only 11 minutes for the Mountaineers all of last season, junior guard Dustin Clarke has exceeded expectations this season in an expanded role, starting 20 games while averaging 20 minutes per game. Clarke is shooting better than 30 percent from 3-point range and is leading the team in free throw percentage. He is also the third-leading rebounder on the team, despite playing the guard position. While people outside of App State’s locker room may not have seen this coming, many of Clarke’s teammates did. “He worked extremely hard, so, coming into this season, I expected nothing less than what he’s doing now,” junior guard Frank Eaves said. Clarke knew he would have an expanded role this season, and he was ready to contribute in any way. “I just expected to work hard and give everything I had and hopefully be able to help the team win,” Clarke said. Along with more experience and a hard-working attitude, a switch in the coaching staff also helped Clarke see more playing time. “They do a great job, and

Cory Spiers

Junior guard Dustin Clarke handles the ball and prepares to make a pass against Troy this season. Clarke is averaging more than 20 minutes per game for the Mountaineers.

I like the motion we run,” Clarke said. “I feel like it fits our whole team really well.” While Clarke aims to improve in every area of his game, he noted that his defense is one area he has really focused on in particular. “Defensively, he continues to improve,” Eaves said. “From the guards, we all need to improve defensively, but I’ve seen a big improvement from him in that aspect of the game.” Clarke’s practice habits are one reason for his all-around improvement, Eaves said. “Dustin is intense every practice,” Eaves said. “If he could stay out there and get

every rep of every drill then he would. That’s a big part of Dustin. He’s always ready to work.” That energy doesn’t just stay on the practice court though. The enthusiasm Clarke brings ignites other players in games, too. “Sometimes I think I lack energy, and I can look at him and be like, ‘Dustin’s bringing it, so I need to go ahead and bring it to pick up my team,’” Eaves said. “In that aspect, he’s really helped me.” Aside from his energy, Clarke has maintained a great work ethic throughout his time at App State, and it

has enabled him to become a regular contributor to the team. Clarke’s motto remains a simple one, though – to be the best player he can be. Thanks to hard work and a positive attitude, the Sun Belt is getting a glimpse at a completely new Clarke – one that didn’t let a drastically larger role rattle him this season. “We all knew what Dustin was capable of,” said fifthyear senior forward Tommy Spagnolo. “We practiced with him every day last year. He just didn’t really get his opportunity. Now that he has, he’s making the most of it. I’m proud of him.”

Freshman forward finds mentor in senior captain by Chris Warner Sports Reporter

As a freshman, adjusting to the busy schedule required of student-athletes can be difficult. But the process has been a bit easier this season for App State men’s basketball freshman forward Griffin Kinney, as he and fifth-year senior forward and captain Tommy Spagnolo have formed a bond that has helped assimilate Kinney. Both forwards hover around 6 feet, 8 inches tall, and weigh somewhere around 225 pounds, but Kinney said the bond was likely built on circumstances rooted deeper than that. “We both weren’t highly recruited out of high school,” Kinney said. “We kind of take the underdog mentality every time we get on the court.” Spagnolo walked on to the team in 2012 after transferring from Radford University, where he played one season. Kinney committed to App State after a year at Fork Union Military Academy, where he also played one season. “‘Griff’ is like a little broth-

er to me,” Spagnolo said. “He’s really tough. I knew that from day one. It’s fun, it’s kind of like a sparring partner.” Spagnolo, who currently leads the Mountaineers with 7.4 rebounds per game and a 51 percent field-goal percentage, has always let his tough style of play speak for itself- something Kinney said he has admired since joining the team. “He plays real tough,” Kinney said, “When he gets the ball in the paint, he’s either going to get fouled or finish. It’s just real tough, blue-collar basketball and it’s something I like.” Kinney has appeared in 24 games and is averaging 15.5 minutes per game, 3.6 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game. Junior guard Frank Eaves said that the relationship between the two forwards has had a noticeable impact on Kinney. “Each and every day when he’s on the court, I know ‘Griff’s gonna bring the toughness just like Tommy,” Eaves said. “I think he’ll continue to improve offensively and defensively, but espe-

Cory Spiers

(Left to right) Fifth-year senior forward Tommy Spagnolo, freshman guard Landon Goesling and freshman forward Griﬃn Kinney watch the action from the bench against Troy.

cially on defense, ‘Griff’ will guard anybody, you know. He doesn’t have a problem putting his body on the line, much like Tommy.” Kinney said he hopes to be a similar type of player when he is Spagnolo’s age. “I like how he finishes at the rim and he’s real tough

Last season’s success should inspire high hopes for football by Nick Joyner

Senior Sports Reporter

It didn’t result in another national championship, but last season’s App State football season should give fans hope. With spring practices ongoing, it’s never too early to start thinking about next season. Two seasons ago, App State finished 4-8 and exited the Southern Conference on an extremely sour note. The campaign started even worse, as the Mountaineers started out 1-6 with home losses to NC A&T, Charleston Southern and Samford. With seven SoCon championships since 2005, App State isn’t used to hanging around the bottom of conference standings. Surely a team that struggled to compete at an FCS level would get obliterated at the FBS level - college football’s highest division, right? Wrong. Although last season began eerily similar with one win in App State’s first six games, the Mountaineers rebounded with six consecutive wins to close out the 2014 season. Despite the massive increase in competition, App State recorded three more wins playing FBS schools as a member of the Sun Belt Conference, than they did a year before playing FCS schools in the SoCon. Being able to make the leap from the FCS level to the FBS level is no small task. Just two

seasons ago, App State was losing to teams such as Furman and The Citadel. Fast forward to 2014, and this App State team is not only competing at a higher level - they are beating higher level teams. The Mountaineers traveled to Arkansas State and Louisiana in consecutive weeks and came away with two convincing road victories. Arkansas State played – and lost to Toledo 63-44 – in a bowl game and Louisiana went undefeated in Sun Belt play outside of the loss to App State. That same Ragin’ Cajuns team also nearly rattled off nine consecutive victories and nearly won the Sun Belt Championship, but the Mountaineers put a stop to both of those feats during a 35-16 road victory. The Ragin’ Cajuns went on to defeat Nevada in the New Orleans Bowl, 16-3. The point of all of this is that despite the disappointing 2013 season, what App State accomplished down the stretch during Sun Belt play last season was remarkable. Instead of stepping back and saying “Hey, maybe the FBS level is a bit over our heads,” App State turned things around and looked like a force to be reckoned with. The future is bright for Mountaineer football, so even if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, the 2015 season doesn’t officially begin until Sept. 5 at Kidd Brewer Stadium.

in the paint,” Kinney said. “I want be able to do that, and play on the wing when I’m his age. I guess the little brother has to take over the big brother some time.” Both players also acknowledged there are many things each can continue to improve upon this season, but Kinney

noted one area in particular he thought the captain could work on. “Tommy can improve on smiling,” Kinney said. “The kid needs to smile more.” Spagnolo, Kinney and the rest of the Mountaineers hit the court again Thursday to face Georgia Southern.