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Alabama names first Democratic senator in 20 years

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By: Olivia Wile
Twitter: o_wile
Email: wileo@findlay.edu

It has been quite a controversial year for politics. From the election of President Donald J. Trump to the recent election in Alabama, the race for office remains interesting.

Last month, Doug Jones was elected senator of Alabama. This is the first time in over 20 years the state has named a Democratic senator.

In addition to the transition in power of political parties, the election also accumulated quite the controversy as sexual assault allegations emerged against Republican Candidate Roy Moore. However, University of Findlay Professor of History Mark Polelle, Ph.D explains that such claims were not the only influence on the election.

“I think the controversy definitely had to do with the sexual misconduct allegations against Moore,” Polelle said. “Even if these did not come up, Moore was already a controversial figure in Alabama.”

According to the Fox News article, “Roy Moore’s sexual assault allegations cloud Alabama special Senate election,” the initial allegations against Moore accused him of inappropriately touching a 14-year-old girl while in his 30s. This lead to additional women coming forward with their own sexual misconduct allegations against Moore.

Though being asked by multiple leading Republicans to step down from his campaign, President Trump and Former Chief Strategist Steve Bannon stood by him. Moore denied all claims and continued with the race.
“It seems that in the political arena, to say that something is not true is simply not good enough. So let me be clear. I have never provided alcohol to minors, and I have never engaged in sexual misconduct,” Moore remarked.
Along with Dr. Polelle, Fox states that Moore has been a controversial figure long before the allegations. In 2005, he stated that homosexual conducts should be illegal while also stating Muslims shouldn’t be able to serve in Congress. Moore also supported the claims that former President Barack Obama was not born in America.

As Jones went on to defeat Moore by about 20,000 votes, the question lies what will be next for the state of Alabama with this change in senate.

“The long-term significance is that the Bannon wing of the party is weakened while the McConnell establishment wing of the GOP is strengthened when it comes to picking GOP candidates to run,” Polelle explained. “Jones will be in office two years before he is up for re-election.”

CAC gears up for Relay for Life

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By: Cory Berlekamp
Twitter: @Cberlekamp
Email: berlekampc@findlay.edu

Relay for Life is coming up in March at the University of Findlay and the Colleges Against Cancer group is already gearing up to make this event their most successful one yet.

The CAC has hosted the event for the last 10 years and has made it their mission to reach goals every event. Along with reaching their goals, each year they have set the bar higher for funds reached and people in attendance. Jenn Darling, a senior at the University of Findlay and president of the CAC, was very grateful to see a rise in participation at the University’s Relay for Life event.

“It actually started out in the AMU and they walked the halls,” said Darling. “Now we are in the indoor track with over 600 participants which is awesome. It’s just amazing the support we have.”

Relay for Life started in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt wished to raise money for his local charity in Washington. Klatt did so by walking around a track, effectively raising awareness and $27,000. Since then, Relay for Life has become one of the biggest charity events in the world.

“Relay for Life symbolizes cancer does not stop so neither do we, so we try to suggest that every team has someone walking throughout the day to resemble this,” Darling said.

This year’s event is on Saturday, March 24 starting at 1 p.m. and will be held at the Koehler Fitness Center. It is an open invitation for anyone who would like to attend the event. If interested, people must register themselves or a team on the Relay for Life website.

“We invite all of the students if in their life they had someone effected by cancer,” said Darling. “Everyone can come, they just have to register a team and family, friends and kids are welcome to come.”

The event lasts around six hours and begins with a lap honoring those who have survived their battle with cancer. It ends with a ceremony and a luminaria for all those who lost their fight.

“It’s a really emotional moment seeing the survivors, they fought to walk, that is their moment to shine,” said Darling. “The luminaria is also very emotional. Each one resembles someone who fought cancer. We turn down the lights and we take a moment and reflect on our time and memories to honor those who have lost their battle, those that continue, and those that have won.”

Last year, the CAC raised $37,000 with their Relay for Life event, an increase from the $33,000 raised the previous year. The success of the group has not gone unnoticed by the American Cancer Society as this year they were awarded with the Nationwide Mission Integration Award. Their community partner, Allison Boesel, submitted their group to be recognized by the American Cancer Society.

“We put a lot of heart and sweat into this and it is really good to see our hard work paying off especially with this award,” said Darling. “We really focus on our mission moment at every meeting and we really want to share the word of awareness and prevention.”

The next Colleges Against Cancer meeting is on Jan. 17 at 4:30 p.m. in the Rosewood room. If anyone is interested in joining the group they can email Jen Darling at darling@findlay.edu or stop by the health center where they will provide information on the CAC.

Dance marathon takes over UF

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By: Abigail Frye
Twitter: @Abigail_EF
Email: fryea@findlay.edu

Once again, Dance Marathon takes over the University of Findlay. The annual event sponsored by Circle K International was hosted on Saturday, Nov. 11 in the Fitness and Recreation Complex (FRC).

With goals of raising both money and awareness to childhood diseases and cancer for Toledo Mercy Children’s Hospital, participants succeeded raising a grand total of $40,967.51.

There were multiple events held throughout the night. Miracles stories from kids of Mercy Hospital were shared, a silent auction was conducted, hair was donated for Wigs for Kids, Jordie Rob performed for all of the dancers, and the big reveal for how much was raised ended the Dance Marathon. All activities and additional games lasted from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Upon arrival at Dance marathon, Serena Parlette, a junior education major and committee member, says that participants received wristbands, which symbolized the hospital bands that the children receive.

“At the end of the night, the miracle children come around and cut our wristbands off to symbolize us leaving the hospital,” said Parlette.

Madison McGonigal, a senior pre-vet major and committee member, also attended Dance Marathon and speaks well of the attendance. “We always want to see more people, but we had a really good turnout,” said McGonigal.

The highest amount of money raised for the kids of Mercy Hospital was from Alysa Martin, who raised over $1,800.

Money was not the only donation given for Dance Marathon. Over 30 people donated at least four inches of hair for Wigs for Kids in which gives back to children affected by the hair loss of chemotherapy treatments for cancer.

The celebration of Dance Marathon also acted as remembrance of Kalie Fisher, a miracle child at Toledo Mercy Children’s Hospital, who passed away on Aug. 24, 2017. If a person raised over $1,600, they became a part of Kalie Klub.

The most memorable moments of the night for the dancing participants included the miracle stories of the kids and the big reveal, along with the tribute to the late Fisher.

For future Dance Marathons, both McGonigal and Parlette say they’d like to see an increase in participation. “I want to get more participation and get clubs that will make a difference,” said McGonigal.

Colds sweep campus

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By: Jacob Sarver
Twitter: @Senatorsarver
Email: sarverj@findlay.edu

There seems to be an increase in those suffering different cold symptoms at the University of Findlay. Not only here in Hancock county but across Ohio, viruses have been hitting towns rapid. Cosiano Health Center is working to keep students healthy while a majority of campus is suffering from different health issues.

There are a variety of different health concerns around campus. Students and faculty have expressed issues with an out break of pink eye in the weight room, while others are addressing issues of normal cold symptoms and viral issues coming from all around the area.

Katie Menssen, a junior occupation therapy major, only experienced her illness for a day. “I heard there was sickness going around campus and truly not even 24 hours later was sick.” This viral sensation has been spreading quite rapidly. Some have experiencing illness for longer times than others.

Menssen, however, did not have prolonged illness and only experienced symptoms for a day. “The illness symptoms I had were not what others had been experiencing. I only experienced nausea and sneezing while I know of friends bed ridden for the day. Luckily I may have only gotten the normal sick symptoms but this virus of sorts has been spreading rapid.”

Julia Smith, an education major at the University, has experienced cold symptoms as well. Hers have been prolonged. She has also experienced the same symptoms a lot of students on campus have.

“This has been going on for over a week,” she said “I have been having all the normal flu symptoms, plus drowsiness and even having nausea and symptoms you’d expect with something that would be more serious than a normal cold.”

Smith says this sickness is taking more of a toll on her than most illness. “It has been harder to get up and do things along with school work,” Smith explained. “I have been less motivated when it comes to things that are required of me. The reason being I have had serious congestion, headaches and a persistent cough. The cold symptoms I have are more extreme than anything I have normally had; I can normally work through a cold but whatever I have has been draining.”

The issues on campus seem consistent around Ohio right now with those at Kent State and The University of Akron having similar issues as well.

Daiysa Hadden, junior at Kent State, says pink eye has been going around their campus as well.

“Pink eye has been wide spread with friends of mine having it as well,” said Hadden. “I was in so much pain.”

If you are experiencing any issues pertaining to your health Cosiano Health Center at the University is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with no appointment necessary. No matter the health concern, there will be a nurse to assist you.

Fall art walk

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By: Cory William Berlekamp
Twitter: @cberlekamp
Email: coryberlekamp1@gmail.com

Couple looking at Art on Nov. 1

On the evening of Friday, Nov. 3, the Findlay community came out to take in the sights and smells of Downtown during the Fall Art Walk.

Hosted by the Arts Partnership, the Art Walk, which ran from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. showcased local visual and performing artists in different establishments throughout the Downtown area. With over 35 artists to visit in 22 studios, restaurants and shops, there was plenty to see and do during the Findlay Art Walk.

Although the Arts Partnership hosts a variety of fundraising and community activities throughout the year, Executive Director Peggy Grandbois thinks the walks are a great way to bring the community together.

“It’s hard to tell how many people come but it is at least a 1000, the streets are crowded,” Grandbois said. “Of course it depends on the weather, but people put on a coat or pop open an umbrella because they really look forward to this.”

The event encourages people to be a part of their community and helps promote culture in the area by hosting these artists. Kan Du Studios, located on 328 West Main Cross St., was showcasing Artist Jodi Hassan. With this being her first time participating, the photographer and painter was happy not just to visit the walk, but to be a part of it.

“I happened to get lucky enough to get a slot here during art walk,” said Hassan. “I’ve been to art walks but this is my first year showing here. I’m excited and interested to hear what everyone has to say.”

With the different kinds of artists being showcased around the establishments, there is a niche for everyone in attendance. The mixture of performing artists, photographers, painters, sculptors, and mixed media composers promote a feeling of community rather than the traditional atmosphere of a museum.

“The diversity of the performers and the artists is fascinating because you don’t typically see these people during the week,” said Grandbois. “It’s nice to see how many artists we have in our community.”

Taking a break at Coffee Amici on Main St. from the action, Paige Rosselet and her friend Julian Escobar were enjoying a warm drink before venturing back out.
“Everything is just really gorgeous and brings a really good emotional stance in each room that you go in to,” Rosselet said. “You come across people that share the same interests as you and it feels good to actually talk to them about that.”

While sipping from his coffee, Escobar agreed.

“It’s about the diversity and being open, and definitely enjoying themselves and not worrying about the material things in life,” Escobar said. “With art you can do whatever you want with it and people can’t judge you for it.”

With the University of Findlay being only a few blocks away, Grandbois thinks that “the community would love to see the students come downtown” and so would the artists.

“It is always nice seeing the students out and about and seeing everything Findlay has to offer outside of the University,” said Hassan.

The walk is free for everyone and happens every first Friday in November and May with the next one being on May 4. Grandbois encourages people to take part in these walks among the other free concerts and fundraising events they host throughout the year.

Anyone looking for information regarding these events or the Arts Partnership can call them at 419-422-4624 or visit their website at artspartnership.com.

New medicinal garden

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By: Alexis Mitchell
Email – mitchella2@findlay.edu
Twitter – @alexismitch1

Deborah Berlekamp, assistant professor of pharmacy, recently took a trip to Japan with the University and saw something that she thought UF was missing; a medicinal garden.
“I thought, why don’t we have one?” said Berlekamp.
What people might not know is that a lot of schools in the country have medicinal and herb gardens. Ohio Northern is an example. They have campus-wide meetings where students actively participate in the research of the herbs in their gardens. This also inspired Berlekamp to start a garden here in Findlay.
The garden will be located by the Buford center close to where the Japanese garden currently is. The greenhouse that does the landscaping for the University of Findlay, Stratton Greenhouse, will also be contributing the herbs for the garden.
So far there are 25-30 plants picked out to go in the garden. Berlekamp says that picking the plants was definitely a process. She had to look at their maintenance, how much sunlight they need, and just how to take care of them in general.
There will also be benches, arches, a shade tree, signs describing the plants, and a walk way.
Not only will the new medicinal garden be a good place for students to go unwind, but it was designed for research purposes as well. Berlekamp says that pharmaceutical medicine derived from natural things and nature, so she hopes that pharmacy students will be able to see that in the garden.
However, she still invites students, and faculty from all majors to come and enjoy the garden or do research.
“I want it to be a beautiful, peaceful place,” Berlekamp said.
The garden will be started this semester, but the plants will not be planted until the spring. Berlekamp is currently looking for volunteers to help start working on the garden.
If you are interested, contact her at berlekamp@findlay.edu. In the near future Berlekamp will be starting her own herb club as well.