The Appalachian October 9, 2020

The Appalachian

October 9, 2020

Tourists in their own town

Super 8 hotel used as COVID-19 quarantine space for App State students Gianna Holiday | Associate News Editor Jake Markland | Reporter

An anonymous student who was housed in the Boone Super 8 hotel during their quarantine after contracting COVID. Students are unable to leave their room during isolation and a full day’s worth of meals are dropped off to them once a day by App State staff.

Jesse Barber

Instead of hosting High Country tourists and travelers passing through Boone, Super 8 hotel on Highway 105 is hosting App State students in COVID-19 isolation and quarantine.

In an agreement with App State, Boone’s Super 8 hotel houses students who have contracted COVID-19, or who have been exposed to it, to prevent further spread. App State booked all of the rooms and members of the public cannot currently stay there.

“In order to successfully isolate or quarantine, you really want to have a single bedroom, single bathroom setup,” said Ellen Grulke, interim director of case management at App State.

Super 8 provides a standard hotel room and space for one person per room so those quarantining are able to have that single bedroom, single bathroom environment.

A representative from the Office of the Dean of Students informed two students who tested positive for COVID-19 that they had to go home or be moved into the hotel.

The students, who asked to remain anonymous, chose the Super 8 to avoid infecting their families at home. They were instructed to move into the hotel rooms as soon as possible.

Grulke said that the office understands it isn’t convenient for students to pack up and leave, so they give them “space and time” to pack up their belongings.

App State also has additional, undisclosed off-campus locations for isolation and quarantine if the Super 8 fills up, Grulke said. As of Oct. 2, App State is using 28% of its total quarantine space, according to an email update from Chancellor Sheri Everts.

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State, county and local voter guide

Coffee fans “fall” into the season with more current caffeine

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A number of students in the Super 8 come from on-campus housing. Grulke said off-campus students who don’t have access to a single bedroom, single bathroom environment can get a room as well. Students are not charged for their stay at the hotel while isolating.

Quarantine or isolation in the Super 8 usually lasts 10 days but can change depending on a student’s condition.

“It’s all circumstantial with how long their isolation or quarantine is and that’s usually determined by public health,” Grulke said.

There is a structured line of communication between students in rooms and the lobby, in case they need anything such as water or medicine.

“There were times where I called down where I just didn’t get anybody,” a student in quarantine at the Super 8 said.

Case managers, tasked with keeping students informed throughout their stay, are assigned to each student in quarantine or isolation.

The first student said they called AppHealthCare every other day and asked to be transferred to their case manager, but they never picked up even when they called three to four times a day.

Students admitted into the Super 8 for quarantine and isolation are re-

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quired to sign an isolation order. In the contract from AppHealthCare, students are instructed to remain at the Super 8 and obtain approval before leaving. Also in the contract are instructions on what to do if a student develops further symptoms or requires medical attention.

Doors to the outside remain locked and individual room doors have tape over them to ensure no one leaves.

The first student said they enjoyed watching football on the large television. The second said every problem they had was fixed easily and in a reasonable amount of time.

The second student also said they always had enough food and always got a call when it arrived outside their room door.

Every day between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., App State staff members bring students in quarantine that day’s dinner and the following day’s breakfast and lunch.

The first student reported being given packaged oatmeal for every breakfast. For every lunch, he got a roast beef and cheese sandwich and an apple.

For dinner, students receive their only hot meal of the day, but both reported theirs being cold upon arrival.

The first student said he had to heat his up in the microwave every night.

The second source sent a picture

to The Appalachian, featuring a dinner of chicken, rice and vegetables along with half a dozen snacks and a note reading “Compliments of Chancellor Sheri Everts.”

Grulke said case managers have been talking with students about food preferences.

“We don’t want students to dread getting their meals,” Grulke said.

The first source reported plumbing issues at the beginning of his stay.

“I was sitting and doing my homework at the desk and I heard water coming from the bathroom,” they said. “Not even two hours of me being there, the water was overflowing from the toilet.”

One hour later, they were moved out of his original room into a new one.

“Neither rooms had hot water,” they said. “I had to turn on the sink and the shower to get any hot water.

Even then, the hot water only stayed on for a minute.”

Grulke encouraged students who are concerned about the quality of their stay to reach out to The Office of the Dean of Students, adding that they understand how stressful isolation or quarantine can be and they want to help students cope.

Aside from those already in the Super 8, The case managers are reaching out to anyone who reports a COVID-19 concern, according to

Grulke.

Grulke said individuals who have been identified as a close contact, whether or not they are symptomatic, should report it to the Office of the Dean of Students. Grulke said the office will connect that student with the services to make sure that they are able to quarantine and isolate appropriately.

There is no formal check-out process from the Super 8, but students must email their case manager in the Office of the Dean of Students one business day prior to checking out to allow time to coordinate transportation or support needs.

Grulke emphasized that the App State community must take COVID-19 seriously, noting it is currently more important than ever with a rise in active student cases and the death of sophomore Chad Dorrill.

“Everybody who is a part of our campus community needs to wear a mask, wash your hands and be six feet apart from each other,” Grulke said.

“It’s not ideal but if we don’t take that seriously people will be harmed in some way.”

An anonymous student who was quarantined in Super 8 hotel due to contracting COVID. Students who have contracted COVID and have no other options for a single room and single bathroom environment are given the option to stay at the Super 8 hotel.

Jesse Barber

News

Oct. 9, 2020

App State offers solutions for mental health during the Ethan Hunt | Reporter App State has implemented a program to provide students easily accessible mental health services during the pandemic.

Let’s TeleTalk, launched Aug. 25, is a program that provides students 20-minute video conference consultations with professional counselors on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Let’s TeleTalk is the virtual version of App State’s Let’s Talk, which was modeled after one of the same name developed at Cornell University. Nearly 100 universities have adopted the program, according to the Cornell Health website.

The goal of the program is to increase access for mental health assistance for students who may not want ongoing counseling, but do want to speak briefly with a professional counselor.

Let’s TeleTalk provides students the opportunity to gain a counselor’s perspective about a specific problem, to ask about how to help a friend or to simply give students the experience of talking with a counselor if they have never tried it.

The service is free and does not require an appointment, said Chris Hogan, director of the Counseling and Psychological Services Center.

“In particular, we know that some cultures historically use counseling less, so we wanted to offer a type of service that some students may feel more comfortable accessing,” Hogan said.

The Counseling Center encourages students to use the Let’s Teletalk service and assures them that no problem is too small to discuss with a counselor.

“If you are not sure if your problem is worth discussing in counseling, drop in to one of our Let’s Talk sessions. You might be able to address a problem there, or the counselor can talk with you about whether ongoing counseling could be helpful,” Hogan said.

COVID-19 related stresses are another problem the Counseling Center and the Let’s TeleTalk program can assist with.

“My mental health has definitely taken a toll during the pandemic,” said Erika Amundson, a sophomore.

“Coming back to college and not being able to go into my normal routine really threw me off and caused a spike in my anxiety.”

The Counseling Center has experienced other students with similar feelings.

“Students accessing the Counseling Center have shared that COVID-19 has impacted them in ways such as lower motivation and increased feelings of isolation and loneliness, among several other impacts,” Hogan said.

Although there is no limit and the number of times a student can attend Let’s TeleTalk sessions, it is not designed to be used as a substitute for long-term counseling. The Counseling and Psychological Services website states. However, Let’s TeleTalk counselors can help students secure long-term formal counseling.

Almost all of the services offered by the Counseling Center this semester will be virtual due to the pandemic.

“I don’t think it (virtual counseling) would be as effective as in-per-

son counseling,” said junior Kyle Lacourse. Other students may share Lacourse’s opinion, but mental health professionals would disagree.

“There is good research that supports the use of telemental health as an effective means of treatment.

Given the current health risks with face-to-face meetings, this seems the best option under the current circumstances,” Hogan said.

An article published in scientific journal Acta Informatica Medica confirms this statement. The systematic review concluded that “Telemental health care can provide effective and adaptable solutions to the care of mental illnesses universally.”

Students may also have concerns about privacy, as online platforms could be less secure than talking to someone in-person. But, the Counseling Center assures students that their sessions will be private.

“For any of our confidential services, such as individual or group counseling, the Counseling Center uses video software specifically designed for telehealth and the high

confidentiality needed for telemental health counseling,” Hogan said.

The Counseling Center plans to return to in-person operations when they are able to. The Let’s Talk program may also expand to more in-person locations in the future when COVID-19 restrictions ease.

“We have also talked about partnering with other departments or buildings to offer Let’s Talk around other parts of campus, such as the west side of campus,” Hogan said.

The Counseling Center encourages students to go to counseling. appstate.edu to learn more about the services they provide. Students interested in getting started with services can call 828-262-3180 to schedule an initial consultation by phone.

“One death is too many:” Davis-Hunter Administration, UNCCharlotte SGA address App State student death from COVID-19 Emily Broyles | News Editor UNC-Charlotte and App State Student Government Association’s are acknowledging the death of an App State student who died from COVID-19 complications Sept. 28.

Sophomore Chad Dorill was taken off life support after battling the virus for around two weeks. His death has made state and national news, being one of the few coronavirus deaths of a university student in the country.

The Davis-Hunter Administration released a statement on its In-

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stagram account addressed to “fellow Mountaineers,” echoing Dorill’s family wishes of limiting in-person interaction, washing hands and wearing masks on and off campus.

“Our actions affect so many more people than ourselves, and it is important for us to remember that just because we cannot see the impact of our actions, they are still there,” the statement read.

SGA acknowledged Boone’s rising COVID-19 case count and said while young people can contract the

virus and are at a lower risk, they are not immune.

“COVID-19 is not the flu, it is not a hoax… One death from COVID-19 is too many, and we have and will continue to work tirelessly to keep this campus as safe as possible by advocating and working alongside university administrators, Staff and Faculty senates, the Town of Boone, and off-campus businesses and landlords,” the statement read.

The Davis-Hunter Administration wrote that while “COVID-19 fa-

tigue” has affected students, they encourage students to persevere and remain vigilant.

“We pride ourselves on creating a community and culture of care on this campus adn in this town, and we must continue in our efforts and pursuits to accomplish this, together,” the administration wrote.

UNC-Charlotte’s SGA also passed a resolution “expressing regret and sorrow at the passing of Mr. Chad Dorrill of Appalachian State University” Oct. 1.

“The Student Government Association wishes to express the sympathy of itself and the UNC Charlotte community to the Appalachian State University Community and Mr. Dorrill’s family,” according to the resolution.

The resolution was signed by Dick Beekman, President Pro Tempore of the Student Senate, and UNC-Charlotte student body president Tahlieah Sampson.

SPECIAL SECTION: 2020 VOTER GUIDE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS All candidate questions and answers can be found online at www.theappalachianonline.com

Moss Brennan | Political Editor Abi Pepin | Senior Political Correspondent

DISTRICT 1 CARRINGTON PERTALION

(D)

Provided bio: My name is familiar to many: I have been providing health care to women in Watauga County for more than 25 years as a public health nurse, as an owner of a private medical practice, and now as an Advanced Practice Nurse at Harmony Center for Women. I have retired from obstetrics after delivering more than 1,500 babies and now continue to provide gynecological, contraceptive and prenatal needs to women across their lifespan. In health care, you learn the importance of listening, viewing facts and circumstances, understanding options and seeking possible solutions. In working with others, a plan is developed, making adjustments when necessary. Much like any group or committee, these skills can be invaluable. As a candidate for County Commission, I hope to serve more people in my community utilizing the skills I have learned as a health care provider in our county.

DISTRICT 2 JOHN

WELCH (D)

TODD

CASTLE (R)

Provided bio: My name is Todd Castle and I am running for Watauga County Commissioner. I have been married to my wife, Anissa, for 27 years. We are both multigenerational Watauga County natives. My family and I are members of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, where I have served as a deacon for 22 years. I also teach an adult Sunday school class. We have two sons: Hamilton, a senior finance major at Appalachian State University, who will graduate in December; Anderson is a freshman and is playing football for the Mountaineers and plans to major in business. I have been employed at Appalachian State University for the past 22 years as a network technician for the department of Information Technology and Infrastructure Systems.

Prior to my employment at Appalachian State University I was employed by Samaritan’s Purse as a Biomedical Equipment Technician for the World Medical Mission. For the past eight years I have had the pleasure of serving on the Watauga County Planning Board. The Watauga County Planning Board is made up of seven members appointed by the County Commissioners. We make recommendations regarding the development of comprehensive planning programs in the unincorporated area of the County, including implementation and revision of land use regulations. The Planning Board also acts as the review board for subdivision plat approval. I believe my experience with the Watauga County Planning board uniquely qualifies me for County Commissioner.

DISTRICT 5 CHARLIE

WALLIN (D)

Provided bio: I am a current Watauga County Commissioner. I have lived in the High Country for 30 years. I am married and have a 12-year-old daughter. We are members of Grace Lutheran Church, where I have entered my second term on church council. I work in Campus Dining at Appalachian and I was a political science major many years ago. I’m on numerous nonprofit boards in the area and volunteer my time as well with OASIS, Hunger and Health Coalition and Hospitality House. I have served on the Appalachian Board of Trustees as the staff representative.

BART KELLER

(R)

No bio provided.

BOARD OF EDUCATION Provided bio: I am a native of Watauga County and have worked for App State Athletics since 2001. I earned degrees from Wingate University, the United States Sports Academy and App State. I am married to Christy, a school counselor at a local elementary school, and have a 15-yearold daughter, Madison, and 8-year-old son, Cameron. I was elected to the Watauga County Board of Education in 2010 and the Watauga County Board of Commissioners in 2012 and 2016. I have been honored to serve as the chairman of the board since 2016. Anyone can contact me at John.welch@watgov.org.

MARSHALL ASHCRAFT

JASON K CORNETT

STEVE COMBS

RONALD HOLSTE

SPECIAL SECTION: 2020 VOTER GUIDE Economy: As part of building up the economy, Cooper has proposed the Rural Investments Strengthening Economies (RISE) Program which aims to revitalize rural communities and encourage companies to locate or expand to more rural areas in the state. Cooper is also pushing for more broadband internet access, especially in rural areas.

GOVERNOR

The following questions were sent to Dan Forest and Roy Cooper: 1. What does an effective health care system look like to you?

2. What plans do you have to boost North Carolina’s economy and address rising unemployment rates in the state?

3. How do you plan to address inequities related to testing for the Black community that is harshly affected by COVID-19?

ROY COOPER (D) (INCUMBENT)

Health care: Cooper wants to close the health care gap by expanding access to Medicaid, which he claims would cover over 500,000 people in the state, and bring more than $4 billion and 40,000 new jobs into the state’s economy. Cooper also believes expanding access to health care would help combat the drug crisis.

COVID-19: Cooper has maintained keeping the state closed during the coronavirus pandemic, only opening the economy in phases. Cooper has relied on state numbers to guide how the state can reopen. In a June press conference extending Phase 2, Cooper said, “We’re taking this pause right now to make sure we can level out our numbers before moving on. Everybody needs to get with this program to move our economy forward.”

DAN FOREST (R)

4. How do you plan to address unequal internet/broadband access across North Carolina?

5. Many students are concerned about student debt, do you have plans to address increasing student debt in the UNC System during the pandemic?

Economy: On his campaign website, Forest states “will rebuild our economy, retrain our workforce for the new economy, launch an aggressive apprenticeship initiative, recruit high-paying industries to North Carolina, and put our people back to work.” Forest also states that all parts of North Carolina have the infrastructure needed to help with job opportunities. “North Carolina needs a long-term vision to move forward, a plan to achieve this vision, and a new team of leaders to make it happen,” his website states.

Health care: Forest says he will focus on better health care access by incentivizing doctors to practice in rural communities. His campaign website states Forest will “work with the General Assembly and the State Treasurer to ensure more price transparency so citizens know how much prescription drugs and vital health services cost.” The site also claims he will “fight” to get those left off the coverage gap created by the Affordable Care Act.

Neither candidate responded to a request for responses. Instead, The Appalachian pulled information from their campaign or government websites.

COVID-19 Forest has vowed to repeal the statewide mask mandate and reopen schools if he is elected governor. “It’s time to open the classrooms back up. It’s time to allow parents to decide whether their kids should be in the classroom,” Forest said in an ABC11 News article. “The Plan A-B-C concept laid out by the governor was a failed plan. All over the state, parents are fed up by the virtual learning that Gov. Cooper’s plan has forced on North Carolina.” Forest also filed a lawsuit — which he later dropped — over Cooper’s executive orders as he tried to force the state to reopen.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE SENATE DISTRICT 45

All candidate questions and answers can be found online at www.theappalachianonline.com

DEANNA BALLARD (R) (INCUMBENT)

JEANNE SUPIN (D)

NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 93

All candidate questions and answers can be found online at www.theappalachianonline.com

RAY RUSSELL (D) (INCUMBENT)

RAY PICKETT (R)

SPECIAL SECTION: 2020 VOTER GUIDE CAL CUNNINGHAM (D)

Provided Bio: Cal Cunningham is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in North Carolina. Growing up in Lexington, Cal is a lifelong North Carolinian, dedicated to serving the people of the Tarheel State. After earning his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Cal became the youngest state senator, fighting for increased investment in public education, landmark clean air legislation, and campaign finance reform. After the attacks on September 11, 2001, Cal volunteered to join the U.S. Army Reserve and has since served three active duty tours, including overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. He now lives in Raleigh with his wife, Elizabeth, and his two kids, Caroline and Will.

1. The urgent need to improve access and bring down the cost of health care is one of the most frequent issues I hear about as I’m listening to North Carolinians in this campaign, especially as hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians have lost their health care during the pandemic. I believe that all North Carolinians should have access to quality and affordable care. In the Senate, I’ll fight to protect and expand the Affordable Care Act, expand Medicaid in North Carolina, create a public option, and work to lower the cost of prescription drugs through efforts like allowing Medicare to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies. And I’ll stand up against the politicians and special interests that want to repeal the Affordable Care Act, including working to stop the dangerous lawsuit pushed forward by Washington Republicans that would dismantle the Affordable Care Act and its protections for the 1.7 million North Carolinians that are living with pre-existing conditions.

1. Both Republicans and Democrats agree that (the Affordable Care Act) isn’t working. I support replacing Obamacare’s broken system with a market-based solution that lowers costs, expands choice, ensures protections for patients with preexisting conditions and allows individuals to be covered by their parents’ plan up to the age of 26. While in the Senate, I’ve worked to protect those with pre-existing conditions regardless of Obamacare’s future in the courts through the Protect Act. Over 150 million Americans receive health insurance from their employers and are perfectly happy with their coverage. I will never support a government takeover of our healthcare system that takes away your employer-sponsored coverage.

THOM TILLIS (R) (INCUMBENT)

U.S. SENATE

All candidate questions and answers can be found online at www.theappalachianonline.com

The following questions were sent to Thom Tillis and Cal Cunningham: 1. What does an effective health care system look like to you?

2. What plans do you have to boost North Carolina’s economy and address rising unemployment rates in the state?

3. How do you plan to address inequities related to testing for the black community that is harshly affected by COVID-19?

4. How do you plan to address unequal internet/broadband access across North Carolina?

2. The way to bolster North Carolinians economic prospects and decrease unemployment is to lower taxes and decrease regulatory burdens. I proved that to be true as Speaker of the House in North Carolina; I cut taxes and slashed regulations, which made our state’s economy one of the strongest in the nation. In the U.S. Senate, I did the same thing. I fought for strong trade policies that allow our small businesses and farmers to flourish, worked across the aisle to provide health care and employment opportunities to our veterans.

Through the pro-growth economic policies I have fought for, we achieved record-low unemployment for women and minorities and generated record high wage growth for blue-collar workers. Before this virus, I helped create one of the most prosperous economies in our nation’s history and I’ll never stop working until I do it again.

5. Many students are concerned about student debt, do you have plans to address increasing student debt in the UNC System during the pandemic?

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 5 All candidate questions and answers can be found online at www.theappalachianonline.com

VIRGINIA FOXX (R) (INCUMBENT)

DAVID WILSON BROWN (D)

JEFF GREGORY (C)

A&C

Oct. 9, 2020

BAND AND BUSINESS Relationship creates culture through music

David Brashier | Reporter

A

Lucas Triba performing with his band Speedball. The band created an inviting atmosphere for other bands at Noble Kava after meeting during an open mic night.

Kait Rous

Jake Hodges playing the guitar with Speedball. Local business, Noble Kava, and Speedball’s relationship was the foundation of a new culture in the Boone music scene.

Kait Rous

local guitarist attended an open mic night at Noble Kava in February 2018, seeking talent to form a band. It was there that he met two other musicians, and the trio formed the funk-rock/alternative group Speedball.

This chance encounter between Lucas Triba, Jake Hodges and Brendan Grove at the kratom bar’s open mic night was not merely the collaboration of three musicians forming a band; it was the beginning of a relationship between a band and a venue, and the foundation of a new culture in the Boone music scene.

“Looking back, the fact that we could all meet at one spot at the kava bar is beyond me,” said Triba, rhythm guitarist for Speedball. “We were lucky to have a venue, in the beginning, we could play one night a week at.”

Consistent weekly performances helped Speedball attain local popularity quickly. Realizing their influence early on, the goal became less about producing music and more about fostering community amongst other artists like themselves.

“We owe it to the Boone music scene and the musicians who really helped us,” said Grove, bassist for Speedball. “Having that community

and being able to network and talk to other musicians in the scene is really important for local artists.”

Though Speedball was privileged to headline a plethora of iconic Boone stages in their first year, their desire to support the music community took them back to where it all started: Noble Kava open mic nights.

“I credit Noble Kava for a lot of the great things in my life,” said Hodges, lead guitarist for Speedball.

“As a venue, they’ve been nothing but supportive of us. It’s an accepting environment for anyone to come out and play, whether it’s comedy, poetry, music, anything.”

Open mic nights at the bar gave creators a platform to showcase their talent who otherwise wouldn’t get a chance, Hodges said. Speedball wanted open mic nights at Noble Kava to not simply be an event, but a culture like the one that made their group a reality.

“Speedball put us on the map with open mic night,” said Jackson Grotophorst, the general manager at Noble Kava. “They really promoted the outsourcing of other bands and the connection of others that maybe hadn’t even heard of us. They took it to a whole ‘nother level.”

Grotophorst never had to encourage this sense of community around open mic night on his own, he said. It began with Speedball encouraging creators to share their art on stage. If a fledgling lyricist had a song but no music, Speedball would provide instrumentals themselves.

“It was something that people naturally gravitated toward in that space,” said Grotophorst. “Speedball helped orchestrate that.”

Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK Ansley Puckett A&C Editor

Graphic by Camryn Collier

As life gets busy, it’s easy to let all the stresses in life overwhelm you. Life can be rough, especially nowadays, but music can comfort those who are hurting. This week we put together a playlist of 12 songs to listen to when you are feeling down and need a little pick-me-up.

Take some time off, give yourself a mental health day and listen to this week’s playlist of the week, Comfort songs.

A&C

Oct. 9, 2020

Fall drinks in the

HIGH COUNTRY Coffee and a donut at the Local Lion. The High Country offers a wide array of seasonal drinks to enjoy this fall.

Kait Rous

David Brashier | A&C Editor

Kait Rous | Reporter

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Red, orange and yellow leaves aren’t the only perks of fall’s arrival: seasonal drinks and sweet treats go hand-inhand with the cool air. Pumpkin spice and everything nice topped with whipped cream and chai spice are just a few of the autumn flavors available around Boone. Whether you are in need of a warm hug or a cool refresher, coffee shops have exactly what you’re looking for.

Blue Deer Cookies The mouth-watering smell of coffee and cookies fills the air at Blue Deer Cookies on King Street. The cookie shop decorated their tables with pumpkins and added seasonal tastes to the ever-changing chalkboard menu. To satisfy fall cravings, pair a warm graham cracker cookie with a cup of pumpkin pie ice cream and sip on an iced pumpkin spice latte.

Boone Bagelry Down the street, coffee lovers can grab breakfast or lunch at Boone Bagelry and pair it with any of the many seasonal drinks available. From the creamy dulce de leche latte to the spiced pumpkin chai, the menu has an array of flavorful combinations to satisfy taste buds. Additionally, pumpkin cream cheese is available to smear on any bagel. To start off the crisp, fall mornings, try the hot and sweet dulce de leche latte or the s’mores mocha, and pair it with a bagel of your choice.

Hatchet Coffee Across town, Hatchet Coffee serves its twist on the season, offering “Smashing Pumpkin” lattes and nitro cold brews infused with their house-made pumpkin sauce. The “Pumpkin Scythe” smoothie offers a festive pick-me-up with its unique blend of banana, pumpkin pureé and maple. To top it all off, you can choose to add whipped cream and a sprinkle of chai spice to liven up any drink. Opt for the spiced whipped cream and enjoy a refreshing “Smashing Pumpkin” nitro cold brew.

Local Lion At Local Lion, freshly-made donuts sit behind the glass counter, waiting to be paired with a pumpkin spice latte.

Sweet orange treats made with pumpkin batter and topped with glaze or cinnamon sugar are among the wide array of goods available. Next to the pumpkin donuts lay the maple glazed, which are ideal with a cup of hot apple cider. Grab a friend, treat yourself to a hot latte and enjoy a few glazed pumpkin donuts.

Whether you are looking for coffee, chai spice or anything else nice to enjoy while planning your next fall activity, Boone is full of flavor. Pumpkin, caramel and maple drinks and treats are waiting for you to devour them. Right on time: leaves are changing, beanies are returning and seasonal drinks are making their way into the autumn sunlight!

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SNAPSHOT IN TIME

A&C

Oct. 9, 2020

Heritage tourism connects history and community

Taylor Osborne poses in period dress in front of Frazier cabin. The museum’s goal is to educate the community about the history of the area.

Savannah Brewer

Savannah Brewer | Reporter Tucked away in the heart of Boone is the Hickory Ridge Museum, where visitors can travel back in time to experience the rich history and deep roots of the High Country.

In the main office sits Marrena Greer, who can trace her local family history back to the days of the revolution.

“We’re here to educate about this region,” Marrena said in regard to the mission of Hickory Ridge.

Split-rail fences and fallen leaves give the museum’s six historic cabins a whimsical feel in the crisp fall weather. Many of the cabins were moved to the location beginning in the late 1950s, but have ties to Boone and its surrounding counties.

The museum outfitted the cabins to appear frozen in the 18th century.

“Each of our cabins portray a different theme,” Greer said. “In one cabin you’ll learn how people made their clothes; one cabin will discuss how a long hunter would have gone on his long hunt, like Daniel Boone.”

However, Greer is quick to remind listeners that Daniel Boone did not actually have a homestead in Boone, but passed through and hunted in the area.

Daniel Boone is not the only famous character drawing visitors to Heritage Ridge. The museum’s Frazier cabin, which is also the gift store, has recently gained popularity due to the Starz TV show “Outlander,” which follows fictional characters Jamie and Claire Fraser into the American frontier.

According to Greer, guests will show up asking to

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see “Jamie’s cabin.”

“I show them the Tatum cabin,” says Greer, “because I said, ‘look folks, Hollywood tells you one thing, but this is real life, this is what Jamie lived in.’”

The Tatum cabin portrays what everyday life was like for mountain pioneers. It is the oldest cabin on the grounds, and five generations of Tatums inhabited the cabin in nearby Todd.

Captain James Tatum, a soldier who fought in the American Revolution battle of King’s Mountain, built the cabin between 1775 and 1785.

“It’s never been changed since it was moved here, it’s always been portrayed as a home,” tour interpreter Taylor Osborne said.

Osborne is dressed in 18th-century style clothing and said they “try to keep it as 18th century as possible.”

Just as Greer can, Osborne can also trace his local family history back to the American Revolution.

Osborne’s favorite building at the museum is the tavern, Greer described how this building would “show the start of the community.” It was a place where fur traders and preachers would have stopped on their journeys. It was where settlers would get their supplies.

The museum is also home to the first outdoor American Revolution play in the country. The Southern Appalachian Historical Association has hosted the show since 1952.

Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com

Tatum cabin at the Hickory Ridge Museum. The museum outfitted the cabins to be frozen in the 18th century.

Savannah Brewer

Sports

Oct. 9, 2020

Goalie Kerry Eagleston and

women’s soccer display defensive prowess Ben Brady | Reporter

App State sophomore goalkeeper Kerry Eagleston prepares for a kick in the Mountaineers loss to Pitt on Sept. 13. She finished second in saves in the Sun Belt last year as a freshman and has been anchoring the Mountaineer defense in 2020.

Becca Bridges

Last season, as a freshman, App State goalkeeper Kerry Eagleston took pride in starting in all 18 matches and tallying two shutouts. This year, in the last five games before Oct. 8, Eagleston allowed just four goals, including three shutouts. In those games, App State women’s soccer went 2-2-1, picking up two crucial conference victories.

“It’s been hard work and determination, not just from the defense, but from everybody on the team,” Eagleston said. “We just have to keep working hard and keep getting better every day as time goes on, making sure to keep our heads in the game.”

In Eagleston’s first season, her 79 saves were second in the Sun Belt and led all freshmen.

She was also third in the conference in saves per game, at a rate of 4.28. This year, she has maintained a rate of 3.75 saves per game, amassing 30 saves in the first 8 matchups of the season.

After her shutout against The Citadel, Eagleston is tied for 10th of all-time in shutouts for a single season. Plus, her overall total of five clean sheets is tied for fifth in program history with Kelley Guinn (1994-96), according to App State Sports. So far this year, she is tied for first in

the league’s shutouts.

“Every day, she goes over responsibilities,” head coach Sarah Strickland said. “The day before games, we make sure everyone will be where they are supposed to be, especially as we scout all of the teams we’re playing, looking at what they do and how we’re going to respond to it before it becomes a problem.”

App State women’s soccer has already matched its win total in Sun Belt play from last season, winning two of its five conference games.

The Mountaineers will finish their season playing each of their conference opponents once more.

Strickland said she is not worried about the defense playing stagnantly.

“Everything is a restart, whether it is a throw in or a corner kick,” said Strickland. “(Eagleston) spends a lot of time going over that, and making sure everyone knows their responsibilities. I think Kerry has done a great job leading, scanning and making sure everyone is where they are supposed to be, and organizing them if they’re not.”

Read more online at www.theappalchianonline.com

App State cheerleading staying virtually involved with game day Joey Magnani | Reporter App State cheer is raising Mountaineer spirits on gameday in creative ways despite having to spend them outside of Kidd Brewer Stadium. Throughout September, select cheerleaders have participated in game day by appearing live on the video board remotely during one quarter of each game.

Head coach Morgan Roberson said she first got the idea to have the team cheer virtually when she saw the NBA’s virtual fans. Since there are 38 team members, she selects just a few cheerleaders each game to participate on the video board. She encourages them to get outside if the weather permits, so they can get more of a game day feel as opposed to cheering inside.

They center their performance on vocal cheers and rallies because stunting and tumbling is not suitable virtually, and their focus is to encourage the players since no fans are in attendance.

“It is nice to be a part of the game in whatever way we can,” said senior cheerleader Ashley Giordano.

Preparing for games also looks a lot different because they are only allowed to practice in small groups. They separate by position, in groups of up to 10, while socially distanced with no stunting. Each cheerleader wears a

mask and they have separate mats, when they would normally tape them together and all practice on one.

They also break their practices into sections to limit exposure. Much of their training is centered around run-

ning and tumbling since they are unable to stunt.

They hope to be able to do socially-distanced events on campus to involve more students, but are grateful for their opportunity to partici-

Members of App State’s cheerleading team cheer on the Mountaineers virtually from the video board inside Kidd Brewer Stadium in the win over Campbell Sept. 26 Andy McLean

pate virtually.

“This has been the year of gratitude, so anything that we can be a part of, we are happy to do,” said Roberson.

Cheering via Zoom has also relieved a lot of the game day stressors that the cheerleaders would normally experience. They no longer have to get to the stadium four hours early or worry about timing a performance during breaks in the game. Instead, they get to cheer from home and actually get to watch most of the game, which they are normally unable to do. They first debuted this technique against Charlotte on September 12, and again against Campbell on September 26.

Sophomore cheerleader Mackenzie Burkhart described game days as much more laid-back when they cheer remotely rather than in person.

However, despite the relaxed environment, Roberson and Giordano said they prefer the feeling of normal game days, and they miss the stress-filled moments because they turn out to be some of the best memories.

“There are so many aspects of game day that fill your heart. That is just part of our culture here at App State,” said Roberson.

11

Sports

Oct. 9, 2020

App State volleyball is QB2 100% registered to vote Huesman plays important role as the backup Connor Davidson | Associate Multimedia Editor

App State volleyball was set to open its season with a three-game home series against Georgia Southern Sept. 2526. One athlete tested positive for COVID-19 and others had to quarantine due to contact tracing, leaving the Mountaineers with not enough players to play Georgia Southern.

Courtesy of App State Athletics

Dan Davidson | Associate Sports Editor App State volleyball is now 100% registered to vote ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

“It’s one of the biggest things you can do as a citizen of our country,” head coach Matt Ginipro said.

Senior right side hitter Grace Morrison has helped lead the charge in pushing not only her team, but all Sun Belt teams to register to vote. She is a part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a group working to make sure every team at every school is completely registered.

“This is obviously a really pivotal year … and we want to make sure that people are educated in the best way possible,” Morrison said.

“As an athletic department, we’ve made that a big goal, and it’s kind of like a competition at this point, seeing who’s going to be the first team to be registered fully.”

SAAC and the Sun Belt Conference have partnered with Secure the Ballot, an organization that provides information to help make registering to vote easier.

While Ginipro understands why there is such a large voter registration push for this election, he wishes there would always be this

12

level of energy and motivation to get young people registered to vote.

“I’m one of those people that’s like ‘regardless of your political affiliation or who you’re going to vote for, why haven’t we been doing this every four years?’” Ginipro said. “I hope that it continues beyond just this election.”

The Sun Belt forged an initiative titled “Be the Change” in response to racial injustice that is meant to remind every individual that they have the ability to make a difference.

Within its announcement of the initiative, the Sun Belt revealed that all conference athletics will have Election Day off.

The App State volleyball team has worked to embody the motto in more ways than just voting. “‘Be the Change’ applies to everything,” Ginipro said. “Whenever you see something that needs to be changed, just step out and do it.”

While the current state of society has made preparing for a volleyball season more difficult than usual, Ginipro uses it as an opportunity to teach and inspire his players.

Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com

Current starting quarterback Jacob Huesman is one member of the App State football team who doesn’t see the field very often, but plays a very important role.

In high school, Huesman was a two-star recruit from Braden River High School in Florida. When it came time to pick a college, he chose App State over Florida International University and North Dakota State. This put him in the 2016 recruiting class with another quarterback: current starter Zac Thomas.

It wasn’t until the 2018 season that Huesman had a shot to compete for the starting quarterback position against Thomas. Thomas ended up winning the spot, but Huesman decided to stay in Boone instead of looking to be a starter at another school.

“I’m sure I could have (left), I never looked into that,” Huesman said. “I was bummed out just as anybody would be, you’re competing for a starting job, and you don’t get it, but for me, it’s so much bigger than football.”

Thomas commends Huesman for sticking with App State even though he knew he wouldn’t get a lot of playing time.

“I’m proud of him. He’s been put in some unfortunate situations. Being a backup quarterback at any program is hard, and all props to him for not wanting to leave,” Thomas said.

“Just proud of him and the way he fights, and when he does get an opportunity, he goes in there and shines.”

During his first two years, Huesman made Boone his home and felt established where he was. Instead of leaving, Huesman took on the position of being the next man up as Thomas’ backup quarterback. Huesman ended up getting his first career start in 2018 against Coastal Carolina after Thomas sat out due to an injury he suffered the week before.

“I still go out there every day and compete with Zac. It’s not like I’ve put that to the wayside,” Huesman said. “I got to prepare as if I’m a starter because you never know, and it happened a couple years ago I had to go play against Coastal. I never wanted to back out.”

In that game, Huesman took care of business and led the Mountaineers to a 23-7 win behind 127 passing yards and a touchdown.

As he’s grown, Huesman’s role within the team has evolved. As a senior and also a second-string quarterback, Huesman ends up working with a lot of younger players who get reps with the second team. It’s his responsibility to make sure that they are ready to go when their number is called.

Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com

Though some players in App State senior backup quarterback Jacob Huesman’s position might opt to transfer in hopes of starting elsewhere, he embraces his role with the Mountaineers. “I wasn’t gonna quit, I didn’t want to run away from it just because I lost (the starting job),” Huesman said.

Andy McLean

Opinion

Oct. 9, 2020

Fast Fashion Isn’t Worth Your Money

Ella Adams | Opinion Writer Fast fashion is cheap, accessible and trendy clothing. The name “fast fashion” comes from brands’ abilities to get new designs from runways to consumers in a short time.

On the surface, fast fashion is another feature of capitalism: getting the latest fashions to a wide variety of consumers at an affordable price. But, behind the glamour of celebrity endorsements and designer brands, fast fashion is a destructive industry. Underpaid and exploited workers and destruction of the environment are two major examples of why fast fashion isn’t worth your money.

Textile and garment workers, mostly women and children, earn some of the lowest wages in the world. One hundred percent of Bangladeshi garment workers and 99% of Vietnamese garment workers make below a living wage, according to a 2019 report by Oxfam. Some workers in Vietnam are paid as low as 2.4 cents per piece of clothing according to a woman named Na who Oxfam interviewed for their report. Na has worked in garment factories for at least 8 years and has only seen a .1 cent increase in her wages.

In addition to poverty level wages, garment workers’ working conditions in developing countries are poor. Fast fashion brands outsource production to places where they have no legal obligation to ensure decent working conditions. Many of these subcontractors are unauthorized, unregistered and operate without government regulation.

A 2020 U.S. Department of Labor report found evidence of child and forced labor within the fashion industry in 29 countries. Unethical labor practices are not limited to developing countries. The U.S. Department of Justice investigated fast fashion brand Fashion Nova in 2017 for underpaying workers in Los Angeles sweatshops. Most of the workers were undocumented immigrants. Purchasing from fast fashion brands allows for the exploitation of

women and children to continue and grow.

Environmental damage by fast fashion production is detrimental. One-fifth of the world’s water pollution comes from textile mills, and Chinese textile mills release three billion tons of soot a year into the atmosphere.

Many chemicals used in production, such as dyes and solvents, are carcinogenic and mutagenic. These hazardous chemicals pose an extreme risk to workers, communities and the environment.

Clothes from fast fashion brands are not made to last long. Brands are notorious for selling cheap, poorly made clothing that’s meant to be thrown away. Because of how disposable fast fashion is, about 101 million tons of textiles are thrown away globally each year. The waste and environmental damage the industry causes far outweighs its convenience and price.

Responsible consumers should stay away from fast fashion, but what are the alternatives? Ethical and sustainable brands, such as North Carolina based Reborn Clothing, Co., are an option, but tend to be more expensive.

Thrifting and consignment are more affordable and there are plenty of options right here in Boone, including Anna Banana’s and Ram’s Rack.

Fast fashion is an unethical and irresponsible industry that makes millions off of exploiting women and children and destroying the environment. For cheap clothes that will only last a couple of months and will be out of trend even sooner, fast fashion isn’t worth your money.

caleb’s

CONCEPTS Cats are better than dogs... for college kids Caleb Garbuio | Opinion Editor Are you struggling to balance friends, schoolwork, work and extracurricular activities while missing your pet back home? Fortunately, there’s a pet suited to your college needs.

Sorry, dog lovers, but cats are better for college students. They are independent, take care of themselves and are cheaper in the long run. You don’t have to take time out of your busy schedule to walk a cat or take it to the park. You can invest the time you would have spent walking your dog on other activities.

In economics, this is known as an opportunity cost, or what you give up for something else. Getting a dog isn’t only about its cost or the cost of food, but the emotional cost, psychological cost and time spent pursuing other activities. For example, dogs need exercise, which requires the owner to walk it daily. That takes time which could be spent doing other things, like studying.

Furthermore, needy pets like dogs give owners anxiety when at work. If you are working or spending time with friends, you will always have your pet’s wellbeing in the back of your mind, which prevents people from living in the moment.

Cats do not have the listed dog problems. They stick to themselves, find random things to entertain themselves with and don’t require constant attention.

Think about it, if an alien species came to the U.S., they would think that dogs ran the country. We exercise them, feed them,

groom them and entertain them. Clearly, dogs have the better side of the bargain.

Worried about money? Cats are also cheaper in the long run. According to an article from WKYC Studios, despite cats living longer, cat owners will spend $13,625 to $17,510 during its lifetime, while dogs cost owners $16,607 to $22,423. This means that there is an overall financial incentive to purchase a cat, because it will cost less and live longer.

Additionally, they are easier to deal with than a dog because they make less noise. A meow is much softer than a bark. Plus, your neighbors will thank you because cats don’t bark.

Also, you won’t have to pick up your dog’s poop. Cats only need a litter box to relieve themselves making your job less smelly.

Now, the best alternative is to not purchase a pet. They are expensive and the money that you spend on them could go elsewhere, like a new car or a down payment on a house and that’s just the financial cost. Pets are obnoxious, difficult to manage and have many indirect costs associated with them because fewer apartments cater to them, while the ones that do charge more. Thus, begging the question: is it really worth the hassle?

Probably not. However, if you are an animal lover dead set on having a pet in your home, cats are a better alternative to dogs.

13

Opinion

Dear Sheri Everts, Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Send Us

Home Stephen C. Leverton II | Opinion Writer COVID-19 cases at App State have increased in the last few weeks: the current student case count 191 and one student death. Chad Dorrill’s death should’ve been a wakeup call for Chancellor Sheri Everts to send us home.

As the first half of the semester comes to a close, financially, it makes sense to keep students on campus.

For undergraduates, tuition costs range from $1,401.75 to $3,861 if you’re a North Carolina resident, or $3,252.25 to $11,264.50 if you’re from out of state. Graduate students have to pay up to $4,003 as North Carolina residents or up to $12,519 if not. Both programs charge tuition based on how many credits students are taking each semester. This doesn’t include on-campus housing, meal plans or parking spaces.

In the spring, students received refunds if they lived on campus or had a meal plan, but not for tuition.

While the university would keep all the money students pay to come to App State, they would still make an income if they sent students home.

Since early August, student cases have slowly increased. Recent-

14

ly, cases skyrocketed, surpassing 100 and 200 active case count marks.

Dorm clusters have been more frequent in recent weeks as well.

While the total active case count is small compared to the general population, Chad’s death should’ve been the last straw.

App State appeared in the New York Times Oct. 5, in a piece discussing how the university is handling COVID-19 compared to other colleges around the nation.

We should be making the front page for football or academics, not for our active COVID-19 cases. It’s shameful and it should communicate to Everts that she needs to send us home.

The Watauga Medical Center only has 117 medical beds, nowhere near enough to handle 20,000+ students, faculty, and staff coming into Boone; plus, Dorrill’s death is concerning.

Yes, some students are not following the rules, but they wouldn’t be back in Boone if it wasn’t for the UNC Board of Trustees allowing students to come back. After the death of Dorrill, Everts’ inability to send us home shows that she doesn’t listen to the concerns of students.

Graphic by Efrain Arias-Medina Jr. Ricky Barker | Opinion Writer Mourners carried candles and rang bells at a recent political figure’s vigil. It was a memorial to one of the most prominent and influential justices of the Supreme Court: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The 87-year-old died Sept. 18 due to complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Ginsburg was only the second female justice on the court, and her track record is extraordinary. Before taking her seat on the Supreme Court, she was a paladin of women’s civil rights and won several landmark cases against legal sexual stereotyping with the ACLU like Craig v. Boren.

This passion for civil liberties and rights continued through her career as a justice. In cases like United States v.

Virginia and Ledbetter v. Goodyear, she championed women’s rights to equal pay and opportunities. She supported gay marriage and continuely protected reproductive rights through several cases like Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt.

This is a great shame because it seems that her potential successor in the position holds principles that are the complete opposite.

The president has nominated Amy Coney Barrett, a judge on the 7th Circuit of Appeals in Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Barrett is a staunchly conservative judge, which is no surprise considering who made the nomination. How-

ever, it’s the Supreme Court nominee’s certain beliefs that are troubling: Barrett has a clear anti-abortion record.

In her senate circuit court confirmation, she stressed her religious beliefs and gave a non-answer when questioned on her opinion of Roe v. Wade. In two cases concerning Indiana laws creating abortion limits, she voted for restrictive measures both times.

In 2015, she signed a letter to Catholic bishops, describing marriage as “founded on the indissoluble commitment of a man and a woman.” She is also part of conservative Catholic group called “People of Praise” which only allows male leadership and requires an oath of loyalty.

In a statement from the App State Women’s Center, they honor Ginsburg: “She made it clear that women’s rights are human rights, reproductive health care is a priority, and that the right to marry is fundamental. She opened countless doors of opportunity for the work we do now, and we honor her legacy.”

It’s a shame that her potential successor does not seem to hold up the same standards of reproductive justice and possibly women’s rights. In fact, it seems that the Republican party has found almost the exact opposite of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It’s likely that this is by design, in an attempt to topple some of what Ginsburg built, and it’s concerning to think that we could have this justice for thirty years or more.

The Appalachian

Editorial

Students and administrators, we’re calling on you to stop COVID-19 in Boone –– it’s a matter of life and death On Sept. 28, App State sophomore Chad Dorrill died because of complications caused by COVID-19.

The next day, Chancellor Sheri Everts sent an email sharing details of Chad’s death and offering condolences to the App State community.

An email isn’t enough.

Any student death is an extraordinary circumstance, but we’re living in extraordinary times.

Chad’s death calls for an extraordinary response.

The Appalachian Editorial board calls on our university and our peers to do more – to ensure that Chad’s death wasn’t in vain.

App State made national headlines in the New York Times, CNN and CNBC. But, it’s not the kind of attention that our students and faculty wanted or deserve.

As of Oct. 8, App State reported that 794 students, 36 employees and 41 subcontractors have tested positive for COVID-19 since March.

There have been 196 cases of COVID-19 reported in the last week alone – almost 22.5% of the total cases reported in the past six months.

Since July, the university has reported 19 coronavirus clusters, and 10 of those have occurred in residence halls. The campus dorm clusters account for 79 total cases. Three athletics teams account for 81 cases — 63 related to the football team specifically — and Greek life accounts for 53 cases.

Our students are scared. There’s a general feeling of uncertainty on campus: are we going home? Are classes getting moved online? What happens if my roommate gets sick?

These worries are only worsened by what feels like a lack of transparency from the university in latenight email announcements and administrators who are difficult to get a hold of.

Administrators claim to be doing work “behind

the scenes” to benefit their students, but what we really need is honesty and communication because, after Chad’s passing, it’s clear that lives are at stake.

Weekly emails from the chancellor asking us to “remain vigilant” aren’t helpful, comforting or inspiring.

But, the university isn’t the only one to blame.

Students: we don’t live in a bubble. We live in a town where families raise their children. We live in a place where people of all ages go to work and live their lives even when we aren’t here. We live in a community where 12 people have died due to COVID-19 complications since September. What we do affects our Boone neighbors, too.

Hosting and attending huge parties is out of the question. So is heading to a crowded bar. We need to resist the fear of missing out and look out for our peers and neighbors instead.

Chad was just like any of us. He was young, healthy and active. Just because you don’t feel personally at risk, doesn’t mean you aren’t putting others in harm’s way with your choices.

Chad’s death is not normal, and we shouldn’t be acting like it is.

Organizing homecoming events and putting more responsibilities on students who are overworked and overwhelmed to begin with isn’t the answer. Celebrating gameday like we used to isn’t either.

Both the university and students need to do better.

If Chad’s death wasn’t enough of a wake-up call, what will be? Will it be when your roommate is too sick to get up? When you infect your grandparents with COVID-19 on a weekend visit?

One of the most special parts about our university is the “Appalachian spirit,” a phrase our chancellor uses often. This spirit reminds us that the only way past this pandemic is through it. Students’ social habits

and the university’s secrecy are not going to bring us to the other side in one piece, like we’ve seen with Chad’s passing.

The virus is devastating our country, our campus and our community. The only way to stop it is to work together, hold each other accountable and be honest.

Students, get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Undoubtedly, you know people who are actively going out, not wearing masks, and so on.

Call out your friends. Share with them how important it is to slow the spread. Pick your group to spend time with wisely, and stick with them. Avoid hanging out with people who are actively going to parties or bars.

Make informed, responsible choices.

Still aren’t convinced? Then take it from Chad’s family: “The family encourages everyone, especially the thousands of students living on and off college campuses around the country, to please isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. Wear your mask. Chad is our WHY.” App State, be there for your students. Through information, resources and personal connections, you can create a meaningful difference in the student body’s trust in you and their receptiveness to your communications.

Put mental health in the spotlight: advertise campus resources better, consider a semester plan with days off spread throughout rather than a traditional spring break, consider an optional pass/fail system to help students struggling with classes during COVID-19.

If all students got tested, rather than retroactively testing after discovering residence hall clusters, the burgeoning spread could be rapidly contained.

Do better in honor of Chad, and let’s make sure we don’t have to grieve the loss of a life in our community due to the virus again.

15

Chad Dorrill, an App State sophomore, died last week due to complications from COVID-19. Chad’s mother asked that we share his obituary here.

Chad James Dorrill December 17, 2000 - September 28, 2020 Courtesy of the Dorrill family

C

had James Dorrill was released

His family will be holding a private

from this earth to join his Heavenly

celebration of Chad’s life at 4:30 PM on

Father on the evening of Sept. 28, 2020,

October 18, 2020 at The Summit Church

surrounded by his loving family.

He

Kernersville; this will be live streamed

leaves behind his grieving parents, Robert

(www.thesummitchurch.net) to honor the

and Susan Dorrill, his brothers Jack and

call of safe small gathering and social

Cade Dorrill. Grandparents, Robert and

distancing for his many family and friends

Margaret Dorrill of Houston, Texas, Henry

unable to attend during these challenging

and Marjorie Ellender of Sulphur, LA along

times.

with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great friends and teammates.

The

family

encourages

everyone,

especially the thousands of students

He was born on Dec. 17, 2000, in

living on and off college campuses around

McKinney, Texas, but spent many years in

the country, to please isolate if you test

what was considered his hometown in his

positive for Covid-19. Wear your mask.

heart, Cedarburg, WI.

Chad is our WHY.

Chad graduated

from Ledford Senior High School in 2019

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may

where he was an All-Conference basketball

be directed to the Chad Dorrill Memorial

player and team leader.

Scholarship Fund: 147 Wentworth Drive,

After graduation he proudly attended

Winston-Salem,

NC

27107.

Online

Appalachian State University in Boone,

condolences may be sent to the Dorrill

NC where he was a sophomore studying

family at www.jcgreenandsons.com

exercise science to become a physical therapist.

Et Cetera

Oct. 2, 2020

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