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EDITORS Emma Notarnicola & Landon Shackelford EMAIL breezenews@gmail.com
By EMMA NOTARNICOLA
The Breeze
Democratic candidate for governor Abigail Spanberger spoke in the Festival Ballroom at the Annual HarrisonburgRockingham Democratic Labor Day Celebration on Sunday, during which she spoke with Democratic candidates from across the ballot — including Lieutenant Governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi, Attorney General candidate Jay Jones and three House of Delegates candidates.
Organized by JMU Young Democrats and Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Young Democrats, this event highlighted candidates throughout the community while also exposing younger voters to their values, junior and JMU Young Dems Treasurer Malachi Drumgole said.
“Seeing the turnout of these younger people is giving the base hope that [the election is] not just for those older people; it’s for everybody,” he said.
The event also worked as a silent auction to raise money for the candidates, as attendees were required to buy tickets.
“ It is tremendous,” political science professor Rob Alexander said. “It’s an opportunity for people to hear from the statewide ticket, but also time for us to spend an evening in [the] community with community leaders from across the region.”
Candidate platform highlights
After introductions and dinner, the speaker series began with an introduction from Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, who led the group in a prayer of community reflectio that highlighted our communication as a community and emphasized our roots and values as human beings.
“Every time I hear Mayor Reed speak, I get a little bit of my soul back,” President of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Young Democrats President Abby Garber said.
Following the speech, the room then heard from three House of Delegates candidates — Catherine Rec, Andrew Payton and Jena Crisler — who represent District 33, Richmond; 34, Rockingham County; and 35, Shenandoah Valley, respectively.
Each candidate spoke about their campaign promises and emphasized their individual values.
“This campaign is not about the past; it’s about what can be built together for your future,” Rec said during her speech.
Each candidate focused on one hot-button issue and described their plans to overcome it: Rec, acknowledging veterans and improving the City of Richmond; Payton, increasing opportunities throughout the county and providing resources to those who need it; and Crisler, advancing healthcare and maintaining Medicaid and Medicare accesibility.
Every speaker said their position on issues was also reactive to the current presidential administration.
“I was more and more outraged until I became activated, and I went from clinician to candidate,” Crisler said during her speech — prior to running for the House of Delegates, Crisler worked as a physician specializing in internal medicine.
After the delegate candidates spoke, Attorney General candidate Jones took to the stage where he discussed campaign promises. He also said the three main Democratic candidates stand on a united front.
“We spend a lot of time together because the three of us are united in this idea. [We are] deeply convinced that Virginia deserves better than what we have gotten for the last three and a half years,” he said during his speech.
Proving the claim that they stand together, Hashmi spoke of similar ideals.
“We have seen attacks, unprecedented attacks on our fundamental rights and our freedoms,” she said during her speach.
One issue Hashmi focused on (which was especially relevant to her because of her background as a former English teacher) was protecting public schools and encouraging fair opportunities.
“I’m committed to protecting public education by ensuring that our schools are fully funded, that our teachers are supported and that our students have every opportunity to succeed,” she said in her speech.
Throughout her speech, Hashmi also expressed her support Spanberger for governor, highlighting her caring nature and her dedication to representing her constituents.
“We need a governor, like Abigail Spanberger, who will make sure that working families have a fighting chance for opportunities,” she said.
About Abigail Spanberger
Spanberger was next to take the stage and share her plans and goals as governor if she’s elected, and was met with a standing ovation.
Spanberger — born and raised in Henrico, Virginia — started her career serving as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) case officer to “protect and serve the United States of America,” according to her website.
After, Spanberger was elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 7th District in Virginia and was ranked as one of the “most bipartisan members of Congress,” according to her website.
Now, Spanberger is running for Governor of Virginia as the Democratic candidate opposite Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears — the current lieutenant governor under Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
Throughout her time as a representative, Spanberger was known to fight for her constituents and encourage what matters, Young Democrats Treasurer Drumgole said.
“Abigail Spanberger has always stepped up,” Mayor Reed said. “She fights for strong schools. She fights for safe communities. She fights for a Commonwealth where every family can thrive.”
Her proposed first 100 days in office
“We’re going to be in a position where we might be reacting to some of the challenges that we’re in from a budgetary standpoint,” Spanberger said. “We are preparing to contend with some of the impacts of the reconciliation bill that was signed into law this past July.”
The reconciliation bill “reduces taxes, reduces or increases spending for various federal programs, increases the statutory debt limit, and otherwise addresses agencies and programs throughout the federal government,” according to the Congress. gov website.
Along with this, Spanberger said she and her team are hoping to be able to pass a variety of different bills that would lower prescription drug prices, as well as increasing transparency in prescription and housing supply.
If she is elected, Spanberger hopes to work toward “putting Virginia on a strong path,” in her first 100 days, she said.
Throughout her speech, Spanberger spoke on the importance of maintaining opportunities, especially for families — an emphasis shared across candidates.
“When health care is under attack,” she said during her speech, “it’s not just hundreds of thousands of Virginians who lose their health care. It’s not just rural hospitals that will close. It’s a loss of funding to our safety net.”
Spanberger added that she will focus on lowering the costs of medical assistance and health care.
Spanberger
Spanberger said she plans to encourage reproductive health, particularly by supporting the purposed amendment to the Virginia constitution, which would classify abortion as a constitutional right.
“I don’t have a role in getting that bill passed, but I will take an active role in ensuring that voters know about and vote for it in 2026,” she said while speaking with The Breeze.
Spanberger
The last issue Spanberger underscored was improving Virginia’s education system across all levels.
Specifically, Spanberger said she wanted to work on increasing teacher pay, strengthening reading skills and encouraging students’ success in math
By EMMA NOTARNICOLA
President Jim Schmidt and senior SGA President Charlotte Bronaugh, among students, faculty and staff, came together to celebrate the opening of the new Village residence hall, Potomac Hall, in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 29.
Cutting the ribbon
Kathleen Campbell, assistant vice president for Residence Life, took to the stage and introduced Potomac as “a shiny example of our continued commitment to student life.”
The opening of the building, Campbell said, brings new beginnings for not just the architecture on campus but also the students, as Potomac Hall opens doors for countless adventures.
“Today marks not only the enabling of a building, but [only] the beginning of countless memories, friendships and an experience that will shape the lives of Dukes for years to come,” she said in her opening speech.
Schmidt started off speeches by talking about the celebration of the new residence hall and a few other momentous occasions happening that day.
First, the date of the opening ceremony also marked President Schmidt’s 61st birthday, which he celebrated by honoring the new hall.
Additionally, First Lady of JMU, Kim Schmidt, traveled from Wisconsin and made her second JMU appearance at an official JMU program.
“A few people yesterday said, ‘You seem to be smiling more today,’ and I’m like, ‘Yes, my wife is here,’” Schmidt said in his speech.
He also took time to honor the building and thank every member of the team who made the renovation of Potomac Hall, including the Office of Residence Life, construction crews and the many other affiliated parties that assisted in the planning and execution.
“Projects like Potomac Hall don't just come to life without a lot of hard work from many talented people,” Schmidt said.
Next, Bronaugh spoke about her experience on campus and witnessing the growth of Potomac, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that went into the building and also encouraging people to not just celebrate the building but to appreciate the work that went into making Potomac possible.
“The future is bright, but so is this very moment, everyone coming together to support one another and this major accomplishment,” she said.
Closing out the ceremony, the crowd heard from two JMU students who work with the Office of Resident Life — junior and Hall Director of Weaver Hall Tallon Cummings-Watson, and senior and resident adviser (RA) in Potomac Hall Anna Grove — who both spoke highly of their on-campus experience and encouraged all new residents to optimize this moment of excitement and novelty and enjoy their time on campus.
“The opening of Potomac Hall marks the start of thousands of hallway conversations, countless late-night study sessions and friendships that will last a lifetime,” Cummings-Watson said during his speech.
After the speakers concluded, Schmidt, joined by his wife, Vice President of Student Affairs Tim Miller, Campbell, other JMU officials and Duke Dog cut the ribbon and officially opened up the hall to the public.
Potomac Hall
Potomac Hall marks the continuation of a construction that has been happening across campus and the beginning of Village-centered renovations.
Potomac Hall sits on the remains of what was once Ikenberry Hall. With construction starting in 2023, Potomac Hall offers a variety of new resources that its predecessor lacked, according to a JMU article.
“Dukes built memories in Ikenberry Hall, I know that many alums still recall fondly their time here,” Schmidt said. “With Potomac Hall, we honor that legacy while also creating a new chapter, one that blends tradition and innovation.”
The new Potomac Hall offers a list of differences between itself and all other village buildings and residence halls, according to a JMU article.
Predominantly, the size of the residence hall is one of its most prominent differences. The hall currently accommodates 458 beds — from the original 200 — dispersed among five stories, the JMU article read.
Another major difference is that Potomac Hall offers housing for athletes, upperclassmen and freshmen, Campbell said.
Along with the living differences, Potomac Hall offers a variety of other amenity enhancements put in place to make a “building [that] suits the needs of students,” CummingsWatson said.
New amenities include:
• Larger study spaces and single study spaces
• Outdoor courtyard
• Classroom
• Larger community rooms
• Pod style bathrooms
One of the most anticipated aspects of Potomac Hall was its pod-style bathroom, which includes a toilet, shower and sink all in one lockable door, according to the tour of Potomac Hall.
“I know that [privacy] is a big concern for many people living in the dorm, so it allows for a lot more privacy,” CummingsWatson said.
Residents are enjoying the change from the typical communal bathroom, with one resident describing the pods as “eight times better” than the hall-style bathrooms she experienced in other residence halls, sophomore Potomac Hall resident Ava Enochs said.
Building community
The new Potomac Hall also includes a variety of amenities which cultivate connection, including the large study rooms, and mixed student residence, with some outdoor seating as well, Cummings-Watson said.
“As an RA, I am grateful for the opportunity this hall creates for connection,” Grove said.
Through every speech from the ceremony, connection and community were emphasized and encouraged, with several speakers describing these as the basis of the JMU experience.
“Being there for one another, showing up and listening, whether during a quaint, quiet, late-night conversation, in the TV lounge, or a packed village cookout, are some of the most important things that we can do for one another,” CummingsWatson said during his speech.
Potomac Hall offers a large courtyard area to accommodate students who want to enjoy some time outdoors.
“I’m in love with it,” Bronaugh said. “It’s just such a great open space to connect with people … I can also just see myself sitting in the grass or having a couch, something like that.”
So far, residents are happy with their living situation.
“From Shorts Hall, it’s a stark difference because we have AC and the floors are laminated wood. It’s just brand new, so it’s a lot nicer,” Enochs said, “I’d say it’s even nicer than [Grace Street Apartments].”
Additionally, students have been utilizing community spaces and interacting with one another with the modern amenities and larger spaces, Grove said.
“Within the past few weeks, I’ve seen the hall’s communities develop as people gather to play pool and socialize in our multi-purpose room,” Grove said.
Students are the foundation of the hall and provide the spirit, energy and life to bring it to life, Bronaugh said.
“Students here now, you are the people making this space come alive, and are the foundation of it, going from a hall to a home. I cannot wait to hear about all the memories that are made here,” she said.
As for future construction at JMU, Campbell said the university is planning on focusing efforts toward finishing the Spotswood Hall renovation, becoming the new home for the Madison Center for Civic Engagement.
“It’s a good sign if you see construction and renovation happening because it means that universities, or JMU specifically, in this case, is striving to give you the best experience possible,” Bronaugh said.
Potomac Hall marks the beginning of a future JMU and gives a loving, social, supportive community to a variety of JMU students.
“Potomac Hall is much more than a residence hall. It is a space where friendships will be formed, ideas will be exchanged and futures will be shaped,” Schmidt said. “As we cut the ribbon today, let’s not celebrate just a building, but a promise — a promise that JMU will continue to invest in creating a community where our students can flourish.”
CONTACT Emma Notarnicola at breezenews@gmail. com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
“I know that for so many people across the Commonwealth nothing is more important than our kids’ education and the promise of what we can be in our schools,” she said. “We can give them a future where they can be who they wish to be, and where they know that every opportunity is theirs.”
Regarding higher education, Spanberger emphasized increasing financial aid resources.
“The current system that we have in Virginia was meant to be helpful, but can create some confusion both for students and also for families,” she said. “So streamlining the programs that we have now is an important priority.”
She also hopes to continue supporting universities regardless of their public or private status, so Virginia can continue to offer a variety of opportunities for its students.
“I want to make sure that Virginia continues to be a leader in having something for everyone, no matter your interest,” Spanberger said.
Throughout the speech, roughly 15 silent protesters lined the room holding signs that encouraged the speakers to acknowledge increased ICE deportations and the IsraelPalestine conflict.
“The intent was to raise some issues that the Democratic Party has not fully embraced and not fully worked against,” protester and Harrisonburg resident Sam Nichols said.
He added that many members of the community care about these issues and have come together to encourage conversation on these topics.
“Hundreds of people literally have been coming together and trying to confront ICE in our community,” Nichols said.
Throughout the program, some patrons stood up and joined Nichols in holding the sign and encouraging the speakers to acknowledge the problems.
Nichols said that although he was a part of the planning for the event and identifies as a Democrat, he wants to see actions addressing these issues.
“They should talk about these things,” Nichols said. “They should communicate that the Democratic Party is for human rights.”
Regardless of political affiliation, all speakers and attendees encouraged people to vote in the election on Nov. 4, with early voting starting Sept. 19.
“This year our vote matters more than ever,” Reed said in her speech. “The choices we make will decide the future of
our schools. They will shape the strength of our communities. They will determine the path of our commonwealth.”
Spanberger said the election is important and that Virginia will serve as an example for the rest of the United States and the world during her speech.
“I am running for governor to serve Virginia,” she said in her speech. “I know that when we win, we will send a message to the rest of the country about what they can do … We will also send an example to the rest of the world that, when given the chance to reject so much of what we are seeing out of this Republican-held Congress, in this White House, the people of Virginia will do just that.”
Several attendees echoed Spanberger’s sentiments and said voting is the basis of democracy.
“It’s important for students to know about their rights and be able to stand up during this time,” Alexander said.
During her speech, Spanberger said she and every candidate on the Democratic ticket will work to guarantee that Virginia is
fairly represented and that they are working toward representing all of their constituents.
Regardless of all of the big ticket issues, this election is important because it presents the possibility of a lot of firsts for the Commonwealth, Jones said.
“We have a big job to do here in Virginia because the entire world is watching,” candidate Jones said in his speech. “We have a chance to elect our first female governor in the history of this commonwealth, our first Black attorney general in the history of this commonwealth, the majority in the House of Delegates that we have not seen in a generation and the road of that majority runs right through this area right here."
CONTACT Emma Notarnicola at breezenews@gmail. com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
By EDISON VRANIAN The Breeze
As the window to alter meal plans comes to a close and freshman students start to think about their living situation next year, they should take into account meal plans and meal pricing as more on- and off- campus meal plans are offered, junior Fairuz Mosre said.
While the Aug. 25 to Sept. 5 window for students to change their meal plan in the fall semester is ending, JMU Dining Marketing Manager Heather Holsinger said there’s another chance to switch meal plans around when the spring semester arrives.
“Students will have an opportunity to adjust their current meal plan during the add/drop period at the start of the Spring semester,” Holsinger wrote in an email to The Breeze.
For their first year at JMU, freshmen are required to purchase one of the on-campus dining plans: All Access Plus, All Access and the 14 Punch Meal Plan, which cost $3,659, $3,484 and $3,287, respectively, according to the JMU website.
Freshman Henry Federmeier said he chose the All Access Plus plan due to the costs of off-campus meals and the food’s accessibility.
“I picked the meal plan because me and my dad were talking about it, I wanted to save a bunch of money,” Federmeier said.
“[Just having the All Access meal plan, just being able to go wherever you want, get unlimited things like that and also the increase in dining dollars is really helpful too].”
As for Mosre, she chose the 14 Punch Meal Plan as a freshman after asking around for other people’s opinions.
“I think I asked around,” junior Fairez Mosre said. “I was like, ‘What should I have?’ Because I knew at the time, someone that went to JMU was a junior, and so I asked them, and they’re like, ‘you should be fine with [the 14 Punch Meal Plan],’ because as a freshman, you’re on campus all the time.”
In hindsight, Mosre said she was glad to have the 14 Punch, though the plan had limitations.
“I think the meal plans were fine,” Mosre said. “The only thing that bugged me was I had a limit on how many punches per day. It kept me in check, but sometimes there were some days that I needed a punch more than other days.”
As a sophomore, Mosre said she purchased the Block 75 Meal Plan (a plan for commuter students); however, for junior year, she ended up with no plan due to financial reasons.
“I cracked the numbers, and honestly, it was way more cheaper to just buy my groceries,” Mosre said. “Now that I have a kitchen, I can do my own meals.”
When October arrives, the current freshman class will have the option to decide whether they want to live on campus the following academic year by signing the on-campus housing contract with the JMU Office of Residence Life.
On-campus housing requires meal plan, one of the three most expensive plans, while offcampus living allows for optional commuter meal plans. Students who live in Grace Street Apartments can choose between commuter and residential meal plans, though.
Federmeier said if he lives off campus in an apartment next year, he would choose a lighter meal plan because he will have a greater ability to cook and will likely eat dinner off campus.
“I definitely go down to a lighter meal plan,” Federmeier said, “because I’d be cooking a bunch of food at my apartment and I wouldn’t really be here for, let’s say, dinner or anything. So I definitely cut the meal plan down.”
Despite the financial decision, Holsinger wrote, the “wide variety” of meal plans allows for flexibility regardless of someone’s living situation.
“Whether you’re dining on campus a few times per week or enjoying every meal there, a meal plan offers a great value,” Holsinger wrote, “You’ll save money through discounted dining hall entry and exclusive Duke Deals (discounts vary by plan), and purchases made with Dining Dollars are tax free — saving you from the 12% sales + meals tax in Harrisonburg.”
To determine which meal plan is fit for a student, Holsinger said the Find Your Fit -James Madison University feature on the JMU Dining Website can help students decide based on a series of questions that address how often students eat, their living situation and then recommend a meal plan option based on the responses.
Mosre said through her experience, though there are times she would like to eat on campus, not having a meal plan allows her to maintain her personal finances and still have access to food with groceries.
As the current freshman students start to make their living decisions for next year, Mosre said one piece of advice for students transitioning to live off campus is to decide their meal plans based on how often they are on campus and their projected finances.
“If they’re on campus all day, I’d say get a meal plan,” Mosre said. “If not, and if you’re looking to save a little more money, I’d say, don’t get a meal plan.”
CONTACT Edison Vranian at vraniawe@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
By SIXUAN WU The Breeze
The Student Government Association (SGA) unanimously approved an appeals process amendment during its Tuesday meeting. Senior and Parliamentarian Riley Gilbert presided over the meeting in the absence of senior and Senate Speaker Kieran Fensterwald.
The amendment was voted on after sitting for a week following last week’s Senate meeting, where it was introduced.
It aims to streamline the appeals process when SGA members receive probation due to House Rules violations — such as exceeding allowed absences and not following the Senate’s dress code.
“Our appeals process in the past has been kind of loosey goosey, and we didn’t have a set structure that was working for everyone, so we were kind of workshopping it,” senior Membership Chair Ella Stotzky said.
Before this amendment, probationary statuses were given by the membership committee chair and appeals were processed and voted on by the parliamentarian and the Rules and Elections Committee, Stotzky said.
With the new amendment, the two committees are now combined into the Appeals Committee, which will work together to approve the appeals.
Gilbert said she believes the combined effort of the two committees will make the appeals process more effective, as opposed to when the process was solely handled by the Rules and Elections Committee.
“Last year, there were only about five people on that committee, and we needed a twothirds majority there to be able to even hold an appeal, which was very difficult, because if two or three people were missing, then we couldn’t hold it,” Gilbert said.
The amendment also protects the identity of the appealing individuals by only filing their information to the parliamentarian and the membership chair — who will then present the appeal to the Appeals Committee to be voted on anonymously.
“By combining both of our committees into the Appeals Committee, we have a bigger body to work with,” Stotzky said. “And then moving it to where they fill out forms, it erases all the personal bias out of it and keeps it completely anonymous, so the people voting on whether or not someone’s going to get a continued membership, [they’re] completely unbiased.”
CONTACT Sixuan Wu at thebreezeweb@ gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
Isabel Lewis & Charlie Bodenstein
By ANNABELLE BERRY
The Breeze
As club events make their way to campus this school year, there’s one club making waves beyond the usual booths: JMU’s Bass Fishing Club is reeling in new members and reshaping what it means to get involved on campus. At its helm is senior business management major and president Daniel Litwin.
Nestled in the growing sports club scene at JMU, the Bass Fishing Club has secured a spot for anglers of all levels — from those fishing since they could walk to those who’ve never picked up a rod. Litwin, the club’s president, brings both competitive spirit and lifelong passion to his leadership role.
The club is a co-ed student organization featuring two branches: a competitive team that participates in nationallevel events and a recreational team designed for students who simply want to get out and fish. The competitive team, which typically has six to 10 members, participates in prestigious circuits like the Bassmaster College Tour and the Major League Fishing College Series, while the recreational team welcomes around 40 to 50 students each semester.
Litwin’s fishing journey started on a family-owned farm pond in Bentonville where his dad first taught him how to fish.
“It was with just a worm and a bobber, and it got me hooked,” he said.
Litwin began researching and advancing his skills from then on.
Before transferring to JMU from Laurel Ridge Community College, Litwin participated in Bass Fishing League (BFL) tournaments as a co-angler and eventually invested in his own 2006 Stratos fishing boat, which he purchased from a former JMU Bass Club president. He’s excited to run the Stratos in tournaments for the first time this year. His personal favorite spot? The Shenandoah River, where he targets smallmouth bass.
“The smallmouth there are giant; they fight harder than any other bass you can catch,” he said.
Litwin didn’t set out to be the club’s president, but his initiative made him the clear choice.
“Even though I wasn’t on the executive board [last year], I was reaching out to sponsors and making sure things were running smoothly,” he said.
That involved establishing support from businesses like Jake’s Bait and Tackle and Melting Pot Pizza, helping the club afford travel for out-of-state tournaments. The club has traveled to Florida in the past, and they plan to attend a tournament in Texas this year. Today, Litwin oversees everything from event scheduling and team communication to teaching new members how to fish.
“We’ve got club rods for beginners, and we’ll teach them how to use them — how to tie knots, what bait to use and how to identify fish,” he said.
The club plans to teach fish processing for potential camping trips.
“Most larger fish get filleted, but if you don’t fillet it, say it’s an average sized trout, you’ll want to first cut its head off, sever its neck, and then make an incision down the back to clean out its guts,” said Wayne Paxton, an employee at Mossy Creek Fly Fishing.
While the name might suggest otherwise, the Bass Fishing Club is about more than just bass — and more than just fishing.
“We target musky, sometimes do saltwater, and it’s very social,” said Haden James, a sophomore business management major. James is the club’s treasurer and Litwin’s boating partner.
“We do cookouts, corn hole, die and house events,” James added.
The team also organizes tailgates before football games where they play cornhole, grill and listen to country music.
“If you send a text, someone’s always willing to go out and fish,” James said.
Last year, the team competed in three major tournaments. This season, they’re aiming to be in five to six, including events through Bassmaster, Bass Nation and Major League Fishing (MLF). The club holds multiple national accolades:
• Two-time FLW College National Championship qualifiers
• Four-time Major League Fishing National Championship qualifiers
• One-time Bassmaster College Series Natty Qualifiers
“A lot of the members interested in joining this year are beginners and have never really fished before,” Litwin said.
While the recreational team is open to anyone, the competitive team holds tryouts for boating partners. If you have your own boat, you’re automatically on the competitive team.
Whether you’re just learning how to cast or hoping to fish at the collegiate level, the Bass Fishing Club offers a way ahead. Litwin recommends starting with a basic rod under $100 and pushes new anglers to stay open-minded, especially when encountering those spots you think are “burnt out.”
“A lot of people don’t understand why fishing is fun, but you get a big adrenaline rush when you start catching fish. I think that’s why most people are addicted to it,” Litwin said. Despite that, don’t be surprised if something unexpected comes out of the water.
“I know it sounds corny, like out of a cartoon, but I’ve caught a boot before,” Litwin said.
Read more online at breezejmu.org
CONTACT Annabelle Berry at berry3aj@dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
By BELLA ARIST contributing writer
Craving some dining hall tips? From themed dinners to hidden gems, here’s everything you need to know about JMU dining halls. This guide offers insights essential to navigating the food scene like an experienced Duke. Let’s dive deeper into students’ and faculty’s go-to strategies, time-saving tricks and underrated favorites that make dining on campus tastier.
Punches and Dining Dollars are part of your meal plan. Punches can be used for entry into a dining hall (like E-Hall or D-Hall) or to purchase Duke Deals at campus retail dining locations. Dining Dollars are a cash account and can be used to purchase any food or beverage on campus.
“There is no sales and meals tax on items purchased with Dining Dollars currently, 12% in Harrisonburg,” JMU Dining Marketing Manager Heather Holsinger said. “Flex is your own money on your JACard that works like a debit card. Flex is accepted at all JMU Dining establishments, and tax is charged on purchases.”
Throughout the year, JMU Dining provides themed events for Dukes, such as Rodeo Night; Surprise and Delight events featuring new one-time specials such as cake pops or cannoli; pop-up restaurants like Bistro on the Breezeway; and 12 Days of E-Hall. Follow @JMUDining on Instagram and the BeInvolved app to stay in the loop.
For students trying to balance their diet on campus, JMU offers “many healthy options at all our locations, and nutritional information is available at each station,” Holsinger said.
“For students looking to reach certain nutritional goals, you can pick your portion,” Holsinger said. “It’s our goal to provide students with choices so they can thoughtfully plan their daily meals.”
As nutrition is very important for dining services, students also value comforting food.
“My favorite place to eat on campus would probably be E-Hall,” sophomore kinesiology major Lauren Whittaker said. “They just have such good food that tastes like home. The best time to go would probably be 5:30 [p.m.], because it gets busy around 6:30 [p.m.], before the rush.”
JMU stands out in Whittaker’s eyes because of “the variety of options they have accessible to students,” she said.
She said her favorite hidden gem at the university would be the farmers’ market every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“I didn’t know it was there until the last few weeks of freshman year,” Whittaker said. “At the market, you can get smoothies, crêpes, s’mores and more. Also, it is nice because you’re able to
pay with your JACard.”
Students and parents outside of the JMU community sometimes have reservations about campus dining services.
“It’s a common misconception that a dining plan isn’t a good value,” Holsinger said. “Meal plans offer discounted entry into dining halls and Duke Deals at retail establishments, and Dining Dollars purchases are not charged the 12% Harrisonburg sales and meals tax. Eating on campus is a great way to save time and money while guaranteeing a satisfying meal.”
A big challenge is making students aware of all options on campus, Holsinger said.
“We have nearly 30 locations with different hours and menus, and they are open to everyone with or without a meal
plan,” Holsinger said. “All locations accept meal plans, Flex and credit cards.”
It’s also essential for universities to have options for dietary restrictions due to the number of people on campus.
“JMU Dining works very hard to accommodate students with allergies or other dietary preferences,” Holsinger said.
The True Balance stations at both E-Hall and D-Hall provide hot food free from the top nine allergens. In addition, “supplemental pantries [Worry-Free Zone and Stress-Less Corner] are located in both all-you-care-to-eat dining facilities with peanut-, tree nut- and gluten-free packaged items. Also, Plant Forward offers both vegetarian and vegan options,” Holsinger said.
The dining halls include cultural and seasonal variety across the menu. Holsinger said JMU Dining is “proud to partner with local producers to showcase agriculture from the Shenandoah Valley.” She added that they try to make connections with the community and bring those flavors to students.
“Seasons evoke an emotional connection that prompt memories and traditions, creating a sense of nostalgia and celebration around certain times of the year,” she said.
Junior Audrey Mejia said her go-to dining spot is Panera Bread in Dukes Dining because “they always have such good food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.” She continued that “I usually go there around 10 a.m. to grab food and study, since they have a lot of comfy seating.”
If Mejia’s in a rush, she likes to browse the marketplace under D-Hall, she said.
“Being able to grab some food quickly when you’re in a rush is so nice. JMU does a great job with including a lot of dietary restriction options and staff always having a smile on their face,” she said.
Holsinger works to ensure that “every interaction with Dining staff is welcoming, the atmosphere is homey and that every bite is delicious.”
If students want to make suggestions, share new ideas or let the dining staff know how they’re doing and how to improve, they can complete the Voice of the Consumer (VOC) feedback survey.
“Never be afraid to share a concern or compliment with a dining staff member,” Holsinger said
CONTACT Bella Arist at aristai@dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
By ALYSSA MILLER & ISABEL LEWIS
The Breeze
Wrapped around the JMU Bookstore before sunrise, a line of thrilled customers awaited the merch drop of JMU x Lululemon on Friday at 8 a.m.
The drop was a major success, sparking excitement among students. Lululemon items, such as the Define Jackets, Scuba Sweatshirts and Swiftly Tech shirts, were customized with JMU branding and school colors. Eight articles of women’s clothing and six articles of men’s clothing were designed and included in the launch.
Though only taking up a small section of the store, the area gained the most traction, with lines still out the door hours after the launch began. Other shoppers were allowed into the store without issue, but the line for these eight items remained outside
the door for the vast majority of the day.
The JMU Bookstore is known for being filled with apparel, so the Lululemon items were placed in a distinct, small area at the center of the first floor. The launch also included a showcase event, which feautured a photobooth outside and free food items.
“When I pulled into the parking lot at 6:50 a.m. this morning, there was a line down to the parking lot to the bus station,” campus store director Mark Glenn said. “I knew it would be exciting and bring a lot of business in, but I was not expecting these huge lines.”
Fraternities and sororities were invited to a special VIP event to shop for the items early the night before to build excitement, which could have contributed to the crowd. The VIP event began at 6:30 p.m. and crowds started accumulating around 4:30 p.m., Glenn said.
Buzz started brewing around JMU x Lululemon during the summer on TikTok, with many incoming students and current students expressing their anticipation for the drop.
Many of the students in line were already wearing athleisure or Lululemon — indicating how well this launch aligns with JMU students. Athleisure is one of the most popular styles of clothing seen on campus.
“I want the white scuba,” said freshman Olivia Cervantes, a self-proclaimed Lululemon fan.
Unfortunately, by 10 a.m., the Scuba jackets were sold out. In fact, most of the women’s items were either low in stock or out of stock already.
“I love Lululemon. I’ve been buying it for a long time, but I’m excited to rep out the JMU logo. I think it would be really cute to wear for games and stuff,” freshman Maggie Reidy said.
The next restock is expected to be in late October or early November, Glenn said, and students are already looking forward to it. Glenn shared how they’ll be getting more items
in stock this time.
JMU students are particularly fans of Lululemon because of its high-quality, long-lasting athletic pieces. According to its website, Lululemon uses premium fabrics that distinguish its items from other brands, which creates a more comfortable and durable product.
This is the first time the bookstore has done a partnership of this nature, and, according to Glenn, they look forward to hopefully continuing this partnership in coming years.
CONTACT Alyssa Miller at mill26aj@dukes.jmu.edu and Isabel Lewis at thebreezeculture@gmail.com. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
By NICOLAS ISAZA SERPA
The Breeze
Harrisonburg sits in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, surrounded by landscapes found nowhere else in the region, and JMU students not only enjoy a thriving downtown nightlife but also mountain views unique to campus surroundings.
These locations offer much more than just a pretty sight. Hiking, picnicking, biking and even swimming can all be accomplished with just a short trip from campus. No matter what you’re looking for, the Shenandoah Valley offers the opportunity to experience nature to its fullest.
Dukes’ time in Harrisonburg is short, which makes it all the more important to take advantage of the opportunities around us. Exploring these nearby Valley views offers a refreshing change of pace from the everyday bustle of campus and downtown life.
Massanutten Resort sits about 30 minutes from JMU’s campus and offers year-round activities from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and waterparks in the summer. At the summit, the resort’s overlook provides easy parking and one of the best spots to watch the sun set over the Shenandoah Valley.
The overlook is also connected to some of the most challenging hiking spots in the area, making it a rewarding post-hike vista. During the winter, the landscape transforms as student groups like JMU Boarderline head to the slopes to ski, snowboard and enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Whether you’re hiking in the summer or carving down runs in the winter, the overlook offers a year-round payoff that few spots can match.
About half an hour from campus, Shenandoah National Park captures the Valley’s beauty. Skyline Drive stretches
along the Blue Ridge Mountains, dotted with overlooks where students can stop to take in the views. Local favorites include Sawmill Ridge, Turk Mountain and Spitler Knoll.
Skyline Drive makes it easy to plan anything from a quick scenic ride to an all-day adventure. With many overlooks nearby, students never run out of new views to explore. Beyond the overlooks, the park is also home to more than 500 miles of hiking trails and, including regions of the Appalachian Trail, and glistening waterfalls tucked deep in the forest.
During the fall, the foliage turns the mountains into a canvas of color. No matter the season, Shenandoah National Park offers students a chance to step into nature on a scale found nowhere else around Harrisonburg.
About 20 minutes from campus, Riven Rock Park is one of Harrisonburg’s best-kept secrets. With shaded shelters, scenic trails and a river running through its center, the park is perfect for Dukes looking for an afternoon escape. Students often picnic with friends before jumping into the refreshing mountain water.
The park’s secluded atmosphere makes it feel like its own hidden world. Tucked just off a narrow back road, it can be easy to miss — but that sense of discovery is part of the charm. Its quiet, tucked-away setting makes Riven Rock a perfect place to escape and recharge.
The park also features a historic wooden bridge that spans the river, and offers a backdrop for photos and lasting memories.
Read more online at breezejmu.org
CONTACT Nicolas Isaza Serpa at isazasnn@dukes.jmu. edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
EDITORS Preston Comer & Gavin Avella EMAIL
By PRESTON COMER The Breeze
After a 45-10 beatdown over Weber State on Aug. 30, JMU football (1-0) will face Louisville (1-0) on Friday.
“To be able to have the type of game we did in front of that crowd, I thought that was important for an opening game,” JMU head coach Bob Chesney said. “The support we get is just phenomenal.”
But JMU won’t stroll back into Bridgeforth Stadium this week, as it will travel to L&N Stadium for the second time since 2022 — where it lost to the Cardinals 34-10.
Redshirt junior running back George Pettaway ignores the outside noise and said he loves playing on the road in hostile environments.
“I’m super locked in,” Pettaway said. “I’m laser-focused on what the mission is. Our mission is to win.”
Chesney echoed that same level of confidence, saying “you don’t want to view yourself as an underdog,” but also knows he can’t underestimate the Cardinals.
“We can’t show up there and just hope to play a nice football game,” Chesney said. “We’ve got to go out there; it’s going to be extremely physical. They’re very good.”
Louisville is led by redshirt senior quarterback Miller Moss, who’s in his first year with the program. Moss spent the prior four seasons with USC. Last season, he played in nine games, throwing for 2,555 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine picks.
During the Cardinals’ Week 1 win over Eastern Kentucky, Moss completed 17-of-25 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown, but also threw two picks.
“We’re talking about a four- or five-star quarterback here,” Chesney said, “he was one of the best — if not the best — in the entire country at one point, so that’s a big deal.”
Louisville’s offense also features redshirt senior wide receiver Caullin Lacy, who spent four seasons in the Sun Belt with South Alabama (2020-24). He tallied 1,316 yards in 2023. Lacy caught four balls for 62 yards against Eastern Kentucky.
The Cardinals’ leading receiver against the Colonels was senior Chris Bell, who caught five passes for 63 yards.
In the backfield, sophomore running back Isaac Brown led the way for Louisville. He carried the ball just six times but ran for 126 yards — including a 68-yarder — and two touchdowns.
“These running backs are violent, they’re quick, they’re decisive, they’re fast,” Chesney said. “They’re everything you would hope for in a running back.”
Chesney said that Louisville’s explosive plays stood out on tape. The Cardinals had eight big plays through the air of at least 15 yards.
“We have to make sure that we understand places that we’ve got to be able to attack,” Chesney said.
JMU defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler said that Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm can control the game through his explosive plays since he’s an offensive-minded coach.
“He keeps you off balance, then hits you over the top when you don’t expect it,” Hitschler said. “We’ve got to [give] our best effort to not allow him to control the clock, control the game, and get them uncomfortable at times just by playing really hard. You can’t trick a guy like this. He’s been through it too many times and he’s seen too many things.”
Defensively, Louisville allowed just 17 points and 150 total yards. The Cardinals also allowed just 1.9 yards per carry and 74 rushing yards. JMU carried the ball 44 times for 313 yards against Weber State.
“Their [Louisville’s] front seven is good, they’re experienced,” JMU offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy said. “They play hard, I think they do a lot, a lot — that’s a good thing for us, we’ve just got to make sure we take advantage of it.”
Louisville’s defense also came away with four sacks against the Colonels, while the Dukes will go into Friday being sacked just once by Weber State.
“They’re an aggressive team, so you would 100% expect [blitzes],” Chesney said. “Will they blitz? Yeah, they’ll blitz. And at the same point in time, without the blitz, they’re pretty dangerous. They’re a really good defensive line.”
JMU redshirt junior defensive lineman Amar Thomas said preparing for an ACC opponent is no different than any other opponent, and believes the Dukes just have to work.
“We all got to earn it,” Thomas said. “It’s not going to be easy at all, and I know it isn’t. But I’m just going to work, because I know we’re all going to work. We want it badly.”
CONTACT Preston Comer at breezesports@gmail,com. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.
By GAVIN AVELLA
The Breeze
In JMU football’s 45-10 Week 1 win over Weber State, the Dukes showed their willingness to run the offense through more than one quarterback.
Leading up to the opener, the status of redshirt junior quarterback Alonza Barnett III was up in the air — along with who would start at quarterback if he was unavailable.
Barnett spent the last nine months rehabbing a knee injury sustained in the Dukes’ 2024 season finale against Marshall.
But, five days before JMU’s matchup against the Wildcats, head coach Bob Chesney announced Barnett had been cleared for contact — still, a starter was unnamed.
When asked about his rehab process at JMU football’s 2025 Aug. 13 media day, Barnett said his rehab was “still an ongoing process,” but he was well on his way.
On the Dukes’ first offensive snap against Weber State, Barnett trotted onto the field to make his second consecutive season-opening start. But he didn’t play all of the snaps, departing from the conventional notion of a “starting quarterback” and backups.
Instead, the Dukes rolled out both redshirt senior transfer quarterback Matthew Sluka and eventually redshirt freshman JC Evans for some designed quarterback run plays and passing situations.
While Barnett was the Dukes’ starter, they still used two other quarterbacks.
Barnett finished the contest 14-of-22 for 130 yards and a touchdown through the air, as well as 39 yards and another score on the ground.
Sluka finished the day three-of-four for 15 yards and a touchdown, also contributing in the run game with six carries for 34 yards and another touchdown.
While Evans’ time was limited, finding his way into the game late in the fourth quarter, he showcased the same flashes of natural ability that came alive during the Boca Raton Bowl.
Evans scampered into the endzone on a five-yard rush — the Dukes’ final score of the night.
Postgame and in JMU’s press conference leading up to the Dukes’ Week 2 matchup against Louisville, Chesney applauded his quarterback room and left the door open for multiple quarterbacks to see the field again.
“What you see this week is maybe different next week,” Chesney said.
Offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy said the Dukes want to throw a lot of different looks at opposing defenses, and playing multiple quarterbacks does just that.
“At the end of the day, maybe it’s the stuff that we do or not [do], but how do we find different ways to present different things to defenses,” Kennedy said. “Every time we do something, they’ve [other defenses] got to go ahead and practice it, so that’s really our job, is to keep presenting different things to them”
Chesney echoed Kennedy, and said having multiple quarterbacks JMU can rotate through is an asset.
“I just love that they’re [Barnett and Sluka] continuing to put the team first and care about this team and care about winning,” Chesney said. “They’ll do whatever it takes to accomplish that goal.”
With Barnett, Sluka, and maybe even Evans or junior quarterback Camden Coleman at the helm, the Dukes have no shortage of quarterback talent. They’ll look to both maximize and leverage the talent and potential they possess in that room on a competitive 12-game — 11 remaining — schedule with multiple Power Four opponents.
“I just think at the end of the day, [Barnett and Sluka are] both very talented,” Kennedy said. “I think when you have talented people on a football team, your job is to use them and put them in the game in the best way that you see fit … We’ll see what this Saturday looks like, we’ll see what next week looks like.”
EDITOR EMAIL breezeopinion@gmail.com Caroline McKeown
Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Darts & Pats is the place to do it. Submit your own at breezejmu.org.
EMMA CURRIE Breeze columnist
When the spring season rolls around, many students find themselves at a loss with how to spend the upcoming summer. With limited options at hand, deciding the best way to spend that time can be tricky. Some students start internships pertaining to their desired career, some take on jobs and some choose to relax and do nothing!
A “go-piss-girl” pat to the JMU Pisser.
From a fan with too much screen time.
A “rules-of-the-road” dart to people who walk on the left side of the sidewalk.
From a walker who was taught manners and etiquette.
However, that raises a question: Why stay in Harrisonburg and do nothing when going home to see family or reconnect with hometown friends is a possibility?
Senior public relations major Sebastian Krebs said that although it was a difficult decision, staying in Harrisonburg this past summer allowed him to be more focused on his work.
“When the students clear out of Harrisonburg, there aren’t as many distractions, so I had much more time to focus on work and other creative projects,” Krebs said.
This summer, Krebs successfully obtained an internship.
“I started my days with my remote internship for Top of Mind PR, then went to work at O’Neill’s Grill in the evening. In my free time, I spent time lounging by a pool and spending time with friends who also stayed for the summer.”
Not every student’s summer plans were so clear-cut, though. For some, deciding whether to stay in Harrisonburg or return home involved more complex considerations.
As Harrisonburg began to feel quieter, more opportunities for students arose. Krebs was able to check out many new restaurants and bars, many of which he had never had the chance to.
“Everything always has a long wait during the school year, so it makes it harder to get into,” he said.
While it’s easy to focus on the food and bar scene of Harrisonburg, Baldwin found herself interacting with locals downtown, which led her to get recommendations about other hidden gems in the downtown scene.
“I definitely looked at more thrift stores and stories, since I was on the Eastern Mennonite University side with my job,” she said.
Baldwin was grateful to the Harrisonburg residents who helped point her toward the cool spots that she “wouldn’t have found without them.”
Checking out local spots is definitely a plus for students over the summer, but there are other benefits as well. Krebs shared that his plan to lock in on his work was extremely effective because he was very productive all summer.
“Aside from work, it was also a very fun summer. I got to know many people very well whom I wouldn’t have normally made plans with,” Krebs said. “I feel like I formed a whole new friend group of absolutely awesome people, many of whom I already knew but wasn’t close with.”
opportunity presents itself, Baldwin and Krebs suggest going for it.
“You can create independence on your own while working, unlike people who went home and reverted back to their high school dependence,” Baldwin said. “If more people stayed here, it would be more fun and interactive; it’s all the best parts of school minus the stress. The more people that stay, the more fun it is.”
This townie summer resulted in many fun days, but it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Being unemployed for the first half of the summer was hard for Baldwin.
“I was bored before I got a job after I finished my class. I had financial struggles when I didn’t have a job, but was lucky enough to have parents who supported me till I got back on my feet,” Baldwin said.
Spending the summer in Harrisonburg may not be every student’s first choice, but for those like Krebs and Baldwin, it proved to be an eye-opening and rewarding experience. From building new friendships and gaining professional experience to discovering the quiet charm of the town, their summer in Harrisonburg offered a unique mix of personal growth and unexpected fun.
A “where-are-myveggies-mofo” dart to D-Hall stir-fry station.
From a control freak who needs something in these cafeterias.
A “kiss-to-Kline’s” pat to the woman that definitely gave me more scoops than I paid for.
From a girl who loves dairy and kind interactions.
For senior dietetics major Abbey Baldwin, the choice was a bit more complex.
“I stayed in Harrisonburg because I knew I was going to get my nurse aid license in either Charlottesville or Salem, and I was already paying rent here,” she said.
Baldwin shared that every day looked different for her this summer.
“I had my class in the beginning while I was commuting to Charlottesville every day for the first half of the summer,” she said, “then I had a chunk of unemployed time, but eventually got a job where I worked the evening shift.”
Both Krebs and Baldwin believe that the vibe of Harrisonburg changes when school isn’t in session. With fewer students around, the town takes on a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere.
Krebs describes the overall vibe of Harrisonburg as “incredibly chill.”
Baldwin said it’s difficult to know nonJMU students. “Unless you have a job in the community, you never really get to know the locals,” she said.
Baldwin suggested that getting a job in the community helps to get to know the town more, as well as learning everything is much slower and relaxing.
New friendships also blossomed for Baldwin. “I definitely got closer to people I have been friends with, but then got closer over the summer because we were the only ones in town,” she said. “It also allowed me to enjoy Harrisonburg more. I think I originally associated Harrisonburg with only school and stress, so it was definitely beneficial to see the fun side of Harrisonburg without the school side.”
Whatever the reason for staying in Harrisonburg for the summer may be, if the
While it came with its challenges, both students found value in stepping outside the typical school-year mindset and engaging with the community differently. Ultimately, a townie summer is the best way for students to spend their time outside of the regular school year.
CONTACT Emma Currie at currieeg@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
KATIE MAE YETTER Breeze columnist
Have you ever thought of being one of the people in green shirts who help you move in? What sticks with you during your first few days in this unfamiliar place? The person who teaches you about meal plans, shows you resources you may need and helps you meet the people in your dorm? Well, those are FROGs, or First Year Orientation Guides. It’s a volunteer position put in place by JMU to help first-year students adjust to their surroundings.
You’d think FROGs would be paid for how much time and energy they put into their jobs of helping you acclimate to your new life in Harrisonburg. You may not realize it immediately, but FROGs actually have a bigger impact than you think. Some people view it as just someone who takes you places, but your connection with your FROG can last way past Welcome Week. Even one year later, I still get excited when I see my FROG on campus. You may end up joining the same organization as your FROG or even being in a general education class with them.
FROGs are doing all the things the freshmen are doing and then some. The FROGs arrive on campus a few days early to be trained for this time-consuming job. They then help move in all the first-year students to the hall they’re assigned to. They’re then told by the office of Orientation and Transition to do icebreakers with the new students: one with the Friday move-ins and one with the Saturday moveins. They spent the week taking their first-years, sometimes called tadpoles, around to events like Stop the Haze and the Block Party in the Burg. They take them to all meals of the day at the various dining places on campus. This is to teach them about the meal plan and making sure they’re eating throughout their first days here.
But if FROGs are doing all of these things, don’t they deserve to be compensated? Most people become FROGs because their own FROG had a positive impact on them, and they want to do the same for a fresh face at JMU.
It begs the question of whether FROGs would do it for the wrong reasons if they were paid. Is the fact that it’s a volunteer position keeping the job honest? But I believe people wouldn’t do it unless they really wanted to. I spoke to a sophomore FROG who requested to stay anonymous to avoid risking her opportunity to be a FROG again, and she shared with me her experience with her FROG.
“I wanted to be a FROG because my freshman year, my FROG had a big impact on me,” she said. “I feel like I had a little bit of a hard time figuring out what to do with myself during Welcome Week, and my FROG was there, and there was always something to do, instead of sitting in my room.”
For the amount of impact FROGs are making, they should be making something in return. The time commitment is that of a part-time job. They have shifts they need to follow. So why not compensate them like it’s a part-time job? They move in early and have long days leading up to the first day of classes. While many may not do it for the right reasons, some may want to do it but can’t afford to leave their summer jobs a few days early. They earn about 100 Dining Dollars Gold, which means they don’t expire as long as they are students at JMU. But this doesn‘t equal being paid. This doesn‘t cover expenses they may need to deal with.
“We understand how busy it is, and you have to have so much of a love for school, and you really want to feel like you are creating an impact,” the sophomore said.
When deciding to be a FROG, you have to weigh all the pros and cons, and I think it being a volunteer opportunity lands in the con column. So until this is changed, be kind to your FROGs. They’re doing their best and trying to make sure you are as prepared for this year as possible. Maybe one day we will see them paid fairly for how much hard work and love they put into JMU’s campus.
CONTACT Katie Mae Yetter at yette3km@dukes. jmu.edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eleanor Shaw breezeeditor@gmail.com
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Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
Edited by Patti
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Life line location
Touches on an edge
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Half a laugh
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Classic Battleship game piece
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Dah’s partner
Queen guitarist Brian
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Texter’s “Or ... ”
Items in jewel cases
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By Lynn K. Watson & Katie Hale
Madison Marketplace is open for business, and all text-only listings are FREE ! Post job listings, announcements, rentals and more using our online placement tool. Ads run two weeks online and in two print editions.
4 bedroom/4.5 Bath Location: Copper Beech, 1.7 miles to campus $830/month, first month rent FREE, co-ed (JMU students)
Newly renovated and fully furnished! Includes: Deck, in-house laundry, parking, and more. Popular community! Interested or know someone who is? Please contact cb.studenthousing@gmail.com and reference The Breeze Ad.
Two Bedrooms, partially furnished, shared bathroom and kitchen private sink and vanity in each bedroom. May be shared by two people. Both required to sign lease. Electric, gas and water included. TV and internet available. 10 miles North of Harrisonburg. Lease and security deposit required $1,300. Call 540746-7445
2015 Hyundai Accent Sport
4DR Hatchback black, 82,350 miles $7950
2015 Hyundai Accent Sport 4DR Hatchback black, 82,350 miles beautiful maintained per schedule, garaged, steam cleaned engine, waxed often. Market price sells priced $9759 with 120K miles is average. KBB Valued $8600. Priced $7950 well below average with less miles beats all offers. Reliable college transportation see Autotrader.com
Game
Large folding ping pong table with accessories. Foosball table with extras. Both in good condition. Must pick up, cash only $75 each. 540-578-2362
Transportation Services Airport transfers, wine tours, special events Motorcoach trip to Liberty football game Sept 20 Contact Adventures-N-Travel.com Call or text 540-810-1196 mikepackett@aol.com
Are you ready to be the driving force behind cutting-edge public safety technology? Join the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center’s team as a Software Portfolio Specialist and help shape the future of emergency communications in a high-impact, mission-driven environment. Find out more/apply online: https://www.harrisonburgva. gov/employment.EOE.
Missing Giraffe! Please Help!
This large concrete giraffe yard ornament was stolen from an elderly resident Aug. 22 on Port Hills Drive. It is a very sentimental gift and is 40 inches high. Please return to 1588 Port Hills Drive No questions asked. If you have seen it please call Andy at 757-592-2888
The City of Harrisonburg is currently accepting applications for noncertified individuals interested in joining the Harrisonburg Police Department, which offers a rewarding career plus an excellent benefits package, including enhanced hazardous duty through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). Find out more/apply online: https://www.harrisonburgva.gov/ employment. EOE.
Monday, September 8 at 6:30pm
Wilson Hall Auditorium
Lincoln Filene Professor of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, Tufts University
Facilitated by Dr. Kara Dillard and Dr. David Kirkpatrick
