The Auburn Plainsman 11.5.20

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020

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ELECTIONS

Tuberville trades AU’s gridiron for D.C.’s gridlock

By NATALIE BECKERINK Managing Editor

On Tuesday night the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery was packed with confident supporters of former Auburn fcootball coach and U.S. Senate candidate Tommy Tuberville as they awaited the results of the election.

Tuberville was up against the incumbent, Doug Jones, attempting to reclaim the Senate seat for the Republican Party. At the time Jones was elected in 2017, the Republicans had

held the seat for 20 years. Losing it to a Democrat motivated Tuberville’s supporters to work even harder.

Walking into the ballroom where the main event was being held, red, white and blue could be seen everywhere, from clothes to balloons to signs that simply said “COACH.” People were talking loudly over the singers that performed, while election results continued to pour in — with Tuberville projected to win the race, the celebration had already begun.

At a table toward the back of the room sat

Kenneth Smith, 76, and his wife Sheila, 73.

Though they are from northeast Alabama, Sheila said that she has always loved Auburn.

“I’m trying to get my husband to move me down there, but he won’t, so if I outlive him, I’m moving,” she said.

Their love for Auburn is part of the reason that Kenneth and Sheila have stood behind Tuberville and his campaign, but they also said that they agree with a lot of his polices.

“I’m for what he stands for,” Kenneth said.

“Jones doesn’t stand for what I stand for, so I’ve

got to vote for the person that goes with what I stand for.”

Sheila emphasized that she believed Tuberville was true to his word, which is why she thinks he is the better fit for the Senate than Jones.

“Whatever he says, he means,” she said.

Outside of the event hall, volunteers for Tuberville’s campaign were in masks scanning people’s temperatures before they were » See SENATE, 7

ELECTIONS

ELECTIONS

Lee County by the numbers

By TRICE BROWN Enterprise Editor

EVAN MEALINS | MANAGING EDITOR

Alabamians wait in line during the first hours of voting at the Frank Brown Recreation Center.

‘Like an efficient machine’ Voters report long, early lines across county

By EVAN MEALINS Managing Editor

Auburn residents flocked in large numbers to one of the City’s four polling locations on Tuesday to cast ballots for president, U.S. Senate and several other federal, state and local offices, as well as six proposed statewide amendments.

There were long lines at several polling places, including an hourlong wait at the Frank Brown Recreation Center at noon. The line wrapped around Perry Street and down and snaked down East Drank Avenue, appearing roughly about a half-mile in length.

Former Auburn football coach and Republican senate candidate

Tommy Tuberville waited for about 40 minutes to cast his ballot at Frank Brown and was talking with residents at about 12:45 p.m.

In an interview with The Plainsman, he encouraged people to go vote.

“I don’t care who you’re voting for, go vote,” he said. “We’ve had two million people in this country die for the right for us to do what we’re doing today, and it’s important that we take that opportunity.”

Plenty of people took that opportunity, including Jesse W. Guffin, who moved to Auburn from Montgomery recently. Guffin, 30, said that while the line was long, things were moving quickly.

“We were here for less than an

hour,” Guffin said. “We started all the way over there,” he continued, pointing at the nearby Harris Center, “and we came all the way around. They’ve got it moving like an efficient machine, so I can’t complain too much.”

People who have lived and voted in Auburn for longer don’t recall lines being this long.

Derek Davis, who has voted at the Frank Brown Recreation Center for years, said this was a new occurrence. Used to, he said he’d be upset if the line came out the door about 20 yards. Still, though, he didn’t have any complaints about today.

Hannah Carroll, 27, showed up at Frank Brown at 5:40 a.m. on

Election Day to get in line to cast her ballot. After waiting for an hour with her husband, she had to leave because couldn’t take time off from her job at Opelika High School.

Her husband stuck around though. He didn’t vote until 9:15, over three and a half hours later.

“He was not very happy,” Carroll said.

Once she came home from work, the couple put their five-monthold daughter to sleep, and she showed up to the polls for the second time at around 6:40. She was in and out in about 15 minutes.

Others had issues with large lines early in the morning. Leatha Jones, who lives on Boykin Street near the Boykin Community Center, another one of Auburn’s polling locations, said that when she tried to leave for work Tuesday morning, cars were lining the street.

“I left home at about 6:30, and my driveway was blocked,” Jones said. “I’ve been there for like 18 years, and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen it like that.”

She ended up being late for work that day. But when she came to the Boykin Center that evening to vote, there was no line there either, just like at Frank Brown.

At 10:30 a.m. at the Clarion Inn and Suites on South College Street, another of Auburn’s polling locations, the line extended around the

» See NUMBERS, 7

EVAN MEALINS | MANAGING EDITOR

» See VOTING, 7

Tuberville talks with a woman outside of the Frank Brown Recreation Center.

ONE YEAR LATER Continued from last week: ‘Her death is not going to be in vain’ Aniah Blanchard’s family and friends, lawmakers work to make social, legislative changes Page 2

On Election Day, Lee County residents in 22 precincts across the county voted to cast Alabama’s electoral votes for President Donald Trump and send former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville to the US Senate. Lee County voters also joined with other counties in Alabama’s third congressional district to reelect Mike Rogers to US House of Representatives and voted Yes on all six statewide amendments.

Absentee and provisional ballots were tabulated in separate precincts, bring the county’s total precincts to 24. Results for absentee and provisional ballots were not available by publication.

In the US presidential election, President Trump, the incumbent Republican, received 37,273 votes in Lee County from in-person voters. Former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate, received 21,869 votes.

Jo Jorgensen, who ran as an independent, received 884 votes.

In the US Senate election, Tommy Tuberville, the Republican candidate, received 36,284 votes in Lee County from in-person voters. Doug Jones, the incumbent Democrat, received 21,869 votes.

In the US House District 3 election, Mike Rogers, the incumbent Republican, received 38,717 votes in Lee County from in-person voters. Adia Winfrey, the Democratic candidate, received 19,000 votes.

In the Public Service Commission president election, Twinkle Cavanaugh, the incumbent Republican, received 36,651 votes in Lee County from in-person voters. Laura Casey, the Democratic candidate, received 20,324 votes.

For State Amendment 1, which amends language in the Constitution of Alabama to say that only a US citizen could vote,

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NEWS

ONE YEAR LATER

CONTRIBUTED BY HANNAH CROCKER

Following Aniah’s death, her friend, Hannah Crocker, chose to dedicate her life to criminal justice.

‘Her death is not going to be in vain’

Aniah Blanchard’s family and friends, lawmakers work for social, legislative changes

By EMMA KIRKEMIER and EVAN MEALINS Copy Editor and Managing Editor

Aniah Blanchard’s murder and kidnapping have prompted her family and friends to look to make changes. That includes promoting Aniah’s Law, which would restrict pretrial release on bail for an extended number of violent offenses, and starting the nonprofit organization Aniah’s Heart.

“I’m going to make sure that her life meant something and that we’re together going to save lives because of what happened to her,” said Angela Harris, Aniah’s mother. “And so that’s really what’s keeping me going. I just — I can’t give up on Aniah.”

I. Seeking Change Following Aniah’s death, Harris looked for a way to make a positive change in the community.

“Her death is not going to be in vain,” Harris said. “She gave her life to stop that monster,” she continued, speaking of Ibraheem Yazeed, who is accused of Blanchard’s kidnapping and murder.

Harris has worked to channel her energy from Aniah’s passing into positive change with the nonprofit organization Aniah’s Heart. Through Aniah’s Heart, she hopes to educate people about how to stay safe in a public that she feels is becoming more unsafe.

She has led both public and private lessons on self defense and how to stay safe since founding Aniah’s Heart. She plans to lead charity events, fundraising events and go to schools and colleges as part of the organization, and hopes to make Auburn one of her first stops.

“We’re focusing on Auburn first because, you know, that’s where it happened,” Harris said.

“That was where Aniah lived, and that’s where Elijah lives, and they loved Auburn.”

The nonprofit also serves as a resource for families who have gone through similar tragedies. Aniah’s Heart has helped two families in their search for a missing loved one, Harris said, and she hopes to continue doing so in the future.

“We’ll continue to do that, because people don’t know what to do,” Harris said. “We didn’t know what to do, and when you first learn your loved one’s missing, where do you go? What do you do? Because, you know, the police can only do so much.”

Aniah’s older brother Elijah, Auburn University senior in supply chain management, and her former roommate Sarah O’Brien have also been involved with Aniah’s Heart. Elijah has become passionate about self defense, something that he didn’t pay much attention to before Aniah’s death.

Elijah said he felt that people aren’t aware of their surroundings when they go out, which worries him. He used to do the same thing.

“I was one of those people,” Elijah said. “I didn’t pay attention to it because I thought it would never happen to me.”

He said he’s come to realize that horrible things — like what happened to Aniah — can happen to anyone. Now, he plans to turn this new passion for self defense into a business.

“It’s really just given me a goal bigger than just myself,” Elijah said. “It’s given me a mission, instead of just a way to make money.”

Aniah’s kidnapping and murder also led Hannah Crocker, one of Aniah’s long-time best friends, to change her career plans.

When Crocker went to college in 2018, she was planning to become a nurse. She enrolled at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloo-

sa, started working shifts at DCH Regional Medical Center and was enjoying it. But after Aniah’s death she decided to go into policing and has since enrolled in the police academy.

Her experiences with police officers were “not fantastic” during the early days of the investigation into Aniah’s case, she said, which she said was mostly was outside their control. They just hadn’t been through anything like that before.

“The officers did everything that they could — they weren’t given much to go off of,” Crocker said. “But at the same time, I’m like, it might would have been nice to talk to somebody that was like, ‘Oh hey, I completely understand.’”

Now that she has gone through that situation, she said she’s in a good position to empathize with the families and friends of people who suffer the loss of a loved one.

II. Aniah’s Law Aniah’s Law is a bail reform bill currently being considered in the Alabama legislature that would allow defendants accused of certain violent felonies to be held without bail.

Alabama Rep. Chip Brown of Mobile wrote the bill and presented it to the state legislature.

“What [Aniah’s Law] does is it allows someone that’s charged with a violent, Class A felony, which would be rape, murder, violent domestic assault, kidnapping — those types of crimes that are violent crimes against an individual, against another person — if they’re charged with that, the prosecutor can ask the judge that the individual be held without bond,” Brown said.

Bail is the amount of money that an arrested individual may be required to pay to leave prison before their trial, which is returned to them if they show up for their court date. When individuals cannot post all of their bail, they may contact a bail bondsman to post their bail for them, in exchange for a bond payment, a fraction of bail. Often, these terms are used interchangeably.

Yazeed, accused of the kidnapping and murder of Aniah, was out on bond for another kidnapping charge at the time of her disappearance, among several other counts.

“In American jurisprudence, you’re innocent until you’re proven guilty,” Brown said. “[But] there are certain individuals that need to be held [without bond] because they are a threat, an imminent threat to society. That’s where Aniah Blanchard’s case comes into play, is that the individual that’s accused of her crime was out on bond for a robbery, kidnapping and attempted murder, and he shouldn’t have been out.”

If this legislation had been in effect before Yazeed was granted bond, Brown said, “[Aniah] would be alive today.”

Currently, bail can only be categorically denied for capital offenses. Exceptions may be made in which bail is also denied if the accused is a flight risk or danger to society.

Once the prosecutor requests the denial of bail, Brown said, the court holds an evidentiary hearing where the prosecutor must “present evidence that the individual is an imminent threat to society or a threat to themselves or is a flight risk.” After this hearing, the judge decides whether or not to grant bond.

Aniah’s Law would categorically deny bail — meaning that bail denial is the standard — to those accused of Class A felonies. It would require an amendment to the Alabama Constitution that would need to be voted on in a public election, as it would amend the section on excessive bail.

Brown said that while he had been interested

in writing bail reform legislation for some time, Aniah’s story, and others like it, really “brings it home.”

“Aniah’s mother, Angela Harris, had asked me if I would consider naming the bill in honor of Aniah, and I said certainly,” Brown said. “They were very involved, both sides of her family.”

Harris said she spoke to the legislature several times during the last legislative session in Montgomery. Harris said she sees the amendment as a way to start to fix a criminal justice that she said “needs a lot of work.”

“We have to do that,” Harris said. “Together, we’re going to have to demand that things change the law, like Aniah’s Law. So we can’t count on anybody else to keep us safe but us.”

The bill passed unanimously in the Alabama House of Representatives and the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, the process screeched to a halt when COVID-19 shut down the state legislature completely in March.

The very Thursday that the bill was set to be presented on the Senate floor, Brown said, the session was canceled and the legislature temporarily disbanded over coronavirus concerns.

Brown said that while the bill must start its approval process again from the beginning for the new 2021 session, he will prefile it so that it will be taken up quickly. He expects that both of Aniah’s parents will speak again at the 2021 legislative hearings.

“I think that it’s important that people understand the current law,” Brown said. “Because there is that thought out there that you can be held without bond, but that’s really not the case, unless you’re charged with capital murder. This is an effort to really save lives.”

Brown said Aniah’s family has been outspoken in their support of the bill, and he encouraged interested residents to speak to their House and Senate representatives to voice their own support.

“It’s got a lot of support,” Brown said. “It’ll be the same piece of legislation that passed the House last year. … I would expect to have that same level of support this year since it’s the same exact legislation.”

While the legislation was overwhelmingly popular when it was introduced in Montgomery, there are some legal scholars who are wary of the policy it promotes.

Jenny Carroll is the Wiggins, Childs, Quinn and Pantazis Professor of Law at the University of Alabama School of Law. Carroll, an expert in criminal defense and criminal procedure, said she thought the legislation could have detrimental effects on communities and create some pressing legal questions.

One important thing, she noted, is that individuals who are held pretrial have not been found guilty. However, they are held in the exact same place as convicted criminals, often in the same or even worse conditions, Carroll said. Yazeed is currently being held in Lee County Jail.

There are also questions of funding that need to be answered, Carroll said. More bodies in cells means more dollars to prisons, and it is currently unclear where such funding would come from.

Additionally, this legislation sets a precedent she said could be harmful, as she feels it goes against the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”

“It creates a presumption that release isn’t appropriate, which is contrary to the normal presumption,” Carroll said.

Currently, matters of pretrial release are typically left up to a judge who is free to use his or her discretion. Release on bail can be denied if the individual is charged with a capital felony. Judges can also use their discretion and choose to deny bail if they find that the individual is a flight risk, or “that the defendant’s being at large will pose a real and present danger to others or to the public at large,” according to the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Doing away with the current system, in which a judge is able to weigh the benefits and risks of release or detention, can have negative effects on both the accused individual and society, Carroll said.

“Having this kind of blanket prohibition on bail not only removes the discretion that the judge ordinarily has under the pretrial detention system to say, ‘I have my concerns. This is a serious charge, but I think this individual is a good bet, and … I’m going to go ahead and let this person out,’” Carroll said. “It removes the possibility that that person who is released can return to their community and actually be a good productive member of society.”

There are several studies that have shown that pretrial detention can have negative effects on an individual’s future outcomes. An economic analysis by The Hamilton Project found that individuals held in pretrial detention have an increased likelihood for being convicted and for having future convictions and lower future incomes.

Carroll also said holding individuals before trial keeps them away from their families and communities, where others may depend on them.

While Carroll opposes the legislation, she said she did not want to be insensitive to the pain and trauma of Blanchard’s kidnapping. In fact, she said it’s clear that Aniah’s Law would reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future, but the policy’s costs need to be considered just as much as any benefits.

“How many people do you hold unnecessarily?

How many communities do you tear apart? How many lives do you disrupt in the interest of that possibility that you prevent some future horror from occurring?” she asked.

In general, she’s cautious of legislation that comes in the wake of tragedy. It’s normal for communities to be distressed, she said; it just doesn’t “make good law.”

“Horrific cases generally make for bad legislation because they tend to be reactive, rather than thinking about the systematic impact of whatever the policy is,” she said.

Despite her objections to the legislation, she still expects it will pass, given its overwhelming popular support and the general inclination of Alabama voters.

She expects that if the amendment passes, there will be a federal challenge to the policy based on a possible violation of the Eight Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Such a challenge would go to a district court and, if the law is overturned there, to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which handles cases from Alabama, Georgia and Florida. She wouldn’t expect the 11th Circuit to uphold a district court overturning it, but similar laws — like ones passed in Arizona — have been overturned in the past.

A law that categorically denied bail to individuals accused of certain sexual offenses was overturned in Arizona in 2017. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the case when it was presented to them.

The Auburn Plainsman

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020

PAGE 3

Auburn University COVID-19 data

AU's new weekly COVID cases

Sentinel positivity rate

700

7.00%

570

600

598

6.00%

500

5.00%

400

4.00%

300

3.00%

200

208

0

1.80%

2.00%

109

100

6.40%

53

17

21

1.00%

16

11

17

8

0.00%

Aug. 21Aug. 28 Sept. 6 Sept. Sept. Sept. Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 13 20 27

0% 0.27% 0% 0.25% Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27

Oct. 4

Oct. 11

0.48% Oct. 18

0.26%

0.49%

Oct. 25

Nov. 1

CORONAVIRUS

University reports lowest weekly COVID numbers

By TIM NAIL Section Editor

Auburn University reported 8 new COVID-19 cases for the week ending Nov. 1, according to data from its COVID-19 Resource Center. After a slight increase the week prior, this is the lowest number the University has recorded since classes began in August.

All 8 cases were reported from the University’s main campus in Auburn. The GuideSafe Sentinel Testing Program performed 616 tests in the past week, with 0.49% returning a positive result.

In his latest weekly update video, Dr. Fred Kam, director of the Auburn University Medical Clinic, said people should be aware Alabama is entering another wave of the coronavirus.

“Alabama’s numbers are starting to climb,” Kam said. “We’re just below a 10% positivity rate which is up a couple percent from just a few weeks ago, and nationally obviously that’s happening including in previous hotspots like New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut and other parts of the country.”

Kam said that some European countries, such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy, are reentering lockdowns, noting that the new wave is not just restricted to the United States.

With the data releasing on Election Day, Kam addressed the politicizing of the pandemic in the

U.S. He said safeguards against the virus – wearing masks, physical distancing, sanitizing hands and limiting group sizes – will need to be maintained regardless of which party wins the presidency.

“What I’ve learned so far from this virus is it has no political preference,” he said. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or just don’t vote at all. All that matters is whether you’ve been infected or not infected. You need to understand that the virus hasn’t gone anywhere; it’s just as contagious and it’s going to spread.”

Kam gave a “thank you” to students, faculty and staff at the University as well as members of the Auburn community who have adhered to guidelines and health recommendations. He also commended fellow healthcare professionals for working diligently during the pandemic, including those in intensive care units. “[Thank you to] all the people that are doing what they should be doing to prevent the number of cases, [more] people getting COVID and possibly the number of people needing to be hospitalized or risking that Auburn University would have been required to go all online,” Kam said.

Speaking to parents whose children may be returning home from Auburn for Thanksgiving, Kam said both groups should begin limiting contact with people over the next 14 days ahead of the holiday. He said people always risk bringing it home if they interact with enough people each day.

“Those of you that are going to have vulnerable high-risk people [at Thanksgiving], you may want to take some extra steps including testing a day or two before you go home,” Kam said. “You want to pre-schedule that as best as possible in an effort to decrease the risk of giving it to someone who’s vulnerable. Start thinking now, start acting now [and] be responsible.”

Temperatures in Auburn have begun to decrease within the last few weeks. Kam said this will create more optimal environments for the virus to spread as people group up indoors.

“Remember this virus started over the wintertime, and here we are 10, 11 months heading into it,” he said. “We are going to see more spread because of ... more indoor activities. It will continue to spread, and we have to take that into account as we go through our daily lives and activities.”

Kam reiterated on the mental health effects of the pandemic with days becoming shorter because of the end of Daylight Saving Time on Sunday. This year may see more individuals with seasonal affective disorder because of distancing and reduced events, he said.

“We’re in for a period here where people need to pay [an] incredible amount of attention to your mental health and the importance of recognizing your symptoms and getting the necessary help,” Kam said.

This “necessary help” can include light therapy and staying socially connected with others,

Kam said. He said there is not one individual process that relieves mental health issues, but people checking up on one another and working together to ensure everyone is getting the help they need.

As flu season carries on in tandem with the pandemic, Kam said the clinic is making adjustments to treating patients who do not show COVID-19 symptoms and have not been recently exposed to someone with the virus. Individuals in this category showing signs of other infections like strep throat, mono, the common cold or influenza may visit the clinic in person on the second floor, according to Kam. “We’re focusing all our respiratory complaint-type effort to be seen by clinicians in person with the appropriate PPE,” Kam said. “I encourage you, if that’s the case, please call the clinic or use the patient portal and make an appointment.”

For those who have not received flu shots this year, Kam encourages getting the shot this week in order to have it take effect by Thanksgiving week.

Kam said students can receive a free flu shot at the Med Clinic without an appointment, but other options are also available such as at pharmacies or grocery stores.

“When a person gets a flu shot, it takes about 10 to 14 days for it to be effective,” he said. “For those of you that are going home or for those of you who are having people come to your home, you’re in the last real week of when it’s the best time to get the flu shot.”

Correction: Two weeks ago, The Plainsman misspelled the name of Fullsteam LLC. This mistake has been fixed online, and The Plainsman apologizes for the mistake.

Correction: Last week, The Plainsman published Aniah Blanchard’s birthday incorrectly. The correct date is June 22. This mistake has been fixed online, and The Plainsman apologizes for the mistake.

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ELECTIONS

College Republicans, Democrats watch results

By TIM NAIL and DESTINI AMBUS Section Editor and Reporter

Though the final result for the presidential race between incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden was not called on election night, many Americans watched to see who might come out on top.

Members of Auburn University’s College Republicans and College Democrats were among those watching, not only for the presidential race, but the Alabama Senate election between Sen. Doug Jones and Tommy Tuberville, former Auburn Tigers football coach as well.

The College Republicans congregated in a large room in the Student Center as multiple TVs analyzed each state in senate elections and the presidential election.

“We’ve met with [Tuberville] multiple times on multiple occasions, [he’s] a great guy willing to help us out,” said Jordan Parker, senior in business analytics and vice president for the College Republicans, shortly before Tuberville’s win was called later that night. “I hope he’s active, I hope he represents us well and hope he represents Republicans well and follows through on what he said he’s going to do.”

Parker expressed hope in a Trump win based on the president’s wins in Florida and Texas. However, he said if Biden were to win, the Auburn College Republicans would accept the results and set their sights in voting for the Republican candidate in the 2024 election.

“If Joe Biden happens to win, you’re not going to see us burning stores and looting buildings and peoples’ businesses,” Parker said. “The sun will rise, life will go on [and] we’ll go back to our jobs. Not going to be the outcome that we had desired but we’ve got four more years to flip it.”

With a Trump re-election, Parker said he would expect to see continued tax cuts, brokered peace agreements in the Middle East and economic recovery once a reliable COVID-19 vaccine is available to the public and can be distributed efficiently to Americans.

“We saw a record third quarter growth – 33.1% GDP growth – which is a historic record in this nation,” Parker said. “That’s the kind of the thing President Trump is focused on.”

Davis Deimund, senior in finance, said he hoped

for a Trump win for similar reasons, as the president’s approach toward economics would be more favorable to his career as he graduated from college.

“I’ll have greater confidence in my business ambitions because I think the market economy would be friendlier to most opportunities [under Trump],” Deimund said.

He also said he is a proponent of continued military funding as he believes it has allowed Trump to maintain good diplomacy with Middle Eastern countries.

Toby Boyd, senior in industrial and systems engineering, said he voted for Trump in part because of the president’s desire to reopen businesses as the pandemic carries on. Biden, he said, would opt to close things down if elected.

“People who are actually at risk [for COVID-19] like the elderly need to take steps to protect themselves but for the rest of us when it’s got a [low] death rate and when a lot of people don’t even have symptoms or very mild symptoms, then you don’t shut the entire economy down for that,” Boyd said.

Some members of the College Republicans, such as Adam Lether, junior in pre-building science, were content in seeing Tuberville take Alabama’s senate seat, but approached the results with a degree of reluctance. “[Tuberville] doesn’t have a whole lot of experience in politics,” Lether said. “I’m not sure how it’s going to translate over to his administration. I’d personally rather there be a candidate with more political experience.”

On the national scale, Lether said there was a feeling of tension as the College Republicans watched Trump and Biden compete for electoral votes. He compared this year’s race to the 2000 race between George W. Bush and Al Gore because of mail-in voting.

Over on the east side of campus, the Auburn University College Democrats hosted a watch party in the Mell Classroom Building. The party was socially distanced and masked, with a green screen required through the GuideSafe Healthcheck screener to attend.

Carsten Grove, senior in industrial and systems engineering and president of AUCD, cited COVID-19 as one of his main concerns going forward, and why he hoped Biden would win.

“I want us to get an actual response to COVID,

DESTINE AMBUS | REPORTER

The College Democrats along with a a Barack Obama cutout watch election results.

and not just keep trying to sweep it under the rug,” Grove said. “If we keep trying to pretend it’s not a problem, it’s just going to get worse and continue for longer. The way Donald Trump has been saying that the cure can’t be worse than the disease, it’s clear he’s trying to move on from this when the disease hasn’t moved on.”

Joelle Woggerman, sophomore in biochemistry and director of the Biden campaign on Auburn’s campus, shared similar concerns regarding COVID-19. In addition to getting the virus under control, Waggoner hopes that with a Biden win, politics will be able to return to some sense of normalcy.

“Under the Trump administration, so many norms that we never thought about have been broken,” Waggoner said. “I think one of the first things we should do is make it legally binding that you don’t break those unspoken rules and just reinforce it because he’s really tested the structural integrity of our institutions.”

Both Woggerman and Grove were fairly confident that Biden was going to win early in the night, despite the surprising win for Trump in Florida.

“I’m pretty confident that he’s gonna win because there are so many people who are lifelong Republicans that said they’re going to vote for Joe Biden and

that’s across the country,” Woggerman said. “I think that makes a really big difference in swing states.”

Aahil Makhani, senior in supply chain management and a member of AUCD, is a DACA recipient. He said he hopes for and is confident in a Biden win, but he also has some concerns in the event of a Trump win.

“If Biden wins, I hope to become a citizen,” Makhani said. “I have a job lined up after graduation. I have to potentially give that up to go live in a place that is not my home if Trump wins. I have lived here for 18-19 years and being forced to leave my home is not something I want to do.”

Woggerman also shared her concerns of protests and violence in the event of a Trump win or loss.

“Whether he wins or loses, there’s expected to be an uptick in white nationalist and supremacist violence, and I can definitely see that happening,” Woggerman said. “Hopefully not here in Auburn, but you never know.”

Despite their faith in a Biden win, they said they anticipated Jones losing, although they had hoped for the opposite.

“I hope he wins,” Grove said. “But Alabama tends to vote red pretty frequently, and this is a presidential election year. It would be tough for Jones to win this one.”

VOLUNTEERING

Campus Kitchens combats food insecurity despite COVID

By SARAH GIBSON Writer

CONTRIBUTED BY COLE CALLAHAN

Volunteers work with Backpack International Inc.

For Auburn residents who are food insecure, meals might be harder to come by with the economic challenges the pandemic has posed. One group of students, known as Campus Kitchens at Auburn University, is seeking to relieve this uncertainty by providing community members food from the convenience of their cars.

Campus Kitchens serves leftover food from Auburn University’s many dining halls and other on-campus locations, such as Panera Bread, to community members who may have poorer access to food.

Shift leader meetings used to be in the basement of Toomer Hall but are now held over Zoom. After these meetings, volunteers would normally perform a deep cleaning of the kitchen. To adjust for the small gathering space, the organization now has seven people clean the kitchen so that volunteers can wear masks and maintain distance in the room.

“Even though the University allows gatherings of more peo-

ple, we thought with the space we have in Toomer Hall, that it would be best to keep it at small gatherings,” said Cole Callahan, junior in biomedical sciences and director of social media for Campus Kitchens.

“We thought if we can host meetings over Zoom, [we] might as well do that to limit the number of people in contact, just in case someone does test positive for coronavirus.”

Campus Kitchens can no longer have non-students in Toomer Hall because of contact tracing. Student volunteers are asked to show their green passport screen through GuideSafe’s Healthcheck screener, which keeps track of who has been exposed to COVID-19 on campus.

When students volunteer, they sign up through an AUInvolve sign-in to make it easier to trace and alert the volunteer if someone tested positive and was volunteering during the same shift.

“The dining halls still give us food, even though they have been producing less this year,” said Mary Hinson Mims, junior in biomedical sciences and shift lead for Campus Kitchens. “However, we still have plenty of food to provide the community.”

Mims said volunteers still package and deliver every week. She works as a shift lead for the packaging shift of the organization, which she said has changed slightly with the mask protocol set in place.

“In the packaging shift, we sort the food that was already picked up and make containers of food,” she said. “We make sure each meal has proteins, vegetables and carbs and label each package of food.”

Even though there are fewer volunteers, there are just as many shift leads and leaders on staff.

Mims said all of the work stills gets done even with fewer volunteers this semester.

“This semester is also different because it has been encouraged to leave Toomer Hall once you have finished your deep cleaning or have finished your shift,” Callahan said. “This is different from the past, where we were encouraged to stay after and get to know the people coming in.”

Campus Kitchens has also stopped picking food up from Golden Corral, which was the organization’s only off-campus donation partner.

Despite all these changes, the de-

livery system has stayed the same.

The spring semester was cut short due to the University’s transition to remote operations, which in turn put the organization on pause.

However, when fall semester started, the organization started delivering even more meals than usual.

“I deliver to Backpack International Inc., which is a delivery shift with an off-campus partner,” Callahan said. “I used to give them 75 meals, and last week I gave 115 meals.”

Although volunteer numbers have decreased this semester, Callahan said shifts are designed to be able to be performed without the need for more helping hands. One of the reasons volunteers help out is to obtain hours for classes, like hunger studies, which requires hours in a hunger-related nonprofit, Callahan said “There is an alternative right now for this class because the class cannot require that students volunteer in person amid a pandemic — this is why I think there are less volunteers right now,” Callahan said. “I just think a lot of people are not yet comfortable being around people with all of the regulations.”

DINING

Football Picnic program caters to student groups on gamedays

By VIRGINIA SPEIRS Writer

With fewer students located in Auburn to take classes this semester, some might feel more alone cheering on the Tigers while trying to build community and friendships. Campus Dining’s new Football Picnic program hopes to change that.

Using Grubhub, students can order meals for a group, which can then be picked up and enjoyed at a watch party, tailgate or any other activity that involves cheering on the Tigers.

The program targets students,

faculty and staff who are not going to football games but want to celebrate, enjoy a picnic on campus with a packaged meal or just want a convenient gameday food option.

“We created this opportunity for a variety of reasons,” said Glenn Loughridge, director of campus dining. “Basically the idea was to give students the opportunity to have food in a different setting. So much of this semester has been us trying to find more ways for students to utilize their meal plans but also [to] find some fun.”

Part of the goal of the pro-

gram is for students to still be able to have a feeling of community, Loughridge explained. With the University-regulated protocols for COVID-19, students have had fewer opportunities to have a community feeling this semester compared to those in years past, but food is something that naturally brings people together in that way, even if it is socially distanced.

“We know this has not been an easy semester on anybody, but football games have been a highlight, so we are trying to make the most of that,” Loughridge said.

The gameday meal packs have

a pickup location in Terrell Hall, and the entree options are pizza, a dozen wings or a barbecue meal for four people. Dessert options include banana pudding or cream cheese brownies, and drink options are a gallon of tea or lemonade.

Most meals are designed for about four people, enough for a small group of friends who likely already live together to eat and watch the game safely.

“We have a lot of capacity, especially for game days, because we normally cater to tailgate tents, and this is kind of the same idea,” Loughridge said. “We had

capacity. We’ve done it for people for years on gameday; it was just extending that same opportunity to students, really.”

If students enjoy having this as an option, it may be available even after the pandemic.

Loughridge said that if the gameday meals gain more popularity, the opportunity could be extended to exam week and may even be available for delivery.

“It’s not on the delivery menu; you have to pick them up,” Loughridge said. “But I think it would be smart of us … especially around exam time, to extend it as a delivery option, because I think

that would be really cool for study groups.”

The gameday meals have been popular, but it’s no Chick-fil-A, Loughridge joked. Word of mouth is more trustworthy than any advertisement, so the more students take advantage of this opportunity, the more likely it will become a long-term option.

“It’s new, and new takes a little bit of time,” Loughridge said.

“The thing that we find on campus is that word of mouth is everything, so students that have a good experience tell their friends.

It’s something that builds over time.”

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020

The Auburn Plainsman

PAGE 5

CUISINE

International Dinner Club gives locals a taste of the world

By NICOLE LEE Writer

Although Auburn is home to a multitude of tasty hubs where locals can choose from a variety of dining options, this was not always the case. The Loveliest Village on the Plains once lacked cuisine that catered to assorted appetites.

In an effort to diversify food selections, a club known to its eight members as, “The International Dinner Club” was born. Founded in 2009, the club emerged in response to the lack of culturally rich dining options and grew into a way for its members to gather and share meals with dishes from all around the globe.

Sadel Güven, a retired research specialist in animal and dairy sciences at Auburn University and local resident for over two decades, described the struggle to find good food after moving to Auburn years ago.

“There was only one movie theater, and there were no restaurants, at least ones that didn’t only serve hamburgers and Kentucky Fried Chicken,” she said.

Originally from Izmir, Turkey, Güven moved to Auburn with her husband and two children in 1981 and has been in the area ever since. She and her husband Oktay, former professor of civil engineering, both worked at the University for many years.

During her time at the University, Güven retained a passion for global travel and indulged in trips to her native Turkey. However, as a result of busy work schedules, visits to home before her retirement were infrequent.

When the time finally came to hang up her lab coat, Güven immediately began to plan trips.

“My first trip was the Galapagos Islands,” she said.

“My scientific background made me curious about

[Charles] Darwin. It was wonderful, and afterward, I said, ‘That’s what I like to do with my time: travel.’”

After travelling to the Galapagos, Güven visited a multitude of places including Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Sicily, Greece and Cyprus, just to name a few.

Her trip to Peru catalyzed the inception of the International Dinner Club.

“About 11 years ago in 2009 was when I went to Peru,” Güven said. “This was also the year I had been going to basketball games with some friends who also shared a passion for travel and exploring other cultures. An Indian restaurant opened in Auburn, which was a huge difference from the other restaurants around. It was the first kind of international option in Auburn.”

The group decided to visit the new restaurant and were so inspired by the rich food infused with such culture that they decided to attempt to create such a dining experience themselves, and the International Dinner Club was born.

The eight members of the club alternate who hosts the meeting. The host gets to choose the country that all the food will be from and supplies the main dish, which typically contains a hearty meat of some kind and a grain. Everyone else brings side dishes that cater to the chosen country’s traditional food groups.

“What happens is the host does not control who cooks what, but every time, everything goes together and it works out perfectly,” Güven said.

For their first meeting, Güven drew immediate inspiration from her recent trip to Peru.

“I said, ‘Why don’t I start,’” she said. “I had just come back from Peru and experienced the amazing cuisine. The meats are great, and it is a culture with rich food at its core.”

Following the club’s initial meeting, there have

CONTRIBUTED BY SADEL GÜVEN

International Dinner Club members have made dinners ranging from Irish to Turkish cuisine.

EDUCATION

CONTRIBUTED BY SADEL GÜVEN

Members of the International Dinner Club pose with a sampling of their meals.

been many more, all focusing on different countries. Although meetings are centered around variety in cuisine, Güven recalled times when everyone requested Turkish food despite having done it before.

“We have fun,” Güven said. “It started with Peru, but we have done Ireland, France, Spain Portugal, Italy, Greece. And of course, we do Turkish; everybody loves Turkish.”

The members of the group all share a passion for travel, so there is never an absence of ideas for what to do for the next dinner.

“It’s a good cultural group,” Güven said. “Three of them still teach at Auburn and have to balance their professional careers with their love of travel. Alice introduced us to Chilean food and another friend to Ethiopian.”

Güven explained that some of the dishes can be daunting at first, but after consulting Google, things become more approachable and always end up being very delicious.

“It’s a fun challenge, and we enjoy learning about it,” she said. “And you know when you’re trying to learn, just Googling and researching recipes helps.”

One of Güven’s personal favorite dishes was inspired by the country of Peru. She has also been unofficially designated as the group’s “dessert person.”

“I made a Swiss chocolate torte — a really thin cake,” Güven recalled. “I also made a ten-layer Russian cake. The frosting had honey, and it was more like a brownie texture and very chocolatey. It took several hours to prepare the food for the 10-layer Russian cake, and I had to bake each layer separately.”

The most recent meeting was centered around the country of Switzerland.

“With COVID we couldn’t meet as much; we didn’t want to be crammed in the house,” Güven said. “My friend Alice has a pool area where we could spread out when the weather was good. We did Switzerland. She has some heritage from Switzerland, and her other heritage was Russia, which we did a while back.”

To adhere to COVID regulations, the group postponed meetings until the end of quarantine and has only met outdoors for their dinners. The Switzerland-themed dinner was conducted by Smith’s pool area where members could socially distance while still enjoying culturally rich food.

In order to further the authentic dining experience, Smith presented the members with raclette — a two-tiered appliance with a heated surface to cook their food — and served them a traditional Swiss appetizer.

“The hostess that time was Alice, and she had cheese fondue with cooked vegetables, bread, shrimp and even baby pickles,” Güven said. “And, since most of us prefer veggie dishes, Switzerland was an excellent choice. On the bottom part of the raclette, you put cheese to melt, and on top is where you cook your food.”

Another member made a Swiss pie that contained thin slices of potatoes, onions, apples and cheese.

“This is where we have fun, and it gives us a good reason to get together,” Güven said.

The group tries to meet at least once every two months and hopes to hold more dinners after the pandemic. Güven has plans to begin traveling as soon as possible and will use these travels to expand the International Dinner Club’s exploration of different foods from around the world.

FACILITIES

RBD Library, Brown-Kopel extend operating hours

By DESTINI AMBUS Reporter

LOGAN ELLISON | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Auburn University’s Korea Corner introduced the program in 2018.

After-school program cultivates knowledge of Korean culture

By KAYLA BHODOO Writer

For the past three years, Auburn University has offered a Korean after-school culture and language program for students in junior high or high school. Grade school students are able to register for the program either in the spring or fall semester, and there is no tuition.

“My master’s major is teaching Korean as a foreign language,” said Joori Lee, third-year instructor for the Korean after-school culture and language program. “While preparing for my master’s thesis, I felt the need for Korean language education while conducting a survey at Auburn.”

Lee said that it was important for her to give students interested in Korea the opportunity to learn about its language and culture.

“The Korean language and culture after school program began in August 2018,” Lee said. “Dr. Suh recognized the necessity of Korean language education a long time ago.”

With the help of Suhyun Suh, director of the University’s Korea Corner located in the Haley Center, Auburn was able to come up with the Korean after-school program.

“The Korean language includes the beginner-level Korean culture including Korean pop, traditional culture, modern culture and more,” Lee said. “Students can have positive thoughts, confidence and courage through the positive song lyrics of K-pop, even [in] the midst of [the] corona pandemic situation.”

Like many other programs, the Korean after-school program has moved to a virtual format this semester. At first, according to Lee, there were some difficulties transitioning to online learning, but with time the change has become easier.

“I feel great satisfaction [knowing] that the students seem to be interested and passionate

about Korean study,” Lee said. “There are nine to 10 high school students and 12 to 13 middle school students enrolled in Korean classes.”

Lee said she tries to find friendly and approachable ways to teach Korean, like having her students listen to famous Korean bands, so students are able to find a tangible connection with the Korean culture.

“I believe that the perception of Korean as a foreign language is increasing,” Lee said. “I have spoken in American college classes as a guest on Korean language and culture.”

Lee finds that since the program has started more students are involved with the Korean language and culture, compared to before there was an after-school program.

“It is helpful to communicate with other classes and school[s] and other areas, as well as homeschoolers,” Lee said. “I sent a school and culture supply package with students for teaching and encouragement, [much] like receiving a gift.”

Lee said that moving online has changed the program, but she feels that students’ interaction with others interested in Korean makes the process a little simpler.

“In the Korean after-school program students can increase their understanding of other cultures and languages,” Lee said. “I believe the biggest improvements that I have seen in students are that they seem to be learning to speak to the Korean language on a higher level and have gained a broader understanding of Korean culture.”

Lee said students that find the Korean language and culture interesting sometimes go on to take Korean as a foreign language in college or even major in the language.

“I have enjoyed learning about my students’ culture and language, and in return students have a turn to learn about the Korean language and culture,” Lee said.

Ralph Brown Draughon Library and the Brown-Kopel Student Achievement Center will now be staying open two hours later than their previously reduced hours.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many on-campus facilities and restaurants have seen shorter business hours than previous semesters.

The library hours were shortened to 7:45 a.m. to midnight from the usual 24 hours. Last semester, Brown-Kopel was open until midnight, and its hours were cut to 8 p.m. this semester.

Now, RBD will be open until 2 a.m., and Brown-Kopel will be open until 10 p.m., according to Cole Callahan, junior in biomedical sciences and COSAM senator, and Riley Locke, junior in software engineering and college of engineering senator.

When Callahan brought the issue of the shortened library hours to the Auburn Student Government Association’s attention a few weeks ago, it was because he, alongside other students, was ushered out one Sunday evening close to midnight.

“I could probably argue that 17 students sat and finished their work right outside on Mell Concourse, using the lamp lights to finish their assignments,” Callahan said.

The issue, though, isn’t that the library needed to stay open 24 hours, but that the hour it closed was too close to the times assignments are due for many students.

“For most classes, assignments are due at 11:59 p.m., and although the library is open until midnight, the alerts start happening and people start walking around asking you to pack up your stuff at around 11:40 [p.m.], or 11:45 [p.m.],” Callahan said.

“So, in actuality you would need to be hurrying your work and trying

to finish up somewhere around 11:30 [p.m.]”

Alongside this issue, students had concerns of accessibility.

“Studying alone in your room past midnight is very different from studying in the library after midnight,” Callahan said. “The library is the only location on campus that is open near those hours with the COVID restrictions we have. People really wanted a place where they felt like they could go a little bit later into the evening and still feel engaged.”

Callahan and Hays Kassen, vice president of SGA, brought these issues to Shali Zhang, dean of libraries, and her staff on Thursday, Oct. 22. They also brought up the concern of students being disturbed in independent study rooms while taking their tests.

Derrick Austin, senior in mechanical engineering, expressed some of the same concerns about the shorter hours of Brown-Kopel that Callahan mentioned to

the dean.

“We brought up the fact that students have the option now, to take tests at different hours,” Callahan said. “So, now we have donot-disturb signs that students can just grab if they’re taking a test.”

Locke reached out to Katie Hardy, the manager of the building to get the hours extended.

“The engineering schools council had a town hall with the dean where students had the opportunity to submit questions and voice their concerns,” Locke said. “One subject that many students had feedback on was the Brown-Kopel hours. I happen to be one of the front desk workers there, so I brought these concerns to my boss Katie Hardy, and she reviewed it with the dean’s office.”

With approval from Hardy, Brown-Kopel will now be open until 10 p.m. beginning Nov. 8.

RBD’s hours have been extended to 2 a.m., as of Nov. 1.

JOSH FISHER | PHOTOGRAPHER

Ralph Brown Draughon Library will now be open until 2 a.m.

community

6

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020

THEPLAINSMAN.COM

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

FILE PHOTO

The American Dream’s Pop-Up Shop competition first appeared in the Auburn Mall in 2019.

Crowned Boutique named Auburn Mall’s Pop-Up Shop

By KATIE CARROLL Writer

Crowned Boutique, the winner of Auburn Mall’s pop-up shop contest, is set to open on Nov. 20. The business will have a space in Auburn Mall until the beginning of January.

According to Cara Hathcock, the owner of Crowned Boutique, the store carries an array of women’s clothing, jewelry, children’s items and custom gifts. Hathcock said the store also has locally made items, such as candles.

Hathcock said she looks for unique items for her boutique and describes her style as trendy but still comfortable. She is personally drawn to denim clothing and layering items such as flannels.

“We are going to have everything you will hopefully need for the holiday season,” Hath-

cock said. “We want [the boutique] to be that one-stop shop for people where they can find something for their family members.”

Hathcock said that she feels it is important to support small businesses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hathcock will be taking COVID precautions to ensure that mall-goers stay safe during holiday shopping. Employees will be wearing masks at all times, will continually sanitize the store and “will withold articles of clothing from public access for 24 hours after someone tries them on.”

Hathcock said that she has always shopped at boutiques and is drawn to them because she likes to support small businesses.

Hathcock opened Crowned Boutique in October 2018, and at the time, it was completely online. In May 2020, Hathcock established Crowned Boutique’s brick-and-mor-

tar location in Opelika.

Hathcock applied to the pop-up shop contest in August and was granted a phone interview. Soon after the phone interview, she was contacted and was told she won the contest.

“We are thrilled to work with Crowned Boutique and were inspired by their passion and vision for their growing business,” said Coles Doyle, marketing director for Hull Property Group, in a press release.

Hathcock said that she is thankful for how the boutique has grown and is excited to expand in the future.

This will be the second year the mall has hosted the pop-up shop contest. Auburn Mall collaborates with the American Dream Project for the contest.

According to the American Dream Project’s website, they are run by the Hull Prop-

erty Group. The Hull Property Group operates retail properties across the United States and created the American Dream Project in hopes to support small businesses.

The American Dream Project’s website said their mission is to “[connect] entrepreneurs with brick-and-mortar spaces to facilitate the vision of new and expanding businesses.”

According to their website, the American Dream Project launched the pop-up contest in 2019 and chose a number of small businesses through an application process. After selection, businesses set up a shop over the six weeks of the holiday season and pay rent for the space.

In 2019, eight pop-up shops were chosen, and four signed leases to stay in their spaces.

The first two pop-up shops were opened in the Auburn Mall.

GOVERNMENT

Council denies proposed professional office park at Hamilton Place

By CHARLIE RAMO Section Editor

During Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, the Council denied rezoning property on Moores Mill Road for a professional office park.

During the discussion, eight nearby residents asked that the Council vote in opposition, primarily citing traffic concerns. A traffic study was performed during the summer, but not before the pandemic began in March.

One resident questioned whether a deal had been previously made with the City, as the land’s previous owner stated that the current owners had plans for the property a year ago.

Property owner Jay Toland stated he believes a professional office park would be a relatively low-intensity use for the land, especially in comparison with retail space.

The project has a no-compete agreement with the adjoining Publix.

Toland previously proposed to align the property driveway with the entrance to the neighborhood across the street, but the City deemed the adjustment unsafe in itself. He also proposed banning left turns from his property.

Brett Basquin, representative for PSM Holdings, told the Council that the Planning Commission deemed an office park a “logical step-down use” between a grocery store and single-family residential homes.

Ward 5 Council member Steven Dixon said he understands both sides. The proposed development is in Dixon’s ward.

Planning Director Forrest Cotten said the Planning Commission recommended denial of rezoning the property due to the future land use category of the land not allowing office space.

The Council voted in opposition

JACK WEST | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Auburn’s new public safety building is home to the City’s fire station, police station, City Council chamber and other public services.

in a 5-4 vote. Dixon, Ward 2 Council member Kelley Griswold, Ward 6 Council member Bob Parsons, Ward 1 Council member Connie Fitch-Taylor and Ward 8 Council member Tommy Dawson voted in opposition.

“I put a lot of thought into this decision on Moores Mill Road,” Dawson said. “I sympathize with the developers, and it was a hard thing to do, but I can’t vote for something [that could cause] someone’s child getting hurt. I hope he

comes up with something in the future to get something on his property. I feel bad for the developer.”

Dixon shared similar sentiments as Dawson.

“I was in a car accident when I was little, and [the traffic concern] spoke true to me,” Dixon said. “I am all for property rights, but I do think that safety is the number one priority.”

During his announcements, Mayor Ron Anders thanked those who worked to fix the damage

caused by Tropical Storm Zeta.

“I want to thank our public safety, public works [and] all the people who woke up in the middle of the night last week after the tropical storm passed through,” Anders said. “There was a lot of great effort during the night and into the morning to clear trees out of the roads and to get utilities turned on.”

The Council unanimously voted to reduce the maximum bed density in the University Neighborhood West student housing district from

255 beds per acre to 170 beds per acre.

The Council also unanimously voted to rezone 4.21 acres at 2449 Moores Mill Road from Rural to Limited Development District.

Anders denied unanimous consent on “no parking” zones along Sanders Street. The Council could not vote on the resolution and it will reappear on the next meeting’s agenda. The City will talk with affected properties before the next meeting.

The Auburn Plainsman

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020

PAGE 7

SENATE

of New York for a reason.”

Many TVs were placed in the front of the » From 1 room as results from around the nation were coming in. At one table, however, three allowed in. One of the volunteers, Jack young adults sat around a phone watchBurns, senior in political science at the Uni- ing the news. Madi Legg, freshman in comversity of South Alabama, said he was in- munications at Troy University, and Adespired to help in order to get a Republican lyn Hanlon, freshman in political science at back in office.

Troy, had volunteered for Tuberville’s cam“Just wanted to get involved, you know,” paign, which is what brought them to the Burns said. “Take back the Senate from event.

Jones. That was the biggest thing.”

“We were offered a job, or more like a volBurns said that he believed Jones had unteer opportunity,” Legg said. “We started poorly represented the needs of Alabami- in September. Our job is making calls, put ans, while he feels Tuberville would speak signs out on campus, stuff like that.” for the people.

With both of the women being freshmen, “He has true Alabama values; Doug Jones this was the first time they had voted in an has voted against the state at every turn,” he election. Legg said that the experience went said. “They call him (Jones) the third senator smoothly, despite the worry that polling locations could become crowded.

“It was … not as stressful as I thought it would be,” she said. “I thought I was going to walk into my polling place and it be super hectic, but I just stood in line for 45 minutes, and everyone was super helpful and told us where to go and what to do with my ballot.”

Both Legg and Hanlon also mentioned that they appreciated that Tuberville would be donating his salary, something they claimed Jones wasn’t — that was a big reason they decided to support him.

As more results came in, more people moved from the hallways into the main room to wait for news stations to call the race. Nate Hampson, junior in history at Huntington College, stood with Alexis Behnke and his brother, who introduced him to the campaign.

“I’ve been a volunteering for Coach Tuberville, like phone banking,” he said. “My brother, he’s been involved in politics, and he set me up with it.”

Hampson said that he agreed with many of Tuberville’s policy points, further leading FILE PHOTO him to give his support.

Tuberville coached Auburn from 1999-2008 “I like Tuberville’s America-first stance,”

VOTING » From 1

back of the building, and it took about 25–30 minutes to move through the line. By all appearances, it was longer earlier in the morning when the polls opened.

Once again, those who voted said they did not have any complaints about the wait or about their experience casting their vote.

Bill Mullenholz, 74, said that he even felt that the experience inside the voting room was better than in years past.

Poll workers were using iPads to check individuals in, which helped speed the process up.

“It was a really good experience,” Mullenholz said. “It surprised me. I thought it would be a lot more crowded.”

Mullenholz was thankful he didn’t see any forms of intimidation at the poll.

“I thought we would see some people out here that I didn’t want to see, trying to sway my vote, and we didn’t see any of that,” he said.

Alex Rodriguez is 22 and works for UPS. He said this was his first time voting, and he had no issues getting in the

Clarion or casting a ballot despite the large crowd.

Rodriguez said that he voted for incumbent Donald Trump. He said he felt that Trump has done good things for the economy and he appreciates his tax changes. While the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult, he said he thought that Trump has handled it pretty well.

Rodriguez voted for Democratic incumbent Doug Jones in the senate race, partly because he felt that Doug Jones’ legal background and experience serving as Senator since 2017 gives him an upper hand over Tuberville.

At both the Clarion and at Frank Brown, there were individuals supporting voters by giving out snacks, waters and sample ballots, as well as by helping individuals who are elderly or have physical disabilities reach the front of the line.

Donna Sollie was at Frank Brown with a table and an ample supply of snacks for her and her fellow volunteers to pass out. Sollie, 69, voted Democrat on Tuesday, but mostly wanted to encourage others to cast a ballot no matter who they vote for.

“We want to encourage people to stay in line,” she said. “The lines will probably get longer as the day goes on,

he said. “My biggest thing is probably his views on abortion and immigration.”

At approximately 9:10 p.m., the Alabama Senate race was called in favor of Tuberville, where he had 61% of the votes at that time.

The band played Sweet Home Alabama as people crowded together to celebrate the win.

As Tuberville took the stage, he expressed a sentiment that many of his supporters said they have been waiting for since Jones took office.

“Welcome back to a Republican United States Senate,” Tuberville said.

As a former Auburn football coach, Tuberville said he was proud to stand as an “outsider with conservative values.” He thanked everyone who came to his event tonight, and his opponent for putting up a fight.

so we are here for the duration and supporting voters.”

Sollie strongly felt that people need to be encouraged to focus on local politics, as she said “change starts at the local level.”

Maryum Mccray, who was passing out sample ballots at Frank Brown, said that while the election of candidates is important, the amendments on

“An Alabama Senate seat cannot be bought,” he said. “I want to thank Doug Jones for his effort, but it’s time to go home.”

The crowd cheered as Tuberville thanked everyone for their support, including President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. While on stage, he spoke to Mike Pence on the phone, who said he was grateful that the state was, “sending a great senator to D.C.” Before closing his speech, Tuberville said there were three promises that he would keep to the citizens of Alabama while serving his term.

“First, I will be guided by shared, conservative values,” he said. “I will make you proud that I’m your representative; I will work for you. Finally, each time I step on the Senate floor, I will be mindful of the words of 2 Corinthians 3:17.”

the back side of the ballot are just as important.

“This is so important basically because of the amendments; most of us miss that because we’re so focused on who the candidates are, and we’re focused on what they’re wanting to do,” Mccray, 46, said. “The amendments are very important, they’re just as important as the candidates.”

Most voters emphasized an importance of simply casting a ballot more than favoring one candidate or another. When asked if there was any specific issue that brought her out to vote this year, Jones said no — it’s just something that always does, no matter what.

“I always participate, I always vote, because, you know, our ancestors, they fought for this,” Jones said.

JACK WEST | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A voter takes a selfie with two future voters near the end of Election Day.

Lee County

NUMBERS » From 1

Yes received 41,641 votes from in-person voters in Lee County.

No received 10,732 votes.

For State Amendment 2, which restructures the judicial system, Yes received 26,301 votes from in-person voters in Lee County. No received 20,978 votes.

For State Amendment 3, which gives judges appointed to fill a vacancy a longer term, Yes received 34,306 votes from in-person voters in Lee County.

No received 14,039 votes.

For State Amendment 4, which removes racist language that prohibits mixed-race marriages and racially integrated schools from the Constitution of Alabama, Yes received 35,003 votes from in-person voters in Lee County. No received 13,516 votes.

For State Amendment 5, which protects anyone who kills someone in self-defense in a church in Franklin County, Yes received 34,698 votes from in-person voters in Lee County.

No received 11,065.

For State Amendment 6, which protects anyone who kills someone in self-defense in a church in Lauderdale County, Yes received 34,812 votes from in-person voters in Lee County.

No received 11,055 votes.

NATALIE BECKERINK | MANAGING EDITOR

Tubeville delivered his accepting speech at his viewing party in Montgomery.

884 2%

President

Senate

Trump Biden

Tuberville Jones

Jorgensen

19,971 34%

37,273 64%

21,869 38%

House District 3

19,000 33%

36,284 62%

Winfrey Rogers

38,717 67%

sports

8

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020

THEPLAINSMAN.COM

SPORTS

FOOTBALL

‘Dismantle them’

All treats, no tricks for Auburn on Halloween

SHANNA LOCKWOOD | AU ATHELTICS

Eli Stove dives for a touchdown as Bo Nix celebrates behind in Auburn’s 48-11 victory over LSU at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

By CALEB JONES Writer

In the 55th edition of the Tiger Bowl between Auburn and LSU, the Auburn offense rolled with the theme of Halloween on Saturday as it terrorized the LSU defense in the 4811 win.

The win marked the largest margin of victory for any team in the all-time series since its inception in 1901.

“Our guys, they were extremely motivated,” said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. “It was a complete game. I’m really proud of our team.

I’m really proud of our coaches.”

The first quarter saw both defenses perform similar to last season’s matchup, with yards tough to come by and several punts. Both teams combined for just a mere 155 total yards, and the game remained scoreless after the first fifteen minutes of play.

LSU opened the second quarter with a missed field goal from 54-yards out, and Au-

burn took over at its own 36. Bo Nix and company drove to the LSU 19-yard line when Nix threw a jump ball to receiver Seth Williams.

Williams made the catch around the 1-yard line but fumbled the ball out of the end zone. It was ruled as a touchback, and the LSU offense took over at its own 20-yard line.

On the ensuing LSU possession, Nehemiah Pritchett gave Auburn the spark it needed. The sophomore intercepted a T.J. Finley pass and returned it for what was first ruled as a touchdown. The play was reviewed, and it was determined that Pritchett stepped out of bounds at the Auburn 4-yard line.

However, it was no issue as Nix dumped a pass off to Eli Stove a couple of plays later for the Auburn touchdown.

Auburn took a 7-0 lead, a lead that the Tigers never gave up.

Later in the quarter, Finley fumbled the ball, and it rolled around on the ground for a few seconds before being scooped up by Auburn defensive back Christian Tutt.

Tutt returned it 20 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead 14-0.

Auburn added another touchdown later in the quarter on perhaps its most impressive drive of the season. With 3:36 left until halftime, the Auburn offense was backed up deep into Auburn territory, starting at the 1-yard line.

Nonetheless, Nix captained a 99-yard drive that shaved 2:56 off the clock and was capped off by a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ze’Vian Capers with 40 seconds left in the first half.

Auburn led 21-3 at halftime.

Out of the locker room, Nix orchestrated an eight-play, 75-yard drive on the opening possession. The drive ended in six when Nix ran it in himself from 5-yards out, and after the extra point, Auburn was up 28-3.

Nix was Auburn’s leading rusher, with 81 yards on 11 carries.

“We do a good job of emptying out the box and spreading guys out to where there are running lanes,” Nix said. “When I have a chance to

run, I just try to run fast and quick and be hard to tackle.”

Already facing a large deficit, LSU’s first play of the second half did not help its chances of mounting a comeback.

A Finley pass was batted high in the air and picked off by Auburn’s Big Kat Bryant at the Auburn 21-yard line, the second of his career. The interception was the third turnover forced by the Auburn defense.

Auburn extended its lead to 35-3 a few plays after Bryant’s interception with a Bigsby touchdown. The freshman back added another rushing touchdown later in the quarter, and Auburn took a commanding 42-3 lead into the fourth quarter.

On a drive that started on the Auburn nineyard line, Nix hit speedster Anthony Schwartz early in the fourth quarter for a 91-yard house call to push the lead to 48-3.

“I think we played our best game,” Malzahn said. “We played four quarters of football. We played 60 minutes.”

FOOTBALL

‘We’ve got momentum now’: Defense vaults Tigers over LSU

By MATTISON ALLEN Writer

Auburn’s defense forced three LSU turnovers and held the Bayou Bengals to a season-low 11 points in Saturday’s Tiger showdown, helping propel them to a 4811 win.

“I’m real proud of our team,” said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. “I’m real proud of our coaches. We’ve seen this team grow and face adversity. Here at Auburn, sometimes you face more adversity than at other places.

We did that. We overcame it.”

Auburn’s win was the first in the annual series since 2016. Since 2016, Auburn has lost by a touchdown or less margin in each of the last three games.

This time, Auburn’s defense helped make sure they walked away with the win.

The orange and blue led the way with four sacks. Two of those four came from Derick Hall.

Hall’s first sack of the night was also the first of his career. Auburn’s defense hounded the LSU offense all evening, forcing three turnovers, including an interception by Nehemiah Pritchett, the first of his career.

“We’re just trying to prove we have one of the best secondaries in the SEC,” Pritchett said. “We’re trying to improve every week and take it game by game.”

Not only did Auburn’s defense force turnovers, but they also put up some points in the first half, including a fumble returned for a touchdown by Christian Tutt.

Tutt’s touchdown pushed Auburn out in front 14-0 and gave Tutt the first score of his career.

“I think it was a big play,” Tutt said. “We got a lot of momentum. We went up two touchdowns. That play, I was trying to stay on my man.

I looked at that ball for two seconds, and I didn’t see any o-linemen move at all. I was like ‘it’s my time; I’m going to go get that.’”

The Auburn defense didn’t slow down in the second half. On LSU’s first play of the third quarter, Daquan Newkirk tipped LSU quarterback TJ Finley’s pass, and Big Kat Bryant grabbed it out of the air to set up Auburn’s offense at the LSU 21-yard line.

“We affected [LSU] a whole lot,” Bryant said. “That was the whole game plan.

Our first couple games, we couldn’t get any pressure to the quarterback. Today, with

a freshman quarterback coming in, that was a real big deal. I think we affected him pretty well with him throwing picks and really getting him off his groove. That was the whole deal going into the week.”

As the clock ticked away in Jordan-Hare Stadium, so did LSU’s patience. LSU switched quarterbacks in the fourth quarter as Auburn continuously shut down Finley’s offense.

After an impressive showing by his defense and offense, Malzahn feels confident about his team heading into the bye week.

“We’ve got momentum now,” Malzahn said. “We’ve got an off week. That was the sixth straight SEC game that we had. Our bodies are really talking to us. We need to heal up. We’ve got four left. We’ll have a chance to kind of evaluate the areas we need to improve on to get the best plan for the next four games.”

Following the game, Auburn defensive coordinator encouraged the Auburn defense for its performance.

“He just told us good game, we played our ass off and lets get back to Auburn football,” Zakoby McClain said about Steele’s message to the defense.

SHANNA LOCKWOOD | AU ATHLETICS

Christian Tutt celebrates a fumble recovery for a touchdown against LSU.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020

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Carl No. 1 Florida fan (20-16)

BASKETBALL

Williams looking to build off year one momentum

By HENRY ZIMMER Writer

Jaylin Williams is looking to expand his role going into his sophomore season. With the departure of most of last year’s key players, Williams is ready to seize his opportunity.

Coming strictly off the bench during his freshman campaign, Williams saw limited action and appeared in only 14 games. He made his presence known when he could, but his game needed an offseason to grow. Now, Williams thinks he’s begun his transformation to a much stronger player.

“This summer, I was just working on my game to improve in everything,” Williams said. “I’m still working on the same stuff — rebounding better, playing off two feet better and making plays.”

Williams is known for his high-flying prowess around the rim, in both rebounding and scoring. Against Tennessee, Williams threw a pass from the free-throw line, off the backboard to himself for a

slam dunk. His long arms and great driving ability, along with a good mid-range shot, make him a tough matchup.

Teammate Allen Flanigan thinks that Williams’s game is even better now than before.

“He is a lot more athletic this season,” Flanigan said. “You saw the athleticism from him last year. He’s playing all over ­— above the rim, knocking down shots in practice, being able to put the ball down on the floor and playing defense, keeping guys in front and challenging them at the rim vertically.”

During the offseason, Williams attributed his growth physically to training with the Auburn strength staff to help him grow into his long, 6-foot8 frame.

“Working with Clark Pearson and Damon Davis, they really helped me with lifting and made me more athletic, helped my ankles get more flexible and being able to move better, which made me more athletic,” Williams said.

With a young team like Auburn, boasting only two juniors

and no seniors, leadership is going to have to come from many young faces. Williams thinks his contribution to last year’s NCAA Tournament berth will help him lead his team back to the field of 64, and this year actually compete in it.

“I wish we could’ve played in the [NCAA] Tournament,” Williams said. “[The performances] push me to do more to become a better player for this season and to be more of a leader for this team. We’re a young team, so we’ve got to have a leader somewhere. I’m trying to fit that role of being a leader.”

Williams, who has been likened to a left-handed Chuma Okeke by his teammates, has to continue to grow his game all around to become a mainstay in the Auburn starting lineup.

But the former 4-star recruit is motivated to be one of the starting five.

“I’ve been working really hard,” Williams said. “Last year motivated me to be better than I was, increase my minutes and do what I can to help the team win.”

FILE PHOTO

Jaylin Williams dunks in Auburn vs. Tennessee at Auburn Arena.

SOCCER

FILE PHOTO

Kori Locksley during Auburn soccer vs. Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

Locksley lifts Aubun over LSU, secures bye in SEC Tournament

By CHRISTIAN CLEMENTE Assistant Section Editor

Auburn soccer has consistently had close matches all season, and Monday at LSU was no different. In the 93rd minute, forward Kori Locksley scored to give Auburn a 1-0 victory over the Tigers from Louisiana.

The goal was set up courtesy of a strong play by Alyssa Malonson at midfield, where she won the ball and beat a defender to pass it to Locksley in front of the net.

“Alyssa took a great touch to beat the defender,” Locksley said after the win. “The defender was really high up on her line and didn’t have any cover.

It was two-vs.-one, me and Hailey. I thought Hailey was going to get it and so I had to take a couple steps back and just get over the ball and put it in the net.”

Locksley’s game-winner was her first goal of the season and the second game-winner of her career, with the first taking place against Tennessee last year.

After finishing the two-game road trip with a 1-1 record, Auburn is guaranteed a first-round bye in the SEC tournament.

“It was a really tough twogame road trip,” said head coach Karen Hoppa. “I thought we had a really good performance at Arkansas, didn’t get the result we wanted, but to see our team rebound today, play some really good soccer and keep the shutout for over 90 minutes before scoring the goal in overtime.

I’m really proud of our team.”

Auburn’s success against the Bayou Bengals isn’t something new for the program.

This win was Auburn’s second consecutive over LSU, and the Bayou Bengals haven’t scored a goal against Auburn since 2016.

Defensively, Auburn hasn’t just been strong against LSU. This season has been a team reliant on strong defense. The Tigers have three shutouts through six games.

“We’ve been working really hard and just kind of molded into the three back to make it work,” defender M.E. Craven said of the defensive effort.

“It was tough in the beginning, but we got it sorted out. We just worked hard to find the forwards and they got it done.”

Now, as Auburn soccer returns home for the Iron Bowl on Friday, the team can breathe a sigh of relief with a first-round bye secured.

“This was huge,” Locksley said. “A goal of ours is to get that bye on Friday the 13th, and we accomplished that. We’re just really happy to get a win.”

Auburn is now 3-1-2 on the season and will play 1-4-2 Alabama at the Auburn Soccer Complex on Friday at 6 p.m.

lifestyle THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020

10 THEPLAINSMAN.COM

LIFESTYLE

HEALTH

Some students retreat from social media

By EMERY LAY Writer

While many students physically distance for bodily health, others have been technologically distanced for mental health.

During a feel-good activity, like scrolling through Instagram, our brains release the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

Thus, the next time someone feels down, their brain will encourage them to return to that occasion, scrolling through social media.

On social media platforms across the board, likes, shares and comments make people feel happy.

Some believe the danger comes when one gets hooked to the hit of neurotransmitters.

Suddenly, no like, comment or share can satisfy the craving.

In the end, people can find themselves coming back, even if they no longer particularly enjoy it.

Sara Blaine, assistant professor in psychology, said one of the more effective ways to end this cycle is to check social media occasionally at random rates, practicing intermittent reinforcement.

The “gamble” is most addictive when it is not guaranteed, she said.

“Most of the notifications aren’t even about us,” Blaine said. “Engaging in this social comparison can make us feel badly about ourselves. When the social comparison inherent in social media is removed, people tend to feel better.”

Garrett Martinez, sophomore in psychology, had an experience with fasting from technology during the summer. Martinez said he noticed himself spending too much time scrolling aimlessly through apps.

“I decided I don’t really need Instagram or Snapchat anyways,” he said. “It was one of those snap decisions I haven’t really regretted.”

Martinez said he found it refreshing to not

ABIGAIL MURPHY | SECTION EDITOR

Scrolling through social media can release dopamine and serotonin.

have comparison issues “constantly shoved in [his] face.”

“It’s nice to take a step back, realize how awesome your own life is and just appreciate that more,” he said.

Blaine said when someone moves away from interacting with social media as a means to get a dopamine release, they may turn to other activities like reading or hiking, and these also release dopamine.

“Before you know it, your brain will be releasing dopamine when it sees your running shoes or your new book from the bookstore,”

she said. “When you do what actually helps you feel good, the serotonin you get is greater and more satisfying.”

James Berryhill, sophomore in English literature, also deleted his near-and-dear apps this year. He said, “The Social Dilemma,” a documentary on Netflix, got him thinking.

Berryhill said while social media was intended to keep people connected, “ironically the opposite has happened.” What started off as a dare with a friend turned into a twomonth cleanse.

He said also noticed his attention span im-

prove.

“I can focus on lectures and engage in class better,” he said. “And I feel like I accomplish more in the day instead of spending four hours a day on my phone.”

Blaine said without the distraction of social media, it can feel like a lot more can be accomplished during the day.

“If an Auburn student wants to focus on their exams coming up, they can remove social media from their phones, and immediately they will have so much more time to study,” she said.

EDUCATION

FILE PHOTO

Creating a schedule can help students organize their online workload.

Academic coaching offers tips for online learning

By ABBY WINSKOWICZ Writer

Online school presents new difficulties that students have not previously experienced.

Samantha Ansley, the coordinator of academic coaching at Auburn University, said there are some strategies for people with managing workload.

“In academic coaching, we encourage students to establish a consistent schedule that outlines the specific times they need to attend class, studying, homework, clubs, fun and life activities,” she said.

Ansley also said the program helps students create these schedules by using a grid template that can be found on the academic coaching website.

Creating an outlined schedule like this can help students manage their workload at home, she said.

“A student is less likely to forget to attend a class or watch a video for an asynchronous course because they have a plan for when they attend their online classes,” she said. “The schedule may vary in how detailed it is based on the students’ preferences, though we suggest starting with high priority or non-flexible responsibilities such as class time, then study[ing] and then work or club time.”

Ansley said it can help to create a Google Calendar or a similar tool to help with keeping track of assignments. She said students can set a “start date” for when students should start assignments, a “target date” for when they would

like the assignment to be completed and also set an alert for the actual due date.

Ansley said for helping with class attendance having an “accountability partner” is beneficial.

“This is a person, such as a friend or a classmate, who also wants to hold themselves to their goals,” she said.

Ansley said having a tutor or attending supplemental instruction sessions through academic support can meet a similar need.

For staying focused during online lectures, she said to turn off your phone, put it on silent or use an app like Unplugged or Forest.

Students should also close down all computer applications other than what they need for the class at hand because sometimes other pag-

es can be distracting, she said.

Ansley also said it will help with focusing to take notes as you would for an in-person class because this will help you stay focused and support your learning as you are using different parts of your brain to process information.

“Online learning does not have to be bad or less valuable than an in-person class,” she said. “Online classes can be complementary or a great alternative learning experience to in-person classes, filled with active learning, breakout rooms and interactive tools readily available in an online space.”

Maggie Mayfield, sophomore in hospitality management with a focus in culinary science, said it has been difficult to keep a schedule with the lack of a streamline com-

munication method.

“I find it difficult to do classes online when my professors have three to four different platforms that they are choosing to use in order to teach,” she said. “It makes it harder to figure out what assignments there are and when anything is due.”

She also said she finds it harder to focus in Zoom classes because of how many issues there are with all of the technology and people forgetting to mute themselves.

There is more personal connection in person with your professors when asking questions, she said.

“The lack of social and peer connection has brought less opportunities to grow in the community with people around me,” Mayfield said.

The Auburn Plainsman

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020

PAGE 11

ARTS

MADDIE EDWARDS | PHOTOGRAPHER

The Department of Art and Art History hosts “Time Change/ Change Time” through Friday in Biggins Gallery.

Artist inspired by social justice movements

By BECCA BENNER Writer

Through Friday, Nov. 6, Biggins Gallery will be holding artworks that express reactions from the recent social movements.

“Time Change/Change Time” is a group art exhibit by Natalie Baxter, Laura Brown, T.J. Dedeaux, Helina Metaferia and Antoine Williams held by the Auburn University Department of Art and Art History.

The exhibit features issues such as gun violence, complexities of contemporary Black life, protests and voting.

The exhibit includes sculptures, paintings, quilts, collages and printmaking installations.

The artwork captures reactions from current movements in the national conversation, said Sarah Odens, coordinator of exhibitions and lectures and curator for Biggin Gallery exhibitions.

“Art is close observation,” she said. “Con-

temporary artists make work about their experiences and the times in which they live.”

Creating these types of works is about expressing thought processes in a visual form, Odens said.

“This exhibition provides examples of how established contemporary artists make work about timely ideas,” she said.

Laura Brown, one of the artists in the exhibit, said her inspiration for her piece came from Dazzle Ships used in World War II. “I believe art is an invaluable avenue for self-expression and communication,” Brown said.

Helina Metaferia, another artist in the exhibit, said her collage work, “By Way of Revolution,” was created for means of powerful conversation. “[It creates] communion amongst women of color, who have historically served as overlooked yet vital assets within care politics and activist labor,” she said.

Metaferia said it reflects on the impact of the civil rights movements and how they impacted modern social justice. She did research on the history of different social movements to create her collage.

“I also spend extensive time conducting library research within Black diaspora liberation archives, including Black Panther newspapers and South African anti-apartheid movement posters,” she said.

Metaferia said authors like Milagros Phillips, Resmaa Menakem, Adrienne Maree Brown and Christina Sharpe inspired her to explore the mind-body connection in social movements.

This type of research urged her to promote workshops for women of color at a variety of different venues.

“The workshops deconstruct historic protest gestures in an effort to heal generational trauma stored in the body,” Metaferia said.

The women participate in discussions, medi-

tations, visualization, writing and performance exercises based on images from the research.

“The workshops are intimate settings for women to take up space in places where they may typically feel unsupported,” she said.

Using inspiration the workshops channeled for her, Metaferia said she used layers of research from different backgrounds to entwine into artwork.

“In mixed media collages, images of historical activism are transformed into crowns of adornment on images of contemporary women, all of whom have participated in the workshops,” she said. “To me, the entire process is just as or even more significant as the art objects themselves, which serve as a relic from the experience.”

For more insight on the exhibit, artist talks are being hosted on Facebook Live and may shift to Zoom.

More information or any changes will be posted on the Department of Art and Art History’s website and social media.

BUSINESS

Coffee shops experience business boom despite COVID

By CAROLINE RICE Writer

Local Auburn coffee shops not only survived COVID-19 but are now seeing their business reach a record high.

According to a report by Food and Wine magazine, 2020 will be the first year that the number of coffee and tea shops across America will decrease since 2011. And according to a report by Bloomberg News, an estimated 7.3% of these small shops will be closed by the end of 2020.

Despite this national trends, the number of coffee shops in Auburn has increased in 2020. While they saw a dip in sales during quarantine when students fled Auburn, their businesses are booming to a new record number of sales.

The mass exit of students early this year sent their sales plummet-

ing because coffee shops in Auburn largely depend on students to keep them running.

Toni Holt, owner of Ross House Coffee, said that her coffee house had only one quarter of normal sales during quarantine.

Ross House Coffee briefly closed its dining room and shifted to takeout and delivery for two months to obey state orders.

Holt had her workers clock in so they could continue to get paid, but she would send them home instead of putting them to work.

“It was just me working in the store for a while,” Holt said.

She said the Auburn community rallied around her and her coffee house.

Community members began to come in with the purpose of supporting her business. Police from the station across the street would

come to buy several drinks, and they even catered from Ross House, Holt said.Regular customers would come every day to purchase coffee and to buy gift cards.

“The people were so great,” Holt said.

While the stimulus checks kept her business on its feet, the thought of having to close Ross House Coffee was still in the back of Holt’s mind.

Looking back, Holt said she thanks Auburn students and community members for being supportive and keeping her coffee house going through the pandemic.

Now that college students are back in town, Holt said her business is even better than before COVID-19.

“Students are working online, and they want to get out of their dorms or apartments to study,” Holt said.

Kasey Hancock, junior in law and

justice, has been a regular at Auburn coffee shops. However, she was quarantined in Birmingham during the first few months of COVID. Hancock couldn’t drive to Auburn much because she lived in a dorm on campus, which was closed during quarantine.

“I feel like people appreciate coffee shops more so now that we know what it’s like not to have them,” Hancock said.

Now that classes are online, Hancock and her roommate study at a local coffee shop in Auburn every day to get out of her apartment, she said.

Several new coffee shops have been introduced to the Auburn community during quarantine, including Well Red Coffee, Books and Wine.

Well Red’s construction took place in the middle of the pandem-

ic and opened its doors on June 22.

Husband and wife pair Richard and Crystal Tomasello, the owners of Well Red, said they didn’t know what to expect when they started their business this past summer.

Their goal was to make their customers feel safe going into their coffee shop by implementing cleaning standards well above state recommendations, Crystal said.

Within the Auburn coffee community, Crystal describes a “mini-community” of Auburn coffee shop owners that supports one another and visits each other’s shops.

While Well Red can’t compare their business to pre-pandemic conditions, the new coffee business has only grown since their opening.

“We were able to do so well because the community has supported us since the first day that we have been here,” Crystal said.

B I A S E D U C AT I O N A N D R E S P O N S E T E A M

The Bias Education and Response Team (BERT) connects those impacted by bias incidents with immediate and ongoing support resources and advocates for prevention and awareness programs.

Visit aub.ie/ BER T for more information or to repor t a bias incident.

ABIGAIL MURPHY | SECTION EDITOR

Coffee shops in Auburn saw an increase in sales with students back on campus.

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Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

ACROSS 1 Competition prize 6 “Sistas” and “Being Mary Jane” cable channel 9 Toaster, often 14 Like Lindbergh in the Spirit of St. Louis 15 Former boxer Laila who wrote “Food for Life” 16 Ancient Greek physician 17 *Helmet part 19 Pick at the polls 20 In __: as found 21 Tate Modern collection 22 Taj Mahal location 23 *Diamond protectors 28 Chip raw material 30 Hosp. areas 31 Half a cocktail 32 Neat as __ 33 Artist Yoko 34 Scuttlebutt 35 *Unlikely roles for mimes 39 Pol. units until 1991 40 “The Sign” pop group __ of Base 41 Start to commute?

42 Previously 43 Polished off 44 Sign usually seen at night 46 *Crustacean catchers 49 Teases 50 Golfer Poulter or Woosnam 51 Hybrid Jamaican fruit 55 Pickling solution 57 Nursery rhyme guy whose last name inspired the answers to starred clues?

59 Gulps down 60 Boat on a 40-day mission 61 Clinton running mate 62 Halley’s __ 63 Grill fuel 64 Ski resort that shares its name with a tree

DOWN 1 Brits’ raincoats 2 Pre-college, briefly 3 “Stop stalling!”

4 Recurring payments 5 Article in Elle France 6 Spanish district 7 Get a big grin out of 8 Money left on the table 9 Expels 10 Former first daughter 11 Proof of legal ownership 12 Continental trade gp.

13 Sinus doc 18 1920s chief justice 22 __ in the bucket 24 Grammy 25 Word with Beach or Island 26 Grammatically analyzed 27 Convene 28 One way to earn $200 29 Cause of disgrace

33 Number of Eagles’ Super Bowl wins 34 Play the part of in costume 36 Beckinsale and Winslet 37 Bakery employee 38 Resting on 39 Cantina condiment 43 Ideally 44 Finally spills the beans

45 Slender 47 Burn a bit 48 Crown 52 Golf lesson subject 53 Country road 54 Hwy. through San Antonio and Houston 55 Email option, briefly 56 Pi follower 57 Beemer rival 58 Reggae kin

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

By Jerry Edelstein ©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

11/05/20

11/05/20