The Storm Signals
UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE / RIO GRANDE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
RIO GRANDE, OH
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2020
VOL 1, ISSUE 1
Twinkleberries Arrives! by Serenity Kirts
The well-known coffee shop walking distance away from campus has been a hotspot for students to grab a quick bite to eat and refuel with some caffeine before or between classes. It’s not unusual for there to be an event on Rio’s campus where you have an opportunity to win a Twinkleberries gift card due to its popularity with college students. How could having this coffee shop just outside of campus become even better? Having them right on campus in Grande Central, located in the bottom of the Rhodes Student Center. This week is supposed to be the “Grande” opening of Twinkleberries on campus, open 3-10pm for students to use when they want something other than
cafeteria food. In the past, Twink’s has only been open until 4pm, so if you had late classes or sports practice it was hard to find time to get over there when you wanted. Now that they are coming to campus, there will be easier access to what they have to offer. There will be a slightly different menu in their shop on campus, but it will be just what students have been waiting for all semester none-the-less. Owner Judi Schrock said, “We are hoping to be there to offer up the caffeine students need and want in the evenings. We will be having healthy alternatives including protein shakes and smoothies, great for athletes. Students will be able to use the same Rio points here as they use at Buffalo Wild Wings.”
Twinkleberries Express is now open 3pm to 10pm in Rhodes Student Center
Looking at the Bottle Half Full on Campus Written by Brianna Eberle On October 22, the Village of Rio Grande graciously donated seven touchless water bottle filling stations, masks, sanitizing machines, and other cleaning products to the University of Rio Grande. Before receiving these touchless water bottle filling stations, many students wondered how they would be able to fill their water bottles up inside the residence halls and the Lyne Center. Thanks to Mayor Easter and Chief Davies dropping these items off students have the answer to that question. These donations will help Rio continue to stay safe and healthy while
still having in-person classes and living on campus. Other ways Rio has been keeping its students safe is by limiting the number of people who are able to sit at a table in the cafeteria, spacing desks and computers six feet apart, spraying down surfaces after every class, and wearing masks at all times while on campus. Rio has also made it possible for every student to have their own dorm room on campus to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dispensors are expected to be in place later this month.
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Yungbluth’s Workshop by Parker Ruff
On October 20th, the University of Rio Grande had a guest artist provide his show to the Greer Museum. The artist, Adam Yungbluth, who is a visiting Professor of Ceramics and of the art and design program at Morehead State University. Before going to Morehead Yungbluth graduated with his Master’s from University of Ole Mis where he met his wife. Then shortly after graduating they moved to Florida where his art career took off. Yungbluth’s workshop was in the Art Annex building, the workshop started at 1pm and went to 4pm, ending right before his show. The workshop consisted of Yungbluth building examples of his work to show the class. The first example that he did for the class was create long coils out of clay, link the coils into a circle, and continue stacking them up to make a large pot with a handle on the uneven parts of the pot. Yungbluth then
continued to show the workshop what else he has done for his shows. He grabbed some clay, then used the pottery wheel to show the class how he makes multiple cups out of one pound of clay. Yungbluth made about four cups unevenly and messed around with the shape of the cups, to make them look squared or oval. Later that evening, the Greer Museum was host to Yungbluth’s art exibit opening reception from 5-7p. Yungbluthes art will be on display through through Friday, November 6th. It is a beautiful display of pottery, paintings, and sculptures. Yungbluth’s work is abstract and even childlike, in a professional way. Yungbluth describes his work as abstract because he feels that different is also beautiful, and not everything in life is perfect.
Gen Fest
The Storm Signals
by Serenity Kirts
This year marks the 20th celebration of Gen Fest, short for Intergenerational Festival. Due to COVID-19 the festival was held online as a virtual Facebook event, but it was still successful. A member of the Social Work Student Council, Madison Duskey, described this as an event “to bring all ages of the community together”. The Social Work Student Council organized pumpkin carving, online trivia, decade photo posts since the 50’s, and other various activities for people to participate in. Another member of the Social Work Student Council, Megan Amato, said “I’m excited that we are able to host the festival despite the pandemic and that we were able to adapt to our circumstances. I’m also excited to see the outcome of us
Adam Yungbluth at the opening reception for “Home I’ll Never Be” at the Greer Museum
A production of Redstorm Media / Marketing Interns
holding this event virtually, and to see how many people we can reach and share resources with that many aren’t aware of, but could really benefit from.” This group created a video for the event where students showed what they are thankful for. Scan the QR Code below to view the video.
STAFF
Serenity Kirts, Managing Editor Mason Dishong Brianna Eberle Holden Fritz Alyssa Lingenfelter Layton Mitchell Jayce Phillips Parker Ruff Ashton Snider Darcy Williams
Advisor
Renée DeLawder, Director of Marketing For more information, questions, or to submit an article email: redstormmedia@rio.edu
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Decision 2020 Written by Jayce Phillips This week, America is experiencing one of the most crucial elections in our lifetime. From local races to national races, millions of people have turned out to make their voices heard. With an election year falling in the middle of a global pandemic, many changes have been made to assure voters they can safely vote in this year’s election. Many Americans have been given the opportunity to vote before the election.
Election Statistics as of 10/31 (80 out of 88 counties reporting)
Requested Turned In
Ohio 10/27 3,171,586 1,432,126
This year, there has been an increase in absentee voting and expanded early inperson voting. Data is showing that this election is on track to break several voting turnout records. On election day, Tuesday, November 3 polls are open from 6:30a.m. to 7:30p.m. in Ohio.
Gallia 8,213 7,709
Jackson 10,459 9,960
Meigs 6,322 6,051
Learn more about county board of election by visiting the Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.oh.us
by Serenity Kirts
COMMUTER’S CORNER:
The marketing team has started up a weekly contest for students of the University of Rio Grande to participate in for a chance to get a free custom mask and a $10 Twinkleberries gift card. Every week they will provide students with a clue aired on the Talk Show in the Cafeteria. Using the clue, you are to try and find the Storm Box so you can receive the contents inside. The first week, it was hidden around the bell tower and was found by Kyle Lightner.
By Darcy Williams
Hide & Storm Box
The 2nd week the box was hidden between the books on the shelves in the library and was found by Brianna Eberle. Tune in to the weekly Talk Show in the cafeteria to hear the clue for your chance to find the Storm Box. With new locations every week, there are several opportunities for you to win! Winners will be feature on the Rio Instagram page, so give it a follow @uriogrande.
Vinton 3,433 3,204
Time Management with Crazy Schedules We all go through times where there are not enough hours in the day. School gets busy, life gets busy, everything gets busy. I am currently a freshman working on a Dual Licensure degree to be a Primary (PreK-5) Teacher and Intervention Specialist. I absolutely love kids and being an elementary teacher cannot come soon enough. I commute to school every day and have a 32-minute drive one way from my house. It is not easy to get up and get moving to make it to my 8:30AM class on time. I consider myself a morning person but that does not mean that I won’t hit snooze a few times. I am taking 14 credit hours this semester and trying my best to get ahead of the game and get my assignments turned in early. Nothing is as satisfying as knowing that you completed an assignment with a few days to spare, it gives you room to relax and recharge your mental health. I may sound like a nerd, but I promise it helps and will benefit you in the long run. I get so stressed out when I procrastinate and end up going insane. I participate in Cross Country and Track. We have practice every day and I am constantly running and working out. Sports take up a chunk of the day and it is important to balance school, sports, and leaving time for yourself. I always try to get my homework done earlier in the day, that way when it is time for me to wind down, I can sit and enjoy something like Dancing with the Stars. Having time dedicated for yourself helps clear your mind and makes you feel more energized to conquer the world. It is important to take a breather and enjoy the process of getting a college degree. Fitting work into crazy schedules is always difficult. It makes it hard to find a work schedule that is flexible enough to fit your needs. I have a friend that is a full-time nursing student and has worked 36 hours in a span of three days. She hardly gets any sleep and still pushes through to get her degree. I have high respect for her and think she deserves lots of appreciation for her hard work. I want to take the time to give everyone a round of applause for tackling life through crazy schedules and making it work. Everyone has their own story and are facing their own battles. We need to take some time to live in the moment and appreciate where we are. We only have this exact day once and have got to make it count. Keep pushing. Keep Working Hard. You got this and are doing great! I believe in you and don’t forget, leave time for things that make YOU happy.
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SPORTS
Volleyball Senior Night
Written by Serenity Kirts Friday, October 23 was Senior Night for the Rio Women’s Volleyball team. Seniors Baleigh Bradley #2, Malorie Colwell #11, Macy Roell #10, and Jordan Walker #9 played alongside their teammates against Midway University. To start off the night each of the four Seniors were accompanied by some family members who helped celebrate their athletic careers. The team showed their appreciation and shared some kind words about their graduating Seniors before starting the game. It was an exciting game full of cheering, diving, and scoring that kept you on your toes. Even though the team did not win, they still had a great night with lots of hard work and hustle. After the game there was time for a quick interview with the Seniors: How long have you been playing volleyball? Macy: Since junior high. Baleigh: Since junior high. Malorie: Since junior high. Jordan: Since the 4th grade. Senior Baleigh Bradley Why did you choose Rio? Macy: I chose Rio because it’s a small school and I like the family feel of it. Baleigh: The small atmosphere that allows 1-on-1 time with professors and I got a volleyball scholarship. Malorie: I love how close it is and how friendly everyone was during my tour, I loved it. Jordan: I’m from Rio, it has a great family atmosphere, and I wanted to stay close to home.
What is your favorite memory of Rio volleyball? Macy: Meeting a bunch of great people and making friendships. Baleigh: Spending time with teammates and getting to know them and their backgrounds. Malorie: Meeting my closest friends that I love so much. Jordan: Pre-season runs with Lyndsey.
What position are you? Macy: Setter Baleigh: Defensive Specialist Malorie: Outside Hitter Jordan: Right-side Hitter
Senior Malorie Colwell
What is your Major? Macy: Business Management Baleigh: Sports and Exercise Science Malorie: Medical Billing and Coding Jordan: Middle Childhood Education with a concentration in History and English What is one thing you would like to say to someone thinking about pursuing college volleyball? Macy: Definitely go for it, it’s a blast. Baleigh: Don’t give up, definitely go for it, and if you fail try again. Malorie: Just do it, you’ll meet your closest friends. It’s a blast. Jordan: Never give up on your dreams.
Sophomore Jordan Walker
Senior Macy Roell
What is Esports?
SPORTS
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Written by Alyssa Lingenfelter
This year Rio introduced the new Esports team. Currently our Esports athletes are competing in Valorant and League of Legends. Esports is a rapidly growing community here at Rio. Coach Alex Gagucas sees the program having 40+ athletes and more than six supported games in the next few years. He hopes to add Rocket League, Rainbow 6 Siege, Call of Duty, Overwatch, Apex Legends, Fortnite, PUBG, FIFA, NBA2k, and Madden to the program next year. This season the League of Legends team
Bowling Written by Serenity Kirts
At the MSC Pre-Season Invitational on October 24th in Louisville, Kentucky the men’s RedStorm bowling team took home 2nd place and a plaque. Five of the members placed in the top 25, one of which was sophomore Reece Collins who came in 5th place with a total of 845, setting a new school record for 4 games total. Senior Chris Somerville was 14th with a 768, freshman Daniel Gross came in 15th with a 752, GA Zach Morris was 18th with a 743, and Senior Isaiah Pickell came in 22nd with a total of 723. On October 25th, the RedStorm women’s team finished in 7th place led by Junior Brianna Eberle and Freshman Cierra Clark. Eberle finished in 18th with a total of 660 and Clark finished 20th with a 646, followed by Freshman Sydney Dickson with a 590, Junior Serenity Kirts with a 565, Freshman Taylor Ross with a 243, and Freshman Alyssa Lingenfelter with a 227. This was a great opening to the bowling season, which will resume in January.
is 0-5 and Valorant team 1 is 1-4 while Valorant team 2 is 0-4. Both teams have greatly improved since they have started playing this year thanks to coaches Alex Gagucas and Ray Rediger. Gagucas says the teams are “getting better slowly but surely” and hopefully they will pick up a few wins before the season ends. The Valorant teams have upcoming matches around 7pm on Tuesdays and the League of Legends team will be competing on Wednesdays at 7pm. Tune in to watch all the action at: twitch.tv/riograndeesports
Golf
Written by Layton Mitchell The first half to the golfing season has officially come to a close! Notably, the women’s team placed 1st out of 4 teams in the Shawnee State Invitational. A notable highlight for the men’s team was finishing 3rd out of 8 teams at the Alice Lloyd Invitational. Golfing will resume again midMarch, and with a great ending to the first half, stay tuned more golfing greatness still to come!
SPORTS
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Soccer
Written by Layton Mitchell The women’s soccer team is currently 6-3 overall and 6-2 in conference play. Most recently, sophomore Trinity Hassey garnered the River States Conference Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honors for October 12-18th. The men’s soccer team is currently 7-2 overall and 5-1 in conference play this season. Silas Machado recently won River States Conference Men’s Defensive Player of the Week honors for October 12-18th.
Cross Country Written by Darcy Williams The Rio Grande Cross Country team competed in the Chick-Fil-A Cross Country Invitational hosted by Asbury University on Saturday, October 24.
Sophomore Trinity Hassey
Senior Silas Machado
The Lone Runner Written by Darcy Williams
Cross Country has changed my life for the better. It has led me to believe that I am capable of so much more than I ever realized and gave me the confidence to face situations head on. During my six years of running I have been blessed with lifelong friends and amazing teammates. I can guarantee most of my future bridesmaids will be the friends I have made through running. I have never been the fastest runner, but that does not stop me from giving it 100% and loving every step of the run. Running is a difficult sport, and it takes a special type of person to follow through and keep pushing through the pain. My junior year of high school, I had a stress fracture in my third metatarsal. I instantly thought my life was over and that I would never be able to run again. Having that experience made me realize how lucky I was to complete simple tasks such as walking. That hardship opened my eyes and led me to realize that there was much more to cross country than just running. I made it a goal to be my team’s biggest fan and to attend every race. I wrote each person a motivation letter to get them excited to race and let them know that I believed in them. I distinctly remember running to my best friend after she crossed the finish line and giving her the biggest bear hug. It was at that moment I knew running would be a major part of my life.
Freshman Darcy Williams finished 59th among 71 competitors with a time of 25:49 for the female race. Austin Setty, a sophomore from Fairfield made it into the top ten for the men’s race. He placed ninth with a time of 27:55 for an 8k. Dean Freitag, a senior from Magnolia, OH, set a new personal record of 29:35 and placed 25th. Lucas Chess (Urbana, OH) shaved a little over two minutes from his previous time and finished with a time of 30:42 putting him in 34th place. Ethan Greenawalt (Orlando, FL) had an excellent finish and battled it out to cross the finish line at 32:30 while placing 49th. Freshman Kyle Lightner (Peebles, OH) ran his first ever 8k race and finished 51st with a time of 32:50. Rio Grande is scheduled to run at home on November 7th for the River States Conference.
This year I was lucky enough to extend my running career and run at the collegiate level. There was only one issue: I was the only girl competing. At first, I was hesitant towards the offer because honestly, I did not think I was good enough. I did not know if I was ready to commit time into a sport that I already did for six years. I decided to give it a shot and ran all summer. I thank God every day that I went through with it because it has introduced me to some amazing people. First, I want to write about Abby Webb. She was my first college friend and now one of my favorite people. We instantly clicked and realized we had the same major. She is always willing to help me and motivate me through running and life. She even made signs to cheer me on during races, she represents dedication and friendship. Next, is the guys cross country team. They are all great guys and work so hard for what they do. They took me in and made me feel like one of the “Bros.” They always make me run faster and I admire their work ethic. I appreciate what they do and wish them the best. Lastly, I want to shoutout our team’s two amazing coaches. They put countless hours into this sport and do everything they can to help us grow as athletes and people. They are phenomenal coaches. I must admit being the only girl on the team was rough at times, but I pushed through it and looked at it as an excellent opportunity to represent the women of Rio Grande. I may have been standing in the starting box alone and competing for victory alone, but I knew I had people by my side. I never once felt like I was in this sport alone. Whether it was my family members, the guys team, coaches, and people close to me, I was not alone and that was enough for me. I want everyone to know that they can achieve whatever they put their mind to. Always remember there is only one you in this world and that you are more than enough! You have a purpose and can achieve greatness. Cross country will always have a special place in my heart, and I am forever grateful for that. Sophomore Austin Setty
AROUND CAMPUS
Delta Theta Clean-Up Written by Serenity Kirts
A few weeks ago the sisters of Delta Theta had a clean-up for one of their community service acts. The sorority picked up trash in the wildlife area located on Bevo Francis Dr. on the 18th of October. They plan to continue to do this each semester, as well as filling the blessing box bi-weekly with non-perishable foods in front of the Rio Grande Municipal Hall. Vice President Abby Eichmiller says, “These are great ways to keep up with our community service with there being COVID-19 restrictions”.
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Davis Pumpkin Painting Written by Brianna Eberle
Every year, Davis Hall puts on a pumpkin painting event for residents. Thankfully this year, even with the pandemic going on, Davis could still host the event. In total, 25 girls showed up to paint pumpkins. They split the event into three different one-hour time groups so that residents could be distanced properly but still have some fall fun.
S.E.A.R.C.H Ultimate Frisbee Written by Serenity Kirts Sisters of Delta Theta during recent clean-up.
Game Nights Written by Serenity Kirts
Do you like to play Frisbee? If so, S.E.A.R.C.H has the perfect event for you! Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee will take place on the Practice Soccer Field under the lights. The event starts at 7:30pm so come in your tennis shoes and bring some friends. This is free to anyone who would like to come out and play, and it’s a fun way relieve stress. The 4th Friday in October they had a good turnout of 12 people, and the numbers just keep growing! If you have any questions, contact Josh Clifford or David Perry at dg.perry55@gmail.com.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday the gaming organization hosts a game night from 5-9pm in the Grande Central at the bottom of the Rhodes Student Center. This is an open event for anyone who wants to go, even those from the community. President of The Gaming Organization Hanna Bottomley says, “ It’s a close group where you can relax and have fun, friendly competition in games”. While it is recommended that you bring your own games you would like to play so there are lots of options, the types of games they play change weekly. For November 10th & 11th, the organization will be focused on the game play of Dungeons and Dragons. November 17th the focus will be videogame night and the 18th will be tabletop game night. Come out and join the fun!
Greek Life at Rio Written by Brianna Eberle Are you interested in Greek life? Rio has several different options for you to choose from. For females interested in joining a sorority, there is Alpha Mu Beta, Delta Theta, Zeta Theta Chi, and coming back to life in spring of 2021 will be Chi Omega Alpha. For males interested in fraternities, there is Alpha Xi Nu (Archon). These groups hold events around campus and do various community service acts in the surrounding areas. Becoming part of Greek Life will help you find your forever brothers and sisters.
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Icebreaker of the Week: Who would win a battle? Kangaroo or Gorilla? Written by Layton Mitchell
Today, the lifelong question of ‘if a wild kangaroo were to encounter a gorilla in the wild, which would win in a battle to the death’, shall be answered! We shall first start with the tale of the tape in which the gorilla may appear stronger and the kangaroo appear faster. Gorilla’s on average weigh about 350 pounds and kangaroos about a solid 150 of pure unbridled aggression. When we throw in height, gorilla’s stand about 6 feet standing up whereas a kangaroo can reach heights of 8 feet. On top of those, it has not been scientifically disproven that kangaroos have more heart which means they win the heart category by a mile. So you may be asking, “Layton, who would win this epic battle!?!” I have to go kangaroo because, simply put, they are just built different. Also, Kangaroo Jack eclipses King Kong as a movie which gives more edge here to the ‘roo. On top of that, they can hop and have pouches which are just huge advantages to have in this vital battle to the death. The kangaroo shall proceed to hop over the gorilla, kick it in the back to sever several vertebra, kick it in the dome, and win the battle by decapitation. I have personally seen this outcome 7.3 times throughout my years on this earth and will stick by kangaroo by 4th round decapitation! Thank you for coming to my death battle talk and I will see you all next time.
UPCOMING EVENT CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER SUNDAY 1
MONDAY
TUESDAY
2
3
4
-Volleyball @5pm
-Greer Museum Exhibition @1 (T-F)
-Register for classes
-$3 Movie Night
-Men’s JV Bball @6pm
8
WEDNESDAY
9
10
16
-Men’s JV Bball @6pm
-Board Mtg @5pm -$3 Movie Night - MOVIE IN THE GYM - “Great Gatsby @9:15
22
23
24
-$3 Movie Night
Last day to drop class/ withdraw
30
-Campus Closed
-$3 Movie Night
-S.E.A.R.C.H @7:30pm
12
-S.E.A.R.C.H @7:30pm
15
29
5
11
-$3 Movie Night
THURSDAY
17
SPIRIT WEEK 2020 November 16: Rio Day - Movie in the Gym: The Great Gatsby (9:15pm in Upper Gym) November 16: Wear Your Dorm Colors - Free Commuter Lunch: (10:45am-1:30pm) in Marketplace - Capture the Flag (8pm at Bell Tower) Wednesday, November 18: Onesie/PJ Day - Pop-Up Minute to Win It Games throughout the day - Rio’s Got Talent 8pm in Fine Arts Auditorium Novmember 19: Black & White Day - Make Your Own Mask 10am-1pm in Grande Central - “Maskarade” Ball 9pm-12am in Bob Evans Farms Hall
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
6
7
-Volleyball @7pm
-Volleyball @12pm
-S.E.A.R.C.H Rally @7:30pm
-XC @2pm
13
14
-S.E.A.R.C.H Rally @7:30pm
-Ultimate Frisbee @7pm
18
19
-S.E.A.R.C.H @7:30pm -Rio’s Got Talent @8p Fine Arts
Maskarade Ball BEFH 9p-12a
25
26
20
21
27
28
Thanksgiving Break- No School, Campus Closed
RedStorm Letter from Media the Editor Written by Jayce Phillips Join Redstorm Media each Thursday for latest updates on the news that is happening on campus and the surrounding area. The Marketing team wants to bring Rio student’s the latest information for events that are happening. Also, get the latest updates on Rio’s athletic programs. Redstorm Media will bring a guest each week to highlight an organization or an upcoming event that is happening around campus. The clue to find the Storm Box will be revealed on the show. You can watch the weekly newscast in the cafeteria each Thursday from 11a.m. to 1p.m.
I hope you enjoyed the Marketing Team’s first edition of the revamped Signals Newspaper for the University of Rio Grande. We hope to keep you updated with campus news and events through the publication of this bi-weekly newspaper. We have worked hard to gather information, write articles, and photograph events to share with the community. If you have any questions, comments, or other feedback feel free to reach out to me. Stay tuned to see what is featured in the next edition!
Serenity Kirts Managing Editor