BLOOM

8 Perks Students Should Know About the Recreation and Wellness Center

Snakes in Alabama- What You Need To Know

MAY 2015

FILM @ JCSM

THE AUBURN FLYERS

BO BIKES BAMA

TABLE OF CONTENTS1 Table of Contents

Letter From The Editor

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3 8 Perks Students Should Know About the Recreation and Wellness Center

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Film Screenings at JCSM

Auburn Flyers

Bo Bikes Bama

Jazz! Food! Art!

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Snakes in Alabama-What You Need To Know

A Glimpse at 5 of Auburn University’s Earliest Buildings

9 Essential Apps for College Life

Hello, my name is Abby Daughtry. I am a senior at Auburn University, and I will grad-uate in Spring 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and minors in Business and Studio Art. I chose to study Public Relations because of my love for communicating and building strong relationships. I believe in being daring, bold and imaginative. As I grow closer to graduating, I feel strongly that throughout my experiences at Auburn I have gained the necessary skills to be prepared and qualified for the fast-paced world of PR. After taking PR related classes, my love for design and visuals have grown. This led to my choice of a minor in studio art. I have recently been looking to grow my graphic design and photography skills. I believe this additional creative aspect will allow me to stand out from the crowd. In my spare time, I enjoy watching documentaries and paint-ing. Check out my magazine & I hope you enjoy! <3

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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The Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center that opened in the fall of 2013 offers many benefits for students to take advantage of.

It features the longest indoor running track in the na-tion, and has 240,000 square feet of health and wellness equipment. This facility not only gives students the opportunity for a healthy lifestyle, but provides much more. Here are eight perks students should know about the Recreation and Wellness Center:

1. Rock Climbing Wall

Who doesn’t love to rock climb? The facility offers two 50-feet climbing towers. Rock climbing builds strength, and trains your brain using problem-solving to decide route movement. By using the Multi-Visit Pass, students have access to the climbing wall three times at no cost or commitment. After three visits, you can take the free Fundamentals of Climbing course. The climbing wall is locating on the lower level of the Recreation and Wellness Center.

2. Indoor Running Track:

Like mentioned before, this facility holds the longest running track in the nation. At one-third of a mile, it was built in a corkscrew configuration to give runners a variety of strength levels in their workout.

3. Pool & 45 Person Hot Tub

This pool area features a fire pit, sunbathing deck, a diving board, and a 20-foot Aqua Climb Wet Wall. You can enjoy many pool activities such as swimming, vol-leyball, and basketball. On a chilly day, meet up with some friends in the 45-person, tiger shaped hot tub.

The center also provides devices located around the pools to allow handicapped guests to use the facilities with ease.

“They offer a variety of different trips to attend that can last

from a day to a week-end such as, rock

climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain bik-ing, and backpacking

trips.”

8 Perks Students Should Know About the Recreation and Wellness Center

Written By: Abby Daughtry

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4. Group Fitness Classes

By purchasing the Group Fitness Pass ($15/month or $50/semester), students can attend as many classes as they want. The group fitness studios are located in the fitness tower. There are four different studios: Cycle Studio, Mind/Body Studio, Eagle Room, and Tiger Room. Some of the classes they offer are yoga, Pilates, cycling, kickboxing, and Zumba. That just names a few. For a list of class descriptions and the calendar, go to http://www.campusrec.auburn.edu/group

5. Bike Shop & Equipment Rental

Need a bike repair? The Recreation and Wellness Center has a bike shop, Auburn Outdoors, which offers many tools and resources for that problem. Students can attend free clinics to learn how to maintain and fix their bike, and they also have access to a complete line of bicycle-specific tools at zero cost. Students can also rent all kinds of outdoor gear at a low cost.

6. Game Room

This facility offers a game room full of things to do. Students can enjoy foosball, air hockey, table tennis, and more.

7. Golf Simulator

Auburn’s Recreation and Wellness Center gives stu-dents the most realistic indoor golf experience with the PGA Golf Simulator. Players of all levels of experience can play using real equipment without the consequenc-es of weather. It uses high-speed, 3D cameras to track the ball’s speed and direction and provides player’s with instruction and improvement.

8. Trips and Clinics

Auburn Outdoors offers many programs to enrolled students and members of Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. They offer a variety of different trips to attend that can last from a day to a weekend such as, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain bik-ing, and backpacking trips. They also offer clinics like Ladies Climb, Fundamentals of Climbing, and Bike Maintenance Clinic.

So what are you waiting for? Go enjoy everything that Auburn’s Recreation and Wellness Center has to offer.

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Film Screenings

atJCSM

While going to the movies can be extremely expensive, those who have an appreciation for the art of filmmaking can enjoy free

screenings at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Throughout the school semesters on Thursdays and Sundays, the museum selects various art programs such as films, artist talk and poetry readings to present to the community. JCSM features documentary and narrative films that have screened at prestigious festi-vals and on major networks. These films are presented by programs such as the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, Created Equal, “Auburn Connects! Common Book Program”, The Lost Bird Project and American Trans-port. Film screenings like The Lost Bird Project and FILM@JCSM: American Transport are selected in ac-cordance with the exhibitions on view. The Southern Circuit brings contemporary artists’ films that address issues of race and culture to the museum, while Cre-ated Equal and “Auburn Connects! Common Book Program” promote dialogue. Following the program on Thursdays, the Mu-seum Café is open from 5 to 8 pm with live jazz from 6 to 8 p.m. This gives participants the opportunity listen to live musical performances while enjoying food and wine, and explore the different pieces of artwork throughout the galleries.

It is encouraged that participants register in advance via Eventbrite to help estimate limited audito-rium seating, and if possible, please print your ticket to help staff with museum evaluations and communica-tions. For more information on films screenings and other art events at Jule Collins Smith Museum visit their website at http://jcsm.auburn.edu/.

“...listen to live musical perfor-mances while enjoy-ing food and wine, and explore the dif-ferent pieces of art-work throughout the galleries.”

WRITTEN BY: ABBY DAUGHTRY

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AUBURN FLYERSpremier cycling group

Written by: Abby Daughtry

Auburn University’s premier cycling group, Au-burn Flyers, has started its third race season off with great potential. The team has already had

three races this season, and many of the cyclists have placed in the top 10 for each category. (Photo courtesy: Auburn Flyers) For the second race weekend in Clemson, South Carolina, the team had its first two mass-start victories of the season with Mike Isbill winning the B criterium and Zach Lee winning the C criterium. Each race is set up into 3 different disciplines: the road race, time trial, and criterium. The road race is a mass-start, 30-70 mile race. Criteriums take place on a smaller, closed-street course that is about a mile long. During this race, there are shorter laps and a lot more corner-ing. The time trial is a race against the clock, in which each racer goes individually to see who can record the fastest time.

The team represents all levels of competition. Team members vary from beginners to more advanced riders. They also have frequent rides, where anyone can join whether you’re on the cycling team or just want to go for a bike ride. Auburn University started its first collegiate cycling team around the mid 1980s, and it ended in 2007 when the interest for it was at its lowest. In 2012, Nathan Spence, the current team president; Paula Sullenger, the former faculty advisor; and James “G.W.” Wenzel, the sponsor and coach, reestablished the

Auburn Flyers. The team is sponsored by James Bros. Bikes. Since 2012, the team has significantly grown.Since it started back up in 2012, the coach and sponsor has been James “G.W.” Wenzel. He graduated from Au-burn’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He began racing in the USCF in 1976. He has had many cycling career highlights including over eight elite or pro/am road race wins, over 17 senior men’s road and track District Championships, top 20 finishes in Senior Men’s road race and time trial National Championships, top five finishes in Master’s road race, criterium and time trial National Championships, and top 10 finishes in Mas-ter’s World Cup and World Championship Road Races. He has raced in the United States, Ukraine, Austria, and Belgium. The Auburn Flyers promote cycling as a sport and hobby. During the spring and early fall, the cycling team encourages anyone that enjoys riding bikes, or wants to start to join them on Tuesday’s for Tour de Taco. Tour de Taco is 15 mile ride that begins at 5:30 at Toomer’s Corner, and it ends with tacos after. This ride has a ‘no drop’ policy meaning they stick to the pace of the slowest rider. Therefore, anyone that wants to ride can join.

For more information on the Auburn Flyers, check out the team’s website and social media.

“During the spring and early fall, the cycling team encourages anyone that enjoys riding bikes, or wants to start to join them on Tuesday’s for Tour de Taco.”

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BO BIKES BAMA

Sports legend Bo Jackson will be returning to the Plains joined by over 700 cyclists on Saturday, May 2, 2015 for the 4th annual Bo Bikes Bama charity ride.

It all started from when Bo Jackson biked across Alabama in April 2012 to raise money and awareness for the victims in the state that were left devastated from the tornadoes the previous year. After that, it became an annual tradition where hundreds of others join Bo to ride for the future of Alabama. All of the proceeds go to the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund in memory of the lives lost during the April 27, 2011 storms.

The annual bike campaign has already raised $1 million and helped fund 57 community shelters. There are riders from 28 states, and since the beginning, the event has covered over 38,000 miles. Pre-registration tickets can be purchased through the website for a cheaper price, and on-site registration will be available as well. Participants range from all experience levels. They can choose either a 63-mile or 20-mile route. Each of them will take the riders throughout Auburn University’s cam-pus, but the 63-mile route will take riders through Tuskegee and Macon County as well. Both rides start and end at the

Auburn Arena, 250 Beard Eaves Court, Auburn AL

36849. The 63-mile ride starts at 8 a.m., and the 20-mile route begins at 10:30 a.m. The event will take place rain or shine, and partici-pants must provide all equipment with helmets required. All riders will receive a Bo Bikes Bama t-shirt, jersey number, wristband, light snacks and water, a meal at the end of the ride and mechanical support for simple repairs. Along with Bo Bikes Bama, Jackson will also host a silent auction the Friday night before at 6:30 p.m. at The Hotel at Auburn University 241 S. College St. There will be hors d’ oeuvres, beer and wine. The silent auction will feature signed memorabilia from athletes and entertainers. Tickets, donations and purchases are tax deductible and will help prepare for future natural disasters in Alabama.

Whether you’re a novice cyclist or experienced rider, anyone can come join Bo Jackson as he returns to his second home and supports those who are in need.

“The event will take place rain or shine, and par-ticipants must provide all equipment with helmets required.”

Written by: Abby Daughtry

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Jazz! Food! Art! BY: ABBY DAUGHTRY

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art hosts a weekly event every Thursday night known as Jazz! Food! Art! It gives individuals the opportunity to

experience various art programs, listen to live musi-cal performances while enjoying food and wine, and explore the different pieces of artwork throughout the galleries. It started last spring and has since grown to offer a little something for everyone. Admission is free courtesy of JCSM Business Partners.

The event is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. During this time, the Museum Café is open offering tapas, beer, wine, cock-tail service and specialty coffees. The price for food ranges from $7 to $10, and the portions are meant for sharing. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., participants can enjoy live jazz from the house band Cullars Improvisational Rotation. Based in Auburn, the band consists of the core trio of Dan Mackowski (guitars), Patrick McCurry (saxophones) and Jason DeBlanc (bass), along with special guests.

The art for the event is two-fold: both the art exhibi-tions on view and an art program. The programs vary from films, lectures, poetry read-ings and artist talk. These programs generally start at 5 p.m. on Thursdays. Earlier in the day, the Museum Café is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. offering a dining option for lunch. Participants can enjoy a casual performance at A Little Lunch Music that starts at 12 p.m. This weekly series is coordinated by musician Patrick McCurry. “We like to think that Jazz! Food! Art! on Thursdays is an entertainment alternative,” said Charlotte Hendrix, communication and marketing specialist. “We set the band up on out on the museum terrace where you get a lovely view of the lake and sunset. It can be really nice as the warmer days are approaching. Even if someone does not have a great understanding of art, that’s per-fectly fine. In fact, we really do encourage conversation as opposed to just one person in front of a piece of art work that’s just lecturing or talking about it. It’s really about that give and take, and so many of our programs have that format. What we encourage in the gallery is that art of conversation, if you will. It’s a good way to unwind and connect with your friends.”

“We like to think that Jazz! Food! Art! on Thursdays is an enter-tainment alternative. We set the band up out on the museum terrace where you get a love-ly view of the lake and sunset.”

If you have ever been on Auburn Universi-ty’s campus, you know how rich its history is. Much of the university’s past comes from the historic buildings that have been around for many years. What began in 1859 as an all male college, is today recognized as one of the largest universities in Alabama. Here is a glimpse at five of Auburn University’s earliest buildings: 1. Katharine Cooper Cater

Hall

Katharine Cooper Cater Hall, also known as the Old President’s Mansion or Social Cen-ter, was built in 1915. It was built as the pres-ident’s home, but converted in 1938 to the social center after the new President’s home was built. It was designed by Joseph Hud-nut and cost $17,000 to build. It was named in honor of Katharine C. Cater, who served as dean of women from 1946 to 1976, then about four years as dean of student life and social director. Cater Hall now holds the

campus’s education support services divi-

sion. This building is also on the National Reg-ister of Historic Places. (Photo credit: Abby Daughtry) (Source: www.lib.auburn.edu)

2. Langdon HallLangdon Hall is the oldest building in the city of Auburn. It was built in 1846 as “The Chapel” for the Auburn Female College, and moved to Auburn’s campus in 1883. The chapel was renamed Langdon Hall, after Charles Carter Langdon in 1889. He was a former mayor of Mobile, Alabama, Alabama Secretary of State, and college trustee. Be-fore the Civil War, it was used as a center for debates on the Southern secession. During the Civil War, it was used as a hospital for Confederate troops. Today, it serves as an auditorium and personnel office. (Photo credit: Abby Daughtry) (Source: www.lib.auburn.edu)

A Glimpse at 5 of Auburn University’s

Earliest BuildingsWRITTEN BY: ABBY DAUGHTRY

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3. The Auburn

University Chapel

The Auburn University Chapel is the 2nd old-est building in the city of Auburn and the old-est building in its original location on campus. It was built in 1851 as a Presbyterian church. It was also used as a hospital during the Civil

War. Later, it became used for classrooms after the main college burned in 1887. After it was traded to the college for a different lot, it was used as a theater by the Auburn

Players for about 40 years. This building is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

There is a legend that states the building was haunted by a ghost named “Sydney”, who was a Confederate soldier and died in the

chapel while it was being used as a hospital. This legend was even investigated on a pop-ular television show on the History Channel.

(Photo credit: Abby Daughtry) (Source: www.lib.auburn.edu)

4. Samford Hall

Samford Hall was built to replace “Old Main” after it was destroyed by a fire on June 24th, 1887. It was constructed using some of the bricks salvaged from the Old Main building. It has served as a classroom space, hospi-tal, and library. The lawn in front of Samford Hall has had numerous celebrations, events, and ceremonies take place on it. It is one of the most historic and iconic buildings on Auburn’s campus. The most recognized part of the building is the clock tower. Originally, the bell rang every hour for classes. Now, an electrically controlled clock marks the time. It was named after Governor William James Samford in 1929. Samford Hall currently serves as administrative headquarters for the univer-sity. (Photo credit: Abby Daughtry)

5. Old Main

“Old Main” was the first building on Auburn’s campus. It was built in 1859 as a main build-ing for the East Alabama Male College at a cost of $75,000. It began being used as a hospital during the Civil War until classes resumed in 1866. In 1887, the building burned down resulting in Samford Hall being built. (Photo credit: Auburn University)

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With the majority of college students owning a smartphone, apps can be extremely bene-ficial with managing productivity and tasks.

There are several apps available that can make your college experience feel more at ease. These nine smart-phone apps were picked based off of features, cost, and review. (Photo courtesy: pixabay)

1. WebMD

This app gives you access to plenty of health informa-tion. It provides health advice, and you can look up your medical symptoms to learn about possible condi-tions. Additionally, the app offers listings for healthcare professionals and pharmacies in your area. Customi-zation allows you to create and save conditions, medi-cine, and other important health information for easy access later. Key Features: symptom checker, healthy target, healthy living, conditions, medicine, local health listings, and more.This app is available for free for Android and IOS.

2. Evernote

In college, note taking is almost always necessary. However, keeping up with a bunch of notes can be

a hassle. With this cross-platform app, you can

create all types of notes that are accessible from any device. Evernote’s search feature makes it easy to find saved web articles, notes, and photos.Key Features: note taking, resource sharing, connec-tions, business travel planning, meeting preparation, and more.This app is available for free for Android and IOS.

3. Canvas

This app allows you to keep up with your college coursework, assignments, and grades all in one place. Whether it is viewing modules or taking a quiz, canvas gives students quick and easy access to their education.Key Features: activity steam, to-do list, access to sched-ule and syllabus, course discussion participation, file upload, and more.This app is available for free for Android and IOS.

4. LinkedIn

This networking app is very important for students to have because it can build connections and network-ing opportunities that will be beneficial after college. LinkedIn allows students to search for people, com-panies, and groups to gain exclusive insight. Also, you can use your LinkedIn profile to search and apply for

Nine Essential Appsf o r C o l l e g e L i f e

WRITTEN BY: ABBY DAUGHTRY

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jobs.This app is available for free for Android and IOS.

5. Mint

Budgeting in college can be extremely hard, but it is, indeed, necessary. With this app, you can manage cash flow, budgets, and bills all in one place. This app makes your financial information easy to understand.Key Features: all financial accounts in one place, charts and graphs, money tracker, budget management, bill alerts and reminders, expert advice on saving.This app is available for free for Android and IOS.

6. Lumosity

This brain training app has been reviewed by Wall Street Journal, PC Mag, Harvard Business Review, and many more for its unique performance. This app was designed by neuroscientists to train your brain with memory and attention games.Key Features: personalized training, 40+ scientific games, cross-platform, training reminders, daily brain workouts, comparisons, and more.This app is available for free for Android and IOS.

7. Google Drive

This storage app allows you to save files and have ac-cess to them from any smartphone, tablet, or comput-er. Also, it securely backs up files to prevent them from being lost. You can easily share files and folders with

others making this app ideal for group projects. Key Features: view documents, PDFs, photos, videos, and more; file search, easy file and folder sharing, and more.This app is available for free for Android and IOS.

8. Pocket

With Pocket, you can easily save articles, videos, reci-pes, and more all in one place. This app doesn’t require an internet connection so you can view your saved content at any time, from any device.Key Features: cross-platform, easily share content to another friend’s Pocket or social media; personalized highlights, works offline, better viewing experience, and more. This app is available for free for Android and IOS.

9. Rovertown

This app is one of the newest and easiest ways for stu-dents to have access to local discounts. No student card is necessary. All you need is your smartphone, and you’re ready to start saving money.This app is available for free for Android and IOS.

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Snakes in Alabama- What You Need To Know

People cannot resist the call of the outdoors when the weather warms up. Wildlife will begin to move with warmer weather too. Snakes are one type of wildlife

that make many people anxious. But armed with some some basic information and facts, people can reduce their stress about snakes. More than 40 species live in Alabama . Only six of these are venomous. Whether you are hiking, camping or just venturing out into nature, it is important to learn the characteristics of venomous and nonvenomous snakes so you can distinguish them from one another.

Venomous Snakes:

There are six venomous snake species that are native to Alabama. Five of these species are in the pit viper group. These include the cottonmouth, copperhead, tim-ber rattlesnake, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and the pygmy rattlesnake. The sixth venomous snake, in a group by itself, is the coral snake.The pit viper group gets its name from the heat-sensing pit organ located between the eye and nostril. These pits can sense differences in temperature which helps locate warm-blooded prey. “The venomous pit vipers may be distinguished by the large triangular head, the heavy body relative to its length, the vertical pupils, and the single row of scales on the belly below the anal scales,” said Dr. Jim Armstrong, a forestry and wildlife specialist with the Alabama Coopera-tive Extension System.

COTTONMOUTHCottonmouth snakes, also known as water moccasins, typi-cally live around water including rivers, lakes, streams, and swampland. Young cottonmouth snakes can be identified by

the lighter background with dark-brown bands, and the

adults generally appear darker brown to black. These large, heavy-bodied snakes can reach 30-48 inches in length. Because the appearance of these snakes is hard to detect in the forest or woods, it is believed that some snake bites oc-cur from individuals not seeing the snake and accidentally stepping on it.

TIMBER RATTLESNAKEThe timber rattlesnake is a large, heavy-bodied snake that can be found in most of Alabama. They can grow up to more than 7 feet in length. These snakes have black and yellow patterned bodies. Their coloration makes it hard to detect them in forested areas.

COPPERHEAD

These medium-sized snakes are characterized by their copper-red heads and distinctive hourglass-shaped markings. Their size averages between 2 and 3 feet. These snakes vary in color patterns, but the typical color is dark brown bands on a lighter brown background. Copperheads are more defensive if encountered at night than during the day, and will usually vibrate its tail rapidly and give off a strong, musky scent when disturbed.

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EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE:

The Eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest ven-omous snake in North America. It can grow up to 8 feet in length. These heavy-bodied snakes generally live in drier areas such as pine flatwoods, coastal scrub habitats, and sandy woodlands. These snakes are characterized by the

dark-brown diamond shaped patterns that run the length of their body.

PYGMY RATTLESNAKE:

The pygmy rattlesnake is a small snake that grows a max-imum length of 30 inches. Unlike other rattlesnakes, the pygmy has a rattle that is so small it can be very difficult to detect unless you’re very close. The color pattern of this snake is light-gray with dark brown-to-orange spots along the body.

CORAL SNAKE:

The coral snake is the only venomous snake in Alabama not a part of the pit viper group. These snakes have slender bod-ies and can grow a maximum size of 3 feet. The coral snake is brightly colored with alternating bands of red and black,

separated by narrow bands of yellow. Remember red touch yellow, kill a fellow. There are two nonvenomous snake species that have similar color patterns, but in these species the yellow bands touch black and not red. In addition, coral snakes have a black snout or nose. These snakes are only rarely seen and generally live underground in loose soils.

A bite from a venomous snake is serious and can be deadly. It is best to avoid these snakes. Never try to handle these snakes.

Nonvenomous Snakes:

Nonvenomous snake species in Alabama outnumber ven-omous species by more than 30. The most common is the gray rat snake. They are one of the longest snakes in North America, occasionally growing up to 8 feet in length. These snakes are dark-to-light gray with darker gray or brown blotches. Typically found in forest areas, they may be found in residential areas as well. Rat snakes are good climbers so they can be found lying on tree limbs and branches.

Nonvenomous snakes are generally characterized by round pupils, smaller heads, and the double row of scales on the underside of the tail. However, the coral snake also has a double row of scales and a round pupil , so understanding the markings on snakes is important as well.

“When going into areas that snakes are likely to be found, my advice is to use your eyes and look before putting your hands or feet in places where you can’t see them well,” Arm-strong said.

Unlike other wildlife species in Alabama, the snake receives the most negative attention. Some people have the mis-conception that snakes are aggressive and chase people, but Armstrong said snakes are more likely to avoid people and try to escape. He added that snakes play vital roles in the environment and can be useful in controlling rodent population.

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ABBY DAUGHTRY