Monday, December 8, 2014

A Walk in her Heels

The Diversity Achievement Center and Gender Sexual Alliance (GSA) hosted a heel event in the courtyard on Oct. 10.


Posing the question, “Are you man enough to walk in my heels?,” the event raised awareness of National Coming Out Day, LGBTQ Awareness Month, Women’s Equality, and Male Privilege.


Staff and students participated in the event with a positive attitude. Enthusiastic individuals took the opportunity to strut their stuff in high heels for all to see. Passer-byers stopped and viewed the fabulousness of it all.


Although donations totaled only $20, the courtyard was full of smiles, and all proceeds will benefit future GSA programs.


Monday, November 10, 2014

Army Infantry Specialist: Brent Riley

Army Infantry Specialist Brent Riley takes a break
near the Iran border.
Local resident Brent Riley was an Army Infantry Specialist for the U.S. He first joined when he was 18-years-old.

Riley was first deployed at nineteen.

“I wanted to go fight terrorists and see the world,” said Riley.

He also has family members who are veterans. His grandfather fought in WWI and his cousin was in the army as well.

He was on active duty for five and a half years. During that time he was deployed every other year. He spent 15 months in Baghdad in 2006 and 12 months in the Diyala province in 2008.

Riley was in combat infantry, which means that he kicked down doors, cleared houses, captured high value targets, missions, patrols, raids, firefights, and security.

After his five years of off-and-on deployment Riley was honorably discharged. He was ready to be a civilian and own his life once again.

“It was a good and bad experience,” said Riley.

He loved the friends he made and the bonds they forged in war. When he lost people he loved in the war it was a difficult experience for him.

“Being in the service has made me a better person,” said Riley.

Life wasn’t easy for Riley after being discharged. He had to readjust his way of thinking about the people around him. He had to form new relationships with people. He had better bonds with his combat pals than his wife and family because of what they went through together.

“Life is great now. No one has shot at me since I left Iraq, so every day is a good day,” said Riley.

After his stint in the army he has no regrets. Even the loss of his combat pals and the lack of sleep he still has no regrets. Everything that he went through only made him a stronger individual.

Currently Riley is finishing up his bachelor’s degree and wants to continue on with his education to complete his master’s. When he is finished with school he would like to move to Central Oregon. He would like to be a business systems analyst when he completes his college career.

Once moved to Central Oregon “I would like to hunt, fish, snowboard, and drink beer until he’s old and dead,” said Riley.

Fighting for your country and rights isn’t for everyone. It takes a certain kind of individual. Army Infantry Specialist Brent Riley is the that kind of individual.

Senior Airman: Colby McCarthy

Senior Airman Colby McCarthy enjoys a day
in the woods with his pal Ruger.
Corvallis native, Colby McCarthy made the decision to join the U.S. Air Force thirteen years ago. He is a third generation service member. His grandfather was in the Navy and his father was in the Coast Guard.

“I chose the military because I knew it would give me valuable training and a way to pay for college in the future,” said McCarthy.

When entering the Air Force, McCarthy started out as E1, Airman Basic. He left as an E3, Senior Airman.

The U.S. Air Force took McCarthy all over the world. He was stationed in Oman, Afghanistan, Turkey, Germany, and Iraq. While in Iraq he was at Balad Air Base and Tallil Air Base. In the U.S. he was stationed in Texas, New Mexico, and Mississippi.

For four years McCarthy worked on welding, rough framing and concrete work. During his deployment he wasn’t on the front line with a weapon. His job was to make repairs to aircraft hangers.

“It did feel good to be able to do my part and what I was trained to do,” said McCarthy.

McCarthy has many memories from his deployment.

The memories that remain are the friends he made while deployed, and the friends he continues to keep in close contact with. The time he spent in the service was enjoyed and he has no regrets.  

When it came time for him to re-enlist, the Air Force had an abundance of troops and they weren’t allowing many of the men and woman previously enlisted to re-enlist. He was forced out. There were too many people in his career field.

After being forced out of the service, McCarthy began working as a drill rig operator for the next eight years. Last year, he quit his job to begin a college career at LBCC. He is currently working towards getting his Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree, so that he can get an electrician apprenticeship. He goal is to work for the Electrician Union.

For those considering the military, McCarthy has some helpful advice.

“Look at all the military branches and choose the one that will give you that most experience that will be useful for a career, if and when you get out of the military.”

The military isn’t for everyone, If you have questions or concerns contact your local recruiting agency. An army of one starts with the first step in the right direction.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Measure 91: Yes or No

Stop the war on drugs! Repeal prohibition, break the grip of cartels and gangs, and manage through regulation.


On Oct. 21, LBCC hosted a forum with guest speaker, LEAP volunteer, Inge Fryklund. LEAP stands for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. Fryklund brought her knowledge on Measure 91. If approved on the Nov. 4 election day recreational marijuana would be legalized for people ages 21 and older.


Legalizing marijuana would eliminate the unnecessary convictions and free up the jails and prisons for more severe cases and criminals. There are at least 12,000 arrests and citations for marijuana each year across Oregon counties. While preventing the illegal use of marijuana is a necessity, so is preventing crimes in neighborhoods. Freeing up police officers to serve and protect neighborhoods would reduce car thefts and robbery.


After a conviction it remains on your name. A drug conviction makes it difficult for people to gain employment. Not being able to gain employment only hinders the person searching for work. Employers want an employee whose background checks out and shows that the potential person is responsible. Having a misdemeanor can even affect your possibility of finding work.


"Treat addiction, never get over a conviction," said Fryklund.


“Today in Oregon, kids are buying readily available marijuana from unknown, unregulated sources,” said Fryklund. She wrote this in an article from The Bulletin. This is becoming an increasingly popular with newer generations of teens. Marijuana has become so easily accessible that parents can’t control what their children are doing these days. Not knowing what ingredients are in a substance can cause major effects. Some may even lose their own lives.


The purpose of LEAP to better inform the community. It is also to allow regulation on the things we put into our bodies on a daily basis. Without regulation who knows what the future will hold for a youth.


“Measure 91 establishes regulatory framework. Vote Yes on 91,” said Fryklund.

There are several ways to become involved with LEAP. You can sign on to LEAP’s email list, like them on Facebook, follow on Twitter, check them out on YouTube, become a supporting member, or simply volunteer.









Friday, October 24, 2014

Fee-less Print

LBCC uses the Pay4Print software in labs, the library and the Learning Center. The cost of the software is roughly $25,000 with an additional maintenance fee of $2,000 a year. This doesn’t include the staffing fees related to the software.


Pay4Print was first introduced to LBCC approximately seven years ago. The reason for the implementation of the software was to stop students from abusing resources such as paper and toner and to cut back on printer service. Staff had noticed students were printing documents that weren’t course-related papers.


The first two weeks of fall term 2013 totaled 18,680 printed pages. In the first two weeks of fall term of 2014 printed pages totaled 33,252. This term, the fee for printing was lifted and printing has doubled.


“Students are burning through paper,” said Michael Quiner, chief information officer.


The software provider, Heartland Payment Systems, has decreased the amount of system updates needed to keep the system current. LBCC has yet to look at today's software alternatives.


“Pay4Print is cumbersome and difficult to use,” said Quiner.


The print usage on campus isn’t being monitored completely; however, staff are encouraging students to use other forms of submitting assignments such as email, thumb drives, USB, and Moodle.


If students can monitor their own usage, the Pay4Print software will no longer be necessary on campus. Located with student used printers is information regarding the “fee-less” printing instructions.


The elimination of the Pay4Print software will save money that could then be used for other departments on campus.


"Our concerns relate to sustainability and improving the experience of our students," said Russell Rinker, manager of network systems. “The college is paying for printing supplies and absorbing fees.”


According to the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA), each person in the United States uses about 749 pounds of paper each year. That equates to two pounds of paper a day. There are over 6,000 students on campus this term.


Using recycled paper would be ideal. However, the printers on campus become jammed when using 100 percent recycled paper. This unfortunate fact limits what paper products are available to LBCC.


“I refill paper and toner everyday,” said Jacqui Winkler, library aide.


LBCC administration will continue to monitor printer usage and will make a decision by December of this year.


While the term progresses and “fee-less” printing continues, students should try to be more aware of their print usage. Paying attention to the formatting and print preview before finalizing the print process will eliminate excessive pages printing.


If students can prove to administration that they can use the “fee-less” print appropriately, then the Pay4Print system will be potentially eliminated and we will no longer be paying out of pocket to print.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Feeling well on the Wellness Trail

Pine needles on the Wellness Trail.
Photograph by Melissa Jeffers
If you're feeling bogged down, overwhelmed with your classes, or just need a break then LBCC has a solution for you.


For the first time ever at the Albany campus there will be a recreational group meeting twice a week at the Wellness Trail. On Sept. 30 the debut of the LB Roadrunners activity group dawned a new era of healthiness on campus as they announced their plans to meet weekly.


Leslie Hammond, associate dean of liberal arts, will meet every Tuesday and Thursday at noon behind the Activities Center with LB Roadrunners to enjoy some healthy living as they walk or run together.


There is no fee or sign up sheet to join. All you have to do is show up and enjoy a walk or run with a friendly face.


“I like being able to run for miles and miles,” said Hammond.


Students are constantly in their books, studying, and staring at computer screens instead of getting the exercise that they need. The Department of Health and Human Services recommend that healthy adults should spend 150 minutes a week practicing moderate aerobic activity.


“I run for enjoyment and health,” said LB RoadRunner Josh Carper.


The Wellness Trail originated from the need of track and cross country runners to have a softer place to practice and train. Initially made with a layer of bark dust, the trail didn't hold up to the elements well. The Wellness Committee kickstarted the transformation of the trail to what we have today. Money for improvements came from fundraisers and Track and Field donations.


Leslie Hammond takes a noon job on
the Wellness Trail.
Photograph by Melissa Jeffers
The Wellness Trail has two loops to utilize. By walking or running the entire figure eight, users will have gone one mile. Walk or run the smaller trail and you will have completed half a mile.


Along with the Wellness Committee, fundraisers, and donations there were people who helped with the physical labor of the rebuild. Brad Carman, a physical education instructor, was one of the people responsible for construction of the trail. He helped excavate the former trail and lay the new material down.


“The track and Wellness Trail have been convenient resources for our campus community for years. I hope many of you will be able to take advantage of those areas for exercise or as a place to go for a break and fresh air,” said Carman.


No matter your fitness level LB Roadrunners can move at your pace. Take 30 minutes twice a week out of your schedule to walk or run for your health. If noon doesn’t fit into your schedule there is also a walk or run at 1 p.m.

For questions regarding the LB Roadrunners Wellness Trail walk or run...
Contact: Leslie Hammond, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts
Phone: (541) 917-4911
Office: SSH 101
Email: hammondl@linnbenton.edu

Friday, June 6, 2014

Photo Essay: Fry Road Nursery, Albany


Ann Detweiler has been the owner of Fry Road Nursery since 1987. 


On May 30, 2014, Brigette Emanuel enjoys watering the fuchsia flowers.


Fry Road Nursery is known for their fuchsia flowers. Ann Detweiler describes all the flowers in this particular greenhouse.  


Joe Harrell waters the flowers in the greenhouse on Friday morning.  


Fry Road Nursery is located in Albany. It is five miles outside of town.  
Fry Road Nursery was founded in 1987. Ann Detweiler needed something to do after having her son, so she started gardening in the backyard. The nursery has only blossomed over the years. Ann strives to grow flowers and plants to the finest they can be.

Link to website:
Fry Road Nursery

At a glance:
Owner: Ann Detweiler
What: Fry Road Nursery
Where: 43989 Fry Rd SE, Albany, Oregon 97322
When:Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone: 541-928-7038
Email:ann@fryroadnursery.com

Friday, May 30, 2014

Free Shoot


Last minute trip to Lincoln City, Oregon on May 14, 2014. This seagull kept flying above searching for food. 

This tree is located in downtown Salem. It is located to the north of the Capital Building. Something about this tree jumped out at me, so I had to photograph it.  

This barn is located on Goltra Rd off of Oregon 34. It's beautiful and reminded me of a postcard.  

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Summertime Madness


Linn-Benton Community College 











Students have been tossed the opportunity of summer term classes at Linn-Benton, but most do not grab the chance to further their education. One out of five students asked said, “No I will not be attending summer term.”  The question now is, why?

Damien Hutley said, “Financial Aid won’t cover it.”

Kody Kinsella said, “No Financial Aid, and it’s the only time I can work.”

It’s estimated that 2,500 students will attend summer term. Approximately 60 percent of students have registered for classes. That is about 1,529 students.


However, there are students who will be attending.


When asked why will you be attending summer term; Alyssa Mota said, “To be done faster.”



Linn-Benton Courtyard
Not only is there a need for financial assistance, there is a lack of classes offered. Several courses require instructor signatures. Also, there are less days and times available, and five week classes.


Lack of classes, times, days, signatures, and short term classes are not logical.


Sandy Fichtner said, “When we sign up for summer term, we need to work realistically with the course schedules.”


Summer term is just like the rest of the school year, and it should be treated no differently. 

When you work you do not get any summer vacations. You work all year around, with the occasional vacation, but it’s always at the loss of income at that time.

Education should not be over just because a new season begins. Education never ending, and those who intend on better themselves should not be subject to limitations. 

At a glance:
Who: Registration Help Desk
What: Summer term 
When: June 23, 2014
Where: Linn-Benton Community College
6500 Pacific Blvd. SW
Albany, Oregon 97321
Phone: 541-917-4999
Email: linnbenton.edu


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Marion Skate Park

The Marion Square Park also has a playground for younger children to play on. Toward the Southwest side of the park there is a skateboard ramp set up as well. Below the Marion Street Bridge there is a basketball court and restrooms. The park is frequently flooded with people enjoying the outdoors.


On May 7, 2014, 19-year-old Steve "#Sketchy" Williams showing off his skills at the Marion Square Park. 

Marion Square Park is located in downtown Salem. To the south is the Marion Street bridge that connects downtown Salem to West Salem. This park is always full of people on bikes doing crazy stunts.  

"#Sketchy" showing off his red bike rims.







Friday, May 16, 2014

Passing by my Best friend


In the red is my mother Anne Jeffers,
and in the plaid flannel is my
Grandmother Virginia Jeffers. 
At the oval dining table a card game begins between my mother and grandmother. As a child I was curious. I wanted to know what they were playing, so I asked, “What are you playing?” My mother said, “Cribbage.” After she told me what she was playing I wanted to play with them. My grandmother said, “When your older I will teach you.” I could not wait to be older.  


Once I was old enough my grandmother taught me Cribbage. It was the best moment ever. Now I could participate in the card games. I was thrilled.


This moment in time will forever be in my memory.


Virginia L. Jeffers born Dec. 19, 1935 in Sabeth, Kansas to Otto and Margaret Huiett. Jeffers attended Salem High School and graduated in 1953. She then studied beauty at Phagan's. After dropping out of beauty school she her first husband and had two children with him. Once divorcing him she married my grandfather William Jeffers and had two more children, Alan my uncle and Anne my mother. She worked for the state of Oregon as a secretary until she retired after 30 years. Jeffers passed away on May 8, 2009.  She lived a full life and passed away 73 years young.


Courtesy of the hospital I am no longer able to create memories with my best friend, my grandmother. One minor error and misdiagnosis and she was gone.


This whole event happened within 11 hours. One minute she was talking to me and then next minute she was gone. It’s a memory that will always haunt me.


The day before I had been spending the afternoon with a friend. I mentioned a sleepover to my friend, so we went to my place which was with my grandmother. I came in a noticed that she was hunched over the counter crying. This was not like my grandmother.


I told my friend, “I don’t think I should go with you.”


That night changed my life forever.


I joined my grandmother out in the living room for a night of game shows.


She had a chair that she always sat in and watched her shows. I either sat in the other chair next to her or on the couch.


A few hours later my grandmother turned towards me and said, “If it will make you happy, I will go to the hospital.”


I said, “Yes it would.”


When her father passed away she was traumatized by the sound of the sirens, so she did not want the sirens on when the ambulance came to take her to the hospital.


I made the call to 911 and got everything together.


My grandmother told me not to tell my mother or my uncle. I did not dare question her reasoning. I just agreed not to tell anyone.


We spent the next four hours in the hospital waiting for the results from all the tests that she had to be subject to.


I can remember cracking jokes with my grandmother. There were other patients there and they were weird. We made little jokes about them to pass the time.


Everything was good to go. At 2 a.m. my grandmother was discharged from the hospital and was told to follow up with her cardiologist.


I called a cab to pick us up and take us home.


Later I found out that my grandmother was not okay to go home yet.


While waiting for the cab she was starting to have pains again, but she did not tell me.


Once we got home I decided to sleep on the couch. She said it was not necessary, but I felt better about being close to her.


Not too long after being home and sleeping on the couch my grandmother was awake. I woke up to her sitting at the desk. She could not sleep. She insisted that I go lay in my room. I was hesitant, but I did what she asked.


I did make one request. If you need me scream my name. I had her practice before I laid down.


A couple hours later I hear MELISSA!!!


I jumped out of bed and ran through the house to her aid. That was the moment I knew I could not do this myself anymore. I called my mother and she rushed to help.


I remember all the questions that the paramedics asked me. I had to answer all kinds of personal questions about my grandmother. It was no easy task.


I can still hear the fright in her voice. I can still feel the tension in the room. I can still smell the fresh morning as they wheel her into the back of the ambulance one last time.


We arrived at the hospital for one last visit. My mother goes to the lobby and I stay back to answer more questions. The nurses are asking me all sorts of questions, and all I wanted to do was be there for my grandmother.


As I stood there answering questions the nurses took my grandmother to her emergency room to check her in. The gurney zipped past me and I can still see her smile and the way she looked at me. She was wearing her pink plaid pajama top that I had got her for Christmas the previous year.


I smiled back and said, “Hey there sexy momma.”


Those were the last words I ever spoke to my grandmother.


I will never forget that day. The sun shined so bright, the trees were so green, and all around was peacefulness.


We all had a chance to say our goodbyes to her. I struggled back and forth whether to go back or not. I eventually did. I am glad that I did.


I walked into the room. There she was laying on the gurney. It did not seem real yet. I thought she was pulling a prank. She was always jokester. It was real.


I leaned over and kissed her forehead and whispered in her ears, “I will see you again someday, I love you.”


LaWanda Jeffers said, “You’re grandmother loved her family and would have done anything for them.”


This quote is very true about my grandmother. She would do whatever she could to help anyone out.


Later that day the family gathered at her house and we did not mourn, we celebrated her life. We had a barbecue in her honor.


Anne Jeffers said, “I remember everything about my mother.”


Everyone could not believe this had happened. Someone, somewhere made huge mistake that cost my grandmother her life.


My mother said, “I think if they would have done better testing on her she would still be alive.”

My aunt LaWanda Jeffers said, “


The cycle of life is never ending and is painful, but it is up to us to make the best out of the days we have together and never let go of our memories. We need to keep our loved ones close, so that it feels like they never left at all.

R.I.P. Virginia Lee Jeffers

Links to hobbies:
Cribbage
Scrabble
Liverpool
Knitting
Game Shows
Reading

At a glance:
Who: Melissa Jeffers
What: Virginia L. Jeffers passing
Where: Salem, Oregon
When: May 8, 2009
Phone: 541-405-6661
Email: mjeffer6@gmail.com