Sparks bids farewell to RoadRunners

Linn-Benton faculty Debbie Sparks retires

For almost 18 years Debbie Sparks has spent her days helping students and staff. These years will be cherished by many, come Wednesday, June 17. Sparks will say farewell to Linn-Benton as she begins the next chapter of her life, retirement.

“Debbie was the first teacher my daughter had when she started preschool here at PCDC at age 18 months. We only had her as a teacher for a year before they stopped the early age class, but she was a great teacher to me as a parent trying to navigate the life of a toddler,” said Kristi Murphey, a previous student.

After high school, Sparks attended Carroll College in Helena, Mont. for two years. Then she attended Northern Montana College for two years earning a degree in Elementary Education. Early childhood education was never Sparks interest, however that all changed. After witnessing a child’s fascination with dew on a leaf she was drawn to early childhood education.

Sparks originally found her way to Linn-Benton after seeing an ad in the Democrat-Herald for a position at Linn-Benton. In January of 1998 she took a position with the Family Literacy Program which was located just off-campus in the Childhood Development building. She held that position for seven and a half years.

In 2005, Sparks was offered a new position at the Albany campus as an early childhood teacher. During that time she had the opportunity to teach children ranging in ages from 18 months to two and half years old.

In 2009, Sparks became unemployed for six months, however it wasn’t all bad news. The following fall she enrolled in four class: accounting, intro to business, computer, and international business. While attending classes, she was offered her current position as instructional support assistant.

Sparks started as instructional support assistant in January 2010. She works in Willamette Hall Room 227. She assists instructors teaching Math 20 and Math 98 with class projects and preparing materials.

“It feels like I’m grieving a loss,” said Sparks.

In mid April, Sparks made the emotional decision to retire. A large part of Sparks identity is intertwined with her work at Linn-Benton, so the decision kept coming back to a few simple questions: who will I be and what will I do?

Sparks looks forward to being able to travel overseas to Yangon to see her then newborn grandchild in the fall, and spending time with her family.

When asked about her experience at Linn-Benton, Sparks expressed a great appreciation for all the wonderful people she had the opportunity to work with.

“It is a good place to work.”

She hopes to keep connected with friends she made along the way.

“I'm very sad to see Debbie leave Linn-Benton; she's such a kind and positive person. She's a great conversationalist and a great listener as well. She's nonjudgmental and upbeat. Like I told her, I'm happy for her, but sad for me. I'm going to miss her so much,” Lorrie Peterson, information support specialist.

Mathematics instructor Russ Buchard expressed distress about Sparks retirement too.

“The list of names of people who are going to miss her would take up an entire page of The Commuter.”

On Friday, June 5, her farewell reception will be held in the Fireside Lounge from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

“Debbie has been such a valuable member of our community,” said Jenny Strooband, animal science instructor and former student.

Sparks was born May 26, 1953, just celebrating her 62nd birthday. She has been married for almost 40 years to Jack Sparks and has two children, Corrine and Anthony.

Career Success Skills Training

Work study offers students the opportunity for a brighter future

Linn-Benton held the first Career Success Skills Training workshop in its 40 year history. Feedback from employers came flooding in, and career counselors came together and put a plan into action. Thus the workshop was born.

Once a week, for four weeks, a group of work study students gathered with one sole purpose: to create a professional persona to prepare for career success after college.

There were five work study students consistently in attendance.

“I really enjoyed the workshop a lot,” said Jesica Coronado, accounting clerk student. “I would definitely recommend this to others. It is such a great opportunity and learning experience.”

The staff teaching the workshop had a written outcome prepared. It was, “Students will self-assess their career readiness skills, identify universal characteristics of workplace professionalism, understand the expectations for a diverse workforce, and develop a plan to become a quality employee.”

The group met every Thursday from noon to 1:20 p.m. for one month. Meetings were held in Red Cedar Hall room 207.

“Learn these skills here and now,” said Sandra Shinkle, counselor and teaching faculty.

The first was held on April 23. At the start introductions were made. Several topics were discussed during the initial meeting such as purpose, learning outcomes, work study evaluation, and effective communication skills.

“These are the skills to keep a job,” said David Bird, cooperative work experience coordinator.

The second meeting was April 30. Bird discussed how to recognize how boundaries, critical thinking, and problem solving skills are associated.

The third meeting was held on May 7. Topics covered were diverse workplace environment, cultural fluency and professional workplace standards. A video was watched called “Cultural Competence: Managing Your Prejudices.” The video can be found on YouTube.

“I have more confidence in myself, and I have new ways of coping with any issues that may arise at any point in my career,” said Coronado.

The fourth and final meeting was held on May 14. It was a presentation in Forum 104. Three guest speakers: David Blake, OSU assistant vice president and human resources officer, Laurie Roe, AVP of organizational development from Oregon State Credit Union, and Jason Tyner, PHR manager human resources from ATI Specialty Alloys and Components.

The presentation started off with a brief video called “Bring Your ‘A’ Game.” It was then followed by an introduction from the speakers. Each speaker gave advice regarding the do’s and don’ts of landing a job. First impression matters, do plenty of research, and be well acquainted with soft skills.

“Be bold,” said Blake.

Following the presentation, the floor was open to attendees for questions. Questions were asked about how to make a resume move to the top of the pile, how to prepare for the real world, and advice for people freshly out of college and looking for work. Each question was answered in depth.

After questions had concluded David Bird summed up the presentation and thanked the speakers for coming. Audience and speakers had a chance to meet and exchange business cards.

“The information that I received was beneficial in one way or another,” said Coronado. “I was missing bits and pieces of certain spots, and with the class I was able to find those missing pieces and learn how to fix them.”

English endowment united for Spring Lights

Literary community gathered to raise funds to support education

On a warm sunny Friday evening, May 8, Linn-Benton faculty, students, family, and friends gathered in the atrium at the Benton Center to raise funds for the English Endowment Fund.

Chatter and friendly banter filled the echoing hall. It was music for the soul.

Served during the “Spring Lights” fundraiser were wines and beer donated by community member Colby Jones. There was a variety of assorted crackers, cheese, fruits, dips, and scones to fill up on - all in the name of fundraising.

The event began at 7 p.m. with a warm and uproarious welcome from master of ceremonies Chris Riseley, English instructor.

“We do hard work,” said Riseley.

The first poetry reading was from current student Poet Laureate Dari Lawrie. She read a poem called “What it’s like to be Virginia.”

The second poet of the evening was instructor and soon retiree Paul Hawkwood. He read “Priest Lake” and “Looking Out.” Not only did he read, but he shared his admiration and appreciation for his students.

“It was an honor to be a part of Linn-Benton.”

Robert Rodgers, English instructor, performed on the staircase to give the illusion of rafters in an opera house. As a medievalist fan, he sang “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera because of its range of poetry and celebration of imagination as literary art.

“Close your eyes and imagine,” said Rodgers.

Former student Poet Laureate Ruth Kruger shared a short story she wrote called “The Things I Have and Have Not Loved.” It is a journey into love discoveries, an in-depth look into what love really is, and what it may not actually be.

Introduced by Chris Riseley as the “earthquake of rock-n-roll,” Bruce Nicholson read a poem about Oregon otters. He started out by mentioning that he would like to give an entire history lesson, but he only had five minutes. The crowd enjoyed his humor.

Another former student Poet Laureate Kiera Eller performed a poem based on Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl.”

Eller’s Howl, a type of poem, was titled “Ululate” and appears to be a sprawling, disorganized poem, but it's not. It consists of three sections. Each section is a prolonged "riff" on a single subject. You could even think of the poem as three enormous run-on sentences.

“I like those kind of performances with outbursts of emotion,” said Rob Priewe, journalism instructor.

After a brief intermission, master of ceremonies Chris Riseley got the audience together again.

To start the second half of the fundraiser, Alison Clement, English faculty, read a short piece she had written about a Rhonda Honey. And Victoria Fridley, writing center coordinator, read a poem that she had written inspired by a small bronze piece.

Benton Center’s very own Jeff Davis, aka J.D. Mackenzie, read a few poems as well. One was called “Overdue” and expressed a love for librarians. It made the crowd chuckle with a familiar flash-black to those fateful book checkouts.

Robin Havenick, English instructor, read two of her own and one from Billy Collins called “The Lanyard.” It brought everyone in the room back to summer camp, making gifts for their mother. It was quite perfect especially with Mother’s Day on the same weekend.

Last, but certainly not least, English Department Chair Karelia Stetz-Waters read a comical piece. It was about a “missed connections” section on craigslist. It had vivid imagery and it most certainly got the point across.

After the last poet read there was only one last thing to do. The master of ceremonies, Chris Riseley, came up to the stage and thanked everyone for coming to support the English Endowment fund. With one last hooray Riseley said, “Those who can, do; we do!”  

“It was fun to hear the faculty for once,” said Kate Carr, creative writing student.

Linn-Benton "Can the Deans"

Faculty participate in a month long donation drive to help community

Linn-Benton’s “Can the Deans” was an April to May food drive to support Linn-Benton LunchBox and the Linn-Benton Food Share. Staff and faculty brought canned goods to the dean of choice, and filled bins full with donations. The event started on Wednesday, April 1 and ended on Thursday, April 30.

Drop-off locations were the offices of Katie Winder North Santiam Hall 101, Andrew Feldman White Oak Hall 107, Jason Kovac Willamette Hall 218, Ann Buchele Willamette Hall 120, Leslie Hammond Forum 121, Lynne Cox Takena 107, Bruce Clemetsen Takena 107A, and Dave Henderson Calapooia Center 133.  

Linn-Benton Lunch Box is an emergency food program for students in need. It is available to any registered LBCC students and provides meals for up to a family of eight.

“I like to support efforts to reduce food insecurity in our community,” said Leslie Hammond, dean of student engagement.

Linn-Benton Food Share has been feeding Linn and Benton counties for more than 30 years. They work closely with local non-profit groups in both counties. Last year Food Share distributed 5.4 million pounds of food to 74 member agencies.

Each department’s bins were collected on Friday, May 1 to be counted by SLC members.

Donating canned goods and nonperishable items is another way a community can be “Charitable and giving everyday,” according to Feldman.

Heavy contributors for the drive were Nathan Miller, biology instructor, and Sheri Rogers, mathematics instructor.

“I chose to donate to the "Can the Deans" food drive because I know that my donations will go directly to LBCC students and their families and possibly help them along their way to success here. At this point in my life, I have the means to help others and am glad that I can do so,” said Rogers.

Located in the Learning Center, faculty pasted a picture of Dean Kovac’s head to Albert Einstein’s body next to the Academic Foundations Division donation bin. Dean Kovac told fellow members of staff that he would match all donations brought in. He matched close to 300 items.

The grand total for items donated from all departments was 1,197. The first place winner was Jason Kovac with a total of 639 items donated. The second place winner was Leslie Hammond with 260 items donated, and third place winner was Lynne Cox with 120 items donated.

Dean Kovac enjoyed the friendly competition among his fellow faculty members.

“It was fun and good for the world,” said Kovac.

Faculty took this as an opportunity to make this a friendly competition among each other. Dean Hammond and other faculty members snuck into Dean Kovacs bin and snuck some goods to help said dean’s bins out. It’s all for the fun of friendly competition and the greater good of donation to the community.

Earth Day 2015

Linn-Benton faculty and students come together to celebrate Mother Earth

Walking around on break between classes, students float through the courtyard like petals on a breeze.

On Wednesday, April 22, Linn-Benton staff and students celebrated Earth Day in the courtyard at the Albany campus. Festivities kicked off at 11 a.m. and continued until 1:30 p.m.

The Earth Day event was free and open to the public. Earth Day was sponsored by LBCC’s Sustainability Committee and the LBCC Horticulture Club, with support from the LBCC Science, Engineering and Math division and the local community.

McKenzie Hershfelt expressed her desire to start her own vegetable garden someday, and that is why, between classes, she visited the event. While passing through, she stumbled upon an azalea for her mother.

“Mother likes her flowers,” said Hershfelt.

There were numerous information tables present such as: the City of Albany Parks and Recreation, the City of Albany Water Conservation, the Pacific Power Blue Sky Energy Program, Albany Options School, Republic Services recycling and composting, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Ocean Blue Project. Information and activities on sustainability and stewardship were also made available.

Lined up along White Oak Hall were tables addressing recycling and composting, conserving water, alternatives to energy, and sustainable community resources.

Among the more interactive tables were the plant a flower in-a-pot donated by Peoria Gardens. Individuals could make a bee nest box from recycled materials too.

Albany Options School’s horticulture class was in attendance. AOS is an alternative school that allows students to participate in gardening activities and maintain a greenhouse. Service Learning Coordinator Anna Harryman meets with AOS students everyday at 10:15 a.m. During the Earth Day event, AOS was handing out “surprise” zinnias for free.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Jeremy Sease, AOS student.

During the festivities the poetry club read Earth Day inspired poems near the solar powered gazebo. Current LBCC Poet Laureate Dari Lawrie shared two poems from Pablo Neruda and one from Rainer Maria Rilke. Former LBCC Poet Laureate Kiera Eller read her poem called “Learning.” Other Poetry club members who read included Paige Kosa and Carolyn Sparling. English instructors, Robin Havenick, Chris Riseley, and Karelia Stetz-Waters also read poetry to the eager crowd.

A presentation was held in Forum Room-113, from noon to 1:50 p.m. Tom Kaye, associate professor, presented butterfly conservation talk on “Even Monarchs Get the Blues: Butterfly Conservation in Western Oregon.”

Tours of the organic garden and the new chicken farm projects were available for Earth Day goers in attendance. It gave attendees an opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices.

“I would like to grown my own food,” said Eller.

There was an “Earth Day Cafe” lunch to support the LBCC Space Exploration Club and their journey to NASA. They served fish tacos with cabbage from LBCC’s organic garden. For students it was $4 and general cost was $5. Funds raised from lunch, ice cream and button sales totalled $250.

A pledge of sustainability, and a visit to the LBCC Sustainability Committee table, got  individuals entered into a drawing for a free t-shirt, reusable shopping bag, and coupons to use on campus. For those that didn’t win a t-shirt could purchase them for $10.

During the event volunteers held a rose garden cleanup project.

Earth Day is a time when humanity comes together and remembers how invaluable the planet really is. Reuse, reduce, and recycle.