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.

Drag Show 2015

Performers volunteer time to support first ever drag show

On Friday, April 17, Linn-Benton held its first drag show in the Russell Tripp Performance Theater on campus.

“It’s so awesome I can’t even believe it,” said Tim Black, Gender Sexuality Alliance club advisor.

Doors opened at 6:30 p.m. and the show started at 7 p.m. At the door tickets for students cost $5 and general admission was $6.

Current LB student Anthony Bartholomew performed under the stage name “Juliaz Wilde” and Lex Porter, former RoadRunner and current OSU student, performed under the stage name “Carmen Sutra.” There was a total of 11 performers with some performing more than once.

The LB Drag Show was hosted by LBCC student Kamran Mirza and OSU student Lucielle S. Balls. It was a fundraiser event for LBCC GSA club.

Between ticket sales, the 50/50 raffle sales, and the queer pioneer buttons sold, the GSA raised close to $756.

The show featured one performing drag king, seven queens and the spoken word. Performances ranged from lip syncing to live singing to poetry, all while embracing sexuality.

At the beginning of the show audience members were encouraged to tip the performers. During the show audience members flocked the stage with cash in hand to tip performers for a performance well done.

“We are making herstory,” said Balls.

The night’s performances were filled with debuts from Carmen Sutra, Lana Rivera, Nikita Gemini, and Lorenzo.

“Carmen's performance really wowed me, and left me in awe given how much energy she  had,” said Elizabeth Franklin, audience member.

All the way from Eugene, Ore., Faye Kit-Knightly performed two acts, “Night Work” and “Glamazon”. Both performances electrified the crowd. She volunteered her time and support for this event.

“She had an unmistakable zing, and I wanted to say ‘You go girl,’" said Larry Rollins, student.

During intermission, performers and audience members mingled in Takena Hall. During intermission, individuals could purchase “queer pioneer buttons” for one dollar and receive a $5 off coupon to Purrs’n’Wags In-Home Pet Sitting by Kat Myers. They could also purchase a 50/50 raffle ticket. The winner was to be called after intermission concluded.

The 50/50 raffle winner was Karelia Stetz-Waters, an English instructor. She won a grand total of $73, which she turned around and donated back to the LBCC GSA.

“I'd like to see the club put on more events like this,” said Stetz-Waters.

After intermission and the 50/50 winner was picked, a Q-and-A was opened to the audience. Questions asked included the member’s first drag experience, how long they have performed drag, and where else they performed.

After a show-and-tell special, the drag show ended with a curtain call. Each member of the show had a special moment in front of the crowd to be applauded for their performance and time. Boisterous applause filled the Russell Tripp Performance Theater as the show came to a close.

Degree Partnership Program

Start a Bachelor's at LBCC with the DPP for less, and finish at OSU

The future is now, and students should consider participating in the Degree Partnership Program.

“It is nice to be in the DPP; it provides a wider range of options for students,” said Yuling Zhou, DPP student.

Students seeking higher education or to earn a bachelor’s degree have a chance to do so by participating in the Degree Partnership Program offered between LBCC and OSU. The DPP is an opportunity for students to take university equivalent classes at a community college while paying a lot less.

“I get to take bacc core classes at LBCC for half the price at OSU,” said DPP student Ashley McDowell.

The DPP office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located in McKenzie Hall - Room 111A, there are advisors ready and willing to help guide you through the process.

This month, and continued through May, OSU advisors will be in the DPP office to assist students on their DPP journey. The dates and times vary; see the schedule below.

Kayleen Steeves, transfer student services manager, will be on campus every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon to help explain the start to finish process for DPP. For any questions that arise, Steeves will be able to assist the best she can.

“The sooner you can start planning the better. Narrowing down some degrees you may want to pursue and the colleges you may want to attend is so empowering,” said Steeves. “Doing research early on is so vital."

On Wednesdays, Student Services Manager Rick DeBellis will be on campus from 1 to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon advising students as well.   

In upcoming weeks the Albany campus will hold DPP information sessions. The next sessions will be held on April 20 from noon to 1 p.m. in Room CC-213, and on May 7 from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room CC-210.

There are a couple application deadlines to remember when thinking about becoming a DPP student. To enroll for summer 2015 the deadline is June 1 and for fall 2015 it is Sept. 7. Be sure to include an LBCC transcript and a high school diploma, and any other college transcripts. An OSU orientation session will be required.

To qualify for DPP there are three requirements: 24 transferable college-level credits completed, completed WR 121 with a grade of C or better, and a GPA of 2.25 or higher. You will be automatically admitted if you meet the above criteria.

Throughout the summer, there will be both first-year and transfer starts for students beginning at OSU in the fall. More information can be found on the OSU's New Student Programs website for more information and a schedule of dates.

During orientation students will learn resources available at OSU, receive academic advising, and be able to register for fall term classes. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the New Student Programs and Family Outreach office directly at 541-737-7627.

At a glance:

LBCC:

DPP office: 541-917-4237

Email: dpp@linnbenton.edu

Contact: Christine Acker, program assistant: 541-917-4577 

Email ackerc@linnbenton.edu

OSU:

Contact: Rick DeBellis  

Phone: 541-737-2790

Email: rick.debellis@oregonstate.edu

Financial aid questions: 541-737-2241

Email: dpp@oregonstate.edu

Upcoming Drag Show 2015

On Friday, April 17, for the very first time in Linn-Benton history, there will be a drag show held in the Russell Tripp Center on campus.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. At the door tickets for students cost $5 and general admission is $6.

The LB Drag Show is hosted by LBCC student Kamran Mirza and OSU student Lucielle S. Balls.

“The show will be interactive, a bit raunchy and fabulous,” said Mirza.

Audience members are encouraged to show their appreciation for the performers with tips. Feel free to walk down to the stage and place money on the stage.

Performances will be a variety of dancers, poets and singers. Among the performers, there are both first-timers and experienced queens and kings. Every performer has volunteered their time to entertain.

“Performance is one part technique and three parts heart. If you have the drive to perform then you will find the way to do it,” said Balls.

Lex Porter, former RoadRunner and current OSU student, will be performing under the stage name “Carmen Sutra” and current RoadRunner Kamran Mirza will be performing under the stage name “Miss Dharma Prada MacPherson.” Twenty others will join.

The show is interactive and the audience will get a chance to ask the performers questions. There will also be a 50/50 raffle where a lucky audience member will win half the funds raised for the show. The funds raised are for the GSA, the Gender Sexuality Alliance club.

Everyone is welcome to the show. Come one come all and enjoy.

Spring Walk

Linn-Benton faculty and students come together for healthy stroll around courtyard

On Thursday, April 2 the clouds parted, the sun shined, and the faculty and students walked the courtyard collecting tickets along the way.

“I have participated in every fun walk and run since I started teaching at LB. It's a good excuse to get out of the office, stretch my legs in the middle of the day, and enjoy the company of the LB community,” said Melissa Scherr, biology instructor.

At noon everyone began walking near McKenzie Hall, then around the Forum building, and finally around the courtyard. After a lap around the courtyard it was back to the starting point for a ticket and the next lap. For every lap completed, with a maximum of five, participants earned a ticket.

Current Independent Association of Classified Employees President Tammi Drury and Annette Easdale, newsletter editor for IACE, handed out tickets to walkers as they passed the checkpoint.

“It is a healthy reminder to take a break from work, get out, and walk,” said Shay Newman, computer specialist.

The IACE sponsors this event twice a year: one in November called Turkey Trot and another in the spring called Spring Walk for Fun. The Wellness Committee also assists with funds. IACE sponsored $150 and The Wellness Committee sponsored $100.

With the sponsored money, the prizes were purchased and handed out at the event. Prizes included lilies, pies, ham, Easter baskets, stuffed rabbits, and a cake.  

A crowd of walkers gathered by the stairs between McKenzie Hall and Calapooia awaiting the prizes to be called out. Winners were called by blue ticket or pink ticket. If a winner did not step forward to claim the prize then it was on to the next ticket. Individuals who won could only win once.

Shay Newman won an Easter lily. However, after the walk ended he gave it away to someone else to “take better care of it.”

“My interest stemmed from general fitness, a desire to socialize with my friends and maybe win a pie or ham,” said Paul Tannahill, eLearning administrator.

After all the prizes had been handed out, the crowd dispersed back to work and the daily grind.

Until November’s trot, remember to stay healthy and get your walk on.

Straw Code

Do your baristas know the code?

Handing out hotness - one straw at a time, or so you thought. Dutch Bros., a local coffee drive through, has been surrounded by rumors about color coordinating customer attractiveness using different colored straws.

The straw code isn’t just word of mouth, it has turned to social media for a kick start for conversations.

A simple search on Facebook and you can find the straw code page by typing “straw code,” and you will be amazed at what comes up in the search.

A North Albany Middle School student, Tawni Schulze, heard of the straw code from a friend at school.

Schulze said, “People get upset because of the color they get.”

When questioned regarding this straw “hotness code,” baristas denied it. Baristas mentioned it being a “myth” or a “joke.”

OSU student Nathan Rust and LBCC student Cassidy Muller work at the Dutch Bros. off of Ninth Street, referred to as Albany Two. On Saturday, March 14, Rust and Muller blended, mixed, and steamed coffee concoctions during their late night shift.

The straws come already packaged and ready for use with pink, orange, yellow, green, and blue. The baristas just replenish the straw container and wait for the next customer order.

“Honestly, I don’t look at the straws,” said Muller.

During the March 14 shift a customer happened to drive up and put in her order. She ordered a 32 ounce green tea with grape fruit and half sweet. After placing her order, she had a specific request. “Can I get a blue straw please?” asked Madison Wasson.

Rust inquired as to why she requested a blue straw.

Wasson said, “I don’t want my straw to clash with my lipstick.”

Customers will come to the coffee drive through and request straws simply because they prefer a color more than others. Occasionally customers will even grab their own straw.

Rust said, “Two girls came in last night and asked for pink straws.”

Nicole Jacobson, a barista at the Albany Three location talked about male customers and the straw code.

Jacobson said, “Guys get offended when they get a pink or orange straw.”

She refrains from giving male customers these colors as to not offend. However, it cannot be helped in a rush.

Kamira Pullam, a barista at the Albany One location uses the colored straws to help coordinate for the drinks prepared.

“I like to color coordinate with a customers outfit sometimes,” said Pullam.

Another barista Andrew Bell-Morgan, uses the straws in a similar way as Pullam. Instead of the clothes, he coordinates sometimes with the customers vehicle.

The straw “hotness code” may be a myth to some, however, it is alive and appears to be thriving among a younger generation.

“All people are attractive, but we're not all attractive in the same way,” said Leslie Hammond, dean of student affairs.  

Social Media Awareness: Social networking vs. handwritten letters to remain connected

On Feb. 23 the Diversity Achievement Center presented the pro’s and con’s regarding social media.

During the event, a film called “Social Bankruptcy” showcased what life would be like without social media, and how it affects individuals. Social media is everywhere, and it’s unavoidable, having become a communication tool for the majority of society.

According to outthinkgroup.com there are six types of social media: social network, bookmarking sites, social news, media sharing, microblogging and blog comments, and forums.

Apps are now being developed to curate your apps. One creator is Appcrawlr, and they have designed a site to better organize apps and how they’re used. A major focus is on social networking apps.

With social media as the number one activity on the web it has dangers associated with it. According to statistics from InternetSafety101.org, “Of the active adult users of Facebook, 66 percent reported they did not know privacy controls existed on Facebook and/or they did not know how to use the privacy controls.”

“If I could make a change to social media, it would probably be to get rid of the dangers that come with it,” said student Luis Cabeza.

Social media isn’t just about the apps used daily, it’s about the communication people have with each other. What happened to all the hand-written letters? At the end of the event cards, envelopes, and stamps were provided to write a letter that the DAC would send out.

According to The Wall Street Journal, studies suggest there's real value in learning and maintaining this ancient skill, even as we increasingly communicate electronically.

"It seems there is something really important about manually manipulating and drawing out two-dimensional things we see all the time," says Karin Harman James, assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at Indiana University who led the study.

According to huffingtonpost.com there are nine reasons to not abandon hand written letters.

Those nine reasons are that they create lasting memories, show how much a person cares, make people feel good, make every word count, spark creativity, require undivided attention, require unplugging, they honor tradition, and they are timeless.  

“It has been a pretty long time since I have written a letter. It’s kind of hard to say, but I feel like I haven't written one since my sophomore year in high school,” said Cabeza.

Family Fun Day: Children and parents fill the Activity Center to raise funds

Kids play putt-putt golf.

For 38 years Family Fun Day has provided an opportunity for children and their parents to bond.      

This year’s annual Family Fun Day kicked off on Feb. 28 in the Activities Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parents, children and staff all played a major role in the event.

The event featured activities for children and parents to embrace their imagination. The fun included a photo booth, putt-putt golf, face painting, target toss, karate, obstacle course, bounce house, fishing, Dr. Seuss games, and a reading area, transforming the gym into a playground.

Safe Haven Humane Society offered children a chance to meet Bailey and Fozzy the dogs, and a chance to color a critter. There was a used toy and books sale. Children also purchased playdough and silly putty from the Philomath Parent Cooperative Preschool.

Along with the activities, Mid-Valley Doula Network provided a family rest area for feeding and changing.

The event raised approximately $6,000. All money raised was from donations, ticket sales and concessions. All proceeds go the Parenting Education Grant Fund, allowing families to attend classes regardless of their financial situation.

Anyone who purchased over $20 in tickets received an Oil Can Henry's VIP pass, generously donated for 50 percent off their full service oil change or any other maintenance service.

Sponsors were G2 Fun Zone, Denise and Paul Strombeck and Good Samaritan Preschool. Food sponsors were Costco, Scio Thriftway and Fred Meyers. Volunteers were Kohls Associates in Action and LBCC Parenting Education faculty, class participants, families, and friends.

For $1 guests could purchase a ticket for a chance to win a variety of prizes ranging from handmade jackets, monthly flower delivery from Raindrop Flower Farm, OSU men’s sweatshirts and t-shirts, a free yoga session from Tiny Buddha Belly, and a marine discovery tour for two in Newport.