The Commuter: Mar. 10, 2021

T H E

L I N N - B E N T O N

VOL. 52 EDITION 18

C O M M U N I T Y

C O L L E G E

MARCH 10, 2021

Spring Fever See Page 5

ILLUSTRATION REBECCA FEWLESS

WORD MOB

SEE PAGE 3

Inside this Edition OREGON SURFING

SEE PAGE 7

GRAPHICS FREEPIK.COM

LOCAL HIKING

SEE PAGES 8-9

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CAMPUS NEWS

MARCH 10, 2021

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Wellness Wednesday Marching Along STORY BY

LISA HOOGESTEGER

The Commuter is the weekly student-run newspaper for LBCC, financed by student fees and advertising. Opinions expressed in The Commuter do not necessarily reflect those of the LBCC administration, faculty and students of LBCC. Editorials, columns, letters, and cartoons reflect the opinions of the authors.

LBCC is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Letters Welcome The Commuter encourages readers to use its “Opinion” pages to express their views on campus, community, regional and national issues. The Commuter attempts to print all submissions received, but reserves the right to edit for grammar, length, libel, privacy concerns and taste. Opinions expressed by letter submitters do not represent the views of the Commuter staff or the College.

Deliver letters to: Address: The Commuter Forum 222 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW Albany, OR 97321 Web Address: LBCommuter.com Phone: 541-917-4451, 4452 or 4449 Email: commuter@linnbenton.edu Twitter @LBCommuter Facebook LBCC The Commuter

I said this week the “4 leggers” would have a word.

Fenway, canine, just turned 15, part wire-haired Griffon, part chocolate lab.

Cauldron, feline, nearly 4, mostly black and a little white, shorthaired cat.

What some experts say about dogs: ► Dogs are capable of reading human body language and tone to decipher our intentions. ► Dogs can communicate through body language and sound that enable us to understand what they are thinking. ► Dogs may rely on humans, but they also use their skills to manipulate their owners. (Note: When training a pup, if you say “sit” and the dog does not, and you repeat it, “sit”, maybe even give it an early treat to entice a change, and a third time you say “sit” and the dog obeys. Voila, your dog has trained you to say “sit” 3x before they do what you ask.)

(Source: dogisworld.com)

Want to learn more about cats?

Visit moderncat.com There is much to say about training, love, guilt, anger and socialization of cats. Who knew?

Fenway, aka Fenner, Fenjamin, Boomba, Snortbottom, FenFen, thinks that working from home is most excellent because for her it means multiple outings and many neighbors on the local paths with new smells.

Some even drop food bits. Fen also has a small pack of medium sized two-

GRAPHIC BY FREEPIK.COM

Instagram @LBCommuter

Our Staff Adviser Rob Priewe

Editor-in-Chief Katie Littlefield Layout Designer Rebecca Fewless Marketing/Advertising Isaieh Heiken Sean Ramos A&E Steven Pryor Joshua Bloedel Photography Editor Hikari Kawai Student Voice Editor Dakota Gange Web Master Marci Sischo Copy Editor Bowen Orcutt Contributors Karen Canan Brenda Autry David Shaughnessy Megan Oliver Tanner Johnson Natalie Pelc Abby Johnson Leah Biesack Alistair Woods Sydney Greene Aidan Arthur Rachael Buker

leggers at home attempting grades K-8.

She is exhausted to keep track of them all day and show them where the treat jar is. So much to teach.

Cauldron, aka Black Kitty, Maniac and Wild Thing, dains to wander the rooms with his tail swishing, awaiting any calm moment to insert himself into the action by screeching across the f loor and bouncing off windows, chairs and that FenFen.

So if you’re on the phone with me for an advising appt. and you hear crashing or laughter, it’s the fourleggers. Reminding me to find joy in the simplest things.

One other thing that brings me joy, daily exercise. The top two reasons people exercise? To be more fit and maintain/lose weight. Third reason?

Stress reduction.

Find something that feels good when you’re doing it. And enjoy the “after glow” of increased calorie burning, relaxed body and mind, and that sense of accomplishment.

If you can fit in one more credit for spring term, take an LBCC PE class - Walk for Health, Body Conditioning, Circuit Weight Training, Yoga or Sand Volleyball await you.

Get Your Art Together!

LBCC’s Annual Juried Art Show Welcomes Student Artists

COURTESY OF with your students about submitting. is 3D, you may submit up to three images ANNE MAGRATTEN Please email the gallery at artgallery@ to accurately represent all sides of your linnbenton.edu with questions. work.

AND THE GALLERY TEAM ► Work does not need to be for sale.

Have you noticed a talented student artist in your classes? Please take time to talk with them and encourage them to submit to LBCC’s Annual Juried Student Art Show! Selected artists will have their work in the virtual exhibition and be eligible for many wonderful prizes. Often students are a little shy, but your encouragement can make all the difference.

This year's application is easy, students can apply using this google form: https://forms.gle/ nGrdSTdRDYNUQ2Jd6.

Students may enter up to three artworks for consideration and all entries must be submitted by April 9th @ 11:59pm. Below is some helpful information to share

Eligibility: ► Artists must submit their entries by April 9th at 11:59 to be considered for the show. ► Open to students who were enrolled in any LBCC art class from Spring 2019 to now. ► All media are eligible. Video, digital drawing, animations, photography, painting, drawing, fiber art, sculpture, ceramics, and more. ► Work must be original. ► Work previously submitted to past Juried Art Student Exhibits will not be accepted. ► A maximum of 3 pieces per student may be submitted. Please submit one image for each 2D artwork. If your work

Simply write NFS for the price if you do not wish to sell your work. When setting your sale price, take into account the gallery takes a commission of 10%. Each year the college purchases student art as part of an award. You must price your work to be eligible.

Please note: This is a Juried Show; not all work will be accepted. While only the jurors will select the artwork to be included in the show, the public will be allowed to vote for the recipient of the People's Choice Award! Entry to this show indicates that you consent to have images of your artwork shared on the college website and Art Gallery Instagram account.

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MARCH 10, 2021

CAMPUS NEWS

3

A Night of Poetry LBCC Poetry Club's Annual “Word Mob” Event Brings Forth a Warmth Over the Zoom Screen “1818”

by Tristan Striker They will not understand.

They will see only What they want to see.

Me, avatar of righteous anger, My feet following a well-trod path To the wilderness, the cave, and A water’s walk.

I am tired now.

I reclaim exhaustion, A weary lion Who, in the shade of a tree, Watches his prey pass And does not chase.

volunteering or being volunteered one

STORY BY AIDAN ARTHUR at a time.

There are no dimmed lights, no muted jazz playing, no microphone, no stage. Tonight there is only the dim light of my computer screen, the sound of friendly voices, and the mics in our computers. Yet, even without its stereotypical trappings, there's something special about an open mic.

LBCC's annual "Word Mob," like so many other events, has been moved online. This spoken word and poetry open mic, hosted by Poetry Club, takes place over Zoom. It is March 5, at 7 p.m., and here we are at a community college poetry night.

Why be anywhere else?

It's an intimate group -- 13 people, most of whom don't show their faces. With not even a small crowd to judge, this feels more like a gathering of friends. Many know each other from classes and the club. The tone is conversational, like chatter around a dinner table. Then they begin to read,

Topics are as varied as one might hope for. A few pieces pay solemn homage to the toll of the pandemic. One is taken from the label of a poet's medication, one a pondering meditation on the Christian crucifixion. Most are universal. All are personal.

Everyone seems comfortable here. Every poem is met with warm support, every poet equally so. Scattered applause can be seen and heard at every break. The word "beautiful" is heard here perhaps more often than usual. But then, so is beauty.

The words, the verses, slip across the night, channeled to each speaker in each listener's computer.

Some rhyme. Some don't. Some are polished. Some aren't. Each draws equally eager ears.

Beautiful.

Instead, I look upon you And understand The viciousness of the cycle.

The endlessness of it.

Even now my bulwark Pushes back Violent tidings, Wetting the banks Of my brow.

But there is wisdom In this old lion too, In equal measure to age.

And as I hear the roars Of younger cubs, Feel the weight of their pity The tenseness of their expectation I resist By sitting here with you.

Am I the lion or the buck?

I suppose it’s all the same.

GRAPHIC BY FREEPIK.COM

That is the wisdom I gained From years of being both.

I see you now as you are.

And we return together

SAFETY SUGGESTION BOX

LBCC has a Safety Committee whose goal is to identify and eliminate risks on our campus, and to prevent accidents and illnesses through the involvement of employees, managers, and students in an effort to provide a safe and healthy place to both work and learn. A "Safety Suggestion Box" is available to provide a way for you to communicate your safety concerns, hazards spotted, and suggestions for promoting safety.

Please email your suggestions, comments, concerns to: safetycommittee@linnbenton.edu

Ergonomics Can Improve the Quality of Your School and Work Life ► Computer Workstation Ergonomics ► 10 Tips for Working on Laptops ► At Home Ergonomics for Online Students ► 10 Ergonomic Dos and Don'ts for Those Now Working from Home

Back to where it began Begetting reconciliation.

“1818” comes as a tide And washed away deep footsteps I am born again.

Not a gift, But a reckoning.

I sit in the shade Of this old tree And bask in the cool Darkness of knowing When to spring And when to watch.

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LOCAL NEWS

MARCH 10, 2021

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College Delayed Quarantine Affects Student Life Plans

STORY BY MATTEA HELLMAN

“Pre-Covid, I was enrolling at Arizona State University, but ended up entirely not going because of the pandemic,” said Melia Lopez, a 2020 high school graduate. “I still want to go there but likely won’t now. Thanks to this pandemic, I’m rethinking whether or not I want to go to college at all anymore.”

Lopez, a West Albany High School graduate, is one of many young people changing their life plans due to COVID-19’s effects. LBCC has seen a 22.6% drop in enrollment, according to Registrar Amy Sikora. Nationwide, the number of 2020 high school graduates attending college dropped by 21.7%, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Changes due to Covid in the day-to-day of higher education have had ripple effects on students of varying levels.

In working with the Class of 2021, Katelyn Sawyer, Career Center coordinator at South Albany High School, said, “I have noticed an overall theme of seniors stepping back from

their ambitious college goals and settling for something less demanding or putting their higher education on pause completely and taking a gap year.”

Similarly, West Albany High School senior counselor Jan Rasmussen said students want to push back their college experience because of the switch to online classes.

“Students don’t see the point in staying in school, graduating early, if they are just on a screen,” Rasmussen said. “Many would rather just get on with living life rather than continue their education.”

Rasmussen explained how socially-distanced education is changing student perspectives and “has limited students’ outlook on what is possible.

[It’s] hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when the same roadblocks put up by the pandemic keep presenting themselves over and over.”

Neve Bradley, a junior at WAHS, had planned on attending a four-year college and potentially medical school after her 2022 graduation. Now, faced with entirely online classes, Bradley plans on taking a gap year to travel and better

prepare for her future.

“[I’ve] just figured out more what I want to do, and realized how much I enjoy traveling,” Bradley said. “If nothing had changed, I would probably have a lot more going on in my life right now, but I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. I wouldn’t know as much about who I am and what I want.”

Abby Ronco, a 2020 WAHS graduate who had plans to attend the EMT program at Chemeketa community college, now finds herself taking general education classes at LBCC and reconsidering her future. With the program no longer being offered, and

opportunities to check out the career diminished, Ronco said “Everything I planned to do after high school had to be put on hold and the longer I am forced to wait, the more unsure I become of my future.”

LBCC has felt the changes forced on higher education in the past year, according to Associate Dean of Academic Foundations Danny Aynes.

On a more positive note, Aynes said, “It seems like LBCC students and staff have been very open and supportive of changes because of how quickly things changed and continue to change.”

So while recent graduates such as Lopez and Ronco are struggling, they are also planning for a new, albeit different, future.

“Especially with this gap year, college and learning again is gonna be tough. I do hope things change so I can still go to college and keep my options for my future as open as possible,” said Lopez. “If I do go, it’ll likely just be at [Oregon State University]. I just hope that’s happening in the next year or two so I don’t feel as behind with my life.”

GRAPHIC BY FREEPIK.COM

Roadrunner

Resources LB Spring Fitness Options Looking for some options to ramp up your personal fitness this spring? ► Physical Activity classes

▪ online & in person (mask required) ► workout plans and instruction for:

▪ Yoga

▪ Body Conditioning (weight room) ▪ Circuit Weight training (weight room) ▪ Walking/Jogging

For more information, email Brad Carman (carmanb@ linnbenton.edu) (OPEN HOURS FOR THE WEIGHT ROOM ARE NOT AVAILABLE)

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Spring

MARCH 10, 2021

LOCAL NEWS

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Fever STORY AND PHOTOS BY HIKARI KAWAI

Finally. Spring break. It’s time for students who have been holding their breath as f inal grades come in, to exhale. It is time to let go of maybe a failed class, to let go of the term f illed with seemingly never-ending homework, to let go of an amazing term. W hatever it may be. Let the school stress slip away and tension in the shoulders

and face to relax. Breathe. Rather you are a student who works during spring break, upholding full time to overtime hours at their job. Or you may be a student that f inally has some time off. Either or, you still need to take some time to regain your sanity. Even for just one day, or half a day… Even for one sunset or sunrise. Here are some suggestions from our staff to you, to just maybe, catch a spring fever.

GRAPHIC BY FREEPIK.COM

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LOCAL NEWS

MARCH 10, 2021

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Yaks!

The yak herd meandering slowly in their pasture.

Nick Hazelton Shares About His Experience Becoming a Yak Farmer STORY AND PHOTOS BY HIKARI KAWAI

Nick Hazelton, born in Corvallis Oregon in 1998. He grew up in Hoskins, Oregon with his mother, father, and one younger sister. He attended Kings Valley Charter school up until his sophomore year. Dropping out, he pursued starting a yak farm in Kings Valley, along with a few other animals such as pigs, goats, and some gardening with the intention of becoming more independent. For the past four years he has been learning through trial and error of becoming a yak farmer.

What made you choose yaks?

I was interested in large livestock and I really wanted something unique.

I was sort of thinking along the lines of getting a versatile animal. They are also gorgeous animals, they have a very high quality fiber, lean meat, and high fat percentage in the milk. I was thinking, if I could get all three of those things, then I have my dairy cow, meat cow, and potentially sheep, in one animal. So that was kind of what brought me to it.

How did you pursue becoming a yak farmer?

It's complicated because I decided not to take a formal schooling route. I had to learn in different ways and kind of teach myself and use professionals in the area for their expertise. Basically it started out with my 4-H experience, I knew how to raise the animals and I understood some of the care. As I did it, things popped up, I learned things as I made mistakes.

I also researched a lot as well. Most of my learning has come from talking to people in similar professions, in livestock or farming, and trying to use my network

At-A-Glance

WHO: Nick Hazelton

OCCUPATION: Yak Farmer

HOMETOWN: Hoskins, Oregon AGE: 22

HOBBIES: Foraging, spending time in the outdoors/woods, hosting/ going to music shows EDUCATION: Kings Valley Charter school up until Sophomore year Closeup of the yak, highlighting the long lashes, horn, and curly wet fur.

Nick Hazelton, the yak farmer who lives in Hoskins Oregon.

to learn things and exchange information.

OSU vets have been very friendly to me and have given me a lot of information and the local veterinarian that I use that is out of Philomath. I would say that the learning process is failure and responding to those, and then reaching out to other people and exploring what they are doing. Now I think I have gotten to this point where I have enough knowledge and experience where I’m starting to look at things and make proactive decisions and learning.

What is it like raising yaks?

Most of the time it's very calm, and easy. I just go feed them hay and watch them. Then, once in a while, something crazy happens. Usually all happening in a string of events. Like a gate gets left open, and then they go run down to the neighbors, then you get them back, but now they’re all excited about having been on an adventure. So again, most of the

time it is serene and nice. Some physical work, a little bit strenuous lifting hay bales.

You have to be on the ball, and you have to be careful because they are big, they have horns, and they are pretty quick. To me, it makes it very interesting and dynamic. I appreciate getting to have those moments of excitement but also have some space to be able to have other projects. That’s where pigs, goats, and gardening comes in or whatever else I figure out how to spend my time.

What do you do with the yaks?

I mainly sell them for meat. I raise them out to about two years and that’s usually right about a good size. I butcher them and sell the meat. Right now I am selling bulk orders. As small as a quarter share of a yak to a full share. Then soon, at the end of the month I will have retail cuts. Where I will be able to sell individual packages and hopefully can make some deals with small grocery stores or some restaurants, we’ll see about that. I do also sell fiber but as a resource they don't produce as much fiber as meat. Also we don't sheer them, we brush them out, and the hair just falls off. You also have to time it with the animal. Some animals need to be harvested one week while waiting two weeks for the next one. It's something I’m still figuring out. But even for the time that it takes to collect the fiber, and they only drop hair once a year, it is definitely worth it. It has been fun to do, it's a cool little community in the fiber arts.

What are some challenges that you face?

The big thing is that yaks are Tibetan yaks, and because they are from the Tibetan steps in the Himalayas. It is a very different, dryer climate than Western coastal Oregon. We have a very wet climate. That plays a role in a couple different things. It means that the soil isn't as mineral rich. Yaks are more designed for vegetation with high mineral content but not a very high calorie content. Here in Oregon, in the Willamette Valley, we have the opposite, where we don't have many nutrients or minerals because it gets

One of the yaks out of 21 in the herd stares into the camera.

EMAIL: hazeltonfarm@gmail. com WEBSITE: Hazeltonfarm.com

washed out by the rain. But we have a lot of sunlight and carbon for plants to be able to make those macronutrients. It’s very easy for yaks to get too rich of food. They need more fiber than regular cattle. I figured that out by unfortunately losing some yaks to diarrhea. If they don't get enough dry forage, like some hay in their diet at the wrong time in the spring, then it can really wreck them. There are also parasites that play a role too. That was the one thing that was a hallmark of an issue that I’ve dealt with. It was a painful, and unfortunate experience but it definitely taught me a lot about being a amature veterinarian, having to take care of animals in a sickened state.

Now I have learned some ways to bring animals back from the edge.

What advice would you give to others?

If you want to do this, I would really recommend before starting out on your own, just buying animals whatever you’re doing. Definitely take some time to explore what other people are doing in that field. I think it makes a lot of sense to get some experience before you start a business and become reliant on your own. That was something that I didn't do, I decided to try to figure these things out on my own.

What is something you wish people knew about being a yak farmer or being a farmer in general?

There really is a very interesting flow about being a yak farmer or being a farmer in general. It's dynamic in the sense that there are a lot of different things to pay attention to and work with.

Not everybody is suited for that, and not everybody needs to do that. I think it is important to understand that farmers are dealing with a lot of different variables.

It’s a complicated system. Also farming is not just a job for hicks. There is space for creative people, in the field of agriculture, particularly innovation.

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MARCH 10, 2021

LOCAL NEWS

7

Oregon Surfing Spring Fever: What You Need to Know Before Going Out for a Surf

STORY AND PHOTOS BY HIKARI KAWAI

Disclaimer! I am not this pro/ experienced surfer, who knows the absolute ins and outs of the ocean and surfing, but this is advice I can give to you. I highly recommend reaching out to the surf shops with your questions, and to most importantly listen to their feedback and advice. They know their stuff.

I’d always been curious about surfing, but I didn’t try it until the summer of 2018. It only made sense that I would fall in love with surfing, when throughout my entire life, I have had an overwhelming joy and love for the ocean.

The ocean has never really scared me. Some would say that not being afraid of the ocean is dangerous. Though I think the biggest safety issue is ignorance. It is extremely unwise to go into the ocean with the mindset that you can overcome the ocean's power and surprises. That you can be smarter than the ocean. It is extremely important to be aware of the dangers, to be aware that the ocean is truly a force of nature. It is very powerful, even when it may seem to look harmless. Treat and approach the ocean with awareness, with observations, and know your limit. Do not continue to stay in the water if you start to feel that you cannot control your safety or others.

Going surfing for your first time is an absolute blast. I’ll be honest, it can also be a very humbling experience. You will fall and fail epically. A LOT. My advice, if you start to feel embarrassed for not knowing how to be a miraculously amazing surfer right off the bat going for your very first time, is to laugh. Laugh about it! I’m serious. Your attitude is part of what determines your experience… Just

Surfer strolling down the beach after a surf session along South Beach.

something to consider...

I do have to warn you before getting your hopes up sky high, that Oregon has this tendency to be very unpredictable with surfable conditions. You may not be able to go on the day you thought you could, or had planned on. The ocean is just doing its own thing, and really doesn’t care about your schedule. So my advice is, just keep a good lookout on surf reports, and if it seems possible to go, go! It’ll be a little adventure if you get to go surfing or not!

There are also plenty of other things to do along the Oregon Coast.

Don’t go alone. Even if you have gone surfing before, it is still a good idea to go with someone. If you can’t convince a housemate, family, or friend to go with you, make sure there are other people in the water besides yourself, and tell someone where you are going and for about how long.

Go to one of the surf shops in Newport to rent proper equipment. Make sure to bring your mask! And if you want (I highly recommend) go get a surf lesson.

It is a really good, and fun way to get a good introduction to surfing and to have someone tell you what you should do, and explain and teach you some basic surfing stuff and etiquette. It may be a bit more of a light hearted experience knowing you have someone there who has been surfing for awhile and teaches surf lessons as part of their job.

Finally, I can not stress this enough, do not get SO caught up in wanting to just go surf, that you stop paying attention to how the water feels. Do you feel the water pulling you a certain direction? How does the water look? Are you drifting? Are the size of the waves the size you should go into, or not? (If you are even questioning it, do not go in, especially if you are on your own and or have no instructor).

You don’t have to really worry too much about ALL the things if you simply go and get a surf lesson. You will

be thankful for it, and they usually explain to you the key, and important things to consider when you go surfing...Though I guess I don't have much room to talk. My first time surfing, for one, was at a surf spot normally beginners don’t go to( for good reason.) But due to how the surf conditions were that day, I got lucky. I also went with two other people, one who has been surfing and paddle boarding for YEARS. Anyways, enough of me talking.

Below is a checklist of what you need and helpful resources to check out!

What do you need? ⅘ mm wetsuit (a hooded one if you can) ⅘ mm boots Gloves(you don’t HAVE to have them…

But it’s way nicer to) Surfboard (I recommend a foamie, especially if you have only gone surfing a few times or this is your first time. The people you rent from will likely say the same or just rent you a foamie board) Swimsuit Sunscreen Towel Water. Stay hydrated!

Food/snacks Optional: thermos filled with hot cocoa or something. It's nice to drink something hot after a good session in cold water!

Where can you go to get this stuff?

I highly recommend renting.

These are a couple places that I would recommend renting from: Ossies Surf Shop Pura Vida Surf Shop When should you go?

When the waves are smaller than 5 ft.

Winds are not too strong(ideally you want offshore winds).

It helps to look into a surf report. The top three I go to look at are Magic Seaweed, Surfline, and Windy(I found it best useful in the app version).

The surfer takes a steep drop, preparing themselves to pop-up.

A surfer riding a wave, while another surfer goes into the water, holding their board.

Just make sure you're looking at the surf report for the right place!

Where should you go?

Otter Rock, Newport Agate Beach, Newport There are other places along the coast, but these two are probably the most versatile to go to, to first try surfing. The two surf shops I recommended are right across the street to both locations!

What you should know BEFORE going into the ocean!

Respect the locals and other surfers out there Take a moment to look into what riptides are, and how they work Surf Etiquette.

Though typically if you’re a beginner surfer you don’t necessarily have to worry too much about it. Since you will spend most of the time catching white water, and not past the breaks, but it is definitely still important and good to know.

Bottom line, stay safe, stoked, and have FUN!

A longboarder stylishly rides a wave, almost looking as if they are walking on water.

Agate Beach in Newport, Oregon.

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LOCAL NEWA

MARCH 10, 2021

LBCOMMUTER.COM  A purple and pink sunset covers the sky at Bald Hill.

My Favorite Hiking Spots Corvallis Local Hiking and All Its Beauty STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAKOTA GANGE Editor's note: All hikes listed are dog friendly, as mine comes with me every time!

Spring Break. What do you do when there’s a dangerous virus rampaging through the country? There are travel restrictions, and even a trip to Hawaii requires proof of a negative test results (you can find this information on Hawaii’s official website). We’re supposed to be good, and stay home.

But after a year of this, our legs grow anxious and our minds begin to wander.

It’s been a hard year for the world and its human inhabitants, and we all deserve a moment of peace.

It’s hard to find this peace, however, if you’re feeling guilty for going out and about. What is there to do other than shop at a grocery store or mall? Events are still canceled, and the dance floors closed. Can we do anything other than sit at home and spend money online?

When you hear the word “Amazon,” do you think of the website?

If you answered yes to the above question, it’s time for you to get out and spend some time with nature. The air is ever refreshing, and here you can keep more than a six feet distance. On a trail you can feel the sun kiss your skin, and the smell of effervescent flowers and pine float across your nose. You can hear the birds sing to the sky, and watch the squirrels chase each other around a tree.

You can watch the bees and the butterflies float across a field of flowers, pollinating them to their desires, and take in the bold colors of the clouds as the sun rises or sets from a hill or mountain top. You might catch a newt scurrying across the mud, or hear an owl hoot from the tree tops. These things might not reside in your backyard, but all of these things reside in your local, easily accessible hiking trails.

Now, I’m not talking about the Pacific Crest Trail, where one needs to prepare for their excursion. I’m talking about grabbing your dog or best friend, and jumping in the car in a moment of spontaneity when the sun is shining and your energy is soaring.

If you happen to find yourself inspired to take a gander at the beauty so close to us, I hope you find this article helpful; these are my most frequented and favorite go-to hiking spots in Corvallis, even when all I have is two hours to spare.

The Lewisburg Saddle

This trail resides in Oregon State Universitys’ McDonald Dunn State Forest, and is a great one to get some space from other hikers. It’s full of old and new growth trails, and some gorgeous Douglas firs. This trail is wide and easy to find and follow, and you can walk a long loop that takes hours, or turn it into a shorter hike just as easy by turning around. But remember, this is the Willamette Valley, where poison oak is rampant, so make sure you know what it looks like, and steer clear! Here’s a link with directions to the Lewisburg Saddle, and more information.

Upper Horse Trail and Ridge Trail; Lewisburg Saddle West

Up for a bit of a directional challenge? Another option is when you arrive at the trailhead listed above, there are two orange gates, where you park.

It seems to me the northeast gate is the most popular (the Lewisburg Saddle), but I have a “secret” trail that I’m going to share with you. The hard part is, the second part of the trail isn’t on a map that I can find, but it is officially labeled, and it is on the posted information board with a map at the beginning of the trail head (Road 600). Go towards the southwest orange gate across from the parking lot, and keep walking left on Patterson Road 600 (Don’t worry, it’s not traveled by cars!). This slowly brings you up to the top of the mountain, where you have an incredible view.

Keep going until you see a post/ pole labeled “Upper Horse Trail” on the right, shortly after you summitt that first hill listed above. This is a beautiful trail that literally zig zags up the mountain,

and this one is on the map linked below.

This then leads you to Road 610, where you take a right, and keep going until you see a pole/post labeled “Ridge Trail,” on the left, appearing right after a turn off for Road 620. It’s not difficult to find or figure out, and if you do, you won’t be disappointed!

This trail takes you through a fairy-like fern gully wonderland, with moss-covered growth and beautiful bent trees and branches creating an almost tunnel-like view -- I often imagine this is where the fairies come out at night to play. This is a great place to have privacy; I’ve only encountered one other hiker in all my trips here. It’s an easy to follow trail, and leads you straight back to Road 610, which then links back up with Patterson Road 600 directly at the main orange gates/parking lot.

Check out this map for more information, but please note that “Ridge Trail” is not listed, but fear not, as you should have service on your cell phone the whole time. All in all this hike takes about two hours, and is great to take your dog, kids, or friends on. Make sure to watch out for poison oak if anyone goes off trail!

Fitton Green

Craving a spectacular view of a sunset, or sunrise? Well, no need to travel all the way up to Marys Peak when we have this special place. Fitton Green can be turned into a longer hike with various trails, however the loop trail is an easy 45-60 minutes, that’s easy to navigate and great to bring the kids and your furry friends -- there's no better view in Corvallis! On a clear day you can see the Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson and

Jessica Kotch and sweet pittie Nahla love to play fetch along the Lewisburg Saddle trail!

Mount Hood to the northeast, and of course Marys Peak to the west! This trail is also clear of poison oak year round.

Check it out here.

Bald Hill

Ahh, a classic. This is one of my favorites because it is so easily navigable, you don’t even have to think about it, and it’s right “in our backyards.” All trails lead from the bottom to the top, one way or another. You can summit this hill in an hour, and the view is breathtaking.

There are paved biking/walking trails that line the bottom, perfect for you or little ones on bikes. These trails take you through a beautiful forest, as well as line the edge of some large farm fields where you can often find baby calves. There is also a quaint old barn where you’re allowed to view and run around. The kids love it, and it would make a great photo shoot! Just follow the paved path.

If you’re anything like me and extremely susceptible to poison oak, this is one you’ll want to make sure you stay on trail for, and/or wash your fur baby and yourself down afterwards with ‘Tecnu Poison Oak Removal Scrub’, if you leave the paved or gravel trails. Check

out this website for more information.

Chip Ross

This trail resides just before the valley of Crescent Valley High school, off of Highland Drive. It’s a great place to have an amazing view of the city, where you’re far away enough to have a large overview, but close enough that it [the city] doesn’t fade away in the atmosphere. It has wide trails that take you on an up-and-down excursion, with a few benches lining the top where you can sit and take in the view. This place has less poison oak than others as another bonus! Here’s a link with more information.

Cardwell Hill Beginning with an almost canyon-like sense, the start of this trail has you walking through a gravel trench with tall forest walls, topped with a beautiful wooded area, and goes uphill for quite a bit. But if you can make it through, it levels out to beautiful pastures, a river, and a bridge that you can pass along the way. The trail goes for a long time, and does not loop back around. It can be a peaceful trail less traveled by others for its distance and beginning slow incline. Here are the directions.

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LOCAL NEWS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

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A beautiful little pond off the Lewisburg Saddle main trail, on the downside.

You can hear a symphony of frogs, and see some prominent fall colors that still exist here.

PHOTOS: DAKOTA GANGE

Upper Horse Trail Marker.

A public barn sits atop a hill off of Bald Hill's main trail. This is a beautiful spot with an awesome view of the Three Sisters on a clear day.

Feel free to let the kids and dogs run around within this safe structure!

A set of stairs leads you up to a small and smooth patch of moss along the ground, off Road 610. I love to take my shoes off here and let my feet soak in the earth!

A full moon rises above the city on the summit of Bald Hill. You can also see the Three Sisters here!

A great view of the sun setting behind Marys Peak at Fitton Green.

A vibrant red heart carved into this oak tree atop Chip Ross hiking trail, where you can see the city and take in the view on one of multiple benches.

Ridge Trail Marker.

Road 600 trail. Great for biking!

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SPORTS

MARCH 10, 2021

50 for 50

LBCOMMUTER.COM 

In 2021 LB celebrates the 50-year anniversary of its athletics program. We will highlight people, teams and moments from the past five decades of Roadrunner Athletics. You can nominate a former athlete, coach, team, supporter or memorable moment from LB athletics.

The Early Years: 1969-1979 Ritch Price, Baseball Ritch Price was a baseball player at Linn-Benton during the 1975 and 1976 seasons. Price, an infielder from Sweet Home, helped lead the Roadrunners to back-to-back Oregon Community College Athletic Association (OCCAA) championships in 1975 and 1976, and earned 1st Team all-Conference honors each season.

After LB Price went on to play at Willamette University, graduating in 1978. He began his coaching career at Southern Oregon's Phoenix High School and went on to coach at three California Community Colleges (American River, Menlo, De Anza).

Price took over as head coach at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for the 1995 season, which was to be the Mustangs first at the Division I level. In his second season, he led the team to a 30–23 winning record. Price remained at Cal-Poly through the 2002 season compiling a 217–228–1 record. Price accepted the head coaching position at Kansas after the 2002 season and has since led the Jayhawks to two NCAA Tournament berths along with their first Big 12 Conference Baseball Tournament title in 2006. Kansas had made only two NCAA appearances prior to Price's arrival.

Additional bio: https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/season/2020-21/ coachritch-price Price was inducted into the NWAC Hall of Fame in 1996.

Donna Southwick, Gymnastics In the early days after passing of Title IX legislation and bolstered by a campus interest survey, Linn-Benton added women's gymnastics to its intercollegiate sports offering for the 1975-76 season. But after one spectacular year, the program participation stumbled in its second year.

Ultimately, gymnastics was eliminated in 1977 to make way for the women's basketball program.

But in its historic 1976 season, the Roadrunners captured the National Junior College Athletic Association championship in Chicago, Ill., scoring 87 points and capturing first place in every single event. It was LB's sophomore Donna Southwick that finished first in all events and she, in turn, won the individual all-around national title. Other key performers on the 1976 squad included Joy Peterson, Linda Schultz and Donna Karling. The Roadrunners were coached by Arlene Crossman.

Back On The Field Linn-Benton Baseball Team Is Finally Back on the Field

STORY BY SYDNEY GREENE

Linn-Benton’s baseball team is excited to finally be playing outside on the baseball field.

Their first game is just around the corner on March 26. They play at Lane Community College at 1 p.m. They have 40 games ahead of them for the season ending at the end of May. Not being able to start until October and having two months off over winter break means the team is ready to get back in the groove and to start playing some games.

The team usually lifts weights in

the weight room at 6 a.m. three times a week and then practices on the field five to six days a week. The players and coaching staff wear masks during weight-lifting sessions and on the field. The coaching

GRAPHIC BY FREEPIK.COM

staff also tries to keep the players at a proper distance from one another.

Linn-Benton has faced some challenges due to Covid.

“Getting used to the protocols

of wearing masks and distancing in the weight room. We have to be in groups at times which makes the days longer for players and coaches,” said Andy Peterson, head baseball coach at LBCC.

In the 2018-19 season, the LinnBenton baseball team won 20 out of their 24 conference games, completing their season with the best record in their league. Just because there are no playoffs this year (due to Covid) does not mean that LBCC’s baseball team doesn’t have goals.

“We plan to have the best record in our league and win the conference championship for the fourth straight year,” Peterson said.

With never knowing when sports are going to get shut down due to Covid, the players and coaches are hopeful and looking forward to what comes next.

“Everyone is very excited to play someone else other than themselves. Guys are ready to compete in a real game,” Peterson said.

Wyatt Young, who is planning on playing baseball at Oregon State University next year, in a Zoom meeting said what his favorite part about playing baseball at Linn-Benton is the family aspect of the program.

“Right now being able to actually play outside with a bunch of great guys,” Young said.

After playing against one another in practice and working hard in the weight room, the Linn-Benton baseball team is ready to win another conference championship and that all starts March 26.

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Pokémon Presents A Host of 25th Anniversary Reveals

EDITORIAL BY

STEVEN PRYOR

@STEVENPRR2PRYOR

The 25th anniversary of the long-running “Pokémon” series is in full swing. As part of a year-long celebration of the video game series and its legacy, a “Pokémon Presents” livestream was held on February 26 detailing plans for the coming year.

After a reel showing “25 years of Non-Stop Adventure” (from the very f irst games on Game Boy released in Japan in 1996 all the way to the smash hits “Pokémon Sword and Shield”); the livestream detailed three major software titles set to release on Nintendo Switch.

The f irst reveal consisted of further details on “New Pokémon Snap,” the long-awaited followup to the Nintendo 64 “Pokémon Snap”; set to release on April 30.

Featuring a host of new characters and redesigned mechanics, it’s clear that this sequel and reimagining to the beloved N64 game will be one that lives up to the pedigree of the original upon its release this April.

This was followed by two reveals that have long been desired by fans: the series will be returning to the Sinnoh region introduced in “Pokémon Diamond and Pearl” on Nintendo DS in two distinct experiences for the Nintendo Switch. The long-gestating remakes have f inally been conf irmed for release late this year as “Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.” Though it remains to be seen how the original experience will translate to the Switch, these remakes look to be ideal for both

newcomers and longtime fans to enjoy.

The games also mark a series f irst: a new developer will be handling the remakes, known as ILCA, Incorporated. The company not only developed the “Pokémon Home” app for both Switch and mobile phones, but their credits include various other games such as “Metal Gear R ising Revengeance,” “Yakuza Zero” and “Nier: Automata.”

The biggest reveal was saved for last, as Nintendo and the series’

primary developers Game Freak showed a completely new title slated for release in early 2022- “Pokémon Legends: Arceus.” The game is a prequel set centuries before the events of other titles set in the Sinnoh region; and sees players setting off through an open world in order to research the Pokémon known as Arceus. W hile there’s still more to be revealed about the game, it’s clear that it’s going to be one that honors the games that came before it and provide a window into what lies ahead.

With the “Pokémon” series having a quarter of a century under its belt, it’s clear that it’s no mere fad and has earned its place alongside fellow Nintendo franchises “Super Mario Bros.”, “Metroid” and “The Legend of Zelda.” W hatever lies ahead for the series, it’s clear that it’s left a lasting impact on its fans and pop culture over the last 25 years.

A Journey for Mew POKÉMON JOURNEYS (VOLUMES 3 AND 4)

REVIEW BY

STEVEN PRYOR

STARRING: Sarah Natochenny, Zeno Robinson, Ray Chase, Cherami Leigh and Alejandro Saab with Jimmy Zoppi, Michele Knotz and Ikue Ohtani RATED: TV-Y7-FV MY RATING: ★★★★★ Based on a story Satoshi Tajiri Available on Netflix (Volume 3 Started Streaming Dec. 4, 2020,

@STEVENPRR2PRYOR

The third and fourth volumes of “Pokémon Journeys” are now streaming on Netf lix. Following the success of the f irst two volumes on the platform, these further additions to the long-running “Pokémon” anime are among the most unique entries to the franchise to date and serve as a great way to help celebrate its 25th anniversary this year.

The story continues the events of the previous two volumes, with Ash (voice of Sarah Natochenny) training for the Pokémon League World Coronation Series to face Galar Champion Leon (voice of A lejandro Saab) and Goh (voice of Zeno Robinson) seeking to f ind the elusive Pokémon Mew. A long the way, the two encounter a myriad of familiar and new Pokémon alongside their human companions; friend and foe alike.

As the series continues to shakeup the longstanding conventions of the franchise; these volumes make

Volume 4 Started Streaming March 5) up some of the best seasons of the franchise yet.

Under the guidance of Professor Cerise (voice of Ray Chase) and Professor Magnolia, the two “research fellows” face some of their biggest challenges yet with the help of colleagues Chloe (voice of Cherami Leigh) and Sonia (voice of Brittany Cox). Not only do Ash and Goh revisit familiar locations from the entire history of the series, their adventures see them crossing paths with g ym leaders such as the

f ighting-type student Bea (voice of Tiana Comacho) and the dragontype specialist Raihan (voice of Danny Kramer) in addition to clashing with the corrupt Chairman Rose (voice of Barron Bass) and his colleague Oleana (voice of Jennifer Losi). Old favorites such as Pikachu (voice of Ikue Ohtani) and Mewtwo are joined by new monsters from the hit “Pokémon Sword and Shield” including Zacian, Zamazenta and Eternatus. The animation is full of spectacular battles and bold color

schemes, with the storylines seeing the return of old favorite characters and the introduction of newcomers from throughout the series’ 25-year legacy.

Overall, the third and fourth volumes of “Pokémon Journeys” have joined the ranks of some of the franchise’s best seasons and are well worth the time of new and old fans alike. For a familiar yet fresh look at the long-running series, the journey starts today.

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MARCH 10, 2021

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5-Word Book

Reviews

BY LEAH BIESACK

‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ Edward Albee: Tends to get rather loud.

‘Little Fires Everywhere,’ Celeste Ng: Puts the show to shame.

‘Love and Friendship,’ Jane Austen: Spotlights how secondary men are.

‘Where the Red Fern Grows,’ Wilson Rawls: Prepare for heavy crying. Puppies.

GRAPHICS BY FREEPIK.COM

Do You Believe in Aliens?

Looking For a New Conspiracy Theory to Research at 3 a.m.? This Is the Film for You

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE FIFTH KIND: CONTACT

REVIEW BY

HAS BEGUN

KATIE LITTLEFIELD

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and asked yourself, “what else is out there?” If you have, then Close

STARRING: Steven Greer

DIRECTOR: Michael Mazzola RATED: PG-13 MY RATING: ★★★★☆

Encounters of the Fifth Kind: Contact Has Begun might have an answer for you.

In this conspiracy documentary film directed by Michael Mazzola, Dr. Steven Greer shares personal experiences and evidence of extraterrestrial life. Dr. Greer is a ufologist and retired physician that has dedicated his life to clearing the name of extraterrestrial life.

Dr. Greer is the head of an entire community that you probably haven’t heard of before. CE5 or, close encounters of the fifth kind, groups are all over the world and encourage you to hear them out. These communities come together on clear night skies and essentially send personal invitations to extraterrestrial life, and it’s more effective than you may think.

Insisting these aren’t coincidental sightings, Dr. Greer says these are intentional meetings that anyone can participate in. Referencing the 1977

Available on Amazon Prime movie Close Encounters of The Third Kind, these extraterrestrial life forms may rely on telepathic communication to visit you.

This can be achieved through meditation and intentional thought.

This conspiracy goes deeper than just an innocent stargaze with evidence of government organized fake alien abductions, national media being paid to follow a narrative, and continuously painting UFO’s as a national security threat.

“This is the next big thing they want us to be afraid of,” says constitutional attorney Daniel Sheenan.

After years of watching countless alien movies such as Cloverfield Lane, Apollo 18, or Alien, why wouldn’t we be scared of the unknown? This film attempts to flip this narrative that paints ET’s as the threat, when really we are our own threat. Piling clips of human civilization over the last 100 years this film shows us world wars, weapons of mass destruction and substantial environmental damage to try to further prove the flipped narrative.

“If these were hostile, in the way that we think of an invading hostile force, that would have been made abundantly

clear to us the day we detonated the first atomic bomb“ states Dr. Steven Greer, “The fact is, they have shown remarkable restraint. Almost the level of Gandhian pacifism, not to have pushed back.”

If you’re anything like me, your mind may be blown by the end of this film and you might even pick up an eccentric new hobby. If you’re planning on star-gazing on Mary’s Peak this spring break, look out for circles of CE5 groups attempting to contact foriegn life and keep your eyes peeled for cosmic activity.

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STUDENT LEADERSHIP UPDATE

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