C
T H E
L I N N - B E N T O N
C O M M U N I T Y
VOL. 53 EDITION 15
C O L L E G E
MARCH 2, 2022
MARTIN LUTHER JR.
EXPLORING
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
PHOTO: LOGAN HANNIGAN-DOWNS
Cameron Moran, co-chair of the LBCC welding department, stick welds during a demonstration.
GRAPHICS FREEPIK.COM
TUITION: CIVIL DISCOURSE
SEE PAGE 3
INSIDE THIS EDITION
MARINATING SUCCESS
SEE PAGE 8
LOCAL RESTAURANT REVIEW
SEE PAGE 9
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CAMPUS NEWS
MARCH 2, 2022
LBCOMMUTER.COM
A Forgotten Treasure No Plans to Reopen the Student Farm That Served the Community for Nearly 20 Years STORY AND PHOTOS BY HATHAI SANGSUPAN
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 Instagram @LBCommuter
Our Staff Adviser Rob Priewe Editor-in-Chief Dakota Gange
LBCC’s once-bustling Student Organic Farm now sits quietly, as though asleep. The plots that once overflowed with fruits and vegetables are leveled and covered with closecropped grass. The salad greens and tomatoes that used to grow year-round in the farm’s two large greenhouses have been replaced with brown waisthigh weeds. Rotting fruit hangs from un-pruned branches and litters the ground beneath the orchard trees. The two-acre farm sits on the northwest corner of campus between the jogging track and the northern The unused sign heralds an empty farm. portion of the Wellness trail. The farm served students and the community for irrigation equipment. For a time there nearly two decades until budget shortfalls were even beehives and a chicken coop. led the college to indefinitely suspend the The farm not only provided horticulture program in early 2020. Since opportunities for horticulture students then, the farm has been out of operation. to gain hands-on experience in all the The college currently has no plans to ins and outs of running a small organic revive it. “[The farm] served us in our farm, but it also provided resources for vision of curriculum– what we thought a the community. The Horticulture Small horticulture program should look like. It Farms Program provided subscribers to was our outdoor laboratory for students to their Community Supported Agriculture live and learn,” said Stefan Seiter, former (CSA) boxes with fresh produce during Chair of the Horticulture Program. the growing season. The program When Seiter first arrived at LBCC donated extra produce to organizations in 2001, the area that is now the farm such as the local food bank and the was a dumping ground for the college’s LBCC Parenting Program. waste construction material. It also had In 2018, the Veterans Garden was soil trenches that Seiter’s predecessor had established on the farm to give students dug for soil classes. who are military veterans a place to relax Seiter, however, wanted an outdoor while gardening. For a time, the farm space for his horticulture students to also rented out garden space to both practice organic farming and gardening. LBCC students and members of the In the spring of 2002 the Horticulture community. In 2019, the Horticulture Program began filling in the trenches Program was in talks with the and incorporating leaf compost into the Community Services Consortium and soil to build its first large, 35-by-65-foot Jackson Street Youth Services to begin a garden plot. Over the next seven years, youth farming program, but ended with the farm expanded slowly, growing to the announcement of the Horticulture include two additional large garden Program’s suspension. plots, a smaller herb garden, a rain According to Seiter, funding for the garden to the west of the plots, and a farm was largely piecemeal and came composting center.
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A once full greenhouse sits empty and overgrown.
In 2010, Miriam Edell joined the department as a part-time Horticulture Instructional Specialist. Edell brought a background in sustainable agriculture and, according to Seiter, a “passion to run the farm.” She took on the primary responsibility of managing the farm and the student workers who maintained it, ushering in a period of rapid growth. During the last 10 years of operation, the farm expanded to include two large greenhouses, three more large garden plots, an orchard, a small vineyard, a forest garden, and sheds for tool and
from lab fees for the horticulture classes, sales of produce and plants, and private donations for capital projects like the irrigation system. Many of the fruit trees were donated, as were materials for the greenhouses, sheds, and composting center. Today the farm continues to fall under the responsibility of the Division of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (SEM). Kristina Holton, the Dean of SEM, says that neither SEM nor the college currently has plans for it. “Without Miriam’s [Edell’s] role to spend time maintaining the space, we
don’t have the capacity to maintain the farm the way it was being maintained previously,” she said. So the goal of the college is to, “keep it mowed so at least maintenance can keep it from being a liability.” Michael Brady, interim director of LBCC Facilities, concurred with Holton’s assessment, saying that the difficulties caused by the ongoing pandemic have left Facilities down to a “skeleton crew.” Unable to assume the labor costs for maintaining the organic farm, Facilities has leveled the land, plowed the plots, and seeded it with grass to control the growth of weeds. Brady says that Facilities will try to maintain weeds between the fruit trees as time permits, but will not prune the trees. In the meantime, he acknowledged that without maintenance, farm structures like the greenhouses will eventually break down due to weather and the sun’s ultraviolet light. Despite the farm’s current state, both Seiter and Brady hope that one day the farm will once again be a valuable resource to students and the community. Seiter said that the farm could still provide a mix of uses for classes in different departments such as Biology and Art. He also suggested continuing to use the farm for community garden space. Brady was concerned about the college taking responsibility for outside community groups using the farm but, “if we could get a program or a student group that wanted to run something back there, I think that would be awesome!” he said. Edell said closing the farm was “a real loss for the community. It was a great resource.” Still she believes that it would be difficult for student groups to run the entire farm on their own. “Truth be told, farming is a lot of work. It’s the rare person who wants to dig in the dirt and sweat.” Maintenance of the farm “is constant,” and at the height of its operations the farm required the efforts of not just Edell but also three work/study students and a part-time greenhouse assistant. Even with all of that, Edell added, “I could have used another full-time person just to keep the place neat.” For more information: Contact Kristina Holton, Dean of Science, Engineering and Mathematics, at holtonk@linnbenton.edu.
3 Upcoming Tuition Increase Discourse COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU
MARCH 2, 2022
CAMPUS NEWS
Civil Discourse Program Op-Ed: Tuition Should Increase STORY BY MILES HENDERSON, CHEYANNE RIDER, AND THE CIVIL DISCOURSE PROGRAM
Jacobs, Director of Accounting and Budget, “Using reserve funds allows cost reductions and tuition increases to be rolled out responsibly over a period of years rather than all at once. By reducing the amount of reductions that are required there is additional capacity to continue to provide programs and services that students need.” Even if we didn't have financial problems due to low attendance rates, tuition would still need to be increased over a period of time. The college’s strategy appears to involve making small tuition increases incrementally rather than one with one large spike that can catch students off guard. This is a smart approach and should be supported. If we don't increase the price of tuition and we run out of programs and faculty members to cut, what will
become of LBCC? Community college has historically been a place where students can take transfer courses at a lower cost and in smaller classes on their way to earning a bachelor's degree at a university. It is also a place where people in our community can learn new skills, obtain certifications, and begin successful careers in vocational and trade programs. Losing quality instructors and programs will damage the quality of education able to be offered to our students. Community colleges across the state are finding themselves in similar situations and continue to lobby for more assistance from the state. But until those requests are answered, the choice is to pay a little more for the school we love, or find another school because ours isn't offering what we need to succeed.
STORY BY GABRIEL KNOX, sense that increasing tuition might seem become a more attractive school. The challenge is figuring out what NICK MAY, AND THE CIVIL appropriate. However, this simple solution ignores the dire financial circumstances measures to take. First, LB should offer DISCOURSE PROGRAM
community of educators. It would be in the best interest if more effort was put into outreach. Personal relationships are what make our college special. When LB’s faculty and staff personally connect with members of our community, they provide strong evidence on why potential students should come here for their education. Our college is in a tough fiscal situation. However, tuition increases are not the solution. Increasing enrollment with more in-person classes and personal outreach is a better way forward.
Due to low enrollment (and amidst the highest inflation rates in 40 years) our beloved LBCC is in a tough financial position. Current funding projections show LB falling millions below a balanced budget. A tuition increase of 7% that begins this June for the 22-23 academic year, combined with $750,000 in cost reductions and a 5% tuition increase in 23-24 and 24-25, are being proposed to remedy the problem. This sounds like a lot but it appears to be the college's best option for addressing our current financial deficit. An alternative proposal for
balancing our budget is to cut a portion of our employees and programs. While this may seem like a viable option, there is only so much cutting you can do before you run out of necessary faculty members to run the college and available courses to make the college worth attending. Programs like Theater, Water Wastewater (WET), Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), Horticulture and Adult Re-entry (Empower) have already been cut. While there are no specific programs on the chopping block at the moment, one can’t help but ask “What’s next?” if we have to keep making cuts. LBCC is doing it’s best to preserve programs and personnel during this challenging time. In addition to the proposed tuition increase, our college is being forced to take $3.6 million from reserve funds. According to Jess
Tuition Should Not Increase
Due in no small part to the ongoing pandemic, LBCC is currently experiencing a noticeable decline in enrollment. Difficult times such as these often require organizations to make changes and restructure their priorities. In an attempt to stave off harsher cuts to the college’s budget, a 7% tuition increase has been proposed for the next academic year. This increase would financially burden a student population that skews lower income and feels akin to rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. In a recent survey by LBCC’s Student Leadership Council, 62% of responding students indicated that they wanted tuition increases addressed. This is clear evidence that the pandemic has not only taken a mental toll on the student body, but a financial one as well. As the cost of living continues to climb, it makes
some students find themselves in. For example, 61 students contacted Roadrunner Resources in the first 25 days of January 2022. While this may not be surprising to some, the statistic becomes much more shocking when compared to the fact that Roadrunner Resources was contacted by a total of 344 students over the course of 2021. It’s obvious that a growing portion of our student population are having trouble making ends meet, and an increase like the one proposed could be incredibly alienating. College tuition is one of the main factors that incoming students consider when finding the right school. Because inflation rates are increasing the costs of necessary goods like housing, food, and gas, money has become a significant stressor. Rather than giving incoming students less incentive to make LBCC their home school, they should try and
more in-person classes. The recent drop in enrollment is a multivariate issue, but COVID is on the top of that list. The significant drop in enrollment began shortly after the initial outbreak occurred. At this point, LB is offering enough online classes to make people happy. Moving forward, the best bet is to offer more in-person classes. By doing so, LBCC will be satisfying the preferences of all students, no matter what class modality they prefer. As the current pool of students shrinks, it seems like attracting new students would be a better solution than charging the remaining students more. LBCC is a great college, but advertisements we see do not properly reflect our excellent programs and
PHOTO: FREEPIK.COM
Did You Say Bowling Bash? Student Leadership Council Holds First In-person Event STORY BY SKYLAR PAUL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL The abundance of longed-for laughter was blaring compared to the 2000s throwback hits playing in the bowling alley that night. There was a plethora of milewide grins at full tables while students were eating delicious pepperoni pizza and cracking jokes. Happiness gleamed in everyone's eyes as the bright cosmic lights shone from wall to wall – socialization was at its peak. The beginning of the month held a sight to see. The Bowling Bash was the first large-scale in-person event the SLC
has been able to plan this year with 57 students crowding the Lake Shore bowling lanes. Free pizza and drinks adorned the back tables, and if that wasn’t enough to offer, the SLC had plenty of raffle and prize opportunities to ensure the students were having the utmost fun. Victoria Aguas, the SLC chieftain of events, managed this event and asked several students in attendance this question: “What does it mean to be a part of an event like this?” One student replied, “The feeling of friendship and the community is amazing!” Another student said, “You get to hang out with the community and get to be more interactive, instead of staring at a
screen with all the little boxes.” Another student seemed to enjoy the fact that the SLC offered free food by saying: “Humans DO NOT live with only two senses. You’ve got to eat some pizza!” The best part of the Bowling Bash was probably Rocky the Roadrunner’s excellent bowling skills. If you’re not on the SLC’s Facebook and Instagram page, go follow them, so you can see all the live footage taken that night you may have missed out on. LBLive, our student-run campus app, is also something to follow for more event listings by the SLC. Make sure you’re not missing out on the fun! Come to our future events and help the SLC put the community back into this community college.
Danae Fouts and Cameron Wright play a round of Connect4 Hoops.
LBCCStudentLeaders @slc.connect
Kaydence Strait and the pepperoni pizza at Lake Shore Lanes Bowling.
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LBCOMMUTER.COM
Exploring CTE Highlighting Career and Technical Education Programs STORY BY BRENDA AUTRY most up to date and industry appropriate February was National Career and Technical Education Month. CTE is higher education that directly prepares students for high-demand and high-wage jobs. Linn-Benton Community College is home to many CTE programs, including Healthcare, Business, Communications, Information and Arts, Advanced Industrial and Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Culinary programs. The instructors of CTE Programs have years of industry experience in the fields they’re teaching. LBCC’s CTE instructors are experts in their respective fields and are committed to seeing the next generation of tradespeople flourish in their chosen industry. Instructors maintain close relationships with local industry leaders, ensuring that the
methods and equipment are used in their classrooms. These relationships also benefit students in their programs as they are exposed to local business and are often hired in positions before graduation — allowing them to gain work experience while finishing their programs. CTE programs benefit both students and the community as a whole. Students are able to start their careers faster with little to no student debt, and local industries are provided with a highly skilled workforce to keep local economies growing. The following stories will highlight just a few of the CTE programs offered. For additional information, scan the QR codes following each article.
Cooperative Work Experience Now Hiring Students Currently Enrolled LBCC partners with ATI Millersburg and CPP Albany to offer a variety of jobs. Scan Here to Apply
Women and Minorities in the Trades New Club Will Expand Diversity in the Trades STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRENDA AUTRY It’s no secret that skilled workers in trades like welding, machining and nondestructive testing are in high demand. Also, these are some great paying careers. In fact, according to Ziprecruiter, the average salary for skilled trades workers in the U.S. is $57,204, just slightly under the average for those with a bachelor's degree: $56,287. These types of jobs can be obtained with a one-year certificate, or twoyear degree, or by completing an apprenticeship where you’re paid to go to school while working. Both options can possibly mean little to no student debt. You’re also able to start your career sooner than with a four-year degree. But who are these skilled trades people? “Blue collar” manufacturing trade jobs have always been predominantly held by men — usually white men. But as the older generations of workers reach the
org/2021/08/08/1025845773/women-areunderrepresented-in-the-trades-industry)
and minorities make up less than 40%. Lena Gates, the apprenticeship coordinator at LBCC, is hoping to push those figures a lot higher. Gates, along with some of the Career Technical Education program students, have started the process for creating a “Women and Minorities in the Trades Club” at LB. “We’re working on establishing a group before we can apply to be an official club,” Gates said. “Anyone can join — you don’t have to be female or a minority.” “We want to get people interested in the trades, and hopefully help to combat some of the diversity issues within these trades.” Malynda Goodman, a third-year apprenticeship student, has worked in manufacturing for about 25 years and has experienced first hand the kind of environment a lack of diversity can create. “When I was first awarded my apprenticeship, one of the men on my
“It’s astounding to think that women are still facing this type of discrimination today, but that is why this club is so important.” age of retirement and new workers begin their careers, trade industry opportunities grow for women and minorities. Currently, women make up less than 10% (https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18. htm) of the skilled manufacturing workforce — some sources place this as low as 3% (https://www.npr.
crew told me that I ‘have no place in the trades, and that our company was wasting their money on me,’” Goodman said. “At first it really hurt my feelings, but then it really pissed me off.” “It feels like every day you have to continually prove you’re good enough,” she continued. “Some days I can do it,
and some days I think why bother? But I do it so that the next woman who comes after me won’t have to.” Even though this sounds like it must have happened 20 years ago, Goodman was awarded her apprenticeship in 2019. It’s astounding to think that women are still facing this type of discrimination today, but that is why this club is so important. “My dream would be to one day have an all woman crew,” Goodman said. “But for that to happen, we have to empower more women to get into these jobs.” “This club will give people a safe space to talk about issues they’re having, or to open the eyes of others who haven’t experienced discrimination,” Gates said. “I’d love to get some industry partners, and human resource people involved so they can be more aware of some of these issues and to help fix them.” Besides being a safe place to talk about the negative things that are happening, the club will also focus on training, job growth, and opportunities for members. “I’d like to have field trips to industry sites, and get training agents involved as well,” she said. “I think it will really help grow self-confidence in the women and minorities already involved in the trades, and help new people feel more comfortable getting involved.” Bella Luchia, a second-year NonDestructive Testing student, has her own reasons for joining the club. “I thought it would be something different to try,” Luchia said. “I grew up working on cars and playing football so I don’t have many girl friends. It would be nice to interact with other women who are like me and who have the same work ethic. I have a lot of guy friends, but as a woman, it’s nice to have other women friends.”
NDT student Bella Luchia.
Luchia will graduate from the NDT program this year at just 18-years-old. She graduated high school at 16 and knew that she wanted to work in the trades. “I chose NDT because I wanted to work in the trades but without the stress on my body,” she said. “I didn’t see a point to a four-year degree. When I’m 20, I’ll be on track to buy my own house and maybe have a new car. And I won’t have lots of student debt.” If you’re interested in getting involved, or joining, you can contact Lena Gates by email for more information at gatesl@linnbenton.edu.
MARCH 2, 2022
COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU
CAMPUS NEWS
NDT Saves Lives
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Non-Destructive Testing Program Alive and Well “I got into non-destructive testing things like MRI machines. STORY AND PHOTOS BY because I love the idea that the parts we’re According to instructor Milligan, BRENDA AUTRY There is no doubt that your life has been saved not once, not twice, but hundreds of times because of nondestructive testing. When you get on a plane, the engines that propel it are tested using NDT methods. The parts that make up your car’s brake system, the welds on the bridges you drive over, and even the parts in your cell phone, were tested using NDT. NDT is a wide variety of testing methods used to evaluate engineering materials and their properties without causing damage to them. These tests ensure a product's integrity and reliability. They help to avoid failures, prevent accidents and to save human lives. Formerly known as the Metallurgy program, NDT has been a staple at LBCC for decades. The department has two full-time instructors, Scott Ballard and Zachary Milligan, and one Instructional Assist faculty member, Emily Whittier. Milligan, who is currently in his third year teaching at LBCC, is certified under the American Society for Nondestructive Testing as a level III ultrasonic testing and liquid penetrant inspector. Before coming to LB, he was a level III inspector at the American Technical Institute, where he administered their NDT training program.
inspecting are critical to peoples lives and infrastructure,” Milligan said. “This career is challenging and the different testing methods keep it interesting.” Students who go through the NDT program at LB will learn five of the main testing methods used: ultrasonic, radiography, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle testing, and visual testing. Ballard, who has taught here for six years, earned his degree in metallurgy from LBCC and went on to get his masters in teaching, where he later spent 22 years teaching high school manufacturing classes. “I’ve spent my career educating people to work in the trades and I’m passionate about it because it offers tremendous employment opportunities for students,” Ballard said. “There is so much opportunity locally, regionally and even internationally for students. Two of our recent graduates are both working outside the US right now.” NDT is a two-year program and students who complete it will earn an Associate of Applied Sciences degree. The local job outlook is good with companies like ATI and Selmet locally. Outside of the local area, students can expect to work in areas such as aerospace, defense or even the medical field inspecting
LBCC Culinary Arts
French Feast
the employment rate among students graduating the program is “pretty close to 100% and that students can expect their starting wage to fall between as little as $19 to as much as $32 per hour.” Bella Luchia, a second-year student, got into NDT because she wanted a career in the trades that was less demanding on her body. NDT lab ultrasonic testing equipment. “I wanted to work in the trades because I like working with my hands, and I didn’t see a point to a four-year degree,” Luchia said. “When I’m 20, I’ll be on track to buy my own house and maybe have a new car. And I won’t have lots of student debt.” If you’re interested in getting more information about the NDT program, you can contact Scott Ballard at ballars@ linnbenton.edu, or Zachary Milligan at Emily Whittier helping NDT student milligz@linnbenton.edu. John Lopez.
X-ray testing equipment in the NDT lab.
TUESDAYS at the Co-op
To-Go
Pick it up Friday, March 4 In lieu of our in-person Winter Banquet buffet dinner on campus, this year LBCC Culinary Arts is offering a French themed meal that you can pick up at the Albany Campus. Each meal feeds around four people and will come refrigerated with directions for reheating. Check out the website below to order or find more information including menu prices and meal options. https://lfforms.linnbenton.edu/Forms/BanquetTicketRequest We ask that you pick up your meal in the time frame you select, as our goal is safety and a smooth pickup experience for all.
15% off produce FOR STUDENTS
with valid student ID from an Oregon college
2 Corvallis locations open 7am-9pm daily
North: 2855 NW Grant Ave. South: 1007 SE Third St. @firstaltcoop
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CAMPUS NEWS
MARCH 2, 2022
LBCOMMUTER.COM
Welding Sparks Interest Take a Peek Inside the Welding Program STORY BY LOGAN HANNIGAN-DOWNS AND DAKOTA GANGE PHOTOS BY LOGAN HANNIGAN-DOWNS
Are you dreaming of an occupation that cures your travel fixation? Perhaps you are fascinated by fire and metal. Maybe, you’re just simply yearning for a financially stable future. If so, the Welding CTE Program at LBCC may be what you’re looking for. Cameron Moran, co-chair of the welding department, teaches welding, blueprint reading, metal fab drawings; a language of welding symbols, and fabrication skills. Teaching in this field is his passion. “I think I would like to stay here [at LBCC], seeing the students that come through and what happens from the first day they're here, to the last day they’re here, is amazing. Especially the ones that have never welded before, it's completely new for them. And to see somebody develop and get such a high skill set and confidence in their career is so rewarding,” said Moran. Recently, Moran was able to showcase a new technology in the welding industry – virtual reality welding. With the latest tool, he is able to go into local high schools and give students some ‘hands on experience,’ while promoting the program. “Being able to play with awesome tools all the time doesn't hurt at all either. The technology development is amazing.” In an interview, Moran answers some program questions.
How long is the program? We have a one year certificate or a two-year associate – that twoyear associate is what we recommend. You get a lot more fabrication, more pipework, and experience in the second year, to hone the skills that are going to be required in a career. How are classes structured? Classes are structured a little differently than most across the college. Our class duration is a little bit longer and a lot of it is lab-based. We do have some of the classroom lectures and things. But for example, this term for Intermediate Arc Welding, we're in the lab for four hours at a time. You get a progress card, with a whole bunch of different welds on it. And that's what you work on. It's working on welds at your own pace. But then also, we critique them to an industry standard, so that way we can make sure the students meet a bar before moving on. Some of the students are like, let’s just go in the lab, absolutely let's do that. For instructors too, we can do lectures in the classroom, but when we lecture in the lab, it just links everything together.
Smoke wisps from a rod while Cameron Moran stick welds during a demonstration.
the pipeline, you can get paid quite a bit. Around here, I'm going to say that $40,000 is probably about the median as well. Students get hired on around $17-ish/hr, and a lot work while still in school and make around that figure. What is Tungsten Arc Welding? With TIG welding you can work for SpaceX and Aerospace companies because they're always hiring. TIG is also used in the food industry for pots and cooking pans.
I’ve heard there's a welder shortage. Can you tell me about this? So there's a huge shortage, they are estimating that over the next decade that the nation will be about 49 thousand individuals short of welders per year. We're also looking at a huge amount of individuals that are retiring, and we're running out of those individuals that want to get into the skill for whatever reason it is. So I don't foresee a future time when welders aren’t in shortage. How long has the program been at LB? It was founded by John Alvin in 1967, and it just has developed. Many of the students that went through the program here become instructors.
Describe what students learn in your program. We have students that come in knowing absolutely nothing. So what they will learn is about the trade specifically; what to anticipate in a job setting, and learning how to use the tools that are required; anything from hand tools to machinery. They're trained on anything that you will see in a production fabrication shop, and then also on all the different welders. They learn maintenance on welders, as well as equipment to learn a little bit about hydraulics. They learn a little bit about pneumatics and learn math that is associated with the trade as well. So everything is very oriented towards a career setting, which I think students get a lot out of, because some of them don't know what to expect at all. So again, it goes into the broad spectrum of what we can see out there as a career. So, an overall welder is what we try to train.”
get in possibly with a union of some sort. Some unions are even local. That's the coolest thing about welding – the career technical skill. You can take it anywhere you go. Somebody's going to need a welder to either fix something or build something. So it's a good skill set to have.
Welding Bays sit empty after class.
So instead of using a whiteboard and a PowerPoint, we go out there and weld and tell them why it didn't work, or why it is working. What kind of salary can graduates from the program expect for future jobs? Salaries can range for sure. The median salary in the United States is about $40,000 for welders. That's completely dependent on what you do. If you're just working in a shop production welding, that's probably the 40K range. If you get into Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) welding or into nuclear welding, you're going to increase your salary. You can see six figures if you get into the right situation. Pipe welders can make quite a bit of money as well – it's a traveling situation. As you build on
Welding rods sit in a bin in the LBCC welding shop at LB's Albany Campus.
Alternatively, you can focus on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick welding) where you can travel the country and can work in mills. You can go anywhere around the United States or different countries. You can get welding jobs in Hawaii! We teach all types of welding, including having a pipe welding specific degree as well as our Fabrication/Welding degree. The pipe welding focuses on all types of pipe, joining methods, blueprints specific to pipe, welding practices and much more. Around this community, what kinds of places might people find the CTE graduates from this program? Locally, we have 10 really strong partnerships right around here, and those range from the heavy fabrication of steel buildings and trusses or doing bridges all the way to the aerospace side. There are other businesses around Portland as well. And as you move across the country, you'll see some graduates in other states. But right now we're working hard towards that [the aerospace industry] because they need so many welders. So that's fun. Right here in Albany there are several shops. Tangent, Lebanon, Corvallis, and Philomath have a couple of shops, and then Eugene has a whole bunch. Salem has some as well. I mean, there's tons and tons of spots [welding positions] out there. And if you want to travel, you can
How big is the cohort? Our average cohort is probably 16 students. We try to cater towards up to 20, but that gets really, really busy really fast. So you've got 20 people with fire in their hands, and it gets a little bit concerning at times. But right now, the numbers are down just a little bit because of Covid issues. Students are not sure what's happening next, or at least not until the school year starts. So we are hoping that in the fall, we see numbers increase again. How often is the program offered? We try to start everybody in Fall. So fall term, you're going to start out with all the basics, and then you start moving up as you go through the terms. We do have openings throughout the year. If you want to get in right away, we have classes we can offer to those not enrolled in the program yet. But it's harder when one takes classes outside of the program sequence. If you're wanting to get in, the fall is probably your best bet. Check out this previous interview with Marc Rose, who is also the cochair of the welding department: https://
lbcommuter.com/2020/05/28/qa-withmarc-rose/.
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CAMPUS NEWS
MARCH 2, 2022
Culinary Cook Ups
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Interview with Department Chair Josh Green STORY BY LEAH BIESACK
PHOTOS BY LOGAN HANNIGAN-DOWNS
A popular Career and Technical Education program that’s been serving up a range of knowledge and skills for decades is the Culinary Arts program. Not only do we see (and taste) the effects of this program within our community, but our student body and faculty are fortunate enough to be privy to the latest creations right on campus. Department chair Josh Green explains that, no matter which way you slice it, the Culinary Arts program is integral to LBCC, the surrounding areas, and even beyond. Within this program, one can attain an Applied Associate in Culinary Arts, or transfer to a university via the Degree Partnership Program in Nutrition and Food Service Management. Culinary Arts Department Chair Josh Green discusses program basics. What kind of salary can graduates from your program expect in future jobs?
One thing I tell all students is it depends on how much you put into the program and how much you want to do. Some people are fine staying local, there are a lot of breweries around here, you could expect to get out of the program and make $15-$16/hr, or you can make more. There was one student 3 or 4 years ago who was very ambitious, he used to drive to Portland every Friday, Saturday, Sunday to work at really nice restaurants. When he graduated, he went to work at Alinea, which is a 3 Michelin star restaurant in Chicago, one of the best restaurants in the world. It all depends on the person. Describe what students learn in your program. They learn everything from the basics to advanced skills. We butcher, we bring in half of a hog, a whole salmon. We expose them to everything. They get to work the line, they serve the campus, they get real experience. Everything from the basics of how to cut an onion
properly, to rotations of being a butcher, sous chef, or front of house manager. How are classes structured? We have our lab, Monday-Thursday. We serve lunch. Depending on what they’re doing, they might come in and be the butcher for the day and they’ve got to make sausage or grind meats. Who’s ever made a hot dog in their life? Well, my students can say that they have. How long is the program? It’s a 2 year associate’s degree, unless you plan on going to OSU for the DPP (which is a 4 year Bachelor degree).
up a food truck in Lebanon. I’ve got a couple students who do catering over the summer. You’ll find them all over the community, they might be making your wedding food or cooking your burger. How long has your program been at LBCC? 40 or 50 years, if not longer. How often is the program offered at LBCC? Once a year, in the fall. Cohort program where everybody starts in the fall and they go on to all their classes together at the same time.
When one looks around the community, what kinds of places might they find CTE graduates? (Specifically from your program, and outside your program if desired). A lot of breweries, a lot of the students go onto the breweries. I had a couple students 3 years ago who opened
Kimberly Cabbal adds the finishing touch to Chicken Pad Thai.
A pepperoni pizza gets cooked in a wood stone oven at the Santiam Restaurant at LBCC. The restaurant is run by second-year culinary arts students.
Kimberly Cabbal at work preparing Chicken Pad Thai.
Kimberly Cabbal cooking vegetables.
Logan Lindner preps for the next day.
Logan Lindner sautées vegetables.
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CAMPUS NEWS
MARCH 2, 2022
LBCOMMUTER.COM
Marinating Success Student Leadership Council Member Reveals Tumultuous Past STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAKOTA GANGE While it’s still being written, the story of William Shields is worth telling. The growth between his past and present reaches unmeasurable distance. Between school, death, drugs, and insanity, his story warrants a standing ovation; redemption ages well with skeletons in the closet. Shields is currently a network and systems administrator major, a Student Ambassador for The First Resort, LBCC’s student support center, and is a Campus Outreach Coordinator for the Student Leadership Council. However, prior to his time at LB, he has traveled quite the tumultuous road. Starting at just 15 years old in his hometown of Wellsville, Kansas, Shields broke his coccyx, a bone that makes up the bottom portion of the spine, after his first night of binge drinking. This would serve as a foreshadowing of what would become a staple in his life. It’s here that he entered a commonly unavoided gateway; dabbling in various recreational substances, including his introduction to opioids as a prescribed pain medication. “From 16 to 18 I was doing opiates. My father was a very sick alcoholic, and I remember him having lots of drugs that I would steal and sell for cigarettes,” said Shields. After graduating high school he began attending DeVry in 2007, a Career-focused online college with hybrid and online degree programs in business, tech and health. This is where he was introduced to street heroin. “I’ve been the guy in a room with nothing but a bed and no sheets, and people smoking stuff out of a lightbulb.” Shields dropped out of DeVry his first semester there, but in 2010 he began attending the Art Institute International
nursing home. After she passed from preventable complications, Shields sued the nursing home for negligence and won. It was at this point that his addiction became seriously solidified in emotional pain and trauma; he began using heroin regularly, as well as other drugs such as LSD and psychedelic mushrooms. Soon after an eventful few days laced with LSD at Bass Canyon, a popular electronic dance music festival at The Gorge PHOTO: STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL PHOTO: WILLIAM SHIELDS Amphitheater, Shields had a William Shields in 2020. Shields first week sober, over three years ago. moment of clarity. “I wasn’t drinking [at the However, Shields continued his use addition to being shared on the SLC’s festival] because I was dosing [doing LSD]. Instagram, Facebook, and LBLive page; resulting in more dissociative acts. And when I got home, I was cleaning and It wasn’t until he was forced to go to the college's own social media platform. He I found my father’s eulogy; I had that the Samaritan Mental Health Hospital in also works with others to make sure that the realization that I was my dad. I was going Corvallis by the police, after popping a student voice is heard in board meetings, to drink myself to death.” kids basketball with a bicycle spoke, that and that their concerns are addressed. Shields decided to quit that night, “Both of these positions bring their he took the first steps towards sobriety. but was unaware of what the withdrawals It was here that he was diagnosed with own unique opportunities. As a student could cause. ambassador I get to help other students unspecified schizophrenia. These withdrawals pushed him into “I was suffering from hard core directly, and it's a job that really helps me a dissociative state of mind that lasted for days, along with the influence of little psychosis relating to the drugs,” said Shields. with soft skills. It's been a truly amazing “Another patient had drawn on the experience and one that I am very sleep and substance abuse, including opiates, LSD, and “who knows what else. walls with crayons and they were taken fortunate to have been able to do. I think I was doing all those drugs because I away. The only way we could color was if the perspective that I get to bring to this couldn't get the image of my mom dying I stood at the nurses station. So I’m up at position as a student is just something that out of my head. the nurses station, and she never told me cannot be provided without us [students]. I During this dissociative time Shields not to go get high again, but would just find myself able to relate to everyone that I was arrested for trespassing, though the question me, and put together a schedule interact with.” charges were dropped due to an insanity When asked what his best advice for of events she suggested I attend. I’ll never plea. He lost his job at local Corvallis students was, he didn’t hesitate to recite one restaurant Bellhop a week before getting a forget her either.” of his mother’s last quotes. After his release to outpatient, he promised promotion of a salaried kitchen “When you go back to school, just manager, and was so separated from himself “listened to God. I was a mess, and among take your time, don’t rush through it,” she he was going by the name of “Carla,” while all these scattered papers, I found the list asking friends to help him find the man the nurse had made for me, and on the said before passing away. “She just knew on his I.D. so he could return the copious list was Saturday morning cartoons at the that I was going to go back to school,” amount of drugs he had. Sixtrh and Madison church [Madison said Shields. He takes eight to 12 credits per term, Street Methodist Church], so I went.” This is where Shields met his sponsor, and this has allowed him “to participate who “drastically changed my life. I was in opportunities like the SLC and work as lost, and this guy sort of became a surrogate Student Ambassador. I realized that this father for me. He changed my life.” really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Shields says his biggest take away and I should enjoy it, so I am.” from this experience was learning how to The Student Leadership Council and ask for help. “Just do the next right thing”; First Resort has provided Shields with a a motto he now lives by. positive way to use his prior experience Shields is now coming up on three and for the betterment of himself and those a half years sober. around him. He’s been at LB since fall of 2020, “I’ve had so many fulfilling and He was seemingly rescued when a and is reveling in it. LBCC has fostered an meaningful experiences in these positions. woman pulled him out of a catatonic state environment for him to prosper through It’s wild to think that I sit where I am today.” while standing in traffic, and told him to go the scholastic opportunities it offers. He is If you or someone you know is see a Benton County crisis counselor. now flourishing. “I’ll never forget that woman.” struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach As a Student Ambassador, he helps He listened to her advice, and was able out to Oregon's Crisis Hotline. Text potential, new, and continuing students to get some counseling where he found out OREGON to 741741. he had suicidal tendancies. Shortly after, he navigate the murky waters of student life. Editor's note: The opioid epidemic “It’s a pretty surreal experience to be came to the conclusion that he “couldn’t keep touches lives in every corner. I have doing this anymore,” and shot up heroin for honest. I would have never imagined that I experienced it first hand, and it’s a passion would be working with the First Resort and the first time, causing an overdose. of mine to share stories of redemption and “I remember waking up on the Admissions. It’s a true honor.” recovery in hopes of inspiring those who may As a Campus Outreach Coordinator, bathroom floor aftering trying to overdose, Shields works on student engagement and be struggling. It is something we need to talk and all I could think about was when she event marketing. He creates promotional more about, both on a micro and macro was administered her last dose of morphine. materials, like flyers, that are hung scale. This crisis needs a policy and solution throughout the walls of the college, in reform, with alternative treatment options. Hospice is a strange and wild thing.”
“I found my father's eulogy; I had that realization that I was my dad. I was going to drink myself to death.” of Kansas City, where he earned his bachelor’s of arts in photography in less than three years. At this point Shields backed off from drug use until 2014, when his father died from a heart attack. Six months prior to his passing, he had moved to Corvallis. But after his father left earthside, the dabbling only intensified and it wasn’t long before he became an alcoholic. In 2018, things took a turn for the worst when life threw another curve ball at him; his mother passed away due to complications from a bed sore that had developed into necrosis. She had early onset Alzheimer’s, and went to live at a
COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU
MARCH 2, 2022
LOCAL NEWS
9
Polar Plunging for Charity "Plungers" Brave Icy Water to Fundraise for Special Olympics Oregon STORY AND PHOTOS BY LOGAN HANNIGAN-DOWNS The Corvallis Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Oregon, is held yearly at the Crystal Lake boat ramp. The local Plunge is one of eight that are held around the state of Oregon during a four-week stretch starting the last weekend in January to the end of February. “Plungers” rush into the Willamette River, estimated to be 45 degrees Fahrenheit, from the boat ramp at Crystal Lake Sports Park. About 500 participants entered, ranging from OSU fraternities to a miniature pony. Benton County’s plunge has raised over $10,000.
A father and son dive into the Willamette River.
A plunger prepares for a the dip! The Polar Plunge attracts plungers of all ages.
Teams gather in in preparation of their plunge.
A "plunger" reacts to the cold water.
A man brings a miniature pony to the Plunge.
A fraternity member braves the icy water.
10
LOCAL NEWS
MARCH 2, 2022
LBCOMMUTER.COM
Cool, Calm and Comforting Downtown Albany’s Ba’s Offers Vietnamese Comfort Food for the Masses STORY AND PHOTOS BY LEAH BIESACK Nestled into the heart of downtown Albany, Ba’s Vietnamese Comfort Food extends a light and bright invitation. Its outdoor seating — candy-apple red chairs and wooden tables — is interspersed with planters of bamboo, the kind that must be in the top of its percentile for height. Inside, Ba’s is balance defined; clean and clear lines are complemented with soft colors. A straightforward menu is laden with deeply rich and layered flavors. The orders of operations are dialed in, while the exchanges with staff still feel personal. Ba’s is rooted in history, in family, in a cultivated, hard-wrought dream brought to life. This is felt instantly upon arrival and becomes beautifully solidified through thoughtful and truly satisfying dishes. Opening its doors in the summer of 2019, Ba’s (which translates to Dad’s in Vietnamese) has relied on fresh ingredients, an emphasis on honoring family recipes, and a familial foundation on which the entire operation runs. It is a counter-service style restaurant, the overhead menu catching the eye upon first stepping through the door. The layout is cozy (it’s a fairly small room) without feeling cramped. In fact, the entire place
hits a C-Major chord of airy, light, and easy. This could be due in part by the walls of dreamy pastel turquoise, or the magical lights of varying shades (in every sense of the word) hanging in the corner. One wall has remained its steadfast brick self, keeping the dreaminess rooted, keeping the magic within reach. (There’s that aforementioned balance, again.) While the place wasn’t bustling at maximum capacity when I visited on a Thursday afternoon, I can easily imagine that air of cool and calm being maintained through the dinner and weekend rushes. It’s a bit of an oasis in there. The menu is varied, but not to the point of causing crippling indecision. With a few options for starters, entrees, and sides, it’s easy to choose your own adventure and expect a favorable outcome. On my premier visit, I ordered the Tofu Salad Rolls to start, which are paired with a peanut sauce. While I’m no stranger to the appetizer, Ba’s version tasted freshly polished. A sauce that is often found blended and creamy, here was closer to that of a silky glaze, one topped with crushed peanuts. It tasted like the moment when simplicity and elegance meet, but neither one suffocates the other (relationship goals).
My headliner for the afternoon was the Gingered Chicken which comes laden over rice, and accompanied by housemade kimchi. Listen. I don’t normally make haste for chicken entrees when I’m out. It’s not like there’s bad blood, I’m just usually on a different page, living out a different life path. But all inner signals kept steering me towards the entree and if I can’t trust myself, then how far will I really make it in this world? Turns out my inner compass is clocking in just fine. The meat fell right off the bone with no protest, landing in a cloud of rice that had started to take on some of the namesake ginger sauce, one that alternated between sweet and savory with ease (ginger’s got range in spades). I took half of this meal home, then proceeded to wait around for three hours to get hungry again so that I could relive the initial experience. It was a full day. Other key players on the menu include the traditional pho, which was seemingly being delivered to everyone around me; big steaming bowls of broth, rice noodles, meat of choice and all garnished with basil leaves and bean sprouts. It’s a big part of my ordering plan for next time. I was fortunate enough to have a taste of the house-made chicken bone broth,
which was, with no exaggeration, liquid, shimmering gold. I’m looking forward to my next cold so that I can experience what it’s like to be cured on the spot. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Ba’s diverse drink offerings. Boasting around ten non-alcoholic options, from a strawberry matcha latte to a traditional Vietnamese coffee, there’s a lot of fun to be had in sips. And it doesn’t stop there. Ba’s cocktail menu offers new takes on old classics (an Old Fashioned made with Pu-er bourbon) and a few originals using traditional flavors. I have a feeling the Lady Na Dang (a combination of rum, mango, mint, and lime) and I are going to have a really romantic summer together. At a time when things seem to feel reliably chaotic, when the outside world hits harshly and doubles down, Ba’s is truly a contained paradise of calm. With rich menu offerings stemming from a rich history, this sweet little Albany restaurant is the year-round springtime our bodies and souls desperately need.
Top Left: Gingered Chicken Bottom Right: Bone Broth Bhan Mi
Allan’s Coffee, Tea and Treats Corvallis Cafe Attracts Community Across from OSU Campus STORY AND PHOTOS BY Brothers Java Trio cold brew, half and half, ARIANNA STAHLBAUM two pumps of vanilla syrup, and Allann On the top of Monroe in Corvallis sits Allan’s Coffee & Tea, a go-to study and meet-up place for many in the Corvallis community, including OSU students who might make their way over to or from campus. The location opened in 1981 as Allann Bros Coffee but was rebranded in 2018 as Allan’s Coffee & Tea. There are two other locations open, one in Albany, and the other in Eugene. Walking into their Corvallis location, you’ll see many black-and-white canvas photos hanging on a blue wall, tables and chairs, a menu with a wide variety of drinks, and bags of their coffee for purchase. Hidden in the back is a small bathroom available to customers. They have friendly baristas who will engage in conversion and quick turnaround times for their drinks and bakery items. The environment is laid-back and peaceful, making it a nice place to relax with a friend or a laptop with natural light streaming in from windows on two walls of the shop. Their website shares the history of the business and provides insight on how they came to be a successful Corvallis go-to cafe. A secret menu item that will satisfy those who enjoy coffee and chocolate is their Java Trio, which consists of Allann
Brothers Mexican Chocolate. They recently had Valentine's Day specials that did not disappoint either. Whether you are in the mood for a dirty chai, tea, or bakery treat, Allan’s is open to serve those who want a good cafe experience.
Creative Writing Club Wednesdays from 4–5pm
Look for our Discord: Linn-Benton Creative Writing Club
Zoom ID: 942 4828 4415
A&E
MARCH 2, 2022
COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU
11
SOUTH PARK: SEASON 25 A Delightfully-bizarre Take on Modern Life
PHOTO: FREEPIK.COM
5-Word Book
reviews
PHOTO: COMEDY CENTRAL PRESS
BY LEAH BIESACK
CREATED BY: Trey Parker and Matt Stone Wednesdays at 8PM on Comedy Central
Little Weirds, Jenny Slate Appropriately titled. Best in bits.
RATED: TV-MA
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★
The Masque of the Red Death, Edgar Allan Poe An older version of 2020.
REVIEW BY
The Embassy of Cambodia, Zadie Smith Quirky start. Weighty everything else.
STEVEN PRYOR
@STEVENPRR2PRYOR
On February 2nd of this year; the milestone 25th season of “South Park” began airing on Comedy Central. Even after a quarter of a century having passed since the show began its run; this latest season still shows how effective it is at absurd and raunchy, yet insightful adult animation. With the first three episodes of the season having aired as of this writing; the show has already marked another delightfully-bizarre take on modern life in a small mountain town in Colorado. Through this lens, the show comments on everything from public dress codes to unconscious biases and even
the real estate market. While it remains to be seen what direction the season will take from here, it’s clear the appeal of the series has not waned at all since the original short film “The Spirit of Christmas.” In addition to the latest seasons; the show has had two movie-length exclusive “Post-COVID” events on Paramount Plus; with more movies in development for the near future. Overall, the 25th season of “South Park” is another crudelyanimated and hilariouslyskewed look at modern life; well worth your time and easy to recommend.
Presented by ChangeMakers Human Services Co-Curricular
STRESS RELIEF A Self-Care Series Join us for the last session this term:
Stress Relief through Venting Sound off about your worries to people who will listen
March 3 at 3 pm on Zoom Meeting ID: 999 3822 7837 Passcode: service Image from FreePix.com
CLICK HERE FOR SUDOKU
CLICK HERE FOR CROSSWORD
Complete the grid so each row, column, and 3x3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit. Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.39)
1
2
6
9
6
5
8 9
7 7
3
5
2
8
5
9
3
5 1
7
4
6
1
8 3
8
7 3
9
8
4
Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Thu Feb 24 22:36:48 2022 GMT. Enjoy!
12 OSU Flips Way to Win SPORTS
MARCH 2, 2022
LBCOMMUTER.COM
Olympic Gold Medalist Leads Gymnastics Team to Victory STORY AND PHOTOS BY LOGAN HANNIGAN-DOWNS The 12th-ranked Oregon State Gymnastics team defeated University of Washington 197.275 to 194.450 on Sunday, Feb. 13. The Beavers were led by 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist and OSU Freshman Jade Carey, who scored 39.750 in the all-around competition. Carey scored a perfect 10 with her floor routine, 9.975 on uneven bars, 9.900 on vault, and 9.875 on beam. Senior teammate Madi Dagen placed second in the allaround competition with 39.525. Carey is expected to compete for an all-around NCAA title at Nationals in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 14-16.
OSU senior Madi Dagan sasses the crowd during her floor routine in Gill Coliseum in Corvallis on Sunday, Feb. 13.
Oregon State junior Jenna Domingo competes on the uneven bars.
University of Washington sophomore Taylor Russon warms up on the uneven bars.
Jade Carey, 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist and Oregon State freshman, performs her floor routine as her teammates cheer her on.
Oregon State freshman Lauren Letzsch performs her floor routine.
Madi Dagen reacts after her uneven bar routine.
OSU team meets for a huddle.
Women Bounce Back Basketball Team Moves Past Penguins STORY BY CARSYN MEYERS PHOTOS BY LOGAN HANNIGAN-DOWNS The Linn-Benton Women's Basketball team defeated Clark Community College 67-59 on Saturday, Feb. 19. The Roadrunners improved to 14-6 on the season, and 6-4 in the NWAC South Region. The Clark Penguins dropped to 6-15 on the season, and 2-8 in the NWAC South Region. The Roadrunners started the game strong by hitting four 3-point field goals, going into halftime up 32-22. Brooklynn Hankwitz led all scorers with 18 points, and a huge performance from Kathleen Hale paved the way for the Roadrunners. Hale finished the game with 15 points and 16 rebounds. "Passing the ball with my teammates and them setting me up in successful positions, I couldn't have done it without them," Hale said.
Kathleen Hale looks for a pass during the game against the Clark Penguins on Saturday, Feb. 19.
Kathleen Hale of Linn-Benton looks for a rebound as Neriah Jefferson of Clark boxes her out.
Ruby Krebs of Linn-Benton splits two Clark players.