T H E
L I N N - B E N T O N
C O M M U N I T Y
VOL. 52 EDITION 19
C O L L E G E
APRIL 7, 2021
Smiles Aglow
New Outdoor Restaurant Area Common Fields Holds One of Corvallis' First Acoustic Shows Since the Pandemic Began STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAKOTA GANGE Smiles, everywhere. A walk through this sunny evening's gated outdoor eatery would bathe you in positive energy, radiating from the crowds. With the sound of laughter from adults and kids, and happy tail-wagging-dogs tagging along, it’s almost impossible not to forget the times we're living in. Here at Common Fields, life is abuzz and children are aplay. The strums of a guitar and a warm voice fill the speakers and air. Could it be a dream? As you walk in the entrance, you are greeted sometimes by the owners themselves while they carefully count people to stay within the state's max capacity guidelines -here currently in Benton County, it’s 25%. Common Fields has really nailed the “all are welcome” environment, providing a spacious, comfortable, and seemingly safe area for patrons to enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, and each other's company. “We tried to figure out how we can make the outside viable and comfortable for people in the winter, basically assuming we will never have inside seating, so how can we stay open seven days a week?” said owner Jacob Oliver. “We wanted a place that was very family friendly, dog friendly was
really important, and making the atmosphere kid friendly was super important. We wanted a place where you could hang out and eat really good food, drink really good beer, and bring your kids but not feel kinda like you're shunned in the corner, but you can go without kids and not feel like ‘ugh, there's kids everywhere.’ We wanted it inclusive to everybody.” Upon entering, on the left you’ll instantly notice extremely tall roof coverings that tower above heated tables, with heated bench seats to warm your tuchas, which were handmade by Oliver himself. There are some tables aglow with fire, and some only below the sky itself. There are more tables to the right that are covered, and next to a kids play area. To the left, is the tap room Common Fields itself, with wide open huge garage-like doors, so you never feel trapped among four airsharing walls. Along with a friendly staff, they have 16 on-tap selections of unique and “hard to come by” beer, which Oliver tracks down and selects himself, eliminating any third-party vendors and promoting sustainability and local products. Here is their current
menu.
“We focus only on Oregon products with beer specifically, but also wine, cider, and mead. All our food is locally sourced; it has to be locally sourced in Oregon or from a company in Oregon,” said Oliver. “We only go through self-distributors, and
William Steelman enjoying the music and beer.
don’t go through any big distributors. We mainly wanted to keep the money in small businesses.” Across the large paved plot of outside seating are three “food trucks.” However, as much as we all love the Portland food truck scene, this isn’t the same at all. Rather, it’s three little tiny houses that just happen to have wheels and serve food amid the fenced outdoor “Common Fields.” Kalamata Bistro is a food segment of Common Fields, and Terra’s Tastee Treats and ZIA Southwest Cuisine are locally and independently owned. Check them all out here.
There’s a stage, and this evening Mike Ewing was doing a solo
acoustic set, full of both original and popular songs to sing along to. Smiles were contagious on this spring evening as the effervescent crowd soaked up the sun. While originally supposed to fully open up May 1 of 2020, Common Fields has had a seemingly rough go of it both with the on-andmostly-off pandemic shutdowns of Corvallis, and the ash that filled last year’s summer and fall air from the wildfires. After it was clear they were not reopening for a bit, Jacob and Cherish Oliver initiated a teamup of a couple other local restaurants, where they all quietly donated several thousand dollars worth of food to fire evacuees. “Over the course of those two weeks, we served over 8,000 meals,” said Jacob Oliver. “Our [Jacob and Cherish] vision of this place is we wanted to create a place that we would want to go to. We were inspired by a lot of places in Bend, some in Eugene and Portland. Before this I’ve been in the food and beer industry for so long, that I have all the connections and ideas building up over the last 15-20 years.” It couldn’t be more clear that these ideas came to fruition as the smiles of many were contagious on this spring evening, and as the effervescent crowd soaked up the sun.
For More See Pages 4-5
Inside this Edition
GRAPHICS FREEPIK.COM
GRADUATION 2021
SEE PAGE 2
ZOOM BURNOUT
SEE PAGE 3
WELCOME PHOTOJ
SEE PAGES 7-9
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CAMPUS NEWS
APRIL 7, 2021
LBCOMMUTER.COM
Wellness Wednesday What Time, Day, Season Is It Anyway? 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
I don’t think it’s just me who is confused about the day or month or season we are in. Especially when you drive by a high school and see baseball, football, volleyball and soccer happening simultaneously. There are f lowers out, but snow in the hills. Is it fall or spring? Did I miss a holiday? Time is f leeting. Things take forever, or zoom, (pun not intended.) Things zip by. Then who can remember if an event was yesterday or last weekend? Does it matter? Many psychologists have written about the impacts of this pandemically charged prolonged stress - disturbed sleep, endless monotony interspersed with acute anxiety, inability to concentrate, and this new word I learned “behavioral anhedonia” - loss of ability to take pleasure in activities. From Margaret Wehrneberg, the author of Pandemic Anxiety: Fear, Stress, and Loss in Traumatic Times, “A year of uncertainty, of being whipsawed between anxiety and depression, of seeing expert predictions wither away and goal posts shift, has left many people feeling that they are existing in a kind of fog, the world shaded in gray. When people are under a long period of chronic, unpredictable stress, they develop behavioral anhedonia,” In addition to trying to balance mental and physical health, there are the relentless changes in schedules, expectations, COVID news and new
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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 Tanner Johnson Leah Biesack Alistair Woods Sydney Greene Aidan Arthur Mattea Hellman Blaine Larsen Carlie Cari Ethan Phifer MacKayla Tokar Sadie Beam Si Matta
ways to communicate all of the above. If you’re a student, teacher or parent, you’ve become an expert navigator, organizer and f lexible fortune teller who strives to plan ahead, yet needs at least 3 fall back plans in case the first two options don’t work out. I can handle “we’ll see what happens” because really, there isn’t much choice. I feel like I’m in the midst of an emotional earthquake when you don’t know when it will stop or if you can move (or plan). The world is on “tilt” Hang in there. “Keep swimming,” as Dory says. Some of my new favorite coffee mug slogans: Apathy is the best whatever Everything in moderation. Including moderation. Hold on. Let me overthink this. I use cookies to improve my performance So, take a breath. Deeply. Hold it. Slowly exhale. Repeat 3 times. Be as present as you can. Be kind to yourself and others. No matter the day, time or season.
Graduation 2021 LBCC Announces "CARmencement" Drive-thru Graduation Ceremony Plan
COURTESY OF LBCC NEWS SERVICE LBCC has announced its plan to hold a "CARmencement" drive-thru ceremony on its Albany campus this June for all students who have completed graduation requirements. So far, LBCC is the only higher-education institution in the Mid-Willamette Valley to offer an in-person option for commencement. "I'm thrilled that we have found a way to celebrate our student's accomplishments with an in-person event this year," said President Lisa Avery. "Our students have shown amazing perseverance and creativity throughout this pandemic and we are happy to finally be able to honor their achievements in a safe and socially-distanced way." CARmencement will help LBCC Roadrunners "take their final lap" in an interactive, COVID-safe event. LBCC graduates are invited to drive
through the Albany campus in a vehicle, get cheered on and celebrated by faculty and staff, hear commencement speeches and music, stop at photo stations and more. Graduates will also be given an opportunity to safely exit the car, walk across the stage and receive a diploma. Grads will also be encouraged to decorate their vehicles and join in the festivities. Due to state restrictions, last year the college was only able to hold an online commemoration for graduates, so graduates of BOTH the classes of 2020 and 2021 will be invited to participate in commencement this year.
Graduates will sign up for a preferred time slot on one of two evenings, between 4 and 8 p.m.: Wednesday, June 9 – Cohort Night: Open to students in Healthcare Occupations, Trades & Manufacturing, Transportation, and Culinary Arts. Thursday, June 10 – General Grad Night: Open to all graduates. Families and bubble buddies are invited to accompany graduates, within a one-car limit per graduate (no caravans). In addition, the event will be livestreamed for family members watching at home, and a video – including a roll call of graduates – will be posted the week following “CARmencement.” More details about the college's plan, including transportation accommodations and other frequently asked questions will be posted to the LBCC website soon. Graduate families will also receive a notice when registration opens.
COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU
APRIL 7, 2021
CAMPUS NEWS
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Zoom Burnout Zoom Burnout Approaches Quickly Each Term; How Can We Combat This Fatigue During an Online School Era?
STORY BY MARISSA S. MILES AND THE LBCC CIVIL DISCOURSE PROGRAM Could you ever have imagined that you’d have to be taking online college classes? For many, online classes can be exhausting and stressful. Due to the sudden shock of having to experience our education remotely, students are suffering from Zoom burnout, increased stress levels, isolation, and a lack of motivation. One of the largest issues with online schooling is Zoom burnout. Nowadays, a lot of things are being offered via Zoom such as online classes, courses, events, family gatherings, social hours, and charity events. Zoom burnout is the idea of energy decreasing due to an overwhelming amount of your time being spent in constant video calls. According to National Geographic, “Humans communicate even when they’re quiet. During an in-person conversation, the brain focuses partly on the words being spoken, but it also derives additional meaning from dozens of non-verbal cues, such as whether someone is facing you or slightly turned away if they’re fidgeting while you talk, or if they inhale quickly in preparation to interrupt.” To summarize, losing the ability to read social cues properly on a screen is one
of the biggest challenges in an online learning environment. Our brains are now using different stimuli than if we were in face-to-face classes. A recent study by NBC News and Stanford University found that “56% of high school students report that their stress about school has increased.” Some other alarming statistics from this study include 32% of students reporting mental health as a major source of stress versus 26% pre-pandemic. Simply put, our brains are working harder than ever before due to an internet strain and a constant reading of social cues. Another challenge students are facing is a sense of isolation and lack of motivation. Traditionally, one would attend class, make friends, and socialize inside and outside the classroom. However, with an online school format, in-person social interactions are little to non-existent. Referring back to the NBC News/Stanford University study, roughly 4 in 10 students report a decrease in effort and engagement with their learning. Moreover, about 5 in 10 say their relationships with their peers and teachers has decreased. You might be thinking, doesn’t Zoom allow more students to interact due to removal of obstacles such as commuting? That could be correct. However, since students are not as motivated as they usually are, the last thing they probably want to do is hop
GRAPHIC BY FREEPIK.COM on another Zoom or video meeting. It’s worth noting that there are some benefits we’re experiencing from our online education. Online classes allow us to educate ourselves at a time and place of our choosing. Additionally, more businesses are having employees work remotely. By 2025, an estimated 70% of the workforce will be working remotely at least five days a month. Our experiences with online classes is preparing us for this new reality. Now, how exactly can we increase social interactions, decrease screen time, and avoid zoom fatigue? Here are some suggestions: ▸ Turn off your zoom camera. Schedule phone calls if possible ▸ Alter the settings to speaker view rather than the gallery view ▸ Schedule breaks
▸ Stay organized (have a written planner or whiteboard) ▸ Eat healthy ▸ Take breaks ▸ Do not schedule back to back meetings ▸ Avoid multitasking such as having many internet windows up and working on other projects while in class ▸ Learn how you best handle stress ▸ Reach out to your friends through a phone call ▸ Join a group that is fun such as a book club or other hobby that you find of interest ▸ Go for a walk outside Many students I’ve spoken to say they have learned some very valuable skills this past year. Personally, I’ve developed discipline, learned how to manage my time, and have become more assertive with my communication. I like to take walks and do yoga in between zoom sessions. I find that having a time buffer between zoom calls gives me time to clear my head. What are some of your tips and suggestions for addressing these challenges? Are you interested in participating in this conversation and willing to share thoughts, opinions and stories? Please visit the Civil Discourse Program’s online whiteboard to continue this dialogue.
Click Here for a Link to whiteboard
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
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LOCAL NEWS
APRIL 7, 2021
LBCOMMUTER.COM
Smiles Aglow CONTINUED FROM COVER
PHOTOS: DAKOTA GANGE
Kat Cheek (left), Austin Hill, and Hannah Davis. Kat says “I’m enjoying my first time in a restaurant setting since the pandemic -- I’m fully vaccinated!” Hill and Davis are planning their June wedding!
“Cliffy” is gleaming. Common Fields owners Cherish and Jacob Oliver in front of their tap room.
Fires warm the crowd. Christopher Schechter and daughter Edison. Andy Campnella smiles wide with his brew.
A relaxed environment.
COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU
LOCAL NEWS
APRIL 7, 2021
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
Owner Jacob Oliver behind the scenes.
COMMON FIELDS (TAP ROOM AND EATERY) WHERE: 545 SW 3rd St. Corvallis
HOURS: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday - Saturday.
WEBSITE: http://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com
Mike Ewing plays at one of a couple first acoustic shows in Corvallis, here at Common Fields.
This group is enjoying beer, food, music, and cards.
Jonah Crowley and Tiana Jaramillo enjoying a brew and finger-lickinggood nachos!
View from the kids play area.
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
The 1st Wednesday in April is National Walking Day. Lace up and go! Walking benefits your health, safety and so much more. ▸11 Ways to Walk More on National Walking Day ▸Everyone is a Pedestrian - Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers ▸11 Rules for Staying Safe While Walking ▸15 Benefits of Walking for Just 15 Minutes
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Annie and Chistopher Schechter with daughter Edisison, and brother Chris and best friend Rhea Jans.
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LOCAL NEWS
APRIL 7, 2021
LBCOMMUTER.COM
Tulips, Tulips, Tulips A Once-in-a-year Experience - Oregon's Tulip Festival
STORY BY CHRISSY VEACH The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is back in Woodburn, and it’s something you don’t want to miss. Filled with 40 acres of tulips of every color of the rainbow, covering the ground beneath your feet, providing an only once-a-year experience of vibrant colors and aromas. You can walk about, drive about, and even float about in a hot air balloon above the magical sea of flowers. What is known as the “Tulip Festival'' occurs from March 19 to May 2, but never fear, they do have covid restrictions to keep the public safe, with over 100 acres of outdoor space. Reservations are not offered, and ticket ranges are as follows: Individual season passes, where you can come up to two times per day are $62.80. Weekday day passes for individuals above 13 years of age are $16.45. Weekday family car passes, including 3 or more adults with one vehicle, are for $32.05. Senior weekday passes for those of 65 or older are $11.30. Children 12 years or younger get free admission. The hot air balloon rides are running but are weather-dependent. You can bring your dog (ground adventures only) as long as they are on a leash. You may pre-order tulip bulbs, purchase cut flowers, or buy some potted tulips. There’s lodging nearby, with tulip festival packages available, so if you desire you can have a low-key getaway. This festival is helping raise funds to help with Alzheimer’s in remembrance
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PHOTO: PNW.ADVENTURES.82 ON INSTAGRAM
of Dorothy Iverson, who helped cultivate the tulip farm when it was her home. They also have a photo contest with different categories, which you can look at on their website with their requirements and prizes. Check it all out on their website and don’t miss this uniquely Oregon opportunity!
Tulip Festival Information
WHERE: 33814 South Meridian Road, Woodburn, OR, 97071 WHEN: March 19 - May 2
WEBSITE: www.woodenshoe.com \ www.woodenshoe.com/ events/tulip-fest
COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU
APRIL 7, 2021
Photojournalists
Incoming
Spring Term’s Photojournalism Class Starts Off Strong
CAMPUS NEWS
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STORY AND PHOTO: ETHAN PHIFER
My name is Ethan Phifer. I am a freshman in college enrolled at both Oregon State University and Linn Benton Community College. My major is marketing however I am also thinking of getting a minor in journalism. I am a proud member of the fraternity, Phi Delta Theta and that is also where I live.
STORY AND PHOTO: MATTEA HELLMAN
I’m Mattea Hellman, and I’m currently participating in an intro photojournalism course. I did journalism for three years in high school, in varying editor positions, and am currently set to major in journalism moving forward. I won the Oregon Runner-up Student Journalist of the year award, along with a few other scholastic commendations. I want to spend my life reading and writing, in whatever facet that comes to be.
The propagation station in my kitchen window.
STORY AND PHOTOS: SADIE BEAM
Me matching with my smoothie.
Gyromitra Infula found in Peavy Arboretum.
Hello! I'm Sadie Beam (she/them)! I was born in Corvallis in April, 1990. I grew up with 2 biological brothers, and 2 non biological brothers in a small house on 12th street. After high school, I moved to Portland Oregon to attend East West College of natural healing to become a LMT (licensed massage therapist). After working in Portland as a massage therapist for about 10 years, I now feel ready for the next phase of my career. I am loosely planning on pursuing a career in Art Therapy. I am currently waffling between majoring in psychology and women's studies, or arts, media and technology. Naturally, photojournalism was appealing as it is both a study on people as well as artistic expression. In my spare time I enjoy learning about fungi and hiking (mostly just to find more fungi). I am a huge fan of most things DIY and love acquiring new skills. I am the kind of person who has a dozen projects going on at any given time. I love learning through experimentation. My current kicks are rug making, watercolor painting, and fussy house plants. I am exiting a very physical phase of hobbies: long bike rides and long distance running. I currently enjoy a quick jog on the treadmill, to leave more time for other hobbies, over a long mountain run. I love all kinds of music, but right now I oscillate between Mort Garson, Electric Wizard and early 2000's pop music depending on the mood.
Neighbor, Katelin, celebrates her 30th birthday with husband Jon.
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CAMPUS NEWS
APRIL 7, 2021
LBCOMMUTER.COM
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 STORY AND PHOTOS: SI MATTA
Greetings, my name is Si Matta. I am a non-traditional student returning to school in my mid 40's to get a degree in folklore/ creative writing. I will be transferring to Evergreen State College starting in fall of 2021 to finish my BA and then hope to continue on to get my MFA in creative writing at OSU.
The Whiteside Theatre in Corvallis was hit hard this year due to Covid-19 restrictions and remained closed for most of the year.
I am taking photojournalism this term to learn more skills in documentary photography and storytelling. I have curated a blog called Gathering the Stories for the last 10 years that is focused on my Indigenous heritage to the Columbia River Gorge, and feel that my work with the blog will only benefit more from taking this class. The three goals I have for this class is to get better at capturing the moment with my camera, learn better editing skills with my photos to tell better stories, and learn more about the field of photojournalism. I have extensive photography and film experience but have primarily focused on landscapes and artistic experimentation, with some work in independent news media outlets, but mostly in a film editing capacity.
Lights, camera, action! Whiteside is happy to re-open after a long hard year. A quarantine selfie.
This is a beautiful Oregon Coast sunset that I captured with one of my best friends. Joelle Elaine(she is the one standing on the rock) This is probably the proudest achievement of when I "captured the moment."
STORY AND PHOTOS: MACKAYLA TOKAR
My name is MacKayla, you can call me Mac. I grew up in a small town on the coast of Oregon, Waldport. I have always been a very creative person so as a career I want to do something creative. I love making and creating art. One of my passions is film and photography and more specifically filming and photographing people's lives. My career goal is to be a director for movies and other various projects. Why I took this class is to learn how to photograph people's lives in a way to convey a message. I want to not only learn and gain practicing photography but to learn how to capture the moment. To get a little personal, I don't have a whole lot of photography experience but there's a reason. When I was a kid I instantly knew what I wanted to do in life but did not have a lot of supporters on my team. I faced a lot of people in my life that told me I would never be talented and or never be able to make it a career. I pushed my passion to the side and focused on what they wanted me to do in life. Now that I have traveled, experienced life, and listened to myself, I have found that I am in fact very talented in this field(not to boast). Back in 2019 when Covid-19 first surfaced I took this as an opportunity to grow and to become closer with myself. These past two years of my life I have done what I wanted to do and it is paying off. In these past two years I have drawn, photographed, and filmed more things than I ever have in my life. This is my biggest reason for taking this class. It's not "a class" for me. It's almost a necessity for me to learn so I can prove my talents in a correct manner. And the best part of all of this is that I am only 18 and, hopefully, still have a lot of years left to learn and grow. And I can't wait to share it with everyone.
This is my Senior photo. I graduated in 2020, and this photo was taken in a woody meadow up the Alsea River near and around Waldport.
I took this photo at my workplace, Toppers Ice Cream and Candy in Yachats, Oregon. It was a slow but gorgeous Monday afternoon and this lighting was too good to pass up.
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APRIL 7, 2021
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CAMPUS NEWS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 STORY AND PHOTOS: CARLIE CARI
I am from Camas, Washington but live in Corvallis and attend LBCC and Oregon State. I am currently a sophomore in college and am a marketing major. I love photography and have been taking photos since I was young and have gone through many cameras. I have done a few friends' senior photos as well. I have not charged anyone or created a business, it is just something I love to do on the side. I am really excited to take this class because I want to learn more about photojournalism. Pancake breakfast Easter morning.
Photo taken in Portland walking along the waterfront
Tumalo Falls hike.
STORY AND PHOTOS: BLAINE LARSEN
Hello, My name is Blaine Larsen. I love Photography. The saying "A picture is worth a thousand words" is so true. The world is constantly moving around us, it's all happening so fast, pause it for a moment and you can really examine it. I have taken two photography classes and a digital design class back in high school. I loved taking pictures so much, I got myself a beginner camera, a canon t6. I mostly take pictures of nature, landscapes, animals. Taking pictures of people in this class could prove a challenge for me.
Two horses grazing.
OSU Covered Bridge.
My major is Architecture and I'm in my first year. it hasn't gotten too hard yet, so I'm savoring every minute. I'm taking this class because I want to explore my city through a lens and capture some really great photos. this class is gonna be a blast and I can't wait. Below is my favorite photo.
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A&E
APRIL 7, 2021
LBCOMMUTER.COM
5-Word Book
Reviews BY LEAH BIESACK
White Noise, Don DeLillo: Most approachable of DeLillo’s work. Consider the Lobster, David Foster Wallace: Title essay gets dark fast. Beowulf, Multiple anonymous authors from forever ago: Challenging language. Similar to calculous. Once Upon A Time in Shaolin; The untold story of WuTang Clan’s secret album, the devaluation of music, and America’s new public enemy no.1, Cyrus Bozorgmehr: Fun, relevant. Middle section drags.
To Print
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Complete the grid so each row, column, and 3x3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit.
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A&E
APRIL 7, 2021
11
Suspicious Switch Fun is 'Among Us' REVIEW BY
STEVEN PRYOR
@STEVENPRR2PRYOR
After the success of the title on PC and mobile devices, the online video game sensation “Among Us” has come to the Nintendo Switch. Though admittedly simple on the surface, the team at Innersloth have shown their game can translate well to the Switch and provide an ideal console for newcomers to try it. The premise and gameplay are as follows: set in one of three remote locations, you play in groups of 4-10 players. One player is chosen to be an impostor, and the remaining players are chosen to be crew members. In order for the crew to win, the crew members must complete all the tasks they’re assigned or eject the impostor from their ranks. However, for the impostor to win, they must eliminate the other crew members without getting caught. The setup has drawn comparisons to the 1982 version of “The Thing” by John Carpenter, only with the cast members being
AMONG US
PUBLISHER: Innersloth/Play Every Ware DEVELOPER: Innersloth/Play Every War PLATFORM: Nintendo Switch ESRB RATING: E10+ MY RATING: ★★★★★
colorful people shaped like jelly beans. Though the game was originally published in 2018, it really took off over the course of the last year; with the novel coronavirus/ COV ID-19 pandemic contributing to a rise in online gaming. The surge in popularity resulted in Innersloth channeling features and updates that were initially intended for a theoretical sequel into the existing game instead. This decision was a good one as the game now has a whole new audience to appeal to, with the Switch having sold nearly 80 million units worldwide as of this writing. Using both the buttons and the touch screen in handheld mode, the game is simple enough to get into; yet the nature of the setup means it’s rarely ever the same experience twice. With the game available on the Nintendo Switch eShop for just a bargain price of $5, now is a great time to give this title a try. If you’re looking for suspicious fun on your Switch, you can def initely f ind it “Among Us.”
Gleefully Absurd SOUTH PARK VACCINATION SPECIAL
REVIEW BY
STEVEN PRYOR
CREATOR: Trey Parker and Matt Stone RATED: TV-MA-DSV MY RATING: ★★★★☆ Available on Comedy Central and HBO Max
@STEVENPRR2PRYOR
On March 10, 2021; “South Park ” aired their second 1-hour special in the 24-season run of the show, the “Vaccination Special.” Even after nearly a quarter of a century; the show has lost none of its bite in animated satirical social commentary in the most challenging times for society as of late. Nearly six months have passed since the events of the previous “Pandemic Special.” As Herbert Garrison returns to South Park to resume his post as a teacher, everyone in town is v ying to be among the f irst to be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus/ COV ID-19. This coincides with a rift forming between the children in town and a group of paranoid online conspiracy theorists. Even as life
continues to adjust to the pandemic, all does not go smoothly. Much like the previous “Pandemic Special,” this doublelength episode juxtaposes its trademark intentionally-crude animation and raunchy humor to make a not-entirely-serious point about current events. Without spoiling anything, the episode is
also rife with callbacks and cameos for longtime fans of the show. The episode builds on the previous special with the right balance of humor and surprising emotional depth. One scene can poke fun at the recent launch of Paramount Plus, another can show how a long friendship can be damaged by a
simple misunderstanding. Though it remains to be seen exactly what form the world will take after the pandemic, it’s clear the “South Park Vaccination Special” is a gleefully-absurd shot of topical hilarity that’s easy to recommend for viewing.
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SPORTS
APRIL 7, 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 Trina Marvin, Basketball and Track & Field Marvin, a Lebanon High School product, initially headed to University of Oregon to play softball and participate in track & field, but left after the Fall term. She landed at Linn-Benton and over the course of her two years participated in volleyball, basketball, track & field and softball, which LB launched as a club sport. Marvin earned all-America honors as a javelin and discuss thrower, finishing 4th in the javelin at the NJCAA National Championships in 1979 and 1980. Marvin's performance was the highest finish ever for a female Roadrunner at the NJCAA's. She also was a starter on the basketball team and among the team's leading scorers and helped lead the Roadrunners to a 13-3 record and a second place finish in the OCCAA in 1980.
S T U DENT LEAD
Depsite her success in track & field, basketball and volleyball, Marvin's first love was softball. After leaving LB she transferred to Oregon State and starred as a pitcher for the Beavers' softball program. Marvin still holds the Beavers' pitching records for season (0.26) and career (0.52) ERA. She also pitched the Beavers' second-ever no hitter in 1982 in a 1-0 victoroy over Portland State.
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COUNCIL
STUDENT LEADERSHIP UPDATE
Get Involved! Join a Club: WHY JOIN A CLUB?
1. AWESOME PEOPLE AND GREAT ENVIRONMENT Becoming a part of a club is crucial to finding your group of people and a supportive environment.
2. FEEL
MORE CONNECTED TO YOUR SCHOOL
When you start discovering cool resources, creating your own hidden spot, and knowing what your college has accomplished, it’s easier to enjoy being at college.
3. CAREER
DEVELOPMENT
Joining clubs can provide you with opportunities to build your resume and allow you to engage in things that will help you grow your skills. Leadership positions in clubs are also great avenues to career development.
CLICK HERE
FOR A FULL LIST OF LBCC'S CLUBS
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING OR STARTING A CLUB CONTACT MORGAN SYLVIA AT SLCCLUBSENGAGE@LINNBENTON.EDU