The Commuter: May 27, 2022

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T H E

L I N N - B E N T O N

C O M M U N I T Y

C O L L E G E

M AY 2 7 , 2 0 2 2

VOL. 53 EDITION 24

MARTIN LUTHER with a

SUMMER STARTS SPARK MORE ON PAGE 4

JR.

PHOTO: BRENDA AUTRY

Brian and Jill Lulay showing their sunflowers.

GRAPHICS FREEPIK.COM

DYNO DAY

SEE PAGE 3

INSIDE THIS EDITION

CARMENCEMENT

SEE PAGE 5

COMMUTER AWARDS

SEE PAGE 9

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CAMPUS NEWS

MAY 27, 2022

LBCOMMUTER.COM 

Beat the Heat First Responder, Columnist, and Student Vedis Frick Talks Sun Safety PHOTO: ANDREA PIACQUADIO VIA PEXELS

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.

Keeping your Apartment Cool on a Budget Portable fans and air conditioners can be nice, but they’re not always budget friendly and might not be allowed in your rental depending on your lease. Use ice trays; One method to keep your apartment cool is to fill buckets or bowls with ice, and place them in front of windows. If you’re able to, have more than one window open to allow for a cross breeze.

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 Layout Designer Kailyn McQuisten Marketing/Advertising Sean Ramos ‑­ Director Alicen Arsenault - Asst. Marketing Director Naomi Thomas - AD Designer Photo Editor Sabrina Dedek A&E Editor Leah Biesack A&E Steven Pryor Sports Editor Logan Hannigan-Downs Student Voice Editor Avery Leon-Castillo Web Master Marci Sischo Contributors Chrissy Veach Brenda Autry Arianna Stahlbaum Carsyn Meyers Hathai Sangsupan Rebecca Sturm

ICONS:FREEPIK.COM

Utilize Electrolytes and Salts “Salt? But doesn’t that dehydrate?” In large quantities, yes, however, salt is a vital mineral for survival. If you can’t get yourself some orange juice or “Gatorade,” mix a little salt with your water to save and replenish those essential minerals that your body loses as you sweat. Many websites will recommend “sea salt,” but kosher salt or table salt will serve you well. Salt ratios are generally one teaspoon to one liter. For a 16oz bottle, you want less than a quarter teaspoon.

COLUMN BY VEDIS FRICK Student and licensed First Responder Vedis Firck began training for her first responder certification in 2018.

“I had been working at a casino in Lincoln City, and for whatever reason, security really wanted to add me to their department.” Frick took them up on the opportunity to train as a first responder with the American Heart Association certified EMTs who ran the training directly through the department.

Their father was a medic in the army, so growing up Frick “had a paltry smattering of assorted first aid info, and was interested in pursuing something more concrete.”

The training lasted for six months, which consisted of practice on specially made dummies as well as scenarios written and roleplayed amongst the training group. “I positioned myself often at Imagine Coffee and gave out free blood pressure checks as a means of practicing, though the bulk of my first aid training has gone to use in the care of heat exhaustion, bug bites, and snake bites at the local parks.”

A first responder is the lowest level on the tier, says Frick.

“We are the first on scene, generally, but we have to be able and willing to work with EMTs or Nurses if/when they arrive to take over.”

Here is Fricks recommendations on how to stay safe in the summer heat, and how to recognize heat stroke.

Wear Sun Protection and Use Sunscreen This includes things that keep the sun off of your skin (like hats, visors, and parasols), and sunscreen. Sunscreen is incredibly important, as UV radiation from the sun can result in burns, heat sickness (or exhaustion,) and even cell death and cancer. For many years misinformation was common, but yes, dark skinned humans need sunscreen just as much as the fair skinned do! “EltaMD,” “Fenty Sunscreen,” and “Black Girl Sunscreen” are some good brands that offer quality protection, without leaving a trace on darker skin tones. As you sweat and romp around in the summer sun, make sure to reapply your sunscreen!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

This is one where I’m sure a lot of folks will say “well, obviously.” Yet, it’s harder for some people rather than others to maintain the daily recommended 11.5-15.5 cups of water.

Not to worry! Water isn’t the only thing that can hydrate you.

In fact, when someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, what is recommended is a glass of orange juice or milk. I wouldn’t recommend mixing those two together, but look to the juices in your hour of need!

Play in the Water Summer fun isn’t “kids only.” If you’re five, or if you’re fifty, time in the water can help reduce the effects of summer heat on your body. This works the same way our sweat does; As the water evaporates off of our skin, it cools us down, helping us stay safe and happy in the sun for a little bit longer.

As you swim, frolic, or tube in the water, however, make sure you’re still staying hydrated and wear sunscreen as the water can act as a reflectant of the sun's rays on your exposed skin.

Also as a note, while swimming with a full stomach might cause stomach cramping, it is not as dangerous as common myth once had us believe. Each swimmer should make decisions based on their own skill level in order to enjoy the water safely.

Air Filter Fan Combo A large box fan is one method to keep your apartment air clean and cool; Attach two air filters to either side of the fan, forming a triangle that the air must pass through before being blown out again by the fan. For bonus cooling, you can stick a bowl or bucket of ice in the center of the filter/ fan combo, cooling the air further as it moves over the ice and through the fan.

Get out Some may not have access to freezers, air conditioners, or other cooling methods at home. If you are able to, get out of the house, and visit public places where you can stay cool and safe. The Corvallis Community Center, The Benton County Public Library, and the Whiteside Theatre are outfitted to act as ‘cooling centers’ in the event of emergency, and many public or city owned buildings/businesses have free programming throughout the day to keep you cool and occupied. If you have a friend you can shelter with, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Recognizing Signs of Heat Stroke Heat stroke is called heat stroke because it is very much a stroke-like condition brought on by heat. Heat stroke is no laughing matter, and something that you need to treat immediately upon recognition. The best thing to do, of course, is to prevent heat stroke. In the event of an emergency, however, here’s what to look for: • Very high body temperature, confusion, slurred speech, or an altered mental status • Hot, dry skin and profuse sweating, or a loss of consciousness • Seizures What to do in the Event of Heat Stroke It’s important to call for an ambulance. I know that due to the low income nature of many college students, this can be stressful, but heat stroke is fatal if not treated. Calling an ambulance is the first thing you do as you begin treatment.

• Move afflicted person into cool, shaded area or indoors • Remove outer layers of clothing • Place cool, wet towels directly onto the skin (best at neck, groin, and in the armpits - places with a lot of veins and circulation) • Circulate the air around the afflicted person • Soak clothing with cold water or ice water if possible • If the person is conscious, provide them with something cool (and preferably electrolyte rich) to drink; Water, milk, orange juice, and “Gatorade.”

Recognizing signs of Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion, also sometimes called heat sickness, is a form of heat related stress that is liable to develop into heat stroke if not properly treated. Signs of heat exhaustion include: • Headache and dizziness • Nausea Weakness • Intense Thirst Irritability/crankiness • How to Treat Heat Exhaustion • Heavy sweating • Elevated body temperature Decreased Urine Output While heat exhaustion is not yet at the level of severity of heat stroke, it is still recommended you call an ambulance. In the event of heat exhaustion, follow the heat stroke treatments listed above.

 COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU

MAY 27, 2022

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Dyno Day Resumes After Covid-fueled Break CTE Program at the Advanced Transportation Technology Center Showcases Student Projects STORY AND PHOTOS BY AVERY LEÓN-CASTILLO Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many yearly events were canceled or otherwise changed. One of these was Dyno Days which has been an event put on by the Automotives Technology and Heavy Equipment and Diesel Technology programs at the Advanced Transportation Technology Center in Lebanon; however, it is back this year.

The purpose of the two-day long event is to feature the projects CTE students have worked on throughout the year, to show prospective students what is offered, and to show off the two Dynamometer instruments in their possession.

The purpose of the Chassis-Dynamometer is to test the torque and horsepower of a vehicle. It’s also known as a “rolling road” because it’s built like a treadmill. When hooked up to these instruments, vehicles can sometimes be run for upwards of 24 hours at 100 mph! The reason for this is so that manufacturers can thoroughly test how the chassis and engine holds up under pressure.

Families and friends of the program’s students, as well as alumni and car engineers and service technicians, were invited. Because the event was also held as a show, owners of vintage cars and more expensive, less common cars, also were welcomed.

One of the rare cars that appeared was a 2009 black Mercedes-Benz model. The owner, George Larson, collects cars. He said he has eight other cars, besides the Benz, and attends car shows around the city. Every show he attends with a car, he brings a book which has details about the car itself. This specific model is that it weighs about 31003600 pounds, and is one of only 230 cars of its kind in the United States. Larson said he got the car for half off its original price, which he explains is a bit of a spectacle as these cars are so rare.

Along with the cars, there were also activities like an interactive simulation for race car driving. Student and Instructional assistant, Josh Brunader, ran this simulation as

Josh Brunader, a student of the Automotives Technology program, runs the race car simulation program.

Josh Arnole, a master technician at the ToyotaSubaru shop in Corvallis, shows how the circuits in our cars work. He had a set up with a powerful code reader that connects from the engine of the car to his computer. This is how technicians can decipher mechanical and electrical issues caused by problems with the wiring.

This Nissan sports model sits with its hood popped so everyone can get a close look at its engine.

Students of the Automotives Technology program were able to hook cars that came to the event to a jack to look underneath.

well as showing visitors what the Automotives Technology program will teach students.

These include special tools that are used on electric cars, coated with rubber to protect students from electrocution, as well as thick leather-rubber gloves to have some extra protection.

Brunader said “the program is here to teach students all the information they need to be successful and efficient in their jobs. Engineers and manufacturers are changing the way cars are being made and run so we need to have the tools and technology to keep up with it.”

He also said that he will be graduating in the summer and has plans to work with Tesla. Brunader wants to work for them because they are changing the way cars are being made and they will give him the experience as a technician he wants. He said after a few years though, that he might come back to work as an instructor.

Next to some of the cars in the Automotive Technology’s lab is a Toyota Corolla owned by Master Technician at the Subaru Dealership in Corvallis, Josh Arnole. He has been working there for the last five years.

Arnole came to the event because he wants to give back to the community; He was once an Automotive Tech student (not at LB,) and understands what it’s like.

His table sat next to his car where the hood was up for people to get a look at its engine. He had a high-power code reader hooked up to the engine and it scanned the codes of the circuits to his computer.

He explained that this is how service technicians can decipher which issues are happening where in the car. He also had printouts of the types of circuits and explained a bit of how they worked. There were simpler ones, like for the horn, that only had a few modes of communication and then the more complicated ones like for the overheating alarm, which had multiple modes of communication to where the circuit was connected.

Arnole also collects cars, and likes to buy project cars.

He said that when he has some extra money, he looks for and purchases cars with issues that he is less familiar with so he can work on them and get better at it.

The Corolla he brought to the show was purchased from a customer who didn’t want to spend the time and money it’d take to repair its issues. He has two other cars

George Orwell shows the display book he has with the history of the Mercedes-Benz cars to two students in the Automotives technology program.

he’s currently working on. Arnole says that he thinks it should be a requirement for every service technician to have at least one extra car to work on.

If the Heavy Equipment and Diesel Technology and Automotive Technology programs interest you, be sure to look into registering for it. If you want more background about both programs, be sure to check out this informational article on page two of The Commuter's March 2, 2022 edition.

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MAY 27, 2022

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Sparks and Shortcake Culinary Arts and Welding Club Join Together for a “Weld and Dine”

Conner Bishop assisting Jill and Brian Lulay with welding.

Culinary Arts Students Nolan Ramirez, Kimberly Cebbell and George Krohm serving food at the Weld and Dine.

Welding student Colton Cronkhite giving participants a safety briefing.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRENDA AUTRY

On Thursday, the Welding and Culinary Arts cocurricular clubs came together to host their first ever “Weld and Dine” event.

The Weld and Dine event was a play on Paint and Wine events that have become so popular in recent years. Participants enjoyed a dinner prepared and served by the Culinary Arts Club, and were then instructed by the Welding Club’s students on how to weld a sunflower yard ornament.

The idea for the event came from both clubs’ advisors, Josh Green from the culinary department, and Marc Rose and Cameren Moran from the welding department.

“We were brainstorming ways we could get our club more involved with the community,” Rose said.

“Since COVID has affected our programs so much, we really wanted to get the word out about our programs and give people a way to get out.”

“Josh’s [Green] co-curricular does stuff with the community all the time so we brought him in to get ideas, and this is what we came up with,” Moran said.

The event had two time slots available, 5 and 6 p.m., with ten spaces available in each. Tickets cost $75 each and included dinner, desert, two alcoholic beverages (served after welding), and all materials and safety equipment needed to make a yard ornament.

“We sold out in less than a day,” Green, who was in charge of tickets, said.

Kimbery Cebbell and Nolan Ramirez, both secondyear culinary art students, and George Krohm, a firstyear culinary arts student stayed late after class to serve

the dinner. The dinner, which consisted of pulled pork sandwiches, mac and cheese and cornbread, along with strawberry shortcake for dessert, was prepared after classes by them and the rest of the culinary arts club.

“The dinner was amazing,” said Jill Lulay who came with her husband Brian Lulay. Lulay is the mother of Zach Charley, one of the welding students whose tragic passings in the last couple of years prompted the creation of the Welding Comradery Scholarship in their honor.

After participants enjoyed their dinner in the courtyard, they were given personal protection equipment including welding helmets, welding jackets, safety glasses and welding gloves.Colton Cronkhite, a second-year pipe-welding student, then gave them a safety briefing and instrctions.

“It was a lot of fun helping and watching people do this for the first time,” Cronkhite later said.

When all the participants were ready, they were given their metal pieces and assigned a welding student to guide and assist them throughout the process of constructing their ornaments.

Six welding students participated in the event: Gavyn Hillsman, Ben Barnes, Bryan Vargas, Colton Cronkhite, Ava Edwards and Conner BIshop. Each student took on one or two participants to assist.

“It’s so nicely done,” said Rhonda Hankins, one of the participants. “We each get our own student so we have a lot of personal attention and all the help we want.”

“I wanted to help with this because it sounded like a lot of fun, and I wanted to show the community what we do here,” said Conner Bishop, a second-year pipewelding student.

Once all the participants had completed welding, they were happy to show off what they had made while enjoying their desert and drinks.

“My favorite part was doing the freehand design in the middle,” said Cindy Moran, showing me the designs in her sunflower. “This is definitely a skill that takes a lot of practice. It was a little scary but it was a lot of fun for me.”

“The best part was being able to interact with the students and see the skills they have,” said Kevin Moran.

Of the ten participants in the 5 p.m. slot, only two had ever welded before.

“I’ve never welded before but this sounded fun and I enjoy supporting LBCC,” said David Bennett. “I thought it was a lot of fun and I’m definitely going to do this again.”

“The overwhelming response seems to be that people had a lot of fun and are interested in doing this again,” Rose said at the end of the night. “So, we will definitely be doing more of these types of things in the future.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about the Welding and Culinary Arts programs and upcoming events, you can find information on their Facebook pages under LBCC Welding Program, and LinnBenton Culinary Arts.

MAY 27, 2022

 COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU

CAMPUS NEWS

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CARmencement Preview A Bubbly, Bright, and Loud Commencement

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAKOTA GANGE ‘CARmencement’ graduation ceremonies are a first for LBCC brought on by the pandemic, with last school years event lighting the torch. And while at a glance, or rather a first thought, a drive through graduation could seem a little unwinding.

However, last year's event showed that they are everything but.

With a traditional ceremony on the back burner until further notice, the staff of LBCC has managed to create a fun, relaxing, and lively environment for the car-bound experience. As a result, the quiet and long commencements where one must sit through an entire graduating class, no longer takes precedence.

Instead, loud bells, drums, chimes, tambourines, whoops, hollers, vibrant colors and bubbles fill the air of the northeast parking lot.

This years ‘CARmencement’ will be held June 9 from 4-8 p.m., and will start with brightly painted cars with balloons trailing behind as they begin their descent through the paved maze.

Shortly upon entrance, you may see some familiar faces as you pass by college professors; Faculty and staff, and of course Rocky the Roadrunner, line the sidewalk beaming with energy as they bang on their loud

instruments, dance, and eagerly cheer for the graduating class – Noise is no nuisance at this commencement.

In this style of graduation, one is welcomed to wear whatever makes them feel comfortable. Many students last year wore their caps and gowns, some with appropriate honors wear, and others wore whatever they desired - the choice belongs to the individual.

Family and friends are welcome to pack safely into their cars, clown style, and are encouraged to cordially cheer on their fellow graduates’ as they are dropped off at the podium, where they will do an official walk to receive their diplomas and to have their future plans spilled over the static air of the microphone, before getting back in their vehicles.

Last year, a red rose and photo op were provided as well.

And with a cherry on top, the last stop of the maze holds a tasty treat for the carload.

New to this year's CARmencement, the Student Leadership Council will be hosting a celebratory barbecue in the main courtyard for all graduates, parents and staff to attend. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided; Attendees are welcome to join before or after receiving their diploma.

This low pressure and amusing ceremony will surely not disappoint.

These photos highlight some of the aspects of last year's CARmencement.

Graduation Is Right Around The Corner!

Congratulations to the 2022 LBCC Graduates!

Rocky the Roadrunner is proud of all of you. In fact, the SLC is proud of you, all your instructors are proud of you, and all campus support workers are proud of you because we all recognize that this is a great accomplishment that needs to be celebrated for all of your hard work. Your schooling might have been grueling at times, but you got through it, just like you always do. The SLC wishes you all well on your future endeavors, whether you’re going into a trade, going to a university, entering the work field post graduation, or just taking some time off between your next steps.

Here’s how the SLC can help your graduation night go smoothly: Do you have a cap and gown?

You can come by the Student Union in Forum 120 to borrow a cap and gown during our business hours. You’ll still need to order a tassel for $10 from https://collegegrad.herffjones.com/, but we can supply the cap and gown for the big day.

Did you know that the SLC is hosting an after graduation party?

On Thursday June 9 between 4pm and 8pm, following CARmencement the SLC will be hosting a grad party in the courtyard. Come enjoy a FREE BBQ meal, music, a live streaming of the CARmencement, and graduation keepsakes!

Family and friends are welcome and you can join before or after you receive your diploma. More info about graduation can be found on LB’s website at https://www.linnbenton.edu/student-services/

graduation/commencement.php

LBCCStudentLeaders

@slc.connect PHOTO: STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

Look at these cute stuffed animals we are giving away to graduates!

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

MAY 27, 2022

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Student Maggie Bedrin Uses Poetry and Mixed Media to Heal from Grief STORY BY DAKOTA GANGE POEMS AND PHOTOS BY MAGGIE BEDRIN In a follow up with Maggie Bedrin, she shares her mixed media photo, painting, and poetry series “The Bluest Tears.” This four part series is “based on how grief affects people; Grief tends to warp the perspective, which I showed by taking her [girl in photos] ability to see primary colors.

The series is about relearning how to view life after grief,” said Bedrin.

Inspired by Grandfather passing away, Bedrin often incorporates him into her art.

“The idea behind the acrylic painted pieces [in the photos] are that those are the most prominent thoughts in her head; For example, the apple represents the moment when denial turns to depression. That's why you can see just a slight red in the apple.”

On the back of each canvas is a poem written in thick, black, and swirly letters, and what Bedrin calls “18th century lovers handwriting.”

The series was carefully thought out; In the first piece, “Blinding Blue,” the girls outfit is completely blue, even though the photo was planned out to be black and white. Bedrin then painted on the blue tears. This piece is meant to convey emotional shock, as the girl is crying in a school bathroom.

The second piece, “Reasoning with Red,” the painted apple represents a realistic moment, “When you go somewhere and see something that reminds you of the person that’s gone.”

“Yet to be Yellow” holds a brightly embellished sun as a focal point, meant to represent reflection.

“I felt it [the sun] was the most important aspect.

When it comes to grief, people often turn to nature, which is why I painted it yellow; I felt it was the most important aspect,” said Bedrin.

The last piece, “Primary Perspective,” is representative of reflection after acceptance.

PHOTO: SABRINA DEDEK

BLINDING BLUE Her tears are uncurved, Despite her rounded face.

They do not trail lightly, They do not run in place.

With the thickness of acrylic paint, And the softness of a brick, They run and run, And run and run, And make the floor quite slick.

These are the bluest tears she’s ever seen, That don’t shape her frowned face.

These are the darkest tears she’s ever made, Upon this tiled place.

It’s the blue that stains the floor, Like a river with too much blue.

She’s crying in the bathroom, And now her worlds’ a different hue.

REASONING WITH RED My blueberry hands Have been stained by my bluest tears.

It’s the hue that’s colored my new world, The one with all my fears.

But I have some hope left in me, Despite this bluest hue.

Today I saw an apple, And I could see its color too.

 COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU

MAY 27, 2022

YET TO BE YELLOW PRIMARY PERSPECTIVE Despite the darkened days, I’ve found both red and blue.

The blue from my tears, And the red from what I knew.

And now as I look to the sky, With the sun in its place, I’m beginning to see the yellow, In its every place.

And now with the primaries All at my hand, I can see the color That was meant to paint this land.

I have once again Found the colors That paint my world view.

I knew them once before, And now I know them anew.

I’d like to say they look the same, But that simply isn't true.

Because finding something You lost before, Brings a whole new kind of true.

I had it, And lost it, And have it again.

But it is different now, And it was different then.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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CAMPUS NEWS

MAY 27, 2022

LBCOMMUTER.COM 

First, But Not Last Athletic Department Holds First Hall of Fame Event

Carol Menken-Schaudt speaks to the audience while accepting her award.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SABRINA DEDEK Holding their first Hall of Fame event, LBCC’s Athletic Department celebrated their first star athletes and coaches. Recipients included, Dave Bakley (unfortunately no recipient could be present for the event), Arlene Crosman, Verlund "Butch" Kimpton, Dick McClain, Terry Cornutt, Jim Davidson (received by his wife Debi), Donna Karling (Southwick, Alarcon Elizondo), Jean Melson (Siefer - not present), Carol Menken-Schaudt, Paul Poetsch, and Debbie Prince (Herrold).

The evening included a social gathering; Meet-andgreet, a formal dinner buffet, and award and speech moments. Each inductee had a unique “thank you” speech; Some were sentimental and some humorous.

From the impact on life changing team moments to who was cut out to be a lifeguard at the pool, the remembrance was felt by all attendees.

An evening of “firsts” will not be the last, as the Athletic department hopes to make this an annual affair.

Dick McClain

Left to right, the inductees to LBCC Hall of Fame; Carol MenkenSchaudt, Debbie Prince (Herrold), Verlund "Butch" Kimpton, Debi Davidson (Wife of Jim Davidson), Paul Poetsch, Donna Karling (Southwick, Alarcon Elizondo), Terry Cornutt, Dick McClain, and Arlene Crosman.

President Lisa Avery supports Roadrunner Athletics.

The award given in respect to Athletes for the Athletic Department.

Coach Dick McClain accepts his award and delivers his speech.

 COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU

MAY 27, 2022

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CAMPUS NEWS

Commuter Awards The Commuter Earns 21 Awards at Statewide Competition 12

STORY BY COMMUTER STAFF The Commuter earned 21 awards — ­ including ten first-place awards ­­— in this year's Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association's Collegiate competition. The work of this year's Commuter staff was judged against other community college newspapers around the state of Oregon. All work considered for this year's competition was published online or in the newspaper during the 2021 calendar year.

The awards were announced virutally on May 18.

The Commuter's accomplishments include: • • •

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Best Section, first place, Commuter Staff for A&E Best Special Section, second place, Commuter staff for Veterans Day 2021 Best Headline Writing, first place, Commuter staff for "Mushroom Hunts 'Afoot," "The Sweet Side of Second Street," and "Are You W.E.I.R.D.?"

Best Writing, first place, Dakota Gange Best Feature Story, second place, Dakota Gange for "Homeless Amid the Virus" Best Sports Story, first place, Hikari Kawai for "Oregon Surfing" Best Review, first place, Leah Biesack for "Hazella" Best Spot News Story, third place, Sabrina Dedek for "Marching for Women's Rights" Best Spot News Story, second place, Logan Hannigan-Downs for Veterans Day 2021 coverage Best Sports Photo, second place, Logan Hannigan-Downs for Roadrunner Championship photo Best Sports Photo, first place, Logan Hannigan-Downs for photo of cross country runners Best Feature Photo, second place, Logan Hannigan-Downs for corn maze photos Best Feature Photo, first place, Brenda Autry for fairy photo Best Photography, third place, Dakota Gange Best Photography, second place, Sabrina Dedek Best Photography, first place, Logan Hannigan-Downs Best Design, second place, Rebecca Fewless and Dakota Gange for "Spring Fever" Best Design, first place, Kailyn McQuisten and Dakota Gange for "Ring in the Season" Best Graphic, third place, Kailyn McQuisten for "Ring in the Season" Best Graphic, first place, Rebecca Fewless for "Leaders of Change" Best Website, second place, Alicen Aresenault

A&E

NOVEMBER 17, 2021

LBCOMMUTER.COM 

lovIn’ From the oven

Break Out The Family Recipes and Preheat the Oven, Feasts and Festivities Are Now In Season STORY & PHOTOS BY ARIANNA STAHLBUM

2022 COLLEGIATE NEWSPAPER CONTEST

The Commuter- Linn Benton CC has earned a

1st Place awarded for

Best Section Staff

The smell of sweet pumpkin and ginger floats through the house every Thanksgiving. Mom has crafted my favorite Fall treat-- soft pumpkin cookies with a sweet sugar glaze that will leave you desperate to get your hands on more.

When I was young, I’d sneak a few and blame the missing cookies on my sisters because I didn’t want to get in trouble, but the dopamine released after just the first bite wouldn’t let me stay away; it kept whispering sweet things in my ear until I caved.

Now I take them with no shame.

They’re too good.

My mom wouldn’t give me her recipe, so this is the closest thing I could find to the real thing. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do, but be warned: you won’t want to share them with anyone!

INGREDIENTS Cookies (32) 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar 1 cup pumpkin puree (I use canned) 1 large egg 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Maple Glaze 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, plus more as needed 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Set aside.

In a mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes. Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined. Add flour mixture and beat on low speed just until combined.

Shape dough into balls, the size of 1.5 tablespoons (30g) each (I like to use this medium scoop), and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2-inches apart. The cookies won't spread much during baking.

This is not a complicated recipe and it is easy to swap out ingredients for preference or health reasons. Instead of butter, an ingredient a friend of mine cannot consume, I used vegetable oil. You could also use applesauce or mashed bananas as a butter substitute in baking.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges appear set. Allow cookies to cool for 10-15 minutes in the cookie sheet, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the glaze (optional): Whisk all the ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Add more maple syrup as necessary until you get a thick yet pourable consistency. Drizzle over cookies using a spoon or a piping bag (it's

STORY & PHOTOS BY AVERY LEON-CASTILLO

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BUN: Put all of the dry ingredients into a bowl and combine them thoroughly.

Add the water, egg, and butter and mix until clumpy and then you can put it on a clean, dry, lightly floured surface and knead it. It will be sticky, and the clumps probably won’t hold together at first. Knead it by pushing the ball away from you with the heel of your hand, ball it back up, turn it, and repeat. Trust me, eventually it will be completely formed and you’ll be sore but it’s worth it! You will know the dough is ready once you can stretch it a bit and it doesn’t break apart and it stays in the shape you

T H E

INSTRUCTIONS: In a bowl, combine the butter and sugar and beat them until they are a pale color. Add the egg in and beat until just combined. It’ll be fluffy and airy, but not too dense. Tip- it will NOT look like whipped cream! You can hand beat them, or you can use an electric mixer.

I used a handheld mixer and just kept the settings low. Once that is combined, add in the flour by folding it under with a spatula or mixing spoon. Don’t beat it as the flour will go flying! Add in the coffee flavor and mix until the texture is smooth and not too runny like cake batter, but not too stiff like dough.

Open the oven and look in on your buns to see the way the yummy coffee topping melts down, making a delightful shell!

intend for it. Once you have your dough, put it in a clean bowl, cover with a towel or saran wrap, and let it rest for about an hour and a half to two hours. While you wait, measure out 100 grams of butter and divide them into blocks. These you’ll want to freeze (after dividing) so that when you wrap them in the dough, they will melt properly.

Once the first proof is done, lightly punch the ball and just get it a bit warm and flexible. Divide it into as many balls, of any size you would like. I did 10 balls, some were a bit smaller than others but that’s fine! Once you have your balls formed, get the extra butter from your fridge or freezer and flatten out your balls. Put the butter in the very center and wrap the bread around it. I did a pinch-rotate method to do this and then smoothed it out. Once you’ve done this

L I N N - B E N T O N

with all of your buns, put them all on a pan and space them apart where there’s essentially a ghost bun in between each of them. Put a towel or cover the pan with saran wrap and proof the buns for another hour and a half. During this time, preheat the oven to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare the coffee shell topping.

RECIPE FOR THE TOPPING: 200 grams of butter (completely melted) 150 grams of sugar (either powdered, castor, or cane sugar works)- I used cane sugar 3 eggs 200 grams flour (again, bread flour or regular flour works)- I used the same I used for the bread For the coffee flavor, you can either combine a tablespoon of instant coffee

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to two tablespoons of hot water, or have three tablespoons of pre brewed coffee.

You can also add two tablespoons of espresso, if you like a more coffee flavor.

I used instant coffee and one tablespoon of espresso powder, the flavor was there but it wasn’t super strong.

Rotiboy is a very popular snack food which originated in Malaysia and is also very popular in bakeries around Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea and other countries in Asia. It is also known as Mexican Coffee Buns, though they aren’t actually from Mexico.

The method and sort of inspiration for the creation does however come from immigrants of Mexico who pass down the recipes for snack-bread like conchas or pan dulce and was modified by their children into this delicious, coffee flavored, crunchy bun. There are multiple important steps to this recipe, including making the bread for the buns, buttering-up the buns, as well as making the yummy coffee-flavored shell.

RECIPE FOR THE BUN: 500 grams of flour (either bread flour, or regular)- I used bread flour 80 grams of sugar (cane or castor sugar works)- I use cane sugar 9 grams of salt 10 grams of yeast 60 grams of butter 280 milliliters of water 1 egg For the bun filling, an extra 100 grams of butter

easier with a piping bag). Allow glaze to set, 15-30 minutes.

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave on the counter, still covered, or overnight in the fridge.

BAKING: After your topping is prepared, and the buns have finished proofing, it’s time to combine everything in sweet, confectionary harmony. From the bowl containing the cream, you can either use a spoon to spread it onto the bun, or you can use a piping bag. Nothing too fancy needs to be done, the spread will melt onto the bun while cooking and create a crunchy top part. I used a spoon, putting a good-sized dollop on top and spreading it until about two thirds of the way down. You don’t want to do it too far because the point of the topping is to melt down. No biggie though if it gets on the pan! Put the pan in the oven and let the buns bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a nice golden brown color. I recommend eating them when they are fresh out of the oven with either a good cup of hot cocoa or coffee. You can also wait to eat them if course, and if the crunch is gone, you can pop them back in the oven and cook them for up to 10 minutes to get the hard shell back.

C O L L E G E

JAN. 13, 2021

homeless AmId

VIrus

the

Corvallis Homeless Men Speak Out About Their Situation Amid the Pandemic STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAKOTA GANGE “If you really want to help these people, go get them some firewood, they’re freezing,” says a Corvallis citizen as he uses sticks, twigs, and branches to build a small fire in front of a medium-sized tent, in which sits a rosy-cheeked blonde woman, swaddled in blankets. She does not speak to strangers on this almost freezing Saturday afternoon, at the official Corvallis homeless camp sites, underneath the downtown Highway 34 bridge. Many residents of this area are resistant to talk, and ask to remain anonymous.

The property is owned by the City of Corvallis, in which this land is provided to those who are homeless and wish to stay, as long as they keep it clean. There is a large blue dumpster that is provided at the edge of the northwest sidewalk along the property, near the skatepark; “As long as we keep it clean, we can stay here,” says local homeless tenant Vern Jones.

Jones is a Corvallis local, who has been homeless in the area for 10 years. When asked if he’s seen an increase in the homeless since the pandemic, Jones says, “There used to be maybe ten tents here, now there are forty.”

Jones is an alcoholic, which “helps keep him warm.” He has no family, and the locals here

Locally known as “The Keyboard Kid,” Damian Scott plays self written melodies among the streets of Corvallis. He’s been playing the keyboard for 11 years, and taught himself without ever learning to read music. This is his only means of survival.

only “tolerate him,” says the anonymous good citizen.

This portion of the campsite is quite large, containing at least 15 tents in the main area. There are piles of clothes, trash that’s been bagged up, bikes, tables, and everyone is

Long-time Corvallis local Vern Jones says he’s seen an increase of about 30 tents since the official homeless camp opened up among the pandemic. “If you really want to help these people, go get them some firewood, they’re freezing,” says a citizen who stopped to help build a fire for a young homeless woman.

Dakota Gange

A tent sits a little further south from the main group, standing alone in the base of a few trees. Inside the tent is a glow with a small lantern, and outside is a large bin full of dog food, with a silver dog bowl on top.

walking around anymore,” says Scott.

He taught himself how to play music, without ever learning to read it. Playing his keyboard is his only means of survival, and with the pandemic keeping musicians at bay, Scott has been facing basic survival needs.

He travels around the city with his almost four-foot keyboard, a blanket and sleeping bag equally as large, and a backpack.

These are his only belongings, and he sleeps on cardboard to “keep the cement from sucking out the cold.”

If you are a student at Linn-Benton Community College and are struggling with housing, food, utilities, education costs, and more, know there are resources out there easily accessible for you. You can access these resources through Roadrunner Resources, on the LB official website, where you will find a quick questionnaire to help LB determine the best way to help you and get resources to you quickly.

There’s no doubt that the homeless crisis has indeed increased in the last nine months, and with that comes people from all walks of life.

InsIde thIs edItIon

GRAPHICS: FREEPIK.COM

Dear Colleagues,

bundled up and blatantly cold, trying to make a fire in front of their tent.

To the south side of the camp there are other tents that have spread out individually, nestled in the base of trees and grassy fields. They seem to have means other than fire to keep warm, such as heat lamps aglow in their tents. What they are doing to get electricity to power these lamps is still not clear.

Another young man who chooses not to reside among the camp is 23-year-old “Piano Man” or “KeyBoard Kid” Damian Scott. “I don’t like the energy of it all [the downtown camp], so that’s why I sleep in the doorway [of a Corvallis store front].”

Scott has been a street performer for 11 years, where he plays unknown, unheard of and unwritten music on his keyboard for the public. He’s been living in Portland and Corvallis for “a couple of months'' after coming here from Kansas. He plans to stay here “at least throughout the winter.”

“What’s different [among the pandemic] is I’ve had to figure out where most of the people are, like the places that most people go to, to play music outside to earn my way. Like at maybe the post office or grocery stores. That’s something different. Downtown drags aren’t usually alive with people just

LBCC'S PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

YOUR LOCAL ARBORIST

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2022 COLLEGIATE NEWSPAPER CONTEST

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T H E

L I N N - B E N T O N

C O M M U N I T Y

RING

VOL. 53 EDITION 9

2022 COLLEGIATE NEWSPAPER CONTEST

C O L L E G E

DEC. 1, 2021

in the

SeASON

The Commuter- Linn Benton CC has earned a

1st Place awarded for

Best Design Kailyn McQuisten, Dakota Gange ILLUSTRATION: KAILYN MCQUISTEN

GRAPHICS FREEPIK.COM

CHANGE MAKERS

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InsIde thIs edItIon

LIVING TWICE

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HOLIDAY GLOW

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10 Mexican Modernism: PDX Art Exhibit LOCAL NEWS

MAY 27, 2022

LOCAL

LBCOMMUTER.COM 

The Portland Art Museum Holds Mexican Avant-Garde Cultural Movement Remembrance STORY AND PHOTOS BY AVERY LEÓN-CASTILLO The Portland Art Museum is having a special bilingual exhibition of artworks from the Mexican Modernism art period of the 1910’s to the 1920’s. The exhibit is named after Jacques and Natalia Gelman who were close friends of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, both of whom are spotlighted in the collection.

There are also photographs and displays of “period clothing,” specifically in the styles Kahlo was known for wearing. Other artists that were featured were Manuel and Lola Álvarez Bravo, Miguel Covarrubias, Gunther Gerzso, María Izquierdo, Carlos Mérida, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Juan Soriano, and Rufino Tomayo.

Admission prices don’t change between exhibits and are free for members and children under 17. Adult tickets cost $25, but for seniors (65+) and college students the price is $22. Be sure to reserve tickets for the Mexican Modernism exhibit before June 5.

Photographed portraits of Kahlo and Rivera were on display as well. These artists included Lucienne Bloch, Imogen Cunningham, Juan Guzmán, Graciela Iturbide, Nickolas Muray, Edward Weston, and Guillermo Kahlo who was Frida Kahlo’s father.

These portraits to be exhibited as well is because it gives onlookers a more rounded understanding of these artists.

The exhibit, which is officially called the “Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection,” opened this year on Feb. 19 and will close June 5.

Tickets can be reserved for the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and are scheduled with 15 minute checkin windows. The tickets include the Frida Kahlo exhibit as well as the General Admission exhibit which has artworks from the Baroque time period.

The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and open the rest of the week 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Artists who were commissioned by the museum work on a commemorating mural for the exhibit. The mural details Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in the center with other aspects of Mexican Modernism art.

Diego Rivera's portrait of Natalia Gelman.

Kahlo and Rivera were known to have an open relationship, and this included Rivera and Gelman having a romantic relationship during that time.

Another angle of the commissioned artists working on the commemortaive mural.

One of Frida Kahlo's well-known pieces, "Diego on My Mind," is used as a large advertisement on the sides of the Portland Art Museum.

 COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU

MAY 27, 2022

Golf Fundraiser

Hall of Fame inductee, and former Athletic Director/Coach Dick McClain, President Lisa Avery, and former Baseball player Steve Carothers.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY of the golf fundraiser went towards helping LinnCARSYN MEYERS Benton Athletic programs. In attendance were MONROE ­— On Friday, May 20. Linn-Benton Athletics held a golf tournament fundraiser at Diamond Woods Golf Course in Monroe, Oregon.

The event was meant to highlight and kick off a weekend of events, for the Inaugural LB Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony that took place on Saturday, May 21. The proceeds

many former and current Linn-Benton students, supporters, administrators, athletes, and coaches.

Among some notable names, LBCC President Lisa Avery, Athletic Director Mark Majeski, Hall of Fame inductees Dick McClain, Debbie Prince (Herrold), Vernon “Butch” Kimpton, and Paul Poetsch were in attendance.

Beaks Keep Rolling STORY AND PHOTOS BY CARSYN MEYERS LONGVIEW – The Linn-Benton Baseball team defeated Lane Community College 9-3 in their opening playoff game on Thursday, May 26.

The Roadrunners showed no signs of rust after having 10 days off prior to Thursday’s game. In the bottom half of the first inning Cayden Delozier hit a 2-RBI double to put the Beaks up early. In the second inning, Ruben Cedillo extended the lead with a 3-RBI blast into the Titans bullpen in left field.

“I liked that I actually hit a curveball. I’ve been kind of freezing on a lot of curveballs and they were throwing me a lot of curveballs at the beginning of the game. I just sat on it and swung,” Cedillo said.

The Titans responded in the third inning with two runs of their own. Cole Kleckner doubled to bring in a run, and Cole Calnon grounded out, bringing in another. The Roadrunners offense would not be denied though, putting up 4 more runs in the

next two innings. Roadrunner Cayden Delozier went 3-4 with 2 doubles, and 2 RBI on the day.

Roadrunner Rhett Larson picked up the win on the mound. Larson went 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, walking 1, while striking out 4.

Roadrunner Dylan Rush was dominant on the mound in relief. Rush went 3 innings, allowing no runs on 1 hit, while striking out 5.

“It feels great. We’ve been working hard all season and you know everything we’ve put in is just starting to show, and it feels great,” Rush said.

Titan Charlie Steuer took the loss on the mound. Steuer went 2 innings, allowing 5 runs, on 4 hits, walking 4, while striking out 2.

Next up, the Roadrunners were scheduled to take on Edmonds Community College Friday, May 27, at Lower Columbia Community College, David Story Field, 1700-1740 19th Ave. in Longview. For all the scores from the NWAC Baseball Championship weekend, see nwacsports.org/sports/bsb

SPORTS

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A&E

MAY 27, 2022

LBCOMMUTER.COM 

CLICK HERE FOR SUDOKU

CLICK HERE FOR CROSSWORD

AMPHIBIA SAYS GOODBYE Well Worth Experiencing Again Complete the grid so each row, column, and 3x3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit.

Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.51)

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8

1 5 8

9

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PHOTO: DGE PRESS

1 5

CREATED BY: Matt Braly

STARRING THE VOICES OF: Brenda Song, Justin Felbinger, Bill Farmer, Amanda Leighton, Dee Bradley Baker, Jack McBrayer, Troy Baker, Anna Akana, Haley Tju with James Patrick Stuart and Keith David

3

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Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Fri May 27 16:48:40 2022 GMT. Enjoy!

RATED: TV-Y7

STORY BY STEVEN PRYOR On May 14 of this year, “Amphibia” aired its series finale. Closing out a threeseason run that began in June 2019, the series has rewarded fans young and old alike with a final episode that ends the series on a high note.

Concluding a multi-part story that also consists of “The Beginning of the End” and the hour-long “All In,” the finale is entitled “The Hardest Thing.” As an artifact known as “the Core” seeks to bring disaster to Amphibia, Anne Boonchuy (voice of Brenda Song) faces one last challenge alongside her friends Marcy Wu (voice of Haley Tju) and Sasha Waybright (voice of Anna Akana).

Creator Matt Braly has brought his story to a spectacular conclusion, with his experience on the highlyacclaimed “Gravity Falls” showing through in each minute of the story. Without any major spoilers, the show has delivered a beautiful and emotionally-powerful end to three years of animated storytelling.

Taking one last leap into its frog-filled world, the series finale to “Amphibia” has ended the series on a perfect note, closing the book on one of the best animated series in recent memory. The entirety of the show is well worth experiencing again and again.

5-Word Book

reviews

BY LEAH BIESACK

A Haunted House, Virginia Woolf Surprisingly not depressing, for Woolf.

The Dog and the Bees, Ambrose Bierce Quick action. Like a bee-sting.

Why I Wrote the Yellow Wallpaper, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Men play-acting expert. Anyone surprised?

TUESDAYS at the Co-op

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