The Commuter: June 3, 2022 by The Commuter

T H E

L I N N - B E N T O N

VOL. 53 EDITION 25

C O M M U N I T Y

C O L L E G E

JUNE 2, 2022

ROADRUNNERS MARTIN LUTHER

VICTORIOUS MORE ON PAGE 6

JR.

PHOTO: CARSYN MEYERS

GRAPHICS FREEPIK.COM

HOSTILE TERRAIN EXHIBIT

SEE PAGE 3

INSIDE THIS EDITION

POSTCARDS FROM THE FUTURE

SEE PAGES 4-5

CAMPUS NEWS

JUNE 2, 2022

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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 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

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Student Life and Leadership has openings available for Camp Aide positions for the LBCC Summer Camp season. Summer Camps will be held 8:30am to 4:30pm on July 5th-7th, 11th-14th, 18th-21st, and 25th-29th. Required training is on June 14th/15th and June 27th/28th. You only have to attend one set of training days. Duties for Camp Aides include assisting a small team of students in workshops, exploration, and expeditions, physical activity and exercise, games and entertainment, demonstrations, group involvement and team-building exercises developed by faculty and assisting instructors with pre-camper arrival activities (you may be responsible for setting up or takedown of equipment and the transportation of materials and supplies between buildings), and completing a scheduled training and attending meetings as needed. You will also perform other related duties as assigned. The campers will be middle and high schoolers from Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon, and surrounding areas. Apply here. LBCCStudentLeaders

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Corpse Piece with the Writing Club A corpse piece is when people take turns each writing a sentence in order to create a story. The catch being that they can only see the sentence right before theirs. We here at the writing club decided to write a flash fiction piece using this concept. What you see here is almost directly what we all wrote taking turns. I say almost because we did go back and change a few words in the case of a tense mix up and the like. Each of us wrote two sentences, blacked out our first sentence, and handed it to the next person with them doing the same. We did this for two rounds and here is what we wrote: The little girl sat by the river side watching the lilies grow. She was so small and thought herself so strong, but strength was not her name. She had spent a great deal of time trying to be so, as she’d traveled long and hard in pursuit of what she’d lost all those years ago. However, her adventure was over now, and it was time to come home to see her family—to see her beloved parents and siblings who cared, people her heart sung for in home and hearth, like summer. If only she had what it was she missed, an old friend who once was near. Gone. All of them gone. How could this have happened, had she really been gone that long? The entire place was a decaying ghost town now. She stared in shock for moments until the realization came; tears came unbidden as she whimpered and buried her face in her hands at the absolute loss around her. She took a breath in and remembered what her mother used to say, “New flowers bloom in decay.”

But how could it be okay, there where the house laid? Burnt and broken down. The only thing left in the ghost town. The girl, now a woman, approaches, with tears in her eyes to see daisies growing in the demise. — Written by Writing Club members Jay Ferguson, Coen Olsen, Kei Brown, Benjamin Caughman, Eli Benson, Melinda. The Writing Club meets Wednesday from 4-5 on Zoom! Meeting Id is 942 4828 4415, and will be meeting during the summer starting from the second week of July! We write fiction and nonfiction, with many people writing both as Professor Dio Morales turns them to the dark side; This is an inside joke in the club because Morales is a nonfiction writer but most of the club members are fiction writers. When someone in the club considers writing a nonfiction piece, Morales jokes that they should give up fiction "coming over to the dark side.” We talk about what we are personally working on and also try to have a guest speaker come give a talk every term. We are a chill club that has both active and lurking members. Come join us, we hope to see you there!

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CAMPUS NEWS

JUNE 2, 2022

HT94: Remembering Lives Lost Art Installation Project Reminds Us What People Sacrifice in Pursuit of a Better Life STORY BY AVERY LEÓN-CASTILLO For almost two years the Institutional Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Galleries CoCurricular, and Anthropology Departments have been working on a long-term endeavor called HT94, a participatory art project sponsored by the Undocumented Migration Project, led by UCLA anthropologist Jason De León. Using IEDI funding, LB has purchased the raw materials needed to install the piece, which will look something like this, in the Calapooia Center Gallery. Thanks to the Galleries Co-Curricular Adviser Anne Magratten, the project received a $1500 Peace Initiative Grant for "contributing to peace education through cultivating empathy." Future plans bring another installation for early fall term 2022; The piece would remain in situ for the entire 2022-23 academic year. Each one of the toe tags in the image represents a body found at the latitude/ longitude where it's pinned to the map: the manila tags are IDed bodies, the orange ones unidentified, with approximately 3200 tags to be filled out. For well over a year, Anne Magratten, Anthropology faculty Lauren Visconti, Visual Arts faculty Isabelle Havet and the IEDI have been distributing these tags to as many LBCC students and employees as possible, seeking their assistance in filling them out. COVID-19 has not helped with logistics, as we had originally planned multiple oncampus events in the EDI to bring folks together to help. It's a lot more difficult to mail or arrange pickup/dropoff of individual packets. To date, Anne estimates ~1500 toe tags have been completed, leaving a little more than half yet to be filled out. There has been discussion of hosting several on-campus events next spring term, either outdoors (weather permitting) or indoors in the Forum or Commons Cafeteria, both of which would allow for physical distancing. In addition, the EDI have been working on logistics for another showing (streamed via web login and password) of Jason De León's documentary Border South, which provides a comprehensive picture of this project and the folks most directly affected by U.S. immigration policies. The EDI hopes to provide a screening sometime this term, and plan to ask folks to pledge/sign up (Google Form) to fill out a number of toe tags. The project calls for the Student Leadership Council’s help; Recruiting students to attend these events: viewing the documentary and filling out toe tags, both of which are extremely emotional and can trigger folks for a variety of reasons, not the least of which may be that they or their families and friends have experienced some form of this trauma. That being said, the project team feels strongly that this experience, and the resulting art installation, are important work and will be extremely valuable to our campus community. Learn more here.

PHOTO: ALICEN ARSENAULT

PHOTO: AVERY LEÓN-CASTILLO

PHOTO: ALICEN ARSENAULT

PHOTO: AVERY LEÓN-CASTILLO

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

JUNE 2, 2022

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POSTCARD FROM THE FUTURE

THAILAND'S BUA TONG WATERFALL A Sublime Climb Down a Waterfall of Lime STORY AND PHOTOS BY HATHAI SANGSUPAN By the spring of 2011, my family and I had been living in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, for about six months. I was there to set up field research for my dissertation. My husband worked remotely, attending meetings in the middle of the night to match schedules with his U.S. colleagues. Our kids, then 9 and 4, were going to international schools during the day and their evenings were filled with homework, extracurriculars, and play. Since we knew we were only staying in Thailand for a year, our initial plan was to take advantage of our time there to explore at least one new place every weekend. This was a good idea in theory, but it was a little trickier to put into practice when every weekend followed an exhausting week of balancing family and work. So it took a little convincing for us to take up an invitation to go with friends to Bua Tong (Golden Lotus) Waterfall. We had already been to several waterfalls in the hill country around Chiang Mai and, while they were beautiful, we expected that this would be more of the same. Boy, were we wrong. Bua Tong Waterfall is located in Sri Lanna National Park, 58 kilometers north of Chiang Mai (about a 90-min drive). When we arrived we stepped out of the parking lot into a field of neatly trimmed grass surrounded by tropical forest. At one end of the field was Chet Si (Seven Colors) Spring, a mineral spring of turquoise water, partially encircled by a wooden boardwalk. Several spirit houses stood nearby to honor the spirits of the spring with offerings of incense, food,

and drink. The spring fed a burbling stream that wound through the field and disappeared into the trees. Following the sound of laughing children, we came to a ridge over which the stream disappeared. As we approached the ridge, we could hear water splashing over rocks and saw a huddle of excited children looking over the other side. One by one, they disappeared over the edge - but the sounds of their happy shouts and chatter continued. When we reached the spot, we looked down and gasped. The water cascaded over pillows of ivory-colored stone, as though a giant had shaped the waterfall from melted marshmallows. Rather than giant, however, it was actually the mineral water itself that had created the structures by depositing layer upon layer of limestone precipitate over every surface it touched. A lush jungle of trees framed the falls on both sides, shading the falls with leafy branches and vines. From where we were standing, the waterfall was dizzyingly steep and looked ridiculously slippery. Yet, people of all ages clambered like geckos up and down the stones, water splashing over and around them. I paused. Wasn’t there a safer way to reach the pools of blue water at the bottom? While I considered this, my 9-year-old spotted some friends from school among the kids below. She immediately started to climb down. Not to be shown up, the rest of us carefully began the descent. To our surprise the minerals coating the bed of the waterfall were gritty and remarkably easy to grip. Even our 4-year-old managed it with no problems. The only truly slippery areas were at the edges of the flowing water where

slimy algae was able to grow. This meant that the safest place to climb was, counterintuitively, in the center of the streams. Once we figured this out, our fears (mostly) melted away and we spent the rest of the afternoon playing and marveling at the waterfall's unique beauty. That evening we went home refreshed and re-committed to making the most of our remaining time in Thailand. But, even after a year full of unforgettable places, Bua Tong Waterfall stands out as one of my family’s all-time favorite trips. If you ever find yourself in northern Thailand, I highly recommend you make a side trip to the waterfall. The best time to visit is during the dry season between October and early February. The dry season actually extends to the end of April, but between February and April smoke from the burning of agricultural fields often makes the air quality unhealthy. During the rainy season frequent heavy monsoon storms may make travel difficult and the waterfall more dangerous. Although there is no public transportation from Chiang Mai to the waterfall, you can rent a song taew and driver to take you for between 500 and 2,000 Baht per day ($15-$60). Song taews are those ubiquitous pick-up trucks (usually red) that have been modified to carry passengers. The easiest way to arrange a rental is through your hotel or guest house. You can also book a tour to the waterfall starting at about $50 per person per day. Tours usually include transportation, a guide, and lunch. If you’re particularly brave, you can rent a car or motorbike and drive

yourself. Before you do, however, make sure you familiarize yourself with the rules (or lack of rules) for driving in Thailand. Most importantly, don’t forget that in Thailand drivers drive on the left side of the road rather than the right. And, if you’re planning to travel to the waterfall on a Thai motorbike, expect a two-hour drive. Admission is free but there are no food vendors allowed in the park. If you’re not coming as part of a tour that includes lunch, bring your own for a picnic. Also, wear bathing suits and bring towels, sunscreen, bug spray, and a change of clothes. You might also want a small firstaid kit and some antibiotic ointment in case you get a few cuts or scrapes. Most importantly: Have fun and take lots of pictures!

At a Glance: Where: Sri Lanna National Park, 58 kilometers north of Chiang Mai What: Have fun climbing the limestone waterfalls Best way to get there: Fly into Chiang Mai International Airport. From Chiang Mai, rent a song taew and driver to take you or book a tour that includes transportation, a guide, and lunch. Admission: Free Where to stay: A hotel or guest house in Chiang Mai Where to eat: Bring a picnic lunch unless your tour includes a meal

 COMMUTER@LINNBENTON.EDU

JUNE 2, 2022

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

POSTCARD FROM THE FUTURE

PHOTO: SEATTLE MARINERS

THE EMERALD CITY Memories of SafeCo and the Mariners STORY BY CARSYN MEYERS In the warm summer months of the Pacific Northwest I will find myself sitting watching America's pastime, in the city I call a second home, Seattle. I will make the four-hour trek north and find my “secret” parking spot that no one has seemed to find out about for 20 years. When I walk around the spiral staircase up to the entrance, the front of the stadium will be bright pink and will say “T-Mobile Park.” Except, to me it will never be T-Mobile Park, I will look up and see “Safeco Field.” In 2018, T-Mobile bought the naming rights for the Seattle Mariners Stadium, and the name change took effect in 2019. I will remember the days when I was two feet shorter and wearing a hat far too big for my head with the cap hanging over my eyes, glaring up at the big sign for the first time. It won’t truly feel nostalgic until I walk through the right field gate, because the lines are always shorter there, and see the beauty of it all. On the field I will see the faces of young faces of the Seattle Mariners. Players, such as Julio Rodriquez, Ty France and Jarred Kelenic. They’ll always have a good fan base hanging down behind the dugout, stretched out down the first base line. Although I will stop and think it looks relatively small compared to the

first time I visited, I will remember seeing the swarm of people that extended all the way back five rows behind the dugout. I will be in the same spot where my mother bent down and told me who Ichiro Suzuki was. At the time those words made absolutely no sense in my mind, but I’m thankful she told me because I’ll never forget it. I’m not sure where I’ll be sitting, but I know I will never sit in center field, because you can’t see the Jumbotron. If I feel nostalgic I might sit out above right field, in the comfort of the “Hit It Here Cafe.” I will never sit inside because Momma Meyers always said, “Baseball is an outdoor sport, we sit outside.” My fondest memories come from the “Hit It Here Cafe.” If I want to feel 12 again, I will order the chicken strips with a root beer. During the game I might look to my left and see strangers, but really I will see my little brother Parker and our cousin Connor creating a monstrosity of a beverage. It consisted of water, salt, pepper, lemons, a single french fry, part of a chocolate fudge brownie, and a cherry to top it all off. When I turn to my right, I will remember the time when everyone was on their feet swinging the white rally towels as Austin Jackson came to the plate with a tie game in the bottom of the 11th inning against the Los Angeles Angels. The 2014 Mariners were one

game behind a spot to make the playoffs with only two games left in the season. Jackson had a runner on first and third with one out. He hit a soft grounder to the second baseman, who dished it to his shortstop for one out. However, Jackson beat out the throw to first, and Brad Miller crossed home plate as the winning run and the Mariners walked it off for the victory. I remember the sold-out stadium erupting into pure chaos. Sadly, I also then remember driving home the next day listening to the Athletics win their final game, ending the Mariners playoff chances. It wouldn’t be the last time I was disappointed. Seven years later, as I sat in the club seats above the third base line, Shohei Ohtani and the Angels got their revenge from their loss in 2014. They eliminated the Mariners from the playoffs – in the final game of the year. From the annual Mother’s Day trips to the birthday games and my dad’s “It’s bobblehead night, we have to go” trips, I remember them all. Sooner rather than later, I hope I will be sitting in Safeco Field listening to the sound of America's pastime, a fanbase that just won’t stop believing, and the guy sitting in the nosebleed seats screaming, “Come on, blue, that was a strike!” To all of that I will raise my souvenir glass and say, “To another season of disappointment.”

At a Glance: Where: 1250 1st Ave. S in Seattle, Washington What: Home stadium of the Seattle Mariners Best way to get there: If you’re not driving, take the metro to the stadium. Tips: -Download the parking app “ParkWhiz” for easier hassle-free parking. -The stadium only allows clear seethrough bags/purses. -Best places/things to eat inside the stadium: Ivar’s Seafood and Chowder as well as the Garlic Fries Arrive: At least an hour beforehand, especially on bobblehead nights. Schedule/Ticket info: Schedule Local radio/TV: Root Sports TV, MLB TV

SPORTS

JUNE 2, 2022

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Roadrunners Win Championship STORY AND PHOTOS BY is battle down and get through it all.” It didn’t get easier for the Saints as Roadrunner CARSYN MEYERS LONGVIEW — The Linn-Benton Baseball Team defeated Mt. Hood Community College 4-1 to win the Northwest Athletic Conference Baseball Championship on Tuesday, May 31. In the game, the Roadrunners started off with the first blow. Ruben Cedillo hit a two-out double, then came around to score off two wild pitches by Saints pitcher Jeff Nelson. Nelson was virtually f lawless after those two mistakes, giving up only 3 hits until the eighth inning. The Saints were able to even the score in the bottom half of the third with a single by left fielder Mason Deverna. There was a bit of controversy early, when Saints Brady Majewski came around to score off Deverna’s single, and his teammate Rikuu Nishida wasn’t far behind. On a bang-bang play Roadrunner catcher Jake Morrow applied the tag as Nishida slid into home plate. Nishida was ruled out, and the Saints challenged the call. After review, the umpires upheld the call on the field. In the top half of the eighth inning the Roadrunners were finally able to get to Nelson. A fielder's choice sacrifice RBI by Roadrunner Emiliano Alarcon allowed Jake Hoskins to come in and score the eventual winning run. A Roadrunner Cayden Delzoier ground ball led to a throwing error by Nashida, allowing two more runs to score. Roadrunner pitchers Rhett Larson dominated on the mound. Larson started the game on for the Roadrunners. Larson went 5 innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits, walking none, while striking out 4. “It’s an unbelievable feeling. All the 6 a.m. morning weights, and all the grinding that's happened this season, it just feels so rewarding to finally get it done,” Larson said. “Nervousness was definitely there a little bit, but all you can do

Head Coach Andy Peterson elected typical starting pitcher Kian Hogan to come on in relief of Larson. Four days prior, Hogan went 7 innings, allowing only 2 hits in the Roadrunners playoff game against Edmonds Community College. In the championship game, he was once again dominant. Hogan went 4 innings, allowing no runs on 2 hits, walking 2, while striking out 4. Hogan was awarded the tournament's Most Valuable Player Trophy following the Roadrunners championship win. “It feels incredible, just speechless about everything. I love all the boys and how hard we’ve worked all year,” Hogan said. “I put in a lot of work all year, and my whole life, and thank you to all the players … coaches … my family for supporting me in everything.” After the game, multiple Roadrunners were awarded all-tournament first team. Peterson, who won his 100th game as head coach of the Roadrunners during the regular season, now has his first baseball championship as a coach. “It’s the coolest feeling in the world, and those guys gave me everything, those are my little brothers. I’m still speechless, and I’m so happy for everything they’ve given me,” Peterson said. “He (Kian Hogan) dug deep and showed a big heart, especially coming back after a couple days' rest.” It’s been more than 730 days since the NWAC has been able to crown a new baseball champion. The Roadrunners will now take home their first baseball championship since 1991, and third all time. This is the second title of the year for Linn-Benton Community College. In the fall, the volleyball team won their first title in school history.

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A&E

JUNE 2, 2022

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