The Commuter - January 2025

T H E

L I N N - B E N T O N

VOL. 56 EDITION 5

C O M M U N I T Y

JANUARY

C O L L E G E

2025

pg. 26

beyond the classroom With Will Fleming pg. 6

student spotlights with Danielle Hernandez and Mykaela Mathisen pg. 12 & 14

dancing on a moonbear Local Band Spotlight pg. 30

letter editor from the

I

f this month’s magazine feels a few grams heavier in your hand, it’s not just you – this issue is 40 pages, which marks the biggest Commuter in our publication’s lengthy history. Why? Well, there are a few reasons.

The main one is that we had some extra time over the break to create more articles than usual. We also wanted to give our incredible layout editor, Kailyn McQuisten, some more space to, well, lay out the magazine; it beats my usual request of “Hey, can you cram as many words as possible onto one page?”

The final reason might be the most obvious: I wanted to start off 2025 with a bang and do something The Commuter hasn’t achieved before. I’m well aware that New Year’s resolutions aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, but one magazine doesn’t hurt, right?

I’ll be honest, though: Starting the new term with the biggest Commuter ever, right after the hibernation that is winter break, was a bit harder than I anticipated from when I set the expectation back in the fall.

about us

The Commuter is the student-run magazine 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” section 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.

As refreshing as it is to take a break over the holidays, diving back into our regular routines can quickly undo weeks of relaxation.

But there’s something confidence-building about winter term.

January my freshman year was as much about “I can do this” as it was just being back for another 11 weeks. Although the sentiment is less dramatic, it’s similar this year. The Welcome Day jitters are gone, and the return to school fits like an old glove rather than one right out of the package.

Still, it feels like a lot initially. But at the end of the day, I couldn’t be more excited to return to campus and see everyone again, get another step closer to finishing my degree, and keep working at this incredible publication I’m privileged to lead.

While I’ve spent my fair share of midnights putting the finishing touches on articles after a long day of school, I wouldn’t trade my time at The Commuter for anything. College journalism is such a rewarding experience – the opportunities I’ve had, whether it’s being able to broadcast my ramblings in this month’s column or getting to profile yet another up-and-coming local band (check out page 30!), have given me some of my best college memories up to this point.

And I’m sure there are more just around the corner in 2025.

We’d love to have you along for the journey, too. I’ll add my usual invitation to join our staff or contribute: We’re always just an email away at commuter@linnbenton.edu.

In the meantime, have a great start to the new year. Even though the break is over, take some inspiration from our layout in this 40page issue: It’s OK to have some room to breathe.

Ryland Bickley Editor-in-Chief

join the team

Wanna get together? We’re really nice and fairly cool and we’d love to hear what you have to say. Not big on journalism but love to journal? Perfect. Are you a STEM major with major opinions?

Let’s hear ’em. Like writing about ’80s film? Local animals?

Snack hacks? Maybe you have a hefty folder of flash fiction on your laptop, just dying to be published and printed. Drop us a line. We’d love to meet you, read you, and support you. Think your ideas might be too weird or too niche for submission? Even better. The Commuter is an award-winning publication because of our wide range of contributions and our unique contributors.

So reach out. We’ll be staring at our email inbox in the meantime, not an ounce of chill to be had. cover photo via LB ATHLETICS

editor-in-chief RYLAND BICKLEY

design editor

KAILYN MCQUISTEN

photo editor

SARAH ROSE LARSON

feature editor EMILY JIMERSON

sports editor

ETHAN BIRMINGHAM

marketing director CHRIS PATTERSON

in this issue:

staff

04 starting winter term strong

Tips for a Successful Term

making waves

09

LB Culinary Hosts End-of-term Banquet

06 beyond the classroom

with Will Fleming

25 years ago

A Peek into the Commuter's Past

12 student spotlight

with Danielle Hernandez

14 student spotlight

with Mykaela Mathisen

reviews

STEVEN PRYOR MASON WILLS

advisor

the photographer's paradigm

Professional Photography in the Greater Albany/Corvallis Area

ROB PRIEWE

contributors ANTHONY DREWS AYDEN HORTT BRENDA AUTRY BRITTANY KING MICAH TEAGUE MIKA WINDER MIKE MCREYNOLDS SCOTT SUTHERLIN SID MYDLAND

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exploring europe's enchanting christmas markets

18 20

A Trek Across Europe

24 feeder, feeder

Sunflower Seed Eater

26

albany excellence

Player Spotlight with Booklyn Willard

30

dancing on a moonbear Local Band Spotlight

reviews WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME HERE? JOIN THE TEAM!

34

War of the Rohirrim and Sonic 3

top 10 movies of 2024

Recounting '24's Best Releases

36

words by SCOTT SUTHERLIN graphic via FREEPIK

STARTING WINTER TERM

STRONG

The start of winter term is a good time to evaluate what academic success means to you heading into the new year. Here are some tips for starting strong:

Your success is about more than grades

Your learning style is unique

• • • • •

• • • • •

College isn't just about perfect GPAs Build relationships with professors Network with classmates Participate in study groups Explore internship opportunities

Discover how YOU learn best Experiment with study techniques Use campus learning centers and tutoring Take practice tests Watch supplemental online tutorials

Time management is your secret weapon

Be authentically you

• • • • •

• • • • •

Use digital and physical planners Time block study times like job appointments Learn to say "no" to distractions Create realistic weekly schedules Build in self-care and break times

Your path is unique Comparison is the thief of joy Stay curious Ask questions Embrace challenges

Financial survival matters

Don’t forget :

• • • • •

• •

Apply for every scholarship possible Use campus financial aid resources Consider part-time work study programs Buy used textbooks or rent them Track every educational expense

• • •

Professors want you to succeed The term’s first few weeks are critical for class understanding Sit in the first three rows of class Always have a backup plan for assignments Technology will fail – have paper backups

Mental health is non-negotiable • • • • •

Campus counseling is free – use it Join student support groups Practice stress management techniques Connect with other students Don't be afraid to ask for help

Success isn't a straight line. It's messy, complicated, and personal. Some terms you'll crush it. In others, you'll struggle. That's normal.

Keep moving forward.

Editor's note: LBCC, Open Oregon Educational Resources, American Public University, and Burnham310.com were used as sources for this article.

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Drive Your Career Toward Success

CDL TRAINING ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVER | OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Linn-Benton Community College has partnered with the Knife River Training Center to provide a comprehensive learning experience, to get you on the road with your CDL!

Invest in your future today

Program highlights

• FMCSA-compliant CDL training • Tuition cost: $6,499 • Comprehensive training materials • Daily catered lunches included • Third-party DOT skills test • Unrestricted licenses

• Just over 3 weeks, Monday-Friday, 7:30 am 4 pm • Manual transmission trucks • 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio, resulting in a high first-time pass rate • Students train on 1.5 miles of closed circuit training roads before driving on public roads

Why choose LBCC?

Simple application process

• Real-world experience delivered at the Knife River Training Center in Albany, OR • Professionally trained and highly experienced instructors • Start driving and backing the first day of class • We don’t rely on simulators

• Complete the Application at: www.linnbenton.edu/CDL • Email it to CDL@linnbenton.edu • LBCC Coordinator will contact you within 2 days

WWW.LINNBENTON.EDU/CDL

Contact the CDL Coordinator

541-917-4961

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Extended Learning

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beyond the

classroom: with Will Fleming

interview and photos by BRENDA AUTRY

W

“

I love the discovery process. When I write, I don’t always know what a piece is really about at first.

ill Fleming has been teaching writing at LinnBenton Community College for over a decade, but his journey to becoming an educator has been anything but conventional. Born and raised in Baltimore, Fleming initially pursued other careers before discovering his passion for writing and teaching. He moved to Eugene nearly 18 years ago for graduate school and has lived there since with his two children — a daughter, 18, and a son, 15.

Today, Fleming teaches a variety of writing courses at LBCC, from technical writing for trades like welding and auto repair to creative nonfiction and business communication. Outside the classroom, he’s a music enthusiast, avid reader, and writer who enjoys hiking and spending time with his children and dog.

Did you always want to be a writer?

No. Originally, I wanted to be a paramedic, which is why I started at community college. But I had a writing instructor who told me I was good at writing, and that pushed me to pursue it. I majored in journalism at first, then took a creative writing course and fell in love with it. I also liked political science and worked in labor relations for a few years before returning to creative writing. Then I decided I wanted to go to grad school and teach.

Where did you go to college?

I went to about five different colleges. I started at LaGuardia Community College in Queens, then Brooklyn College, and finally got my undergraduate degree from Vermont College. I earned my master’s in English at The City College of New York and an MFA in creative writing from the University of Oregon.

Why did you move to Oregon?

I moved to Oregon for grad school at the University of Oregon. It was supposed to be temporary, but that was 18 years ago. My daughter was born here, and I started looking for teaching jobs. I didn’t want to move back to New York, and I fell in love with Oregon’s natural beauty.

It seemed like a great place to raise kids, and then I got a job at Lane Community College, so I stayed.

What do you love about teaching?

I love watching students make progress. Seeing their confidence grow as writers is so rewarding — especially when they come in thinking they’re not good at writing and leave feeling like they can do it. I also love writing and books, and I try to share that passion with my students.

What’s the teaching?

hardest

part

about

Grading papers, honestly! The workload can be heavy. It’s also hard when I can’t help students as much as I’d like due to time constraints or when students face challenges I can’t fix for them. Keeping things interesting in required writing courses can also be tough, but I hope students leave my class seeing the value in writing.

Have you written any books?

I’ve written three, but none are published yet. Most of my writing is personal essays, memoir, and some fiction. I’ve published essays and short stories, and I’m working on a book.

What do you love about writing?

I love the discovery process. When I write, I don’t always know what a piece is really about at first. But as I keep writing, cutting, and revising, I’ll have this “aha” moment where everything clicks. It’s almost magical.

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What hobbies do you have outside of school?

I enjoy doing stuff with my kids — traveling, going to concerts, playing music, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, skateboarding, etc. I’m really into music.

I’ve been to hundreds of concerts — probably five or six hundred by now. I collect vinyl records, read, write, and travel.

I also rebuild/restore vintage steel frame bicycles, and I convert old road bikes into single speeds and fixed-gears. I'm into cycling too, but I spend more time tinkering with them than actually riding them.

What was your favorite concert you attended?

I don’t have a specific one, but my favorite band to see live (and favorite band in general) is Radiohead — I’ve seen them 19 times since 2001. I suppose one of my favorite experiences was getting to see them at an old theatre house in New York called the Beacon Theatre back in 2003. It was a small venue for a band like Radiohead, and we managed to score tickets in the eighth row. At one point before the show started, I turned around and saw David Bowie and his girlfriend sitting three rows behind us. I felt pretty cool having better seats than David Bowie!

What do you do with all the bikes you rebuild?

I've sold probably five or six (They're hard to part with when you've poured so much time and love – and money – into them). My favorite is a Schwinn World Voyageur that’s the same age as I am; that one lives on a wall in my house and only gets ridden occasionally. And then I have four others in my garage and two more that I've been working on for the last year or so. I ride each of them from time to

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time, but I suppose I like working on bikes a bit more than actually riding them.

What’s something interesting about you that most people wouldn’t know?

I was a heroin addict from ages 17 to 21. Getting clean was one of the hardest and most important things I’ve ever done.

Community college played a huge role in my recovery — it gave me hope and a sense of purpose. That’s part of why I want to give back as a teacher.

How did you get into drugs?

I didn’t have a great home life — my dad was an alcoholic with undiagnosed PTSD. I started using substances as an escape, and one thing led to another.

What made you want to get clean?

I hit rock bottom. I was living in New York, sleeping in subway stations, and watching commuters go to work while I was stuck in this cycle of addiction. I realized I didn’t want to live like that anymore, and school became a way out.

Any advice for future writers?

Stick with it and trust your instincts. Feedback is helpful, but ultimately, you decide what’s good and what’s not. Find someone whose opinion you trust, but don’t let their take derail you. Writing takes practice, but those “aha” moments make it worth it.

Anything else you want students to know?

I’m always happy to help with writing — whether it’s creative pieces, cover letters, or resumés. And if students are struggling, I’m here to talk.

If you’d like to learn more about writing programs, or just talk to Will, you can email him at fleminw@linnbenton.edu.

“

Community college played a huge role in my recovery — it gave me hope and a sense of purpose.

That’s part of why I want to give back as a teacher.

MAKING WAVES

LBCC Culinary Department Pulls Off End-of-term Banquet with Style words by MIKA WINDER photos by MICAH TEAGUE

▲ Culinary students in November.

E

ach winter, the LBCC culinary department hosts a banquet as a showcase of the students’ skills and the work they have put in over fall term. This year, on Dec. 6, the department unveiled a gastronomic journey to the Pacific Islands and Hawai’i featuring house-made spam musubi, poke bowls, and many other dishes. The students not only developed the menu and the theme, but decorated the banquet area as well, with everything from adorable folded napkin turtles to a blue runner to resemble the ocean.

Culinary student Elizabeth Martinez worked primarily on the decorations for the banquet, but everyone on the culinary team was a part of the planning and execution of the dinner.

“I worked a little more with the decorating part, but with the food so far, my favorite station is the poke bowl station,” said Martinez. “It looks like everything is super well put together. There's tuna, there’s a crab salad, there's edamame, and it's all going to mix together with some rice.

After trying everything, I really like the crab salad, and that's what I’m excited about. I’m hoping there's leftovers.”

Fellow student Carson Grino shared a bit about the planning process for the banquet, as well as the exciting dishes.

“We're doing a sweet chili chicken – it's got a mango glaze on it,” explained Grino, “It was a recipe that I made before the banquet, inspired by Hawaiian and Samoan dishes, trying to do a sweet and spicy kind of thing…

We also did spam musubi with a house made spam made out of pork belly.

That was really fun. I've been prepping that all week. They're super compact and I used to eat them all the time. It was my breakfast growing up, so that was my connection.”

With the help of the faculty and staff in the culinary department, the students made their visions reality with the classy but approachable buffetstyle event on the evening of the 6th.

Joining LBCC staff and community members were the family and friends of many of the students participating in the banquet.

“My mom and her boyfriend are coming in as well as my grandma,” said Martinez. “... I’d say I'm really happy with how everything came out. It's exactly how I imagined it and I just can't be any more proud.”

WE’RE HIRING DRIVER EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS

• Flexible Hours & competitive pay • Preference is given to bilingual applicants • ODOT Instructor Certification Required

MORE INFORMATION: richeym@linnbenton.edu

Community Education

Winter Events

Monday 1/13/25 - Darryl Bellamy Jr. – 1pm – Tripp Theatre – Free Learn more about Darryl’s work at fearlessinside.com Tuesday 1/14/25 & Wednesday 1/15/25 – Blood Drive – 10am-3pm – Fireside Room (CC-211) Tuesday 1/21/25 – Volunteer Fair - 11am - 2pm – Courtyard Learn how you can give back to your community while earning cool stuff in the process.

Thursday 1/23/25 – Film & Fork: The Outsiders – 2pm – Tripp Theatre Join us for a free interactive game-embedded version of this 80s classic. Staff & students and their families are welcome. LB STUDENTS can join us in the Commons Cafeteria after the movie for FREE FOOD. Monday 1/27/25 – Jeopardy – Time & Location: TBD Wednesday 2/5/25 – Valentine’s Event – 11am - 1pm – Location: TBD Wednesday 2/5/25 – FREE Bowling Bash at Lake Shore Lanes – 6-8pm Sunday 2/16/25 – Crystal Lake Sports Field Clean Up (Corvallis, OR) – 10am – 2pm Sign up to volunteer at volunteer.linnbenton.edu Thursday, 2/20/25 – Film & Fork: Soul Join us for a free interactive game-embedded version of this Disney/Pixar movie. Staff & students and their families are welcome. LB STUDENTS can join us in the Commons Cafeteria after the movie for FREE FOOD. Thursday, 2/27 – Masquerade Ball – Time: TDB – Commons Cafeteria Monday 3/3/25 – LBCC’s Got Talent – 2 - 4pm – Tripp Theatre Stay tuned for more details on how to enter!

Tuesday 3/4/25 - Women’s History Event - 10 - 11:30am - Location: TDB Saturday 3/8/25 – Waverly Park Clean Up (Albany, OR) – 10am – 2pm Sign up to volunteer at volunteer.linnbenton.edu Thursday 3/13/25 – Film & Fork: Steel Magnolias – 2pm – Tripp Theatre Join us for a free interactive game-embedded version of this 80s classic. Staff & students and their families are welcome. LB STUDENTS can join us in the Commons Cafeteria after the movie for FREE FOOD. Saturday 3/15/25 – Study Jam – 10am - 6pm Sunday 3/16/25 - Study Jam – 12pm – 4pm Join us for fun study breaks and free pizza the weekend before finals.

Friday 3/28/25 – Ben Palmer Comedy Show – Time: TBD – Tripp Theatre Waiting for more details regarding an event you’re interested in?

Reach out to getinvolved@linnbenton.edu, or stay tuned to our social media for updates. https://linktr.ee/slc.connect 10

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Early Childhood Education Student Spotlight:

Danielle Hernandez interview by EMILY JIMERSON

Tell me about your major and year in school.

My major is early childhood education and I'm in my second year.

I intend to graduate in June. It started in my senior year of high school when I took a child development class. That led me to taking a practicum class, because at that time I had no idea what I wanted to do. So I was kind of just taking a leap of faith with that one, and I did it and I ended up really loving it. It was so enjoyable. I had so much fun with it and I knew it was something that I wanted to continue to do.

I looked into different education programs and I found that LBCC would be the best starting point for me. Since then I've really enjoyed being part of the practicum. I've created so many awesome bonds with the children that I work with, and it's been such a fun experience for me.

Could you tell me more about the practicum and what that is?

Yeah, so a practicum is – I don't know why it's named practicum – but it's where we go into the Periwinkle daycare as part of our class; that is the class. And we have assignments that we need to do for practicum, like lesson planning. We have to do reflections and we just have to be present in our classroom.

For our first term, we didn't have a practicum classroom to go to, so we had to do our CWE (cooperative work experience) because we weren't able to do it during our first year. But then the Periwinkle Center was finally finished.

In the beginning of the year we just did not have enough kids for the amount of teachers that we had. Now that has changed. The amount of kids that we have is growing, but we still have one vacant room.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

photo by SARAH ROSE LARSON

Did you have a mentor or teacher who influenced you to go into this career field?

I think back to my senior year – my child development teacher, Ms. Bender, I think she was my biggest mentor and motivator because she was such a kind, gentle, and patient person.

So I wanted to be that kind of person. I wanted to reflect on her personality traits and be like her. She was my first mentor. And then coming here, the main teacher for the early childhood education major is Alicia [Jabin], and she became my mentor because I was also really inspired by her and looked up to her.

Could you tell me more about some of the classes that you're taking this term?

I'm taking a literacy, math, and science course, and that is just all focusing on the curriculum. We focus on making lesson plans, learning about different aspects of math, literacy, and science with different ways we could teach it, how it's been taught in the past, and the history of why they have been made part of the core curriculum. Three of my classes have the same teacher, Alicia.

And then I only have one different teacher, Nicole [LeSage]. The one I'm taking

“

Seeing them get along with each other, make friendships, bond, and...be comfortable in telling me things was a really rewarding part for me.

with Nicole is a positive guidance class, which teaches us how to guide the children in positive directions. It focuses on authoritative teaching, or gentle parenting. It teaches us how to be a positive influence in the children's lives in different ways; not to yell at them, scream, or become aggressive or mean for no reason. We focus a lot on child-led learning as well, which is an educational approach where learning is flexible, and they are encouraged to experiment, explore, and use their creativity.

Educators form strong relationships with the children in order to understand their unique learning styles.

I think one of the main assignments in all those classes is the chapter organizer notes. I do not like those – they're very time consuming. They're helpful, but just really time consuming.

What has been one of the most challenging parts of the program?

I think one of the most challenging parts happened in the beginning of the year. We have mentor teachers while we're in the classroom, which is the main teacher who mentors us around the classroom. And in the beginning of the year, the classroom with my first mentor-teacher was completely chaotic and had me rethinking my career choice. I was like, do I really want to do this that badly? Is it too late to switch? And it wasn't even because of the kids. It wasn't their fault. They were just severely disorganized. We had no routine, we had no study teachers, we were just all over the place. That disorganization and the lack of a good environment really caused a lot of bad chaos.

Classrooms are chaotic in general, but there's good chaos and bad chaos.

What would you say has been the most rewarding part of the program?

The best part – seeing the transition from the screaming, the yelling, the loud and very overstimulating classroom, to a classroom where the children are actually benefiting from it. They're a lot happier; it's calmer. They're learning, making observations and discoveries, and they're just able to enjoy being there. Seeing that is the most rewarding part, because the group of kids that we have is a little more challenging than ones that I've had in the past, but seeing them get along with each other, make friendships, bond, and be able to be comfortable in telling me things was a really rewarding part for me.

”

What are some of your plans for after LBCC? After LBCC, we were presented with an opportunity from Western Oregon University to be substitute care providers, and it's where we get to choose the range of wherever we're living at the time. In my case, it would be Albany and they would find different childcare centers that need substitutes, whether they're out sick, on vacation, or just lacking staff in general. And they would send us there and we would get to pick our hours and everything like that. The pay is $20 an hour.

I plan to do that because it would be a great opportunity for me to experience a lot of different kinds of centers, because the types of centers that we would go to range from in-home care, to churches, to Montessori, to more prestigious ones and more. I think it's a really great opportunity for me to learn what I like and what I don't really like and what kind of classroom and school that I would have the best experience in.

Is there a certain age range that you'd like to work with?

I've worked with all the age ranges, and I would confidently say I like working with the older kids. Preschool to pre-K I really enjoy, which is ages 3-5. I really do enjoy teaching, but I also really like who we call the wobblers, which is 1-2-yearolds. I just like them because they are adorable and they're so fun. I love them – they're like little geniuses when they're not screaming at you. They're just so fun. But mainly I would want to work with 4-5-year-olds.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of school?

Outside of school, I really like drawing. That's something that I really enjoy doing. And I like finding new things to do and going out with my friends. I really enjoy finding new places to hang out and finding new things to see. We really like going on hikes to the mountains, especially around this time of year because of the snow. And I really just enjoy spending time with family. I have two older sisters, one older brother, and then two younger siblings.

What kind of art do you like to do?

I like to paint a lot. I think watercolor would be my preferred medium. I like how it looks on paper, and I think it's really pretty. And there's a lot that could be done with watercolor.

Is there anything else you'd want to leave with readers if they're curious about the early childhood education program?

Don't listen to the stereotypes or stigma surrounding it, because it really is more than coloring, singing songs, doing the ABCs, all of that. There's so much more work that comes with it. And don't listen to people who are like, “Oh, that's not a real career,” or, “Oh, that's just not a real major,” or anything like that. Because it is – it's a lot of work. It can be a lot of work, and being part of an actual classroom can definitely be very mentally taxing and draining, and you need a lot of patience. So take a lot of time for self-care and self-reflection and all of that, and do what you think you need to do to learn, to grow, and to adapt as necessary.

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Mykaela Mathisen Early Childhood Education Student Spotlight:

interview by EMILY JIMERSON

photo by SARAH ROSE LARSON mural photos by MYKAELA MATHISEN

Tell me about your major and year in school.

This is my freshman year of college and I am doing early childhood education. I've had experience working with children in the past, and I wanted to make that my full-time sort of thing. I’m also minoring in art. I'm mostly focusing on early childhood education, but I also want to become an animator for cartoons.

The animation industry has been kind of hit or miss lately, so I decided to focus on something more stable.

process of getting everything going took forever.

I'm still in the process right now. I need to get a background check before I can actually fully interact with the children. So until then, I've just been helping around. I've been decorating a lot. I built a Grinchmas tree and the little paper star on top. I’ve been wrapping presents, painting the window – all that sort of stuff until I can get my background check cleared. I've been really enjoying it. I've been able to utilize my art even though it's not my major.

my art, so ever since I can remember I've been drawing. I’ve been drawing animals and making attempts at people. Over the years I put in more and more effort and I started practicing until I was able to draw really well.

I mostly sketch in my sketchbook, but I also do a lot of marker art as well. Though not as much recently, because with the move from Southern California I had to leave a lot of my art stuff behind. But it's mostly been sketching.

What brought you to LBCC specifically?

LBCC was near an area that I was able to move to and I've always wanted to live in Oregon. I actually moved up from Southern California. My friend moved up a few years before me and I followed suit. Myself, my friend, and my fiancé are all going to college here.

Could you tell me about the mural that you're working on outside of the PCDC? I had been helping Kendra [Votava] wipe down the previous window that she had painted, and I decided to mention to her that I was an artist and I'd be happy to draw the Christmas one. And so I just kind of talked with her and I just randomly said, “Hey, what if I did a Rudolph one?” And she was like, “Oh yeah, that would be super fun.” I was like, “I could do all the reindeer, I could even do Santa.” So I sketched up a design on my iPad and kind of just went from there. I roughly remembered what the windows looked like, sketched up a template on my iPad, and drew all of the nine reindeer, with Rudolph at the front and each of the reindeer going back behind him until they eventually led to Santa.

I haven't timed it exactly, but it took me around 35 hours. The majority of my shifts here have been almost solely dedicated to that.

And a little bit of wrapping paper, and again, decorating here and there. So at least half the time I've been here so far I've been putting into that mural, if not a bit more.

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?

A lot of video games and reading books mostly. I know it's a bit childish, but I really like reading the Five Nights at Freddy's books.

They're just really fun. And I just enjoy a simple horror mystery that's not even that scary, but it's entertaining. Undertale was a big part of my life when that was super popular. I'm playing a lot of Don't Starve right now. That's been a really fun game; Minecraft, lots of games like that. If I'm looking at my hours, the game I've played the most has got to be Stardew Valley.

Over 200 hours in that game.

I watch gaming YouTubers here and there, definitely a lot of the storytime animators as well. That definitely inspired me to want to become more of an artist. TheOdd1sOut, Jaiden Animations, Domics – those three have inspired my art a lot and I want to someday make my own little storytime YouTube channel.

Tell me about some of your classes and what they entail.

I've only got three classes this year because I was wanting to start it slow and not overload myself. I haven't been in school for a couple years. One of them is just a math class, and then my first year seminar, which all first year students are required to take. But the main class that relates to my major is for early childhood development, and I've been genuinely really enjoying that class. It's probably my favorite.

The teacher is amazing. And I just love being really interactive in the class and I'm really excited to have more classes on the subject.

What are your roles at the Periwinkle Child Development Center and how have you liked working there?

I joined through the work study [this year] and it kind of took a really long time to get to starting the job. I was accepted into being able to work in the position really early, but the

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

What got you interested in art and how long have you been doing it for?

It’s difficult to answer how long I've been doing it. I’ve kind of been doing it forever.

My mom was always super encouraging about

What are your plans for after LBCC? I plan on only really being in LBCC for two to three years, and then transferring over to Western Oregon University. I can continue my teaching program there. Then after that, becoming a teacher as my day job and working on my art as a night job.

Is there a certain age range that you'd like to teach?

Not really. I want to teach every age. I want to start off [with the] youngest and just kind of work my way up and figure out which age I like the most.

Have there been any role models in your life who influenced you and your career field?

Some of my teachers when I was a kid – I can't remember their names anymore. I can only remember maybe a handful of them by name.

But a lot of my teachers as a kid were really kind, understanding, and encouraging. I remember one teacher in my elementary school, she would give every single kid a unique certificate over the year. She would figure out their personalities and their strengths, and then she'd make custom little certificates for everyone. And mine was being a dreamer because I've always been super creative.

What would you say has been the most challenging part of the early childhood education program so far?

I guess the classes that don't directly involve my major. So my math class I've been struggling with a lot because I'm just not a fan of math. I like math, I do. But when it comes to the structure, using specific formulas, and memorizing key terms, that's when it kind of loses me.

Is there anything else that you'd want readers to know about the program or about the Periwinkle Center?

I've barely dipped my toes in either, but honestly, so far it's been really fun. So if you want to become a teacher, you like children, and you have that energy and drive, go for it.

COMMUTER

15

full

STEAM words by MIKE MCREYNOLDS

ahead

How the Mid-Valley Hub is bringing creativity and STEM to the Linn-Benton area

I

ncreasing representation in STEM is kind of a big deal. So, closing the gender gap is a main focus of the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub and its director Sarah Whiteside.

Whiteside has seen a resurgence in women and minorities who are going into the STEMCTE (science, technology, engineering, math; career technical education) program. She knows that if they start at the grade school level, they will find out that science is fun and exciting.

“It’s helpful to just talk about what the hub does,” said Whiteside. “If you think about a wheel, right? There's a center and you have all the different spokes. So the idea with the hub is that we connect different entities that have kind of similar goals around achievement.”

Whiteside explained how the hub helps connect different organizations towards a common goal.

“STEM-CTE brings industry partners in Benton and Linn counties in line: K-12 education, post-secondary [education], and community-based organizations, along with out of school organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, and libraries – all kinds of different entities that are interested in a diverse workforce and equitable opportunities. But they can be siloed,” she said.

Whiteside acknowledged that facilitating that collaboration can have its difficulties.

“They don't always work together,” she said. “It is not very common that K-12 and manufacturing partner up to support student success, and so when you have those silos, what ends up happening is that you don't have alignment. Then students aren't being served as well as they could be because people aren't partnering. But they have shared interest.

So the idea with the hub is that we're in this special place where we can bring these different

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CAMPUS

voices together around a similar table to ask this question of what needs to be changed systemwide.” “...There isn't a lot of diversity in these fields. STEM-CTE is working to reduce these inequities. There are high wage, high demand jobs that are often not being filled by a representative portion of the population. So these are deep and difficult systemic issues.”

Whiteside explained how the Mid-Valley

▲ Podcasting equipment available at The MILL. Photo by Mike McReynolds

Hub is working towards solving these problems.

“A lot of what we do is we work with K-12 educators to provide them with professional development in order to bring STEM into their classroom by making it hands-on, experiential and fun,” she said. “Even though a little girl in kindergarten isn't thinking about her career, if she can get exposed to electrical circuits and realize that it can be fun, this is a skill set that she could potentially continue to explore without being told, ‘This is not for you because no one who looks like you does this work.’ Now, with the hub's help, she can get an idea of her potential.”

Professional development for teachers is one way to help change these kinds of stereotypes.

Primarily, the hub works with leaders, trying to come together and solve big problems.

One of the ways the hub achieves this is by going into the community and bringing fun STEM opportunities to different areas. Children are the most curious at a young age, and they can discover their passions at these events.

The hub runs projects such as the Mobile Makerspace, a traveling event that brings creative and STEM-based opportunities to communities in the Linn-Benton area. The hub’s website advertises hands-on learning activities such as creating board games and being introduced to stop-motion animation.

The hub is one of 13 statewide. The program was founded in 2015, and the MidValley location was recognized in 2017. Over that span, it's lifted up women and minorities to bring more equity to the workforce in science and technology.

“We haven't solved it yet.” Whiteside said.

“So, even if people are much more aware that these explicit biases are very damaging, I think we felt that we still had a lot of work to do because the numbers are not where they need to be.”

Whiteside mentioned a recent survey that showed female students often rate themselves poorly when it comes to being good at math, science, and technology.

“They're also scoring themselves very low with their interests in those fields because they think they're not good at it, so they're not going to pursue it,” said Whiteside, “but in fact, if you give them aptitude tests, they excel and the actual tests show them the different kinds of abilities. They scored really high on the aptitude test but they had scored themselves really low.”

“Unfortunately they've gotten the message, that for one reason or another, it's not for them.

That’s where we here at The STEM Hub want to get in front of that message.”

Part of the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub is The MILL, or Maker Innovation Learning

▲ Photo by Ayden Hortt Lab, a space at Linn-Benton’s Albany campus that provides the room and equipment for different types of creative and technical projects.

Those activities include everything from laser engraving to audio and visual production.

“We have our own podcast studio called The MILL, where we have done interviews with women leaders in different fields of science,” said Whiteside. “You can find them on our website: midvalleystem.org. We can also promote other aspects of the college. We have the podcast studio space on the second floor of Takena Hall.”

The MILL was getting a facelift when we spoke during fall term. “It's hibernating for fall term, but we have not just the podcast studio, we have an AV room. We also have podcast equipment in our lending library that people can check out. … Even if The MILL is closed, individuals can borrow the equipment,” said Whiteside.

Whiteside added that the hub offers a number of different resources. An educator lending library that stores materials at LinnBenton Community College and the Albany Public Library allows teachers to check out kits that can supplement their curriculum.

“It has a lot of equipment, like classroom kits and other things that any educator in the two county region, Linn and Benton, can check out,” she said. “… From Sweet Home

to Harrisburg, Monroe to Philomath, you can check out a kit. That's one of the ways that we try to help support educators, to bring innovative practices into their classroom with hands-on learning with these kits.”

Whiteside's passion is getting STEM into the classroom.

“If you're a teacher, maybe you have a $50 supply budget for the year, so you're either going to buy it yourself or your students are going to go without,” she said. “...We try to make that playing field more equitable. If you're in an affluent school with Lego Robotics, you've got access, but if you're in a more impoverished area, you shouldn't have to go without just because your school can’t afford the really expensive, cool Lego Robotics kit. So we will purchase those things with grant dollars, put together kits, and make them freely available to check out. The podcast kit is one of those kits.”

“It's a nice resource, it's free! It's just a matter of finding a teacher or educator to check it out on your behalf.”

Whiteside said that the kits are usually available for six weeks, with the intention being students have enough time to finish the projects they’re working on.

Kacey Montgomery, the hub’s marketing

director, gave me a sneak peek inside The MILL’s AV room. Even though it was undergoing a facelift, she and I were able to sit down and put on headphones and talk as if doing a podcast.

The equipment and opportunities offered by the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub make learning more fun, possible, and hands-on.

Make sure to check out the new and improved MILL, reopening for winter term.

Learn more about the STEM-CTE program at their website!

COMMUTER

17

▲

Jennifer White

the

photographer's paradigm

a

s students of higher education, we look to the future to motivate our daily diligence of study. When we decided on our degree paths, we had to consider the work available to us after we graduate. The truth of the matter is that some careers are vague at best; shadowing a current professional is often the best way to understand the scope of career potential.

As a student who is passionate about photography and was consistently told that the market was highly saturated, I wanted to follow up with local photographers to get a true behind-the-scenes look at photography in the greater Albany/Corvallis area.

Jennifer White of Albany’s Jen White Photography extended an invitation to observe behind the scenes of a family portrait session at Talking Waters Garden in Albany.

White was more than happy to answer the questions I had about her career in photography.

“I’ve known that I loved photography for as long as I could remember,” she said. “My parents got me my first little film camera when I was in the third grade with flash cubes. For years I photographed family and friends. Some of those shoots were weddings, others were portrait sessions like the senior picture I took for my brother.”

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LOCAL

words and photos by BRITTANY KING

White officially launched her photography business in 2011.

When asked what challenges she’s faced in running her photography business, White said, “It took me a lot of years of trial and error before I understood I needed to invest in business education, and that I needed to understand how to run a solid business.”

Part of being a professional photographer is the business side of things. The other side is built on creativity. When talking about her artistry and what inspires it, White mentioned Seattle photographer Elena Blair as inspiration.

Blair’s work is emotive and does a fantastic job of capturing the relationships of people and families.

“I’m inspired by connection. I love seeing how families interact and I love watching the dynamics,” said White. “Outside of working with people, I love light and nature. Living in Oregon, there is always something beautiful to photograph.”

“One of my favorite pictures I’ve ever taken is of my now 11-year-old when he was 3,” she added. “He was just sitting in the family room playing with one of his favorite toys while the light came in from the sliding glass door and highlighted him more than anything in the rest of the room. It brings me back to that moment in time. It helps me remember what it was like when he was a little boy. And that’s what I want to create for my clients: A snapshot in time to

help them remember that connection and that time of life with their family.”

White continued about what success meant to her in both business and in photography.

“Growth and success in photography looks different to me than growth and success in my photography business. … In photography, I’m always learning. I’m always taking classes. And I’m always trying to improve my art. I also try to challenge myself with new projects, whether that be something that doesn’t have a human subject or a new location to shoot a family session, etc.,” she said.

“In my business, growth and success looks like charging enough to have a sustainable income for my family. It looks like good customer service and fostering good client relationships.

It’s running a real business rather than a hobby, which is what I did for a long time, even after I had a business license.”

When White needs to take her portraits inside during poor weather conditions, she has worked with Corvallis-based Studio Kalos.

Studio Kalos is owned and operated by a local photographer named Irecia, known on Instagram as Photographs by Reesh.

Studio Kalos opened to the public on March 1, 2024. A month prior to opening, the space was redone with fresh paint, furnishings, and all new floors. The idea was to provide a

▼

Camera and lenses used by photographer Jennifer White during a November outdoor photo session at Talking Waters Garden in Albany. Camera model is a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV; the lenses used for the shoot are an EF 50mm, EF 24-70mm, and an EF 85mm. Though not required to maintain three lenses for a shoot, many photographers choose different focal lengths to diversify the types of photos they can take.

Often, the “Nifty 50” is a strong choice for portrait photography.

space full of character and warmth. The space was designed to challenge the standard of whitewalled, barren studios of a bygone era.

Running the studio isn’t without its challenges. After a complaint from an individual in the community, Studio Kalos underwent a name change. This caused confusion for local photographers who thought the studio might’ve gone out of business.

In November, Reesh said the current goal for the studio was that it would pay for itself and provide a space for creativity, hosting events, and education for photographers in the community – hobbyists and professionals alike.

However, in late December she announced that the studio would be closing. Reesh later clarified that the studio wasn't shutting down but changing hands. The owners of the building have made an agreement to take over the space and maintain it as a studio. The changes in store for the studio under new management are not yet known, but the space will remain available for use through a different owner.

“Since opening, we have been paying for the studio out of pocket,” she wrote on Facebook. “I do think that when we had to change our name, it had a huge impact on our success with getting bookings because people thought we closed down, but either way, it's just come to a point that we can't continue on and we are ready to work towards new things in life!”

Reesh added, “We are so thankful for everyone who has supported our little studio …

Moving forward, January is expected to be our last month at the studio!”

Reesh having to shut down her passion

project of Studio Kalos underlines the difficulties of running the business side of an artistic endeavor.

Reesh sat with me to answer questions I had on her experience as a photographer and as someone who is creating a space for others to practice and share their creative works.

“I’ve been building on my passion for photography for 13 years now,” she said. “I registered as a business in 2019 and have been doing photography full time for over two years now. It’s how I provide for my family as a mom and a wife.”

As with any occupation, it’s not uncommon to face any number of challenges as a professional photographer. It’s important to seek out a professional’s perspective on the personal challenges they face.

“I had to learn how to overcome social awkwardness,” said Reesh. “I had to learn how to be intentional about who I have in my circle.

I learned that support was essential as being a photographer can be an extremely taxing job. I had to learn how to budget my finances and I had to learn how to find my voice in my art.

These are the challenges I had to learn from.”

Photography, by nature, is a very creative line of work. A photographer must balance their art with the expectations of their clients. Many clients come to a photographer with a vague understanding or description of what they want in telling their personal story. Photographers often provide guidance and perspective that the client might be completely unaware of.

“I always prioritize my clients – it is part of my job to help them develop their inspiration,” said Reesh. “I help guide my clients to explore their own creativity as it is a collaboration between us that develops the final representation of their story.”

Reesh mentioned where she draws inspiration for her work: “Movies, romance novels, textures, makeup, decor, antiques, clothing, colors, and my favorite, with light!

Light inspires me more than anything with photographs. I love working with unique lighting situations. I actually hate even lighting.”

A question I made sure to ask was the one question that students seek answers to when choosing a path for their education and future career: How competitive or highly saturated is

▼

(Left) Sariah, age 22; (center, front) Trevin, age 14; (center, back) Melina, age 20; (right) Leneah, age 16.

Family photos with Jennifer White have become a yearly endeavor for this family. This photo was a candid moment between attempts to recreate a photo taken a year prior, where the sisters kissed their brother on the cheeks.

Laughter ensues as siblings navigate the awkward moment of recreation.

▲ Photographs by Reesh this line of work?

“We live in the Pacific Northwest, so absolutely, photography is oversaturated – but it's for a good reason because it's such a beautiful place!” said Reesh. “Why wouldn't people want to be a photographer here? I know that a lot of people see it as a competition, but I don't. We all have our own unique styles, areas of expertise, boundaries, client experience efforts, quality, years of experience, etc. There's a unique/specific/ dream client out there for all of us and more than enough to go around. My ideal client is different from the next photographer's ideal client.”

As each photographer has their ideal client, each photographer will have their own perspective on photography as a career. When it comes time to make that choice of career pursuits and passions, here are a few things to keep in mind as mentioned by Reesh: First, shoot all the time. Get yourself a camera and shoot in manual. Learn how to shoot lights using Kelvin readings.

Second, don’t charge for your work until after you’ve registered your business and have contracts to cover yourself and your clients.

Third, invest time and money into your education and in mentorships with a photographer or photographers you trust, working with people whose work inspires you.

Lastly, find your creative voice.

As a community, there is a lot that we can learn from each other. Through collaboration there is still a lot to be learned about what the photography community is like behind the scenes in Albany and in Corvallis.

COMMUTER

19

▼ Hallstatt, Austria

EXPLORING EUROPE'S

ENCHANTING CHRISTMAS MARKETS

From twinkling lights and mulled wine to centuries-old traditions, Europe’s Christmas markets offer a feast for the senses and a celebration of holiday spirit.

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V

words and photos by BRENDA AUTRY

▼

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Cologne, Germany

Gluhwein is served in ceramic mugs that you can return or keep for a small fee.

▼

▼ Looking down on the Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic

isiting Europe's Christmas markets is like stepping into an enchanted winter wonderland. Twinkling lights illuminate beautifully decorated market stalls against a backdrop of historic buildings and grand cathedrals in cobblestoned town squares. The sound of carols and the heady scents of cinnamon and roasted almonds fill the air, bringing the holiday season to life.

The markets are not just a place to shop; they are a melting pot of culture and tradition.

This year was my second time visiting the Christmas markets in Europe; I wanted to see as much as I could, so I created a rather ambitious itinerary for myself. In 17 days I visited seven countries, 15 cities, and over 30 Christmas markets across the continent.

Though extensive, the trip turned out to be everything I hoped for and I had an amazing time experiencing so many different locations.

One of the highlights of visiting different markets is discovering regional specialties and traditions. In Nuremberg, Germany, I tried the famous Nürnberger Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and a warm cup of Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) which was perfect for sipping while browsing stalls filled with hand-carved wooden ornaments. In Prague, the must-try dessert is the famous trdelník (chimney cake), a treat replicated throughout Europe, though none quite compare to the original. My favorite experience, however, was watching the Krampus Run in Salzburg, Austria.

The tradition is thought to date back to pre-Christian Alpine cultures, with Krampus serving as a figure meant to frighten children into behaving, complementing St. Nicholas, who rewarded the good ones. This modern take, which sees dozens of elaborately costumed Krampuses from surrounding villages run through the streets and markets of Salzburg whipping tourists — much to their delight — began in the late 20th century as a way to preserve and showcase this regional folklore.

Exploring the markets is like stepping back

in time. Many date back centuries, originally serving as humble gatherings where locals would prepare for the winter season. Today, each market offers a uniquely festive atmosphere, drawing both locals and visitors to celebrate the season and immerse themselves in centuries-old traditions.

My favorite markets were in the smaller, historic towns, like Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

This medieval walled city lovingly preserves its traditions, dating back to the 15th century. The half-timbered town square provides the perfect setting for the charming medieval market, where visitors can indulge in old-fashioned regional delicacies.

In contrast, I found larger cities like Brussels and Paris less enjoyable.

While they attempt to blend the old with the new, infusing their markets with ice skating rinks, ferris wheels, and elaborate light shows, it often ends up feeling more commercial than magical. The addition of modern attractions takes away from the authentic, timeless charm that defines the smaller, historic markets.

One city, however, excels at preserving the history and tradition of its markets while offering the excitement of contemporary festivities. Vienna, Austria sets the gold standard for what a wellblended Christmas market should be. With half a dozen markets scattered across the city — set in the courtyards of palaces, along the streets, and in front of the town hall — Vienna delivers a sense of awe and enchantment at every turn that completely won me over.

As a photographer, the Christmas markets are a dream come true. The already photogenic town squares of some of the most beautiful cities in the world are dressed in their holiday best, providing endless inspiration. The warm glow of lights and bustling crowds create countless opportunities to capture the magic of the season.

I loved my trip to the Christmas markets because they’re more than just a feast for the senses — they’re a joyful celebration of tradition and holiday spirit, leaving a warmth that lingers long after the season fades. I can’t wait to return.

STEAL MY ITINERARY!

⟩⟩⟩

COMMUTER

21

DAY 1-3: PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Stay: Budget: $70–$100/night, midrange: $110–$150/night.

Activities: Explore Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and Christmas markets.

Food Estimate: $27/day per person.

DAY 3: BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA (STOPOVER) Activities: Stroll through the Old Town and Christmas markets.

Food Estimate: $22/day per person.

DAY 3-5: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Stay: Budget: $80–$110/night, midrange: $120–$160/night.

Activities: Visit Buda Castle, Parliament, and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Food Estimate: $27/day per person.

DAY 5-7: VIENNA, AUSTRIA Stay: Budget: $90–$120/night, midrange: $130–$180/night.

Activities: Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Christmas markets.

Food Estimate: $32/day per person.

DAY 7: HALLSTATT, AUSTRIA (DAY TRIP) Activities: Explore picturesque lakeside views and charming streets.

Food Estimate: $22/day per person.

DAY 7-9: SALZBURG, AUSTRIA Stay: Budget: $100–$130/night, midrange: $140–$190/night.

Activities: Mirabell Gardens, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Krampus Run. Food Estimate: $32/day per person.

DAY 9-10: MUNICH, GERMANY Stay: Budget: $110–$140/night, midrange: $150–$200/night.

Activities: Marienplatz Christmas market, Residence Market, and Tollwood Festival.

Food Estimate: $37/day per person.

DAY 10-11: NUREMBERG, GERMANY Stay: Budget: $80–$100/night, midrange: $110–$140/night.

Activities: Christkindlesmarkt, Imperial Castle, and local specialties.

Food Estimate: $32/day per person.

ESTIMATED COST: Total hotel costs (17 Nights): Budget range: $1,600–$2,300 Midrange range: $2,430–$3,540 Estimated travel: $1,500 Estimated food Costs: $750 Estimated activity Costs: $650 GRAND TOTAL FOR ONE PERSON: Budget: $4,500–$5,200 Midrange: $5,330–$6,440 TOTAL PER PERSON (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY): Budget: $3,700–$4,050 Midrange: $4,115–$4,670 DAY 11-12: ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER, GERMANY Stay: Budget: $90–$110/night, midrange: $120–$160/night.

Activities: Stroll medieval streets and enjoy the Reiterlesmarkt.

Food Estimate: $32/day per person.

DAY 12-14: STRASBOURG, FRANCE Stay: Budget: $100–$130/night, midrange: $130–$180/night.

Activities: Explore Petite France and Strasbourg’s Christmas market.

Day Trip: Visit Obernai and Colmar.

Food Estimate: $37/day per person.

DAY 14-15: COLOGNE, GERMANY Stay: Budget: $110–$140/night, midrange: $160–$200/night.

Activities: Cologne Cathedral and Christmas markets.

Food Estimate: $37/day per person.

DAY 15: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (DAY TRIP) Activities: Grand Place, Christmas market, and local delicacies.

Food Estimate: $37/day per person.

DAY 15-18: PARIS, FRANCE Stay: Budget: $120–$160/night, midrange: $175–$250/night.

Activities: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Parisian Christmas markets.

Food Estimate: $42/day per person.

BONUS TIPS: Fly round-trip from Portland to Paris (It’s cheaper, $750-900), then fly from Paris to Prague ($100).

Be sure to book everything at least four months in advance for the best selection and prices. Many hotels are sold out by the end of August.

▼

Most Christmas markets are open from the end of November until Christmas Eve, but double check each city before booking travel.

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The market at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Budapest, Hungary

TIME TO

STUDY ABROAD BROADEN YOUR HORIZON EXPLORE NEW CULTURES EARN COLLEGE CREDIT SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

EVERY SUMMER JOIN US!

Questions? Email us!

STUDYABROAD@LINNBENTON.EDU COMMUTER

23

Feeder, Feeder,

Sunflower Seed Eater How to help backyard birds through the winter words by SID MYDLAND

or many birdwatchers, winter is not the most exciting season. However, this time of year is full of songbirds and woodpeckers who could use extra help.

Humans have caused habitat loss for almost as long as we have existed; fragmentary pieces of suitable habitat are too far apart. Increasingly more prominent is how climate change affects wintering birds. Rising heat is altering what's left of their natural environment. These two factors, habitat loss and climate change, amplify each other, getting us to where we are now.

Some birds are better at living in winter weather but still deal with loss of cover (due to leaf fall), exhausted supplies of foraging goodies, and fewer bugs out with a shorter time to look for food. Cold causes birds to burn much more energy than they typically do, losing up to 75% of their body weight overnight when conditions are extreme.

To stay warm, these little guys need all the help they can get. Full bird feeders mean full bellies and more energy storage. To help, we can fill our feeders with foods that are high in fat and energy, such as roasted and unsalted peanuts, suet, and sunflower seeds.

Setting up and maintaining clean bird feeders is fundamental, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply setting out a plant saucer and putting seed in it is perfect, but if you want to go the extra mile, you have tons of options. Different feeder types include hoppers, tubes, platforms, metal mesh, towers, suet, nectar, and more!

You can hang feeders from branches, attach them to balconies, place them on the ground, or hang them from garden poles. Depending on the birds you want to attract, you can choose different feeders, placements, and food varieties. For example, tube and hopper feeders have enough room to support most songbirds,

F

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▲

Photos by Sid Mydland - top to bottom: Pine siskins gather to feed from a hopper, or "house" feeder.

At the same hopper feeder, a northern flicker perches for a meal.

Two red-breasted nuthatches cling to the side of a suet feeder for a snack.

▲

but they couldn’t hold a Steller's jay; if you wanted to attract nuthatches, bushtits, and woodpeckers, you would put out a suet feeder.

Be wary of squirrels stealing all your bird seed. In the birding world, there’s something called the 5-7-9 rule that will help you keep pesky squirrels off of your feeders: The general idea is that your average squirrel can jump five feet straight up, seven feet across, and nine feet across when jumping from above.

To help put together a feeder with this rule in mind, you can use a squirrel baffle, a bell-shaped piece of metal that keeps them from climbing up the garden pole. Following those parameters, squirrels are sure to not get on your feeder, but if that takes up too much space, you can offer alternative feeders with dried corn cobs to direct them away from your main feeder.

Over the past couple of months, you may or may not have heard about the spike in bird flu (HPAI H5N1) cases. This flare has some folks worried about whether or not it is safe to put feeders out.

To find out more on the topic, I reached out to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and received a response from Hugh Powell, senior science editor for Cornell's allaboutbirds.org and Living Bird magazine. In my email, I asked about recommendations for feeders in areas with livestock.

Powell said this topic isn't the Cornell Lab's expertise, but he informed me that it was a complicated issue that doesn't necessarily have a universal answer across all cases.

“There's a generally low incidence of avian influenza among birds that visit feeders; and at the same time flocking birds such as European starlings can carry avian influenza and can be easily drawn into livestock operations whether bird feeders are up or not,” said Powell. He directed me to several resources from the USDA, where I was able to learn more about the spread.

Generally, keeping your feeder up is alright, but it’s a potential risk if you keep poultry. USGS reports that domestic ducks, geese, and chickens are most likely to contract avian influenza from infected tools, clothes, and food. That’s not to say that wild birds do not spread H5N1 — birds, especially waterfowl, are often asymptomatic spreaders of the disease.

This outbreak has been more deadly to wild birds than past occurrences, with juvenile cackling geese here in the valley being especially susceptible.

You can help by reporting sick or dead birds to ODFW (wild) or the Oregon State Veterinarian (domestic).

Keep your animals safe by following basic biosecurity techniques like limiting visitors and checking your birds for symptoms. To learn more about protecting your animals, check out the USDA’s Defend the Flock program online.

All that being said, it is crucial to keep things clean, especially for those of you who live near or with domestic farm animals. To clean your feeder, empty any leftover seed and dirt into the trash then use dish soap and water to scrub off any detritus. Rinse well and mix a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach; make sure you have enough to submerge your feeder. Let sit for 10 minutes and rinse again. Your feeder should be fully dry before you put it back out.

Happy birding!

A house finch perches on a tube feeder in the snow. Photo by Tyler Jamieson Moulton.

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Player Spotlight with Brooklyn Willard words by ETHAN BIRMINGHAM photos via LB ATHLETICS

W

hen outside hitter Brooklyn Willard graduated from South Albany High School in 2023, multiple schools offered her the chance to continue her volleyball career into college.

The prospects of each offer were exciting.

However, only one school gave her a unique opportunity to unite the local volleyball programs of Albany. Willard knew that the Linn-Benton volleyball team had brought in several former West Albany players she had faced in high school. She also had heard from her former South Albany teammates, Taya Manibusan and Zaley Bennett, about the volleyball program at Linn-Benton.

After seeing their success and talking with head coach Jayme Frazier, Willard knew that the Roadrunners had the right program for her.

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Now, after two years at Linn-Benton, Willard can proudly claim to have left a legacy at the program, recording an overall record of 70-1 and helping win the school's third NWAC Volleyball Championship in 2023.

During the 2024 season, Willard's incredible play earned her the title of NWAC South Region MVP. The accolades didn’t stop there, as Willard earned a place on the NWAC Championship Tournament First Team and the AVCA All-American First Team.

Supported by her parents, Katie and Jason, and her little brother, Dixon, Willard's success is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication. With her time at Linn-Benton coming to a close, Willard looks forward to taking the next step in her journey, venturing to Eastern Oregon University to pursue both volleyball and a degree.

Where did your passion for volleyball come from?

I started with clinics at the YMCA in third grade and honestly I just fell in love with it. I actually didn’t want to go to the clinic. I did dance when I was younger and my mom told me I should try volleyball. After the first week, I just knew volleyball was something I wanted to do, and so I just continued from there and never did anything else.

What coaches have you learned from during your volleyball career and what have they taught you?

The first one would be Harold Yada. He’s the one that really got me into club volleyball and helped me learn my dedication for the sport and how much I appreciated it. For club volleyball, I moved on to G3 in Corvallis with Jeff Megy. At South Albany, I had Kelly Angel and Kaela Wehrman – they taught me how to play as a team. Kelly and Kaela both really helped with my leadership skills and helped me take on a bigger role on the team.

Coming out of high school, did you know where you wanted to play collegiate volleyball?

I had a couple “maybe” offers but nothing that I was very serious about. I had always heard really great things about Jayme [Frazier] as a coach from other players and parents. Once I talked to her and built that connection, Linn-Benton was pretty much the only option for me. This is where I really wanted to go.

Was your talk with Coach Frazier ultimately the deciding factor in your decision to join Linn-Benton?

I think that it was a huge part of it. I also

knew a couple other players, Taya Manibusan and Zaley Bennett. They also went to South Albany, so seeing them move on to LinnBenton and be so successful and have such an amazing experience here, I wanted that for myself as well. I also wanted the opportunity to play with a few more players that I had played with during club volleyball or played against at West Albany. There were a lot of West Albany girls on our team like Avery Hughes, Grace Boeder, and Brooke Rogers.

They all went to West Albany, so it was cool to kind of combine the South and West Albany programs and make one team out of it.

Is there a specific reason why you chose to wear No. 6?

I was No. 16 in high school and I wanted to change for college, but I still liked the number. My little brother, Dixon, has actually adopted No. 16, so that really means a lot to me and I still wanted to be a part of that.

During your time at Linn-Benton, how have coaches Jayme Frazier, Ally Schmidt, and Miah Smith impacted you and what have you learned from them?

To start with Ally, she taught me how to be a more resilient player. I feel like when I came in, I made a lot of excuses for myself. I’m an over-analyzer, so everything I did there was a reason for. I felt like I kind of excused some of my mistakes and she helped me realize that there’s always something else that I can do.

I think Miah has helped me a lot with analyzing the other team, like who to serve to and tendencies of opposition hitters. Jayme obviously has helped me a ton with my volleyball skills, but most importantly, she’s made me a better person and helped me mature

a lot in these last two years.

I think overall these coaches are what made this experience for me. Obviously it was awesome how successful our team was, but it’s still not fun to be a winning team if you’re not enjoying it. These coaches really helped me make the best experience I could while I was here, and not just on the court.

Do you have a pregame routine before your matches?

I do a lot of analyzing and strategic thinking, like, “What does this team do?” and “What’s gonna work against them?” I just visualize myself doing those certain things that will work; I’m very much a visual person. I like to visualize a little highlight reel of myself doing everything right and I think that helps me build confidence for the game and to help with any nerves. Even during [warm-up], I’ll sit there and think about how I’m gonna pass, how I’m gonna make sure to move my feet, what my toss will look like for my serve, and just replaying in my head how I’m gonna do it.

When you’re going for a kill, what’s going through your mind and what are you looking for from the opponent’s defense?

I often think about where my setters are in position so I know where that ball is going to be coming from and where it’s gonna end up. The block is the first thing I look for after that. I often rely on the back row, like Kinsey Brelage and Maddy Hellem telling me spots that they’re seeing on the court. It’s not just me, but it’s a lot of relying on my team to tell me what they see and then just putting all the pieces together.

Reflecting on your time as a Roadrunner, what was your favorite part about being a member of this program?

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Just the whole experience, I think. This group of girls, the coaching staff that couldn’t have been any better, having Jake [Forshey] for strength training, and having Russell [Yap] there supporting us before and after practice. As a whole, I felt very supported and appreciated while I was here.

I love that nobody ever let me settle – they continued to push me. Jayme tells us “iron sharpens iron.” We always want to make sure that we’re playing our best in practice so that we can push each other. Just having all of these girls to learn from and to push me and support me along the way has been amazing. We couldn’t have been as successful as we were with any other group of girls.

During your time at Linn-Benton, the volleyballteam went 70-1 and set multiple school and conference records. What does it mean to be a part of a team that left such a legacy?

It’s amazing to think about. I think it really shows how much time and dedication each and every player put into this program.

The freshmen this year bought into our philosophy. Every person brought their best to this team and everything we’ve accomplished has come from that. I’m a firm believer that if you do the hard things to start with, like conditioning during preseason or weight lifting, and if everybody buys into those things, the success that comes on the court is a lot easier to achieve.

During your first year at Linn-Benton, you played a key role in helping this team go 36-0 en route to the school’s third NWAC volleyball title. What was that experience like for you?

During that season, I think that a lot of us freshmen were stepping into some big roles with a lot of sophomores leaving the year before. We had a lot of freshmen starting and 28

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I thanked the coaches and sophomores for not underestimating us. They expected sophomore responsibilities from us and really showed us how to work hard and what this program is about. That really helped me, especially knowing that the sophomores believed in me and that I could take on that role. I feel like it helped me mature and helped lead the team this last season as well.

This past season you were named NWAC South Region MVP, an AVCA First Team All American, and a member of the First Team for the NWAC Championship Tournament. What did earning these accolades mean to you?

It feels amazing to accomplish those achievements, but it really comes down to the team and the program as a whole. We can’t be successful if we don’t have everyone there. We don’t make it to the postseason with just one person. So it’s an incredible honor to receive these accolades, but I’m really just grateful that my team helped me get there and that they pushed me. If I didn’t have Maddy Hellem, Mia Monaghan, and Molly Schotthoefer to learn from, I couldn’t have accomplished those feats.

During your time at Linn-Benton, what skill or area of your game have you improved the most?

This is not necessarily just in volleyball, but I think one skill I’ve learned the most about over the last two years is having the ability to take a step back and enjoy the moment that we’re in. Realizing how incredible this experience is and thinking of it as some of the best years of my life. Not focusing on how stressful school might be or all the teams that we have to beat to get to where we want to.

We think about one point, one set, one match at a time. That’s really helped me in my life, just looking at the experience as a whole and appreciating the little things.

Do you have any educational or athletic plans once you graduate from Linn-Benton?

I’m committed to Eastern Oregon University to play volleyball for the next two years and to earn my bachelor’s degree in exercise science. After that, I’m hoping to come back to Linn-Benton to join the nursing program here. My end goal is nursing; that’s what I want to do. I chose exercise science at Eastern Oregon to get a sports perspective because I’m hoping to go into a specific field involving that.

For anyone at Eastern Oregon that hasn’t watched you play yet, what would you say to them about what you bring to the team?

I bring dedication and consistency. In volleyball, you see some super emotional players that get too excited, but I don’t feel like I’m one of those players. I will definitely cheer on my team and I do get excited, but I’m more consistent emotionally and compassionate. I care a lot about my teammates, my coaches, and the whole community, especially here at Linn-Benton. They’ve given so much to me and I’m really grateful for that so I really like to give back to those people.

With all that the volleyball team has accomplished during your time here, how does it feel knowing that you and your team are likely bound for the Linn-Benton Athletics Hall of Fame someday?

We talk about Jayme as a coach, how incredible she is and the legacy she’s going to leave behind and how incredible it is to be a part of that legacy as well. I can't believe I got to play under the one and only Jayme Frazier. I think that it just proves to myself that if you put the time and the work in, you can be successful in whatever you want to do.

Honestly, I can’t wait to see my teammates in 10 years or whenever we get inducted into the Hall of Fame. Coming back to reunite is going to be incredible.

Student Leadership Council https://linktr.ee/slc.connect

Fall Term StudentEvents Recap The Student Leadership Council had a lot going on during fall term.

Were you there for all the excitement?

The SLC hosted a myriad of events that were free to all LB students. From park clean ups to family nights to free feed nights to movie showings in the Tripp Theatre, the SLC did what they could to plan fun and exciting things for students and their families to do to get engaged with campus life.

The SLC is planning to do a feed night/movie showing every month called the Film & Fork. Last term, we showed Inside Out 2, Jurassic Park, and Scream.

Not only was the SLC busy planning and running these events, they also started the school year with new interns, new members, and more fruitful connections!

Students are welcome to hang out in the Student Union in Forum 120 whenever we are open to converse with others, chill, or enjoy our plethora of games.

Through keeping our doors open, the SLC is able to reach more of the student body they serve. Yay!

These Film & Fork screenings come complete with an interactive game feature added to make the viewing of older classics more engaging. After the film ends, we supply free Honeybrine catering to LB students. in the Commons. Look forward to the Outsiders, Soul, and Steel Magnolias showings this term.!

Some other well-attended events last term were the Hayden Kristal comedy show, the Waverly Park clean up, laser tag, and family night. Students and staff seemed pleased to be given so many opportunities to have fun and connect with each other at these FREE events.

Through interacting with students last term via Student Union interactions, in class, and through meeting students at events, the SLC was able to dig deeper to find what events the student body would like to see and participate in.

In fact, the SLC’s Event Task Force has been taking student event planning seriously this term. In November, the Event Task Force went to the National Conference of Campus Activities in Riverside, CA to better hone their leadership and planning skills.

While there, the SLC learned from other colleges’ successes in event planning and were able to peruse a whole market place of event ideas to bring back to campus.

Stay tuned this term for comedian Ben Palmer, key note speaker Darryl Bellamy Jr., a Masquerade Ball, and free bowling among other fun, free events. We’ll see you there, right?

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Band Spotlight

Dancing on a

MOONBEAR words by RYLAND BICKLEY photos via MOONBEAR

“W

e’re dancing on a moonbeam,” sings The Strokes’ frontman Julian Casablancas in the legendary New York rock group’s sundrenched 2020 album “The New Abnormal.”

That line was also the inspiration for the band name of Eugene-based alt rockers Moonbear.

“There was a misheard lyric from a Strokes song. … I heard ‘moonbear,’ and I was like, ‘You know what? That could be a pretty good name,’” said bassist Sebastian Brown. “It was supposed to be a temporary name.”

“Fun fact – none of us like the name, but, you know, we couldn't think of a better one,” added lead singer and rhythm guitarist Lauden Jones.

“We like it now,” clarified Brown.

Moonbear’s casual nomenclature might come as a surprise considering the band’s sophisticated and distinctive sound. Described

by Brown as “liminal alt space shoegaze pop,” adding, “there’s some space rock in there” – the rest of the band is fine with the alt rock title – you’ll know a Moonbear song when you hear it.

The Strokes once again come up as an influence, with Moonbear’s driving beats, repeating guitar hooks, and catchy progressions,

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often realized through Brown’s bass grooves and Jones’ vocal melodies, immediately standing out.

Jones can also add a Casablancas-esque vibrato flourish to the end of his lines to go along with his soft and often atmospheric vocals.

Moonbear has a darker side as well, with Jones listing Radiohead and Interpol as influences alongside The Strokes. Tracks such as “Pins and Needles” ooze atmosphere, while the massive, fuzzy guitars that punctuate “Faith” and “Dogfight” earn Brown’s “shoegaze” descriptor.

Acts such as Manchester Orchestra, Lord Huron, and Unwound were also mentioned by the band as inspirations.

Moonbear’s music is tailor-made for driving late at night – close your eyes and you can almost see the streetlights whizzing by to the bittersweet beauty of cuts like “Coma” and “Ugly.”

Moonbear was founded by Jones and Brown in 2022 when the two met in a music theory class at Lane Community College.

“I originally come from a tuba and symphonic or classical background, but I like rock music now, so that's what I'm doing with the boys,” said Brown.

Lead guitarist George Lerczak and drummer Shun Tsuji also joined the band through the college.

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Dogfight

Faith

Ugly/ Pins and Needles 32

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“I originally met Sebastian in the jazz band program at Lane,” said Lerczak. “Then I was in an audio engineering class with Lauden and he asked me if I wanted to play in the band, and so I agreed.”

Tsuji’s story was a bit more unconventional: “So actually, George is our third guitar player, and the first player was my friend, and he invited me to join the band,” he said.

LCC has served as a hub of sorts for the band’s creative process.

“We recorded [our debut EP, “Baby’s First Television Set”] at the studio at Lane,” said Jones. “We sort of recorded it for me and George's audio engineering final project, just because we have a ton of time in the studio and decided it would be a good use of our final project time.”

Moonbear credits several Eugene-adjacent talents for helping shape the band’s output.

“I would say a big part of it is getting it mixed and mastered by the same guy,” said Lerczak. “Shout out, Thaddeus [Moore]. He does a good job.”

Moore, a veteran audio engineer with nearly 30 years of experience, runs Liquid Mixing & Mastering in Eugene. His knowledge is a key part of Moonbear’s polished sound.

The band also shouted out recording engineer Ezryn Cook (A “chef” behind the scenes, per Brown), and University of Oregon graduate Rylee McConnell, the architect behind all of the band’s cover art up to this point.

Moonbear is deeply embedded in the Eugene/Corvallis scene, and the band is bullish on the area’s musical future.

“I like to think that Eugene and Corvallis are in this cool renaissance, or golden age, of underground music,” said Brown. “So much good stuff is happening, blowing up all around the same time. Just really, really lucky to see.”

“It's been awesome. Everyone is super supportive,” said Lerczak. “There's a lot of house shows. People show up to the house shows, which is fun, but pretty much every single band we've played with has been super nice and accommodating.”

Jones went on to preview what fans can expect at a Moonbear show: “I think there's an energy that I feel we try to bring – it's kind of a mix between, you know, just having fun on stage, and also, I think we care a lot about our songs. We try to treat them with some element of respect. But for the most part, we just try to make for the best shows we can.”

“Don't expect a whole lot of talk in between

Anthem of the Month Monthly music recommendations to keep you inspired.

Generator Justice

If you need some energy to start the term, try firing up “Generator.”

With a giant synth hook, pulsating backbeat, and a disco section in the middle, legendary electronic music duo Justice proved they haven’t lost their studio wizardry in one of 2024’s best tracks.

songs,” said Brown, adding, “We'll play to the best of our ability. That might not always be the best, but, you know, I think we have fun, and we'll try and bring a lot of fun.”

The band’s commitment to taking their songs seriously reflects their creative process.

Jones described his lyrics as “pretty self introspective,” and the band’s songwriting as “really, really collaborative” most of the time.

Tsuji added, “I wasn't really a big rock fan, so when I joined the band, I try to listen to the songs so I can create the part that they want.”

He might not have the genre background, but Tsuji’s command of the kit is that of an experienced indie rock drummer. All four members are integral to the band’s sound, and the rhythmic wrinkles of tracks like “Baby’s First Television Set” are a highlight.

The band has plans for more standout moments in 2025, with the group’s second EP due for a late February/early March release.

“They're all bangers. It's gonna be a great EP,” said Brown of the upcoming five-song project.

“We got to record with an organ which was a lot of fun, and a Fender Rhodes. That's used pretty sparingly on the EP, but it's on there,” added Lerczak of updates to the band’s music.

“Shun may have added some glockenspiel in there as well,” laughed Jones. “We recorded this one at Lane as well. This time we came in for quite a few sessions over, like, two weeks during this last summer.”

It’s the next step for the band, all current or soon-to-be graduates of Lane.

“I'm finishing up my associate’s at Lane in audio engineering, to catch up with these boys. But then I might pursue classical upright bass,” said Brown. “We'll see. Or maybe I'll just pursue the band.”

While waiting for the next EP, fans can next see Moonbear at a Valentine’s Day show at Eugene’s Monster House venue. Lerczak also mentioned a to-be-announced EP release show.

It’s looking up for Moonbear. Entering 2025, the band isn’t chasing a moonbeam – they’re dancing on it.

The Commuter Recommends: LBCommuter

Generator Justice

Dogfight Moonbear

My Golden Years The Lemon Twigs

Pon Pón Khruangbin

Blue Angels The Fearless Flyers

Magnetic ILLIT

Nearly Daffodils

Read the full interview on lbcommuter.com.

English Teacher

Moon Jelly Theme Louie Zong

CHIHIRO Billie Eilish

Classical Vampire Weekend

Visit our Spotify playlist to hear the rest of our favorites from 2024!

Review

The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim

T

he Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is an anime prequel and spinoff of the Middle-Earth saga. Though not the best adaptation of the celebrated fantasy series, director Kenji Kamiyama does bring a unique spin to the saga.

The story takes place nearly 200 years before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring.

As two former lovers are charged with leading their respective kingdoms into battle, a clash for the future of Rohan ensues. The result, which is the first animated theatrical adaptation since the 1978 film from Ralph Bakshi (Wizards, American Pop), treads a fine line between the original novels from J.R.R. Tolkien and the previous live-action film trilogies from Peter Jackson.

Kamiyama is a director who has proven himself more than capable of putting his own spin on all manner of works; his wide range of credits include Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, the event series Blade Runner: Black Lotus and the Star Wars Visions segment The Ninth Jedi. Though there are times the film uses CGI background elements that appear to have come from one of the series’ tie-in video games,

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the traditional animation makes strong use of a relatively modest $30 million budget.

While the movie is a largely self-contained story, it does contain plenty of recognizable elements and characters, including a posthumous cameo from Saruman achieved via archive footage of the late Christopher Lee. One particular thing to mention about this film is the reason it was made. While Amazon and MGM currently hold the rights to the original novels (with their television adaptation Rings of Power currently on track for its third season), this film was made so Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema could retain their stake in the Peter Jackson works done by his company Wingnut Films (including a prequel centered around Gollum set for 2026). The practice is often referred to as an “ashcan copy,” in which a work is made to retain the rights to source material.

Overall, The Lord Of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a worthwhile addition to the vast number of Middle-Earth adaptations even if it doesn't always soar at the heights it aims for.

words by STEVEN PRYOR image via WARNER BROS.

MOVIE: The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim DIRECTOR: Kenji Kamiyama STARRING: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Miranda Otto and Luke Pasqualino with Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd and Christopher Lee RATED: PG-13 OVERALL RATING: ★★★★

Review

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 words by STEVEN PRYOR image via PARAMOUNT PICTURES

MOVIE: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 DIRECTOR: Jeff Fowler STARRING: Ben Schwarz, Jim Carrey, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessy, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter with Lee Madjoub, Krysten Ritter, Shemar Moore, Tom Butler, Adam Pally and Alyla Browne RATED: PG OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★

S

onic the Hedgehog 3 is the third installment in the Sonic film franchise.

Following up on the success of the two previous installments and the Paramount Plus event series Knuckles, director Jeff Fowler returns to the helm to deliver what’s easily the franchise's best film yet.

Picking up where the events of 2022’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2 left off, Team Sonic is called into action when Shadow the Hedgehog (voice of Keanu Reeves) escapes from containment outside of Tokyo. Not even a camping trip with his companions gets Sonic a reprieve from stopping cataclysmic events.

As Sonic is pushed to his limits by the selfproclaimed “ultimate lifeform,” he must make the right choice in order to stop Shadow and an orbital strike beacon known as the Eclipse Cannon.

What ensues is a 110-minute science fiction adventure made for and by fans of the long-running Sega video game franchise. The connections to the source material range from big and showy (A motorcycle chase with Shadow near the beginning of the movie is a highlight) to more out of left field (A Tokyo café named for the fan-favorite Chao Garden is as sweet as the cakes it serves).

Even Shadow’s backstory is depicted faithfully from 2001’s Sonic Adventure 2, including the tragic loss of his only friend, Maria (Alyla Browne). Reeves, whose credits include the likes of John Wick, The Matrix films and the video game Cyberpunk 2077 was the perfect choice to portray Shadow.

Of course, the humor that helped make the previous adaptations a hit remains in copious supply. Jim Carrey is a delight in a dual role as Dr. Ivo Robotnik and his grandfather Gerald. A young child in the Chao Garden café addresses Tails as Detective Pikachu, giving a nice nod to a fellow successful video game turned liveaction film. Both the live actors and voice cast play off each other well, with this $122 million film being a great foundation for what comes next – a credits scene contains a setup for a fourth film that will not be spoiled here.

Concluding the storyline from the first film in 2020, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ends the trilogy with the best film in the franchise yet. If you’re looking to “escape from the city” and into the theater this season, this is your movie.

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MOVIES OF

TOP

10 2024 words by MASON WILLS

10.

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA

This film is a fantastic prequel to 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road with some amazing performances. Anya TaylorJoy is incredible as the titular character Furiosa and Chris Hemsworth gives a career-best performance. The set pieces all have that typical George Miller stylization that helps create an incredibly engaging and kinetic story. The movie also feels very grand compared to previous Mad Max movies because it is a life-spanning epic. Furiosa is by far the most high octane movie released this year.

09.

WICKED

Wicked is one of the most well-crafted musicals released to theaters in a while. The entire cast really maximizes the potential of the adaptation as well. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande become nearly indistinguishable from their characters throughout the movie and both give spectacular performances. This movie only adapts the first act of the Broadway musical, so I can’t wait for part two, titled Wicked: For Good, to come out later this year.

08.

LOVE LIES BLEEDING

The relationship between the two leads of Love Lies Bleeding is developed a lot better than many other Hollywood LGBTQ+ romances this year. The chemistry between Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brien is top notch and Ed Harris as the villain does a great job as well. The dive into surrealism towards the end, although not for everyone, was an amazing addition to help separate the movie from other crime noir thrillers released in 2024.

07.

MONKEY MAN

What a fantastic directorial debut from Dev Patel. It's nearly impossible to not compare it to the John Wick franchise, and somehow, it reaches the same heights. Each action scene feels deliberate and every one of them is tied together with a surprisingly deep story that tackles self realization and political criticism. Dev Patel clearly has a talent for directing both action scenes and drama; I can’t wait to see what he does next.

06.

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Kingdom is a wonderful continuation of the masterfully crafted Planet of the Apes trilogy. The story leaves off in a place that left me wanting more, but in a way that filled me with intrigue rather than disappointment.

The new main character, Noa, is compelling, and it will be interesting to see him transform into a more Caesar-like figure throughout the remaining movies in the new trilogy.

This film also has some of the most breathtaking CGI and motion capture I have ever seen; that alone makes Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes worth the watch.

05.

CHALLENGERS

This was a movie that had me on the edge of my seat for a surprising amount of the runtime. Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor give some of the best performances of the year and the chemistry between all three of them is fascinating to watch, particularly between Faist and O’Connor. This movie also has some of the most creative camera work that I’ve seen in recent memory with the final match having multiple shots that are simply fascinating to watch.

04.

LOOK BACK

Look Back is a beautiful piece of art. This short film adapts Tatsuki Fujimoto’s 140-page manga of the same name and it is absolutely amazing in every way imaginable. For being just under an hour long, it packs an incredible amount of emotion into every scene and strikes a beautiful crescendo in the final 15 minutes.

The use of brand new voice actors also brings a deep authenticity to the two main characters that really helps the emotions come through in the strongest way possible.

03.

THE WILD ROBOT

The Wild Robot is an emotional story about motherhood and family told through the lens of a robot in the woods. The animation style is refreshingly creative, with a mixture of normal CG animation and water brush CG animation, creating a hard differentiation between mechanical and natural characters and settings.

Lupita Nyong’o is amazing as the main character Roz and somehow makes a robot one of the most human characters in an animated movie this year.

02.

NOSFERATU

Another Robert Eggers movie means another masterfully crafted Gothic story. The makeup design is incredible on Count Orlok, making Bill Skarsgärd unrecognizable. LilyRose Depp gives a career-defining performance as Ellen Hutter. The story expands on the plot of the original 1922 movie in great ways that make the premise better and tie it much closer to the original source material of Dracula. The cinematography is simply the best of the year and every frame looks like a piece of art, especially the final breathtaking shot.

01.

DUNE: PART TWO An epic conclusion to a monumental science fiction epic. Everything about this movie is beautifully crafted. The performances, set pieces, and story are all some of the best sci-fi ever seen on film. It was nice getting to see Zendaya actually play a prominent role in this movie and Timothée Chalamet absolutely embodied Paul Atreides by the end of the movie. Dune: Part Two is much more actionpacked than the first installment, and for many, a much more engaging film.

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across

01. Assert 05. Drum 10. Comedy sketch 14. Ustinov's "Quo Vadis" role 15. "All systems go!"

16. "Othello" evildoer 17. Without a second to spare (after "in the") 19. Mature 20. Chicken-king connection 21. Hammer part 22. Iraqi currency 24. Diner sign 25. Grab the check 26. Not healthy 29. Marginal artists?

32. Dots in the ocean 33. Afternoon TV serials 34. Corp. top dog 35. General ___ chicken (Chinese menu choice) 36. Magician's props 37. "Man, that was close" 38. Vienna's local, abbr.

39. Studies intently, with "over" 40. Rodeo riders slipknot 41. Become prominent again 43. Swallowed noisily 44. G - A - B - C - D - E - F# G, for example 45. Pubs 46. Did not overturn, legally 48. Double play makes two 49. ___ Paulo, Brazil 52. Sticks in one's ___ (irks) 53. Keep the dealer honest option 56. Mechanic's soap 57. Merge into one 58. Close-by 59. Prayer closer 60. Question requiring some thought 61. Diva's piece

down

01. Karenina of fiction 02. Bridal wear 03. "Free Willy" whale 04. Asian frying pan 05. End zone sack 06. Classroom scribblings 07. Related 08. Ewe's mate 09. They can make pupils grow larger 10. Indicate a turn 11. Black belt's blow 12. Composer Stravinsky 13. Pulls a trailer 18. Milky gems 23. Roadside bombs, in mil. jargon 24. Barely gets by 25. Warty hoppers 26. Ravi Shankar's instrument 27. Campaign subject 28. Narrow escape 29. Organ transplant receiver 30. Witherspoon of the widescreen 31. Seeded 33. Beetle Bailey's NCO, briefly 36. Big soccer tournament 37. DC office holders 39. Bell knell 40. Part of LPN 42. "The Children Act" author Ian 43. Get together, as a crowd 45. Town near Helena 46. Bruins of the PAC 10 47. British baby buggy 48. Mayberry lush 49. Crystal ball gazer 50. Palm fruit 51. Gumbo veggie 54. Family card game 55. Genetic inits.

"A Little Slice of Life" by Terry Gergely

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