COACHING FOR SUCCESS
Interview with Majestik De Luz
DISCOVER CUBA
A Guide to Visiting Cuba as an American
letter editor
This has been one of those months where I just love my job. In case you’re not the type to check out bylines when you read a magazine – this is the last time you’ll see mine in this particular Commuter.
That’s right. Our staff has worked hard to fill every page, and I’ve had the pleasure of kicking back, reading the stories as they come in, and watching this month’s magazine come together.
This is our November edition, so hopefully it’s obvious where I’m going with this. I’m thankful for the incredible group of people I’ve gotten to work with this publication cycle, as well as you, the reader, for giving us an audience to make this endeavor worth doing in the first place.
As clichéd as it may be, it’s important to take the time this season to be grateful for all the wonderful people and things in our lives. With the hectic pace of the school year, it can be easy to keep our noses to the grindstone and forget to smell the delicious turkey baking in the oven. (Just make sure it’s not too dry!)
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.
But the beautiful part of fall term is that once you complete the school year’s first set of finals, there’s a whole month off to look forward to. Winter break is probably my favorite time of the year as life slows down and I can focus more on other aspects of my life left sorely unattended. How much have I regressed as a guitarist? Probably a lot. I’ll find out in December.
As you survive the final push through finals and then settle in for the holiday season, those of us at The Commuter will be doing the same. We’ll be planning ahead for our next edition and continuing to post a steady stream of articles on our website – stay tuned, especially if you’re a volleyball fan (and you should be). But on the magazine front, we’ll be going dark until our New Year’s edition drops at the beginning of winter term.
Hopefully this collection of stories will be enough to hold you over until then. Our Beyond the Classroom and Student Spotlight series are back; we also have plenty of campus news and photos as well as coverage of sports and the arts.
I’m also excited about our campus birdwatching guide, written by Sid Mydland, who emailed me last month to see if we had a spot for it in The Commuter. It turned out great, and if you’re looking for a sign to do the same with an idea you’ve been thinking of writing about, consider this it. Our email is always open: commuter@linnbenton. edu. I’ll be monitoring it even over the break.
Here’s to having low-stress finals, a relaxing winter break, and a great new year. We’ll see you on the other side.
Ryland Bickley Editor-in-Chief
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 by BRENDA AUTRY
editor-in-chief
RYLAND BICKLEY
design editor
photo editor
SARAH ROSE LARSON
EMILY JIMERSON
sports editor
ETHAN BIRMINGHAM
CHRIS PATTERSON marketing director
KAILYN MCQUISTEN reviews
this issue:
advisor
ROB PRIEWE
STEVEN PRYOR MASON WILLS contributors
ANTHONY DREWS
BRENDA AUTRY
BRITTANY KING
JESSICA REYNOLDS
MICAH TEAGUE
MIKA WINDER
MIKE MCREYNOLDS
SCOTT SUTHERLIN
feature editor 04 06 18 20 08 12 16 14 24 26 10 09 17 13 25 28 campus birdwatching 101 beyond the classroom on the job discover cuba shakespeare comes to lbcc hispanic heritage in oregon student spotlight What's Cooking
Logan Utter with Majestik De Luz
Basketball Preview
with Coen Olsen
the Santiam Café and Bistro?
Men's Basketball Preview with Bill Whitley
101 BIRDWATCHING CAMPUS
words by SID MYDLAND
Iam sure you have heard different calls all around campus from our plumaged peers. Maybe movement in the bushes has caught your eye, but you can never pinpoint where it was. Well, if you are patient and quiet, you might be lucky enough to see a feathered friend in action.
Classwork can feel crushing this time of year, but birdwatching between study sessions helps me calm down. Does this make me a 21-year-old grandpa? Yes, and it sets me up for success. Looking out the bus window and seeing a northern harrier hovering over an unseen mouse, blue herons in the fields, or, luck allowing, a cackling goose blending in with his much larger counterparts – for me, this is a soothing and fun part of the day.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We’ll start with a bird that is unmistakable: the northern flicker.
Northern flickers are a common woodpecker here in Albany. If you try, these birds are not too hard to find. Spotting birds in trees is difficult; fortunately, these mediumsized birds are often on the ground. You can find them foraging under trees. Their most suitable habitat is the small wooded areas at the edge of campus or out near the gardens. The flicker's call is a constant high-pitch trill, not to be confused with the pileated woodpecker's lower-pitched trill. Try to listen for drumming, the sound they make when they hit their beak against wood. Flickers' flamboyant feathers seem easy to spot, but they camouflage better than most would think. But, as long as you look and listen intently, flickers are a fantastic beginner bird.
Our next bird likes to dawdle in the parking lot.
Trees between the parking lots and Takena Hall have plenty of flapping visitors. I like to listen to squeaky hummingbird calls and the nonstop yapping of house finches. The bushtit is equally as chatty. Bushtits are small, grayish-brown birds a tad smaller than a pingpong ball. These gregarious birds are never alone, flocking in groups of 10 or more. You can hear their high-pitched calls as they flutter from tree to tree, foraging for bugs to snack on. Despite their muted color, their personalities are electric. Seeing these cute, chatty fellas flurry from tree to tree will make even the most stressed student grin.
Who is that on the ground? If you have seen little birds with black heads and tan sides,
you are probably meeting the daring dark-eyed junco. In the Pacific Northwest, we have a subspecies called the Oregon junco. The Oregon junco has a bolder appearance than many of its country-wide counterparts. What they lack in size, they make up for with attitude. Tiny yet mighty, juncos in more populated areas are not typically too frightened by people. Willing to be close at hand without shying away, juncos are full of courage. These birds are prevalent and easy to identify. Now that you know what they look like, you are bound to see them all over.
Black-capped chickadees are around campus. Listen closely and you will hear their distinctive call from the trees: chickadee-dee-dee-dee. Like the junco, they have a black head and tan sides. Distinctly, chickadees have white markings on their faces, similar to a mask. Look for a large-headed, round silhouette. They like to be high up in the trees, so try going to the second floor to look for them. Looking out secondstory windows, you will see plenty of different species; the chickadee will be easy to pick out among the crowd. Once you learn to identify their call, the world feels more musical.
Birdwatching is exciting, but before you go out, remember to be respectful. Just like other hobbies and activities, birdwatching has etiquette. Above all, respect the birds' space and autonomy, especially around nests. Be quiet when you can and never purposely lure the bird closer to you or block them in any way. For your safety, follow trail signs and avoid trespassing. Keep pets on a leash if you need to bring them along. Be kind to others and leave no trace. Lastly, do not share your food with birds, especially bread. Bread is destructive to avian health. If you decide to feed birds, make sure to do your research on feeder use. Be a responsible steward of birds and their habitats. Now get on out there and find some birds!
Studying is stressful, take a bird break.
photos (top to bottom) by VERONIKA ANDREWS, SHARKOLOT, VERONIKA ANDREWS, JACK BULMER
Do you like penguins, pajamas, and pizza?
Do you like studying? Probably not.
Make studying for finals FUN by coming to STUDY JAM!
Hey, Albany campus students! Feeling the pressure with finals just around the corner? We’ve got the perfect event to help you ace those exams and unwind at the same time! Join us on Saturday, December 7th, from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday, December 8th from 12pm to 4pm for the ultimate Study Jam it's all about Penguins, PJs, and Pizza!
That’s right! Bring your comfiest pajamas and head over to the Learning Center for some serious study sessions.
Then take a break at the Student Union for fun study breaks with your friends! Grab a slice of pizza, hit up our Hot Cocoa Bar, and chill out in your PJs! Oh and did we mention the penguins? You heard that right there’s a little penguin magic happening too in the form of coloring sheets, decor, and movie time!
It’s your chance to power through finals AND have some fun! Don't miss the Penguins, PJs, and Pizza Study Jam the weekend right before finals See you there!
STUDY JAM!
Saturday, December 7th
10am-6pm
@ Albany Learning Center, Library, and Student Union
Sunday, December 8th
12pm-4pm @ Albany Learning Center, Library, and Student Union
Add to calendar
There will also be a less penguin-themed Study Jam on Saturday, December 7th from 10am-4pm @ the Benton Center Learning Center. Pizza and math help available!
Cameren Moran has been a welding instructor at LB for the last 10 years. After graduating from the welding program in 2010, he worked as a full-time welder fabricator and eventually began teaching part-time at LB before accepting a full-time position.
Moran grew up in Albany and graduated from South Albany High School. He currently lives in Philomath with his wife, Alicia Moran, an elementary school teacher, and their four boys ages 9, 7, almost 3, and 1 years old.
What made you want to teach?
The possibility of changing people’s lives. When I started teaching, I worked with a lot of older people. There weren't a lot of young people in the program because they were being pushed towards a four-year degree, so I was helping older people make a good wage and a good living – changing their lives for the better.
What do you like about teaching?
I like seeing the progress from beginning to end. Just seeing someone who has no experience, or just a little from high school classes, and seeing how fast they develop their skills. And the knowledge base they have when they finish their first year and into their second year is amazing. I also like the personal aspect of it. Having communication with so many different people and developing relationships with people you’d never meet otherwise. People want to be better than they thought they could; they strive for the best.
What’s the hardest part of teaching?
I would say the hardest part is teaching somebody that has already welded, because they have ways they think are correct and trying to correct those is difficult.
What made you want to get into welding?
I didn’t actually want to be a welder, I wanted to be a game warden. I was taking classes at LB to become a wildlife game warden. At that time, in order to apply to be a game warden you had to have been an Oregon state trooper for seven years. Because of this I didn’t want to pursue that path anymore and I decided to do something I knew I was good at already. I took welding all four years of high school – I’ve been welding since 2004 – and I was actually working as a welder part-time while I was taking classes at LB. So, I switched to the welding program and it worked out really well for me.
I still get to do stuff with police officers sometimes. I trained the Linn County
SWAT team how to use cutting processes to expedite how fast they could get through locks and chain link fences quietly
What made you get into welding in high school?
My dad was a machinist [when I was] growing up. His knowledge of the metal trades and knowing that if I welded, then between the two of us we could build anything together, was always the thought in the back of my mind.
What do you love about welding?
I like the science behind it and the knowledge that goes into choosing the right type of weld you need to do. Also, when you’re welding you’re just by yourself and you’re just focused on what you’re doing, rather than everything around you. It’s like your own little zen spot. Your thought process quiets down a lot and you have a very specific focus.
What is the hardest thing about welding?
Probably understanding the effects that you're making to the metal. You have to understand that what you’re changing inside has effects on the longevity of the part that you’re building. It’s hard work.
Why do you think welding is a good career?
I think welding is a good career because you have a huge amount of growth potential. You may start out as a welder, but there’s potential that you can work your way up [to being] a foreman or weld inspector. You always have an opportunity in the future.
Do you have any other roles at LB?
I am the co-chair of the welding department and I am the president of the faculty association. Advisor for the welding program. I also serve on various committees.
What are your duties as president of the faculty association?
It’s really an interesting role. My main goal and philosophy is to make sure that all of our association is communicated with and understands what is happening within our association and with the school as a whole. I sit on almost all the committees within the association so I help give insight to decisions that need to be made.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Most of my time is spent with my family. Primarily with my oldest two sons doing sports and coaching them; I coach
their soccer, baseball and basketball teams. With the younger two, I just try to keep them out of trouble as much as possible. During the summer we enjoy camping and being outside. We spend a lot of time in the backyard – we’re kind of homebodies to be completely honest.
What is something interesting about yourself?
I partially paid my way through college by playing music. I played the drums in multiple bands in my college career. I played country music, jazz and rock and roll.
How did you get started in music?
My dad was a musician. He played the drums and he taught me how to play, then I played with the band in high school.
Do you still play?
Not very often now, and when I do it’s just for fun with the kids. They just like playing with musical stuff and they ask me to play with them, so we pretend to be a band and we make up songs just for fun. In the future I’d like to play music again, but it’s a pretty big time commitment.
Do you have any other hobbies?
Hiking, riding bikes, and hunting. I also do small welding jobs and fabrication on my own time. I also like doing home improvement projects and stuff like that. We’re fixing up our house because it was built in the ’60s, so the usual homeowner stuff.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
I’ve been a certified weld inspector for nine years. Becoming a weld inspector is a big accomplishment. You have to take a two-week course in Ohio, and then after a study period you have to pass a six-hour test that involves fundamental knowledge of welding, understanding how to read a code book, and applying that knowledge to scenarios, as well as deciphering information in code books.
Do you have any advice for future welders?
I would say just try it. Either with somebody that can safely show you how to do it, or take an introductory class where all that is expected of you is to try as hard as you can and see if you like it or not.
If you’re interested in getting more information about the welding program, you can contact Cameren Moran at moranc@linnbenton.edu.
TShakespeare comes to LBCC Performance Times
words by MICAH TEAGUE
he Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a transformative theatrical company located in southern Oregon. They have been operating for nearly 90 years, gaining international recognition and attracting audiences from all over the United States and several other countries.
That storied history will be visiting Albany this term, with Linn-Benton Community College hosting a workshop by the OSF on Nov. 21 in the Russell Tripp Performance Center. This workshop will be free and include three performances by OSF actors Tegan Kelley and Cole Haenggi Song. These performances will be fun, casual, and interactive.
The performances, which begin at 10 a.m. will be followed by the workshop at 3 p.m.
English faculty Chris Riseley suggests that you attend at least one of the performances before the workshop. You should also wear comfortable clothing that is good for moving around. Expect to experience emotion, humor, and movement in the workshop.
The OSF began hosting workshops at LBCC in 2012. This was a yearly experience on
campus until 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic caused them to cease. The workshop this year is the first one that has been held since the pandemic.
The event is part of the OSF’s 2024 School Visit Program, funded by sponsors with the goal of sharing Shakespeare with the community.
“OSF founder Angus Bowmer started this program over 40 years ago with one simple goal: to bring Shakespeare into as many schools as possible,” reads the OSF website. “We are proud to continue this legacy that for many students will be their first and sometimes only exposure to theatre and Shakespeare’s plays in performance.”
Riseley, one of the LBCC staff members responsible for bringing the experience to campus, said he hopes everyone will come and be open to the opportunity.
Nov. 21 presents a unique opportunity to work with two OSF actors and experience theater in a new way.
November 21, 2024 — Russell Trip Theater
10 a.m. — Julius Caesar
11:30 a.m. — The Seven Ages
1 p.m. — Julius Caesar
3 p.m. OSF Workshop
Courtyard Makeover
words by SCOTT SUTHERLIN
If you stopped by the LBCC campus throughout the summer, you likely noticed the progress of the courtyard renovation.
On Thursday, Oct. 31, the college formally recognized the opening of the completely renovated outdoor space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and barbecue. In addition to all the landscaping and flowers extending around the courtyard, the center area where students gather and walk on their way across campus has been completely reconstructed and made safer.
There were a lot of work hours put into the new courtyard. It fits with the broader vision of LBCC to fill some empty spaces up for use and to help students have a good environment to study, according to college staff. It represents a forward-thinking approach to revitalizing campus space.
The courtyard has undergone a significant renovation to enhance its functionality and aesthetics. The space, which was previously under-utilized and in disrepair, now features fountains, landscaped areas, and student gathering spaces with umbrella-topped tables and benches.
The renovation aimed to remove access barriers and uneven surfaces, increasing safety and creating a more inviting environment for students and staff.
The college hired Varitone Architecture from Albany, Oregon, to develop schematic designs that would transform the courtyard into a more vibrant campus hub. These designs were used to help secure funding for the project.
This renovation was one of the improvements funded by a $16 million general obligation bond approved by Linn and Benton County voters in 2022.
The courtyard upgrade is already apparent. Just walking through, observers are surrounded by students who fill the space on nice weather days.
▲ photo by Scott Sutherlin
▲ LBCC courtyard dedication held on Oct. 31. Photo via LBCC
▲ photo by Scott Sutherlin
▼ photo via LBCC
LBChirp
Linn-Benton to Unveil New Student App
words by SCOTT SUTHERLIN
doesn’t require an app.
“It’s more accessible than before,” he told The Commuter.
As LBCC prepares to roll out LBChirp, there is optimism about its potential impact on student
accomplish certain things, such as attending events, answering survey/polling questions, etc.
These points add up and the student can redeem them for gift cards. This gamifies the experience for students and will hopefully allow for more
said Overvig. “But we chose to transition to our new app to primarily save on operational costs and to allow for us to incorporate a new design with fun and unique features."
Drive Your Career Toward Success
CDL TRAINING
ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVER | OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Linn-Benton Community College has partnered with the Knife Rive r Training Center to provide a comprehensive learning experience, to get you on the road with your CDL!
Invest in your future today
• FMCSA-compliant CDL training
• Tuition cost: $6,499
• Comprehensive training materials
• Daily catered lunches included
• Third-party DOT skills test
• Unrestricted licenses
Why choose LBCC?
• 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
Program highlights
• Just over 3 weeks, Monday-Friday, 7:30 am4 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
Simple application process
• Complete the Application at: www.linnbenton.edu/CDL
• Email it to CDL@linnbenton.edu
• LBCC Coordinator will contact you within 2 days
Hispanic Heritage in OREGON
LBCC hosted an event in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month on Wednesday, Oct. 9, with a presentation by the University of Oregon’s Lynn Stephen, a professor of arts and sciences as well as anthropology. An audience of about 30 people gathered for just over an hour in Forum 220, LBCC’s Office of Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
“Students and staff learned much about the historical presence and contributions of Latinos in Oregon going back centuries,” said Angel Dorantes, Latino outreach and retention manager at the IEDI. “Oftentimes, in the immediacy of the present, this rich
history and the individual and collective stories of Latinos are not widely recognized. The ‘Latino Roots in Oregon’ panels and the talk by Dr. Lynn Stephen … reminded us about these important stories.”
The presentation covered broad strokes of the history of immigration into Oregon of Hispanic culture and individuals. Oregon once was a border state and the land along the border was indigenous land belonging to the Kalapuya. The first non-indigenous language spoken in the area was Spanish.
Stephen talked about the influence immigration and Hispanic heritage have had on Oregon from 1848 to today, as well as the current studies taking place at the University of Oregon to better understand that cultural history and influence.
After the bulk of the lecture, a few student documentaries were shown. The stories of the current and past students of the university were translated into first-hand and second-hand documentaries of what it means to embrace and explore the Hispanic heritage in our communities here in Oregon.
The presentation included a call to action for students at LBCC to consider their roots and where they may go in the future to connect with their past. Looking to the future, students were encouraged to consider programs available at the University of Oregon if the presentation inspired them to pursue further exploration of cultural studies.
words and photos by BRITTANY KING
Coaching for Success
Do you seem to be just going through the motions? Trying to get to your classes on time; making sure you put everything you need in your backpack for the day; stressing so much over one class’ homework that you get behind on all the work in your other classes?
What you need is some help coping. Someone to be your champion who will help you be successful in this next stage of your college life.
LBCC has an entire department dedicated to academic success coaching. You can find them on the second floor of Willamette Hall on the Albany campus, right next to the math tutors.
We sat down with one of their newest coaches, Majestik De Luz. She came to LBCC after graduating from Pacific University in Forest Grove with a bachelor's degree in psychology and philosophy. She is enrolled at Oregon State University and will earn her master's degree in applied ethics alongside a certificate in college/ university teaching. She will graduate in 2025.
We asked her what it is like being an access consultant doing academic success coaching at LBCC. She was gracious enough to find time to sit down for this interview.
How can students take advantage of success coaching?
We use a strength-based model. So when we meet with a student we might ask whether they prefer physical or digital learning or if they’re better at typing or handwriting. We ask about their strengths and what areas they might want our help with. For example: How do you usually take notes in class? How do you feel that works for you? Do you tend to doodle on your notes? Then we craft our advice to meet their strengths and preferences, such as suggesting mind-mapping as a note-taking technique.
OK, so what is the strength-based approach?
I’ll give you an example. If we have a student who comes in wanting help with note-taking, we find out if they are really creative and they’re really good at drawing, and then we will suggest more creative strategies. So if they prefer digital, for example, we will look at mind-mapping programs or more visual note-taking platforms, like OneNote, where they can draw on their notes, make pictures, and insert notes.
But if they’re more physical and like to handwrite, we might suggest using a storyboard method where you draw pictures of different processes/concepts. Whatever their strengths are, we will align our suggestions to that.
Do you have a certain approach to helping college students?
It’s really just having a conversation with each student. We emphasize a very holistic style in our approach; anytime we have a student come to us, the structure is individualized to match their needs. You know, they’re all very different. Our biggest thing is meeting the students where they’re at. Some students will meet with us once – they just need some guidance and/or resources. Some students we meet on a weekly or biweekly basis. It really just depends on what the student needs.
Where can students go to get coaching?
You can go on the Linn-Benton website and type in “academic success coaching” in the search bar, and you’ll find us there with instructions to book an appointment through Watermark. We also take walk-in appointments; we’re up on the second floor of Willamette Hall, above the library, right next to the math tutors. Or, you can email us at lbcoach@linnbenton.edu.
How does having all the different tutoring departments located in the same area help you and the students get the help needed?
Well, with all of the tutoring departments being part of the Learning Center, it helps students get the help they need. We’re part of the Accessibility Resources department. I know that it helps that we’re right next to each other. It’s kind of hard to ignore each other and we refer students to them all the time because we don’t do content specific [coaching]. We’re helping with how to study math, for example, not how to do math. That’s not our job. So we definitely refer students back and forth to each other.
What excites you the most about this job?
Oh my gosh, there’s so many things. In terms of the coaching aspect, I’m kind of split between coaching Accessibility Resources and the coaching aspect. I think I’m most excited about just getting the message of coaching out there and getting LB as a whole on the same page about what it is that we do. We're here to help you succeed.
I expect that our numbers of students are going to increase from last year. We saw close to 200 students and so this year I definitely expect that to increase, not only with enrollment being up, but the marketing and the conversations that are being had. I am really excited about that. In terms of Accessibility Resources, I think I’m just excited to help students and just be a support person and a guide.
I tell my students and the coaching students that I work with that my office has snacks and drinks at all times. So anyone is always welcome to stop by. I’ve got stickers and other things. So yeah, I’m stoked to be here and to be able to be of service.
You can read the full interview on lbcommuter.com.
words and photo by MIKE MCREYNOLDS
What's Cooking
at the Santiam Café and Bistro?
Stepping inside the Santiam Café on the second floor of the Calapooia Center can be a bit of a surprise –it’s a far cry from the more casual, convenient dining experience you can get at the Courtyard Café or Roast Runners Coffee Shop. Rather than being a bustling hub of students picking up orders or studying while they drink coffee, Santiam has a more intimate vibe that mirrors high-end bistros in the city. Behind the wall, a sprawling commercial kitchen hums with activity from the chefs and workers – all LBCC Culinary Arts students – as they prepare the diverse array of dishes the café offers.
The Santiam Café and Bistro is open inperson on Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and online on the same days from 9:30-10:30 a.m. During this time, anyone can order food through the website or in-person to pick up or eat in the restaurant. When asked about upcoming menu items to look forward to, program coordinator, chef Josh Green, had a few recommendations.
“Looking out, there’s one that I’m excited about,” explained Green. “It’s a basil and pistachio butter rigatoni with pancetta, cremini mushrooms, charred cherry tomatoes, broccoli, white wine, and shaved Parmesan. I just saw this thing on an Instagram reel for the basil pistachio butter, and they made a pasta out of it. I was like, that looks so delicious. I got the recipe, and I messed around with it, and I came up with this pasta recipe to put on the line, so I was really excited about that one.”
Prospective diners can also keep an eye out
for clam chowder and bread bowls, as well as sourdough discard pretzels which will be served with a housemade smoked beer cheese sauce. Due to the nature of the café, things can be a bit more complicated than a traditional restaurant, but that’s what makes it unique.
“99.99% of the people only have good things to say, you know, but there are people who are like ‘Hey, this wasn’t cooked all the way’ or ‘I don’t like this,’” explained Green. “[I make sure] the students know that it’s not all good, positive feedback. You do mess up. I’ve been doing this for 22 years, I mess things up. It happens, but you need to know that you messed up so you can fix it and make sure it doesn’t happen again. You have to make food for the public, not for your own tastes.”
Green spoke about changes to the concept over the years. The Culinary Arts students used to manage the Commons Cafeteria as well as the Santiam Café and Bistro, but were forced to adapt when Covid and budget cuts threw things into disarray.
“It used to be that it was a sit-down restaurant, the Santiam, and they had menus and servers would come and take your order,” Green said. “Covid changed everything for us.”
Despite the difficulty of changing the system, the café remains a way for students to
learn and showcase their skills when cooking a wide variety of foods. The individuality of each student is highlighted with menu changes each week, all determined either by the students themselves or by Green.
“The way that we come up with the menu is, I’m out there talking to students like, ‘Hey guys, what do you think we should put on the menu for next term? What do you think are good ideas?’” said Green. “We like to come up with ideas together and then start testing. If I’m like, hey, I really want to do some sourdough bread and some sourdough items, [we’ll] start working on sourdough now and perfect the recipe. And with sourdough, the starter, you have to feed it every day and there’s what’s called discard that you dump out when you feed it. And so we’re going to put sourdough discard pretzels on the menu, so we’re not wasting that discard. … It’s all just about what’s current, what’s going on, what can we come up with where we’re making something and then utilizing a separate part of it – and just having fun with the students and seeing what they’re interested in.”
words by MIKA WINDER
photos by MICAH TEAGUE
Student Spotlight: Coen Olsen
What is your major and what brought you to LBCC?
My major is creative writing and this is my final year at LB. I wanted to do a community college before going to university, because I wasn’t quite sure what major I wanted to get a degree in yet and it just felt like it would be smarter to do the Oregon transfer program that LB has first.
Tell me about some of your classes and what they entail.
I take a lot of the writing classes like Terrance Millet’s fiction class. In that class we write a short story for the term, it’s usually 15-20 pages long. The best part about it is that we all get to do workshops with other students, so we get a ton of feedback and perspective from students that are going through the writing program and from students who are just taking the class for fun, so you get a wide range of feedback. I have also taken the nonfiction class multiple times and that’s through Dio Morales. That’s a fun one too, except we do several short, nonfiction pieces that are normally not even five pages long, but we do workshops in that one too.
Are there any stories you’ve been working on lately?
I’ve been working on an essay I wrote for Dio’s nonfiction class. It’s about how the objects we have around us take on a life of their own, and how they have all these stories that we don’t know about when they get passed on to other people.
What has been the most rewarding part of the creative writing program?
The most rewarding part is that I get to hear so many different stories from so many different students. They all have these lives that I would have never even imagined. They’re so separate from my own life. I just really love hearing all those stories.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of school?
I really love to do road cycling, and it’s actually because it gives me a lot of time to think about my writing and to work through what I’ve been thinking about without writing anything down at all. Then I just go back from the top and I go through it again and again, and I actually get a lot more progress that way than writing down everything that I think of.
Are there any role models that you look up to in your life?
I absolutely look up to Dio Morales. I’ve spent a lot of time with her at the Creative Writing Club, getting things up and running. When I initially started going to the club, there were very few students and there was a lot of talk about everybody wanting to write but not having time to write. Dio and I set up the club so that we
words by EMILY JIMERSON
by SARAH ROSE LARSON
could get students to start writing again. If I were to become a teacher I would really like to become someone like her.
Could you tell me more about your involvement with the Creative Writing Club?
My first year at LB, I heard from Rob Camp that there was a creative writing club, so I started going over Zoom. Then once things transitioned back in-person, it lost a lot of students who had been attending online, because they either graduated or it was really hard for them to get on campus. So I took on an administrative role on campus, trying to get my foot in the door so that we could keep the club open long enough to strategize how to get more students in.
Eventually, we just had this miracle group that came in. They all signed up at one of the fall welcome days, and they have just taken the club and it’s just run off. They’re such a fun group. A lot of them are actually attending Chris Riseley’s science fiction class and his script-writing class this term. I’m attending [the club] as a student now. I’ve already done my two years of club leadership, so I just help the current president out with emails and anything that comes up.
What are some of your plans for after LBCC?
After LBCC, I’m going to start applying to universities to try to get into a creative writing bachelor’s program or an English program, because there’s not a lot of creative writing programs in Oregon. I’m also hoping to keep in touch with all of the current creative writing students at LB. They have a Discord and we’ve had several students stay in it after graduation, so I’d love to keep in touch with them. But I think eventually I’m going to have to find a different writing group – instead of just encroaching on their space – as the current members slowly graduate and move on to different things.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to students who are considering creative writing?
I would really recommend just jumping into a writing class. Try things out. Even if you decide that writing isn’t for you, you’re going to learn a ton of things that are going to help you. LB has a wonderful writing program with small classes that allow you to get to know the other students and receive plenty of teacher feedback, but it might not fit you. Every writer is different, and it will take time to discover what is best for you.
I also urge you to “do it scared,” “do it stupid,” and most crucially, “do it.” One of the most important things you can learn in writing is to finish. Often, that means writing things you might feel are absurd until you can finally figure out the problem on the page and press into it.
photos
Logan Utter Student Spotlight:
What is your major and year in school?
I’ve been at school for four years. I’ve had to take a couple terms off here and there. I’m a creative writing major. A lot of what I have done since changing to a creative writing major has been writing workshops, just kind of basic English classes. Last term, I took a poetry workshop and modern American literature. This term, I’m taking science fiction and the scriptwriting workshop.
What made you choose creative writing?
I have always really enjoyed writing and a lot of things to do with writing. I play a lot of Dungeons & Dragons, so I’ve always done worldbuilding and stuff like that. I guess what really ended up making me change to creative writing was when I was taking general chemistry and I was sitting at my computer for like eight hours a day, just staring at spreadsheets.
I was talking to my girlfriend one night and I was just like, “Man, this is driving me insane.”
And she was like, “You understand that if you get a job in STEM that this is going to be your job?”
And I went, “Oh God,” and decided to change my major.
What gives you inspiration to write?
Curiosity. A lot of the time, I’ll see something cool and just be like, man, I wanna incorporate that into something I’m writing. Sometimes, if I’m very emotional – whether that’s me being really angry, happy, or horribly depressed, it doesn’t matter –I just kind of hit a certain point and I’m like, I need to get this out of me. That will then spur me on to write a few hundred words.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of school?
I’m working on a big video essay for YouTube; I do a lot of video editing and stuff like that. I play an abhorrent amount of video games, kind of always have. I play Dungeons & Dragons with some friends. I also go to the local music shows around here a lot and raves sometimes.
I heard you were involved with the Creative Writing Club. What is your role with that and how did you first get involved?
Several years ago, someone offhandedly mentioned that it was a thing. I looked it up, saw which room it was in, and started going. I think outside of Dio [Morales], I’m the only person from when I first started going who’s still there. I’m technically just kind of [a member] there. I’m sort of second-in-command unofficially, but it’s mostly just because if Cooper [Madison-Dawson] is not there, I’m the only one who corralls people and I deal with a lot of organization things on Discord.
What are your plans for after LBCC?
The main thing that I’m working on right now is video essays, kind of just like analysis and things like that. Investigative journalism is always something that I have been really interested in. Outside of that, writing, and hopefully in an ideal world I plan on going to OSU for New Media Communications so that I can get taught how to do video editing instead of figuring it out for myself. I think I’ll end up graduating fall of next year.
What is one piece of advice that you’d give to someone who is considering joining the creative writing program?
Just do it. I know that it’s one of those things people always tell you, and I was told a lot that, “Oh, you are never going to make money doing that.” It doesn’t matter. If you do something just to make money, you are going to go insane. Point blank, it is going to drive you crazy, you are going to hate it, and it’s not going to be enjoyable whatsoever.
Just do it. And there is money in writing. Maybe not as easily, and maybe it’s something where I’m not really authoring my own things, but I’m editing for someone else. It’s about getting there more than it is about just having it. You can get paid a lot as an engineer, but if you don’t enjoy engineering you’re not going to have a very good time.
words by EMILY JIMERSON
photos by SARAH ROSE LARSON
ON THE JOB
PhotoJournalism Gallery
⊲ Deputy Fire Marshal of risk reduction and public education Sandy Roberts, age 50, has worked with the Albany Fire Department for nine years. She previously worked in forensics and prevention with local law enforcement for 14 years. At 19 she received an internship with the Salem Police working in the crime lab.
She loves the community outreach of her job and the impact her career has had on the community, from training eighth graders in hands-on CPR to career fairs and in-home fire alarm installations. Roberts loves that every day is a little bit different than the day before while on the job. Outside of work, Roberts loves to go hiking and practice yoga. She will often make time to visit national parks; her favorite from this year is Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
⊳ Olivia Luxe, age 24, works concessions at AMC Classic Corvallis on Oct. 27. Olivia enjoys the fast-paced and positive work environment at the theater, though her dream job would be working with animals at a rehabilitation center. In her free time she enjoys baking and putting together jigsaw puzzles.
⊳ This local Court St. store has been open in downtown Salem since 1983. The Book Bin offers a wide range of books, stationary, and gifts. This weekend, it was among many small businesses that participated in “Trunk-or-Treat,” handing out candy to those in costume. Pictured are employees Tristan (right) and Kendal (left) working on the information station computer. Tristan has been a team member for a year and a half while Kendal was welcomed aboard a year ago.
▼ Rose has been The Book Bin’s resident cat since 2013. She can be found throughout the store, often curling up on displays in far corners. It's easy to miss her, so visitors must be prepared for a lovely game of “I Spy” while browsing the aisles.
▼ ⊲ Photos by W.T. Caserta
▼ Photo by Brittany King
▲ Photo by Brittany King
Roadrunner Clothing Connection
Located in Forum 109 by the fountain
The American Association for Women in Community Colleges presents the FREE Clothing, Jackets, & Shoes!
Tuesdays 11am - 1pm & by appointment
Need an appointment? Scan here! ALL Students are welcome to come shop for FREE!
Discover CUBA
words and photos by BRENDA AUTRY
I’ve wanted to visit Havana for as long as I can remember. Perhaps it has something to do with Cuba being mostly off-limits to Americans since the early 1960s, or the captivating photographs of Havana featuring perfectly preserved classic cars against colorful yet crumbling art deco facades which create the illusion of traveling back in time. Whatever the reason, this nation has piqued my curiosity for decades.
I was always hesitant to actually plan a trip to Cuba, though. Media coverage often suggested that Cuba’s communist government wasn’t particularly welcoming to Americans, and stories of crumbling infrastructure only added to my concerns. Reports of blackouts, food shortages, and limited healthcare left me wondering if I was prepared for the realities I might encounter.
It wasn’t until a year ago, when some friends from the U.K. shared photos of their all-inclusive Cuba vacation — complete with tropical drinks and stunning beaches — that I realized something: For everyone else, Cuba isn’t a forbidden or intimidating place. To the rest of the world, it’s simply another beautiful Caribbean paradise. This information gave me a new outlook on Cuba, and I knew it was time to make my dream of visiting a reality.
Can Americans legally travel to Cuba? Yes! Even though Americans can’t visit Cuba solely for tourism, we are allowed to visit under one of 12 authorized reasons. The most commonly used reason is “support for the Cuban people.”
The process to enter Cuba is pretty straightforward. All you need is:
• A valid passport.
• A visa – which can be purchased online for around $85.
• A roundtrip ticket – you will be asked to show your return ticket upon entry.
• The address of where you’re staying in Cuba.
• A completed D’Viajeros entry form –the required health document.
Things to know before traveling to Cuba
Even though getting to Cuba is easy, the U.S. government has strict rules about what Americans can and cannot do in Cuba.
Americans cannot contribute financially to the Cuban government, which means avoiding government-owned hotels, restaurants, and stores. Instead, we can stay in privately-owned guest houses called “casa particulars,” often listed on Airbnb. Restaurants and shops are labeled either private or government-owned, and there are plenty of private dining options and shops
throughout Havana, making it easy to find compliant places to eat and shop.
U.S. bank and credit cards won’t work in Cuba, so you’ll have to bring enough cash for your entire stay. Be careful carrying cash on you and try to keep any amount you don’t need locked up safely at your Airbnb.
Be sure to bring everything else you need with you. Toiletries, medications, feminine products, clothes, sunscreen … everything! Cuba has a shortage of everything and these items can be nearly impossible to find.
Your phone won’t work in Cuba unless you download a VPN (A virtual private network that allows your IP address to come from within the United States instead of Cuba) before leaving. Wi-Fi is slow, so consider buying a local physical SIM (e-SIMs aren’t available) if your phone is unlocked. And download all the essentials — maps, tickets, entertainment — before your trip.
Cuba’s current crisis
Cuba is currently grappling with one of its most severe economic crises in decades, marked by widespread shortages of food, fuel, and basic necessities. It’s due in part to the embargo placed on it by the United States, and compounded by Covid shutdowns that severely impacted the tourism industry — on which Cuba's economy is heavily dependent. Cuba is also heavily reliant on the import of goods, and with a weakened currency and lack of agricultural infrastructure, their current economy is not sustainable.
In just the last few weeks the entire country was plunged into darkness for days due to widespread power outages fueled by an aging infrastructure. The frustration and despair of the Cuban people has sparked public demonstrations and public outcry against the government — which is rare in Cuba. Many Cubans are seeking opportunities abroad and looking for any way they can to leave. But in a country where the average monthly income is just $30, it’s hard to save enough to escape.
Should Americans visit Cuba?
Although Cuba is facing a very complicated reality at the moment, there are still a lot of reasons Americans should visit.
Havana is an incredible city full of beautiful architecture and fascinating history. Exploring on a tour or simply wandering on your own is truly a delight! The highlight for me was seeing all the classic cars cruising around and taking a tour in a 1950s convertible. It really did feel like I was transported to another time.
Other cities such as Viñales, where you can visit a tobacco plantation and learn to roll your own cigars, or Veradero, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, are good reasons to visit as well.
Cuba is also an incredibly affordable destination — my four-night trip to Havana, excluding airfare, but including accommodations, food, drinks, and numerous tours, cost me under
$500. It’s one of the most budget-friendly places I’ve ever visited.
Perhaps the most important reason to visit is actually to support the Cuban people.
During my time in Cuba, I interacted with many Cubans, most of whom worked in the tourism industry. Each one had a college degree — scientists, mathematicians, doctors, and data analysts — all working as tour guides. As tour guides, they could earn in a day what would take a month to earn in their government-supported jobs. Tourism is essential for the livelihood of the Cuban people.
You can also support the Cuban people by bringing items to donate, such as medicine, toiletries, clothes, and shelf-stable food — all of which are in high demand. Basic necessities are scarce in Cuba. Walking into a market and seeing empty shelves, knowing these are the only options for Cubans, is shocking. The fact that a single can of corn costs them 10% of their monthly income is unimaginable.
Traveling here not only supports the Cuban people directly but also fosters meaningful cultural exchanges that challenge perceptions and build connections.
Visiting Cuba offers Americans a unique opportunity to experience a vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a piece of history that feels worlds away from home. The city's rich history comes alive as you stroll through the colorful streets of Old Havana where classic cars cruise by faded colonial facades. The rhythms of salsa music fill the air, inviting you to dance and immerse yourself in the passionate Cuban spirit. At local markets you’ll find artisans selling traditional art and handicrafts, and street vendors offer you treats like churros, corn and hand-held pizzas. Sitting in a bar sipping on a mojito or watching a game of dominos in the park are all ways to experience the rich culture and generous spirit of the Cuban people.
For those looking for an unforgettable journey filled with warmth, color, and authenticity, Cuba is an island worth exploring. I enjoyed my time in Cuba and although it was not exactly what I was expecting – the current state of the country is a little shocking – I still met some incredible people, learned so much about the country and its history, and experienced a place like no other. I hope I get the chance to visit Cuba again some day.
"WE'RE GOING TO BE
For Linn-Benton athletics, November is the busiest time of the year.
As the volleyball team prepares to embark on their postseason journey, the men's and women's basketball programs at Linn-Benton prepare to tip off their seasons.
Last year, the men's basketball team finished with an overall record of 15-14, earning them a spot in the NWAC postseason tournament. The playoff berth marked back-to-back seasons with a postseason appearance for the Roadrunners, an impressive feat for a program that endured a 4-19 overall record in 2021.
For the Roadrunners to clinch a third consecutive season with a playoff spot, they must fight through a contentious NWAC South Region. Portland and Southwestern Oregon will be stiff competition for the South Region title, while Lane, Chemeketa, and Clackamas will each vie for the region's four playoff spots.
Despite their competition, LinnBenton will fancy their chances. The NWAC South Region has had four different champions in the last four seasons, and fellow South Region program Umpqua will be ineligible for playoff contention due to noncompliance with NWAC standards.
The Roadrunners will also have seven returning players from last season's squad to fuel their ambitions: guards Mesziah Ford, Michael Lundy, Liam Spencer, and Micah Young, forwards Cedric Barnes and Zach Donahoo, and winger Cade Smith.
In addition to the sophomores, the team brought in seven first-year players from around the state: guards Diego Aguilar and Eli Lerman, forwards Jackson Oglesby
words by ETHAN BIRMINGHAM
photo by SARAH ROSE LARSON
DIFFERENT."
MEN'S BASKETBALL PREVIEW
and Gabe Townsend, and wingers Kenyon Jones, Trey Kim, and Mykah Mendoza. The additions of Kim, Oglesby, and Townsend strengthened the size of the team, with each player standing above 6'4.
The Roadrunners’ impressive record at home last season will also boost the team's confidence. The team had an 11-2 record in Albany last season, earning them their first season with ten or more home wins since 2018.
If the Roadrunners can replicate their home court success this year, a spot in the NWAC postseason tournament will likely be theirs.
At the helm for Linn-Benton is thirdyear head coach Todd Zimmermann. Zimmermann was an associate head coach for the Roadrunners from 2016-2019 before returning to the program as head coach in the spring of 2022. With 30 wins compiled over his two seasons in charge, Zimmermann has brought life back to a program that saw little success during his time away.
So far in the leadup to the season, Zimmermann has been impressed with some of the qualities his players have displayed.
"This team has a lot of depth and a lot of guys that are willing to put in the time to develop their individual skills and their ability to communicate on the court." said Zimmermann.
Last season was a special one for Zimmermann. Besides the winning record and postseason appearance, Zimmermann also got to coach his son, T.J. Zimmermann. T.J. played a crucial role in the team's success, averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds per game, earning him a spot on the NABC NWAC All-American Team.
With T.J. moving on to Oregon State to pursue football, the Roadrunners will have to work hard to match their offensive efficiency from last year. The NWAC's preseason coaches poll revealed that every team in the South Region had received votes; however, Linn-Benton received the least votes among teams in the South Region.
Despite the doubts, Todd Zimmermann remains confident in his team's offensive ability and overall potential.
"We are working hard to be a dynamic offensive team that can really get up and down the court," he said. "Obviously, losing 21 points and 10 boards per game is a massive hole, but we're not concerned about that. We're going to be different."
The men's basketball team started their season by going 1-1 at the Columbia Basin Invitational, losing to Walla Walla 112-100 but defeating Columbia Basin 84-77.
The Roadrunners next take the court at 7 p.m. on Nov. 26 at Lower Columbia.
TAKING THE COURT
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PREVIEW
While fall term draws to a close, the women's basketball team at Linn-Benton prepares to take the court.
Last year, the women's basketball team finished with an overall record of 1610 and a conference record of 8-8. Despite the winning season, the Roadrunners came up just short in their bid for a spot in the NWAC postseason tournament.
With a revamped roster that includes 12 first-year players and five returning sophomores, Linn-Benton looks to challenge for a playoff spot in the NWAC's toughest division.
For the Roadrunners, earning a playoff spot won't come easy. The South Region features both of last season's NWAC championship finalists, Lane and Umpqua, as well as Clackamas and Portland squads that each went 21-7 last year. Linn-Benton will have their work cut out for them.
However, one of last season's strengths was how well the Roadrunners played away from home. The team went a combined 9-5 in away matches and matches played at a neutral venue. A solid road record this season could provide Linn-Benton with a boost to their playoff aspirations.
During the offseason, Head Coach Leslie Reinecker and her staff worked hard to assemble a group of players that could handle the challenges of being in such a competitive division. The result was a roster of 17 players from across the entire state and even parts of Washington.
The team has a solid foundation to build off of for the next two years with their incoming first-year class. The new players to the team are guards Kylee Baumgartner, Ashlyn Flores, Brooklyn Garber, Lidia Jacobsen, Maya Wilson, Avonly Wolf, and Kaylie Woolley, forwards Rhian Hollister and Macy Wilson, and centers Addison Dunlap, Kaydence Hendrickson, and Isabella Loitz. Even though the team will have a lot of new faces to implement, Reinecker and her staff will be able to retain a high number of players for next season.
With a squad consisting primarily of freshmen, the team will expect their five returning sophomores to step up into leadership roles. The players returning for a second season are guards Hannah Berschauer, Avery Spikerman, and Katelynn Weaver, forward Natalia McBride, and center Molly Goeckner.
The players will also have an experienced mentor to look up to, with Reinecker taking charge of her second season as head coach of the Roadrunners. Reinecker served as an assistant coach for Linn-Benton for four years before being promoted to head coach in the summer of 2023. Reinecker is more than familiar with college basketball; she played at Southwestern University in Texas and has over 14 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level.
Reinecker has enjoyed meeting some of her new players during the offseason and is excited about what the season has in store.
"This is a great group of people," Reinecker said. "They are so willing to help each other and come in with good attitudes. With such a new group, it's been fun finding out how they each fit and what they bring to the team."
Reinecker and her team have been hard at work in the months leading up to the start of the season. The team puts on occasional scrimmages and has started practicing regularly with the season approaching. During practice, Reinecker has emphasized the importance of efficiency, composure, and discipline.
While Reinecker hopes the Roadrunners can nail down these traits, she still looks forward to working with her team to solve potential problems whenever they arise.
"I’m most excited about working on things in practice with this group,” said Reinecker. “I enjoy building things and it's always exciting to work on different pieces of the game with the players and then put it all together."
The women's basketball team began their season with a 2-1 record at the Lane Titan Classic with wins against Centralia and Pierce.
The Roadrunners will host Big Bend for their home opener on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. in Albany.
words by ETHAN BIRMINGHAM
photo by SARAH ROSE LARSON
VIEW THE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE HERE:
Crafting a Kaleidoscope
Artist Spotlight: with Bill Whitley
On the surface, Bill Whitley looks and lives the part of your average Oregonian. He is soft-spoken and unassuming, with a button-up shirt and jeans, black-rimmed glasses, slightly graying hair, and a neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper beard. His office is plain and simple, neatly organized, painted with muted pastels that don’t offer much in the way of decoration or distraction. He apologized as he fumbled with the camera at the start of our video call, stating that he had never really gotten used to the remote setup that had become necessary with the start of the Covid pandemic.
This is not the air you may expect from an internationally-renowned composer, whose work has been featured everywhere from the local radio waves to the orchestra halls of Europe.
Whitley comes from a musical background, growing up in the Pacific Northwest as the child of two musicians.
A long educational journey took him from local universities all the way to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has recently returned to his geographical roots and is currently a part-time instructor at Linn-Benton Community College, teaching courses like musical composition, aural skills, and music theory.
However, a spark lit up his eyes as we began to discuss his work outside of the classroom. Evidenced by the excitement in his voice, this is clearly his passion. “I was surprised that they were all questions about my composing career, which is kind of nice,” he remarked about the outline I had prepared. “Usually people want to know the teaching part of it!”
words by ANTHONY DREWS
photos by SARAH ROSE LARSON
The Kaleidoscope
Whitley began composing his own works during his time in college. His influences are varied; from groups like Pink Floyd and YES to individual musicians like Billy Joel and Thelonius Monk, he has incorporated the entire spectrum of songwriting into his works. However, one group in particular would end up molding his approach into what it is today.
“The world collided when I first heard Dream Theater,” he recalls, “because that seemed to be everything that I had been working on all through my graduate work. And it's like, here's a metal man that's actually doing it and they've got all the same influences that I do.”
As he learned more about different musical cultures around the world, he continually found himself drawn to these more conceptual and technical styles. In particular, music from Southeast Asia (including Bali, India, and Vietnam) would mold his work going forward. Whitley likens his compositions to an expanding star or a flowing river, with different melodies branching out like flares and tributaries from a central body.
“I'm really about, like, number symbology and structure,” he explains. “And I like to build things from the center outward. That's an idea I totally stole from Indian music: You have rhythmic structures that build in the middle and grow outward. We hear it from left to right, but the music is working toward the center.”
Nowhere is this more evident than “Kaleidoscope,” a piece he began writing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I started writing that piece when everything was really, really crappy,” he reflects. “‘Undone’ – that was the working title of it because it just felt like everything was falling apart here. And then as I got deeper into the piece, it started to sound to me like a kaleidoscope. It sounded like little glittery explosions, some diamonds or something … and there's really nothing going on but at the same time, events keep stacking up on top of one another.”
This process of branching and returning is not without obstacles. While the final version of “Kaleidoscope” ends up being around 10 minutes long, he says it “wanted” to be almost double that length. One way he corrals compositions that run amok is through his aforementioned affinity for numbers. For example, the piece “Little White Salmon” off his album “I Dream Awake” is broken up into
seven numbered tracks. It incorporates ambient sounds, various instrumentals, and spoken poetry to weave a tale across the album; while being many individual tracks, it tells one cohesive story.
The Kingpins
When further exploring Whitley’s catalog, you may notice that many of the same names are listed as cocomposers or contributors. Whitley notes that most of these collaborations lead back to one man: Italian musician Francesco Zago.
“There’s the kingpin,” he jokes. “Francesco worked with one of my ‘nontraditional’ students when I was teaching at [Western Oregon University] … She looked at my music and said, ‘You should reach out to Francesco. I think you'd like it.’ That was 2010 and we ended up just becoming really good friends; I would perform his music over here, he performed my music over there.”
Having grown tired of the academia sphere and how he was “supposed” to teach music, Whitley arranged a trip to Italy to meet Zago in person. Through him, Whitley would meet musicians such as pianist Elena Talarico (now Zago’s wife), composer Federico De Zottis, and percussionist Stefano Grasso. Based in Milan, they would work together to weave aural art that would go on to be featured in concert halls around Italy and parts of Eastern Europe. He still keeps in touch with most of them, and hopes to visit Zago and Talarico again in the near future.
That said, not all of his colleagues are international. A composer specializing in electronic and experimental music, Doug Bielmeier, learned of Whitley’s work through Instagram and invited him to his podcast “The Process.” This podcast covers the creative process of different artists, and Bielmeier has been able to host a wide variety of musicians since its start in 2016. While he is not particularly fond of what social media has become, Whitley knows that he would have not met Bielmeier without it. Musicians stay relevant by constantly putting themselves out there, and regularly posting on social media is one of the best ways to do that.
In addition, he has nothing but glowing praise for his colleagues at LBCC’s music program. “This is something that LBCC people need to know: I was done with teaching,” he reveals. “In 2017, I got back into teaching at an invitation [from the college]: ‘Would you consider covering
this class?’” Despite his earlier academic burnout, he doesn’t regret coming back and says that “this has been the single most positive environment I've ever worked in as a teacher.”
The Revelation
In preparation for his trip to Italy, Whitley had an epiphany about music theory. “I was taking an Italian class for obvious reasons, and it dawned on me in this Italian grammar class that it is exactly what I teach! The way I thought of it, music theory is to music what grammar is to language, and that's why it's important. You're taking this stuff that people already hear, and then you have all these fancy names for it, then there's rules about how the things work and why the rules are there.”
“The hard part,” he continues, “is that people sometimes – really established and good musicians – just never get it because they can't get past what feels like just a bunch of rules. So I've sort of learned to teach it from the aural perspective first and that was a big breakthrough.” He has incorporated this into both his songwriting and teaching processes: Write using the emotions and feelings you want to convey first, then use more established music theory to refine it further.
Yet, music is only one part of the larger composition that is Whitley’s life. He lives with his wife and two daughters in Oregon, spending most of his free time with them. He enjoys snowboarding and ice hockey as hobbies to stay physically active, noting that songwriting can be a very insular activity. He encourages this variety and balance to all of his students as well.
“It's not about 1 + 1 = 2 with the degree. This is an important piece of your life that you need to honor and nurture. How you make your money does not have to be music, and you know it. When you get a degree in the arts like this, it's just because you want to get better at that art. Your life is gonna be all these other things.”
A TERRIFYINGLY AMAZING HORROR EXPERIENCE
GAME: Silent Hill 2 (2024)
PUBLISHER: Konami
DEVELOPER: Bloober Team
PLATFORM : Playstation 5, PC
ESRB RATING: M
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
Bloober Team’s 2024 “Silent Hill 2” is a remake of the critically acclaimed and genre-defining 2001 psychological horror game of the same name, and it’s better in almost every way than the original release.
The game’s plot follows James Sunderland as he travels to the mysterious and horrifying town of Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his deceased wife beckoning him to find her. The story remains almost entirely unchanged other than the movement of some locations and an increase in map size. All of the pivotal moments and terrifying set pieces remain in place and are even better than they were in 2001.
The largest changes from the original release are the camera, combat, and graphics. Each of these changes make the gameplay a lot smoother and much easier to pick up.
The fixed camera angles of the original release are removed in favor of a player-controlled, over-theshoulder camera. This change really helps the game feel less dated. With the modernized camera changes comes an entirely new combat system that is mainly melee focused. The new combat is infinitely better than the original and makes an already stressful game even more tense.
The largest update of all is, of course, the graphics. They are a welcome change and maintain the tone that was in the original game, even elevating it during some parts. Something as simple as the fog is made 100 times more terrifying because it is no longer a system limitation, but an active part of every set piece.
The acting in the game is also fantastic. Luke Roberts' performance as James Sunderland is one of the best of the year and really captures the complexities of the character. He is a great replacement of the original
voice actor and does a lot for the character. The other performances by Salome Gunnarsdottir as Mary, Gianna Kiehl as Angela, Evie Templeton as Laura, and Scott Haining and Danny Kirrane as Eddie are all great as well and make each character feel real and grounded.
The bosses and enemies are also remade to fit the new combat and camera with great effect. The fights with classic enemies like Pyramid Head and the Mannequins are greatly improved by these new systems. The higher graphic fidelity also helps the symbolism of bosses and enemies come through better than the original as the character models are simply of higher quality.
Now for the most important part of the game: the horror. This is the single most terrifying game that I have played since 2017’s “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.” This game, more so than the original, is a cycle of open air puzzles that are a little spooky, and pure terror in confined hallways. Each location, like the Woodside and Blue Creek Apartments, Brookhaven Hospital, Toluca Prison, and Lakeview Hotel, are all dark, grim, and absolutely frightening. There were many points in each of these locations where I was frozen in fear or had to turn off the game and take a break. The enemies are all fast and seeing their silhouettes in dimly lit hallways is anxiety inducing.
The “Silent Hill 2” remake is a testament to the ability of modern studios to make a game that stays true to the original while elevating it to new heights. In an era oversaturated with remakes of classic games, this one has set itself apart and stands near the top with the likes of 2020’s “Final Fantasy VII Remake” and 2023’s “Resident Evil 4” remake. If you want to experience a classic story in a modern way and are prepared for a truly terrifying experience, “Silent Hill 2” is a can’tmiss title.
words by MASON WILLS image via BLOOBER TEAM
Anthem of the Month
Monthly music recommendations to keep you inspired.
Groovy, catchy, and an absolute adventure to listen through, this track was an instant synthpop classic. It’s a great pick if you need to brighten up a playlist, but make sure you don’t get “Amanaemonesia” while studying for your finals.
Amanaemonesia Chairlift
across down
01. Gung-ho 06. Extinct bird 10. One with top billing
"Three Coins in the Fountain" fountain
Biblical shepherd
Florence's river 17. Garret
18. Salsa designation 19. Granny
20. Avenue defining the Mall's northern border
23. Parlor piece
25. Turin's nation
26. Iconic sight at the eastern end of the Mall
29. Big name in foil
30. Caesar's downfall date 31. Atlas entry
In a little while
Chad neighbor
Barricade 38. Middle Earth creature 39. Autobahn auto 40. Magna ___ 41. Institution which oversees numerous museums around the Mall
44. Skewered meat dish 47. Over there 48. Avenue along the Mall's southern border 51. Long story 52. Parade spoiler 53. Clear the slate 57. Currier's partner
58. 11,000-foot Italian peak 59. Summer TV fare 60. ___ egg 61. Bucks' mates
62. Latest thing
01. Greek vowel
02. Gallery display
03. Understand 04. Ouster
05. Lasagna ingredient
06. Maiden
07. Final notice?
08. Supermarket section
09. Veteran
10. North Pole boss
11. Bring up the rear
12. Irritate
13. Horse color
21. "The Matrix" hero
22. Salt Lake City collegians
23. Stylist's workplace
24. Disney theme park
26. Big beer buy
27. Numeral
28. Keats piece
31. Antoinette or Curie
32. Place for vows
33. Blueprint
35. Counted
36. Dictator Amin
37. Nomad
39. Quickly, shortly
40. Stadium event, perhaps
42. "Laughing" predators
43. Prodigal one in a parable
44. Scoundrel
45. Barely beats
46. ___ of burden
48. Spring __ the air
49. Alliance acronym
50. Enjoy a meal
54. "Chances ___"
55. Juliet, to Romeo
56. Epilogue
“National Mall” by Allen Vaughan
Need some last minute study tips for finals?
Review Class Notes and Highlight Key Points
Go through your lecture notes and focus on the most important concepts your professor emphasized Highlight or jot down key ideas for a quick review
Create a Study Plan
Break your study sessions into short, manageable blocks (30-60 minutes). Prioritize subjects or topics that need the most attention.
Practice with Past Exams or Quizzes
Practice with old exams, quizzes, or sample questions. This helps familiarize you with the exam format and strengthens your problem-solving skills.
Join a Study Group
Collaborate with classmates to discuss and review material. Explaining concepts to others reinforces your understanding.
Get Adequate Sleep
Make sure to rest! A well-rested mind performs better Avoid pulling all-nighters, as sleep helps improve memory and focus.
You can also get last minute studying tips from these workshops: Test Preparation - Taking Your Final Exams
What: How to prepare for final exams, manage end-of-term anxiety, and set yourself up for success
When: Monday, November 25th, 10-10:50 am
Where: WH224 (Tech Lounge)
Studying - Guides, Tips, and Final Tricks
What: Instead of cramming for finals, discuss how to best utilize the time you have left and study effectively
When: Tuesday, November 26th at 12-12:50 pm
Where: WH224 (Tech Lounge)
