The Commuter: September 2022

LETTER Editor����om the

Most of my life, I’ve stood by the unpopular opinion that summer tends to overstay its welcome. It’s a buzzy, flashy season that takes everyone for a ride, but rarely, if ever, provides any sort of sustainability. Or even just stability. It’s steamy, it’s exciting, and it leaves just as soon as we carve out a routine with it. That’s a tough relationship in which to feel secure. Even as a kid, come August, I was antsy to move on into the solidity of the school year. The routine, the organization, the reliability that September promised checked all the boxes of what I was looking for. So I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t swooning a bit to be back to class.

This year I am thrilled to have the privilege of being the new Editor-inChief of LBCC’s very own Commuter. I’ve had the pleasure of being a regular contributor, as well as the Arts and Entertainment editor for this esteemed publication for the past year and a half, and I’m beyond excited to explore some new avenues with this school year’s latest iteration. You may have noticed we’ve shifted our format from a weekly, mostly online newspaper to a printed monthly magazine. My goal is to center this publication around the people who make up our institution, compiling their voices, their stories, their questions and ideas into a tangible, treasurable, printed package. The intention is to get to the heart of it all, to showcase our student body

and all they embody, to feature our faculty and how their individualism outside of academia has been integral inside the classroom. I want to emphasize the creativity running the veins of our school, and spotlight the places and ways we can see the creativity in areas not traditionally considered of the arts. Whether a newspaper or magazine format, whether the weather, this publication remains very much for the students, and completely by the students. And to all our loyal online readers, breathe easy — our website will still be running like butter, so LBCC’s current events and reports will always be just a few clicks away.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t pen a very well-deserved applause and encore to last year’s EIC, the great Dakota Gange, who led the way of the weekly with aplomb.

I’m so excited to connect with you all through this new medium. Finding the story and cultivating a way to share said story with others is just about my favorite thing to do, so this opportunity is of the pay dirt variety. To all returning and new students alike, welcome back and forward to LBCC.

about us join the team

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” pages to express their views on campus, community, regional and national issues. The Commuter attempts to print all submissions received, but reserves the right to edit for grammar, length, libel, privacy concerns and taste. Opinions expressed by letter submitters do not represent the views of the Commuter staff or the College.

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.

This June, the small town of Philomath saw its first official Pride, as local community members took it upon themselves to organize and put on the colorful, inclusive, family-friendly event held in Philomath City Park. Previously having to travel to larger cities for the annual celebration held in June, many Philomath residents saw a need and an opportunity to meet it. Organizer Rose Bricker said, “Find the rabble-rousers and allies to organize in small communities.” This small town Pride will help lead to bigger steps forward for its community, and neighboring communities alike.

▼ Rose Bricker, one of the organizers of Philomath Pride.

photos by SABRINA DEDEK intro by LEAH BIESACK

▲ Members of the community gather to support Pride on June 4.

▲ Pride stickers adorned with flag colors were handed out at the event. beloud and beproud and besafe

-Rose Bricker ”

Summer isn’t meant to be subtle. It should be the all-encompassing cocktail of wild and dreamy, served in a highball glass of grandiose, topped with a floater of cool. It’s the bells and whistles season, one that’s saturated with the color and sound that’s been itching all year to get off the bench and put in the game. Longtime Commuter contributor Brenda Autry documented her summer’s best angles, giving us a glimpse at the season’s full potential.

photos by BRENDA AUTRY intro by LEAH BIESACK

▼ A performer struts their stuff at the Oregon Country Fair.

▲ The rainbow bridge found at Umpqua Hot Springs.

▲ Looking down at Toketee Falls, Oregon

▲ Wavy Sea Lavender at sunset in San Diego

▼ Inside False Idol Speakeasy in San Diego

▼ The sun goes down over the Pacific at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego.

▲ A view of Clearwater Falls, Oregon

JUMP ON IN!

Active Minds

Sonya James jamess@linnbenton.edu 541-917-4475

Ag Leadership Club

Clay Weber weberc@linnbenton.edu 541-917-4768

Amateur Radio Club

Declan O’Hara co-advisor with Mindy McCall declan.ohara.8907@ mail.linnbenton.edu 541-313-8467

Campus One80 Chi Alpha (Campus Ministry)

Computer Science Club Creative Writing Club Dance Club

Stephanie Pace (co-advisor with Dave Becker) linnbentonca@gmail.com 541-917-207-4960

Nannette Schultz schultn@linnbenton.edu 541-368-4126

Joseph Jess jessj@linnbenton.edu

Dio Morales moraled@linnbenton.edu

Carol Raymundo raymundo@linnbenton.edu 541-917-4832

Rad Tech Club

Soccer Club

Society for Physics Students

SOTA (Student Occupational Therapy Association)

Student Veterans Club

Tabletop Gaming Club

True Crime Club

Underrepresented People in Skilled Trades

Tristan Striker striket@linnbenton.edu 541-917-4574

Paula Merino merinop@linnbenton.edu 541-936-0454

Jess Winans winansj@linnbenton.edu

Greg Mulder mulderg@linnbenton.edu 541-908-4025

Emily Lorang lorange@linnbenton.edu

Ken Dickson-Self dicksok@linnbenton.edu 541-917-4942

Amanda Mendell mendela@linnbenton.edu

Monica McKirdy mckirdm@linnbenton.edu 541-917-4837

Lena Gates gatesl@linnbenton.edu

Estudiantes del Sol

Heather Morijah morijah@linnbenton.edu 541-917-4297

Gardening Club

Hathai Sangsupan and Faren Leader sangsuh@linnbenton.edu leaderf@linnbenton.edu 541-917-4292

Gender & Sexuality Alliance

Parents Club

Anne Magratten magrata@linnbenton.edu 541-917-4545

Kristi Collins kristi.collins@linnbenton.edu

Peer Empowerment Project Poetry Club

Chris Riseley riselec@linnbenton.edu 541-250-1652

graphic by STORYSET VIA FREEPIK

Where Controversy Gets Cordial

faith attempt for authentic perspectives to be expressed, understood, and examined by others. Disagreement and debate often occur, but with a constructive spirit. The focus isn’t on defeating an opponent or point of view, but instead on sharing honest thoughts and reactions. Exchanges are about understanding, not persuasion.

College can often feel lonely and stressful. Having a group to spend time with outside of the classroom can make it much more enjoyable. I’ve watched friendships develop between students who likely wouldn’t have had much interaction without our program. Seeing people find a kind of community they previously couldn’t imagine is one of my greatest joys as an advisor.

I also love observing students develop into leaders through our work together. Past members have collaborated with national organizations to create, organize, and facilitate civil discourse events at LBCC. Many have reported that the skills they developed through our program have helped them become successful in their current professions.

Welcome to LBCC! As you explore all that our college has to offer, I’d like to provide some info on a co-curricular program many former students report as being a highlight of their college experience.

LBCC’s Civil Discourse Program aims

to create opportunities for individuals with different viewpoints to come together and discuss controversial topics in a respectful manner. We do this with online debates, point/counterpoint op-eds, and our civil discourse whiteboard. In each of these activities, we make a good-

It’s a shame that, far too often, people feel they can’t talk about controversial topics without being attacked. If there’s any place in society where people should actively discuss, debate, and explore hot-button issues, it’s on a college campus. While it can feel like a risk, it often results in a reward. We invite you to join us!

If you’re interested in joining Civil Discourse or simply learning more, contact Mark Urista at uristam@linnbenton.edu.

Wait, What Are the Rules, Again?

Looking into LBCC’s Current Covid-19 Regulations

As campus starts to, once again, sparkle and buzz with all that back-to-school life, it’s the perfect time to get refreshed on LBCC’s current COVID-19 protocol. We know rules and regulations can be a drag, but honestly, even carnivals have some decorum to maintain in order to keep things in tip-top operation. So brush up on the following guidelines, and then we can all keep attending carnivals.

⊲ Masks are not required, but they are welcomed! If you’re concerned that that monogrammed neon number didn’t get enough airtime spring term, feel free to still sport it to your heart’s content.

⊲ N95 masks are available to all students and employees at LBCC. All it takes to get your hands on the official gear is just an eensy bit of paperwork. Fill out the form on the LBCC website and you’re as good as gold.

⊲ If you are experiencing any COVID symptoms, pretty please do not come to campus. If you test positive for COVID-19, please notify the school by submitting the COVID-19 reporting form, found on the website. After you do that, you are encouraged to watch 13 hours of ‘90s romcoms, all of which could never pass the Bechdel test if their lives depended on it.

⊲ Please continue to check for any updates on the LBCC COVID page. It’ll be like when you checked the radio for school closures due to snow (if you’re as ancient as I am). Only slightly less exciting, and with potentially less cocoa.

All forms, guidelines, and appendices are found on the LBCC website: www.linnbenton.edu

LBCC’s Civil Discourse Program Creates the Space for Respectful Discussion

written by MARK URISTA

written by LEAH BIESACK

graphics by STORYSET

written by BRENDA AUTRY photo by LOGAN HANNIGAN-DOWNS

Career and Technical Education, or CTE for short, is education that combines both academic and skill-based learning designed to prepare students for a wide range of high-skill, high-wage, highdemand careers without the requirement of a four-year college degree.

With the soaring cost of college tuition — $9,400 per year at public universities (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2022) — many students are looking for more inexpensive ways to enter the skilled workforce. For many of these students, CTE is the answer.

CTE includes traditional trades programs such as welding, machine tool technology and automotive technology. But it also includes programs many people wouldn’t consider trades, like graphic design, dental assisting, and culinary arts. The extensive amount of programs available makes CTE a highly accessible route to high-paying careers for many students.

CTE has been a cornerstone of education at Linn-Benton Community College since its inception in 1966. According to the course catalog for the 1967-68 school year, the largest course offerings fell under the Automotive Mechanics program. Today,

LBCC offers a wide range of CTE degrees in the following areas: Health Occupations Graphic Arts Agriculture Computer Science Business Management Accounting Early Childhood Education Welding / Pipe Trades Machine Tool Technology Mechatronics Automotive Technology Non-Destructive Testing Culinary Arts

In turn, the CTE programs at LBCC bring in a lot of funding for both their programs and the college as a whole. Local businesses support the college through both monetary and equipment donations allowing the CTE programs to grow and meet ever changing industry needs. Associate Dean of the Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation Technology Division, Dale Moon, said, “Our programs at LBCC are here because these are what local industry has asked us for.”

Though CTE programs have been

growing in popularity over the last decade, there are still many people who don’t know they’re even an option. Marc Rose, an instructor in the Welding and Pipe program at LBCC says, “I give tours to community partners and educators all the time and when a lot of them learn about our programs and the types of careers and pay people can have with a two-year degree a lot of them say, ‘I wish I would have known this was an option when I went to school,’ because back then we were told the trades weren’t as good as four-year degrees,” said Rose.

In an effort to increase awareness of and promote the CTE programs available at LBCC, the college is hosting a Manufacturing Day Open House on October 21 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the CTE courtyard on the main campus. Anyone who is interested in learning more about CTE, a career in the trades, or seeing the brand new facilities and equipment in our CTE departments is welcome to come.

If you’re interested in learning more about LB’s CTE programs, head to lbcommuter.com

Dreams of a Destiny of Peace Tranquility by FREEPIK

written by CODI WOOD

The calla-lilies sing.

The daffodils I can see, can smell.

The dandelions with their water drops so nice. The grass warm, inviting. Cool to the touch.

A refuge for my spirit. Sheltering me.

My soul in the clouds, near the sky so blue.

I hear the songbirds croak and yet the silence of serenity. The sand and the water swell to build a scene of tranquility. The trees they glisten, they move, they sing, they breathe. They dance to the movement of the waves.

A graceful tear drop in a pond of uncertainty. Completely enveloped in this garden of dreams. Utterly controlless and yet, I am filled with ease.

This peace is elusive, nestled in the destinies of songs. The swelling words of those who weep.

They bring me into the folds of their imagination,

And in those pages I feel free.

On the winds of ever-flowing time.

I am right where I feel I need to be. The tree rooting deep. Building a haven for me to breathe.

Their calming presence surrounds my soul. The worries, the memories, the voices of old. Nobody can touch me here.

Mystique clouded by the dreams of those gone. The peace is here.

Content, I am.

written by REBEKAH BOND

On the Edge

On the edge. Inches from being swept away. The waters rage and it’s all I can do to stand. On the edge. To balance. On the precipice of an uneven log.

Life sweeps by, brisk as the current of the stream. And it’s all I can do to stand. Winds of change blow hard. And it’s all I can do to stand. The whole forest comes crashing down around me. And it’s all I can do to stand. And then the waves come. And I can’t even stand. I just get swept away. Down the stream. Beautiful blue sky and trees with branches bare spinning about above. Water cold and numbing, tumbling all about me. And suddenly. It’s all I can do to breathe.

ParadoxEmpty, I thought

Until pouring out

I found myself

Full

I want to live life

Pouring out, finding myself full

I want to live life

Unafraid

Walking into dark places

So I can see them light up

So I can see the sun rise in the darkness

“I

n 1995, Andy received a Buzz Lightyear toy for his birthday from his favorite movie. This was that movie.” This text opens “Lightyear,” a prequel to the “Toy Story” films. Marking the feature directorial debut of Angus MacLane (a co-director on several recent Pixar

flights land Buzz 80 years in the future, he must forge a reluctant alliance with a young woman named Izzy Hawthorne (voice of Keke Palmer), a quirky recruit named “Mo” Morrison (voice of Taika Waititi) and an elderly ex-convict named Darby Steele (voice of Dale Soules) in order to find his way back home and combat the evil emperor Zurg (voice of James Brolin).

Taking cues from science fiction films of years past, the film’s visuals and story present an intriguing take on Buzz’s origin as a space ranger, while still respecting what made his appearances in the main “Toy Story” entries work to begin with.

“Toy Story” films, it still contains a good amount of emotional weight and surprising plot details that shall not be spoiled here.

Marking the first theatrical wide release for Pixar since March 2020’s “Onward” (and “Soul,” “Luca” and “Turning Red” being first released as exclusives on Disney Plus), “Lightyear” is the ideal film to welcome Pixar back to the big screen. It’s a stellar prequel that takes its title character on a journey “to infinity and beyond.”

review by STEVEN PRYOR

@STEVENPRR2PRYOR

photo by DISNEY UK BIESACK