The Commuter: February 9, 2022

T H E

L I N N - B E N T O N

C O M M U N I T Y

VOL. 53 EDITION 13

C O L L E G E

FEB. 9, 2022

MARTIN LUTHER JR.

a tribute to

Self-Love GRAPHICS FREEPIK.COM

ROAD TO SELF CARE

SEE PAGE 4

INSI D E TH IS E DITION

SOUL TO SOLE YOGA

SEE PAGE 7

ILLUSTRATION KAILYN MCQUISTEN

DAM CANCER GYMNASTICS

SEE PAGE 9

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TEAM SPOTLIGHT

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

LBCOMMUTER.COM 

Self-Love How Do You Take Care of You? COMPILED BY LEAH BIESACK AND DAKOTA GANGE

The Commuter is the weekly student-run newspaper for LBCC, financed by student fees and advertising. Opinions expressed in The Commuter do not necessarily reflect those of the LBCC administration, faculty and students of LBCC. Editorials, columns, letters, and cartoons reflect the opinions of the authors.

LBCC is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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

Deliver letters to: Address: The Commuter Forum 222 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW Albany, OR 97321 Web Address: LBCommuter.com Phone: 541-917-4451, 4452 or 4449 Email: commuter@linnbenton.edu Twitter @LBCommuter Facebook LBCC The Commuter Instagram @LBCommuter

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

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If we cut through the syrup and sap that loyally tags along with the February holiday, and if we can overlook the salty attitudes expressed at every pair lining every corner in our field of vision, we’re left, always, with ourselves. This is with whom we’ve had our longest relationship. This is where we’ve first learned, practiced, failed, then tried again at commitment, at unconditional love, understanding, showing grace under fire, feeding the fire of our passions.

Guess what? This will always be our longest partnership.

And we’re lucky to have it.

Our team at The Commuter believes in honoring that relationship — do what makes you laugh from your gut, tend to your sore spots, and follow your points of ignition.

Here’s how our team members take care of themselves to feel tip-top as best we can.

If you’ve been keeping up with our editions, it’s no surprise that our Student Voice Editor Avery Leon-Castillo finds volunteer work so rewarding.

AVERY LEON-CASTILLO “The things I do to take care of myself are very different but help me to unwind after a long week. I have a few playlists on my Spotify that are of completely different genres and artists that I usually have on repeat and playing at the loudest volume while I bake, write, or walk. On Fridays, I volunteer at Heartland Humane Society in Corvallis. Even though I’m not constantly socializing with the cats, I enjoy the mindless tasks that are necessary to keep the shelter safe like mopping and wiping stuff down with Kennesol (a cleaning product that smells minty) or restocking everywhere. I also do a lot with the cats. Especially the cats who are having trouble acclimating to the shelter.

I sit with them and give them a cat pheromone spray called ‘Feliway’ and sort of force them to not try to chomp at me.

I have some scars to prove it. It’s very rewarding in the end though – to see them become excited to get pets and to hear them purring instead of growling.

For our A&E Editor, Leah Biesack, it’s all about enjoying the little things, living in the moment.

LEAH BIESACK “My big and little sources of joy are popcorn, jokes, wit, books, making greeting cards, writing letters, laughing hard with my favorite people, the gyro at Common Fields, my brother’s chocolate chip cookies, my other brother’s carbonara, my friends’ endless love and support, a good hoodie, a bad diner, sneakers, never losing my chapstick, refinding my sense of self, hiking with my puppy Mila, and peanut butter.”

Long time contributor and editor Arianna Stahlbam releases stress through yoga, meditation, and music.

ARIANNA STAHLBAUM “Different forms of meditation are soothing after a long day, week, or even assignment.

With my back and shoulders taking the burden of stress, I find the yoga pose, ‘Cobra’, with my glutes, legs, and feet completely relaxed, and my shoulders back, to be beneficial. With mindful breathing and on an exhale, I’ll sink onto a flat belly and on an inhale, come back up again. Hold for five, four, three, two, one, repeat.

A great tricep workout but works wonders for back pain.

My mind can become overwhelmed with emotion, tasks, and racing thoughts, and to avoid breaking down, I’ll find a quiet, often dark place to lay down, put in my AirPods, and listen to relaxing music; jazz, classical, Christian, or low-fi. But beyond just laying there with music making its presence, I’m allowing myself to forget everything else and focus on identifying each part of a song. Vocalists, instruments, harmonies, tenors, and subtle sounds that you can barely hear yet are there. By immersing myself in the piece, I see how beautifully everything blends and works together to make a masterpiece. Together we drown out the chaos and dance with peace.”

Commuter Graphic Designer Kailyn McQuisten unwinds with a plethora of remedies.

KAILYN MCQUISTEN I can easily overlook self-care, but there are still a few ways I remember to take a little time to give myself some love.

Curling up on the couch with a stroopwafel-covered cup of tea, snuggled up to my partner as we enjoy whatever show has our current attention, is one of my favorites. When my workload has me migraine-bound, I remember that it’s okay to step back, take a break, and take care of myself. A decent rule I try to adhere to is taking a brief break once an hour, even if it’s just getting up to walk around my apartment a little and refill my water. If tension and stress get a hold of me, I try to orient my agitation into constructive outlets. This usually entails drawing or other creative endeavors. Baking something nice is also great; I get to create something, the house smells fantastic, and I also get a sweet treat at the end — a triple win! A warm shower or a breath of fresh air can also help me unwind. I know that I, like many, could do with a little more self appreciation; however, every act of love is a step forward, no matter how small.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Lost Hikers Trading Post A Self-Care Personal Narrative STORY BY SABRINA DEDEK My journey into the education of selfcare is a wild one. It started for caring for others; I was working as an elderly adult in-home care provider before I was an advocate for special needs adults. I learned so much about myself from the inherent wisdom of each of my clients. Most of all, prioritizing time and routine serves the whole health of me.

My time at The Oregon School of Massage also majorly contributed to my knowledge in self care. This program provided an education of health and wellness, from learning professional massage therapy and the business of being in charge of your own scheduling, to understanding one's own posture to avoid taking on someone else's stress pains.

Starting and ending class with mindful breathing, and yoga and meditation, was a wonderful routine that has become part of my daily routine.

Routine is so important to my mental health. I once read to make your bed everyday, so I started making it everyday for a week, and it’s now been 12 years of crawling into a soft, well made bed that is a joy my ‘morning self’ treats my future ‘evening self’ to.

Be considerate to yourself, you're only human. Be your own biggest fan; your inner monolog is so important. When you look at yourself in the mirror and hear criticisms or tear down remarks, I can guarantee it’s in someone else's voice, and you shouldn’t let it talk to you like that. Be your own biggest fan.

Make sure to treat yourself! Book that spa day you're hoping to get for valentines day; investing in yourself is always worth it, and preventative self care is so important.

PHOTO: SABRINA DEDEK VIA BELLATRIX PHOTOGRAPHIC

Go get a pedicure for foot health, facials for skin health, and massages for all the health benefits (circulation, flexibility, muscle recovery, stress relief, reducing pain – if you need an excuse they are valid.)

Eat that yummy food, and enjoy the music. Smell and sip that tasty drink.

Make physical education a priority.

Take a yoga or weight training class, join a softball team, or try golf. When you have physical accountability, your body will thank you. I can’t believe how good I feel at week 5 in winter term taking both yoga (online), and strength and weight training

(in person). Remember, our minds and body are connected.

Create. I love my hobbies, especially when I master them and it takes years of practice. Perhaps you’re a little more adhd, and lots of hobbies that you never master is more your style - that's great too!

Gardening is a literally fruitful pass time. You get to play in the dirt, trim plants, grow your own herbs and supplies for salads, your own pumpkins for halloween, your own bouquets of flowers.

I grow so much that I put the extras on a table for neighbors and passersby and

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receive trades and donations in kind. This shows me without expectation that the community will always come together for home grown food. I also place my extra crafts on my table which I have named “Lost Hikers Trading Post”. I make candles from glass yogurt jars, herb infused olive oil, elderberry syrup, and natural bug repellant. My favorite part is receiving notes from patrons as a thank you.

Remember to talk about it. Let it all out. The best step I have chosen in recent months was to go to my doctor and let her know how much anxiety I feel.

She listened to me and referred me to a wonderful therapist, who has prescribed me daily medicine which has helped in the way it is supposed to. I hate pills; I’ve been prescribed too many that haven't worked in the past, but finding the one that does work feels worth all the past efforts made.

I know it’s still a social hang up to chat about mental health but we all need it, especially because of the added stress and traumas the world wide pandemic has brought on the last two years. As a friend I will always take time to sit with my friends and help them make a plan for help, so becoming my own best friend to do the same thing was revolutionary.

I’m still going to have bad days where I don’t want to get out of bed or want to take shortcuts on my whole health, but I forgive myself for that. I am not perfect but I am perfectly me.

My thank you to myself for working hard at everything I put my heart into is delicious gummy vitamins, hot bubble baths with extra bath bombs, and playing with makeup like it’s an art form. My external appearance is important to me, and if it’s not to you, that’s cool too!

Give yourself that grace, you can rock whatever you’re into.

Self-Care for Students, by Students ChangeMakers Kicks Off Stress-relief Series series, held as a virtual zoom event. In attendance were ChangeMakers members, faculty advisor Liz Pearce, a handful of interested students, along with the guest hosts of the event — therapist Cait Morgan and Human Services student Christy Mejia. This premier event was centered around expression as a tool for stress relief, specifically expression through journaling. Mejia generously described her mental health journey and how journaling has played an integral role. While she relayed how it helped alleviate her panic attacks, she also pointed out the many other benefits that can be siphoned out from the act of writing down our thoughts and feelings, such as:

STORY BY LEAH BIESACK LBCC’s Human Services Co-Curricular, ChangeMakers, has launched a new self-care series for students to tune in to learn some tips and tricks on ways to deal with the inevitable stressors in our lives; Being a student. In a global pandemic. In a divided country. Where a lot of our favorite restaurants have closed for good. We’ll take every coping mechanism on the menu, please.

Last Thursday was the kick off of this stress relief

­ provided clarity — — stress reduction — improved physical health —assistance with problem-solving — coping with depression —anxiety reduction — increased self-empowerment By the end of the 45 minute event, it was hard to find a reason not to pick up a pen and paper to divulge all my swirly, messy feelings. Mejia made a solid case — I’ve been journaling every morning since hearing her speak. And all of my problems have vanished. Just kidding, but it’s good to feel good.

ChangeMakers has two more events planned for the Self-Care/Stress Relief series, the next one titled Self-Care, Sounds, and Silence, which is scheduled for February 17. The co-curricular is working hard to remind our student body just how many resources are available to bring us some assistance and ease when life is trying to be the bully it’s adept at being. This new stress relief series makes for a welcoming, safe environment to all who are interested in taking a step or two to taking care of you. ChangeMakers is our life jacket in the reliably rough waters of stress.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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An Unexpected Series of Words Reflecting on a Consumerism Holiday Be my anti-Valentine, Spend some time with me Don’t purchase faceless industry Let’s create our own history

POEMS BY SABRINA DEDEK

Cover me in rose petals and kisses Shower me in romance and diamonds Bathe me in pearls, warm bubbles, and cold champagne

Be my anti-Valentine Sing a song for me Hold my hand and take a walk Humming as we look for rocks

The cut thorny stems sticking out of the garbage disposal sink The floral industry is unfair Sparkling diamonds covered in curdled blood drops deBeers tricked us deforesting for mines believing their lie placing value of a rock over human life The hot water got turned off, gas prices are too high Sparkling wine gives me hiccups I can hear the screams of cultured oysters

Be my anti-Valentine Listen, and hear me Take me off this gilded pedestal Make our journey unforgettable Be my anti-Valentine See this heart shaped contour line?

Corporations masquerade like oligarchy Let us take down the patriarchy

If you really love me, tell me any day, every day, Except not on this day, Red and pink commercialized hellscape.

Be my anti-Valentine Break my heart with chocolates and wine PHOTO: SABRINA DEDEK VIA BELLATRIX PHOTOGRAPHIC

Myles Myers and Emily Marske

The Road to Self-Care A Student Personal Narrative: Ignored to Adored STORY BY REBECCA STURM with holes, or maybe even just somewhere strength, integrity, and know the true value Self-love has been a struggle for me over the years. As a teen I often suffered with depression and suicidal ideation. My living situation was tough for me and, more often than not, I felt ignored, alone and invisible amongst my family and had very few (if any) friends. The idea of unaliving myself felt more natural than the reality I found myself in.

This inevitably led to my running away and living as a nomadically roaming homeless teen from the far East Coast of Maine to the deep south of New Orleans to Vancouver, Washington, and down to Portland. I had seen 39 states before I was 18 and done it all alone. Somehow this act of being alone came to be my best form of self-care.

I learned more about what I was capable of in that amount of time than I had in my entire childhood—not just survival but living; where my moral compass landed, what really mattered to me in life and how to find true contentment in any situation.

I would often find myself sitting with a book under some bridge, people watching or drawing passersby. I’d imagine what their lives were like and reminisce on what it was like to have the simple things in life whenever you wanted for them.

Food, warmth, shoes that weren’t riddled

to hang out between activities without having to worry about people staring at you, cops questioning you or people trying to offer you money because you’re a sicklylooking, thinning kid out on the streets alone at all hours of the day and night.

My life became a zoo-exhibit for others to gawk at and judge.

Scoffing at my way of existence, assuming I’d be better off at home, but never actually taking the time to know my circumstances or what brought me to where I am today and why. No one, but my other displaced acquaintances, ever understood why I felt more at home out there alone in the cold than I ever had in my childhood “home”.

The transients and outcasts were where I fit in and it didn’t take long to see that these down-and-outs were my true people and why. They taught me to selflessly share, to be patient, loyal, honest, and to have

of being a good friend and why.

The act of being humble could get me through any situation with grace and come out the other side with a sense of inner peace and acceptance of who I am.

It was these experiences that led me to the person I am today. It was a long road of adjustment when entering back into society; trying to get used to the idea of possessions and not having to guard them like a crow with shiny objects or being allowed to sleep in peace without the painful kick to my side of an officer telling me where I couldn’t rest my tired body after walking across New Orleans in the hot sun, just to find a safe place to plunk myself for a few hours a night.

But I have never forgotten my lessons learned in my time as an unhoused youth.

It gave me the strength to work through multiple traumas from my younger years in healthy ways, bring myself up again

from having nothing and still maintain my ability to care for others in the same ways I had always hoped someone would care about me.

So, what do I do for self-care? I’m patient with myself. I give myself time.

Time to rest and stop whenever I know something is becoming too much for me or I feel the need coming on for a break. I appreciate my existence and all I’ve made it through.

I make sure I’m my best advocate and never push myself or others to do something I’m or they’re not comfortable with—no matter the consequences. I now recognize with ease that my feeling safe is always more important than any reaction or judgment another might put upon me. I take time to cook healthy foods, so my body is nourished, and I spend time with my loving partner and son watching movies or stepping back from society to feel like part of nature again. I make time to connect with the Earth through nature walks and leave small offerings of food out for my ancestors letting them know I appreciate their guidance through all those years I went to sleep wondering if I would wake again the next morning.

I make it a point to actively love myself every day, at least once.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Let’s Talk About Love

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Whether You Love or Hate Valentine’s Day, Set Aside Some Time for Love STORY & PHOTOS BY ARIANNA STAHLBAUM Valentine’s Day: love, flowers, dates, chocolate, champagne, proposals, high expectations, expensive menus, consumerism. However you celebrate or don’t celebrate, no one can deny the warmth of love, whether toward your partner, family, friends, pets, plants, or hobbies.

Valentine’s Day is seen most often as a day to celebrate love with your partners or friends.

Annually, we see restaurant reservations, boxes upon boxes of assorted chocolates, and “Galentine” or “Palentine” parties so folks don’t miss out on the celebration.

Living in a nation that is all about getting ahead and has workaholic issues, Valentine’s Day gives us the opportunity to get work and stress off our minds and focus on enjoying our evening.

Though many find Valentine’s Day stressful.

Struggles of finding reservations, getting the perfect gift, the perfect flowers, or making sure your makeup looks perfect before they pick you up.

Or, maybe you’re a Valentine’s Day scroogelike myself, who sees it as an excuse for businesses to profit, but might stop at the store the next day to get chocolate on sale… Whatever your view on Valentine’s Day is, set some time aside next Monday for love. Even if it’s simply loving yourself with a nice meal, a good book or movie, and some good music!

What are your feelings towards Valentine’s Day?

OSU Biochem and Psychology Major Chloe Lee: “[Valentine’s Day is] kinda pointless and a marketing scheme to get more money.

Like, showing of a relationship as a sign of ‘accomplishment’ vs. in retrospect being single and being observed as ‘lacking’ is toxic.”

OSU Business Major Helen Jing: “It seems like businesses have just taken over the holiday for profit,” says OSU BioHealth Sciences Major, Jobe Dinh, “roses be expensive for no reason, dawg.”

OSU Electrical and Computer Engineering Major Thomas Snyder: “It's not really a day that is significant to my partner and I. It's a capitalist ploy to suck money out of people's wallets.”

OSU Kinesiology Major Taylor Han says “There’s no significance to the day, more of a flowers-on-a-Wednesday person. [I’d rather] do something fun on a random Saturday, then going home to build a pillow fort, eat snacks, and watch a movie or two.”

OSU Physics Major Hannah O’Meara said that Valentine’s Day is, “amazing because chocolate and cute movies and someday if I’m ever dating I think it’ll be so fun, but for now I get to see all the couples go out and do stuff, flowers, all the things.”

6 Civil Discourse: Class-time Debate CAMPUS NEWS

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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Should There Be Less In-person Learning?

STORY BY MORIAH near future. With so much anxiety and These negative effects can be even greater college employees. The more in-person RIVERA-LAWRENCE, NICK uncertainty, our college should continue for marginalized groups who may struggle to classes our college offers, the higher MAY, AND THE CIVIL risk reduction protocols, including the access healthcare, resources, and who have the likelihood that people in our What does “safe and healthy” mean during the COVID-19 pandemic? This is a question many are asking as they weigh risk factors against in-person activities. The answer is complex. As Becca Priddy, a Portland-area teacher with Long COVID put it in her interview, “Being around 1,000

unvaccinated kids every day has made my anxiety really high...I don't think people understand how debilitating this is.” The absence of a vaccine mandate, in conjunction with rising case counts at LBCC, has many employees and students wary of returning to campus in the

reduction of in-person class offerings, until we know the long-term impacts of contracting COVID. According to the Oregon Vaccine News Blog, we don’t know who is most affected by long COVID. We do know, however, that the best way to prevent it is to avoid contracting COVID-19. Many are under informed about comorbidities and there are still questions about the long term

effects of the virus even as variants appear “more mild.” This means those who do not

have the option of shielding are at higher risk of facing consequences such as longterm joint pain, fever, brain fog, and more.

been disproportionately affected during the pandemic. Preventing the spread of COVID is about harm reduction and we all need to do our part.

The recent wave of cases brought on by the Omicron variant has been unprecedented. Comparing new cases on February 1st 2021 and 2022 shows an increase of 653% and 955% in Linn and Benton county, respectively. Additionally, Sheldon Flom, VP of Finance and Operations has reported that 218 members of the LBCC community have tested positive for the virus (so far) during winter term. About 25% of those people were

communities will become infected and develop serious long-term health effects.

There may be an end to this pandemic in sight, but we aren’t out of the woods yet.

In-person classes require more employees and students to return to campus, which many are not interested in doing.

This could lead to disastrous results by increasing the transmission of COVID-19 and the possibility of suffering from long Covid. By limiting in-person classes, the LBCC community can confidently carve a path through the current uncertainty towards a safe and more equitable future for all.

are among the top ten leading causes of death in the U.S., one would think that colleges would be more proactive about addressing the basic psychological need of social interaction that comes from face-toface interactions. Additionally, in-person classes don’t just help with mental health, but they also encourage some physical activity.

Unless students have some other form of exercise, walking

The step count on his watch increases by about 2,500 to 3,000 steps on days that he has class on campus. His step count on days he works on his online classes at LBCC are much lower.

When examining the quality of education and health of students, we can see that more inperson classes are needed and wanted. This is why LBCC should offer more face-toface classes in the future.

Should There Be More In-person Learning?

STORY BY YAHAIRA SUAREZ, like the ones highlighted in this study.

Another problem with online classes MILES HENDERSON, GABRIEL is academic dishonesty. There are far KNOX, AND THE CIVIL more ways to cheat on tests, assignments, DISCOURSE PROGRAM Going to school during a pandemic has been a rollercoaster ride for many of us. The flexibility of online learning has allowed us to remain safely at home while continuing our education. However, it’s time to offer more in-person learning opportunities at LBCC. Not just as a “return to normalcy” but for the sake of providing a quality education and improving the mental and physical health of students.

Questions about the quality of online classes continue to rise. According to the recent study, Is Online Education Working?, students in face-to-face courses "perform better than their online counterparts with respect to their grades, the propensity to withdraw from the course, and the likelihood of receiving a passing grade.”

There are many possible reasons for these results. Short attention spans that make it difficult to concentrate seem to be a common reason why many students are struggling.

Taking a class through a screen is a very different experience than being in a physical classroom. When people are in a setting that makes it difficult for them to be fully engaged, it makes sense that we’ll see results

papers, and quizzes. Chegg, Quizlet, and the inability for teachers to fully monitor a testing environment has increased the opportunities for cheating to occur.

Recent reports show that this problem is increasing and that some students are having other people take their tests. This is vital to acknowledge because academic honesty isn't just a moral issue, it's a safety issue. We often turn to professionals like doctors, lawyers, and accountants because of their expertise. If colleges graduate people who have cheated in their classes, we will all end up suffering.

It’s also important to note that inperson classes can be much better for a student’s health. One of the biggest effects of online classes is social isolation. This is not good for the mental health of college students whose rates of anxiety and depression are skyrocketing.

to in-person classes

might be their only physical activity during the day. For example, Gabriel has in-person classes at Oregon State U n i v e r s i t y.

School can be the source of many social interactions, which we know can benefit a person’s health.

When tragedies like suicide

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LBCC partners with ATI Millersburg and CPP Albany to offer a variety of jobs.

PHOTO: FREEPIK.COM

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LOCAL NEWS

Mind, Body and Sole to Soul Yoga

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Local Yoga Studio Provides a Welcoming Community Atmosphere, Inclusive to All STORY & PHOTOS BY BRENDA AUTRY For me, self love and self care mean doing something that is good for me. I like to read books and take classes to learn new things to take care of my mind. I like to lift weights and eat healthy foods to take care of my body. And I like to walk through the woods or sit quietly on a beach watching the waves to take care of my soul. But when I need to take care of all three - mind, body and soul - I do yoga.

I started practicing yoga about three years ago and it has changed my life. Yoga has been proven to increase strength and flexibility, reduce stress, and can even improve your mood. It is adaptable to all skill levels and today, more than ever, it is easily accessible.

I usually take yoga classes here at Linn-Benton but when there is a break or between terms, I’m left without a class to do. I decided I needed to find a studio to fill the gaps in my practice, so I recently tried a class at a newer studio in Albany, Sole to Soul Yoga.

The studio’s small size and tastefully simple decor make it feel intimate and inviting. The smell of lemongrass wafting from a stylish diffuser and the sound of relaxing music playing quietly added to the peaceful atmosphere, are exactly what you’d want in a yoga studio.

There are several styles of yoga, each with their own challenges and benefits to suit different needs.

Sole to Soul Yoga offers four styles of yoga: Power, Vinyasa, Yin and Gentle. The class I tried was Power Yoga. Even though Power Yoga sounds intimidating, it’s easily adapted for beginners.

When I got to the studio, the first thing I noticed was that it was really warm inside. The instructor, Wendy Humphreys, assured me that it wasn’t “hot yoga,” and the heat was just to help you get warm and sweat a little.

Humphreys, along with Katy Rosecrans, opened Sole to Soul Yoga in June, 2021.

“During COVID we were both teaching from home and in random places,” Rosecrans said.

“We really wanted to bring yoga to the community,” added Humphreys. “We’re not a club, we’re a community inclusive studio. We’re inclusive of all ages, abilities, bodies and people.”

The class size was small, but diverse. I definitely felt comfortable during the class and like I fit in which is something I always worry about when trying new fitness classes.

Humphreys led the class and talked us through each pose. She constantly assured everyone it was ok to move slower, come out of a pose if needed, and she came around to offer correction if you wanted it.

Humphreys who is a 500 hour certified instructor (one of the highest certifications) has been teaching for about five years, and is very knowledgeable and passionate about teaching yoga.

“I love yoga because it’s good for mind, body, heart, and soul, “ Humphreys said. “It’s good for everything you do in your life. It helps you age with balance, flexibility, strength, and it builds a community.

Humphreys has been teaching since 2013. In addition to teaching yoga classes, she is also certified to lead 200 hour instructor training. Rosecrans, the co-owner, has been teaching for two years.

She took Humphreys class for years, then two years ago took her instructor training and became certified to teach as well.V “I love yoga because it’s an accessible way to exercise and take care of your mental health,” Rosecrans said.

In all the studio has seven instructors and offers 13 classes per

week. Memberships are all-inclusive and for students are just $72 a month - very reasonable as far as yoga studios go. They also offer discounts for teachers and veterans, and a “Karma Pass,” which is heavily discounted for those who may have trouble paying. Class and membership information is available on their website.

If you’d like to try the studio before committing, they also offer a trial week pass for just $20. And during the month of February they’re running a special where members can bring a friend for free. You can even split the trial pass!

Even though the Power Yoga I tried was very different from the style I usually practice, and it was a little challenging - in a good way - I didn’t feel like it was too fast or too much for me. I really enjoyed it!

If you’re looking for a new way to practice self-care, or show yourself some love this Valentines Day, I think yoga is a great option. And I can highly recommend Sole to Soul Yoga as a place to try it.

Owners Katy Rosecrans and Wendy Humphreys.

TUESDAYS at the Co-op

15% off produce FOR STUDENTS

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2 Corvallis locations open 7am-9pm daily

North: 2855 NW Grant Ave. South: 1007 SE Third St. @firstaltcoop

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LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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March for Life Rally Abortion Protesters Congregate

Rally supporters follow along in prayer at their booths bordering the back of the rally.

An overview of the crowd assembled before the Oregon State Capitol.

STORY & PHOTOS BY SABRINA DEDEK choice in forced pregnancy; adoption is the only option SALEM – A rally organized by Right to Life called “March for Life” was held Jan. 29. The group of hundreds gathered in a courtyard just across the street from the Capitol Building.

March for Life had live music, group prayer, and speakers to host the crowd’s attention on a sunny day. Booths lined the far side of the area with various organizations' similar views on pregnancy termination, providing props of well-developed (silicone) fetuses wrapped in tiny blankets and large printed graphics to catch the attention of visitors and people walking by. Oregon March for Life 2022 was sponsored by Christian News Northwest, Mater Dei Radio and Oregon Family Council.

While many comparable organizations attended, coming together as a group, not all views are that of Right to Life, as stated in an advisory email Jan. 30.

"Oregon Right to Life is committed to compassionate and empathetic advocacy," said Executive Director Lois Anderson. "We believe that every person is valuable and deserving of respect, including those with whom we disagree. That should inform how we engage in advocacy."

The approach of a self-proclaimed “Aboliginist” could be considered aggressive. The group of men had signs that were purposefully disturbing.

“Abolish Human Abortion appeared at the Oregon March for Life, an event organized by Oregon Right to Life. Abolish Human Abortion came with signs and pamphlets that used aggressive language and graphic imagery. Oregon Right to Life opposes Abolish Human Abortion and other similar extremist abortion groups and their use of tactics intended to intimidate others,” said Trevor Lane of Oregon Right to Life.

Shawn Kellim, a member of Wellspring Bible Fellowship in Roseburg, asked, “Do you know why we are here?” Kellim believes “women are sinners and liars who must repent and accept Jesus Christ,” saying this is the core of his evangelism. “Women have only one

in the eyes of god,” though Kellim does not have any adopted children of his own.

Oregon March for Life Speakers at the event included: Archbishop Alexander Sample, Lucia Taylor of Students for Life America, and Tyler Hanke of Salem First Baptist Church.

Melody Durrett, Linn-Benton alumnus and President of Oregon Right to Life, said, “I got involved with Oregon Right to Life and the pro-life movement when I first heard women who were post-abortive speak about their experiences. I realized that not only is science clear that abortion ends the life of a genetically distinct, whole human being, but abortion

also negatively affects women psychologically and often reinforces and hides violence against women.

“While empathetic listening to women speak about their experiences, I noticed nearly every story I heard included elements of stress and pressure the women faced. Some women were in abusive relationships, some had economic concerns, some were pressured by parents or a boyfriend, and some were told a false narrative that they had to choose between the life of their child and pursuing their hopes and dreams in life. A developed society should offer better than abortion to its citizens.”

According to the non-profit organization Guttmacher Institute, “Oregon does not have any of the major types of abortion restrictions—such as waiting periods, mandated parental involvement or limitations on publicly funded abortions—often found in other states.”

“The pro-life movement advocates for nonviolent choices while also supporting, showing kindness and caring for abortion-minded women,” said Durrett. “Supporters gathered at the Oregon March for Life and stood up for equal rights for all human beings, including the unborn, while also proving that we are compassionate and supportive to those facing pressure to have an abortion.”

A protestor holds his flag emblazoned with "An Appeal to Heaven" in silence during a group prayer.

Minors hold signs and a banner provided by Oregon March for Life.

During a guided prayer a map of the United States changes color depicting laws surrounding abortion.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

SPORTS

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Fans Return to Dam Cancer Gymnastics Meet to Support Dam Cancer STORY & PHOTOS BY HATHAI SANGSUPAN After being forced by covid restrictions to go on without an audience for much of the last year, fans made a triumphant return to the OSU Dam Cancer Gymnastics Meet on Feb. 5.

Attendees streamed into Gill Coliseum excited to not only cheer for the competing OSU and Arizona State University gymnasts, but also to support the cause of cancer awareness and early cancer detection. Many fans demonstrated this by wearing bright pink t-shirts with slogans that read “Dam Cancer,” “Pink Out!” and “Beaver Fans Wear Pink.”

During the opening ceremony, the video boards showed OSU gymnasts holding up signs with the printed words “I Believe for …” followed by the handwritten names of loved ones who had been affected by cancer. Afterward, fans who had filled out similar signs when they entered the coliseum raised theirs in the air in solidarity.

For this meet, the OSU women’s gymnastics team put aside the color orange to wear the colors and symbols of cancer awareness. They sparkled in hot pink and black leotards. From behind, you could see that each woman wore a small temporary tattoo of a pink ribbon at the base of her neck.

In their hair the gymnasts wore two different colored ribbons. They wore zebra-striped ribbons in honor of their head coach, Tanya Chaplin, who is a survivor of neuroendocrine tumors.

And they wore ribbons in the color of a cancer experienced by a friend or family member for whom the athletes dedicated their performance that night.

“We even have some coaches who wore different colored ribbons as well,” said Head Coach Chaplin. She said that in addition to her own experience, she had close family members who had been affected by cancer. “So it’s near and dear to our hearts to promote it and to get the awareness out.”

Jade Carey, freshman OSU gymnast and Olympic gold medalist said, “This is a really important meet. It was bigger than gymnastics tonight and we wanted to go out and show support for everyone going through cancer. Just anyone touched by cancer really. We just wanted to go out and fight for them and do it for them because it’s just really special to be able to dedicate a meet to someone.”

“I know a girl back home who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma as a child and I would visit her in the hospital.

She is a gymnast. I did it for her tonight. I wore gold [ribbons] for childhood cancer and we all wore zebra [ribbons] for Tanya [Chaplin],” said Carey.

The Dam Cancer Gymnastics Meet is one of a series of Dam Cancer events and competitions that have been held since 2005 as a way to foster cancer

OSU junior Kayla Bird performing her floor routine.

Arizona State University gymnast Sarah Clark flies above the balance beam.

One of the floor routine judges gave Jade Carey a 10. The second judge gave her a 9.95 for an average of 9.975, the winning score for the floor routine.

awareness, encourage early cancer screening, and raise money for local non-profit cancer support organizations.

The events were originally organized by the Corvallis Clinic Foundation and OSU. In the past, each major athletic women’s sport at OSU held one Dam

cancer event per season. These have included women’s volleyball, soccer, basketball, golf, and swimming as well as gymnastics.

Covid brought new challenges to holding the Dam Cancer events. Due to covid restrictions many collegiate

sporting events were postponed, canceled, or went on in empty stadiums. Eventually, the Corvallis Clinic Foundation decided to stop organizing the events altogether.

The Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center (WVCI) took up the responsibilities for organizing the events in their place, but according to both Head Coach Chaplin and Christy Curtis, the WVCI oncology Liaison and Marketing Coordinator, the Dam Cancer series is still very much in transition.

“It’s a new world so we are still trying to figure out things that we can bring to the community,” said Chaplin.

For example, they are still working out how to re-incorporate fundraising and develop new ways to honor cancer survivors. Previously, cancer survivors were welcomed to walk onto the performance floors and playing fields to be cheered and encouraged by fans. With the rise of the covid virus, however, it has become more dangerous for cancer patients to be around crowds.

According to Curtis, the “I Believe for” signs were created as a way to safely honor survivors. She said that the signs are a way for fans “to at-a-glance see how many people are touched by cancer. It has a pretty strong impact.”

Another concern with allowing non-athletes on the field is the risk to athletes. “We have to make sure that we make sure that all of [the athletes] are safe, too. So they’re not having many interactions until the season is over,” said Chaplin.

Despite the challenges behind-thescenes, fans and athletes alike appeared to enjoy the event. Everyone cheered and marveled at the OSU and ASU gymnasts’ performances. And the high point of the evening was Carey’s performance on the uneven bars. When it was announced that she had earned the first perfect score of her collegiate career it seemed that the entire crowd rose to their feet and roared.

In the end, the 13th-ranked OSU Beavers prevailed against the No. 21 ASU Sun Devils with a final score of 197.374 to 196.500. Carey won the all around with a score of 39.825. OSU senior, Madi Dagen came in second with a score of 39.550. In third with a score of 39.375 was ASU junior Hannah Scharf.

With this event now under their belt, WVCI and OSU are looking forward to collaborating on many more Dam Cancer events. According to Curtis, their main objective for the first year back is “engaging in our community and raising awareness for cancer. Hopefully we’ll just keep getting better at that!”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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SPORTS

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Lauren Letzsch (right) wishes teammate Madi Dagen good luck before Dagen's floor routine.

Freshman Lauren Letzsch preforming her floor routine.

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OSU sophomore Ariana Young flying above the balance beam.

Freshman Phoebe Jakubczyk showing support for her mother at the beginning of the DAM Cancer Gymnastics meet.

Raise your hands if you want a free t-shirt!

The OSU band amps up the excitement with music.

Jade Carey receiving congratulations from her coach and team after receiving her first 10 on the uneven bars.

A&E

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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Storm Stomping

11

Women's Basketball Defeats Chemeketa COMPILED BY LOGAN HANNIGAN-DOWNS STORY BY CARSYN MEYERS ALBANY, Oregon – The Linn-Benton Women’s Basketball team beat Chemeketa Community College 58-45 on Feb. 5.

The Roadrunners improved to 12-5 on the season, and 4-3 in the NWAC South Region. Chemeketa Community College dropped to 7-7 on the season, and 2-4 in the NWAC South Region.

The Runners came out of the gates hot offensively, and shut down the Storm defensively. They held the Storm to an 8% shooting percentage in the first half, only allowing two made field goals. Offensively the Roadrunners outscored the Storm 28-15 in the first half.

The Storm improved their shooting in the second half, outscoring the Roadrunners 19-11 in the fourth quarter. However, the Storm were unable to pull the deficit back to single digits in the second half.

Brookylnn Hankwitz once again led the scoring for the Beaks with 15 points.

This was Hankwitz’s seventh game of the year scoring 15-plus points.

The Roadrunners find themselves sitting at 4th in the NWAC South Region standings. Next the Roadrunners stay home to take on Umpqua Community College.

Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at the LinnBenton Albany Campus on Feb. 9.

Complete the grid so each row, column, and 3x3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit.

Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.75)

7 3 7

1 2

8 6

8 1

4 5

3 1

2 9

3

6

7 2

8

2 9

6 3

9

3

4

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Wieland, Charles Brockden Brown Skip this. I beg you.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BREAKING THE SHAME BLACK MENTAL HEALTH

Please join us in honoring Black History Month by participating in our essay contest sponsored by the English Department. This year's theme is: Breaking the Shame: Black Mental Health If you have any questions please feel free to contact: • Dr. Ramycia McGhee (mcgheer@linnbenton.edu) • Dr. Tristan Striker (strikert@linnbenton.edu)

Please return your completed essay by Feb. 14, 2022

SUBMIT ESSAYS HERE For accommodations requests, contact the Center for Accessibility Resources (CFAR) at 541-9174789 or cfar@linnbenton.edu at least three business days in advance. LBCC does not discriminate based on any protected status in its programs or activities. For more information, visit linnbenton.edu/nondiscrimination.

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A&E

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

MONSTER RANCHER 1 AND 2 DX A Farm-fresh Remaster of Two Cult Classic RPGs

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PUBLISHER: Koei Tecmo

DEVELOPER: Koei Tecmo

PLATFORM: Nintendo Switch eShop (Originally Released on Sony Playstation) ESRB RATING: T

OVERALL RATING: ★★★★

REVIEW BY

STEVEN PRYOR

@STEVENPRR2PRYOR

In the late 1990s, the Japanese roleplaying game began gaining mainstream popularity in the United States; with the success of “Final Fantasy VII” and “Pokémon Red and Blue” being two key examples.

While this inspired the likes of countless other games to be brought to the US; one in particular has become something of a cult classic among fans of monster-centric JRPGs- the “Monster Rancher” series.

First seeing release on the Sony Playstation in the year 1997, the series boasted a highly complex combat and breeding system that stood out from other games at the time. Monsters could be summoned from music albums inserted into the disc drive of the Playstation, and be bred on a ranch to improve their stats. Though not a massive hit, the game performed

well enough to receive a sequel, “Monster Rancher 2” in the year 1999.

While the series never quite reached the heights of its contemporaries at the time, it was successful enough to get an anime adaptation that ran for three seasons and a variety of other games released until “Monster Rancher EVO” in 2010 sent the series into hiatus.

Then, after Tecmo merged with Koei; the first two games received deluxe remasters on the Nintendo Switch that finally saw the series return to English-speaking regions by fan demand in December 2021- “Monster Rancher 1 and 2 DX.” Both games are presented with options in an HD remastered form, as well as their original graphical resolution from their release on the PS1. There are also some

notable quality-of-life improvements that benefit returning fans and potential new players. The ability to fast-forward training exercises and previously-seen cutscenes helps alleviate grinding for experience points and stat boosts. Notably, since the Switch lacks a disc drive; this release has a digital database to search music albums to summon monsters from. Though some summons can only be used at higher levels of player experience, the variety of albums in the database is extensive.

In the play session used to write this review; the database contains everything from The Beatles’ “1” to Green Day’s “Warning;” along with George Michael’s “Faith” and even the musical score to “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” A large part of the fun is discovering which albums can summon which monsters.

One bit of advice to new players- the

game does have an admitted learning curve for its combat system and breeding monsters for certain stats. For the uninitiated, just imagine if the competitive aspects of the “Pokémon” series took up the main game and you should have a solid idea of what to expect. That said, the complexity of the gameplay is easily one of the most engaging aspects of the series. People who have played the series’ previous installments should feel right at home with this version.

While no masterpiece, “Monster Rancher 1 and 2 DX” still make for a farmfresh remaster of two cult classic RPGs. With both games available on the Switch eShop in one package for $30, it’s well worth trying out.

retro review:

BANJO-KAZOOIE Coming Back Home to Nintendo

PUBLISHER: Nintendo/ Microsoft DEVELOPER: Rare Co.,Ltd/ Rareware PLATFORM: Nintendo 64 Online for Nintendo Switch (Originally released on Nintendo 64, Also Available on Rare Replay for Xbox One/ PC) ESRB RATING: E OVERALL RATING:

★★★★

REVIEW BY

STEVEN PRYOR

@STEVENPRR2PRYOR

In the year 1998, “Banjo-Kazooie” saw its initial release on the Nintendo 64. Building on what was done with “Super Mario 64” in 1996, the title was hailed as one of the console’s best 3D plaforming games. Now, the game has finally seen a rerelease on a Nintendo platform via the Switch Online Expansion Pack, marking the first time the game has appeared outside the Xbox line since Microsoft purchased Rare in the year 2002.

Starring a chuckling bear named

Banjo and his best friend, a “breegull” named Kazooie, the game tasks you with gathering puzzle pieces and a wide range of other items to prevent a rhyming witch named Grunty from using Banjo’s little sister Tooty to beautify herself.

The game was successful enough to inspire a sequel in the year 2000 known as “Banjo-Tooie,” and while 2008’s “BanjoKazooie: Nuts and Bolts” garnered a divisive response for diverting from the established gameplay in favor of trying to ride the coattails of Sony’s “Little Big Planet” games, the characters have remained fan favorites among those who enjoyed the games made by Rareware.

The two were even brought into “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” as DLC fighters in the year 2019.

Now, the original game has returned to a Nintendo console after previously being rereleased as part of the “Rare Replay” compilation for Xbox One and PC. However, the game remains one of the best examples of a 3D platformer on any console. The graphics, gameplay, level design and sound easily place the game among the best titles in Rare’s catalog and one the most fun platformers on the N64.

Overall, “Banjo-Kazooie” remains one of the best 3D platformers on the Nintendo 64, and one of the best reasons to opt into the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.

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