LB students dance the night away (story #2)

 (at left dance club members have a laugh while practicing)

LBCC is dancing the night away, and then some.

Right now, members of the dance club are rushing rehearsals for the upcoming dance concert on May 7 and 8. The group is really enthused about the concert.

Chante Marvin, one of the dancers, said, “I’m looking forward to the performance. I’m really excited to see the other pieces people have come up with.”

Dance instructor Katherine Sanders explained, “We’re really putting on a show that takes a lot of people from the community to make it happen.”

Sanders has created a dance club open to any LBCC student with an interest in dance. Sanders explained, “I think everybody can dance.” Both genders and people of all levels (from no experience to professional) are highly encouraged to check out this new club that meets on the Albany campus and sometimes at the Benton Center.

Liz Pearce, one of Sanders’ students and an LBCC staff choreographer, said, “It’s great to have this opportunity on the Albany campus. There’s never been anything like this.”

Sanders began this club during fall term with the ambitious intention of having a dance organization originating out of LBCC and performing for the community. She felt that there was a desire and need. Forty students rose to the call.

Mia Sanchez, the student representative of the club, was “all over the idea.” As a dancer and one of the six student choreographers, she is very optimistic about this new club.

“I’m having a great time … it is a little frustrating when you go over it [the same dance] over and over and you have somebody else’s vision you’re trying to fulfill … but it’s a lot of fun.”

Sanders says that all types of dance are welcome in the club, but right now student interest mainly lies in hip hop and modern dance. Students choreograph most of the dances practiced.

Daniel Rasberry, one of the student choreographers and dance club members, said, “I love hip hop. I love the feel of it. I talked to Katherine and loved what she believed in and what she represents with her dancing. It fits me and my personality and the way I am.”

Sanders is a strong advocate for the arts, but her main passion is dance. She hopes this concert and the club will artistically inspire people, particularly other students. Her goals are to provide a creative learning experience for students outside of the classroom and to touch the community at large.



At a glance:

• For more information about the club contact Katherine Sanders at sanderk@linnbenton.edu or (541) 917-4235
• Concerts are 7:30 p.m. May 7 and 2 p.m. May 8 at the Russell Tripp Performance Center on the Albany campus
• Cost for concerts: $5 adult $2 children ages 5 to 12, free for children 4 and under
• check out this website for an explanation of hip hop
• for a definition of modern dance click this link

Top 3 from 100 things journalists should never do

With the media as a fabulous tool and a dangerous weapon, journalists have to decide how much integrity they want to exercise in this business. In my opinion, it is best to be a good person. That way, if people know you for being a fair, honest reporter, they will be more likely to talk to you and give you an excellent story.

Keeping that snippet in mind, journalists really should consider living by the phrase "treat others as how you would want to be treated". They should also live by other mantras, including these three:

1. A journalist should never be a friendly dog when reporting then go snake at the keyboard

2. Journalists should follow the facts where they lead, especially if that's somewhere unexpected and uncomfortable.

3. Never say you're unbiased. You are biased. The best journalists mitigate their biases; they don't hide them.

I chose these three because one of my goals in life is to be a very compassionate person. The first "never do", the one where it mentions being a friendly dog, is what I always try to do when reporting. If you are friendly and fun, people will be more willing to talk with you and work with you on a story.

Secondly, following the facts is less likely to get you in trouble. As Rob reminds us, the truth is your best bet. Also, facts are what people want. People want the truth. And some things are meant to be told. Uncomfortable things need to be discussed.

As for the third quote, there is so much truth to it. No matter what a person will be biased, even if it is just slightly. As a reporter, it is our duty to put aside our facts to "get the story".

These three items came from this site. Poynter is working on compiling 100 items (they are not there yet). They are receiving tips from Twitter and emails. A few of these "never do's" are similarly found in Tim Harrower's book "Inside Reporting".

LBCC soccer is run over by Southern Oregon University (1st newsreporting story)

Racing into the freezing rain LBCC the boys soccer club fought fiercely against Southern Oregon University only to be defeated by three goals.

Despite the cold and the rain, approximately 25 fans sat in the stands or stood on CHS’s track on April 4 to watch the soccer match. Both SOU and LBCC played gripping games with the final score being 4-1 to SOU.

LBCC Roadrunners worked an aggressive defense. TJ Comini , LBCC goalie, dove madly for the ball and had thrilling saves. Cesar Pablo Reyes darted into the skirmishes and attempted to steal control of the ball.

Mickey Allapach charged toward Southern Oregon’s goalie and managed to score LBCC’s first and only goal of the game.

Max Sampson played a feisty offense assisted by Motahana Al Zabidi. As a whole the team played a strong game.

Mark Uff says, “The team has good chemistry.”

While LBCC regularly stole the ball, they could not keep control of it and allowed three goals to glide through Comini’s outstretched arms.

Head Coach Art Mota comments, “The first half was disappointing. I think the effort was lacking on our part. They definitely out worked us. They took advantage of the open space ... we made some adjustments in the second half … played much better in the second half. The guys showed a little bit more heart, worked a little bit harder.”

The loss though is not devastating. Zabidi comments, “We tried our best. But we still have one more game. Next game we will do better.”

Amedce Ngarnkiye ads to the positive spirit: “We still have our pride.”

Everyone is looking forward the final upcoming game on April 17. This game will determine the Roadrunners placement in the league. The game will be held at LBCC, and Coach Mota believes the team will perform well.

“We still have something to play for. If we win our last game we can finish in third and then with the realignment the league is going to do next season we’d be in the Premiere league.”

Ian Chapman also has great faith in the team. “Our game has really stepped up this season. This is one hell of a team.”


At glance:

• final score: 4-1 SOU
• for past and future game details check out the Cascade Collegiate Soccer League website
• for more info about the soccer club check it out on LBCC's website
• if you want to join the soccer club email club advisor Coach Art Mota at art.mota@linnbenton.edu or call 541-917-4467
• next home game: April 17 12 p.m. LBCC Albany Campus