Getting from Point A to LB

Monday morning, the Linn Shuttle is cramped with people the Linn Shuttle and as it nears its next stop, another trimester at LBCC begins. Condensation lingers on the windows as the mixture of smells circulates the shuttle. More people climb into the crowded bus, finding handles to hold and empty seats to fill. Although considered a bit stuffy, and sometimes lack space, shuttles have become increasingly popular as a mode of transportation for students and commuters.

One of the many riders relying on the shuttle system is Carrie Wilson, in her fourth term as a Medical Assistant. She says she rides for the obvious reasons, “To save gas, it’s convenient, and free to students.”

There are many options for students to find alternative transportation to and from college. Shuttles and buses offering routes to LBCC and OSU include the Linn Shuttle, Linn-Benton Loop Bus and Albany Transit. Thanks to LBCC and OSU, students can take advantage of riding the Linn Shuttle, Linn-Benton Loop Bus and the Albany Transit for free with a student ID card. The cards only cost $10 and with these cards students have made their money back just after a day or two. This pass program is made possible for students from funding between partners from local government agencies including Linn and Benton Counties, LBCC, OSU, Hewlett-Packard as well as state and federal funds.

However, the shuttles and buses are not the only modes of transportation available to students. There is also the option of carpooling.

An option called “AlterNetRides” allows students to utilize a secure system that connects drivers and riders. Carpooling is made easier with this system, and there is no charge to the user. Students can designate preferences like “no smoking” or “no radio” to further advance their search.

According to Barry Hoffman, Albany transit program supervisor, the last three years have seen a substantial spike in shuttle ridership. The Linn-Benton Loop, which has 11 runs between Albany and Corvallis, provides transportation to LBCC and OSU for students. The Loop provides services to 105,843 commuters. Ridership has increased by 16,671 from 2007 to 2009. Of those riders, 46,738 commuters ride on LBCC passes and 28,040 commuters ride on OSU passes.

The Albany Transit buses are no different, having gained 27,525 riders since 2007. Part of the reason for the increase is “more people are choosing to use the service due to personal economic situations.” Hoffman said some causes for this increase circle around the decline of the economy, the rise in college enrollment, and gas prices.

The increase in commuters has had profound effects on the order of the shuttles and the number of routes. An example of this is the Albany Transit System that added an additional bus to the morning and afternoon commute from LBCC to downtown Corvallis in order to handle the increase in demand.

The increase in student enrollment and demand has posed a dilemma for shuttle and bus managers with routes being far from perfect. Ken Bronson, manager of the Sweet Home Senior Center, which operates the Linn Shuttle, met this dilemma after taking over his position in April 2010. He said he rode the shuttle and talked with other riders about what they would like to see improve. Not only did he add new morning and afternoon route, he delved deeper into how the shuttle could improve. When ridership decreased in the summer, he  used the time to analyze Sweet Home and Lebanon partners, as well as LBCC services to find when the highest usage was.

Transportation Quick Links
Linn Shuttle
Albany Transit
Linn-Benton Loop
Alternet Rides
Carpooling Options

“We revamped the routes and reshuffled everything to fit best for the fall term.”

Bruce Clemetsen agrees with the adjustments made to better facilitate students and commuters. “Shuttles have become an integral part in students being able to achieve education and have taken pressure off parking resources.”

However, there seems to not be enough shuttles and buses. “We continue to look for ways to expand transportation from federal and state grants.”

As gas climbs and more structures are being built, like the Samaritan Health Sciences Center in Lebanon, the need will only increase. However, with the overwhelming cost to own, operate and maintain shuttles and buses, there are no immediate additions to expect for the time being.

Sex and the Campus: When Friends and Relationships Collide

Friendships are key to our growth as individuals. The people we surround ourselves with have the greatest influence over us. For women, friendships are created by sharing information, experiences and secrets. Whereas, men tend to relate by participating in activities together. However, what happens when our friendships pose a divide between our relationships? What if you don’t like his friends, or he doesn’t like yours?
Friendships can cause issues within a relationship, if the friend’s personality doesn’t mesh well with yours. On the same note, sometimes you like the majority of his friends, but there is a particular individual that you can’t seem to stand. Your new devoted time to one another naturally creates a distance with friends. However, they still have a place in his life. Although, you can not understand the bond he has with his friends, realize the importance they have and hard it would be hard for him to sever them. Those qualities that make it hard for you to stand are what he has grown to accept and may not pick up on them as you do.
Most baggage we accept when we enter into a relationship with our partner. We handle the clingy mothers, past relationships and the personality quirks. However, we overlook the carry-on. The friendships he has from over the years, are part of the whole package. Believing you can separate him from his friends is ill-advised. Just as you hope your friends will like who you are with, he wants you to like his friends as well. This doesn’t mean that you have to be as good of friends with them as he is, but making a point to be with him when his friends are not around will enviably create a distance with him.
On the other side of the coin, your partner should be willing to step in if his friends step out of line. Most of the time, if his friends care about him, they will also make an effort to like you as well. However, when those pesky friends arise, finding out why those friendships are so important may be a solution. Understanding how their friendships began and the qualities he enjoys in his friends, gives you the insight you need to develop a better middle ground with his friends. Although your partner may be able to sustain your needs, there will always be some roles friends can meet better. Another way to endure his friends is to participate in common events and interests. If nothing else, he will see the effort you are making. In the end, what you put into the relationship will translate into what you get back in return.

Lady Runners Basketball Shots

 

 Chemeketa Community College in Salem, OR hosted the scrimmage woman's basketball game on Tuesday, November 15th at 6 p.m. During the game team support came from all shapes and sizes.

Head Coach Teresa Guerra of the LBCC Lady Runners takes a moment to instruct her players.

The Lady Runners know how to show their team spirit.

 Player Haley Dixon prepares to make a basket.

Ginna Lorusso knows the importance of defense.

Free Shoot

McDowell Creek County Park offers beautiful trails and waterfalls to enjoy. McDowell Creek is located at 43170 Lebanon, OR. The park is open all year round and is a great way to have some inexpensive fun.

My Neighborhood

The Albany Depot is an Amtrak station in Albany, Oregon. The Albany Station is also a stop along the bus line. The station was constructed in 1909 for the Southern Pacific Railroad. It is built of masonry and is one of the oldest passenger rail stations that continues to operate in the U.S.

Kevin Hansa works at the Amtrak Station. Here he is checking lost baggage.

Josiah Kollaer enjoys interacting with his customers at Dutch Brother's Coffee. Kollaer has been a Dutch Bros. employee for the last two years.

Sally Moore Portrait

 

 Sally Moore stands amongst students in Willamette Hall's Learning Center. Moore is the newly appointed division dean for Academic Development, Communication Arts and Mathematics at Linn Benton Community College.

                                                                                      Sally Moore

Moore is a recent addition to the LBCC faculty. She previously worked at Lewis and Clark College in Portland before transferring. As Division Dean, Moore is busy finding ways to improve each division and assist students with choosing classes.

Students amongst Linn Benton Community College Landscape

 Throughout Linn Benton Community College, there are several beautiful places to see. Located by the Calapooia center, this fountain adds dimension to campus. 

 Student heads toward her car after a day of classes.

 This fountain is a great place to enjoy on a sunny day.

 Water drops create beautiful ripples in the pool beneath the fountain. Another example of interesting architecture one can find on campus.