Summer Update, July 31

After a first place showing at the World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia, LBCC's Re-Choired Element Chamber Choir learned it has advanced to the finalist round of the American Prize in Choral Performance, the fifth year in a row it has done so. LBCC’s choir, under the direction of James Reddan, is the only community college choir on the American Prize finalist list, which includes 10 choral groups from around the country. LBCCs Concert Choir also advanced to the semi-finalist round in the competition for a third year. The Chamber Choir will compete for the American Prize against university choirs from California, Utah, North and South Dakota, Georgia, New Jersey, Texas Virginia, Illinois and Ohio. Winners will be announced in September. Read more about the choirs' World Games performance in the Democrat Herald article: http://democratherald.com/news/local/lbcc-choir-wins-gold-certificates-at-world-choir-games-in/article_0d223b44-110a-11e4-bec3-0019bb2963f4.html

For those wondering why we have so many weeds growing around campus, LBCC grounds manager George Van Keulen would like to shed some light on the subject. Conventional ways of spraying chemicals to kill weeds and insects on our college campuses have not been used for a few years, says George. Instead, the college implemented a statewide Integrated Pest Management system, which incorporates using little or no spray and rather hand weeding, using ground cover techniques such as chip mulch, and working to keep the soil healthy to prevent plant diseases. To help build soil health, George is working with Soilsmith Services, a local company specializing in soil amendment and conditioning using different types of compost and compost teas to reduce disease and insect problems. Although great for the environment, no-spray techniques are more labor-intensive, and George and his limited staff have a lot of ground to cover. So maybe take a moment and pull a weed or two when you’re out and about. Your effort is sure to be appreciated, and will go a long way to help our college image.

George Van Keulen discuses soil treatments with
Shep Smith of Soilsmith Services.