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.

Summer Update, July 17

Board of Education member Keith Frome, Corvallis zone 6-7, was elected as board chair for the coming year at the recent board meeting. Board member Shelly Garrett, Lebanon zone 4, was elected as vice chair. The board also recognized Dick Running, Albany zone2-3, for his service as chair last year. The board also approved a revised policy that provides tuition waivers to the dependents of service men and women killed in the line of duty. The board revised that policy to expand the number of credits covered by the waiver from 90 to 135, to ensure that any LBCC program could be completed using the waiver. They also approved a revision that ensured that, in addition to tuition, any student fees would also be waived. 

Triathlon Training instructor Angela Smith was featured in a Gazette Times article July 12, which highlights her triathlon experience and the new Triathlon Training clinics she’s teaching this summer for Community Education in Albany, Corvallis and Lebanon. Read all about it here: http://www.gazettetimes.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/local-triathlete-helps-others-excel-in-her-sport/article_d92e490a-097e-11e4-8390-001a4bcf887a.html