Honoring Life

The Redwoods Northern California

2010-05-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken on our trip to California. Notice how huge the Redwood is behind me. Incredible I felt indescribably small. It was kinda like maybe Alice felt in Wonderland. My husband and I stayed the night in the Redwoods. We spent several hours walking and taking pictures the next day. I would have loved to have spent a week. Maybe next time the land of the giants will still be there as long as they have the continued water supply to sustain them.

My fairy name

2010-02-15T16:14:00.000-08:00

Your fairy is called Bramble Icetree

She is a bone chilling bringer of justice for the vulnerable.

She lives in leafy dells and bluebell glades.

She is only seen when the first leaves fall from the trees.

She wears bluebell-blue dresses. She has icy blue butterfly wings.

Get your free fairy name here!

Wedding pics have arrived!

2010-01-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

The Mikowski's and the Prinzing's have united.
It was simply Beautiful and our family's merged naturally.
A Joyful,and peaceful celebration. Click on picture to enlarge.

Reconnecting with another brother

2009-12-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

Wow life is amazing. I have not seen my brother Norlin for more then 30 years and it has been close to that since we spoke on the phone. With the creation of the internet we can communicate more often YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!:)
What an adventure I have been on since birth and now I have connected with all my family found family I didn't know existed and I look forward to us all being together. Everyone please say prayers visualize us all together. I believe this is the most important thing for family to unite and heal. Honoring our mother for giving us life and each other will be an everlasting tribute to her and every generation to follow. Peace, Love, Unity, Justice and Joy

Thanksgiving Gratitude-Family Roots Update

2009-11-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

I am grateful to write this letter to update the information that I have just learned regarding my family roots. Read my past article Rootless but Fruitful in my blog history.

Today I received information from my newly discovered family in Germany who were discovered through the death of our mother. I have also reconnected with my blood father after sparse communications over the past 40 years (Who is a blue eyed blondish German). Trying to figure out who I am and why our mother abandoned so many of her children. I was told today after believing I was Jewish that our mother was a German and worked for the German air-force as a teenager How could she do this if she was Jewish?

This information has made me rethink who I am. The truth shall set us free from many misinterpretations and change our perspective. I have been caring the pain and abandonment of what I thought was genetic for 50 years to find out it is all a lie. I do not know the truth. Intellectually I was able to reconcile this ox y moron putting out the fires of any guilt or shame. I will continue to seek truth always.

I have experienced a life full of contradictions,to find the only reason to live, (reconnection to family helps in this process) honoring life, creating peace and unity in the world. Thus establishing our individual nobility and responsibility to protect and care for all life all humanity in a just manner uplifting and educating ourselves and others in this process. Realization that we work better as a whole unit then fragmented fear based ego veiled survivalists. We are love. We are worthy. We are powerful and we can change the world and make it a better place to live.

Bridgit Interviewed on tv

2009-10-14T09:54:00.001-07:00

Bridgit Wolf
Click on her name and it will take you to TV interview. Three songs made it to the finals in the UK. I;m so proud of your accomplishments.

Bridget Wolf Uk Finalist

2009-09-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.dailytidings.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090917/MEDIA04/909179995
Talent songwriter honored in UK contest
Bridget Wolf of Talent releases her second CD
Text Size: A | A | A
Print this ArticlePrint this Article Email this ArticleEmail this Article
ShareThis
Photo 1 of 2 | Zoom Photo +
Top Photo
By John Darling
For the Tidings
September 17, 2009

For Bridget Wolf of Talent, writing and performing her award-winning music is a doorway to feeling more connected to life and nature — with lyrics that are so optimistic and encouraging that she's been welcomed to sing them in many Unity Churches.

Wolf, 42, recently released her second CD, "Love Transforms" — and her song "I'll Never Forget You," a piano solo inspired by a breakup, was chosen as a finalist in the instrumental category of the UK Songwriting Contest, meaning it finished in the top 2 percent of 6,000 entries.

Two of her other songs were honored. "Let's Make the Difference" was a semi-finalist in the Adult Contemporary category and "Life is Precious," inspired by a friend considering suicide, was a semi-finalist in the Christian/Faith category. They are on her just-released CD "Love Transforms."
Related Stories

* Bridget Wolf performs
* Ashland Toastmasters
* Screenplay based on Ashland wins Netflix contest
* History lecture: Chinese in Jacksonville
* New book details Ashland's checkered past
* New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof
* Author is 'Getting Back to Work'
* OSF audience reviews, NYT feature on Bill Rauch
* The Daedalus Project
* Blackstone fundraiser nets $20,000 for libraries
* OSF's Festival Noons
* Chautauqua 150
* Helena de Crespo, star of OSW's 'Shirley Valentine'
* OSF's post-play talks offer insight
* Tidings Cafe: We are TheUnreal
* AHS '65 grad returns for wedding, book donation

Bridget Wolf Celebration Concert

Sunday, Oct. 11

Meet & greet the songwriter, 3-4 pm, 6-7 pm

Concert 4-6 pm

Anjou Clubhouse, 100 N. Pacific Hwy, Talent

Going north on Hwy 99, take the first right after Valley View

RSVP 512-8862 (due to space limitations)

Semi-finalist means they ranked in the top 30 percent.

"I'm so excited! I don't have words for how I feel. I burst into tears when I found out," says Wolf.

The soft-spoken and enthusiastic Wolf keeps a "Measure What You Treasure" chart in her living room, per the instructions of her business coach, noting that, since July 1, she sold 32 CDs, did 18 performances and had 587 people attend her performances - at the Eugene Saturday Market, and New Thought Churches, such as the Center for Spiritual Living in Central Point and Unity Churches in Ashland, Medford, Grants Pass, Corvallis and Bandon.

Wolf, a native of Minnesota and a music graduate of that state's Carleton College, found her "uplifting and empowering" approach to music from parents, who taught her those ways of living and, despite their own upbringing in poverty, devoted themselves to travel, concerts, dance and music lessons and other enrichments for their children, she says.

"My parents helped me with optimism. My dad has a truly optimistic outlook. My mom was a painter who taught us to look more deeply."

Wolf's haunting piano solos, especially one called "Autumn 83," bring back instant memories of the Wyndham Hill instrumentals by George Winston. Composed before she heard that label's popular works, it is "deeply connected with the pulse of life, with living, breathing nature and life force energy.

"That music was a wave"»that nourished people at a really deep level and still does."

Her "I'll Never Forget You," from 1993, is an extension of that tradition and is the song most of her followers have listed as their favorite, Wolf said. It's also been used in local dance classes.

Wolf says her main influences, whose footprints can be found through her music, have been a wild mix of Julie Andrews, Joan Baez, Enya, Alison Krauss and Loreena McKennitt — and the result could variously be called "earthy folk songs, bluesy songs for evening, sexy, sultry torch songs and chanting-drumming."

"I love all kinds of music, even rap songs," said Wolf singing a few bars of her rap song "You Gotta Do Your Thing."

"I will write in any style that moves me," says Wolf. Her penchant for writing church-suitable music reminds her of Bach, who "was a great improviser, who composed church music every week. During meditation in church, I feel it and know where to go for the keys."

The lyrics of her inspirational songs are straightforward positive affirmations of life.

"Let's Make the Difference" has these words: "I choose to be the change I wish to see in the world today / I choose to unite with all loving hearts / I choose to share all the gifts I've been given / I choose to live my life fully now / Cause all life matters! Yes it does."

Her "Life is Precious" says, "It's a miracle of creation / And you, you've been made specially / None can take your place / There is only one you."

Wolf says she's a healer and uses music in her sessions to reach and release feelings at a deeper level. She also gives music lessons and is available for performances by calling 512-8862. Her Web site is www.bridgetwolf.com.

Rootless but Fruitful

2009-07-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

This collage was made for my long lost mother after 47 years of no contact. I mailed this to her restricted signature and received only her signature on the little green card the post office returned to me. This is a copy of the letter I sent her.
July 14, 2009

Dear Mother,

My prayers answered; I have found you after 47 years. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. I send you greetings, much love, compassion and prayers for any healing needed, in hopes and preparation of our family united.

Life is a journey. We each have our own individual paths to choose; there is much healing along the way.

I have had an interesting adventure myself. I believe there are no mistakes; only lessons to be learned. Everything is in perfect order, even when I do not think so. God has a much greater plan, beyond my comprehension.

You are my mother and I honor you. No one is perfect. We are all given many opportunities to heal and forgive, after all is done, forgiveness is (FOR- GIVING) a powerful gift that allows us to heal ourselves and bring unity and justice to the world one person at a time.

Know in your heart that you never have to say you are sorry to me; you have already been forgiven. I have always loved you.

Thank-you for all that you are and all that you have survived. No one ever had a bad word to say about you .Auntie Lorraine and Uncle Earl are still living in their home in Portland. Thomas has passed on and anyone who knew him understood why you left; I certainly do.

Rev. C-- B---and his wife P--(P--- E--- also have passed away. I thank God for their presence in my life without them I would not have learned unconditional love. I lived with them when I was 12 years old. They taught me about Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Truly shining lights in my life that I have strived to emulate in many ways.

My first child was named after her; P--------------. P and I are very close she lives about an hour and a half away and she calls me almost every day usually on her way home from work. She works for a company called ------ her job title changes frequently she is training a new girl this week moving to a bigger office and trying to keep up with the sales department she has been there for 10 years. She has two boys B---- L-- who is 13years old (Bsaid, “this is like a movie now I have two great grandmothers” his other grandmother lives close to you in Palm Springs and her name is M---- ) and his baby brother T--- who is 19 months old. P’s Sister, J------- J-lives in Indiana, where she is a teacher and married. Brother, R--- III is also a teacher and is teaching English in Saudi Arabia, he has three girls Z--- is the oldest she is two and a half and his second child shares the same birthday with her cousin M--- and the youngest just born a few months ago. My youngest son E--Z--is finishing his bachelors and recently hired to work in Washington D.C. in the computer field. He has a little girl named M, she is 18 months and his wife is a teacher.

The family is so happy that you are still alive and that they now have a grandmother and great grandmother. I can imagine this is all a bit overwhelming (It is for me.). Just remember that; you are, loved, and everyone would like to get to know you. I have not shared your location with any of my children out of respect to you, allowing some time to adjust. My children’s enthusiasm could be a bit much. (I am concerned about a smooth transition for all.) I am a little protective of you as well as them and I am happy to be the integrator if needed.

More great news is that I am to be married and I would love it if you could come. This would make this special day amazing, you would be a part of one of the most important days of my life. You are welcome to come anytime; we will make sure that you are comfortable and well taken care of whenever you decide.

If you are unable to come for whatever reason, it is important to me that I have your permission and your blessing to be married. I need your signature in order to be married in accordance with my religion. (The Assembly helped me find you.)Please sign the document that I have included so I may be married as soon as possible.

Sincerely grateful,

Your daughter,

-------

Please feel free to call me anytime

Leave a message

I will return your call ASAP

Phone: (--- --- ----)

Sarah Breathnack said it best...

"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present...we experience heaven on earth."

I am the world

2009-07-03T08:07:00.001-07:00

Oregon Coast, Cape Arago

2009-07-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Click on picture to enlarge.

It's pupping season on the Oregon coast and Pelicans galore were to be seen at Cape Arago point. What a beautiful place to have the winds blow you into Francis Drake in the 1500's I don't believe that the area has been spoiled since then. We are very fortunate to have such beauty so close to home.

(feet ) What do they say ?

2009-06-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

These pictures say its hot outside hooray!

There is courage invoved if you want to become truth.

2009-06-29T10:24:00.001-07:00

by Rumi, the great 13th Century Persian (and Islamic) poet,
entitled "Not Here."

There's courage involved if you want
to become truth. There is a broken-

open place in a lover. Where are
those qualities of bravery and sharp

compassion in this group? What's the
use of old and frozen thought? I want

a howling hurt. This is not a treasury
where gold is stored; this is for copper.

We alchemists look for talent that
can heat up and change. Lukewarm

won't do. Halfhearted holding back,
well-enough getting by? Not here.

Philomath Mary's River Park Day Camp

2009-06-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more important then the education of our youth. The week of June 15th was a delightful time full of stories, non competive games, individulaized assistance in sharpening reading and math skills, nature walks, rock skipping on the river and a music program with a guest teacher Marilyn Chambers that shared her percussion instruments and skills as a drummer.

Were man to appreciate the greatness of his station and the loftiness of his destiny he would manifest naught save goodly character, pure deeds, and a seemly and praiseworthy conduct. If the learned and wise men of goodwill were to impart guidance unto the people, the whole earth would be regarded as one country. Verily this is the undoubted truth. This servant appealeth to every diligent and enterprising soul to exert his utmost endeavour and arise to rehabilitate the conditions in all regions and to quicken the dead with the living waters of wisdom and utterance, by virtue of the love he cherisheth for God, the One, the Peerless, the Almighty, the Beneficent.

(Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 171) Click above section to find out more about the Bahai Faith.

Philomath Thunderstorm

2009-06-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

2009-06-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

People Who Make a Difference

2009-06-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

Philomath fire Old Mill burnt down Chapel Rd.

2009-05-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

click on photo to enlarge

Scecret entrance to Cape Arago Lighthouse

2009-05-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

As you head south on Cape Arago Highway towards Sunset beach look to the right for a sign that says Lighthouse Rd. You will see a private drive only for the few residents that own homes there. The sign above that says no access to Lighthouse is also displayed on Lighthouse Rd. continue past the road and pull over along side the road. The property is not maintained and can be maneuvered through by falling trails that are embedded in the landscape from wildlife. Walk towards the ocean and along side the private property behind Lighthouse rd. eventually you will arrive on a road that is closed off with a chain seperating the residential area from the closed lighthouse property.

"Long before white settlers arrived in 1853, the Coos Indians lived in villages near the bay, which now bears their name. Just south of Coos Bay and 2.5 miles north of Cape Arago (originally known as Cape Gregory), is a small, detached piece of land with sheer cliffs called Chief's Island by the Indians. The shape of the island has been aptly described as a bony right-hand fist, with an extended index finger pointing northward. It was on the tip of this finger-like extension that the first Cape Arago Lighthouse would be erected in 1866."(lighthouse friends, par.1)

Update in my neighborhood

2009-05-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

I had some time to look through my photos and crop them today. I believe this variety is much better then my first presentation of my neighborhood in Philomath. Now you get a better perspective of the town as a whole.

Top left: The local Dairy Queen at the corner has been here since around 1967 or 1968 when it was listed in the local phone book ,said Mary Gallagher with the Philomath Museum.

Top right: Philomath Museum; Historical landmark and first chartered University in Oregon.

Middle Left: Dave Campbell (owner of the Java Connection) making coffee for brothers Dennis and Fred Farris: Bottom left.

Middle right: Local Police keeping our community safe.

Bottom right: Walk and bike safty group from Clemens Primary School led by Sonlla Heern.

Center: Greengable Farm

Resource Fair at LBCC

2009-05-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Double click on picture and it will expand in size

Students gathered Wednesday, May 20, in the center of LBCC to exchange information with many groups represented at LBCC.

Top second and fourth: pictures are representatives for a sustainability group that is just getting started.
Top third: Recycling tech.
Top fifth: Overview
Center Left: We were fortunate to have Jamba Juice representation.
Center Right: Nick Bowman (student body president), Stephen Roderick (Former Student Programming Board member ), Jesus Alcaras (SPB publicity coordinate), Jessica Van Atta
(student ambassador)
Bottom Center: Caleb Doner, Phi Theta Kappa member.

LAYOFFS AT LBCC HEARTFELT

2009-05-16T17:12:00.001-07:00

Because of lay-offs at The Commons cafeteria at Linn Benton Community College several faces of people we have come to know will no longer be seen.

After 23 years of service Janet Jones is one of those faces at LBCC cafeteria. With a smile on her face and tears in her eyes Jones checks out each patron at the cash register.

“I’m worried I could lose 50 percent of my PERS retirement, approximately $50,000 if I'm unable to find another job with PERS benefits. There is a stimulus package available to help with 65 percent of the monthly payment for my family health insurance for nine months. My cost is $365.60 and my unemployment doesn’t kick in until September."

Jones is one of several employees impacted by cutbacks in the college's funding. Some of them will be finishing their service at the end of spring term.

"I have given my heart to this program.” Jones said. “ I am not the only person you should be talking to, there are several other people that are being laid off and having a more difficult time, like Ramone. He has seven children.”

How difficult it must be to still have your job and watch your co-workers lose their jobs. “Nobody feels safe. I feel bad about the loss; it’s kind of like a sudden death,” Pam Adams said.

Ramone Pena said, “I was looking forward to starting my 11th year at LBCC. I had a management position and I was shocked when I found out I am going to be laid off at the end of this term. I thought at the minimum another job would be offered.”

"I feel numb. I just want to be strong for my kids. I have seven children, six adopted and one child we have legal guardianship. They are between the ages of four and 11 years old and one is a special needs child. I am fortunate to have the support of my wife, a natural grandparent of one of the adopted kids that helps as well as an aunt and uncle that watch our special needs child once a week to give us a break,” said Pena.

“Maybe I’ll go back to school. I really do not know what is available out there yet. We are supposed to get some information to help us from the school in a couple of weeks. I cannot give up, I have to stay strong for my kids,” said Pena.

LBCC has an expected $2.6 million in shortfalls, said Marlene Propst, director of College Advancement.

Anyone looking for more information to understand what LBCC is being faced with financially can visit the LBCC Web site. (Click on college address video.)

Baseball at LBCC Last Home Game

2009-05-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

Click and go to the Portland Zoo

2009-05-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

Walk & Bike Safety

2009-05-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

The grant for School in Routes program SIRP was initiated after couplet created a unsafe environment for children to walk to school and paves the way for infrastructure improvement.

SIRP components:

Objective #1 SIRP is to increase safety awareness among young children. To encourage a healthy lifestyle in walking and biking and teach safety empowerment benefiting the whole community.
Objective #2 Infrastructure Projects:
Covered bike area at schools. Installing traffic slowing devices on 19th street.
Building a bike path that connects to the school is the final phase and is seeking funding

SIRP pilot project has been operating for one and a half weeks and has another one and a half weeks to go. Focused on providing safety walks with all first graders at Clemens Primary.

Collegiate Day

2009-05-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

May 8
Eleven universities were represented from around Oregon at the Oregon Newspapers Foundation Collegiate Day. The conference was held in the Memorial Union building on The Oregon State University campus. Students representing Linn Benton Community Colleges newspaper The Commuter are seen in this photo.

There were two session and four topics to choose from .

Design: Lisa Cowen, from the Oregonian
Internships: Bill Morrill, from The University of Oregon
Pete Peterson, from UO school of Journalism and Communication
Online Journalism: Greg Dewar, Moderator from The Commuter LBCC
Panilists: Pam Cytrybaum, from OSU
Dan Shryock, from the New Register
Kevin Hardin, from the Pamplin Media Group
Open session/meetings & Legal/Ethics
Judson Randall, from PSU
Duane Bosworth, from David Wright Tremaine lawfirm
Sports Writing: Jim Walker, News-Register

Advisor Rountable

Contest and Awards Luncheon Presenter: Martha Wells, President, ONPA

Several awards were given to Staff on The Commuter.

My Neighborhood

2009-05-07T22:13:00.000-07:00

Photo credits: Lillian Love

Sonlla Heern in charge of the walk and bike safety program accompanies students at the elementary school in Philomath taken May 7 . In the center is the historical Philomath College Museum. Portrait of Dave Campbell owner Java Connection .Campbell serves patron Dennis Farris .

Same Sex Marriage Approved

2009-05-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

May 6 Governor John Baldacci signed a bill making Maine the fifth state to allow same sex marriage.
I think it is interesting that the governor does not see this as a marriage but as a civil union.
He speaks about fairness and equal protection regarding the law. It is our constitutional right to live a life where "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech."

Are not the religious entities the people that appose same sex marriage?
I pose this question what is marriage?

My definition of marriage is is a contract between two individuals that unites their lives legally, economically and emotionally.
Marriage gives legitimacy to their sexual relationship .
Does this definition conflict with what the Constitution says. I say no!

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=254850&ac=PHnws

Baldacci said in a statement that while he has opposed gay marriage in the past, “I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.
“This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs," the governor said. "It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of church and state.
“It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government," Baldacci said.

WHAT'S NEXT

Gay-marriage opponents have promised to organize a people’s veto campaign that would put the issue to a statewide vote in November. To do this, opponents would have to gather 55,087 signatures within 90 days after the adjournment of the Legislature, expected to occur in mid-June. The law would then be put on hold until after the vote on Election Day.

Greengables

2009-05-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.greengable.com/

A close up of a tulip. Photo taken by Lillian Love
Nice contrast and cropping.
April 2009 at the Greengable Gardens on Grange Hall Road in Philomath by Lillian Love
Old abandoned greenhouse. I love the shadows and the contrast.

Holocaust Survivor Speaks Out

2009-04-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

Photo: Ater Wiener and Lillian Love
Photo credit: Becca Martino

One of the few remaining Holocaust survivors spoke last week in Albany.

On April 28 Holocaust survivor and author of "From a Name to a Number" Alter Wiener shared his story on the Linn-Benton Community College campus.

Wiener came to tell his story initially because he wanted his children and grandchildren to understand a different perspective and gain an appreciation for their life. As he has shared his story with more than 300 audiences universities, colleges, middle and high schools, churches, synagogues, prisons etc…
Wiener stressed the importance of education and the importance of tolerance.
He shared his truth and set the record straight that this 83 years old man survived the Holocaust; He lived to tell the story because there are people today that deny the holocaust ever happened.

As a child, Wiener lived in the same town as Pope John. About half of the town was Catholic the other half Jews. They were able to live together peaceably.

On the Sabbath His family always had one or two sometimes three homeless persons at their home to share their meal. Education was very important to his family and he went to school six days a week.
He lost his mother at the age of four and his father remarried and she cared for an older brother, him and his younger brother until Poland was invaded by German soldiers.

It stated 0n Sept. 11 1939 when his father was murdered at the age of 13.
Months later a town member took him and his stepmother for the exhuming of many towns people who had been thrown into a mass hole like they were rocks. most people had decomposed so they were unrecognizable but, there was some jewelry that identified his father that his stepmother identified.This traumatized Wiener at such a young age.

Than His older brother was taken away a year later. Next it was his turn at age 15 and he was deported to Blechammer a concentration camp for Jews. He was surprised to meet his brother there and found him unrecognizable for he had been reduced to skin and bones and eventually died of starvation; like so many Jews did existing on bread made from sawdust and soup that was mostly water.

Wiener survived a total of five concentration camps. "I'm not normal I have physical and mental scars." Wiener said

There was one German woman at a factory where Wiener was sent to work that taught Wiener a very important lesson. " There were signs on the factory walls that said to the German workers Don't give anything.
Don't have eye contact.
Don't talk to the prisoners, and if you do you are doomed." Wiener said.
One German woman had eye contact with Wiener and pointed her finger at something. Wiener very carefully when no one was looking, went to see what she was pointing at and he found a sandwich with cheese and meet . "There was a sandwich there for me everyday that I was there." said Wiener and he asked himself ,Why would anyone risk their life for me not just once but 30 times? "She is my hero for the rest of my life. She is a righteous German." said Wiener.
The lesson is this"You will find good men and woman in every culture." Wiener said.

He shared an experience he had after sharing his story and a young student came up to him and said to him, "I promise I will try to be like that woman for the rest of my life. " This brought me to tears"said Wiener.

In spite of having everything taken away from him.
His name to become a number.
His family killed.
No pockets (nothing to put in them)
No towel
No toothbrush
No tooth paste
No pencil or paper
No woman or children
Not even a mirror to see himself.
Being freed eventually and unable to recognize himself.
Then their is the 21 people that were on trial for war crimes in Nuremberg and The leader of Iran and the present Pope that denies the Holocaust ever happened.
In spite of all this Alter Wiener inspires audiences and gives us hope. Encouraging our young to attend school and to appreciate life. To see peoples characters and not judge anyone because of the clothes they wear, the color of their skin, their eyes or their religion.
He stressed an attitude of tolerance and showed us the ability to forgive.
We never know what will happen to us their is always hope and the audience at L.B.C.C. showed their appreciation at the end of his speech. The line stretched around the stage while people waited patiently to thank him with hugs ,words and received his autograph. The forum was filled to capacity with around 300 people.

The question and answer period lasted an additional hour after his talk.
Here are a couple of quotes taken from this time.

Question:"What did you dream when you were in the concentration camp" asked Kaedence Eaton
Response: "I didn't dream I had nightmares it is very hard to sleep when your starving." said Wiener
Question: "How could a supposedly civilized society go along with Adolf Hitler's madness without anyone saying he was wrong?" Ruy Lopez asked.
Response: "There is a saying by Voltaire" Wiener replied, "Those who can make you believe atrocities can make you commit atrocities"
"German people had been raised to live in fear, if anyone spoke against Hitler they were reported and sent to die." said Wiener.
"The ability to speak out is very precious" said Wiener
What away to end the event, remember the holocaust don't be afraid to speak truth and go to school to learn how to find it. Ignorance (which is not understanding) and not knowing how to love are our enemies.
Several times Wiener repeated the statement that, "Hitler did not know how to love".

Brave-hearted Lion Serves the Community.

2009-04-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

From street corner cart to The Java

Connection home on Highway 20 in Philomath. Dave Campbell is roasting coffee beans and preparing his special coffees and serving them with love seven days a week.

Dave Campbell refers to himself as a male lion as he protects the woman and girls from disrespectful patrons at the Java Connection and to brave heart when referring to his family's name Campbell a Scottish name.

His family history of patriotic involvement is traced through the civil war. Known for fighting for our freedoms, of speech and the right to bear arms. He considers himself an American patriot that is willing to fight for his country.

Dave's grandfather Cornelius was one of the first pioneers to settle in Oregon. Which the town was named after and Dave grew up next door in the town of Tualitin.

Dave's sincere love of people is experienced through the care that he gives every individual that walks through his doors.

"What I would want the world to know about Dave is he is interested in who you are and what you want to be. He can find your strengths and then encourages you to be your best. He makes people feel comfortable and has interesting insights into people." said Cara Bath, an employee at the Java Connection getting ready to leave and attend graduate school.

Dave spoke of Bath leaving to finish her degree as a school teacher with tears in his eyes and at the same time he was proud of her accomplishments but, was going to miss her.

"I have a diverse group of friends. I truly love all kinds of people. My best friends in life are from this business. It's been the best thing that has ever happened to me" Dave said

"Jeff Hankey, ( a local police officer)Dennis and Fred Farris basically put this place together." Dave said, "He bought and designed it and his wife and daughter did the colors. They do the colors for everything. My son is the web designer. This is a family corporation and we make decisions together."

"I've never had a closer friend. I've never seen anyone move so quickly from a tent in a parking lot to a building." said Dennis Farris

"It's always fun to see if Dave set the roaster on fire. One day I drove in. I could smell the coffee beans burning and see the smoke all over town. The fire department was here and took care of it it was due to the flue needing to be cleaned." Fred Farris said as Dave,and his brother Dennis laughed. "This happen two times" Farris said.

Dave has always loved to play music and he and his friends try to get together on the first Monday of every month to play at the Java Connection. There is always a big turn out. They have decided to start something new and see what happens.We want to open the place up for local vendors.

How long have you been in the coffee business?
I've been in the coffee business for 17 and a half years.

Why coffee?
I met this guy on the street corner in Corvallis with a little coffee cart he asked me if I would like to go into business with him.
I was scared to learn how to make coffee, I did not know anything about making coffee let alone lattes' and special coffee drinks. Back then we used Allan Brothers coffee.

Three months later I took over the business and moved to the front of Walmart on Lancaster in Salem. I was there for six months.

Next I built a Kiosk in the parking lot in front of Thriftway in Philomath on highway 20. I was there for seven and one half years.

Than I bought the building we are in now. I designed it and my wife and daughter picked the colors they pick the colors for everything.

My son helps with the web design and other corporate decisions. This is a family business Even though my grown children live out of the area they still participate in all the corporate decisions.

What do you like about your job?
"Now I roast all the coffee beans and I love it. I've been roasting beans for ten years."
"My best friends in life are from this business.I truly love all kinds of people and have a diverse group of friends."

What musicians have played here?

We don't really have a consistent group that comes in. I'm open to musicians playing here.

Java Connection

www.javaconnectionsite.com

1640 Main St
Philomath, OR 97370
(541) 929-6632

Lunch is served daily. The Menu is ever changing.

PRODUCT OF THE ASHES

2009-04-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: "Holocaust Memorial on the Danube River" by alexap, courtesy of Flickr.com

Out of the fire of the holocaust to the land of the free, this is where my mother brought me. I am the product of the ashes of the Holocaust. My mother left me to grow rootless in a land where I had the freedom to search for my purpose in a place of unlimited possibilities.

My mother, sister and I arrived in New York City on a ship. It was 1957, I was 6 months old; I crossed the ocean in a little basket. We were sponsored to the United States by The Protestant Minister in Hood River Oregon, (this is how the letter was addressed) the mail carrier selected the minister that would receive my mother’s letter and request for assistance. Of all the ministers in Hood River, This one was a peace activist and an active participant in the civil rights movement.

My mother was a fearless survivor, intelligent, young and beautiful, She met a commercial fisherman in Portland, married and moved to her dream house on 35 forested acres, 5 acres of pasture, our own personal spring, a creek that ran beside our property and into the river where we spent every summer. I am grateful for the choices my mother made; her dream house became my escape from the insanity she left me in; with my motherless 2-year-old brother and abusive resentful stepfather when I was five years Old.

I grew up with multiple housekeepers, and we (my brother and I) just came with the house. What I learned from them is priceless. I learned about different classes, diversity, religions, and other cultures. I tasted a plethora of different kinds of foods. I learned that my stepfather was an asshole and the people that lived with us affirmed this because, not one stayed for more than 9 month. They all left and I decided I did not have to live there either.

I started running away from home when I was five. The first time, I took the school bus to the end of the line and went home with a girl from school. I told my story repeatedly, no one believed in getting involved. I always ended right back where I came from. The older I got the better I became at running, I even flew to Anchorage, Alaska with fake I.D.

I learned a lot about how to survive, and that being young was a commodity. There are good and bad people in every race, and class. Your religion, political status, education, or financial position does not define your character. I believe my mother survived much the same way as I did on the streets hiding and in fear for her life.

I was fortunate to have survived and to have had people in my life that really cared about me. Who taught me about Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and to always question authority; no one person has the whole truth, it lies in all of creation; it is through educating ourselves, overcoming our prejudices, and honoring life that we can find it. The United States allows me the freedom live my life with integrity.

I am a daughter of a Holocaust survivor, a granddaughter of Anti-Semitic grandfather, a mother of three bi-racial children, two who are Muslim, one who is Christian, I have another child with a father who was Italian and his father had his own seat on the New York stock exchange. I have five grandchildren one lovingly being raised by his two same sex fathers. This would have never happened without the freedom to follow their own hearts. I love them all. I love you. You are all my family.

ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAIT OF A LANDSCAPE ENGINEER

2009-04-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

Who? Scott Mikowski
Title: Landscape engineer
How long have you been in landscaping?
I have been with the company for 16 yrs.
Who is your employer?
Ham Mock and Associates
Where is there office?
Corvallis, Oregon
Who are your clients?
The majority of our clients are in Linn and Benton Counties although we are State licensed.
About 95% are Residential and 5% are Commercial accounts.
What services do you provide? Landscape construction and maintenance.

Have you noticed any changes in your clients needs?
It use to be that we built walls with pressure treated 6” by 6’ wood,
This is full of toxins; now we mostly create stone walls.
We specialize in sprinklers more now.
It is more expensive initially to install but would save them money in the end.

What do you like most about your job?
I like the clients because; there interesting people and you never know what you are going to find out until you start talking to them. Enjoy the diversity. The only people that can afford your services are making more than 100 thousand a year.

What services do you provide to conserve water?
We provide a variety of plants and understand the needs of the landscape. Computerized controllers connected to the sprinklers are programmed according to each client’s needs. There are specialized controllers connected to a weather station that is call every day. This can be accessed for a $50 dollars a year or free through the internet.

Are there classes available to teach employees about water conservation?
There are classes offered by the companies that sell the sprinkler systems, and pipes. Others classes are offered by the community college for like the back flow testing.

Do you think your clients know that you are saving them money and conserving water?
I do not know how many people realize that we are saving them money. Most of these people make $100 thousand up to millions of dollars a year.

What do you like most about your job?
I like the clients because; there interesting people and you never know what you are going to find out until you start talking to them. I enjoy the diversity. My focus is working with sprinklers and I like installing them and teaching our clients how they work.

Hermaphrodite Slaves (red worms)Revealed in Philomath, Oregon

2009-04-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

Thousands of hermaphrodite slaves revealed in Philomath Oregon living in small dark spaces and fed kitchen scrapes. On Thursday April 16, Beverly Whitmore shared the lives of these creatures, red worms, also called red wigglers that reproduce by themselves (hermaphrodite) and with each other. That is incredible! One can create more. These clean little worms do not need dirt to live in. Happily hidden away in the dark, they are slaves to the consumption of food scraps.

“My interest in worms is mostly science. I like to share the castings with friends and help people start their own vermiculture composting environments when my population increases.”Whitmore said

There is no pet hair or jumping on guests. You can leave town for several days (go fishing with worms) and no need for a sitter. They provide free hidden, noiseless, energy, by recycling your food waste and newspapers they producing castings to fertilize plants and contribute to a healthy sustainable lifestyle.

Here are five quick and easy steps to starting a home composting bin, according to Dort Worm Farm.

1. Purchase or build a bin. A simple 1' high x 2' wide x 3' long wooden structure is really all you need. Many people also use plastic boxes with a drain hole.

2. Add bedding. Shredded newspaper works great, fill the bin loosely with the paper and a small amount of soil.

3. Wet the bedding enough that if you take a handful and squeeze, a small amount of water drips out between your knuckles.

4. Add red worms.

5. Maintain your bin at temperatures between 55 and 79 degrees F, with damp soil and a pH around 7.

For more information go to dortworms.com ; Dort Worm Farm, P.O. Box 1108, Philomath, OR 97370.

A good book on the topic is: "Worms Eat My Garbage" by Mary Appelhof

Event: Master Gardeners Seventh Annual Plant Sale
May 2: There will be a clinic table where master gardeners trained by the Oregon State University Extension Service will be answering gardening questions. OSU entomology experts will address garden and vermiculture composting demonstrations from. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. It all happens at the Benton County Fairgrounds, Floral Courtyard,110 53rd St.,Corvallis,541-766-6750.

Critique at santiam restraunt is coming this week.

2009-04-11T00:34:00.000-07:00

Culinary student Tim Maine serves Dean of Instruction Gary Ruppert at Linn- Benton Community College's Santiam Restaurant on April 2. The restaurant is supported by LBCC's Culinary Arts Program.

Main course: A Club salmon sandwich with portabella mushrooms and spinach served with an assortment of grilled onions, fresh pears, and lotus root.
This was simply amazing. the combination incredible. I had never tried lotus root before and it just melted in my mouth, perfectly fried.

This soup was so so tasty! Fresh carrots cooked and puree' with a hint of ginger, topped with long shavings of sweet baked carrot.

The Appetizer: The presentation is lovely. The taste mmm mmm mmm. Tender mouth watering morsels with a nice balance of lemon and oregano

There is nothing liked being treated like a queen. That was my expectation when I arrived at the Santiam Restaurant on April 2Nd 2009. Laurie Chang the hostess and instructor, greeted me at the entrance, and I was seated at a window table with a lovely spring view of the campus. Tim Maine was my waiter dressed in black slacks with a nicely pressed white shirt and black bow tie. He introduced him self and gave me a verbal account of the specials for the day. I was impressed by the selection of Entrees that are all served with your choice of soup or salad and included a balanced protein,vegetable and carbohydrate meal for only eight dollars and fifty cents. There were appetizers for only two dollars and fifty cents and deserts for two seventy five.The Culinary Program is based on classical French and European cuisine also featuring Asian, vegetarian and a artistic blending of ethnic cuisines are available on a menu that changes daily.

I was surprised at how many people filled up this little place. Especially since there is no advertising. I could not find it any where listed on the L.B.C.C. website. You really have to call in to find out what is on the menu for the day and get a reservation. The food was excellent as you can see in the pictures and read in the captions. The service was slow and the Dean of L.B.C.C. and his guests did get preferential treatment. This is probably why My meal did not show up until they were served ,even though I did arrive there before them, and Tim had my order, but ,he happened to be there server as well. So much for equality, hey, we each do the best that we can. I had to ask my self if I were Tim what would I have done? maybe he had thoughts similar to these; I'm young, I've never done this before, I don't want to make a mistake, the Dean is a very important man, I don't really no who that woman is that just placed an order, big question who can make a difference in my success? Bottom line I took advantage of the moment being a student in journalism and I shot some great pictures while I waited for my lunch, one of them is of Tim serving the Dean and that one landed me my first photo in the school newspaper. All good things do come to those who wait. I partook of it all, gourmet food, photo's and sharing the experience with you. by The Lady Knightress of the Pen

Living vicariously through my grandson

2009-04-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

This is my 13 year old grandson on spring break in the Grand Caymans. His father (Dustin Hawk) took this picture.
I love this picture because it shows an amazing intimacy between a beautiful wild dolphin and a young teen.
The cropping on this is perfect there is no wasted space. The focus is on their meeting.

Oregon Coast Aquarium April 09

2009-04-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing time at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The ever changing exhibit at this weekends focus was entitled Odd Water. This is represented from the beach to the Continental shelf. I took some incredible shots of marine life. I'm learning how to manage the 3hrs. worth of photos that I took so that I can share them with you, a picture is worth a thousand words and I have 300 pics to share. Please be patient pictures Coming Soon.

A Little Piece of Heaven

2009-04-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

You have heard of Hell’s kitchen. We have a bit of HEAVEN HIDDEN and served here at LBCC in the Santiam Restaurant, a fine dining gourmet experience that will enrich your taste buds. The cost would be two to three times the amount at any other gourmet restaurant.

Many people do not know about the Santiam Restaurant. Janet Jones, who is a cashier in the L.B.C.C. cafeteria, told of the gourmet restaurant hidden behind the kitchen of the cafeteria.

“I had talked to many students who had been there for as many as two years who did not know of the restaurant. The cost was half of what you would pay in most gourmet restaurants and when students call and make a reservation they get a discount,”Jones said.

Instructor Laurie Chang introduced her staff , all first- year students in the culinary program: Ryan C’Debaca, Ilene Pierce’ Freeman, Tim Maine, and Ian Kirby.

Chang was happy to talk about their new espresso machine, and share that they were serving coffee and pastry at 9:30 a.m. during the week. Lunch is served between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Chang emphasized how they treated all of their customers equally.

”The president of the college brought state legislative representatives to enjoy their fine dining, and dining alongside of them were the students of LBCC.," Chang said.

Kirby brought up another story from the past week of an attorney who came in her slippers, to have lunch with her husband, Chang said. “She was looking into changing her career and attending LBCC to be a chef.”

The students placed each piece of every place setting as if it were laid out by a robot. One of them said I know someone comes out here and measures the place settings individually. Preparation for a fine dining experience is serious business.

What: Santiam Restaurant at L.B.C.C.

Hours: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday -Thursday

Menu: Changes daily

Reservations: Preferred though not required

Information: 541-917-4392

Top Left: Janet Jones, cashier at L.B.C.C. cafeteria, reveals location of the college Santiam Restaurant on April 2 2009.

Top Right: Culinary students Ryan C’Debaca, Tim Maine, and Ian Kirby prepare to serve their customers.

Bottom Right: Santiam Restaurant ready to recieve patrons.

First week as a photojournalist/investigative reporter

2009-04-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

This has been a week full of action. I have covered the Free Pizza event sponsored by the Student Life and Leadership Office. The Students at L.B.C.C. (Linn Benton Community College)were enticed by pizza to respond to and help compile a book Sharing the effect of the recent Budget cuts, tuition increase,Financial Aid reductions, and cut programs. They also, Created to posters sharing there thoughts. I talked with Elaine Pyle with The Health and Regulation Department, who was supporting this event and she said, they were taking the books and posters created buy the students to the legislature to express their concerns and ask for help in supporting our education.