LBCC promotes poetry via Student Poet Laureate- Kiera Lynn Eller

 "Poetry is a way of remembering what it would impoverish us to forget." 

Robert Frost

LBCC 's Student Poet Laureate Kiera Lynn Eller

This year, Kiera Lynn Eller has taken up the calling of encouraging poetry at Linn-Benton Community College by assuming the position of Student Poet Laureate.

When Robin Havenick, LB instructor and poetry club adviser, was asked what made Eller the candidate of choice for the position of poet laureate, she said, "[Eller] is a dynamic and amazing poet who has a talent of appreciating others." Havenick described her as a "people person" who focuses on "things that matter."

"[Eller] is talented and charismatic. Like a bright star that sparkles and shines," said Havenick.

Being poet laureate for LB allows Eller to "promote written and spoken word in our community." She feels honored being appointed to the position and is eager to "bring to life" her ideas.

"A finger, two dots, then me" by Derrik Brown is the poem she believes "absolutely everyone" should hear it read aloud.

After hearing the slam poetry by Brown, poetry read with emphasis on how words are said, she felt inspired to become a poet herself.

Saying Eller recites poetry doesn't do her justice; She performs poetry. Energetic and confident, she easily captivates her audiences with her emotion filled words. Relying on not just her voice, she connects with those present through her gaze and body language immersing everyone in her poems.

Not only is Eller a talented poet, she is also a musician. She can play multiple instruments including the ukulele, guitar, and piano. Furthermore, Eller is a singer.

Her band Little Brother, a duet with her partner Crash, is self described as "folkhop...a funky mix of folk, hip-hop, spoken word and jam." Little Brother has performed at the LB's DAC, Spring Light, WordMOB and were recently featured live on KBVR FM on the Bluesday Show with Captain Walt. For a sampling of her bands sound visit http://www.youtube.com/littlebrothersound.

Eller & Crash performing as Little Brother @ LB's Spring Lights '13

The WordMOB event at LB's Benton center was so successful that the poetry club is looking forward to doing it every term next year. 

Eller's plans for the future are currently "wide-open" depending on Little Brother's success. Her goal is to get her Associates of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree but she is "very interested in getting involved with a youth program to support and promote slam poetry education and events."

LB continues the tradition of promoting poetry by awarding a student the position of student poet laureate. LB's student poet laureate is chosen, once a year, by an advisory comity consisting of LB English teachers. The position was created in 2009 via joint efforts of former college President Rita Cavin and Havenick.

"Being the poet laureate can only help further my success in my endeavors towards literature," said Eller.

Robin Havenick and Kiera Lynn Eller

Traditionally, poet laureates speak publicly to provide attention to poetry using the power of words. At LB the poet laureate is responsible for writing poem's of commemoration for major events, as well as actively promoting poetry through LB's poetry club.

The poetry club is inviting consisting of friendly, and as Eller put it, "down-to-earth" people. "We're a tight-knit group and welcome to newcomers...I like being apart of the poetry club for the community and the events," said Eller.

LB's Poetry Club was founded by Havenick in the spring of 08' and has been an ongoing resource for students to express themselves. The Poetry Club meets every Tuesday, 3pm in the Hot Shot Cafe and every Wednesday, 5:30pm in the first floor conference room at the Benton Center. All are welcome to attend, participate(or not), listen, and join the club.

At A Glace:
Kiera Lynn Eller LBCC Poet Laureate
Her band-Little Brother, https://www.facebook.com/littlebrothersound
Poetry Club, http://insidetheheartswalls.blogspot.com/
Poetry Club-Tue 3pm Hot Shot Cafe & Wed 5:30pm first floor conference room @ Benton center
LB poet laureate info, http://www.linnbenton.edu/index.cfm?objectid=B1BA1BC4-0F83-E49B-8ABBF7949082363A

Robin Havenick: A Treasure in the LBCC Community

At first glace Robin Havenick is very petite, rather unimposing, and has a smile that is genuine. Once she begins speaking her seemingly meek persona disappears. She has such a way with words that she grabs attention of everyone in the room. She doesn't yell- she doesn't have to. Havenick is an energetic speaker and knows how inflections and pauses can turn a simple sentence into poetry or an impassioned speech.

Robin Havenick is an English instructor at LBCC, currently teaching Writing-115 and English-255 American Literature: Modern. She graduated with her master's degree from the University of Florida and has been teaching for the last 30 years.

Havenick said her goal or philosophy while teaching is to "open the door of literature to student's and to make it come to life for them."

Robin Havenick discusses provocative drawing w/class

Havenick's approach to teaching is to ensure that the students feel comfortable to participate in class. She often asks her students to brainstorm and come up with ideas to discuss but doesn't force it on the student's if they just want to listen. Havenick is such a skilled speaker, she immerses the listener into the story, creating a painting with words. It's easy to just sit back, listen, and still be focused on the topic.

While she isn't afraid to lecture on a subject, she utilizes many different types of media to drive conversation. One minute it may be a drawing, the next a video, music, poetry, or a section of reading from the class textbook, all driven to achieve the goal of connecting the students to the ideas being presented.

Tejo Pack, a student in Havenick's American Literature class, said she tries to engage students. He appreciates the wide range of social issues discussed in the classroom and how she challenges them to think critically. Pack went on to say, "[Havenick] is a great teacher, the most elegant instructor I've ever had. She reflects the essence of poetry and literature."

One of Havenick's favorite poems that helps manifest both her feelings for poetry and what she described as the "noble profession of teaching", is Langston Hughes' "Dream Keeper":

Bring me all of your dreams,

You dreamer,

Bring me all your

Heart melodies

That I may wrap them

In a blue cloud-cloth

Away from the too-rough fingers

Of the world.

The poem holds meaning for her, "It's the voice of literature inviting us in to dream, find our own depths and truths," Havenick said after sharing the poem.

Quote by Churchill outside her office

Havenick shares her love of poetry with students at LBCC by being the adviser for the Poetry Club. The club meets every Tuesday at 3pm in the Hot Shot Cafe and Wednesday at 5:30pm in the first floor conference room at the Benton Center. All are welcome to join in.

Kiera Lynn, the poet laureate of the Poetry Club, said "[Havenick] is inherently kind and invested in people and events that help make our community diverse and rich." Lynn welcomes the opportunities Havenick provides the poetry club to usher the spoken and written to the community.

When Havenick isn't spending her time teaching she enjoys activities such as poetry readings, plays, art shows, and music. Her husband, Steve Fletcher, plays in the band Rough Jazz. Havenick said, "Music is a huge part of my life."

Havenick is a staunch advocate for the arts and attends many events helping support the local community. She has such a passion for literature she even helped start the 23rd Ave. Bookstore in Portland. Unfortunately the bookstore has fallen on hard times and has recently closed due to the economic downturn.

Every school term she encourages her students to attend an enrichment event because she believe's there is "treasure in this community."

At a Glance-
Robin Havenick
English and writing instructor at LBCC
Teaching for 30 years, master's degree from Univ. of Florida
LBCC poetry club adviser
Office, NSH-214 (Hours- Mon/Wed 2-3pm, Tue/Thur 12:30-1pm)
Phone # 541-917-4574
Havenick's Instructor website, http://cf.linnbenton.edu/artcom/english/havenir/web.cfm?pgID=35
Poetry club's website, http://insidetheheartswalls.blogspot.com/
Rough Jazz music website, https://www.facebook.com/RoughJazzMusic?ref=stream
Langston Hughes website, http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/83

A BlueSun Rises on Employment Opportunities for Veterans

BlueSun Inc. is a new non-profit business, created in partnership with LBCC, that fills a niche in the community by finding employment for the disabled and veterans. BlueSun is located in Corvallis at 517 SW  2nd Street Suite 202. They provide a much needed resource of job placement, along with training and equipment when needed.

Why is LB helping creating a business?

According to LB's strategic plan for progress, one goal of the college Foundation is to increase their operational budget by 10%. Dale Stowell, LBCC's executive director of institutional advancement, said that equates out to be about $4 million a year generated by investment. Considering that last year's investments only acquired $400,000 to be used for operational expenses, Stowell said they had change their approach and look for new ways to raise money.

Before the opening of BlueSun the nearest Qualified Rehabilitation Facility was in the Portland area. The need for the business was there but needed someone to head the operation. Dianna Howell, now CEO of BlueSun, was perfect for the position since already had a strong connection to the college.

BlueSun when fully operational, is projected to "generate $20,000 weekly in total gross revenues", according to Stowell.

LB issued a loan of $100,000 to propel the business from concept to actual creation. The loan will have a 9.25 percent return rate, collecting $80,000 a year by year two. After year seven, BlueSun will have paid back the terms of the loan and will have no obligation towards LBCC at that point. While the risk is higher than basic saving's accounts the return on the investment is also much higher. The creation of the business is not only good for the community but also creates an increased funding stream for LBCC.

Before issuing the start-up loan LBCC had the business department review the business plan of BlueSun. They liked the plan so much that they told Stowell it was the best plan they've seen all year. BlueSun's grand opening was March 1, 2013 and been operational for two months.

The creation of BlueSun is an one example of how LBCC is developing beneficial relationships within the community. LBCC is still looking for additional ways to raise money.

At a glance-
LBCC helps create a non-profit local business BlueSun.
BlueSun is located in Corvallis at 517 SW 2nd Street Suite 202, 97333
Operational since March 1, 2013
Finding employment for disabled and veterans

If you have ideas or would like to donate please contact Dale Stowell, email dale.stowell@linnbenton.edu.
BlueSun can also be contacted at www.bluesuninc.com/contact/ or by phone 541-207-3212.

OSU profs Kathleen Moore, Rachel McCabe combine writing/musical talents

Two OSU professors, Kathleen Moore and Rachel McCabe, joined together to combine their talents of words and music for a free event at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library on Wednesday, May 1.

The event marked the re-issue of Moore's book, Holdfast: At Home in the Natural World, a collection of essays in which Moore explores the natural world using vivid descriptions, essentially transporting the reader to the places she wrote about. Moore also included a new afterword in the re-issue discussing the repercussions of climate change.

Kathleen Dean Moore, Naturalist & Philospher

McCabe, OSU professor of music and concert pianist, joined Moore at the event providing enthralling live music that left the room in rapture. She expertly played music by Schumann, Bernstein, Garfunkel and other selections.

Rachelle McCabe, Concert Pianist

Moore and McCabe drew such a crowd that there wasn't enough seating and many people were left standing. During the event Moore read captivating selections from her essays which would segue into McCabe's piano music.

"Can words sing? Can music speak? I would say yes, yes", Moore said.

OSU Press included the re-issue of Holdfast in it's Northwest Reprint series, their goal is to keep in print classic works of fiction and nonfiction. Moore was glad to be included within the collection but stated her work was "not quite old enough to be classic", to which the audience responded in laughter.

LB instructor Robin Havenick, who was at the venue, when asked what she thought of the event said, "I cried...that's how much I enjoyed it".

Moore and McCabe recieved a standing ovation and Moore ended the night with book signing. 

Local support from Grass Roots Books & Music, the Friends of the Corvallis-Benton County Library, the Spring Creek Project and OSU Press helped make the event possible.

At a glance-
The re-issue of Holdfast with music.
Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
May 1, 2013
Celebration of words and music, keeping classic works in print
Holdfast: At Home in the Natural World