WLHS Senior Bridges Gap For Those Less Fortunate

Summer is coming into its twilight days of the year and with school looming around the corner students soak in the last rays of sun and ready themselves for the daily routine and a new school year. While kids and parents start their back to school shopping, West Linn High School senior Oliver Muggli is preparing himself for the experience of a lifetime as he ventures to East Africa to the western villages of Tanzania. This trip is no last minute vacation, but more so a mission to better the lives of those less fortunate, all courtesy of Africa Bridge.

Raised in Tanzania, Africa Bridge founder and Purpose Prize winner Barry Childs began this organization after returning to the country only to find the land devastated by HIV/AIDS, something had to be done. From there on, Childs began his mission of starting an economic organization built around the concept of teaching villages to be self sustainable and fight child poverty.

What started as a fun school project has now transformed into a major pursuit for Muggli. In his fourth grade class, Muggli and his peers adopted the Africa Bridge project and went on to raise over $2,000 for the organization and kept in contact with the children, through a pen pal system, with whom the profits benefitted. Since then, Africa Bridge has become an important part of Muggli’s life.

As a student representative, Muggli attends board meetings to discuss new issues and questions regarding the progression of current projects. Simply put, they “assist the villages and communities by solving African problems with African solutions.” All of this is possible through a program of Africa Bridge’s called This Is My Village. The first step, and point of emphasis, in this five year program begins by listening to the children and engaging with the community so that a healthy partnership can be established.

Muggli’s two week trip begins September 29th where he will make his first stop in Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma, accompanied by former superintendent Roger Woehl and wife Jeannie Woehl. After a night in Dodoma, Muggli will travel to nature preserves and plantations, but the majority of his time will be spent in villages, two hours drive from the Africa Bridge offices in Tukuyu, filming the progress and meeting with villagers.

When asked what he was looking forward to the most, there was no hiding Muggli’s enthusiasm. “I’m really excited to see the faces of the kids and the inner workings of the project...to see the impact of our work!”

The journey is planned to end October 11th but Muggli doesn’t plan on this being his only visit. “I want this to be part of my life, I would love to go back regularly.” His parents might not favor the idea of regular stops to Tanzania, as they are still “taking this in stride,” but Muggli says they have been supportive ever since he took on this passion. Hopefully his teachers are as understanding as his parents are with all of the work he will be missing.

          Africa Bride is funded purely by donations which help purchase materials that go towards schools, crops, and healthcare services. Donations can be made through their website at africabridge.org and all amounts are greatly appreciated.

My choice: An Eventful Summer

          Every two years there comes a time for countries to unite and ban together. If you can't figure out what this event might be with that basic description then you my friend have been living under a rock, it's the Olympic Games of course! July 27 will mark the beginning of the 2012 Summer Olympics, which will be held in London, England this year.
          If you paid any attention to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, you might recognize names such as Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson, Tyson Gay, and Justin Gatlin from our very own team USA. Each Olympian has made a name for themselves and has made several appearances in the media, ranging anywhere from commercials promoting products to taking bong hits on Youtube, who Phelps was recognized for shortly after the 2008 games.
          Unfortunately "Shawn Johnson will not be participating in the games, or any future competitions for that matter. According to USAGym.org, Johnson had this to say. "I still have the heart, drive, and desire to compete and help the USA at the London Olympics...unfortunately, it has become obvious that my left knee is not able to sustain the demands of gymnastics any longer. All I can do now is gracefully retire and thank everyone who has believed in me and my journey.
          Of course the Olympics aren't solely about individual performances, who can forget the 1992 "Dream Team," which was arguably the most talented team to have ever taken the basketball court. What about the inspiring 1980 "Miracle on Ice?" A group of ragtag collegiate and amateur athletes took down the hockey dynasty that was the Soviet Union, who had won nearly every major event since 1954 at that time, and gritted out one of the most historic underdog stories.
          Basketball, Soccer(Football to the rest of the world), and Swimming tend to be the only events people pay any attention to anymore but there really shouldn't be any surprises in these areas.
         Phelps should dominate the swimming events like he did last year, but he might be looking to pass the torch on to the ofter overlooked Ryan Lochte. In men's soccer the US team failed to qualify, which is a big blow for the sport's progression in our country, but the current European champions, Spain, will be favored to win it all. The globally recognized Brazilian team, with five World Cup trophies, will be threatening Spain however, as they look to obtain the top prize that has eluded them for so many years.
          The US women's national soccer team will be participating in the event though and they are surely among the favorites to win it all, along with other great teams such as Great Britain and last years World Cup champions, Japan.
          Gold will be the aim for the US basketball team as they strive to retain the gold after the "Redeem Team" earned the gold back during the last summer Olympics. With the likes of Kobe, LeBron, and Durant on the team, it seems nearly impossible for the team to get anything less than the gold.
          Although it will be exciting to see the national team succeed in the different sports, it will be even more exciting to watch our other Olympians achieve greatness as the underdogs, even if that means fighting to earn a bronze medal.
          Of course the US won't excel in every single event the competition has to offer, especially with the likes of the World's fastest man and current world and Olympic record holder, Usain Bolt, taking to the track. Few could believe the scene of this six foot five inch man blowing past the competition with ease in both the 100m and 200m dash. Bolt's talent is only exceeded by his ego. Ever since his climb to success and fame, he hasn't let anyone forget who he is and what he has done.
          According to the Associated Press, in regards to Justin Gatlin's impressive performance at the Prefontaine Classic, Bolt stated that, "I don't want to sound rude or anything, but I think Gatlin had his chance. I think Gatlin has a few guys to get past before he worries about me."
          These Olympic games are no doubt going to showcase many familiar names but they are also anticipated to pave the way for the next generation of Olympians with names such as Missy Franklin,Jordyn Wieber, and Jordan Burroughs sure to appear. Hopefully the US maintains its strength in these games and ultimately stands a place above the competition at the winner's podium.

At a Glance:
Opening Ceremony and games will start on July 27 at 1pm on NBC.
The games will go on to the Closing  Ceremony on August 12.
More information and details can be found on the games official website.
The event listings and dates can also be found under the Schedule & Results page of the official site.
The Prefontaine Classic will also be held June 1-2, results can be found here.
Team USA will also be determined in Eugene at the Olympic Trials, beginning June 21.

Sports shots: Golf

Sean Peterson begins his warm up at Trysting Tree Golf Course,
just off the highway outside of downtown Corvallis,
 by hitting  some balls at the driving range first.

After having warmed up, Sean tees up at the first hole and has a great drive down the middle of the fairway.
The rest of the course would prove to be a bit more challenging as the wind picked up

Following a successful round of golf, finishing only 10, Sean cools down by sinking some putts
at the putting green, much is the routine for golfers

Free Shot: West Linn vs. Wilsonville Lax

The match between the West Linn Lions and Wilsonville Wildcats starts as two opposing players face-off.

Tensions run high and the physicality sets the mood of the game early on as players fight for the ball.

Three West Linn defenders run down the Wilsonville attacker. The Lions went on to hold the Wildcats scoreless 12-0. 

Nelson Brown, Barber profile

         Nelson Brown is a man of his principles and morals, no more and no less. The local barber at Diversity Cuts, previously located in OSU's Memorial Union, has since moved to 11th and Van Buren Ave.
          Nelson has been cutting, trimming, and styling hair in Corvallis for 10 years now, but his experience in this field dates much longer than that, and it really does show through his quality.
          Back in the day barber shops used to be a place of safety and freedom, but like most things in this world, these shops have been industrialized to perform haircuts faster. You used to be able to shoot the breeze with your barber and neither them nor you would ever have to worry about what was discussed, no matter how controversial or sensitive the topic. Now your lucky if can get the person cutting your hair to say anymore than "So what do you want?" Nelson distances himself from that notion and he'll be the first one to tell you that.
          When you first walk in your senses are almost overwhelmed. Immediately, what you might mistake to be a white wolf trots right to you with a friendly greeting. If you somehow manage to walk out of the shop without any of your hair on you this dog will be sure to fix that with some of its own. If this amiable canine isn't enough to make you feel comfortable then the music is sure to. Nelson's own personal music library consists of anything ranging from Led Zepplin, 2Pac, to some good ol' fashion James Brown, whatever you want hes got it, and that's just his music.
          Nelson's upbringing was far from easy, raised in a foster home with several brothers and sisters, Brown learned quickly that race was nothing but a color. "I grew up with just about every skin color under the sun, my father taught me to respect everyone and everything unless they gave you a reason otherwise and I still hold that true to this day." Brown went on to say,"With so many different types of races under that roof we all learned how to cut each others hair, that's why I can cut anything that walks through that door."
          A regular customer, Jeff Russell, had nothing but praise to give to the talented barber and his establishment.
          "A barber shop should be a place where you can shoot the s*** with your friends, barber, and other customers. [You can] talk about your old lady and the problems she's giving you or how the governments screwing us over. Doesn't matter everyone has something to contribute."

          Many were disappointed to see Nelson relocate from his campus shop but many felt that his location was inhibiting him from doing what he wanted to do in his shop. Matt King was one such individual.
          "Some people just can't handle the rawness of a classic barber shop. People swear and might say some things that you don't agree with, but that's what it's all about!"
          If you haven't had the chance to stop by this classic barber shop, anyone of Diversity Cuts' customers will encourage you to stop by for a chat and one of the cleanest cuts in town.

At a Glance
Nelson Brown, Barber, Diversity Cuts
Diversity Cuts' Facebook page
Located at 11th and Van Buren Ave Corvallis, OR 97330, across from the Rice 'n' Spice market
Call in to make an appointment to avoid the wait at (541) 908-3272
Price is $15-$20 or go in on Tuesdays for a discount at $10, with tip of course

Story #3: The Changing Nature of Life

          Change is an inevitability. From the moment we are born, we are thrown into a world that is constantly changing around us. Every creature, by nature, will oppose change because it goes against their daily routine. Many people struggle to adapt to change, not Jane Barton.

          Last Tuesday night The LaSells Stewart Center at OSU hosted Dr. Jane Barton, MTS, MASM. She is an enthusiastic writer, speaker, listener, and founder of Cardinal, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to educating people in the hardships of comforting the old, ill, and disabled.

          Barton opened with a simple question for the crowd, "Do you welcome change?" The murmuring crowd was silenced and few nodded their heads. It's amazing how such a simple word is capable of causing such a noticeably discomforting reaction.

          With little response from the now tentative audience, Barton said simply, "In order to achieve continuity, we must be willing to change." The manner in which Barton said this was so matter-of-fact, she made it sound as if it were obvious, very convincing. According to Barton there are four types of change, cognitive, physical, relationship, and spiritual. Each of these changes we experience is just a transition. "The best part about transitions is that they provide opportunities to discover yourself...to integrate change into our lives," said Barton.

          Everyone, young and old, worries about what tomorrow has to offer. Our world seems to revolve around this one concept, adapt to survive, for "change is the norm." Barton understands the changing nature of life as well as how to handle it. Now at age 55, she has seen both of her parents taken by cancer and knows the journey of care-giving.

          Perhaps the most challenging period in time for Barton was the "year of the hard hat,"when she had to deal with a divorce while moving out and caring for her father who had also had a stroke. The most difficult part for her though, was the fact that she hadn't yet gotten over the death of her mother years earlier. The only thing that helped Barton through that year was "the little voice of hope, of a divine." We all find hope in different places but that doesn't change the fact of life, it is the first thing given to us and the last thing taken away.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Barton...
Phone: 865-688-0661
Email: jbarton0829@yahoo.com
For more information visit her website.
http://www.drjanebarton.com/

Simply Edna

Edna Buchanan has lived a life most reports could only hope to replicate at some degree. She faced hardships of having only one parent, being poor, and being a woman. The determination this woman has is unheard of, at least for me it is. To overcome such adversity on a daily basis must have taken its toll on Edna, but never does it ever seem like she lets it bother her. If there was anything I've learned from Edna thus far it would be to persist no matter the cost and to take advantage of what makes you different from the rest. I'm a mild mannered person and I find myself generally going along with the consensus in most situations. Not because I'm afraid of having my thoughts such down or anything like that but simply because it just seems easier to me that way and time isn't wasted. Edna never takes no for an answer, and when it does happen to be the answer, she continues to press until that no turns into a yes. Many people would see being a woman in Edna's position at the time to be very disadvantageous, but she made it work into her favor by taking advantage of men's politeness and lack of detail. For me, my disadvantage seems to be the fact that I stand out like a sour thumb. A tall black guy doesn't just exactly "blend" into the environment. What I have found I can do is part crowds like Moses and water. Not only does this allow me to get to the ideal location, but I can also see things from a much higher view. This was I can show and tell a story to someone in a completely different way than others might be able to. It's been incredibly entertaining reading about Edna's many different stories and I can't wait to read more about them.