Megan's Journalism blog

  Halle Freitas, 17, is currently a student enrolled at Lebanon High school and taking a class at LBCC. She is currently taking Calculus at Linn-Benton and taking two college courses in high school: AP government and AP Literature. Because of COVID, all her classes have been online.  “School has been rough online, it’s harder to be in the mindset to learn and it’s been taking a toll on me mentally”, Freitas explains.  As far as her career path goes, she plans to possibly go into business. Her original plan was to go into chemical engineering, but she changed her mind because she decided that that’s not truly what she wants to do. After she finishes high school, she would like to go to Oregon State University for their band program. 

  A line of customers wait to get beverages at the Heritage mall Starbucks, mid afternoon. They can all be seen wearing masks in the line, keeping distance from each other. Places such as these are staying open in the mall by taking many precautions with one being wearing masks and keeping customers at a distance in lines. The play area at the food court of Albany Heritage mall  is seen to be closed, with other stores being seen as empty and closed up in the background. Not many people can be seen near or around as well. AT&T is seen to be closed while Bath and Body Works is booming with customers and people.  Caden Holler, a customer at the Albany Target store, is seen purchasing items at checkout. Both him and the cashier are seen in masks as he exchanges cash, paying for his items. 

  At downtown park in Albany with Sydnie Hale, someone who has been living in Albany for the past few years with her grandmother. She visits this park regularly when visiting her mom.  Under the bridge of downtown Albany park, Monteith Riverpark. It is known to be a great river during the summers. It has also been the host place to many local events and concerts.  Coffee at downtown Albany cafe, Martin Coffee. They offer dine-in with masks on and offer a small collection of things to eat along with their tasty menu of coffee drinks to try. 

Talking to your children, or youth in general, about abuse and the anatomy of their bodies can be a very tricky subject. Fortunately, ABC House offers free training for parents and those that work with kids to help them with this difficult topic.  There will be an event at ABC House titled “Darkness to Light: Talking with Children About Safety from Sexual Abuse” on Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Albany. This training also includes an optional tour of the new ABC House beforehand. This training includes lessons on how to approach the topic of abuse and our bodies with children in an age-appropriate way, setting boundaries with our bodies, as well as how to listen to them and notice key signs when it comes to these difficult situations. This is a video and facilitator-led discussion. It’s also important to note that child care will not be available during the event time. Light refreshments will be available, though. Before the traini...

Kaylee Marsh with one of her art pieces        Kaylee Marsh, 17, from South Albany High School, strives to become a tattoo artist. She is still unsure of her exact major, but she knows that she wants it to be art-centered. Her motivation to begin pursuing art derived from her uncle.        "My dad wasn't really in the picture at the time," Marsh said. She then went on to explain the connection of art to her uncle.  "He watched over me most of my childhood and he inspired me to get into it," she said. Her uncle was an artist himself, which led to her interest.        Marsh doesn't intend for her work to have any particular meaning, although, some of her pieces could be described as political. Her main ideas for her work are taken from elements of the woods and forests.        As much as her art expresses her own inner ideas and creativ...