Megan's Journalism blog

  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. 

  The outside of Serendipity Cafe, Friday afternoon. This old styled cafe offers a variety of things, from ice cream, shakes, drinks and tea. Due to COVID, going inside is not allowed but you can order food from the window and sit outdoors. Mural behind the building of Key Bank, Friday afternoon A man unloading equipment from his truck outside of the local Lebanon church on Friday in the afternoon. 

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...