CascadiaWinter 2014 . Issue I

Sharing stories from a student perspective.

A magazine by Eugene-area high school students.

PLUS: Russian Theater // Scary Movies // Hope For The Homeless

Bobby Doerr:Local Legend

Lane is a smart start to your

four year degree.

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We’ve got you covered.High school sports and news, brought to you by local experts in whatever platform you prefer.

Follow us on Twitter, visit the website on your smart phone or computer or pick up The Register-Guard.

Josephine WoolingtonEducation Reporter Follow on Twitter @j_woolington. Visit her blog: “School Talk” at blogs.registerguard.com/school-talk

Ben Schorzman Prep Sports Reporter Follow on Twitter @benschoz_RG. Visit his blog: “Prep Sports” at blogs.registerguard.com/prep-sports

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEFEthan Hauck

ART DIRECTORSBella AnglinNatalie Brown

WRITERSNatalie BrownMararet GleasonEthan HauckNatalie MarshallTracy PacanaKennedy PottsRussell Strand

DESIGNERSBella AnglinNatalie BrownMargaret GleasonEthan HauckNatalie MarshallTracy PacanaKennedy PottsRussell Strand

ILLUSTRATORSRussell Strand

COVER PHOTONatalie Brown

PHOTOGRAPHERSBella AnglinNatalie BrownMargaret GleasonNatalie MarshallTracy PacanaKennedy Potts

CONTRIBUTORSJanilet GomezCullen O’GradyMaia Shave

SPECIAL THANKS TOSteven AsburyIris BullEder CampuzanoGreg CantwellToni CooperTim GleasonMatt LeslieJulie NewtonFelecia Rollins Alan SylvestreJordan TichenorAaron ThomasKelly VigilAl VillanuevaBobbie WillisLane Arts CouncilMedia Arts InstituteThe Register-Guard

Cascadia Magazine is produced by students at participating high schools in the Eugene-Springfield area.

Cascadia

Additional support provided by Media Arts Institute’s Board of Directors:

Michelle Swanson - President Esther Wojcicki - SecretaryKim Sheehan - Treasurer

Ed Madison - Executive DirectorMaya Lazaro - Production Coordinator

This magazine was made possible by Media Arts Institute, the University of Oregon School of Journalism and

Communication, Lane Arts Council, The Register-Guard, and Eugene businesses. We thank our advertisers for

their support.

While the cliché of a program being run “by students” may be overused, in the case of Cascadia Magazine, it’s true. With help from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, which generously provided us with lab space, a team of high school students from schools in the Eugene-Springfield area were able to produce the magazine you now hold. We see journalism as a pillar of society. Without journalism and journalism education, stories like the one on page 8 that addresses new policy changes in 4J high schools, or the profile on page 5 of a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer living in Junction City, wouldn’t make it to your home. In supporting young people engaged in journalism, you are strengthening our community by

allowing students to share their unique perspectives with you. We ask you to join us in celebrating our inaugural issue and thank you for your continued support.

-Ethan Hauck

To learn more or make a donation, visit us online at:

www.cascadiamag.com This magazine was made possible by Media Arts Institute, Lane Arts Council, the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, The Register-Guard, and Eugene businesses. We thank our advertisers for their support.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Photo by Alan Sylvestre

CONTENTS5 A LIVING RECORD - A MLB Hall of Fame inductee celebrates a life well-lived.

6 CULINARY COMFORTS - Cooking instructor Robin Wiper wows Eugene with gluten-free recipes.

7 RUSSIAN RENDITIONS - A UO professor explores Russian culture through live performance.

8 NEW YEAR, NEW RULES - Policy changes at 4J high schools have some scratching their heads.

9 WHY SCREAM? - A brief look at the psychology behind watching horror movies.

10 HIT THE SLOPES - South Eugene’s ski team gears up for the winter season.

11 SUPPLYING SHELTER - An interfaith program provides hope to homeless families in Eugene.

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he crack of a bat, the roar of a crowd–these sounds are commonplace in many baseball stadiums. Names that are best known from the baseball era include Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jackie Robinson. Now, Robert “Bobby” Pershing Doerr, the oldest living Major League Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, prepares for his 100th birthday next year. He lives in Junction City, after having come to Oregon during a fishing trip with his recruiter from the Boston Red Sox in 1939. To honor the legend, every summer Junction City hosts the Bobby Doerr Classic, which last year drew over 300 youth baseball teams to participate. The first thing people notice when they meet Doerr is his air of strength, despite his age. When shaking

his hand, it’s stronger than most men in their prime. You can find him sitting in his chair, watching a baseball game. He radiates confidence but is extremely quiet, affirming his reputation as the “Silent Captain of the Red Sox.” Doerr has always been humble, according to his peers. When he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986, he was still dumbfounded. “It was really something to think that my number one would be mine, forever,” says Doerr. “It was quite an honor.” But baseball for him was more than a game. His passion for it started in his backyard as a child. When he was fourteen, he played on a team with first baseman George McDonald, who played eleven out of his eighteen seasons in the Pacific Coast League with the San Diego Padres; Mickey Owen, who had

thirteen seasons in the major leagues; and Steve Mesner, who enjoyed six seasons in the National League. And those were just the infield players. When he was sixteen, Doerr moved on to play for the Hollywood Stars, which later became the San Diego Padres, and in 1937 at the mere age of eighteen, he was signed to the Boston Red Sox. He played with them for fourteen seasons, including the 1946 World Series. While unable to visit Boston on a regular basis, he was flown there last April for the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park. The Red Sox Word Series win in Fenway Park was also a special moment for him. He now lives a happy and quiet life with his wife, watching Red Sox games together. z

A Living Record: Bobby Doerr

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Words Ethan HauckPhoto Bella Anglin

Above: Retired Red Sox player Bobby Doerr relaxes in his chair at his home in Junction City, Oregon. Doerr is the oldest living Major League Baseball Hall of Fame inductee.

aking a gluten-free meal at home can be a challenging task. Not so for Robin Wiper. Wiper teaches gluten-free baking classes at Cooks, Pots & Tabletops in Eugene for those who are unable to or choose not to consume gluten. Her recipes, tips, and techniques amaze family and friends, and charm tastebuds all over Eugene. z

Culinary Comforts

Above: In addition to teaching her students how to prepare gluten-free waffles, chocolate chunk brownies, and retro banana cream pie, Wiper also shows them how to make gluten-free sesame baguettes, the dough from which can also be used to make pizza.

Cooking instructor Robin Wiper makes gluten-free taste great.

Below: Wiper’s homemade BBQ chicken pizza will delight any audience, even those without gluten-sensitivity or intolerance. Wiper uses her own gluten-free pizza dough and rice flour to add special flair to an ordinary dish.

Left: “The key to a pizza that slides right off the pizza peal is to work quickly,” says Wiper. “Don’t let the dough sit on the peel any longer than necessary.” She advises to prepare and measure all toppings in advance.

MWords & Photos Tracy Pacana

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To learn more, visit www.cookspots.com.

ulia Nemirovskaya is a professor of Russian history and literature at the University of Oregon. Every year she also teaches a Russian theater class where she writes and directs Russian-English plays that her students perform. While working as a professor of Russian history at Brigham Young University, Nemirovskaya met Thomas Rogers, who at the time was a professor of Russian literature, often putting on bilingual plays that he had written. Nemirovskaya learned that as a student Rogers had been taught by a Russian professor. That professor ignited a love for Russian culture in Rogers that would last for years. Nemirovskaya, a Moscow native, was inspired that plays performed in a foreign language could create such deep attachment and cherished memories in

a person from a different culture. Years later when Nemirovskaya found herself in Eugene, she drew on this inspiration to create a theater program at the University of Oregon that would allow her to produce her own bilingual works. “We are slaves to routine, so the most memorable things for us are Christmas and birthdays,” says Nemirovskaya. “I think that theater is that same kind of celebration. It is very memorable because it’s not routine, or time as it goes–it’s compressed time.” Her class puts on one or two plays a year. Nemirovskaya says that though theater is her favorite class to teach, the plays are the most “exhausting” of her work as a professor. While she’s in production there’s little distinction between her home and work life. The one or two time-a-week classes don’t provide as much time for students to practice, let

alone build the props. “Students are always in and out of our house,” says Lizka Vaintrob, Nemirovskaya’s daughter. “They come and work on something, be it a backdrop, props, costumes, and then leave.” Though it’s hard work, Nemirovskaya loves her job; talking about it brings tears to her eyes. “Theater never failed me,” she says. “Other courses a thousand times, but theater has always worked and it’s a miracle.” She is grateful to the Eugene community for being so supportive of the program. “We have enough enthusiasts in this town, community, and [within the student population] that we can make miracles,” she says. “That makes me proud of this town, which is very open to other cultures.” z

renditions

Words & Photo Natalie Marshall

University of Oregon professor Julia Nemirovskaya teaches her students about Russian culture through bilingual theater.

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russian

Left: Julia Nemirovskaya discovered her interest in fusing Russian studies and live performance while working at Brigham Young University.

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New Year

Words & Photo Kennedy Potts

District-wide policy changes in 4J high schools receive mixed reactions.

espite protests from students and teachers at 4J high schools, a new three-by-five schedule

went into effect this school year. Many are struggling to adjust to this change and Oregon’s new law regarding proficiency grading. Reactions were varied from those within the 4J community. The district administration decided to implement the schedule change in hopes of saving money and improving the school system. A group consisting of counselors and teachers from 4J’s high schools worked to design a common schedule option. They recommended a trimester schedule with five seventy-minute class periods a day to the superintendent. The intent is to provide a “just-right” level of instruction time, reduced class sizes, spending cuts, and better alignment with schedules at the University of Oregon and Lane Community College. While many embrace the changes, there are students, teachers, and parents who remain critical. Some spoke out against these changes because they were satisfied with the current schedule and uncomfortable switching to a new system. Others say that the benefits are overstated. For Rachel Kruska, a senior at Henry D. Sheldon High School, the three-by-five schedule is a mostly welcome adjustment. “I have Work Study after lunch, so if I [had any fewer] classes in the morning I wouldn’t be able to have all the credits I need to graduate,” she

says. “But I hate how we start earlier now.” Annie Beckstrand, a senior and an International High School student at Sheldon, says, “The fact that there’s no more zero period is great, which also means no longer being addicted to coffee. But now our schedule couldn’t be any more confusing. Every day I have a certain class at a different time than the day before. I walk into the wrong class about every other day.” Much like the three-by-five common schedule, proficiency grading was created to improve the school system. In 2011, House Bill 2220 was passed in order to make proficiency grading a standard in Oregon’s schools. Students are now almost solely graded on their level of mastery on the material they have

been taught. Teachers can no longer give significant credit for homework or participation. The new grading policy is meant to prepare students for the type of grading used at a college-level. Proponents claim proficiency grading reflects a student’s actual skill in a subject rather than his or her participation in class. “We were having some teachers offer extra credit for bringing cans in for a food drive,” says 4J district Superintendent Sheldon Berman. “This type of grading does not accurately portray a student’s proficiency in a class, and this is what the new system is trying to eliminate.” z

New RulesD

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Above: With the adoption of proficiency grading this year, 4J students are taking more tests. The policy change drew mixed reactions from community members.

To many, the writhing chainsaws of serial killer flicks and the blood-soaked freak fests of zombie films are vital entertainment. But why are we as a society infatuated by this violence? Are the violent images in horror films detrimental to our mental health? “The main reason [we enjoy watching horror films] is that we think it can protect us,” says South Eugene junior Daisy Burge. “If we witness violence we could somehow be immune [to it] because we think we have learned how violence perpetuates itself. Teenagers witness violence in film as useful and exciting.” In addition to providing a perceived immunity to violence, Burge theorizes that pure suspense is also vital. “Shock value is important because it involves aspects not seen in everyday life,” she says. Brandt Stuart, a 4J psychology

associate believes that viewers’ attraction to these violent elements stems from a connection between the real evils within our society and our own realities. “We are inundated by violence through war and abuse—actual violence,” Stuart says. “[Horror] movies

are a combination of integrating our violent reality and a way to desensitize ourselves through fantasy. We need to deal with this craziness in our culture. Since it’s so disturbing, you better step back. Watching violent horror films

makes [the violence in our culture] more palatable.” The purpose of watching horror movies could lie in the solace of chaos: a comfort in the perception of the extreme. However, there’s evidence that comfort increases when viewers watch scary movies with a friend. According to a small poll, South Eugene High School students typically prefer to watch scary movies with a close friend rather than alone. Horror movies are designed to make the audience feel scared, but serve the purpose of showing viewers fantastic violence, helping them cope with the evils of reality and providing an elevated sense of shared comfort from a buddy. “When we’re in a state of tension, it makes us love the things we love more and hate the things we hate more,” says South psychology teacher Anna Grace. “When [horror] puts us in a state of aroused tension, it can intensify our emotions for certain things,” she adds. “[Scary movies] might make you feel closer to your companion.” z

Scream?WHYFinding solace in chaos: scary movies and the teenage brain.

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Words & Illustration Russell Strand

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The holiday season inspires many emotions, but for local ski racers it triggers excitement knowing they are about to start yet another unforgettable season.

Ski racers and patrol members gathered in early November to attire themselves for winter. Berg’s Ski & Snowboard Shop in Eugene hosts an annual “racers’ night,” discounting items for racers and ski patrol members in the area. The event serves as a kick-off to the

new season. Students from high schools all over the Eugene area as well as members of the Willamette Alpine Race Program

gather during this time to prepare. Many racers enjoy searching for the

best deals on new equipment, hoping that these items will improve their performance. Alpine racing isn’t largely recognized in the Eugene area, although there are generally about fifteen to twenty racers on South Eugene High School’s

team. The skill level of racers ranges anywhere from beginning to expert. “I just can’t wait to get up there and start skiing again,” says South Eugene senior racer Andrew Blumm, who enjoys free skiing and experimenting with new jumps and tricks at the terrain park. Blumm’s favorite part about the ski season is traveling to the mountain every weekend. The time the team spends together provides support and can improve performance. “There’s no place I would rather be when I am up at the mountain,” says Blumm. “It’s my own type of paradise.” z

"There’s no place I would rather be when I am up on the mountain.”

Hit The SlopesWords Natalie Brown

High school ski teams gear up for winter.

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SUPPLYING SHELTERAn interfaith community comes together to give shelter to Lane County’s homeless families.

Words & Photo Margaret Gleason

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Families enjoy a dinner provided by Night Shelter program volunteers.

hildren laugh and talk while making Christmas wreaths out of construction paper. They glue on the final pieces and carry their masterpiece to hang above the fireplace. This is a classic holiday scene, and one most know well. The difference is that these children live at a church and their families are homeless. First Place Family Center’s Night Shelter program provides a safe place for families to sleep at more than thirty local churches and synagogues in Eugene. Each host site accommodates the families for one-to-two weeks before they move onto the next. The only official requirements for program admittance are that the parents are actively job-hunting and that they have children in their custody and care, or can provide proof of pregnancy. There is also a two-month stay limit for each family. “Night Shelter gives people a place to be where they don’t have to wor-ry about where they and their children have to sleep at night, and they don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” says Becky Beck, who co-

ordinates the Night Shelter program. The program can accommodate up to ten fam-ilies at a time, which consti-tutes forty or more people depending on family sizes. The host sites are only required to provide dinner, breakfast, and a place to sleep, but many go above and beyond. First United Methodist Church in down-town Eugene is the annual host for the holiday season. The church arranges nightly children’s activities and crafts featuring a living room area with an artificial fireplace and a mantle with Christmas stockings. It also includes a study area for kids to work on homework. First Place provides the mattresses, partitions, and bedding for each guest, and each child is given a handmade quilt to keep. The waiting list can reach fifteen or more families at any given time. The list tends to grow longer during fall and

winter when families are trying to escape the cold. To deal with the demand, Beck says the program concentrates on families who appear to need it the most. Single fathers with nowhere else to go, expectant mothers, and large families are usually the program’s top priority. z

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