10 Questions with Audrey Ewing: How a Deadly Heart Aneurism Changed My Life.

We all know how temporarily precious life is. Perhaps we’re even lucky enough to go about our daily lives forgetting that every day is a gift on the ever spinning wheel of fate and fortune. For Audrey Ewing, the wheel only spun faster when she found out at a mere 24 years old that she had a ticking time bomb in her chest. 

Ewing, now 27, passions lie in the world of athletics, where she has made a lifelong career out of her love for fitness and health. After graduating with her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Exercise Science from Pacific Lutheran University, she continued on her road to better herself and the fitness world around her.

But her career and life were abruptly put on hold when she found out she had a deadly heart aneurysm. 

She was faced with something unknown to many, and rare to a young woman in her 20’s; open-heart surgery at Stanford General Cardiology where she would lie clinically dead with a cracked and open sternum for a minimum of two hours. It was only then where she was given “the opportunity to live twice.” 

She speaks with me about her journey, both prior to and after surgery, and how she has been able to use this burden as a means of inspiration amid her career, where she is currently a contracted health and fitness specialist at SamFit in Corvallis, and a Health and Fitness Coordinator and Professional Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor, at the YMCA in Albany, Oregon.

What are you passionate about outside of work? 

“Fitness has been my life. I love movement, exercise, and weight training. I danced my whole adolescent life. But I also really like being outside. I love being in nature and spending time with friends and family. I really value my time with the people that I love.”

Tell me about your hometown, and why you chose Pacific Lutheran University. 

“I had lived in Corvallis my whole life, I’d never been anywhere else. I still have never traveled anywhere outside of the U.S. So I wanted to go somewhere else, and experience something different, and this [college] was the perfect opportunity to do that without feeling like I was completely alone. So I applied to six different colleges, to which then I was actually told by our high school, uhm what do you call it, the career teacher, that because of my not-so-good SAT and ACT scores, I wouldn’t get into any of these colleges; I got into all six. So to her, I was like ‘F’ you! It just really goes to show that numbers aren’t everything, and that it’s the personality behind the person. So I auditioned for an orchestra scholarship at PLU cause I had played the violin for nine years, and didn’t end up getting anything. But ultimately it was my experience at the audition that sold it for me, 100%; everyone was so nice and gave really good feedback, vs. my experience at the University of Puget Sound.” 

Did you always know you wanted to do something in health and fitness? What inspired you? 

“No, not at all. I thought I wanted to be a physician's assistant! So I was going for biology, but after taking a public health class with this professor I had -- Dr. P. -- that [the class] I loved and found so interesting, I decided I wanted to switch majors. So Dr. P. took me on as my advisor, and I transferred to the kinesiology department. In that time I found a power in myself that I had never fulfilled before, in weight training and in rowing. I found this other potential or strength in me that I never knew I had. I also had this really unique experience working with a paripaligic, where I had to utilize gravity in a different way.

But when I graduated, I still had no idea what I wanted to do. So I moved back to Oregon, and applied at the Y for a position where I’d be just cleaning equipment, and things like that. They called me and were really impressed with my resume and ended up interviewing me for, and offering, a position as a personal trainer.” 

What was one of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome? Tell me about your journey into this career path. 

“Heart Surgery at 25. It was a life changing challenge that complicated my work. I went from always exercising and all of a sudden had to quit cold turkey, and had to rethink my entire life path. I feel very fortunate for the experience though, not that I would suggest people go through something like this. But it was a traumatic experience for me at a very young age, and it gave me a new appreciation for a lot of different things, like having an able body, because I could be in a totally different situation. I’m really grateful for that everyday, just being able to do the things I do.” 

How did you feel when you first found out that you were going to need open heart surgery?

“What did this mean? Was this meant to send me on a different path? It was very devastating, heartbreaking, and shocking, and unreal in the moment. I was anticipating this to happen at 60, not 25. I still sometimes question it. I could have waited two years for the surgery, but I would’ve been living in fear the whole time, so having the surgery as soon as possible was a given. I knew they would have to stop my heart for a couple of hours, and I just kept thinking ‘what if they can’t get it to restart?’ Just the thought of that was super scary.” 

How were you able to cope with this sudden change, and who was there to support you?

“I struggled so much within the six months prior to the surgery, dealing with so many internal thoughts as well as concern for my physical health. I became strong mentally within that wait time though, and got through it with meditating all the time and crying a lot. The unknown is a very scary feeling. If I could have known what it was like coming out the other side, it would have been easier. But my whole family -- mom, dad, and brother --  they were my biggest supporters for sure. I remember I had my mom's friend document the experience [surgery at Stanford], and there was one video of my mom, where you could see how exhausted she was, and that video said everything to me. Just how trying this experience was not just on me, but her too -- she was so worried. But now I realize that I do technically have the opportunity to live twice, you could say, cause I’ve already been clinically dead.” 

Tell me about the recovery.

“Physically, it’s an interesting thing recovering from heart surgery when you know you’re in pretty good shape. I was an athlete my entire life, but after leaving the hospital, I could barely walk four minutes at a time without being out of breath. It’s been two years now, and it still comes up that I don't feel like I’m good or worthy enough for my job, which is so ridiculous if you think about it, because I’m still getting stronger. I just sometimes still compare myself to what I used to be able to do, this isn’t my normal, and that takes some getting used to.” 

What is your favorite part about your job(s)? 

“I love working with people, and love to hear people's success stories of fixing their health. But I also love the fun challenges, and the treasured learning. I had to learn how to communicate verbally when I was working with a blind guy. Normally you show people with your bodies what things [exercises] are supposed to look like, and I obviously couldn’t do that with him. I had to learn to better use my words to explain to him what we were doing, and how it was supposed to be. This was an extremely growthful situation.” 

What is the most difficult part?

“Diet culture. Weight loss is the only thing that sells. I danced and exercised out of love, but now it seems that through diet culture we have become a society that is so ingrained in fixing ourselves from the moment we are born to the moment we die, and where’s the fun in that. It’s very toxic, and it’s hard not to get wrapped up in it when you work in the health and fitness field. I too had an eating disorder, which I am still in recovery for. Genetics play such a huge role on your body composition, and it’s really sad when a majority of my clients come in and just want to change the way they look.” 

If you could do anything in the world, what would you do? 

“If I didn't have to worry about a job, I would just go and travel and try different jobs and things. I’d be more impulsive, and would enjoy just my body moving.”

Audrey Ewing

Occupation: Contracted Health and Fitness Specialist at SamFit of Corvallis and Health and Fitness Coordinator (as well as Professional Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor) at the YMCA of Albany. 

Age: 27

Hometown: Corvallis, Oregon

Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Exercise Science from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.

Passions: Exercising; moving her body, and spending time in nature and with people she loves.

Biggest Life Challenge: Overcoming the removal of a deadly aneurysm in open-heart surgery at the age of 25. 

Other Interests: Traveling, and her beloved dog, Athena.

Traveling Amid the Pandemic: Am I Really Dreaming of More People?

 I dream of a dream, within a dream.

I always dreamt of having one of the world's top rated beaches to myself. Trunk Bay lies on a Caribbean island, and it’s something like out of a magazine -- come to find out, those pictures don’t lie. While I copped the most natural high I’ve ever had, it was quickly broken with the panic of snorkeling into a cloud of tiny clear jellyfish, with no one there to save me, had they been harmful.

An empty Trunk Bay from the road above. Rated one of the top ten best beaches in the world! St. John, U.S.V.I. (Photo by Dakota Gange).

My mother is in stage four of kidney failure, but you would never guess looking at her. She’s a powerhouse woman, a work-a-holic, and someone who deeply loves to travel. Amid the 2020 pandemic, and scared her life would be ending soon, she brought the family to the U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Thomas and St. John, last August.

As we flew over the Bahamas along the way, you could see the light turquoise Carribean Sea rings around the islands from hundreds of miles up in the air, and the rings only intensified as we approached our destination. 

We arrived just three days after another government official shut down; to-go services only, and strict afternoon beach closures on the weekends -- I dream of returning to the beach on a Sunday where my sister and I won’t be escorted out of the water by local police. 

Sisterly love ❤️ 

 Any tourists arriving just one day after us would be turned away from these U.S. territories - knowing we all stayed healthy on this trip, we were lucky. 

Our hotel was quaint and somewhat empty, but every room had an ocean view. And not just any ocean view, I mean an ocean view so close that as high tides came in, the waves lapped at the balcony just below ours. I wish to return without guilt of being there in the first place.

View from our balcony. St. Thomas.

Many lone-locals were much friendlier than I expected. With their thick, dark, and luscious dreadlocked hair, heavy broken-english based accents and maskless faces, they did not hesitate to strike up a conversation as one strolled along on the white sand beaches. Many even offered to share a doobie. I dream of returning to have a less than Covid fear stricken conversation with them, where we can share that doobie without hesitation.  

The beaches. Oh the beaches! I have never seen lands more vivacious than the islands. The sand is nothing short of glowing white, and the water so clear and such a perfect turquoise blue that even a nightly swim is inviting, without fear of the ocean creatures. As dream-esc as it was to have these places almost to ourselves, I dream of returning on a hot sunny Saturday, where I can watch the smiles of children as they play and laugh in the Caribbean waveless waters, and watch happy people as they walk hand in hand, or hunt for seashells. 

        As we drove around the islands in our bright blue tourist screaming Jeep, I yearned for the days where we were not the only ones. I wished for busy booths, fruit stands, and stores along the very old cobblestone side streets of Charlotte Amalie. 

             Snorkeling the empty beaches of St.Thomas and St.John. 

Streets are empty in the old town of Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas. 

     

       The food was good, but I found myself wishing to return to open restaurants, where you could enjoy your meal at a table rather than in your car or on the (yes really as we came to find out) island mob-ran beach where they boldly broke the government closures, serving you beach-chair-side on the weekends. This was a fine experience, until the fear that set in when I was pad-locked into a bathroom, and then forcefully grabbed by the wrist and pulled behind the building where I was introduced to “The Boss, Mikey,” who sat among his beach chair throne. Luckily, that’s really all there is to this rather silly encounter, but I dream of returning to this gorgeous beach where tourists' eyes and ears are prevalent. 

FRESH Snapper from the island mob-ran beach.

        It’s easy to take for granted the people you pass along a hiking trail, ooo-ing and aweing over the sights you’re about to see. 

I yearn to return to this place when charter boats are available for some of the best exploration and snorkeling. 

As a large portion of the population becomes vaccinated, I am seeing the world around me become slightly more ‘normal’. Mask mandates are being loosened, and even at my own work in the restaurant industry, we aren’t requiring masks as long as you have proof of that magical little card.

It’s true that on Trunk Bay I felt like a million air who privately rented out one of the world's top 10 rated beaches, and that’s the dream, right?  

However, in our new Covid accepted state of the world, I dream of returning to these islands. I want to see beaches strung out with smiles, boats along the marina, happy hikers, and booths with fruit and shells sold by the locals. I miss the days of the music filled the streets, and can only imagine the further glow of the island amid happy times. Am I really dreaming of more people? 

Perhaps once abuzz with tourists, Black Beards old castle sits empty in Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas. (Built in 1671!).

At A Glance:

Who: Feature Writing Student and Editor

Where: U.S. Virgin Islands - St.Thomas and St.John: Trunk Bay (Voted one of the top ten

beaches in the world) and various other beaches/places, such as the old town of Charlotte Amalie.

When: August 2020

Travel Rating: 5 Stars!

"Midsommar" Review: Sun-drenched Bleak Moments Speckled with a Little Blood.

Travel, rainbows, bright flowers, and scenes so beautifully colored one might get confused on what kind of movie they’re watching. 2019 brought “Midsommar” with it, where director Ari Aster and actress Florence Pugh take you on an entertaining emotionally confused journey that stirs up uncomfortable feelings and sun-drenched bleak moments that are hard to erase from memory. 

Aster’s movie stars Pugh as Dani, a young woman who has suffered a severe family tragedy, who seeks comfort from her already-checked-out boyfriend, Christian (Jack Reynor).

What starts off as a trip for a few anthropologists (and girlfriend Dani) working on their thesis who travel deep in the mountains of Sweden to study a small culture/commune, turns sour as their trip unexpectedly backfires, as they become part of a 90-year “Midsommar” ritual that the commune celebrates to give back to nature. 

There are feasts, psychedelic times, and a sacred tradition I’m sure you’ve already heard of - the dance of the Maypole. What begins as a fun-filled adventurous retreat quickly devolves into a string of bizarre traditions at the hands of a pagan cult. I don’t want to give it away, but you will surely not be disappointed with the ending, with a smiley new May Queen. 

Filled with unexpected twists and turns, “Midsommar” will leave you feeling a bit, well … twisty, and maybe a little shook up inside, but in an inquisitively satisfying way. Aster and cast bring forth a unique and new take on drama/folk horror unlike anything before it. 

You can find this film streaming on Amazon Prime, Youtube, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. 

If you’re a Rotten Tomatoes fan, know that this movie scored an 83%!

Perhaps you're familiar with Aster's work already, such as his well-known film “Hereditary.” However, unlike this previous film, one does not leave this movie afraid of the monsters under the bed, the shadows in the dark, or worried of things beyond our human grasp. Rather, you walk away with a taste of bittersweet cloudy curiosity in your mouth, and completely unafraid of what might be lurking about in the dark when you go to bed. 

In comparison, where “Hereditary” was filled with a vibe-conveying darkness, shadows, and the unknown, “Midsommar” is filled with some of the most beautiful sunshiney, green, fluorescent scenery that is filled with the sounds of flutes and birds, with a splash of dark paganism culture. 

Created in 2019, this movie is one of my top five favorites. It’s compelling and completely opposite vibes of what is actually happening makes it a gamechanger in the horror industry. If you watch this movie from an anthropological point of view, it is absolutely fascinating. Histories of various cultures throughout the world have been known for their sacrificial ceremonies, to give back to “nature gods” or “demigods.” Based off the rather harmless European “Midsommer” festival, Aster brings forth a new possibility for this ceremony. 

This film it is nothing less than that -- an ancient ceremony. If you like learning about other cultures and their history, regardless of their realism, this movie surely will not disappoint. However largely less gruesome than the majority of drama/folk horror labels films, there are just a couple gruesome scenes. But never fear, if you get queasy out at the strict sign of blood, you’ll only be bothered by two scenes. 

In an interview with Makado Murphy and published by the New York Times, Aster said,

“These people speak a language of empathy, which is something that is missing in Dani’s life. There are several scenes that could be read as just horrific. Or they could also be read as therapeutic for the character, where she is encouraged to face the unfaceable.” 

The question-and-answer story continued,

"You have called “Midsommar” a breakup movie, although this one has a bit more brutality and sacrifice than, say, “The Way We Were.”

“I’m a big lover of melodrama. And one tradition of melodrama is having the scope of a story match whatever the characters are feeling. So I wanted to make a breakup movie that felt as big as breakups tend to feel, which is cataclysmic, because a big part of your world is now gone. So I wanted to make this big operatic, apocalyptic breakup film.” 

A review by the New York Times said, “It’s fun, at first, partly because something feels distinctly off, like milk that’s just gone bad. (You don’t know how bad until you taste it.) Christian’s Swedish friend Pelle (Vilhelm Blomgren) doesn’t offer any clues. So Christian, Mark and their not-brainy enough pal Josh (William Jackson Harper) scope out the scene and the locals. The women are friendly, and numerous. And while their dances look picturesque there’s an undercurrent of intensity and purpose that starts chipping away at the peaceful vibe.”

Drama/Folk Horror has never been a favorite category of mine. In fact in comparison, my number one favorite movie is “Land of Lost” starring comedy-driven Will Ferrell. If you know anything about this movie, it’s completely harmless and fills the room with laughter. 

But “Midsommar” brings forth my love for and curiosity of anthropology, decorated with some of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever watched. I say it’s a must-see for anyone who can stomach a little movie-esque sacrifice in exchange for curiosity. 

At a Glance:

Midsommar

Starring: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, Will Poulter, and William Jackson Harper. 

Summary: Couple and friends travel to Sweden to observe their infamous “Midsommar” festival. 

Rated: Rating: R (drug use|disturbing ritual violence|strong sexual content|graphic nudity|grisly images|language) 

Genre: Mystery and thriller, horror, drama. 

Streaming on: Amazon Prime, Youtube, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. 

Distributor: A24 (USA), Nordisk Film (Sweden)

Rating: *****

Chasing Happiness: Goodbye Salary, Hello Journalism.

“Happiness can’t be bought.” The saying echoes and bounces off the walls of life, circling social media and often received in the form of advice from friends and family. We tell ourselves this, and it’s supposed to be common knowledge, but then why do so many of us stay in a situation where we are unfulfilled?

For me, it was financial security that kept me from striving to achieve my dreams. Financial stability was such a force that drove me to comfortability and peace of mind. Knowing I could eat and pay the bills helped me sleep better at night. Being a restaurant manager is a vivacious career. It’s meticulous but with enough leniency to have a blast, all the while you’re constantly around people. It just wasn’t what I wanted to do.

It can be a tangled and confusing mess to be stuck between security and dreams. For those out there caught in the middle, perhaps it’ll bring you some comfort knowing I traded my comfortable decade-long salaried career for a chance chasing my dreams through education and an unstable paycheck.

Now I’ve arrived at the top of the mountain, and it’s time to jump off this cliff. I’m only 27, but those years have been filled with a chest full of treasured lessons, and a catch-up on bodily wear and tears as the aches begin, both physically and mentally. Although, I’m not jumping down into the abyss, but rather into the next valley, where I can see an even taller mountain. 

For ten years now I’ve been building my skills and career in the customer service industry, quickly leading to a comfortable fiscal situation. I wasn’t unhappy per se, and I had a great time, but it just wasn’t that exact puzzle piece I was looking for. And I knew it wasn’t; I still went to work every day and caught myself thinking, “Am I really going to do this for the rest of my life? I can’t do this for 80 percent of my life!” 

Very comfortable I was, but not without a price of unfulfillment. I had always wanted to go back to school, but it always turned into, “Okay, next fall you will.”  

Then the pandemic hit last March, and my life was forcefully shaken up. I was laid off from my restaurant management position, which was the push I needed to go back to school. So I went back, and immediately fell into a position of writing. In the blink of an eye I began taking journalism classes, and writing for the school newspaper. 

Journalism found me, I didn’t find journalism. I never knew how much I loved writing, and how complete and fulfilled it made me feel, and like I might even make a difference someday. Even if no one read my work, my words were out there in print, finally organized from the depths of my mind. When I write I can feel my whole heart just magically seeping through the tips of my fingers, and my soul dancing through my veins. 

After being laid off for several months, my work brought me back part-time. This was still enough for that financial stability, and I could go to school. Um, can you say win, win!?

Then last week I got a call from my boss. They were ready to bring me back full-time, but not without significantly impeding my school schedule. Basically, I was faced with the choice of my current career, or my education? I had 48 hours to decide, but I knew in a flutter of a heartbeat that I was never going back. 

We are meant to do so much more than just pay the bills. All too often I hear stories of the unhappy, oftentimes due to jobs we don’t love. But here I am; a student, soon to be a first-time mother, extremely fiscally uncomfortable, and I couldn’t be more content. It's become very apparent that my happiness is found chasing my dreams, and what comes with that is all worth it.

Another Part of Me

    

    

My girl Nahla and I. We go everywhere together, and we especially love hiking and park trips (yes really, me too!) and we love cuddling. In a way, she is part of my sanctuary. 

    Wow, what a wild year it's been. I suppose it just started, but we all know that 2020 is still lingering around.

     I've now officially traded my decade long restaurant management career for college, and more specifically, journalism. Do I sometimes wonder how I'm going to make it work without that fiscal comfort, uhh yes! But I know I will, and I know I have fallen involve with writing and school itself. With writing, my words flow out of the tips of my fingers and travel through they keyboard, becoming so much more mellifluous than when spoke out loud. With writing, I feel like a little more magic comes out.

    On that note, coming to college has been one of the best life decisions I have made, and without the country wide shut down of the service industry, who knows if I'd be here, but I'm grateful. If I could be a professional student, and just learn for the rest of my life, I might do it. Until that program comes out though, I will continue on my road with Journalism, where I learn daily about the lives of others, and that's the best thing in the world. To be able to share a story is my mark on the world. I'm currently still studying at Linn-Benton Community College, and come this September I have a sweet little baby boy due! A first time mommy I will be, and I'm going to be lucky enough to have my baby and just focus on school - another whirl wind of an adventure. Perhaps after I graduate at Linn-Benton, I'll be at the University of Oregon, or perhaps I will get an amazing opportunity elsewhere. Regardless, the road is long and exciting, and I'm in it for the long hall.   

     This term I am focusing on feature writings, and I am so stoked! This is my favorite type of writing, and where the magic really get's going. Additionally, I will be continuing my work as the Student Voice Editor of The Commuter through the end of the school year, and will be returning to The Commuter next year as well. I'm looking forward to writing these stories and to get to read my fellow classmates stories. I'd like to be better at getting just one week ahead of my stories, so that I may stay on top of them all together. I'm a bit of a procrastinator, so this is a great goal for me. Cheers to a new year, and stay tuned for more! 

       Dakota. 

The 411 on Illegal Camping and the Pandemic

 CORVALLIS - During the pandemic, The City Council has ordered it’s law against illegal camping to loosen dramatically. 

It’s hard not to notice the tent cities that have developed in the areas, like the communities under the Highway 20 overpass in downtown Corvallis, or the closed BMX park. 

Normally, the law on illegal camping states as follows: 

5.03.080.080.02 - Illegal Camping:

1. It is unlawful for any person to camp in or upon a public right-of-way, park, sidewalk, alley, street, under any bridge, or any properties owned by the City of Corvallis except as provided in Section 5.03.080.080.04 below, or Chapter 5.01, as amended, or by declaration of the City Manager of Emergency Circumstances. 

2) A violation of this section is a Class C Misdemeanor.

However, amid the pandemic the City of Corvallis now allows “camping at any park,” according to the Corvallis Police Department’s Capt. Joel Goodwin. I.e. illegal camping will not be enforced.

“There certainly is a visible change that we’ve seen with COVID in terms of the number of people that are visible in our parks. Of course homelessness is not a new thing, but what we’ve noticed is with COVID we’ve seen quite a few more people that are out of the parks and more visible,” said Captain Joel Goodwin of the Corvallis Police Department. 

A young man who wishes to be unidentified, walks along the path by the tent city below the HWY. 20 overpass, Corvallis.

Alongside the illegal camping laws not being enforced, non-profit Unity Shelter (with authorization from The City of Corvallis) has established a managed tent camp in the BMX park, adjacent to the Men’s Shelter and Hygiene Center in South Corvallis, off of Chapman Place. This includes set up such as designated tent camping platforms with adequate spacing, toilets, trash service, and hand washing sinks. Additionally, showers, warming tents, and food may be available as well. The BMX track is closed for all other uses while the managed camp is in place, and currently, The City Council has announced that the camp shall end no later than May 15. 

Green tents blend into the tree line edge lining the Willamette River, near Corvallis Skate Park. 

Additionally, a limited number of recreational vehicles (RV’s) and cars are allowed to park at Pioneer Park parking lot, overnight. This is only with prior approval from the City of Corvallis however, and following a background check. They do not have any on site facilities for dumping/disposing of water and its inhabitants. As of current, the City is not taking new applications from the general public. All other camping at other municipal and park system parking lots is not permitted. RV and car camping at Pioneer Park is scheduled to end on March 31.

See it all here: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/temporary-overnight-camping-information

“At some point there was a bit of a shift because I think initially with COVID it was the ‘stay at home and save lives’ philosophy, and that’s changed and evolved over time. But with that initial philosophy cities across Oregon received guidance for our homeless community members; we don’t want to move them, just like we don’t want people to leave their homes; moving could potentially increase the risk to other community members,” said Goodwin. 

“Another trend we have noticed is that not only do we have more people camping in public places, but that many of them are not from this area, because a lot of other communities have sort of resumed their previous practice of addressing it, we have people from communities as close as Albany, as far away as other states that are coming to Corvallis, because they know it’s [illegal camping] is not being enforced, and  they know that there are alot of services that are offered here too.” 

Below the Corvallis HWY. 20 overpass.

“This sort of complicates the problem I think for our entire community. And this is a community problem, it’s not a police problem, and I think that people often look to the police to solve it, because problem solving is part of our job. Some of the behaviors become police issues, but it’s something that we all need to figure out a solution together to address it. Many of our service providers were already at their maximum, and now this is adding to that. So it’s making it much more difficult for them too.” 

Some available resources for the community include Community Services Consortium (this includes multiple counties), Jackson Street Youth Services, Community Outreach Inc, and Roadrunner Resources (for students). 

Many cities have already gone back to enforcing their illegal camping laws, such as Albany, which also has an officially managed homeless camp on their close BMX track as well. City officials met in Sept. 2020 to discuss a 90 day - four stage - plan that ultimately “cleans up” all homeless camps in the City, excluding the managed camp at the BMX track. Read about the Albany City Council meeting here.

“However, if there are certain behaviors that violate other park rules, they can be asked to leave,” said Goodwin. 

“We have seen a significant increase in aggravated assault among adults, and much of that is related to our parks. We have seen several stabbings for example at the [Corvallis] Skate Park in recent months, and other assaults." 

There are No Camping Enforcement Zones, however. These include:

• Proximity to rivers, waterways, and floodplains;

• Environmentally sensitive areas (such as wooded areas, Riparian zones and other protected natural areas);

• Park locations within 50 feet of designated play areas, ballfields or park features;

• Parking lots;

• Other city rights-of-way.

Alongside camping in parks, the parks department provides trash service in some areas, such as the skatepark camp (highway 20 bridge camp). This camp is not managed, but still allowed because it’s in any park.

“The City of Corvallis has provided direction that they want to continue not enforcing illegal camping in our parks,” said Goodwin.

At a Glance:

Who: Corvallis Capt. Joel Goodwin

What: 411 on Illegal Camping in Corvallis.

Informative Links: No Camping Enforcement Zones, https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/temporary-overnight-camping-information

Ways to Get Help or get Involved: Community Services Consortium, Jackson Street Youth Services, Community Outreach Inc, Roadrunner Resources (for LBCC students).