Mount Hood

Add these popular e-books to your virtual librar

Find your next page-turner with one of these e-books

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a captivating book and flipping through the pages, but there’s more than one way to enjoy a solid read. E-books, or electronic books, offer a convenient and simple way to discover new authors and novels. Plus, they typically have a “read-aloud” feature, which lets folks enjoy their book whenever and however they want. Kindle has countless bestsellers, all which range in genres and price points. With countless options readily available, there’s bound to be something for every avid reader out there.

  • “After Alice Fell: A Novel” by Kim Taylor Blakemore 
  • “The Bad Seed” by Jory John
  • “Bridgerton: The Duke & I” by Julia Quinn
  • “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr.
  • “A Deadly Influence” by Mike Omer
  • “The Four Winds: A Novel” by Kristin Hannah
  • “Hadley and Grace: A Novel” by Suzanne Redfearn 
  • “If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood” by Gregg Olsen
  • “In an Instant” by Suzanne Redfearn 
  • “Infinite” by Brian Freeman
  • “The Last Sister (Columbia River Book 1)” by Kedra Elliot
  • “The Light Through the Leaves: A Novel” by Glendy Vanderah 
  • “The Midnight Library: A Novel” by Matt Haig
  • “The Moonlight Child” by Karen McQuestion 
  • “The Next Wife” by Kiara Rouda 
  • “Not One of Us” by Debbie Herbet
  • “The Other Emily” by Dean Koontz
  • “The Shadow Box” by Juanne Rice 
  • “Temptation (The Hunted Series Book 1)”  by Ivy Smoak 
  • “The Vanishing Half: A Novel” by Brit Bennett 
  • “Verity” by Colleen Hoover
  • “The Wedding Game” by Meghan Quinn
  • “West with Giraffes: A Novel” by Lynda Rutledge 
  • “When We Believed in Mermaids: A Novel” by Barbara O’Neal
  • “Where the Lost Wander: A Novel” by Amy Harmon

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Get inspired and conquer creative block

Five tips for boosting creativity and overcoming artist’s block

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Creative block happens to the best of us, and it seems to happen at the most inconvenient times. Whether a creative medium is needed for a class or work, or it is simply used as an outlet, it can be frustrating to be out of ideas. When inspiration is lacking, try one of these strategies to jump-start creativity. 

Set aside time to work: Creativity is a skill, meaning it needs to be practiced regularly in order to improve. Dedicating time to working on one’s craft ⏤ even if it’s only 10 minutes a day ⏤ can continually keep the creative juices flowing. Remove distractions for an optimal work session.

Do nothing for a while: Alternatively, take a complete break from everything, including social media, homework and other stressors. Give the mind a mental break and take the time to recharge. This relaxing time can also be used to daydream or meditate on possible creative project ideas and let the imagination wander.

Try a new medium: When totally stuck, it could be time to do something new, yet still on the creative track. Try a hand at painting, crafting, writing, music, photography, baking or any number of creative outlets. If a friend or family member is skilled in a different medium, ask to spend some time with them performing their activity together.

Change the environment: According to entrepreneur.com, a change of scenery, even a slight change, can boost creativity. This could look like redecorating a workspace or working in a different room or location altogether.

Enjoy other artists’ work: Gather inspiration from others’ creations; any type of media can be helpful for any artist. Listening to music, exploring social media profiles and groups, watching videos or reading books and stories can all be inspiring while also providing some entertainment.

Brainstorm socially: Sometimes, the best ideas can come out of conversing with others. Exchange ideas directly with other artists, providing prompts for one another to work off of. Or simply take the time to have a fun conversation; maybe an interesting, inspiring topic will arise.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Find the ideal to-do list app

Six time management and habit tracker apps to stay organized

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Looking for a new way to manage time and keep track of habits? A multitude of apps exist to do just that — but which to choose? Here I provide an overview of six time management and to-do list apps to help narrow down the options. All are available for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

“Focus To-Do”: My favorite of the bunch, this app is based on the Pomodoro technique — work on something for 25 minutes straight, then take a five minute break. List upcoming tasks, estimate the amount of Pomodoro sessions it will take and start the timer to get to work. As an added incentive, users can grow a virtual sapling by completing sessions.

“MyLifeOrganized”: This app is great for those with a lot on their plate. Organize projects, tasks and reminders into multiple workspaces and subsections, and use tags to easily navigate different types of tasks.

“Productive”: With a cute design, “Productive” is aimed at those looking to keep track of daily habits, such as drinking enough water, waking up early and going for a walk. The app logs statistics overtime, and users can complete challenges for extra motivation.

“Remember The Milk”: Remember more than just the milk; this app offers a great way to organize all kinds of reminders while also adding a social element. Sync up specific to-do lists with other devices so that tasks can be managed from everywhere, and share lists with colleagues or friends to check off together. 

“TimeBloc”: Keep track of routines and events — both one-time and recurring — in one calendar with customizable color coded labels. Scroll through the day’s hour-by-hour tasks on the main tab, or view added routines on the second tab to plan ahead.

“Todoist”: Focused on making habits by keeping streaks, “Todoist” creates a reward system for completing to-do list items every day. Set goals and check off tasks on different boards in order to reach higher “Karma” levels.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

This week in completely made up horoscopes

The Western Howl Staff

Theme: No theme!

Aries 3/21-4/19  

You have entered the rat zone. 

Taurus 4/20-5/20

Be gay, do crimes 

Gemini 5/21-6/20 

okay google, why does burnt popcorn taste like how cat piss smells?

Cancer 6/21-7/22

Js, i’d sell your soul to satan for a corn chip

Leo 7/23-8/22

EArly summmmmer breakkk plz

Virgo 8/23-9/22

I think, ergo I am.

Libra 9/23-10/22

Hey siri, locate my fwb?

Scorpio 10/23-11/21 

Say hi to the gods

Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

Hello my little pogchamp UwU

Capricorn 12/22-1/19

If you see a sagittarius today, attack them say hello 🙂

Aquarius 1/20 – 2/18

zzzzz

Pisces 2/19 – 3/20

All I want today is a good gummy shark. 

Salem Riverfront Carousel announces plans for time capsule

Salem Carousel invites community members to preserve carousel memorabilia in a time capsule 

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

   

Inspired by the first old-world style carousel built in Missoula, Montana, the Salem Riverfront Carousel’s history, magic and community value has generated attention from all over the world since its grand opening in 2001.

In honor of the carousel’s 20th birthday, Assistant Director and Volunteer Programs Manager Laura Tea-Pelley proposed a time capsule to commemorate the magic it has brought to Oregon. Originally, the birthday bash was intended to be a yearlong campaign, but due to the ongoing pandemic, the carousel has closed its doors a total of three times as of April 30. According to Tea-Pelley, the carousel anticipates holding an event featuring the time capsule when they finally begin construction for their “A New Dream” project. 

According to salemcarousel.wixsite.com, the project involves the construction of a building designated as “The Stables.”

The building will be dedicated to providing an area of carving, education and event bookings.

In their current work space of 420 square feet, the carousel is not able to accommodate the guests they receive; on average the carousel receives more than 400 visitors. The new building will be approximately 2,400 square feet and plans to accommodate tours and increase accessibility. The current cost projected is approximately $2.7 million. Until the funding is obtained, the time capsule project will remain open for visitors of the carousel to send in various memorabilia from their time with the well loved icon of Salem.

“We’re all children at heart in a way,” said Tea-Pelley. “If we can hang onto that and protect that kind of innocence and guard that light of the world, I think it makes the world a better place.”

For patrons interested in sending items to be put in the capsule, the deadline to submit items is May 23. Participants are encouraged to mail any items they want included to 101 Front St. NE

Salem, OR. For more information or questions pertaining to what items are allowed in the capsule, please contact Laura Tea-Pelley at lauratp@salemcarousel.org or visit their Instagram page @salemcarousel.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Western professor wins “Educator of the Year”

IndyMo honors Dr. Leanne Merrill during  the 56th year of community awards

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

For a little more than half a century, the cities of Monmouth and Independence have celebrated community members through their “Community Awards.”

This year, Western’s own mathematics professor Dr. Leanne Merrill was honored as co-honoree in the “Educator of the Year” category. A newer hire at Western, Merrill has been teaching full time for less than four years, and taught part time at University of Oregon while completing her master’s degree.

“I feel very lucky to have been recognized at such an early stage in my career — I don’t even have tenure yet,” said Merrill. “I love my job because I am so grateful that I get to work with (Western) students. Every single day I am energized and inspired by (Western) students’ work ethic, humility, bravery and accomplishments.”

Merrill goes on to say how rewarding it is for her department to receive such a high achievement.

“Mathematics gets a bad rap a lot of the time,” said Merrill. “But I strongly believe that everyone can be a successful practitioner of mathematics, and that mathematical empowerment is a human right.

As an educator, Merrill says she has struggled with imposter syndrome, particularly being a woman in science, technology, engineering and math. Being given the award made Merrill feel empowered, and that her teaching style is resonating with students while also making a difference in their lives.

“Teaching is a great but challenging career because there is no one right way to do it — what works well is depending upon the teacher, the students and the relationships that are formed in the classrooms,” said Merrill. “As a teacher, I believe it is my duty to meet students where they are. Teaching is so dependent upon the individuals involved that it’s always possible to rework ideas or discover new fun ways of doing things.”

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Postponed certification of ASWOU elections officially finalized

Elections Committee delays certification after a grievance presented to the committee

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

After a week of candidates campaigning, the Associated Students of Western Oregon University Elections Committee has selected the candidates that will be representing Western students for the upcoming school year.

For the upcoming school year, students have elected Logan Jackson as ASWOU President, Devin Jay Thongdy as ASWOU Vice President, Elizabeth Braatz as Senate President, Hannah Young as Judicial Administrator, Maria Cuevas and Austin Olin as Justices and Caitlin Wheeler as an Incidental Fee Committee Member. 

Prior to the public certification of the election, the committee received an “outstanding grievance request” from one of the candidates, according to committee chair Houston Winslow.

“Our hearing (on April 27) was pursuant to a grievance regarding the actions of some members of the football team, coaches and players, who advocated a vote for the candidates Logan Jackson and Hannah Young,” said Winslow. “One coach sent a message to players saying: ‘VOTE! Or 1000 versa monday ;)’ which was challenged as threatening voters, a violation of our election’s bylaws.”

Ultimately, the grievance was determined by the committee to not be the result of any actions taken by Jackson and Young, and the candidate that submitted it did not file for an appeal; the committee certified the election results on April 28 at 8 a.m.

“Everything went through the proper channels and it was eventually proven that there were no signs of wrongdoing which I expected,” said junior public policy and administration major and newly elected ASWOU president Logan Jackson. “I think after witnessing such a ‘bumpy’ national election last year, it was made clear that elections may not always go as smoothly as planned.” 

Following similar trends to the national election, Jackson made history at Western for being the first female Black, Indigenous and Person of Color to be elected into the executive branch of ASWOU. 

“I think that it is a sentiment to that fact that we, as a university, are making progress because students of color are starting to want to be involved in leadership positions and decision-making processes,” said Jackson.

Looking towards the future, Jackson plans to work with all members of ASWOU as Western transitions from virtual learning back to in person and hybrid learning. She wants to ensure that students are comfortable and safe being in a lecture hall setting, and open opportunities to address and learn about the stress of members of the BIPOC community. 

Additionally, Jackson advocated for the community to remain proactive during the current health crisis.

“Now that everyone ages 16 + are eligible for the vaccine, get vaccinated!” said Jackson. “We’re at a very pivotal moment in this pandemic where we have the ability to turn things around for the better — that being said, I encourage everyone to schedule their appointments, bring their friends, and ask questions if they have any hesitancy! We’re all in this together.”

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

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Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

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