Mount Hood

A checklist to complete before graduation

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Graduation is looming, and so is DegreeWorks’s infinite checklist. Hopefully by the time the cap and gown go on, all items will be checked off and Western seniors will have the all-clear for graduation. However, there are other important things to do before leaving Western that won’t show up on Portal:

 

Get pictures with friends that are moving away — or, with friends who will be staying if you’re the one leaving. If not, you might reach the end of graduation and realize you don’t have momentos of all the people who helped you make good memories during your time at Western.

 

Ask for some letters of recommendation from your favorite professors or staff. Many are happy to help you take your next step towards a career, and most jobs will require a letter or two. It’s also an opportunity to thank them for their help over the years, or even just one term.

 

Study hard and go out on a good note. This may already be a given for some, but everyone has a rough term or two. Think of the satisfaction that would come with walking across the stage after earning some of your best grades ever.

 

Start networking. Some of the best job hunting resources in your field can come from people who either have been or are going into the same one. Some professors know of good resources or people to contact to start the job hunt, and keeping in touch with classmates and keeping each other updated can bring up different opportunities.

 

Take senior photos. Whether professional or casual with a friend and a smartphone, senior photos are a great way to mark a milestone and will be fun to look back on in a few years.

 

Take full advantage of Western’s resources. Right now, things like Hamersley Library – full of free information, the Health and Counseling Center with its health resources, and the Health and Wellness Center with its fitness facilities are all available to students. A lot of those benefits will go away after commencement, so take advantage of them while you can.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy

Where to host graduation parties in Monmouth and Independence

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Graduation is quickly approaching, and so are the ideas of how to celebrate graduation. Many students have some sort of celebration outside of commencement.

These much anticipated graduation party plans can be made more difficult by the fact that a large number of students live in small, shared apartments, dorms or rooms rented out by families. Additionally, some students have the complication of having to move out of said dwelling right around graduation time, leaving them with no location to host any kind of party. Fortunately, there are a number of places available for rent around Monmouth and Independence perfect for hosting graduation festivities.

 

Main Street Park

One of the closest options to campus, Main Street Park is located in downtown Monmouth and offers a spacious lawn perfect for a picnic party. The proximity to various restaurants and shops means there will be no shortage of food or refreshments. According the city’s website, the fee depends on the size of the event and reservations can be made by calling the City Recorder at (503) 751-0145.

 

Riverview Park

For another outdoor option, Riverfront park is another great location located in downtown Independence. The river right next to the park and the walking trails nearby add to the outdoorsy summer feel in warm weather. The application, which also contains pricing and available hours, can be found at ci.independence.or.us/recreation/riverview-park.

 

The Gentle House

Located on campus, the Gentle House grounds is an outdoor venue that offers some privacy from public spaces. Western students and alumni can also enjoy a 10% discount on the reservation fees, which can be found at wou.edu/gentlehouse.

 

Jubilee

For a smaller gathering, consider Independence’s dessert bar Jubilee and its reservable private back room. More information and reservation booking can be found at 296 S Main St, Independence, OR.

 

Fee Mail Depot

Many students know this located for shipping out textbooks rented online, but this location also has an outdoor patio space that can hold around 40 people. The base price for this venue is $100 for about four hours, but the business will cut that price in half if you rent your decorations from them as well.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy

Four tips for making the summer job search easier

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Summer: it makes people excited for festivals, activities and sunshine. In an ideal world, we would get to enjoy all of these things free from other worries. Unfortunately, the little matter of money often gets in the way, and many students will be hunting for an income to fund such activities. While the task of finding one can be daunting, there are a few steps to make the process easier.

First, consider how long you’ll need your summer job. If it’s just needed for the summer because you have one to go back to in the fall, there will likely be more jobs because seasonal or temp jobs are an option. If not, consider looking for one with flexible hours. That way, if you want to work some extra hours during the summer and back when school starts, you can still make some extra cash as well as pay all the bills.

Next, use all available online resources such as Indeed, LinkedIn and Handshake on Portal so that there’s multiple options to choose from. Also, be sure to check the posting dates as well as the start dates, instead of filling out a dozen applications when some might not even be available.

Putting together an availability list and preferred hours will also help speed up the process, as it will come up in some applications or interviews. It will also make you consider what kind of schedule you want after considering all factors. If you’re unsure of these and you tell the manager this, you might end up working much less or more than you would like.

If you decide to go the old school route and check in in person with places that might be hiring, have resumes ready to go and turn in. Some places will just take a resume and not require an application, and getting as many resumes out there will increase the chance of a call back.

Additionally, Western has its own resources for job hunting, the main one being the Service Learning and Career Development Center. Heather Duncan of the SLCD gave some advice on students on a job hunt.

“Definitely make a Handshake account, as that’s our main platform for listing jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities,” Duncan said. “It’s the most convenient place to find something.” Duncan also advised that “It’s always best to ask if you’re having trouble finding something that interests you.”

The SLCD will be open and offering services such as resume reviews up until the end of Spring Term. They are located in room 119 in the Werner University Center.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy

Where to go whale watching on the coast

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

During spring, there’s yet another reason to visit the Oregon coast: you might see a whale or two. Migratory patterns bring a few different species, such as gray whales, blue whales and humpback whales up the coast of the Pacific Northwest, according to the Oregonian. As a result, there’s a chance they can be seen at just about any point along the coast. Some places, however, are better than others. Here are just a few places to look out for whales when visiting the coast this spring.

 

Depoe Bay – Just south of Lincoln City, Depoe Bay is home to the Whale Watch Center and is considered the whale watching capital of Oregon.

Address: 119 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR

Price: Free

 

Yaquina Head – Located in Newport, home of the Oregon Coast Aquarium and two different lighthouses, Yaquina Head lighthouse is one of the prime places to spot whales.

Address: 750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR

Price: $7 for day pass, $15 for annual pass

 

Cape Perpetua – Near Yachats on the central Oregon Coast, the scenic Cape Perpetua is another great lookout.

Address: 2400 US-101, Yachats, OR (Visitor center)

Price: $5 parking

 

Cape Kiwanda – Pacific City’s picturesque natural area, Cape Kiwanda, is just over an hour from Western.

Address: Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR

Price: Free

 

Ecola State Park – The farthest north, Ecola State Park is not just  good whale watching spot, but is also near attractions such as Cannon Beach and Seaside.

Address: 84318 Ecola Park Road, Seaside, Cannon Beach, OR

Price: $5

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo by Rebecca Meyers

Visiting scholar Yuanyu Liao gives insight into Chinese culture through traditional poetry and calligraphy

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

In the U.S., the works of Shakespeare and Keats from hundreds of years ago are viewed as timeless classics that strongly affected the world of English poetry. According to chinasage.info, Chinese culture looks back even further — over one thousand years further — to their poetic Golden Age during the Tang dynasty. Visiting scholar Yuanyu Liao has brought traditional culture to Western’s campus with her painting and calligraphy in an exhibit on the third floor of Hamersly Library.

“My research is about Chinese art history. My focus is on traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy,” Dr. Yuanyu Liao explained. “I want to communicate with everyone about Chinese culture.” Poetry from the Tang dynasty and the dynasties beyond are extremely valued in Chinese culture today. Dr. Liao commented that from the time children start school in China, they start memorizing ancient poems.

Dr. Liao was born in Fengcheng, Jiangxi Province of China. Liao received her Master’s degree from Jiangxi Normal University in 2002, and continued on to study the painting history of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, graduating in 2012 with a PhD of art.

Liao has published multiple academic papers in journals such as Art Magazine and the Journal of the National Museum of China. Dr. Liao also published a book in 2017 titled “Relationship between Chen Hongshou Art, Identity and the Change of Dynasty.”

Currently, Dr. Liao is a master tutor and associate professor for the College of Fine Arts at her alma mater; she is also a member of the Jiangxi Female Painters Association.

In her exhibition titled “Image External,” Dr. Liao’s art reflects the core aspects of traditional Chinese poems and paintings.

“I think lines (are) very beautiful … when I (practice) calligraphy, I like the brush, ink and paper together,” commented Dr. Liao. “I think it’s very strong. I hope when people look (at) my work, they can understand (that strength).”

Dr. Liao has studied Chinese painting and calligraphy for 20 years.

“I like nature…” Dr. Liao explained, “the fresh asparagus smells of soil and rain, a blooming lotus is so beautiful; a sweet litchi is so delicious. The sun shines on the bamboo leaves, and the shadows on the walls sway in the wind … these touching feelings can be found in ancient Chinese poetry. I use the beautiful words and rhymes of these ancient poems to express my love for life.”

The “Image External” exhibit includes traditional poems from the Song, Ming, Tang and Qing dynasties, along with paintings of things from nature, such as pomegranates, shrimp, asparagus and different flowers.

While some paintings stand alone, some are coupled with ancient Chinese poems.

“Instead of a true imitation of nature, (ancient Chinese artists) use abstract, rhythmic lines to express an ethereal mood,” detailed Dr. Liao. The strong lines of the Chinese characters in the poems coupled with the delicate, minimalist paintings create a beautiful contrast.

“I hope if people come (to my exhibition), they can know ‘oh, Chinese culture (is) beautiful,’” Dr. Liao concluded.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo by Ashlynn Norton

Internationally acclaimed pianist Alon Goldstein plays Scarlatti, Bernstein, Beethoven and Schumann

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

According to Alon Goldstein’s website, alongoldstein.com, he is “one of the most original and sensitive pianists of his generation, admired for his musical intelligence, dynamic personality, artistic vision and innovative programming.”

On Friday night, April 19 at 7:30 p.m., Goldstein was introduced for his concert in Smith Music hall as an acclaimed and “busy” pianist. At the age of 18, Goldstein made his orchestral debut with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then, Goldstein has travelled across the world to play the piano with various symphonies, to places like Paris, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria and across the United States.

Goldstein travelled to Western’s campus to play the works of composers with backgrounds as diverse as his travels: Domenico Scarlatti, Leonard Bernstein, Ludwig Van Beethoven and Robert Schumann.

Opening the concert were four of Scarlatti’s 555 sonatas written for the piano. Born in Italy, Scarlatti’s compositions were influenced by the vitality of Spain and Portugal and by his home country. Goldstein described his chosen sonatas as “exercises in precision.” These selections were very technically intricate, and Goldstein played them with a meticulous yet graceful hand.

Next was the selection symphony no. 2 titled “The Age of Anxiety” by Bernstein, followed by “Sonata no. 13 in E-flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1” by Beethoven. Both pieces were skillfully navigated by Goldstein, who morphed between different emotions with ease.

The second half of the performance started with compositions by Schumann, a German composer that, according to Goldstein, sought to tell stories through his music. Titled “Kinderszenen Op. 15,” and containing many sub-movements, this composition explored “what is real and what is unreal,” described by Goldstein, “painted with notes.” Finally, the concert was concluded with another sonata by Beethoven.

Goldstein played with a conservative, light nature, never over-explaining a song’s background or meaning unless it was significant. Goldstein’s performance was only interrupted twice — once before the Scarlatti pieces and once before the Schumann pieces — but overall the pianist seemed to descend into a hyper-focused flow state throughout his performance.

Very technically proficient and with a light touch, Goldstein maintained the emotional integrity of each meticulously selected work. Goldstein, as made apparent by his April 19 performance, has cultivated and honed his talent into a practice that is accessible to an audience.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of alongoldstein.com

Campus Voices

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

“‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.’ It’s a certain kind of f—-d up but it’s really funny. It’s about a bunch of idiots who are just kind of funny.” -Sarah Getzendaner, first-year exercise science major

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“‘The Spring Baking Championship.’ I bake a lot so it’s a fun springtime thing and you get some new ideas.” -Kelly Dowell, first-year middle/high education major

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“‘The Act.’ I like documentary type shows and especially that type of thing … true crime and stuff.” – Lisa Purington, first-year ASL studies major

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“‘The Flash.’ He defied all odds and he’s not your average guy… he doesn’t believe in killing… it’s all about justice. I think every man should look up to him.” -Anthony Pablo, junior exercise science major

 

Photos by Chrys Weedon

Four Western Rugby players nominated to try-out for All-Star Grizzly team

Caity Healy | Editor-in-Chief

In its first year as part of the National Small College Rugby Organization, Western Oregon Rugby was already making a name for itself. Two seniors and two sophomores were invited to try out for the Pacific Coast All-Star team to play as Grizzlies: seniors Joey Caver and Matt Cornish, and sophomores Kai Segundo and Trever Kahunahana. Trying out individually, if they made it, they’d be playing the All-Star tournament in Houston, Texas beginning on May 23.

“It’s an honor to just be selected to try out,” explained Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Andy Main, “but if we get someone on the team, I’m really hoping to make it known because it’s a pretty big deal.”

Main went on to explain what it takes to be nominated; aside from talent on the turf, it all comes down to character.

“The success of the Pacific Coast All-Star team in the past was because they had high-character guys, as well as good rugby players. Absolutely all four of these guys meet that criteria,” Main said. “They’re good rugby players but also really good guys so I’m really proud they’re the ones getting the shot at this.”

On April 13, the morning of the tryouts, the players could feel a change in energy on the pitch.

“It was different honestly. I kept thinking about it the day of because I was comparing it to a regular game,” said Caver. “I was still really nervous but I knew that because it was more-individual focused … I didn’t have all the pressure and focus that I usually do. It was a different focus.”

Kahunahana could relate with the energy Caver was feeling that morning.

“I was really nervous. Not knowing the coaches… it’s really hard preparing for that… just getting thrown into the fire,” said Kahunahana.

When it came down to it, the four pushed their nerves aside and played as hard as they could. For the seniors, just being nominated was significant, as it was their last opportunity to show their skill for Western.

“It means a lot, actually. I’m a senior… Western Oregon Rugby means a lot to me,” said Caver. “It’s sad to know that I’m done with Western but now we have this, the All-Star game… knowing that there’s more gives me hope.”

Cornish added, “I’m always trying to go out there and do my best so this felt like a really good thing.”

As for the sophomores, being nominated at a young age meant something entirely different. For Kahunahana, it was only his second year playing rugby.

“For me it was a big experience. My position doesn’t really get the spotlight,” said Kahunahana, “the fact that someone actually made notice of my work was a really special thing.”

For Segundo, this was his first year every playing rugby at all.

“It was truly an honor to be nominated,” said Segundo. “I have been constantly working … to get a better knowledge of the game of rugby and to mold myself into the best player that I can be.”

After a long day of every player going out of their way to prove their talent and abilities, the team walked away with a sense of pride in what they had accomplished. But for Caver, that sense of pride came in the form of a confirmed spot in the Houston All-Star game.

“After the game, the coach pulled me aside and asked me, ‘are you going to be available for the Houston game?’” said Caver, “and I was like, ‘I’ll make myself available.’ … I got one of the three total automatic spots on the team from that day.”

The rest of the players are anxiously awaiting to hear whether or not they’ll be joining Caver with the Grizzlies, and the final results will be released on May 1. But as for now, the nominations alone shows the direction that Western Oregon Rugby is headed.

“WOU Rugby is going to be dominant in the future. With the four of us being nominated, it will motivate our other teammates to push harder in practice and in games to be nominated as well,” said Segundo.

Kahunahana added to that, saying “we’re going to be a really young team but luckily this year with a lot of experience passed down, we’re looking really good.”

 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Photos courtesy of Brandon Killen

Men’s Lacrosse closes out their senior send-off on top against Southern Oregon University

Caity Healy | Editor-in-Chief

The stands were filled with the cheers and howls of Wolves and fans alike, as the men made their way to the field for the last home game of the season. For some, it would be the last time they ever play on the home-turf. For others, it would be the last opportunity to show their Western fans the potential that Men’s Lacrosse has for years to come. Playing against rivals Southern Oregon University, the Wolves had a tough fight cut out for them on April 20.

However, before the game could begin, there were four seniors to be celebrated. Seniors Bryce Hinkle, Zack Rodgers, Andrew Barnett and Alex Eidler were presented with framed photos of them playing, a memento of the dedication put forth and memories made while taking to the field as a Wolf.

Once the gifts were given, it was time to get down to business.

“I was personally nervous up until the game actually started,” stated senior Bryce Hinkle. “The energy seemed a little less focused but more energetic than usual.” But once the game actually began, the momentum didn’t cease until the game came to a close.

Western would dodge down the field and score, and Southern would retaliate in the same manner. For the first quarter, this type of play continued, until Western found itself in a comfortable lead. Always sitting above Southern by at least a point, the Wolves wouldn’t let the Raiders’s quick-scoring get the best of them.

At half, Western was ready to make an adjustment to ensure the Raiders couldn’t come out on top. They decided to put their defenseman Justin Morales on Southern’s #00, and according to Hinkle, “he essentially shut down their best goal-scorer.”

From then on, Western was able to extend their lead to an even more comfortable margin, sitting a firm three-points above the Raiders throughout most of the third quarter, stretching into the fourth. It was a defensive stalemate, with both keepers putting a stop to any potential score. However, it wasn’t until the final minutes that the Wolves were able to find the back of the net, and extend their lead to 5, closing the game 18-13, Western.

“That game meant a lot to me, especially with it being the last game with some of my best friends who I would have never met otherwise,” said Hinkle. “The future of WOU LAX looks pretty good … this team has had the best chemistry of any team that I’ve been on here and I don’t see that changing in the future.”

The Wolves play again on Friday, April 26 at 4 p.m. against Gonzaga University in the first game of the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League playoffs. The last time Wolves played against Gonzaga was 2016, where Western lost 21-10 in the second round of the PNCLL playoffs.

 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy

Club Sport highlight: Get to know Western’s Dance Team

Caity Healy | Editor-in-Chief

How long has Western’s dance team been around?

WOU Dance Team has been a part of the WOU Club Sports for about 4 years.

What does an average day look like for someone who is on dance team?

The great thing about the dance team, (it) does not typically interfere with a student’s school schedule or ability to participate in other extra curricular activities at school. We practice three times a week in the evening Tuesday through Thursday.

How many people are involved with it?

For this academic year, we had 21 girls involved with the team by the end of basketball season. That has been the largest amount of participation and positive growth I have seen since I have been involved with the team in the past four years.

Is dance team currently doing anything on campus?

Spring Term is usually considered our “off season”- it is much more relaxed regarding our practice and performance schedule, but right now we are prepping for our upcoming kid’s clinic on May 25.

If someone is considering joining or trying out for the team, what is your advice?

Something that is really cool about our try-out process, is that we have two per year. One during Spring Term for the following fall and one at the end of Fall Term in the current academic year for basketball season in the winter. For somebody considering joining … my best advice is to have a positive attitude and have fun. Of course the dance team values somebody who is committed and a harder worker, but all we can ask is for  an individual who is willing to learn and have fun. We are not a competition team, so our schedule is not as rigorous as some people may think. We encourage people who have a background in dance such as other previous dance team experience, hip-hop, jazz, or pom to try out, but it is not required.

Where can students go if they are wanting to join, or wanting more information?

If you want to stay updated on current events, you can like our Facebook page “Western Oregon University Dance Team” or follow us at “WOU_danceteam” on Instagram. We have tryouts coming up at the end of May for football season of 2019. Follow our social media for updates if interested.

 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Photo by Paul F. Davis

Introducing the ASWOU candidates

Bailey Thompson | News Editor

 

Kevin Figueroa: President

“I am running for this position because I believe I can bring forward the advocacy students deserve and even beyond that. I believe that I am the best for this because of my experience within the ASWOU student government and have seen the inner workings of the government and administration and believe I can continue the amazing service and dedication for the following year. Entering ASWOU was one of the most exciting moments for me to begin my journey of having a position where I can amplify the students around me to better represent their desires and have all their voices heard within our community… In the event that I am elected, I will improve the diversity and communication between every clubs to ensure they have a voice among the campus.”

Photo courtesy of Kevin Figueroa

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Erik Morgan Jr.: President

“As a third-generation WOU student, I have come to love the WOU community and wish to continue serving the students of WOU as President of your student government. As a member of the ASWOU government for two years, I am the most experienced candidate running for President. As President of ASWOU, I will work to bridge the gaps between ASWOU and other advocacy departments on campus. This includes having regular meetings with organizations and their leaders such as the Veterans Resource Center and the Stonewall Center, co-organizing events with other departments, and working with the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and WOU administration so that we can be united in our messaging and mission. In this spirit of cohesive government, I am proud to be running alongside a group of dedicated individuals to serve the WOU student body. As such, I hope you will join me in voting for Monica Cerda Ortiz for Vice President, Abe Garibay for Senate President, and Daniel Woolf for Judicial Administrator.”

Photo courtesy of Erik Morgan Jr.

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Monica Cerda Ortiz: Vice President

“I am excited to be running for ASWOU Vice President! As the Vice President of your student body, I will work within the executive branch to advocate for student rights. I have a lot of experience working as a student leader and I look forward to using that experience to be an effective Vice President. I have served as a Multicultural Representative Coordinator for the past two years, an Unidos Executive member for two years, and have been the President of Unidos for the past year. You may also know me from PLUS Team, WOU Ambassadors, Multicultural Student Union and many other activities around campus… I encourage you to also vote Erik Morgan for President, Abe Garibay for Senate President, and Daniel Woolf for Judicial Administrator.”

Photo courtesy of Monica Cerda Ortiz

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Conner Price: Vice President

“I would like to make sure that everything behind the scenes is running smoothly, and that the students are getting the best benefits possible. I would like to make sure that everyone is receiving the best education possible.”

Photo courtesy of Conner Price

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Abe Garibay: Senate President

“For the past two years, I have worked as a cabinet member in the executive branch of (ASWOU). In that time, I have witnessed the advancements that have been made to help represent the student body through two different administrations. Although ASWOU has come a long from where it was two years ago, there is still progress to be made in truly representing the student body. The Senate has been the driving force of so much of the change in ASWOU and I am resolved to keep it on the track of becoming an active voice for students on our campus … Alongside Erik Morgan as President, Monica Cerda Ortiz as Vice President, and Daniel Woolf as Judicial Administrator, I will work to make the student senate a deliberative body which genuinely works alongside and fights for students.”

Photo courtesy of Abe Garibay

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Daniel Woolf: Judicial Administrator

“I am excited to be running for ASWOU Judicial Administrator. As the head of the Judicial Board, I will enforce effective policies that benefit all WOU students. I will personally work with clubs to ensure they understand and have input on the policies affecting them. I am currently the ASWOU Senate President Pro Tempore, so I am very familiar with the ASWOU governing documents which will allow me to successfully lead the Judicial Board interpreting them.

I am also running alongside A New ASWOU. I proudly endorse voting for Erik Morgan for President, Monica Cerda Ortiz for Vice-President, and Abe Garibay for Senate President. Together, we will work towards an ASWOU that better represents students and works to enact positive change within the WOU community.”

Photo courtesy of Daniel Woolf

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Rachel Bayly: IFC

“The Incidental Fee Committee is an opportunity for students to be directly involved in decisions about tuition and services at WOU, but few students know about what the fee does or how the process for setting it works. I have two years of experience on the Incidental Fee Committee, and I’ve seen that in reality a very small number of students are influencing this decision. If elected for a third year on the committee, I plan to seek out and encourage more student involvement, so next year’s IFC can make a decision that is truly reflective of WOU students’ desires.”

Photo courtesy of Rachel Bayly

 

This week in completely made up horoscopes

[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]

[fruitful_tab title=”Aries 3/21-4/19″] Just when Aries season was starting to get good, Taurus had to come along and end it. Thanks a lot, Taurus. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Taurus 4/20-5/20″] Cereal is just breakfast soup. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Gemini 5/21-6/20″] Hello, Gemini. Friendly reminder with this sunshine to please keep knees covered at all times. Thighs are fine. Shins are fine, also. But cover the knees!!!! [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Cancer 6/21-7/22″] Want to hear a sad story? My parents asked me what I am doing after I graduate. Yep, you know. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Leo 7/23-8/22″] Stop caressing your succulents. They need sunlight and water. Not your filthy, sweaty hands. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Virgo 8/23-9/22″] Your tip for the week: try doing homework. Give it a go. You never know — it might just help your grade, or something. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Libra 9/23-10/22″] Y’all hear somethin’? [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Scorpio 10/23-11/21″] ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Sagittarius 11/22-12/21″] HERE COMES THE SUN, DOO DOO DOO DOO [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Capricorn 12/22-1/19″] What if your sign was capriKorn? Rock on. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Aquarius 1/20-2/18″] Pisces knows what’s up. Can’t a b’ just get lost in the sauce? [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Pisces 2/19-3/20″] Did you know that the leading killer in the pasta kingdom is too little sauce. So y’all get lost in the sauce, not for you — but for your carbohydrates. [/fruitful_tab]

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Opinion: Six tips on how to be environmentally-friendly

Paul F. Davis | Managing Editor

Human-made environmental problems are showing — climate change and severe contamination — and they are killing our planet. Luckily, the solution is here — ban single-use plastic bags. Nope, sadly our earth’s human-made contamination is much too multifaceted to solve just by making plastic bags fly into the past like they fly away in a slight breeze.

Still, feel-good laws like these don’t actually have a large enough impact on future environmental issues. Even so, Oregon State Legislature passes bills like House Bill 2509 into law. Chiefly sponsored by Carla C. Piluso, the bill states that retail establishments statewide can only provide recycled paper bags for customer use. This will reduce the amount of single-use plastic bags consumed in Oregon. However, with the requisite reduction of plastic bags, there will need to be an equal increase in paper and reusable bags. According to the UK’s Environmental agency, “paper bags must be used three times” to neutralize its environmental impact, relative to plastic.

With that in mind, paper bags are objectively worse than plastic bags. This conclusion was made because the United Kingdom’s Environmental Agency found that paper bags require four times as much water to produce than plastic bags, and the trees that are used to create paper bags are contributors to acid rain. Not to mention, it requires seven trucks worth of paper bags to equal the number of plastic bags carried in on one semi-truck carrying plastic bags. But most importantly, have you used a wet paper bag?

What needs to be known is that being “environmentally-friendly” is much more complicated than “will it compost or not?” True environmentally-friendliness comes from what is called a life-cycle assessment of a good.

These life-cycle assessments take into account all facets of a product’s environmental footprint, including but not limited to: water usage, the toxicity of after products, the energy necessary to produce, what it took to manufacture the raw materials needed and the transport after production.

We already know the best and basic steps to at least work towards a more environmentally friendly attitude: reduce, reuse, recycle.

Reduction is accomplished mostly by asking yourself, “do I really need this?” Do I need these takeout utensils, or should I use my own that I have at home? Am I buying this new phone because I need it, or because I want to look a certain way?  

Reuse can be as simple as using your new fancy paper bag as a trash bag or by buying refurbished technology — which is cheaper, too.

For those that don’t know how to recycle, the most important thing you can do is contact your local recycler and ask what you can and cannot recycle; some recyclables can be recycled but some areas don’t have the technology to do so. For example, even though paper cups given to you at Starbucks or Dutch Bros say that they are recyclable, most areas cannot actually recycle them because there is thin plastic layer on the inside of every cup that requires a special technology to remove said layer.

Being environmentally-friendly can be hard, but if you work on being intentional with your choices you can make huge difference in your environmental footprint.

Tips based on information provided by the Environment and Ecology website

  • Buy refurbished technology rather than new technology
  • Drink vegetable-based milk instead of cow’s milk
  • Go paperless for your bills
  • Invest in reusable utensils
  • Reduce the amount of meat you eat
  • Reduce the single-use food and drink containers you use

 

Contact the author at pfdavis14@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

Don Bigote’s food truck opens in Salem

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Along the stretch of Portland Road in Salem, a small market’s parking lot is currently home to two food trucks: one selling classic street tacos and another with a complementary array of desserts unlikely to be found in many other places. Don Bigote is something I didn’t know I needed: a churro-and-ice cream-centric range of desserts.

To be clear, there are not just desserts on this menu — there are a few wraps and fry options — but they do make up a bulk of it. And for good reason; this is clearly Don Bigote’s specialty. Ice cream sandwiches made with fresh churros, churro banana splits, plantains doused in chocolate sauce whipped cream, crepes filled with fruit and whipped cream and churros rellenos — or filled with creams or jellies — are just a few items on the list.

In short, this is the perfect place to go when you’re craving the kind of ridiculous sweet and fried goodness you’d find at a county fair.  

Deciding I couldn’t not try one of their advertised handcrafted churros, I ordered a churro ice cream sandwich, because go big or go home. The two fresh fried treats sandwiched a generous scoop of Oreo ice cream and was also drizzled in fudge and, interestingly, fruity pebbles, which I found surprising but didn’t object to.

Obviously, it was quite tasty. I found the ice cream to churro ratio perfect, and the additional toppings not overdone so that the two main flavors were what really stuck out.

Overall, the ambiance is quite nonexistent and there’s not much to be said about location. However, the next time I have a reason to drive up Portland Road, I would gladly make a slight detour to pick up a milkshake with a churro as a straw from a very pleasant staff. I would, however, advise anyone doing the same to check their hours, as they vary by the day.

 

Overall Rating: I would recommend Don Bigote.  

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

Where to find farmers markets in Independence

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Despite the pouring rain, two farmers’ markets have officially opened in downtown Independence. On Saturdays, you can now attend either one and find plants, produce, baked goods and handmade crafts, either behind Umpqua Bank or where the street meets Riverfront Park.

The first to open was the “original” Independence Farmers Market behind the bank, which served free coffee and cinnamon buns to celebrate the first day open for business. This market, which has been running since 1993 according to their website, offers a small variety of herbs, plants and flowers and also features a stand of affordable jewelry.

Near the river, the Riverview market offers a similar variety but has some unique features. The market manager Sue Barker explained that some vendors’ attendance depends on the weather. For example, textile-selling booths are less likely to be present when their merchandise is in danger of getting drenched by the ever present Oregon rain. Fortunately, a few attend rain or shine, so you can count on finding farm fresh greens, homemade jams, baked goods and even a blown-glass display.

Joshua Vincent of Vincent Glass Works brings a portable workshop to the Riverview Market, where shoppers can observe the artwork in progress. Vincent is married to a recent Western graduate who studied art, and therefore encourages any and all art students at Western to continue their studies.

“I would be proud to have (Western) students learning from me,” Vincent stated.

The Riverview Market has been open for seven years now and has slowly been growing.

As for the question as to what one should do if they are interested in selling their wares, Barker has a simple answer: “Come talk to me,” she said. Barker’s booth is easy to find — it’s the one with all of the brochures about local events.

The markets are a great way to support local farmers and businesses, as well as a great way to shop outdoors and enjoy the sun once it finally appears. The markets are both open from April to November, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy Rebecca Meyers

Safety on campus and services provided to students

Karlene Curtin | Freelancer

When picking a school or place of employment, we hope that our “dignity, diversity and civil liberties are honored and protected,” as stated by Campus Public Safety. According to The National Council For Home and Security, Monmouth, Oregon ranks as the third safest city in Oregon. With Western’s population just over 5,000 students, safety on campus is critical.

Campus Public Safety officers care about Western’s students and faculty.

I had the opportunity to conduct an interview with the office manager, Kevin Thibeault, of CPS.

 

What are the benefits of having student workers at CPS? Is it only for those who want to pursue criminal justice?

Student workers provide many benefits for Campus Public Safety. CPS student workers help with traffic and event control during big events such as commencement, New Student Move-in Day, and sporting events. CPS student workers also help keep campus safe by providing after hour support while working dispatch for the university. CPS encourages students from all different backgrounds and educational degrees to work within our department.

How do CPS Officers honor the civil liberties of students and staff?

The following is our mission statement found on our website.

“The mission of the Campus Public Safety Department of Western Oregon University is to engender a sense of safety and security by providing an environment in which students, faculty, staff and visitors can learn, work, and live. This is accomplished by a professionally trained corps of officers and staff that honor the individual dignity, diversity, and civil liberties of all people.”
CPS also plays a role in WOU’s ongoing efforts to shape an inclusive university environment. We recognize the various dimensions of diversity, including, but not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, religion/spirituality, size, abilities and disabilities, and gender expression/identity.
CPS has an obligation to treat all members of our campus community with courtesy and respect.

What services are provided to students and faculty?

CPS provides various services to Student, Faculty, and Staff. Some of the services that we provide include:
Vehicle Jumpstarts; vehicle access when keys are locked in car; will air up your tire if it is low; Loaner Gas Can Program; lost and found; safety escorts; First Aid/CPR/AED trainings; ALICE Trainings; loaner fatal vision impairment goggles (alcohol and marijuana)

 

For more information about services provided, visit wou.edu/safety, or contact their main office at 503-838-8481.

 

Contact the author at kcurtin14@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

The international student’s experience checklist

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Every year, new international students are subjected to culture shock and the many confusing quirks and traditions the United States has. Many will be leaving Western with the rest of us after Spring Term. To those students, hopefully your adjustment has been easy and you’ve learned a lot about the community since your arrival. For those that haven’t already, here’s a few more essential experiences to add to your to-do list before you leave.

 

Visit a natural landmark. The United States is full of beautiful landscapes, and you don’t have to go far to find one. Wherever you’re from, there’s bound to be something new to explore; Oregon contains mountains, rainforests, coasts and deserts.

 

Go to a festival or fair. There’s always plenty of good celebrations; spring and summer will bring music festivals, county fairs, rodeos and other festivities to the area.

 

Try different food. Our communities are various combinations of different cultures, and as a result you can find just about any kind of food here, from Chinese cuisine to Mexican dishes to Irish pubs. While most of these have been heavily adapted, there’s a few hidden gems that could be considered authentic. We know you’re already branching out quite a bit by moving far from home, but why not try a little extra something new?

 

Visit a big city. Western is a great place to learn, but it’s a relatively small sample size of both the United States and Oregon. Where better a place is there to learn about people of a new culture than a place where there’s a lot of them? Big cities are also usually home to many cultural hubs, such as famous icons, like the Space Needle.

 

If the opportunity arises, attend a tailgate. According to Culture Trip, this tradition, along with our enthusiasm for college sports, is largely unique to the United States. There may not be many opportunities left until fall, since it usually occurs during football season, but sometimes tailgating before other events, like baseball, will happen. While you’re at it, consider attending a game, whether at Western or elsewhere. Many people certainly have an enthusiasm for their team, and it makes sporting events an experience, not just an observation.

 

Attend commencement, even if you’re not graduating. According to dailyinfographic.com, some countries like the UK have similar traditions, but some have none at all or traditions that are very different. While it can sometimes last several hours, it’s a way to celebrate the success of your friends, or your own success if you will be joining.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar visits campus

Sean Martinez | Staff Writer

Ayad Akhtar has found success in many different creative spheres, including playwriting, book writing and film and television. On Tuesday, April 9, Akhtar visited Western Oregon University to talk about some of his most famous works. During a sit-down interview, Akhtar discussed his passion for literature as well as his thought processes as he wrote his plays.

Around the age of 15, Akhtar began to write, inspired by a high school teacher. Attending college to pursue his dream in theater, he knew he was destined to write a play, but he did not know where to start.

“I often say a good idea for a story is the meeting point between two or three ideas,” Akhtar said. He waited for his gathered ideas to converge before he began writing his most successful play to date.

“Disgraced,” which was released in 2012, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2013. The play highlights the conflicts that arise when identity interferes with religion.

“One of the reasons “Disgraced” ended up being (so popular) is because it foresaw what was happening politically in America before it happened,” Akhtar stated.

Akhtar’s goal when writing is to keep the audience engaged and thinking, which is why he rewrote the ending for “Disgraced” thirteen times to ensure it would. After audiences witnessed the complexity of the play, talkbacks were enforced so viewers could engage with Akhtar.

“I was constantly tweaking and shaping the play based on my experiences of seeing it with audiences,” Akhtar stated.

Later that night, Western’s Jensen Lecture Series hosted “An Evening with Ayad Akhtar,” as he continued to shed more light on “Disgraced,” as well as “A War Within,” released in 2005, and “The Invisible Hand,” released in 2015. He was interviewed live on stage by theater professor Kent Neely, who then took questions from the audience. Akhtar appreciated the uncertainty of the questions he was asked.

“I don’t need to see (the questions). I think the more spontaneous the dialogue is, the better,” Akhtar admitted. He proceeded to answer questions concerning his life experiences.

Despite all of Akhtar’s success, it never came easy. Even with encouraging parents, it took twenty-three years for Akhtar to finally feel comfortable as a writer. It was during Akhtar’s 20s when the real struggles started: his grandparents berated his parents for Akhtar not pursuing a career that was economically rewarding, and for not knowing what to write about. In his 30s, Akhtar realized writing was a way to express his beliefs.

“Getting perspective on your own experience and understanding what’s valuable in it for other people to know is a huge lesson,” Akhtar concluded.

 

Contact the author at smartinez17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ayad Akhtar

Spring entertainment: campus events that will keep boredom at bay

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

April 17

Diane Tarter “Pages” exhibit opening

Join the artist for the opening reception of her exhibit.

Location: Second floor Hamersly Library

Time: 4:00-5:30 p.m.

 

April 19

Alon Goldstein masterclass and performance

Guest artist teaches a masterclass on the piano and gives a performance.

Location: Smith Music Hall

Time: Masterclass: 10:30 a.m., Performance: 7:30 p.m.

 

May 1

An elegant evening of piano music

This recital features the work of the piano students of the music program.

Location: Smith Music Hall

Time: 7:30 p.m.

 

May 2

An elegant evening of vocal music

Singing duo Claire Hudkins (Western faculty) and Deac Guidi perform, accompanied by Susan Buehler.

Location: Smith Music Hall

Time: 7:30 p.m.

 

May 14

Chamber music at Western

Chamber music presented by Dr. Carlos Velez.

Location: Smith Music Hall

Time: 7:30 p.m.

 

May 16

Salem String Quartet

The Quartet returns to Western with faculty Katherine Perks on cello.

Location: Smith Music Hall

Time: 7:30 p.m.

 

June 1

Percussion ensemble

Paul Owen directs this term’s percussion ensemble.

Location: Smith Music Hall

Time: 7:30 p.m.

 

June 3

Victor Barranco masterclass and Jazz Orchestra and Latin Jazz Ensemble

Barranco teaches a jazz masterclass and is a featured guest artist performing with the Jazz ensembles later in the night.

Location: Masterclass: Smith Music Hall, Performance: Rice Auditorium

Time: Masterclasses: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., Performance: 7:30 p.m.

 

June 8

Smith Fine Arts presents: Kelly Willis

After a long hiatus, Willis is back on tour promoting “Back Being Blue,” released in 2018.

Location: Rice Auditorium

Time: 7:30 p.m.

 

June 13

The Rosa Lee Show

Rosa Lee performs a one-woman show that involves stories, poetry, video, and more, all in American Sign Language.

Location: Rice Auditorium

Time: 4:00- 6:00 p.m.

 

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Women’s rugby faces off against unplanned Alumnae/outside player team

Cora McClain | Copy Editor

There was a chill in the air on the drizzly morning of April 13 as Western’s women’s rugby took to the pitch against a team sporting very similar colors to our Wolves. An interview with club president Lexi Osborn after the game cleared up the confusion.

“Eastern cancelled on us Wednesday, so we sent out a mass Facebook post inviting any women ruger (rugby player) in the Oregon area to come out for our seniors’ last home game … most of them are alum,” Osborn explained.

The Alumnae and Wolves faced off for this exciting match. From the first blow of the whistle, the energy between the two teams was palpable, both giving their all. The experience of the alumnae was obvious from their expert passing and pushing against the Wolves as they held their defensive line. However, it couldn’t hold the Alums back from scoring the first try of the game. This was followed shortly by a quick play by the Wolves that won them their first try.

After, the aggressive teams struggled up and down the sideline. Their bodies slammed together, each team pushing as the rain began to pour. The raw power of the Wolves gave them the ability to crawl along the sideline to their next try, making it through the uprights for the extra points, taking the lead. However, the Alumnae retaliated with their fast passing to earn their next try.

This struggle continued as the cheering of supportive fans rang out as the Wolves found a break in the Alumnae’s defensive. Sprinting down the center of the field to a slide through the uprights earned the Wolves their final try for the half. The hard work of each team displayed in the final score of the half, 24-20 Wolves.

The second half saw the teams come back with even more energy than before. A battle that traveled from sideline to sideline ensued, with injuries sustained from both the Wolves and Alumnae as the later pulled ahead with decisive passing and power pushing them into a lead. However, as the clock had 16 minutes left, the teams broke and gathered together into a huddle. Hip-hip-hoorays rang out over the field as the sun peaked out from the clouds.

After the seniors were presented to the crowd of cheering fans, each sporting a crown of flowers, Osborn explained that it was the Wolves’s final home match for the season.

“We wanted to give the seniors a good send-off,” Osborn said. When asked about the future of the club, she explained that half of the team are rookies who started just two weeks earlier.

“We have a lot to learn,” Osborn said. She explained how they were going to have to work on their defense for future games.

The Wolves will be taking to the pitch once again on April 20 to face off against University of Portland.

 

Contact the author at cmcclain17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

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