Mount Hood

Not your average fairy tale

By Katrina Penaflor
 Campus Life Editor

Hamersly Library will host a book signing and reading of Kate Ristau’s young adult novel “Shadowgirl,” Wednesday, May 27, from 4-6 p.m. in room 107.

Ristau is a former writing instructor at Western who has always harbored passions for teaching and writing.

Some of her former works include a collaboration with multiple professors from the English and writing department on the coffee-themed anthology Coarse Grounds, and the book Commas: An Irreverent Primer, which she wrote with literature and writing instructor Maren Anderson.

Ristau said she enjoys writing young adult and middle grade fiction and loves incorporating her background in folklore into her work.

“Shadowgirl” was originally published by Lycaon Press and later by Parenthetical publishing. It was released May 21.

The novel is a young adult fantasy with incorporated elements of Irish folklore, and tells the story of a fey named Áine, whom Ristau said “crossed over from the fairy world to our world.” The book follows Áine’s journey to finding the truth about her family and past.

“It’s not a light fairy tale,” Ristau said and adding that the novel’s tagline is “this is not a fairy tale.”

Ristau said the novel raises the question: “if a fairy came to our world what would it really be like?”

Ristau’s “stories are tight and have a forward momentum that makes them fast, exciting reads,” Anderson said.

“Shadowgirl” is already raking in rave reviews on Amazon. One reader, Pam Killebrew, wrote in her review, “I inhaled this book — from the first chapter I was hooked; I couldn’t put it down. Interesting setting, intriguing characters, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”

Aside from the upcoming signing in Hamersly Library, Ristau will also be at Annie Bloom’s Books in Portland May 28 from 7-8 p.m.

Ristau’s advice for students and writers is to continually write.

“Get a draft and get something out on the page,” she said. The next step is “you have to revise and edit,” and then: “you have to send it out.”

She added: “after you send something out, keep writing more.”

Ristau is currently drafting a sequel to “Shadowgirl,” and has two other novels in submission.

For more information about Ristau’s work, go to her website http://kateristau.com/

100 Years of Never Ceasing to Learn

By Elizabeth Lowry
 Freelancer

Withstanding the test of time, Western’s Information Technology Center is celebrating its centennial this year.

In 1882, the Oregon State Legislature — according to John C. Almack’s History of Oregon Normal Schools — passed a law that created state normal schools. Derived from the French term ecole normale, normal schools were institutions that provided training programs in the “norms” of teaching.

Western, named Christian College at the time, renamed to Oregon State Normal School. Four other normal schools were opened in the cities of Ashland, The Dalles, Weston and Drain.

However, 16 years later in 1898, legislature would pass The Daly Bill which took away the power to grant teaching certificates from both denominational and state normal schools. While the plan was to eventually give authority back to state schools, in 1909 state funding was pulled completely and all five normal schools closed.

Through the support of the Monmouth, Independence and Polk County communities, the Monmouth school was able to open its doors once again, renaming to Oregon Normal School (ONS) in 1911.

With the new lack of normal schools, ONS found itself in the predicament of raising student enrollment and decreasing space.

With only four classrooms in their model school, dubbed “the Patch School” due to its differing colors of exterior paint on its original floor subsequent addition of a second floor, ONS approached the Oregon State Legislature to request funds for a new training school.

In 1915, Legislature awarded ONS $50,000 and development for the Monmouth Training School was put on the fast track.

Under the supervision of skilled state architect John Virginius Bennes and Corvallis contracting firm Snook and Traver, construction for the two story building, which included a basement, began on Aug. 11, 1915. Using many Oregon-based materials, including stones mined from Oregon quarries, the Training School officially opened Feb. 14, 1916.

The finished building was comprised of a 210-seat auditorium, 7 classrooms with attached recitation rooms, restrooms, administrative offices and a 2,000-book library. The basement contained two playrooms, domestic science and art rooms and a children’s lunch room.

As the campus population continued to increase, the Training School went through several major changes in its 100-year history, including the addition of its northeast and southeast wings for increased classroom space in 1949 and 1959 respectively. In 1964, the Training School changed its name to Campus Elementary School (CES) to avoid confusion with the new Monmouth Elementary School. By 1986, CES had closed and the building underwent a structural remodel before being repurposed as the Instructional Technology Center (ITC).

Currently the ITC is home to Western’s computer and audio/visual centers. An architectural staple, the ITC holds a rich historical past and a bright indispensable future to Western’s campus.

The ITC exhibit “100 Years of Service: Never Cease to Learn” exhibit is located on the second floor of Hamersly Library and is available for viewing until June 30.

Speaker shares experiences of deafblind and LGBTQ communities

By Amanda Clarke
Staff Writer
Jasper Norman
Jasper Norman

Jasper Norman, a deafblind, transgender, Latino male from New York, shared his life story during a presentation in the Willamette room, May 11.

Norman is a first generation Latino American. He is also a pro-tactile signer, which is new in the deafblind community. This way of signing includes signing on the person’s back to whom he is talking so he can feel the reaction to what he says, and using both hands to sign.

When Norman was in the third grade, he said that was when he first began to feel that he identified more with males than he did females.

It was not until later when he was attending college in Ohio, to receive a degree in web design, where he saw the transgender speaker, Joseph Gartner, that he realized his true identity as a male, Norman said.

In college, his vision became so bad that he was unable to finish his degree. He then decided to move to Seattle to seek a better transgender community.

Norman presented the video of his first testosterone injection during the presentation, and also added that he shows it at workshops as well. Norman takes testosterone injections weekly and has been doing so for the past two years.

This event helped people to understand and learn more about the LGBTQ and deafblind communities as well as how they are accepted depending on their sexual identity in the world.

Norman gave time after his presentation to let audience members ask questions. They were done in a variety of ways, such as signing, speaking out loud, or anonymously via text to James Parrish, a first-year criminal justice major, who helped run the program.

“I don’t actually know a lot of people in the trans community,” Parrish said. “It is nice to go somewhere and feel like I belong.”

“My goal is to spread awareness,” Norman said. There is a “lack of news and understanding about LGBTQ […] because it’s such an old thing.”

He also mentioned that with pronouns, people should, “ask first, instead of guessing.”

Norman said that being deaf and blind is a bigger challenge than what he faces being transgender, especially because of the difficulty of finding employment with a disability.

His talk at Western is one of his firsts, but he is willing to present more in the future, “not just for myself but for others who may benefit,” he said, as well as the “need to address the lack of information [with LGBTQ].”

Sarah Tabor, a first-year psychology major, said it was a great to “hear about his life stories as well as some struggles, and it was very eye opening.”

Norman said he is looking to finish his web design degree, and help deaf and blind people. “A lot of deafblind people are isolated, and they stay home,” he said, because “they don’t have the accommodations they need.”

Madison Adrian, a first-year early education major, said it “was really interesting. It was good to see his perspective and take on things and I learned a lot from it.”

Fundraising for Nepal

By Katrina Penaflor
 Campus Life Editor
PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMRID ARYAL
PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMRID ARYAL

A 7.8 earthquake hit Nepal April 25, resulting in a devastating toll of over 8,000 deaths, according to www.npr.com.

NPR later reported that the disaster continued when a recent 7.3 earthquake struck Kathmandu, Nepal, May 12, just weeks after the first. Continuous aftershocks
occurred with magnitudes of six and five.

With the need for help being urgent, students and faculty around campus, some of which have a direct connection to Nepal, have made the effort to fundraise in support.

“My family, friends, and people back home are directly impacted from this earthquake,” said Samrid Aryal, an information systems major. “So, I decided to do what I can from here and approach the WOU community for help.”

Another student, Samhita Dixit, an international studies major, felt a personal impact from the earthquake, which drew him to get involved.

“I remember looking at the news all weekend long and just crying,” Dixit said. “It was really hard not being able to contact family and friends.”

Fundraising for the campaign, referred to as #woustandswithnepal, began with tabling in the Werner Center for two weeks, and extended to students asking the community to help.

The International Club donated $1 from each of their tickets sold for their annual International Night, and additional money was raised during henna tattoo sales at the event.

Students from Western who were involved with the fundraiser spoke with and thanked local organizations who were making their own efforts to help Nepal, like the Salem Rotary Club, who made an approximate donation of $10,000 to the Nepal Red Cross.

Volunteers have received a lot of support around campus.

Vikas Sharma, an information system major said: “We got a really good response from all the WOU community including students, staff and faculty.” President Mark Weiss and dean of students, Tina Fuchs, are among the many who donated.

“We would like to thank everyone who made this fundraising possible,” Aryal said. “The funds that we collected will make a direct and immediate impact to the people of Nepal.”

To donate, go to wou.edu/give and click “Support WOU,” followed by “Others (Nepal Relief).” Checks can be made out to the WOU Foundation, Nepal Relief Fund and dropped off at Western’s foundation office.

NOH8

By Emily Pate
Freelancer

November 4, 2008, Proposition 8 was passed in California, amending the state constitution to ban the legal right of same-sex couples to marry. The NOH8 (no hate) Campaign, created by photographer Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley, rose up in protest.

According to the campaign’s website, http://www.noh8campaign.com, NOH8’s mission is: “To promote marriage, gender and human equality through education, advocacy, social media, and visual protest.”

This Friday, as a part of Western’s Pride Month Celebration, NOH8 will come to our campus.

This visual protest will take place in the Werner University Center, May 15, 12 to 3 p.m. There will be a photo shoot in the second floor lobby to document the support of Western students for their fight against hate.

NOH8 is a silent protest. Subjects are photographed with duct tape over their mouths and NOH8 painted on their faces to represent the voices being silenced by Proposition 8 and legislation alike.

Amanda Murray, a senior and interdisciplinary studies major, expressed her excitement at participating in the photoshoot, and for the NOH8 Campaign in general.

“I don’t think it’s needed so much at Western, because we’re already such an accepting community,” Murray said. “However, I think it’s great when the NOH8 Campaign comes here. Not only is it fun, because I always have a blast, but it spreads awareness of the LGBTQ+ community’s struggles.”

Patrick Harish, a junior business major, said he believes in the importance of the NOH8 Campaign’s message.

“I think that it is important due to the fact that when we are born, we are all created equal and it should stay that way,” Harish said.

Like Murray, he plans on getting his photo taken in support.

“I am going to the photoshoot on Friday because I personally want there to be love and not hate,” Harnish said.

The photoshoot is a way for anyone to get involved in NOH8’s message of equality. NOH8’s website reports that the Campaign has photographed nearly 33,000 faces, a number that includes Western students.

While it started as a reaction against the banning of same-sex marriage, NOH8 has become a protest against all discrimination, a cause aided by campuses like Western.

Book Review: “Hemlock Grove” is howl-worthy horror

By Jenna Beresheim
Staff Writer

If you’re craving an enticing novel full of the supernatural, look no further than “Hemlock Grove” by Brian McGreevy.

This horror-thriller novel was published in 2010 and only recently began to peep out of the underground after the release of a Netflix series adaptation in 2011.

Both the novel and series complement one another, so it is advised that you read the novel and use the series as supplemental information. Netflix has signed on for a total of three seasons, allowing viewers to follow favorite characters long after the end of the novel.

Vampires, werewolves, witches, oh my! “Hemlock Grove” has it all, and more. But this is not your typical supernatural series.

McGreevy focuses on the macabre: vampires replaced by Upirs, a stronger, darker breed than what we are accustomed to. Lycanthropy is hereditary, with dire consequences following those who attempt to become one outside of natural law. This book is full to the brim with blood, impressive imagery, and complicated characters.

Peter Rumancek, a werewolf from a gypsy family, moves to Hemlock Grove, Pennsylvania to start a new life with his mother. There, a string of grisly murders lead townsfolk to instantly blame him, assuming the newcomer is the base of all their problems.

With Peter trying to clear his name, fate would have it that he befriends Roman Godfrey. Known for his wealth and influence as the spoiled son of Godfrey Institute, the town’s largest company, Roman plays a key role in the two’s investigation.

Ultimately, this book has its ups and downs. If you can keep track of an entangled web of characters and how they are all connected to one another, this is the book for you. If you are not squeamish and enjoy a good, dark read, McGreevy delivers to a whole new level.

Next time you are craving vampires and werewolves, flavored with variety and seasoned with a hint of Gothic literature, look no further than “Hemlock Grove.”

Lu’au

By Jenna Beresheim
Staff Writer

Western students will have a chance to break away from the drab Oregon weather, entering a cultural snapshot of Polynesia and beyond at the Hawai’i Club’s ninth annual Lu’au, Saturday, May 16.

The event spans over five hours, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m., dinner beginning by 5:30 p.m., and rounding out the evening with a reggae concert by Steadyriots at 9 p.m. The main attraction, the dance show, will take place between these two events, starting at 6:30 p.m.

“There will be Tahitian dancing, Samoan dancing, Maori dancing, and Hula dancing,” said Hawai’i club president, Kamaluhiaakauanani Kauahi-Daniels, a second year communications major. “It will be filled with lots of fun, and you can experience a whole lot of different cultures of the Pacific.”

If none of these dances are familiar to you, or you have never experienced the culinary culture of Polynesia, this event may be for you. Do not be fooled that this event will only focus around Hawaiian culture — the variety of dances show that many cultures will be exhibited in this fun-filled night.

“We put on the Lu’au so we can show and teach the world of the many Polynesian cultures that run through our islands,” said Alyssa Carvalho, a senior business major and vice president of the Hawai’i club. “The dances we dance have meaning and history behind it. It’s the stories of our ancestors and islands. It’s not all about grass skirts, palm trees and bright colors.”

Students should also expect to engage in games, a photo booth, and even a bake sale outside of the main show. These events will be going on during the breaks before dinner and in between the dance presentation.

“For this year, we hope to reach out to others and teach them of our cultures and get them wanting to come back to our future Lu’aus,” Carvalho said.

Tickets are still available for pre-sale through Friday, and start at $5 for students and $15 for non-students. At the door on Saturday, they will raise by $2 each. Kauahi-Daniels heavily encourages students to attend “to learn more about the Polynesian culture. There will be lots to do there!”

If you are interested and wish to purchase your tickets, contact the Hawaii Club at hawaiiclub@wou.edu.

Strolling through Yard Shows

“The Stroll” is the dance of choice by Western and Oregon State Greek life members who participated in Wednesday’s Yard Show. PHOTO BY MATT COULTER
“The Stroll” is the dance of choice by Western and Oregon State Greek life members who participated
in Wednesday’s Yard Show.
PHOTO BY MATT COULTER
By Jenna Beresheim
Staff Writer

Amassed in a flock of vibrant colors and distinguishing markings, sorority sisters and fraternity brothers clad in representative garb gathered in the Werner University Center plaza April 6 for Spirit Week.

The event was known as a Yard Show, where various members from the houses get together and “stroll,” a form of dancing where contestants line up and perform a coordinated dance in that line. Lines ranged from three people long to over 12.

Six houses showed up to this competition, hosted by Omega Delta Phi – a Western fraternity that started the event last year after attending one hosted by Oregon State University.

“It was really fun and we wanted to do it again, make it a tradition,” said Kevin Alejandrez, a third year sociology major and president of Omega Delta Phi. “It’s just a fun way to hang out with each other and dance.”

This Yard Show has a main focus on having fun and hanging out, with competition taking back seat to mingling with friends. Even a sorority from OSU, Gamma Alpha Omega, came to this event.

“We come back to support Greek unity at WOU,” said Courtney Calleros, a biology senior from OSU and president of Gamma Alpha Omega. “It takes a lot of time and effort to put on these events.”

Alejandrez said they hope to continue this throughout the years, allowing the houses to get together and have fun, mingled with a little healthy competition.

“No Days Off”

From left to right: performers Belaf, Ruslan, and John Givez of the group Dream Junkies PHOTO BY EVELINA RAMIREZ
From left to right: performers Belaf, Ruslan, and John Givez of the group Dream Junkies
PHOTO BY EVELINA RAMIREZ
By Evelina Ramirez
Staff Writer

“Their lyrics touched my heart; they give knowledge to the crowd, and [they] say things as they are in the world,” said business major Diana Flores.

Music group Dream Junkies came to Western Tuesday, May 5, in honor of Spirit Week, to perform soulful spoken word rap and energetic hip-hop music.

Dream Junkies consists of performers John Givez, Beleaf, and Ruslan.

Born in Southern California and raised in the North San Diego County, rapper Givez stays true to his South California roots and merges hip-hop and R&B to create a unique listening experience.

To help promote the event on Tuesday, performer Beleaf visited Valsetz dining hall and passed out fliers to students with the group’s performance information.

“He gave my friends and me a flier to go see his show and some of my friends and I ended up going,” Flores said.
Student Activities Board director and interdisciplinary major Cheyenne Standing-Elk said, “Something we noticed on campus is that we don’t have rap and R&B performances, and we wanted to bring him because we really liked him.”

Campus Greek life took part in organizing the event.

“Omega Delta Phi got involved, and they provided the Dream Junkies with a hotel,” added Standing-Elk.

Some of the songs the Dream Junkies performed were “Black Sugar,” “No Days Off,” “West Side Blues” and “Out of It.”

“I’ve never heard them before so it was different, but overall I really liked it because they were really fun to listen to,” said public health major Olivia Ramirez. “I like that they spread a positive message.”

After the performance, the Dream Junkies had their merchandise on sale, which included: t-shirts, CDs, and hoodies. To get updates from the Dream Junkies, check out their social media accounts @ruslankd, @beleafmel, and @johngivez or visit kingsdreament.com for more information.

WOUstock rocks the weekend

By Amanda Clarke
Staff Writer

Students flocked to the Grove to enjoy a day of sun, music, and carnival games during WOUstock.

The event was held Saturday, May 2, and was put on by the Ackerman Hall Government. The General Assembly, Triangle Alliance, Residence Hall Association, Weekend Wolfpack, and Green Team helped sponsor.

KWOU DJed the event with music from the 60s and 70s, as well as more modern music. At 2 p.m., live singer Keenan Welsh Richmond, a senior music major, sang covers of the Beatles songs including “Day in a Life” and “Blackbird” as well as “Here Comes the Sun.”

“I’m a really big fan of their music,” Richmond said.

There were multiple events including a sack race, a bounce house race, face painting, a backdrop where people could take their pictures to be put on the WOUstock Facebook page, volleyball, tie die, a dunk tank to dunk RAs, and prizes given away through a raffle.

There was also a carnival and barbeque in the Grove outside of Ackerman as well as the various activities the students could participate in.

“I really enjoyed the dunk tank and the face painting,” said Ashley Flores, a junior pre-psychology major.

A potato-sack race to the finish line between two students at the Grove. Photo by Shannen Brouner
A potato-sack race to the finish line between two students at the Grove.
Photo by Shannen Brouner

Flores added that she enjoyed the event because of “the atmosphere. It was really welcoming to everyone.”

From 7-10 p.m., there was a bonfire by the library where participants could make S’mores.

Prizes included “a sustainability basket, a beach basket, a movie basket, an academic basket, and a WOU basket full of WOU gear,” said Sophie Owings, a first year communication major.

The Ackerman Hall government president and first year theatre major, Matt Miller, helped to coordinate the event.

He said that there were “way more [people] than we expected,” and that it was more successful than any of the volunteers could have hoped.

This is the third year for the WOUstock event.

Miller said they took what was done in previous years, “and modified it to make it more successful.”

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