Mount Hood

The Language of Etiquette

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

The fork goes on the left and the dessert spoon goes at the top. Moreover, do not forget to start on the outside and work inward towards the plate. The cutlery resting directly on the plate indicates the end of the meal to the catering team.

These were only some of the many dining etiquette tips provided to the 150+ students and professionals by the special guest speaker of the Etiquette Dinner, Sabra Jewell. Jewell is the Communications Coordinator for the City of Monmouth, with a background in communications and experience in hospitality and catering. This made Jewell the perfect candidate for guiding guests of the event toward a professional dining experience.

“I’ve done it all,” explained Jewell. “I have served every kind of level of practice and style of dining on every kind of budget. I have seen it all from that perspective.”

The Center for Professional Pathways is the on-campus organization that brings the Etiquette Dinner together for students every year. However, the event — despite being a student favorite for many years — was absent from campus tradition for some time due to a brief hiatus. 

This year, the Center for Professional Pathways partnered with the Stitch Closet to provide students with a double event through both dinner and a fashion show. The purpose of the culmination of the two events was to teach students about professional and business communication, as well as the importance of nonverbal cues and fashion etiquette — whilst still encouraging an environment where guests can have fun and dress in formal attire. 

The fashion show took place prior to the dinner, which presented guests with eight categories of attire — including interview attire, sports attire and formal work attire — and encouraged guests to make an educated guess on which attire corresponded with which category. The Stitch Closet rewarded the individuals with the highest number of correct answers with flowers from the event.

The dinner portion of the event consisted of a three-course meal, featuring mocktails and the option for both vegan and gluten-free alternatives. Jewell taught attendees the intricacies of dining etiquette as the guests ate and conversed, such as where to place cutlery, how to correctly butter bread, the correct way to pass the pitcher of water — and most importantly — reminded attendees to keep elbows off the table and their posture straight.

Jewell explained the importance of an event such as this, stating “These events expand your network. You never know who you’re going to meet sitting at one of these tables. It could be your future mentor; your future boss. It could be somebody who’s gonna be a peer who’s gonna help connect you to things in your own career.”

The event was free of charge to any student or community member who wished to participate. It could not have occurred without the help of the sponsor, Ash Creek Animals Clinic, and the beautiful table decor donations from TL Celebrations and generous floral arrangements from Petal & Vines. Ultimately, the event culminated in a resounding success.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Monmouth Recognized Local AAPI Vendors

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

The City of Monmouth was teeming with enthusiastic residents of the community on the evening of Saturday, May 20, as a result of the sunshine and the grand number of local festivities to explore. 

The Asian-American and Pacific Islander Vendors Market was one of the many events brought to the community by the Hawai’i Club, in partnership with the City of Monmouth. The arrival of the vendors market occurred after the conclusion of the Peacock Festival and Fun Run on Main Street Park, which equally captivated and engrossed the community with a few hours of leisure and entertainment.

Taking place in the month of May, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is devoted to the celebration and recognition of the historical contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders — a celebration that largely extends to including the community contributions of local pop-ups and business vendors.

The first of potentially more in the near future with the high number of attendees, the family-friendly vendors market featured a number of businesses owned by the AAPI community, many of which prioritize craftwork and artistry, as well as sustainability. There were food businesses at the market — some familiar to the community, some not — as well, including Da Hale, Yang’s Teriyaki, Sing Fay and Da Ayala Grindz.

Furthermore, the following vendors could be found at the market: Maganda Glassworks LLC, AJE Pottery, Haole Brand Clothing — Hawaii Clothing Brand — and Treats by Yap Trap. These businesses function in that they are either pop-ups or provide catering services through commissions to Monmouth-Independence and the surrounding community in which they are situated and based. For example, AJE Pottery is a pop-up business operating for and in established shops, selling pottery such as mugs, sauce dishes and plant vases, with a creative and adorable touch.

Meanwhile, Maganda Glassworks is a new business just beginning to sprout and make a physical mark in the community, offering art and stained-glass work — including necklaces, earrings and other custom and handcrafted jewelry — as well as courses in stained glass artwork. Maganda Glassworks can be found on Main Street in Independence, Oregon.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

It’s Time for Tea

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Getting bogged down by doing repetitive activities with friends and loved ones? Looks like it’s time for a tea party. Creating a little event for those who one cherishes can be the perfect way to show appreciation for them. Hosting a tea party is ideal for people of all ages, for any season and gets people outdoors, dressed up and participating in something unique. 

Thrifting — Don’t break the bank by purchasing a full tea set from an antique store. Instead, buy the necessary items from a thrift store. This is more environmentally friendly and will give the party more personality for pennies on the dollar. To keep costs even lower, and provide an activity for guests, ask each of them to bring a thrifted tea cup and tea plate.

Cuisine — Simple finger sandwiches and little cookies will do just the trick. Grab some fun cookie cutters to dress up three ingredient cucumber and tomato twiddle sandwiches. This aspect could also be potluck-style if one is desiring a heartier meal along with the experience. Since iced drinks are more suited for the season, there is no need to go crazy with tea. It is more than okay to grab a jug of iced tea from the grocery store to serve from a decorative pot. 

Invitations — Make this a special occasion for guests to look forward to. Send out custom invitations with the date, time, location, attire and anything else that they may need to bring. This can be done digitally or through physical print by spending no more than 20 minutes on Canva for free. 

Location — A tea party can take place indoors or outdoors. If one desires outdoor seating, there is a great variety to choose from. The event could take place in one’s backyard, public park or even at the beach. 

Attire — Who doesn’t like dressing up? Figure out what is reasonable for guests to already own that would suit the event or keep things simple by asking to wear a sundress or a light-colored shirt and shorts. Create a mood board to give guests inspiration and make sure everyone gets the memo. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Take Time for Travel

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

The world is filled with so many amazing places ready to be discovered. Don’t wait until there is more free time, financial stability or anything else that could be holding one back; let this summer be the start of ones’ traveling journey. 

Roadtrip to a major city

The more the merrier — Traveling with a group of friends can keep costs low as multiple people usually split gas and housing expenses. A good number of group members is around four, so that everyone can comfortably fit in one car and can pair up in two queen beds in a shared hotel room. 

Making use of time — Roadtrips give full freedom regarding the duration of the trip, take advantage of it. If one can only afford a day and a half trip, do that instead of not doing it at all. To get to the destination the fastest, research traffic times for the area to select what time in the morning is best to leave. If one plans to stay in a hotel, check to see the earliest check-in time there is. If the arrival time doesn’t line up with the check-in time, use it to pursue a planned activity. Lastly, have all activities and restaurants picked out before the trip. This will prevent wasting time figuring out what to do when there. This also allows one to make reservations, gain prior knowledge of prices and give the group things to look forward to. 

Near Western — Seattle is a place traveled by many because of their attractions such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Public Market and creative restaurants and bars. Luckily for Western students, this major city is just about four hours away.

Flight away

Tickets — The market is always fluctuating. Try to purchase tickets far in advance for dates during the off season. 

Verbos and Airbnbs — These travel accommodations are great for longer trips with a group of friends. Not only does it provide a kitchen to cook meals daily; it can come with much more. Depending on the location, it can have a backyard, private pool or even a beach. They are also nice for cramming people. If one books a one bedroom place that has a pull out sofa, that leaves the opportunity to fit at least four people. A smaller apartment or house one would typically book for one or two people can turn into the ideal location for a group of college students to stay. 

Routine — To make the most out of time, try to create a routine with one another and stick to it. When everyone eats, sleeps and leaves at the same time, everything can go much more smoothly. 

Resourceful

Gift of a trip — If one’s birthday or special occasion is coming up that involves gift giving, ask for a trip this year. This could be anywhere from a one night stay at a hotel to a ticket for a flight. No matter how big or small, it could make a big difference when splitting the costs with friends. 

Staying with family — Does one have a family member that lives somewhere interesting? Make a trip to see them and view their city from their perspective or bring along friends for the adventure. The amazing part about staying with family, other than free food and lodging, is that everyone gets to bond and enjoy a homey experience that doesn’t come with a typical vacation.  

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Conform or Succeed

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

In the relentless pursuit of fulfilling societal expectations, one can easily find themselves wandering along an unyielding path paved with predefined notions of success and happiness. But what if we dare to question these dictates? What if we challenge the status quo that confines our dreams to a corporate ladder? Life should be a journey of redefining one’s own measures of fulfillment, seeking solace in the authenticity of one’s soul, which is much easier said than done.

In the ceaseless symphony of societal pressures one experiences when graduating from college, one’s senses are bombarded with benchmarks for success and happiness. We are often told that fulfillment lies in ascending the corporate ladder, where each step comes with a price — our time, our passions and ultimately our very essence. It is within these confines that the definition of success becomes distorted, reduced to mere numbers and status symbols.

Yet, people often fail to recognize the silent toll that conformity takes on one’s well-being. As we march dutifully toward the prescribed ideals, our spirits grow weary, shrouded in a gloomy culture that seeps into the very fabric of our existence. Our mental health falters under the weight of rigid standards. One’s self-worth becomes entangled in the twisted web of comparison and content with worthlessness.

There is no reason one truly needs to conform to the monotonous rhythm of societal expectations. We should have the audacity to question, redefine and reclaim our very essence. It is within the realm of human potential that we could liberate ourselves from the shackles of societal conformity and witness the flight of our individuality, soaring towards a life true to our authentic selves.

The essence of success lies not in the towering heights on a corporate ladder, despite what many are told their entire lives, but rather in the pursuit of personal growth, self-fulfillment and pursuing our deepest passions. Doing so would allow success to become a tapestry woven from the threads of authenticity and self-discovery — a unique reflection of our values, rather than a reflection of societal accolades.

All of this is not to say that one shouldn’t work to earn a living, as being able to function in society is still important for one’s health. One should pursue what makes them truly happy, not what others expect of them.  

Challenge the preconceived notions of success, redefine the contours of happiness and forge a path that reverberates with the song of one’s authentic self.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Be More Intentional

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Twitter and just about every other social media app have accumulated over 4.5 billion users worldwide. These platforms can easily cause one to align their actions, decisions and daily habits far away from any positive values and aspirations, given that many users spend precious time unintentionally surfing the apps.

Mindfulness is a key element of intentional living; it entails connecting with one’s experiences, being fully present in each moment and developing awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and behavior. One can gain a deeper awareness of themselves and how one reacts to the environment around them by avoiding moments where there is no intention.
Social media platforms have become an integral part of modern life, but their ubiquitous presence can inadvertently lead one away from acting with intention. With endless scrolling and mindless content consumption, we often find ourselves disconnected from our core values and aspirations. Mindless social media usage can create a constant state of distraction, hindering our ability to live with intention.

This doesn’t mean one needs to drop social media usage altogether, but gain control of its usage and align it with things that one feels truly matter. Prioritizing quality over quantity in one’s usage of social media and online connections can help foster a sense of belonging, support and authenticity.

Intentional living extends beyond social media. It is about being mindful and intentional in every aspect of one’s life, including daily routines, relationships and personal growth. One becomes more conscious of their values, desires and the effects of their actions when they engage in mindfulness and self-reflection. Doing so allows for decision-making that aligns with one’s true intentions, online and offline.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Village for Homeless Youth in the works Polk County

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

On Jan. 10, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency on the homelessness crisis in response to the prevalence of unsheltered individuals and a lack of shelter beds. The emergency declaration was followed by a round of funding for projects allocated to various regional groups across the state.

The overall priority goals of the funded projects are in alignment with the governor’s orders and action plans, which are to rehouse and prevent homelessness for at least 158 unsheltered households in the regional areas and increase shelter capacity by 79 new, low-barrier shelter beds. The plans also include the renovation and expansion of existing emergency shelter locations, including the addition of new bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities.

The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency and Church at the Park were two regional groups that received millions from a grant for the opening and managing of a new micro shelter. 

Church at the Park is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve and assist the homeless population. In 2022, Church at the Park contributed to the opening of a new youth micro shelter village in Salem, Oregon. There are two micro shelter sites that can be found in the big city, on Southeast Turner Road — specifically for youth — and Northeast Center Street. Church at the Park is consequently the one responsible for finding and securing a location for Polk County’s new micro shelters for homeless youth.

In the past, Polk County lacked the funds to open a micro shelter site for the youth in their rural areas, forcing homeless youth to make the journey toward Salem for help and shelter. This is concerning, since Polk County — especially the rural parts of the county — has some of the highest numbers in youth and student homelessness statistics, according to the Oregon Department of Education. 

If erected, the youth homeless shelter would service the youth of ages 14 through 18. The shelter would accommodate roughly 40 people in each of the five-unit homes. These micro shelters would allow a temporary space for youth to dwell, with assistance in securing their own apartments, connecting to employment and job opportunities, as well as assistance with the transition into rental housing. 

Christ’s Church — a church located a few minutes away from the Western campus — was one of the many locations proposed as the placement for this new youth micro shelter village. 

In May, Christ’s Church was gracious enough to open a meeting to the general public as a result of frequent and ongoing interest from the community regarding the enactment of a new youth micro shelter village. However, the meeting introduced a slew of opposition regarding the location. Moreover, the meeting made concerns regarding safety from community members known. 

According to Church at the Park, their proactive approach to safety for the community and surrounding neighbors include 24/7 staffing, a licensed security team, video surveillance, as well as a partnership with emergency services.

Christ’s Church’s decision on whether or not to accept the proposal as the location for the new micro shelters is expected to be announced in the next few weeks. If the proposal is rejected, Church at the Park will continue to seek a location for the new youth shelter.

Contact the author at howlnews@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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