Mount Hood

Must-see places in Oregon

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Western students coming in from out of state, or even out of country, may have noticed that most Oregonians love our state. It’s full of diverse landscapes and natural beauty. While Oregon is full of extraordinary places to explore, there are a few that stand out — and with good reason.The following is a list of places that, in my opinion, everyone should make an effort to visit while they’re here and have a chance. Some are conveniently located only a few hours’ drive or less from Monmouth while others are a bit farther and better for a weekend adventure.

 

Multnomah Falls

This iconic landmark can be found along the Columbia River Gorge and is a popular spot both with residents and tourists. About half an hour east of Portland, the falls is home to the Multnomah Falls Lodge and features a hiking trail to the top of the 620 ft. drop.

 

Silver Falls State Park

One of the best things about this park is that it’s less than an hour drive from Western. The state park’s entry near the south falls offers a view of the largest, more well-known waterfall from which there’s an option to keep walking onto the trail of 10 falls. The south falls are a must-see, however, because the short trail down takes you behind the waterfall for a unique vantage point.

 

Crater Lake

Oregon’s only national park can be found farther south of the state. The lake, located in the caldera of Mount Mazama of the Cascade Range, is famously a stunning, clear blue. Visitors from the Monmouth visiting overnight should be aware of the difference in climate and likelihood of much colder weather due to the altitude.

 

Bend

The town of Bend and the nearby towns of Sisters and Sunriver are near the famous Three Sisters Mountains. Located in central Oregon, the town is also where the Cascades meet the high desert of central and eastern Oregon and showcases some of the different landscapes the state has to offer.

 

Highway 101

There are many towns on the Oregon Coast that offer stunning views of the coastline. Highway 101 connects all of these and takes visitors along a scenic drive. The highway connects a number of popular towns to stop in and enjoy the coast, such as Newport and Florence. Newport is home to two lighthouses open to the public and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Florence features the Heceta Head Lighthouse as well as multiple excellent locations to see tidepools up close.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of WolfmanSF

Getting served at Mundo’s Cafe

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Something new has appeared in Monmouth, sitting quietly on Broad Street. A small white eatery, Mundo’s Cafe, which opened in June, is a petite restaurant specializing in breakfast foods. Curious about this new business and intrigued by the nicely decorated exterior, I decided to give the cafe a try and see what they have to offer.

I found the menu, which is posted on the front window, interesting in its variety. It includes classic American foods, such as pancakes and burgers, as well as some traditional Mexican ones such as enchiladas. I immediately decided on the enchiladas as they are one of my favorite dishes.

On stepping inside, I noticed right away that the subtle cross-cultural theme continued inside. The upper half of the wall next to where I sat is papered in various world maps, and over the wall on the opposite side are clocks showing the times of Tokyo, Athens, Mexico City and a few others. I was the only customer in the cafe.

As I took in the surroundings, I was greeted by the friendly waitress and ordered my food. I also asked if the owner was around and free to have a brief conversation with me.

The owner introduced himself as Reymundo Soto. It’s his name that really ties the whole idea of the cafe together. He told me his mother used to call him “Mundo” for short — hence the name of the cafe — and it so happens that “mundo” is Spanish for “world”. He also told me he hasn’t had many students in so far, which is not entirely unexpected since they are still settling in, but he hopes traffic will pick up soon.

A message he wanted to pass along was that he is open to customer feedback about whether he should expand on the menu.

“I’d like to, after two months or three, come up with new orders,” he explained in regards to him trying to get a sense of the customers in Monmouth. He also passed on the reminder that happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Overall, I enjoyed my visit to Mundo’s cafe and the enchiladas he made, which came with a healthy serving of fried rice on the side. However, seeing that the menu focuses on breakfast for the time being, I would recommend it mostly for breakfast, lunch or brunch. My other comment is that while it’s also a dinner option, the drink menu is very limited. I do, however, appreciate the affordable prices as a student who can’t always splurge on a night out. Overall, I see myself likely to go back and try some breakfast foods and enjoy the unique atmosphere.  

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

Small-town transformations

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Some returning students may have noticed differences in Monmouth and Independence this fall. The neighborhood was busy making changes while the students were away. Over the summer, Western’s town and its neighbor has gained and lost a few businesses – though more have been lost so far than gained.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the one nearest to campus. Now gone is the familiar red Bobablastic truck on Main Street. The bubble tea selling truck, which sat across from Main Street Park, shut down some time after spring term ended and took with it the covered picnic table area. Lovers of bubble tea don’t have to worry, however – DIY, a tea shop that opened last winter, has quickly become a popular place to buy all sorts of drinks, including bubble teas.

Also lost is the Happy Dragon, the Cantonese restaurant in downtown Independence. The restaurant was once reviewed by Statesman Journal food critic Brooke Jackson-Glidden, who called their Peking duck a “must try”. For those willing to take the drive, the family that owned the restaurant has moved to Portland and hopes to reopen there. For lovers of Chinese food, Monmouth fortunately still has Sing Fay’s on the corner of Monmouth Avenue and Main Street.

Independence also lost another beloved eatery that previously sat on Main Street. The Three Legged Dog, an Irish restaurant and pub, had to permanently close its doors this summer due to lease issues and late rent, according to the Statesman Journal. The restaurant has always struggled with costs and ultimately had to cease operations, however it’s brunch Bloody Mary bar will be missed by many.

However, Monmouth gained a new business not far from Western. Mundo’s Cafe officially opened for business a few weeks after the end of last spring term.

The area of Monmouth and Independence may have suffered some losses while students were away, but their removal will likely allow for other businesses to take shape. Once the excitement of the start of term settles, students will have a chance to take a look at how the town has evolved since their return. Both returning students and those who never left will have a chance to see what is next for Western’s hometown in the coming months.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Patching things up

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Fall has officially arrived, and it’s not hard to see why it’s many people’s favorite season. The trees on campus turn beautiful colors, the weather turns back into what most Oregonians are used to, and, of course, pumpkin themed everything appears.

This month, it also means Halloween movies on TV and people on social media showing off elaborately carved pumpkins.Whether you love the fall aesthetic or the anticipation of spooky Halloween activities, visiting a pumpkin patch is a fun way to embrace the season of scares and spice. For all the festive students out there, here are some nearby pumpkin patches to visit for all your jack-o-lantern needs.

Airlie Hills Farm

The closest pumpkin patch is Airlie Hills Farm, which is not far off of Highway 99 just south of entering Monmouth. Open on weekends, this location offers you the opportunity to pick your own pumpkin or select the perfect pre-picked one. While there, visitors can also enjoy some of the refreshments available or other activities such as hayrides and mazes.

Vince Woods Farm

Another option can be found in Salem. Vince Woods Farm, in addition to offering the classic pumpkin patch and corn maze, also contains the pumpkin forest featuring an old Southern Pacific “gently haunted” caboose. Hours of operation are 10 a.m to 6 p.m.

Davis Family Farm

Located on Highway 20 in Corvallis, Davis Family Farms not only offers the essential October produce but also has a nursery and sells other farm-fresh produce. Regulars also know them for their fresh, homemade donuts available for purchase. Of course, no pumpkin patch is complete without the hayride or corn maze, which you can find here as well. The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sauvie Island

This farm, located in Portland, is a longer drive but makes for a fun day trip. Many of its activities, like the haunted corn maze and hayrides, are free. This location is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

What New Student Week didn’t tell you

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Every year, hundreds of new students come to Western and have the opportunity to participate in New Student Week. This eventful week full of activities includes helpful resources for students finding their way around as well as an entertaining way to kick off the school year.

Whether they attended New Student Week or not, many students either walk into their first day feeling prepared and confident, or walk in feeling slightly overwhelmed and anxious. Both types of students will probably look back on this year having learned some life lessons that could only be learned through experience; these lessons can’t be explained during orientation.

To save some time — and hopefully a few mistakes — a number of upperclassmen shared what they wish someone had told them when they were just starting out at Western.

When asked this question, Morgan Taylor, senior education major, referred to the responsibilities of being an adult.

“Transitioning into becoming an adult was very challenging in general, but as a college student we are expected to manage all the generic adult responsibilities while also juggling college. I was not prepared. You really have to teach yourself how to work with a budget and work while maintaining (your) mental health.”

Senior communications major Michelle Soutar was a transfer student when she participated in New Student Week. Wanting to immerse herself in the new student experience, she signed up for a weeklong trial of dorm life before school. The initial experience was not what she was expecting. The connections being made were beneficial to most of the new residents, but for her they wouldn’t be permanent.

“(I was) watching a community grow that I wouldn’t be included in”, she said, referring to the dorm-specific bonding events. When asked what she took away from this, she commented that it “made me utilize my counselor even more. It’s good to have someone there to talk to you directly…As a consumer in the community of college we have a voice. Be and do the change you want to see.”

A perspective from another student also focused on the learning curve of time management.

“Don’t take an 8 a.m. It sucks”, are the honest words from junior business major Casey Brown. “Or at least if you’re not an early bird.” He adds that it’s important to not to spend too much time partying and avoiding class, but it’s good to have balance. “It’s fine to go to that party as long as the important stuff gets done.”

Now that New Student Week is over, it’s time for the new students to begin they their experience and make their own mistakes to learn from. Fortunately they have access to the many resources at WOU as well as the experiences of others to get them through these first challenges.

 

Contact the author at rmeyers17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of: Paul F. Davis

 

Organization for the disorganized

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

On the first day of class, it’s usually easy to spot the type of student with a color coded planner and neatly outlined schedule. For me, unlike these students, organization can be a challenge that requires constant effort. For those who need it, I’ve put together a number of different ways to stay organized when the common suggestions fall short.

It’s important to remember that not everything works the same for everyone. In my case, I used to repeatedly buy planners with the intention of using them throughout the year, hoping I’d keep the habit like some of my classmates. However, the pages would remain empty after the first few weeks of classes. I figured out that, as a visual learner, I also remember things better when I have frequent visual reminders.

This year, instead of buying a planner, I bought a large calendar and hung it near my desk, where I would clearly see my schedule laid out for me. I then applied this logic to my to-do list as well. Instead of writing it down in the back of a notebook, I wrote it on a whiteboard next to my bedroom door. It’s harder for me to miss that online assignment when it’s literally staring me in the face. For me, having a visual aid is effective, so students should consider trying multiple techniques until they find the one that works right for them.

It’s not just space but also time that can be utilized to keep life straight. Many of us have had the experience of being out with friends, ready to have a good time, only to be followed by the nagging feeling that something’s been forgotten. It can be helpful to get into the habit of checking Moodle, email or the calendar or planner in those short moments between classes or before work that might otherwise have been spent on social media. This reduces the chance that that assignment will be remembered at 2 a.m. the night before.

Another challenge is that it’s easy to become overwhelmed when there’s a long list of things to do and no plan. Even if planning out every hour of your schedule isn’t your strong suit, even taking small steps in advance will help get that assignment started quicker.

While living the ultra-organized life isn’t for everyone, that doesn’t mean us disorganized people need to shoulder more stress.

 

Contact the author at rmeyers17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

 

Stepping into the world

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

After years of learning how to navigate through college, understanding the ways to deal with the workload and constantly being faced with new challenges, a new type of stress is coming for many of the graduating seniors: the pressure and fear that comes with life after graduation, and the daunting feeling of what is to come.

“It’s quite honestly the fear of the unknown,” explained senior psychology major Ashley Biles. “For most of us, we have been in school since we were four- or five-years-old. Graduation symbolizes the end of our education and schooling, therefore it is the end of the known. It’s time to step out into something we literally have no experience in … full-time adulting.”

For many students, Western has become a place of comfort.

“It feels overwhelming, honestly. Leaving (Western) is going to be the hardest transition. It’s home,” commented senior communications studies major Katelin Stewart.

While this intimidating and, for many, terrifying feeling that is associated with the transition that will soon occur can be difficult to manage, there are healthy ways to cope. For some, the immediate instinct may be to suppress these emotions of anxiety and fear, it’s far more productive to channel them into something that will help students reach a level of success.

“I have found that focusing on the end goal helps ease the stress,” commented Biles. “Don’t focus on not knowing what will happen in the future, but rather all that you have done to prepare for the future you have created for yourself.”

Aside from that, there are other ways to turn that stress into something positive.

“Reminding myself that I am capable and that I do have a plan even though it feels like it’s worlds away,” is how Stewart explained her means of coping.

Talking with friends who are also experiencing this feeling can help to calm nerves, and show that no student is alone in this type of emotion. On top of this, students can also “take a few minutes to yourself each night to work on resumes, cover letters and school (and) work applications,” recommended Biles. Anything that will further prepare students for stepping into this new adventure can be a beneficial way to subside that stress.

For students who are not graduating, there are ways to minimize this fear even before reaching the point of soon-graduating.

“Take advantages of the opportunities that arise,” said Biles. Seizing any opportunity to build up a resume and boost one’s hireability will make that graduating term stress far less impactful.

In the end, it’s important to remember that while the fear may feel daunting now, it’s only temporary. Students should take pride in the fact that they just earned a college degree; whatever life throws at them now, they will be more prepared than they realize.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of: Nhregister.com

Alumni: Where are they now?

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

With the end of the academic year just around the corner, graduating seniors are preparing to take that considerable step from Western student to Western alumni. As daunting as this prospect can be, seeing the way that previous Western students, now Western alum, have reached success in different aspects of their lives can be a comfort.

Here are what a few alumni are up to now to display that success can be found through any path a student chooses to take during their time at Western.

Katie Waugh

Graduated with: Bachelor of Arts in education in 2008, Master of Science in education with ESOL endorsement in 2010

Currently: Waugh is in her 10th year of teaching. She taught for nine years in Falls City, Oregon and one year in Monmouth, teaching first grade, second grade and kindergarten. Next year, she is heading back to Eugene and will be teaching kindergarten at Mt. Vernon Elementary.

Best Memory of Western: “Obviously meeting Patrick Waugh, my husband, at Western was the biggest highlight. Being an RA was an awesome experience, too. And … coming into my own as an adult and, as cliche as it is, finding myself was great. It has been awesome to stay close by so long and to have an opportunity to mentor other student teachers from (Western),” commented Waugh.

Photo courtesy of: Katie Waugh

Darlin Gray

Graduated with: Bachelor of Arts in art with a major emphasis in graphic design and a minor emphasis in printmaking and a minor in French in 1996

Currently: Gray moved to Seattle after graduation and started her own firm, which she is still running. Originally, she contracted in-house for larger design firms, ad agencies and corporations with in-house creative teams during the day and work for her own clients nights and weekends, but over time it has evolved into her working solely for her own clients.

Best Memory of Western: “During (the time) I was on campus, Campbell Hall was renovated and reopened … I can still feel the elation of going into the new building when it was reopened. We were a little afraid to dive into doing art in the new environment because it was so clean,” said Gray.

Photo courtesy of: Darlin Gray

Nawwal Moustafa

Graduated with: Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies with focuses in psychology and theatre in 2013

Currently: Moustafa works primarily in education. She has worked as a teacher in New York, then in Portland and now works for an education policy organization with a focus of bettering Oregon’s high school graduation rates. On top of this, she is also a comedian and an illustrator. She performs improv comedy in Portland, as well as festivals all over the country, and she released a coloring book in 2016 titled “Chin Up, Dreamboat.”

Best Memory of Western: “My favorite memory from Western is probably my three years as a PLUS team member!” said Moustafa.

Photo courtesy of: Nawwal Moustafa

Kevin Boss

Graduated with: Bachelor of Science in physical education with a business minor in 2007.

Currently: Boss married his college sweetheart and Western alum Breanna Boss (formerly Breanna Ramsey) in 2009. Together, they have three young kids: Zeke, age 5; Houck, age 4; and Nora, age 2; with another baby girl due this fall. After a six-year career in the NFL, Boss and his family moved to Bend, where he opened up his own Sports Performance Training Facility called Boss Sports Performance.

Best Memory of Western: “My favorite memory from Western is all of the relationships created there that have stood the test of time. And Yang’s,” said Boss.

Photo courtesy of: Kevin Boss

Elise Bradley

Graduated with: Bachelor of Science in education in 1981, completed Master of Science in 1985

Currently: Bradley is an instructor and supervisor of student teachers for Oregon State University College of Education. She was a classroom teacher at various elementary schools for 31 years prior to her current position at OSU.

Best Memory of Western: “I am most fond of the people, students and professors I met and had the opportunity to learn and grow with. The scuba class held in the campus pool is definitely a highlight,” said Bradley.

Photo courtesy of: Elise Bradley

Evan Sorce

Graduated with: Bachelor of Science in political science and a minor in social sciences in 2010

Currently: Sorce moved to Salem to get involved in local politics, volunteering for local candidates. He worked for Catholic Community Services in the quality department for two years, then left to work for Representative Paul Evans in the Oregon State Legislature. He currently works there and has become active in the Marion County Democratic Party and the Salem Sunrise Rotary.

Best Memory of Western: “The organizations I had a privilege to be a part of. I spent two years as a Peer Mentor, one year as an ASWOU Senator and one year as Student Body President,” commented Sorce.

Photo by: Evan Sorce

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

 

Beat the heat with DIY popsicles

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

As spring term officially comes to a close and the temperatures continue to rise, now is the time to celebrate and enjoy the sunshine. What better way to beat the heat than with homemade popsicles? Made with simple and cheap ingredients and requiring next-to-no effort, these delicious treats will keep you cool and have you enjoying every bite.

All ingredients can easily be altered to match your preferences, and the recipes can be cut down to make however many you see fit. As written, each recipe yields 10 popsicles. Aside from the ingredients, the only other supplies you need are popsicle sticks and a reusable popsicle mold, which can be found on Amazon for under $10.

 

Blackberry Lemon Popsicles

Ingredients:

⅔ cup lemon juice, and zest from a lemon

2 ½ cups vanilla Greek yogurt

2 ½ cups blackberries

2 ½ cups mixed berry Greek yogurt

 

Directions:

Whisk lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla yogurt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside. In a blender, puree the blackberries and mixed berry yogurt. Take the two and layer them in the popsicle mold one tablespoon at a time. If you’d like, you can swirl them together for appearance. Freeze for at least six hours.

Recipe inspired by jessicagavin.com

 

Virgin Pina-Colada Popsicle

Ingredients:

4 cups pineapple, chopped

1 15-oz can cream of coconut

3 Tbsp lime juice

 

Directions:

In a blender, puree the pineapple with the cream of coconut and lime juice. If it’s still thick, add a little bit more coconut or lime juice, depending on which flavor you prefer. If you have it, you can add pineapple juice as well. Pour into the mold and freeze for at least four hours.

Recipe inspired by realsimple.com

 

Energy Drink Infused Popsicle

Ingredients:

1 16 oz can Red Bull (or preferred energy drink)

2 cups strawberries, chopped

1 cup raspberries

1 cup mango, chopped

 

Directions:

In a blender, combine all ingredients, slowly adding the energy drink as it is carbonated. Puree, and continue adding energy drink until it reaches a juice like consistency. Pour into molds and freeze for a minimum of four hours.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

 

Photo by: Caity Healy

Serving bright smiles and fresh coffee

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

As I walked down Main Street on a warm spring afternoon, I decided to stop by a coffee house on the side of the road. Upon entering, I was greeted by the smell of freshly brewed java, the sounds of a musician at the piano, a relaxing environment and a smiling face. This was the smile of Rick Gydesen, co-owner of Rick’s Place Coffee House.

This shop has been a study location and lunch destination since its inception in March 1995. Ever since, owners Rick and Mary Gydesen have been creating memories with their regulars, which are customers of all ages.

“I have quite a few regulars,” said Rick. Gesturing towards his wall, he showed me all of the mugs he had on display. Each belonged to a customer who came in on a daily basis.

“Some of these mugs are used every morning. Some are on display in memory. Some of these people have moved. This has been on our wall for at least 15 years now,” Rick commented.

When it came time to order, I got their garden salad and my friend ordered a turkey cranberry sandwich. As we were waiting, we noticed everything that this restaurant was. It’s more than just food; it’s a hangout meant for anyone.

“It’s a good study area, a place for piano players, a place to feature local photographers, authors, painters and craftsmen,” said Rick.

After a while of playing a few tunes on the piano and enjoying ourselves with a cup of coffee, our food was delivered to us. Cooked and made by Rick himself, he was able to bring it out to us fairly quickly, and did so with a smile that made us feel welcome.

The meals were very enjoyable. The sandwich was put together with hazelnut bread, cream cheese, cranberries, sunflower seeds, lettuce and turkey. My friend had never had a sandwich like this and she loved it. The flavors went together well and the crunch in each bite was perfect. My salad was great as well; it was fairly simple, as most garden salads are, but I enjoyed every bite.

Before leaving, Rick spoke with us a bit more on why he loves working here: “Meeting people is my favorite part. I love seeing different faces, and I meet a lot of interesting people here.”

For those interested in a relaxing eatery with fair-priced options, a well-lit study spot or simply a place to sit on a sofa and chat with friends, this restaurant makes for a perfect destination.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

 

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