Mount Hood

Love Local

Written by: Mikayla Coleman

To support small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Monmouth is renewing the Love Local Utility Credit Program this year. For the entire month of February, residential utility customers in Monmouth can receive credit towards their electricity bill for shopping and dining at eligible local small businesses. Participation is free and no additional sign-up is needed to get the credit. 

To participate, customers must make a purchase of $20 or more at a participating business. For each $20 spent at a local business a $10 credit will be granted to use toward one’s electricity bill. One is able to email their receipt with their utility account information, business name and date of purchase to lovelocal@ci.monmouth.or.us by March 3, 2022 to receive the credits. The receipts can also be dropped off physically in a sealed envelope at the drop box or front desk of the Monmouth Power and Light Building, located at 780 Ecols St. Customers can earn up to three credits, or $30, when they make purchases during the month of February. 

Businesses not eligible for credit include big box stores, convenience stores, franchise businesses, grocery stores, supermarkets, drug stores or fueling and gas stations. 

Participating businesses are listed below. 

Health and fitness — Curves, Firehouse Fitness, Monmouth Fitness Club and The Dance & Fitness Studio.

Barbers and beauty salons — The Guys Barber Co., University Barber Shop, Aesthetic Studio, Beauty Lounge, Glam Salon 130, His and Hers Salon, Salon Republic and MANA Salon. 

Services — Fee Mail Depot, Haughen’s Galleri Portrait Studio, New Leaf Tattoo, Doggy Dreams and Tan Republic.

Retail — Petals & Vines, Monmouth Hardware, Prisms Gallery and The Find. 

Restaurants, coffee and bars — Aaron & Jack’s Snack Shack, Bugles Espresso, Casa Burrito, Crush Wine Bar, Dry Town Tap Station, Grain Station Brew Works, Greece Lightning, Habebah Mediterranean Cuisine, Jack’s Pub & Grub, Koyote’s Mexican Food, Maui Melts, Papa Milson’s Soul Shack, Main Street Ice Cream, Mink’s Pad Thai, Muchas, Papa Milson’s Soul Shack, Rick’s Place Coffee House, Rookies Pub, Sing Fay Chinese Cuisines, Sushi Roll’n, The Donut Bar, The Sippery, Yang’s Teriyaki Plus and Yeasty Beasty. 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Valentine’s activities on campus

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

In honor of Valentine’s Day, several Western clubs and organizations are hosting events for the student community.

Non-Traditional Student Services are celebrating by arranging some Valentine’s Day themed activities, such as craft making and cookie decorating. Cookie decorating will be taking place on Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Werner University Center Summit Room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Meanwhile, other organizations took advantage of Valentine’s Day by spreading an important message. 

As Western’s official Center for Equity and Gender Justice, Abby’s House used Valentine’s Day to inform and remind individuals of the concept of consent. 

From Feb. 13 to Feb. 14, students could visit Abby’s House at a tabling area, featuring a photo booth. Students could receive a safety accessory — a scrunchie that doubles as an anti-spiking drink cover — by following Abby’s House on Instagram. The tabling area also provided hand-held signs illustrating expressions related to consent, such as “Cat against catcalls” and “Limits, respect them.”

Additionally, as a way to spread kindness and ensure no individual is left out, the Student Activities Board were providing Valentine’s cards and goodies to students in the WUC on Valentine’s Day. 

Many campus organizations will continue hosting Valentine’s Day themed events leading up to and after Valentine’s Day. Some of the larger organizations, such as the Residence Hall Association, are responsible for a wider multitude of on-campus events. 

Similar to last year, all residence halls participated in the distribution of Valegrams. Students could sign up to have Valegrams delivered — either for themselves, friends or partners — for no charge. Additionally, on Friday, Feb. 17, RHA — alongside the Arbor and Landers Hall Committee — will also be hosting a Valentine’s Day dance in the Pacific Room from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no fee to attend the dance; however, RSVP is encouraged.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Black History Month returns to Western

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

On Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, the Multicultural Student Union hosted a two-day celebration to kick start Black History Month — the annual, honorary observance of African-Americans. 

During the event on Feb. 1, MSU — in partnership with the Black Student Union — held a panel featuring Maya Hopwood, Amari Hendrix, Fowzia Abdi, Justice Presley and Professor Mike Wilson. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., students, staff and faculty engaged in a raw, thought-provoking and educational discussion on the experiences of African-Americans in America.

On the second day, a museum put out by MSU was opened for public viewing in the Columbia Room of the Werner University Center. Individuals had the opportunity to learn about African-American figures in history — such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Kobe Bryant. The “Don’t Touch My Hair” display — which has become a custom tradition at Western to showcase — was also available, as well as a display for “Black Pride” and “Black HerStory” — the latter of which showcasing the various historical Black women who produced a remarkable impact. All students were encouraged to attend, regardless of racial identity. 

This year, Black History Month’s central focus is on the theme of Black Resistance. 

The theme explores and calls for discussions regarding African-American’s consistent efforts towards attaining control over their physical and intellectual autonomy through education, literature, politics, legislature and armed resistance. 

BSU is including this theme as a part of their commemoration and for the remainder of February, students have the opportunity to engage in Black History Month through a range of campus events. 

This year, BSU is introducing a few new activities to spark engagement, such as the Black Resistance Gallery, which will be open for viewing Feb. 15. Additionally, as of Feb. 1, “Beyond Having a Black Friend: How to truly support Black people in your life” — a Google Docs form — is open for student, staff and faculty comments. 

To celebrate Black History Month, Abby’s House has put up window displays of black women who have substantially shaped the world. The posters are available for viewing, located outside Abby’s House.

To view the full schedule of events for Black History Month, visit BSU’s Instagram at @woubsu. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Lighting Up Campus

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Anyone who has stepped foot on the Western campus after dark can attest to the fact that lighting is a frivolous issue. Individuals can not walk down Monmouth Avenue without noticing the pale yellow light that casts eerie shadows across old brick buildings. 

While, just a year ago, murmurs of bringing this issue to the attention of administrators were just the small talk of concerned students, ASWOU has now taken this issue head-on. In collaboration with Public Safety, RHA National Communications Coordinator and ASWOU Senator, David Rodriguez-Tapia, and ASWOU Vice President, Hunter Hall, have taken the first step by identifying locations across campus that are severely lacking in proper lighting. 

Students and faculty alike are enthusiastic about this new development. It is not uncommon for students to claim they do not feel safe walking around campus at night.

Western cheerleader and Campus Ambassador, Rylie Cader, had this to say regarding their experience, “Walking alone in the dark parts of campus is inevitable. This is especially concerning being a woman who needs to walk home alone in the dark from practice. I also enjoy taking walks alone at night as a part of my mental health. I feel safe on campus, but only in the very lit areas. I get paranoid so bad in the darker places on campus — which I find myself in often — very displeasing.”

Cader is not alone. Many students can pinpoint a time when they were made uncomfortable by the absence of lighting around campus.

When behind every shadow — hidden within every dark corner — there is a perceived danger lurking; bringing more lights to campus is just the beginning of bringing peace to these individuals. 

There is still so much more to be done — Public Safety has made note that the resources required to bring their plan to fruition are ones that will only be brought about with time. 

This is a process, but one the members of the Western community can look forward to as the students of Western strive to make their campus a better, safer place. 

“I am glad and honored to work alongside ASWOU and Campus Public Safety in helping the voices of others to be heard and making them feel like we not only as Student Leaders but people who want to see the WOU become a much safer and inclusive place feel more like home and individuals who they can come to and speak their questions, comments and/or concerns,” said Senator Rodriguez-Tapia. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Oregon Launches Largest Annual Food Drive

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Oregon’s largest annual food drive, Governor’s State Employees Food Drive, began accepting donations on Feb. 1. The Food Drive runs through the entire month of February.

Throughout the month, state agencies, commissioners, board members and state employees come together to work in partnership with the Regional Food Banks to support the Oregon Food Bank Network. Many state agencies hold fundraising events to enlist the support of community partners.

Due to adaptations resulting from COVID-19, this year’s Food Drive will take place mostly virtually, allowing agencies the option to participate through online payment methods, such as payroll deductions and check and/or credit card payments. 

The payments are made directly to the Regional Food Bank facilities and stay in the local area in which the donation was made, unless the donor specifically declares the desire for otherwise. The main beneficiaries of the Regional Food Bank’s are the Food Pantry on the Western campus — who receive the majority of their donations from Marion Polk Food Share — and the Ella Curran Food Bank.

State employees may also make a donation by participating in the Governor’s Challenge — by pledging to donate a minimum of $144 to the Food Bank of their choice. The options are an annual, one-time monetary donation of $144 or a continuous monthly donation of $12.

This year, Abby’s House will be leading the drive, with Maria Barrera Diaz — the Basic Needs Coordinator for Abby’s House — as the agency coordinator. 

According to Diaz, the month sees Western departments engaging in a friendly competition to see who can raise the most earnings. At the end of the month, each department’s contributions will be surveyed and the winning department receives a prize in the form of lunch — paid for by Western President Jesse Peters. 

As the Food Drive gets underway, students, staff and faculty can make a difference through in-kind donations. As always, Western’s Food Pantry will be accepting canned food, such as soups, canned fruit and vegetables and other nonperishable items. Contributors can also write a check directly to the Food Pantry.

According to the Governor’s Food Drive’s official page, the most sought after food donations are whole grain foods — pasta, rice, cereal — fruits and vegetables, canned meat, peanut butter and beans.

As an incentive to get people involved, Abby’s House will also be holding a tie-dying event, where anyone who donates food or monetary gifts will receive a shirt to tie-dye. Keep an eye out on their social media for official dates.

State employees have been working towards a hunger-free Oregon since the food drive’s establishment by Governor Vic Atiyeh in 1982.

Western has been a decades long-standing contributor to the Governor’s Food Drive. Although, over the years, Western’s significant contributions to the drive have gradually fallen. In earlier years, Western had donated the most to the Food Drive than any other university institution in Oregon. Now, the title of champion has fallen to Oregon State University.

Nonetheless, Western continues to persevere. Last year at Western, a total of $1296 was raised in support of the Governor’s Food Drive. This amounts to 161 pounds of food; a significant quantity.

For more information on the Governor’s State Employees Food Drive, visit www.oregon.gov/fooddrive. For more information on how to support the Food Drive at Western, individuals can contact Abby’s House at abbyshouse@wou.edu or the Food Pantry at foodpantry@wou.edu.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Super Bowl LVII

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

Super Bowl LVII kicks off this Sunday, Feb. 12, 3:30 pm PST, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. This year, the Kansas City Chiefs will be facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles for the Vince Lombardi trophy.

For uniform schemes, the Eagles are considered the “home” team and will be wearing their dark green “home” uniforms, since the National Football Conference (NFC) team is always the designated home team in odd-numbered Super Bowls.

This will be Kansas City’s third championship appearance in the past three years, with their last victory taken in Super Bowl LIV. They are led by longtime head coach Andy Reid and superstar quarterback Partick Mahomes.

The Eagle’s last championship victory occurred just two years earlier in Super Bowl LII. Since then, Philadelphia has acquired a new quarterback, Jalen Hurts, as well as a new head coach, Nick Sirianni, making them a far different team than before.

One of the biggest storylines highlighted in this year’s Super Bowl is the famous Kelce brothers going head-to-head. Travis Kelce is the starting tight end for the Chiefs and is a six-time pro bowler. Jason Kelce is the center for the Eagles and is a two-time pro bowler who is often considered the backbone of the Eagles’ star-studded offensive line. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, the brothers played football together at the University of Cincinnati and were drafted into the National Football League just two years apart. Today, the brothers co-host the “New Heights” podcast and are vocal about their sibling relationship.

The festivities for the Super Bowl have already kicked off, with media days having started Monday, Feb. 7. The highly anticipated Super Bowl Halftime Show will feature Rihanna. No matter the outcome, NFL fans are suspected to be in for an electric afternoon of championship football.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Recap of the 16th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

To honor and remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Western and Student Engagement partnered with the City of Monmouth to bring a week of celebratory events to the community. This year, MLK Week marked the 16th anniversary of celebration at Western and ran from Monday, Jan. 16 through Friday, Jan. 20. 

On Jan. 16, amidst a three-day weekend, Western students were encouraged to appreciate and reflect on the efforts of the civil rights leader via participation in a day of service. The event was not specifically geared towards members of the Western or Monmouth communities, but for those wanting to give back to the elderly and/or disabled Monmouth residents through community service. Participants of the service day assisted in projects ranging from yardscaping, housework and graffiti removal.

Justin Sunada, Assistant Director for the Center for Professional Pathways, played a significant role in making the service event happen. According to Sunada, he had pitched the idea of a community service event at a monthly meeting for the Monmouth Business Association. Sunada, alongside City of Monmouth’s Director of Community and Economic Development, Suzanne Dufner, immediately began the process of brainstorming ideas for service projects.

Sunada states, “Doing more with the City (of Monmouth) and getting students off campus as much as possible has always been a goal for us so the timing was just right with this event.” 

Approximately 40 individuals — from students, faculty, community members and City of Monmouth employees — participated in the Day of Service, making it a successful first event to kick off MLK Week.

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, the Black Student Union took over for the remainder of the week. Running from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., BSU invited students to join them in the creation of their very own dream board. The event participants explored individuality while reflecting on their own personal and/or professional dreams.

On Wednesday, Western students sat for a panel discussion led by Western Professor Mike Wilson surrounding the topic of some of Dr. King’s lesser known statements and aspirations. This event, titled “Sincerely: Reading and Discussion,” was hosted by BSU and was made possible by Maya Hopwood, Deshaun Stevens, Amari Hendrix, Dawn Johnson and Western Professor Mike Johnson.

On Thursday, Western and BSU had the honor of welcoming Dr. Lakeya Omogun as their 16th annual MLK Week keynote speaker. Dr. Omogun — a Nigerian artist, scholar, writer and speaker — gave a moving speech to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This event took place in the Pacific Room of the Werner University Center and was free for all students.

“The turn out for the Panel “Sincerely” was way more than expected!” said Hopwood. “We felt that people appreciated hearing our views on MLK’s writings and I hope our main message of ‘it’s not over yet and it will take EVERYONE to lead this charge’ really got across.”

This year, Western hoped to raise a total of $2023 in fundraising, which would directly benefit Abby’s House’s Basic Needs Fund and Care Cupboards — a free service available for students, providing snacks, school supplies and menstrual hygiene products. 

There were three ways students could raise money for Abby’s House, one of which was by making a donation directly through the WOU Foundation page. Students could also raise money by participating in pay-to-play table carnival games or through participation in the “Pie Your Professor” event.

Although the initial goal of $2023 was unmet, Western was able to raise $1283 towards assisting and meeting students’ basic needs. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

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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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