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Celebrate Earth Day with these events across Oregon

Natalie Dean | Editor de entretenimiento

Strap on some shoes, grab some water and spend time outside this Earth Day, on April 22. While it’s always a good idea to reduce, reuse and recycle year-round, Earth Day aims to bring awareness to environmental concerns worldwide. The day can be celebrated with environmental activism, like picking up litter or cleaning up parks, dams and beaches. If plans are still up in the air, consider checking out these local Earth Day themed events happening across Oregon:

  • “Earth Day Succulent”: hosted by Student Engagement. April 22, 12 to 2 p.m. Located at The Grove on the Western’s campus, Monmouth, OR. 
  • “Earth Day Block Release & Oregon Truffle Party”: hosted by Coeur de Terre Winery. April 24, 1 to 3 p.m. Located at the Coeur De Terre Winery, 21000 SW Eagle Point Rd., McMinnville, OR. 
  • “Earth Day Volunteer Crew”: hosted by the Hoyt Arboretum. April 22, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Located at the Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd., Portland, OR. 
  • “Earth Day Event”: hosted by Washington Square. April 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located at 9585 SW Washington Square Rd., Portland, OR. 
  • “Kindness Farm Earth Day Celebration”: hosted by Kindness Farms. April 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at 7101 SE 127th Ave., Portland, OR. 
  • “Earth Day Spring Planting with SOLVE & Hillsboro Downtown Partnership”: April 22, 12 to 4 p.m. Located at 409 E. Main St., Hillsboro, OR. 
  • “MHCC Beaver Creek Earth Day Cleanup”: hosted by Mt. Hood Community College. April 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at 26000 SE Stark St., Gresham, OR. 
  • “Earth Day of Service”: hosted by the University of Oregon. April 24, 1 to 4 p.m. Located at 1585 E. 13th Ave., Eugene, OR. In-person and virtual options. 
  • “Earth Day Virtual Guided Hike”: hosted by the City of Keizer. April 22 through 30, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Located at the Keizer Rapids Park, 1900 Chemawa Rd. N., Keizer, OR. In-person, virtually guided. 
  • “Culture Club at Hilyard Community Center”: hosted by the Hilyard Community Center. April 24, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Located at 25080 Hilyard St., Eugene, OR. 

Póngase en contacto con el autor en ndean17@wou.edu

Have some fun in the sun with a local photoshoot

Hit up these fantastic photoshoot locations near Monmouth

Allison Vanderzanden | Editor de estilo de vida  

Whoever is reading this, this is a sign to go out and have a photoshoot. Spring has brought wonderful weather and beautiful blossoms, making now the perfect time to spend some time outdoors — and have photographic evidence of it. Whether looking for a last minute senior photo spot, or some inspiration for a fun weekend activity with friends, these spring photoshoot spots are sure to please.

Head downtown for some charming photos amid historic buildings. Any nearby city will do — even Monmouth’s Main Street has charismatic brick facades that make for the perfect photo setting.

Public art and murals can make for colorful backdrops that pop. Stay close by and check out some art and sculptures all around campus, such as “Growth” near the Richard Woodcock Education Center or “Oregon Rivers” in front of Rice Auditorium. Corvallis boasts a number of beautiful murals and even has a scavenger hunt for an added activity.

Cherry blossom season is nearly over, but even fallen cherry blossom petals can make for artsy photos. Take a roadtrip to the Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, or make the shorter trip to Salem’s Capitol building to photograph in a lovely pastel pink grove.

Monmouth and its surrounding towns and cities have much to offer when it comes to parks — the nearest park could be just a few blocks away. Parks with a waterfront view include Sarah Helmick State Park in Monmouth, Riverview Park in Independence, Minto-Brown Island Park in Salem and Dallas City Park in Dallas. Chip Ross Park in Corvallis is an ideal spot for golden hour and sunset photos. Bush’s Pasture Park in Salem offers a manicured outdoor setting, including a picturesque gazebo amid a rose garden. Deepwood Museum & Gardens in Salem also provides an immersive experience into nature with a variety of plant life that can serve as a unique photo background.

Wildlife areas also offer elegant photo locations out in nature. Such areas include the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Dallas, the E. E. Wilson Wildlife Area in Monmouth and the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge south of Salem.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Las proyecciones del Cine Independencia comienzan el 9 de abril

Reapertura del cine Independencia tras el cierre de COVID

Carpintero de Sydney | Editor de noticias

En febrero, se permitió la reapertura de los cines de Oregón de acuerdo con las directrices oficiales del Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades. Sin embargo, algunos cines, como el Independence Cinema, retrasaron su reapertura, alegando preocupación por las nuevas cepas de COVID-19 y el deseo de exhibir películas más viables en las salas.

"Lo más duro para un pequeño negocio tan devastado por estos cierres sería volver a abrir sólo para tener que cerrar de nuevo", dijo Independence Cinema en un post en Facebook el 23 de febrero. "Lo hicimos este otoño, y no podríamos repetir ese escenario y sobrevivir".

Sin embargo, el 10 de marzo el teatro local anunció que reabriría sus puertas el 9 de abril. 

"Ha sido una decisión muy cuidadosa", decía un post de Facebook del 10 de marzo, "con mucha planificación, espera y vigilancia. Confiamos en que todo el mundo esté preparado para volver a disfrutar con seguridad del ocio familiar."

Los planes actuales de reapertura implican el funcionamiento diario con horarios limitados y el cumplimiento de las normas de seguridad del sector, denominadas CinemaSafe. Según estas normas, todos los cines deben exigir al personal y a los espectadores que lleven máscaras, así como a los espectadores a distancia social, aumentar la ventilación cuando sea posible, proporcionar desinfectante de manos con un contenido mínimo de alcohol de 60%, desinfectar el auditorio entre proyecciones, formar al personal sobre los síntomas de COVID-19, poner las entradas en línea a disposición de los clientes y minimizar las transacciones en efectivo. En cada estado, el tamaño del aforo de los cines varía en función de los mandatos de los gobiernos estatales; en Oregón, depende del nivel de riesgo de COVID de cada condado. 

Desde el 26 de marzo, los funcionarios de salud del condado de Polk informaron el condado se clasificó para el nivel de riesgo moderado al tener una tasa de positividad de 2% y 72,3 casos por cada 100.000 personas en el transcurso de 14 días. Como resultado, el cine Independence tendrá una capacidad máxima de 50%.

En este momento, el cine no tiene un horario oficial para sus proyecciones, pero según su página de Instagram, planean abrir con "Voyagers", "Godzilla vs. Kong", "Nobody", "Chaos Walking", "Raya y el último dragón" y "Tom & Jerry". 

Para garantizar la seguridad de los espectadores, el teatro ha puesto en marcha un sistema de confirmación de asistencia que puede hacerse por Internet en la dirección www.independencecinema8.com o en persona en la taquilla situada fuera del teatro.

Si los espectadores no se sienten cómodos viendo las películas en persona, el cine sigue ofreciendo concesiones para llevar.

Para más información o preguntas, visita su página de Facebook @independencecinema8 o su Instagram @indycinema.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Northwest Housing Alternatives finaliza las reformas y el mural de College Manor

Northwest Housing Alternatives presenta a lo grande el proyecto de Monmouth

Carpintero de Sydney | Editor de noticias

Durante las vacaciones de primavera, Northwest Housing Alternatives ⏤ promotora sin ánimo de lucro de viviendas asequibles en Oregón ⏤ terminó las reformas del complejo de apartamentos College Manor.

A partir de agosto de 2020, la organización comenzó a renovar el diseño interior, principalmente con la sustitución de los sistemas de aguas residuales y domésticos existentes y la actualización de los baños. Las renovaciones exteriores incluyeron la sustitución de revestimientos y ventanas en los alzados norte y sur, la sustitución de escaleras exteriores y cerramientos, la adición de rampas y pasarelas accesibles, la siega de bandas, el sellado y el cambio de las bandas del aparcamiento. 

"Las viviendas asequibles que están bien cuidadas son un recurso cada vez más escaso en todo Oregón, especialmente en las comunidades más pequeñas/rurales", afirmó Promotor de viviendas Northwest Housing Alternatives Clayton Crowhurst. "Garantizar que esta propiedad siga siendo... asequible durante muchos años y no se venda a un promotor a precio de mercado que suba los alquileres y deje caducar los vales de vivienda es fundamental."

En el transcurso de la construcción, la actualización sufrió contratiempos, como un retraso de cuatro semanas debido a la COVID-19 y a los incendios forestales de Oregón de septiembre, la sustitución de frigoríficos mohosos y la recaudación de fondos.

"Lo más difícil de un proyecto de este tipo es obtener la financiación necesaria y conseguir que todos los financiadores y abogados implicados den su visto bueno", explica Crowhurst. "El proceso de cierre tuvo lugar justo al inicio de COVID y se produjo en el último momento, ya que otros proyectos sufrieron la retirada en el último minuto de importantes financiadores por temor a la evolución de la economía".

Sin embargo, el proyecto pudo financiarse íntegramente con el Crédito Fiscal para Viviendas de Bajos Ingresos, el Fondo de Asociación para la Vivienda y un préstamo permanente con el Crédito Fiscal para Viviendas Asequibles de Oregón. Durante el COVID y los incendios forestales, Crowhurst declaró que el coste de los materiales aumentó significativamente, lo que supuso un reto para mantenerse dentro del presupuesto. Según Crowhurst, el equipo de construcción de 80 a 100 personas se mantuvo dentro del presupuesto, con un total de $4.553.747 en mano de obra y coste de los materiales. 

Además de la construcción, Northwest Housing Alternatives realizó un mural ⏤ pintado por la artista de Portland Heidi Schultz ⏤ para mostrarlo durante su pequeña presentación al público. 

"Los dos barajamos varias ideas de diseño", explica Crowhurst, "y nos decidimos por el roble... Abarca los temas del crecimiento, pero también de la solidez y la protección en tiempos de cambio. Recogía un montón de esas cosas que encarnan nuestra organización".

Crowhurst explicó que la organización no busca ganar dinero rápidamente, sino que se preocupa de verdad por su gente. Poder ofrecer 3.000 oregoneses con un lugar al que llamar hogar cada noche ⏤ porque la vivienda es un derecho humano y nadie debería tener que elegir entre comida, vivienda o atención sanitaria ⏤ le hace sentirse orgulloso de estar afiliado a Alternativas de Vivienda en el Noroeste. 

Aunque se han hecho reformas en College Manor, los alquileres actuales no aumentarán. Para más información sobre la organización, visite su sitio web en https://nwhousing.org/#.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Flapjacks food truck now open for breakfast

New Monmouth food truck serves up flippin’ good pancakes and more

Allison Vanderzanden | Editor de estilo de vida

The Annex food truck lot is finally full, thanks to the brand new Flapjacks truck that opened on Feb. 15. Owner Karna Reynolds cooks up delicious and unique breakfast foods for the Monmouth community.

Originally from Medford, Reynolds moved to Monmouth for a change of scenery.

“I’ve had my food cart for 10 years,” Reynolds said. “Down there, I did tacos.” 

Reynolds said it was time for her to venture out. She flipped her menu upside down to serve up something special for her new community in Monmouth.

Flapjacks has something for everyone — from specialty pancakes, to hearty biscuits and gravy, to hot oatmeal, to fruity smoothies, every entree is made to order. Already, the biscuits and gravy and the birthday cake pancakes are their best sellers, Reynolds said. Her homemade biscuits are topped with gravy loaded with sausage, bacon and tons of flavor; it’s her personal recommendation.

Fresh and creative food is what Reynolds prides herself in. Her menu promises high quality ingredients and food “made with love,” and she enjoys experimenting with a variety of fruits, seasonings and other ingredients to give customers something one of a kind. 

“We like different as human beings,” Reynolds said. 

Reynolds will even throw something new together on a whim, meaning each day may offer a unique menu.

“Today I made a … cinnamon banana swirl pancake,” Reynolds said in regards to her menu that day. “The other day, I came up … (with) a walnut pear pancake.”

For now, Reynolds hopes to grow her business at The Annex. Several years from now, Reynolds has dreams of opening a sister location in Independence — providing the community with the breakfast food truck they want, but small and local enough that she can still run her business independently.

Flapjacks is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the food truck at The Annex, 191 Monmouth Ave. N, and stay up to date with Flapjacks on their Facebook page, @Flapjacks.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

IndyMo celebra un mes de compras en comercios locales

IndyMo businesses reward locals with utility bill discounts and in-store coupons

Carpintero de Sydney | Editor de noticias

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Monmouth and Independence have come together to dedicate the entire month of February to the purchase of products from local businesses, known as the “Love Local” event. In each town, residents are rewarded with different benefits. 

For Monmouth, all patrons who purchase $20 worth of goods from local retail stores, restaurants, fitness facilities or personal service businesses with a physical storefront will be credited with $10 towards their next utility bill. Participants can earn this $10 credit up to three times per account.

Photo courtesy of Love Local Indy 2021

“(We’re) trying to get some recreational things happening out here,” said Dancing Muse Costume Shop owner and Vice President of the Monmouth Business Association James Martin.

“I have to remind people that there’s fun still. Even if you are stuck in the house because of COVID-19, you can still go to a Zoom meeting and hang out in different costumes.”

Martin explained he intends for his patrons to escape the mundane life activities brought on by COVID.

“I enjoy dressing up and having fun and I want to have other people dress up too,” said Martin. “Drinking a mug of ale with a bunch of friends and singing sea shanties while dressed as a pirate, well there’s nothing better, even if it is through Zoom.”

Photo courtesy of City of Monmouth – Love Local Challenege

For businesses in Independence, patrons who make purchases from any of the 14 participating businesses will receive a scratch it ticket worth $1, $5, $10 or $20 that will go towards their next purchase. 

For more information on the event, contact Suzanne Dufner at 503-838-0722.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Petals & Vines is the grow-to place for plants

Local florist Petals & Vines is blooming with beauty 

Natalie Dean ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

Family owned and operated florist shop Petals & Vines has been established in Monmouth since April 2007 ⏤ run by the charming and welcoming mother and daughter duo, Maggie Triplet and Martha Zuck. When it comes to the variety of plants and items available, they have all the bells and whistles for any customer, occasion or budget. Martha describes their inventory as having everything from buying flowers by the stem, “big and bougie” trumpet-style flowers, or “low and lush” arrangements with styles in between that can have glass vases. 

Zuck stated, “I’ve lived and breathed flowers since 1995, it’s second nature to me … I love working with my mom, being involved in the small-town community, and watching customers’ kids grow up through the years,” which is her favorite part about working with her mom.

With Valentine’s Day coming up and spring fast approaching, anyone can roam around in the nearly twenty different types of plants in their shop and soak in the greenery. Daily fresh-cut flowers, blooming bouquets, tropical plants, ferns, air and household plants are just a few choices.

“As Valentine’s Day comes up, wedding and proposal season usually comes right after,” Zuck pointed out.

No matter what the event or season, there are plenty of quality arrangements, plants and gifts like decor, cards, candies and stuffed animals. Dedicated to working with customers and their budgets, Petals & Vines has “$10 Tuesdays” where there are various plants and items available for $10. There are other deals that happen throughout the year, and they also do pickup and delivery services. If there’s ever a plant they don’t have in-store, they’re happy to order it. 

Located at 410 Main St W East in Monmouth, patrons should also keep an eye out for JJ, their friendly orange cat that patrols the neighborhood. Additional details can be found on their Facebook at “Petals & Vines Flowers and Gifts,” and Instagram @petalsandvines. For any other questions or concerns, check out their website, petalsandvinesflorist.com or give them a call at 503-838-1773.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en ndean17@wou.edu