Mount Hood

Intramural sports return

Intramural recruiting for Fall 2021 begins

Mikayla Coleman | News Editor

The recent return to campus life leaves many students questioning just what extracurricular activities are resuming for fall term. Intramural sports have made a strong willed return. 

Intramural sports programs are open to all Western students, faculty, staff and spouses. They are a great option for those who want to participate in sports, but may not necessarily have the commitment level or developed skill set for a school sports program. 

“Intramurals fill a unique void. There are no practices, no coaches — it’s just show up and have fun and play with your friends,” said Andy Main, assistant director for Campus Recreation. 

Intramurals have less emphasis on qualities that make sports a stressful event and weigh more on getting involved within the campus community. 

“It’s a unique way to blow off steam, maybe take your mind off of a stressful final coming up — for me, most importantly is to meet and bond and get to know new people,” Main said. 

Western’s intramural program has thirteen different sports that they are currently recruiting for. Each sport does have a cost associated with it depending on the scope of the league, tournament or event. This fall term they plan to offer many exciting in person events including Badminton League, Corn Hole League and Volleyball League. Amidst the pandemic panic we have all endured, they also plan to grow with the technical times and implement two virtual sports and activities: the NCAA Bowl Game Pick’em and esports. 

All rules and regulations can be found on imleagues.com/wou. 

Contact the author at newseditor@thewesternhowl.com

Gaze into new possibilities with stargazing

Get outside and find a new hobby in stargazing

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Enjoying the night sky gets easier as the nights grow warmer. Looking for a new hobby? Stargazing is accessible to most everyone, and extensive astronomy knowledge is not required. Follow these tips to start stargazing.

If totally new to stargazing, there are a number of apps that can help. I use “Star Chart” because it offers a red light mode; red light, unlike other colors, won’t affect the eyes’ perception of darkness. Other apps include “SkyView Lite,” “Star Walk 2” and “SkySafari” ⏤ all available on both the App Store and Google Play store. 

With a mobile guide in hand, it’s time to get outside; while stargazing is more exciting when away from city lights, it is perfectly fine to simply walk into the backyard and look up. The best nights to stargaze are cloudless, moonless nights, so check the weather forecast before heading out. 

Once outside, let the eyes adjust to the darkness for about 20 minutes so that as many stars as possible will be visible. Take a moment to become oriented with cardinal directions; all stars, planets and the moon rise in the east and set in the west.

There are a few types of objects that will be visible: stars, planets and satellites. Planets do not shimmer like stars do and tend to be brighter. Meanwhile, satellites tend to move slower and are much dimmer than airplanes across the sky. Track which planets or satellites will be out at what times online.

Now to identify some constellations. The Big Dipper, part of Ursa Major, is arguably the easiest constellation in the northern hemisphere to identify, and it’s in the night sky year-round — making it the perfect starting point. The two stars that form the end of the dipper’s bowl point upwards towards Polaris, the end of the Little Dipper’s handle. Following this same line leads to Cepheus, shaped like a house. Next to Cepheus is the “W,” Cassiopeia. In Greek mythology, Cepheus and Cassiopeia are husband and wife, so they sit together in the night sky. All of these constellations are circumpolar, meaning they are visible all year round.

Different constellations — like Orion, Pegasus and the zodiacs — will come out during different seasons, meaning something new awaits in the night sky every month. Use an app as a guide to learn which constellations are next to each other, and as an added activity, learn about the mythology of constellations online.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

‌Show Mother Earth some love on April 22

Simple ways to enjoy Earth Day this year

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌

With Earth Day steadily approaching, it’s time to start making plans for April 22. If it’s staying at home or going out, there is more than one way to advocate for environmental concerns and to celebrate Earth Day. According to earthday.org, “(Earth Day) is marked by more than a billion people every year as a day of action to change human behavior and create global, national and local policy changes.” To celebrate, consider these ways to enjoy Earth Day either solo or socially distancing: 

  • Donate unwanted clothes or items around the house to declutter, and to support local charities, organizations and people in need. 
  • Return cans and bottles to declutter, recycle and get a little extra cash. 
  • Get outdoors with gardening projects ⏤ which can attract native pollinators, support local ecosystems and provide fresh produce.
  • Walking, hiking and biking are rewarding activities that get the body moving while being in the great outdoors. 

  • Join a group or go solo to pick up litter at parks, beaches, dams, hiking trails or around the neighborhood.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle materials around the house with art projects, such as some of the ones below. 
  • Create a bird feeder by taking a pinecone and covering it with peanut butter, and then sprinkling birdseed on the peanut butter. Once evenly coated, tie the pinecone up with string in a secure location. 
  • Try painting and decorating rocks, which can add flair to any yard or garden. Designs can be as simple as a sun or a ladybug, or they can be used as identifying markers for different plants.
  • Make a fairy garden out of everyday items found outside, like sticks, bark, stones, moss and flowers. 
  • Learn about other ways to be environmentally conscious, such as trying to go plastic-free, reducing waste and being energy efficient.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌Hop to it, Easter is just a few days away

Plan something fun for Easter with these suggestions 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Easter get-togethers and egg hunts across the community will look a little different this year, but there is still an abundance of things to do come Easter Sunday. The day can be as simple as enjoying one’s own company ⏤ full of rest, relaxing and eating huge chocolate bunnies. Whatever people may have planned, here are a few things anyone can try to stay entertained:

 

  • For many people, dyeing Easter eggs is a must, although it can get messy. There are online tutorials that explain tips for beginners and ones that show elaborate designs. 
  • Easter egg hunts are a staple activity for people of many ages, and can also be a good way to keep kids engaged for a while. Try it with pets by putting treats in the eggs and hiding them in a place they frequent. 
  • The egg toss is perfect because all ages can participate in the competition. This is another messy game but it allows people to enjoy time outdoors and to practice their hand-eye coordination. 
  • It would be a shame to forget about the egg walk — which requires the player to hold a spoon in their mouth, while an egg balances in the spoon. Then, they walk a certain distance without dropping the egg in order to win. 
  • “Pin the tail on the rabbit” is an easy, interactive game to help entertain the youngsters. This will require a blindfold, a piece of paper, a pen to draw the bunny, some tape and a white cotton ball for the tail. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Embroidery is one of life’s thimblest pleasures

Embroidery is the latest activity to try from home 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

Through the last year, people have had to get creative with their activities and pastimes. The world went through a collective bread baking phase and making the TikTok famous whipped Dalgona coffee, but there’s one activity that’s been overlooked. Embroidery has long been used throughout history to adorn and craft clothing items or to make elaborate art pieces. It continues to be a popular and eclectic activity, with a variety of ways to mix materials and try new designs. 

The starting materials don’t have to cost the artist a lot of money, and many smaller items can be found around the house or at an art store. It’s a hands on project that requires practice and patience, but it pays off to see the finished product. Here are some insider knowledge, tips and tricks that can make it easier to enjoy:

Starter supplies: 

  • Key items for any beginner embroiderer would be a wooden or plastic embroidery hoop or frame, a set of needles, thread of the artist’s choosing, fabric and sharp scissors. 
  • I find it useful to have a small pouch or container to keep supplies in, and it helps keep some of the smaller items organized.
  • Hoops, frames, fabrics and embroidery patterns can be found in thrift stores at low price points and often be bought in bulk. 

Optional supplies: 

    • There are specialty embroidery scissors that one can use, which tend to be smaller and sharper than traditional scissors — they are also often decorated or embossed. 
    • A thimble is small but mighty, and it can protect sensitive fingertips from the threading and sewing process. 
    • Using a very small amount of thread conditioner or beeswax can prevent tangling and knotting. If using a conditioner kit, lightly take the thread that is being used and run it along with the conditioning agent, while pressing against the thread with a finger. Then, pull the thread between two fingers to remove any static.

    Learn the stitches: 

    • Knowing the difference between a French Knot, a Running Stitch, Chain Stitch, Stem or Split Stitch, Long and Short Stitches, Woven Wheels and Lazy Daisy Loops will help narrow down which ones should be used for the desired effect.  
    • Take it slow at first; consider watching YouTube videos and practicing on cheaper fabric to get the hang of it. 
    • Watch out for pulling stitches too tight, which can distort the fabric and overall design. 
    • Overlapping stitches can provide a lush look for flowers or nature scenes.
    • Stitches that involve knots can be perfect for finer details or building texture.

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    These gardening tips are kind of a big dill

    These gardening tips are kind of a big dill

    Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

    Growing a garden can be a rewarding hobby, though winter makes it all but impossible to grow greens outdoors. Luckily, many herbs and small vegetables can be grown indoors, a win-win for those without outdoor spaces and those looking for year-round fresh goods. Here are some steps to starting a personal indoor garden.

    Firstly, map out the perfect spot in the house. Most plants will grow best in a south facing window with full sunlight. If no such window is available, investing in incandescent, fluorescent or full spectrum LED lights is also an option. 

    Pick out which greens are going to be planted. The possibilities are endless ⏤ from scallions to basil to oregano to microgreens. According to gardentherapy.ca, the easiest herbs to grow indoors include chives, mint, parsley and Vietnamese coriander. Seedlings tend to be less fickle than seeds — a good option especially for novice gardeners. Buy seeds and seedlings from the gardening center at a grocery outlet or home improvement store.

    Next, acquire other necessary supplies; use pots, containers or window boxes at least four inches deep, and make sure they have drainage holes with a drip tray underneath. Get organic potting soil and some type of watering can or mister, and buy fertilizer if desired.

    Pat down about two inches of soil into a pot, then scatter many seeds over the soil. Top with a thin layer of soil, then water and add optional fertilizer. If repotting seedlings, make sure the roots get fully covered with dirt. Place the pots in adequate light; if using artificial light, set it on a timer for about 16 hours per day.

    Each plant is unique, so follow growing instructions provided on the seed packet or online. Most plants will need to be watered every couple of days. Many greens will pop up in about one week, and some may be ready to harvest in as little as three weeks; cuttings can be taken starting when the plant reaches at least four inches tall.

    When harvesting, use clean, sharp scissors to cut lower outer leaves and stems. Harvest often, but cut less than one third of the plant at a time to encourage growth. Enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables in meals, soups and salads all year-round.

    Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

    Celebrate the season of love with these activities

    Ways to spend time this Valentine’s Day if alone or single

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

    Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but not everyone has plans this year, or a significant other to spend it with. However, the holiday doesn’t have to be full of sadness or longing for a partner; instead, it can be an opportunity to make the most out of singledom and celebrate love in other ways. Here are some of the best ways to spend time alone when single or without plans:

    • Write letters to family or friends: If spending this holiday solo, love letters or letters of gratitude for friends and family can go a long way. This past year has been hard on everyone, and a small moment of appreciation can mean more to someone than initially thought. It doesn’t have to be pages long, but can highlight favorite memories, inside jokes or a cute message. Go the extra mile and mail them out if needed. 
    • Pampering: There are a ton of takeout and delivery services available to enjoy a nice meal, beverage or sweet treat from home. Or the day can be spent cooking favorite meals or treats at home, with a movie or music. Take a nap, get out of the house, enjoy time in nature ⏤ do whatever brings the most relaxation through the day.
    • Spend time with pets: Valentine’s Day can be spent with pets, either out on a walk, playing, lounging around or by giving them treat after treat. Have a fun photoshoot with pets to commemorate the day together, give them a little Valentine’s with a toy or treat in it and bestow some extra attention (flowers are optional, chocolate not recommended).
    • Random act of kindness: There are plenty of people in our community that need a helping hand, from folks facing homelessness to families in our own neighborhoods. Donating time and resources can make a big difference to those who may be struggling, even if it’s something small. Spread the love by going through old clothes, dishes, home items or unwanted food products and donating them to food pantries and homeless shelters. 
    • Valentine’s Day cards: If there are any kiddos or youngsters in the family, they may really appreciate some chocolates, a toy or Valentine’s Day cards — since they aren’t in classrooms and can’t quite celebrate in the traditional way. It can be an exciting time for children to soak in the holiday, so try out a themed activity with them. Have them make their own cards to give to family members or friends, decorate the house, bake goodies or have a spa day. 

            Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

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