food – The Western Howl

March 12, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

For those who’ve wanted to step into a land of splendor and mystery, Renaissance faires offer an enchanting escape. These lively gatherings transport those who enter to a land of history, fantasy and fun. Whether thou art drawn to the melodious strains of medieval music, the spectacle of knights jousting or the allure of fine attire, Renaissance faires deliver an experience like no other.

At the core of a Renaissance faire, tis’ a grand celebration of the culture, customs and way of life from the Renaissance period — 14-17th centuries. Each event seeks to recreate the very sights, sounds and spirit of that age, though they mix in a dose of fantastical elements — mythical beasts, modern pop culture and fair folk. Imagine a small, bustling village straight out of the Renaissance, with merchants peddling their wares, entertainers performing for passersby and knights competing in grand tournaments. All come dressed in elaborate costumes, contributing to the immersive experience. It isn’t simply just a day out, but rather about stepping into a world where time feels suspended.

Some things one should expect at a Renaissance faire:

Costumes and Immersion — The first to strike one’s eye is the garb — clothing. Period costumes are extremely popular, from elaborate gowns and corsets to tunics and breeches. Some hard-core ren fairers go all out with full Renaissance-style attire, complete with accessories — hats, jewelry and swords. For those who want to participate but don’t have a costume, many faires offer costume rentals.

Jousting and Games — At the hearts of many is the ultimate spectacle of jousting. Knights in shining armor, mounted upon their steeds, charging at each other with lances, vying for victory and the audience cheers as the riders compete for eternal glory. There is also ground fighting — where fighters engage in close-quarters combat. The competitions can make one feel as if they’ve fallen into the movie “A Knight’s Tale” or “Shrek.” Many faires feature games and contests like archery and axe throwing. These activities offer one some Renaissance-era skills with friendly competition and lots of laughs.

Live Performances and Merriment — Entertainment is the very soul of the Renaissance experience. One could watch a live performance of Shakespearean plays, enjoy a musical performance by a lute, harp or fiddle player or witness a merry jest from a troupe of clowns in the town square.

Food and Drink — No faire would be complete without its food. Many serve classic Renaissance-inspired dishes — turkey legs, roasted meats and hearty stews are found in abundance. Vendors sell pastries, pies, sweets and drinks to tempt any who may pass by.

Artisan and Craft Markets — Anyone who enjoys browsing unique, handmade goods will find pleasure at the faire’s market. From jewelry and pottery to leather goods and hand-carved wooden items, one can find exactly what they will need to add to their collection. Many vendors specialize in creating products that are historically inspired, and they often take the time to explain the techniques and craftsmanship behind their work. Keep in mind that handmade, intricate products last long and thus will be more on the expensive side.

There are many Renaissance faires from which one may choose. Herein lies a list of the various locations, with their respective details.

Oregon Ren Faire — In Canby, Oregon at the fairgrounds. Every Sabbath in the month of June; with a new theme each week. Tickets must be obtained only through the internet and are priced at 20-30 shillings per soul.

Canterbury Renaissance Faire — In Silverton, Oregon. On the days of the 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th of July. Tickets may be obtained both on-site and through the internet; priced at 27 shillings per soul and an extra 10 shillings to park on the grounds.

Portland Celtic Faire — In Hillsboro, Oregon. In the month of August (date to be determined). Entry is free to all.

Oregon Celtic Festival — In Canby, Oregon at the fairgrounds. 13-15th day of September. Tickets must be obtained only through the internet and are priced at 45-65 shillings per soul.

Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire — In Kings Valley, Oregon. 14th day unto the 15th day of September. Tickets can be obtained both in person and online; priced at 22 shillings per soul.

With the locations aforementioned, I would most heartily recommend the Canterbury Ren Faire and the Shrewsbury Ren Faire for those first-time visitors. I had an absolute blast at these noble gatherings. They’re both reasonably priced, especially when each vendor and food stall requires money. I found the ground fights and jousting quite joyous. Everything is professionally choreographed so thou dost not need to fret. Yet, it did appear that at the Shrewsbury Ren Faire, they don’t hold back on their jousting matches. Aside from the performances, the intricate, handmade products were most captivating. There be garb, cups, weapons, adornments, works of art, instruments and jewels aplenty. Nearly all that one’s heart might desire may be found at a ren faire market. I advise thee to be methodical, I found several accessories by going through, and taking my time at the stalls. Of the two I’ve listed, Canterbury offers the finest selection and most diverse variety of vendors. As for sustenance, one may choose among many classics, turkey legs, stews, pickles, meat pies and scotch eggs. I shall always advocate for a meat pie, scotch egg and the famous pickle. Anyone who has ventured to a Ren faire knows full well to acquire a pickle. Under the burning sun, a cold, refreshing pickle doth truly satisfies thy spirit. Running out of energy, halfway through the vendors? Get a pickle, it’s as if it has some weird energizing power.

Lastly, I shall impart a humbler piece of advice to all who venture to a Renaissance faire: please dress up. Dressing up is a game changer and it makes the experience feel that much more “real.” I went in full garb that I sewed with my grandmother and fell in love with the immersive experience. Keep in mind, these gatherings often occur during the hottest of seasons, and a heaving costume is not for the faint of heart. There are several ways to create a ren faire cosplay. Look at antique and junk stores for unique, budget-friendly accessories. Thrift to find “olden” style clothing or any kind that fits one’s ren faire aesthetic. Or, one could simply wait until arriving at the faire to buy an outfit. Keep in mind that this is a very expensive option. Always look for natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk.

In an age of digital distractions, constant news updates, and the hustle and bustle of daily life, stepping back in time provides a welcome break for one to enjoy the magic of a simpler, albeit fictional, time. A wondrous escape where the spirit of merriment, craft and history intertwine. Gather thy companions and partake in joyous occasions, where the echoes of a bygone era live on in celebration and camaraderie — huzzah.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

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Galentine’s Day

February 12, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

Feb. 13, unofficially known as Galentine’s Day, has become a beloved holiday for women around the world. While Valentine’s Day often centers on romantic love, Galentine’s Day shines a spotlight on the power of friendship and the importance of strong female bonds. Galentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate supportive women that make life more enjoyable.

At its core, the holiday is about appreciating the women in one’s life who bring love, support and laughter. These friendships may have been formed in school, at work or through common interests, and they often become the pillars of emotional well-being. In a world where female rivalry has often been emphasized, Galentine’s Day serves as a reminder of the power of women supporting women. By fostering an environment of support and solidarity, women can empower one another to reach their goals and continue challenging societal norms. It’s a chance to focus on the collective power of women, who — together — can accomplish incredible things.

Ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day

1. Host a brunch or dinner party
Hosting a brunch or dinner with close friends and female family members is one of the most popular ways to celebrate. Whether it’s dining out or serving up homemade favorites, the focus should be on sharing good food and good conversation with wonderful peers. The Lively Station in South Salem is a quiet, tucked away restaurant perfect for any group wanting local food.

2. Spa day or self-care retreat
For those who want a more relaxing celebration, a spa day or DIY pampering session with friends can be a great way to bond. Facemasks, manicures and a cozy atmosphere can provide the perfect setting for relaxing and rejuvenation. Turn the living room into a DIY spa sanctuary with calming music, candles and soothing treatments.

3. Movie or TV show marathon
There’s nothing like having a cozy night in with friends, snacks and a good movie. According to Good Housekeeping, among the most popular Galentine’s Day movies to watch include “Pitch Perfect,” “Legally Blonde,” “Bridesmaids,” “Booksmart,” “13 Going on 30,” “A League of Their Own” and “Pride and Prejudice.”

4. Go on a fun adventure
Create new and fun memories with one’s gal pals by going on a day adventure. If one is looking for a unique activity in Salem, head to the Coin Jam, 21 and over only, Exitus escape room or Wreckingballers. It’s sure to be a blast and a great way to relieve some stress.

Whether it’s celebrating with an extravagant gathering or a quiet evening with close friends, Galentine’s Day is about embracing the value of female friendship and the power of connection. It serves as a reminder that love isn’t confined to romantic relationships and that the bonds formed by our friends are just as meaningful and important. Galentine’s Day encourages us to lift each other up. It’s a day to recognize the strength, beauty and resilience that come from celebrating and supporting each other.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

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Western’s food pantry

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Western’s food pantry is located in room 165 of the Welcome Center. It is open Tuesdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for Western students and faculty only. It is open to the public 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesdays and 2 – 6 p.m. Thursdays. Abby’s House — Western’s center for equity and gender justice — is the parent organization of the food pantry.

Everyone is welcome to utilize the food pantry on the allotted days, even including non-residents of Monmouth. There is also no maximum or minimum amount of income an individual needs to have to be a customer. Everything in the food pantry is free to all customers.

Also located in room 165 of the Welcome Center is the Stitch Closet. The Stitch Closet provides clothes for individuals, free of charge. It has the same hours as the food pantry for the convenience of users. Like the food pantry, the Stitch Closet is also a part of Abby’s House. The concept for the Stitch Closet was imagined in 2020 and came to fruition fall 2021.

Tarly Sineo, a first-year at Western majoring in psychology, started volunteering at the food pantry and the Stitch Closet as soon as it opened for the 2024-25 school year. “I took multiple steps to ensure that I got to volunteer the first day it was available to me,” said Sineo.

Student volunteers are integral in ensuring the organization runs smoothly. “(I make) sure that the floors are clear, everything’s stocked correctly, clothing racks are clear and we’re using the right hangers. Just general maintenance,” said Sineo.

Sineo is passionate about helping students and members of the community and making sure they have the resources they need. “It means a lot to me. Pretty early (in the term) I figured that I’d probably be bored and have a lot of hours just kind of sitting around my room … So I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone; busy myself, and make the community a bit better for the people around me.”

Food pantries are an important part of many communities, and it is especially beneficial for students. Western’s food pantry is helping to battle food insecurity among students, with college campuses statistically having more people who struggle.

“It’s a really valuable asset,” said Sineo. “Some (meal plans) don’t get to three meals a day on all of the weekdays.” The food pantry also helps anyone who is hosting community events — such as a Thanksgiving gathering or a residence hall event — get the materials and resources they need.

Western’s food pantry put together turkey baskets for community members. The baskets have uncooked turkey or ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, cranberry sauce and the ingredients to make green bean casserole.

“It’s a program for people who might not have the money to get a full turkey or the circumstances to be able to get a bunch of different Thanksgiving food for their family,” said Sineo.

Much of the food that Western’s food pantry offers is provided by a Salem food bank — Marion Polk Food Share. The rest of the food supply is a collection of donations from people in the community.

The food pantry follows a client-choice model of shopping. Customers can choose their items instead of receiving a preselected bag of groceries. This ensures that people will use everything they take, instead of wasting the things they either don’t like or can’t eat due to allergies.

There is no limit to the number of times people can shop at the food pantry. They can take as much food as they need as long as they are courteous of other customers who also need to use the food pantry. Once customers have finished shopping, they weigh their food and anonymously fill out a checkout survey. The personal information of shoppers is never collected.

Individuals can support the food pantry and the Stitch Closet by volunteering or giving donations. They accept donations of food, clothes, hygiene products, pet food and school supplies. Donations are collected in a box in front of the food pantry. Individuals can also donate money to the food pantry through Abby’s House.

For food donations, homemade goods and meals from restaurants will not be accepted. Store-bought foods should have a visible expiration date and nutrition label. It should be in the original packaging with any lids and seals still intact.

For clothing donations, the Stitch Closet will not accept anything that shows offensive words or visuals, or clothes that are damaged or dirty.

If donors are unsure if an item will be accepted, they can take it to a student volunteer who will inspect it.

For students who would like to volunteer, there is a volunteer interest form linked in the food pantry’s Instagram — @woufoodpantry.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

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ASL Club’s 30th birthday

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

In celebration of Western’s American Sign Language Club’s 30th birthday, an anniversary party will be held in the Richard Woodcock Education Center May 17. Running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m in room 101, the founder, co-founder and former presidents will be present, with the founders even delivering a speech.

“It’s a huge legacy of 30 years,” said Hearing President of the ASL Club and fourth-year student, Aiden Hare. “It’s pretty amazing that it’s been consecutively running for that entire time and it’s also one of the biggest clubs on campus.”

The club itself functions with both a Hearing President and a Deaf President. Operationally, events are hosted throughout each term such as game nights, intercultural panels, community nights and arts and crafts, all while communicating with the community. This spring term, the ASL club is hosting an LGBTQ+ panel.

“A lot of people know this program exists, and they know that it’s big,” said Hare. “But they haven’t stepped into it, or they live on campus and they’re just not aware, (but this is a way to get involved).”

Although open to the public, the event, like many others, is voice-off, sign-only and no interpreters will be provided.

According to Hare, the event is a good way to get connected with not only Western but the Deaf community as well.

“We have a lot of people coming from all over, which I’m excited about,” said Hare. “We have Washington State School for the Deaf students coming, Oregon State Students coming, teachers from other universities and random community members (that think) this is awesome.”

Visitors can expect a rather competitive match of musical chairs, amongst other games. Free food will be available as well, but RSVPing is highly recommended so a proper head count may be gathered to estimate how much food to order. Anyone with dietary restrictions or other preferences is encouraged to reach out.

“I think it’ll just be really cool to get that many community members there at the same time,” said Hare. “It’s a very impactful event… to be a part of this is pretty amazing.”

The event will also be handing out goodie bags as an incentive for attendance.

Contact the authors at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

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River rescue

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

The Klamath River runs through the coastal states of California and Oregon — home to four large dams including JC Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2 and the Iron Gate. These dams have damaging effects on water quality and have depleted salmon populations, which many local tribes heavily rely on.

Protests from local tribes and efforts from residents of Oregon and California have finally been recognized, and on Nov. 17, 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the surrender of their hydropower license in order to remove the four dams from Klamath River. The Biden administration, leaders of the four Columbia River Basin Tribes and the Governors of California and Oregon signed papers formally launching a $1 billion plan to restore salmon populations. This decision will allow for the largest dam removal project in United States history and ultimately has become a historical moment for the Pacific Northwest.

The project is already in motion as Copco No. 2, the smallest of the four dams, was the first to be removed this fall due to its size, location and lack of reservoir. The removal of Copco No. 2 has allowed for water to flow freely down the canyon which has not been touched by water since the dam’s construction in 1925. This was an extremely significant first step in the removal process and gives a promising glimpse at what’s to come.

Since the construction of these dams, many have felt they’ve done more harm than good. After more than 100 years, the dams along the Klamath have degraded water quality to dangerous levels for salmon and led to excessive growth of toxic cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae.

The removal of these dams will drastically improve the water quality, allowing Chinook salmon populations to increase up to 80% of what they were before the dam. Salmon is extremely important to many native tribes including the Yurok, Karuk, Shasta, Klamath and Hoopa Valley, who even refer to themselves as the “salmon people.” These tribes rely on salmon for food in addition to rituals and communal culture. For many tribes, salmon represents prosperity, fertility and abundance. The removal of these dams has opened the door for tremendous change and hope within these communities.

Klamath Justice Coalition Yurok tribe member, Annelia Hillman, says she “imagines a world where we live in harmony with the river,” and the removal of these dams encourages her to believe that this will once again be true. The Klamath Dam Removal Agreement is a long-awaited and well-deserved win for the tribes of the Pacific Northwest.

Removal of the last dams is scheduled for the summer of 2024 — stay updated with American Rivers.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

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Oregon coast hot spots for beach babes

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

One of the best things about living in Oregon is living in a coastal state and having access to beautiful beaches. Along with the sandy seasides come delicious restaurants, nifty thrift stores, crystal shops and loads of locally owned businesses. Next time one feels like being a beach babe, check out some of these beachside hot spots.

Visions Rock Shop — Visions is located in Lincoln City in an extremely adorable barn-type building, amongst other stores and shops. They have a variety of crystals, rocks, towers, spheres, fossils, thundereggs and gems. Visions even provides classes on how to make your own pendant to wear as a necklace.

Garibaldi Portside Bistro — Garibaldi is only 10 minutes away from Rockaway Beach and stands as an excellent family-owned portside bistro right next to the water. The bistro offers a cozy environment with live music, welcoming beach decor and a variety of food items perfect for anyone. It is an excellent place to stop and fill bellies with delicious food, along with fast and efficient service.

Pick of the Litter — Pick of the Litter is a thrift and consignment store located in Newport. They provide a variety of vintage clothes, movies, furniture, cookware, accessories and more. The best part is that Pick of the Litter is run completely by volunteers from the community, and the money raised at the thrift store goes directly to the Lincoln County Animal Center. Visiting their store will ensure high-quality products and contribute to helping with the care and love for animals in the community.

Eleanor’s Undertow Cafe — Eleanor’s Hot Pink Cafe is located in Lincoln City, just a few minutes walk from the beach. Vibrant colors and the classic ice cream parlor look is just another bonus to the yummy food and sweet treats. The “sweets and cool stuff” served include but are not limited to shakes, banana splits, malts, sundaes, ice cream sodas and the infamous Granny’s ½ pound chocolate chip cookie that can be topped with any of their sixteen ice cream flavors.

Explore and have fun, beach babes.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

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Utilizing Kale

These three simple recipes easily incorporate kale into one’s diet

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

These three recipes were created to include optimal amounts of kale by Jude Bokovoy and can be found on instagram @judy.the.foody.

Kale is an easily accessible vegetable with great nutritional value. According to Healthline, kale helps lower cholesterol, risk of heart disease and inflammatory responses. It is also high in fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C.What really stands out is that kale has the ability to reduce the likelihood of developing at least five different types of cancer. The catch is, kale is typically sold in huge quantities and has a short shelf life.

One of the most common ways to consume kale is by packing it into a smoothie. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be a green smoothie. One can easily hide the vegetable taste with just the right amount of fruit. Below is a smoothie recipe that incorporates both a fruity taste and a healthy amount of vegetables. One of the biggest benefits of kale smoothies is that one can freeze the kale beforehand, which is a useful way to reduce waste if one has a large bag of fresh kale that can’t be used before it goes bad.

KALE SMOOTHIE

Start to finish: Three minutes

Yields: One smoothie

⅓ cup of kale

2 small mandarin oranges

⅛ cup frozen mixed berries

5 tablespoons of Dah! mango probiotic yogurt

6 tablespoons of Organic Life Green & Clean juice

Put ingredients in a blender. Blend to the consistency of one’s liking. For a fruitier taste add a banana or another kind of berry. For a veggie heavy smoothie add chard or any other leafy green.

The next recipe is a comforting omelet. The amount of ingredients can sound overwhelming, but rest assured, it can be made in a short amount of time. This cheesy, vegetable filled omelet will warm one’s heart while fueling the body.

VEGGIE OMELET

Start to finish: Seven minutes

Yields: One omelet

3 Eggs

Handful of kale, chopped

4 grape tomatoes, chopped

2 slices of ham, chopped

Sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese

Sriracha or ketchup, optional

Warm butter or cooking spray in a small frying pan. Then crack and scramble eggs into the pan when ready. Add the rest of the ingredients, then flip half of the mixture over. Cover with lid. Serve with sauces of your choice. Top off your omelet with sriracha and ketchup for a spicy and flavorful taste.

Last is a recipe for a decadent mushroom and kale ravioli. Ravioli is a highly underutilized pasta dish because people fail to realize that it is so quick and easy to make. Kale is a great addition to any pasta, especially ravioli. All one has to do is add washed and chopped kale to their sauce as it is cooking.

MUSHROOM KALE RAVIOLI

Start to finish: 15 minutes

Yields: One serving

½ Bag of Giovanni Rama mushroom ravioli

¼ Jar of Mezzetta roasted garlic sauce

Handful of kale

Red chili flake

Boil five cups of water. Add ravioli to a pot of boiling water for around four minutes. Simultaneously pour sauce into a large warm frying pan. Add red chili flakes while the sauce is cooking to create some spice. Add kale and cooked ravioli to the sauce. Cover with lid until warmed to one’s liking. Then plate.

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.

Accessibility Public Records Privacy Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.

Renaissance faires

Galentine’s Day

ASL Club’s 30th birthday

River rescue

Oregon coast hot spots for beach babes

Utilizing Kale

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