Mount Hood

Brilliant nearby Black-owned businesses to support

Shop local at these five Black establishments

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

As the COVID-19 pandemic carries on, supporting small and local businesses continues to be more important than ever. In the spirit of supporting local shops and in recognition of Black History Month, here are a variety of local Black-owned businesses near Western.

Creative Credit & Auto Sales: 4045 State St., Salem. Tyrone Jones started Creative Credit & Auto Sales car dealership to help customers buy and lease cars even without great credit. Check out their selection online at creativecreditautosales.com, or visit them on site where they also have a mechanic shop.

Flourish Spices and African Food: 1555 Hawthorne St. NE, Salem. Olajumoke Elkanah opened this African whole foods store and restaurant after noticing a need in Salem for food from her heritage. Flourish offers shipping of their African food products through their website, flourishafricanmart.com; check out their catering and cooking class services as well.

Jojo’s Soul Food & Memphis BBQ: 4106 State St., Salem. This food truck from owner Ricky “Jojo” Tufuku brings the taste of traditional southern foods to Oregon. Find their mouth watering menu on their Facebook page, @Jojo’s Soul Food & Memphis BBQ.

Pets Unleashed: 488 E Ellendale Ave. Suite 2, Dallas. This pet supply and grooming store is Dallas’s first, opened by Jayden Jones. They offer professional and self service grooming, and they are fully stocked with toys, food, accessories and even small animals. Find them on Facebook @Pets Unleashed.

Q’s Corner Barbershop: 651 High St. NE, Salem. Two businesses live at Quandary Robinson’s Salem shop: Robinson’s barber shop for children and adults alike, and Earl “Drako” Drake’s soul radio station, KSOS. Follow their Facebook page @Q’s Corner Barber Shop.

Dirty Radish: Willamette Valley. Chevonne Ball offers exclusive wine tours, tastings and seminars throughout the Willamette Valley with her travel company, Dirty Radish. The company plans to take clients on trips to France as well beginning in the spring of 2022. Check out their website dirtyradish.com for more information.

Epilogue Kitchen: 130 High St. SE, Salem. Open Friday through Sunday, Epilogue Kitchen offers an array of comfort food as well as cocktails to go. Epilogue Kitchen also provides numerous resources for anti-racism actions, including offering book rentals. Check out their website epilogue-kitchen.square.site to order.

Sanders Styles: 2195 Hyacinth St. SE #194, Salem. Christiane Sanders does more than style hair at her salon; Sanders Styles sells beauty products on site and offers classes for both adults and children. Their website sandersstyles.weebly.com shares their services and pricings.

So Cheesy: 865 Marion St. NE, Salem Saturday Market. Owner Gary Cooper takes customers back to childhood with his food truck’s decadent grilled cheese sandwiches. Find their full menu on their website socheesy.guru, and follow their Facebook page @So Cheesy for hours and location updates.

Uncle Troy’s BBQ: 440 State St., Salem. Located in the Fork Forty Food Hall, Troy Campbell’s shop offers classic barbecue taste. Visit their website uncletroysbbq.com for their full menu and online ordering option.

Know anymore local Black-owned businesses? Comment them below and help us highlight them.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Six stay-at-home Valentine’s dates

Unique date ideas for this quarantined Valentine’s Day 

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

For those who usually celebrate Valentine’s Day with an extravagant date night, this year might feel disappointing. But being stuck inside doesn’t mean date nights can’t still be exciting. Hunker down with a significant other and have some fun with these date ideas. 

  • Try cooking each other’s favorite meal, or tackle a new dish with one another. Make a challenge out of it by creating a dinner or dessert with only ingredients currently in the pantry. 
  • Still have the travel bug? A number of museums, aquariums and other popular destinations are offering virtual tours and livestreams. Get immersed in places like the Guggenheim, the Louvre, the Smithsonian, Disney World’s Main Street, the Eiffel Tower, nearby aquariums and more all from the comfort of home. 
  • Partners can get cozy with an at-home camping trip. Pitch a tent in the backyard, or build a blanket fort in the bedroom or living room. Enjoy some s’mores — which can be cooked over a gas stove burner or in the microwave — and hot dogs. After cooking up some goodies, put aside the electronics and enjoy each other’s company under the stars or by candlelight. 
  • Get fancy and host a black tie evening for two at home. Dress up and break out the champagne or bubbly apple cider for a fancy dinner or movie night. 
  • Game nights are a classic, and each new round is unique. Sit down to play a favorite board or card game, or learn a new card game like Egyptian Ratscrew, GOPS or Briscola. Video games are also a fun option — hold a one-on-one match in “Super Smash Bros.” and “Mario Party,” play co-op in “Minecraft,” “Animal Crossing” and “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” or host a Jackbox matchup. 
  • Psychologist Arthur Aron presented 36 questions that are proven to generate closeness in partners. Sit down with a partner, friend or even stranger and increase intimacy by discussing these 36 questions as outlined by University of California Berkeley. 

Looking for more ideas? Brainstorm a list of each person’s favorite activities and decide how to spend Valentine’s Day together. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.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

Campus voices

Western students answer the question, “How are you spending this Valentine’s Day?”

Compiled by Stephanie Moschella |‌ ‌Digital Media Manager

Name: Willa Carstensen

Graduating Year: 2025

Major: Business 

“Sleeping ?” 

Name: Kendra Acker

Year: First year

Major: Education

“Single”

Name: Noah Miller

Year: Sophomore

Major: Music Education

“Watching a cute new video by The West of Us!”

Mix up some cocktails with Cupid

Four mixed drinks to whip up for Valentine’s Day

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Valentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mixed drink. Celebrate with a significant other or a group of friends, or test bartending skills individually with these four Valentine’s inspired cocktails.

KENTUCKY KISS

Start to finish: 3 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

2 strawberries, sliced

½ ounce lemon juice

½ ounce maple syrup

2 ounces bourbon whiskey

Splash club soda

In an old-fashioned glass, add the strawberries, lemon juice and maple syrup. Muddle well until the strawberries are mashed. Add the bourbon and fill the glass with ice. Stir well.

Add a splash of club soda and, if desired, garnish with a strawberry for serving.

Recipe from thespruceeats.com

RED WINE MILKSHAKES

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 3 servings

One 1.5-quart container vanilla ice cream

1 cup red wine

4 ounces vodka

Whipped cream, for serving

Maraschino cherries, for serving

In a blender, blend ice cream, red wine and vodka until smooth. Divide between glasses and garnish with whipped cream and cherries.

Recipe from delish.com

SEX ON THE BEACH

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

2 ounces orange juice

2 ounces cranberry juice

1 ounce peach schnapps

1 ounce vodka

½ ounce chambord or grenadine (optional)

Orange slice, for serving

Maraschino cherries, for serving

In a shaker add orange juice, peach schnapps and many ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into a glass and fill the glass with ice to the top, and add vodka on top of the ice.

If using chambord or grenadine, in a separate glass, gently mix chambord or grenadine with cranberry juice. Slowly pour this red mixture on top of ice cubes to create an ombre effect. Garnish and serve.

Recipe from flawlessfood.co.uk

VALENTINE’S DAY MIMOSA

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

1 bottle pink champagne, chilled

1 cup pomegranate juice

In each champagne flute, add ¼ cup pomegranate juice. Fill the rest of the way with pink champagne.

Recipe from everydaymadefresh.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Killer cardio to get the blood pumping

Equipment free cardio workout to do at home

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Burn some calories and build endurance at home with this equipment free cardio circuit. Do each exercise for 30 to 40 seconds and rest for 20 to 30 seconds in between. Rest for two to three minutes after completing the circuit, then repeat for a total of three times through. Modify as necessary. 

Jumping jacks: From a standing position, bend the knees slightly and jump; spread legs to about shoulder-width apart and stretch arms out and overhead. Jump back to standing position to complete one rep.

Burpees: From a standing position, squat down and place hands on the floor. Kick or step the legs back into a plank position, and add an optional push-up. Jump or step the legs forward to return to a squat position, then reach arms overhead and jump into the air. Immediately lower into a squat again and repeat the cycle.

High knees: Start by standing with feet hip-width apart. Lift up the right knee as high as possible, then quickly alternate so the left knee comes up before the right foot lands.

Mountain climbers: Begin in a pushup position, and bring the right knee forward to the chest to tap toes in the floor. Quickly switch to bring the left knee forward to complete one rep. Remember to maintain a flat back throughout.

Skaters: Start with feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Jump sideways to the right, landing on the right leg. Bring the left leg behind the right ankle and optionally tap the left foot to the ground for balance. Now jump to the left with the left leg, then continue alternating.

Jump squats: Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms either down or straight ahead and parallel to the ground. Hinge at the hips to lower down until thighs are parallel to the floor. Press feet downwards to jump off the floor as high as possible. Upon landing, immediately drop back into a squat and repeat.

Bicycle crunches: Lie face up on the floor with hands behind the head and knees bent. Lift shoulder blades off the ground and raise knees until shins are parallel to the floor. Bring the right knee towards the chest while straightening the left leg. Simultaneously, rotate the torso so the left elbow moves towards the right knee. Switch and pull the left leg up, extending the right leg and twisting so the right elbow touches the left knee, then continue alternating.

A demonstration of the exercises in this cardio circuit can be found on our YouTube channel @The Western Howl.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Creating custom bath bombs

Destress with DIY bath bombs

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

What better way to wind down after a stressful day than with a hot bath? Elevate bath time with homemade miniature bath bombs made in an ice cube tray or other silicone mold. Customize the scents, colors and decorations — like dried lavender or sprinkles — as desired. 

DIY BATH BOMBS

Start to finish: 1 day

Yields: 6 medium-sized bath bombs

1 cup baking soda

½ cup citric acid

½ cup cornstarch

1 to 2 teaspoons water or witch hazel

10 drops essential oil of choice

OPTIONAL

Food coloring

½ cup Epsom salt

2 tablespoons coconut, almond or olive oil

In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In a separate small bowl, melt the coconut or almond oil if using, then combine wet ingredients.

While continuously whisking, very slowly drizzle the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. The wet mixture may also be poured into a spray bottle to make combining easier. The outcome should be similar to a dry, crumbly sand with no clumps. If the mixture gets too wet, the bath bomb will fizz too soon.

Tightly pack the mixture into the ice cube tray or silicone mold. Let set for 10 minutes, then carefully remove and let harden on parchment paper for 24 hours. Finished product will still be somewhat fragile.

Store in a mason jar or package in cellophane for gifting.

Recipe from 100daysofrealfood.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Six Oregon waterfall locations to visit

Dozens of waterfalls within driving distance of Western

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Creeks and rivers grow to roaring currents in the wake of winter rain and snow, fueling waterfalls to their full power. Brave the cold and get out to see these waterfalls less than an hour and a half drive from Western. 

Silver Falls State Park (56 minutes away): Home to eighteen waterfalls and the 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls hike, Silver Falls State Park is a nature lover’s dream. Pay a $5 day-use fee to spend hours immersed in the lush forest surrounding Silver Creek. Not up for a hike? Some falls — including North, South and Winter Falls — are a short walk from parking lots.

Scotts Mills Falls (59 minutes away): While only possessing a 10-foot drop, Scotts Mills Falls is very accessible in the small park of Scotts Mills. Visit during the summer and go for a swim in Butte Creek.

Shellburg, Ayers and Stout Creeks (1 hour 2 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes away): Accessed via gravel roads and obscure trails in the Santiam Canyon area are six waterfalls: Shellburg, Lower Shellburg, Ayers Creek, Upper Ayers Creek, Horseshoe and Stout Creek Falls. As of Jan. 26, this area is closed due to damage from Sept. 2020 wildfires.

Alsea and Green Peak Falls (1 hour 11 minutes away): Right off the parking lot of Alsea Falls Recreation Site is the 30-foot Alsea Falls. Take a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike to see the even more impressive 45-foot Green Peak Falls with a $3 day-use fee.

Niagara and Pheasant Creek Falls (1 hour 12 minutes away): Oregon boasts its very own Niagara Falls in the Siuslaw National Forest. These two waterfalls, each with over 100-foot drops, are both within a two-mile hike. Pack a lunch and enjoy the roar of the falls from a nearby picnic table.

McDowell Creek Falls County Park (1 hour 15 minutes away): A self-proclaimed hidden gem, McDowell Creek Falls County Park harbors two major waterfalls — Majestic and Royal Terrace Falls — as well as three minor falls. Be prepared for stairs, but the viewing platforms offer beautiful photo opportunities.

For even more waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, check out waterfallsnorthwest.com and get exploring.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Monmouth welcomes a smokin’ new food truck

The Loaded Grill deli and barbecue shop opens in Monmouth

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

A new food truck has opened in Monmouth — The Loaded Grill, a barbecue and deli-style eatery, is now serving customers at The Annex next to the Donut Bar. Owner Eric Brown and his wife held a soft open on Jan. 12. 

Brown decided to open another food truck alongside the Donut Bar to support Limitless Ministries, the church that helped Brown acquire The Annex lot.

“I feel this obligation, because the church … did a lot of it for me and my business,” Brown said. However, Brown said the pandemic conditions have made it difficult to bring other food truck owners to the lot. After seeing a need for fresh food in the community, he and his wife opened up a place to serve sandwiches and barbecue.

Brown built The Loaded Grill himself and designed it with the customers in mind. The truck has a large awning as well as counters that provide a safe amount of space between staff and patrons. Plus, while waiting for an order, customers get to watch exactly what goes into their meal through the pickup window.

Already, fan favorites from The Loaded Grill include mouth-watering pulled pork nachos, hot meatball subs and perfectly prepared pulled pork sandwiches ⏤ which I can personally recommend. The shop also offers entire meals for an affordable price, and on certain days during the week, they sell Traeger-smoked full chickens that can feed a whole family or a single person for a few days. 

For the time being, The Loaded Grill is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., though Brown hopes to be open on weekends by the end of February. As for future plans, Brown wants to continue giving back to the community as much as he can.

“I’m going to utilize my networks to the best of my ability,” Brown said. “Once we settle in and get a little bit of consistency going, then we’ll ramp up the new year with more stuff — more fundraisers, more giveaways.”

Find The Loaded Grill at 191 Monmouth Ave N, and follow them on Facebook @The Loaded Grill to stay up-to-date with deals and offers. Call or text them at 503-798-1328 to place an order and inquire about deliveries.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

More quality quarantine activities for 2021

Nine new things to occupy time in self-isolation

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

With the number of COVID-19 cases still rising, it is important to continue practicing social distancing and self-quarantining when necessary. After being home for the holidays, the first few weeks of January may be a very important time to stay put at home. Alleviate the monotony with these quarantine activities — some new, some familiar from 2020, but all possible ways to cure boredom.

Practice self care: Put mental health first, as isolation can bring about feelings of depression and lack of motivation. On difficult days, remember to complete some daily necessities, including brushing teeth, showering and drinking water. Also do something to relax or have fun, like taking a bubble bath or reading.

Learn to play an instrument: It may sound intimidating, but YouTube offers many great videos to help people learn to play all kinds of instruments for free. If traditional instruments are inaccessible, start with something simple like the harmonica, kalimba or ukulele.

Binge watch, listen and read: Many shows may have already been binged over the summer, but the selection of entertainment options is nearly endless. Ask friends for their recommendations to start, or scroll through a favorite genre on a streaming platform. If looking for something other than movies or TV shows, try listening to a podcast or a music album, or read a new book or series. 

Try a new look: There are pros and cons to having little to no human interaction; one pro is that no one can judge. Dye or cut hair, have fun with new makeup looks and experiment with fashion like no one is watching.

Explore the world virtually: Travel the world without leaving the couch. Use Google Maps and walk the streets of a new city, or play a game with world maps like Geoguessr ⏤ where the player guesses where in the world they’ve been dropped ⏤ or MapCrunch, in which the player attempts to find the nearest airport using street view.

Take knowledge tests: The internet and smart devices such as Google Home offer a wide array of quizzes on an infinite number of topics. Sporcle, for example, is a quiz website that has something for everyone, including geography, song lyrics, film trivia and much more. Play along with friends and family by sharing one’s screen over video call as well.

Make something new in the kitchen: The possibilities are endless: appetizers, snacks, side dishes, entire meals, cocktails, desserts and the list goes on. Get inspired by some recipes featured in previous issues of The Western Howl, or a quick web search will yield dozens of results to choose from.

Start learning a new language: Learning a new language is a long process, but knowing a few phrases here and there can be fun. Use free apps like Duolingo or Memrise, or use online resources such as YouTube to get started.

Get ahead on work: It may sound like the most boring option, but I personally get antsy without some productivity in my life. Take a look at the syllabus or ask the boss for work that can be started or finished ahead of time. Bonus: less stress for the future.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Get swole without the gym

Campus Recreation offers fitness services during COVID-19

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Since COVID-19 regulations began last April, many fitness facilities have had to find alternative ways to serve patrons. Western’s Campus Recreation currently offers a number of services to help keep Western students fit through the pandemic ⏤ including equipment rentals, Instagram Live workouts and monthly fitness challenges.

Through a new program called Rec Where U Room, Campus Recreation is letting students rent fitness equipment for free from the Health and Wellness Center. Plus, they’re giving away a free resistance band with every pickup. Schedule a pickup time on imleagues.com/wou to rent items such as jump ropes, hand weights and yoga blocks for two-week periods or balls and other outdoor equipment for the day. Madalyn Olson, a student facility advisor for Campus Recreation and a 2020 Western alumna, assured that the equipment is well sanitized and safely handled.

“There’s no direct interaction between staff and patrons,” Oslon added, “and staff touches everything with gloves.”

In addition, Campus Recreation has been hosting live workout sessions on their Instagram page @woucampusrecreation. Yoga sessions happen every Monday and Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. and pilates is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:45 p.m. Added on this winter term is circuit training on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m., where viewers can utilize equipment rented through Rec Where U Room. Don’t worry about missing a live session — all of their streams are posted on their IGTV page.

Campus Recreation also presented Run for the Dream on Jan. 18. Through Feb. 1, students are challenged to walk or run 54 miles in remembrance of the 54 miles Martin Luther King Jr. walked to Montgomery, Alabama. Any student who sends in a photo of their participation to @woucampusrecreation on Instagram or hammerlez@wou.edu will be entered into a raffle for a free T-shirt, and anyone who completes the 54 miles automatically gets a free T-shirt.

Virtual intramurals, in the form of esports, are also being hosted by Campus Recreation. Sign up on IMLeagues to participate in the NFL Playoff Pick’em, or join a “Super Smash Bros.” or “Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War” league.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Super simple slow cooker soups

 Two slow cooker soup recipes for the winter months

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Combat the cold weather with a hearty soup recipe, like ham and potato or taco soup. Set it and forget it in a slow cooker for maximum convenience, and freeze some for later to enjoy a hot, easy meal for chilly days to come. 

HAM AND POTATO SOUP

Start to finish: 8 hours 5 minutes

Servings: 8

3 ½ cups potatoes, peeled and diced

⅓ cup celery, chopped

⅓ cup onion, finely chopped

1 cup ham, diced

3 ¼ cups water

6 chicken bouillon cubes

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

5 tablespoons flour

5 tablespoons butter

2 cups milk

Stir all but flour, butter and milk into a slow cooker. Cook on low for six to eight hours; check the tenderness of the potatoes.

Minutes before serving, melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour then gradually add milk, stirring constantly over medium heat until thick. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.

Let cook for 15 to 20 minutes more. Serve and top with optional toppings like bacon, green onions, cheese or sour cream.

Recipe from momswithcrockpots.com

TACO SOUP

Start to finish: 7 hours

Servings: 4 to 6

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound lean ground beef

1 ½ cups yellow or red onions, diced

2 to 3 cups chicken or beef broth

One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes

One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

One 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

One 4-ounce can chopped green chiles

1 ¼ cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen

2 ½ teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onions and cook for two to three minutes, until the beef is browned and the onions look soft around the edges. Use a spatula to break up the ground beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Remove from heat and drain some grease if desired.

Combine the beef, onions and remaining soup ingredients in a slow cooker and stir. Cook on low for six to seven hours. Upon serving, top with toppings such as crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, cilantro, red onion and lime juice.

Recipe from simplyrecipes.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Seven alternative stores to replace Amazon

Places to shop other than amazon.com

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Amazon.com has taken over the online shopping marketplace and changed the game with its massive variety of products and delivery as fast as same-day. However, many are looking to find alternatives to this e-commerce giant for alleged reasons including tax evasion and unethical treatment of employees. Luckily, there are numerous options out there that can replace Amazon; check out these places next time shopping needs to be done.

A Good Company: A Good Company focuses on conscious consumerism and makes sustainable products that will last a long time. They sell stationery, kitchenware, personal care supplies and more.

EarthHero: EarthHero sources a wide variety of products — from clothes to health and beauty to pet supplies — from sustainable businesses. They strive to treat the planet kindly while still providing the ease and convenience of online shopping.

Hoopla: Hoopla is a great source for free books, movies, TV shows and more through a local library. Simply input a library card number and enjoy a variety of content.

Made Trade: Made Trade offers a value-based way to shop for homegoods, clothing and accessories. Choose a value to search by — like sustainable products, vegan products or people of color-owned — and explore high-quality items.

WeBuyBlack: The self-proclaimed “Black Amazon,” WeBuyBlack is a directory for independent Black-owned businesses. They offer a great array of products including everyday essentials, clothing and home decor.

Shop direct: It’s no doubt that Amazon offers a great selection of products upon searching, so use Amazon as a search directory, then go to the supplier’s website and directly purchase from them.

Shop local: Small businesses have especially struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic, so consider supporting nearby shops. Some may have online shops or offer curbside pickup, or remove the need for shipping entirely by masking up and shopping in person.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Sleep soundly with hacks for better sleep

Tips for getting a good night’s rest

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Sleep is a very important factor in improving concentration, memory, energy and physical health ⏤ though it is well known that we as college students don’t tend to get enough. If getting more sleep is on the to-do list this year, here are some tips from medlineplus.gov and sleepfoundation.org that may help get a better night’s rest.

Get the brain into a habit of going to sleep and waking up at about the same time every day, including weekends. Set recurring alarms or reminders on one’s phone, or utilize a sleep app to help stay on track.

Harbor better sleep by making one’s bedroom more comfortable. People tend to sleep better in dark and colder environments, so decrease the amount of light with blinds or curtains, and lower the temperature by adjusting the thermostat or using a fan. Adjust the noise level by using ear plugs, or use an app to play soft sounds.

For those struggling to fall asleep, try relaxation techniques, like taking a bath or drink a warm, decaffeinated beverage before bed. Reading and listening to soft music can also calm the mind. While lying in bed, try meditative techniques like counting backwards from 100 or perform a breathing exercise.

Some changes to daily routine may be necessary to help get more sleep. This may look like turning off electronics at least 30 minutes before bed or avoiding caffeine, sugar or large meals in the late evening. Try to avoid spending time in bed while awake so that the mind only associates laying in bed with sleeping. One can also try incorporating regular exercise into their routines; studies have found that doing small amounts or regular exercise promotes more deep sleep.

If lack of sleep is interfering with daily function, contact a doctor for professional help.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Like, comment and subscribe to these lifestyle channels

Eight lifestyle YouTubers to check out today

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

YouTube has a massive array of channels that cater to any and every type of viewer. Even within the subsection of lifestyle channels, there is something for everyone ⏤ from beauty and fashion to health and wellness. Look up these lifestyle YouTubers and see the creators who need to be added to the subscription feed. 

cup of jasmien: Jasmine Chan shares her creativity through painting, tattoos, makeup and many more artistic outlets. Chan also offers a look into her personal life in discussing such topics as her art school experience, working and confidence. 

bestdressed: Ashley Rous is all about fashion. Rous shares her aesthetics and crafting skills through sewing and thrift shopping with an added dash of dry humor.

Ris Igrec: Ris Igrec’s channel has something for everyone. As a Yale University student, Igrec shares both her struggles and her exploration with things like style and decor while maintaining humor throughout. 

sini시니: Lee Sini makes fun vlogs ⏤ most of which are mukbangs, or eating videos. Lee also goes shopping, cooks and styles her and her friends’ hair.

효뎡 Dyeong: Hyo Dyeong shows of her cooking skills in her vlogs. With the large variety of home-cooked meals Hyo makes, viewers can be inspired to cook something of their own as well.

Annette Kim: Annette Kim shares numerous aspects of her life with her audience; from her daily routines, to her quarantined activities, to her vacations, Kim has a video for any type of viewer.

Jelian Mercado: Jelian Mercado is a single mother with an eventful life to share online. Mercado vlogs many aspects of her family’s daily routines and also adds some extra fun with challenge videos.

Halle Burns: As a college student, Halle Burns makes content that many of us are familiar with. Burns has an optimistic tone throughout her videos while being very open about her experiences and challenges.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Five resolutions to revel in this new year

Kick off 2021 with these New Year’s resolutions

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

The start of 2021 brings about a new sense of determination in the form of New Year’s resolutions. Though some may be just for fun, this time of year is also a great opportunity to think about trying some practical self-improvement resolutions. Here are five New Year’s resolutions to consider adding to the list and a few tips to help achieve them. 

Get more sleep: According to Georgia State University, getting enough sleep — approximately nine hours for college students — is important to improving concentration and memory, rejuvenating energy and strengthening the immune system. In order to get a better night’s rest, healthline.com says to create a sleep schedule that involves going to bed and waking up at around the same time every day. Set a recurring alarm on one’s phone, and be sure to plan ahead for school projects that may otherwise take away from sleep. If sleep is difficult, try turning off electronics at least 30 minutes before bed, avoiding caffeine in the evening or taking melatonin. 

Start saving money: Whether it’s for a house down payment, retirement or a rainy day fund, saving money is a great habit to start as soon as possible. To begin, set up a savings account at a trusted bank or credit union. Then, as thebalance.com recommends, transfer a set amount out of each paycheck into savings; even if this can only be a small amount, saving any money is better than saving no money in preparation for the future. 

Get organized: Decluttering and keeping organized can decrease stress while increasing productivity as stated by organizedmindandlife.com. Start small with just the desk or closet; throw out things deemed unnecessary and use containers to organize like items. Keep things organized by doing a little cleaning every day as opposed to letting it pile up overtime. 

Go vegetarian: According to healthline.com, going vegetarian has health benefits, including lower cholesterol and improved cardiovascular health, and environmental impacts through supporting animal rights and decreasing the need for factory farming. If cutting out meat all at once is challenging, try participating in “Meatless Mondays.” Also stock up on plant-based alternatives to one’s favorite meat products in order to curb cravings. 

Reduce time on social media: Social media is all but an addiction for many of us, yet curbing time spent on social media can be beneficial to mental health says healthguide.org. Set aside a specific amount of time to spend on social media per day — 30 minutes for example — and utilize screen time apps to help. Also try turning off notifications for certain apps and muting or unfollowing accounts that don’t bring happiness. Deleting social media altogether is another option, though depending on one’s attachment to their feed, this may be a goal to work up to.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Out with the old in the new year

Where to donate and sell old clothing items

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Starting the new year off with a clean closet can be refreshing and stress relieving. If getting rid of old clothes is on the to-do list, check out these places ⏤ both local and online ⏤ where gently used clothes can be sold or donated. If dropping off clothing in person, be sure to mask up and follow the location’s COVID-19 regulations. 

Many cities have Goodwill drop off locations, including nearby in Independence at 1475 Monmouth St. Meanwhile, Dallas, Salem, Albany and Corvallis, among many other cities, have Goodwill stores where donations can be turned in. Though the donor doesn’t receive payment this way, they may earn a tax deduction or in-store coupons if offered. 

Salem has quite a few other thrift stores that take clothing donations. Willamette Humane Society Thrift Store and Salem Friends of Felines both support animal shelters with their selling of thrifted donations. Both stores are currently taking donations by appointment only; contact Willamette Humane Society at 503-362-6892 and Salem Friends of Felines at 503-689-1759 to schedule. 

There are also Union Gospel Mission and Salvation Army locations in Salem. Drop off donations to Union Gospel Mission to support their therapy program at 885 Commercial Street NE. The Salvation Army is open for donation drop offs that fund their adult rehabilitation programs at 642 Lancaster Drive NE.

Plato’s Closet will pay patrons for their donations, and there is a Salem location at 3884 Center Street NE. Check their website or call them at 503-362-3778 to see what styles of clothes they are currently in search of. 

Clothes can also be sold from home on apps and websites. Apps like Depop, Poshmark, Mercari and ThredUP each have their own unique layouts and styles for selling clothing to cater to all kinds of users. Facebook Marketplace and ASOS Marketplace are websites that can be used to make a quick buck as well. Social media accounts can also be made specifically for selling old clothes locally. Some online stores take a percentage of each sale made, so be sure to read the fine print and choose which site works best personally. 

Getting one’s closet cleaned out can help start the new year off on the right foot. Do some extra good by earning some extra funds or donating to a local thrift store with a meaningful cause. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Happy holidays from The Howl

The Western Howl’s favorite holiday traditions

The Western Howl Collective

Every family celebrates the holidays differently, and the staff at The Western Howl are no exception. Though some traditions may be affected by COVID-19 this year, the memories of past celebrations can carry us through whatever this December brings. Here are our staff’s personal family traditions, and we hope this holiday season brings comfort and joy to all.

Stephanie Moschella

On every Christmas Eve, my entire family would go to my grandmother’s house to spend the day there. Afterwards, we would go home, open one singular present before going to bed. Then, on Christmas Day, my immediate family would open all of our presents, eat some fast food (usually Taco Bell or Jack in the Box) and then head over to my grandfather’s house. It is always a busy couple of days, but a great way to make it feel like you’re receiving, giving and opening a lot more presents! 

Cora McClain

For my family, Christmas Eve is taken up by wrapping presents while “White Christmas” plays in the background. Come Christmas morning, all that wrapping (and stockings, which we always do first) has been undone, then it’s time for a full breakfast feast. Afterwards, we get ready and zoom down to my great aunt’s house, where the family (10 to 14 of us) gathers often. Following a potluck feast of festive foods, we move upstairs for dessert  ⏤ often the grandchildren serving the grans ⏤ and open Christmas poppers. When these little wrapped cylinders pop open, a paper crown, little toy or game and joke fly out. The rest of the evening we play the games and read the jokes out loud while wearing our crowns and eating homemade apple pie.

Rylie Horrall

On Christmas Eve, my family goes up to my grandparents house (on my dad’s side) and we chat and have a big dinner with some extended family. Then we do gifts before everyone heads home to put their kids to bed. My family and I take shifts in the living room to wrap presents ⏤ since we can’t do it all at once ⏤ before going to bed. In the morning, my dad wakes us all up and gives us coffee, then we open our presents before heading to my grandparents’ (mom’s side) house to do the same thing. Then we head home, eat brunch and watch Christmas movies before heading back over there for dinner and games!

Sydney Carpenter

During the holiday season, my family has always done one of those chocolate advent calendars that count down the days ’till Christmas. Each year, my dad and I go to our local supermarket and pick one that has the numbers scattered rather than in order, because that makes it a little more challenging to find. At night, my dad and I sit in the living room and search for the hidden number. When I was younger, I was allowed to eat the entire piece of chocolate after we found it; but sharing is caring y’all, it’s the season of giving. Now, when we find it we always split the chocolate in half.

Kyle Morden

The holiday season is full of many festivities for my family — it’s our favorite season. During the first week of December, there’s a birthday for us to celebrate from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10. I’m not entirely sure how our birthdays were lined up like that, but it happened — at least we can annoy our neighbors by blasting our karaoke machine for more than a week. My family also celebrates Christmas and New Years by having parties at my grandparents’ house; once again, we blast our karaoke machine. Basically, my entire family sings throughout the holiday season — it’s the best way for us to let it all go after a long and stressful year.

Allison Vanderzanden

A few weeks before Christmas, my family goes out to cut down a tree, and we spend the day listening to Christmas CDs and decorating the entire house. On Christmas Day, my parents have always made us wait to open presents until after church and breakfast cinnamon rolls. We all spend the morning opening presents — my husky included as she loves to tear up tissue paper — then we usually spend a couple hours setting up our new electronics or playing a new game. We have ham for dinner, but usually skip dessert as my birthday is the following day and my sibling’s the next, and we know we’ll have plenty of cake to get through. 

Natalie Dean

Besides the normal stockings and tree decorating, my family comes together through cooking, normally for big holiday dinners. We’ll make a bunch of dishes through the month, and normally there’s a few people helping cook by cutting vegetables or making sure the kitchen doesn’t burn down. Some staple menu items include roasts and stews, cornbread or banana bread, carrot cake and pumpkin pie, fried okra and gumbo. My mom’s birthday is mid-December and we celebrate as a family and make sure it feels special but distinct from Christmas Day. For Christmas Eve, we relax with hot cocoa and each open one gift. At some point, I make my brother help me bake cookies for Santa. We wake up early on Christmas Day to grab coffee and make breakfast, and then open presents together.

Sean Martinez

On Christmas Eve, my mom and I sit down and watch a new movie that neither of us have seen, followed by “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Then on Christmas Day, my mom and I have our own little gift exchange, before heading over to my grandma and grandpa’s house to celebrate with the family. Every year, it’s me and Mom, my grandparents, my uncle and my cousins. We always open our presents around noon, have lunch and spend the rest of the day just chatting with the TV on in the background. 

Kiara Wehrenberg 

The holidays usually always look a little different every year, but they always include time with the family! Every year would include me, my dad and other family members coming together at my grandmother’s house Christmas Day to eat dinner together and open presents. The Christmas season also includes plenty of movies like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and “A Christmas Story” with a cup of hot cocoa. 

Oh, what fun: winter hobbies to try

Indoor and outdoor activities for the winter season

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

COVID-19 has forced many people to find new ways to fill their time, like picking up on a variety of hobbies. As quarantining continues, the cold winter months bring on a new season with an abundance of new activities. Get inspired to try something new or rekindle an old favorite activity with this list of indoor and outdoor winter hobbies.

Knitting/crocheting: Whether it be a scarf, hat, blanket or sweater, knitting and crocheting generate perfect products for winter days. Knitting needles and crochet hooks can be purchased for as little as $5, and yarn costs as little as $3 depending on the type. Numerous blogs and YouTube videos exist to help get started, or ask a family member who knows how to knit or crochet to pass down their skill.

Baking: Home-baked desserts can make any dull winter day sweeter. Whether it be cakes, cookies, breads or other confections, there are endless possibilities of baked goods to choose from. Check out recipes online, including on The Western Howl’s website, or invest in a cookbook; add a fun challenge by making a dessert only with items currently in the pantry.

Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles are great for all ages with their wide variety of piece numbers and artworks. There are also other types of puzzle games to try, like sudoku, crosswords and word searches. Many different apps are available for any of these puzzles, or go old-school pen and paper by printing them from websites or buying a whole bookful.

Birding: Though the weather is cold, the trees are now bare, and that creates the perfect opportunity to pick up birdwatching. According to the Fernhill Wetlands Council, common birds to see in the winter in Oregon include the black-capped chickadee, red-tailed hawk, killdeer, northern flicker, house finch and song sparrow. Use a birding app or book and get outside to spot and identify some birds.

Photography: The world is a piece of art that can be captured in a photo. Winter’s shimmering snow and monochromatic backdrop can make for beautiful photos, and now is as good a time as any to try it out. Even phone cameras can capture great shots — try adjusting different settings and filters to see the wide range of possibilities photography has.

Winter sports: Getting outdoors and exercising can be a good stress reliever while simultaneously getting out of the house. Hit the slopes on skis or snowboard, go snowshoeing or learn how to ice skate or play hockey. Make sure to research if venues are open and what their COVID regulations are. Another outdoor activity that can be done with family or neighbors is a snowball fight.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Heartfelt holiday gifts

Low and no-cost presents for this season of giving

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

The holiday season can quickly burn a hole in your pockets by the time gift shopping has been completed. But there are numerous heartfelt gifts to give that cost little to no money and still bring the holiday joy. Consider these low and no-cost thoughtful presents for friends and family this year.

Art piece: Having a knack for art — whether it be drawing, painting or crafting — can make for personalized and low-cost gifts. Depending on one’s skill set, ask loved ones for their favorite flowers, quotes, animal or character and create something special for them.

Memory jar: Use sticky notes or strips of paper to write down some favorite memories between one another. Roll or fold the notes up and place them in a jar or similar container. Decorate the jar if desired with sequins, twine, stickers or lettering.

Mixtape or playlist: Though cassette tapes are pretty outdated, the thought behind making a music mix for someone can translate to today’s era. If the gift receiver has a way to play them, make a cassette tape or CD and design a fun cover. Otherwise, create a playlist on their preferred music streaming service, and get creative by sticking to a theme. This could be the gift receiver’s favorite genre, songs that lift their spirits or songs that remind the maker of the receiver.

Offer services: Time can be one of the most useful gifts to all in our busy lives. If one has time to spare, write out a coupon book of services which the gift receiver can redeem for future use. These services could include babysitting or pet sitting, cooking meals, cleaning or yard work.

“Open when…” letters: Take some time to write personalized letters for the gift receiver to open in the future. Choose a number of specific occasions, such as “Open when you need a pep talk” or “Open when something worth celebrating has happened,” and write letters and notes to put into individual envelopes. Gather all the letters in a nice box to present to the gift receiver.

Personalized journal: Buying a journal, planner or sketchbook can be useful for many types of people. These kinds of presents can be made more personal by writing a note on the front page: give them some words of encouragement or best wishes, or draw them a picture.

Recipe cards: For families and friends who share their love through cooking, consider designing recipe cards for one another. Choose a personal favorite recipe and decorate a note card with the recipe written on it. If there are too many recipes to choose from, create multiple cards and compile them with a binder ring.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   X  YouTube

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

Tools

Campus Maps
Canvas
Find People
Portal
WOU Email
Technical Support

Resources

A-Z Index
Accessibility
Academic Calendar
Class Schedule
Jobs at WOU
News
Explore WOU
Partnerships
Student Services
Freedom of Expression

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.