Mount Hood

Oregon holiday festivities

Written by: Taylor Duff | Lifestyle Editor

Every winter, Oregon comes alive with holiday happiness and colorful activities that capture the enchantment of the season from all angles. Whether one is looking for a stunning light show, a cozy Christmas market or a festive parade, there’s something for everyone. From the twinkling of millions of lights at the Silverton Christmas Market to the distinct appeal of a floating Christmas Ship Parade, Oregon’s holiday festivities provide an abundance of opportunities to create memories with family and friends. 

The Silverton Christmas Market: Nov. 21 – Dec. 31. This yearly event at Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton turns the grounds into a winter paradise with over 1.5 million lights. The market is themed like a German Christkindlmarkt and features traditional German delights such as bratwurst and lebkuchen, as well as homemade gifts and crafts from local sellers. Families may enjoy snow-free tubing, comfortable fire pits and picture opportunities with Santa.

Umpqua Festival of Lights in Roseburg: Nov. 24 – Jan. 1. This drive-through light festival at Roseburg’s River Forks Park has the world’s tallest Nutcracker statue, standing 41 feet tall. It also features millions of glittering lights and dynamic shows. Visitors may expect festive music, themed decorations and, on some nights, visits from Santa and local choirs. 

Holidays in the Park, Lebanon: showcases Dec. 7 in Ralston Park. This community event features the annual Christmas tree lighting, carolers, festive decorations and family-friendly activities. The major feature is an illuminated Christmas parade that winds through downtown Lebanon, contributing to the small-town holiday atmosphere.

Tis the Season Christmas Bazaar: Nov. 22 – 23 in Woodburn, Oregon. A major holiday craft market with a variety of handcrafted products from local craftsmen, including seasonal decorations, jewelry and homemade foods. This bazaar is ideal for finding unique, handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list.

Christmas Arts and Crafts Event: Dec. 7, Rosedale Friends Church conducts an arts and crafts show to celebrate the holiday season. There will be cookie decorating, ornament making and snacks. All ages are welcome to attend this free event.

Unique World Christmas Pop-Up: Dec. 7 – 8. A themed pop-up that celebrates Christmas customs from throughout the world, with immersive exhibits from several nations. Each section features cultural characteristics, decor and, in some cases, delicacies unique to that nation, making this an enjoyable learning experience for people of any age.

Portland’s Christmas Fashion Show: Dec. 8th, Portland offers a holiday-themed runway event to highlight the ingenuity of local designers. Models wear festive attire suitable for holiday parties and gatherings, making this a fashionable way to start the season.

ZooLights: ZooLights are open Nov. 22 – Jan. 5. The Oregon Zoo’s annual ZooLights show includes millions of LED lights that illuminate the zoo’s paths and exhibits, converting the space into a brilliant display and providing a festive experience for families and friends alike. 

Crafty Wonderland: Dec. 13 – 15. This Portland holiday market has over 200 artists exhibiting a diverse range of handcrafted products, including art prints, pottery, clothes and accessories. Crafty Wonderland, known for its quirky, indie ambiance, is a popular destination for unique gifts while also supporting the local artist community.

A Charlie Brown Christmas – Live: Dec. 21 and 22. This theatrical presentation of the popular Christmas special features memorable sequences with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. It’s a nostalgic, family-friendly event with live music, including the popular “Linus and Lucy” theme.

Holiday on Main: Dec. 7 – 8. Many small communities in Oregon celebrate with “Holiday on Main” festivities, which include tree lightings, seasonal business decorations and visits from Santa. It’s an opportunity to support local businesses while also experiencing the beauty of Oregon’s community-focused events.

Bend Christmas Parade: happening Dec. 7. This beautiful parade travels through downtown Bend, featuring floats, marching bands and local groups dressed in Christmas lights. The event often draws enormous audiences and concludes with Santa’s appearance, adding to the festive Christmas ambiance.

Christmas Ship Parade: daily Dec. 5 – 20. Portland has a unique custom in which brilliantly adorned boats cruise down the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, creating a sight of lights on the water. The Christmas Ship Parade may be seen from a variety of waterfront locations across the city, with good viewing points attracting joyous crowds.

Mt. Hood Christmas Train: will last from late November till early January. This magnificent train trip takes guests on a picturesque excursion through the snow-covered vistas of Mt. Hood. On board, children may see Santa, sing holiday songs and enjoy seasonal treats, making it an ideal family excursion.

Oregon’s holiday festivities provide seasonal happiness for everyone, from crowded markets and bright light displays to comfortable train excursions and small-town parades. Whether searching for artisan products, going on a snowy adventure or admiring the dazzling lights, these gatherings brighten the season. Gather with loved ones, sip some cocoa and immerse oneself in Oregon’s Christmas enchantment to make memories and enjoy the season’s pleasure. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu 

New bar livens up Main Street

Dry Town Tap Station now serving food, drinks and entertainment

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor 

The Dry Town Tap Station is now open to serve the not so dry town of Monmouth. What used to be a gas station has transformed into a destination for good drinks and great company in the IndyMo area.

Co-owners and sisters Ashley Dornhecker and Abigayle Tilby held a soft opening on April 30. Even without publicly advertising the event, Dornhecker described the night as more successful than they thought it would be.

“Everybody just wanted to be there,” Dornhecker said. “We were turning people away because we were at capacity.”

Their soft opening was accompanied by local band, Way Walkers, on Dry Town’s very own stage; Dornhecker said they knew how to draw a crowd. Already, Dry Town has hosted two other artists — David Brinker and Nathan Myers as well as Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys — and the restaurant is looking to continue working with more local artists. Upcoming performers include Zach Abee and Jessie Leigh; more information about these shows can be found on their Facebook page, @Dry Town Tap Station.

Not only does Dry Town know how to entertain, they also know how to serve up a good meal. Chef Aaron Henderson serves a rotating menu of delicious entrees from their food truck.

“He’s creating an amazing menu,” Dornhecker said. “Street food from around the world I guess is a way to put it.”

My friends and I can personally recommend their fish and chips, birria tacos and Wellington burger. Be on the lookout for two new food carts that will also be coming to the lot soon to serve the community an even greater variety of dishes.

Of course, who could forget about their alcohol menu? With 20 taps that serve a wide array of local ciders and beers, patrons will be sure to find something to love. Not to mention, their mixed drinks ⏤ like the Ruby Hound and 76 Lemonade ⏤ are also splendid. Belly up to the bar indoors, or take the refreshing drink to the outdoor seating area.

The Dry Town owners know how to serve up a mean drink. One of the sisters’ other businesses, Craft Bar West, has been making and perfecting drinks since 2019. They expanded their restaurant reaches when what was once a 76 gas station became available for leasing.

“I’ve always loved the building where Dry Town is,” said Dornhecker. “When the opportunity came up to do something with it, we jumped on it.”

Though COVID-19 caused some delays in opening, Dornhecker was grateful for the opportunity the extra time presented. They were able to make the venue that much more refined, focusing on details such as wood work, refurbishing the entire floor and creating murals. On top of that, Dornhecker enjoyed having a more laid back process and getting to spend more time with family throughout.

In the upcoming months and years, Dry Town hopes to be a place to host festivals and more year-round performances. The Monmouth community can also look forward to themed nights, such as a college night and an industry night for late night workers.

“Our goal with Dry Town Tap Station is to make Monmouth, Oregon a destination,” Dornhecker said. “There’s no reason why people shouldn’t be taking a detour down here to visit all the local shops in Monmouth and Independence. It’s just too cool of an area not to share with others.”

Anyone and everyone can enjoy Dry Town Tap Station at 180 Main St. E in Monmouth. Their current hours are Wednesday through Saturday 12 to 10 p.m. and Sundays 12 to 9 p.m. Keep up to date by following their social media: on Facebook @Dry Town Tap Station and on Instagram @drytowntapstation.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Independence launches another month of scratch its

Spring into supporting Independence’s local businesses with April scratch its

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Spring has sprung in Oregon and the city of Independence is celebrating the start of the season with scratch its, ending on April 25. Locals who spend $5 to $100 can earn money off their next purchase by buying from these 22 participating businesses:

  • Ovenbird Bakery
  • Parallel 45 Brewing
  • Jubilee Champagne & Dessert Bar
  • Independent Ice Cream Shop
  • The Tap Station
  • Starduster Cafe
  • Mendi’s Pizza
  • Mangiare Italian Restaurant
  • Pink House Cafe
  • Melting Pot Candy
  • Fro-Zone Yogurt Co.
  • San Antonio Mexican Restaurant
  • Chase Bar & Grill
  • Gilgamesh Brewing: The River
  • Arena Bar & Grill
  • The Naughty Noodle
  • Musical Independence
  • The Picken Chicken
  • Green Gables Home Store
  • Same As It Never Was Vintage
  • Miss 9A’s 

Additionally, throughout scratch it season, every Saturday at the Riverview Park Plaza from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., residents can listen in on live local music courtesy of Musical Independence.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Nutrition and chill at The Chill Spot

The Chill Spot offers a new healthy food option in Monmouth

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

On Feb. 19, The Chill Spot officially opened in Monmouth. Montserrat Rodriguez has brought a new healthy food shop — a nutrition club, as she calls it — to the community. 

“We were so blessed and … overwhelmed with the support that everybody brought to us and continue to bring us,” Rodriguez said of their opening day.

Rodriguez personally experienced the energy and emotional boost eating healthy can provide, and she wanted to share those feelings with IndyMo residents. All of her products at The Chill Spot reflect this value: her smoothies, teas, food and more are low in sugar and carbohydrates and high in vitamins, protein and other nutrients.

“I always ask people … what do you feel you need?” Rodriguez explained. She enjoys personalizing every customer’s experience and recommending certain products based on their needs.

The Chill Spot serves up nothing but healthy and delicious — from protein smoothies for pre- and post-workout, to fruity aloe and herbal teas with booster options like collagen and vitamin B12, to delectable crepes and waffles. The pom berry lemonade and bomb pop mega teas are already fan favorites. Rodriguez also sells products in bulk online, so that customers can bring the health food home.

Not only does The Chill Spot provide a healthy food and beverage location, but it also offers a great place to hang out. Now that indoor seating has begun to open back up, Rodriguez hopes her shop can be a study space, a place for post workout relaxation and a club to meet up with friends and family.

Interested in a deal? The Chill Spot offers memberships where customers can get discounts for one annual fee. Customers can also get more involved with the nutrition club by becoming distributors; contact Rodriguez directly with membership inquiries at 503-983-2131.

The Chill Spot is located at 362 Main St. E in Monmouth. Their current hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to stay up to date by following them on Facebook @The Chill Spot and Instagram @the.chillspot. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Flapjacks food truck now open for breakfast

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

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

IndyMo celebrates a month of buying from local businesses

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

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

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

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

Photo courtesy of Love Local Indy 2021

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of City of Monmouth – Love Local Challenege

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

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

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Petals & Vines is the grow-to place for plants

Local florist Petals & Vines is blooming with beauty 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact the author at ndean17@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

Spend some time with local vendors and businesses

Farmer’s markets and Saturday markets to explore and enjoy this year

‌Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

As spring lurks around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming brisk and sunny days ahead, and one of the best ways to spend the day is with local farmer’s markets and Saturday markets. 

From handmade items, fresh produce, art and food ⏤ farmer’s markets have it all. With all the options available, it can be hard to keep track of exactly which ones to look forward to and when they open. Farmer’s markets and Saturday markets are quintessential staples of a weekend well-spent, and it can feel good to be surrounded by the local community and to support small and independent businesses. Here’s a list of markets that are either currently open or will be opening within the coming months:

  • Independence Farmers Market

(April – Nov.) Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Umpqua Bank parking lot, 302 South Main St, Independence, OR

  • Independence Riverview Market 

(Mid-April – Oct.) Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Riverview Park in Independence, OR

  • Hewitt’s Greenwood Gardens in Independence, OR

(Currently open 24/7; online shipping and delivery options only)

hewittsgreenwoodgardens.org

  • Salem Public Market 

(Currently open year-round) Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

1240 Rural Ave SE, Salem, OR 

  • Salem Saturday Market

(April 3 – Oct. 30) Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

865 Marion St NE, Salem, OR

  • Corvallis Indoor Winter Market 

(Currently open; Jan. 9 – April 10) Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Guerber Hall, 110 SW 53rd St, Corvallis, OR

  • Lane County Farmers Market 

(Feb. – March) Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

8th and Oak in Eugene, OR

  • Eugene Growers Market

(Currently open year-round) 

Tuesday 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Thursday 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Friday 12 to 7 p.m.

454 Willamette St, Eugene, OR

  • Portland Farmers Market at PSU

(Currently open; Nov. – March) Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(April – Oct.) Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

1803 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR


Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Go nuts for donuts at the Donut Bar

Monmouth’s Donut Bar serves up delectable treats

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

The Donut Bar has been serving fresh, handmade donuts to Monmouth residents since September of 2019. Since their one-year anniversary has passed, owner Eric Brown says their first year of business has gone very well.

“We’ve been really, really blessed,” Brown said. “Luckily, the community has been pretty awesome. They came through.”

Brown and his family first opened the Donut Bar as part of a lifelong dream. Monmouth’s need for a donut shop paired with the opportunity to help out his community at the Limitless Ministries church was what pushed Brown to create The Annex food truck lot and open for business. They are fulfilling their mission to serve the public in a number of ways, including hiring Western students, offering a space in The Annex for another local business, hosting Bible study groups Wednesday evenings — in person and over Zoom — and helping to fund their church.

“We’re fundraising the whole month of November for our church,” Brown said. They are selling $5 raffle tickets, one per customer, to enter a drawing for a free dozen donuts. “Without (Limitless Ministries), we’re not here,” he said.

The Donut Bar offers many services and great deals on top of giving back. They work with DoorDash to deliver their fresh donuts, and they fulfill pre-orders for all types of events. Stamp cards are now available, and anyone can receive a free donut on their birthday. Plus, for Western students, the Donut Bar offers a 10% discount with the presentation of a student ID card.

Not sure what to try first? The shop personally recommends the apple fritters, maple bacon donuts, Oreo donuts or s’mores donuts. Customers can even build their own donuts for endless flavor possibilities. If their extensive donut menu isn’t enough, they also offer a few different sandwiches.

Looking ahead to the future, Brown is planning to open another food trailer, The Loaded Grill, which serves deli-style sandwiches and barbecue. They hope to be open by the end of November. For The Annex, Brown has some ideas to upgrade the lot with ample seating and design it to create a hometown feel. Additionally, they have a long-term goal to open a permanent location Donut Bar cafe in town.

The Donut Bar is located at 191 Monmouth Ave. N at The Annex behind Limitless Ministries church. Visit them from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to check out their daily specials, and pre-order some donuts through DoorDash, Facebook Messenger or by calling them at (503) 798-1328.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Find a well-loved book at Second Chance Books

Local second-hand bookstore with cozy charm has a book for every reader 

Natalie Dean | Entertainment Editor

To get out of the house and escape the cloudy weather that’s been filling the skies, head on over to Second Chance Books, a local second-hand book store that’s been in downtown Independence since 2005. They’ve accumulated an impressively large amount of books through the years, ranging across a dozen and a half genres available at various affordable prices. It’s not uncommon to end up leaving with a book or three, especially since they often have deals on oversized books. 

In the times I’ve visited the store in the past, I enjoyed exploring the packed bookshelves and getting some really unique finds. Plus, taking a few minutes to check out stores in the area can occasionally provide a much-needed distraction from the busy and long days — which I’m sure a lot of people are trying to balance right now as we head to the end of the year.

Although the pandemic has been a difficult time for many communities and local businesses, there are plenty of new and returning customers who come in for some book recommendations or to just roam the cozy stacked shelves — all while safely social distancing and soaking in the strangely comforting smell that only books have. 

Second Chance Books accepts book donations during their business hours, which are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday to Saturday, and 12 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. They are located at 307 S. Main St. in Independence, and if there are any questions for their team, they can be reached at (503) 838-5279 or check out their website. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Monmouth says farewell to favored food trucks

Downtown food truck pod demolished to make way for Monmouth Commons

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

On Oct. 28, demolition began of the Neighborhood Market and Deli and the adjacent food truck lot. To many, this change was sudden, but according to Monmouth Community Development Director Suzanne Dufner, this project has been in the works for a while — at least a year and a half, she recalled.

Nick Dhote — owner of the Neighborhood Market and Deli and the property leased out to food trucks — and Salem real estate brokers Sim Dhote and Baset Shagrun submitted a design review application through Studio 3 Architecture to the city back in March. They proposed a new multi-use building deemed the Monmouth Commons. The ground level is to be commercial space, nearly half of which is already allocated to the Neighborhood Market and Deli. Two more businesses — allegedly a restaurant and a coffee shop — will occupy the rest of the ground floor. There will also be three floors of apartments built above this business space for a total of 27 two-bedroom spaces.

Nick Dhote and partners are enthusiastic about this project.

“We are so happy and excited to bring something new and (exciting) to the city of Monmouth,” Sim Dhote said via Facebook. Those involved in creating the Monmouth Commons hope to meet the demands of Monmouth residents by providing new living spaces and a place for desired businesses.

These plans were approved by Monmouth’s Planning Commission on May 20, 2020. According to Brian Etienne at Tucky’s food truck, the food truck owners were originally informed that they would need to leave by the end of August. Etienne said Tucky’s began looking for a new location at that point.

“We were going to have to move eventually,” Etienne said, “but in some way I feel we were hoping we would be able to get through 2020 and have an opportunity to rebuild what we had lost financially.”

Etienne said Dhote contacted the food trucks on Oct. 26, informing them that the Neighborhood Market and Deli would be moved out by Oct. 28. The next day, Dhote told them they would need to move out that night so demolition could begin.

Both Etienne and the owners of Lonney’s Lunch Wagon say the situation is bittersweet.

“I miss seeing our customers more than anything,” Etienne said. However, both food trucks are embracing the change and are looking forward to the future.

“Even though we had to leave,” Lonney’s said, “(there’s) always other opportunities out there so we always continue to look and work forward, always (pushing) on.”

Tucky’s plans to move their business to Springfield, OR and is in the process of finalizing location details. In the meantime, Tucky’s is offering dinner delivery service to the Monmouth and Independence area. Check out their online store at lunch-menu.square.site to place a dinner order by 3 p.m. Also follow them on Facebook and Instagram @tuckyskitchen to stay updated and get access to deals.

As for Lonney’s, they plan to use their time to renovate their trailer for the winter season and get set up at a nearby space in Independence. While closed for now, customers can get excited for easier online ordering and more Lonney’s merchandise. Follow Lonney’s on Instagram @lonneyslunchwagon to get the latest information.

Taj India Food Cart, the final truck that was located at the food truck pod, has relocated to Independence. Their new address is at the Space Age gas station: 1082 Monmouth St. in Independence. Contact them at (503) 422-8299.

The Monmouth Commons expects to begin construction in July 2021. They anticipate it will take 11 months to finish, though it could take as long as 18 months due to COVID-19 social distancing regulations. 

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.