Monmouth – Page 4 – The Western Howl

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

The Western Howl

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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.

“(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

The Western Howl

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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

The Western Howl

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Say hey to Santa at the online 53rd annual tree lighting ceremony

Enjoy the upcoming holiday tree lighting event online

Natalie Dean | Entertainment Editor

The holiday season and a pandemic don’t make for the most ideal of conditions, but there are still plenty of local holiday events for people to enjoy at home.

One staple of the holiday season in Monmouth is the 53rd annual tree lighting ceremony, a live broadcast of the massive Sequoia Tree that sits on the lawn of Campbell Hall. For many students at Western, especially first-years, getting bundled up and braving the cold to see the lights is essentially a rite of passage.

This year, staff and students get to enjoy the comforts of home and spread the holiday spirit since it will be an online event. It will be held on Friday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 7 p.m. and can be found at wou.edu/livestream, or on wouTV. So get a blanket, cocoa or some apple cider to settle in.

Along with the view of the lights on the tree, both of the mayors from Monmouth and Independence ⏤ along with President Rex Fuller ⏤ will be reading a winning essay by a local Monmouth elementary school student. Don’t forget to catch a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause who will be at the event to supervise and say hello, but it has not been confirmed if they will be riding in on the reindeer pulling the sled.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Flapjacks food truck now open for breakfast

IndyMo celebrates a month of buying from local businesses

Petals & Vines is the grow-to place for plants

Say hey to Santa at the online 53rd annual tree lighting ceremony

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