Mount Hood

Trabajos en la carretera

29 de octubre del 2025 | Abbi Duhart | Editora de Noticias

Han comenzado las obras de construcción y mantenimiento de carreteras en las principales vías de Monmouth e Independence. Aquí está la informacion sobre lo que los estudiantes y residentes de la zona deben esperar durante esta fase de construcción y sus resultados. Mientras duren las obras, habrá cuadrillas trabajando en Main Street, Monmouth Street y South Main Street. Los residentes deben estar preparados para ver a las cuadrillas trabajando de lunes a jueves en horario laboral habitual, con trabajos ocasionales los viernes y por la noche cuando sea necesario. A partir del 29 de octubre, solo se han cerrado los arcenes, lo cual no afecta al flujo del tráfico, pero se recomienda a los residentes estar preparados para posibles cierres y cambios de carril según sea necesario. En ese caso, los conductores verán señaleros dirigiendo el tráfico. Además, se prevé que en ocasiones haya ruido, ya que los trabajadores de la construcción están utilizando maquinaria ruidosa. El Departamento de Transporte de Oregón solicita a los residentes que estén atentos durante este período, y que reduzcan la velocidad y estén pendientes de los trabajadores. 

El objetivo de la construcción es añadir rampas de acceso a las aceras de Monmouth e Independence para cumplir con las normas de accesibilidad vigentes de la ADA. Se están instalando y remodelando 150 rampas en la zona. Estas nuevas rampas facilitarán el paso de la carretera a la banqueta y viceversa al caminar por la ciudad. Estas adaptaciones ayudarán a quienes tienen dificultades para subir y bajar de la banqueta, así como a las personas usuarias de sillas de ruedas. Los cambios también beneficiarán a quienes usan carreolas, andaderas, carritos de mano y bicicletas. 

Los residentes podrían notar que no todas las rampas se construyen al mismo tiempo. Esto se debe a que los trabajadores deben revisar cada esquina donde se colocará una rampa y evaluar si está lista o necesita modificaciones antes de comenzar la construcción. Además, no todas las intersecciones y ubicaciones son iguales. Algunas zonas están listas para la construcción, mientras que en otras hay que tener en cuenta elementos como hidrantes,

cajas de servicios públicos y postes de luz. Se está trabajando primero en las intersecciones que ya están listas para la construcción, mientras que las demás se completarán más adelante a medida que se diseñen las rampas alrededor de las barreras de las intersecciones. 

Estas rampas de acceso forman parte de un proyecto más amplio que abarca Astoria, Corvallis, Cottage Grove, Newberg, Salem, Keizer y Springfield, además de Monmouth e Independence. El diseño y la construcción de estas mejoras suman un total de $1.56 millones de dólares. Los residentes pueden consultar un mapa interactivo del Departamento de Transporte de Oregón aquí para ver qué zonas se encuentran actualmente en construcción. 

Las obras que se realizan localmente forman parte de un proyecto más amplio en todo el Valle de Willamette y la Costa Norte para adaptar más de 2,300 rampas de acceso a la normativa ADA. El Departamento de Transporte de Oregón trabaja arduamente para mejorar la accesibilidad en ciudades y pueblos como Monmouth e Independence, lo que beneficiará a todos. 

Contacta al autor en howlnews@mail.wou.edu

 

Semana de primera generación

29 de octubre del 2025 | Abbi Duhart | Editora de Noticias

Ser estudiante de primera generación significa que ninguno de los padres o tutores del estudiante se graduó con una licenciatura. Si los padres obtuvieron un título de asociado o comenzaron sus estudios universitarios pero no los terminaron, el estudiante aún se considera de primera generación. Ser estudiante de primera generación implica una gran oportunidad para alcanzar el éxito, pero también significa que puede que no cuente con la misma orientación sobre el proceso de admisión universitaria que los estudiantes que no son de primera generación, lo que hace que la transición sea mucho más confusa e intimidante. Por estas razones, los estudiantes de primera generación a menudo se sienten vulnerables o experimentan el síndrome del impostor debido a las diferentes barreras que enfrentan. 

Para apoyar a los estudiantes de primera generación, TRIO organiza diversos eventos durante la Semana de la Primera Generación, que comienza el 3 de noviembre. TRIO es un programa nacional financiado por el gobierno federal, implementado para asesorar y ayudar a estudiantes de primera generación, de bajos ingresos o que reciben adaptaciones a través de los Servicios de Acceso para Personas con Discapacidad. Los estudiantes que participan en TRIO cuentan con un asesor específico que los ayuda con orientación académica, profesional y sobre su especialización, la búsqueda de recursos, la búsqueda de empleo y mucho más. 

La Semana de Estudiantes de Primera Generación se celebra en Western como alternativa al Día de Estudiantes de Primera Generación, una celebración nacional que tiene lugar el 8 de noviembre. Dado que este año el 8 de noviembre cae en sábado, TRIO creó la Semana de Estudiantes de Primera Generación para que los estudiantes puedan celebrar la semana previa al Día de Estudiantes de Primera Generación. Cada día de la Semana de Estudiantes

de Primera Generación se ofrecen diferentes actividades que ayudan a los estudiantes a conectar con los diversos recursos del campus. 

Cada día de la Semana de la Primera Generación tiene una temática diferente. El lunes 3 de noviembre, el tema central serán las necesidades básicas. La jornada comenzará con una recepción en el salón TRIO del Centro de Éxito Estudiantil, de 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. El objetivo principal es presentar las actividades que se realizarán durante la semana, pero los estudiantes también podrán disfrutar de juegos y refrigerios. Después, de 1 a 3 p.m., los estudiantes podrán dirigirse al Centro Universitario Werner para aprender sobre la preparación de comidas. Esta actividad puede resultar especialmente difícil para los estudiantes en términos de presupuesto, por lo que este evento les ayudará a aprender a preparar comidas de forma activa, eficiente y económica. De 2 a 4:30 p.m., habrá una sesión informativa para que los estudiantes conversen con personal del programa SNAP en el Centro Universitario Werner. SNAP es un programa federal de asistencia nutricional que proporciona a los estudiantes una cantidad de dinero cada mes para comprar alimentos. En el mismo lugar, de 2 a 4 p.m., se ofrecerán visitas guiadas al Banco de Alimentos y al Ropero Solidario. Ambos son recursos útiles en el campus que los estudiantes quizás desconozcan, y estas visitas guiadas pueden mostrarles dónde se encuentran y cómo funcionan. 

El martes, el tema central será la salud mental. Para empezar, habrá presentaciones de 11 a.m. a 12 p.m. en la Sala Santiam del Centro Universitario Werner. Consejeros del Centro de Salud y Asesoramiento del campus ofrecerán charlas sobre la importancia de la salud mental. Más tarde, de 1 a 2 p.m., se realizará una caminata por el campus, con salida desde el salón TRIO. Los estudiantes participarán en una conversación guiada donde podrán hacerse preguntas y hablar sobre la vida. De 2 a 4 p.m., podrán regresar al salón TRIO para disfrutar de un breve descanso con actividades artísticas y manualidades, y participar en un torneo de “Mario Kart.” 

El miércoles, el tema central será la comunidad. Los estudiantes podrán asistir a una feria para estudiantes de primera generación universitaria que se llevará a cabo en el Salón 101 del Centro Educativo Richard Woodcock, de 10 a.m. a 3 p.m. Allí podrán conectar con otros estudiantes, personal administrativo, profesores, recursos y departamentos del campus. Cada departamento tendrá su propia mesa informativa. Los estudiantes que asistan recibirán una tarjeta de bingo para marcar cada mesa que visiten, con la posibilidad de ganar un premio. También habrá comida gratis en este evento. De 4 a 5 p.m., en el Centro de Éxito Estudiantil, sala 203, se llevará a cabo un taller con el Departamento de Éxito y Asesoramiento Estudiantil. Esto girará en torno al tema del establecimiento de objetivos profesionales. 

El tema del jueves es “camina en la dirección correcta,” comenzando con una feria de Trayectorias Profesionales y de Carrera que tendrá lugar de 11 a.m. a 2 p.m. en el segundo piso del Centro de Éxito Estudiantil. Los estudiantes podrán establecer contactos con reclutadores de diversas organizaciones y empresas, así como con exalumnos. Estos

profesionales les brindarán consejos sobre cómo conseguir empleo en la trayectoria profesional que elijan. De 3 a 5 p.m., se llevará a cabo un panel con exalumnos del programa TRIO y de primera generación en la Sala Willamette del WUC. Los estudiantes podrán conversar con ellos y obtener información de alguien con una trayectoria similar sobre cómo llegar a la carrera que desean seguir. 

El tema del viernes es la celebración. Se realizará una ceremonia de inducción de Tri-Alpha en la Sala Willamette de 9:30 a 11:30 a.m. Esta ceremonia corresponde a la Sociedad de Honor Alpha Alpha Alpha, una sociedad de honor para estudiantes de primera generación. Los estudiantes pueden asistir para celebrar y apoyar a los nuevos miembros de Tri-Alpha. De 12 a 3 p.m. en el salón TRIO se celebrará el Día Nacional de los Estudiantes de Primera Generación. Habrá diferentes estaciones de juego y actividades para los estudiantes, además de pastel para disfrutar. Los estudiantes que asistan a cualquier evento durante la semana participarán en un sorteo de premios el viernes. Andres Hernandez, coordinador para estudiantes de primera generación, explica que todos — no solo los estudiantes de primera generación — pueden beneficiarse al asistir a estos eventos. Si bien los recursos están diseñados para ayudar más a los estudiantes de primera generación, todos los estudiantes pueden aprender cómo brindarles el mejor apoyo, ya que a menudo provienen de entornos diferentes y enfrentan diversas barreras. En definitiva, los estudiantes pueden asistir a cualquier evento durante la semana para conocer recursos útiles, tener la oportunidad de ganar premios y quizás incluso conocer gente nueva. 

Contacta al autor en howlnews@mail.wou.edu

 

Guía del cierre

29 de octubre del 2025 | Hannah Field | Jefa de Editacion

El 1 de octubre, el gobierno de Estados Unidos suspendió sus operaciones e inició un cierre administrativo, luego de que el Congreso no aprobara los proyectos de ley necesarios para financiarlas. Republicanos y demócratas no lograron ponerse de acuerdo sobre cómo se utilizarían los fondos en todo el gobierno, lo que provocó el cierre, limitó las operaciones gubernamentales en todo el país y puso en riesgo ciertos beneficios para millones de estadounidenses. 

En general, los estudiantes no se ven afectados por el cierre. Los estudiantes de Western pueden seguir asistiendo a clases y participando en sus actividades habituales, pero podrían darse algunos casos en los que algunos estudiantes se vean afectados. Se prevé que miles de residentes de Oregón perderán sus beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria, conocido como SNAP, después del 31 de octubre debido a la falta de financiación. Si bien la mayoría de los beneficiarios no son estudiantes universitarios, los estudiantes que reciben cupones de alimentos perderán este acceso, al igual que aproximadamente 41 millones de estadounidenses. 

Se anima a los estudiantes de Western que hayan visto comprometida su ayuda alimentaria debido al cierre del gobierno a que se pongan en contacto con los recursos disponibles en el campus, como Abby’s House y el Banco de Alimentos, para evitar una mayor inseguridad alimentaria. Se prevé que los bancos de alimentos se utilicen en gran medida

después del 1 de noviembre, lo que significa que los recursos podrían ser limitados en todo el país. 

Otra forma en que los estudiantes podrían verse afectados es a través de los viajes. La demanda de controladores aéreos ha sido alta desde mucho antes del cierre del gobierno, pero ahora muchos no están yendo a trabajar, a pesar de ser considerados trabajadores esenciales — quienes, según se espera, trabajarán sin paga durante los cierres gubernamentales. Debido a la falta de personal, muchos vuelos están sufriendo cancelaciones o retrasos, principalmente en los principales aeropuertos de Estados Unidos, como Newark, Phoenix, Nashville, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas y Burbank, y probablemente en más a medida que avance el cierre. Las filas de seguridad en los controles de los aeropuertos también podrían ser más largas de lo normal. 

Afortunadamente para los estudiantes, la financiación para la FAFSA, los préstamos estudiantiles y las becas Pell no se han suspendido. Las subvenciones federales otorgadas a las instituciones educativas continuarán, pero las nuevas podrían sufrir retrasos. Los estudiantes de todo el país podrían perder sus empleos de trabajo y estudio dependiendo de la financiación. 

Si bien aún hay mucha incertidumbre respecto a la financiación del gobierno, una cosa es segura: cuanto más se prolongue el cierre, mayores serán sus repercusiones. Millones de estadounidenses que reciben SNAP seguirán sin recibir sus beneficios, los trabajadores esenciales continuarán trabajando gratuitamente y los viajeros se enfrentarán a más obstáculos. 

Contacta al autor en howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

 

Spooky treats

A photo of Burgerville’s Vampire Slayer Cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. | Photo by Belen Ponce Leal

Oct 29 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

It’s always interesting to see what kind of menus companies can come up with for a spooky season. Whether it be dyed foods designed to look like pumpkins, sweet ice cream treats with candy bits in them or some locally sourced ingredients used creatively, there is no end to the trend. I thought it would be interesting to discover what kind of spooky-themed foods to try out before the end of the month.  

Burger King is well known for their advertising of their special limited-time menus. Right now, they have what they call the “monster menu.” The main staple of the menu is the  Jack-O’-Lantern Whopper. It is a version of their famous Whopper burger with a “naturally colored orange bun” with black sesame seeds. While it does have a festive appearance, it has been described by many as tasting basically the same as a regular Whopper burger. Some other items they are selling are Vampire Nuggets, Mummy Mozzarella Fries, the Franken-Candy Sundae and, at certain locations, a trick-or-treat basket. 

At the moment, McDonald’s might not have much of a Halloween menu as they are currently focused on their Monopoly-themed one, but the Boo Buckets have returned once again. During October, McDonald’s will give out Happy Meals in what is called a Boo Bucket. They are plastic containers that can double as trick-or-treat buckets. The classic designs have returned, which are the ghost, pumpkin and goblin. However, there are two new additions to the roster this year, which are a black cat and a zombie bucket. 

IHOP has come out with some delicious pancake flavors for the season. Obviously, the pumpkin spice pancakes have returned, with the option to make them a short or full stack. They have been described as tasting very good, soft and buttery. The item that I find the most interesting and most delicious is the coffee cake pancakes. Made with cinnamon streusel, cinnamon spread layering and cream cheese icing, these coffee cake pancakes have a delicious crumbly texture. 

Burgerville is known throughout Monmouth for being a great place to eat, as it prides itself on locally sourcing its ingredients. All their food is fresh and delicious throughout the year.

Their seasonal menu is composed of their pumpkin shake, apple crumble sundae, harvest cider iced tea, sweet potato fries and, their star of the menu, the Vampire Slayer Cheeseburger. This burger, along with all of their others, has a pasture-raised natural beef patty. The cheese on the burger is called Face Rock Vampire Slayer Cheddar, which is cheddar with a strong dose of garlic in it. That, combined with arugula, which is a leafy green vegetable with a sort of peppery, nutty flavor, makes the burger a fantastic mix of various flavors. 

Every restaurant has a different strength, whether it be in design or flavor. I love how every year Burger King can come up with a menu that looks amazing, and even though it doesn’t taste very different, it is at least aesthetically pleasing. I also enjoy how Burgerville can come up with some amazing combinations of flavors in their burger while still being naturally sourced. While not all seasonal food is created equal, it is always endearing to see what companies can come up with to create delicious and good-looking cuisine. 

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Halloween events

A photo of the entrance to Salem’s Grand Theatre | Photo from @salemhistoricgrandtheatre on Instagram

Oct 29 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

No matter one’s preferences between cozy, community-centered Halloween events or scary, chilling adventures, there is sure to be a local Halloween event happening that is going to scratch that itch. While there is much more to explore in the area, I’ve compiled a list of note-worthy Halloween events that I encourage both autumn lovers and spooky enthusiasts alike to give a try.

Halloween Spooktacular — A big local event happening in Monmouth that many locals enjoy is the Halloween Spooktacular. This fun experience takes place Oct. 31 and begins at 4 p.m. at Main Street Park. Businesses around downtown Monmouth will be open for trick-or-treaters, and the park will have various goodies and activities set up. Businesses will also have pop-up booths along Main Street Park where they will be handing out various treats. There will also be a photo booth; residents are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes and take some fun pictures. Students at Western can also find a photo booth with Wolfie to take pictures with him in their costumes. This event is completely free and open to the public.

Dia De Los Muertos — During the Halloween Spooktacular event, residents can also stop by Monmouth Senior Center for Dia De Los Muertos, including various multicultural festivities. This event will have Halloween snacks, candy, arts and crafts and Mexican hot chocolate. They will also have a community ofrenda — a memorial table — set up. Anyone from the community is welcome to contribute to the table by placing special items to remember and pay homage to deceased loved ones. 

Ghost of the Grand — Those seeking more of a haunted feel to their Halloween celebration may love the Ghost of the Grand tour. This event takes place at the Grand Theatre in Salem and consists of a tour through the theatre’s main stage, the initiation room and the basement. This isn’t just a normal ghost tour though; they combine theatre and ghostly haunting to create an interactive experience that allows participants to go in search of G.H.O.S.T. — a mysterious and dangerous cult that was driven underground after last year’s tours. Audience members will actively make choices that seal their fate in this event. Happening through Nov. 1, general admission for this event costs $24.95. The Grand Theatre is known as one of the most haunted places in Salem. Participants often report sensing a ghostly presence, whether it be a gentle breeze or a shadow lurking out of sight, so consumers of the paranormal will love visiting this theatre.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt — Powered by Questo, those who seek a fun, interactive event for a large group will love this Halloween Scavenger Hunt in Salem. Starting Oct. 30 and running through Nov. 2, participants who sign up will access the scavenger hunt through the Questo app and travel around Salem exploring haunted areas, tracking ghosts and solving puzzles. Great for those who love a challenge, participants will compete to find clues and finish first, and can even win fun prizes. There will also be a costume contest, so make sure to wear fun costumes. Questo promises that frightening dialogue, bone-chilling intrigue and petrifying twists are in store for those who sign up. 

Just a short trip away, these are some of the intriguing and fun Halloween events to look forward to at the end of October. I believe there’s something out there for everyone to enjoy this time of year, even if none of these events sound that interesting. I encourage all to go out and try something new, because, chances are, there’s a lot of fun in doing so. 

 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Road work ahead

A photo of the route for roadwork in Monmouth and Independence. | Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation

Oct 29 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

Construction and road work has begun throughout main roads in Monmouth and Independence. Here’s what students and residents in the area should expect from the construction phase and the outcome.

While construction lasts, crews will be working along Main Street, Monmouth Street and South Main Street. Residents should expect to see construction crews at work Monday through Thursday during normal business hours, with occasional work on Fridays and at night when needed. As of Oct. 29, only shoulder closures have occurred, which doesn’t change the flow of traffic, but residents should be prepared for possible lane closures and shifts as needed. In that case, drivers will see flaggers directing traffic. Additionally, residents should expect some loud noise at times, as construction workers are using loud machinery. The Oregon Department of Transportation asks that residents be aware during this time, and that they slow down and watch for workers.

The reasoning behind the construction is to add curb ramps along Monmouth and Independence sidewalks to meet current ADA accessibility standards. Workers are adding and remodeling 150 ramps in the area. These new curb ramps will make it easier for people to transition from the road to the curb, and vice versa, while walking around town. Accommodations such as these will help those who have trouble stepping up and down from the sidewalk, as well as wheelchair users. The changes can additionally help people with strollers, walkers, hand carts and bikes. 

Residents may notice that not all ramps are being built on the same timeline. This is because workers must review each corner where a ramp will be placed and evaluate it to see if it is ready or needs modification before a ramp can be built. Additionally, not all intersections and locations are the same. Some areas are construction-ready, while some areas have things to plan around, like fire hydrants, utility boxes and utility poles. The construction-ready intersections are being worked on first, while others will be completed at a later date as ramps are designed around the intersections’ barriers.

These construction ramps are part of a larger project throughout Astoria, Corvallis, Cottage Grove, Newberg, Salem, Keizer and Springfield, in addition to Monmouth and Independence. Design and construction for these changes totals $1.56 million. Residents can check an interactive map provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation here to see which areas are currently under construction.

The work being done locally is part of a larger project throughout the Willamette Valley and North Coast to bring over 2,300 curb ramps to ADA standards. The Oregon Department of Transportation is working hard to bring accessibility to cities and towns like Monmouth and Independence that will benefit everyone.

 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Shutdown guide

A photo of Vice President JD Vance taking questions regarding the government shutdown at a press briefing. | Photo from @whitehouse and @vp on Instagram

Oct 29 2025 | Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

On Oct. 1, the United States government ceased its operations and entered a shutdown, following Congress’ failure to pass the bills necessary to fund those operations. Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on how the money would be used throughout the government, resulting in the shutdown, limiting governmental operations across the country and endangering certain benefits for millions of Americans.

For the most part, students remain unaffected by the shutdown. Western students can continue to attend class and participate in their typical activities, but there may be some instances where students are impacted.

It is expected that thousands of Oregonians will lose their food stamp benefits, known as SNAP, after Oct. 31 due to the stalled funding. While most receiving benefits are not college students, the students who do receive food stamps will lose their access alongside an estimated 41 million Americans.

Western students who have compromised food aid due to the shutdown are encouraged to connect with resources on campus, such as Abby’s House and the Food Pantry, to avoid further food insecurity. Food banks are expected to be heavily utilized following Nov. 1, meaning resources may be limited across the country.

Another way students may be impacted is through travel. Demand for air traffic controllers has been high since well before the government shutdown, but now many are not coming to work, despite being considered essential workers — all of whom are expected to work without pay during government shutdowns. Due to the lack of staffing, many flights are experiencing cancellations or delays, namely at major U.S. airports such as Newark, Phoenix, Nashville, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas and Burbank, and likely more as the shutdown progresses. Security lines through checkpoints at airports may be longer than normal as well.

Thankfully for students, funding for FAFSA, student loans and Pell Grants has not been suspended. Federal grants awarded to schools will continue, but new grants may face delays. Students across the country may be let go from work-study jobs depending on funding.

While many things are still up in the air regarding the government’s funding, one thing is certain: the longer the shutdown, the more it will affect. Millions of Americans on SNAP will continue without benefits, essential workers will keep working for free and travelers will face further roadblocks. 



Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

First gen week

A photo of the Trio lounge. | Photo by Abbi Duhart

Oct 29 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

Being first-generation means that neither of the student’s parents or guardians graduated with a four-year degree. If someone’s parents earned an associate degree or started at a four-year college but didn’t finish, the student is still considered first-gen. Identifying as first-gen means that a student has an amazing opportunity to achieve and succeed, yet they may not have the same guidance about the process of enrolling in college that non-first-gen students have, making the transition much more confusing and scary. For these reasons, first-gen students can often feel vulnerable or face imposter syndrome because they encounter different barriers.

To support first-gen students, TRIO is putting on various events during First-Generation Week, starting Nov. 3. TRIO is a federally funded nationwide program implemented to advise and assist students who are first-gen, low-income or receive accommodations through Disability Access Services. Students part of TRIO have a specific advisor who helps them with academic, career and major advising, finding resources, finding a job and more. 

First-Generation Week happens at Western as a replacement for First-Generation Day, which is a national celebration on Nov. 8. Because Nov. 8 is a Saturday this year, TRIO created First-Generation Week so students can celebrate the week leading up to First-Generation Day. Every day during First-Generation Week has different events that help students connect with the diverse resources around campus. 

Each day of events during First-Generation Week has a different theme. Monday, Nov. 3, is all about basic needs. The day will start with a kick-off happening in the TRIO lounge at the Student Success Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is primarily to outline the events happening throughout the week, but students can also come for some fun games and snacks. Next, students can head over to the Werner University Center from 1 to 3 p.m. to learn about meal prepping. Meal prepping can be especially hard for students in terms of budgeting, so this event can help them learn how to actively and efficiently meal prep at a lower cost. 2 to 4:30 p.m., there is a drop-in for students to chat with SNAP workers in the Werner University Center. SNAP is a federal nutrition assistance program that gives students a certain amount of money each month to purchase groceries. In the same location, there are Food Pantry and Stitch Closet tours happening from 2 to 4 p.m. These are both helpful resources on campus that students may not know about, and these guided tours can show students where they are and how they work.

Tuesday’s theme is mental health. Starting off, there are presentations happening from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Santiam Room in the Werner University Center. Counselors from the Health and Counseling Center on campus will be giving presentations about the importance of mental health. Later, there will be a trail walk starting in the TRIO lounge from 1 to 2 p.m. Students will join a walk around campus and participate in a mediated conversation where they ask each other questions and just talk about life. From 2 to 4 p.m., students can head back to the TRIO lounge to participate in a mini brain break where they can do some arts and crafts and join a “Mario Kart” tournament. 

Wednesday’s theme is community. Students can attend a first-gen fair happening in Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 101 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here, they can connect with fellow students, staff, faculty, resources and departments around campus. Each department will have a table. Students who go will receive a bingo card to mark off each table they attend, with a possibility of winning a prize. There will also be free food at this event. At 4 to 5 p.m. in the Student Success Center, Room 203, a workshop with Student Success and Advising will take place. This will surround the theme of professional goal setting.

Thursday’s theme is “step in the right direction,” beginning with a Career and Professional Pathways fair happening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Success Center. Students can go to network with recruiters from various organizations and jobs, as well as with alumni. These professionals will be giving students advice on how to land jobs in their chosen career path. From 3 to 5 p.m., there will be a TRIO and first-gen alumni panel in the Willamette Room in the WUC. Students can talk with them and get an understanding from someone of a similar background on how to get to the career they’re in. 

Friday’s theme is celebration. A Tri-Alpha induction ceremony will be happening in the Willamette Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is for the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society, an honor society for first-gen students. Students can come to celebrate and support inductees as they join Tri-Alpha. 12 to 3 p.m. in the TRIO lounge, there will be a First-Generation Day celebration to celebrate National First-Generation Day. There will be different stations and games for students as well as cake to enjoy. Students who attend any event throughout the week will be entered in a raffle for prizes on Friday.

Andres Hernandez, the first-gen coordinator, explains that everyone — not just first-gen students — can benefit from attending these events. While the resources are catered to help first-gen students more, all students can learn how to best support first-gen students who often come from different backgrounds and face different barriers. If anything, students can attend any event throughout the week to learn about helpful resources, potentially win some prizes and maybe even meet some new friends.

 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The haunting history

A photo of Halloween yard decorations. | Photo from @halloweenperfection on Instagram

Oct 29, 2025 |  Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Halloween is known throughout the United States as the spookiest time of the year; the time when children go door-to-door wearing costumes that range from cute to scary, candy is given out and scares are plotted throughout the night. Despite its popularity, many don’t know the origins of this holiday that has developed and changed throughout the centuries. 

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which is still celebrated today by Pagans. Over 2,000 years ago, the Celts and the druids celebrated the new year Nov. 1. Samhain, which translates to “summer’s end” in Gaelic, marked the end of the harvest, meaning winter was about to begin. Winter was seen as a time of death, where the veil between the living and the dead thins to allow supernatural forces to wander the earth. The people would gather to burn crops and offer animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. Additionally, those who were thinking of their lost loved ones would use candles and bonfires to guide them to the afterlife. 

Others would wear costumes to scare the bad spirits and demons away. However, some believed that doing this would allow them to be able to tell each other’s future. The Celtic priests believed that due to the presence of otherworldly beings on the earth, their predictions would hold more weight. After the festival was over, they would take flames from the bonfires and light their own hearths with them. It was believed that the fire would protect them from the incoming winter. 

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III proclaimed Nov. 1 “All Saints’ Day,” which honors not only the saints, but also the martyrs. Then, in the year 1000, the church made Nov. 2 “All Souls’ Day,” a day that honors the dead. It is believed that the church did this to replace the Celtic festival with a Christian-sanctioned holiday. 

It incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain, like big bonfires, celebrations and dressing up in costumes as beings like devils, saints and angels. The night before, which was originally Samhain, began to be called “All-Hallows Eve.” 

When people began immigrating to the US, which at the time was the 13 colonies, All-Hallows Eve began to change. As the customs of European ethnic groups and Native Americans clashed, “Halloween” began to emerge. 

The first celebrations of the tradition were known as “play parties,” which were events held to celebrate the harvest. Neighbors shared stories of the dead and would try to tell each other’s fortunes.

Trick-or-treating is based on European traditions where Americans began dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door to ask for food or money, which eventually became the trick-or-treating recognized today. 

Jack-o’-lanterns come from a tradition in Ireland that came over with Irish immigrants. It is said that there was a man known as “Stingy Jack,” who would trap the devil multiple times throughout his life, keeping him captive until he promised Jack he wouldn’t go to hell. However, when the time came for Jack’s death, he found out that he wasn’t allowed to go to heaven either, so he was doomed to wander the earth forever. The devil supposedly gave Jack a burning lump of coal in a hollowed-out turnip to be his makeshift lantern. 

Therefore, the locals began carving spooky faces into their own vegetables to frighten away the spirits from their homes. When immigrants moved to the U.S., the Irish brought the tradition with them. Since pumpkins are native to North America, they decided to switch from turnips to pumpkins; thus, the Jack-o’-laturns that are known today were born. 

While Halloween isn’t the same as Samhain in the traditional sense, the holiday still carries that same spirit expressed by the druids and the Celts. It celebrates the time in the year where the leaves change color, the harvest comes in for the final time and everyone does their best to deal with mischievous spirits, whether it be a ghost, a demon or a roommate who wants to scare someone into a heart attack. 

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

La epidemia de ranas se extiende por Portland

22 de octubre del 2025 | Hannah Field | Jefa de Editacion

En Portland, Oregón, cientos de manifestantes, supuestamente disfrazados de animales inflables, participaron en la protesta “No Kings” el 18 de octubre, una de las más de 2,000 protestas similares que tuvieron lugar en todo Estados Unidos. Los organizadores de las protestas “No Kings” estiman una asistencia de casi siete millones de personas en todo el país, y Portland se convirtió en un punto álgido de la atención mediática después de que Donald Trump lograra su objetivo de desplegar tropas de la Guardia Nacional en la ciudad para proteger a los agentes federales, a la espera de la aprobación legal correspondiente. Antes de la protesta “No Kings” del sábado, un residente de Portland llamó la atención prematuramente al apostarse el 2 de octubre frente al edificio del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas, cerca de la Interestatal 5. 

Seth Todd, de 24 años, llevaba puesto un gran disfraz inflable de rana verde frente a las instalaciones cuando la protesta se intensificó — lo que provocó que un agente federal rociara un chorro de gas pimienta en la ventilación del disfraz. Según Oregon Live, Todd acudió en ayuda de otro manifestante que, supuestamente, había sido empujado al suelo por un agente federal cuando fue rociado con aerosol. A pesar del altercado, Todd afirmó estar bien, declarando que “había comido tamales mucho más picantes” que el aerosol que le habían lanzado a su disfraz. 

Tras ser grabado y subido a TikTok, Todd se vio envuelto en un torbellino de atención mediática que le puso varios apodos: “Rana Antifa,” “Rana de Portland” y “Rana de las Protestas” entre los más comunes. Al día siguiente, más ranas se presentaron en el lugar en señal de apoyo. Más adelante ese mes, su número se duplicó y triplicó cuando las ranas salieron a las calles, sumándose a las numerosas protestas en Oregón. 

Diversos artículos con forma de rana aparecieron por todo el país en paralelo a las

protestas de “No Kings”, mostrando apoyo y lealtad a Todd después de que este iniciara un movimiento de paz y resistencia con disfraces de animales inflables. 

El futuro de dichos inflables es incierto, mientras se acerca el despliegue de la Guardia Nacional en Portland. Los medios de comunicación han constatado la presencia constante de cientos de personas congregándose por las noches frente al edificio del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas en Portland, incluso el domingo 19 de octubre. Manifestantes y contramanifestantes se enfrentaron físicamente, lo que derivó en múltiples detenciones por parte de la policía; en otro momento, agentes federales lanzaron gases lacrimógenos contra la multitud. 

A pesar del aumento de la tensión, la respuesta de los manifestantes no ha disminuido. Una organización recién fundada, llamada Operación Inflación, solicita donaciones de $35 dólares para financiar más disfraces para las protestas contra el ICE, lo que evidencia el creciente movimiento que comenzó con Todd, y que probablemente no terminará con él. 

Contacta al autor en howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

 

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