Midterms are finally drawing to a close, but that doesn’t always mean that the pressure is off. Stress from school, social lives and work can continue to weigh on students throughout the year, but long-term stress can have lasting negative effects on both mental and physical health. While there are many ways to combat feeling overwhelmed, it can be hard to know what to do in those moments. The University of Oregon Counseling and Testing Center (UCTC) is attempting to combat these struggles with Be Well Wednesdays, an event to encourage healthy techniques for identifying and handling stress.

According to Eric Garcia, the outreach graduate teaching fellow with the UCTC, “students experience a range of stressors both within their roles as students and their own personal challenges and responsibilities.” These stressors can lead to harmful habits over time and eventually affect both the professional and personal lives of students.

Be Well Wednesdays are designed as an interactive workshop to educate students on how to replace those harmful techniques with more productive ones. “Along with increasing their understanding of stress, students will gain tools for managing their stress through experiential learning activities, including mindfulness mediations, deep breathing techniques and writing exercises,” said Garcia.

The UCTC has held similar events in the past, including one titled Less Stress, More Tea, but none have been as tailored to students as Be Well Wednesdays. According to Garcia, the event is tweaked each week to address the concerns and preferences of the people in attendance. “We have continued to refine our outreach programming efforts to make them more engaging and beneficial to UO students,” said Garcia.

Being overly stressed isn’t just a bad feeling; it can also be detrimental to your overall health. Researchers from John Hopkins University have found that when stress is prolonged, it can actually lead to disease or illness, including different forms of cancer. These results prove just how crucial it is to manage the stressors seen in everyday life, because the alternative can be life threatening.

The UCTC hopes that events like Be Well Wednesdays will help students to realize the magnitude of taking care of their mental health. “We recognize the importance of offering education and prevention efforts along with our clinical services,” said Garcia.

Garcia’s personal favorite for reducing stress is to take a moment to write down everything making you feel overwhelmed. “Often times we ruminate over our stressors and self-critical thoughts, which makes it difficult to stay calm or focus on things we need to do,” said Garcia. Getting those thoughts out on paper, he believes, can ease your mind and allow you put things back into perspective.

Be Well Wednesdays will be held every Wednesday this term at 2-2:50 p.m. in the Duck Nest in the EMU. The event is free and open to all students. Tea and snacks will be provided to those in attendance.

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Letting go of summer can be hard. From sandals to tank tops, many clothing items become obsolete as the days get chillier, but before packing away those warm weather clothes, take a moment to consider the many ways that you can still wear a dress in the cold. University of Oregon senior Dani Ebel doesn’t let the fall weather shrink her closet.

“Some days you just want to wear a dress,” Ebel said. Originally from Southern California, Ebel moved to Oregon for school and had to quickly adjust to the climate. “It was hard at first, but you just learn as you go.”

After three years of living in Oregon, Ebel has figured out a few tricks for surviving the colder weather. These tips will help dress-lovers like her maintain their style year-round.  

Tights

“Tights are your best friend,” said Ebel. The most glaring obstacle to warmth while wearing a dress is bare legs; tights are a simple solution to this problem. From jet black to dazzling purple, tights come in nearly every color imaginable. On particularly chilly days, fleece-lined tights are an excellent option and can be found at most department stores here in Eugene.

“You can always find thicker tights,” Ebel said. Tights are also an easy way to dress up an outfit. Even a sundress can be transformed into business casual with the addition of tights and appropriate shoes.

Boots

Flip flops are a staple during the summer, but they don’t transition very well to fall and winter. Instead, it is time to bust out the boots. One of the great aspects of boots at this time of year is that there are enough different types to fit anyone’s personal style. Just like with tights, tall boots work to combat the issue of bare legs getting cold, and some are even lined with faux fur to maximize comfort and warmth. With the addition of thick socks, even ankle boots can keep you feeling toasty while walking to class, plus they work great for spring outfits when the sunshine returns. “Transition pieces are essential,” said Ebel. “It’s good to have things that are versatile.”

Scarfs

Scarves should never be underestimated. Throwing a scarf on top of a dress can make you feel bundled up enough to brave the outdoors, even if it’s just for the brisk walk home from the library. If you haven’t been able to find the perfect knitted circle scarf yet, then you can always make your own. Head to any craft store in Eugene to pick up a round knitting loom and your favorite colored yarn in order to create exactly what you’ve been looking for. Cute and cozy is the mantra for cold weather scarves.

Layering

“I am a huge proponent of layering,” Ebel said. As outside temperatures drop, it is often hard to tell how warm the buildings on campus will be. “Sometimes it’s freezing outside, but you get to class and it is roasting,” Ebel said.

This problem can be countered with layers. By having multiple options of what to remove, you can maintain a reasonable body temperature no matter how hard the heaters are pumping. Sweaters can be easily tucked underneath a raincoat for quick removal once you arrive, and doubled up socks can be incredibly helpful for keeping your feet dry on rainy days. “Layering is an easy way to look put together, no matter the situation,” Ebel said.

With all of these ways to keep you warm, it is completely possible to continue wearing dresses even after the summer has drawn to a close. For Ebel, who has considered moving to New York City after graduation, the colder weather hasn’t been such a bad thing. “I’m used to it now,” Ebel said. “Oregon will have definitely prepared me.”

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With Halloween right around the corner, it’s a great time to start thinking about what kinds of spooky drinks you can serve to your party guests, your roommates or simply to yourself. These four creepy cocktails will give you some ideas — plus an option for those under 21 as well. With these simple drink recipes, you’ll have plenty of extra time to come up with the best Halloween costume around!

Poison Apple Cocktail

What you’ll need:

2 12 oz. bottles of Jones Green Apple Soda, chilled

1 ¼ cup of caramel flavored vodka

½ cup of apple flavored vodka

Thin apple slices

What to do: 

1.  Pour all ingredients into a pitcher and combine.

2.  Pour into glasses, preferably something spooky like a goblet or a beaker.

3.  Garnish with an apple slice and enjoy!

Tip: Add ice cubes right before serving to make the drink bubble.

Candy Corn Cocktail

What you’ll need:

1 ½ oz. whipped cream vodka

3 oz. sour mix

2 oz. pineapple juice

½ oz. grenadine

1 can of whipped cream

What to do:

1.  Combine vodka, sour mix and pineapple juice in a shaker with ice.

2. Shake and then pour mixture into a glass

3.  Slowly pour the grenadine into the drink so that it settles on the bottom

4.  Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Tip: Use a martini glass for this drink to create the candy corn shape!

Vampire Kiss Cocktail

What you’ll need:

1 oz. mango vodka

1 oz. coconut rum

1 oz. sour mix

A splash of grenadine

Plastic vampire teeth

What to do:

1. Pour all ingredients into a shaker.

2. Shake and then pour into a glass.

3. Add ice, garnish with vampire teeth and enjoy!

Tip: You can make this drink extra spooky by rimming the glass with strawberry syrup for a dripping blood effect.

Hallowine Sangria

What you’ll need:

For a 12 person serving:

¼ cup sugar

1 ¼ cup water

2 bottles red wine

1 cup orange juice

¼ cup orange liqueur

24 ounces club soda, chilled

2 oranges

What to do:

1. Bring sugar and water to a boil on the stove, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved.

2. Remove pan from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.

3. Stir in red wine, orange juice and liqueur.

4. Put in fridge to chill for 4 hours.

5. Remove from fridge and stir in club soda and oranges.

6. Pour into glasses, add ice and enjoy!

Tip: If you can get ahold of them, this drink is great with fresh blackberries mixed in!

For those under 21:

Witch’s Potion

What you’ll need:

1 quart lime sherbet

2 liters ginger ale

1 cup pineapple juice

Gummy worms

What to do:

1. Mix together ginger ale and pineapple juice

2. Pour mixture into glasses

3. Add a scoop of sherbet right before serving to make the drink start foaming

5. Garnish with gummy worms and enjoy!

Tip: Add a few drops of green food coloring to the ginger ale and pineapple juice mixture to create an even more vibrant green color.

Fall is the perfect time to switch on the oven, play some good music and bake a delicious pumpkin dessert. From pies to smoothies, adding pumpkin to a dish turns it into a fall-themed party in your mouth. These five pumpkin dessert recipes are sure to make your taste buds smile.

(Leanne Harloff)

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

What you’ll need:

½ cup pumpkin puree

1 egg

2 ½ cups flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

14 tablespoons salted butter

What to do:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
2. In a separate bowl, use a mixer to combine the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy.
3. In the bowl of sugar and butter, mix in the egg yolk, vanilla and pumpkin.
4. With your mixer, slowly add the flour mixture to the second bowl until well blended.
5. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and place the cookie dough in the fridge for 20 minutes.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch sized balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or silicon mat. Space the cookies about two-inches apart.
7. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, checking occasionally so they don’t burn.
8. Use a spatula to get the cookies off of the pan and enjoy!

(Leanne Harloff)

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

What you’ll need:

1 banana

½ cup pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon honey

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

3 tablespoons milk

6 ounces vanilla yogurt

6 ice cubes

What to do:

1. Add all ingredients to the blender.
2. Double the recipe to make a smoothie for a friend as well.
3. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Tip: This smoothie has a wonderful undertone of banana, but you can increase the amount of milk, yogurt and pumpkin in exchange for the banana if preferred.

(Leanne Harloff)

Pumpkin Pie

What you’ll need:

2 pie pumpkins

1 can evaporated milk

3 eggs

3⁄4 cup sugar

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves

A 9-inch deep dish pie shell or homemade

What to do:

1. Slice pie pumpkins into small chunks and scoop out all of the inner seeds and strings.
2. Place chunks in a large bowl with a splash of water in the bottom and microwave for about 10 minutes.
3. Pierce with a fork to ensure that the pumpkin bits are cooked throughly. If so, scrape the pumpkin away from the skin. If not, continue heating.
4. In a blender, mix the pumpkin until smooth.
5. In a large bowl, combine sugar, salt and eggs.
6. Slowly add blended pumpkin and milk.
7. Pour mixture into pie shell.
8. Wrap foil around the edges of the pie crust.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking occasionally by poking with a toothpick. Once the toothpick comes out mostly clean, the pie is done.
10. Slice the pie, add some whipped cream and enjoy!

Tip: Many pumpkin purees from the store are actually made with different types of winter squash instead of pumpkin. Avoid this trickery by making your own with the pumpkin pies!

(Leanne Harloff)

Pumpkin Oatmeal Energy Bites

What you’ll need:

½ cup pumpkin puree

1 ½ cups dry oatmeal

¼ cup honey

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon

½ cup dark chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup chia seeds

½ cup natural peanut butter

What to do:

1. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except chocolate chips.
2. Once the mixture is evenly stirred together, slowly add chocolate chips.
3. Grab a small handful of the mixture and roll it in your hand until round.
4. Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate before eating. Enjoy!

Tip: These are great if you are a peanut butter lover, but if you aren’t, simply decrease the amount of peanut butter and substitute for more pumpkin.

(Leanne Harloff)

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars

What you’ll need:

4 eggs

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

½ cup chopped walnuts

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

1 can pumpkin puree

2 cups gluten free flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

For frosting:

1 package of softened cream cheese

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ½ cups powdered sugar

What to do:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease the sides and bottom of a jelly roll pan (basically a small baking sheet with taller sides).
3. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin.
4. Slowly stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger and cloves.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the greased pan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking occasionally. Remove them when they are light brown on top.
7. While the bars are cooling in the pan, mix together the cream cheese, butter and vanilla in a bowl.
8. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar.
9. Spread the frosting over the bars, sprinkle on the walnuts and enjoy!

There aren’t many places that offer classes about the art of henna, tai chi and woodworking all under the same roof, but Lane County has a nationally renowned community department that does. The Willamalane Park and Recreation District recently won the 2016 National Gold Medal Award for best parks and recreation department, presented by the National Recreation and Park Association.

The award designates Willamalane as the best park and recreation agency in the country for communities of its size.

“We’re frankly still beaming with pride,” said Bill Kunerth, the public affairs manager for Willamalane.

With this award comes a reflection on the constant support of the people surrounding the organization. “This isn’t Willamalane’s award; this is the community’s award,” said Kunerth. “Without their support we wouldn’t be able to offer these types of opportunities.”

Willamalane is the parks and recreation district for Springfield. It maintains more than 1,500 acres of natural land, along with five thriving recreation centers. In 1944, citizens voted to establish Willamalane as a distinct tax district and a place for people of all ages to connect, learn and exercise. Unfortunately, many University of Oregon students may have never heard of this organization and miss out on the numerous opportunities it has to offer.

Kunerth said that “a lot of students are already utilizing our resources and just don’t know it.” One such resource is Dorris Ranch, a park and operating farm listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “It’s really right in the backyard of the University of Oregon,” said Kunerth.

Besides holding community events year round, Dorris Ranch has beautiful biking and walking paths open to the public. With 43 other parks in the area, Willamalane offers students myriad places to escape the stress of school and find the calm of nature.

Kunerth also reports that Willamalane is constantly expanding. The organization recently acquired Thurston Hills Natural Area. This 650-acre plot of land sits on the outskirts of several subdivisions in Springfield and will open up a whole new set of outdoor opportunities, including the creation of several mountain biking trails.

“This area has a tremendous amount of potential for outdoor recreation and education,” said Kunerth, who hopes to get some UO students or clubs involved with shaping the new area. The Thurston Hills Natural Area is set to publicly open by next summer.

While the outdoor activities are numerous, Willamalane is also known for its indoor classes and lectures. Several buildings, including the Adult Activity Center and the Willamalane Center for Sports and Recreation, offer fitness classes year-round. Some class options include yoga, cycling, tribal fusion belly dancing and rock climbing on a floor-to-ceiling climbing wall.

“We offer a lot of affordable programs that take place during the evenings and weekends that can fit into busy schedules,” said Kunerth.

Willamalane staff members accept the 2016 Gold Medal award at the National Recreation and Park Association’s Annual Conference in St. Louis, MO. (Photo Courtesy of Willamalane News Release

Aside from fitness, Willamalane also provides creative classes and informational lectures. On Oct. 22, it will host a workshop to create realistic zombie makeup, as well as a lecture about the best ways for millennials to be financially successful on Nov. 15. Classes are generally either a flat fee at the beginning of the session or can be paid on a class-by-class basis. Some events, such as the workshop for millennials, are free.

“It’s not just your run of the mill programs,” said Kunerth. “We have so many diverse offerings.”

Kunerth is optimistic that the NRPA award will allow Willamalane to continue serving the needs of Lane County for decades to come. “We take great pride in making a positive impact in people’s lives,” said Kunerth.

Willamalane is ideal for students looking for a place to try something new and unique. With so many arts, fitness and informational classes, there is always something happening that fits into a busy college student’s schedule.

“I’m just amazed every single day about all of the resources that Willamalane has to offer for this community,” said Kunerth. “There are so many opportunities for students to take advantage of.”

Watch a video created by Willamalane about the diverse offerings the program provides below:

On Friday, Oct. 14, the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History will host a panel discussion titled Fall Archaeology Talks: In Search of the First Americans. Jason Younker, UO’s assistant vice president, advisor to the president on sovereignty and government to government relations and member of the Coquille Indian Tribe, will be a participant on the panel of anthropologists discussing the peopling of the New World.

Other panelists include Loren Davis, Jessi Halligan, Dennis Jenkins and moderator Tom Connolly. In preparation for the event, Younker spoke with the Emerald about the advancements and limitations of anthropology today, as well as why all students can benefit from attending Friday’s event.

Emerald: You earned your Ph.D. at the University of Oregon, correct? 

Jason Younker: Yes, I was here in the 1990s for a master’s degree and then came back for my Ph.D. in 2003. It actually wasn’t by choice that I returned. I was teaching, but at that time we were dealing with the Kennewick Man controversy and my tribal council felt it urgent that we have a Ph.D. anthropologist in the room. I then taught in New York for ten years until this position opened up and I came back to the University of Oregon. I’m pretty happy about that.

E: In 2014, you became the university’s first official liaison to the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon. How did it feel to be the first person with that title?

JY: I was very honored. There has always been a very special relationship between the tribes and the university, first led by University of Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer and carried on through President Michael Schill.

E: That’s a very important relationship to maintain. 

JY: It is. The position itself is necessary. Oregon was the first state to have a law mandating consultation with local tribes. I am very lucky that I get to work with the University of Oregon and within the tribal communities where I feel very welcomed.

E: Looking forward to Friday’s panel, what can you say in general about what will be discussed?

JY: It has to do with what archaeology has taught us about peopling the New World. For a long time, there was really only one hypothesis: indigenous peoples traveled from Asia, through an ice-free corridor, about 10,000 years ago. That was based on what archaeology could find and prove at that time. That is really the limitation. Archaeologists can tell us what is probable, but are hesitant to say what is possible. At this particular talk, it’s about what is absolute, while not discounting what could be possible.

E: Why is this anthropological information important for University of Oregon students to hear?

JY: History has often been a one-sided portrait. For example, as Europeans were figuring out if the world was round or flat, Native Americans already knew, but you don’t hear about that. As a general student body, we need to realize the shortcomings of history and that there’s a much bigger, detailed portrait that can be painted with more knowledge. Going to lectures helps you not only find out the shortcomings of what you were taught in high school but also helps to change what future generations learn. We must make sure the marginalized story is told and that’s why it’s important for the student body to attend these types of events. The acquisition of knowledge is why you’re here and sometimes you get that in a classroom, but a lot of times it’s in those special panels.

Fall Archaeology Talks: In Search of the First Americans will take place Friday, Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. in room 175 of the Knight Law Center. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.