Contents
Winter Nature Hikes 11
Palace Coffee Roasters
Unique Gift Ideas
Snow Sports
Studying & Starving
Wellness in the Winter
Special Sections Editor
Annie Bostwick
Cover Photo
Arianna Rinaldi
Special Sections Writers
Campbell Williams
Daisy Valencia
Karley Brenneman
Manuel Espinoza
Sophie Turnbull Yasmin Alvarez
Special Sections
Photographers
Alyssa Garcia
Arianna Rinaldi
Manuel Espinoza
Lead Designer
Eva Andrews
Student Designers
Abigail Raike
Adaleah Carman
Amanda Bell
Ava Klooser
Eva Kuo
Gabe Vannelli
Account Managers
Ava Stephanian
Camcole Pereira
Elliot Byrne
Torin Chevalier
Dear Holiday Gift Guide Readers,
The cold weather is setting in, and the holiday season is right around the corner. As students wrap up their finals, their attention shifts to celebrating, resting and finding the perfect gifts for their friends and family.
Read stories centered on community, including a local coffee shop that brings neighbors together and a UO club uniting students by seeking out snow. From guides on where to shop in Eugene to stories about managing the seasonal blues, this edition highlights the highs and lows that students navigate during the holidays. Wherever the holiday season takes you, we hope these stories bring you warmth, comfort and connection.
Happy Holidays,
Annie Bostwick
Holiday Gift Guide Editor
Winter Nature Hikes
Photos by Manuel Espinoza • Designed by Abigail Raike
With dozens of hiking trails right in their backyard, Eugene is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. While the cold weather often deters people from spending time outdoors, the sights that Eugene's nature has to offer are just as breathtaking. Take a journey through Eugene’s Ridgeline Trail system as the change of season paints the landscape in an array of red, orange and yellow hues.
The trailhead is painted in vibrant colors during the colder months. The cold weather does not deter Eugenians from enjoying the sights of nature. As people bundle up and hit the trails, they can appreciate the beauty of the ridgeline system year round.
An older couple walks the trail with their happy dog trotting beside them, matching their easy pace. The three of them move together in sync with one another. It’s a picture of love, loyalty, and life enjoyed side by side.
As you walk down the entrance you will see a kiosk to guide your way through the colorful paths of the Ridgeline Trail. Protected by the trees the kiosk will give you all the information you need to start your journey through the forest.
Two lifelong friends stroll side by side, sharing stories as the path winds through the trees. Their laughter blends with the sounds of nature around them. It’s a beautiful reminder that friendship only grows richer with time.
The path winds further into the forest as hikers are greeted by lopsided trees. They bend as if in greeting, inviting outdoor enthusiasts deeper into nature.
A young couple wanders down the winding trail, lost in their own world. Soft light filters through the trees, wrapping them in warmth. It’s a simple, sweet moment where love and nature meet.
GIFTS DUCKSfor , so sweet
‘Tis the season for something O, so sweet! at The Duck Store. The holidays are always a time for the families you have AND the families you make. This season, our team members invite you to visit us to find gifts to check off every Duck on your list.
Thank you for supporting us & our non-profit mission this, and every holiday season.
Being a Duck means not only having the sweetest gift ideas, but sometimes the gifts with the best sense of humor.
At The Duck Store, we’ve got you covered with fantastic gift ideas, so many of them at only $50 or less. Whether you’re in need of wallets or plush, drinkware or blankets, you can find a little something for every Duck in your life.
Green & Yellow
Green U-Scape
Jacquard Knit Scarf
Duckopoly Game
Duck Mascot Mug
Nike Utility Gymsack
Unique Gift Ideas
From Eugene
Written by Daisy Valencia • Photos by Alyssa Garcia • Designed by Amanda Bell
For many students, the holidays are stressful due to the time crunch of finding the perfect gift for each friend and family member. December tends to sneak up on students. By the time they start their holiday shopping, store inventories are picked clean. To give you some last-minute inspiration, we scouted a few shops near campus that carry unique gifts to bring a little bit of Eugene back home with you!
Melange
For the women in your life in need of a spa day, a gift from Melange in 5th Street Public Market is the right choice for them! “Melange is the perfect place to give the gift of a cozy girls’ night,” Lily, an employee of Melange, said. It's always a safe bet to gift one of their cozy pajama sets and robes. A basket of their accessories would also be a great pick
Pendleton Woolen Mills
Finding a gift for the men in your life is a challenge, but it’s made easy with Pendleton Woolen Mills. They are best known for their high-quality blankets and men’s flannel buttonups. Pendleton has been collaborating with Native American tribes for over a hundred years to provide an array of colorful patterns while also honoring their land and culture.
Their wool products are woven in Pendleton, Oregon, which makes their items a perfect memento for out-of-state students to bring home to their families.
House of Records
House of Records sells physical media for just about any genre-lover. They primarily sell vinyls and CDs, but they carry a good selection of movies as well. Their inventory is up to date with trending music, but also highlights oldies. Some of their items are preowned, but they are screened to make sure even old albums work as new. Though several online shops sell physical media, it's more meaningful to go out and find the perfect album in good condition, all while supporting a local business. Ian, an employee of House of Records, said, “It’s a personal experience. Rather than just going on a computer, you go seek a music lover for their help.”
For an elevated gift, NEWTWIST is the place to go. This family-owned shop carries a variety of unique, handcrafted jewelry made with materials from river rocks to pearls. Their shelves are stocked with several artisan gifts like hand-blown stemware and quirky home decor, like a Christmas ornament of Lady Gaga wearing the iconic meat dress. A gift from NEWTWIST is an heirloom made to last.
Whatever it is you buy, Eugene will always be part of your gift’s story, and that makes it extra special for the people at home who support you while you're away. It’s best to start looking for gifts early to beat the holiday rush, but no matter how last minute, these stores are certain to have great gift options for every member of the family!
Eugene’s Palace Coffee Roasters serves the community more than just coffee
Written by Yasmin Alvarez
Photos
by
Arianna Rinaldi
Designed by Adaleah Carman
As you step into Eugene’s Palace Coffee Roasters, you’ll be greeted by the fresh aroma of rich and nutty Salvadoran coffee beans that transports you into the world of Central America without having to take a flight abroad. Palace is currently a woman-owned business, running for 26 strong years. Lisa Truelove brings reinvention, craft and connection to the city of Eugene. Palace Coffee Roasters embodies the fusion of passion, heritage and community.
Truelove, owner of Palace Coffee Roasters, was simply a customer who loved the taste of an americano. “I was about 22-23, and I would come here as a customer,” she said. “I grew up working
be two separate businesses. The building was split between Full City Coffee and Palace Bakery, which was run by the “two Davids,” Korte and Counter.
Over time, as the owners retired, and the previous owner, Michael Phinney, sold Palace to its current owner, she made sure to carry on the name of the business. “I love the name Palace. It has a special meaning to me, and I wasn’t gonna change it,” Truelove said. Keeping the name felt like an ode carrying on its legacy rather than overwriting it.
Truelove’s journey doesn’t stop just in TrackTown, USA. Although El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, their impact within the coffee world is vastly opposite. Four years ago, a connection through one of Truelove’s employees led to a blossoming partnership with two family-owned coffee
partners. I’m committed to them,” Truelove said. It’s not just business but rather a relationship, the kind of partnership that mirrors the trust she’s built within the community of Eugene as well.
Just like in Eugene, community and connection are big factors within Palace. The café didn’t close a single day during the pandemic, sparking a sense of joy amid one of the darkest times within the community. “I didn’t realize how intertwined a daily ritual is in everybody’s well-being,” Truelove said.
“ Above all things, I hope that we’re thought of as a place where you’re going to just be treated well.
Lisa Truelove Palace Coffee Roasters Owner
All age groups walk through the doors. Kids sipping on hot chocolate and elders having drip coffee with their morning newspaper, showcasing a hub for the community. In Truelove’s words, she believes that “There’s very few industries that can have that kind of warm community on a kindness level and friendship level. I think that the coffee is a little more on an intimate level.” Customers aren’t just customers here; they’re seen as neighbors.
One of the bakers, Rebecca Skelton, has been working at Palace for 12 years. She enjoys creating simple baked goods, but a recipe that evokes special meaning to her involves her children. “The granola bars that I make here are the ones that I made for my kids’ lunch boxes when they were little.” Soaking up the simplicities of life can feel rejuvenating. Skelton shows that even the simple things that bring her joy within her baking can be found in a simple pastry. Being a part of a team that builds trust and community with each other, she seems to mimic Palace’s own moral values. “I try to be supportive and see and meet people where they are and put them in positions where everybody has strengths,” she said.
The future is unpredictable; however, that doesn’t stop Truelove from envisioning what could be in store for Palace Coffee Roasters. “Above all things, I hope that we’re thought of as a place where you’re going to just be treated well,” she said. A fountain of shared warmth and culture resides in 842 Pearl St.
Inside Palace, the buzz of coffee orders pierces through the air while the startup of the espresso machine echoes throughout. Palace Coffee Roasters is known for its Salvadoran beans and long-standing history in Eugene, but what it really serves the people of Eugene is a tender reminder that connections can start in a 12 oz cup of coffee.
Studying and Starving
How students can get support while experiencing food insecurity
Written by Campbell Williams • Photographed by Alyssa Garcia • Designed by Ava Klooster
For many college students, money is a rare commodity that seems to escape them as soon as they acquire it. With so many school-related expenses, many students push grocery shopping to the back of their minds, but rising food costs make this issue impossible to ignore.
The average cost of groceries has increased by 2.7% between August 2024 and August 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The weight of that increase has been felt by Americans nationwide. For college students, most of whom are unable to remember prices of the past, this increase creates a harsh reality of struggling to feed themselves.
Many students work while being in school full-time, and are unable to work enough to shop wherever they want. With the closest grocery stores to campus being Whole Foods and Market of Choice, both known for higher prices, they simply are not an option for many students.
“Albertsons used to be like one step up from WinCo, now it’s like double,” said Logan Martin, a full-time student at Lane Community College as well as an employee at Mod Pizza.
Martin used to have much more freedom in where he shopped, but was forced to change his habits due to costs. He now shops primarily at WinCo, offering virtually the same products for a much cheaper price. Unfortunately, the nearest WinCo to the UO campus is almost five miles away, leaving students without a car unable to easily shop there.
This situation leaves students in a difficult position, but there are many resources available for students experiencing food insecurity.
On Eighth Avenue in Eugene, Food For Lane County’s Dining Room gives out free lunches to whoever’s hungry, Monday through Thursday every week.
“It's been about 20 years that we've been doing that,” said Aubrey Correa, the floor coordinator and dining room volunteer for Food For Lane County. “Each meal we have always has a protein, a carb, and some kind of vegetable on the plate every day.”
Correa has been working with Food For Lane County for nearly four years and is determined to make the Dining Room a community space, welcoming any and all people who want food.
The Dining Room works in tandem with the several farms that Food For Lane County runs, allowing them to offer fresh, organic produce every day. Their main demographics of customers are varied, ranging from community members experiencing homelessness to families and veterans.
Correa noted that virtually no students come to the dining room at all. “We would be happy to [feed them],” Correa said. “But we don't get students that often, I'm not sure why. I just want to see more people know about this resource and utilize it, and for it to just be a community space.”
Beyond Food For Lane County, there are many resources that are readily available for students to obtain their groceries. At the UO amphitheater, there are produce drops every Tuesday from 3-5 p.m. during the academic term. They offer free, fresh produce to any student who wants it. Additionally, the ECM Student Food Pantry on 17th Ave. is open from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, also offering free food to students who show a valid school ID card.
For students experiencing food insecurity, it can be very difficult to balance massive workloads and find the time and money to feed themselves, but many organizations in the Eugene area have their backs. They want to help students and offer their services to those who need them.
“
But we don't get students that often, I'm not sure why. I just want to see more people know about this resource and utilize it, and for it to just be a community space.”
Correa
840 WILLAMETTE ST, EUGENE, OR
From Rainy Campus to Snowy Cascades
How UO clubs and local programs are making snow sports accessible for students.
Written
by Sophie Turnbull • Photos courtesy of UO Snow • Designed by Gabe Vannelli
UO clubs and local programs make it easy to plan your next trip to the mountains this year.
“It doesn’t snow in Eugene, so the presence of snow sports here on campus are fairly small. Yet we’re trying to make it bigger because we love it,” M McFetridge said. McFetridge is a third-year student and the President of UO Snow, the University of Oregon's official club ski and snowboard team.
Eugene is not known for snow; rather, the pouring rain truly captures Eugene's winter. This being said, the rain quickly turns to snow as soon as you make your way into the Cascade Mountains. With resorts such as Willamette Pass, Mt. Hoodoo, and Mt. Bachelor just a quick drive away, along with resources like UO Snow on campus, snow sports are readily accessible to students.
“There's nothing quite like waking up at 5 a.m. on a Saturday, and hauling your ass to the Rec to get on a cold school bus, and spending your whole day shredding fresh powder down the mountain,” McFetridge laughs.
For UO Snow, winters consist of weekly trips to Mt. Bachelor, where members are up by 6 a.m. to be the first on the mountain, and back by the late evening. “They are long days, but it's really so much fun because you are doing it together and meeting new people,” McFetridge said.
From ski trips to club events to partnering with other organizations, UO Snow is home to 200 students who share a passion for snow sports. It's all about the community for McFetridge and the rest of UO Snow. No matter the skill level, everyone is welcome.
“I've watched people who have never done a jump before, who are now spinning and doing flips,” said McFetridge. One of his favorite parts of leading this club is seeing how riders of all levels improve each session. Within the club, skill levels vary. “Some people ride the easier slopes, then hang out in the lodge the rest of the day, while others are sponsored athletes.”
Whether it’s clubs like UO Snow, UO Elevation and the Alpine Team or places to plan events and rent equipment like Tactics Sport Store, Bergs Ski and Snowboard Shop and the Outdoor Program Barn, there are many ways to get involved locally. These resources can make your next trip to the snow possible.
Tommy Hurley, a fourth-year student, has taken advantage of the snow sports community at UO. As an active member of UO Snow, he found himself a job with the UO Outdoor Program Barn after being a frequent customer. The rental barn houses all the gear that students, faculty, and community members can rent. It also serves as a hub for trips and outings.
Hurley speaks very highly of these trips, “I have made some of my closest friends that I can count on with these outings.” He adds that the inherent risks of outdoor travel are easier to handle when he’s surrounded by people he’s grown to trust.
“ I felt really grateful to have a reason to be around the community and energy of winter sports"
Tommy Hurley UO Snow Club Member
The community aspect is huge for Hurley. After facing a season-ending injury last year, he became a trip coordinator as an attempt to make his recovery better. “I felt really grateful to have a reason to be around the community and the energy of winter sports,” says Hurley.
The Outdoor Program harnesses the community and tries to help build the snow sports presence on campus. Assistant Manager of the Barn, Lucy Sholz, explained it as “everything you need.”
Offering discounted prices, funded trips, and partnerships with groups like the Latino Men’s Center and the BIPOC Student Union, the Outdoor Program makes getting involved easy. “We try to keep prices very low, because we know getting outside can be expensive,” Scholz says.
Staff organize regular outings for students. In addition, Common Adventure Trips lets students initiate their own adventures and access vans and gear at discounted prices, making snow sports more accessible.
The price, gear, skill-set and transportation make the mountain seem larger and scarier than it really is. Rather than a massive jump, getting involved in snow sports should come with the same ease and comfort as a bunny hill. These clubs, events, and organizations are just some resources that can help with that. Instead of using the rain as an excuse to hibernate, use the snow as a reason to get outdoors this winter.
WALKING DISTANCE TO AUTZEN FOR AFTER DUCK HOME GAMES
INDOOR AND PATIO DINING
SELECTION OF MICROBREWS
Wellness in the Winter
Written by Karley Brenneman• Designed & Illustrated by Eva Kuo
The Eugene Effect
It starts quietly. Maybe you hit snooze one too many times, skip breakfast and tell yourself you’ll catch up later. Then the days get darker, the rain lingers, and suddenly, everything feels heavier. Getting out of bed, going to class, or answering a text begins to feel impossible. What used to feel manageable now feels like dragging yourself through fog.
For many students, that’s the reality of winter at the University of Oregon. The gray skies settle in, and productivity falls behind.
Lifelong Oregon resident, Madelyn Montero, a freshman, says, “It gets hard after daylight-saving time ends, I just can’t find the motivation when I get out of class at 4:00 pm and it’s already dark, I feel like I should be asleep in bed instead.”
It’s easy to write it off as just being tired or busy, but sometimes that low energy and lack of drive are early signs of something deeper, what's commonly called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, about 16.5% of Oregonians experience seasonal depression for four to five months out of the year, which is nearly 5% higher than the national average, according to Adapt Oregon.
How to Spot the Spiral
Recognizing the slippery winter slope early is key to not falling off it. SAD often shows up first in subtle ways: sleeping more but never feeling rested, skipping meals or eating irregularly, losing interest in activities you normally find enjoyable.
You might notice you’re canceling plans more often, zoning out in class or feeling disconnected from your friends. You might even be in physical pain, with constant fatigue, headaches, or changes in appetite.
The hardest part about this seasonal disorder is that it sneaks up slowly enough that you start to believe it’s just who you are now, unmotivated, lazy or burnt out. Really, it’s your mind and body reacting to a lack of sunlight.
Step One: Chase the Light
Once you can name what’s happening, you can to shift it. Combating the winter blues is about creating small anchors to hold yourself steady when everything else feels bumpy. Start with light because the lack of sunlight will mess with your internal clocks. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health notes that the winter-pattern SAD comes from a reduction of sunlight, rather than specific calendar days. That means open your blinds first thing in the morning, even if it’s gray outside. If you can, sit by a window during class or study sessions. Some students swear by light therapy lamps, which mimic natural sunlight and can help reset their sleep cycle and mood, while others find that vitamin D
supplements help them.
Two: Fuel Yourself
The ramen and coffee diet is an elite survival combination for finals week, but terrible for mental health long-term. Your brain runs on nutrients, and skipping meals makes the blues worse. You don’t have to cook gourmet meals; just aim for balance. Eggs and toast, soup, pasta with veggies, anything that gives your body real fuel to help your brain fight through the dark.
Step Three: Stay Connected
If you’re up for it, reach out. When you’re struggling, isolation feels easier, but connection is what pulls you back up. Send a text to a friend even if you don’t know what to say. Study together in silence. Go to a campus event, even if you only stay for ten minutes. Just being around others can help you feel less trapped inside your own head.
Reframe the “Lazy” Narrative
The winter SAD thrives when you beat yourself up for not feeling enough. Try to remember you’re not lazy. You’re tired, overwhelmed and probably running on caffeine and anxiety. Try giving yourself grace because you don’t have to do everything perfectly. Celebrate small wins – getting out of bed, finishing one assignment, or calling a friend. Tiny progress is still progress, and baby steps are still steps.
Step Five: Ask for Help Early
Always remember that it’s okay to ask for professional support. The University Counseling Center is committed to helping students break down mental health barriers and provide support to those who need it.
Most notably, the Mental Health Access Team in the University Health Services provides drop-in meetings during normal UHS hours, with the last session available at 4:00 pm. These hour-long sessions consist of patient intake, mental health screening, crisis intervention, inthe-moment support, assistance with referrals for medication management and assistance to students in planning for their continued mental health care.
Appointment is not required, and even a single check-in can make a difference in taking a step towards the fading light. Winter can be rough, but it’s not endless.
James Lavadour (Walla Walla, b. 1951). Land of Origin, 2015. Oil on panel, 39 x 78 inches. Jane and Spencer Beebe Family Trust.