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MAKING A BUZZ ABOUT OGDEN

HELP OGDEN SHOW ITS PRIDE WINDSOR MOORE | The Signpost

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Tuesday | August 2, 2022 | Volume 96 | Issue 27

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2 | TheSignpostWSU.com | August 2, 2022

Anyone can call the LGBTQ+ center at 801-626-6090 or email them at womenscenter@weber. edu.

Katelyn Blanch, expressed her excitement events include musical performances, choBy HUNTER LINDSEY

Reporter

The 8th annual Ogden Pride Festival is scheduled to take place in the Ogden Amphitheater and Municipal Gardens on August 7, and is in need of volunteers.

“We work and succeed only because of those who volunteer for our festival,” Sean Childers-Gray, Board President and Venue and Marketing Director of Ogden Pride Inc said.

Adrienne Andrews, Weber State University’s vice president for equity, diversity and inclusion said the Ogden Pride event is an opportunity to connect with and learn from different parts of the Ogden community.

Volunteer duties will include setting up and taking down the festival, keeping the surrounding area clean and free of garbage, providing water to festival attendees and most importantly, attending the festival and events.

“We have plenty of opportunities for volunteers to work a few hours doing one thing and then enjoy the rest of the festival for the day,” Childers-Gray said.

Volunteer forms were available to be filled out directly on Ogden Pride’s website and submissions closed just before midnight on July 31. Childers-Gray mentioned there are close to 85 volunteers already signed up, he hopes to be closer to 100 by the submission deadline.

Weber State Administrative Specialist,

about the festival.

“I think it’s such a fun event, there’s such a great atmosphere,” Blanch said. “It’s very much community centered, it’s a big celebration.”

Everyone is welcome at this event, as long as they’re open and present for the purpose of celebration and, most importantly, unification according to Childers-Gray.

“It helps provide a space to celebrate who we are,” Childers-Gray said. “Ogden Pride just wants to be able to come and let everybody enjoy the day and try to take some of that worry away that they don’t belong.”

The festival kicks off with a rally at 11:00 a.m. on Aug. 7 where the board will be introduced and speakers will address the attendees.

There will also be a fundraising event the night before on Aug. 6, headlined by standup comedian, Suzanne Westenhoefer. Other

reographed dances, karaoke and more.

“I’m excited about this opportunity in Ogden because it says everyone is welcome, everyone belongs,” Andrews said.

“That’s a really important message today.”

Andrews also mentioned the festival is a great recognition for a wide range of people who haven’t been seen or haven’t had spaces where they have felt comfortable enough to be themselves.

Weber State University will also be sponsoring a stage at the festival where many events will take place.

“It’s a great way for Weber State to show its commitment not just to our students, but the community at large,” Blanch said. “Weber State is dedicated to listening and creating a safe space and inclusion for all identities.”

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CENTER The Women’s Center is a space for all, and focuses on issues that effect the lives of women. Come by and get involved today! · Education & Empowerment · Leadership & Engagement · Safe@Weber Violence Prevention · Safe@Weber Advocacy Services · Scholarships and Resource Pantry

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Learn more at: weber.edu/womenscenter Follow at: @WeberStateWomensCenter

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The 5th annual Beats and Beets competition was held July 30. This year’s group of seven artists all gathered beside the farmers market to paint their own interpretation of the market’s logo, the winner being awarded a $500 cash prize. Alongside the artists each year also sees a local musician or in this year’s case, a DJ known as Goyk.

In addition to the $500 cash prize, the winner has the chance to see their artwork used in the next season of the market as the official logo. The 2022 logo for the market was designed by the previous year’s winner Lindsey Huss.

This new addition to the event is one Haille Van Patten, the public relations and marketing manager of the Ogden Downtown Alliance, hopes to keep alive in future years.

Each participating artist is provided the same materials and allowed to bring their

when you tell them to paint a beet,” Van Patten said.

The winner will be announced on Aug. 5 on the Ogden Farmers Market Facebook page at 5 p.m.

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The beet painted over live by one artist.

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own. They are lined up next to each other and given two hours to paint their piece. The winning piece is later voted on by the community.

Van Patten also revealed the history of the Beats and Beets event. Beginning in 2018 as a part of the vendors night for each new market season, Beats and Beets has grown into a yearly addition to the farmer’s market.

“We brought it into the actual market as an event for the community,” Van Patten said.

“It’s come so far and there are just so many different facets to it.”

This year’s competition saw six artists painting in person and one additional artist live-streaming their painting, staying home due to a positive COVID-19 test. Their piece was later delivered safely to the event.

Other pieces included two beets twirling in space and a reference to the t.v. show The Office featuring prominent character Dwight Schrute.

“It’s the most interesting thing to just watch and see where people’s minds go

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4 | TheSignpostWSU.com | August 2, 2022

A stained glass version of the Monarch’s logo hangs in front of a large window. People browsing different vendors at the Beehive Bash.

By WINDSOR MOORE Reporter

The Beehive Bash returned for the second year to the Monarch Studios on 25th street in Ogden. The Monarch holds and rents studios out to different artists and creatives in the Ogden area.

The Beehive Bash activities included live music, specialty vendors, beers, ax throwing and a pie eating contest.

The turnout for this year’s bash was not as big as the last, according to Kacey Rae, event manager for the Monarch. Last year’s pie eating contest had people fighting over who got to participate, this year they had leftover pies.

Specialty vendors of all sorts showed for the event, from small businesses to locally well-known brands.

Amy LeFevre, a massage therapist of 16 years, quit to pursue her love for acrylic paints. Although it is only LeFevre’s first year of officially showcasing her work, she arrived at the bash to share her talent and sell some of her works.

LeFevre’s favorite thing about painting is the freedom, she loves being able to express herself without being told what to do.

LeFevre said her nieces and other family members inspire most of her paintings. She doesn’t paint them exactly, but the inspiration for a lot of her paintings come from her nieces and their love of dance and fun poses.

Another of her inspirations comes from nature.

“When I lived in Park City, I was hiking all the time and Blue Jays would just like, follow me, and I’m like, okay, nobody up here even mentions Blue Jays. So I painted a Blue Jay, and it’s the number one seller in my prints,” LeFevre said.

Another vendor present for the Beehive Bash was Hayden Grossman, an art graduate who claims perfume is art.

Grossman makes his own perfumes in his basement, which he explains turns out to be quite the process.

“It’s prototyping, literally putting drops together of different ingredients and then letting it rest because perfume has to age.

It smells different even 24 hours after you originally mix it. I tweak the formula until it reaches a state where I’m really happy with it,” Grossman said.

The Beehive Bash is Grossman’s fourth market and he claims the response has been incredible. Additionally, Grossman’s perfumes can be purchased on his website.

Another vendor was Phoebe Veltman, a spiritual sensè that teaches mindfulness.

Veltman’s motto is all about spiritual and energy growth.

At the bash Veltman brought different forms of energy for customers to use for strengthening self spirituality.

While finding herself through meditation,Veltman believes there are many ways

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“Being mindful about protecting your energy and how you are giving your energy out of the world is a big deal because it is like a ripple and it does vibrate out there,” Veltman said. “If you need to take that time to reset, take the time to reset and don’t store the energy in your body. If you’re feeling extremely angry or whatever, you got to get that out.”

KHB Writing is on-the-spot poetry by

Kassie Hurtado Baker who writes poems on her typewriter for her clients to enjoy and cherish.

Her talent allows her to make perfectly unique poems for each individual she writes for. Poetry, in Baker’s eyes, doesn’t have to be complicated. Baker makes wallet sized, half sized and full sized papers for customers to take home.

Rae plans for an even bigger turnout next year when the event will be hosted directly after the Pioneer Day parade to ensure higher participation from the Ogden community.

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we can find our spirituality and share it with others. Some of Veltmans products include smudge earth bundles, herbs, sands, crystals, plant jewelry and vegan/vegetarian friendly products.

Smudge earth bundles are used for intentional manifesting and to cleanse energy and sands are used to uplift vibrational frequencies, according to Veltman.

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Daryn Hickok getting around a Montana State player in an effort to toss a basketball to her teammates.

By SIMON MORTENSEN Asst. Section Editor

After a tournament full of upsets in Boise, Idaho, Montana State’s women’s basketball team won the Big Sky championship last season. With many All-Conference players returning this year, it’s time to look at the strengths and weaknesses of each team in the Big Sky conference.

Idaho State University Strengths: The Bengals have a tenured veteran coach in Seton Sobolewski. It’s no secret that this team lost a massive part of their core lineup, but Sobolewski has coached over 23 Big Sky All-Conference first team members during his 14-year tenure. Expect veteran guard Callie Bourne to become a key playmaker for Idaho State’s young team.

Weaknesses: The team that suffered the biggest upset in last season’s Big Sky tournament against the University of Northern Colorado, Idaho State lost many key players.

Guards Tomekia Whitman, Estefania Ors and Diaba Konate were vital to the team’s regular season success. With a roster consisting of eight freshmen, some growing pains are expected for the Bengals this year.

Montana State University Strengths: Last season’s Big Sky tournament champions come back as the favorites this year. Led by guard Darian White and forward Kola Bad Bear, it’s hard to name another team in the conference that can keep up with the Bobcats. Although they didn’t lose many players over the offseason, expect Tricia Binford to put freshmen like Lindsey Hein, Marah Dykstra, Dylan Philip and Mattie Olson in critical situations to prepare for losing White.

Weaknesses: It’s hard to say this team has a weakness. That said, the Bobcats are the team to beat coming into next season. Montana State was one of the worst teams at defending the three last season. Although they were efficient from the three on offense, teams like Idaho, Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado could give them problems.

University of Northern Arizona Strengths: The Lumberjack’s might be the hardest team to make predictions for in the Big Sky. They were one of the three best teams during the last regular season and finished in the conference championship.

However, they didn’t send a single player to an All-Conference team (though players like guard Regan Schenck and forward Khiarica

Rasheed received honorable mentions). They had the highest scoring offense in the Big Sky but one of the worst defenses.

What is clear is that veteran coach Loree Payne has developed a winning system. The team hasn’t had a losing season since 20182019. Although young, expect Northern Arizona to do well this year with Regan Schenck back to facilitate the offense.

Weaknesses: As stated before, this team is young this season. With five freshmen on the roster, it’s likely the Lumberjacks will encounter growing pains. Northern Arizona could also benefit from focusing more on defense and increasing their scoring margin.

University of Montana Strengths: After losing in the tournament last year against Northern Arizona, the Grizzlies have forward Carmen Gfeller coming back to lead this team. The team with the highest win margin last season, Montana has a decent offense and an elite defense. In just his second year as the team’s head coach, Brian Holsinger has proven he can lead the Grizzlies to success.

Weaknesses: It won’t be easy to replace guard Sophia Stiles this season, especially with five freshmen. Although Holsinger’s

lineup had multiple freshmen last year and enjoyed regular season success, it’s hard to trust young players in big game situations.

Come tournament time, it’s vital for this team to rely on their veterans.

University of Idaho Strengths: Guard Beyonce Bea is back, and that’s a major reason why people can believe in one of last season’s Cinderella stories. The Vandals still have an offense that can make up for their weak defense. As far as elite coaches are concerned, it’s hard to put anyone above three-time Big Sky Coach of the Year Jon Newlee. Newlee has built a system that can incorporate the five incoming freshmen.

Weaknesses: Although players like guard Louise Forsyth will be missed, this team’s weakness is its defense. A team that was top five in points last season, their win margin was only above the winless Portland State Vikings. What needs to change most is their rebounding. Idaho doesn’t grab a lot of rebounds, but they give away more than any team in the conference.

Sacramento State University Strengths: Reigning Big Sky MVP guard Lianna Tillman is back as a graduate student

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Weber State University women’s basketball team attempting to grab a basketball from Montana State players before they make a point.

this season. Leading the conference in scoring and averaging nearly 5 points more than the second runner up, Tillman is the heart and sole of this team. Isnelle Natabou is also coming back this year after her successful freshman debut last season. Sacramento State is one of the most experienced teams in the conference, a key part in what could be a fantastic season.

Weaknesses: It’s best to talk about the weaknesses of this team when analyzing their performance against their kryptonite: Weber State University. Weber State wasn’t a dominant team last season or the season before, but they’ve swept the Hornets in their last five matchups, including in the conference tournament.

The reason is the Wildcats have dominant forwards and centers. Sacramento State’s lineup primarily consists of guards with only three centers and no forwards. As good as Natabou is, she can’t be this team’s only presence in the paint, especially come tournament time.

University of Northern Colorado Strengths: With a University of St. Peter’s-like run in the Big Sky tournament last year, this team proved that they’re full

of surprises. Forward Kurstyn Harden and guard Hannah Simental lead the team as the Bears were able to carry out new head coach Kristen Mattio’s vision in the postseason. For what they lack offensively, Northern Colorado’s defense makes up the difference.

This team still has the tools to make a deep tournament run.

Weaknesses: Northern Colorado is a confusing team. They had a positive average scoring margin, yet a losing record. They’re one of the best three-point shooting teams in the league and the best team at defending the three. Statistically, this team should’ve won more games. What destroyed them last season was turnovers. For this team to operate at their full potential, they’ll need to take better care of the ball.

Eastern Washington University Strengths: The Eagles have a great returning lineup consisting of guard Jacinta Buckley and small forward Jaydia Martin. Two stand-out players last season, Buckley and Martin have created a strong foundation for what could be a season with many improvements. Eastern Washington can hold its own defensively and with eight new freshmen, they have a chance at turning their offense

around.

Weaknesses: Holding Northern Colorado to 64 points in their tournament game last season could’ve put the Eagles in a position to upset. However, the team got blown out 45-64. Eastern Washington was tied for the second worst scoring margin in the Big Sky last season. This team desperately needs an offense, primarily when it comes to 3-pointers.

Weber State University Strengths: It was in the tournament last season against Sacramento State that Weber State proved that a bad regular season record doesn’t mean a team should be counted out.

With their three star forwards Daryn Hickok, Emma Torbert and Jadyn Matthews coming back, this team has a roster strong enough to make them a Big Sky threat. The Wildcat’s roster is not only talented, but has experience working under coach Velaida Harris’ system, who signed an extension with the team over the offseason.

Weaknesses: People watching Weber State last season saw multiple close losses.

The Wildcats have trouble maintaining their lead, especially in the fourth quarter. With guards Kori Pentzer and Aloma Solovi gone,

this team has holes to fill. The worst 3-point shooting team in the conference last season, a strong deep-ball shooter is what the Wildcats need to increase their scoring margin.

Portland State University Strengths: It’s hard to bring up the strengths of the Vikings, especially when they had a scoring margin of -12.4 points last season. That said, the team has guard Sofia Llanos transferring over this season, a player who, when she was 15-years old, averaged 17.2 points per game over the course of 18 games during her time in the third-tier national league. Players like Llanos might give second-year coach Chelsey Gregg what’s need to make an impression during her second year as head coach Weaknesses: Portland State has a lot to fix before they’re considered a threat in the Big Sky. They had the worst defense and the worst offense in the conference last season. A team that puts an emphasis on the 3-pointer and the free throw line, the Vikings need to make a bigger impact in the paint and on the boards.

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Jessica Kokesh is the director of Weber’s TikTok.

By SKY MUNDELL Reporter

Weber State University and its office of admissions are seeking to increase the university’s web presence in hopes of reaching out to prospective students. Specifically, those students who are on the cusp of graduating from high school and are looking for a place to explore their prospects in higher education.

One of the ways WSU reaches out to prospective students is by utilizing trending social media platforms to share a glimpse of what life on the WSU campus has to offer.

Social media platforms on which WSU has a page include websites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The function of WSU’s TikTok page, man-

Kennedy Jones handles marketing for the TikTok team.

aged by WSU’s office of admissions, is dual-purpose: to increase visibility through social media presence and to act as a collaborative space where different departments on campus can share videos of the different events and activities they participate in.

WSU’s TikTok page features content created by students from different departments around campus. Content that includes anything from highlight reels submitted by WSU athletes to videos showing off interesting on-campus destinations like the Tracy Hall science center.

Browsing through WSU’s TikTok page you’ll find a wide array of videos promoting different aspects of campus life. Videos listed on the page feature anything from campus tours and gorgeous views of the campus to student interviews and videos that act as clues to campus-wide scavenger hunts that

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8 | TheSignpostWSU.com | August 2, 2022

Shaylee Stevens is the web content editor for the Weber TikTok account.

viewers are encouraged to participate in.

James Moore, the marketing and communications specialist at WSU’s office of admissions, spoke about the intent behind WSU’s presence on TikTok and how the platform is being utilized to promote collaboration within the WSU community. Moore, with the help of a student intern, oversees the production of most of the page’s content. Moore also receives reels and video clips submitted to him by students or other departments on campus to be published on the university’s TikTok page.

“It brings everyone together. Whether it’s a club, an organization, the theater department or athletics - it’s a place for everyone’s TikTok to be shown,” Moore said.

Moore, who has been running the university’s TikTok account since March 2021, implores more departments to reach out to him NEED SOME

with reels they want featured on the page.

He explains that departments and students should especially consider submitting their own clips. A wide variety of content will be more likely to attract more viewership, which means an increased chance that prospective students will stumble upon the university’s page on their TikTok homepages.

WSU’s TikTok page can be found on the platform under the handle “WeberStateU.” If you’re a WSU student or staff member who wants to promote their department or share their take on campus life, Moore says anyone is welcome to email their submissions to WSU’s office of admissions at admissions@weber.edu.

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be hosting a series of events on the Weber State Campus this summer and fall. The next scheduled events will be taking place on Aug. 1 through Aug. 6.

Events will include many different activities and games available for those who attend.

According to FSY, attendees “will experience powerful classes and devotionals, learn crazy new dance moves and games, and strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ.”

Among other on-campus activities, these Church-sponsored events are a good way for students to meet new people and share ideas.

The events and activities are open to all students, regardless of religious affiliation.

For those interested in these events and more, information can be found through the Ogden LDS Institute, which is on campus across from Lindquist Hall. The Institute also offers different activities and classes available to interested students.

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By HUNTER LINDSEY

The front of the Institute building on Weber State’s Ogden campus.

WSU flag flies in front of the institute building on campus.

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