Western Oregon Journal

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Western presented its annual Family Weekend this last Friday through Sunday. A wide variety of activities were offered, from the mundane (a seminar for parents on "helping your student succeed") to the amazing (the mind reading talents of Craig Karges).

The weekend kicked off on Friday night with what has traditionally been one of the most fun and successful events put on by the Resident Hall Association (RHA)-Family Feud.

Family Feud is a game based on the TV version of the game show. "It was a good experience to bond with my family and adopted sister; it was also fun to work together to achieve victory," junior Christopher Keller said. The Kellers won the game of Taboo along with other family groups who won board games and DVDs.

Events on Saturday morning included a Parents Club-sponsored continental breakfast, a skit presented by the Orientation PLUS Team and several sessions of presentations geared toward getting involved on campus and succeeding at the college level.

"We went to the service learning and career development seminars," parent Linda Gossling said. "I thought they were informative, well put together, and presented in a fun way."

During the parent activities there was also a kid's camp whose exploits were featured at half time during the Western vs. Central Washington football game.

A look-alike contest was held during the barbeque, which, because of rain, was in the Werner Center. Stuart Cregger and his mother won in the mother-son category as well as in the overall look alike contest.

Though rainy, the football game was full of excitement and there were several good plays by both teams. The South Salem Marching Band performed at half time and accompanied the Western pep band throughout the game.

Perhaps the most publicized event of the weekend was that of Craig Karges, Mentalist. Karges has appeared on the David Letterman show among other notable appearances and has been named number one campus performer of the year. "I've been to Western Oregon once before, and it's always great here in Monmouth; the audience was awesome," Karges said. Karges used his talents to read minds, help others read minds, and even lifted a table into the air, barely touching it, with the help of an audience member.

Casino Night was also a big hit with families. "It's been great! I got to gamble; what's better than that?" AJ Noonon, a sophomore, said. Gambling night included Texas Hold 'Em, roulette, craps and a variety of prizes for the big winners.

Family weekend was rounded off with a blockbuster movie, a continental breakfast on Sunday morning and the Big Tree Fun Run/Walk.

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