Second Week of the year!

Some exciting news.

What’s Happening Salem will look MUCH different by the end of the month. We are building new things that will help us continue get better in serving this community and keeping you connected.

So here is a question for you.

What is ONE thing you’d like What’s Happening Salem to do differently in 2025?

Let me know by responding to this email!

Weather

☔Fri: Rain with a high of 51

🌧️Sat: Rain showers with a high of 49

🌥️Sun: Mostly cloudy with a high of 48

Was this email forwarded to you?

Over the past two months, I've been collaborating with my good friend and talented cinematographer, Damian Byington, on Barriers to Bridges, a documentary exploring Salem's housing crisis. The film delves into why this crisis is happening, what solutions are working, and the steps we can take moving forward.

Our mission is to amplify the voices of those who tirelessly support the most vulnerable members of our community. It’s been a labor of love.

We will be premiering the documentary on Feb 12 at the Grand Theater.

6pm: Documentary Premier

7pm: Panel Discussion featuring Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, DJ Vincent with Church at the Park, and Jimmy Jones of Mid-Willamette Valley Action Committee.

We've dedicated significant effort to bring this project to life and would greatly appreciate your support in helping us complete it.

Interested in watching the trailer and learning how you can get involved?

What Happened Last Week in Salem?

Burgerville's long-awaited return to Salem is officially underway, with demolition and remodeling work in progress at the former Sonic Drive-In on Lancaster Drive SE. The remodel will include creating a 534-square-foot dining room by enclosing the patio and adding restrooms. Construction, valued at $700,000, began in late December, with the popular Pacific Northwest burger chain aiming to open in spring 2025. This marks Burgerville's first Salem location since its Market Street restaurant closed in 1992. Work has not yet started on the Keizer site, but the Salem opening will bring relief to fans who have traveled to Monmouth or Albany for their Burgerville fix. (Statesman Journal)

Four Salem firefighters are part of a Marion County strike team heading to Southern California to assist with wildfires threatening the Los Angeles area. Alongside crews from Keizer, Woodburn, and other local departments, 44 Marion County firefighters and 10 engines are responding as part of a larger Oregon effort involving 15 strike teams and 300 firefighters. The deployment follows severe wildfire activity in California, where the Palisades Fire has grown to nearly 12,000 acres since Tuesday. Teams are prepared for a two-week deployment, with Oregon reimbursed for resources sent. Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple emphasized the strong partnership between the states, noting California’s aid during Oregon’s 2024 wildfire season. (Salem Reporter)

Upcoming Events

Thursday, January 9

🌈Parent Social for parents of LGBTQIA+ Children | Taproot Lounge & Cafe | 6:15PM - 7:45PM 

🎤Musical Theatre Karaoke | Infinity Room | 7:00PM - 12:00AM | 21+ after 10:00PM

Friday, January 10

🤝Greeters Hosted by Willamette Promise (WESD) | Willamette Career Academy | 8:30AM - 10:00AM 

🚐Ribbon Cutting - Elite OnSite Fleet Services | 1815 Silverton Rd NE | 11:00AM

🏡Mid-Valley Home Show | State Fairgrounds | 11:00AM - 5:00PM

📝AARP: Understanding Social Security Benefits | Salem Public Library | 2:00PM - 3:00PM

🖼️New Art Exhibit Opening Reception | Bush Bart Art Center | 5:30PM - 7:30PM

🧘New Year Yoga | CreativiTee Downtown | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

🍺Ken Hamlett Presents: A Drunken Night Out | Infinity Room | 8:00PM | 21+

😂Live Comedy: Adam Pasi | The BAD Space, 2544 19th St SE | 8:00PM | 21+

Saturday, January 11

📝Concealed Handgun License Class | Sportsman’s Warehouse | 9:00AM - 1:00PM

🏡Mid-Valley Home Show | State Fairgrounds | 10:00AM - 5:00PM

🧑‍🎨Art Starts Preschool Art Adventures | Salem Public Library | 11:00AM - 11:45AM 

🎂FREE Wedding Cake Tasting | 2195 Hyacinth St NE | 11:00AM - 2:00PM

🧶Rugs U Tuft | 1389 Lancaster Dr NE | 12:00PM - 5:00PM

🐕Read to a Pet for young readers | Salem Public Library | 1:00PM - 2:30PM

🚙Santiam Car Show | Santiam Brewing | 1:00PM - 4:00PM

🧙Tableside Magic | Vortex Eatery + Taphouse | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

🤣Live Comedy: Cara Rosellini | Infinity Room | 8:00PM

Sunday, January 12

🏡Mid-Valley Home Show | State Fairgrounds | 10:00AM - 5:00PM

🧶Rugs U Tuft | 1389 Lancaster Dr NE | 12:00PM - 5:00PM

Monday, January 13

The Pathway Forward - Forum Speaker Series | Convention Center | 11:30AM - 1:00PM

Tuesday, January 14

🪑Green Chair Chronicles Social | 1110 Commercial St NE | 8:00AM - 9:30AM

🧶Crochet & Slay for Teens | Salem Public Library | 4:00PM - 5:30PM

♟️Chess Club | Santiam Brewing | 5:00PM - 9:00PM

👒Ladies’ Clothing Exchange | The River Church | 6:00PM - 9:00PM

Wednesday, January 15

🐮NW Agricultural Show | State Fairgrounds | 9:00AM - 5:00PM

🏠Young Adult Outreach Team Visit - Church at the Park | Salem Public Library | 1:00PM - 3:00PM

📚Mental Fitness Book Club | The Book Bin | 5:30PM

🤓Trivia Night | Bo & Vine Burger, 3969 Commercial St SE | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

🧠Trivia Night | Corner Pocket Bar & Grill | 7:00PM

Thursday, January 16

🐑NW Agricultural Show | State Fairgrounds | 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Government

Thursday, January 9

Friday, January 10

Monday, January 13

Tuesday, January 14

Wednesday, January 15

Thursday, January 16

Live Music and Dance

Friday, January 10

🎵2nd Friday Céilí | VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE | 7:00PM - 11:30PM

🕺FREE Line Dance Lessons | 862 45th Ave NE | 7:00PM - 9:00PM

🎸Pat Travers Band | Historic Grand Theatre | 8:00PM - 9:30PM

🤘Shine on Rocks | Westside Station | 8:00PM - 12:00AM

Saturday, January 11

🪈Flute Academy | Bush Park, Willamette U Baseball Stadium | 10:00AM - 2:00PM

💃Salsa Lessons | VFW Marion Post 661 | 1:00PM - 5:00PM

🍷Greg Nestler | West Hills Vineyards | 5:00PM - 7:00PM

📯Cyrus Nabipoor Quartet | Christo’s Pizzeria & Lounge | 7:00PM

🍀Big Bad Beat | The Half Penny | 8:00PM

🎹Dueling Pianos: Eagles vs Fleetwood Mac | Historic Grand Theatre | 8:00PM - 10:00PM

🎉Never 2 Late band’s 300th Show | South Liberty Bar | 8:00PM

Sunday, January 12

🐺Salem Symphonic Winds presents Roald Dahl's Little Red Riding Hood | South Salem High School | 3:00PM - 5:00PM

💃Salsa Night | Fork Forty | 6:30PM - 10:00PM

Thursday, January 16

🎶Joe Manis Quartet | Christo’s Pizzeria & Lounge | 7:00PM

🦢Grand Kyiv Ballet Presents: Swan Lake | Historic Grand Theatre | 7:00PM - 9:00PM

Sports

Thursday, January 9

🏃Resolution Run 5K/10K | Riverfront Park | 6:00PM | FREE

🍒Adult Roller Derby Scrimmage | 1335 Madison St NE | 6:30PM - 8:30PM

Friday, January 10

🏀Varsity Boys Basketball: South Salem vs. Caldera @ South Salem High School | 6:30

🏀Varsity Boys Basketball: North Salem vs. West Salem @ North Salem High School | 6:30PM

🏀Varsity Girls Basketball: McNary vs. Sprague @ McNary High School | 6:30PM

🏀Varsity Boys Basketball: Sprague vs. McNary @ Sprague High School | 6:30PM

Saturday, January 11

🥋Jiu Jitsu tournament: Winter Ground Warrior Submission Challenge | State Fairgrounds | 9:00AM - 4:00PM 

🍒Cherry City Roller Derby vs Birds of a Feather | 1335 Madison St NE | 3:00PM - 9:00PM 

Sunday, January 12

🥋Jiu Jitsu tournament: Winter Ground Warrior Submission Challenge | State Fairgrounds | 9:00AM - 4:00PM 

🐢Slow Runners of Salem | Location TBD, check Instagram for info | 9:00AM 

Monday, January 13

👟Monday Runday + New Balance Demo | Riverfront Park | 5:30PM - 7:00PM | FREE

Tuesday, January 14

🏀Varsity Boys Basketball: McKay vs. South Albany @ McKay High School Main Gym | 5:30PM

🏀Varsity Boys Basketball: South Salem vs. Sprague @ South Salem High School | 6:30PM

🏀Varsity Girls Basketball: Sprague vs. South Salem @ Sprague High School | 6:30PM

🏀Varsity Boys Basketball: McNary vs. North Salem @ McNary High School | 6:30PM

🏀Varsity Girls Basketball: McKay vs. South Albany @ McKay High School Main Gym | 7:00PM

Drop-in Adult Co-Ed soccer | Capital Futbol Club | 8:00PM 

🏐Adult Volleyball Open Gym | NPJ Sports Complex | 9:15PM - 11:15PM

🏀Adult Basketball Open Gym | NPJ Sports Complex | 9:15PM - 11:15PM

Wednesday, January 15  

🐢Slow Runners of Salem | Location TBD, check page for info | 6:00PM

Job Board!

Staff Electrical Engineer

  • Company: Agility Robotics

  • Location: Salem, OR

  • Pay Range: Not specified

  • Details: Agility Robotics is seeking a Staff Electrical Engineer to design and develop robust electronics for their next-generation humanoid robot, Digit. 

  • How to Apply: Apply Here

Junior Network Administrator

  • Company: Maps Credit Union

  • Location: Salem, OR

  • Pay Range: $80,000 - $92,000 per year

  • How to Apply: Apply Here

Service Worker

  • Company: Cherriots (Salem Area Mass Transit District)

  • Location: Salem, OR

  • Pay Range: Starting at $23.64 per hour

  • Details: Cherriots is seeking a Service Worker responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of its vehicles, facilities, and bus shelters. 

Business Operations Manager

  • Company: Oregon Specialty Group

  • Location: Salem, OR

  • Pay Range: Not specified

  • Details: Oregon Specialty Group is seeking a Business Operations Manager to lead teams including new patient coordinators, service line coordinators, prior authorization, and scheduling. 

  • How to Apply: Apply Here

Administrative Manager

  • Company: Salem Housing Authority (Urban Development Department)

  • Location: 360 Church St SE, Salem, OR

  • Pay Range: $7,299.07 - $9,812.40 Monthly

  • Details: The Salem Housing Authority is looking for a proactive and versatile Administrative Manager to lead and support administrative operations within the Urban Development Department.

  • How to Apply: Apply Here

Customer Service Representative

  • Company: Evergreen Plumbing Salem

  • Location: Salem, OR

  • Details: Are you passionate about helping others and thrive in a fast-paced environment? Join Evergreen Plumbing Salem as a Customer Service Representative and play a vital role in delivering exceptional service to our valued customers.

  • How to Apply: Send resume to [email protected]

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