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Appreciate all the positive replies I’ve been getting in DMs and replies here from all of you.
I reply to most of you, but even if I don’t know I appreciate hearing it all.
A few updates from this week…
Cherriots is proposing a 0.7% employer payroll tax starting Jan. 1, 2026; employees wouldn’t be taxed, and the first year is projected to raise about $39M. The money would expand bus frequency and late-night/weekend hours, buy more buses, and build new transit centers in South and East Salem, with a projected 47% increase in service hours over five years.
Many business owners are pushing back on the cost and lack of a public vote, while Cherriots notes 59% of riders are commuting to work; the board is expected to vote this fall
Grocery Outlet is coming to South Salem. They announced on FB this week that they will be opening next door to Crazy Dough pizza on September 25. A lot of us are wondering where everyone will park though as that lot is already pretty full…
💜⚾ Marion Berries WCL Playoffs Round 1 – Be Part of History
Friday, August 8 • Marion Berries vs. Portland Pickles @ Chemeketa Baseball Field • First pitch: 6:35PM
It’s official: the Marion Berries are headed to the WCL Playoffs in their inaugural season! Be there for this unforgettable moment in Salem sports history. The first 500 fans will receive a FREE Marion Berries rally towel.
We partnered with the Marion Berries and have tickets available for ALL of our subscribers for only $7! See you there?
Did we miss anything? Let us know!
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“Flash Before The Bang” Films in Salem: A Deaf-Led Story of Triumph Hits the Track
Filming for Flash Before The Bang took place in Salem, Oregon this past week, with production set to continue across the state in the coming months. This film, created by Deaf filmmakers for mainstream audiences, is inspired by the true story of an all-Deaf high school track and field team and their Deaf coach at the Oregon School for the Deaf. Despite facing adversity and discrimination, the team defied the odds to achieve an unprecedented victory at the 1986 Oregon State Track & Field Championships.
With authentic Deaf representation both on and off screen, the film aims to spotlight resilience, teamwork, and the power of inclusion.
🎬 Learn more about the film: flashbeforethebang.com
📹Get real-time filming updates on their Facebook page
📸 View behind-the-scenes coverage from the Statesman Journal: Photo article link
Here’s what’s happening this weekend in beautiful Salem, Oregon
Thursday, August 7
⚾ Salem Senators vs. Salem-Keizer Volcanoes @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 6:00PM
Friday, August 8
⚾ Campesinos de Salem Keizer vs. Portland Mavericks @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 6:00PM
⚾ WCL Baseball Playoffs Round 1: Marion Berries vs. Portland Pickles @ Chemeketa Baseball Field • 6:35 PM
📦 Conjure: A Salem Night Market @ Historic Grand Theatre • 7:00 PM
💃 2nd Friday Céilí Dance @ VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE • 7:00 PM • FREE
🛼 Adult Skate Camp @ Cherry City Roller Derby • 7:30 PM–9:30 PM
🎶 Bon Bon Vivant @ Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00 PM
🪓 Camp Slay '85, A Retro Horror Dance @ Grand Theatre Ballroom • 8:00 PM
🎬 Movies in the Park: The Wild Robot @ Riverfront Park • 8:30–10:30 PM • FREE
Saturday, August 9
🏃 Angry Owl Ultramarathons Day 1 – 24, 12, and 6 Hour Runs @ Bush's Pasture Park • Events start at 9:00AM
🎨 Englewood Forest Festival @ Englewood Park • 10:00AM – 4:00PM
⚾ Salem Senators vs. Salem-Keizer Volcanoes @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 1:00PM
📖 Read to a Pet for Young Readers @ Salem Public Library • 1:00PM – 2:30PM
⚾ Campesinos de Salem Keizer vs. Portland Mavericks @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 6:00PM
🧘♀️ Yoga Nidra & Kirtan Meditation @ 360 Liberty St SE • 7:30PM – 10:30PM
Sunday, August 10
🏃 Angry Owl Ultramarathons Day 2 @ Bush's Pasture Park • All events conclude by 9:00AM
⚾ Salem-Keizer Volcanoes vs. Salem Senators @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 5:05PM
🎬 The Muppets (2011) Screening + Children’s Educational Theatre Shorts @ Salem Cinema, 1127 Broadway St NE • 6:00PM
🎭 Theatre 33 Summer Festival: Proper, A Steampunk Comedy of Manners @ Willamette University, Putnam Studio • 7:00PM
Monday, August 11
🎬 Rock Cats Rescue: Amazing Acro-Cats @ Historic Grand Theatre • 7:00PM
🗳️ City Council Meeting @ Salem Public Library, Loucks Auditorium • 6:00PM – 8:00PM
🎬 Monday Mystery Movie @ Salem Cinema, 1127 Broadway St NE • 7:00PM
Tuesday, August 12
🧑🏫 Citizenship Test Prep Class @ Collaboration Studio, Salem Public Library • 4:00–5:00PM
🎬 Rock Cats Rescue: Amazing Acro-Cats @ Historic Grand Theatre • 7:00PM
🕺 Queer Salsa in the Park @ Riverfront Park • 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Wednesday, August 13
⚾ Portland Mavericks vs. Salem Senators @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 6:00PM
Thursday, August 14
☕ Latino Business Alliance Café y Pan Dulce @ Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry, 626 High St NE • 8:00AM – 9:30AM
⚾ Salem-Keizer Volcanoes vs. Campesinos de Salem Keizer @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 6:00PM
Introducing: Photo of the week!
🌴 Photo of the Week: Summer Vacay Edition 📸
All August long, we’re celebrating summer through your lens.
Each week through August, we’ll feature two dreamy snapshots:
✨ One landscape or scenery pic (think sunsets, beaches, trails…)
✨ One with people living their best summer lives (pool days, picnics, road trips, you name it!)
☀️ Send your favorite vacation vibes to [email protected]
Include your name, a short caption, and where it was taken.
Let’s show off how Salem does summer. 😎
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Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!
Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.
See you next Thursday,
Ernie