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What’s Up Salem!
Sorry this email is a bit late this week.
It was great meeting a lot of you at the parade last Friday, and I’m glad the rain waited a week!
Anything coming up you are excited about? I’d love to hear it.
Have a great Friday!
Another holiday season of "we should really get together" texts that never turn into plans? Your friends deserve better than good intentions and group chats that go nowhere.
Oregon Axe Throwing gets it. Real connection happens when you actually show up, and when showing up means having the kind of fun that reminds you why you're friends in the first place. Located at 700 High Street NE, it's where Salem gatherings turn into the nights everyone actually remembers.
Why your crew will actually show up:
90-minute sessions with expert coaching—nobody sits on the sidelines, everyone's in it together
Private cube options for up to 12 people, your space to reconnect without distractions
New projection target games that turn competition into connection
Stop planning. Start gathering. Bring your people together.
Phone Ban Boosts Engagement and Grades at Salem-Keizer High Schools
Teachers across Salem-Keizer high schools are reporting noticeable academic and social improvements since the district expanded its strict no-phone policy this fall. At McNary High School, algebra teacher Stephanie Lassetter said average scores on a challenging graphing unit jumped from the usual Cs and Ds to a high B, which she credits to fewer distractions and more collaboration among students. All district high schools now require students to lock their phones in magnetically sealed pouches for the entire school day, including lunch and passing periods, a shift meant to create predictable classroom environments and reduce the burden on individual teachers to enforce bans. Educators and union leaders say engagement is up and classroom focus has improved, although student reactions are mixed, with some citing anxiety and concerns about contacting family or managing medical needs. Exemptions exist for documented accommodations, but students with medical conditions say inconsistent enforcement can create stress. Schools are also seeing cultural shifts as phones disappear from hallways, with students turning to Chromebooks, cards, walkie-talkies and even old iPods for connection and entertainment. Despite frustrations, teachers say they are seeing deeper conversations, stronger attention and more meaningful learning moments in class. (Salem Reporter)
What do your high schoolers think of the phone ban? Let us know!
Have an event for us to feature? Submit your events HERE to get them added to the newsletter
Thursday, December 4, 2025
🎶Holidays in Hudson Concert @Willamette University, Hudson Hall • 7:30PM • submitted by a reader on our Event Submission Form 🎉
Friday, December 5, 2025
🎨 Something Red Art Exhibit Grand Opening @Elsinore Framing & Gallery • 5:00PM
🖼️ First Friday Art Walk @Downtown Salem • 5:00PM–8:00PM
🎄 Gala of Trees – Family Building Blocks @Salem Convention Center • 5:30PM–10:00PM
🎅 Riverfront Holiday Lights Kick Off: Santa Carriage Rides + more! @Riverfront Park • 5:45PM–8:00PM
🎶Holidays in Hudson Concert @Willamette University, Hudson Hall • 7:30PM • submitted by a reader on our Event Submission Form 🎉
🛼 Open Skate Twin Night @Cherry City MadHouse • 8:00PM–10:00PM
🎤 Ron Funches @Salem’s Historic Grand • 8:00PM
Saturday, December 6, 2025
🎄 Handmade Holiday Market @State Fairgrounds • 10:00AM–4:00PM
📸 Santa is Coming: Photos, Tree Lot & Shopping @GA at Home • 10:00AM • submitted by a reader on our Event Submission Form 🎉
🧸 Pancakes with the Grinch & Silent Auction @State Fairgrounds • 9:00AM–12:00PM • FREE
📚 David Espinoza Book Signing @Salem Center Mall • 11:00AM
🍽️ LIGHTS UP! Drag Brunch @Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre • 12:00PM
🌍 Ukrainian Winterfest @Center 50+ • 1:00PM–6:00PM
🏃 5K Jingle Bell Relay @Riverfront Park • 5:30PM|
🎄 Star Trees Lighting @Willamette University • 6:30PM
🔥 Happy FUNKN Holidayz Disco Dance Off! @The Yard Food Park • 8:00PM–12:00AM
💃 Let It Go: Burlesque Tribute to Frozen @Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM
🎄 SnoBall Teen Dance @State Fairgrounds • 8:00PM–12:00AM
🎅 Salem’s BIGGEST Ugly Xmas Sweater Party @Side Hustle Bar • 10:00PM–2:00AM
Sunday, December 7, 2025
🎶 Magic Melodies: Benefit for Marion & Polk County Food Banks @Salem’s Historic Grand • 3:00PM
💃 Bachata Night @VFW, 630 Hood St NE • 6:30PM–10:00PM
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
🎬 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest 50th Anniversary Screening @Salem Cinema • 6:30PM
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
🎭 Moira & The Moth (Tippy Toe Dance Studio) @Elsinore Theatre • 6:00PM
Thursday, December 11, 2025
🍽️ Lunch with Leaders – Nat Borchers @The Forge, Cellar 54 • 11:30AM–1:00PM
🎁 FREE Holiday Market & Swap @Salem Public Library • 2:30PM–6:00PM
🕵️ Murder at the Pink Elephant (1920s Whodunit) @115 Lancaster Dr SE • 6:00PM–8:00PM • 1920s Dress Code
🎙️ Shelly Sings Sinatra! Holiday Show @Christo’s Pizzeria & Lounge • 7:00PM
🌮Have an event you want us to feature? Submit your events HERE on our Form🌮
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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