Hey Salem,

If you're a business owner or entrepreneur who's been running on fumes trying to balance work, health, and everything else, this one's for you.

On January 15th at The Reed, Energize & Elevate is bringing together personal trainers, nutritionists, athletes, and mental health advocates who actually understand what it's like to run a business while trying to take care of yourself. This isn't about adding more to your plate—it's about finding a sustainable way to balance business, body, and mind in 2026.

The event runs from 10 AM to 2 PM, and tickets start at $28.52. You'll leave with an actual plan, not just motivation that fades by Monday.

If self-care keeps falling to the bottom of your to-do list because your business demands everything, this is the kind of event where you might finally figure out how to change that.

Get tickets here

Jacob

Salem residents will not see gas or electric rate increases during the winter thanks to the FAIR Energy Act, which blocks state regulated utilities from raising rates through April. Some households will see changes later this spring, but for now winter energy bills are staying steady. Portland General Electric customers will actually see a small 1.4 percent decrease in electric rates with the new year, while Salem Electric customers will see a 5.4 percent increase beginning in April, about $6.55 more per month for a typical household. PacifiCorp customers in parts of Marion County outside Salem city limits are also set for a modest increase in April.

Other utilities are rising sooner. Most Salem households will pay about $5 more per month in 2026 for water, sewer, and stormwater services after a scheduled rate increase took effect Jan. 1. Garbage rates are staying flat for most Marion County residents inside the city, while some customers in Polk County and unincorporated areas of east Salem will see small monthly increases. (Salem Reporter)

👪 Parent's Night Out Childcare @Kroc Center • 5:30PM – 8:30PM
👟 College Women's Basketball: Willamette Bearcats vs Pacific Lutheran @Willamette University, Sparks Center • 5:30PM
🎤 Adam Kenaston @The BAD Space, Santiam Brewing • 7:00PM – 9:00PM • $10 cover
🛼 Open Skate: Winter Wonderland @Cherry City Roller Derby MadHouse, 1335 Madison St NE • 7:30PM – 10:00PM
🎸 David Bowie: A Birthday Celebration @Salem's Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM
🎻 2nd Friday Céilí @VFW, 630 Hood St NE • 7:00PM
👟 College Men's Basketball: Willamette Bearcats vs Pacific Lutheran @Willamette University, Sparks Center • 7:30PM

📖 Read to a Pet for Young Readers @Salem Public Library • 1:00PM – 2:30PM
🎷 Live Jazz @Vortez Eatery + Taphouse • 6:00PM – 9:00PM
🎸 Austin Gilbert from NBC’s The Voice LIVE @South Liberty Bar & Grill • 8:00PM • Submitted on our Event Submission Form 🥳

💃 Salsa Night Lesson & Social @VFW, 630 Hood St NE • 6:30PM – 10:00PM
🏳️‍🌈 Queer Salsa Night @Fork Forty • 7:00PM – 10:00PM • $5 cover

🏋️‍♂️ Transformation Challenge Begins @West Coast Strength
🎭 Weekly Drop-In Improv Comedy Class @Historic Grand Theatre • 7:30PM • first class FREE

🌮Trivia & Tacos @South Liberty Bar & Grill • 6:30PM • Submitted on our Event Submission Form 🥳
🎤 Bricked Up Comedy: A Weekly Comedy Open Mic @Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM

🐾 Beer & Kittens @Santiam Brewing • 5:00PM

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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