I love being able to grab a trophy and recognize someone in our community who is doing an incredible job bringing people together.

We made a change to our Neighbor Night event this month. Each month moving forward we will hear from one non-profit leader AND recognize one community builder who has proven an exceptional ability to bring people together.

Our first honoree is Dylan Ferrier, and if you've followed any of his work, you already know why.

Dylan is the founder of X Marks Your Spot, a clothing brand built on a simple, powerful idea: turn your pain into power. The concept comes from his own life. Dylan has six X tattoos marking the places he's been injured, including a broken femur, ankle, back, hand, and a skull he's fractured twice. The first red X on his chest, over his heart, carries the ashes of his fiancé, who he lost to cancer in April 2024, mixed into the ink so he could keep his promise to travel the world with her.

X isn't really about clothing. It's about the marks we all carry, most of them invisible. You put a red X where you've experienced pain, you wear your story, and the past loses its grip. As Dylan puts it, when you see someone else wearing X, it's an instant understanding: "I see you, carry on." He's now relaunching the brand with higher-quality 100% cotton pieces, screen printing and embroidery, monthly drops, and even comic strips that tell people's stories right on the shirt. The goal? Impact a million lives.

The other reason Dylan earned this trophy is Salem Mycelium, a community for Salem's growth-minded business owners. The name comes from the fungal network beneath the forest floor that lets trees communicate and shares roughly 70% of the resources passed between them. That's exactly what Dylan built: a place where business owners help each other grow.

What started as five or six people meeting at random cafes has grown to over 200 local business owners supporting one another in a group chat and at free monthly in-person meetups. Got an event to share? A problem to solve? Throw it out there, and someone knows someone who can help. Dylan made the meetings free on purpose. He remembers what it's like to wake up to a negative account balance and not be able to afford a membership to a business networking group.

And here's the detail that says everything about Dylan: he personally sends a 60-second voice memo to every new follower. People constantly ask how he automates it, whether AI could do it for him. That misses the entire point. As he says, it's 60 seconds of his life to tell someone, "Hey, I see you, I appreciate you." In a world racing toward automation, Dylan is doubling down on the thing he believes will only grow more valuable: real human connection.

Congratulations, Dylan. Salem is better because you notice the things most people walk past, and because you keep showing up for the people around you.

Huge thanks to Capital Trophy for investing in your community by helping bring this event to life.

I can't recommend them enough for all your recognition needs. And don't underestimate the impact of taking a moment to hand someone a trophy.

Recognizing hard work matters more than we think.

-Jacob

Looking for a way to keep kids active, engaged, and making memories this summer? Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion & Polk Counties is offering 11 weeks of summer camp from June 15 through August 28 for youth in grades K-12.

Each week features a new theme, hands-on activities, games, outdoor play, arts, technology, and access to specialty spaces like gyms, gardens, game rooms, and art studios. Teens can also look forward to weekly field trips, while all campers will have the opportunity to participate in the annual beach trip later in the summer.

New for 2026, the Club is introducing a dedicated Kindergarten Summer Camp at the Eastwood Branch, giving the youngest campers a summer full of exploration, creativity, and friendship.

Families who register for five or more weeks of summer camp will also receive a free Marion Berries Berry Pass, unlocking a season of baseball, local attractions, and exclusive perks thanks to a generous donor.

Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided daily, and scholarships are available to help ensure every child has access to a fun and enriching summer experience.

Learn More Here

I’m inviting Barry the Bear to my wedding.

Upcoming Games:

Fri, June 26 | 6:35PM
Pride Night
vs. Corvallis Knights 

Sat, June 27 | 6:35PM
Cap Giveaway
vs. Corvallis Knights 

Sun, June 28 | 5:05PM
Squeeze Out Cancer Night
vs. Corvallis Knights 

Tickets from $10 for all games

The Mavericks League is BACK for another week at Roto-Rooter Park and Willamette University’s NEWLY RENOVATED Spec Keene Stadium.

Upcoming Games:

Fri, June 26 | 6PM
Senators vs. Campesinos
Roto-Rooter Park

Sat, June 27 | 6PM
Volcanoes vs. Senators
Spec Keene Stadium

Sun, June 28 | 5PM
Game 1: Senators vs. Mavericks
Game 2: Campesinos vs. Volcanoes
Roto-Rooter Park

Tickets starting at $6

One of Salem's signature summer traditions returns to Riverfront Park for a weekend celebrating cultures from around the world. This year's festival highlights Pacific Island cultures through food, music, dance, crafts, demonstrations, and community experiences.

The weekend features more than 125 performances representing 70 cultures, along with parades, children's activities, dragon boat racing, and international cuisine. The festival kicks off Friday evening with live music, food, and fire dancing during Friday Night at the Beat.

Start your Saturday with a community run through downtown Salem before returning to Bonzai for brunch, coffee, music, and community. All experience levels are welcome.

The Valor Pull returns to Ratchet Brewery for an afternoon of strength and purpose benefiting local veterans. 

Participants will test their limits while raising funds to sponsor a room at VETcare for a veteran in need. This year's event honors SGT Werner and SPC Marks, who were killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom

Competitive eating, $1 canned beers, cornhole, and an ambitious attempt to build a massive beer can pyramid. The Hot Dog Eating Contest kicks off at 5PM with just eight contestant spots available, and the winner takes home $100, a trophy, and full bragging rights. 

Dragon boat teams from across the region race down the Willamette River in one of Salem's most exciting summer traditions. 

Watch qualifying heats, semifinals, and championship races throughout the day.

The Salem Orchestra's annual Side-by-Side Concert brings professional musicians and local student performers together for an evening of classical music and mentorship. 

The program features Respighi's The Birds, Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral", and Mozart's Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter", culminating with students performing alongside orchestra members on stage.

Meet Marion Berries players, learn about game-day preparation, try baseball activities, take photos with Barry the Bear, and create a custom baseball card to take home.

Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music in the historic mill yard as Jake & The Hill People take the stage. Food and drinks will be available from Lively at the Mill.

Celebrate Independence Day with carnival rides, fair food, live tribute bands, and one of Salem's biggest fireworks shows of the year. This year's enhanced America 250 celebration marks the nation's 250th anniversary with a patriotic fireworks spectacular set to music and visible throughout the fairgrounds.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, arrive early to claim a viewing spot, and enjoy an evening of family-friendly entertainment before the fireworks light up the sky. On-site parking is available for $10, with VIP parking available for $20.

Oregon's largest patriotic celebration returns to Volcanoes Stadium for a two-day America 250 event featuring baseball, military tributes, family activities, historical exhibits, and community celebrations. Highlights include the Wall of Honor, America 250 Kid Zone, veteran recognition ceremonies, and post-game fireworks both nights.

Celebrate Independence Day weekend at the ballpark with three nights of Marion Berries baseball. Friday features postgame fireworks, Saturday includes a replica Purple Berries jersey giveaway for the first 700 fans, and Sunday honors local veterans during Veterans Appreciation Night.

One of Oregon's most iconic Fourth of July traditions returns with rodeo action, family entertainment, and nightly fireworks. If you're looking for a classic small-town Oregon celebration, this is it.  

The Oregon Garden's biggest event of the year features food, live music, family activities, and a fireworks display over the gardens. Advance tickets are recommended. 

One of the Mid-Valley's favorite Independence Day traditions returns with a parade, Air Force flyover, live music, food vendors, family activities, and a community fireworks show to close out the night.

Celebrate Independence Day on the Oregon Coast with a fireworks show over the Pacific Ocean. Pair it with a beach day for the ultimate coastal Fourth of July. 

Corvallis' annual Fourth of July celebration features live music, food vendors, family activities, and patriotic fun along the riverfront throughout the day. 

Celebrate Independence Day at Detroit Lake with live music, food vendors, a beer garden, and a fireworks display over the water. 

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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