Veterans who have moved into Courtney Place say the affordable apartment building feels different from other places they’ve lived, with a natural community as people bond over shared experiences and struggles.
COMMUNITY
Willamette University class is knitting, collecting clothes to create “take as you need” art project
A surprise “yarn bomb” installation in Riverfront Park will provide handmade and donated clothing to people in need this month. The installation is the project from a Willamette University knitting class that recently partnered with the city of Salem.
Salem, Keizer leaders pledge to promote belonging, community amid divisive election
More than 90 Salem and Keizer local elected officials, clergy and nonprofit leaders signed an open letter calling on the cities to embrace belonging and work to build community, regardless of the outcome of the presidential election.
Salem Reads 2025 pick looks at family secrets through memoir
The Salem Reads pick for 2025 is “Why Didn’t You Tell Me?” a memoir by Carmen Rita Wong exploring identity and family. Starting in February, community events include an art and writing contest, an expert talk on DNA testing and a virtual talk with the author.
Families remember departed loved ones as Salem cemetery celebrates Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos brought vibrant festivities to Restlawn Memory Gardens and Funeral Home at 201 North Oak Grove Road on Friday evening with food stalls serving tamales and champurrado, face painting, and live music.
PHOTOS: Salem celebrates Día de los Muertos
An annual celebration at McKay High School organized by Casa de Cultura Tlanese has grown significantly over the past decade, featuring hours of dance, song and cultural activities for people of all ages.
PHOTOS: Fairmount Halloween Parade brings a crowd despite the rain
Hundreds of Halloween enthusiasts gathered in Salem’s Fairmount neighborhood, walking from Fairmount Park to Mahonia Hall, where Gov. Tina Kotek handed out candy dressed as the Tin Man.
With his term ending, volunteer urges Salem residents to get involved in city boards, commissions
In his six years on the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, volunteer Dylan McDowell has helped guide city policy and get more people outside. As his last term comes to an end, he hopes to encourage more people to get involved in city processes.
Justice of the Peace “Captain Kidd” marries 13 Halloween couples
People filed in and out of Marion County Justice Court all day on Halloween dressed as skeletons and “Beetlejuice” characters. Justice of the Peace Justin Kidd, dressed as a pirate, married 13 couples this Halloween in his courtroom full of sparkly spiderwebs and headstones.
Salem on the Edge to reopen downtown under new ownership
Anna Davis and Eric Frey bonded over wanting to showcase the work of local artists. Three years into their friendship, they’ve taken over as the new owners of Salem on the Edge. The downtown gallery, which closed last month, reopens on Friday.
