Tag SALEM COMMUNITY

Need groceries delivered? A Salem high schooler wants to help.
Neel Jain, PDX Concierge founder, shops at Trader Joe’s for people at high risk during the pandemic. (Courtesy/Neel Jain) Since the coronavirus pandemic began, Luke Clifton, 17, hasn’t been able to visit his grandparents in Coos Bay. His family hasn’t taken their usual trip to…

Nearly 72% of Salem residents have experienced discrimination, city survey shows
Salem’s Human Rights Commission conducted a survey in January that found 72% of respondents have experienced discrimination. Salem has work to do around discrimination, a new city-sponsored survey has found. A sampling of Salem residents gave the city a “C” grade for discrimination, according to…

In the wake of Salem protests, a new community leader emerges
Gregg Simpson stands in Lee Park near to where he grew up on Thursday, July 16. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Gregg Simpson was stunned as he looked over a crowd of thousands of people gathered for the March for Floyd on June 6, an event he…

The Marion County Fair is still on for this year, but will be virtual
Hailey McKenzie, 15, left, and sister Madilyn, 12, pose for a photo with their 4-H sheep on Wednesday, May 27, outside of Jefferson, at the farm of a family friend where they house their animals. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) The Marion County Fair has gone virtual…

Downtown streets to close for “End White Silence” march Saturday afternoon
Protesters by the thousands gathered at the Capitol for the March for Floyd on Saturday, June 6. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Downtown streets will be closed for several hours Saturday afternoon as people gather for a rally titled “End White Silence.” It’s the latest in a…

For black Salemites, recent protests highlight longtime concerns over racial profiling and equity
Zack Jackson speaks to protestors on the Oregon State Capitol steps during the third night of demonstrations against police violence on Monday, June 1. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Five days of protests and marches over the death of George Floyd have catalyzed discussions around race and…

In uncertain times, Salem cellist turns to music for connection
Joseph Harchanko filmed himself playing cello at the Oregon State Capitol State Park on Sunday. (Ron Cooper/Special to Salem Reporter) NOTE: Salem Reporter is providing free access to its content related to the coronavirus as a community service. Subscriptions starting at $5 a month help support this. In…

Salem young professional opens the way for women through financial advice
Brenna Baucum. (Courtesy/Brenna Baucum) When a camera crew approached Brenna Baucum, she knew what they intended before they said anything. “I know what this is,” Baucum exclaimed as a group of people filed into Bentley’s Grill, boom mic and cameras in tow. Baucum, a financial…

South Salem resident recounts experience being quarantined in China for nearly a month
Dago Benavidez and his wife in quarantine in China. (Courtesy/Dago Benavidez) During the month Dago Benavidez quarantined himself in Guilin, China, he would watch a small, white husky from the window of his fifth-floor condo. He noticed the owner’s routine as they took the dog…