🌮 What happened this week in Salem? 9/22

Author

Jacob Espinoza
August 22, 2024

22

Thank you to the 537 new subscribers we added since last week!

It means a ton and I can’t wait to continue growing this week.

A few updates about What’s Happening Salem….

• Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning has signed on as our official podcast sponsor. Can’t wait! We are launching tomorrow and will share the link next week.

• The party yesterday was amazing! So many great people showed up. I’ll share a few of my favorite pics here next week.

Okay, now let’s see What’s Happening Salem…

Weather

  • ☁️Thu: Cloudy with a high of 68

  • 🌧️Fri: Scattered showers with a high of 64

  • ⛅Sat: Mostly cloudy with a high of 71

  • ⛅Sun: Partly cloudy with a high of 78

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Community Updates

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Dalke Construction Unveils Exciting First Glimpse of Go-Kart Track at Salem's Upcoming Wunderland. The facility will also feature laser tag, an arcade, a snack bar, and more. (Dalke Construction via Facebook)

Amtrak Cascades records surge in ridership among Oregonians

Amtrak Cascades has experienced a significant rise in ridership, with a 36% increase from June 2023 to June 2024, marking some of the highest levels in its 30-year history. The service, which initially began with one daily round trip between Portland and Seattle in 1994, now offers six daily round trips. The Oregon Department of Transportation, alongside its Washington counterpart, expanded routes last December to accommodate growing demand. The increase has been particularly strong between Portland and Eugene, with Oregon stops recording over 15,000 riders in June 2024. Factors like rising gas prices and traffic congestion on I-5 are contributing to the growing preference for train travel. (KOIN 6)

Salem welcomes new apartments for survivors of domestic violence

HOPE Plaza, an affordable apartment complex in downtown Salem, officially opened on August 16, 2024. The building, operated by the Center for Hope and Safety, offers 20 ADA-accessible units for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking. During the opening, State Senator Fred Girod reflected on the devastating 2020 Santiam Canyon fire, emphasizing the need for such facilities to provide hope and support for those in need. Survivors will begin moving into HOPE Plaza this fall. (Salem Reporter)

Heavy rain forecast for Oregon's mountains, valleys. How much will it help fire season?

Another round of rain is forecast for western Oregon's mountains and valleys, bringing 1-2 inches in the mountains and about a half-inch in the Willamette Valley between Thursday and the weekend. The rain will arrive in a few waves, with the heaviest expected Thursday night into Friday morning. This wet weather will help slow down Oregon's wildfire season, which saw record acres burned earlier this year but has significantly mellowed in August. While some wildfire closures and evacuation warnings have been lifted, fire season is expected to continue into mid-September or early October. (Statesman Journal)

Person dies days after being struck by a vehicle in northeast Salem

A Salem woman died following a vehicle collision on August 14 at the intersection of Lancaster Drive and Wolverine Street NE. The pedestrian, who was crossing eastbound in a marked crosswalk, was struck by an SUV making a left turn. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. The woman was taken to Salem Health with critical injuries but passed away on August 17. The case is under investigation and will be reviewed by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. This marks Salem's 16th traffic fatality of the year. (Salem Police Department)

Salem man dies rescuing woman from Willamette River

Derik Morganstern, a 35-year-old man who had struggled with addiction and homelessness, tragically drowned after rescuing a woman who had jumped into the Willamette River near Salem’s Wallace Marine Park on August 12. Despite successfully pushing the woman to safety, Morganstern was unable to escape the river's current. His body was recovered days later by volunteers using sonar. Morganstern, remembered by his sister as someone who would "give you the shirt off his back," was honored by over 100 members of Salem's homeless community who searched for him. He is survived by his seven children and was affectionately known as a "HERO" by his family. (The Oregonian)

Upcoming Events

presented by

  • 🌊Stream Celebration @ Pringle Park

    • Thursday, August 22 | 4:00pm - 7:00pm

    • Join the Mid-Willamette Outreach Group (MWOG) for a FREE family event celebrating local streams

    • FREE film showing of UPRIVER | 7:00pm - 8:30pm 

      • A ‘watershed film’ exploring Oregon's Willamette River conservation movement

  • 😳Sexy Talk @ Infinity Room 

    • Thursday, August 22 | 8:00pm | 18+

    • Comedians Curtis Everetts and Tony Meyer answer your anonymous sex and relationship questions live on stage

  • 🎡Oregon State Fair

    • Friday, August 23 - Monday, September 2

    • A lively event with live music, carnival rides, local food, agricultural exhibits, and attractions like a petting zoo and creative arts displays, offering fun competitions and entertainment for all ages

    • Many deals and discounts available

    • 🤠🔥Hell on Hooves Roughstock Rodeo | “You gotta be tough just to watch!”

      • Saturday, August 24 | 2:00pm

      • Free with admission as space permits

    • 🐴🤠Jaripeo Espectacular | Traditional Mexican Bull Riding

      • Sunday, August 25 | 2:00pm

      • Free with admission as space permits

    • Fast Pass: For $10, secure guaranteed and early access to Pavilion events. Does not include Fair admission, which must be purchased separately.

  • 👻🥶Movies in the Park: “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” @ Riverfront Park Amphitheater 

    • Friday, August 23 | 8:00pm 

    • A new supernatural threat engulfs New York City in an icy apocalypse, freezing everything in its path. As the city descends into chaos, a team of paranormal investigators must uncover the source of this chilling menace and stop it before the entire city is trapped in eternal winter

    • FREE, donations appreciated | Bring a chair or a blanket and plenty of popcorn

  • 😱🎭 World Premiere of "Lovecrafted" presented by Keizer Homegrown Conservatory 

    • Friday, August 23 & Saturday, August 24 | 7:00pm | 980 Chemawa Rd NE, Keizer 

      • More shows next weekend

    • Horror-filled play adapted from HP Lovecraft

  • 🍔Red Robin hosts Salem Chamber of Commerce Greeters

    • Friday, August 23 | 8:30am - 10:00am | 831 Lancaster Drive NE

    • The Salem Chamber offers a valuable opportunity to build relationships that can lead to new clients, contacts, and customers. Their networking events are specifically designed to open doors and connect participants with individuals who can help grow their businesses.

  • 😂Kate Willett @ Infinity Room

    • Friday, August 23 | 7:00pm | 18+ | 210 Liberty St. SE

    • Comedian, actress and writer who has appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Netflix’s Comedy Lineup

  • 🥒 Zucchini 500 Race hosted by Center 50+ @ Salem Saturday Market

    • Saturday, August 25 | 10:00am - 4:00pm | 865 Marion St NE

    • FREE entry includes your choice of zucchini, wheels & axels, access to carving tools and accessories to decorate your Zucchini Race Car with expert assistance from the Zuke 500 Pit Crew

    • All ages, individual and group entries welcome! 

  • 👪🌳DIY Research Workshop @ Willamette Heritage Center 

    • Saturday, August 24 | 10:00am - 12:00pm

    • Curious about your family's history? Learn how to navigate historical records, uncover hidden stories, and build your family tree

  • 🎲Board Games @ West Salem Public Library 

    • Saturday, August 24 | 2:30pm - 3:30pm

    • FREE drop-in game night featuring a variety of table games

  • 🥂Market & Mimosa Sunday @ West Hills Vineyards

    • Sunday, August 25 

    • FREE class from BARRE3 on the lawn | 11:00am - 12:00pm

    • Market Day, featuring a variety of vendors and live music | 12:00pm - 3:00pm

  • 💃🕺Let’s Dance presented by Center 50+ @ Riverfront Park

    • Sunday, August 25 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm

    • Come dance as DJ Freddie & KBZY Radio spin records to your favorite songs from the 50s, 60’s, and 70’s

  • 🤣Aussie Comedy @ Infinity Room

    • Sunday, August 25 | 8:00pm | 210 Liberty St. SE

    • Get ready to laugh heaps with stories from down under by Geoff Tate, Michael Markus and Dan Green! 

    • All ages show, but material will not be clean.

  • 🔎Clue on Stage @ Pentacle Theatre

    • August 23 - September 14 | 7:30pm - 9:30pm | 197 Liberty St SE

    • Six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects

    • The comedy whodunit that will leave both cult fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!

  • 🤖Tinker Tech Tuesday for Kids @ Salem Public Library

    • Every Tuesday | 4:30pm - 6:00pm

    • Children in grades 2 to 5 are invited to a FREE event to explore a variety of STEAM activities.

      • Kits available for check out at library desk

  • 🧶Crochet & Slay for Teens | Salem Public Library, Teen Scene Room 

    • Tuesday, August 27 | 4:00pm - 5:30pm

    • FREE drop-in event for teen crocheters, knitters, and fiber artists 

    • Yarn, crochet hooks, knitting needles, and simple patterns provided

  • 🎭Oliver! @ Riverfront Park amphitheater 

    • Tuesday, August 27 | 8:00 pm | Final performance 

    • A delightful outdoor theater experience

    • Attendees are encouraged to low-profile lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, and meals

  • 😂 Stand-up Comedy @ Infinity Room 

    • FREE | Every Wednesday | 7:00pm | 210 Liberty St. SE

Government

  • Bond Oversight Committee | Salem Civic Center, Room 325, Traffic Control Conference Room, 555 Liberty St SE

    • Thursday, August 22 | 12:00pm - 1:30pm

    • Agenda | Hybrid meeting | Attend in-person or watch online

    • To sign up to testify via Zoom or to submit public comment, contact the Finance Department via email at finance@cityofsalem.net the day of the meeting by 9:00am.

  • Salem City Council Executive Session #1 | City Manager's Office, Salem Civic Center, 555 Liberty St SE, Room 220

    • Monday, August 26 | 5:00pm - 5:30pm

    • ORS 192.660(2)(h) -Current or Pending Litigation

Live Music & Dance

Live Music and Dance

presented by

  • Concerts @ The Oregon State Fair 

    • Each concert offers a limited number of seats free with paid admission to the fair on a first-come, first-serve basis, while space lasts.

    • 🤠 Craig Morgan | A country music icon

      • Friday, August 23 | Doors: 6:30pm / 7:30pm

    • 🎶Steel Pulse | Reggae revolutionaries uniting humanity

      • Saturday, August 24 | Doors: 6:30pm / 7:30pm

      • 50% off tickets while supplies last

    • 🎼Goo Goo Dolls | Staples of the American songbook

      • Monday, August 26 | Doors: 6:30pm / 7:30pm 

    • 🎚️Yung Gravy | Grits & gravy

      • Tuesday, August 27 | Doors: 6:30pm / 7:30pm 

    • 🤠Josh Turner | Country music hitmaker

      • Wednesday, August 28 | Doors: 6:30pm / 7:30pm 

    • 🎶Ludacris | One of music’s top blockbuster artists

      • Thursday, August 29 | Doors: 6:30pm / 7:30pm 

  • 🎵Leanne McClellan Band @ Cória Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE

    • Friday, August 23 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm 

    • Unwind with breathtaking sunsets, live music, and delicious wines as the band performs a diverse range of familiar classic rock, jazz, pop, and blues

  • 👬Two Bit Brothers @ Aurora Vineyards | Eclectic and Americana music from decades past

    • Saturday, August 24 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm 

    • FREE, no cover! 

  • 🎵Mark Seymour Trio @ West Hills Vineyards | Infectious energy and smooth sounds

    • Saturday, August 24 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm 

  • 🎸McKayla Marie Band @ Ankeny Vineyard | Country flair with a Nashville twist

    • Saturday, August 24 | 5:30pm 

Sports

  • CFC Golf Tournament @ Illahe Hills Country Club

    • Friday, August 23 | Registration: 10:00am | Shotgun start: 12:30pm

    • Teams will compete in this fun-filled four-person scramble tournament

    • Other competitions and activities include putting contest, driving range contest, KP’s, long drives, and more

    • Prizes available | Lunch included 

  • 💦SWEAT in the Park presented by Physiq Fitness @ Woodmansee Park

    • Saturday, August 24 | 8:00am

    • All fitness levels welcome

  • ⚾Salem Baseball

    • Thu Aug 22

      • Volcanoes v. Mavericks | 6:00pm

    • Fri Aug 23 | Split double header

      • Volcanoes v. Mavericks | 1:00pm

      • Senators v. Campesinos | 6:00pm

    • Sat Aug 24 | Split double header

      • Senators v. Campesinos| 1:00pm

      • Volcanoes v. Mavericks | 6:00pm

Meme of the Week

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