Content Articles & Content by Places of Worship
Near Keizer, Oregon

Did you know that December is "Learn a Foreign Language Month"? What better time to dive into a new language? Whether you're a seasoned polyglot or just starting your linguistic journey, understanding how learning another language can benefit your brain is truly fascinating. Cognitive Enhancement Learning a new language is like a gym workout for your brain. It can improve memory, enhance concentration, and even boost problem-solving skills. Juggling between languages requires mental flexi…

As the holiday season approaches, consumers are bombarded with endless Black Friday deals. During these high-profile shopping days, when big box retailers and online giants often dominate the market with massive sales and promotions, choosing to shop at small and local businesses can make a big difference. While Small Business Saturday is a day specifically dedicated to shopping and supporting small businesses, the importance of choosing local businesses extends to the entire holiday shopping s…

If you like to read, you likely enjoy those cozy solo moments when you get to be fully immersed in a new book. But when the book is over, you might have further questions or feel the urge to talk about what you've just read. Starting or joining a book club can transform your reading experience into a social and insightful journey. Let's explore the advantages of being a part of a book club in your community. Enhance Your Reading Experience By joining a book club, you gain the opportunity…

When summer temperatures soar, finding ways to keep kids cool and entertained becomes essential. Don't worry; we've got you covered! These seven exciting water-based summer activities will ensure your kids (or any big kids at heart) stay cool and have a blast all season long. Water Balloon Frenzy A water balloon fight is a classic and thrilling way to beat the heat. Fill a bunch of water balloons and let the fun begin! Divide the kids into teams and set up obstacles in the yard for an epi…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SALEM/KEIZER, OR - (July 4, 2023) - Residents of the Salem/Keizer area, dust off your detective hats and pull on your walking shoes! The 3rd Annual Salem/Keizer Scavenger Hunt, presented by Acorn Dentistry for Kids, is back and more exciting than ever. The event will take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 10 AM to 4 PM, offering a unique opportunity for locals to explore and connect with local places in Salem and Keizer. The Scavenger Hunt, co-organized by Mathew Poteet, owner of Poteet Insurance Agency, and Tim & Pam Fahndrich, publishers of WhirLocal Salem, is an exciting community event that offers a fun-filled adventure throughout the city. Participants are encouraged to join with family, fr…

My wife, Robin, and I moved to Woodburn in 1991 and It didn’t take long to recognize this is a special community.  Neighbors, businesses, and future friends sincerely desired to welcome and include us. It was easy to feel at home and part of something bigger. Much has changed since we moved here thirty-three years ago and somehow our community holds on to a culture of belonging. Could it simply be common ground? Wanting the same things? Living and working in a friendly and safe place to prosper together? Whatever the reason, it seems the greater Woodburn area successfully continues to find new ways to work together in a manner that other towns have forgotten or lost along the way. But there must be some secret ingredient……

We had the opportunity on Friday evening to swing over to Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes to grab some amazing sweets. They are located in the 45th Parallel building on Hyacinth. If you've never been, and you're looking for a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth, you are in for a huge treat. When we walked in, we were warmly greeted by Michelle. She was wrapping up her day as it was just about closing time, but she took the time to visit with us and say hello. Recently, they had experienced some equipment issues that was severely limiting their ability to operate. After putting out a message on social media, the community came out in a big way and supported her to help her make up some ground. She was genuinely grateful and…

As fall sports get underway in Oregon, it's hard to miss the contribution that local sports journalist Jeremy McDonald has had on our community over the past several years. Jeremy runs JMcDonaldMedia.com and related social media channels. He doesn't get paid, but as he likes to say, "It's his full time job". He's been running the site and covering local sports for about 8 years. He is a prolific sports journalist and he keeps a schedule that is not for the faint of heart. Add to that fact that he volunteers his time and is not a paid journalist, and it makes it even more special. According to Jeremy, he just wants to help out. "Sports are a way of life.  At one point or another, we knew someone (or even ourselves), that pl…

Dates: 8/26-9/5/2022Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem It's fair time at the Oregon State Fair. Do you have favorite memories of visiting the fair? Or, have you never been? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oregon State Fair (@oregonstatefair) Here are 6 reasons to visit the Oregon State Fair The concertsThe livestock and rodeoThe ridesThe foodThe contests and "best of show"And, the vendors and local businesses The Concerts There are always a ton of great concerts at the Oregon State Fair, and this year is no exception. You can check them out at the Oregon State Fair website. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oregon State Fair (@oregonstatefair) …

Do you love art and want to support the local art scene in your neighborhood? If your answer is a resounding "YES!" we have four ideas to help you do just that. Attend Local Art Shows or Pop-up Art Gallery Exhibits A great way to support the local art scene is by attending art shows or art gallery exhibits in your area. You will be able to view a variety of different types of art from local artists and creators, as well as have the opportunity to support their work directly through donati…

Have you seen the leaves changing? Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes cooler weather, the return of school for some, and fun seasonal activities. Looking for family-friendly fall activities to do this season? Look no further! Here are a few of our favorite ideas. 1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch Going to a pumpkin patch during fall is a classic activity for many reasons. First—and most importantly—pumpkins are in season from September to November, which means there will be plen…

Many people are unaware of the benefits public libraries provide to communities. From free Internet use to library programs for all ages, the library has something for everyone! Let's discuss 6 great reasons why you should visit and support the library in your community. 1. Free library cards It's true—most public libraries offer free library cards! Supporting your local library means supporting the love of reading and learning for people from all walks of life. Most library cards are f…

While 4th of July is all about celebrating the United States' independence (and eating good barbecue), it can become dangerous once fireworks are involved. During unprecedented dry weather and in places where wildfire danger is high, it might be best to skip the fireworks during your festivities this year. Luckily, there are plenty of fun and safe 4th of July activities you can try instead. Celebrating at Home Set up an outdoor movie theater at home and watch your favorite summer movieMak…