We recently had a chance to sit down and interview Russ Hedge, a local marketing coach, author, and speaker, to explore the art of authentic connections. In an era where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face engagements, we find ourselves more 'connected' than ever before. Yet, there's a growing yearning for genuine, personal connections, especially within our local community. Our conversation with Russ offered insightful perspectives on bridging this gap, fostering meaningful relationships, and revitalizing the essence of true community spirit in our digitally-driven world. Russ's philosophy is grounded in the belief that authenticity is the key to building lasting relationships. He argues that in a world increasingly dominate…

As pet owners, there are many big box companies to choose from when it comes to shopping for our furry family members. But when it comes to high-quality products, unmatched customer service, and a personalized experience, local pet supply stores stand out from the crowd. In Salem, Oregon, there are several great local businesses that are ready to offer something unique for your pet's health and happiness. Salem Pet Supply Salem Pet Supply, a staple in the Salem community since 2003, is a trusted destination for pet owners seeking affordable and nutritious options for their dogs and cats. They have two convenient locations in North and South Salem, along with a Wilsonville location. With a focus on no-frills, high-value products, they offer…

After last weekend's snowy weather kept many indoors, Salem is buzzing with excitement for this weekend's lineup of events. It's a perfect opportunity to shake off the cabin fever and enjoy what the community has to offer! "Brighton Beach Memoirs" by Pentacle Theatre Frosty weather may have forced the cancellation of opening weekend, but the show must go on! Pentacle Theatre proudly begins its 70th Season with a production of “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” directed by Jo Dodge. “Brighton Beach Memoirs is part one of Neil Simon’s autobiographical trilogy — a portrait of the writer as a young teen in 1937, living with his family in a crowded, lower-middle-class Brooklyn home. Eugene Jerome, standing in for the author, is the narrator and central c…

Michelle's Ashley’s journey to becoming known as “The Cake Lady” behind Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes is a tale of resilience, talent discovery, and sweet success. Her story is proof that a fresh start can lead to delicious destinations. Starting Over In 2010, Michelle decided to begin a fresh start in Oregon following a difficult divorce. Despite knowing only two people in the area, she was drawn to the beauty of the Happy Valley area. So much so, that Michelle decided to move from Texas and make Happy Valley her new home. Shortly after her move, however, she "hardly saw those two people anymore, and ended up feeling truly alone." Michelle's journey improved when she met her future husband through online dating. Love blossomed, and she relo…

Nothing warms the soul on a cold day like a steaming bowl of pho—Vietnamese noodle soup known for its rich, aromatic broth and hearty ingredients. The Salem, Oregon area is home to several fantastic spots where you can enjoy this delicious dish! Here's a basic guide to some of the best local restaurants offering heartwarming pho. Kim Huong Located on Silverton Rd NE, Kim Huong is all about authenticity. Their pho is both fragrant and flavorful, complemented by perfectly cooked rice noodles and fresh toppings. They also have a full menu of other Vietnamese dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kirstie Bingham (@kirstie_bingham) Pho Keizer Ju…

Join Valor Mentoring's Bowling FUNdraiser! Have fun while raising money to help provide needed mentoring for youth in our community. Purchase a lane for 4 people to compete and raise money for mentoring. Comes with a pizza for your team and the chance to win some great prizes! Room for a few more teams! REGISTER TODAY! Date: Wed. January 24. 2024Time: 6 PM - 9 PMCost: $500 per team For more information and to register your team go to: valormentoring.com/knock-down-to-lift-up

It's going to be a cold one in Salem this weekend! As we brace for uncharacteristically cold weather from an incoming winter storm, our community's warmth continues to shine through the local events that are planned. While we encourage everyone to get involved in the local happenings, your safety is the number one priority during this inclement weather. Please stay safe, stay home if necessary, and stay informed about event updates or cancellations from the event organizers. 2024 Mid-Valley Home Show The 46th Annual Mid-Valley Home Show, renowned as the oldest, largest, and most well-attended home show in the Mid-Willamette Valley, is set to make its return January 12-14, 2024. This event is the perfect opportunity for homeowners and enthus…

With its beginnings in the heart of Salem, Oregon, Mimi and Little Bean's Children's Boutique is a testament to the power of dreams and community support. Owned by Jen and her daughter, Mck, this charming boutique grew to become a beloved local establishment and is now an online store providing unique products and fostering strong relationships within the community. A Dream Realized Jen's journey to entrepreneurship is an inspiring one. Having spent nearly three decades in the affordable housing industry, she dedicated herself to her career, climbing the ranks from a compliance officer to overseeing the compliance department. But in 2020, a significant event shook her world. Her daughter, married to a Marine, gave birth to her grandson prem…

As we step into a brand new year full of promise and potential, Salem, Oregon is already buzzing with local events to kick off 2024. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, our community welcomes you to join in the fun and make the most of what our city has to offer this year. National Whip Cream Day at The Fussy Duck Celebrate National Whip Cream Day at The Fussy Duck! They'll be offering delicious whip cream toppings for hot chocolate and vanilla wafers from 5 PM to 8 PM. Plus, enjoy live music by Ethan Stacy from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Come in for a sweet treat, one-of-a-kind finds, and some great tunes! Date: January 5, 2024Time:  5:00 PM – 8:00 PMLocation: The Fussy Duck // 3170 Commercial St SE, Salem, ORCost: FREE Learn more Supplem…

How Matthew developed his love of smoking meat Miller's BBQ in Salem Oregon is owned and led by passionate chef, Matthew Miller. From its humble beginning back in April of 2022, Miller's BBQ has grown steadily since and has been making a mark in the local community. Miller leads by example and is known for his huge heart, engaging smile, and high class catered BBQ for events and special occasions. When asked how he got his start smoking meat, Matthew chuckled and said that he learned to smoke meat when he and his wife, Janita, worked as the caretakers at Drift Creek Camp, a small Christian camp located in the Coast Range Mountains just outside of Lincoln City, OR soon after they were married. Matthew said, "We accepted the job offer and mov…

As we welcome the New Year, it's the perfect time to prioritize self-care and wellness. From massage to the great outdoors, Salem, Oregon, has a wealth of ways to help you relax, rejuvenate, and start 2024 off on the right foot. Here are just a few of our favorite ideas! Massage: Unwind and Recharge Massage has many benefits, including relaxation and healing. In Salem, there are many great local businesses that offer different kinds of massage for what you need. Snyder Massage's Tracy Snyder skillfully eases tension and fosters healing with services like Swedish massage, craniosacral therapy, Shiatsu massage, and lymph drainage. La Lumiere Massage has multiple talented massage therapists who specialize in various treatments that help you fe…

As 2023 comes to a close, Salem, OR, is gearing up for New Year's weekend with exciting events for everyone. Join the community in celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of another with fun activities across the city. Open Mic Night at RiverCity Rock Star Academy Head over to Open Mic Night at RiverCity Rock Star Academy's Garage Stage, happening on the last Friday of every month! The event is split into two parts: solo musicians and duets are invited to perform from 7 - 8 PM, then full bands can take the stage from 8 - 9 PM for a lively jam session. This event is free and open to everyone. Feel free to register in advance on their website or simply come by and join in the fun. Date: December 29, 2023Time:  7:00 PM – 9:00 PM…

'Tis the season to be jolly in Salem, Oregon! This special time of year brings an extra sparkle to Salem, with a variety of events that capture the magic of the season. Join us as we unwrap a list of local events and activities happening this weekend. Magic at the Mill Join the Willamette Heritage Center for "Magic at the Mill," a festive event illuminating the winter evenings with thousands of lights. This annual celebration, running from December 19th to 23rd between 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM, brings together the community to enjoy the holiday spirit and learn about Mid-Willamette Valley history. Each night is capped at 1,000 guests, so don't wait to buy tickets for this magical event! Date: December 19 - 23, 2023Time:  5:30 PM – 8:00 PMLo…

It's mid-December in Salem, Oregon, and businesses and organizations across the city are hosting some wonderful events! Whether you're searching for live music, holiday mixers, or kid-friendly events with Christmas celebrities (like Santa and Buddy the Elf), Salem has something special in store. Here are just a few of the weekend's local happenings. HonkyTonk Christmas! Join HonkyTonk Bar and Grill for their final full band performance of the year! Get ready for a special holiday treat as they dedicate an entire set to your favorite Christmas classics. They will even provide songbooks so you can sing along and make it a jolly group experience. Cover charge is just $5. Don't miss out! Date: December 15, 2023Time:  8:00 PM – 12:00 AMLoca…

Whether you've encountered a minor scratch or need a major repair, Salem, Oregon's local auto body shops offer comprehensive services (with superb customer service) to get your vehicle back in top shape. Let's explore seven local auto body shops that will have you covered, no matter what level of repair your vehicle needs. Jackson's Body Shop Jackson’s Body Shop is a family-run business that has focused on body repair, painting, and frame repair for over three generations. They offer comprehensive collision repair services and use estimating programs based on vehicle identification numbers for accurate repairs. Jackson's is praised for their exceptional customer service, which includes helping you navigate the insurance process, pick up and…

The Jefferson Lions won the Harrisburg Tournament Championship with a 50-20 victory over Blanchet Catholic. The game started with Blanchet's strong defense, but Jefferson quickly adapted, especially in the second quarter, with an impressive series of three-pointers. This shooting spree, led by Gretchen Orton with 19 points, propelled Jefferson to a dominant lead. Jefferson's teamwork and energetic play were key to their win, improving their season record to 4-1. Blanchet, with top scorers Paola Diaz-Hermosillo and Lindsey Arritola, aims to bounce back in their next game. For a complete overview of the game and photos, read Jeremy McDonald's article on JMcDonald Media.

Another weekend is nearly upon us in Salem, Oregon, which means there's another great line-up of local events. Here are just a few to add to your calendar! Holiday Sparkles at Powerland Experience the magic of the holiday season at Powerland Heritage Park's Holiday Sparkles drive-thru event! For three weekends, cruise through a winter wonderland filled with enchanting lights and festive displays. Santa Claus will be there for photos, and there's a complimentary hot cocoa bar to keep you warm. Look out for the mischievous Grinch! It's a fantastic family-friendly way to celebrate the holidays and spread some joy in the community, so invite your loved ones and share the festive cheer! Date: December 8-10, 15-17, 22-23, 2023Time:  5 PM - 8…

If you're on the lookout for that perfect jeweled gift for a loved one, local jewelers in the Salem, Oregon area offer a fantastic variety of choices with equally fantastic service. Whether you're searching for a symbol of love, a token of appreciation, or a festive gift, Salem's local jewelers have you covered. Jackson Jewelers Family-owned Jackson Jewelers has been a cornerstone of Salem's jewelry scene for over 75 years, proudly serving the mid-Willamette Valley from their Liberty Street location since 1944. Praised for their exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail, Jackson Jewelers is a destination for those seeking quality and craftsmanship. They offer a stunning selection of engagement rings and wedding bands, alongside…

December is nearly upon us in Salem, Oregon, and with it comes a magical transformation of the city. The streets twinkle with festive lights and decor, the air is filled with the sound of laughter and togetherness, and there's a great line-up of local events to usher in the holiday season. Downtown Salem Holiday Parade The 2nd Annual Downtown Salem Holiday Parade is will take place on Friday, December 1st! This cherished tradition aims to create a festive ambiance in the heart of downtown Salem, adorned with dazzling lights and decor, that welcomes friends and family and nurtures a strong sense of community. The Salem Main Street Association proudly organizes this heartwarming celebration in collaboration with the community. Date: December…

From cozy neighborhood bistros to trendy cafes, Salem offers a variety of places to enjoy what's widely considered the most important meal of the day—breakfast! This guide highlights some of the best local breakfast restaurants, perfect for Salem residents and visitors looking to start their day on the sunny side. Here’s a list of just a few must-visit breakfast destinations in Salem, Oregon. Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro At Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro—a quintessential local favorite—the focus is on homemade goodness. With an expansive menu featuring items like Creme Brûlée French Toast, Signature Corned Beef Hash, and mouthwatering "WOMelets," you can't go wrong with their natural ingredients. The vibe here is as comforting as th…

From the team at WhirLocal Salem, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for you—our local Salem community of friends and businesses that we know, like, and trust. After the Thanksgiving holiday is over, let the good times keep coming! Here are a few local events happening over the weekend. Photos with Santa: Walk-in Sessions Ho, ho, ho, Santa's coming to town! He's arriving at Salem's Riverfront Carousel on the Carousel Express Train at 12 PM on Friday, November 24th. 🚂 Santa will be ready to take walk-in photos (no reservation required) from 12:30 PM - 5 PM. It's first come, first serve, so come early! There may be long wait times. There will be complimentary hot cocoa while supplies last. Date: November 24 -…

Welcome back to part two of our exploration of vintage and antique shops in Salem, Oregon. You can find the first installment of this guide here! From antique malls to vintage boutiques, join us as we dive deeper into Salem's vintage scene. The Fussy Duck The Fussy Duck offers an expansive variety of antique and vintage finds, handmade treasures, home decor, and garden items. It's a great place to find unique pieces that add character to your home. With different vendors in every corner of their 10,500 sq ft building, you're likely to find exactly what you're looking for (or something you didn't even know you needed)! View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Fussy Duck (@thefussyduck) Monday Morning Vintage This unique vintage store…