Navigating special education services can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. However, understanding your child’s rights and knowing what resources are available can empower you to be a better advocate for their educational needs. In honor of Special Education Day on December 2nd, here’s a basic guide to taking an active role in your child’s educational journey. Understand Your Child’s Rights Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities who need special education services have a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). IDEA outlines protections and procedures for students and gives families a voice in their child’s education. If y…

Stomach cancer (also known as gastric cancer) may not be as well-known as other cancers, but it is a serious health condition that affects thousands of people each year. During Stomach Cancer Awareness Month in November, it’s important to educate yourself on the risks, symptoms, and ways to reduce your chances of developing the disease. Understanding more about stomach cancer can help you stay vigilant about your health and spread awareness to others. What Is Stomach Cancer? Stomach cancer develops when abnormal cells in the stomach lining grow out of control. It can happen in different parts of the stomach and spread to other organs if it’s not caught early. While stomach cancer rates have declined over the past few decades, it …

We here at Servpro "Team McGinnis" are fully prepared to respond to any situation that may arise from this upcoming weather event! If you require assistance, please do not hesitate to call us! #boardups #waterdamage #stormdamage #flooding #winddamage #debriremoval  Here to Help! 541-745-2097

📢 Exciting News for Our Local Business Community!WhirLocal Salem recently hosted a hands-on AI Workshop at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, and it was a huge success! Local business owners came ready to learn, engaging actively and even starting to build their own brand voice assistants right in the room. There was a lot of excitement and continued discussion even after the workshop ended. One attendee exclaimed, “Thank you! I got exactly what I needed!” 🎉Why It Matters: Workshops like these empower local businesses with cutting-edge tools to improve customer engagement, streamline communication, and enhance their brand presence online. We’re here to support our community by providing resources that help local businesses save…

Bladder health is an important part of our overall well-being, but it’s something many women may not think about until they experience issues like leakage, discomfort, or frequent urination. Maintaining bladder control and comfort can make a big difference in staying active and feeling confident. These practical tips can help you take care of your bladder health at every stage of life. Why Is Bladder Health Important? The bladder’s job is to store urine until it’s time to go to the bathroom. A healthy bladder should comfortably hold urine for about 3-4 hours and fully empty when you urinate. However, factors like pregnancy, childbirth, aging, and other health conditions can weaken the muscles that support the bladder, leading t…

🌟 Light Up Your Holidays with Elvis's Painting! Limited Spots Available! 🌟This holiday season, let Elvis’s Painting bring festive magic to your home with our new Christmas light hanging service in the Salem area! Known for our trusted quality and attention to detail in painting, we’re bringing that same dedication to your holiday lighting.🎄 What We Offer:Custom Light Displays: Designed to fit your home’s unique styleHassle-Free Setup & Takedown: Safe and seamless installation and removalFestive Magic Made Easy: All you need to do is enjoy!✨ Spaces are filling fast—schedule your estimate today! Don’t miss your chance to transform your property into a holiday wonderland.…

AI Training Workshop – November 14, 2024 – Sign Up Today!Do you use AI on a regular basis in your business, yet wonder if there are ways you could be utilizing it better? You’re not alone!Register TodayRegister for our upcoming hands-on AI Training Workshop, and in just a few hours, you’ll walk away with…Three key insights about AI and the risks of ignoring itUnderstanding of the most common AI tools—free and paid—and their differencesStep-by-step guidance on building a brand voice that enhances every aspect of your businessFrameworks to start building your own AI assistantCustom AI templates designed to jump-start time-saving AI in your businessConfidence in using AI tools beyond just the basic free version of ChatGPT, t…

Donate Today to Help Students in the City of KeizerUnderwear. Deodorant. Depends Diapers. Sweat pants. These were the items delivered to a few of the schools in the past few weeks. Because of donations we are able to provide these for the children. $5-$5000, it all goes to the program when you donate. Please help us spread the word. We would love to get more people seeing our need in Keizer. Please share this on your social pages. www.keizercommunityfoundation.org to make your donation. Thank you!

It’s no secret that our health changes throughout our lives. As our health changes, so do our healthcare needs. Whether you’re anticipating the natural effects of aging, managing a chronic condition, or simply wanting to stay prepared for the future, it’s important to plan ahead. Being proactive about your future health needs can help you maintain independence, reduce stress, and make sure your wishes are respected. This basic guide can help you plan for your future health needs, with tips to help you make informed decisions. Start by Assessing Your Current Health The first step in planning for your future health is to assess your current health. Are you currently managing a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood …

Special Thanks to Our Presenting Sponsor! Thank you to everyone who submitted pumpkins and who participated in the community voting round in our contest this year. 478 votes were cast! Congratulations to the Prize Winners! Organized by …

Our lungs play a key role within our bodies, helping us breathe clearly and providing necessary oxygen to support other vital functions. October is Healthy Lung Month, which is a perfect opportunity to teach kids about the importance of lung health and develop good habits that can protect your child’s lungs for life. With growing concerns about air pollution, respiratory illness, and vaping/smoking, it’s more important than ever to help children understand how to care for their lungs. Why Lung Health Matters for Kids Lungs are essential for breathing, providing oxygen to our bodies and removing carbon dioxide. While kids may not think much about their lungs, developing lung-healthy habits early on can prevent long-term damage.…

Help pick the WINNERS in our 11th Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest!Would you like a chance to win a $100 Gift Card to Rudy’s Steakhouse? All you have to do is pick your favorite pumpkin from the top 10 finalists in our 11th Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest and your name will automatically be entered into the voter random drawing!Here’s how it works:Pick Your Favorite Pumpkin: Use this link to submit your top choice. https://lp.whirlocal.io/pumpkin-winner-selection-2024 Check Your Email for a Special Thank You: After submitting your top choice, look for a “Thank You” email in your inbox. Share Your Unique Referral Link: The email will include a special link just for you. Follow the instructions in the email and then …

Menopause is a natural biological process that signals the end of a woman’s reproductive cycle. While menopause is normal, the symptoms and changes that come with it can impact your physical and emotional well-being. Understanding what to expect and how to manage symptoms can help you navigate this transition more smoothly. What to Expect During Menopause While menopause can happen earlier or later for some women, it is most common between the ages of 45 and 55. The process is gradual and takes place in three stages: Perimenopause Perimenopause is the initial transition phase before menopause, when your ovaries begin to shrink and your body begins producing less estrogen. Perimenopause can last several years, and symptoms lik…

Explore Group Benefits for Your EmployeesAre you an employer looking to attract and retain great employees? Valley Insurance Professionals is here to help you explore a wide range of group benefit options for your team, including:Health InsuranceAccident and IndemnityLife InsuranceDentalDisability InsuranceVisionProviding the right benefits can make all the difference in creating a loyal, satisfied workforce. Let us help you craft the perfect benefits package for your employees.Give us a call today or connect with us online to learn more about how we can support your business: https://valleyinsurancepro.com/contact/…

With busy schedules, it’s easy for family meals to get put on the back burner. During the week especially, it can be tempting to eat dinner on your own time, for your children to take their food back to their room while they do homework, or to eat while watching the evening news. But did you know that sitting down together for regular meals can offer various benefits for both kids and adults? From healthier eating habits to deeper family connections, Eat Better, Eat Together Month in October is the perfect time to start prioritizing family meals. Here are some tips to help you create a family meal routine that works for your household. Why Family Meals Matter Family meals are about more than just the food you eat—they�…

🎃 WhirLocal Salem's 11th Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest is Here! 🎃We’re excited to kick off our 11th Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest, sponsored by Acorn Dentistry For Kids, and we want YOU to join the fun! Whether you're a seasoned pumpkin artist or just love to get creative, now’s your chance to show off your design skills.💡 How it works:Submit your pumpkin designs between now and October 20th.The community will vote for their favorites between October 22nd-29th.We’ll announce the top 3 winners on October 31st, and there are amazing prizes up for grabs!🧡 This is a fantastic way to get into the fall spirit and bring our Salem community together through creativity and fun.Ready to submit your pumpkin? 🎃 Head ov…

Parenting a child with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) comes with unique challenges, but with the right support, your child can thrive both at home and in the classroom. ADHD can affect children in different ways, but common symptoms include difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. By creating structure and providing strategies tailored to your child, you can help them on their path to success. Understanding ADHD ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children in various ways. Children with ADHD may struggle with focus, following instructions, completing tasks, or sitting still for long periods. These symptoms can impact their behavior at home, school, in social settings, and by themselves. …

🌿 Transform Your Outdoor Space with Farwest Gardens! 🌿Looking for the latest in landscape design? Farwest Gardens is here to bring your vision to life! We specialize in beautiful, sustainable landscape designs tailored to both residential and commercial properties across Salem, Oregon.As proud sponsors of the article on the Top Landscape Design Trends Shaping Salem, Oregon, we're dedicated to keeping our community updated on innovative outdoor spaces that enhance both beauty and functionality.🌳 Why Choose Farwest Gardens?Over 45 years of experience in landscape design, building, and maintenance.Customized solutions, from detailed consultations to 2D CAD drawings and 3D imaging.Expertise in creating functional, sustainable, and beau…

🚨 Exciting Sponsorship Opportunity for Local Businesses! 🚨Are you looking for a way to boost your visibility in the local community? 🌟 We have an amazing opportunity for a business to sponsor our weekly email newsletter! 📨By becoming our email sponsor, your business will be featured front and center in our newsletter, reaching thousands of engaged readers every week. It’s a great way to get your name out there, share your message, and show your support for the local community. 🤝What’s in it for you?Increased Visibility 📈: Your business will be highlighted at the top of our weekly news email.Community Impact ❤️: Show your support for positive local news, things to do, and engaging articles to keep the community info…

Local Heroes Shout Out!Here’s a Local Heroes shout out to the team at SERVPRO of Salem West – Team McGinnis.(Pictured L to R) Jenn Benavidez, Business Development Manager; Jessica Curtis, Accounts Receivable; Raymond Murray, Water Crew ChiefThe caring team with SERVPRO Salem West – Team McGinnis are equipped and ready to handle all types of fire and water restoration needs. They can also be found volunteering in the local community and doing what they can to support local non-profits.🏅 We consider local businesses, organizations and institutions “Local Heroes” because they are the risk-takers and doers, and are often the ones who give till it hurts when it comes to supporting local non-profits and other community causes. W…

Pregnancy loss is a deeply personal and emotional experience that many parents face. The grief and sadness can feel overwhelming, whether the loss was through miscarriage, stillbirth, or something different entirely.  But in your grief, it’s important to remember that you are not alone—there are many ways to find support and take the first steps on your healing journey. While healing is unique to everyone, here are a few ways you can seek comfort and navigate this difficult experience. What Is Pregnancy Loss? Pregnancy loss can happen at any stage of development, and it’s more common than many people realize. Miscarriages, which occur before the 20th week of pregnancy, happen in about 10-20% of known pregnancies.&n…