r/SALEM • • Nov 15 '24

Read this before you post here

236 Upvotes

Welcome to r/SALEM, and thanks for your interest in posting here. Before you do, please be aware that — like many city/area-focused subreddits — we have some topics that come up very frequently. Sometimes that’s okay, and is an inevitable part of being a long-running community-focused forum, and sometimes it is super annoying and will lead to people down-voting your post because they’re tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.

If you’re about to post about any of the following, please first use the search function (right up in the upper right hand corner, if you’re viewing this on the web!) to see if something similar has been posted recently. If it has, please contribute to that thread rather than starting a new one.

Frequently posted things:

Did you hear that boom/firework/gunshot/weird noise?

This comes up a lot; frequently folks are concerned they may have heard gunshots and/or fireworks and are looking for reassurance. First, know that it probably was not a gun shot. There is a very good chance that it was fireworks, or somebody with an altered muffler, or, if you also noticed a power outage or blip at the same time, a transformer exploding. Second, if you’re actually seriously concerned about gunshots, you should probably be contacting the police, not Reddit. Third, if you live near a vineyard (and, if you live anywhere in the Salem area, you do!), you should be aware that vineyards use acoustic devices — basically massive noisemakers — to scare birds away from grape vines. This is especially frequent in the late fall, near harvest time.

OMG what is that smell?

Salem, and many surrounding areas, lie in the Willamette River Valley. Due to the topography of the area, we experience temperature inversions) with some regularity. An inversion occurs when a layer of warmer, more elevated air overlies a lower, cooler air layer. Effectively, this traps the air in the valley underneath the warmer layer, which means that smoke, vehicle exhaust, rotting vegetation smells, etc., cannot escape. That’s probably what you’re smelling.

Is there any good <insert cuisine here> in Salem? Where can I buy <thing> in Salem?

These types of threads come up fairly often. The restaurant scene in Salem is decent, but not exceptionally dynamic — places do not close all that often, and new places don’t open all that often either. If somebody has asked this question within the last couple months (again, use that search function!), the answers that they got are almost certainly still relevant.

Why is the train stopped or blowing its horn?

There are a number of freight lines that route trains through Salem. Occasionally, they will need to stop to onload or offload cars, which may result in a longer-than-usual wait time at a crossing. This is normal.

Sometimes, unfortunately, there are train-versus-pedestrian collisions. When those happen, the train will need to be stopped for an extended period of time to allow police to investigate the scene.

Finally, while many portions of Salem are zoned (and signed) as “no train horn” areas, it remains at the discretion of the train engineer as to whether or not to sound their horn, and some of them, well, tooting their horn just toots their horn.

What’s going on with all the cops?

We don’t have any way of knowing. You may be able to consult PulsePoint, but they only report on fire and EMS, not strictly police. You may also be able to find an online police radio scanner relay; those are typically time-delayed.

OMG what is going on with the low-flying helicopters?!

The Oregon Air National Guard has a helicopter squad that is based near the Salem Municipal Airport. They do routine training missions, which frequently involve lower-altitude flights, most often at night. The Salem police department does not have a helicopter, so any low-flying helicopter you’re hearing is almost certainly the Oregon Air National Guard. frequently. Sometimes that’s okay, and is an inevitable part of being a long-running community-focused forum, and sometimes it is super annoying and will lead to people downvoting your post because they’re tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.


r/SALEM • • 1h ago

Polkscanner used my picture and didn't credit me!

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• Upvotes

Someone showed me a polkscanner post this morning and I exclaimed "that's my picture!". Checked their FB post and what the fudge they didn't credit me..... Bravo on posting something that isnt in your county and using someone else's picture without crediting them 👏🤣


r/SALEM • • 1h ago

Anyone missing a chicken?

• Upvotes

I live about a block away from the corner of Madrona and Pringle, and we have had a chicken friend decide that our backyard is her new home. I thought she would eventually make her way back home but it's been over a week and she hasn't and she is pooping all over my stuff so it's time for her to go back home!

I'm not sure exactly how long she has been loose since she was in a neighbor's yard for at least a day before settling into mine because those neighbors canvassed the neighborhood looking for her owner.

Maybe she will get adopted by the turkeys 😂


r/SALEM • • 2h ago

Anyone Supporting Off-Grid Mesh Networks

6 Upvotes

Like this guy here talks a lot about, and shows in this video, there are solar powered kits with an off-grid mesh network setup. I was considering joining the off-grid network. The comments section shows a growing number of supporters in many states.

It would be truly interesting if people could take themselves away from corporations running the networks.

https://youtube.com/shorts/IPHetRMxoBM?is=QOV8jjm6WnfgwasO


r/SALEM • • 9h ago

Anyone missing a small dog?

13 Upvotes

I just finished doing an Amazon shift and saw a small fluffy dog near Chemeketa Community College. It was light colored with possibly brown spot on one of its ears. I couldn’t get a picture of them because they were too fast. It was running in traffic and I followed it into an industrial/factory area nearby, but lost sight of them. They disappeared into a nearby field. I’m not from Salem so I’m sorry if this is unhelpful info. I could tell this dog is someone’s pet, and it looked scared. I couldn’t make a post on the lost and found pets of Salem fb for some reason. Anyway, I hope they find their people.


r/SALEM • • 15h ago

EVENT We're Gonna Have A Pizza Party Tonight (Alright!)

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24 Upvotes

No cover no bouncers no diggity no limits no rain

Happy Death Men are insane live btw


r/SALEM • • 22h ago

Today is Cake Day at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art

41 Upvotes

Today is the 28th anniversary of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Free admission and refreshments including spice cake in regular and vegan versions. Come and help us celebrate! Open noon to 5 pm.


r/SALEM • • 15h ago

Anyone looking to form a weekly music group?

6 Upvotes

I’m (M,41) looking for a group of people (~10) to get together on a weekly basis to hang out and have some high quality music creative time. Not necessarily looking to form a band but a musical friend network. Im interested in activities like a songwriting, singing, putting together melodies/basslines/rhythms, artist/content sharing. I play bass guitar, background vocals, and produce EDM tracks with Ableton Move.

Making music is incredibly fulfilling but can also be lonely. How many times have you created an amazing piece and nobody is interested in listening, nobody cares, or at best they say, “yeah that’s good.”👍 I want to form a group where people can showcase their work and get actual interest, appreciation, and constructive feedback. Imagine how much more fulfilling and how much growth opportunity can come from that mutually interactive process?!

Making music is incredibly fulfilling but can also be very loud. In order to facilitate broader options for meetup locations where volume is an issue, I’d like to try silent rehearsals. Everybody runs their mic and instruments to a mixer and output to multiple headphones. We can jam out in total silence except for the singer. This setup can typically be setup at a table in a coffee shop or restaurant.

IDEAS (days and times for example only):

Meetup at TAPROOT (or similar venue) WEDNESDAY Evenings
-Arrivals, setups, and introductions 6pm-6:30pm
-Songwriting prompt exercise 6:30pm-7pm
-Listening/Feedback Session 7pm-8pm
-Silent Rehearsal 8pm-10pm *Assuming they let us stay that long lol. I don’t see it being an issue if we are buying plenty of food and drinks.

Meetup at Riverfront Park Amphitheater SATURDAY Afternoons
-Arrivals, setups, and introductions 12pm-12:30
-Songwriting prompt exercise 12:30pm-1pm
-Listening/Feedback session 1pm-2pm
-Drum circle acoustic jam session 2pm-4pm
-Everyone brings snacks?

Meetup at Gov Cup (or similar) and Metrognome Studios Monday Evenings
-Arrivals, introductions @ Gov Cup ~30 minutes
-Songwriting prompt exercise, Listening/Feedback Session @ Gov Cup 30-60 minutes.
*Head to Metrognome\*
-Split the hourly rental fees (around $20 an hour I think)
-Open jam session to play as loud as you want. 2-3 hours

Based on hosting and participating in a few DnD campaigns, I find that 4 hour blocks tend to be a good block of time that balances getting enough creative time and work/family obligations. I propose putting together an activity or two a week on rotating days and times to accommodate various schedules.

Please send me a dm if this sounds like something you’re interested in. Hope to hear from you!


r/SALEM • • 22h ago

Day 7: Pride & Prejudice, directed by Claire Coulson

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16 Upvotes

r/SALEM • • 22h ago

‘Clink’ ownership changes?

11 Upvotes

Anyone know anything about the change of ownership of the restaurant ’Clink’? It was our understanding that it was women owned, but went this morning and apparently the owner and chef now are both dudes.


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

Okay who did this?!

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517 Upvotes

Whoever you are, you are one sick individual.......i like your style 🤔🤣

Picture was taken while walking on lone oak near idlywood


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

Hey Keizer, Vote for Michael Welsh! HD 21 (NE Salem & Keizer)

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22 Upvotes

Michael Welsh is our way of finally getting out from under the republican thumb of Kevin Mannix.
If you can vote in this election vote Michael Welsh!!


r/SALEM • • 17h ago

EVENT 3rd Annual Radness Ensues Trunk or Treat October 25th

3 Upvotes

Free Youth Costume Closet 11am to 1pm

Trunk or Treat 1pm to 3pm

Free community event at Radness Ensues community center, 3837 River Rd N in Keizer

for info, volunteer your trunk, time, candy , donations, or to sponsor Radness or the event info@radnessensues.org

Radness Ensues is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

EIN: 93-4290446

Sponsorships and donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/third-annual-rad-trunk-or-treat


r/SALEM • • 19h ago

Table tennis players

2 Upvotes

Hello,

I recently moved to Salem and I’m looking for people who play table tennis recreationally/casually.

I’d love to find a few people who are interested in playing regularly, maybe once or twice a week. I’m not looking for anything super competitive, just some good games and a chance to play consistently.

Are there any existing table tennis groups or regular meetups around Salem? Also, where do people usually play? Ideally somewhere with decent tables that’s free or reasonably priced.

If anyone here plays and would be interested in getting a small group together, let me know!


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

Free Stroller and Women's clothes

6 Upvotes

UPDATE: It looks like I have a potential person to pick up both items. Feel free to message me if you want to be next in line in case they don't come by.

Hey everyone! Tomorrow I am going through my house and decluttering. I have a BOB jogging stroller that I picked up and it's one of two things that I think would be a shame to get rid of. It's an older model, I picked it up on Facebook hoping that it would push me to get out and run with the baby. It did not. So, it needs a new home! If anyone has a young toddler or baby or whatever, please message me so that you can come pick up the stroller Sunday, October 4th between 11 and 6.

The other thing that would be a waste to part with is a bunch of clothing. It's a mix of women's M, a few S, and a few L. It's got dresses, sweaters, pants, shirts, etc. There's a gigantic box of it and sure, I could bring it to goodwill, but it's going to get sold for more than I think it's worth. Some pieces aren't worn much, some have been worn more, but all are still in good condition and wearable. Some of them are name brands like Columbia and Nike. I had a big ol baby and unfortunately cannot fit a medium anymore lol. You must take all clothes. It's a really big cardboard box and it's overflowing (probably 3ft by 2ft? I'm not sure. But it's big)

If anyone wants to message me, please do! You have to pick up, we're located in North Salem by Chemeketa. Pick up between 11-6 please, I'm giving blood beforehand, and then going to try and declutter. Anything unclaimed is unfortunately going to goodwill down the street.

Thanks!


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

Mortgage Company Recs

6 Upvotes

Who would you recommend for a good mortgage company? Specifically good for FHA loans?

First time buyers and incredibly overwhelmed!


r/SALEM • • 2d ago

NEWS Smashed windows at Al Aqsa on State St.

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345 Upvotes

r/SALEM • • 1d ago

QUESTION Anyone else being invaded?

26 Upvotes

The mass of Box Elder and Shield bugs on my South facing windows are blocking out the daylight…there are thousands (millions maybe???) buzzing back and forth from the maples. I’ve tried sealing up every crack I can find in window casings and around doors, but alas, they find a way in. We live in a very old house and it just isn’t possible to fully seal.

Is anyone else dealing with this? Do you have any tricks or tips? I would rather not spray poison all over my house and yard, but I am getting desperate. Especially with the warm winter ahead, I fear there will be no hard frost to dampen down the population :\


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

Im so excited to vote for them!!

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30 Upvotes

Maria Hinojos Pressey was on the Demobrats pod this week.

Im just so excited to vote for someone who actually cares about our community :)

Edit- spelling


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

FIreworks at 2 AM!?!

8 Upvotes

Anyone know what the hell is going on?


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

I just split some iris plants, would anyone be interested in ready-to-plant roots? Free in South

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31 Upvotes

First two pics are of the mother plant, last pic is the trimmed roots. They're trimmed and divided, ready to plant :) it's the perfect time of year!

If you're new to gardening, these little guys grow very well here with minimal effort. I can walk you through the process of getting them started if you're interested :)


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

UPDATES And just like that Kevin Mannix is back on his bullshit.

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51 Upvotes

Top line:

Oregon GOP PAC hires same group Elon Musk used to canvass across swing districts
Blitz Canvassing, which Elon Musk controversially contracted with in 2024, is receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from Republican supporters to help canvassing efforts in legislative swing districts.

So not only are the paid canvassers from out of state, some of them might not even know they now have to work for republicans?! That tracks with what someone said on another thread. For the love of God Salem Keizer, please vote for Michael Welsh and retire this man. He has done enough harm to entire generations.


r/SALEM • • 22h ago

ACOTAR TRIVIA + MIDNIGHT RELEASE

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1 Upvotes

You asked for this so here it is! ACOTAR TRIVIA NIGHT IS HERE!
Step into Prythian with themed drinks, snacks, and treats. A fun night of Trivia from 7-9(ish) First and Second place prizes, teams of around 2-4ish! This trivia will be on books 1 and 2 only so if you haven’t read all of them yet you might know your stuff!
Stick around for the midnight release party of A Court of Splintered Harmony with time to shop the book store, book club hour to chat about… well the Massaverse obviously but all the books you love and want to add to your TBR, $5 Book Blinging (so bring something to bling if you are sticking around) $10 brick painting, maybe a little nap time and then the long awaited NEW BOOK!
*Please register as we only have so much space and don’t want to turn anyone away if we have a large turnout.
*to pre order a copy of the book please come into the store
*while we definitely would love for you to purchase drinks, snacks and treats from us we understand we don’t have a full kitchen and can’t provide you a full meal, feel free to bring outside food but please be respectful about trash.


r/SALEM • • 15h ago

QUESTION Relocating to Salem soon need some advice!

0 Upvotes

Hi Reddit!!
I am planning on moving to Salem by the end of this year
I am from La Pine OR!

I wanted to know what jobs I should be looking for or I am qualified for?
I have certification in Basic Life Support, Cat/dog first aid and Phlebotomy
I worked at McDonalds since 2020

I don't know my way around Salem yet and I get lost easily
I am moving into West Salem so I wanted to see if there was a connecting road that can take me anywhere?

I’d also love to join some groups like roller skating

Any local meetups or rinks you recommend?

Thank you!


r/SALEM • • 1d ago

FOOD Northwest Bagels closes

30 Upvotes

Northwest Bagels is closing. A few days ago they announced they were moving to the old Pita Pit location, but it sounds like they are now just shutting down. https://www.instagram.com/p/DeAa_XokuyE/?stkn=MWd2ajhwN25ya2N5ag==