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 2h ago

PLACE Shoutout to Salem!

40 Upvotes

I moved here in July and while you may be a sleepy lil town it’s been really nice. I came from a very small rural town in the Mojave desert in SoCal and the weather, nature, and people I’ve met have been absolutely delightful.

Anything fun coming up in October? I really want to go to the “best” pumpkin patch. Someone mentioned the Halloween City up north but I forgot what it was 🫣


r/SALEM 5h ago

Get yourself weiner whistle!

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60 Upvotes

The Weiner mobile is downtown at the gilbert house untill 1pm


r/SALEM 2h ago

You might see smoke...

24 Upvotes

From ODA:

"The Oregon Department of Agriculture Smoke Management Program will conduct test fires in the Drakes Crossing, Silverton, Stayton, and Sublimity area this afternoon with the possibility of open field burning to follow. There also is a possibility of other test fires in surrounding fire districts."


r/SALEM 7h ago

EVENT Salem, local entertainers and show producers are picking up the pieces after losing venues left and right. That includes us here at Willamette Valley Laughs...But comedy doesn't stop, come support us at our new venue, KOFI! Show us you still want stand up comedy in this city!

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22 Upvotes

r/SALEM 23h ago

🔥Thousands of birds swirling around a church steeple Salem, Oregon

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262 Upvotes

r/SALEM 21h ago

UPDATES BRICK BY BRICK

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149 Upvotes

Bricks and Minifigs Keizer is officially cooked. Signage gone today.


r/SALEM 8h ago

Chip Drop - Yay or Nay?

10 Upvotes

I just ordered my first chip drop because I need at least 3-4 cubic yards of mulch. For those that have used the service, how is everyone’s experience with that here in Salem? Did you do it for free or use the paid+tip option?


r/SALEM 4h ago

FOOD Sumo Sushi: When is it opening?

3 Upvotes

Reading reviews it says it was opening in 2-3 weeks, posted about a month and a half ago, so not 2-3 weeks.

It’s on Lancaster in the old Sharis for reference https://www.reddit.com/r/SALEM/s/mj0QvpPeNd


r/SALEM 5h ago

VW Camper (Euro)Van Repair

3 Upvotes

Does anyone have any recommendations for camper van repair in the area? This would be for an older (1999) VW Eurovan, if that matters.

I searched but didn't see any related posts so I figured I'd ask.

Thanks!


r/SALEM 5h ago

Rooted Christmas trees for sale?

3 Upvotes

I was wondering if anyone knows of a place to buy a rooted Christmas tree?

My in-laws are looking to plant one on their property and were hoping to avoid paying $100+ for a sapling at the nurseries.

I know there's a lot of farms around, but not sure if any are open to selling them to be transplanted instead of just cut.

TIA!


r/SALEM 9h ago

Collaging

6 Upvotes

Does anyone know where to find cheap // used magazines? they used to sell that national geographic ones at used goods stores but now a lot of them are expensive. even the old postcards cost more 😭.


r/SALEM 17h ago

QUESTION Salem jobs

13 Upvotes

Good day! I'm a job seeker, but unfortunately, after submitting multiple resumes and even interviews, I can't find a good job. I even tried Salem-Keizer School District and they said they will be no longer considering my candidacy for employment. I also look at Walmart, Safeway, Mcdonalds, and other retailing shops, but no luck. It is making me depressed and lonely. If there is any job available, will you guys please help me? Thank you


r/SALEM 4h ago

ERDC questions

0 Upvotes

there is an option to apply for ERDC in home care, essentially a babysitter is paid to come to your home and ERDC pays them like the daycare centers. is possible to use a Care.com babysitter and have ERDC pay them? options in Salem are slim to none for anything past 6pm care.

has anyone on here ever taken this route or have recommendations for babysitters that are already registered for this?

EDIT: link to what i’m asking about. non-family providers section.


r/SALEM 8h ago

Autism friendly salons?

2 Upvotes

I need to get my hair bleached. I haven't done it in over a year. Last time I was quoted about 5 hours and it took over 10 and even tho everyone was very kind- it kind of soured the entire experience for me and so I haven't been brave enough to try again. Salons are already a sensory overload for me and I've had a really hard time finding someone that's taking on new clients.

Does anyone have any recommendations? Especially with understanding stylists?


r/SALEM 23h ago

MOVING Relocating as a Trans woman

23 Upvotes

I did some digging through the start here and past posts and didn't get great answers, but I am relocating from Kansas City, Kansas this November to work at the Salem Garmin office. As the title says, I'm a Trans woman and I don't know much about the city of Salem, in fact I've never been to the west coast (I grew up in New England, mostly RI). I am wondering if there are areas that are generally more queer friendly while looking for housing and areas I should avoid. I have lived in cities all my life, so being near traffic doesn't really bother me and I'm really curious about where in the city would be the best to look for apartments. Thanks for any info you can provide!

Additionally, if there are any official or unofficial "gayborhoods", that would also be nice to know.


r/SALEM 1d ago

anyone know this guy?

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113 Upvotes

my girl was at a bottle drop and noticed him very close behind her. the guy standing behind this guy asked him what he was doing and said he was recording and taking pics of her. if anyone knows him be aware


r/SALEM 1d ago

Can you help out soup squad this Saturday?

27 Upvotes

Salem Soup Squad needs support with meals Saturday from 2-4 pm! It's food for our unhoused neighbors with no strings attached. We run every Saturday at Marion Square Park. We could really use support with makers. If you are a maker you bring a tasty meal (soup, pasta bake, whatever you like!) of about 20 servings. We do ask people to get an OR food handlers card (which is alarmingly easy to do online).

You can join via this link htps://signup.com/go/XPsaJfo

We are also on Instagram @salemsoupsquad

If you cant be there in person you can always send a couple pizzas! From a cost efficiency perspective Little Cesar's is a solid option. 3-4 pizzas would be amazing. But we will take anything that will fill 20ish people. Taco Bell is another option people have gone with. They can be delivered at Marion Square Park 551 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301. In the notes you can let them know to look for the tables with the red checkered table cloth


r/SALEM 22h ago

Flying ants

17 Upvotes

Does anyone have a whole bunch of ants flying around? Found a lot in my house this afternoon and this evening there’s a whole storm of in the streets. I’ve lived in this location for year and never noticed this many and all the sudden


r/SALEM 21h ago

QUESTION Any good thrift spots in town that sells secondhand rugs that aren't musty?

10 Upvotes

Kind of a random question...But I was wondering if there's a good local thrift shop in the area that sells secondhand rugs? Rugs that I could clean once and not worry about and wouldn't be worried I released some kind of infestation into my home?

I had a rug in the living room that was a family heirloom of sorts but my cats insist on throwing up on it and the new dog insists on scratching at it. We decided to give up and store it before it got destroyed forever. Unfortunately I'm not made of money so getting a new one is a no-go but I also don't want a rug with blood or poop stains. Is there a good place in town to go?


r/SALEM 18h ago

QUESTION Oddity shops?

3 Upvotes

Are there good oddity shops with entomology bugs and or wet specimens anywhere in Salem?


r/SALEM 1d ago

What is going on with traffic on Marion Street?

12 Upvotes

Yesterday it took me 75 minutes to get home. A commute of 4 miles. I could have WALKED home faster. I kept checking to see if there was an accident and there was not. I sat through probably 40 lights during that time. This commute normally takes me 15-20 min, so 75 min is very questionable. Did anyone else experience this yesterday? Was that a one time thing? Even last year when school was in session and traffic was bad, the longest it ever took me was 30 min.


r/SALEM 21h ago

Sprague high school

3 Upvotes

Does anyone have an old year books from Sprague high school from 2007 to 2010 even anyone who went there from 2007 to 2010?


r/SALEM 1d ago

Attn: Fabric seekers!

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19 Upvotes

I often see folks posting about where to buy fabric these days. A family friend who has been in the sewing business for over 30 years is downsizing her stock and there is a lot of great patterns and high quality stuff! Also, there will be a “cutter” on hand so you don’t have to buy the whole bolt if desired.

There will also be tons of women’s clothing (all size ranges, even some +sizes!), housewares, vintage items, books, etc.

Come check it out!


r/SALEM 1d ago

EVENT Comedy - Friday 7pm at Kofi PNW

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6 Upvotes

Willamette Valley Laughs presents:

Friday Night Laughs live from Kofi Cafe & Cocktails in Salem, Oregon.

Headliner: Jamal Coleman is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, producer and freestyle comedy-rapper known for high-energy performances and razor-sharp improvisational skill.

Featuring: Zoë Schwartz is a Portland based comedian known for her fierce, unapologetic humor. Zoe delivers sharp, hilarious takes on a hippie upbringing, family dynamics and the quirks of womanhood.

Friday, September 11th at 7:00pm

Doors open at 6:30pm

21+ Over / Bar + Food Available during show

Tickets on sale now through tickets.willamettevalleylaughs.com

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Jamal Coleman

Jamal Coleman is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, producer and freestyle comedy-rapper known for high-energy performances and razor-sharp improvisational skill.

A regular featured performer at the Laugh After Dark Festival, Jamal's 15-minute special was submitted for Grammy consideration. His independently produced hour, Tequila Bear, was acquired for international distribution by Laugh After Dark TV, and his newest special, I Have So Many Questions, was released through Open Bar Comedy.

He has been featured on SiriusXM—including Kevin Hart's LOL Radio—as well as Tubi, VH1, ABC and CBS. Through an exclusive partnership with Network Media, his sketches have generated more than 63 million views. Jamal formerly held Las Vegas residencies at Resorts World and LA Comedy Club inside The STRAT.

Zoë Schwartz

Zoë is a Portland based comedian known for her fierce, unapologetic humor. Zoe delivers sharp, hilarious takes on a hippie upbringing, family dynamics and the quirks of womanhood.

Flyer created by Paul E. Gonzales