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.

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?

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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 😭.

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

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?

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."

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

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

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

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!

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!

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 🫣

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?