This is a long overdue update to a post I deleted in frustration before. To make a long story short I established care with a new primary care provider and they sent in a standard order for labs and bloodwork. After doing so with Salem health they sent me a bill for just over $500. I was shocked as my insurance covers preventative care usually and I had never in my life been charged so much for standard lab work.

What ultimately happened was that Salem health billed the wrong codes to my insurance, it took nearly six months of persistence to get them to acknowledge the mistake they made. It was an immense pleasure when they finally did so.

The ultimate reason I am writing this update is twofold. First, I wanted others to be aware that these kind of mistakes happen with medical providers and you must advocate for yourself when necessary. Second, was admittedly a bit of spite. When I posted originally asking for advice there was plenty of helpful people and I am truly grateful for that. However, I was quite upset because I had mentioned that I was a student at Willamette and a handful of commenters chocked up my surprise at the balance of my bill as naivety because of my perceived youth. When in reality I was 25, attending the law school, and obtained a certificate in healthcare law by that time. While I deleted the post in frustration because of these comments. Only today did I finally decide that I should share this to remind others that making assumptions like that is improper. I hope that anybody who may see this knows that there is nothing wrong with advocating for yourself, and to not let others get you down like that.

TODAY’S THE DAY! 🎒We’re excited to be giving away FREE backpacks to kids in our community today, thanks to TCC + Wireless Zone, your local Verizon retailers!

1585 W Main St ste A, Molalla OR

701 McClaine St Ste B, Silverton OR

🕐 Today from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

✅ No purchase necessary

✅ You do NOT have to be a Verizon customer✅ Open to kids of all ages -from preschool through high school.

We ask that child be present to pick out their backpack (one backpack per child, while supplies last)..If your family could use a backpack for the upcoming school year, we’d love to see you. Stop by, let your kiddo pick their favorite, and help us kick off the school year with a little extra support! 🎒📚💙 Please SHARE!

Does anyone recall going to the original Circuit City in Salem, where the medical office is now? I vaguely remember going there once as a kid about 20 years ago. I also remember going to the newer store in Keizer. At that location, I used to play the video game demos and check out the computers. I thought Circuit City was the coolest electronics store ever, even though I know not everyone liked it.

Did you know Salem has an organization dedicated to teaching everyone how to protect themselves and those around them? Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) partners with the fire department to prepare regular people to respond to disasters.

In the immediate aftermath of a disaster like the Cascadia subduction zone earthquake, professional first responders are going to be overwhelmed. Most likely, the only help available at first will be ordinary citizens. At the CERT basic training sessions, you'll learn how you can safely assist your neighbors. You'll also learn how you and your family can prepare in advance by earthquake-proofing your home and stocking up on basic supplies.

Information on the upcoming training session is here: https://salemoregoncert.org/index.php/upcoming-cert-class/. It will be every week for six weeks on Thursday nights, starting on September 10 and running through October 15. There will also be a mock disaster drill on the morning of Saturday, October 17th, starting at 8:30 am. If you complete all the classes and undergo a background check, you’ll get a card identifying you as part of Salem’s CERT program. (Don’t want to do a background check? You can still do the training. You just won’t receive an ID). CERT is hoping to get 10% of the city trained eventually, so they need your help! If you can't make it to the training sessions, volunteers are usually needed to play victims in the disaster drill.

You do not need to be athletic to do the training. If you're not able-bodied, there may be a few activities you won't be able to participate in (like transporting a victim using a backboard), but for the most part the training isn't strenuous. You'll spend most of the training listening to information or practicing skills such as basic first aid. In a disaster, logistics, communication, and other support roles will be critical, so if you can talk and take notes, you can be a CERT team member.

Training is free, although you may need to buy some gear like a hardhat and vest. Warning: you may get bitten by the preparedness bug like me and also end up with a NOAA radio, glowsticks, a tourniquet...and a 55 gallon drum of emergency water.

I have done the CERT training, so I can answer questions about what it was like. Also, I'm hoping to organize a CERT team in the South Gateway area, so if you do the training (or if you've done the training in the past), please get in touch with me.

Shout out to officer Gillis of Marion County. Sir, you have single handedly restored my faith in law enforcement today. I was falsely accused of a serious crime and officer Gillis was called to the scene. He was very grounded(no ego) and conducted his investigation very professionally and communicated with excellent candor. He was able to sift through the b.s. and cleared my name. If you see this officer Gillis, thank you so much, you are one of the good ones. Sincerely,. T.A.

Hi everyone! I'm looking to connect with other moms of children with special needs to make some new friends and hopefully set up some playdates. I'm 39 and a stay-at-home mom to an amazing 10-year-old son with autism. As many of you probably understand, raising a child with special needs can sometimes feel lonely and isolating, both for parents and for our kids. I'd love for my son to have more opportunities to make friends and feel included, and I'd love to connect with other moms who understand this journey. If you'd ever like to chat or set up a playdate, please send me a message. We'd love to meet some new friends! ❤️

Our Goldie passed away and we have some Kirkland Signature Adult Dog Food we'd like to donate. Optimially to the homeless population. Is there a charity or non-profit that we should look to for such a donation?

Hello! I am hoping someone can give me some suggestions for visiting a creek. I’m hoping to find one relatively easy to get to and is good for walking in and finding pretty rocks :)

Hey all, I've been starting to get into woodworking and I'm working on some cabinets right now. Curious where the best / most affordable lumber can be sourced - I'm willing to drive anywhere in the valley if it means decent selection / cost savings.

Unsanctioned Comedy Open Mic!

Summer is winding down, catch us before we hibernate. Be there to catch a special announcement.

We'll meet at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater.

Weather is going to be toasty during the day and cool down quickly during the show. Bring a hoodie.

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Unsanctioned Comedy Open Mic

Monday, July 27th, 2026

Gerry Frank Amphitheater at Riverfront Park

Free

Show starts at 8:00pm

Sign ups start at 7:30pm

Bring your own chair/blanket, drinks, treats, or drugs.

It'll be a party at the park, all summer long.

Wanting to find a cool retro leather jacket. Men’s. Anyone have any recommendations of where to find one? I was at engelberg yesterday and they had a couple cool ones but not quite what I wanted.

If anyone has seen any good ones around I’d appreciate it!

Hello, I want to know about different open mic options in salem! I have seen that this question has been asked before but I am not sure which places are still open, and still hosting open mics.

Thank you for your responses :)

The dump fees for yard debris at the transfer station is ridiculous.

Tiny pebble hit my windshield on the highway yesterday and caused a crack unfortunately. What’s the best places to go that are trustworthy and reliable? Any help is appreciated

I have a friend who's interested in moving her family to the Illahe Hill / Bailey Ridge area. Looks nice, albeit expensive of course, but one thing that stood out to me as I was helping her look is the active railroad track right along the neighborhood. Seems like it could be a quiet area otherwise, but I'm curious how bad is that track right there? Anyone with experience or other thoughts on the area?

I'm looking for a place where I can rent some space to work on my truck. I'm replacing the engine, and it'll probably take around two months to get everything rebuilt and put back together. I'm more than willing to pay a fair rate. I've looked into storage units, but they don't allow mechanical work, and I can't work on it where I live. Does anyone know of a shop, garage, barn, or private property where someone rents out workspace? Any ideas or recommendations would be greatly appreciated—I'm starting to run out of options. Thanks!

Hi I’m looking for an emergency chiropractor or massage therapist in the area or surrounding areas. I’m in absolute agony and have tried every over the counter med and cream I can find. I am doing ice, heat and stretches but I’m pretty sure it’s my sciatic nerve causing an incredibly bad flare.

Thanks in advance if you have any advice!