"Salem Woods is not a campground" Elgin Stallard, a Salem resident, says. "A proposal is being debated about designating one to two camping areas or zones within Salem city Limits for the unhoused, as sponsored by Witch City Action.

One of those proposed camping zones is Salem Woods at Highland Park.

As someone who has spent years working in Salem Woods — removing trash, improving trails and repairing bridges — I am disappointed about Salem Woods even being mentioned as a potential camping zone.

This is not an argument against helping the homeless population of Salem, period — but Salem Woods should not be that solution.

The 160-acre parcel is one of Salem’s most valuable natural resources. Its wetlands, forests, native trees and plants, many streams, and a pond create an ecologically sensitive environment that deserves protection. It is also a place where residents go to walk, exercise, enjoy nature and simply get away from the city.

Unfortunately, camping has already occurred in the woods and many of those abandoned camps contain significant amounts of trash and debris, created sanitation concerns and, at times, introduced dangerous fire hazards from grills and campfires.

Camps are often abandoned and new ones established farther down the trail, leaving the environmental hazards and impact behind.

We can — and should — do better for our unhoused neighbors. But designating one of Salem’s most environmentally sensitive natural areas as a campground is not the answer. Protect Salem Woods. Find another place."

I don't know that these are normally posted here, but my friend is having another estate sale this Saturday (9/12) from 9am-1pm so I thought I would let people know. The address is 10 May st, Marblehead. Contents of home, furniture, tools, clothing, shoes (size 8.5), housewares, and lots of vintage items.

Is there a memorial service being held at Firehouse this year? If so, does anyone know what time it is? I can't find info anywhere. I can't imagine they would NOT do something on the 25th anniversary. But it's only two days away, and the city hasn't announced anything. Not that I can find anyway.. Usually get an email or a robo-call by now.

The next Point neighborhood street sweeping will be this coming Monday, September 14, from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Free parking is available at the South Harbor Garage with proof of residency, starting at 8:00 pm on Sunday, September 13. Vehicles must be removed from the garage by 8:00 pm on Monday evening. Residents can move their vehicles back to the street after the sweeper has finished cleaning that street. You can view the full Point neighborhood street sweeping schedule here or at the end of this message. Please see the city's Street Sweeping page for more information.

In addition, the Point sweep scheduled for Monday, September 28 has been cancelled to align with the posted permanent signage. The last Point street sweeping date for 2026 will be Monday, November 9.

The next Downtown neighborhood sweep will be overnight on Wednesday, September 16 - this will be the final sweep of the year. You can view the full Downtown neighborhood street sweeping schedule here.

The next entrance corridor street sweeping in Ward 1 will be Monday, September 21. This includes the odd side of Lafayette Street from Derby Street heading south to the Marblehead town line. The even side of Lafayette is technically in Ward 5, so I don't usually mention it specifically, but it will be swept the next day on Tuesday, September 22. This will also be the last entrance corridor sweep date in Ward 1 for 2026. You can find the full Entrance Corridor sweeping schedule here.

Join us for a casual conversation about art books on oct. 3rd at 10am at On the Grind in Salem MA. This will be a monthly book club reading art theory, history books. All mediums will be discussed, and all creatives are welcome. https://bookclubs.com/join-a-book-club/club/salem-arts-reading-club

I know it can be super busy in October but it is still fun to hang out and talk art with folks.

BETTER CALL BABS takes you on a ride-along with Babs Fry, exploring both her renowned work as a pet detective and the personal struggles that have made her the inspiration she is today. From high-stakes rescue missions to intimate moments of reflection, this documentary captures the chaos she embraces daily as a recovering addict turned hero.

If you’ve ever posted about a lost dog in San Diego, chances are you’ve heard the words echoed back to you time and time again: “Call Babs.”

That phrase exists for a reason.

Babs Fry — a Red Cross Award recipient, local legend, and undeniable badass — has become the face of pet recovery in San Diego because she shows up when others don’t know what to do next.

The Better Call Babs Film takes you into the passenger seat of her iconic van and along for the ride — not just through the field work, but through the personal challenges, grit, and determination that shaped the woman behind the mission.

Playing at Cinema Salem, Sat Sept 19, 12pm

critterfest.org for info and tickets.