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Hello Salem! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning.
In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Heat pump mandate, Napoleon Dynamite cast reunion, and poodle specialty + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
Honoring women powering farms: Oregon’s Governor proclaimed 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, aligning with the United Nations. ODA will spotlight women growers and ag leaders statewide this year, relevant for Salem — read the full story.
Residents poised for bill relief: Oregon adopted new residential codes requiring energy efficient heat pumps in newly built homes, expected to save Salem-area residents about $125 a month and align standards with California and Washington — see what the updates require.
Central Oregon’s rising stage talent: Redmond Proficiency Academy’s theater program recently qualified 22 students for the Oregon Thespians State Festival in Salem, after standout performances at regionals that included multiple finalists — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Small plates, big mood: The Cozy Taberna turns weeknights into mini celebrations with Spanish-inspired shareables, a lively bar, and that just-right downtown buzz. Ideal for catching up with friends or a midweek date, this spot keeps the energy high and the plates grazing.
Two-wheeled adventure fix: When your week needs fresh air and fewer screens, The Bike Peddler has repairs, rentals, and gear that fits your ride. Pedaling Salem since 1974, their crew knows the trails, the potholes, and the perfect excuse for one more loop.
Indie night, sorted: Dodging blockbusters or craving a thoughtful change of pace? Salem Cinema serves a steady stream of art-house gems in a cozy, no-fuss setting, with friendly vibes, sharp curation, and snacks that actually hit the spot. Suddenly, “let’s catch a movie” sounds like an excellent idea.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Fun for the whole fam
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🏆 Champions @ Withnell Family YMCA | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Got a teen with energy to burn? Send them to Champions at the Downtown Y, where 13–18s rack up swimming, workouts, video games, snacks, mentoring, and real friends, plus a free YMCA membership and internship opportunities. They build character, you reclaim the living room.
🐦 Urban Birding @ Clark Creek Park | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Think you can tell a chickadee from a nuthatch before coffee? Join Salem’s Park Ranger for a free, first-Saturday birding walk that visits a different city park each month, co-hosted by Just Walk Salem and Salem Audubon Society, and you need to register in advance.
🐩 Poodle Specialty @ Oregon State Fairgrounds | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Clear your calendar for a very fancy fur day at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, where the Columbia Poodle Club’s spring specialty pairs with the Silver Falls Kennel Club show. Expect topknots, precise prancing, and serious grooming envy. Entries are open, spectators welcome, bragging rights abundant.
🌸 Spring Family Market @ Salem Center | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – Spring fever calls for a family stroll through Salem Center’s expanded digs, now spilling into the North and South Buildings. Kids hit bounce houses and crafts while you browse 60+ vendors, grab a photo op, and get in free. Makers, applications are still open.
🎻 Salem Trad Session @ Venti’s Cafe + Beer Vault | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to trade Netflix hum for a proper session, here it is. Live Irish and Scottish tunes with fiddles, a penny whistle, a bodhran, guitars, a cello, and whoever else wanders in. All ages, free, proper craic.
🎬 Napoleon Dynamite 20th Anniversary Celebration @ Elsinore Theatre | Saturday (3/7) at 7:30 PM – Napoleon Dynamite turns 20, and the cast is in town for a full screening and a family-friendly afterparty. Jon Heder, Jon Gries, and Efren Ramirez will field questions, improvise, and play games, so dust off the Pedro shirt, and own how much you quote it.
🆚 Renegades vs Supernovas Big Bang @ The MadHouse | Sunday (3/8) at 1:00 PM – Whether you’re a derby lifer or just here for big hits and dry quips, our Cherry City Renegades host California’s Supernovas at the Madhouse. Family friendly, with snacks, sips, and savings via presale and a family pass. Can’t make it, stream it.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Salem report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 52°F – Low: 41°F – Precip: 94%
Showers and thunderstorms before 4pm, then rain. Mostly cloudy. High near 52, with temperatures falling to around 50 in the afternoon. Southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. West southwest wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 77%
Rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. West southwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Later: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
Designed for multi-generational living, this home features a full lower-level suite with kitchenette for extended stays or flexible use. Rich details shine in the flooring, crown molding, and brocade ceilings. Outdoor time is easy with three separate decks. An oversized garage joins abundant driveway space for RV or boat parking, and there is no HOA.
Take a peek inside →
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