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Hi Salem, hope you’re having a great weekend!
In today’s in-case-you-missed-it edition: New Oregon state park parking fees, security robots patrol a parking garage, and an evening with Fran Lebowitz + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Salem protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
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📰 Most-clicked stories this week
Changes for Oregon parkgoers: Salem-area day-trippers should expect parking fees at 22 more state parks starting March 30, with $10 for residents and $12 for visitors, and permits and camping hangtags still accepted — get all the details.
Automated guardians join watch: Salem has deployed security robots at Pringle Parkade for a two month pilot with Oregon’s Daxbot, patrolling 15 hour shifts to deter vandalism and theft, with costs estimated near $187,000 — see costs and how it works.
Filing method affects timing: Oregon is sending 2025 tax refunds as a $1.41 billion kicker shifts what Salem-area filers owe or receive, with most e-filers paid in two weeks and some taking 20 weeks — get details on processing times.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
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.
All the crowd favorites:
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🏆 Gold and silver are heating up
Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold
Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.
While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.
If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.
It’s free and worth reading before the next move.
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🫶 This week’s top finds
Vintage treasure hunt: Feeling the itch to switch up your closet or decor without chaos? Finders Keepers Unique Boutique gathers 100 local vendors under one roof, letting you roam from vintage tees and jewelry to quirky home goods and collectibles. The mix shifts often… expect delightful surprises.
Pasta night, sorted: Craving a twirl of noodles? Gamberetti’s Italian Restaurant serves fresh pasta with rich house-made sauces, from silky carbonara to classic spaghetti and meatballs, plus a cozy vibe that turns weeknights into a little celebration and a warm welcome.
Roll into some joy: Traveling Wheelz Pop Up Roller Skating Rink keeps Salem gliding with themed open skates, great tunes, easy rentals, and plenty of zero-judgment wobbling. Low-pressure, high-smile fun to shake off the week and remember you’ve still got moves.
Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.
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📆 Sneak peek at next week
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.
☘ Shamrock Bingo Party @ Seymour Center for Children and Families | Thursday (3/12) at 1:30 PM – Feeling lucky? Head to the Shamrock Bingo Party in Salem for prize-packed rounds, snacks, and light refreshments. It’s the kind of evening where your competitive streak meets your love of cheddar cubes, and someone’s aunt walks out with the good swag.
🌋 Science Pub: Geologic History of the PNW and Oregon @ Venti’s Cafe + Beer Vault | Thursday (3/12) at 6:30 PM – Science Pub is digging into the PNW’s rocky past, from ancient seafloors to Cascades drama, with Chemeketa’s Autumn Christensen. Free, all ages, and often standing room only, so roll in early, claim a perch, and treat yourself to Venti’s fuel, liquid or otherwise.
🎂 Saint Patrick’s Cake Class @ Sweetly Baked | Friday (3/13) at 6:00 PM – Finally, a St. Paddy’s plan that doesn’t include green beer, just buttercream. Sweetly Baked hosts a cascading cake class, from stacking and frosting to show-off finishing touches, with their decorator guiding the whole way. Seats go fast, so call 503-508-2444 to snag yours.
🧘 Yoga Nidra & Kirtan Music Meditation @ Common People Yoga | Friday (3/13) at 7:45 PM – This mellow meditation class blends guided relaxation, chair-friendly stretches, breathwork, Yoga Nidra, and kirtan to turn down the mental static. It is free, with homemade baked goods and herbal tea, so bring your stress, your creaky knees, and your sweet tooth. No pretzel poses required.
🎤 An Evening with Fran Lebowitz @ Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center | Saturday (3/14) at 7:00 PM – If you’ve been craving unapologetic opinions delivered with surgical side-eye, Fran Lebowitz is holding court at the Historic Grand. Expect razor wit, zero patience for nonsense, and the joy of laughing at complaints you actually agree with. Make it a downtown night, and behave.
🃏 Trading Card Showcase & Collectible Show: St. Patrick’s Day Edition @ Salem Scottish Rite Center | Sunday (3/15) at 10:00 AM – Swap nostalgia, rare pulls, and a little Irish luck at Salem’s St. Patrick’s Day trading card and collectibles showcase at the Salem Scottish Rite Center. Expect friendly vendors, fellow lifers, free admission, free parking, and zero green beer spills on your slabs.
🎥 Silent Film Series: The Lost World (1925) @ Elsinore Theatre | Sunday (3/15) at 2:00 PM – If you think Jurassic Park was the first to bring dinosaurs to the big screen, the Elsinore’s Silent Film Series will set you straight. The Lost World (1925) roars to life with Rick Parks on the Mighty Wurlitzer, stop-motion thrills, and old-school wonder.
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: 56°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 81%
Rain after 8am. Mostly cloudy. High near 56, with temperatures falling to around 54 in the afternoon. South southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Later: Rain before 5am, then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. West wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
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Tomorrow – High: 47°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 85%
Rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. West southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Later: Rain showers before 11pm, then rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
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.
Most popular house this week
Set on a full acre, this elegant home pairs formal living and dining with a private office framed by French doors. A remodeled kitchen shines with stainless appliances and deck access. The primary suite wows with bamboo flooring, Jacuzzi tub, and new walk-in shower. Extras include a finished basement, mudroom, oversized laundry, new septic and well, plus a 36×48 shop.
Take a peek inside →
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