Happy Tuesday, Salem. In today’s edition: Winter reading rewards, a handmade holiday market, pancakes with the Grinch, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Beyond the beer boom: After Rogue Ales shut and filed Chapter 7 on Nov. 24, Oregon brewers and an economist say industry is maturing, not collapsing, embracing diversification amid roughly 250 closures this year — see how brewers are adapting.

Warm up with reading rewards: Salem Public Library’s Cozy Up Winter Reading invites children, teens, and families to read in December. Complete five hours by January 3 and claim prize book January 3 to 31 — see how to sign up.

Willamette Valley transit connector: Yamhill and Benton counties launched 99 Vine, a fare-free bus linking McMinnville and Eugene with stops in Corvallis and Junction City. Service began Nov. 24 and is funded through June — get route and stop details.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Enjoy pancakes with the Grinch
• Shop Salem Etsy’s Handmade Holiday Market
• Pet photos with Santa support Operation D.O.G
• Join SnoBall’s Princess and the Frog dance
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Head for the woods: Holiday tree permits are back in Oregon’s national forests (Umpqua, Willamette, Siuslaw, Deschutes). It’s $5 online or at ranger offices and some stores like Bi-Mart. Cut only in designated areas, out of sight of roads. Print online permits, bring a map (service is spotty), start early, and tag your tree before loading. Get permit details and tips.

Community staple says goodbye: After nearly four decades in Albany, Sid Stevens Jewelers is closing as Sid and Susan Stevens retire. A storewide retirement sale is underway with discounts up to 70% on diamond earrings, bridal and colored gemstone jewelry, running until inventory is gone. The fifth-generation jeweler thanked loyal customers. Get sale details and hours.

Weeknight burrito fix: Family-run and rooted in Zacatecas flavors, Dalia’s Taqueria packs generously stuffed burritos that press the “keep going” button. Whether you stick with carne asada or take a birria detour, follow your cravings; this is the kind of comfort that turns a long day into worth it.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎨 Paint Night @ The Pink Elephant Tavern | Tuesday (12/2) at 6:00pm – Paint Night is cozying up at The Pink with the coziest winterscape, perfect for pretending we enjoy early nights and cold noses. Grab a stool, a brush, and something warming, and let the tavern glow do the heavy lifting. 21+ only.

🦀 Cocaine Crabs from Outer Space @ Salem Cinema | Tuesday (12/2) at 8:30pm – Buckle up for the most delightfully campy creature-feature you’ll see this decade. It’s chaos, comedy, and crustaceans—all for a good cause at this one-night-only Tips for Tots benefit. Expect laughs, light scares, and at least one moment where you’ll question your life choices (in the best way).

🎺 Christmas Brass: B3 Brass Trio @ Chemeketa Community College | Wednesday (12/3) at 7:00pm – Ready to trade mall muzak for real brass? Our homegrown B3 Brass Trio cranks out Christmas favorites, classical gems, and a few originals, all gleaming and festive. Think trumpet, horn, and trombone giving your holiday spirit a proper polish, zero jingle fatigue.

❤️ Christmas Greeters Fundraiser for Love Santa @ Woodburn Estates and Golf Auditorium | Friday (12/5) at 7:30am – Nothing beats holiday cheer with familiar faces, a raffle, and an excuse to feel virtuous. Woodburn’s Chamber Ambassadors are hosting the final fundraiser of the year, with every dollar to Love Santa for food boxes and gifts for local families. Win prizes, do good.

🗓️ First Friday in Silverton @ Downtown Silverton | Friday (12/5) at 6:00pm – First Friday is your monthly excuse to linger in downtown Silverton, not just speed through for takeout. Galleries unveil fresh installations, restaurants flex their best menus, and shops stay open late, so you can browse, bump into neighbors, and pretend it’s “just one more stop.”

This weekend

🥞 4th Annual Pancakes with the Grinch @ Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center | Saturday (12/6) at 9:00am – Kick off the season with all-you-can-eat pancakes and a cameo from Salem’s grump-in-residence at Columbia Hall. It’s free to get in, parking’s free, and your donations, silent auction bids, and 50/50 raffle support Bridges Oregon. Spanish and ASL interpreters provided.

🛍️ Handmade Holiday Market by Salem Etsy @ Jackman-Long Building | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Time to dust off the tote bag. Salem’s 20-year handmade market packs 150 local makers into the Jackman Long Building, with Santa for the kids, an adult duckie hunt for raffle tickets, and drawings every 15 minutes. Real artisans, no MLM, just gifts people want.

🍷 Brooks University – Legends of Riesling @ Brooks Winery | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Treat yourself to a world tour of Riesling, no passport or tiny airplane bottles required. This atlas-style class pours legends from Germany, Australia, France, and right here in Oregon, then explains why they matter. Homework includes sipping, comparing, and feeling smug.

🐾 Pet Photos with Santa @ Nature’s Pet | Saturday (12/6) at 11:00am – Take a break from your to-do list and let the dog meet the big guy in red. Snag a $10 print, all for Operation D.O.G, walk in whenever, no appointment. Friendly pups on leash, festive chaos contained, holiday spirit guaranteed.

🧵 Brooks Artisan in Residence Holiday Market @ Brooks Winery | Sunday (12/7) at 12:00pm – Brooks’ holiday market means local artisans pouring, brewing, and sampling while you shop like you planned ahead. Meet the folks behind Rogue Creamery, Heater Allen, La Familia Cider, and more, with complimentary sips and bites. RSVP is nice, walk-ins welcome, tasting room books separately.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/3 B3 Brass Trio @ Chemeketa Community College – 7 pm
• 12/3 O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy @ Elsinore Theatre – 7:30 pm
• 12/5 Eric Sugar Larsen Band @ Downtown Silverton – 6 pm
• 12/6 Shara Nova @ Western Oregon University – 7:30
• 12/10 Movie Night @ Dallas Cinema – 6 pm
• 12/13 How the Grinch Stole Christmas @ Chemeketa Community College – 6 pm
• 12/14 Winter Wine-derland with Santa @ Domaine Willamette – 11:30 am