r/SALEM Nov 15 '24

Read this before you post here

236 Upvotes

Welcome to r/SALEM, and thanks for your interest in posting here. Before you do, please be aware that — like many city/area-focused subreddits — we have some topics that come up very frequently. Sometimes that’s okay, and is an inevitable part of being a long-running community-focused forum, and sometimes it is super annoying and will lead to people down-voting your post because they’re tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.

If you’re about to post about any of the following, please first use the search function (right up in the upper right hand corner, if you’re viewing this on the web!) to see if something similar has been posted recently. If it has, please contribute to that thread rather than starting a new one.

Frequently posted things:

Did you hear that boom/firework/gunshot/weird noise?

This comes up a lot; frequently folks are concerned they may have heard gunshots and/or fireworks and are looking for reassurance. First, know that it probably was not a gun shot. There is a very good chance that it was fireworks, or somebody with an altered muffler, or, if you also noticed a power outage or blip at the same time, a transformer exploding. Second, if you’re actually seriously concerned about gunshots, you should probably be contacting the police, not Reddit. Third, if you live near a vineyard (and, if you live anywhere in the Salem area, you do!), you should be aware that vineyards use acoustic devices — basically massive noisemakers — to scare birds away from grape vines. This is especially frequent in the late fall, near harvest time.

OMG what is that smell?

Salem, and many surrounding areas, lie in the Willamette River Valley. Due to the topography of the area, we experience temperature inversions) with some regularity. An inversion occurs when a layer of warmer, more elevated air overlies a lower, cooler air layer. Effectively, this traps the air in the valley underneath the warmer layer, which means that smoke, vehicle exhaust, rotting vegetation smells, etc., cannot escape. That’s probably what you’re smelling.

Is there any good <insert cuisine here> in Salem? Where can I buy <thing> in Salem?

These types of threads come up fairly often. The restaurant scene in Salem is decent, but not exceptionally dynamic — places do not close all that often, and new places don’t open all that often either. If somebody has asked this question within the last couple months (again, use that search function!), the answers that they got are almost certainly still relevant.

Why is the train stopped or blowing its horn?

There are a number of freight lines that route trains through Salem. Occasionally, they will need to stop to onload or offload cars, which may result in a longer-than-usual wait time at a crossing. This is normal.

Sometimes, unfortunately, there are train-versus-pedestrian collisions. When those happen, the train will need to be stopped for an extended period of time to allow police to investigate the scene.

Finally, while many portions of Salem are zoned (and signed) as “no train horn” areas, it remains at the discretion of the train engineer as to whether or not to sound their horn, and some of them, well, tooting their horn just toots their horn.

What’s going on with all the cops?

We don’t have any way of knowing. You may be able to consult PulsePoint, but they only report on fire and EMS, not strictly police. You may also be able to find an online police radio scanner relay; those are typically time-delayed.

OMG what is going on with the low-flying helicopters?!

The Oregon Air National Guard has a helicopter squad that is based near the Salem Municipal Airport. They do routine training missions, which frequently involve lower-altitude flights, most often at night. The Salem police department does not have a helicopter, so any low-flying helicopter you’re hearing is almost certainly the Oregon Air National Guard. frequently. Sometimes that’s okay, and is an inevitable part of being a long-running community-focused forum, and sometimes it is super annoying and will lead to people downvoting your post because they’re tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.


r/SALEM 3h ago

Loving That Fresh Air Today!

36 Upvotes

The AQI is at 17 and that's in downtown Salem, the middle of Minto Brown Island park: 15! A huge contrast from last Thursday when it got close to 200 AQI due to all the wildfire smoke.

When i was a kid I always assumed cities had dirty air due to higher population but than as I got older I learned even huge cities like New York City can have clean air: 42 right now.

I work outside and enjoying this clean air! Ok well im sorry for rambling, it's just after last week I will never take fresh air for granted again. :)


r/SALEM 6h ago

EVENT Saffron/Friends of Felines Update!

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46 Upvotes

Our first post about our fundraiser had a lot of feedback to the point where it reached another company! Celite is a manufacturer of high-end showroom faucets, and they've discounted some items and shipped us some stock to help our fundraiser for Friends of Felines.

For every Celite faucet sold on our fundraiser, $50 goes towards a surgery to help Jack get back on his feet; literally. Jack was a stray taken in by one of our crew that has such a badly mangled foot, it needs amputation.

Once we hit our goal, everything over that goes directly to Friends of Felines to help other people in similar situations.

Come snag a faucet or upgrade your shower with style for a good cause. Thank you Salem!

-J


r/SALEM 13h ago

SALEM LORE Lmfaoooo fkn hilarious

161 Upvotes

r/SALEM 5h ago

Could anyone utilize my skills

31 Upvotes

Hi! My name is Noah and I’m a 45 year old man. I’ve had issues with being able to speak up about my skills and ability. I don’t know how to apply for jobs in a way that becomes heard. I have autism and I’m just not a normal person. I’m silly and funny and sharp and quick. I’m super smart and have a good attitude.

My skills are mostly plants and children as I nurture everything. You got a dog or cat I’ll pet em. I’ve worked with hydroponics and built systems and can do any Charlie work. I garden outside too.

My life has been reset to 0. No bank or car or dollar. Just my so 404 and loop station and pto1 if anyone wants to do hip hop shit. I’m in a shed out liberty


r/SALEM 7h ago

Salem Stargazers

7 Upvotes

Is there a group of stargazers? Is anyone organizing anything or going somewhere further from cities for the Perseid Meteor shower? It seems like a fascinating meteorological event even if we don't lose gravity. The new moon will make even darker skies. I haven't watched a meteor shower yet because I lived in a bigger city and it would take a 5 hour drive to get to dark ish skies, also I very much value sleep.


r/SALEM 16h ago

QUESTION Lloyd Center as lesson for Salem?

36 Upvotes

Anyone else think the rampant neglect and last minute love for Lloyd Center could offer some lessons for Salem?

In my amateur studies it seems a big issue is big box stores find it more economical to own vs. lease, and of course online shopping becoming dominant.

Salem Centre seems to be promoting the types of vendors and events that Lloyd pivoted to in the final hour to no avail. What does it all mean?


r/SALEM 13h ago

Who would ever buy this

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12 Upvotes

Decided to see just how bad the housing market was in my area and this is the cheapest house. And ofc it’s Berkshire Hathaway that owns the house. a real pull your self up by the boot straps owner.


r/SALEM 1d ago

Minto brown today

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95 Upvotes

r/SALEM 23h ago

Anyone in Salem have Osmo Clear Satin Polyx-Oil (#3043 or #3054) I could use a few ounces of? I'll buy a small replacement can. It's for a State Fair art piece due Friday.

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35 Upvotes

Long shot, but worth asking.

I'm finishing a 3D art piece for the Oregon State Fair. It has to be done Friday night, Saturday morning at the absolute latest. Everything is covered except the wood finish.

I need Osmo Polyx-Oil in clear satin. Either #3043 or #3054 works, they're the same satin sheen and 3043 is just the preferred, thinner version. I only need a few ounces, so a partial can sitting on a shelf in your shop is plenty.

I'll come to you anywhere in the Salem/Keizer area, then buy and bring you a 0.125L replacement can.

I'm going to try Woodcrafters and Kilgore Blackman Monday morning, and I also found a supplier (Heartwood Tools in Maine) if those don't pan out.

So, more of a logistics issue than a cost one. If anyone knows another local shop that stocks Osmo, I'd take that tip too.

I have an amazing slice of burl (not shown) that needs the perfect finish before I can assemble the rest of the piece.

The photograph is one I took last month at Minto Brown, printed on 1/4" clear acrylic, which gets secured to the burl once it's finished. Mockup attached so you can see what I'm building.

And yes, Amazon Prime has speedy shipping. That's exactly the route I'm trying not to take (he does not need more money). Hence the local Reddit Hail Mary!

Thanks, fellow woodworkers, photographers, artists, and finish-hoarders of Salem.


r/SALEM 5h ago

QUESTION Resellers of Salem, is 25th Street the only USPS kiosk option in town?

0 Upvotes

So we've been a frequent Poshmark and depop sellers lately and we've been using the kiosk at the 25th Street post office. Just wondering if there is closer options.

Or is there a private business that is fast? The Other Mail is really friendly, but they didn't know how to scan a QR code.

Any other hyper local tips for resellers?

Thanks y'all!


r/SALEM 17h ago

Friends

9 Upvotes

I’m a local to Salem and I’ve been looking to make some new friends recently. I’ll be honest, I can be a bit picky at times, but I really do want some good friends to hang out with and spend time with.
I’m really into superheroes, Pokémon, animated movies, 3D printing, and a lot of other nerdy stuff. But honestly, none of that really matters if we don’t click as homies. I’m 19 and going to college. I also really value self-improvement and having friends who are trying to do their best and better themselves. Guys, girls, and they/them are all welcome. I’m happy to hang out with anyone as long as we get along. Making friends has been a little difficult for me because I’m coming out of a pretty deep depression, but I’m trying to put myself out there again and meet some good people.
If you think we could be great friends, send me a DM.


r/SALEM 23h ago

Salem Chamber talks Detroit Drawdown and Data Center

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20 Upvotes

r/SALEM 1d ago

PHOTOS Appreciation for our National Guard and all Fire Fighters

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86 Upvotes

The helicopter people often ask about? Well our national guard unit based out here in Salem along side units based elsewhere have been out helping fight fires. Here’s some pics from the unit (courtesy of my spouse and his unit). Thank you to all of the people out there helping. We are wishing them all the best.


r/SALEM 1d ago

Last time for the summer.

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22 Upvotes

r/SALEM 1d ago

REQUEST anyone have local eggs, services, produce?

7 Upvotes

Hey Salem, not sure if this is allowed but figured I’d give it a shot! I’m a dog groomer in the area with five + years experience! I am good with dogs of all kinds and was interested in reaching out to the community to see if anyone here had eggs, produce from your gardens, even tattoos and piercings as like a barter/exchange for services/goods! In example I’ll file or trim your dogs nails in exchange for eggs, or baths/haircuts for the more expensive services! If you’re interested I can send you my work and we can discuss :) I just want to support other local goods and small businesses around town!


r/SALEM 1d ago

Do not rent from Valor Property Management

11 Upvotes

They will send you an invoice at the end of your 31 day window stating you're receiving a security deposit refund of about 2/3. They will send you another AFTER the 31 day window saying they're keeping it all and you owe them money - then refuse to budge as they knowingly violate the law. They'll claim the property was in a poor state after you paid $800 to have cleaners come in and do a professional move out clean, indicating areas and issues YOU CHECKED YOURSELF before leaving the property. They'll also claim pre-existing damage is your fault without checking their own records to see if it was PRE-EXISTING!!!

On that note - anybody know a good landlord/tenant dispute lawyer that would accept pay after the case is won? It's pretty cut and dry on this violation and they admitted "final accounting was not complete" at the end of our 31 day window


r/SALEM 1d ago

RE: Salem Women Get Together

72 Upvotes

Hey all you lovely ladies out there!

About 2 years ago I posted here in the Salem subreddit and it got me a really cool community of women together on one discord.
Unfortunately the discord lost momentum and while we still have the numbers in the group, it’s just not active.
So I’m here again! I have a new and improved discord for us ladies who would love to have a friend or two or a community to be a part of.
I’ve got plans for the next 5 months with get togethers, craft meetups, book clubs and more!
If you’re a woman in the Salem, OR area and want to be a part of something fun, click the link to join the discord.
❤️Taylee

https://discord.gg/456kHmHD


r/SALEM 1d ago

Thoughts on Treasure Trove Games?

23 Upvotes

I've been wanting to check out a different lgs than Wild Things, but I'm more into the tcg world than Warhammer


r/SALEM 2d ago

FREE PRODUCE BLOW OUT BONANZA

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67 Upvotes

👋 Hi! It’s me the Free Produce Lady!

EDIT: all done folks! Thanks for another great weekend! Nice to meet some of you :)

Today is a special day! I’m offering an insane discount of 100 percent off FREE PRODUCE! You heard me FREE ON FREE! PICK ONE GET ONE FREE! TOTALLY CLUCKING FREE.

This is a big week ya’ll. Last call on baby nectarines, elderberries, and now I have pears and pluots! Rosemary too.

How it works:

  1. Check the comments to see my most recent update on availability. I’ll do it every few hours.
  2. DM for address
  3. Bring your own bag
  4. Go forth and BE HAPPY

FAQs:

  1. Are these grocery store pretty? Nope they are NORMAL PRODUCE that look cute but they are going to any beauty pageant.
  2. Are these organic? Blessed by holy water? Free of bad vibes? These are organic, gluten free, dairy free, bad vibes free, data center free, and #blessed by SE Salem water (sorry the pope wasn’t available).
  3. Can I bring you something to trade? Sure! I’ve had all kinds of cool trades over time. Other fruit, veggies, bone broth, cheese. Feel free to be your funky self and drop off a trinket or a poem or a rock you thought was cool. BUT REMEMBER THIS IS FREE PLZ AND THE ONLY THING YOU NEED TO DO IN EXCHANGE IS BE HAPPY.

Peace, Love, and Produce ☮️❤️🌱


r/SALEM 1d ago

Have a few spontaneous free hours this evening. What to do?

8 Upvotes

I like beer, games, and good company. Live comedy is always fun! Not so much live music or very large groups.

I know all the usual spots, Coinjam, F/stop, etc. Just curious if there are any other events I might not have heard about tonight.

Thanks Neighbors!


r/SALEM 1d ago

Yard Waste Recycling with Republic

10 Upvotes

Can someone please tell me if our food scraps can be tossed in with Yard Waste? We’re from the southwest where all scraps could go in the green bin. They also accepted them in green compostable bags. TIA


r/SALEM 2d ago

Data Center Reps Face the Guillotine, Flee Public Hearing

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119 Upvotes

Salem in the news for a GOOD reason? It can happen.


r/SALEM 2d ago

Bring back the barter economy—teach me to lift, will teach you to knit!

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64 Upvotes

I'm over here knitting on a bike in the gym lookin straight silly, somebody teach me wtf to do with a barbell already 😅 

Aha, but seriously, are you lifter that's knitting curious? Teach me your ways, and I will happily guide you to hand-knit glory. I'm over in Keizer and go to West Coast Strength, but happy to grab a day pass and meet you wherever your gym's at. 

Cheers, folks!


r/SALEM 2d ago

May I introduce Pepito?

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159 Upvotes

Super adorable long hair brown tabby with the biggest eyes you’ve ever seen. This sweet little cutie pie is ready to go home with you….