Good morning, Salem.

Liberty House Children’s Advocacy Center in Salem is asking state lawmakers for $5 million in one-time funding over two years to support its free services for abused children, including the new Woodburn center—rising costs from federal Medicaid cuts and lower Victims of Crime Act funds have put the nonprofit in a difficult position.

The Oregon National Guard is hosting an Armed Forces Day celebration today at 1:00 p.m. at the State Capitol Mall and will hold another event on May 17 at the Major General Raymond F.

Rees Training Center near Umatilla. The celebration features the 234th Army Band — performing patriotic tunes, static displays of military equipment, local food trucks, and an F-15 Eagle flyover.

Construction at the intersection of State and 25th began May 12th and will affect traffic until October—city officials say the project upgrades pedestrian safety by adding accessible curb ramps, sidewalks, a pedestrian island and improved signals.

Drivers using McGilchrist Street SE are advised that eastbound traffic is closed between 22nd and 25th Streets through the end of year—local access remains for residences and businesses.

The closure is part of the McGilchrist Complete Street Project Phase 2 funded by voter-approved and federal funds—drivers should follow detour signs and crew instructions.

Child care providers and parents urged Oregon legislators on Monday to pass four bills to support low-income families and prevent child care closures—local advocates emphasized the urgent needs as 16,300 families are enrolled in the Employment Related Day Care program while 11,300 remain on the waitlist and 4,200 approved families have no provider. The proposed bills include funding increases to boost the program and strengthen child care referral systems to improve access and support for families.

Salem-Keizer School District now lists separate school board emails on its website after community questions led to changes that began on Monday (when the emails replaced a generic contact form).

The update followed inquiries from Salem Reporter and board director Satya Chandragiri after the district removed individual email addresses in late 2024.

The Oregon Health Authority is asking Oregonians to help lower health care costs by applying to serve on two new committees with an extended deadline of May 16—this effort will bring together diverse voices to tackle rising expenses.

A public hearing to share ideas and personal experiences on cost trends will be held Tuesday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to noon PT with options to join virtually or in person in Salem.

Free Beginner ESL Class

3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — A welcoming atmosphere to learn English as a second language with multilingual instruction.

The Outer Realms Art Market

11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Downtown Salem — Free entry — Celebrate community with local artists, authors, and practitioners at this vibrant three-day art market.

Paint and Sip Experience

3-5 p.m. — Honky Tonk Bar & Grill — $35 per person — Unleash your creativity with a fun painting class while enjoying a drink.

Memorial Day Weekend Vineyard Tours

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Willamette Valley Vineyards — Ticketed entry — Experience a curated wine tasting with live music in the scenic Salem Hills.

Memorial Day Weekend...Cuban Style! 2025

12-6 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Enjoy a festive Cuban-themed celebration with live music, food, salsa lessons, and raffles.

Bazooka Sharkz and Friends Live Show

7 p.m. — Blast Off Vintage — $10 — Experience a night of local punk and folk punk music with exciting performances from Salem's own Bazooka Sharkz and others.

ColorSync: The Integrative Art of Cut & Color Mastery

10 AM – 5 PM — Salon Abode — Lunch provided — Elevate your hair cutting and coloring techniques for impactful transformations.

Yoga and Wine Evening at Legacy Estate Vineyard

6-7 p.m. — Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyard — Suggested donation of $5-10 — Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga class by the lake followed by wine and a picnic.

206 Tube Bending & Iso Drawing Class

2-6 p.m. — Local 290 Training CENTER SALEM — Free for members, $35 for travelers — Master essential tubing bending techniques in this hands-on class.

Salem Mystic Fair

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — The Reed Opera House — Admission varies — Experience tarot readings, Reiki, and explore over 40 vendors at this mystical gathering.