Good morning, Salem.

Salem hosts a variety of events from today through Nov.12—featuring a Veterans concert at Smith Auditorium on Nov.8 to Nov.9, a statewide ceremony with speeches and a free Veterans meal on Nov.11, and a Veterans auction at the Salem Convention Center on Nov.11.

Family-friendly activities include Evil Dead the Musical at the Grand Theatre from today to Nov.22, a fiber arts sale on Nov.7 to Nov.8, a punk-rock themed roller skating night and a guided nocturnal animal walk for kids at Minto-Brown Island Park on Nov.7, plus a comics swap on Nov.8 at the Convention Center—fun for all ages.

At the Willamette Heritage Center, 13 volunteers spent 10 years restoring caboose 507, which opened on Sept.

19— the exhibit features interactive interior elements and a wheelchair-accessible deck where visitors can watch trains pass by.

Salem-Keizer Public Schools will cut at least $25 million from next year's budget as state revenues decline due to federal policy changes.

The district will start with administrative and operational expense reductions — and may consider layoffs if needed.

Salem-Keizer, Sunset-Beaverton, and Lane County high schools ran a High School Behavioral Health CTE program that helped students learn skills for careers in behavioral health with a $185k Oregon Health Authority grant.

The program provided paid internships, certification opportunities, and clinical training spaces — all aimed at building a diverse, culturally responsive workforce.

Marion County Commissioners signaled support Tuesday for a six‐month crisis response pilot run by the Salem Fire Department to handle downtown mental health emergency calls.

The program will hire a mental health worker at $62,000 a year and aim for a Jan. 1 start, with a final vote on Nov. 17—officials are still finalizing details for working with law enforcement.

Providence will stop offering Medicare Advantage plans in Marion and Polk counties in 2026 and Aetna will end its plans in Marion County next year, so Salem Medicare beneficiaries losing these plans will have a 63-day guaranteed right to enroll in Medigap insurance—helping them avoid premium surcharges for pre-existing conditions. Beneficiaries can check premiums on Medicare.gov or speak with a SHIBA counselor to secure the coverage they need.

Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms

10 AM – 3 PM — Wavra Farms & Nursery — Free entry — Explore local vendors and enjoy a cozy market atmosphere this winter season.

Malderine Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Oregon Garden Resort — Dinner and drinks available — Enjoy a captivating evening with Malderine's blend of haunting melodies and favorite tunes.

Lancaster Family Health Center Flu Clinic

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center at Lancaster — No cost — Help fight off the flu with a timely in-and-out trip to the clinic.

Beginning Charcoal Drawing Class

10 AM – 2 PM — McMinnville Senior Center — All materials included — Discover the expressive world of charcoal in a laid-back, beginner-friendly class.

Lancaster Family Health Center Flu Clinic

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center at Lancaster — Varies by insurance — Help protect against the flu with a quick and convenient clinic visit.

Barracuda - Heart Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Ticket info available online — Experience an album-accurate tribute to Heart with the powerhouse vocals of DL Car.

Casual Table Tennis Match

3:30-5 p.m. — Willamette Table Tennis Club — $5 includes all equipment — Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you'll be matched for table tennis games.

Boardgames and Food Carts

4-7 p.m. — Checkpoint 221 — Grab your food and drinks before diving into an afternoon of boardgames and fun.

Skweezy Jibbs Makes a Movie Salem Premiere

7-10 p.m. — Grand Theater — Cost info not available — Catch the exclusive Salem premiere of Skweezy Jibbs' feature film followed by a Q&A with the star himself.

Lancaster Family Health Center Flu Clinic

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center at Lancaster — Free — Help fight off the flu with a timely in-and-out trip to the clinic.