Good morning, Salem.

Honeywood Winery was established in 1934 and is Oregon’s oldest operating winery; investor Paul Gallick bought it in 1974, and vintage photos show its long history and role in local wine events—its legacy remains a key part of Salem’s heritage.

Gov. Tina Kotek unveiled a prosperity roadmap that will form a new Prosperity Council and name a chief prosperity officer to make permits easier and boost global trade.

She said the plan includes a FastTrack program for faster approvals and might ask the Legislature for up to $50 million to create jobs and add $4 billion to the state’s fund by 2029 — more details will come after next week’s business summit.

Gov. Tina Kotek announced that she will form a new council and create a new position in her office to retain and grow local businesses and boost economic growth in Oregon.

Oregon state parks are asking for public feedback on proposals that would raise campsite and parking fees, change cancellation policies, and use dynamic pricing until Jan 15 to address an $8 million budget gap.

The changes, if approved by the OPRD Commission, could be implemented as early as March—ensuring the parks remain open and well-maintained.

The Oregon State Capitol held a Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec.2 that featured the Willamette Master Chorus singing and Santa Claus appearing+ many people gathered to start the holiday season.

Salem Health and PacificSource have not reached an agreement on Oregon Health Plan coverage, leaving more than 140,000 low-income members in Marion and Polk counties at risk of losing routine care at Salem Health starting Jan 1—negotiations continue for Medicaid patients while coverage for commercial insurance and Medicare is already in place.

Holiday Author Meet & Greet

1-4 p.m. — Barnes & Noble — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with signed copies of the Alex McKenna series featuring ghosts, witches, and paranormal adventures.

72nd Annual SnoBall

72nd Annual Teen dance at Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion. The only dance that is inclusive of all high school and home schooled students.

GLOW Christmas Light Adventure

4:45-9 p.m. — Volcanoes Stadium — Admission starting at $14.99 — Experience a magical landscape with over a million lights and festive activities for the whole family.

Oregon Total Worker Health Alliance Share and Connect

6-10 p.m. — 400 High St SE, Salem, OR — Lunch provided — Network, learn, and collaborate on best practices for workplace health and safety.

Sonic Journey Meditation Experience

7-8:45 p.m. — Salem Friends Meeting House — $20-40 sliding scale — Experience profound relaxation and mindfulness through immersive sound meditation with gongs and crystal singing bowls.

December Paint & Sip Night

6-8 p.m. — Vortex Eatery & Taphouse — Full menu available — Enjoy an evening of creativity with drinks and painting in a relaxed setting.

Santa Baby Holiday Networking Event 2025

5:30-11:59 p.m. — Center 50+ — Free entry — Get ready to jingle and mingle at a festive night of connections and cheer for local businesses.

High Risk Driver Course

6-10 p.m. — Salem Hospital, Building D — Court-mandated attendance — Complete the required class for high risk drivers to avoid penalties.

Lancaster Family Health Center Flu Clinic

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

Private Visit & Photos with Santa

8:10-8:15 p.m. — Salem Riverfront Carousel — $30 reservation fee — Experience a magical holiday moment with Santa and capture keepsake photos.

Brooks Ugly Sweater Party

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Brooks Wine — Food and wine available for purchase — Flaunt your favorite ugly sweater for a chance to win a $50 gift card.