Good morning, Salem.

The fourth annual Pancakes with the Grinch event took place Saturday, Dec.

6 at Columbia Hall inside the Oregon State Fairgrounds, where Bridges Oregon hosted an inclusive green pancake breakfast with volunteer sign language interpreters. Over 1,300 attendees lined up for pancakes and a chance to meet the Grinch.

On Halloween night, outreach volunteer Jennifer Benavidez helped 30-year-old Carmen Sanchez, who was pregnant, leave homelessness at Wallace Marine Park by connecting her with detox care and securing a room at Her Place by Monday.

Local agencies and volunteers made it possible for Carmen to start her recovery.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust awarded $25.7 million in summer grants to nonprofits across the Pacific Northwest; in Salem, the Oregon Agricultural Trust received $232,000 to hire new grant management staff.

Salem attorney Mark Hoyt launched Businesses for Community on Monday at a Salem Area Chamber event to advise local government on reducing redundant regulations and improving business conditions in Marion and Polk counties.

The group is building its membership (with a $5,000 fee).

Highland Elementary is testing a community school model by joining educators, parents (and a local philanthropist) to add extra services and support for families.

Begun last school year, the initiative aims to boost attendance and reading scores in the north school district.

Oregon public health officials will continue recommending the hepatitis B shot at birth for most newborns despite a federal panel’s push to delay for some infants.

Governor Tina Kotek and experts say the decision helps prevent liver disease (delaying the vaccine risks infections).

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.

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-12:30 a.m. — The Spinning Room at Willamette Heritage Center — $31.95 — Experience the enchanting sound of Christmas classics performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

End of the Year Art Mixer

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Salem on the Edge Art Gallery — Free entry — Celebrate the year's end in a vibrant local art space with community camaraderie.

Holiday Party and White Elephant Gift Exchange

6-8:30 p.m. — Cascadia Pizza Co. — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with pizza, joy, and a fun gift exchange.

Salem Tuba Holiday

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Donations welcomed — Celebrate the season with a festive performance featuring community musicians playing beloved holiday tunes on tubas and other conical bore instruments.

Magic of Lights

11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of dazzling lights and festive fun in Salem.