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Is there anything better than a Tuesday afternoon in downtown Salem? I was walking past the Chapman Building earlier this week and the smell coming out of Wild Pear was enough to make me stop in my tracks.
It is wild to think that Cecilia and Jessica have been serving our community for over two decades now. It is places like that, with deep roots and family stories, that really give our city its character.
In today’s issue:
🍐 Famous downtown sister-run bistro
🌍 Global goods helping artisans
🍎 Nominate teachers for $1,000
🚌 Big funding for South Salem
🍐 A Sister Act That Became Salem Legend
372 State St, Salem
Downtown Salem has no shortage of lunch spots, but Wild Pear Restaurant & Catering carries a story worth knowing. Cecilia and Jessica Ritter, the original "wild pair," opened this beloved bistro in 2000, with Jessica's Julia Child-influenced kitchen sensibility driving seasonally inspired dishes like the coconut curry butternut squash soup and the Pho Dip.
Tucked inside Salem's historic Chapman Building, Wild Pear remains a community cornerstone, still serving with the warmth and gratitude the sisters built it on.
🌍 Shopping Here Actually Changes Someone's Life
474 Court St NE, Salem
One Fair World has been part of downtown Salem since 2002, and it’s one of those places that makes you appreciate living here. You’ll find djembe drums, quilling cards, loose-leaf tea, felted finger puppets, African black soap, and handwoven shawls all in one small shop.
Everything is sourced from artisans in developing countries who are paid fairly for their work. It’s volunteer-run, nonprofit, and the kind of store that reminds you our community supports something bigger than itself.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🍎 Nominate an Outstanding Teacher for a $1,000 Honor
The Gist: The Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award is now accepting nominations for standout educators in Salem and Marblehead schools. One teacher from each district will be recognized and awarded $1,000, selected by a committee of local educators.
Why It Matters: Teachers shape our kids and our community, and this is a meaningful way for residents to say thank you.
What's Next: Submit a nomination letter with teacher and nominator details to [email protected] by April 10.
🚌 $3 Million Boost for South Salem Transit Center
The Gist: Senators Wyden and Merkley, along with Rep. Salinas, have secured $3 million in federal funding for the South Salem Transit Center and Mobility Hub. The grant comes through the Federal Transit Administration and builds on more than $3 million the delegation previously secured for the same project.
Why It Matters: For Salem residents who rely on Cherriots to get to work, school, or appointments, this project means safer, more accessible, and more dependable bus service.
🎵 Johnny Wheels & The Swamp Donkeys | The Yard Food Park | 03/07 | More
Soulful blues and rock vibes at Salem's favorite food cart gathering.
📖 Poetry Out Loud State Contest | Salem Grand Theater | 03/07 | More
Young performers compete through memorized verse in Oregon's national poetry competition.
🌱 Plant and Seed Swap | Salem Public Library | 03/07 | More
Trade cuttings and seeds with Master Gardeners offering advice on spring gardening.
🌸 Spring Family Market | Salem Center | 03/07 | More
Handmade goods, flowers, art, and kids' zone with bounce house fun.
🛍️ Huge Garage Sale! | Morning Star Community Church | 03/07 | More
Thousands of treasures from furniture to holiday décor benefiting local students.
💎 Rockin the Coast Rock and Gem Show Salem | Holiday Inn Salem | 03/07-03/08 | More
Minerals, gemstones, jewelry, and crystals with vendors from across Oregon and Washington.
🎬 Napoleon Dynamite LIVE! 20th Anniversary Celebration | Elsinore Theatre | 03/07 | More
Interactive screening with cast members, Q&A, comedy improv, and fan participation.
🎰 Play It Forward: Casino Night Fundraiser | Reed Ballroom | 03/07 | More
Casino games, hors d'oeuvres, and silent auction supporting early literacy programs.
💃 Salsa Night at the Dance Hall | Salem Rueda de Casino | 03/08 | More
Salsa, bachata, cumbia lesson and dance with Latin rhythms and social energy.
🛍️ Shop & Sip Women's Market | The BAD Space | 03/08 | More
Celebrating women artisans with handcrafted goods, tasty treats, and community support.
🍷 Lexi Tucker Live at Silverback | Silverback Estate Winery | 03/08 | More
Live music and wine at the estate for Wine Club members.
🎸 TOAST - The BEST of BREAD | Elsinore Theatre | 03/09 | More
Soft rock tribute delivering "Make It With You" and timeless Seventies classics.
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
