News briefs: Salem wants residents' thoughts on community belonging, SCORE needs mentors

Share your thoughts on Salem in 2024 Community Belonging Survey

Salem leaders want to hear residents' thoughts on making the city a more welcoming, inclusive and friendly community.

The 2024 Community Belonging Survey results will be used to identify and implement ways to increase diversity, and a sense of community belonging and inclusion for all communities in Salem.

City officials said individual responses will be kept confidential. Responses will be combined for analysis purposes.

Previous surveys have led city leaders to add housing status as a protected class after hearing of discrimination faced by unsheltered people.

The survey is available in English and Spanish. It takes about five to 10 minutes to complete.

It is being conducted by graduate students at Western Oregon University in partnership with Salem's Human Rights Commission.

Survey participants will have the option to enter a raffle to win two $50 prepaid Visa cards, courtesy of a private anonymous donor.

-Whitney Woodworth

SCORE seeks additional business mentors

If you are a retired, semi-retired or active business owner interested in mentoring new entrepreneurs and existing businesses with business planning, finance, marketing and other areas, SCORE is interested in connecting with you.

SCORE is a volunteer organization under the Small Business Administration consisting of more than 230 chapters across the country. More than 60 businesses the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon request mentoring support each month from the local chapter.

"Our local chapter has added 22 new mentors in the last year," said chapter Chair Jim Darcey. "That said, more help is needed to accommodate the increased demand."

The time commitment is about 4-5 hours per week, "totally on your preferred schedule," said Darcey, adding many mentors “pause” their work while on vacations.

To apply as a volunteer, visit the SCORE website at score/centraloregon.org or call 541-316-0662.

Salem Mystic Fair June 8 at the Reed Opera House

The Salem Mystic Fair will take place June 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the exterior of the Quantum Light Annex at the Reed Opera House,189 Liberty St. NE in Salem.

It is billed as an event that brings together "lightworkers," products and services designed to uplift and heal.

The event will include workshops and live question and answer sessions each hour. There also will be more than 40 vendors, practitioners and a healing tent.

–Bill Poehler

Stayton theater to stage western production of 'Much Ado'

Spotlight Community Theatre in Stayton in May will stage a production of "Much Ado Out West."

The play is billed as a western twist on the William Shakespeare play "Much Ado About Nothing." It was written by Wade Bradford and will be directed by Franca Hernandez.

Performances will be held May 9 through 12 and May 16 through 19 at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The theater is located at 383 N Third Ave. in Stayton.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, $10 for teens and $8 for youth ages 4 through 12.

–Bill Poehler

McKay art show reception is May 16

McKay High School will host an art show featuring more than 1,000 pieces of art made by students.

The art will be displayed from May 6-31 in the school’s commons.

An opening night reception will be from 6-7 p.m. on May 16 at the school’s commons. That night will feature a performance from Scots-Appella, desserts and an awards ceremony, along with a slideshow of the winners.

–Bill Poehler

WOU theater department hosts 'John Proctor is the Villain' in May

Western Oregon University’s theater department will stage the play "John Proctor is the Villain" in the final production of the school year.

The play will be directed by guest faculty director Raissa Fleming and staged at Rice Auditorium at 344 Knox St. in Monmouth.

Actors in the production includes Jacob Fritts, Avery Stanley, Lucy Garcia, Paige Murphy, Brianna Trickel, Savannah King, Nick Siriani, Cole Richardson and Lexy Bolsinger.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. May 29 through June 1, with a matinee on June 1 at 2 p.m. Performances on May 31 and the matinee on June 1 will be ASL interpreted.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $8 for students, $10 for seniors, $10 for Western Oregon faculty and staff and free for Western Oregon students with ID.

–Bill Poehler

Marion County Fire hosts cleanup day May 4

Marion County Fire District No. 1 will host a free Community Cleanup Day event from 8 a.m. to noon on May 4 at its Macleay station, 2100 84th Ave. SE east of Salem.

The event is to raise awareness of defensible space and protecting homes as fire season approaches. It is being funded by a 2023 Community Wildfire Risk Reduction grant.

People who live in the district’s service area can bring excess yard debris and other waste from their property that may cause fire risk. Items such as household garbage, hazardous material and vehicles won’t be accepted.

District volunteers will provide information on defensible space and how to protect property. They also will give tours of the station and fire engines.

For more information, including what types of materials will be accepted, contact volunteer coordinator Vincent DeFabis at vincentd@mcfd1.com or 503-588-6526.

–Bill Poehler