The Spring show at River Gallery is in full swing.  For the rest of April, visitors to the gallery in downtown Independence can enjoy Focus Artist Becki Hesedahl’s watercolor landscape paintings. The project is called “Spirit of The Forest”   and looks to examine the landscape of nature in a close-up view.  “My goal as an artist is to show the beauty in ordinary subjects – to engage the senses while conveying a mood,” Hesedahl said.  In March, the gallery also featured a wind

These days, the average American spends about four years at a job before they move on. It’s become common for people to keep an eye on their professional horizon. That makes Robin Green’s history an increasingly unique jewel. This month, she’s celebrating 25 years working for ACE Hardware. Long-term careers like Green’s are becoming less common in the modern workforce. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median employee tenure across the country sits a

After years of serving men across the region, Quali-T Men’s Health is proud to announce its rebrand to Quali-T Hormone Optimization , reflecting an important expansion: comprehensive hormone replacement therapy (HRT) services for women. The new name represents a broader mission — helping both men and women restore hormonal balance, improve quality of life, and age with strength and vitality. What Is Female Hormone Replacement Therapy? Female HRT is a medical treatment designe

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing considering a levy for future Polk County Fairgrounds operations. Bazaars, shows, 4-H club, the fair, and more could disappear from Polk County unless funding is found for the fairgrounds. The Polk County Board of Commissioners met Wednesday, February 11, for their regular meeting during which they held a public hearing considering an advisory question about a levy for the fairgrounds, and to hear other ideas on how to keep the

Christy and Wayne Miller craft their two most important relationships – the one with each other, and the one with Odd Moe’s – by using the same ingredient: integrity.  Of course, they are more humble than that.  “We’re just two people that make lots of pizzas,” Christy said, laughing.  Pizzas that are made with fresh dough that’s never frozen; with local produce (when available) that are chopped by hand; patented, secret red and white garlic sauces. Even the cheese they use i

Adobe Restaurant and Bar, a relatively new establishment located at the corner of State and High streets, features Latin-inspired cuisine, using fresh ingredients to create memorable dishes that capture the essence of Latin flavors. They consider themselves a fine-dining establishment, with a menu crafted with passion. They are open every day from 4 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Fridays they don’t close until midnight. For weekend brunch, they open at 10:00 a.m.  Reservations are

Enlighten Healing Collective  invites participants to enjoy a peaceful and creative evening with local artist Elisa Mack for the Winter Zen Paint with Watercolor workshop March 27.    Held at the Collective’s West Salem location, the March theme, “Emerging from Winter,” offers an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with your creativity in a welcoming, relaxed environment.    When: Thursday, March 27 — 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Where: Enlighten Healing Collective, 13

Seems like we’ve had a spurt of new French restaurants in the Salem area. My latest discovery is Clink! Located on the 2d floor of The Forge, Suite 230, 285 Liberty St. NE. It opened last fall and has taken its rightful place among the finest eateries in Salem. It is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m.  They do a fine brunch on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Reservations are recomme

Hormonal changes are a natural part of a woman’s life, but when key hormones decline or fall out of balance, the impact can be profound. From persistent fatigue and mood changes to sleep disruption and weight gain, hormone deficiencies often affect far more than many women realize. At Quali-T Hormone Optimization (Formerly Quali-T Men’s Health), we are proud to now offer female hormone replacement therapy (HRT) locally at our Eugene office, with virtual care available across

The treatment room is warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the gray sky outside the window looking out to Edgewater Avenue. Dany De Santis Mac, sitting at one end of a long, luxurious table, explains the concept behind Miss Dany’s Place. It’s easily understood that while this may be a business, for Dany it’s a labor of love. “I am very passionate about what I do,” Dany says, “and when you follow your passion, you're going to be good at it. My hands have been very blessed. I

For more than three decades, Capital Manor has been a cornerstone of senior living in West Salem, offering far more than retirement and memory care services. Under the leadership of David Lewis, Capital Manor has grown into a vibrant, close-knit community known for its warmth, laughter, and deeply rooted sense of connection. Capital Manor is a long-term living and memory care facility that has served residents for over 30 years. A proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a team of near

In the era of TikTok doctors, YouTube “biohackers,” and fitness influencers built like they were handcrafted by Zeus, testosterone has become one of the most myth-filled topics in men’s health. A quick scroll online can leave men confused, worried, or with expectations that belong in a Marvel movie. As a local men’s health provider in Eugene and Salem, I spend a lot of time helping men sort fact from fiction. Here are some of the biggest testosterone myths circulating online

Place of birth: Portland Oregon How long in West Salem: Although I grew up and currently live in Amity, I worked in West Salem for Judy Vivier, CPA since 2007, where we started West Salem Tax. I moved away for a bit, then moved back and bought West Salem Tax from Judy. I love West Salem: it has a small town feel, but is part of a big city. Profession: CPA Other prior professions: CFO, controller, longshoreman, farmer, truck driver, stay at home mom. Favorites: Movie/and o

Salem residents have a dedicated local resource for men’s health, hormone optimization, and evidence-based testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Quali-T Men’s Health, led by Chris Mckeown, FNP-BC, FNP-C, provides expert services to the Willamette Valley with a mission that is simple but rare in modern healthcare: treat every patient as an individual, communicate clearly, and deliver care that fits real life. At Quali-T Men’s Health, patients are never just a number. Chris i

Miller Home Renovations is based in Vancouver, WA, but has been serving the Salem area and other parts of Oregon since Ken Miller started the business 17 years ago.   The bathroom renovation company offers quick installs and conversions of showers and bathtubs, and also offers walk-in shower styles that can help make a home more accessible to an aging owner. “Maybe they’re getting older and trying to stay in their home longer – we can help with that,” Miller said. Their produ

Looking for your 2025 Christmas Tree? The West Salem Lions Club is selling Christmas trees at ACE Hardware at 820 Wallace Road, beginning on Friday, November 28th. The Club is again selling high quality, locally grown, cultured Noble Fir, Nordman Fir, and Douglas Fir Trees.The cultured Noble Firs are available up to nine feet tall. The Nordman Firs and Douglas Firs are available up to eight feet tall. The Christmas Tree Sale is organized by the West Salem Lions Club and partn

Want to know the secret ingredient to earning top national recognition as a car dealership?  It’s a family-first attitude, according to Alex Casebeer, owner of Salem Capitol Auto Group.  “Our employees are number one, ahead of our customers,” Casebeer said. “We have to take care of our employees first and make sure they’re super happy, because that will bleed out to how we treat our customers.” The dealership, which represents Toyota, Subaru, Chevrolet, Cadillac and Nissan, r

It’s December! That means everyone in Salem is gearing up for a much-deserved holiday celebration. Those who want to make the most of the holidays and support their local community will find few better spots to shop than East and West Salem ACE Hardware. This year, as with every year, the store arranged an array of holiday celebrations that will brighten your spirits, support the less fortunate, and even cover your gift shopping. We spoke to store President Jeremy Mackay abou

Drive down Wallace Road or Edgewater Street today, and you'll see a very different West Salem than even ten years ago. Where family-owned shops once stood for a generation or two, we now see empty storefronts, corporate chains, or completely new developments. Imagine Tom, who's owned an equipment repair shop near the bridge for 28 years. He's assuming he'll get $650,000 when he's ready to retire – that's what he needs for the retirement he and his wife have planned. But when